The Bum's 2017 NFL Trends/Stats/News/Picks Thru The Super Bowl

[StarDust Bum]

Pick Six - Week 11
November 17, 2017

Week 10 Record: 3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS

Overall Record: 30-30 SU, 26-33-1 ATS

Rams at Vikings (-2, 46) – 1:00 PM EST

Los Angeles
Record: 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS, 6-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 12/1

The Rams continue to be one of the top stories in the NFL this season after finishing off their fourth consecutive win last week. Los Angeles routed Houston, 33-7 to easily cover as 12-point favorites, while allowing 17 points or fewer in five straight games. The road numbers are ridiculous for L.A. from a scoring standpoint by averaging 38.5 points per game, while posting a 5-0 record in games played away from the Coliseum, which includes a 33-0 shutout of the Cardinals in London.

Minnesota
Record: 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS, 5-4 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 16/1

The Vikings are rolling as well by running off five straight wins, including a 38-30 triumph at Washington as one-point underdogs last Sunday. Case Keenum tossed four touchdown passes for Minnesota, as his time as starting quarterback may be running out with Teddy Bridgewater activated last week off the injured list. Minnesota’s defense continues to step up at home by allowing 19 points or less in all five games at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings knocked off the Rams in their last meeting in 2015 as two-point favorites, 21-18 in overtime.

Best Bet: Rams +2

Ravens (-2, 38) at Packers – 1:00 PM EST

Baltimore
Record: 4-5 SU, 4-4-1 ATS, 6-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1

The Ravens are still hanging around in the AFC Wild Card race in spite of losing three of their last four games. Baltimore is back following the open week as the Ravens try to rebound from a 23-20 loss at Tennessee in Week 9 to push as three-point underdogs. John Harbaugh’s team is riding a five-game OVER streak, while eclipsing the OVER in four consecutive road contests. The Ravens lost a 19-17 home decision to the Packers the last time they hooked up in 2013 as Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns in the defeat.

Green Bay
Record: 5-4 SU, 4-5 ATS, 6-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 50/1

The Packers finally broke through the win column without Aaron Rodgers in the lineup by beating the Bears at Soldier Field, 23-16 as 4 ½-point underdogs. Quarterback Brett Hundley helped put a halt to Green Bay’s three-game losing streak by hitting Davante Adams on a 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to give the Pack a 23-13 lead and a season sweep of Chicago. The Packers are looking to avoid losing three straight games at Lambeau Field for the first time since Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach in 2006.

Best Bet: Ravens -2

Jaguars (-7.5, 37) at Browns – 1:00 PM EST

Jacksonville
Record: 6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS, 5-4 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 25/1

The Jaguars continue their push towards a playoff berth for the first time since 2007 after edging the Chargers in overtime last Sunday, 20-17. Even though Jacksonville failed to cover as five-point favorites, the Jags’ defense kept up its dominating ways by allowing 17 points or fewer for the sixth time this season. In one of their three losses, the Jaguars gave up two non-offensive touchdowns to the Rams, while holding L.A. to 249 yards. Jacksonville has won in each of its past two meetings with Cleveland, including a 24-6 rout of the Browns in 2014.

Cleveland
Record: 0-9 SU, 2-7 ATS, 5-4 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: Really?

The Browns still haven’t broken through the win column this season despite being tied with the Lions last week heading into the fourth quarter. Detroit outscored Cleveland, 14-0 in the fourth quarter to pull away in a 38-24 victory, while dropping the Browns to 1-7 ATS the last eight games since covering the opener against the Steelers. Cleveland’s offense has been dreadful at home by scoring 18 points or fewer in four games at FirstEnergy Stadium, while losing 17 of its past 19 contests in northern Ohio.

Best Bet: Jaguars -7.5

Redskins at Saints (-8, 51) – 1:00 PM EST

Washington
Record: 4-5 SU, 3-6 ATS, 6-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 66/1

The Redskins have failed to find consistency this season as they have yet to win three straight games, but haven’t lose three consecutive contests either. Washington followed up an impressive 17-14 victory at Seattle with a 38-30 home loss to Minnesota to remain under the .500 mark. Jay Gruden’s squad owns a 9-3 ATS record in their last 12 as a road underdog, including a 2-2 ATS ledger this season. The two covers came in outright wins over the Rams and Seahawks, while losing a close game at Kansas City and dropping a 10-point decision at Philadelphia.

New Orleans
Record: 7-2 SU, 7-2 ATS, 5-4 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 8/1

The Saints are one of two teams currently riding a seven-game winning streak (Eagles the other), but New Orleans has managed to cover the number in all seven victories. New Orleans crushed Buffalo last Sunday by scoring six rushing touchdowns in a 47-10 rout of the Bills, while limiting six of its past seven opponents to 17 points or less. The Saints last faced the Redskins in 2015 as Washington blew the doors of Washington, 47-14, while Washington has covered five straight meetings with New Orleans dating back to 2006.

Best Bet: Redskins +8

Bengals at Broncos (-2 ½, 39) – 4:25 PM EST

Cincinnati
Record: 3-6 SU, 4-5 ATS, 5-4 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 250/1

The Bengals won two straight following an 0-3 start, but Cincinnati’s momentum has faded recently by losing three of the past four games. The only win in this stretch came by one point against the Colts, while getting outgained by 100 yards in losses at Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. The Bengals dropped to 1-4 away from Paul Brown Stadium following last Sunday’s 24-20 defeat to the Titans, while Cincinnati owns a 3-6 ATS mark as a road underdog since the start of 2016.

Denver
Record: 3-6 SU, 2-6-1 ATS, 6-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 125/1

It’s hard to find offenses more dreadful than the Broncos, who have broken the 20-point mark only once since a Week 2 blowout of the Cowboys. Denver’s defense has suffered as well by getting torched for 92 points the last two weeks (although the Patriots scored on a kickoff return last week). The Broncos are on an 0-5 SU/ATS stretch, but Denver has won five of the past six meetings with Cincinnati dating back to 2009, including a 29-17 victory at Paul Brown Stadium last season.

Best Bet: Broncos -2 ½

Patriots (-7, 55) vs. Raiders in Mexico – 4:25 PM EST

New England
Record: 7-2 SU, 5-4 ATS, 5-4 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 3/1

The Patriots blasted the Broncos last Sunday in Denver, 41-16 to easily cash as seven-point favorites. In preparation for their trip to Mexico City, New England practiced this past week in Colorado to acclimate to the high altitude, but the Pats have no problem playing away from home this season. Bill Belichick’s team owns a perfect 4-0 record on the highway, while winning 13 straight games away from Gillette Stadium since the start of 2016.

Oakland
Record: 4-5 SU, 3-5-1 ATS, 5-4 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 33/1

The Raiders are back from the bye week as Oakland has won two of three since a four-game slide to creep within one game of the .500 mark. Oakland held off Miami as three-point favorites, 27-24 in Week 9, although the Dolphins scored a late touchdown to manage a push. The Raiders can’t win a low-scoring game against the Patriots as Oakland owns a an 0-5 record this season when posting 17 points or less, while all four of its victories have come when scoring at least 26 points. Oakland has dropped four straight meetings with New England since 2005, while failing to cover three times.

Best Bet: Patriots -7

[StarDust Bum]

NFL notebook: Dolphins waive LB Maualuga after arrest
November 18, 2017

The Miami Dolphins waived Rey Maualuga on Saturday, hours after the linebacker was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge.

Court records in Miami-Dade County reveal that Maualuga was arrested after an early morning incident at a downtown Miami nightclub, allegedly involving a dispute over a bar bill.

Police said Maualuga began upset and refused to pay a $40 bar tab before grabbing an unidentified person by the throat and shoving him at Club E11even, the Miami Herald reported. The 30-year-old was escorted out of the club and arrested by police.

Maualuga recorded 23 tackles in six games during his first season with the Dolphins (4-5) after playing eight years with the Cincinnati Bengals.

--Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a neck injury, according to multiple reports.

The news comes after the team lost star cornerback Richard Sherman to a torn Achilles in last week's "Thursday Night Game" win against the Arizona Cardinals. Sherman was placed on injured reserve and had surgery to repair his Achilles on Wednesday.

Chancellor, an eight-year veteran, left the Seahawks' 22-16 win on Nov. 9 with a neck injury on the Cardinals' final possession.

--The Baltimore Ravens activated running back Danny Woodhead from injured reserve/designated for return.

Woodhead has recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained on the opening drive of the Ravens' Week 1 win against the Bengals at Cincinnati. On that possession, he had three catches for 33 yards and one carry for 4 yards before leaving with the injury.

Woodhead's return could be a potential boost for the Ravens' 30th-ranked offense.

--The Cincinnati Bengals promoted linebacker Hardy Nickerson from their practice squad and waived veteran defensive tackle Pat Sims in a corresponding move.

Cincinnati cut Nickerson, a rookie out of the University of Illinois, on Tuesday and re-signed him to the practice squad Wednesday after he cleared waivers.

Nickerson has played in seven games for the Bengals this season, making two tackles on special teams. He also spent Weeks 4 and 5 on the team's practice squad.

--The Denver Broncos signed tight end Austin Traylor to their active roster and waived/injured (shoulder) tight end A.J. Derby.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Traylor is a first-year player from the University of Wisconsin who has been on Denver's practice squad since Week 16 in 2016. He entered the NFL as a college free agent with Dallas on May 17, 2016, and spent his rookie season competing on practice squads with the Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens before coming to Denver.

Derby appeared in 15 games (four starts) with the Broncos after being acquired in a trade with the Patriots on Oct. 25, 2016. In nine games this season, Derby recorded 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

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Falcons RB Freeman out vs. Seahawks
November 18, 2017

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman will sit out Monday night's game at Seattle while recovering from his second concussion of the season.

Freeman went out on the second play of last weekend's victory over Dallas after taking a shot to the head. The Falcons ruled him out Saturday.

Tevin Coleman will start in place of Freeman, while Terron Ward moves up to serve as the top backup.

Freeman, the league's highest-paid running back, spent the last two weeks of the preseason in concussion protocol. He also suffered a concussion during the 2015 season.

Freeman and Coleman have formed a productive tandem, combining for more than 900 yards rushing and seven touchdowns this season.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Injury Report
November 17, 2017

ARIZONA CARDINALS at HOUSTON TEXANS

ARIZONA CARDINALS

--Out: DT Corey Peters (ankle)

--Questionable: WR John Brown (back), C A.Q. Shipley (shoulder), QB Drew Stanton (knee), T John Wetzel (back)

HOUSTON TEXANS

--Out: LB Dylan Cole (hamstring), T Julien Davenport (shoulder), WR Will Fuller V (ribs)

--Questionable: RB Alfred Blue (hamstring), DE Joel Heath (knee), C Greg Mancz (knee, chest), WR Chris Thompson (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

--Doubtful: T Ronnie Stanley (concussion)

--Questionable: TE Nick Boyle (toe), WR Michael Campanaro (shoulder), S Chuck Clark (thigh), CB Jimmy Smith (Achilles), RB Terrance West (calf), LB Tim Williams (thigh)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

--Out: T Bryan Bulaga (knee), S Morgan Burnett (groin), RB Aaron Jones (knee), RB Ty Montgomery (ribs)

--Questionable: LB Ahmad Brooks (back), DT Quinton Dial (chest), CB Kevin King (shoulder), G Lucas Patrick (back)

BUFFALO BILLS at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

BUFFALO BILLS

--Out: T Cordy Glenn (foot, ankle), G John Miller (ankle), RB Mike Tolbert (hamstring)

--Questionable: TE Charles Clay (knee), DE Jerry Hughes (shin, calf), WR Jordan Matthews (knee)

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

--Out: T Joe Barksdale (foot)

--Doubtful: LB James Onwualu (quadriceps), LB Hayes Pullard (neck)

--Questionable: DE Chris McCain (quadriceps), QB Philip Rivers (concussion)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at DENVER BRONCOS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

--Out: CB Adam Jones (concussion), LB Kevin Minter (elbow), DT Pat Sims (calf)

--Questionable: CB William Jackson (toe), WR Brandon LaFell (knee)

DENVER BRONCOS

--Out: TE A.J. Derby (shoulder), TE Jeff Heuerman (knee)

--Questionable: WR Cody Latimer (knee, Achilles), T Donald Stephenson (calf)

DETROIT LIONS at CHICAGO BEARS

DETROIT LIONS

--Out: DE Ezekiel Ansah (back), RB Dwayne Washington (hip)

--Questionable: S Don Carey (knee), LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (ankle)

CHICAGO BEARS

--Questionable: CB Bryce Callahan (knee), T Tom Compton (ankle), S DeAndre Houston-Carson (illness), TE Dion Sims (illness), LB Danny Trevathan (calf)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

--Out: WR Arrelious Benn (knee), WR Allen Hurns (ankle)

--Questionable: LB Blair Brown (hamstring), RB Leonard Fournette (ankle), G Patrick Omameh (quadriceps), T Jermey Parnell (knee)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

--Questionable: T Shon Coleman (concussion), CB Jamar Taylor (ankle), C JC Tretter (shoulder, knee)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at NEW YORK GIANTS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

--Out: DE Allen Bailey (knee), LB Dee Ford (back), LB Tamba Hali (knee), WR Albert Wilson (hamstring)

NEW YORK GIANTS

--Out: LB B.J. Goodson (ankle), G Justin Pugh (back)

--Doubtful: LB Kelvin Sheppard (groin)

--Questionable: DT Damon Harrison (ankle), LB Devon Kennard (quadriceps)

LOS ANGELES RAMS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS

LOS ANGELES RAMS

--Out: RB Malcolm Brown (knee)

--Questionable: TE Derek Carrier (hamstring), CB Troy Hill (hamstring)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

--Out: T Mike Remmers (concussion), S Andrew Sendejo (groin, hamstring)

--Questionable: DE Everson Griffen (foot), DE Brian Robison (back)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at OAKLAND RAIDERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

--Out: C David Andrews (illness), T Marcus Cannon (ankle), WR Chris Hogan (shoulder), WR Matt Slater (hamstring)

--Questionable: WR Danny Amendola (knee), TE Martellus Bennett (shoulder, hamstring), DT Malcom Brown (ankle), DE Cassius Marsh (shoulder), CB Eric Rowe (groin)

OAKLAND RAIDERS

--Doubtful: CB David Amerson (foot)

--Questionable: G Gabe Jackson (ankle), LB Cory James (knee), T Marshall Newhouse (hip, quadriceps), RB Jamize Olawale (hamstring)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at MIAMI DOLPHINS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

--Out: DE William Gholston (neck), CB Vernon Hargreaves (hamstring), QB Jameis Winston (right shoulder)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

--Questionable: DE William Hayes (knee), RB Senorise Perry (knee), WR Kenny Stills (back), S Michael Thomas (knee)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

--Out: C Spencer Long (knees), WR Terrelle Pryor (ankle), TE Jordan Reed (hamstring)

--Questionable: LB Zach Brown (Achilles), CB Quinton Dunbar (illness), WR Ryan Grant (concussion), S DeAngelo Hall (knee), DE Matt Ioannidis (hand), DE Anthony Lanier (knee), G Shawn Lauvao (stinger), S Montae Nicholson (shoulder), T Ty Nsekhe (core muscle), TE Niles Paul (concussion), WR Brian Quick (concussion), G Brandon Scherff (knee), T Trent Williams (knee)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

--Questionable: LB A.J. Klein (ankle), S Kenny Vaccaro (groin)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS (Sunday night)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

--Questionable: WR Alshon Jeffery (ankle)

DALLAS COWBOYS

--Out: K Dan Bailey (right groin), LB Sean Lee (hamstring)

--Questionable: DT Maliek Collins (foot), S Jeff Heath (concussion), T Tyron Smith (back, groin), TE Geoff Swaim (knee)

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Best Bet
November 17, 2017

NFL Week 11 MNF Betting Preview
Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks

Monday Night Football brings us a good showdown on paper with the Atlanta Falcons in Seattle to take on the Seahawks, as both teams look to continue their push towards the playoffs.

Seattle will likely be there for January football, but Atlanta still has some work to do at just 5-4 SU, and with their NFC South division boasting some very good teams like New Orleans and Carolina this year, it's going to be a grind for the Falcons to even have a shot at defending their NFC crown.

Seattle (-3); Total set at 44.5

The Atlanta Falcons have people believing in them again after they dismantled the Dallas Cowboys a week ago, but going into Seattle is never an easy place to play as a visitor. The Falcons do catch a bit of a break with Seattle's secondary quite banged up now that CB Richard Sherman is done for the year, but taking advantage of that on the field might be easier said then done.

That being said, VegasInsider.com currently shows that the belief in the Falcons is definitely back as more than 85% of the ML action is on Atlanta, while about 65% of the point spread tickets submitted already have bettors taking the points.

I'm not sure if those percentages were hold by the time we hit Monday, but the sound of having a public underdog on MNF should make even your bankroll a little squeamish. Still to this day, recreational bettors treat MNF games as their last chance to either increase their profits or get out of the hole for the week and to follow that mentality with an underdog that the majority like is scary.

There is no question the Falcons are a live 'dog in this spot, especially with Seattle already losing twice at home this year, but handicapping the market rather then the game itself may be a bit of a better approach to this game.

All year Atlanta has been a great team to use market research on as they've been unable to cash point spread tickets when everyone believes in them, and has come through when support has waned. The Falcons are just 3-6 ATS this year and all six of those defeats came when the market was high on the Falcons.

Most notably was Atlanta's last appearance in primetime when they were 3-point underdogs @ New England on SNF a few weeks back in a Super Bowl 51 rematch and they ended up getting blown out 23-7. That game from a market perspective has quite a few similarities to this week's game in Seattle and maybe the result ends up being the same.

The Falcons three ATS wins are notable as well as there was last week's win over Dallas when most were backing a Cowboys squad after Atlanta had not covered in five straight games and coughed up their chance against Carolina the week before. The other two wins were a SNF home game against Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers was still slinging it and had the majority of support, and a 30-26 win @ Detroit the following week when the Lions lost on the final play of the game with a controversial ruling on being just short of the goal line. Are you starting to see where I'm going with this?

Seattle is in a division race themselves as they try and hunt down the Rams for 1st in the NFC West, and they do have the added benefit of some extra rest here having not played since last Thursday.

They brought in DB Byron Maxwell to aid with the Sherman loss, and Maxwell is a guy who's struggled since he left Seattle a few years ago and hoping to find success in this system once again. Bringing in a guy who knows Seattle's defensive system well and is as physical as Maxwell is should help the Seahawks deal with the likes of Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu in this one too.

And while Seattle's homefield advantage may not be as dominant as it was during the heyday of this core back in 2013 and 2014, they've still got one of the better homefield advantages in the league. Shine those bright primetime lights on this team and the Seahawks should be able to win this game by at least a FG.

It isn't often that you'd expect to see Seattle as a home favorite of -3 getting less support than their opponents, but that's the case we've got here. With Seattle 4-1 ATS in their last five against a winning foe and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 appearances on MNF, I'm expecting to see the Seahawks prevail to cap off Week 11.

Best Bet: Seattle -3

[StarDust Bum]

SuperContest Picks - Week 11
November 18, 2017

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 2,748, which is an all-time record.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Week 9 | Week 10


Week 11

1) Philadelphia -3.5 (1306)
2) New England -6.5 (1086)
3) Detroit -2.5 (928)
4) Minnesota -2 (749)
5) New Orleans -7.5 (586)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 11 MATCHUPS & ODDS
Away Team Selections Home Team Selections
Tennessee (+7) 207 Pittsburgh (-7) 181
Detroit (-2.5) 928 Chicago (+2.5) 382
Kansas City (-10.5) 426 N.Y. Giants (+10.5) 300
Tampa Bay (PK) 331 Miami (PK) 320
Baltimore (-2) 535 Green Bay (+2) 474
L.A. Rams (+2) 561 Minnesota (-2) 749
Arizona (PK) 209 Houston (PK) 432
Jacksonville (-7.5) 421 Cleveland (+7.5) 400
Washington (+7.5) 433 New Orleans (-7.5) 586
Buffalo (+5.5) 251 L.A. Chargers (-5.5) 561
Cincinnati (+2.5) 216 Denver (-2.5) 583
New England (-6.5) 1086 Oakland (-6.5) 329
Philadelphia (-3.5) 1306 Dallas (+3.5) 349
Atlanta (+2.5) 453 Seattle (-2.5) 506

WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS
Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage
1 0-5 0-5 0%
2 3-2 3-7 30%
3 2-3 5-10 33%
4 4-1 9-11 45%
5 1-4 10-15 40%
6 2-3 12-18 40%
7 0-5 12-23 34%
8 2-3 14-26 35%
9 3-2 17-28 38%
10 1-4 18-32 36%
11 - - -
12 - - -
13 - - -
14 - - -
15 - - -
16 - - -
17 - - -

[StarDust Bum]

NFL WEATHER WATCH:


The weather will match the quality of football in Cleveland when the Browns play the Jaguars as 7.5-point home dogs. Temperatures will drop to 30 degrees with wind gust of up to 35 mph and a chance of rain/snow mix. Total at 37.5 points.


East Rutherford could get blown away with wind gust up to 40 mph for the Giants’ home stand with the Chiefs. Kansas City is a 10-point favorite on the road while the total is at 45.5 points.

NFL WEATHER WATCH:


Chicago will see some wind – surprise, surprise – with gusts up to 40 mph and temperatures just below freezing. The Bears are 3-point home underdogs to Detroit with total at 41 points.


It's going to be chilly and windy at Lambeau Field, where the Packers host the Ravens as 2-point dogs. Temperatures will feel like they're in the low 20s with wind gusts of up to 40 mph. Total at 38.5 points

[StarDust Bum]

Essential Week 12 betting tidbits and odds for NFL Sunday

Oakland Raiders wideout Amari Cooper has picked up his production of the the last few weeks but he still leads the NFL in receiver drops at 10 this season according to Pro Football Focus.

Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5, 45.5)

The Rams own one of the best offenses in the league and a menacing defense led by defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Special teams can get lost in the shuffle sometimes and just like the second last round of your fantasy football draft, people are forgetting about the kicker. Greg Zuerlerin, who also goes by Legatron according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, is on pace to score 203 points this season which would top the single season points record held by LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006.

Legatron is 28 for 29 on his field goal tries this season and is a perfect 30 for 30 on his extra-point kicks.

LINE HISTORY: The Vikings opened as 2-point chalk but the line has moved up a half point in their favor. The total opened at 46 and has dropped down to 45.5.

TRENDS:

*The Rams are 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
*The Vikings are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 home games.
*The over is 4-0 in the Rams’ last four road games.

Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers (+2, 38)

Former Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta went on Baltimore radio and told listeners the problem with Baltimore’s offense is that his good friend and former teammate Joe Flacco isn’t set up for success.

"Right now, Joe has one read, and then he's got to check it down if it's not there," Pitta said. "That's really the offense they have set up for him. It's difficult to play quarterback under those circumstances."

Flacco is in the midst of his worst season as a pro and sits at No. 31 in the league in passer rating at 72.7.

LINE HISTORY: The Ravens opened as 2.5-point road faves but the line has been bet down to as low as 1.5 at some shops. The total is also moving down from 38.5 to now 37.5 at a few locations.

TRENDS:

*The over is 5-0 in the Ravens’ last five games overall.
*The Ravens are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week.

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (+3, 41)

Good news for Lions backers. Detroit should have all five of its preseason projected starters available for the first time this season. The Lions were ranked 29th in Pro Football Focus’ elite pass blocking efficiency after the first four weeks of the season. Only four other teams have allowed more sacks than the Lions at 30.

LINE HISTORY: No movement on the spread but the total has come down three points after opening at 44.

TRENDS:

*The Bears are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
*The Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last five matchups against Chicago.

Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints (-7.5, 51)

The fight with flight Saints have been replaced by the ground and pound unit of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. The pair are on pace to accumulate the most yards from scrimmage for a running back duo since 1978 according to FiveThirtyEight.

New Orleans gashed the Bills for 298 rushing yards on 48 carries last weekend. Washington has allowed 139.7 rushing yards per game over its last three contests. Only the Dolphins, Bills, Giants and Bengals have allowed more yards per game over that stretch.

LINE HISTORY: The Saints have bounced between 7.5 and 8.5-point faves this week. The total has been bet up a point from 50 to 51.

TRENDS:

*Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last six games.
*The Saints are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games against teams with losing records.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (7.5, 37)

There isn’t much the Browns do well but stopping the run is one thing they do. Cleveland allows the fourth fewest rushing yards per game at 86.4 and a league-best 3.1 yards per carry.

The Jags might be without their best running back this weekend. Leonard Fournette missed practice on Friday and is questionable to play on Sunday. Jacksonville will force feed backup tailback Chris Ivory if Fournette is a no-go. Quarterback Blake Bortles didn’t do much to instill confidence in the Jags coaching staff after last week’s performance.

LINE HISTORY: The Jags have floated between 7.5 and 8-point chalk this week. The total opened at 38 but is listed at 37 at most shops heading into the weekend.

TRENDS:

*The Browns are 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 games.
*The Jags are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
*The under is 13-3 in the Browns' last 16 home games.

Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans (-1.5, 37.5)

Blaine Gabbert will start at quarterback for the Cardinals against the Texans but this isn’t just a meaningless, mop-up spot. Gabbert is liked by the Arizona coaching staff as demonstrated by the fact the team held onto Gabbert even though he didn't win the backup QB job in preseason.

Drew Stanton is out of the picture this weekend because of a twisted knee which gives Gabbert a chance to prove to offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin that he should be in contention for the starter’s job next season.

LINE HISTORY: The Cardinals opened as 1.5-point favorites offshore and are now getting between 1.5 to 2 points depending on the book. The total opened as high as 45 and is now down to as low as 37.5.

TRENDS:

*The under is 7-1 in the Cards’ last eight games.
*The Cards are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins (+1, 41.5)

This is the game the Bucs and Dolphins were originally scheduled to play in Week 1 but had to delay to this weekend because of Hurricane Irma.

The Phins sure could have used that bye week right about now to fix their defense. The club has given 112 points in their last three games – all loses – and opponents are averaging 407 offensive yards while converting better than 52 percent on third down.

LINE HISTORY: The Fish opened as short faves but the line has drifted to the other side with the Bucs now 1-point chalk.

TRENDS:

*The Bucs are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
*The over is 4-0 in Miami’s last four games.

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants (+10.5, 46)

How bad is it for the G-Men? They are double-digit home dogs for only the fifth time since 1978 according to ESPN Stats and Info. New York covered in each of those previous four instances but it’s hard to imagine a situation uglier this one for the Giants.

LINE HISTORY: The Chiefs opened as high as 13-point road faves but the line has been bet down to 10.5. The total has moved up two points from 44 to 46.

TRENDS:

*The Giants are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
*The Chiefs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games.

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5, 41)

The Bills decided to make a switch at quarterback by dropping Tyrod Taylor to the bench in favor of rookie Nathan Peterman. He tossed for 2855 yards and 27 touchdowns last season at Pitt and completed 43 of 79 pass attempts for 453 yards and a touchdown in NFL preseason action this past summer.

The Bolts were worried Philip Rivers wouldn’t be able to play this weekend as he recovers from a concussion from last weekend but he has been medically clear to play.

LINE HISTORY: The books installed the Chargers are 4-point home faves and moved the spread up a couple points after Buffalo announced it would start a rookie at QB this weekend.

TRENDS:

*The Bills are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.
*The Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
*The over is 4-0 in Buffalo’s last four games.

New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders (+7, 54.5)

The Raiders are rich in offensive playmakers but their receivers are letting down quarterback Derek Carr. Oakland receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and tight end Jared Cook have a combined 11 drop passes this season according to the Washington Post. Pro Football Focus scores it a little differently with Cooper leading the league in drops at 10 through 11 weeks.
The Raiders can’t afford a case of the dropsies if they want to keep pace with the Patriots in Mexico City on Sunday.

LINE HISTORY: The books opened with the Pats giving 5.5 points but the line has crept up to 7.5 at some shops. The total has moved up four points from 50.5 to 54.5.

TRENDS:

*The Pats are 5-0 ATS in their last five games against teams with losing records.
*The Raiders are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games.

Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos (-2.5, 38)

The Broncos are on a five-game skid that’s seen them be outscored 68-165 by their opposition. Team president John Elway told reporters he thinks the Broncos went “a bit soft” after going 4-0 in the preseason and then 3-1 to start the year.

LINE HISTORY: The total opened at 40 and has been bet down to 38. There has been no movement on the spread.

TRENDS:

*The Broncos are 0-5 ATS in their last five games.
*The under is 12-5 in the Bengals’ last 17 games overall.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (+5, 48)

Dallas will be without left tackle Tyron Smith again this weekend as the All-Pro is dealing with groin and back injuries. The Falcons took advantage of the replacement offensive tackle by sacking Dak Prescott eight times last week.

LINE HISTORY: The Eagles opened as 3.5-point faves but the public has pushed the price up another point to 4.5. The total opened at 47 and is now sitting at 48 at most shops.

TRENDS:

*The Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last six games.
*The over is 5-1 in the Cowboys’ last six games against teams with winning records.

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NFL

Sunday, November 19

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Sunday Night Football Betting Preview and Odds: Eagles at Cowboys
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After throwing for 15 scores in his previous seven games, Prescott used his legs with a play-action touchdown run in Dallas' 27-7 setback to Atlanta last week.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (+5, 48)

The Dallas Cowboys will enter Sunday night's home tilt versus the surging Philadelphia Eagles without star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and perhaps decorated Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith. After seeing his team's offense remain stuck in neutral without both studs last week, quarterback Dak Prescott may need to outduel fellow second-year quarterback Carson Wentz at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

After throwing for 15 scores in his previous seven games, Prescott used his legs with a play-action touchdown run in Dallas' 27-7 setback to Atlanta last week. The 24-year-old only threw for 176 yards - and for a 5.87 average - due in large part to constant pressure, with defensive end Adrian Clayborn recording six of his team's eight sacks to disrupt any offensive continuity. While the Cowboys saw their three-game winning streak halted, Philadelphia has emerged victorious in seven in a row and could put a stranglehold on the NFC East title should it avenge last season's 29-23 overtime loss in Dallas. Wentz threw for just 202 yards in that outing, but the 24-year-old has thrown 17 of his NFL-best 23 touchdown passes in the last five games and guides the league's second-ranked offense at 31.4 points per contest.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

POWER RANKINGS: Eagles (-5) - Cowboys (-1.5) + home field (-3) = Eagles -0.5.

LINE HISTORY: The Cowboys opened as 3.5-point home dogs against their NFC East rivals and money on the road team has pushed that line to +5 at most shops. The total hit the betting board at 46.5 and was quickly bet up to 48.5 where it currently sits.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Cowboys would have been the favorite in this game one month ago, but Dallas will now be missing several key players in this divisional primetime game and that is why the Cowboys are now a home underdog. Philadelphia is coming off their bye week and it will be interesting to see if they can continue their momentum as they are 7-0 SU (6-1 ATS) in their past seven games. Last season the Eagles started 3-0 SU/ATS, but then went 2-9 SU (3-8 ATS) after their bye week." - Covers Expert Steve Merril

WHAT BOOKS SAY: 
"Major sharp money on the Eagles has come in throughout the week. We briefly moved down to -3 right after opening, but Philly money has poured in since. The Cowboys didn't look well without Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott last week, and the betting public is reacting as well." - Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu.

INJURY REPORT:

Eagles - CB Ronald Darby (Probable, Ankle), S Jaylen Watkins (Probable, Hamstring), WR Alshon Jeffery (Probable, Ankle), TE Zach Ertz (Probable, Hamstring), CB Sidney Jones (Questionable, Achilles), K Caleb Sturgis (Doubtful, Quadricep)

Cowboys - CB Chidobe Awuzie (Probable, Hamstring), WR Dez Bryant (Probable, Ankle), DT Maliek Collins (Questionable, Foot), LB Justin Durant (Questionable, Groin), TE Geoff Swaim (Questionable, Knee), CB Orlando Scandrick (Questionable, Hand), S Jeff Heath (Doubtful, Concussion), OT Tyron Smith (Out, Groin), LB Sean Lee (Mid December, Hamstring), RB Ezekiel Elliott (Eligible Week 16, Suspension).

ABOUT THE EAGLES (8-1 SU, 7-2 ATS, 6-3 O/U): Offseason acquisition Alshon Jeffery has three touchdowns in his last two games and also found the end zone in two of his last three meetings with Dallas. Zach Ertz aims to return from a two-game absence due to an ailing hamstring and pick up where he left off, as the 27-year-old has five touchdowns in his last four contests. Ertz leads all NFC tight ends in receptions (43), yards (528) and TDs (six) this season and reeled in 13 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns versus the Cowboys last season.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (5-4 SU, 5-4 ATS, 5-4 O/U): While Elliott's absence is due to his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Smith could sit out his second straight game as a result of a groin injury that prevented him from practicing on Wednesday and Thursday. Byron Bell received first-team reps in his place in favor of Chaz Green, who started and struggled at Atlanta. Alfred Morris rushed five times on the opening drive last week and finished with 53 yards on 11 carries. Dez Bryant has been slowed by an ailing knee, limiting him to just 39 yards receiving in two of his last three games.

TRENDS:

* Eagles are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

* Cowboys are 2-8 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

* Over is 14-2 in Eagles last 16 road games.

* Over is 5-1 in Cowboys last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road chalk Eagles at a rate of 74 percent and the Over is getting 73 percent of the totals action.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAR at MIN 01:00 PM
MIN -1.0

ARI at HOU 01:00 PM
U 38.5

BAL at GB 01:00 PM
BAL -2.5

JAC at CLE 01:00 PM
JAC -7.0

WAS at NO 01:00 PM
O 53.0

TB at MIA 01:00 PM
TB -1.5

KC at NYG 01:00 PM
KC -10.0
U 45.0

DET at CHI 01:00 PM
CHI +3.0
U 41.0

BUF at LAC 04:05 PM
LAC -7.0
O 41.0

NE at OAK 04:25 PM
OAK +7.0

CIN at DEN 04:25 PM
DEN -2.5
O 38.0

PHI at DAL 08:30 PM
DAL +5.5
O 47.5

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NFL Today, Week 11
November 19, 2017

SCOREBOARD


Monday, Nov. 20

Atlanta at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. EST. The Falcons (5-4) are coming off their most impressive victory of the season, a 27-7 domination of Dallas last week. Matt Ryan and Atlanta take on Russell Wilson and Seattle for the third time in the past 13 months, with the teams splitting the last two meetings - including the Falcons' NFC divisional playoff win in January. The Seahawks (6-3) won't have defensive leaders Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril or Kam Chancellor in this one because of injuries.

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STARS

Passing

- Tom Brady, Patriots, threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns to lead New England to an easy 33-8 victory over Oakland in Mexico City.

- Drew Brees, Saints, passed for 385 yards and two touchdowns, going 11 of 11 for 164 yards and his only two touchdowns on New Orleans' final two possessions of regulation in a 34-31 overtime win over Washington.

- Andy Dalton, Bengals, threw three touchdown passes in Cincinnati's 20-17 win over the Broncos on Sunday, their first win in Denver since 1975.

- Matthew Stafford, Lions, threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in Detroit's 27-24 win over Chicago.

- Kirk Cousins, Redskins, passed for 322 yards and three touchdowns, finishing 22 of 32 with no interceptions in Washington's 34-31 overtime loss at New Orleans.

- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buccaneers, threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, and Tampa Bay snapped a six-game road slide by topping Miami 30-20.

- Carson Wentz, Eagles, threw for two touchdowns and three 2-point conversions after Philadelphia lost kicker Jake Elliott to a head injury, in a 37-9 victory over Dallas.

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Rushing

- Mark Ingram, Saints, capped a 134-yard rushing performance with gains of 20 and 31 yards on back-to-back carries to set up the winning field goal by Wil Lutz in New Orleans' 34-31 overtime win over Washington.

- Jordan Howard, Bears, ran for 125 yards and a touchdown in Chicago's 27-24 loss to Detroit.

- LeSean McCoy, Bills, rushed for 114 yards and a score and also caught a 12-yard TD pass in Buffalo's 54-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

- Latavius Murray, Vikings, rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota's 24-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

- Samaje Perine, Redskins, carried 23 times for 117 yards, including a 1-yard TD, in a losing cause as Washington fell to New Orleans 34-31 in overtime.

- D'Onta Foreman, Texans, ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns to help Houston to a 31-21 win over Arizona, but was carted off the field with an ankle injury after his second score.

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Receiving

- Keenan Allen, Chargers, had 12 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles' 54-24 win over Buffalo.

- Kenny Stills, Dolphins, had seven catches for 180 yards and a TD in Miami's 30-20 loss to Tampa Bay.

- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, caught nine passes for 91 yards and a TD in Arizona's 31-21 loss at Houston.

- Davante Adams, Packers, had 126 yards on eight catches in Green Bay's 23-0 loss to Baltimore.

- Brandin Cooks, Patriots, caught six passes for 149 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown, in New England's 33-8 rout of Oakland.

- Adam Thielen, Vikings, finished with 123 yards, including a 65-yard TD, on six receptions in Minnesota's 24-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

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Special Teams

- Wil Lutz, Saints, kicked a 28-yard field goal in overtime to lift New Orleans to a 34-31 triumph over Washington.

- Matt Prater, Lions, booted a 52-yard field goal through a gusting win with 1:35 remaining and Detroit held on to beat Chicago 27-24.

- Patrick Murray, Buccaneers, kicked a go-ahead 35-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining to help Tampa Bay beat Miami 30-20.

- Aldrick Rosas, Giants, kicked a 23-yard yard goal in overtime to lead New York to its second win of the season, 12-9 over Kansas City.

- Ardarius Glanton, Buccaneers, recovered a fumble for a TD on the final play as Miami tried a lateral-filled last-ditch attempt at a kickoff return in Tampa Bay's 30-20 win.

- Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots, set a New England record with a 62-yard field goal at the end of the first half of a 33-8 victory over Oakland.

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Defense

- Yannick Ngakoue, Jaguars, had 2 1/2 sacks of DeShone Kizer to help lift Jacksonville to a 19-7 win at Cleveland.

- Casey Hayward, Chargers, made two of the Chargers' five interceptions by Buffalo rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman and Los Angeles cruised to a 54-24 victory.

- Telvin Smith, Jaguars, recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown with 1:14 remaining in Jacksonville's 19-7 win at Cleveland.

- DJ Hayden, Lions, ran back a fumbled snap 27 yards for a touchdown in Detroit's 27-24 victory at Chicago.

- Korey Toomer, Chargers, returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown in Los Angeles' 54-24 rout of Buffalo.

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STREAKS & STATS

With their 34-31 overtime victory over Washington, the New Orleans Saints became the first team since the 1970 merger to win eight consecutive games immediately following an 0-2 start. ... DJ Hayden ran back a fumbled snap by Chicago for a touchdown to give Detroit seven return TDs this season, tying a team record. The Lions also beat the Bears for the eighth time in nine games. ... Minnesota's Adam Thielen had 123 yards on six receptions in the Vikings' 24-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams, giving him 916 yards this season. The only player in Vikings history to reach 900 yards receiving by the 10-game mark was Randy Moss, who did it in 2000 and 2003. ... The Giants' Eli Manning started his 209th consecutive game, moving into second place ahead of his brother, Peyton. Brett Favre holds the record of 297. ... Bills kicker Stephen Hauschka set an NFL record by making his 13th consecutive field goal of 50 yards or longer during the third quarter of Buffalo's 54-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He also tied the franchise record with his sixth 50-yard field goal of the season. ... Philadelphia's 37-9 win over Dallas was its eighth straight, the Eagles' longest streak since 2003-04 and tied with New Orleans for the best current run in the NFL.

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MILESTONES

Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald (15,157) passed Tony Gonzalez (15,127) for the fifth-most yards receiving in NFL history. He also joined San Francisco's Jerry Rice was the only players in league history to record 15,000 or more yards receiving with one team. ... New Orleans' Michael Thomas has 151 catches in 24 career games, joining Odell Beckham Jr. (176) and Anquan Boldin (154) as the only players in NFL history with at least 150 catches in his first 25 career games. ... New England's Tom Brady became the first quarterback with 300-yard games in three countries, throwing for 339 in a 33-8 win over Oakland in Mexico City. Brady has also passed for 300 yards or more twice in London and 79 times in the United States.

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STILL GOING

With a 33-8 win over Oakland, the New England Patriots improved to 8-2 and clinched their 17th straight season without a losing record, tying the 1957-73 Cleveland Browns for the second-longest streak in NFL history. Dallas has the record with 21 straight from 1965-85.

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STINGY DEFENSE

Baltimore's 23-0 victory over the Green Bay Packers was its third shutout of the season. The Ravens last accomplished the feat when the Ray Lewis-led defense had four shutouts for the Super Bowl-winning team in 2000. The last NFL team to have three was New England in 2003. The Packers were last shut out on Nov. 19, 2006, when then-starter Brett Favre left with an elbow injury in the first half of a 35-0 loss to New England.

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DARK DAYS

The Cleveland Browns fell to 1-25 under coach Hue Jackson with a 19-7 loss to Jacksonville. They are 4-43 since Nov. 30, 2014 - the worst 47-game stretch in NFL history.

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IT'S BEEN A WHILE

Cincinnati's 20-17 win over the Broncos on Sunday was the Bengals' first victory in Denver since 1975, when franchise founder Paul Brown was their head coach. That snapped the Bengals' 10-game losing streak in Denver and sent the Broncos to their sixth straight loss, their longest skid in 27 years.

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DRE DAY

Houston inducted Andre Johnson as the inaugural member of the Texans Ring of Honor. Johnson spent 12 seasons in Houston and is the team's leader in yards receiving (13,597), receptions (1,012) and touchdown receptions (64). He was given a red jacket and feted with a halftime ceremony attended by dozens of former Texans. ''I just wanted to come here and play. Just do things the right way,'' Johnson said. ''I just wanted to be a good football player.''

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SWARMING D

Casey Hayward made two of the Chargers' five interceptions during an awful first half by Buffalo rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman, and Los Angeles cruised to a 54-24 victory over the slumping Bills on Sunday. Korey Toomer returned Peterman's first interception 59 yards for a touchdown on Buffalo's opening drive. Tre Boston and Trevor Williams had the Chargers' other picks. Peterman was pulled from his first NFL start with a 37-7 halftime deficit after just 14 pass attempts for the Bills.

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ROARING JAGUARS

With Jacksonville's 19-7 win at Cleveland, the Jaguars are 7-3 and leading their division after 10 games for the first time since 1999, when they were atop the AFC Central at 9-1. It's a stunning turnaround for a team that went 3-13 last year and wasn't expected to do much. Jacksonville has won four straight, its longest winning streak since 2007.

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SIDELINED

Miami quarterback Jay Cutler left the Dolphins' 30-20 loss to Tampa Bay with at least his third concussion over the past seven years. Miami linebacker Chase Allen and Tampa Bay right guard Evan Smith also suffered concussions. ... Houston running back D'Onta Foreman suffered a leg injury after scoring on a 34-yard run against the Cardinals. Texans trainers looked at Foreman for a few minutes before a cart arrived on the field, and Foreman was driven to the locker room. The severity of the injury wasn't immediately known. ... Washington running back Chris Thompson broke his right fibula in the third quarter of the Redskins' 34-31 overtime loss at New Orleans after his leg was caught awkwardly under Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. ... Chicago linebacker Leonard Floyd was carted off after trying to defend a rushing play against Detroit. ... Green Bay lost defensive lineman Kenny Clark, who was taken off on the cart in the Packers' 23-0 loss to Baltimore. Clay Matthews hurt his groin in the first half. ... Buffalo lost recently acquired wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to a right knee injury after a 20-yard catch on the Bills' opening drive in a 54-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Buffalo safety Micah Hyde injured his knee early in the second half.

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SPEAKING

''It was just a fiesta all over the field.'' - New England tight end Rob Gronkowski after the Patriots cruised to a 33-8 victory over Oakland in Mexico City.

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''I am trying to win. These players are trying to win. ... This team is in games. This team is hanging around games. The defense is playing good. The offense will make a play here and there. We just do not make enough NFL plays to win the game. That is what we have to do, and we have to do it better.'' - Cleveland coach Hue Jackson, who dropped to 1-25 with the Browns after a 19-7 loss to Jacksonville.

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NFL notebook: Darby refutes allegations against Winston
November 19, 2017

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby said he was in an Uber ride with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston in 2016 and the accusations that his former college teammate groped the driver "are just not true."

The NFL is investigating the female Uber driver's allegation that Winston groped her during a ride after she picked him up in Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 13, 2016. Winston has denied the allegation.

Darby, who played with Winston at Florida State in 2013 and 2014, released a statement Sunday, two days after the NFL confirmed the investigation.

"I felt the need to come forward and clarify some inaccurate accounts of the evening of March 13, 2016 when myself, a friend and Jameis Winston took an Uber ride in Arizona," Darby said in his statement. "There were three of us in the car, not just one as has been reported. Myself and Jameis were in the backseat. I am confident that nothing inappropriate in nature happened in the car that evening and Jameis did not have any physical contact with the Uber driver. The accusations are just not true."

--A proposed contract extension for commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly is on track to be completed soon despite Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently threatening to sue the NFL if the extension is approved.

Goodell's proposed extension is expected to be completed at or before the NFL owners' Dec. 13 meeting in Dallas, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to the report, if all the bonus criteria are achieved in the proposed new deal, Goodell's total potential compensation could average about $40 million for each year from 2019 to 2023, making it a five-year extension worth up to about $200 million.

--Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler was removed from his team's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a concussion evaluation.

Cutler was tackled on the next-to-last play -- a 1-yard run -- of the first half by Tampa Bay's Ryan Russell. Cutler stayed down for a moment and got up slowly.

He did not return for the second half, and the team announced he was under evaluation for a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

--Browns defensive tackle Jamie Meder left Cleveland's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter because of an ankle injury.

He did not return to the contest.

Meder was working as a backup to starter Danny Shelton in the Browns' defensive line rotation.

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SuperContest Picks - Week 11
November 20, 2017

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 2,748, which is an all-time record.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Week 9 | Week 10


Week 11

1) Philadelphia -3.5 (1306) WIN
2) New England -6.5 (1086) WIN
3) Detroit -2.5 (928) WIN
4) Minnesota -2 (749) WIN
5) New Orleans -7.5 (586) LOSS

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 11 MATCHUPS & ODDS
Away Team Selections Home Team Selections
Tennessee (+7) 207 Pittsburgh (-7) 181
Detroit (-2.5) 928 Chicago (+2.5) 382
Kansas City (-10.5) 426 N.Y. Giants (+10.5) 300
Tampa Bay (PK) 331 Miami (PK) 320
Baltimore (-2) 535 Green Bay (+2) 474
L.A. Rams (+2) 561 Minnesota (-2) 749
Arizona (PK) 209 Houston (PK) 432
Jacksonville (-7.5) 421 Cleveland (+7.5) 400
Washington (+7.5) 433 New Orleans (-7.5) 586
Buffalo (+5.5) 251 L.A. Chargers (-5.5) 561
Cincinnati (+2.5) 216 Denver (-2.5) 583
New England (-6.5) 1086 Oakland (-6.5) 329
Philadelphia (-3.5) 1306 Dallas (+3.5) 349
Atlanta (+2.5) 453 Seattle (-2.5) 506

WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS
Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage
1 0-5 0-5 0%
2 3-2 3-7 30%
3 2-3 5-10 33%
4 4-1 9-11 45%
5 1-4 10-15 40%
6 2-3 12-18 40%
7 0-5 12-23 34%
8 2-3 14-26 35%
9 3-2 17-28 38%
10 1-4 18-32 36%
11 4-1 22-33 40%
12 - - -
13 - - -
14 - - -
15 - - -
16 - - -
17 - - -

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Monday’s List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday

Saints 34, Redskins 31 OT— Washington led 31-16 with 3:10 left to play, but then gave up two TD’s in 1:48, and screwed up a chance to win game at the end of regulation, getting intentional grounding called on them when they were in Saints territory.

Saints have now won eight games in a row (6-2 vs spread); Redskins were first team since Week 2 to pass for more than 5.0 yds/pass attempt against them (8.2). New Orleans has run ball for 150+ yards in five of their last six games. Over is 5-1 in Washington’s last six games.

Vikings 24, Rams 7— Rams scored on their first drive of the game, never scored again; they lost a fumble on 1-yard line when game was 7-7 in 2nd quarter- they’ve done that in two of their three losses. LA is -6 in turnovers in their three losses, +12 in their wins.

Minnesota has won six games in row, covered last five; they were held to 9-7 points in their two losses. Vikings only went 3/out once in this game, which helped their field position.

Giants 12, Chiefs 9 OT— KC has now lost four of its last five games after a 5-0 start, this one in dismal fashion- they didn’t score a TD against a Giant team that had given up 13 TD’s on its opponents’ last 32 drives. 6-4 Chiefs are still in first place in AFC West, but only because their division stinks this year.

Alex Smith threw three INTs, which led to Giants having an 8-yard advantage in field position; there will now be murmurs about Patrick Mahomes taking over at QB next year, when Smith is a free agent— the rumor mill thinks Kansas City will let Smith walk.

Texans 31, Cardinals 21— Houston’s 2nd-string QB beats Arizona’s 3rd-string QB; Cardinals scored three TD’s, but on drives of 17-15-51 yards, all set up by the Arizona defense. Redbirds lost despite a 13-yard edge in field position, which doesn’t happen much- they’re 1-6 when they allow more than 15 points.

Jaguars 19, Browns 7— Three NFL teams turned ball over five times Sunday; all of them played at home, including the God-awful Browns, who are now 0-10, 2-8 vs spread.

If you were optimistic (dumb) enough to bet on the Browns in this game, you were on the wrong side of the Bad Beat of the Week. Jaguars were sleep-walking their way to a 13-7 win— Cleveland had the ball on its own 20 with 1:24 left, but Kizer was sacked/fumbled and Jacksonville covered the 8-point spread on a defensive TD with 1:14 left.

Jacksonville has won four games in a row and is in first place in the AFC South.

Lions 27, Bears 24— Prater kicked a 52-yard FG with 1:35 left as Detroit won its third game in a row, scoring 31.7 ppg in those games; they’re 3-1 on the road. Having a kicker who makes long FG’s outdoors in November is a huge plus. Lions are 8-1 in their last nine games with Chicago, which had ball up 10-0 in 2nd quarter, before Detroit scored a defensive TD on a fumble return that helped turn the tide in their favor. Bears lost their last three games, are now 3-7.

7) UCLA fired football coach Jim Mora Jr on his birthday Sunday, which was the bad news. Good news for Mora? He gets an $11M severance package. Birthday cake is on him!!!!

Rumor mill has UCLA going heavy after former Eagles/Oregon coach Chip Kelly.

Buccaneers 30, Dolphins 20— Miami is awful; they turned ball over five times, were called for 17 (accepted) penalties for 133 yards- they threw an INT on three of their first four drives.

Down 20-7, Dolphins battled back to tie game 20-all, before Bucs won it on a FG with 0:04 left; Tampa Bay had an 11-yard edge in field position- their two TD drives were only 5-37 yards, as Miami’s turnovers were their undoing. Dolphins have now lost four games in a row.

Ravens 23, Packers 0— You know it could be a long day for a team when a score graphic comes on at 1:25 and that team’s QB already has two INT’s. Baltimore had a ridiculous 27-yard edge in field position in this game- five of their 13 drives started in Green Bay territory.

Packers have lost four of their last five games; Ravens are 13-3 in last 16 post-bye games. Four of Baltimore’s five wins have come against backup QB’s, Andy Dalton being the exception.

Chargers 54, Bills 24— Buffalo benched QB Tyrod Taylor despite a 5-4 record and started rookie Nathan Peterman in this game, who then threw four INT’s on his first nine passes, as Chargers jogged to a ridiculously easy win.

Bills have lost three games in a row; coach McDermott has to be careful he doesn’t lose his locker room, putting in an incompetent rookie QB when Buffalo was 5-4 and in possession of the last playoff spot. Taylor played the second half of this game, figures to start going forward.

Patriots 33, Raiders 8— New England won its last six games (5-1 vs spread); they outscored last four opponents 76-16 in first half. Oakland lost six of its last eight games, as AFC West suffers thru one of its worst seasons ever. Raiders have only two takeaways (-9) in their last seven games- they allowed 121 points in their last four games.

In college basketball Sunday, Ohio U beat Indiana State 96-94 in four OT’s; must’ve been a fun game to watch.

Bengals 20, Broncos 17— Denver lost its last six games (0-6 vs spread), thanks to a -14 turnover ratio in those games; they lost last three home games. Cincy ends a 10-game losing streak in the Mile High City, but in their last three games, Bengals have run 140 plays, their opponents 241- the Cincinnati offense needs to give the defense a break now and then.

Cincinnati had a 100-yard INT return in this game that wasn’t a TD— the guy dropped the ball while he was running and fell on it, on the 1-yard line.

I’m guessing its not a lot of fun being around John Elway these days.

Eagles 37, Cowboys 9— Dallas led this game 9-7 at the half; in second half, Eagles had ball four times before they ran clock out the last time they had ball- Philly ran 29 plays for 271 yards three TD’s, just in the second half. Eagles have a three-game lead in NFC East with six weeks left to play.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Record For November......Based on 5 units ( Best Bets and Opinons )

11/19/20178-8-150.00%-4.00
11/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
11/13/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
11/12/2017 10-14-0 41.67% -27.00
11/09/2017 1-0-1 100.00% +5.00
11/06/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
11/05/2017 5-8-1 38.46% -19.00
11/02/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50


Totals.........28 - 34 - 3.......45.16%.......-47.00


Best Bets:...................ATS...................Unit s........... ..O/U.............Units...............Total

11/19/2017..............4 - 3 - 1..............+3.50...............1 - 4............-17.00..............- 13.50
11/16/2017................1- 0..................+5.00...............1 - 0............+5.00..............+10.00
11/13/2017................0 - 1..................-5.50...............0 - 1.............-5.50...............-11.00
11/12/2017................1 - 2..................-4.50...............1 - 8............-39.00...............-43.50
11/09/2017..............0 - 0 - 1...............+0.00..............1 - 0............+5.00................+5.00
11/06/2017................1 - 0..................+5.00..............0 - 1.............-5.50................-0.50
11/05/2017................0 - 2..................-11.00..............3 - 1............+9.50................-1.50
11/02/2017................1 - 0..................+5.00..............0 - 0............+0.00...............+5.00


Totals.....................8 - 9 - 2..................-2.50................7 - 15...........-52.50..............-55.00

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11 /02 / 17 -Thursday Night POM........New York Jets + 3....34 - 21............Winner