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

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

GB at CLE 01:00 PM
GB -2.5
O 38.5

MIN at CAR 01:00 PM
MIN -2.5
U 40.5

OAK at KC 01:00 PM
OAK +4.0
U 48.0

CHI at CIN 01:00 PM
CIN -6.0

IND at BUF 01:00 PM
IND +3.0
U 38.0

SF at HOU 01:00 PM
SF +1.5
U 45.5

DET at TB 01:00 PM
DET +1.0
U 47.5

DAL at NYG 01:00 PM
DAL -3.5
U 41.5

NYJ at DEN 04:05 PM
NYJ -1.0
O 40.5

WAS at LAC 04:05 PM
LAC -6.0
U 47.0

TEN at ARI 04:05 PM
TEN -2.5
U 42.0

SEA at JAC 04:25 PM
JAC -2.5
U 41.0

PHI at LAR 04:25 PM
PHI +1.0
U 47.0

BAL at PIT 08:30 PM
BAL +4.5
U 43.0

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NFL notebook: Eagles' Wentz injures knee in win vs. Rams
December 10, 2017

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz left Sunday's 43-35 win against the Los Angeles Rams on with a knee injury in the third quarter.

After the game, reports surfaced that said the Eagles believe Wentz might have a torn MCL. Wentz is headed for an MRI exam to determine the severity of the injury.

Wentz, who threw four touchdown passes, absorbed a punishing blow when trying to run in for a score. He made it to the end zone, but a holding penalty negated the score.

Nick Foles took over in the fourth quarter for the Eagles.

--New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown broke his left hand when he took a hit from Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray as he released a pass.

McCown, left the game under his own power and headed to the locker room for further examination of a left hand injury with 2:54 remaining in the third quarter of a 23-0 loss. After the game, the Jets announced McCown broke his hand.

Backup Bryce Petty, who replaced McCown, had come in for two plays earlier in the game when the starter was hit simultaneously by two defenders at the end of an 8-yard scramble.

--Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, who underwent spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday after sustaining a severe back injury against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night, remains hospitalized but continues to show gradual improvement.

Doctors are controlling and limiting his movement as they wait for the swelling and bruising in his back to subside, people familiar with his condition told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday.

According to the report, it is premature to say whether Shazier will be able to play football again as the focus remains on his recovery. The team says it is concerned solely about his short- and long-term health.

A Pro Bowl selection last season, the 25-year-old Shazier spent Monday and Tuesday night at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center before being transferred to a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center facility.

--Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper left midway through the second quarter with an apparent leg injury in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cooper was blocking on an outside run by DeAndre Washington when the ball carrier and a tackler rolled up on the wide receiver from behind. Trainers tended to Cooper on the field before the veteran wideout limped to the sideline under his own power. Trainers were seen working on Cooper's left ankle.

--Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy sustained a biceps injury in the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium.

McCoy's did not return to the game and is headed for an MRI exam.

McCoy entered game with a team-leading five sacks to go along with 40 tackles and an interception this season.

--Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman was escorted to the locker room and evaluated for a concussion during the third quarter of the snow-ravaged game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Also, Buffalo wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin injured his right knee during the third quarter. He returned in the fourth quarter, however.

Peterman was injured after he dove at the end of a 2-yard run and was tackled by Colts defenders Antonio Morrison and Johnathan Hankins. There was no penalty on the play and Peterman appeared to hit his head on the ground.

--Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage suffered a concussion in the second quarter and did not return for the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.

Savage was slow to his feet after he was hit in the end zone by 49ers defensive end Elvis Dumervil with just under 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Savage entered the sideline medical evaluation tent following the drive and returned to the field when the Texans regained possession.

--Green Bay Packers cornerback Davon House suffered a back injury with about 11 minutes to play in the game with the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.

House was taken from the field on the back of an equipment cart and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. He was able to walk to the cart.

House was injured while covering Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon on a pass play.

--Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan left Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter with a lower back injury and did not return.

After the game, the Titans said Lewan will undergo an MRI exam.

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NFL Today, Week 14
December 10, 2017

SCOREBOARD

Monday, Dec. 11

New England at Miami, 8:30 p.m. EST. Tom Brady and the Patriots have won eight games in row, and will clinch their ninth consecutive AFC East title with a win. But they'll have to do it without tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will serve a one-game suspension for a late hit against Buffalo last week. Meanwhile, Dolphins coach Adam Gase is 0-3 against the Patriots, who beat Miami 35-17 two weeks ago. The Dolphins have played more games on Monday night than any other team with 83, but this is their first since 2015.

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STARS

Passing

- Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers, went 44 of 66 for 506 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to top 500 yards passing three times and leading Pittsburgh past Baltimore 39-38.

- Matthew Stafford, Lions, passed for 381 yards and a TD with an injured throwing hand, and set up the winning field goal in Detroit's 24-21 win over Tampa Bay.

- Dak Prescott, Cowboys, threw three touchdown passes and finished 20 of 30 for 332 yards as Dallas topped the New York Giants 30-10.

- Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers, threw for a career-high 334 yards and a touchdown to help San Francisco win its second straight, 26-16 over Houston.

- Brett Hundley, Packers, finished 35 of 46 with three touchdowns, including a 25-yarder to Davante Adams in overtime, to lead Green Bay to a 27-21 win at Cleveland.

- Philip Rivers, Chargers, passed for 319 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles' fourth straight victory, 30-13 over Washington.

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Rushing

- Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, ran for 103 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in Carolina's 31-24 victory over Minnesota.

- LeSean McCoy, Bills, scored on a 21-yard run with 1:33 left in overtime and finished with 156 yards rushing in Buffalo's 13-7 win over Indianapolis.

- Jordan Howard, Bears, ran for 147 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Chicago's 33-7 rout of Cincinnati, giving him consecutive 1,000 yard seasons to start his career.

- Todd Gurley, Rams, rushed for 96 yards and two TDs on 13 carries in Los Angeles' 43-35 loss to Philadelphia.

- Frank Gore, Colts, had a career-high 36 carries for 130 yards in Indianapolis' 13-7 overtime loss to Buffalo.

- Isaiah Crowell, Browns, rushed for 121 yards on 19 carries in Cleveland's 27-21 overtime defeat against Green Bay.

- Kareem Hunt, Chiefs, ran for 116 yards and a TD in Kansas City's 26-15 win over Oakland.

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Receiving

- Antonio Brown, Steelers, caught 11 passes for 213 yards in Pittsburgh's 39-38 win over Baltimore.

- DeAndre Hopkins, Texans, had 149 yards receiving and two touchdowns in Houston's 26-16 loss to San Francisco.

- Rod Smith, Cowboys, had an 81-yard touchdown catch, finishing with five catches for 113 yards, and added a 15-yard TD run in Dallas' 30-10 win over the New York Giants.

- Kendall Wright, Bears, caught 10 passes for 107 yards in Chicago's 33-7 win at Cincinnati.

- Eric Ebron, Lions, had 10 catches for 94 yards in Detroit's 24-21 victory at Tampa Bay.

- Tyrell Williams, Chargers, caught four passes for 132 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, in Los Angeles' 30-13 win over Washington.

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Special Teams

- Matt Prater, Lions, kicked a 46-yard field goal in the closing seconds to lead Detroit to a 24-21 victory at Tampa Bay.

- Phil Dawson, Cardinals, made field goals from 47, 23, 32 and 35 yards - and missed from 40 - to account for Arizona's scoring in a 12-7 win over Tennessee.

- Blake Countess, Rams, returned a blocked punt by Michael Thomas 16 yards for a touchdown in Los Angeles' 43-35 loss to Philadelphia.

- Trevor Davis, Packers, had a 65-yard punt return to set up a touchdown in Green Bay's 27-21 overtime victory at Cleveland.

- Jaydon Mickens, Jaguars, set up a score with a 72-yard punt return to help Jacksonville beat Seattle 30-24.

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Defense

- Sean Lee, Cowboys, had 18 total tackles and an interception in Dallas' 30-10 victory over the New York Giants.

- Brandon Graham, Eagles, scored on a 16-yard fumble return in Philadelphia's 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

- Bashaud Breeland, Redskins, returned an interception of Kellen Clemens' pass 96 yards for a touchdown in Washington's 30-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

- Chris Long, Eagles, had a strip-sack of Jared Goff and Rodney McLeod recovered the football to set up the go-ahead field goal in Philadelphia's 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams.

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STREAKS & STATS

It took 13 games, but Carolina finally got at an interception from its starting cornerbacks. Daryl Worley and James Bradberry both intercepted Minnesota's Case Keenum in a 31-24 win after being shut out the previous 12 games. ... Detroit's Matthew Stafford made his 109th consecutive start despite being limited in practice after his right hand was stepped on during the previous week at Baltimore. It's the third-longest among NFL quarterbacks behind Matt Ryan (128) and Philip Rivers (119). Stafford directed a winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime for the 32nd time in his career, leading Detroit to a 24-21 win at Tampa Bay. ... Denver snapped its eight-game losing streak, its longest losing string since joining the NFL in 1970, with a 23-0 shutout of the New York Jets. It was the Broncos' first win in 70 days.

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MILESTONES

Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald had 44 yards receiving in the Cardinals' 12-7 win over Tennessee, giving him 15,311 for his career to surpass Randy Moss (15,292) for third place on the NFL's career list. Only Jerry Rice (22,895) and Terrell Owens (15,934) have more. ... Indianapolis' Frank Gore finished with a career-high 36 carries for 130 yards in the Colts' 13-7 overtime loss at Buffalo. It was his first 100-yard game in 15 outings, since gaining 101 yards in a 34-6 win at Miami on Dec. 12. It was also Gore's 42nd career 100-yard game, tying him with O.J. Simpson for 16th on the NFL list. ... Kansas City's Kareem Hunt ran for 116 yards in the Chiefs' 26-15 win over Oakland, giving him 1,046 yards rushing for the season and making him the second rookie in team history to top the 1,000-yard. Joe Delaney, whose career was cut tragically short when he drowned while trying to save three kids in a Louisiana pond, accomplished the feat in 1981. ... Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers became the third quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 3,500 yards in 10 consecutive seasons, joining Peyton Manning (13, 1998-2010) and Drew Brees (13, 2005-17). Rivers also moved ahead of Warren Moon for ninth place in NFL history in career yards passing. ... Denver's Demaryius Thomas caught the 56th TD pass of his career, surpassing Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe for second in franchise history. Wide receiver Rod Smith's 68 TD receptions are the most all-time.

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FLY EAGLES FLY

Philadelphia improved to 11-2 and clinched the NFC East with a 43-35 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles, who finished in last place in the division last year, completed a worst-to-first turnaround. At least one team has won its division the season after finishing in or tied for last place in 14 of the past 15 seasons. Philadelphia's title celebration was likely tempered by a serious knee injury to quarterback Carson Wentz.

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SUPER CAM

Carolina's Cam Newton had a 62-yard run to Minnesota's 8-yard line to set up the winning touchdown in the Panthers' 31-24 win over the Vikings. Newton, who had a 69-yard run in Week 10, is the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to have multiple rushes of 60 or more rushes in a single season.

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YOUNG BEARS

Chicago's Jordan Howard rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' 33-7 win at Cincinnati, making him the first player in franchise history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. Mitchell Trubisky passed for 271 yards with a touchdown and added a 4-yard TD run in today's win, becoming the first rookie quarterback in team history with a passing TD and a rushing TD in a single game since Jim McMahon in 1982.

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BACK IN THE END ZONE

After missing some scoring opportunities last week in Los Angeles, Cleveland's Josh Gordon was confident he and DeShone Kizer would connect against Green Bay. They did just that on the Browns' first play, hooking up for 38 yards. Moments later, Kizer threaded a perfect pass over the middle to Gordon, who made a leaping catch in the end zone for his first TD since Dec. 15, 2013. When he returned to the sideline, Gordon pulled off his helmet and put on a pair of dark sunglasses, then strutted in celebration before hugging Jackson.

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MANNING'S RETURN

Giants quarterback Eli Manning got a standing ovation while taking the field, a week after being benched in favor of Geno Smith. Manning, who threw a 1-yard TD pass to Rhett Ellison late in the second quarter, finished 31 of 46 for 228 yards, along with two late interceptions. The game capped a hectic week for the Giants that started Monday with the firing of second-year coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese and saw Steve Spagnuolo promoted from defensive coordinator to interim coach.

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HUNTING JAGUARS

Blake Bortles threw two perfect passes for touchdowns, Jaydon Mickens set up another score with a 72-yard punt return and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-24 on Sunday. The Jaguars (9-4) intercepted three passes by Russell Wilson, including two on deep balls, and won for the sixth time in their last seven games. This victory, coupled with Tennessee's loss at Arizona, moved Jacksonville atop the AFC South. It's the first time since 2010 that the Jaguars have had the outright division lead this late in a season.

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WENTZ AND GOFF

For the eighth time since the 1970 merger, quarterbacks taken No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the same draft squared off with the Rams' Jared Goff - the first pick overall in 2016 - and Philadelphia's Carson Wentz - who went No. 2. Wentz threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns before leaving with a knee injury in the Eagles' 43-35 win. Goff threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns for Los Angeles.

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RARE RUSSELL

Russell Wilson was intercepted three times in Seattle's 30-24 loss at Jacksonville. It was the first time this season and the fourth time in 105 career games that Wilson was picked off three times. It was his first game with three or more picks since throwing five against Green Bay in December 2016.

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SIDELINED

Philadelphia's Carson Wentz, Houston's Tom Savage, the Jets' Josh McCown and Buffalo's Nathan Peterman each left their respective games with injuries. Two sources familiar with the injury told The Associated Press that doctors believe Wentz has torn his left anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season and playoffs. Wentz needs an MRI to confirm the severity of the injury. Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release the information. ... In Houston, Savage was cleared to re-enter the game against the San Francisco 49ers for one series after sustaining a concussion. He threw two incompletions on that drive, and Houston's team doctor approached him after he returned to the sideline after that possession. ... In snowy Buffalo, Peterman went 5 of 10 for 57 yards before being sidelined by a head injury late in the third quarter against Indianapolis. ... McCown left the game against Denver twice because of hard hits, including a clean shot by Shane Ray in the third quarter that left McCown with a broken left hand. ... Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner left against Jacksonville in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. Fellow linebacker K.J. Wright (concussion) left the field late in the third quarter. ... Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper left in the second quarter against Kansas City with a right leg injury when he was blocking downfield on a run by DeAndre Washington and a defender rolled into the back of him.

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SPEAKING

''My No. 1 thought going into it was to keep our hopes alive to make the playoffs. At the end of the day, whatever happens, happens. Whenever I'm called upon, I'll be ready. In the meantime, we're still in this.'' - Green Bay quarterback Brett Hundley, who threw three touchdown passes in a 27-21 overtime win at Cleveland that kept the Packers' playoff hopes alive with Aaron Rodgers poised to return next week.

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''It feels like 100 years.'' - Denver quarterback Trevor Siemian after the Broncos snapped an eight-game skid with their first win in 70 days, 23-0 over the New York Jets.

[StarDust Bum]

Broken hand clouds rest of McCown's season
December 10, 2017

DENVER -- New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown's improbable career resurgence has taken a hit.

McCown, in the midst of his best season, suffered a broken left hand in Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Denver Broncos and it's uncertain whether he'll be able to play again this season. The Jets (5-8) have three games left.

The 38-year-old McCown, who has played for eight teams over a 15-year career, had taken every offensive snap for the Jets prior to Sunday's game. He had compiled 2,880 yards passing with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 96.7 passer rating leading up to the game against Denver, which snapped an eight-game losing streak.

But that productivity was nowhere to be seen against a resurgent Broncos defense. McCown was sidelined briefly after suffering a hip injury in the first half, and sustained the fracture to his non-throwing hand late in the third quarter, when he was knocked to the ground by Broncos linebacker Shane Ray an instant after releasing a pass.

"When I threw, I got hit and kind of got rolled up," McCown said. "He kind of rolled over me and either a knee or a foot or something of his caught my hand and it bent funny. I knew when it happened something wasn't right."

McCown was 6 of 12 for 46 yards before being sidelined and Bryce Petty, who came on for the injured McCown on both occasions, finished 2 of 9 for 14 yards.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said he's unsure whether McCown will be able to play again this season.

"We've got a couple more tests to run. I don't know for sure. We'll see," Bowles said.

McCown said he would do what he could to get back on the field. New York plays at New Orleans next Sunday.

"I'll do whatever I can to get ready to go and we'll see where that leaves us," McCown said. "We still have some more tests and things that we can do, but my heart is with these guys. I want to finish with these guys. If I can be out there, I'd love to be out there."

McCown fought back tears when asked at his postgame news conference about what this season meant to him, his productive play at this stage of his career and the possibility that the season could come to a premature end.

"It's been the best because of the guys, not numbers, you know?" an emotional McCown said. "It's been the best because of the group of men in the locker room. I'm just proud to be a part of it and I'm so thankful they let me be a part of this team. We'll see what happens, but if I can finish I'd love to finish. We'll see what the tests say."

Bowles said that if McCown is unable to play, Petty will get the start.

Petty said he'll be ready if that proves to be the case, but noted that it was tough to see McCown go down with an injury because of what he has meant to the team.

"He pours his heart and soul into the guys," Petty said. "Whether he can go or not, you never want to see him hurt. We have to pick up the slack in the room. It is going to be a big opportunity for us, but we are going to have to replace him, and make him proud, too, just as much as anybody else."

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MNF - Patriots at Dolphins
December 10, 2017

LAST WEEK

The Patriots (10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) took another step towards a 14th AFC East title in the last 15 seasons. New England cruised past Buffalo, 23-3 to pick up its eighth consecutive victory, while cashing as 7 ½-point favorites. Stephen Gostkowski kicked three field goals in the first half to give the Patriots a 9-3 halftime lead, while running back Rex Burkhead rushed for a pair of second half touchdowns to give New England the 20-point win.

Tom Brady failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since the opening week loss to Kansas City as he threw for 258 yards and one interception. The pick ending up costing the Patriots as Rob Gronkowski dove on Buffalo cornerback Tre’Davious White after the play was over, resulting in a one-game suspension for the New England tight end. Bill Belichick’s team cashed for the sixth straight game, while the Pats won its 14th consecutive road contest since the start of last season.

The Dolphins (5-7 SU, 4-6-2 ATS) snapped a five-game losing streak in last Sunday’s 35-9 rout of the slumping Broncos. Miami kept Denver’s offense out of the end zone as the only Broncos’ touchdown came on an interception return for a score. The Dolphins had their own pick-six as second-year cornerback Xavien Howard returned a Trevor Siemian interception for a touchdown to give Miami a 16-3 halftime advantage.

Miami also produced a pair of safeties to grab its first victory since Week 7 against the Jets, while winning by more than a touchdown for only the third time since Adam Gase took over as head coach in 2016. The Dolphins improved to 3-2 at Hard Rock Stadium, as running back Kenyon Drake rushed for 120 yards on 23 yards to go along with a 42-yard touchdown to solidify his spot as the top back for Miami.

OVER THE TOP

The Dolphins eclipsed the OVER for the sixth consecutive week, while allowing less than 27 points for the first time since a Week 6 victory at Atlanta. Miami’s offense didn’t break the 24-point mark in any of the five games during their skid, as the Dolphins started the season with five straight UNDERS prior to this current OVER streak.

New England is going the opposite direction from a totals standpoint as the Pats cashed the OVER in each of their first four games. Since that start, the defending Super Bowl champions are currently on a 6-2 UNDER run, while allowing 17 points or less in each of the past eight contests.

ROAD DOMINATION

As mentioned above, the Patriots have won 14 straight regular season games away from Foxboro (15 in a row if you include the epic comeback in last season’s Super Bowl). In that span, New England has posted an incredible 12-2 ATS record with both non-covers coming against the Jets. Monday will mark the third time in this stretch that the Patriots will be listed as a double-digit road favorite, as New England cashed in victories last season at Cleveland and San Francisco.

PREVIOUS MATCHUP

These AFC East rivals hooked up two weeks ago at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots ripped the Dolphins, 35-17 to cash as 17-point favorites. New England executed a fake punt to perfection on its opening drive, leading to Burkhead two-yard touchdown run, while Brady hit Gronkowski on a five-yard strike for an early 14-0 lead. The Dolphins took advantage of a muffed snap to Brady as Reshad Jones returned a fumble 14 yards for a score to get Miami on the board.

Miami didn’t any closer after that as Brady threw three more touchdown passes, while running back Dion Lewis rushed for 112 yards on 15 carries. New England has captured five of its past six meetings with Miami since 2014, but the Patriots have dropped three of their last four visits to Hard Rock Stadium, as three of those contests took place in December or January.

CHALK YOU VERY MUCH

The favorites continue to win on Monday night football as the streak was extended to eight consecutive weeks following Pittsburgh’s comeback triumph at Cincinnati in Week 13. Although the Steelers didn’t cash as 4 ½-point favorites, the chalk owns an 8-3 ATS record in the past 11 Monday night affairs. The OVER was on a 6-0 run prior to an UNDER breaking that streak in Week 12 between Houston and Baltimore, followed by a PUSH in Cincinnati.

HANDICAPPER’S CORNER

VegasInsider.com Joe Nelson points out that this heavy number has been tough to cover this season in the NFL, “Double-digit road favorites are 0-3 ATS in the NFL this season and on 9-27 ATS run league-wide going back to December of 2009 though the Patriots are 5-5 ATS in the role under Belichick since 2000. The only SU loss for Belichick as a double-digit road favorite with the Patriots came in Miami in Week 17 of the 2016 season with the Dolphins winning 20-10 as a 10-point home underdog, a stunning loss that handed Denver the top seed in the AFC.”

Trends expert Vince Akins provides a play-on system for New England, “The Patriots are 12-0 ATS since Oct 16, 2016 coming off a game where they allowed less than 18 first downs.” Three of those victories came this season by an average score of 32-9, as New England was in this situation last week at Buffalo.

Meanwhile, Akins supplies a trend that can keep Miami’s current OVER streak going, “The Dolphins are 9-0 OU (since Dec 4, 2016 coming off a game where they scored more points than Vegas expected.” Two of those OVERS occurred at home in 2016, but it included the OVER against Tampa Bay in which the Buccaneers scored a meaningless touchdown as time expired.

BOOKMAKER’S TAKE

Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu says that the home team is gaining support in the underdog role, “Bettors divided as the public is promptly on the Pats while the pros like Miami. We really only move lines based on sharp action so that’s why you see the dip toward the Dolphins. Currently, the square money is backing New England to the tune of 75 percent of the tickets. The money handle is almost even, with just a few more dollars on the home team.”

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december nfl best bets & opinions ( based on 5 units )

date w-l-t % units record

12/10/2017 16-11-0 59.25% +19.50
12/07/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
12/04/2017 0-1-1 0.00% -5.50
12/03/2017 11-17-0 39.29% -38.50

Totals..........27 - 31........46.55%............-35.50

best bets:......................ats.................... ..units.........................o/u....................units

12/10/2017..................6 - 3....................+13.50....................... ...5 - 3.................+8.50
12/07/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50............................0 - 1.................-5.50
12/03/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50............................0 - 0..................push
12/03/2017..................5 - 5.....................-2.50............................5 - 5..................-2.50

Totals..........................11 - 10.................+0.00.......................... .10 - 9.................+ 0.50

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 14
December 11, 2017

Overall Notes

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WEEK 14 RESULTS

Wager Favorites-Underdogs

Straight Up 10-5
Against the Spread 9-6

Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 9-6
Against the Spread 8-7

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 5-9-1

The largest underdogs to win straight up
Bears (+6, ML + ) at Bengals, 33-7
Cardinals (+3, ML + ) vs. Titans, 12-7
Panthers (+2.5, ML + ) vs. Vikings, 31-24

The largest favorite to cover
Chargers (-6) vs. Redskins, 30-13
Chiefs (-4.5) vs. Raiders, 26-15
Cowboys (-4) at Giants, 30-10

Packing It In?

-- The Green Bay Packers posted their second consecutive victory, and third straight cover, with an overtime win on the road against the Cleveland Browns. The Packers entered the fourth quarter down 21-7, but backup QB Brett Hundley led them to the 14-point comeback, forcing OT. Then, QB DeShone Kizer was picked off in Cleveland territory, and the Pack had a short field to work with in the extra session. The Packers were 0-3 SU/ATS in the first three games QB Aaron Rodgers was hurt and/or he missed, but they have won three out of the past five while going 4-1 ATS to stay in the playoff hunt. Now, Rodgers is primed and ready to return for the final three games with a playoff spot within reach. The 'over' is 3-0 in the past three for Green Bay, and 5-1 over their past six outings, too.

Positive Charge

-- The Los Angeles Chargers blasted the Washington Redskins so badly (30-13) that head coach Jay Gruden was "at a loss for words" in his post-game presser. The Bolts have now won four in a row, and they're 7-2 SU/ATS since starting out 0-4 SU/0-3-1 ATS over their first four outings. The Chargers have found a way to win the close games, something that eluded them earlier in the season. Defense has also been a major part of their turnaround, as they're allowing just 9.7 PPG over the past three. The 'under' is an impressive 7-1 over their past eight outings, and 9-3 over the past 12 contests.
Total Recall

-- It was a strange week for totals, as the games Vegas expected to be shootouts were filled with defense, and some of the games expected to be lower-scoring turned into offensive showcases. And, of course, we had a snow-filled battle in the Indianapolis-Buffalo (36.5). Several inches of snow fell on the heads of the Colts and Bills, and we had a 7-7 battle go to overtime before the Bills ripped off a game-winning TD scamper through the flakes.

-- Sunday's game with the highest total (48.5), Oakland-Kansas City, never quite got off the ground and 'over' bettors were fighting to get back into it all day. That's because the teams totaled just three points in the first quarter because rallying for 41 total points. The Miami-New England (48) is still pending, but the Detroit-Tampa Bay (48) game also never quite got off the ground to develop as an offensive shootout. And, of course, Thursday's New Orleans-Atlanta (52) battle was an unexpected defensive battle. The only game Vegas fingered as a high-scoring showcase which turned out to be that, and more, was the Philadelphia-L.A. Rams (47.5) battle.

-- The three lowest totals on the board from Sunday -- Indianapolis-Buffalo (36.5), Green Bay-Cleveland (38.5) and Chicago-Cincinnati (40) -- went 1-1-1 to the 'under'. We covered the snow game above, and the Pack spoiled the 'under' with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to force OT and kill 'under' bettors. With :17 left in regulation, the Packers scored a TD. And the Bears-Bengals game opened at 37.5 before closing at 40. Anyone who bet the 'over' in this game before Sunday likely cashed a winning ticket.

-- The 'Over/under' finished 1-1 in the first two primetime games during Week 14, and the 'over' is 25-17-1 (59.5%) through the first 43 primetime games of the 2017 season with Monday's New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins game pending. Officially, the 'over' finished 27-24 (52.9%) through 51 games under the lights in 2016. In 2015, the over finished 20-28-1 (41.7%) in 49 primetime games. In 2014, the over went 33-17 (66.0%) in primetime games, and the over was 28-22 (56.0%) in 2013.

Injury Report

-- Eagles QB Carson Wentz (knee) is feared to have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament to his left knee in the NFC showdown against the Rams. He'll have an MRI on Monday to confirm the results.

-- Jets QB Josh McCown (hand) suffered a broken left (non-throwing hand) and he might be done for the remainder of the season.

-- Titans QB Marcus Mariota (knee) was playing through a knee injury, although he said after the game that he is expected to be fine.

Looking Ahead

-- The Bears travel to meet the Lions (-6.5) on Saturday afternoon, and the Bears haven't been doing well against division foes lately. Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in their past five against NFC North teams, and 0-4-1 ATS in their past five against NFC teams overall. The Lions are 3-0-1 ATS in their past four against teams with a losing overall mark, but just 1-4 ATS across their past five at home. In this series, Chicago is 4-1-1 ATS in the past six meetings, but just 2-5 ATS in their past seven trips to Detroit. The 'over' is 4-1 in the past five meetings at Ford Field, too.

-- The red-hot Chargers hit the road to battle the Chiefs (-1) in a key AFC West battle. Both teams are going in completely different directions than when they met back on Sept. 24 in Southern California. The Chiefs came away with a 24-10 win, dropping the Bolts to 0-3 SU/0-2-1 ATS at the time. The road team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings in this series. The Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their past five trips to Arrowhead, although just 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings in this series. The 'under' is also 5-2 in the past seven meetings.

-- The Jaguars are heavily favored (-11.5) to knock off the division rival Texans. Houston is 4-9 ATS in their past 13 against teams with a winning record, 1-5 ATS in their past six AFC South battles and 1-7 ATS in their past eight road games against a team with a winning home record. The Jags are 6-1 ATS in their past seven division battles, and 5-2 ATS in the past seven overall. The road team has hit in six of the past seven meetings, with Houston 5-1 ATS in the past six trips to J'ville.

-- The Ravens have a bitter taste in their mouth after letting a big win slip away in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. They'll look to take out their frustration on the winless Browns. Baltimore is 11-2 ATS in their past 13 AFC North battles, and 4-1-1 ATS in the past six games overall. Cleveland is 2-13-1 ATS in their past 16 divisional games, and 7-20 ATS across their past 27 home outings. The Ravens have covered four straight in this series, and they're 7-1-1 ATS in the past nine trips to Cleveland. The 'over' has hit in four straight in Cleveland, too.

-- The Rams look to rebound after a disappointing home loss against the Eagles. They're 6-2 ATS in their past eight overall, and 4-1 ATS in their past five on the road. The Seahawks have had a knack for covering in Week 15, going 5-0-1 ATS over their past six seasons. In this series, the 'under' is 5-0 in the past five in Seattle, and 15-5-1 in the past 21 meetings. The Rams are 2-8 ATS in the past 10 trips to Seattle, and the home team is 7-2 ATS in the past nine in this series.

-- The Patriots and Steelers square off in an important game with plenty of playoff implications in the AFC. New England has covered four of their past five trips to Heinz Field, and they're 12-4 ATS in the past 16 meetings overall. The 'over' is 5-2 in the past seven battles in the Steel City, and 9-4 in the past 13 meetings overall between these teams.

-- The Falcons meet the Buccaneers on Monday night. Atlanta has covered six of their past eight NFC South battles, and they're 4-1 ATS in their past five overall. On the flip side, the Bucs are 1-10 ATS in their past 11 against NFC foes and 0-3-1 ATS in their past four against teams with a winning mark. They're also 0-5 ATS in their past five divisional outings.

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Books win small in Week 14
December 11, 2017

Las Vegas sports books got a bit of a break with the Baltimore Ravens (+6) covering the spread in their 39-38 loss at Pittsburgh, which helped most betting shops show a small profit on the day.

However, the big story Sunday was the Philadelphia Eagles (-1) possibly losing quarterback Carson Wentz for the season with an ACL injury suffered in their 43-35 win at the Los Angeles Coliseum against the Rams. The books lost a bunch on the decision, but the Wentz injury drastically changed the entire complexion of the NFC playoff race and the odds offered around town.

"We bumped the Eagles up to 10-to-1 to win after the injury and we'll review on Monday to decide where we go from there," said Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook VP Jay Kornegay shortly after the injury. "The NFC really is jammed packed with Super Bowl contenders on top and when you look at the other QB's in comparison to (back-up) Nick Foles you've guys like Case Keenum and Jared Goff. There's no Tom Brady-type in the NFC."

Korngay also noted Cam Newton and Drew Brees, but his point was that the NFC is deep and there are a lot of green QB's put at the forefront with just three weeks to go until the playoffs start. It's not such a crazy idea seeing the Rams, Saints or Vikings in the Super Bowl. But on Sunday morning, it appeared the Eagles were on their way which is why they the NFC's top choice to the Super Bowl at 4/1 odds. That's all up in the air now.

As for Sunday's Week 14 action, the books showed a small profit on the day thanks to the Ravens covering the spread that ran up from Pittsburgh being a 5.5-point favorite up to -6 by kickoff. After the first 13 games of the day it ended up being a grind for both the bettors and bookmakers.

"It was pretty much a wash with the Eagles covering," said MGM Resorts race and sports VP Jay Rood prior to the Steelers decision. "We needed the Eagles early in the week, but it flipped."

Large money had come in on the favored Rams pushing the number to as high as -2.5, but sharp money flooded the books with Eagles money making them as high as -2 by kickoff. In a playoff-type atmosphere in Los Angeles, the Eagles came away with the win aided by back-up QB Nick Foles making a few key throw to seal the win.

While the action was large on the Eagles-Rams game, one of the major books in town saw a slight dip in volume. "Handle was short this week from what we've been seeing, but that's typical when the rodeo is in town," said Rood.

The National Finals Rodeo basically takes over the Las Vegas Strip when their annual event comes to town, and it's a pretty cool vibe they bring all over the casinos, but the reality is that the crowd takes over a bunch of rooms and they don't bet the NFL as much a regular folks for some reason. However, Kornegay said he didn't see as much of a drop off as Rood who has 10 books lined up and down the prime strip.

"We (needed) the Ravens to show a small profit on the day, and the Steelers make us a small loser. But this has been the lightest action on a Sunday night game all season," said Rood.

CG Technology books and Station Casinos also reported a small win on the day thanks to the Ravens covers despite both chain of books also taking it on the chin with Eagles. Philadelphia is now sitting alone atop the NFC at 11-2 (10-3 against the spread) following the Panthers (+2.5) 31-24 home win over the Vikings (10-3).

The Vikings had covered their last seven games and won eight straight prior to the loss. In Week 15, they get to face the hapless Bengals who lost 33-7 at home in the Jungle to the Bears (+6), a game that turned out well for the house. MGM books had the Bears +230 on the money-line, the highest price among the five underdogs that covered on the day.

Favorites went 8-6 ATS overall and the 'under' cashed in eight of the 14 games.

"One of our biggest losses of the day was the Bills," said Rood. The Bills captured an improbable 13-7 overtime home win against the Colts (+3.5). The total dropped from 40 to 36 because of a wild storm in Buffalo where the snow kept piling on.

"I think it was one of those things that snuck up on us where both the sharps and us didn't realize the magnitude of how bad the weather actually was," said Kornegay. "We were monitoring the weather by the minute, but it was way worse than we expected. And the fact we didn't get a lot of sharp play on the 'under' shows they didn't realize it either."

The Jaguars 30-24 home win over the Seahawks (+2.5) turned out to be Station Casinos best win of the day. This was game between two stout defenses that had Jacksonville up 3-0 at the half making 'under' 40.5 look to be a great bet. But then the flood gates opened as the Jaguars used defense, special teams and offense to secure the win that was much large than the score indicates.

The biggest roar of the day from the sports book crowd was when the Packers (-2.5) scored a touchdown in overtime to win 27-21 at winless Cleveland (0-13). Sharps loved the Browns, again, and drove the number down from +3.5 to +2.5, but the public loved the Packers against the Browns. Most bettors would have their Packers bet by a hook had the Packers simply kicked a field goal in overtime to win, but the theme stayed true and Cleveland got the worst of it. With the Broncos 23-0 home victory against the Jets (-1), the Browns are once again the worst cover team in football at 3-10 ATS. The Broncos are now 3-9-1 ATS.

Other notes from Week 14 saw the 49ers win for the third time in four weeks and two straight behind QB Jimmy Garoppolo with their spirited 26-16 win at Houston. The Chiefs and Chargers stayed tied atop the AFC West at 7-6 with their wins as favorites and the Cowboy's buried the Giants (+3.5) in Eli Manning's return as the starter, 30-10.

Moving forward into Week 15 is the big question is about the health of Eagles QB Carson Wentz. The very thing we all love about Wentz is his toughness and willingness to throw his body around for a first down is the very thing that may cost him his season. In possibly his last play of 2017, he threw his body over the goal-line for a TD, but finally paid the price. Hopefully it all turns out well, but based on 10/1 adjusted Super Bowl odds, the Westgate is showing they believe he's done.

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Doctors think Eagles QB Wentz tore ACL
December 11, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Eagles coach Doug Pederson has confirmed that star quarterback Carson Wentz has a torn left ACL and will miss rest of the season and playoffs.

Wentz, a favorite in the NFL MVP race, had an MRI on Monday that confirmed the severity of the injury. Wentz was hurt late in the third quarter at Los Angeles. Backup Nick Foles rallied the Eagles (11-2) to a win that secured the NFC East title and put them in first place in the conference with three games remaining.

The Eagles have overcome several key injuries and now have to move forward without their most indispensable player. Nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, return specialist/running back Darren Sproles, star linebacker Jordan Hicks and special-teams captain Chris Maragos already went down for the season.

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Week 15 Opening Odds
December 11, 2017

Eagles Adjusted

Prior to Week 14, the Philadelphia Eagles were favorites (+200) to win the NFC and carried the second-lowest odds (+500) to win Super Bowl LII at BookMaker.eu.

If Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday, oddsmakers at BookMaker.eu would adjust the Eagles’ chances to win the NFC to +400 and the Super Bowl to +1000.

Regarding the weekly odds for Philadelphia, there would be a 3- to 4-point dropoff in terms of value to the spread between Wentz and Nick Foles.

Western PA Showdown

Since 1998, the Patriots are 11-3 against Pittsburgh.

Over the last four years, New England is 4-0 straight up and 3-0-1 against the spread against the Steelers, averaging 36.5 points during that stretch.

With the Pats still to play Monday night, the Week 15 matchup is off the board. If there are no major injuries Monday, BookMaker.eu will open the Patriots as 2- to 3-point favorites.

NFC West Matchup

The Rams opened as 1.5-point favorites at Seattle in Week 15.

This marks just the second time since 1985 that the Rams have been favored on the road against the Seahawks (1/2/11, 9/10/00). Early action on the home team has moved the spread to a pick ‘em.

Jimmy G to the Rescue

Prior to Week 15, San Francisco had not been favored all season. The 49ers opened as 1-point favorites at home against the Titans, and became the last NFL team to be favored in a game this year.

Early action has come on the Niners, moving the spread to -2.

Jaguars gaining Respect

The surging Jaguars were tagged with their largest spread in the last 10 years. On December 23, 2007, they were 14-point chalk against the Oakland Raiders.

Jacksonville is favored by 13 points hosting Houston this week. Early action is on Houston, moving the spread to -12.

NFL Week 15 Opening Odds - per BookMaker.eu

Broncos at Colts (+1.5, 41.5)
Bears at Lions (-7, 44)
Chargers at Chiefs (-1, 46)
Eagles at Giants (OFF)
Packers at Panthers (OFF)
Bengals at Vikings (-10, 41)
Dolphins at Bills (OFF)
Texans at Jaguars (-13, 40)
Jets at Saints (OFF)
Cardinals at Redskins (-6, 44)
Ravens at Browns (OFF)
Rams at Seahawks (+1.5, 48)
Patriots at Steelers (OFF)
Titans at 49ers (PK, 44.5)
Cowboys at Raiders (+1, 45)
Falcons at Buccaneers (+5, 47.5)

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Patriots win streak ends with 27-20 loss at Dolphins
December 12, 2017

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) New England coach Bill Belichick was asked if the Patriots' eight-game winning streak ended because they looked past the Miami Dolphins to Sunday's showdown between division leaders at Pittsburgh.

Belichick dismissed the idea.

''Give me a break,'' he said with a glare.

So how to explain New England's 27-20 loss Monday night? The Patriots (10-3) were 11-point favorites but missed a chance to clinch their ninth consecutive AFC East title - at least for another week.

The upset erased some of the sting to a disappointing season for the Dolphins (6-7), who have won two in a row.

''We've been waiting for this to happen,'' coach Adam Gase said.

Here are some things to know about the Patriots' first loss since Oct. 1:

ORDINARY BRADY

New England failed to convert a third down for the first time since 1991, and Tom Brady looked like the quarterback that season, Hugh Millen.

Brady was intercepted twice by Xavien Howard and had his lowest passer rating since 2013.

''It starts with me,'' Brady said. ''I've got to throw the ball better.''

The Dolphins sacked him twice and broke up seven passes.

''We were trying to keep them a little bit off balance,'' Gase said. ''The guys did a good job of playing team defense. It really starts with our front. They just played well together.''

Brady went 24 for 43 for 233 yards and one touchdown. New England was 0 for 11 on third down.

HEAVY LOAD

Kenyan Drake ran for 26 yards on his first carry for Miami and kept going. He finished with 114 yards rushing to top the 100 mark for the second consecutive game, and added 79 receiving.

''We saw him running past linebackers, and he breaks tackles in the hole,'' quarterback Jay Cutler said. ''He's becoming one of those complete backs you can do a lot with.''

Drake has emerged as Miami's workhorse back following the midseason trade of Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia.

STOUT RUN DEFENSE

The Patriots ran for 196 yards to beat the Dolphins in Week 12. In the rematch, Miami allowed only 25 yards on 10 carries.

''Two weeks ago they were a lot more physical than us,'' defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. ''We wanted to play to the whistle and impose our will.''

The Patriots totaled 248 yards in their worst effort since Week 17 of the 2015 season - also a loss at Miami.

SHUTDOWN CORNER

Howard now has four career interceptions, all in the past two weeks. He also broke up three throws by Brady.

''We knew what we could take advantage of,'' the second-year pro said. ''I just wanted to go out there and make big plays for the team.''

COMING UP

If the Patriots weren't looking ahead to the Steelers before the loss, they were immediately afterward. Pittsburgh (11-2) leads by one game in the race for the best AFC record.

''We can't go up there and play as poorly as we did tonight,'' Brady said. ''We have to do a lot of things better.''

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Overreaction: Cancel the Super Bowl parade plans in Philly
December 12, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (AP) There won't be a Super Bowl parade in Philadelphia this season.

The Eagles' championship hopes went down with Carson Wentz when the star quarterback tore his left ACL in a 43-35 win over the Rams. The NFC East champions have the best record in the conference, but home-field advantage isn't going to help them overcome losing Wentz.

Hey, Nick Foles is no slouch.

Foles was the last quarterback to lead Philadelphia to the playoffs in 2013 and had one of the best seasons ever, tossing 27 touchdown passes and only two interceptions on his way to the third-highest passer rating (119.2) in NFL history.

His career in Philly fizzled afterward and Chip Kelly traded him away, but he is back with the Eagles and in position to steer them into the playoffs.

Foles is no Wentz. But he has talented receivers and an outstanding group of running backs to lean on.

And he is capable of a spectacular performance. Foles once threw seven TD passes in a game.

Here are more overreactions following Week 14:

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OVERREACTION: The Browns are going to make touchdown sunglasses a new trend.

REALISTIC REACTION: They're 0-13. Nobody should imitate anything they do.

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OVERREACTION: The NFL is turning into the WWE with all the taunting and fighting .

REALISTIC REACTION: It's not scripted, though.

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OVERREACTION: James Stewart and Carolina (9-4) exposed Minnesota's defensive weaknesses.

REALISTIC REACTION: The Vikings (10-3) played their third straight road game. They had to be weary.

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OVERREACTION: The Chiefs (7-6) are back. An impressive win over the Raiders (6-7) put them in control in the AFC West.

REALISTIC REACTION: They have to beat the Chargers (7-6) on Saturday night to stay on top.

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OVERREACTION: Marcus Mariota should be benched. He is hurting Tennessee's playoff chances.

REALISTIC REACTION: Backup Matt Cassel is 5-13 in his last 18 starts since 2015.

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OVERREACTION: The Seahawks (8-5) showed they can't win big games on the road.

REALISTIC REACTION: There's no shame in losing to these Jaguars (9-4).

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OVERREACTION: The Rams (9-4) aren't ready for prime time just yet.

REALISTIC REACTION: They beat the Saints (9-4) two weeks ago.

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OVERREACTION: Miami gave the rest of the league a blue print on how to beat the Patriots (10-3).

REALISTIC REACTION: It was a classic letdown with a showdown for the AFC's No. 1 seed coming up at Pittsburgh (11-2).

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Titans latest NFL team to choose week on road over jet lag
December 12, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans are out of town this week, and veteran linebacker Brian Orakpo couldn't be happier.

The franchise decided once the NFL schedule came out in mid-April to spend the week between back-to-back road games against the Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers in Arizona.

The main reason? Cut down the travel to keep players a bit fresher for the final month of the season.

It's a decision made by lots of NFL teams over the years. New England spent the week after beating Denver in Colorado for high-altitude training at the Air Force Academy before playing in Mexico City last month - and winning. Philadelphia spent the past week in the Los Angeles area after a loss in Seattle - and then beat the Rams.

''I totally agree with what we're doing because the jet lag is vicious,'' Orakpo said. ''There's definitely a setback, and also the time difference, getting used to the time difference on the West Coast, there's all these different elements. It really helps if we just stayed out there, not have to worry so much traveling back and forth because it's a lot of mileage, especially when you're trying to play at a high level in a football game.''

Spending a week away from home during the season is something that neither the Titans nor coach Mike Mularkey had ever done. The Titans, who relocated to Tennessee from Houston in 1997, are among the six NFL teams yet to play in London, and they left Nashville for training camp only once in 21 seasons.

The motivation is simple.

''We're trying to eliminate distractions,'' Philadelphia coach Doug Pederson said. ''It's hard when you've got back-to-back West Coast trips like this, to be able to fly back home and then practice and come back out this way at the end of the week. So, try to keep the week as normal as possible for the guys, for the coaches.''

The actual process of relocating an NFL team for a week during the regular season requires months of planning. Brent Akers, the director of team operations for the Titans, and his colleagues made at least seven trips to the hotel where the team is staying. They even rewired the building, so the Titans could simply plug in Monday and start working as if back home at the team's headquarters.

Packing wasn't easy either.

A 53-foot truck left Nashville on Dec. 5 headed to Arizona filled with 40,000 pounds of equipment including:

-A Juggs machine for firing balls at players at practice.

-Down markers.

-Six water coolers for practices.

-New computers, projectors and TV monitors to be ready and waiting for the Titans rather than pack up all that gear.

-Tape and other gear needed by trainers to treat injuries between games.

-Cleats.

-Uniforms.

-And, yes, weights. Strength coach Steve Watterson has an area set aside for workouts because the Titans must lift between games.

At the hotel in Arizona, the Titans are using about 80,000 square feet of meeting space, not counting rooms for sleeping:

-Offices for everyone from general manager Jon Robinson and Mularkey and position coaches to the media relations department preparing for their next game in San Francisco.

-A ballroom now is a locker room.

-Meeting rooms turned into a cafeteria.

-A training room.

-And yes, a workout space for all those weights.

The Titans will only have to travel to Arizona State for practices, though Tuesday remains the players' off day. Safety Johnathan Cyprien, who spent a week in London with the Jaguars, knew what to expect.

''Oh yeah, we're stuck together,'' Cyprien said. ''We'll be stuck together kind of like college. You know, where you go to practice, you go to class and you sleep in the same room with the same guys all day. You have no choice but to get closer when you're put in those situations.''

Lastly, lots and lots of bags for essentially three separate trips in the span of 10 days. Usually, a road trip features 125 to 130 people, but this extended stay has 171 with the practice squad and other employees needed for a game week. Players alone will have at least three bags apiece.

On Sunday night, the Titans will board their third different airplane, which must be big enough to carry home all that gear.

Only time, and the three remaining games, will determine how helpful the travel plans were for Tennessee. Of course, both the Patriots and Eagles won after spending a week away, and Philadelphia went home as NFC East champs . The Titans (8-5) are hoping for a similar benefit trying to end an eight-season playoff drought coming off a 12-7 loss to Arizona.

''It's an opportunity for us to get away together as a team,'' Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota said. ''I think that's going to benefit us and bring this team closer. I do think it will help us down the stretch.''

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december nfl best bets & opinions ( based on 5 units )

date w-l-t % units record

12/11/2017 NO PLAYS
12/10/2017 16-11-0 59.25% +19.50
12/07/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
12/04/2017 0-1-1 0.00% -5.50
12/03/2017 11-17-0 39.29% -38.50

Totals..........27 - 31........46.55%............-35.50

best bets:......................ats.................... ..units.........................o/u....................units

12/11/2017................................N O P L A Y S................................................. ......
12/10/2017..................6 - 3....................+13.50....................... ...5 - 3.................+8.50
12/07/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50............................0 - 1.................-5.50
12/03/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50............................0 - 0..................push
12/03/2017..................5 - 5.....................-2.50............................5 - 5..................-2.50

Totals..........................11 - 10.................+0.00.......................... .10 - 9.................+ 0.50

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NFL notebook: Patriots close to signing WR Britt
December 12, 2017

Kenny Britt is getting another shot, and with the defending Super Bowl champions no less.

Britt, a veteran wide receiver who was waived by the Cleveland Browns last Friday, visited with the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., on Tuesday and agreed to a two-year deal with the Patriots, according to multiple reports.

The 29-year-old was a first-round pick in 2009 out of Rutgers, a school Patriots coach Bill Belichick has shown affinity for throughout the years.

Britt had 18 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns in nine games with the Browns before being waived.

Last season, Britt logged his first career 1,000-yard receiving season with the Los Angeles Rams, collecting a career-high 68 receptions for 1,002 yards and five scores.

--Devin Hester, the all-time leader in combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns, announced his retirement from the NFL on Twitter.

"I have good news and bad news," the 35-year-old Hester wrote. "Good news: Commissioner Goodell, you can put the kickoff back at the 30. Bad news: Y'all will have to find a new favorite returner."

Hester could have a case for becoming the first return man to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He returned 14 punts, five kickoffs and a missed field goal for touchdowns in his career for an NFL record 20 return TDs.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Hester played for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks last season. He hasn't suited up for a team this year.

--Washington Redskins safety Su'a Cravens has received medical clearance to resume football activities and wants to return next season, his agent said in a statement.

Agent Fadde Mikhail said Cravens, who was suffering from post-concussion syndrome, was treated by Dr. Michael Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Sport Medicine Concussion Program.

The Redskins had placed Cravens on the exempt/left squad list on Sept. 3 after the 22-year-old said he wanted to retire. Cravens was then placed on the reserve/left squad list 15 days later, meaning he was ineligible to return during the 2017 regular season or postseason.

Also, the Redskins placed tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring), linebacker Chris Carter (fractured leg) and running back Byron Marshall (hamstring) on injured reserve. Reed, who signed a five-year, $50-million extension in the offseason, has missed the past six games.

--The Pittsburgh Steelers placed linebacker Ryan Shazier on injured reserve nearly one week after he underwent spinal stabilization surgery.

"Unfortunately Ryan will not be able to contribute on the field during the remainder of this season," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement. "However, even off the field Ryan will continue to be one of our team leaders. We know his spirit and positive outlook will help him to continue in his recovery, as well as serve as an inspiration to our team."

The 25-year-old had surgery on Wednesday.

--The Denver Broncos placed right guard Ron Leary on injured reserve, the team announced.

Leary, who is nursing a back injury, started all 11 games this season after joining the tram as an unrestricted free agent from the Dallas Cowboys.

--Detroit Lions center Travis Swanson was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following the team's 24-21 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced.

Swanson also sustained a concussion with delayed symptoms last season against the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 4, 2016. The 26-year-old appeared on the injury report days later with a concussion and sat out the final four games of the season as well as the club's playoff game versus the Saints.

--The Tampa Bay Buccaneers promoted linebacker Riley Bullough to the active roster from the practice squad and waived cornerback Ayodeji Olatoye, the team announced.

The 24-year-old Bullough has been on the Buccaneers' practice squad since the beginning of the season. He went unselected in last year's NFL Draft after playing college football at Michigan State.