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

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Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Top 6 picks in Week 16 in the Westgate Super Contest:

6) Cincinnati Bengals, +4.5 (558)

5) Tennessee Titans, +6.5 (559)

4) Dallas Cowboys, -4.5 (606)

3) New Orleans Saints, -5.5 (671)

2) Jacksonville Jaguars, -4.5 (694)

1) Los Angeles Rams, -6.5 (766)

Record of top 6 picks each week: 44-43-3

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NFL

Week 16

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Sunday NFL Betting Preview and Odds: Falcons at Saints
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Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints (-6, 52.5)

The Atlanta Falcons control their own destiny in the race for the NFC South title after holding off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday for their fifth win in the last six games. The New Orleans Saints, who host the Falcons on Sunday, are a game up on Atlanta in the division and will clinch a playoff berth while moving one step closer to an NFC South title with a victory.

The NFC South could end up sending three teams to the playoffs along with the Carolina Panthers, and the Falcons brought themselves into this position by figuring out how to win tight games in the last two weeks, including a 20-17 triumph at home over New Orleans in Week 14. "We are right where we need to be at this time of the season," Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan told reporters. "Two games to go in the regular season, and we have to find a way to get back to work this week, try to improve and make sure that we play the best we are capable of playing (Sunday) to try and get a win." The Saints followed that loss to the Falcons with a 31-19 triumph over the New York Jets last week and are trying not to assign extra importance to this week's meeting. "There is not really emotion," wide receiver Michael Thomas told reporters. "There are going to be games that are probably more important than others, but at the end of the day they're all pretty much important."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX.

POWER RANKINGS: Falcons (-2) - Saints (-4) + home field (-3) = Saints -5.

LINE HISTORY: The Saints opened as 5.5-point home dogs at most shops, money coming in on New Orleans bumped up slightly to -6. The total hit the betting board at 52.5 and remains at that number heading into the weekend.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

INJURY REPORT:

Falcons - RB Tevin Coleman (Probable, Concussion), WR Julio Jones (Probable, Ankle), WR Mohamed Sanu (Probable, Knee), G Andy Levitre (Questionable, Tricep), LB Sean Weatherspoon (Questionable, Illness).

Saints - G Larry Warford (Probable, Concussion), WR Ted Ginn (Probable, Ribs), TE Garrett Griffin (Questionable, Foot), DB Justin Harden (Questionable, Foot), TE Josh Hill (Questionable, Shoulder), C Senio Kelemete (Questionable, Knee), OT Andrus Peat (Questionable, Groin), DE Trey Hendrickson (Out, Ankle), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (Out, Concussion), S Kenny Vaccaro (I-R, Wrist), LB A.J. Klein (I-R, Groin).

ABOUT THE FALCONS (9-5 SU, 6-8 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Atlanta leaned on its rushing attack in a 24-21 win over the Buccaneers on Monday as Devonta Freeman ran for a season-high 126 yards and a touchdown. Freeman rushed for 91 yards and a score in the win over the Saints, helping to make up for a three-interception performance from Ryan. The reigning NFL MVP is up to 3,490 yards and 18 TDs on the season but is already at 11 interceptions - four more than his total from last season - and was left off the Pro Bowl rosters announced on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (10-4 SU, 8-6 ATS, 8-6 O/U): New Orleans became the first team in 42 years to have two running backs make the Pro Bowl when Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara were announced as two of the team's six representatives. The two are on pace to become the first duo in NFL history to each go over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and are already at a combined 2,756 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns. Neither back managed 100 yards from scrimmage in the Week 14 loss to the Falcons, and Kamara totaled just 27 yards on four touches before leaving the contest with a concussion.

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.

* Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

* Over is 3-0-1 in Falcons last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

* Over is 6-0-1 in Saints last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

* Underdog is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home favorite Saints at a rate of 55 percent and the Over is getting 70 percent of the totals action.


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NFL

Week 16

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Sunday NFL Betting Preview and Odds: Seahawks at Cowboys
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Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys (-5, 47)

Ezekiel Elliott is back from a six-game suspension as the Dallas Cowboys look to remain in the playoff hunt when they host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The star running back was disciplined for an alleged domestic violence incident after racking up 783 rushing yards through the first eight contests of the season.

Elliott returns at a time when the Cowboys could be eliminated from the NFC wild-card race - a loss to Seattle and a victory by Atlanta would end the playoff pursuit. Elliott figures to provide a boost as he is well-rested and not experiencing the bumps and bruises most NFL running backs feel in late December. "He's capable of doing anything we'd ask him to do at the running back position," Dallas coach Jason Garrett told reporters. "We'll work through this week and see what he's able to do in this game plan." The Seahawks are aiming to bounce back from the 42-7 beating they suffered against the Los Angeles Rams and are in the same predicament as the Cowboys - a loss on Sunday combined with a victory by Atlanta would seal their fate.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX.

POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks (-1) - Cowboys (-1) + home field (-3) = Cowboys -3.

LINE HISTORY: The Saints opened as 5.5-point home dogs at most shops, money coming in on New Orleans bumped up slightly to -6. The total hit the betting board at 52.5 and remains at that number heading into the weekend.

WEATHER REPORT: Dome

INJURY REPORT:

Seahawks - DE Michael Bennett (Probable, Knee), TE Jimmy Graham (Probable, Knee), LB K.J. Wright (Probable, Concussion), LB Bobby Wagner (Probable, Hamstring), S Bradley McDougald (Questionable, Knee), DT Nazair Jones (Questionable, Ankle), CB Justin Coleman (Questionable, Chest), TE Nick Vannett (Questionable, Shoulder), LB D.J. Alexander (Questionable, Concussion), CB Deshawn Shead (Questionable, Knee), RB Chris Carson (Out, Knee), S Kam Chancellor (I-R, Neck), G Day Aboushi (I-R, Shoulder).

Cowboys - LB Justin Durant (Probable, Concussion), LB Anthony Hitchens (Probable, Knee), DE Demarcus Lawrence (Probable, Back), DT Richard Ash (Questionable, Shoulder), OT Le'El Collins (Questionable, Back), DE Benson Mayowa (Questionable, Back), DT Maliek Collins (Questionable, Foot), LB Sean Lee (Questionable, Hamstring), CB Orlando Scandrick (Questionable, Back), WR Brice Butler (Questionable, Foot), OT Tyron Smith (Doubtful, Knee), DL David Irving (Out, Concussion).

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-6 SU, 5-8-1 ATS, 6-8 O/U): Seattle has allowed 72 points while losing its last two games, and the horrific showing against the Rams placed the team in a rare must-win situation regarding both its NFC West and wild-card aspirations. "If anybody likes adversity, this football team does, in the sense that we can handle adversity," quarterback Russell Wilson, who has thrown 30 touchdown passes, told reporters. "We can handle the circumstances that we are in. Reality is, we can't determine what everybody else does. All we can do is what we can control, and that's playing great football." The defense has been ravaged by injuries and the hope is that Pro Bowl middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (hamstring) and outside linebacker K.J. Wright (concussion) will be close to full strength.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (8-6 SU, 7-6-1 ATS, 6-8 O/U): Elliott had 26 or more carries in each of his final four games prior to the suspension, and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan indicated he plans another heavy load for the 22-year-old. Elliott's presence should help second-year quarterback Dak Prescott (2,964 yards, 21 touchdowns), who has thrown 11 interceptions this season after being picked off just four times last year. Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is tied for third in the NFL with 13.5 sacks, while star linebacker Sean Lee has recorded 28 tackles and one interception over the last two games after returning from a hamstring injury.

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

* Under is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 road games.

* Under is 6-1 in Cowboys last 7 games overall.

* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Dallas.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road dog Seahawks at a rate of 53 percent and the Over is getting 52 percent of the totals action.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

ATL at NO 01:00 PM
ATL +5.5
U 52.0

LAR at TEN 01:00 PM
TEN +5.5
U 46.0

CLE at CHI 01:00 PM
CHI -6.0
O 36.5

LAC at NYJ 01:00 PM
NYJ +7.0
U 42.5

DET at CIN 01:00 PM
CIN +3.5
O 43.5

BUF at NE 01:00 PM
BUF +11.0
O 47.5

DEN at WAS 01:00 PM
WAS -3.0
U 39.0

MIA at KC 01:00 PM
MIA +11.0
U 43.5

TB at CAR 01:00 PM
TB +10.0
O 46.5

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JAC at SF 04:05 PM
JAC -4.0
O 43.0

SEA at DAL 04:25 PM
DAL -4.0
O 47.0

NYG at ARI 04:25 PM
NYG +3.0
U 39.0

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NFL roundup: Gurley, Rams clinch NFC West title
December 24, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley became the first player in 31 years to rush for 100-plus yards and produce 150-plus receiving yards in a single game, scoring two touchdowns as Los Angeles clinched the NFC West title with a 27-23 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Gurley ran 21 times for 115 yards while catching 10 passes for 158 yards and touchdowns of 3 and 80 yards. The last player to pull off the 100-150 double was Herschel Walker of the Dallas Cowboys in 1986.

Los Angeles (11-4) clinched its first division title since 2003 and its first playoff berth since 2004. Tennessee (8-7) lost its third straight game, officially sealing the AFC South title for Jacksonville. The Titans can still wrap up a playoff spot next week by beating Jacksonville.

Saints 23, Falcons 13

NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn Jr., and Mark Ingram II ran 26 yards for a score to power New Orleans to a playoff-clinching victory over Atlanta.

The Saints (11-4) earned the playoff berth after missing the postseason during the past three 7-9 seasons. The Falcons, who had won five of their previous six games by averaging 24.7 points a game, failed to score a touchdown in the first 57 minutes and fell to 9-6.

New Orleans can win the NFC South with a victory at Tampa Bay next week or a Carolina loss at Atlanta. The Panthers are also 11-4, but the Saints hold the tiebreaker based on their sweep of the regular-season series.

Panthers 22, Buccaneers 19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton picked up his own bobbled snap and ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left, lifting Carolina to a playoff-clinching victory against Tampa Bay.

Carolina converted a fourth down on the play prior to the touchdown, needing 1 yard after the Buccaneers (4-11) jumped offside. Jonathan Stewart got the yard, setting up Newton's game-winning run. It was a 10-play, 59-yard drive.

The Panthers (11-4) remain tied with the Saints for first place in the NFC South. Carolina would hold a wild-card spot in the playoffs unless it wins next week at Atlanta while the Saints lose at Tampa Bay.

Patriots 37, Bills 16

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England moved a step closer to wrapping up the top seed in the AFC playoffs with a win over Buffalo.

While the Patriots (12-3) won for the 10th time in 11 games, the Bills (8-7) were dealt a serious blow in their bid to end a 17-year playoff drought. Tom Brady finished 21 of 28 for 224 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception that was returned for a score.

Patriots running back Mike Gillislee snapped a 16-16 tie with a 1-yard run late in the third quarter, and Dion Lewis ran for a career-high 129 yards and a touchdown. Lewis also scored on a nifty 12-yard screen pass to help break the game open in the fourth.

Seahawks 21, Cowboys 12

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Seattle defense took the return of Dallas star running back Ezekiel Elliott in stride as the Seahawks clamped down and paved the way to victory.

Seattle scored 21 points off Dallas turnovers and kept the Cowboys out of the end zone, keeping the Seahawks' playoff hopes alive as they are still in the hunt for an NFC wild-card berth.

The Cowboys (8-7) squandered Elliott's return by losing the turnover battle 3-0, and they were eliminated from playoff contention. Elliott gained 97 yards on 24 carries.

Chargers 14, Jets 7

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Bidding to become only the second team since the 1970 merger to make the playoffs after an 0-4 start, Los Angeles beat New York Jets to stay alive in the postseason chase.

The Chargers (8-7) looked shaky against the Jets (5-10), but Los Angeles quarterback Philip Rivers made clutch passes, running back Melvin Gordon carved up New York's front seven, and the defense, despite giving up long runs to Bilal Powell, bent but did not break.

Gordon's 1-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, capping an eight-play, 75-yard drive, broke a 7-7 tie. Gordon gained 81 yards on 19 carries.

Bears 20, Browns 3

CHICAGO -- Jordan Howard rushed for two touchdowns, rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky ran for one, and Chicago kept Cleveland winless.

If the Browns (0-15) lose next week's finale at Pittsburgh, they would join the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only NFL teams to go 0-16. With the Sunday defeat to the Bears (5-10), Cleveland secured the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Howard's touchdowns were his eighth and ninth this season, giving the second-year running back four in his past three games.

Redskins 27, Broncos 11

LANDOVER, Md. -- Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, and the Redskins' defense turned in another stellar effort as Washington beat Denver.

Cousins completed 19 of 37 passes for 299 yards against the NFL's top-ranked defense in terms of yardage allowed. He was intercepted once. Ryan Kerrigan had two sacks for Washington (7-8).

Quarterback Brock Osweiler got the start and was largely ineffective, completing 22 of 38 passes for 193 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble for Denver (5-10). He was sacked four times.

Chiefs 29, Dolphins 13

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Alex Smith surpassed the 4,000-yard passing mark for the first time in his 12-year career as Kansas City clinched back-to-back AFC West titles for the first time in franchise history.

Smith delivered again for the Chief (9-6) in the best season of his career, completing 25 of 39 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. With the game tied at 3-all, Smith gave the Chiefs a lead they would not relinquish when he found wide receiver Tyreek Hill on a third-and-15 pass deep down the middle for a 52-yard gain. That set up a 9-yard touchdown pass from Smith to tight end Travis Kelce for a 10-3 lead.

Jakeem Grant caught four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown for Miami (6-9).

Bengals 26, Lions 17

CINCINNATI -- Giovani Bernard rushed for 116 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown as Cincinnati eliminated Detroit playoff contention.

Detroit (8-7) needed a win and plenty of help to make the postseason, but fell flat against the struggling Bengals (6-9).

Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton, who had a 27.3 passer rating last week, the second-lowest of his career, passed for 238 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

49ers 44, Jaguars 33

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns, leading San Francisco to its fourth consecutive victory.

Jacksonville clinched its first-ever AFC South crown with around six minutes left in the first quarter when the Rams defeated Tennessee. The division title is the Jaguars' first since 1999, when Jacksonville won the AFC Central.

The 49ers set a season high for points scored and the Jaguars a season high for points allowed. Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles completed 32 of 50 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions, including a 50-yard pick-six by Dontae Johnson.

Cardinals 23, Giants 0

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Larry Fitzgerald was a one-man playmaking machine during Arizona's shutout of New York.

Fitzgerald, who hasn't determined if he will come back for a 15th season despite recently agreeing to a one-year contract extension through 2018, continued to show no signs of slowing down at age 34. In addition to catching a game-high nine passes for 119 yards and a touchdown, Fitzgerald also completed his first NFL pass on an end-around option, hitting Jaron Brown for a 21-yard gain.

Drew Stanton threw two touchdown passes and safety Antoine Bethea intercepted Giants quarterback Eli Manning twice as Arizona (7-8) helped send New York (2-13) to its fifth consecutive loss.

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NFL notebook: Titans RB Murray injures knee
December 24, 2017

Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray injured his right knee during Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and could be done for the season.

Murray was hurt with 2:39 left in the contest. Initial reports indicate Murray sprained his lateral collateral ligament and will undergo an MRI exam on Monday.

Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey admitted after the game that the injury didn't look good. That means second-year pro Derrick Henry appears to be the starter in Week 17 against Jacksonville, with David Fluellen backing him up.

"I'm sure Derrick will be ready if DeMarco is out," Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota said.

--Several teams complained to the NFL last week that the Green Bay Packers violated the rules regarding injured reserve, and that the team should have to release two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as a result, ESPN reported.

Rodgers was activated off injured reserve from a broken collarbone and played last week against the Carolina Panthers. The 34-year-old exited the contest because he was "sore," according to Packers coach Mike McCarthy.

Green Bay announced its decision to place Rodgers back on injured reserve Tuesday, after the Packers had been eliminated from a potential postseason berth. Had the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, the Packers might have opted against shutting down Rodgers.

NFL rules stipulate that a player needs to have sustained a new injury that would sideline him at least six weeks to be placed on injured reserve. Should that not be the case, the team is obligated to release the player once he is healthy.

--Quarterback Drew Brees became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to surpass 70,000 career passing yards in the New Orleans Saints' victory against the Atlanta Falcons.

Brees joined Peyton Manning (71,940) and Brett Favre (71,838) as the lone quarterbacks to reach the milestone with a 12-yard screen pass to Mark Ingram during the first quarter of Sunday's game. Brees finished Sunday's victory with 70,200 yards and needs 1,741 yards to supplant Manning for the No. 1 spot.

The 38-year-old Brees, however, hit the mark in 248 career games. It took Manning 258 games and Favre 293 to reach 70,000.

Meanwhile, standout Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (hamstring) was active and caught four passes for 66 yards. Thomas has 98 receptions on the season.

--Wide receiver Antonio Brown is not expected to be ready should the Pittsburgh Steelers play in the wild-card round of the playoffs, ESPN reported on Sunday.

Schefter said Brown likely will be in need of the extra week of healing as he deals with a partially torn calf muscle sustained last Sunday in a 27-24 loss against the New England Patriots.

Brown, who already has been ruled out of Monday's game against the Houston Texans, wrote on Twitter earlier this week that the injury is a "minor setback."

--Josh Rosen would rather play for the New York Giants as opposed to the Cleveland Browns, and the UCLA quarterback would be hesitant to come out in the 2018 NFL draft if he knew that the latter would select him with the No. 1 overall pick, ESPN reported on Sunday.

The winless Browns (0-15) secured the top overall pick with a loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday

Rosen plans to talk with his parents after the Cactus Bowl for a "serious conversation" before making a final decision about his future. Cleveland owning the No. 1 overall pick could influence his decision, ESPN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation.

--Former Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher feels a strong connection to the franchise he coached for five years.

In fact, Fisher told The Midday 180 radio show in Nashville (Tenn.) that his legacy lives on in the Rams.

"I'm a huge fan of the Ram players," Fisher said. "They're basically -- I don't want to say my players, but I had a lot to do with that roster. Left them in pretty good shape. And Sean (McVay), as he's proven in this very short period of time, is an outstanding young coach. And he's got the offense rolling, which they needed."

Fisher, who was fired by the Rams with three games remaining in the 2016 season, also patted himself on the back with the team trading up to select Jared Goff with the first overall pick of the 2016 draft. Goff endured a difficult rookie season to bounce back with a strong 2017 campaign.

--The NFL's concussion protocol has been altered with late-season changes following recent incidents that have triggered investigations.

The changes were implemented last weekend, Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, told ESPN. Most notably, a central unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant (UNC) was stationed at the command center that has been used primarily for game-replay review, Sills said.

"We are constantly looking at the protocol and how it's applied and trying to get better," Sills said. "The process happens through the season."

An injury to Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage on Dec. 10 as well as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's concussion protocol misstep in Week 10 that resulted in a $100,000 fine for the franchise were two incidents that fueled the investigation.

--New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson was ruled inactive for the home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, one week after being benched for showing up late to a team meeting.

Wilkerson may have played his last game in a Jets' uniform. The Jets likely will release the former Pro Bowl selection before March due to lack of performance and because his $16.75 million salary becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the roster for the third day of the 2018 league year.

The 28-year-old Wilkerson's contract is guaranteed for injury, thus the team would be responsible for the money if he were to sustain a serious injury, ESPN reported.

--Buffalo Bills running back Travaris Cadet was carted off the field late in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots with an apparent serious right ankle injury.

Cadet was tackled by New England Trey Flowers and was removed from the field minutes later, reportedly after an air cast was put on the ankle. Flowers walked away from the scene with his hands covering his helmet.

Also, Bills wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee) played and caught five passes for 70 yards. Cornerback E.J. Gaines, however, was ruled inactive for the game with a knee injury.

New England running back James White (ankle) and wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) were ruled inactive.

--New York Giants safety Landon Collins left the game against the Arizona Cardinals with a forearm injury.

The third-year pro from Alabama entered Sunday's game as the Giants' leading tackler with 98 total tackles. Collins missed most of last week's practice schedule with an ankle injury.

Earlier in the game, the Giants also lost tight end Evan Engram to a rib injury.

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Books rebound in Week 16
December 24, 2017

The Las Vegas sports books got back on track with a winning Sunday in Week 16 NFL action, one week after getting beat up by the betting public when every favorite won outright. Favorites would go 6-5-1 against-the-spread with three of the underdogs winning outright. The public would end of being wrong collectively with popular favorites like the Rams, Panthers, Jaguars and Cowboys, just enough to ruin most parlays.

"It was a good day," said Station Casinos sports book director Jason McCormick. "Buccaneers cover was very good and also helped beat most teasers. The 49ers, Titans and Bears covering were also much needed. The Chargers was our biggest loss of the day."

Stations moved Chargers from -6.5 to -7 on Friday for their game at the Jets, and it landed 7 with a 14-7 win to keep their playoff hopes still alive. Most books got sided on this game because it was -6.5 everywhere at one point before being forced up, but the big damage it did was keep both sides alive on parlays and reducing the payout down. Most bettors laid -7 with this one.

The Panthers (-10) were on the verge of a bad home loss to the Buccaneers, but saved their best drive for last with Cam Newton leading the way in 22-19 win. William Hill had 70 percent of the tickets written on this game laying the points with Carolina.

The Jaguars and Rams have been real trendy plays lately because they win and cover almost every week. The Rams (-5.5) had covered seven of their last nine before Sunday's 27-23 win at Tennessee. The Jaguars (-4) had won seven of their last eight before losing 44-33 at red hot San Francisco. The 49ers have now won four straight with Jimmy Garopollo driving the ship. Sharps were on the 49ers, the public was on the Jags. Stations paid out +180 on the money-line.

Keep an eye on Jacksonville next week at Tennessee. They don't have anything to play for and if they rest players coming off a loss like this, it's bad for morale. This Jags squad led the NFL in scoring defense allowing just 14.9 points-per-game, and they just got 44 put on them by a team that started 1-10. Rest or rust?

"Decent day, but low handle," said CG Technology VP of risk management Jason Simbal. "We held just under a double-digit win percentage, but not surprisingly it's our lowest handle of the NFL season. The strip properties are very slow."

Apparently, bettors had some other priorities Sunday, which happened to be Christmas Eve. There was also no Sunday night game, so there was no third wave of action funneling through from those doubling up winnings or getting back the losses.

Simbal said their worst decision was the Cardinals and their best win turned out to be the 49ers. The Cardinals' 23-0 home win against the Giants was the final of 12 NFL games posted posted on Sunday so just about everything live was waiting for it to be posted. But Simbal said most of his risk was incurred just because of everyone betting against the Giants.

Another team the public have been lining up to bet against weekly has been the Browns. And they've been correct; just three covers in 14 games. But in Week 16, the public thought this was the week the Browns win their first game, or at least more than usual. Sunday morning the Westgate SuperBook dropped the Bears from -6.5 down to -5.5. William Hill books saw 53 of the tickets written on the game taking the Browns and 85 percent of the cash on the Browns. Snow even made an appearance to muck things up, but the Bears would win 20-3.

The Browns last chance at winning this season comes Sunday at Pittsburgh. The Steelers won the season opener at Cleveland, 21-18, but failed to cover the 10-point spread. Cleveland has now secured the overall No. 1 draft pick.

The Seahawks' 21-12 win at Dallas (-4.5) was a nice win for the house and the loss eliminated the Cowboys. Wynn Resorts paid closed the Seahawks money-line at +195. The other underdog to win outright was the Bengals stepping up at home to beat the Lions, 26-17. William Hill paid out on the Bengals money-line at +150. Sharps had pushed the Bengals from +4 to +3, but the public liked the Lions who were still in the playoff hunt.

The Under went 9-3 on the day.

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Monday's Tip Sheet
December 24, 2017

Steelers (-9, 45) at Texans – 4:30 PM EST – NBC

LAST WEEK

In the overturned catch heard ‘round the world, the Steelers (11-3 SU, 6-8 ATS) went from potentially having home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs to potentially receiving only a first-round bye. Ben Roethlisberger hooked up with tight end Jesse James on a touchdown in the final minute against New England, but the ruling was reversed and called an incomplete pass. Roethlisberger would eventually get intercepted in the end zone as the Steelers fell to the Patriots for the fifth straight time, 27-24.

The loss ended an eight-game winning streak for Mike Tomlin’s club, who has already clinched the AFC North title. To make matters worse, the Steelers also lost star wide receiver Antonio Brown to a calf injury in the first half, as he will be sidelined until the playoffs. Running back Le’Veon Bell rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, marking his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 7 against Cincinnati. Pittsburgh failed to cover for the fourth consecutive game, while falling to 2-4 ATS in its past six home contests.

The Texans (4-10 SU, 7-7 ATS) were due to fall apart following the season-ending knee injury to rookie standout quarterback Deshaun Watson in late October. Houston has lost six of seven games since Watson’s injury, including a 45-7 rout at the hands of Jacksonville as 10 ½-point underdogs. In all six losses without Watson, the Texans have mustered 16 points or fewer, while posting seven points in a game for the third time this season.

Houston put up 186 yards of offense against a terrific Jacksonville team, who limited the Texans to 14 points in eight quarters. Quarterback T.J. Yates completed 12-of-31 passes for 128 yards, one touchdown, and an interception for Houston as he hooked up wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for the lone Texans’ touchdown. Houston owns a 1-4 record inside the AFC South as the Texans scored 57 points against the Titans in Week 4, but compiled a total of 41 points in the four divisional defeats.

SERIES HISTORY

The Steelers and Texans are meeting for the sixth time ever as Pittsburgh owns a 3-2 edge. These clubs haven’t met since 2014 at Heinz Field as the Steelers rallied from a 13-0 deficit to beat the Texans, 30-23 to cash as three-point favorites. Roethlisberger threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, while Bell racked up 145 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh lost in its last visit to Houston in 2011 as four-point underdogs, 17-10.

TOTAL TALK

Pittsburgh and New England barely finished UNDER the total of 52 ½ last week, snapping a four-game OVER streak for the Steelers. However, the Steelers have gone 6-1 to the UNDER away from Heinz Field as the lone OVER occurred in a 23-20 win at Cincinnati on a 42 ½ total. Houston was riding a three-game UNDER streak prior to the OVER against Jacksonville last Sunday. The UNDER is 5-2 the past seven weeks for the Texans, while going 2-1 to the UNDER against AFC North competition.

KEY TREND

VegasInsider.com handicapper Vince Akins provides a solid UNDER trend on the visitors, “The Steelers are 0-9-1 OU since Jan 09, 2016 on the road in games with a total under 46.” Five of those UNDERS have hit this season, while holding four of those opponents to 20 points or fewer.

BOOKMAKER’S TAKE

Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu gives his thoughts on where the money is going, “We’re currently looking at 75 percent of the tickets on the Steelers, but the handle is almost 50-50. The public obviously loves Pittsburgh while the wiseguys are siding with Houston. We know that this team always plays down to the competition and with little to play for, Houston feels like a live dog.”

Raiders at Eagles (-9 ½, 46 ½) – 8:30 PM EST – ESPN

LAST WEEK

Oakland (6-8 SU, 4-8-2 ATS) was eliminated from playoff contention following Kansas City’s victory over Miami on Sunday as the Raiders last made the postseason in consecutive years from 2000-02. The Raiders fell short against the Cowboys last Sunday, 20-17 as quarterback Derek Carr fumbled the ball in the final minutes when reaching out for the go-ahead touchdown, resulting in a touchback. When Oakland doesn’t score, they lose, as the Raiders dropped to 0-8 when scoring 17 points or fewer this season.

The Raiders pushed as three-point home underdogs, as Carr threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns to Michael Crabtree. However, Oakland suffered its first loss at the Coliseum since Week 6 against the Chargers, while dropping its fourth consecutive game in the underdog role. The Raiders lost for the second time in three tries against NFC East foes, one season after compiling a 3-1 record against teams from the NFC South.

The Eagles (12-2 SU, 10-4 ATS) picked up a victory in their first game without MVP candidate Carson Wentz as Nick Foles stepped in to toss four touchdown passes in a 34-29 triumph over the Giants. Philadelphia failed to cash as 7 ½-point road favorites, as Foles hooked up with four different receivers for scores, while improving to 6-2 on the highway in its final regular season road game.

Since a 1-2 ATS start, the Eagles have covered nine of their last 11 games, including five consecutive covers at Lincoln Financial Field. The victory over the Giants wrapped up a four-in-five game stretch of road contests, as Philadelphia has played only one home contest since the bye in Week 10.

SERIES HISTORY

These teams met in Super Bowl XV in New Orleans as the Raiders crushed the Eagles, 27-10 in January 1981. Fast-forwarding to present day, Philadelphia ripped Oakland in its previous matchup, 49-20 in 2013 at the Coliseum. Foles had his breakout game in his first stint with Philadelphia by tossing seven touchdown passes and 406 yards, while the only current Eagle to score a touchdown in that game was tight end Zach Ertz. The Raiders are making their first trip to Philadelphia since 2005 as Oakland covered as nine-point underdogs in a 23-20 defeat.

TOTAL TALK

The Raiders are riding a five-game UNDER streak, although only one of those UNDERS came away from the Black Hole. The UNDER is 4-2 in Oakland’s six road games, while scoring 15 points or less in four of those contests. The Eagles hit three consecutive UNDERS following their bye, but are currently on a two-game OVER streak. There hasn’t been any solid trends for Philadelphia at home as they have hit the UNDER three times and the OVER three times at Lincoln Financial Field.

KEY TREND

Akins supplies a trend that supports Philadelphia, “The Eagles are 13-0 ATS since Nov 23, 2014 when each of their last two games have gone over the total.” Two of those victories came this season by 27 and 23 points at home.

BOOKMAKER’S TAKE

Cooley of BookMaker.eu checks in on the night action, “Both sides of the betting spectrum on Philadelphia in this one, which moved the number to double digits. The heavy smart money is on the UNDER, where we have nearly 80 percent of the action. We’re hoping the Raiders can find some sort of motivation to compete in this one.”

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Best Bet
December 22, 2017

NFL Week 16 MNF Betting Preview

Oakland Raiders vs Philadelphia Eagles

NFL fans get a nice Christmas present from the league this year with Christmas being on a Monday, as the NFL has scheduled a double-header for our consumption, but they probably hoped that these games would have been a bit more competitive then the oddsmakers currently suggest.

Both Monday games currently have lines of -9 for the favorite, with Pittsburgh laying that chalk on the road in Houston, and Philadelphia laying that chalk at home against Oakland.

It's the latter of the two games that I want to focus on as Oakland is still clinging to their slim playoff hopes entering Week 16 at 6-8 SU, but depending on how Saturday and Sunday's action goes, they could be eliminated before they even kickoff.

But with two of the three teams ahead of them at 8-6 SU (Buffalo, Baltimore, Tennessee) entering Week 16 as touchdown or more underdogs, if everything holds to form, the Raiders will still have a chance.

It won't be easy though as the Eagles have already clinched a first round bye and are one win away from the #1 seed in the NFC.

Bookmaker.eu Odds: Philadelphia (-9); Total set at 47.5

Many of the concerns Eagles fans had about going back to QB Nick Foles last week after Carson Wentz was lost for the season were squashed – for one week at least – when Foles played wonderfully against the Giants. Foles threw for 237 yards and 4 TD's (no INT's) in that game as this Eagles offense remains dynamic and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. But it's been this Eagles defense that is starting to cause some concern as one good game by Foles doesn't mean he can continually put 30+ up on the board each week and the 64 points Philly's D has allowed the past two weeks is a little alarming.

The Eagles defense became so accustomed to playing with huge leads all year that they were able to be aggressive and take risks in those scenarios. When you are constantly up 14+ points there is no fear about a guy beating you because even if it does happen, your team still has the lead and you're confident the offense will go right back out their and pad that margin right back. But although Foles looked great a week ago, he's still not Wentz back there, and it's impossible for the Eagles D to play with that same type of reckless confidence not really knowing what to expect from Foles on a drive-by-drive basis.

As a team, Philly knows they've already clinched a top-two spot in the NFC too, so there is the possibility of a bit of a letdown here in regards to this big point spread. The Eagles just need a SU win by any margin to clinch the top seed and given what they've already dealt with regarding Wentz's health, the goal simply has to be “stay healthy, get the W, and move on to next week.” That's not exactly the best mindset for a team to have if you have a -9 ticket on them in your pocket, especially against a team that's playing for their lives.

Granted, Oakland may know their 2017 campaign is done by the time this game starts, but I really don't think that will be the case and they'll be ready and willing to try and pull off this upset. They've seen the Eagles defensive struggles of late, and while it has been a disappointing season all around for this Raiders team, offensively they've still got plenty of playmakers over there and should be able to find some success. Oakland is 2-0-2 ATS after their last four outright losses, and with no room left for error, QB Derek Carr and company will look to pull out all the stops in this one.

When you boil it all down, this point spread is just much to high to not take the points with an extremely desperate Raiders team trying to hold onto the little hope they've got for 2017. Philly has everything basically locked up and will probably end up winning this game SU, but it will be a late score that puts them ahead for good, as Oakland keeps this one well within this inflated number.

Odds per - Bookmaker.eu

Best Bet: Oakland +9

[StarDust Bum]

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

date w-l-t % units record

12/24/2017 12-11-1 52.17% -0.50
12/23/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
12/18/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
12/17/2017 12-9-2 57.14% +10.50
12/16/2017 NO PLAYS
12/14/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
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..........54 - 55........49.54%............-27.50

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

12/24/2017..................2 - 4.....................-12.00..........................5 - 5.................-2.50
12/23/2017..................1 - 1.....................-0.50............................1 - 1.................-0,50
12/18/2017..................1 - 0.....................+ 5.00..........................1 - 0.................+5.00
12/17/2017................4 - 3 - 1..................+8.50.........................5 - 4 - 1..............+3.00
12/16/2017................................N O P L A Y S................................................. ....
12/14/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50.............................0 - 1................-5.50
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..........................19 - 19..................-4.50......................... . 22 - 20...............+0.00

[StarDust Bum]

Merry Christmas to everyone; hope you have a great day!!!

Monday’s 6-pack
Top 6 picks in Week 16 in the Westgate Super Contest:
6) Cincinnati Bengals, +4.5 (558)- W
5) Tennessee Titans, +6.5 (559)- W
4) Dallas Cowboys, -4.5 (606)- L
3) New Orleans Saints, -5.5 (671)- W
2) Jacksonville Jaguars, -4.5 (694)- L
1) Los Angeles Rams, -6.5 (766)- L
Record of top 6 picks each week: 47-46–3

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

Rams 27, Titans 23— On opponents’ opening drives this season, Rams forced 8 turnovers on 15 drives, which is an amazing stat. Todd Gurley was a beast in this game; 118 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Rams clinch their first divisional title since 2003.

Tennessee lost its 3rd game in row, is in danger of missing the playoffs for 10th year in a row. Seven of Titans’ last nine games were decided by five or less points. If Tennessee loses next week, they could still make it playoffs if Bills/Chargers also lose.

Bengals 26, Lions 17— This loss KO’s Detroit from playoff contention and likely ends the tenure of Jim Caldwell as head coach. Matthew Stafford makes $27M a year; he is now 59-65 as an NFL starter, 0-3 in playoff games. Lions last won a playoff game in 1991.

Chargers 14, Jets 7— Chargers won five of their last six games; they play Oakland next week in what should be a weird game, given how popular the Raiders remain in the LA area. Bolts need a win and also Titans to lose and then either Buffalo or the Ravens to lose to make the playoffs. Under is 9-1 in Chargers’ last ten games.

Jets are 11-42 on 3rd down in last three games; they’re 2-8 in their last ten games. Not sure why Christian Hackenberg hasn’t played yet; its similar to the Davis Webb/Giants quandary.

Bears 20, Browns 3— Cleveland is 1-30 the last two years, 3-12 vs spread this year. Browns are -15 in turnovers their last six games. Does this mean Sam Darnold stays at USC? Sounds like he doesn’t want to live near Lake Erie.

Panthers 22, Buccaneers 19— Carolina hadn’t scored an offensive TD all day until they drove 59 yards for the game-winning score with 0:35 left— they’re in the playoffs now, but they can win the division if they win next week and the Saints lose at Tampa Bay. Carolina is +10 in turnovers in its last six games.

Bucs’ GM and coach were talking big on Hard Knocks this past summer; but now they’re 4-11 and you wonder if Jon Gruden wants to coach the Bucs again, will they hire him?

Saints 23, Falcons 13— New Orleans is in the playoffs after starting season 0-2; Atlanta can still make playoffs by beating Carolina next week- they won 34-31 in Seattle Nov 20, the game that gives them the tie-breaker over the Seahawks.

This was first time in five years these two divisional rivals split their season series; New Orleans has won seven home games in a row- if they win next week, they’ll get another home game in the first round of the playoffs.

Weird thing about handicapping football; 10 of last 13 Atlanta games stayed under the total. Last year, 12 of 16 Falcon games went over the total. Each season is a separate entity.

Redskins 27, Broncos 11— Denver has to make a move for a franchise QB this winter; they were 1-7 on road this year, 0-4 as road underdogs, with six road losses by 10+ points- they’re -16 in turnovers. Thats a nice way of saying they’re terrible.

Washington is 3-2 in its last five games, can finish .500 if they beat the Giants next week. Going to be lot of QB-related issues this winter; will Redskins keep Cousins? Will Giants get rid of Eli Manning? Who will the Giants hire to be coach and GM? Will Washington keep Jay Gruden?

Chiefs 29, Dolphins 13— Do yourself a favor and find the video of Andy Reid’s post-game press conference; he did it in full Santa Claus garb. It is tremendous.

Chiefs win the AFC West, are 32-15 the last three years- they’re in playoffs for 4th time in last five years, but they also have questions— will they trade Alex Smith to the Browns?

As for Miami, they paid Jay Cutler $10M to come in and go 6-9- they lost six of last eight games, went 2-6 on the road. Dolphins can ruin Buffalo’s season by beating the Bills next week.

Patriots 37, Bills 16— NFL should go to FOX TV’s Mike Pereira, ask him how much he wants to take over the league’s instant replay system and put him in charge of it- that would fix a lot of the indecisiveness that seems to plague the current system.

As for Bills’ coach Sean McDermott and other AFC East coaches, their job security is tied to how long Tom Brady decides to play, because as soon as #12 walks, the AFC East becomes a free-for-all. But if the Titans, Bills and Chargers all win next week, then Buffalo misses the playoffs in a tie-breaker with the Chargers, who beat them 54-24 when Nathan Peterman threw five INTs in a half in his first NFL start. Decisions like that are bad for a coach’s job security.

Home teams are 8-1-1 vs spread in AFC East divisional games this season.

49ers 44, Jaguars 33— This was the first game in NFL history with a final score of 44-33; there are media members who already want Jimmy Garoppolo fitted for his gold Hall of Fame jacket. Garoppolo is 6-0 as an NFL starter and the 49ers will be a trendy pick to make the playoffs next year, but at this point, they’re passing tired horses.

Jacksonville clinched the AFC South when the Titans lost; Andrew Catalon on FOX was killing Blake Bortles in the third quarter of this game. Guy QB’s a 10-5 team and is getting crushed on TV. Four of last five Jacksonville games went over the total.

Cardinals 23, Giants 0— Arizona got its first shutout in 25 years, night after the Vikings got their first shutout in 24 years. If I was a Giants fan, I’d want to at least see Davis Webb play, to see if he has any ability, or any potential to at least bring back draft picks in a trade. Quarterbacks are valuable, I’m told.

Cardinals head to Seattle next week with a chance to finish .500; they’re an older team with an older coach— will Arians be back? Will Carson Palmer be back?

Seahawks 21, Cowboys 12— Dallas outgained Seattle 283-136, and lost by nine points. Brutal day for the Cowboys, which didn’t score a TD, then watched kicker Bailey miss two easy FG’s to get margin within a TD in 4th quarter. Last nine times Dallas had the ball, they turned ball over three times, kicked four FG’s, missed two other FG’s. Touchdowns win games.

Seattle needs the Falcons to lose at home to Carolina next week, and then to beat Arizona to make the playoffs. Seahawks have gained a TOTAL of 285 yards the last two weeks- their OL is terrible, but Russell Wilson’s big heart is keeping them alive.

If the playoffs started Christmas morning (they don’t), they would look like this:
AFC: Patriots-Steelers-Jaguars-Chiefs. Wild Cards: Ravens/Titans
NFC: Eagles-Vikings-Saints-Rams. Wild Cards: Panthers/Falcons

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Week 16

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Christmas Night NFL Betting Preview and Odds: Raiders at Eagles
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Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles (-10, 46.5)

Eagles coach Doug Pederson essentially admitted that his brain had a mind of its own, so much so that he couldn't help but entertain various options with his team on the cusp of capturing the top seed in the NFC. Well, the club will have to earn it on Monday when it hosts the Raiders after the Vikings defeated the Packers on Sunday.

"I've begun thinking, but my focus is winning the game on Monday night, because that to me is the most important thing," Pederson said. Nick Foles stepped up in place of the injured Carson Wentz and threw for four touchdowns in Philadelphia's 34-29 win over the New York Giants, a total that is three fewer than when he tied an NFL record in Oakland on Nov. 3, 2013. The Raiders' slim postseason plans were dashed following back-to-back losses to Kansas City and Dallas, with the latter setback featuring an index card and a touchback as Derek Carr vied for the go-ahead score in the waning moments of the contest. "We're just going to play to win," coach Jack Del Rio said of his team's mindset. "We're going to do everything we can to get over this 'close but no cigar' finish we had."

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

POWER RANKINGS: Raiders (2) - Eagles (-3.5) + home field (-3) = Eagles -4.5.

LINE HISTORY: The Eagles opened as 9-point home favorites and that number has been bet up as high as -10 at some books. The total hit the betting board at 48.5 and money coming in on the under has driven that number down to 46.5.

WEATHER REPORT: 33 degrees and clear to partly cloudy during the game - winds at 14 to 15mph with 0% chance of precipitation

INJURY REPORT:

Raiders - WR Amari Coopers (Probable, Ankle), DL Denico Autry (Questionable, Hand), TE Jared Cook (Questionable, Wrist), C Rodney Hudson (Questionable, Ankle), LB Bruce Irvin (Questionable, Concussion), DB Keith McGill II (Questionable, Knee), Wr Cordarrelle Patterson (Questionable, Hip), DE Mario Edwards Jr. (Questionable, Ankle), DT Treyvon Hester (Questionable, Ankle), Wr Michael Crabtree (Questionable, Concussion), TE Clive Walford (I-R, Concussion), OT Donald Penn (I-R, Foot).

Eagles - CB Patrick Robinson (Probable, Concussion), DE Derek Barnett (Questionable, Groin), CB Jalen Mills (Questionable, Ankle), LB Mychal Kendricks (Questionable, Foot), G Stefen Wisniewski (Questionable, Ankle), CB Sidney Jones (Questionable, Achilles), S Chris Maragos (Questionable, Knee), QB Carson Wentz (I-R, Knee)

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (6-8 SU, 4-8-2 ATS, 5-9 O/U): Marshawn Lynch has scored five touchdowns in the past six games, but the rugged star will be tested by the league's top-ranked rush defense that is permitting just 71.5 yards per game. Carr tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Michael Crabtree versus the Cowboys, with the wideout reeling in seven receptions in back-to-back contests since serving a one-game suspension for his actions in the early going against Denver on Nov. 26. Amari Cooper was limited in Friday's practice with an ankle injury, leaving questions as to whether he'd take the field against the Eagles.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (12-2 SU, 10-4 ATS, 8-6 O/U): Alshon Jeffery has collected seven of his NFC second-best nine touchdown receptions in the past seven games while Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz has scored a touchdown in six straight home contests. Nelson Agholor has gotten his piece of the pie with three touchdowns in his last four games, with 22 receptions for 264 yards in his last three. Jay Ajayi continues to churn out big chunks of yardage since being acquired in an in-season trade with Miami, averaging a robust 6.4 per carry in six games with his new team.

TRENDS:

* Raiders are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.

* Eagles are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.

* Over is 5-1 in Raiders last 6 Monday games.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home chalk Eagles at a rate of 52 percent and the Over is getting 68 percent of the totals action.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PIT at HOU 04:30 PM
PIT -8.5
O 45.0

OAK at PHI 08:30 PM
PHI -10.0
U 46.0

[StarDust Bum]

Houston's Yates struggles again in 34-6 loss to Steelers
December 25, 2017

HOUSTON (AP) Houston's quarterback woes continued on Monday, and it led to yet another loss.

T.J. Yates had two turnovers in the first half and managed just 83 yards passing in a 34-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that extended the Texans' skid to five games.

The losing streak is Houston's longest since the team dropped the final 14 games of the 2013 season. The Texans have dropped eight of their last nine games and are 1-7 since losing star rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending knee injury.

''It's brutal,'' coach Bill O'Brien said of Houston's slide. ''It's been a tough year.''

Yates completed 7 of 16, had an interception and lost one of his three fumbles. His performance came after he threw for 128 yards with an interception in a 45-7 loss to Jacksonville last week in his first start since 2015.

''It's extremely frustrating ... the pass game was pretty terrible,'' Yates said. ''We've just got to figure it out. We've got one week left. Just got to go out there and try to find a way to get a win.''

Yates made his second straight start since Tom Savage sustained a concussion. Yates left the game briefly Monday to be evaluated for a concussion, and his replacement, Taylor Heinicke, sustained a concussion on his only full possession.

The Texans have had a revolving door at quarterback over the past few years, and when Heinicke entered the game he became the 11th player to appear at the position for the team since 2013. They'll likely have to sign yet another quarterback this week to backup Yates in the season finale at Indianapolis with Heinicke in the concussion protocol.

The Steelers hurried and harassed Yates all day, with Mike Hilton leading the way with three sacks and three quarterback hits, Cameron Heyward adding two and forcing a fumble. Hilton became the first cornerback with three sacks in a game since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

Despite Houston's struggles at quarterback, receiver DeAndre Hopkins has continued to excel. Hopkins, second in the NFL with 1,378 yards receiving, had 65 yards receiving and the team's only touchdown Monday.

His acrobatic 3-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter was one of the few highlights of Houston's tough day. Hopkins deflected the ball with his right hand, reeled it in with his left and got both feet down before falling out of bounds for his NFL-best and franchise-record 13th touchdown reception.

''It was incredible,'' O'Brien said. ''Great catch. He did an unbelievable job.''

Even cornerback Joe Haden, who was covering Hopkins on the play, lauded him for the catch.

''He was able to tap both feet in,'' Haden said. ''It was just an amazing catch.

Hopkins may have been the only one who wasn't impressed with the grab.

''I'm mad I didn't catch it the first time,'' he said. ''Like me, who I am, I was supposed to catch that one the first time with my right hand.''

The Texans also got a good game from backup running back Alfred Blue, who had 16 carries for 108 yards to give the team its first 100-yard rushing performance of the season.

The Texans trailed 10-0 when his 48-yard run on the first play of the second quarter got the Texans to the Pittsburgh 18-yard line. Houston got to the 1 on second down later in that drive, but couldn't do anything on the next two plays before Yates was intercepted in the end zone.

Pittsburgh added a touchdown on a 1-yard run by Roosevelt Nix on the ensuing possession. Heyward sacked Yates three plays later and caused a fumble recovered by Bud Dupree to give the Steelers the ball right back.

''We probably should have run it almost every down,'' O'Brien said. ''Probably should have, looking back on it. I don't know how many times we ran it, but probably should have done it a lot more than we did.''

*********************

Eagles clinch top seed, but Foles has tough time vs Raiders
December 26, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Nick Foles has three weeks to get in sync with his receivers.

Making his second start since MVP candidate Carson Wentz tore his left ACL, Foles had a tough time in Philadelphia's 19-10 victory over Oakland on Monday night. He was 19 of 38 for 163 yards with one touchdown and one interception, one week after he had four TD passes and no picks in a 34-29 win at the Giants.

The Eagles (13-2) clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed with the victory over the Raiders (6-9), so Foles and most of the starters may not play much or at all against Dallas in Week 17. Their next meaningful game is Jan. 13 or 14 in the playoffs.

Considering the offense's poor performance Christmas night, coach Doug Pederson might want to let them work on it against the Cowboys.

''It'll probably be Wednesday before I make a final decision on who plays,'' Pederson said. ''Right now with only two (quarterbacks), I would assume (Foles) has to play some.''

The wind played a factor in the passing game for both teams. Oakland's Derek Carr also struggled.

''It was gusty at times, made it a little more difficult,'' Pederson said.

After Ronald Darby intercepted Carr's pass with 54 seconds left, Foles came through. He completed four straight passes for 21 yards. Following an incomplete pass, Jake Elliott kicked a 48-yard field goal with 22 seconds left. Derek Barnett sealed it when he returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown after picking up a lateral on Oakland's final play from scrimmage.

''I didn't play good enough,'' Foles said. ''I have to play cleaner, (need) pinpoint accuracy and good decisions on third downs.''

Here's some things we learned from Philadelphia's win over Oakland:

BIG-PLAY D: The Eagles forced five turnovers in the second half, making one big play after another to bail out the offense. It was a dramatic turnaround for the defense, which struggled against Eli Manning and the Giants last week. They held the Raiders to 274 total yards, 63 coming on one play - Carr's TD pass to Amari Cooper.

''Last week, our offense was carrying us and we were playing like trash and this week our offense was making little mistakes and we had to come out there and make some plays,'' Darby said. ''That's what football is all about, a team effort.''

THIRD-DOWN WOES: The Eagles were 1 for 14 on third downs and somehow still won. They were 2 for 2 on fourth down, including a conversion on a TD drive in the first quarter.

''We just didn't get into a rhythm,'' tight end Zach Ertz said. ''Our defense bailed us out.''

MACK ATTACK: Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack didn't have any sacks for the first time in six weeks, but he caused Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson to commit two holding penalties and have a false start penalty.

''You can count on Khalil,'' Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. ''You put it down and he's going to play well. He's a fiery football player and his attitude and effort every day is unbelievable. He's very consistent that way.''

BEAST MODE: Marshawn Lynch had 95 yards rushing on a season-high 25 carries. He almost became the first running back to reach 100 yards against Philadelphia since October 2016. The Raiders finished with 134 yards on the ground against the NFL's top-ranked run defense.

INVISIBLE MEN: Philadelphia's Alshon Jeffery and Oakland's Michael Crabtree had no catches. Jeffery was targeted twice and Crabtree three times.

[StarDust Bum]

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

date w-l-t % units record

12/25/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
12/24/2017 12-11-1 52.17% -0.50
12/23/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -1.00
12/18/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
12/17/2017 12-9-2 57.14% +10.50
12/16/2017 NO PLAYS
12/14/2017 0-2-0 0.00% -11.00
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..........56 - 57........49.55%............-28.50

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

12/25/2017..................1 - 1.....................-0.50...........................1 - 1..................0.50
12/24/2017..................2 - 4.....................-12.00..........................5 - 5.................-2.50
12/23/2017..................1 - 1.....................-0.50............................1 - 1.................-0,50
12/18/2017..................1 - 0.....................+ 5.00..........................1 - 0.................+5.00
12/17/2017................4 - 3 - 1..................+8.50.........................5 - 4 - 1..............+3.00
12/16/2017................................N O P L A Y S................................................. ....
12/14/2017..................0 - 1.....................-5.50.............................0 - 1................-5.50
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..........................20 - 20..................-5.00......................... . 23 - 21...............-0.50