12-15-13

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Seahawks at Giants What bettors need to know

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants (+6.5, 41.5)

The Seattle Seahawks take a second stab at wrapping up the NFC West crown when they visit the New York Giants on Sunday. Seattle had a seven-game winning streak snapped by division rival San Francisco last weekend and can also move closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a win over the Giants. New York is a disappointing 5-8 and was eliminated from playoff contention when it was routed by San Diego last Sunday.

Giants defensive end Justin Tuck has seven sacks over the past three games and is insisting he and his teammates won’t be wallowing in despair with nothing to play for against the Seahawks. “The last thing you want to be is embarrassed,” Tuck said after Wednesday’s practice. “And this is a team that, if you’re not ready to play, they will embarrass you … and then laugh at you about it.” Seattle will be missing a couple key defensive pieces as linebacker K.J. Wright broke his right foot in the loss to the 49ers and cornerback Brandon Browner (groin) will sit out for the fourth consecutive game.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE: Seattle opened as a 7-point road fave and is now -6.5. The total opened 41.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-30s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow across the field at 14 mph.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (11-2): Seattle was hoping receiver Percy Harvin (hip) might play for the second time this season but it is looking unlikely. “He just hasn’t quite gotten over the hump,” coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday. “He has a lot of new movement in that hip that he hasn’t had before and he’s trying to become accustomed to that.” Quarterback Russell Wilson (23 touchdowns, seven interceptions) is excelling and standout running back Marshawn Lynch ranks fifth in the NFL with 1,042 yards. Star cornerback Richard Sherman (four interceptions) hasn’t picked off a pass since Oct. 28 against St. Louis.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (5-8): Quarterback Eli Manning (3,254 yards, 16 touchdowns) shares the NFL interception lead of 20 with rookie Geno Smith of the Jets and has gone eight consecutive games without reaching 300 yards. He’s also painfully aware that his struggles are a big part of the reason why New York will miss out on the postseason for the second straight campaign. “I thought we were prepared to have a big year and do some good things,” Manning said. “It was just tough. We had some opportunities to win some games that we didn’t – that were very close and definitely within reach in the fourth quarter and we didn’t take advantage of those opportunities.”

TRENDS:
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Seahawks are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games.
* Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. NFC.
* Over is 6-2 in Giants last eight home games.

EXTRA POINTS:
1. Seattle is tied for second with 28 takeaways, while New York has committed an NFL-high 34 turnovers.

2. Giants WR Victor Cruz had eight receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown when the teams met in 2011 – a game the Seahawks won 36-25.

3. The Seahawks rank first in total defense (287.1) and second in scoring defense (15.8).

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Patriots at Dolphins What bettors need to know

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (+1, 45.5)

The New England Patriots will begin life without Rob Gronkowski for the second time this season as they attempt to clinch their fifth consecutive AFC East title and 10th in 11 years on Sunday when they visit the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots have rallied in each of their last three contests to post a dramatic victory - including last week's stirring 27-26 triumph over Cleveland despite seeing their star tight end suffer a gruesome season-ending knee injury. New England also played the comeback card in the first meeting with Miami, overcoming a two-touchdown halftime deficit en route to a 27-17 victory on Oct. 27.

The lone hiccup in the Patriots' divisional dominance came in 2008, when the Dolphins seized the title. Fast forward to the present, Miami has won two in a row and four of six to keep pace with Baltimore (7-6) for the AFC's final postseason berth - although the Ravens won a head-to-head contest earlier in the season. The Dolphins eclipsed the 30-point plateau for the first time in last week's 34-28 victory over Pittsburgh.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: Miami opened +2.5 and is now +1. The total opened 45.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 25 percent chance of rain.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (10-3): Coach Bill Belichick was matter of fact when discussing the loss of Gronkowski, saying that "We've played a lot more of this season without him than with him." New England's offense sputtered a bit as it adjusted to his initial absence, which lasted the first six weeks of the campaign following offseason surgeries on his forearm and back. Tom Brady will likely need to continue to lean on wideout Julian Edelman (team-leading 76 receptions) as well as Shane Vereen and the running game to counteract the loss of his Pro Bowl tight end.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (7-6): Despite being sacked a league-high 47 times, Ryan Tannehill has steadily improved and matched a career best with three touchdown passes last week versus the Steelers. Versatile tight end Charles Clay reeled in two to extend his team lead to seven in that department and has seven catches in each of the last two contests. Clay, who had five receptions against New England in the first meeting, has 678 yards receiving for the second-best total by a Miami tight end since Randy McMichael (791, 2004).

TRENDS:
* Patriots are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.
* Dolphins are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Patriots last six vs. AFC East.

EXTRA POINTS:
1. Miami RB Lamar Miller cleared the league's concussion protocol and is line to play versus New England. Miller rolled up 89 yards on 18 carries in the teams' first meeting.

2. The Patriots have won seven straight against the Dolphins, but just seven of their last 13 meetings in South Beach under Belichick's watch.

3. Miami speedy WR Mike Wallace will likely be matched up with New England CB Aqib Talib, who is nursing a hip injury.

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Essential Betting Tidbits for Week 15 of NFL football

We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Sunday's NFL action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.

- Seattle's ballhawking defense will be licking its chops Sunday. The Seahawks are tied for second in the league with 28 takeaways, while their opponent - the New York Giants - lead the league with 34 turnovers.

- The Chicago Bears have troubles traveling to Cleveland. They've lost their last four visits at the Browns.

- In his last four games, Browns WR Josh Gordon has registered a mind-boggling 774 yards receiving.

- The Indianapolis Colts will look to keep the tradition of beating the Houston Texans at home. The Colts have are 11-0 all time against the Texans.

- Wade Phillips tipped Case Keenum to start versus Indy despite being pulled against the Jags. Keenum threw for a career-high 350 yards and three TDs versus the Colts in the previous meeting.

- The Jacksonville Jaguars have won three-straight games and have stopped turning the ball over. The Jags were minus-7 in the turnover department during their 0-8 start but are plus-five over the last five games.

- Courtesy of @ATSstats - When the Buffalo Bills played as a road fave in the month of December, they are 8-2 SU since 1996. Buffalo is -2.5 at Jacksonville Sunday.

- The Patriots have won seven straight against the Dolphins, but just seven of their last 13 meetings in South Beach under Belichick's watch.

- Dolphins RB Lamar Miller has struggled all season long, but had one of his best games in the first meeting with New England. jiller rushed for 89 yards on 18 carries in the 27-17 loss.

- Sunday's matchup between the Eagles and Vikings features two of the most talented backs in the NFL in Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy. Peterson (who is questionable) rushed for only 13 yards before exiting the game versus the Ravens last week, while McCoy rumbled in the snow for 217 in the 34-20 win over the Lions.

- Kirk Cousins will start at QB for the Redskins. The second-year pro is 12-of-25 for 107 yards and two picks in two appearances this season.

- Falcons QB Matt Ryan should look to TE Tony Gonzalez Sunday. Gonzalez had 13 catches for 123 yards and TD in last years meeting with the Redskins.

- The 49ers have cashed in for bettors while on the road this season. The Niners are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games (5-1 ATS on the road this season). San Fran is a 5-point road fave at Tampa Bay Sunday.

- Bucs linebacker Lavonte David is the only player in the league with at least 100 tackles, five interceptions and five sacks.

- The Oakland Raiders have the best rushing attack in the AFC with 134.4 yards per game.

- The Raiders host the Chiefs Sunday, where the Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings. Sunday's total is currently 41.5.

- Carolina's defense is tough. But at home is on another level. The Panthers have allowed just five touchdowns in six home games this season.

- Such stats do not bode well for the poor New York Jets and QB Geno Smith. Smith has thrown for a combined 230 yards and five interceptions in his last two road games.

- Since Oct 1., Packers RB Eddie Lacy ranks third in the NFL with 836 rushing yards.

- The Cowboys are 11-4 in the last 15 matchups with the Green Bay Packers and are 6.5-point faves at home Sunday.

- New Orleans averages just 18.8 points on the road compared to 32.9 at home. Saints are 6.5-point faves at St. Louis Sunday.

- The Rams offense has been feeble of late, scoring just 23 points during a two-game losing skid.

- The Arizona Cardinals are tied for the best ATS record in the NFL at 9-4. They are tied with fellow NFC West teams Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

- The Titans are looking to avoid their first five-game home losing streak since 1996, when the franchise was still based in Houston.

- Bengals QB Andy Dalton has a QB rating of just 67.8 in five games versus the Steelers.

- The Steelers are 3-1 ATS against AFC North teams this season. They are 1.5-point home dogs against Cincy Sunday night.

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Bio Sports Picks

NFL
3* Dolphins (pk)
3* Steelers +2
4* Ravens +6 (Monday)

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Today's NFL Picks

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST (12/12)

Game 305-306: Washington at Atlanta (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 125.047; Atlanta 126.751 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 58 Vegas Line: Atlanta by 7; 51 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+7); Over

Game 307-308: San Francisco at Tampa Bay (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 142.470; Tampa Bay 131.314 Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 11; 37 Vegas Line: San Francisco by 5; 41 Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-5); Under

Game 309-310: Arizona at Tennessee (4:25 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 132.556; Tennessee 132.635 Dunkel Line: Even; 46 Vegas Line: Arizona by 3; 41 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+3); Over

Game 311-312: New Orleans at St. Louis (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 134.416; St. Louis 140.301 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 6; 51 Vegas Line: New Orleans by 6; 47 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+6); Over

Game 313-314: Seattle at NY Giants (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 142.642; NY Giants 130.535 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 12; 36 Vegas Line: Seattle by 7; 41 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-7); Under

Game 315-316: Chicago at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 132.426; Cleveland 126.851 Dunkel Line: Chicago by 5 1/2; 49 Vegas Line: Cleveland by 1; 45 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+1); Over

Game 317-318: Houston at Indianapolis (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 121.312; Indianapolis 131.029 Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 9 1/2; 42 Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 5 1/2; 45 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-5 1/2); Under

Game 319-320: Buffalo at Jacksonville (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 123.571; Jacksonville 128.856 Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 5 1/2; 47 Vegas Line: Buffalo by 2; 43 Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+2); Over

Game 321-322: New England at Miami (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New England 139.322; Miami 134.553 Dunkel Line: New England by 5; 42 Vegas Line: New England by 2; 45 1/2 Dunkel Pick: New England (-2); Under

Game 323-324: Philadelphia at Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 138.210; Minnesota 127.647 Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 10 1/2; 46 Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 4 1/2; 51 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-4 1/2); Under

Game 325-326: NY Jets at Carolina (4:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 127.040; Carolina 134.622 Dunkel Line: Carolina by 7 1/2; 44 Vegas Line: Carolina by 11 1/2; 40 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+11 1/2); Over

Game 327-328: Kansas City at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 136.353; Oakland 124.880 Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 11 1/2; Vegas Line: Kansas City by 4; 41 Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-4);

Game 329-330: Green Bay at Dallas (4:25 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 125.583; Dallas 130.491 Dunkel Line: Dallas by 5; 54 Vegas Line: Dallas by 7; 49 Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (+7); Over

Game 331-332: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 138.329; Pittsburgh 134.436 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 4; 36 Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 2 1/2; 41 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-2 1/2); Under

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST (12/12)

Game 333-334: Baltimore at Detroit (8:40 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 134.418; Detroit 133.189 Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 53 Vegas Line: Detroit by 6; 48 Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+6); Over

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Prediction Machine
Indy -6 58.3
Cle -1 57.7
Phi -4.5 57.3

Oak o41 57.7

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Sixth Sense

Chargers +10
Texans +6
Vikings +4.5

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Pointspreadpros
Week 15 TOP Plays (12-7-1 last 8 weeks, 20-22-1 YTD)


CAROLINA -11
Baltimore +6

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NC Power Sweep Newsletter selections:


College
2* under Army/Navy


NFL
4* Kansas City by 13 over OAKLAND
3* CAROLINA by 17 over New York Jets
2* Arizona by 7 over TENNESSEE


Power Rating Play - INDIANAPOLIS over Houston
Angle Plays (all 3 angles) - San Francisco, ATLANTA, CAROLINA, INDIANAPOLIS


Totals:
3* over Washington/ATLANTA
3* under New York Jets/CAROLINA
3* over Arizona/TENNESSEE
2* under Seattle/ NY GIANTS
2* under Kansas City/OAKLAND


Note: CAPITAL letters indicate home team

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Alex Smart

San Fran-5
Houston/Indy over 45.5
Jacksonville+2
Kansas City-3.5
Arizona/Tennessee over 41.5
Cinci/Pittsburgh over 40.5

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Phil Steele Inside the Pressbox NFL Best Bets [Note: nowhere as good as CFB they are 4-5-1 YTD]

Arizona
New England
Eagles
Carolina
Kansas City

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Wunderdog Sports Free Pick

Game: Arizona at Tennessee (Sunday 12/15 4:25 PM Eastern)
Pick: Game Total OVER 41.5 (-110) at bookmaker

The Arizona Cardinals are a surprising 8-5, and although Carson Palmer takes some heat for a too many errant throws, he has added a bundle to the offense on this team. Last season, the Cardinals produced 20 points or more in a game just one time in their last 12 contests. This season they have done so 11 times through 13 games, including each of the last nine. Ryan Fitzpatrick has started the last five games for the Titans, and has produced 23 points or more in four of them, so I think the low total here is in considerable jeopardy. Both of these teams appear to be destined for 20 points or more, and Arizona is an amazing 66-29-1 in their last 86 after gaining over 350 yards in their previous game. The Titans are 7-0 to the OVER after allowing 350 or more in their previous game. Make the play on the OVER.

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Goodfella

3* Miami Dolphins

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Betting Line Moves

J'ville Over 43

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Jimmy Boyd:

5* Bills -1
4* Colts -5.5
3* Eagles -4.5
3* Panthers -11
3* Bengals -3
3* Lions -6

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2Halves2Win:

(GAME: 1*): Bills -3 (+100: Risking 1.00 units to win 1.00 units) - TBD (TBDu)
(GAME: 1*): Browns PK (+100: Risking 1.00 units to win 1.00 units) - TBD (TBDu)
(GAME: 2*): Bears-Browns o43 (-110: Risking 2.20 units to win 2.00 units) - TBD (TBDu)
(GAME: 1*): Dolphins PK (-110: Risking 1.10 units to win 1.00 units) - TBD (TBDu)

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Point Train's NFL Best Bet - Sunday, December 159-Unit-#323 Philadelphia (-5.5) over Minnesota– 12:00 PM CST

The Eagles are in must-win mode. They have a one game lead on the Cowboys in the NFC East with Dallas owning the tie-breaker (one game remaining with the Cowboys) so staying ahead of the Cowboys is at the utmost importance right now. Philly’s offense has caught fire over the 2ndhalf of the season in Chip Kelly’s scheme. The Eagles have won five straight games, averaging 31.6 PPG and +13.6 average margin of victory (4-1 ATS). This will be this speedy offenses first game in a dome this season and we’re excited to see what this offense can do on a fast turf. That’s a huge advantage for RB McCoy (NFL’s leading rusher) and speedsters DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper at WR. Expect a lot of fireworks from this offense on Sunday. Minnesota star RB Adrian Peterson will not be able to go in this game. Peterson was averaging 127 rush YPG over the last five (with four touchdowns) before injuring his foot against Baltimore last week. Backup RB Gerhart has looked good in relief duty for Peterson, but he is a major step down in overall talent and even he is nursing a hamstring injury (questionable for Sunday’s game). If neither can go, Matt Asiata will get the start. Asiata has just three rushing attempts in his two year career. That’s going to put a lot of extra pressure on QB Matt Cassel – who will start in place of Christian Ponder. Cassel has completed just 52% of his passes the last two weeks against Chicago and Baltimore – two defenses not known for their pass defense this year. More bad injury news for the Vikings: starting TE John Carlson and both starting CB’s are both questionable for Sunday. Philly’s high-octane offense has been on fire lately and it should see a ton of big plays against this already porous defense without two starting CB’s. Philadelphia is 5-1 SU & ATS in road games this year while the Vikes are 3-3 SU & ATS at home – so there’s no real homefield advantage here for Minnesota. Take Philly on the road minus the points.

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Maximum Football -
Sunday 15* NFL Over/Under Game of the Year - Dec. 1515* #309/310 'OVER 41.5' Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans 4:25 PM CT

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BEST Football - Sunday, Dec.1510* Philadelphia -5 over Minnesota

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Nelly's Football - Sunday NFL - Dec. 151* #308 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6 over San Francisco 49ers 12:00 PM CT1* #310 Tennessee Titans +3 over Arizona Cardinals 3:25 PM CT1* #312 St. Louis Rams +6.5/+7 over New Orleans Saints 3:25 PM CT(+7 is available at some outlets, you may consider waiting for the line to potentially rise to +7 if it is not currently available to you as we'll likelybe in the action minority on this game).