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Thread: Sunday 12-10-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

  1. #41
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    Colts vs. Bills Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats01:00 PM
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    After a disastrous NFL debut, Nathan Peterman may get another chance to make a first impression at quarterback as the Buffalo Bills host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Peterman threw five interceptions in the first half of his first start with the Bills three weeks ago in a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and will get the call again if Tyrod Taylor is unable to play after sustaining a knee injury last week.

    Taylor has practiced in a limited fashion, leaving his availability in question and possibly putting Peterman back under center for the Bills, who have lost four of their last five and are near the brink of elimination in the playoff picture. The Colts have lost three straight and are 1-5 on the road. Jacoby Brissett has kept Indianapolis competitive for much of the season, but without much success to show for it as the Colts' defense has been the main culprit, ranking last in the NFL while surrendering 27.5 points a game. Brissett has thrown seven touchdown passes over the past four games, but was stymied by Jacksonville's solid defense last week by throwing for just 174 yards with two interceptions in a 30-10 loss.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: NL. O/U: NL.

    ABOUT THE COLTS (3-9): Brissett has been a warrior all season long in place of the injured Andrew Luck. He has been sacked a league-high 51 times and was sidelined by a concussion a couple weeks ago, but did not miss any game time. Indianapolis has lost six of its last seven games, but it did run the ball well against Jacksonville last week, gaining 141 yards on 26 carries, and may take to the ground against Buffalo, which allowed 191 yards rushing to the Patriots last week. Indianapolis also fared a bit better than usual against the Jaguars' ground attack by limiting Leonard Fournette and company to 96 yards on 27 carries.

    ABOUT THE BILLS (6-6): Injuries continue to mount as wide receiver Jordan Matthews was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury this week and tight end Charles Clay is questionable once again, also with a nagging knee injury. Receiver Kelvin Benjamin returned to practice, giving Peterman (19-for-39 passing, 195 yards, 1 touchdown, 5 interceptions) another possible reliable target. Still, expect LeSean McCoy to receive the bulk of the touches as the veteran back is ninth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage, rushing for 851 yards and adding 48 receptions for another 304 yards on the season.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. The Colts have won seven of the last nine in the series, but the Bills won the last meeting 27-14 in 2015.

    2. Colts WR T.Y. Hilton had three catches for 51 yards last week and has scored in just three games this season.

    3. Buffalo rookie WR Zay Jones continues to see a lot of passes come his way but with little success -- he has 25 receptions on 68 targets.

    PREDICTION: Colts 24, Bills 21

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    Cowboys vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    A December meeting between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys had the potential to be a key NFC East meeting when the schedule was released, but things didn't quite work out that way. The last-place Giants will be operating under an interim coach and will have Eli Manning back under center when they host the Cowboys on Sunday.

    Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will serve as the interim head coach for New York the rest of the way after the team fired head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on Monday. "I feel for Coach McAdoo -- he's been a great coach for me, a great friend," Manning told reporters. "We had a great relationship; I hope we continue to have one. I was able to have a good talk with him Sunday before the game and then got to see him Monday before he left as well. So, I have great respect for Coach McAdoo and I don't think this is his fault, but obviously, just where the team is, the Giants had to make a decision, and that's what happens when you're 2-10." The Cowboys aren't where they thought they would be, either, and they sit two games out of a wild-card spot in the NFC with four games left. "The biggest thing we tried to preach to our guys is just to prepare for the opportunity that we have on Sunday," Dallas coach Jason Garrett told reporters. "It's the same thing we're preaching right now to our team, to get ready for this opportunity that we have. Each day's worth of preparation is critical to allow us to play our best."

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cowboys -3.5. O/U: 41.5

    ABOUT THE COWBOYS (6-6): Dallas' offense isn't the same with running back Ezekiel Elliott suspended, but they did manage to snap a three-game losing streak -- during which it averaged 7.3 points -- with a 38-14 thrashing of the Washington Redskins last week. Alfred Morris ran for 127 yards and a score in that win, but quarterback Dak Prescott was limited to 102 yards passing and suffered a bruised hand. "We think he's going to be functional," Garrett told reporters of Prescott, who has been practicing all week. "The biggest thing is gripping the ball and being able to throw it the way you want to throw it naturally, but he's a tough guy, he's a physically tough guy, he's a mentally tough guy."

    ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-10): The final straw for McAdoo and Reese was likely the botched handling of Manning, who had his streak of starts end at 210 when McAdoo decided to give backup Geno Smith a start last week. Spagnuolo quickly took the drama out of the quarterback situation by reinstalling Manning as the starter. "I'm excited," Manning told reporters. "I'm excited about the opportunity to play this week, to get back on the field with teammates and go get to play the Dallas Cowboys. Played these guys a bunch. Look forward to going out there in our home stadium and getting a win."

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Giants WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable while G Justin Pugh (back) is doubtful.

    2. Cowboys LB Sean Lee (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday.

    3. Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak in the series with a 19-3 home win on Sep. 10.

    PREDICTION: Cowboys 28, Giants 14

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    Packers vs. Browns Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Green Bay Packers are one week away from the potential return of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and are trying to ensure he has a playoff race to rejoin. The Packers will try to keep their dwindling postseason hopes alive when they visit the winless Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

    Rodgers (broken collarbone) returned to practice last weekend and is eligible to come off injured reserve at Carolina on Dec. 17. "I think we know when (Rodgers) comes back we know what he brings to the table," Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews told reporters. "In the meantime, there's no point in getting too excited over his hopeful return, because (backup Brett Hundley is) our guy. We've got these four more games, and I assume one more game with Brett at the helm. We've got to get this win first, but hopefully that's the plan moving forward." The Packers enter the weekend ninth in the NFC with four games left while the Browns are just trying to avoid becoming the second NFL team to go winless in a 16-game season. Cleveland is dealing with its own issues at quarterback as rookie DeShone Kizer goes through some growing pains and ranks last in the NFL in scoring at an average of 14.7 points.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -3. O/U: 40.5

    ABOUT THE PACKERS (6-6): While Rodgers is guiding the scout team at practice, Hundley remains the team's starter for now, and he is trying to remain with that mindset. "I've got to approach it like I'm the starter each and every week," Hundley told reporters. "Even when I was the backup, every week, I try to approach it like I'm the starter because as we saw (when Rodgers got hurt against the) Vikings, you never know what's going to happen. Whatever happens, happens. I just have to approach it and be ready for if my number's called upon." Hundley played his best game (245 yards and three TDs) in a loss at Pittsburgh on Nov. 26 but struggled against Tampa Bay last week, managing 84 yards passing.

    ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-12): The most exciting thing to happen for Cleveland this season and potentially the best thing for Kizer was the return last week of wide receiver Josh Gordon, who had been out since 2014 while dealing with substance abuse issues. Gordon hauled in four catches for 85 yards in his season debut, and the potential for more was there as he had little trouble getting open. "We got a lot more work to do," Gordon told reporters. "I'm just trying to go out there and make sure I do my job to the best of my ability, try to execute and make sure we have a lot of fun doing it."

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Packers CB Kevin King (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery.

    2. Cleveland fired general manager Sashi Brown (1-27 in two seasons) on Thursday.

    3. Green Bay CBs Demetri Goodson (hamstring) and Davon House (shoulder) both sat out practice on Thursday and are questionable.

    PREDICTION: Packers 24, Browns 17

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    Bears vs. Bengals Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes took a major hit last week when they blew a 17-point lead in a loss to division rival Pittsburgh on Monday night. With no room left for error, Cincinnati hosts the Chicago Bears in a must-win on Sunday and may have to do it without several of their top players who were injured in the violent contest against the Steelers.

    Cincinnati not only dropped a brutal 23-20 decision to the Steelers, but may have also lost running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Vontaze Burfict to concussions in the hard-hitting affair. Both players missed practice during the week while in concussion protocol and Burfict, who was blasted by Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster late in Monday night's game, is unlikely to play. The Bears have been reduced to the role of spoiler for some time and lost to San Francisco 15-14 last week despite not giving up a touchdown. Chicago is just 1-4 on the road this season and ranks last in the NFL in passing as rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and company have thrown for just over 160 yards a game.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bengals -6.5. O/U: 38.5.

    ABOUT THE BENGALS (5-7): The Bengals may also be without defensive back Adam Jones (groin) and they put wide receiver John Ross on season-ending injured reserve on Wednesday. George Iloka, another defensive back, was originally suspended for one game after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown on a the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter but had his suspension reduced to just a fine. Wide receiver A.J. Green hauled in a pair of touchdown passes from Andy Dalton in the contest but was crushed by the setback. "It's very disappointing," he said. "We had it."

    ABOUT THE BEARS (3-9): Chicago kept Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers out of the end zone the entire way last week, but former Bear Robbie Gould booted five field goals in his return to the Windy City, including a game-winner with just four seconds to play. Chicago is in a free-fall, having lost five straight games, but running back Jordan Howard has been a bright spot with 885 yards on 212 carries and five touchdowns. Kendall Wright leads a dismal group of receivers with just 370 yards but Dontrelle Inman snagged his first touchdown reception of the season last week and appears to have assumed the No. 1 receiver role.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. This is the third straight home game for Cincinnati, which is 3-2 at Paul Brown Stadium this season.

    2. Cincinnati trails the final wild-card playoff position, currently held by Baltimore, by a full two games and has already lost to the Ravens this season.

    3. The Bears signed K Mike Nugent and placed Cairo Santos on injured reserve.

    PREDICTION: Bears 20, Bengals 17

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    Raiders vs. Chiefs Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    Two of the three teams deadlocked atop the AFC West go head-to-head on Sunday, when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs have lost four games in a row and six of seven, while the Raiders have won two straight.


    The Raiders, once three games behind the Chiefs, turned around their season with a wild 31-30 win over Kansas City in Week 7, scoring the winning touchdown on an untimed down on the last play. "These are hard-fought games," Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith told reporters. "They are close and they come down to the smallest of things. You scratch and you fight for all those little things. You anticipate it probably being a similar situation, coming down to the end of the game and who can make the play." The Chiefs will be without top cornerback Marcus Peters, who was suspended by the team following an outburst in the final minutes of last week's 38-31 road loss to the New York Jets. Kansas City's depleted secondary could catch a break, though, as Oakland receiver Amari Cooper, who torched the Chiefs for 210 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches in the first meeting, is doubtful with an ankle injury.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chiefs -4. O/U: 48.5


    ABOUT THE RAIDERS (6-6): Oakland's offense disappeared during a four-game losing streak early in the season but came roaring back with a season-high 505 total yards in the first meeting with Kansas City. Derek Carr threw for 417 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in that meeting and has passed for 670 yards with five TDs and no picks in his last two games against division rivals. The defense has been burned by strong passing attacks but has shut down the run, allowing more than 100 yards on the ground only once in the last seven games.

    ABOUT THE CHIEFS (6-6): Kansas City snapped out of its offensive funk last week, but its defensive woes continued. Smith passed for 366 yards and four touchdowns while recording a career-best 70-yard run against the Jets, but rookie running back Kareem Hunt continued his dropoff with just 40 rushing yards and three receptions for 23 yards. The Chiefs' biggest concerns are on defense, however, as they've allowed over 100 rushing yards in 11 of their 12 games and were torched for 331 passing yards last week.


    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Kansas City's Travis Kelce leads NFL tight ends in receptions (66) and receiving yards (871).

    2. Oakland RB Marshawn Lynch rushed for 101 yards in last week's 24-17 win over the New York Giants, his first 100-yard performance since Week 7 of the 2015 season while with Seattle.

    3. Smith has thrown 17 touchdown passes and three interceptions in his last eight games against the Raiders.


    PREDICTION: Chiefs 27, Raiders 24

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    Lions vs. Buccaneers Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats01:00 PM
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    Matthew Stafford is no stranger to playing through injuries, and with the Detroit Lions scraping to stay in the NFC playoff race, he is making every effort to be on the field Sunday against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions have lost two straight to fall two games off the pace for the second wild card.


    Stafford, who had his throwing hand stepped on by Terrell Suggs during a 44-20 loss at Baltimore last week, resumed throwing in practice Thursday with his right pinky and ring fingers taped. He was limited, however, and the possibility remains that Jake Rudock could be called upon if Stafford is unable to make his 109th consecutive start or is ineffective due to the injury. "I think anytime in this league when the starting quarterback is not playing, offenses change," Detroit offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told reporters. "So we would adjust to play to Rudock's strengths, and obviously, he hasn't had a ton of experience, he's a younger player. We would adjust as needed, but we'll evaluate that as needed." The Buccaneers have lost two straight contests and seven of their last nine, including a setback against another backup quarterback last week - a 26-20 overtime defeat at Green Bay.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: N/A. O/U: N/A


    ABOUT THE LIONS (6-6): Stafford is the NFL's second-leading passer and has averaged 312.3 yards over his last six games, so his absence would be a huge loss for the offense. The Lions rank 31st in rushing, but they do expect to get Ameer Abdullah back from a neck injury that kept him out last week. The defense that forced 11 turnovers during a 3-1 start has failed to record a takeaway in the last two weeks.

    ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (4-8): Jameis Winston returned from a three-game absence to pass for 270 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions last week, but the Buccaneers haven't won with him under center since Week 3. Peyton Barber sparked a punchless ground game last week with 102 rushing yards, but the league's 31st-ranked defense continued to struggle. Tampa Bay gave up only 77 passing yards - by far a season low - but was gashed for a season-high 199 on the ground.


    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Stafford has passed for 952 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in his last three road games.

    2. Tampa Bay TE Cameron Brate has 14 touchdown receptions since the start of last season, second-most among NFL tight ends behind Jimmy Graham (15).

    3. The Lions have committed 12 turnovers in their six losses and five in their six wins.


    PREDICTION: Lions 23, Buccaneers 20

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    49ers vs. Texans Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Jimmy Garoppolo era apparently has begun for the San Francisco 49ers, who seek their third win in four games when they visit the injury-plagued Houston Texans on Sunday. Acquired from New England at the end of October, Garoppolo made his first start for the 49ers last week and guided them to a 15-14 triumph in Chicago.

    The 26-year-old Garoppolo, who was a second-round pick in the 2014 draft, completed 26-of-37 passes for 293 yards with an interception but helped guide San Francisco to the game-winning field goal, earning himself a second consecutive start. Already without numerous key players due to injuries, Houston lost three players to concussions in last week's 24-13 setback at Tennessee. Running back Alfred Blue, wide receiver Braxton Miller and tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz all wend down with head injuries in the loss, which was the second straight and fourth in five games for the Texans. Miller wasn't the only receiver Houston lost in the defeat, as Bruce Ellington exited the contest early with a season-ending hamstring injury, leaving quarterback Tom Savage without many targets other than DeAndre Hopkins, who is tied for the league lead with nine touchdown catches.

    TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Texans -2.5. O/U: 44.5

    ABOUT THE 49ERS (2-10): Garoppolo set the franchise record - and a career high - for most passing yards in his first start and looks to become the third quarterback in team history (Jim Plunkett, Elvis Grbac) to win his first two road starts. Robbie Gould - the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week - kicked five field goals against the Bears, matching the career high he set at Arizona in October and becoming the first kicker in club history to convert five attempts in a game twice in one season. Carlos Hyde has registered 1,000 scrimmage yards for the second straight campaign and is tied for fourth among all NFL running backs with 52 receptions.

    ABOUT THE TEXANS (4-8): Miller made four catches for a career-high 71 yards before getting injured during a punt return and remains on the league's concussion protocol but could be back to face San Francisco. "I think that's trending in a better direction," coach Bill O'Brien told the team's website on Thursday. "He's gotten better and better as a receiver. ... He was inactive for a few games this year and he really kind of took it to heart and really worked hard to get better on the practice field, so hopefully he's not out for too long." Will Fuller V, who has seven touchdown receptions in six games this season, also may be on the field Sunday after missing three games with injured ribs.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. The Texans helped fill the injury void on offense by signing WR DeAndrew White and TE MyCole Pruitt from the practice squad.

    2. San Francisco WR Marquise Goodwin leads the league with an average of 19.3 yards per reception.

    3. Houston DE J.J. Watt and San Francisco P Bradley Pinion were named as their respective teams' nominees for the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

    PREDICTION: 49ers 24, Texans 20

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    Jets vs. Broncos Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    Josh McCown enjoyed his best performance of the season last week during what has become a career year for the journeyman quarterback. Fresh off accounting for three touchdowns to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, McCown looks to lift the New York Jets to their second straight win on Sunday when they visit the reeling Denver Broncos.

    McCown passed for one touchdown and rushed for two others in the Jets' 38-31 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, a performance that perhaps aided in the decision of coach Todd Bowles naming the 38-year-old as the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season. "When he's on the field, he's very effective," Bowles said of McCown, who looks to exploit a slumping Broncos defense that has yielded multiple touchdown passes in five straight games. That statistic among many others is why Denver has answered a promising 3-1 start with losses in eight straight, with seven of the setbacks by double digits - including four by 20 or more points. "Losing obviously is one thing, but I think the way that we've lost has been the most frustrating thing," general manager John Elway said on Denver radio station KDSP-AM 760.

    TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jets -1. O/U: 41.5

    ABOUT THE JETS (5-7): McCown's cause has been aided greatly by undrafted free-agent wide receivers Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse, who have recorded at least 100 receiving yards in back-to-back games. Anderson, who has six touchdowns in his last six games, reeled in eight receptions for 107 yards versus the Chiefs but could be slowed after sustaining a hamstring injury in Thursday's practice. "I told him, 'Don't forget, 32 teams passed on you,'" Kearse said of how he lights a fire under Anderson. "That's just to remind ourselves that you work hard to get where you're at, but you never forget where you came from."

    ABOUT THE BRONCOS (3-9): Trevor Siemian tossed three interceptions for the second time in as many starts in a 35-9 setback to Miami last week. "You look around the league, you see quarterbacks take their licks and I feel I've taken my fair share, no doubt, but it's all on me," the 25-year-old Siemian said of his struggles. "I've been reckless with the ball at times, made some bad throws, I can own up to that. I've got to improve, no doubt, and hopefully I do." Denver's quarterbacks - all three of them - have been sacked a total of 39 times this season, tied for the third most in the league.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas has totaled just 45 yards receiving in the past two games after finding the end zone in each of his previous three.

    2. Kearse has a career-high 51 catches while his 677 yards are eight shy of a personal best.

    3. The Broncos' offense hasn't scored more than 19 points in nine of the past 10 games.

    PREDICTION: Jets 20, Broncos 16
    National Football League , footballJets vs. Broncos Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    Josh McCown enjoyed his best performance of the season last week during what has become a career year for the journeyman quarterback. Fresh off accounting for three touchdowns to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, McCown looks to lift the New York Jets to their second straight win on Sunday when they visit the reeling Denver Broncos.

    McCown passed for one touchdown and rushed for two others in the Jets' 38-31 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, a performance that perhaps aided in the decision of coach Todd Bowles naming the 38-year-old as the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season. "When he's on the field, he's very effective," Bowles said of McCown, who looks to exploit a slumping Broncos defense that has yielded multiple touchdown passes in five straight games. That statistic among many others is why Denver has answered a promising 3-1 start with losses in eight straight, with seven of the setbacks by double digits - including four by 20 or more points. "Losing obviously is one thing, but I think the way that we've lost has been the most frustrating thing," general manager John Elway said on Denver radio station KDSP-AM 760.

    TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jets -1. O/U: 41.5

    ABOUT THE JETS (5-7): McCown's cause has been aided greatly by undrafted free-agent wide receivers Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse, who have recorded at least 100 receiving yards in back-to-back games. Anderson, who has six touchdowns in his last six games, reeled in eight receptions for 107 yards versus the Chiefs but could be slowed after sustaining a hamstring injury in Thursday's practice. "I told him, 'Don't forget, 32 teams passed on you,'" Kearse said of how he lights a fire under Anderson. "That's just to remind ourselves that you work hard to get where you're at, but you never forget where you came from."

    ABOUT THE BRONCOS (3-9): Trevor Siemian tossed three interceptions for the second time in as many starts in a 35-9 setback to Miami last week. "You look around the league, you see quarterbacks take their licks and I feel I've taken my fair share, no doubt, but it's all on me," the 25-year-old Siemian said of his struggles. "I've been reckless with the ball at times, made some bad throws, I can own up to that. I've got to improve, no doubt, and hopefully I do." Denver's quarterbacks - all three of them - have been sacked a total of 39 times this season, tied for the third most in the league.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas has totaled just 45 yards receiving in the past two games after finding the end zone in each of his previous three.

    2. Kearse has a career-high 51 catches while his 677 yards are eight shy of a personal best.

    3. The Broncos' offense hasn't scored more than 19 points in nine of the past 10 games.

    PREDICTION: Jets 20, Broncos 16

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    Redskins vs. Chargers Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Los Angeles Chargers surprisingly are in a battle for first place in the AFC West as they prepare to host the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Chargers got off to a woeful 0-4 start but have won six of their last eight games and now own the same record as division-leading Kansas City and Oakland.

    Los Angeles' turnaround has revolved around stellar play from Philip Rivers and receiver Keenan Allen, as well as an opportunistic defense that has forced a league-best 19 turnovers during the eight-game stretch. "If your turnover margin is where we are, you should win six of eight," Rivers told reporters of the team's plus-14 ratio during the span. "That is a direct correlation to winning. Not turning the football over and getting turnovers, that is as direct as you are going to get." The Redskins are close to being eliminated from the NFC playoff picture, but quarterback Kirk Cousins (3,289 yards, 21 touchdowns, eight interceptions) is having just as good a season as Rivers (3,292, 21, seven). "I respect, first of all, his longevity," Cousins said of Rivers during a conference call. "He's like the Terminator; he just says, 'I'll be back,' no matter what happens. Injuries. Adversity around him. Coaching changes. Roster changes. He just keeps coming back, and his production has never really wavered."

    TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chargers -6. O/U: 45.5

    ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-7): Inside linebacker Zach Brown leads the NFL with 117 tackles as he battles Achilles and hamstring injuries and is hoping he can make it through the season without rupturing the Achilles. "It's always a concern, but if it's going to happen, it's going to happen, there's nothing really you can do about it," Brown told reporters. "You can be walking up the stairs and it can happen." Washington is taking a long look at rookie running back Samaje Perine (team-best 465 yards), who gained just 38 yards in last Sunday's 38-10 loss to Dallas after registering back-to-back 100-yard performances.

    ABOUT THE CHARGERS (6-6): Allen is the first player in NFL history to record 10-plus receptions, 100-plus yards and a touchdown catch in three consecutive games. He has 33 receptions for 436 yards and four scores during that stretch, and his 77 catches is tied for fourth in the league while his 1,032 receiving yards rank fifth. Defensive end Joey Bosa is fifth in the NFL with 11.5 sacks while cornerback Casey Hayward and free safety Tre Boston have recorded four interceptions apiece for a unit that is fourth in scoring defense (17.7 points).

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. The Redskins hold a 7-3 lead in the all-time series and prevailed in the most recent meeting, 30-24 in overtime on Nov. 3, 2013.

    2. Chargers RB Melvin Gordon (775 rushing yards) hasn't fumbled in 249 touches this season after having a total of eight (losing six) over his first two NFL campaigns.

    3. Washington OLB Ryan Kerrigan is one sack away from reaching double digits for the third time in four seasons.

    PREDICTION: Chargers 30, Redskins 19

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    Titans vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Tennessee Titans hope to maintain their hold on first place in the AFC South when they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Tennessee shares the same record as Jacksonville but sits atop the division by virtue of its 37-16 road victory over the Jaguars in Week 2.

    The Titans have grabbed the top spot by winning six of their last seven contests, including last week's 24-13 triumph over Houston. Arizona is coming off its third defeat in four games, a 32-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but is looking to avoid a second consecutive non-winning season under coach Bruce Arians. With Adrian Peterson unlikely to face Tennessee due to a neck injury, the Cardinals again may have to put their running game in the hands of Kerwynn Williams, who gained 97 yards on 16 carries against the Rams despite playing with two cracked ribs. Arizona has won two of its last three meetings with the Titans, including a 20-10 triumph on Oct. 23, 2005 in the last matchup in the desert.

    TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Titans -3. O/U: 44

    ABOUT THE TITANS (8-4): Quarterback Marcus Mariota likely is licking his lips at the chance to face another NFC team, as he has thrown 20 touchdown passes and only three interceptions in eight such career contests. Tennessee's rushing attack has been tremendous this season as DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry have combined for 1,147 yards and nine TDs. Cornerback Logan Ryan remains in the concussion protocol but participated in practice on Thursday and hopes to play against the Cardinals.

    ABOUT THE CARDINALS (5-7): Larry Fitzgerald made 10 catches for 98 yards and a touchdown last week, giving him 1,207 receptions and 15,267 yards in his career. The 34-year-old joined Jerry Rice (1,549) and Tony Gonzalez (1,325) as the only players in history with 1,200 catches and moved past Isaac Bruce (15,208) for fourth place - and 26 away from overtaking Randy Moss (15,292) for third - on the all-time list in receiving yards. Long snapper Aaron Brewer has been on injured reserve with a broken arm but has practiced this week and could be activated for Sunday's game.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Arizona placed Rudy Ford (knee) on injured reserve and signed fellow S Harlan Miller from the practice squad.

    2. Tennessee placed DE DaQuan Jones (biceps) on injured reserve and signed TE Luke Stocker.

    3. Arizona CB Patrick Peterson and Tennessee LB Wesley Woodyard were named their respective teams' nominee for the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

    PREDICTION: Titans 34, Cardinals 23

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    Eagles vs. Rams Preview and Predictions

    By Gracenote for Scores and Stats
    by Gracenote on 12/08/2017

    The Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles feature high-octane offenses that are fueled by the top two quarterbacks selected in the 2016 NFL draft. Top overall pick Jared Goff will look to lead the Rams to a victory at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday over the Eagles and Wentz, who was tabbed with the second overall selection of that draft.

    "Obviously it'll be fun to play against him, but I'm more excited to play their team," Goff (3,184 yards, 20 TDs, eight INTs) said of Wentz (3,009 yards, 29 TDs, six INTs) and the Eagles. "... They're a great team and obviously one of the best in the league for a reason." The Rams have their reasons, too, with Goff at the top of the list as the 23-year-old threw for two touchdowns for the second straight week and guided his team to its sixth win in seven outings with a 32-16 triumph at Arizona. Philadelphia was unable to clinch the NFC East title after seeing its nine-game winning streak snapped with a 24-10 loss to Seattle, but the Eagles can wrap up the division with either a win or tie or a Dallas loss or tie this week. Wentz, 24, threw for a season-high 348 passing yards against the Seahawks, but failed to throw for multiple touchdowns for the first time since Week 4.

    TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Rams -2.5. O/U: 48

    ABOUT THE EAGLES (10-2): Nelson Agholor reeled in a touchdown pass for the second straight game to go along with seven receptions for 141 yards against the Seahawks. The 24-year-old has scored seven times to tie fellow wideout Alshon Jeffery and tight end Zach Ertz for the team lead. Ertz, who ranks fourth among NFL tight ends with 57 receptions and 663 receiving yards, exited concussion protocol on Thursday and is in line to play versus Los Angeles. The running-back-by-committee approach of LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi and rookie Corey Clement failed to get untracked versus Seattle, but could get going against Los Angeles' 27th-ranked rush defense (122.8 yards per game).

    ABOUT THE RAMS (9-3): Todd Gurley leads the NFC with 1,502 scrimmage yards and is tied for first with 11 total touchdowns headed into a tilt versus a stingy Philadelphia rush defense that surrendered an NFL-best 68.1 yards per game. Sammy Watkins continues to make the most of limited receptions, finding the end zone in four of his last five games despite reeling in just 13 catches. Inside linebacker Alec Ogletree also scored a touchdown on a 41-yard interception return last week versus the Cardinals, but injured his left elbow while making a tackle to put his availability in question against Philadelphia.

    EXTRA POINTS

    1. Goff has thrown for 709 yards with five TDs and one interception in his past two home games.

    2. The Eagles rank first in the NFL in point margin (plus-146) and third in offensive yards per game (385.1), while the Rams rank second (plus-139) and fourth (372.7), respectively.

    3. Sunday's contest will mark only the eighth time in the common draft era that two quarterbacks who went first and second overall will square off against the other.

    PREDICTION: Rams 27, Eagles 21

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    Best Bets - Week 14 Totals


    NFL Week 14 Best Bets – Totals


    We've reached the final month of the NFL regular season and it should be an exciting stretch drive. Chances are we see quite a few meaningful games throughout the league in Week 17, but for now it's about starting off on the right note in December.


    This is the time of year when we get plenty of division rematches each week and those “must win” scenarios as well.


    This week's totals Best Bets touch on a little bit of both so let's get right to the plays.

    Best Bet #1: Oakland/Kansas City Under 48.5


    This is one of four division rematch games in Week 14 as the first meeting between Oakland and Kansas City was a TNF thriller. Oakland ended up winning that game 31-30 thanks to four untimed downs at the end of the game due to penalties. It was a wild loss for the Chiefs to experience and not much has gone right for KC since then.


    The Chiefs are 1-4 SU and ATS since that loss, and now find themselves tied with Oakland and L.A for tops in the AFC West. It's been quite a crash, but if there ever is a way to get back on track, a home win against a division rival is usually a good place to start.


    For Kansas City to win this game, they'll need to rely on a defense that has been much better at home than on the road this year. Last week in New York this Chiefs unit gave up 38 points to the Jets, but in five home games this season they've yet to allow more then 20 points against. That 18.8 allowed per home game average matches up quite well with an Oakland attack that scores 17.4 per road game this year. Add in the fact that this game is basically for 1st place in the division, eight of the last nine meetings in KC have stayed under, and Oakland on a 1-6 O/U run in division games, this might be a race to 20.


    Finally we can't forget about the division rematch flip flop angle in play here after the first meeting finished with 61 points, especially when VegasInsider.com's betting percentage numbers show more than 90% of the early action has bettors expecting another shootout between these two clubs. I am definitely not of that mindset as both offenses appear to be shells of their early-season selves, and both defenses will be looking for redemption after that first meeting. This number could even continue to rise as Sunday nears, but if it does I'll just be adding another unit or two on an 'under' I already like at the current number.

    Best Bet #2: Green Bay/Cleveland Over 40.5


    Green Bay is one of those clubs in a proverbial “must win” spot as they try to remain within reach of a playoff spot as QB Aaron Rodgers potential return looms. The Packers chances of getting that W against a team that's a combined 1-27 SU the past two years is probably pretty good in the eyes of many, but Green Bay is still fighting for their lives right now with a backup QB that they don't seem to fully trust.


    Cleveland just wants to win and avoid the possibility of a winless season. That mindset has been evident in Cleveland's strategy the past few weeks as they are continuously aggressive when the opportunity presents itself, they just haven't been able to get over that final hump. But with a home game against Baltimore and road contests against Chicago and Pittsburgh left, this home game against a banged up Packers team might be the last legitimate shot Cleveland has at winning a game. That tells me that the Browns will continue to be of an aggressive mindset and one way or another, hopefully that turns into points.


    Green Bay's offense has started to figure a few things out with Hundley under center as they've put up 23+ in three of their last four games overall. Hundley was brilliant on SNF against Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, and on the road against a much weaker AFC North foe, I wouldn't be shocked to see Hundley have another good day at the office. After all, Green Bay is a perfect 4-0 O/U the last four times they've been on the road against an AFC team.


    Cleveland, well is Cleveland, and trusting them to do anything good is tough. But WR Josh Gordon's return to the lineup paid immediate dividends in L.A last week, and now Gordon gets his first opportunity to be back at home. Cleveland home games have been death to 'over' bettors as they are 0-10 O/U in the last 10, but eventually a trend like that turns around, and what better spot to do it in a game featuring backups/rookie QB's when the majority of bettors (65%) are going to the low side once again. I mean, it makes perfect sense for a game to break out with 60-70 points scored when it involves a Cleveland team that you can never really trust right?


    Bottom line, this is going to sort of feel like a playoff game for both teams with Green Bay playing to stay in contention and Cleveland trying to avoid 0-16. With that being the case, neither OC will be shy about pulling out all the stops in order to get the W, and with two young QB's in there prone to INT's and mistakes, we have the potential for a lot of short field drives in this one. As long as both sides can turn those opportunities into TD's rather than FG's more often than not (which could be a big if), both sides should finish in the 20's here as this number of 40.5 easily gets eclipsed.

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    Best Bets - Week 14 Sides


    NFL Week 14 Best Bets – Sides


    When you look across the entire NFL betting board for Week 14 games, the feeling of this week potentially being one of those “tricky” ones the league sees often a few times a year tends to take hold. We've got two games still currently without point spreads, and including TNF's game in Atlanta, eight games feature spreads in the +/- 3 range.


    That's a big number of games fitting that range and when that's the case it may be better to lean towards an “against the grain” approach because toss-up games like this could end up going either way.


    So with that being said, this week's Best Bets in the NFL take those words to heart as there are two home teams that are laying points in that -3 or lower range that nobody really seems to want this week. And that's just fine by me.


    Best Bet #1: Jacksonville Jaguars -2.5


    The Jaguars sit at 8-4 SU and in a share of 1st place in the AFC South entering the week. But despite winning four of their last five overall and having one of the best defensive units against the passing game in the league, the majority of bettors have shown already that they've got no problem fading the Jaguars this week.


    That's because in today's “what have you done for me lately society,” Jacksonville's opponent this week are the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle just ended Philadelphia's nine-game win streak on national television last week and can surely go out on the road and beat Jacksonville right? Well nearly 90% of the ATS money according to VegasInsider.com believes that to be the case as the Seahawks are being bet ATS and SU like this game doesn't have to even be played.


    However, this is a brutal sandwich spot for Seattle after that primetime showdown against the Eagles, and before another big time game with a home game against the 1st place Rams on deck. Seattle does catch a bit of a break with this being a 4:25 pm EST start time, but the cross-country flip to Florida doesn't help much, and neither does this matchup really.


    Seattle's best strength offensively is Russell Wilson (in general), but specifically through the air attack. Much is made of Wilson being the leading rusher on the team as well, but even with the Jags defensive weakness being against the run, Seattle's got zero threat of a running game outside of Wilson, so putting a spy on him most plays should negate some of Wilson's production in that aspect.


    That leaves the passing game where Jacksonville is supremely confident in their backend DB's to make plays, and that's if their top tier pass rush doesn't get their first. No matter which way you slice it, the matchup is simply not one that bodes well for Seattle.


    And yes, backing Blake Bortles to not only win but cover a point spread as well has to be concerning to some degree, but Seattle's defense can be had – especially now with all their injuries – and there is no chance Seattle's D brings the same kind of intensity we saw from them against Philly (and probably next week vs. LA Rams) on the plane with them for this non-conference game. It won't be a Jacksonville rout, but if the oddsmakers are going to need a small home favorite to cover, I've got no problem joining them in that regard for this contest.

    Best Bet #2: L.A Rams -2.5


    Speaking of the Rams and Eagles, they meet in L.A this week as it's the first time we get to see the top two picks from 2016 battle one another. The fact that it's not only Wentz vs Goff, but this game has serious playoff implications in the NFC, this is going to probably end up being the most heavily bet game during the 4 pm EST slate and you've already got a decided majority showing their hand.


    As of now, about 80% of bettors on this game are backing the Eagles both SU and ATS as the Philadelphia bandwagon continues to roll on with it's most loyal passengers asserting that last week's loss in Seattle was nothing more than a bump in the road. But although last week was a brutal spot for Philadelphia, this week's spot isn't much better.


    For one, you've already got a bit of reverse line movement on this game in favor of L.A after they opened up in the -1 to -1.5 range. The line isn't likely to hit -3 as oddsmakers will know even more Philly money will pour in then, but a move like that shouldn't be glossed over by anyone, even those wearing Eagles decal beer goggles.


    Secondly, fading a team after they had a long winning streak snapped is always a situational spot I've believed in in NFL betting and the Eagles fit that role as well. Yes, Philadelphia actually played quite well in Seattle a week ago in outgaining the Seahawks through the air and on the ground, but now with that unbeatable bubble being burst, you can also say that the one “lay an egg” game every NFL team seems to have every year is still out there to be had for Philadelphia. Who's to say that won't happen this week against a very good Rams team against a Philly team that's probably excited to get back to the East Coast.


    So with the Rams on a money-making tear of 6-1 ATS in their last seven, at home and looking to make a statement against a NFC rival that many have already anointed as the Super Bowl participant in a few months, I expect the best from the Rams this week. They've got an explosive offensive attack that can easily keep pace if this game turns into a shootout. The one concern is the idea of L.A looking ahead to their rematch with Seattle on deck, but with the hype and magnitude this game already has, most of those concerns should subside rather quickly.


    Public underdogs are not ones that have a great success rate in NFL betting, and I'm betting the Eagles in that role this week end up causing quite a few bankrolls to take a hit Sunday evening with a loss in L.A.

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    Sunday's Top 5 Wagers



    Carolina Panthers +2.5 over Minnesota Vikings


    If I’m speaking frankly, this is a hunch more than anything. The trends and momentum all favor the Vikings, who will hit the road to play in hostile territory for the third straight game. They’ve proven themselves after outlasting Atlanta last week and Detroit the week prior.


    But eventually the bottom has to fall out with the Vikings. It’s sort of a trend that we see in college football where the top teams keep getting randomly dethroned. However, losing to the Panthers would be anything but random. They’re still a good football team.


    Minnesota has an unbelievably hot 4-0 SU and ATS road record heading in to this game, but it’s just too good to be true at this point. Mike Zimmer has done an incredible job with this squad that’s undeniably worth Coach of the Year consideration. He’s playing with his backup backfield after all. Still, there’s a feeling that the bubble on this team is about to pop.


    Carolina already experienced that awful, bursting sensation when they were throttled by the Saints in Week 13. That’s their tendency this year. The Panthers can pick up huge, rolling victories and follow them up with brutal losses that seem to come out of nowhere. Fortunately, they seem to have thick skin.


    If this game has letdown potential for any team, it’s the Vikings. They’re riding just a bit too high right now and it’s been a long time since they’ve faced a truly great team operating at full capacity. Obviously you can tell from the tone of this section that both team represent good wagers. I just don’t want to be on the wrong side of the levy when the bow breaks for the Vikings.


    Los Angeles Chargers -6.0 over Washington Redskins


    This is a friendly reminder not to be intimidated by this betting line. The Chargers deserve to be favorites for a lot of reasons, most notably that they’re playing playoff worthy football. As for the Washington Redskins, it’s a real dumpster fire these days. This team has just fought uphill against bad management, bad luck and bad injuries.


    Sure, they’ve had plenty of time to recalibrate after taking a beating from Dallas last week but I don’t know if they have the pieces to lay down a solid foundation again. The Chargers have been a piss poor 2-4 ATS at home this year, but are riding a breezy 3-1 SU and ATS run that’s worth cashing in on here.


    Oakland Raiders +4.0 over Kansas City Chiefs


    Could things get any worse for the Chiefs? You bet they can! Kansas City losing a shootout to Josh McCown is a sign of just how predictable and broken the Chiefs have become. As for the Raiders, they absolutely feel like a late blooming onion with their running game thundering downhill thanks to the inevitable explosion of a now-game-ready Marshawn Lynch.


    There are zero elements that are truly trustworthy on either side. Oakland is brutal on the road at 0-3-1 ATS while the Chiefs are horrible overall. All that means is that the line here is far too generous, making the Raiders a surprisingly, phenomenal value play either with the points or on the moneyline.


    New York Jets -1.0 over Denver Broncos


    Nearly four weeks ago, we all panicked that the Jets were no longer a fun betting team. At least I did. Losing to Tampa is usually a bad sign in 2017. However, the Jets have shown some spice with a 35-27 loss to Carolina and a 38-31 steamrolling of Kansas City. This team is putting up some serious points, but they’ve also faced some harsh lines.


    This spread seems absolutely perfect. The Jets in a pick ‘em is a fun play against a Denver team that is 0-8 SU and ATS since their bye week with zero relief in sight. While New York remains one of the delightful surprises of the 2017 NFL betting season, Denver remains the most glaring and unexpected disappointment. I don’t get it either, but I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth while I’m trying to sort out the mess.


    Philadelphia Eagles +2.0 over Los Angeles Rams


    The Eagles were brought back to earth in a violent manner by the Seattle Seahawks, and now they have to travel out west again to take on the Rams. This is going to be fun. How often do we get the top-two picks from the same year battling it out in games that actually matter?


    This is the game where we find out what Philadelphia is made of. People have made a big deal out of their play-doh schedule, and it turns out that we were right to keep bringing it up. The Eagles have to prove to the world that they’re tougher mentally than most teams that just took a beating and I’m willing to pay to find out.


    The Rams themselves proved to be worthy of conference consideration when they beat New Orleans in a war of attrition 26-20 two weeks ago, and carried through that momentum by beating up on the Cardinals. If there’s one glaring weakness with the Rams, it’s their rushing defence and the Eagles are soaring in to town with three known weapons in Ajayi, Blount and Clement that can do damage.


    Goff and Wentz have both proven to be animals in the pocket, and each have some good weapons. Gurley is by far the deadliest, and a huge reason why the Rams are an unreal 4-2 ATS at home this year, but Wentz has a wider variety. That leaves the Eagles better focused to attack this game with a more decisive game plan.


    As usual, if the Rams are playing a team that is relatively equal then I’m going with the team that has the better quarterback. Right now, that means backing Wentz in a bounce back game for the Eagles.

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    CHRIS JORDAN

    While it's true the Seattle Seahawks have won the last four meetings, this is not the same Jacksonville Jaguars doormt everyone has walked over in recent years.

    What has been a topsy-turvy, strange season that has flown by, the Jaguars have been one of the more consistent teams thanks to a stringent defense that ranks No. 1 in the league.

    Jacksonville, which has won five of six has the 20th best rushing D and the No. 1 passing defense in the NFL, to form the stingiest stop unit this side of the 1985 Chicago Bears. Okay, maybe not that good, but you get the point.

    And for Seattle to have to travel cross country to challenge this team on its field will be a tall task.

    The Jaguars expect to get linebacker and leading tackler Telvin Smith back after missing last week's game, which is more bad news for the Seahawks, who could be ripe for a letdown after last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

    Jacksonville hasn't had the pleasure of hosting a game that held meaning this late in the season, let alone played a home game with this much at stake, in nearly a decade. Today, they can clinch a postseason berth against a team that is already considered a perennial playoff contender.

    Seattle's Russell Wilson will be under duress the entire game, and won't be able to find a rhythm, while the Jacksonville defense will its offensive teammates plenty of opportunities with good field position and potentially several turnovers.

    As for Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles, he has been at his best in the red zone this season, completing 22 of 41 passes for 140 yards, with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions inside the 20-yard line.

    Take the Jags today.

    1* JAGUARS

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    TOMMY BRUNSON

    Comp play winner for Sunday is the Raiders plus the points against the Chiefs.

    It's been a long, long time since Kansas City was the toast of the NFL and sitting pretty at 5-0. Since then? Well, all KC has done is win only one game and cover one game over the past 7 games on the schedule. Included is a 31-30 setback in Oakland back on October 19th that the refs had a major hand in, but a loss is still a loss in this league.

    The Raiders have put together wins in their last pair and in 3 of their last 4 games, as they have now evened their mark at 6-6 to pull in a 3-way tie with the Chiefs and the Chargers for the AFC West Division lead.

    Have to take the points out for a spin today, as there is no way in the world I trust this Kansas City team to cover a number against anybody right now. Remember, this is the same Chiefs team that led last week against the Jets 14-0, only to allow New York to post 38-points in that wild 38-31 final in favor of the Jets.

    At 5-0 it sure looked like Kansas City was a lock for at least the division title, but right now they cannot be counted on to even win a game.

    Oakland has covered 8 of their last 11 trips to Arrowhead, so I say grab the points in a very big division clash here on Week 14 of the season as the Raiders keep it close in Kansas City.

    3* OAKLAND

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    JEFF BENTON

    Your Sunday freebie is the Panthers as the home dog against the red-hot Vikings.

    Minnesota is now 10-2 straight up, they are riding an 8-game straight up win streak, and a 7-game against the spread win streak. They beat Carolina 22-10 last season in Charlotte, and they are the current # 1 seed in the NFC.

    That's all fine and dandy, but the Norsemen are in a tough spot today, as they play on the road for the third week in a row, and this shapes up to be a letdown spot after pretty much sewing up the NFC North with last week's win in Atlanta and Detroit's loss to Baltimore.

    The Panthers are "still in the hunt" on the Wild Card board, and while they suffered a crippling division loss to the Saints last week in New Orleans, they are back home for the first of 3 straight on their home turf, and they have been able to win and cover their last pair at home with wins over Miami and Atlanta.

    I know it is hard to find fault with the Minnesota "juggernaut", but with the sense of urgency resting with the Wild Card seeking home underdog, go ahead and grab the Panthers plus the points versus the Vikings who are playing their 3rd straight on the road.

    2* CAROLINA

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    JOEY JUICE

    Let's back the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics on the road vs. the Detroit Pistons this afternoon. Boston just had their four game winning streak snapped with a 105-102 road loss to the Spurs Friday night. Detroit however, just dropped their fifth straight game 102-98 at home to Golden State. Revenge game here for Boston as they lost their previous matchup vs The Pistons 118-108 in Boston back on November 27.

    While the Pistons may have started the season hot (14-6 in their first 20 games), they’ve fallen back down to earth with five straight losses. It just seems like Detroit keeps coming up a play or two short, losing four straight by five points or less. The Pistons just can't close out teams. Boston is playing amazing ball this season, even with the injuries and the youthful rotation.

    Look for the Celtics to get the when and the cover in this one.

    4* BOSTON

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    CAPPERS ACCESS
    (NFL)
    Chiefs
    Giants
    Rams
    Steelers

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    Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

    NFL Sunday Free Pick Denver Broncos (+) vs New York Jets @ 4:05 ET

    I am well aware of the fact that the Broncos ATS streak of futility has reached 8 straight games. However, this is Denver's only home game in a span of 5 weeks and I expect them to make the most of it. Turnovers have played a major role in their struggles of late but if you look at the statistics, the Broncos truly have put up an impressive margin in yardage at home despite what their record shows. Denver is averaging 348 yards per game at home while allowing just 270 yards per game in the Mile High city. Now the Broncos host a Jets team that is off of an upset win versus the Chiefs last week. Certainly New York deserves some credit for coming up with that win (although Kansas City is slumping big-time) but lets not forget that, prior to that game, the Jets had lost 5 of their 6 prior games. Also, NY has lost 4 of their 5 road games this season with their lone win coming against a Browns team that hasn't won a game all season! Free Pick on DENVER

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