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Colts at Bengals: What bettors need to know
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, 43)
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the most dominant defensive teams in the NFL but are being overlooked among the contenders in the AFC. The Bengals will attempt to change that perception when they host another division leader in the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Cincinnati is fifth in the NFL in scoring defense and can take another step toward clinching the AFC North by shutting down Andrew Luck and the AFC South-leading Colts.
Indianapolis is enjoying a three-game lead in the AFC South but is showing some cracks with losses in two of the last four contests. Luck is completing just 57.8 percent of his passes while throwing for two touchdowns and five interceptions in that span. Luck is without favorite target Reggie Wayne and will be dealing with a Cincinnati pass rush that has recorded 36 sacks - including 18 in the last five games - and is a perfect 5-0 at home.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS.
LINE: The Bengals opened -5 and are now -6.5. The total is down one point from the opening 44.
WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-20s with snow and/or freezing rain.
ABOUT THE COLTS (8-4): Indianapolis all but clinched the division with a 22-14 triumph over Tennessee last weekend - its second win over the second-place Titans in three weeks - and can officially wrap up its second straight playoff berth with a win over Cincinnati. The Colts could use the recovery period gained by clinching early to rest up its offensive line, which is on to its fourth left guard with Hugh Thornton (neck) and Jeff Linkenbach (quad) ailing and Mike McGlynn struggling. “(I) have not made any final decisions on anything as far as the offensive line goes,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano told ESPN.com. “Just go to work on correcting things we need to correct.”
ABOUT THE BENGALS (8-4): Cincinnati is two games up on the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North and would like to have the division sewn up before closing the regular season against the Ravens on Dec. 29. Andy Dalton passed for a total of 283 yards in the last two games but managed to fit four TD passes into those two triumphs while leaning on a running game that is improving. BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 92 yards in last week’s 17-10 win at San Diego, and he and Giovani Bernard have combined for 501 yards over the last four games.
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Colts are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. AFC.
* Bengals are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Colts last six games overall.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Colts LB Robert Mathis (15.5) is one sack away from passing Dwight Freeney (16) for the franchise record.
2. Dalton is one of two quarterbacks in NFL history (Peyton Manning) to throw for at least 3,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.
3. Cincinnati snapped a seven-game losing streak in the series with a 27-17 victory in the last meeting on Oct. 16, 2011. -
Chiefs at Redskins: What bettors need to know
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins (+3, 43.5)
The Kansas City Chiefs' dream season has come crashing back to reality with three straight losses, but they can move a step closer to clinching a playoff spot with a victory at Washington on Sunday. The Chiefs would punch their ticket to the postseason with a win over the Redskins and a loss or tie from Miami or Baltimore. Washington is out of playoff contention after squandering a 14-point lead Sunday against the New York Giants for its fourth straight loss.
While both teams come in riding losing streaks, the downturn has to come as more of a shock to Kansas City, which has seen its hopes of claiming the AFC's top seed dwindle after a 9-0 start. "I think it's important that you stick with the process," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters. "It's important to trust that and believe in it. They're learning that as you go through, that's the ebb and flow of the season in the National Football League." The Chiefs have won seven of eight all-time meetings, including a 14-6 victory at Washington in the most recent clash in 2009.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS.
LINE: Kansas City opened -3. The total is down from the opening 44.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with snow and/or freezing rain in the forecast.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (9-3): Kansas City has found itself unable to keep pace in shootouts the past three weeks, losing to Denver twice with a heartbreaking defeat to San Diego sandwiched between. This is a much better matchup for the Chiefs, who allow an AFC-low 17.8 points per game and boast an NFL-best turnover margin of plus-14. The injury bug has hit the Chiefs at a bad time with linebacker Justin Houston (team-high 11 sacks) out with an elbow injury and left tackle Branden Albert (knee) and tight end Anthony Fasano (concussion) unlikely to play.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (3-9): Three of Washington's four consecutive losses have come by eight points or fewer, and the league's best ground game has been impressive of late. Quarterback Robert Griffin III turned in one of his best efforts of the season last week, completing 24-of-32 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown and rushing for a season-high 88 yards on 12 carries. The defense has been one of the worst in the league but gave up a season-low 286 total yards last week against the Giants.
TRENDS:
* Chiefs are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 7-1-1 in Chiefs last nine road games.
* Under is 5-2 in Redskins last seven games following a ATS loss.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Kansas City coach Andy Reid needs one victory to become the 21st coach in NFL history with 150 wins, including the postseason.
2. Washington has rushed for at least 100 yards in 11 consecutive games, two shy of tying its longest streak under coach Mike Shanahan.
3. Smith needs 27 rushing yards to pass Tyler Thigpen (386 in 2008) for the most in a season by a Chiefs quarterback.Comment
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English Breakfast: Premier League betting cheat sheet
Just a pair of matches on the board in Barclays Premier League action Sunday. Arsenal will look to extend their lead atop the table after Chelsea's loss and Manchester City's draw Saturday.
We talk to Aron Black of Bet365 about the action coming in on Arsenal v Everton.
Fulham v Aston Villa (+163, +230, +190)
Why bet Fulham: The Cottagers actually played about 75 minutes of quality football in their midweek 2-1 loss to Tottenham. New manager Rene Meulensteen will look to reverse the fortunes of Fulham, which is currently enduring a horrendous run of form. New managers tend to get a little bit extra out of players (see: Pulis, Tony and Poyet, Gus) and, quite frankly, on paper there are quality players on this squad.
Key players out/doubtful: Darren Bent, Hugo Rodallega, Matthew Briggs
Why bet Aston Villa: When was the last time the Villains tasted defeat in the league? If you said Oct. 26, give yourself a pat on the back. Yes, the young Villains are enjoying a very good run of form with two wins and three draws in their last five games. Libor Kozák has been quite good up front and gives Villa a dual-pronged look leading the line with Christian Benteke.
Key players out/doubtful: Jores Okore, Charles N'Zogbia, Joe Bennett
2012-13 fixture result: Fulham 1, Aston Villa 0
Key betting note: The Cottagers have lost nine of their last 11 matches at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal v Everton (-143, +300, +450)
Why bet Arsenal: Because they are the best there is right now. The Gunners won again as they dispatched Hull by a score of 2-0 midweek and quite frankly, look like they only 'top' club that seem as if they care about winning the league. As Chelsea and City falter, the Gunners will look to extend their lead over their rivals.
Key players out/doubtful: Mathieu Flamini, Bacary Sagna, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Why bet Everton: Because everyone loves Cinderella, right? Their manager goes to take the Man United job, they hire Wigan's Roberto Martinez and they're seven points from the top and five ahead of United. Even without superstar LB Leighton Baines, they don't miss a beat. The Toffees haven't lost since a 3-1 defeat to City back on Oct. 5 and are the fourth-best away club in the league, with 12 points from seven matches away from Goodison Park. Also, they have Romelu Lukaku.
Key players out/doubtful: Leighton Baines, Arouna Koné, Darron Gibson
2012-13 fixture result: Arsenal 0, Everton 0
Key betting note: The Gunners have kept a clean sheet in five of the last six games.
Where the action is: "The action sees pretty split support for the home and away side, and pretty balanced action on the draw as well, showing that it’s a tough game to call at the prices. With so many capable scorers on each side, it's hard to pick just a few players being backed to score (Lukaku, Giroud, Ozil, Ramsey, Bendtner all see action) , but one of the most popular plays, and against the stats in recent games for both sides, the over 2.5 goals (-138) is very popular. Regardless the final score, it should be one of the more enthralling matches of the weekend, and the action we have now will be dwarfed by the time the game kicks off."Comment
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Where the action is: Sunday's NFL line moves
As the clock ticks on the NFL regular season, competition on the field gets more heated as teams fight for their postseason-lives.
We talk to oddsmakers about the action coming in on some of Sunday's matchups and where the lines could close come kickoff:
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins - Open: -3
The wheels have come off for one of the better stories of the early part of the season. The Chiefs started out like gangbusters, sprinting out of the gate to a 9-0 SU (6-3 ATS) record. They've pulled a 180 since their bye week, however, going 0-3 SU and ATS. Early money was on the Chiefs, with a little action coming back on the home team recently.
"I don’t think the 3 will break, but some are hanging juiced -2.5’s," says Aron Black of Bet365. "It goes against the moves later in the week, as we are loaded up on Kansas City -3 by a wide margin. As it stands, this is our most lopsided game for action on one team."
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals - Open: -5, Move: -6.5
The Bengals, owners of one of the league's fiercest defenses, have won and covered in back-to-back outings and bettors lined up to get them at the opening number. Action came back on the Colts, but bettors are treading lightly with some key injuries for the road team.
"Early action was all about Cincy, but with the move to 6.5 we are seeing Indy action," Black says. "The injury reports haven’t been too kind to the Colts, leading to the moves, and there are still questionables for the Colts along with those expected to miss. Action overall now sees this as the most balanced game for us so far, but if the line keeps going to Cincy, the action from the public will too."
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers - Open: -2.5
One of Sunday's marquee matchups sees these NFC West powerhouses square off in the Bay. The majority of books opened this game with the home team as 2.5-point faves but as kickoff approaches more of the action could come in on the division leaders.
"The line has been pretty steady all week, but has moved slightly towards Seattle the last day or so," Black tells Covers. "The injury report lists numerous questionables for San Fran - most of whom should play - but if they get a few that are out, then this line will obviously carry on towards to the Seahawks. Seattle is about 2-to-1 ATS, but is 3-to-1 on SU plays."Comment
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Today's NFL Picks
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Time Posted: 10:00 a.m. EST (12/4)Game 131-132: Kansas City at Washington (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 135.113; Washington 127.785
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 6 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-3); UnderGame 133-134: Minnesota at Baltimore (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 124.379; Baltimore 137.418
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 13; 46
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 6 1/2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-6 1/2); OverGame 135-136: Cleveland at New England (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 127.758; New England 135.820
Dunkel Line: New England by 8; 42
Vegas Line: New England by 10 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+10 1/2); UnderGame 137-138: Oakland at NY Jets (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 125.715; NY Jets 123.904
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 46
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 3; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+3); OverGame 139-140: Indianapolis at Cincinnati (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 126.708; Cincinnati 140.589
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 14; 40
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5 1/2); UnderGame 141-142: Carolina at New Orleans (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 139.360; New Orleans 144.250
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5; 52
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); OverGame 143-144: Detroit at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 134.522; Philadelphia 134.611
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3; 54
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3); UnderGame 145-146: Miami at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 130.601; Pittsburgh 138.188
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 3; 41
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-3); UnderGame 147-148: Buffalo at Tampa Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 129.252; Tampa Bay 129.314
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 43
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3); OverGame 149-150: Tennessee at Denver (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 127.635; Denver 137.520
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10; 47
Vegas Line: Denver by 13; 50
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+13); UnderGame 151-152: St. Louis at Arizona (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 131.836; Arizona 138.879
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 9; 46
Vegas Line: Arizona by 6; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-6); OverGame 153-154: NY Giants at San Diego (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 131.716; San Diego 132.549
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 53
Vegas Line: San Diego by 3 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+3 1/2); OverGame 155-156: Seattle at San Francisco (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 137.792; San Francisco 144.849
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 7; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+2 1/2); UnderGame 157-158: Atlanta at Green Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 126.179; Green Bay 125.249
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 36
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/AMONDAY, DECEMBER 9
Time Posted: 10:00 a.m. EST (12/4)Game 159-160: Dallas at Chicago (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 131.957; Chicago 129.960
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 2; 54
Vegas Line: Chicago by 1; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+1); OverComment
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LA Syndicate
NFL GOY San Diego Chargers -3Comment
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Football lines that make you go hmmm...
By JASON LOGAN
Is home field really worth that much to the Seattle Seahawks?
CenturyLink Field flexed its pipes against New Orleans Monday night, breaking the world record for the loudest crowd ever and constantly crossed the Saints’ signals, helping the Seahawks win 34-7 and gain the inside track on home field in the NFC playoffs.
Now, Seattle moves down the coast to San Francisco where it's a 2.5-point road underdog versus the 49ers in Week 14. The Seahawks haven’t been nearly as dominant away from the Emerald City but own an identical ATS mark (4-2) on the road as they do at home, and look like the best team in football after mashing New Orleans Monday night.
Seattle’s opposition Sunday – San Francisco - is gaining momentum after two straight wins, but those victories came against the Redskins and Rams, who have a combined record of 8-16 on the season.
The Niners offense is nowhere near as explosive as in 2012 and only had two touchdowns on 338 yards in the victory over St. Louis, instead settling for three field goals and going 4-for-12 on third down. They went just 4-for-14 on third down versus Washington the week before.
Seattle’s offense is probably the most underrated attack in the NFL, simply because the Seahawks’ defense grabs all the glory. Russell Wilson & Co. average 28.3 points per game – second most in the league – and were a lethal 7-for-14 on third downs Monday night. On the year, Seattle boasts a 40.52 percent third-down completion rate – ninth best in the NFL.
When you have divisional clashes like this, with two strong defenses that know each other so well, it’s the team that scores touchdowns instead of settling for field goals that gets the win.Comment
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NFL Betting Week 14 Preview: Hot bets and moving odds
By SPORTSINTERACTION
Sports Interaction betting analyst Frank Doyle previews Week 14’s NFL action.
All odds current as of noon ET, Dec. 5.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a perfect example of how quickly things can change in the NFL. After they were hammered in Week 8 by the San Francisco 49ers you could still find odds on whether they were going to 0-16 as they went into their bye.
Now, they’re riding a three-game winning streak and have jumped out of the AFC South basement and past the Houston Texans, who they’ll host in tonight’s Thursday Night Football game. It’s turning into a tricky game to handicap. The Jaguars may be on a bit of a roll, but they haven’t won a home game all season. Meanwhile, Houston just keeps finding new ways to lose every week, but they hung around with the Patriots and scored 30 points for the first time since the second game of the season.
The Jags opened as 2.5-point underdogs but have since moved to 3.5-point pups as about 64 percent of Sports Interaction’s action comes in on the Texans. This might be a game in which we’ll see a wave of home-team support as the kick nears, so keep a close eye on this line.
Other odds on the move
With cold weather settling in, totals in Denver Broncos games are dropping with the temperature. This week the Tennessee at Denver over/under opened at 50.5 but now sits at 48.5. Denver has over bettors cashing at a 7-4-1 clip so far this season.
The Cincinnati Bengals have won two straight and are unbeaten at home as they get set to host the Indianapolis Colts this week. The Bengals opened as 5.5-poing favorites and are now listed at -6 while the total has dipped from 44.5 to 43.5.
Confidence in New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is approaching the Mark Sanchez level, so it’s no shocker to see the Jets move from 2.5-point favorites at the open to -1.5 now. The Jets have dropped three in a row straight up and against the spread.
This week’s most popular bet
The Kansas City Chiefs have dropped four of their last five against the number, but face a Washington club that has lost four straight, failing to cover in each. Bettors are going with the lesser of two evils in a big way. Right now, 94 percent of Sports Interaction’s wagers are coming in on Kansas City.Comment
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Stephen Nover
156 SFX -2.5(-120) triple-dime bet
143 DET / 144 PHI UNDER 54.0 double-dime bet
134 BAL -6.5(-110) double-dime betComment
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YourBookiesMoney NFL Game of the Year
4* San Francisco -2 1/2Comment
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Maddux
10* Titans +12Comment
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Prediction Machine
MIA +3
SEA +3
MIN +7
CHI +1.5
CHI O 49
NYJ O 40.5
DEN O 50
MIN O 43Comment
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Football Jesus Podcast : SaintsComment
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Sunday's NFL Week 14 Betting Cheat Sheet
Early Action
Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens (-7, 41.5)
The Ravens are looking for their first three-game winning streak of the campaign and will also hope to semi-corral Vikings star Adrian Peterson, who rushed for a season-best 211 yards in last week’s overtime win over the Chicago Bears.
Matt Cassel is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings after throwing for 243 yards in relief of Christian Ponder, who left the game against the Bears after suffering a concussion. While Minnesota has struggled on the road, the Ravens have been strong at home with a 5-1 mark while allowing just 12.3 points per game. Baltimore is tied with the Miami Dolphins for the final AFC spot but holds the tiebreaker by virtue of its win over the Dolphins on Oct. 6.
LINE: The Ravens opened -7.5 and are now -7. The total is down to 41.5 from the opening 43.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with freezing rain and/or snow in the forecast.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Minnesota (+5.0) + Baltimore (0.0) + home field (-3.0) = Ravens -8.0
TRENDS:
* Vikings are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Ravens are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Under is 7-1 in Ravens last 8 home games.
Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins (+3, 43.5)
The Kansas City Chiefs' dream season has come crashing back to reality with three straight losses, but they can move a step closer to clinching a playoff spot with a victory at Washington on Sunday. Kansas City has found itself unable to keep pace in shootouts the past three weeks, losing to Denver twice with a heartbreaking defeat to San Diego sandwiched between.
Three of Washington's four consecutive losses have come by eight points or fewer, and the league's best ground game has been impressive of late. Quarterback Robert Griffin III turned in one of his best efforts of the season last week, completing 24-of-32 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown and rushing for a season-high 88 yards on 12 carries.
LINE: The Chiefs opened as 3-point road faves. The total is down one point from the opening 44.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with freezing rain and/or snow in the forecast.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Kansas City (-1.5) + Washington (+6.5) - home field (-3.0) = Chiefs -2.
TRENDS:
* Chiefs are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 7-1-1 in Chiefs last nine road games.
Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5, 42)
Quarterback EJ Manuel missed more than a month for the Bills, but he has come back to throw for four touchdown passes and one interception in his last three starts. Buffalo saw its slim playoff chances evaporate in the 34-31 overtime loss to Atlanta last week, a setback that led team president Russ Brandon to express concern over whether playing in Toronto wrecks a home-field edge for the Bills.
Tampa Bay's Mike Glennon, a third-round draft pick, had guided the Buccaneers to consecutive straight victories before running into Carolina's stone-wall defense last week. Glennon was the league's Offensive Rookie of the Month in November, but failed to throw a TD pass for the first time in the 27-6 loss to the Panthers.
LINE: The Bucs opened -2.5. The total is down a half-point from the opening 42.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with wind blowing toward the N end zone at 6 mph.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Buffalo (+4.5) - Tampa Bay (+4.5) + home field (-3.0) = Buccaneers -3.0
TRENDS:
* Bills are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Bills last five road games.
Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5, 40.5)
After finding the end zone just once in his first 10 games, Mike Wallace scored in his second straight contest as Miami posted a 23-3 triumph over the New York Jets last week. The Dolphins are tied for sixth place in the AFC with Baltimore, which handed the Steelers just their third loss in eight games with a 22-20 decision on Thanksgiving.
Ben Roethlisberger has thrown eight touchdown passes in his last three games - and his next one will snap a tie with Hall-of-Famer Terry Bradshaw (212) for the most in franchise history. Wallace's departure opened doors for Antonio Brown, who has reeled in an NFL-best 85 receptions and 1,103 yards - as well as six touchdowns.
LINE: The Steelers opened -3 and are now -3.5. The total opened at 41.5 and is down one point.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-20s with a 66 percent chance of snow.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Miami (+2.0) + Pittsburgh (0.0) + home field (-3.0) = Steelers -5.0
TRENDS:
* Dolphins are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Steelers are 4-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 9-2 in Steelers last 11 vs. AFC.
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5, 52)
Detroit, which leads Chicago by one game in the NFC North, continues to ride its talented three-headed offensive attack. Matthew Stafford has 627 passing yards and six touchdowns in the last two games, Reggie Bush racked up 182 total yards and a touchdown against the Packers and Calvin Johnson has 962 receiving yards in his last six games - the best six-game run by any receiver in NFL history.
Philadelphia, playing its third straight home game, enters this weekend tied with Dallas atop the NFC East. While the Eagles have won four straight games, they have not scored a single point in the fourth quarter in any of those contests and their margin of victory has gotten increasingly less (29, 14, eight, three).
LINE: Philly opened -2.5. The total is down 2.5-point from the opening 54.5.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-20s with a 66 percent chance of snow.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Detroit (-4.0) - Philadelphia (-2.5) + home field (-3.0) = Eagles -1.5
TRENDS:
* Under is 5-0 in Eagles last five vs. NFC.
* Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS win.
* Eagles are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, 43)
Indianapolis is enjoying a three-game lead in the AFC South but is showing some cracks with losses in two of the last four contests. Luck is completing just 57.8 percent of his passes while throwing for two touchdowns and five interceptions in that span. Luck is without favorite target Reggie Wayne and will be dealing with a Cincinnati pass rush that has recorded 36 sacks - including 18 in the last five games - and is a perfect 5-0 at home.
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the most dominant defensive teams in the NFL but are being overlooked among the contenders in the AFC. Cincinnati is two games up on the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North and would like to have the division sewn up before closing the regular season against the Ravens on Dec. 29.
LINE: The Bengals opened -5 and are now -6.5. The total opened at 44 and is down to 43.
WEATHER: Freezing rain and/or snow is in the forecast.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Indianapolis (-2.0) + Cincinnati (-3.5) + home field (-3.0) = Bengals -4.5
TRENDS:
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Colts are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. AFC.
* Under is 11-3-1 in Bengals last 15 vs. AFC.
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (-10.5, 47)
Cleveland has dropped three straight and six of seven to fall out of the wild-card race and is struggling on defense along with the quarterback issues. The Browns are surrendering an average of 30.8 points in their last six losses despite ranking fourth in the NFL in total defense.
Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense are making second-half comebacks a staple of their weekly plan. Brady and company would prefer to jump out early and will attempt to avoid climbing out of a big hole when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
LINE: The Pats opened -11 and are now -10.5. The total is up one point from the opening 46.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with partly cloudy skies.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Cleveland (+6.0) + New England (-6.0) + home field (-3.0) = Patriots -15.0
TRENDS:
* Browns are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Patriots are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
Oakland Raiders at New York Jets (-3, 40)
Oakland mathematically is still alive for the playoff spot but realistically is playing out the string. The Raiders have lost four of their last five contests, including a 31-24 defeat against Dallas on Nov. 28 in which it squandered a 14-point lead and was outscored 17-3 in the second half.
Despite their current woes, the New York Jets still are in the race for a wild-card spot in the AFC. They can strengthen their chances with a victory over the visiting Oakland Raiders on Sunday. New York has received disappointing performances from rookie quarterback Geno Smith while losing three straight games since its bye week but still finds itself only one game behind Baltimore and Miami for the second wild card.
LINE: The Jets opened -2.5 and are now -3. The total is down a half-point to 40.
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-30s with a 47 percent chance of rain and/or snow.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Oakland (+5.5) - New York (+5.5) + home field (-3.0) = Jets -3.0
TRENDS:
* Home team is 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
* Over is 4-0-1 in Raiders last five games overall.
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-3.5, 44)
Not much has gone right for Atlanta, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where it ranks 20th against the pass and 30th against the run. Matt Ryan and the passing game have put up decent numbers, but mostly out of necessity. The Falcons rank 29th in the league in rushing (81.1 yards per game) and have played from behind most of the season.
The Green Bay Packers' playoff hopes are on life support and might not survive another week without Aaron Rodgers as they prepare for Sunday's visit by the Atlanta Falcons. Green Bay's quarterback will sit out a fifth consecutive game due to a broken collarbone and the Packers are winless since he was injured Nov. 4, falling two games behind NFC North leader Detroit in the win column.
LINE: The Pack opened -3.5. The total has dropped from the opening 46.
WEATHER: Forecasts are calling for an 84 percent chance of snow with temperatures in the mid-teens.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Atlanta (+5.0) - Green Bay (+7.0) + home field (-3.0) = Packers -1.0
TRENDS:
* Road team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a S.U. win.
* Packers are 0-5 ATS in their last five vs. NFC.Comment
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