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February 2012 NFL Events
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NFC South Preview
2010-06-07
NFL: Early Sunday Kickoffs (1:00 PM ET, CBS & FOX)
2009-12-04
If you’re looking for most of the big pointspreads on the NFL betting board for Week 13, you’ll find most of them in the 1:00 PM ET kickoffs. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Orleans all play as near double-digit favorites or more. However, at least two of the 10 early games are expected to be competitive. Here is a look at those two contests, plus a BEST BET writeup from the StatFox Platinum Sheet on the Indy-Tennessee game. Be sure to click over to the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages on Sportsbook.com for all the latest info before confirming your Sunday plays.
(341) HOUSTON at (342) JACKSONVILLE
The Jaguars and Texans both maintain wildcard hopes but it is getting late for Houston, who is 5-6 after losing to Indianapolis. They are now 1-4 in divisional games this season, including a 31-24 home loss to Jacksonville back in September. That sets up a nice spot for HC Gary Kubiak’s team, who is on a 16-6 ATS run revenging a loss where the opponents topped the 28-point mark. HC Jack Del Rio’s team is off another horrible trip west, a 20-3 setback to the 49ers which dropped their record to 6-5. This starts a 3-game homestand for the Jaguars, who are desperate to improve a 2-11 ATS slid in home games over the last season-and-a-half. Houston, who has played surprisingly well on the road, 7-2 ATS in its L9, is also 5-2 ATS at Jacksonville since ’02.
(363) NEW ENGLAND at (364) MIAMI
Miami’s playoff hopes took a crushing blow when it lost in Buffalo. They may be relegated now to the spoiler role, and will try to do just that to New England’s quest to obtain the AFC’s #2 seed in the postseason. For HC Tony Sparano’s team, it was a first divisional ATS loss of ’09 (3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS). The Patriots are 3-1 in division game so far but just 1-3 ATS. That only loss, at New York, snapped a 6-game SU & ATS winning streak on the road vs. AFC East foes. This is the second h2h meeting of ’09, with New England having won the first at home last month, 27-17, failing to cover an 11-point spread. Favorites are on an 8-3 SU & ATS run in the L11 matchups between these rivals in Miami, and the Dolphins are 2-5 SU & ATS as a home dog under Sparano.
StatFox Steve had this to say about the Indy-Tennessee game: Indianapolis has been playing with fire of late, and if I recall correctly, the Colts have set a record for most come from behind wins in the fourth quarter of any season already. That could catch up to them this week against one of the hottest teams in football, the Titans. Tennessee has moved to 5-6 after winning its last five games and I have a hard time seeing them NOT being competitive in this one. The Titans will be backed by a powerful revenge angle: Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (TENNESSEE) - revenging a loss against opponent, with a winning percentage of between 40-49% on the season. (29-8 over the last 10 seasons.) (78.4%, +20.2 units. Rating = 2*). These teams have played a tight series historically, and with the Colts having trouble separating at home, I’d be surprised if this game isn’t highly competitive. Play: Tennessee +7
Looking for a NFL Week 2 Upset?
2009-08-21
The NFL preseason is even more unpredictable than the regular season, as incentives, coaching decisions and lack of continuity all play a larger role in August football. If one follows this line of thinking, this should suggest taking the points with the underdog is not a bad option, especially given the right circumstances. Here is a look at several potential upsets that could be in play on Saturday. (Be sure to check the latest info for all NFL Preseason games by visiting the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.)
Oakland at San Francisco
Around the Oakland practice field this week, head coach Tom Cable heard the chant “Cable, Bumaye” - a reference to the “Ali, Bumaye” during the 1974 “Rumble In The Jungle” heavyweight fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The chant loosely translates to “Cable kill him”. This refers to reports of coach Cable clobbering assistant coach Randy Hanson, a reported Al Davis snitch.
Along with the usual absurdness that follows the Raiders, they have been running scrimmages recently against Bay Area partner San Francisco and getting their lunch and dinner handed to them. The 49ers’ players have been mocking them, which should lend itself to some professional pride by Oakland as 2.5-point underdogs at Sportsbook.com. If nothing else, maybe the Niners will be too satisfied.
Carolina at Miami
Carolina committed a sloppy five turnovers in losing to the Giants on Monday night and will seek to tighten things down this week. Quarterback Jake Delhomme will see more action and the Panthers are a solid 8-4 ATS as dogs under coach John Fox and 6-1 SU & ATS against the AFC. Miami is a three-point home favorite and they are 16-24-3 against the spread when the favored squad.
Detroit at Cleveland
Both teams have a lot to prove this upcoming season, however Detroit has a greater sense of urgency after a winless regular season. Most people know the Lions were 4-0 (3-0-1 ATS) last preseason, before going on to make dubious history. Nevertheless, the circumstances are different as Detroit has new coaches and a real desire to bury the past. Cleveland looked absurdly pathetic in totaling 191 yards of offense against Green Bay in 17-0 loss. The Browns quarterback battle looks like it could have winner by default instead of someone earning the job. The Browns are 1-5 ATS against the NFC and are on 0-5 SU and ATS roll in the preseason. The Lions are catching three points.
San Diego at Arizona
Neither team played well in suffering defeat in first preseason games. San Diego threw for 329 yards last week, but had -2 turnover difference in losing 20-14 to Seattle as three-point favorites. The Chargers could be in a great situation since they are 9-1 ATS off a home loss. San Diego hits a rather potent system that states to Play On underdogs or pick, off an upset loss as a favorite, this week of the preseason. (28-8 ATS)
New Orleans at Houston
Both the Saints and Texans were winners last week. Houston was actually outgained by Kansas City by 27 yards, however was +3 in turnover margin. Matt Schaub was superb 7 for 7 in opener; however behind him Houston is thin at quarterback. Rex Grossman was presumed backup, but he injured hamstring and is out. That leaves Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink to put up points for the Texans who are oddly 3-2-3 ATS at home. New Orleans has Drew Brees and experienced Mark Brunell to turn to and the Saints are 24-10 ATS in road games.
NFL: Early NFL Games (1:00 PM ET, FOX & CBS)
2008-10-03
The early betting board for Sunday’s NFL action boasts eight different games to choose from, highlighted by the NFC East showdown in Philadelphia between the Redskins and Eagles. At last check, three different teams on the early lineup were being backed by over 90% of the betting public at Sportsbook.com, including the Colts, Chargers, and Bears. Be sure to check in before kickoff for the latest numbers. Here’s a look at a few of the key games.
(407) TENNESSEE at (408) BALTIMORE
Tennessee has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises early, winning four straight to open the campaign, by an average of 14.0 PPG. The latest win was a 30-17 conquest of Minnesota. For HC Jeff Fisher’s team, it is a first-ever 4-0 ATS start. Here the Titans face their second AFC North foe on the road. They are on a run of 12-3 ATS in road games off a home win by 10 points or more, and are 16-6 ATS in games after allowing 17 points or less in three straight contests. The Ravens are back at home after the Monday night game at Pittsburgh. HC John Harbaugh’s team has won its first two home games of his tenure after going just 3-5 in Baltimore last season. These teams have met three times since ‘04, Tennessee owning a 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS edge in the series.
(413) WASHINGTON at (414) PHILADELPHIA
If there is such a thing, Philadelphia may be the best last place team in the NFL. At 2-2, the Eagles find themselves at the bottom of the NFC East standings at this point. This week they face a big game against rival Washington, who has won its L3 contests, including a week ago in Dallas. Philly has been hampered offensively by the injury to RB Brian Westbrook, but this game could be decided by the defenses, since the UNDER is 20-11 in the L31 head-to-head meetings. The road team has won SU & ATS in four of the L5. Amazingly, this will already be the final road divisional game for Washington, who is 4-1 ATS in its l5 in that role. The Redskins are also 8-0 ATS in their L8 versus excellent rushing defenses - allowing <=70 rushing yards/game.
(419) SEATTLE at (420) NY GIANTS
Some very distinct post-bye week trends will go directly head-to-head with one another when Seattle visits New York this weekend, both teams coming off their open dates. Seattle, 1-2 SU & ATS in ’08, is just 5-13 SU & 4-14 ATS coming out of its bye week since ’92. It has also gone OVER the total on such occasions seven straight times. The Giants meanwhile have also been dreadful off the bye week, having gone just 3-10 SU & 3-9-1 ATS since ’96. However, 15 of their L20 post-bye week games have gone UNDER the total. Obviously, something has to give. The Giants are riding a 7-game overall winning streak and are 8-1 ATS in their L9 games. Seattle is 0-4 SU & ATS in its L4 road games but 4-1-1 ATS in the L6 head-to-head meetings between these teams.
NFL - Philadelphia at New Orleans (1:00 PM ET – FOX)
2007-12-21
Philadelphia and New Orleans meet in a rematch of last January’s divisional playoff. The Saints won that game and need to duplicate that feat to keep their postseason hopes alive for 2007.
They’ve rallied for wins in three of their L4 games to even up at 7-7. This one won’t be easy, as the Eagles are off an upset win at Dallas and have been a difficult team to read all season long. At 6-8, their playoff hopes are feint so playing the role of spoiler might have to do. New Orleans is a 3-point favorite, but just 3-10 ATS as home chalk under Sean Payton. HC Andy Reid’s club has done solid work vs. potent passing offenses, going 16-6 ATS in its L22 vs. teams averaging >=260 PYPG. The dog is 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in the L5 meetings between these teams in New Orleans.
The Eagles are slowly riding a trail towards a future they may not wish to face. The failures of 2007 are hard to overlook considering the tremendous conflict this team has faced both on and off the field, and once the season ends, veteran leader and passer Donovan McNabb will enjoy free agency and may seek a new home for play. With that in mind, it is difficult to understand where this team lies mentally and how they will perform in these late weeks.
The 2007 season for the Saints has been an absolute testament for QB Drew Brees, for the constant failings and shortcomings on both sides of the ball have not completely killed their life as an organization, the playoffs still in sight and the Saints still capable of making a difference. Their veteran leader at QB has done all he could to keep the team competitive while his leadership abilities may rank among the most heroic in the NFL. Getting help from the rushing attack and preventing the opposition from advance the ball with ease through the air should be priority #1.
Keys to the Game
The Eagles have not responded when presumed leader McNabb has been under center, misfiring time and again when first downs were needed to move the chains. Coach Andy Reid will have to work to regain the locker room, as this squad is divided into several factions. The Eagles have had luck against excellent passing teams averaging 260 or more passing yards a game with 16-6 ATS mark. Here is a horrible number for the Saints: They are 0-10 ATS at home in December off non-division games facing teams under .500.
Trends
~ Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS off a NFC East battle.
~ New Orleans is 5-15 ATS at Superdome when opponent is off road game.
StatFox Edge – Saints cover
2010-06-07
The Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons had decent seasons, with both clubs hitting either the .500 mark or surpassing it.
Unfortunately for them, they're in the same division as the New Orleans Saints, who marched all over the NFL on their way to their first Super Bowl title in team history.
Then you have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were the division's only weak link in 2009.
Below are breakdowns of the four NFC South teams and how their draft classes will impact their upcoming season. This information is crucial to NFL betting. To have any success with your NFL betting you need to keep up to date on ALL the teams. Here is what we think of the NFC South:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay went 3-13 in 2009.
With that said, the Bucs have a "B" rated draft class.
Tampa Bay's defense couldn't stop anybody, which is why they ranked 27th in the league in total yards.
With nine total picks in the draft, the Bucs dedicated six of those nine picks to the defense.
This was a wise move, considering the defense gave up 365.6 yards per game.
The two biggest defensive acquisitions were DTs Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma and Brian Price out of UCLA.
Tampa Bay looks to combine the skills of McCoy and Price to create a tough defensive front, much like Warren Sapp and Anthony McFarland.
The Bucs' offense was no pleasure to watch either, settling in at the No. 28 spot in the league, producing a mere 287.5 yards per game.
However, the addition of WR Arrelious Benn from Illinois should help the stagnant unit.
In his three seasons with Illinois from 2007 to 2009, Benn collected 2,221 yards on 159 yards with seven TDs.
While Benn's numbers aren't off the charts, they're good enough to provide QB Josh Freeman with another offensive outlet.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers had a respectable 2009 season, finishing up at 8-8.
Carolina is looking to build upon their 8-8 season with a good balance of offensive and defensive picks in the draft. The Panthers had 10 picks in the draft, with five defensive and five offensive players.
Starting QB Matt Moore should be a little worried about his job, seeing as the Panthers drafted three QBs, the most notable of the three being Notre Dame product Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike from Cincinnati.
If Clausen performs well enough in the preseason, he could very well snatch the starting job from Moore.
With an offense that ranked 19th in the NFL in total yards per game (331.1), it would have made more sense to cut back on the QB picks and pick up offensive players they could use right away.
The Panthers did pick up WR Brandon LaFell from LSU, and he'll no doubt have a huge impact on increasing the Panthers' offensive production. I'm just not sure if Carolina needed to draft three QBs.
As for the defense, well, they don't need any help.
Carolina's defense ranked eighth in the NFL, giving up 315.8 yards per game.
They did pick up some help with LB Eric Norwood from South Carolina.
However, Carolina may have made a mistake by drafting too many QBs and defensive players, and not enough offensive play-makers.
Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons' 2009 season ended with a 9-7 record.
Atlanta juiced up their defense, which ranked 21st in the NFL with 348.9 yards per game, with LB Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri.
In his career with the Tigers, Weatherspoon racked up an amazing 388 tackles, but only had three FF and four INTs.
Either way, there's still a place for him in the Falcons' defense, and he's primed to make his mark during his rookie season.
CB Dominique Franks from Oklahoma will be a solid piece in the Falcons' dime and nickel packages, and will help remove from memory Atlanta's pass-coverage problems.
The Falcons ranked 28th in the NFL against the pass, giving up 241.9 yards per game. Franks could be the answer to that passing problem and bolster the Falcons' defense.
Atlanta didn't add much in the way of offense, but they did add depth to their offensive line in OGs Mike Johnson from Alabama and Joe Hawley from UNLV. While Hawley and Johnson aren't a dire necessity, they do add much-needed depth to the offensive line.
New Orleans Saints: Honestly, the Saints didn't need any help from the draft.
They went 13-3 last season, not to mention claiming the Lombardi Trophy, and there's no reason they can't do it all again this season.
That being said, the Saints picked up monster talent within the draft, making them an even more formidable opponent this season.
Interestingly enough, the Saints' defense ranked 25th last season, allowing 357.8 yards per game.
Lucky for them, they acquired CB Patrick Robinson, whom the Saints may move to FS or use him as a piece in their nickel packages.
Also, the Saints added depth to their defensive front with DT Al Woods out of LSU. Davis will be integral in controlling the interior of the line.
It should come as no surprise that the Saints are No. 1 in the league in total offensive yards per game with 403.8.
New Orleans locked up that No. 1 offensive ranking by adding TE Jimmy Graham from Miami. Graham will have the chance to develop behind starting TE Jeremy Shockey, and the Saints could use him as a red zone TE in his rookie season.
As a NFL bettor who are you placing your NFL bet on this season? NFL betting is possibly the most exciting bet in sports, are you ready? Head over to www.sportsbook.com where they have every line ready to go.
Final Rankings:
4. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers may have shot themselves in the foot by drafting three QBs and not enough other offensive and defensive weapons. Look for another 8-8 season here.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay made excellent use of their picks, as they picked up McCoy and Price to tighten up that defensive front, thus creating problems for opposing offenses.
2. Atlanta Falcons: I think the addition of Weatherspoon will great increase the Falcons' potential and they'll build off their 9-7 record from 2009.
1. New Orleans Saints: This should come as no surprise. The Saints won the Super Bowl with a defense ranked 25th in the league. They've added Robinson and Woods to the lineup, so I'm expecting the New Orleans' defense to become much better in 2010. Also, they added TE Graham, who gives Drew Brees just another outlet to beat you.
NFL: Early Sunday Kickoffs (1:00 PM ET, CBS & FOX)
2009-12-04
If you’re looking for most of the big pointspreads on the NFL betting board for Week 13, you’ll find most of them in the 1:00 PM ET kickoffs. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and Orleans all play as near double-digit favorites or more. However, at least two of the 10 early games are expected to be competitive. Here is a look at those two contests, plus a BEST BET writeup from the StatFox Platinum Sheet on the Indy-Tennessee game. Be sure to click over to the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages on Sportsbook.com for all the latest info before confirming your Sunday plays.
(341) HOUSTON at (342) JACKSONVILLE
The Jaguars and Texans both maintain wildcard hopes but it is getting late for Houston, who is 5-6 after losing to Indianapolis. They are now 1-4 in divisional games this season, including a 31-24 home loss to Jacksonville back in September. That sets up a nice spot for HC Gary Kubiak’s team, who is on a 16-6 ATS run revenging a loss where the opponents topped the 28-point mark. HC Jack Del Rio’s team is off another horrible trip west, a 20-3 setback to the 49ers which dropped their record to 6-5. This starts a 3-game homestand for the Jaguars, who are desperate to improve a 2-11 ATS slid in home games over the last season-and-a-half. Houston, who has played surprisingly well on the road, 7-2 ATS in its L9, is also 5-2 ATS at Jacksonville since ’02.
(363) NEW ENGLAND at (364) MIAMI
Miami’s playoff hopes took a crushing blow when it lost in Buffalo. They may be relegated now to the spoiler role, and will try to do just that to New England’s quest to obtain the AFC’s #2 seed in the postseason. For HC Tony Sparano’s team, it was a first divisional ATS loss of ’09 (3-2 SU & 4-1 ATS). The Patriots are 3-1 in division game so far but just 1-3 ATS. That only loss, at New York, snapped a 6-game SU & ATS winning streak on the road vs. AFC East foes. This is the second h2h meeting of ’09, with New England having won the first at home last month, 27-17, failing to cover an 11-point spread. Favorites are on an 8-3 SU & ATS run in the L11 matchups between these rivals in Miami, and the Dolphins are 2-5 SU & ATS as a home dog under Sparano.
StatFox Steve had this to say about the Indy-Tennessee game: Indianapolis has been playing with fire of late, and if I recall correctly, the Colts have set a record for most come from behind wins in the fourth quarter of any season already. That could catch up to them this week against one of the hottest teams in football, the Titans. Tennessee has moved to 5-6 after winning its last five games and I have a hard time seeing them NOT being competitive in this one. The Titans will be backed by a powerful revenge angle: Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (TENNESSEE) - revenging a loss against opponent, with a winning percentage of between 40-49% on the season. (29-8 over the last 10 seasons.) (78.4%, +20.2 units. Rating = 2*). These teams have played a tight series historically, and with the Colts having trouble separating at home, I’d be surprised if this game isn’t highly competitive. Play: Tennessee +7
Looking for a NFL Week 2 Upset?
2009-08-21
The NFL preseason is even more unpredictable than the regular season, as incentives, coaching decisions and lack of continuity all play a larger role in August football. If one follows this line of thinking, this should suggest taking the points with the underdog is not a bad option, especially given the right circumstances. Here is a look at several potential upsets that could be in play on Saturday. (Be sure to check the latest info for all NFL Preseason games by visiting the LIVE ODDS, BETTING TRENDS, and TEAM STATISTICS pages.)
Oakland at San Francisco
Around the Oakland practice field this week, head coach Tom Cable heard the chant “Cable, Bumaye” - a reference to the “Ali, Bumaye” during the 1974 “Rumble In The Jungle” heavyweight fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The chant loosely translates to “Cable kill him”. This refers to reports of coach Cable clobbering assistant coach Randy Hanson, a reported Al Davis snitch.
Along with the usual absurdness that follows the Raiders, they have been running scrimmages recently against Bay Area partner San Francisco and getting their lunch and dinner handed to them. The 49ers’ players have been mocking them, which should lend itself to some professional pride by Oakland as 2.5-point underdogs at Sportsbook.com. If nothing else, maybe the Niners will be too satisfied.
Carolina at Miami
Carolina committed a sloppy five turnovers in losing to the Giants on Monday night and will seek to tighten things down this week. Quarterback Jake Delhomme will see more action and the Panthers are a solid 8-4 ATS as dogs under coach John Fox and 6-1 SU & ATS against the AFC. Miami is a three-point home favorite and they are 16-24-3 against the spread when the favored squad.
Detroit at Cleveland
Both teams have a lot to prove this upcoming season, however Detroit has a greater sense of urgency after a winless regular season. Most people know the Lions were 4-0 (3-0-1 ATS) last preseason, before going on to make dubious history. Nevertheless, the circumstances are different as Detroit has new coaches and a real desire to bury the past. Cleveland looked absurdly pathetic in totaling 191 yards of offense against Green Bay in 17-0 loss. The Browns quarterback battle looks like it could have winner by default instead of someone earning the job. The Browns are 1-5 ATS against the NFC and are on 0-5 SU and ATS roll in the preseason. The Lions are catching three points.
San Diego at Arizona
Neither team played well in suffering defeat in first preseason games. San Diego threw for 329 yards last week, but had -2 turnover difference in losing 20-14 to Seattle as three-point favorites. The Chargers could be in a great situation since they are 9-1 ATS off a home loss. San Diego hits a rather potent system that states to Play On underdogs or pick, off an upset loss as a favorite, this week of the preseason. (28-8 ATS)
New Orleans at Houston
Both the Saints and Texans were winners last week. Houston was actually outgained by Kansas City by 27 yards, however was +3 in turnover margin. Matt Schaub was superb 7 for 7 in opener; however behind him Houston is thin at quarterback. Rex Grossman was presumed backup, but he injured hamstring and is out. That leaves Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink to put up points for the Texans who are oddly 3-2-3 ATS at home. New Orleans has Drew Brees and experienced Mark Brunell to turn to and the Saints are 24-10 ATS in road games.
NFL: Early NFL Games (1:00 PM ET, FOX & CBS)
2008-10-03
The early betting board for Sunday’s NFL action boasts eight different games to choose from, highlighted by the NFC East showdown in Philadelphia between the Redskins and Eagles. At last check, three different teams on the early lineup were being backed by over 90% of the betting public at Sportsbook.com, including the Colts, Chargers, and Bears. Be sure to check in before kickoff for the latest numbers. Here’s a look at a few of the key games.
(407) TENNESSEE at (408) BALTIMORE
Tennessee has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises early, winning four straight to open the campaign, by an average of 14.0 PPG. The latest win was a 30-17 conquest of Minnesota. For HC Jeff Fisher’s team, it is a first-ever 4-0 ATS start. Here the Titans face their second AFC North foe on the road. They are on a run of 12-3 ATS in road games off a home win by 10 points or more, and are 16-6 ATS in games after allowing 17 points or less in three straight contests. The Ravens are back at home after the Monday night game at Pittsburgh. HC John Harbaugh’s team has won its first two home games of his tenure after going just 3-5 in Baltimore last season. These teams have met three times since ‘04, Tennessee owning a 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS edge in the series.
(413) WASHINGTON at (414) PHILADELPHIA
If there is such a thing, Philadelphia may be the best last place team in the NFL. At 2-2, the Eagles find themselves at the bottom of the NFC East standings at this point. This week they face a big game against rival Washington, who has won its L3 contests, including a week ago in Dallas. Philly has been hampered offensively by the injury to RB Brian Westbrook, but this game could be decided by the defenses, since the UNDER is 20-11 in the L31 head-to-head meetings. The road team has won SU & ATS in four of the L5. Amazingly, this will already be the final road divisional game for Washington, who is 4-1 ATS in its l5 in that role. The Redskins are also 8-0 ATS in their L8 versus excellent rushing defenses - allowing <=70 rushing yards/game.
(419) SEATTLE at (420) NY GIANTS
Some very distinct post-bye week trends will go directly head-to-head with one another when Seattle visits New York this weekend, both teams coming off their open dates. Seattle, 1-2 SU & ATS in ’08, is just 5-13 SU & 4-14 ATS coming out of its bye week since ’92. It has also gone OVER the total on such occasions seven straight times. The Giants meanwhile have also been dreadful off the bye week, having gone just 3-10 SU & 3-9-1 ATS since ’96. However, 15 of their L20 post-bye week games have gone UNDER the total. Obviously, something has to give. The Giants are riding a 7-game overall winning streak and are 8-1 ATS in their L9 games. Seattle is 0-4 SU & ATS in its L4 road games but 4-1-1 ATS in the L6 head-to-head meetings between these teams.
NFL - Philadelphia at New Orleans (1:00 PM ET – FOX)
2007-12-21
Philadelphia and New Orleans meet in a rematch of last January’s divisional playoff. The Saints won that game and need to duplicate that feat to keep their postseason hopes alive for 2007.
They’ve rallied for wins in three of their L4 games to even up at 7-7. This one won’t be easy, as the Eagles are off an upset win at Dallas and have been a difficult team to read all season long. At 6-8, their playoff hopes are feint so playing the role of spoiler might have to do. New Orleans is a 3-point favorite, but just 3-10 ATS as home chalk under Sean Payton. HC Andy Reid’s club has done solid work vs. potent passing offenses, going 16-6 ATS in its L22 vs. teams averaging >=260 PYPG. The dog is 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS in the L5 meetings between these teams in New Orleans.
The Eagles are slowly riding a trail towards a future they may not wish to face. The failures of 2007 are hard to overlook considering the tremendous conflict this team has faced both on and off the field, and once the season ends, veteran leader and passer Donovan McNabb will enjoy free agency and may seek a new home for play. With that in mind, it is difficult to understand where this team lies mentally and how they will perform in these late weeks.
The 2007 season for the Saints has been an absolute testament for QB Drew Brees, for the constant failings and shortcomings on both sides of the ball have not completely killed their life as an organization, the playoffs still in sight and the Saints still capable of making a difference. Their veteran leader at QB has done all he could to keep the team competitive while his leadership abilities may rank among the most heroic in the NFL. Getting help from the rushing attack and preventing the opposition from advance the ball with ease through the air should be priority #1.
Keys to the Game
The Eagles have not responded when presumed leader McNabb has been under center, misfiring time and again when first downs were needed to move the chains. Coach Andy Reid will have to work to regain the locker room, as this squad is divided into several factions. The Eagles have had luck against excellent passing teams averaging 260 or more passing yards a game with 16-6 ATS mark. Here is a horrible number for the Saints: They are 0-10 ATS at home in December off non-division games facing teams under .500.
Trends
~ Philadelphia is 10-3 ATS off a NFC East battle.
~ New Orleans is 5-15 ATS at Superdome when opponent is off road game.
StatFox Edge – Saints cover