BSNblog

New York Jets (-2.5) @ Buffalo Bills

Thursday, December 3, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Jets and Bills head north of the border to visit Toronto in the game being billed as “T.O. in T.O.” It’s true that Terrell Owens has enjoyed quite the resurgence under interim head coach Perry Fewell, but his two monster games came against Jacksonville and Miami. Each of those teams plays shaky pass defense. The Jets, meanwhile, defend the pass very well and can shut down pretty much any wideout in the league using phenomenal corner Darrelle Revis. I’d bet at my online sportsbook that Owens disappears this week.

The Jets have the second-best rushing offense in the NFL and the Bills rank dead last against the run. Expect Gang Green to run the ball down Buffalo’s throat and neutralize the Bills’ offense en route to a stifling win.

NFL betting pick: Jets -2.5

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (-7)

Sunday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. ET

What a comeback for Vince Young. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has been a throwback to his Texas days this season, winning all five of his starts and helping Tennessee become the first team in NFL history to win five straight after starting 0-6.

The undefeated Colts, however, have a record of their own. They’ve won five straight games after trailing to start the fourth quarter – a stat that reflects Peyton Manning’s brilliance in the clutch. It seems no lead is safe with him at the helm and, versus a Titans secondary he shredded once already this season, we should expect another big day from him. Don’t be surprised if this game turns into a shootout, as the Titans lead the NFL in rushing and should do some damage through the air too, but the Colts always pull away. Manning leads his team downfield and Indy’s “D” usually comes up with a big play or two, as it did against Houston last week. Stick with Indy.

NFL betting pick: Colts -7

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Houston Texans

Sunday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

Every week, we ask if “this is the week” when Indy finally loses at the sportsbook. Can you blame us? The Colts have won their last four games by a combined 10 points. It seems they squeak out wins by the skin of their teeth every week. Some bettors will thus pile onto Houston’s NFL odds this week. The Texans only lost by a field goal at Indianapolis early this season and they certainly put points on the board.

Fact of the matter is that the Colts are an elite offensive team and the Texans are a poor defensive team. They have just 13 sacks in 10 games; it’s frightening to wonder what Peyton Manning can do if he has all day to throw. Indy is 14-1 all-time against Houston so we have to keep betting on the Colts with our football picks.

NFL betting pick: Colts -3.5

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings (-11)

Sunday, November 29, 4:15 p.m. ET

Who could’ve imagined the Bears would be 11-point underdogs for any game at the start of the season? 2009 has been a massive disappointment for the Bears, as the “D” gets burned for big plays, the O-line has been weak and Jay Cutler makes mistakes galore. In theory, the Vikings are a deadly matchup for Chicago. Jared Allen will terrorize Cutler, the Williams Wall will swallow Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson should tenderize a sagging Bears “D.” But Cutler, even when he struggles, still takes shots downfield and completes big plays. The Vikings allow over 230 passing yards per game, so Cutler may put enough points on the board to keep this game close. Remember, this is a divisional rivalry game. The Bears won’t go quietly and should at least stay within 11 points.

NFL betting pick: Bears +11

(3) Texas @ Texas A&M

Thursday, November 26, 8:00 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Texas -22

Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy seems poised to be a high pick in next spring’s NFL draft but his work at the collegiate level isn’t finished. He may be the winningest quarterback in NCAA history but he wants a national title. Standing in Texas’ way is its Lone Star State rival Texas A&M. The spread is huge, especially with the Longhorns on the road, but A&M gave up huge points against the likes of Kansas State, Colorado and Utah State. I don’t see how Texas doesn’t post a huge number here. Don’t know if the Cowboys will do the same in NFL betting, though.

Pick: Texas -22

(2) Alabama @ Auburn

Friday, November 27, 2:30 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Alabama -12

Sure, the Auburn Tigers are “playing for a better bowl game,” but the truth is that they just want to ruin their rival Alabama’s BCS title hopes. There’s just one big problem: Auburn can’t stop the run. It ranks 88th in the nation in yards allowed. That means Alabama’s Mark Ingram, a dark horse Heisman contender, should run through Auburn’s front seven. With the nation’s No. 1 defense also there to hold the lead, Alabama should cover the spread without much hassle.

Pick: Alabama -12

(8) Pittsburgh @ West Virginia

Friday, November 27, 7:00 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Pittsburgh -1

West Virginia had its heart broken by Pittsburgh in the past and would like nothing more than to crush the Panthers’ BCS dreams in the Backyard Brawl. I don’t see it happening. Pittsburgh is 5-0 against its own conference and hungry for a date with Cincinnati to battle for the Big East crown. It has a better offense and defense than West Virginia so what’s not to like?

Pick: Pittsburgh -1

New York Giants (-6.5) @ Denver Broncos

Thursday, November 26, 8:20 p.m. ET

The luster has quickly worn off Josh McDaniels and the upstart Denver Broncos, who defied the NFL odds with a 6-0 start only to lose four straight games. When it rains, it pours; Kyle Orton is battling injury and not guaranteed to play for a second straight week, Brandon Marshall and Knowshon Moreno had a shoving match on the sidelines during Denver’s blowout loss on Sunday, and the Broncos suddenly can’t stop the run. They’ve allowed at least 174 rushing yards in three straight games.

New York’s power running game should give Denver plenty of trouble and their aggressive pass rush will terrorize either Orton or Chris Simms. Even if the Broncos’ contain Eli Manning, the Giants will dominate every other facet of the game.

NFL betting pick: Giants -6.5

Miami Dolphins (-3) @ Buffalo Bills

Sunday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

In theory, the Dolphins should win this game, right? They’re clearly the better team and their No. 4 rushing offense should wreak havoc on the Bills’ No. 31 rushing defense. However, savvy NFL picks makers know to expect the unexpected and there’s reason to believe the Bills can pull an upset this week.

First off, Miami is making a long road trip from its nice, cozy climate to frigid Buffalo, which is long overdue for some snow after a surprisingly mild fall. The warm-to-cold weather adjustment never treats players from southern teams well. Secondly, the Dolphins just lost nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season to a torn quad and their run defense may suffer in the short term, opening up holes for Fred Jackson and maybe Marshawn Lynch. Thirdly, Terrell Owens exploded last week; was it a coincidence that he did so in his first game under a new coach? Now he faces a very suspect Dolphins secondary.

Lastly, there’s the rivalry factor; no matter how mismatched a rivalry game seems, there’s always the possibility that emotion wills a team to victory. We should thus take a flier on the Bills this weekend.

NFL betting pick: Bills +3

Eli Manning and the Giants offense have sputtered during their losing streak but the Falcons offer them a good opportunity to bounce back. The Falcons are poor against the run and the pass. In fact, their 371 yards allowed per game is easily the worst mark by any NFL team with a winning record this season. The Giants rushing attack, which still ranks seventh in the league despite its so-called “struggles,” should have its way with an Atlanta “D” that allows over 130 rushing yards per game. Brandon Jacobs is heating up, too; the bullish runner is averaging 5.1 yards per carry over his last four games.

Normally, the Falcons can answer back with a potent running game of their own, especially since Michael Turner was catching fire, but there’s one problem: Michael Turner almost certainly won’t play this week thanks to a high ankle sprain. With Jerious Norwood possibly out too, Jason Snelling will get the rock. He’s capable of every-down duties but a matchup versus a Giants defense that hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 2 wouldn’t exactly an easy one for his first career NFL start.

That leaves Matt Ryan to try and keep the Falcons alive in this one and he too has a tough matchup. Ryan started the year looking like a Pro Bowler and, while he’ll probably fly to Hawaii plenty of times before his career is over, he’s suffering through a sophomore slump of late. In his last four games, he has five touchdown passes versus eight interceptions and a 54.2 per cent completion rate. Teams have Ryan figured out; pressure him early and he’ll get jittery. Then he’ll start hurrying throws and sailing balls over his receivers’ heads.

I don’t see why the Giants won’t follow that same strategy this Sunday, sending the NFL’s No. 2 pass defense onto the field at home. The Falcons aren’t done yet in the playoff race but they just don’t match up well against the Giants. Go with New York in a slump-buster for your sports betting
pick.

Prediction: Giants 24, Falcons 13

(10) LSU Tigers vs Mississippi Rebels

Saturday, November 21, 3:30 p.m. ET

Favorite: Mississippi -4

The first question LSU must answer is whether or not it can contain Dexter McCluster. The versatile runner averages 7.1 yards per carry this season for Mississippi Rebels. He absolutely exploded against Tennessee last week, running for 282 yards and churning up 324 all-purpose yards – both school records. Think it’s a coincidence that the Rebels have tallied 80 points in their last two games? With McCluster shouldering the offensive load, the pressure eases up on Jevan Sneed. That’s important, as Sneed has made his share of mistakes this season.

The LSU Tigers are an incomplete unit on defense. Their secondary has been up to snuff this season but their front seven is porous at times. They allowed 178 rushing yards to Louisiana Tech last week; what, then, can McCluster do? He’s surely licking his chops for this sports betting matchup.

LSU had some very solid options to counterattack on offense but they’re dropping like flies. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson missed last week with a sprained ankle and, while he’s expected to return this week, he likely won’t be 100 per cent. The Tigers also lost Charles Scott to a broken clavicle. At least Keiland Williams is a capable replacement in the backfield.

In the end, look for Mississippi to triumph this week. Its defense isn’t dominant but it’s steady, having held opponents under 300 total yards five times this season. Playing at home and sporting the healthier roster, Ole Miss is a safe bet to cover the four-point spread.

NCAA football betting pick: Mississippi -4

Adams gestured from his luxury box at the end of the third quarter and later repeated it in the playing field in which the Titans defeated the Buffalo Bills 41-17 Sunday.

League commissioner Roger Goodell announced today the penalty Adams and the league spokesman Greg Aiello said the attitude of the owner of the Titans is detrimental to the interests of the NFL Betting.

"I realize that this kind of behavior should not happen," Adams said in a statement. "I need to apologize specifically to the Bills, with all the fans and the league."

Other players also have been fined by the same gestures made by Adams.

Joe Nedney of the San Francisco 49ers, was fined $ 7,500, while Michael Vick received a penalty of $ 10,000 while with the Atlanta Falcons in 2006.

Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers (-3)

Thursday, November 19, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Dolphins could be in trouble entering the Thursday nighter at less than 100 per cent. Ronnie Brown’s ankle and foot injuries should hold him out, leaving Ricky Williams to handle starting duties. The Panthers are weak against the run, yes, but the Dolphins can’t keep running the ball if they’re trailing. Jake Delhomme hasn’t been too bad lately, going two games without throwing an interception. Against a Dolphins pass defense that regularly allows big plays, he could hook up with Steve Smith. Even versus a tough Miami run defense, the Panthers should do fine running the ball themselves, as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are men possessed right now.

Expect Carolina to grab an early lead and force Miami to pass. That doesn’t bode well for the Dolphins, as their No. 30 passing offense is no match for the Panthers’ No. 4 pass “D.”

NFL betting pick: Panthers -3

Pittsburgh Steelers (-10) @ Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday, November 22, 1:00 p.m. ET

Can we trust the Steelers to cover a 10-point spread? Everyone liked the Packers over Tampa in Week 9 and the Saints over the Rams in Week 10 but neither team covered. Will our hearts get broken again if we try the Steelers at the sportsbook? Maybe, but I still like them for this week. Their devastating run defense should have its way with Kansas City’s suspect line; they can blitz Matt Cassel all day; Ben Roethlisberger should stretch the field; Rashard Mendenhall should run through K.C.’s front seven. There’s always the slight risk that the Chiefs get fired up at home and overachieve but nothing else about the matchup is scary for Pittsburgh.

NFL betting pick: Steelers -10

Patriots vs Colts odds – Sunday, November 15, 8:20 PM ET

The Patriots (6-2) returned from their bye to win their third straight game, beating Miami 27-17 behind 332 yards on 25-of-37 passing from Brady, along with a touchdown and a pick. The duo of Brady and Randy Moss again proved to be too much for the opposition at Moss had six catches for 147 yards and a score for the Patriots, who also got 82 yards and a touchdown on the ground from Laurance Maroney. If the Patriots’ offense could get some balance, their already-good NFL odds would probably go through the roof.

The Colts (8-0) adhered to the phrase, “you have to be good to be lucky” as Houston missed a field goal at the end of regulation in a 20-17 Indianapolis win at home. It looked like the Colts were about to roll, as they led 10-0 after 15 minutes and Manning was on fire. He still finished 34-of-50 for 318 yards, a touchdown and a pick, but the Colts really didn’t put away the Texans, who committed 13 penalties. The defense came through when it was needed, though, and they’re essential to the Colts’ Super Bowl odds.

Online betting odds are favoring the Colts at home by 2.5 points, and they’ve won four of their last five against the Patriots. However, this is a rare chance for the Patriots to overcome NFL odds as an underdog, as the Colts’ secondary is beat up, and this means that Brady and Moss could have a monster day, especially if Indianapolis goes away from the running game. New England is also fourth in the league in pass defense, which means they should be able to contain Manning, as much as possible anyway.

NFL picks: New England +2.5

West Virginia Mountaineers vs (5) Cincinnati Bearcats

Friday, November 13, 8:00 p.m. ET

Favorite: Cincinnati -9.5

There’s plenty on the line for both teams Friday night. Believe it or not, West Virginia can still win the Big East if it beats Cincy this week and Pittsburgh next week. Cincinnati has even more at stake; if it keeps winning and one of the top four nationally ranked teams falters, the Bearcats could wind up in the BCS title game.

Offensively, West Virginia won’t match up with Cincinnati as well as it normally can. Quarterback Jarrett Brown is getting over a concussion and may be tentative in the pocket if he’s cleared to play. Speedy running back Noel Devine has a sprained ankle – a tough injury to play with for a guy who relies on explosiveness. With the Mountaineers top starters not at 100 per cent, the Bearcats should take over at home on “D.” They’ve allowed 20-plus points just once this season and give up just 12.3 points per game against their own conference.

Cincinnati’s offense is a consistent, well-oiled machine right now, having scored 28 or more points in every game this season. Quarterbacks Tony Pike and Zach Collaros are both effective signal callers, so the Bearcats can get it done with either guy starting. It also certainly helps to have a big-play threat like Mardy Gilyard. West Virginia’s defense is a Jekyll-and-Hyde show this year, kind of like the Carolina Panthers in NFL betting. It kept Louisville out of the end zone last week but got torched by South Florida for 431 yards the week prior. The difference: the South Florida game was a road matchup. We should thus expect the “Hyde” version of West Virginia’s defense to rear its ugly head at Cincinnati.

Here’s a parlay for you; pick the Mountaineers to romp at home Friday, then pick Pac-Man’s Pacquiao vs Cotto odds to romp on Saturday.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

Sunday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting line: Falcons -1.5

The Falcons (5-3) snapped a two-game losing streak by knocking off the Redskins 31-17. Michael Turner destroyed Washington with 166 yards; he's on fire right now, as he busted loose for 151 two weeks ago against New Orleans. Matt Ryan was a little underwhelming though he didn't need to do much last Sunday. He's been steady this season, but it hasn't been the breakout campaign many expected.

Defensively, Atlanta could be better. Holding the Redskins to 17 points is no big deal but the Falcons were shredded two weeks ago against the Saints (of course, who isn't?). Atlanta's rush defense is among the worst in the NFL at 123 yards per game.

That's good news for the Panthers, who have run the ball brilliantly lately. DeAngelo Williams is averaging nearly 140 yards per game in his last four starts while adding five touchdowns. He's also had a lot of help from running mate Jonathan Stewart, who has three touchdowns in the same span. The less quarterback Jake Delhomme throws the ball, the better.

Carolina allowed 24 second-half points to lose to New Orleans last week. The Panthers did a solid job against the run, but that's usually not the case; the Panthers allow 122 yards rushing per game. Pressure on the quarterback was very insignificant, though, as Drew Brees was sacked just one time. That doesn't inspire confidence in sportsbook bettors.

Both Carolina and Atlanta like running the ball and, right now, they're excelling at it. There should be wide open spaces since neither can stop the ground game, which puts added pressure on the quarterbacks. With both teams playing grind-it-out, possession-type football, one or two mistakes by the quarterback can change the game. That gives a big edge to Ryan and the Falcons over mistake-prone Delhomme. Bet on the Panthers with your NFL picks.

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers (-3)

Thursday, November 12, 8:20 p.m. ET

You know the games are getting big in NFL betting when the Thursday matchups arrive. The freefalling Bears and 49ers are both desperate for a win. After many experts labeled Chicago a Super Bowl contender entering the season, we’re learning that the Bears are simply flawed. The O-line struggles to open up holes for Matt Forte; the Bears are 28^th in the league in rushing. The Bears are also struggling to overcome injuries to Brian Urlacher and now Charles Tillman. They’re getting beaten for big plays, especially in the deep passing game, and have seen opposing quarterbacks toss five touchdown passes on them twice in the last three weeks.

The 49ers’ rep as a defensive juggernaut is fading fast. They can stop the run but teams are passing on them with ease of late. Now that the 49ers’ O-line is decimated by injury, it’s tough to imagine them consistently scoring enough to overcome their defensive woes. Bet on the Bears, who have the better big-play potential thanks to Jay Cutler’s arm.

Online betting pick: Bears +3

Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) @ Green Bay Packers

Sunday, November 15, 4:15 p.m. ET

Chins up, Packer fans. The truth is that 2009 wasn’t really your year. The Vikings have their day now and your guys will contend for a decade starting in 2010. There’s no questioning Green Bay’s talent, especially that of Aaron Rodgers. But this team is still gelling and maturing and won’t go anywhere until it learns how to protect its quarterback. Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay! -- sacked Rodgers six times. That’s horrible news for the Pack this week, as they face a much more legitimate pass rush. What’s the over/under on sacks for DaMarcus Ware in this game – 4.5? Rodgers needs better protection and needs to release the ball earlier. I don’t see the either of those things happening this week.

Green Bay’s pass defense is still pretty good – we’ll give them a mulligan on the Josh Freeman surprise – but the Cowboys moved the ball well enough to beat a superior Eagles defense last week. If in doubt, they’ll put the ball in Marion Barber and Felix Jones’ hands. Bet on Dallas.

Online betting pick: Cowboys -2.5

Sunday, November 9 at 4:05 p.m. ET

NFL odds: Saints -13

New Orleans is a heavy favorite, but it may not be warranted. Though undefeated, the Saints defense has been shredded over the past few weeks. Miami and Atlanta combined for almost 300 yards and six touchdowns, and the Saints were lucky to escape in both games. A dominant offense is covering up some serious weaknesses right now.

The Panthers have won three of their last four games. Many thanks belong to the running game, which is cranking out over 200 yards per game in the Panthers' last three tries. DeAngelo Williams is running like a man possessed with 399 yards and three scores during that stretch.

At 13 points, this spread simply favors the Saints too much. They've narrowly escaped defeat the past two weeks thanks to mean, bruising running games—something Carolina has in spades right now. Is it enough to topple New Orleans outright? Not likely. The Saints' pass defense is better than anyone in the NFL at making interceptions—and Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme might be better than anyone at throwing them. New Orleans has the offense to outgun Carolina but it will get gouged on the ground. Pick the Panthers to cover on your NFL picks.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL odds: Colts -9

After three straight wins, the Texans bandwagon is getting crowded. Houston creamed Buffalo 31-10 last week with a huge second half. The key story was Steve Slaton's benching and the sudden emergence of Ryan Moats. The former Eagle racked up 126 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, and he'll join the regular rotation this week. The focus will remain on Matt Schaub, though, who is tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes.

Speaking of great quarterback play, Peyton Manning remains brilliant. He was held without a touchdown pass against the 49ers last week, though, and the Colts offense managed just 18 points in the victory. It was nice to see the defense step up in a low-scoring game and bail out the offense; Indy has allowed the fewest points in the NFL this season and looks like a true Super Bowl threat on your sports picks.

Houston is solid if unspectacular on defense. It doesn't really excel at anything in particular, but it has been vulnerable to longer passes, giving up 22 completions of 20 yards or more this season. That's the kind of defense Peyton Manning can feast upon. The Colts, on the other hand, have the seventh-best pass "D" in the NFL. Schaub will be slowed down; Manning won't be. Take Indy to win and cover if you bet on sports this weekend.

(9) LSU Tigers @ (3) Alabama Crimson Tide

Saturday, November 7, 7:30 p.m. ET

Online betting favorite: Alabama -9

Fresh off a bye, Alabama wants to make a statement. There’s clearly nothing wrong with being undefeated – literally nothing wrong – but Alabama still wants a convincing performance this week to leapfrog Texas in the BCS top two. It was fading before its bye week, having barely escaped a home game versus Tennessee. In the Crimson Tide’s mind, the LSU Tigers are pretenders; their best efforts came against pushovers like Tulane while they sputtered against Georgia and Mississippi State. Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide may put the pedal to the metal at home in an attempt to expose LSU.

Offensively, Alabama is the superior team most days of the week. Quarterback Greg McIEroy has experienced growing pains but was likely just tiring in his first season as a starter; don’t be surprised if he emerges from the bye with newfound confidence and, let’s remember, he only has to play a decent second fiddle to Mark Ingram. The standout running back averages 125.5 rushing yards per game and has 11 total touchdowns.

It’s not that LSU lacks athleticism or playmaking ability; it just needs more consistency. The Tigers’ key pieces, like quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott – put up big numbers against weaker foes but disappear in big games at times. Alabama’s defense is a powerhouse with high-impact players everywhere; LSU, on the other hand, had a strong secondary but struggles to pressure the quarterback; that means McIEroy shouldn’t feel too uncomfortable in the pocket.

It’s been a nice season so far for LSU but it’s simply not on Alabama’s level. Expect the Crimson tide to cover the NCAA football betting spread at home fairly easily. Make them your sports picks.

Pick: Alabama -9

Washington Redskins @ Atlanta Falcons (-10)

Sunday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Finally, a break for the Falcons. As much as they’ve stumbled in recent weeks, their last five opponents were New England, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans. Four of those games were on the road. It’s not that the Falcons will necessarily light up the Redskins; Washington actually ranks second in the NFL in pass defense and Matt Ryan has been easily rattled in the pocket of late. It’s that Washington just won’t score. The Falcons rank near the bottom of the league in total defense but that stat partially reflects their tough schedule. They showed the Saints in Week 8 that they can pressure a quarterback and they’ll be very successful if they do that to the jittery Jason Campbell. The game may not be a barn burner but the Falcons should cover.

Online betting pick: Falcons -10

San Diego Chargers @ New York Giants (-4.5)

Sunday, November 8, 4:15 p.m. ET

Even against the struggling Giants, the Chargers will get exposed as pretenders this week. Forgive me for not getting excited about a team whose four wins came against Oakland (twice), Miami and Kansas City. The Giants will gobble up the Chargers’ anemic rushing attack and, more importantly, they should run wild themselves. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are due to bust out and the Chargers, who allow 132.1 rushing yards per game, are the perfect facilitators. Don’t be surprised if the Giants run 40 times on Sunday as they get back in the win column and cover the 4.5-point spread quite easily. They’re excellent sportsbook options this week.

Online betting pick: Giants -4.5

BetUS currently have the Huskies listed as 20½-point favorites versus the Eagles.

Eastern Michigan was pounded 63-27 by Arkansas in Week 9, as 36.5-point underdogs. That game's 90 points sailed OVER the posted total of 60.

Kyle McMahon completed 9-of-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.

Tailback Chad Spann scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and rushed for a game-high 125 yards as Northern Illinois came from behind to beat Akron 27-10 in Week 9.

The Huskies did not cover the 12-point spread, while the final score played UNDER the day's posted total of 41.

Eastern Michigan most recently:
When playing in November are 2-8

When playing on turf are 1-9

After being outgained are 0-10

When playing within the conference are 2-8

Northern Illinois most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6

When playing on turf are 5-5

After outgaining opponent are 5-5

When playing within the conference are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games when playing Northern Illinois

Eastern Michigan is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 5 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Illinois's last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan

Northern Illinois is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Eastern Michigan

Northern Illinois is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Michigan

Northern Illinois is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears (-3)

Sunday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Who saw that coming from Arizona in Week 8’s sportsbook flop? After the Cards marched into the Meadowlands and beat the Giants in Week 7, they laid an egg at home to Carolina? Uber-accurate Kurt Warner turned over the ball six times? The NFL is an unpredictable beast. Speaking of unpredictable – how about taking the Cards to win on the road in week 9?

You know Warner and Larry Fitzgerald are due to bounce-back after lackluster performances and the Chicago Bears’ secondary is beatable deep. It’s also worth nothing that, while the Bears pummeled the Cleveland Browns last week, there were some warning signs. Against the NFL’s worst defense, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler still took a physical beating. The Bears’ O-line isn’t playing that well right now. The Cardinals had the NFL’s top-ranked run defense before last week so they could easily bounce back. I like them to keep up the hot road play and beat the Bears.

Online betting pick: Cardinals +3

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3)

Sunday, November 8, 8:20 p.m. ET

With both the Cowboys and Eagles surging, Sunday makes for an especially exciting NFC East matchup. The Cowboys made statements in their recent victories over Atlanta and Seattle; in Miles Austin, Tony Romo may have a legit No. 1 receiving option after all. The Cowboys’ pass rush, which was dormant this year after leading the league in sacks last year, may be waking up too, as it sacked Matt Hasselbeck three times last Sunday.

Still, Romo faces a serious test in Week 9. The Eagles love to pressure the quarterback and Romo can be forced into mistake throws. Also, the Philly passing attack is on fire right now, as Donovan McNabb seems to hook up with DeSean Jackson for a big play every game. I like the Eagles to take the Cowboys down a notch. Can’t say the same for the Phillies’ World Series odds, though.

Online betting pick: Eagles -3