Betting Overview:The Philadelphia Eagles are getting more and more difficult to figure out. Just two weeks ago the NFL scores showed an Eagles team that took a hard-fought game away from a good New York Giants team. Yes, the Eagles were helped by the bad play of Giants quarterback Eli Manning. But in order to win a team has to be able to capitalize on the opponent’s mistakes. Then the Eagles lost to a Chicago Bears team that is normally handing wins out to opposing teams. It was a little bit of the Bears looking sharp and the Eagles looking flat.
The Houston Texans are grasping on to preseason NFL predictions that they would be in the playoffs this year. While the NFL betting experts are not impressed with the Texans’ recent losing streak, Houston did manage to beat a Tennessee Titans team that is in complete disarray right now. As the Texans continue their trek towards the playoffs, they come across the Eagles who are still trying to figure out who they really are.
Offense:
It is hard to say what exactly got into Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson when he got into a fist fight with Tennessee Titans’ defensive back Cortland Finnegan, but frustration over the Texans past few games is probably a good guess. The Texans will be fortunate in that Johnson will probably be fined but not suspended for his fight, but that does not change the fact that other teams saw how to get Andre Johnson off his game. The combination of quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Adrian Foster and Johnson has been prolific for Houston this season. But the Texans are showing their lack of experience as their playoff hopes drift further and further away. The game against the Titans was the first time that the Houston offense showed up for a game in weeks. The Texans will find out quickly that the Eagles defense is not the same as the Titans.
The Eagles are trying to put games in the hands of quarterback Michael Vick, but Vick is showing growing pains that cost this team a game last week. Vick is fighting the urge to run with the ball when his pocket collapses, and in the process he is missing opportunities to gain important yardage for the Eagles. Vick will eventually figure out how to play the quarterback position the way he has said he wants to, but in the meantime he needs to use all of his talents to help Philadelphia put points on the board.
Defense:
The bad thing for the Texans is that they have the 31st ranked defense in the league, the good thing is that they are ranked eighth against the run. If Houston can keep Michael Vick contained in the pocket, then they just may have a chance at winning this game.
The Eagles defense is punishing, fast and smart. While the Eagles may not resort to the thug tactics that Finnegan used last week, the Philadelphia secondary will use other ways to get inside Andre Johnson’s head. Double coverage and hitting Johnson at the line can be almost as frustrating as a defensive back pulling on Johnson’s helmet. The Eagles’ front seven should be able to contain Adrian Foster as well.
The Bottom Line:
The Eagles need to establish Vick as a passing quarterback, and this game is the perfect opportunity. The Philadelphia defense will keep the Houston offense under wraps while the Eagles offense finds its passing legs.
BSNblog Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
The Miami Dolphins went to show that they feel good about playing away from home to gain a significant victory over the Oakland Raiders 33.17.Miami (6-5) won its fifth game in six road games and had a stellar return of Chad Henne, who threw for 307 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, plus a performance of four field goals from Dan Carpenter to blamed on the Raiders (5-6) their second straight loss.
Playing in his hometown, Davone Bess generated 111 yards on six receptions for the Dolphins and Ricky Williams had 95 yards rushing with a touchdown, keeping alive their chances of reaching the playoffs.
The match began dramatically Jacoby Ford for the Raiders to 101 yards on kickoff return early to go ahead 7-0.
However, in its first two offensive, the Dolphins scored 10 points with field goal by Dan Carpenter's 49-yard and 29-yard pass to Patrick Cobbs, Chad Henne for the first quarter ended in their favor 10-7.
In the second period both teams exchanged interceptions and Oakland also had a fumble lost, but there were no matters arising from these losses. However, Jacoby Ford returned to do this on the scoreboard with a great reception for 44 yards away after receiving a pass from Gradkowski.
Four seconds of rest, Carpenter inked a field goal 23 yards to go to break even for the locals 14-13.
In their first offensive in the third quarter, Miami scored again with Henne pass of 57 yards to Marlon Moore, who escaped across the right side and put Miami ahead once more on the scoreboard.
Then alternated with field goals of 44 yards specifying Carpenter, and in the fourth quarter, Sebastian Janikowski, 30 for the Raiders, and Carpenter returned for one over 25 yards with 4:03 to play to make 26-17 front .
Ricky Williams took the lace to the "bad guys" with a break of 45 yards with 3:12 on the clock and the rest was to contain the visitors attack.
NCAA football betting players should get ready for a game that could shake the BCS rankings, as well as the state of Alabama. Auburn will be aiming to keep their BCS title hopes alive when they head to Alabama, who won’t be able to defend their national title, but they can do the next best thing: keep Auburn from winning it. The 75th edition of the “Iron Bowl” could be the biggest one yet. Auburn Alabama Betting – Friday, 2:30 PM ET
The No.2 Tigers (11-0, 7-0) were off last week, meaning they had two weeks to prepare for their fourth and toughest road game of the season. Cam Newton takes his Heisman hopes to Tuscaloosa, and he’s done an excellent job of putting his off-field problems behind him, at least when he’s on the field. Newton is the key to the No.6 offense in the country, and the Tigers are third in rushing, but people forget that Newton is second in the nation in passer rating. The Tigers’ Achilles Heel is a defense that is prone to giving up the big play as they’re 100th in the country against the pass, and even those who check out NHL scores will tell you, defense wins championships.
The No.11 Crimson Tide (9-2, 5-2) made short work of Georgia State in a 63-7 beating at home, as they were up 42-7 by halftime, which means Alabama could rest their starters. Greg McElroy was 12-of-13 for 159 yards and two touchdowns for the Crimson Tide, who gained 478 yards while holding Georgia State to 165 yards. The Crimson Tide ran for 262 yards themselves, and this was a glorified practice session for Alabama, who essentially had a bye, but did just enough to keep the rust off in time for this massive showdown.
The Crimson Tide are favored by 4.5 points according to betting services, and even though the Tigers are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five trips to Tuscaloosa, that SU loss was a 36-0 trouncing at the hands of the Crimson Tide in 2008. This will be much closer, and while we think Alabama will win straight up, we think Auburn will keep it closer than the 4.5-point spread. Newton rolled over the toughest defense he faced this year in LSU, and even though that was at home, we think Newton will be ready for them. The problem is a defense that won’t be able to stop the Alabama aerial attack, led by McElroy and Julio Jones. If you’re going to pick the game straight up, go with Alabama, but if you want to go against the online sports betting spread, roll with Auburn.
Betting Overview:The annual NFL betting feast known as the Detroit Lions home Thanksgiving Day game continues against the New England Patriots this week. The NFL predictions surrounding the Patriots early in the preseason whispered of a Super Bowl appearance, and with the Indianapolis Colts having nothing left in the tank it seems that the Pats will wind up with the favorable NFL scores late in the season.
The Lions are going to be struggling the rest of the season without their starting quarterback. Detroit is currently riding a two-game losing streak and it is no coincidence that the first loss came against the Buffalo Bills in the first week that Matthew Stafford was declared ineligible due to injury. For those that do not think the quarterback makes that big of a difference, try to imagine the New Orleans Saints without Drew Brees or the Green Bay Packers without Aaron Rodgers. It is a completely different team. That is what the Lions are going through right now.
Offense:
Tom Brady has a corps of some of the shortest receivers and running backs the NFL has seen in a long time. Wide receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker, along with running back Danny Woodhead, are all 5’9” or shorter. But their lack of size does not diminish their effectiveness on the field. The Patriots are coming off of a shootout 31-28 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Tom Brady and the offense look to be hitting on all cylinders, even if those cylinders are a bit shorter than the cylinders in other NFL engines.
The Lions are lost without Matthew Stafford. He is the lynchpin that makes that offense work. The Detroit defense can hold its own against some teams, but last week the Cowboys wore the Lion defense down to the point where the Detroit defense caved in. Shaun Hill is playing a decent game in place of Stafford, but he is not able to utilize the offense like Stafford can. Without their quarterback, the Lions have no offense bite.
Defense:
The Patriots defense was improving week by week, until Peyton Manning and the injured Colts offense hung 28 points on the Pats defense. Their weak defense is the reason why many NFL experts are shying away from the Patriots Super Bowl bandwagon. But without much of a Detroit passing game to worry about, the New England defense should be able to shut down Detroit rookie running back Jahvid Best and keep the Lions under control.
The Detroit Lions defensive line is having a good season. Rookie defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is have a rookie of the year kind of season, and veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch is playing well. But the linebackers and secondary for the Lions is suspect, and against a passing game like the one the Patriots have, the Lions could be in trouble.
The Bottom Line:
Everyone wants the Detroit Lions to win their home Thanksgiving Day game, but the Patriots are just too strong and the Lions are a developing team that is not ready for the pressure of a high-profile game like this.
BSN Sports Pick: New England Patriots
From the hand of quarterback Drew Brees, the champions New Orleans Saints beat the Seattle Seahawks 34-19.Brees had a spectacular first half with three of the four touchdown passes he did in the clash.
The MVP of Super Bowl XLIV were very good, completed 29 of 43 passes for 382 yards with the aforementioned four runs and two interceptions.
The main partner was the Brees Marques Colston receiver with 8 catches for 113 yards and two arrivals to diagoneles.
Matt Hasselbeck in Seattle also had a good game, hitting 32 of the 44 items that attempted to 366 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
After this game, New Orleans remains in second place in the NFC South with a 7-3 mark, while Seattle is also kept on top of the weak NFC West sector with even record of 5-5.
With a third straight undefeated season within their reach, No. 4 Boise State will continue its fight to gain recognition in the BCS rankings Friday with a visit from Fresno State. The Broncos have won nine straight to open their 2010 schedule, and earned some respect by blowing away Idaho 52-14 in their last college football betting outing.
Fresno State Bulldogs @ Boise State Broncos
Friday November 19, 2010
Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Online Sports Betting Odds: Boise State - 33
That win combined with TCU nearly falling to San Diego State in their worst game of the season has left an opening for Boise State in the top-three. The Broncos have already moved in to third spot in the AP polls, but will need a strong finish to their season to have any chance at securing an automatic bid in a BCS bowl game, beginning this Friday night against the Bulldogs.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Fresno State
The Bulldogs are coming off a close loss to Nevada in which they almost pulled off a major upset before giving up the go-ahead touchdown with 4:51 remaining to fall behind 35-34 in a game that had seven lead changes. Fresno State has now lost 12 straight games to ranked teams, and will have an even harder time rebounding against a Boise State team that is favored by 31 football betting points. This will be the Bulldogs’ final road trip before consecutive home dates against Idaho and Illinois to close out the season.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Boise State
Although they still trail the Horned Frogs in the BCS rankings, the Broncos still have three more games to play and are in control of whether or not they crack the top-three. A loss from either No. 1 Oregon or No. 2 Auburn next week would change the outlook dramatically, but for now Boise State has to concentrate on what they do control. Anything less than a blowout win will not be acceptable for quarterback Kellen Moore and his teammates. Moore remains the nation’s highest-rated passer with a 191.2 rating, and has thrown at least three touchdowns in five of his last seven outings. The Broncos rank second in both points scored and points allowed, and will need to show the nation why under the Friday night lights.
The Match Up: Fresno State @ Boise State
The Broncos have just two losses in their last 71 conference games, and although one of them was to Fresno State, that shouldn’t have any significance reading in to this NCAAF betting game. The Ducks and Tigers are both off this week so there will be no openings in the top-two, but if Boise State can cover the spread this week there is a good chance they can pass TCU for No. 3, or at the least continue to close the slim margin between the teams.
NCAA Football Betting Pick: Broncos - 33
Betting Overview:The Houston Texans and New York Jets are two teams going in opposite directions. Once the halfway point of the season hit, the NFL betting prospects of the Texans seemed to go downhill. They were starting to come up on the wrong end of NFL scores, and the NFL predictions of the Texans making the playoffs now seem in jeopardy.
The Jets seem to be coming together very nicely as they start to hit the playoff stretch. Before the season started, Jets head coach Rex Ryan was taking a lot of heat for being confident and predicting that his team would be the one standing when Super Bowl XLV was over. Now it looks like all of Ryan’s talk may be coming true.
Offense:
The weird thing about this game is that the Houston Texans possess a more potent offense that the Jets. But the Texans are becoming predictable, and that may be what is hurting them right now. The combination of quarterback Matt Schaub to wide receiver Andre Johnson is one of the most prolific in the league, and Johnson does have a skill for getting open even in double coverage. However the Texans’ luck is beginning to run out as Schaub and Johnson are starting to get caught up in coverages specifically designed to slow them down. Stop Schaub to Johnson and you stop the Texans air attack. That means that the linebackers can focus on the run and shut down running back Arian Foster.
The Jets have the 11th ranked offense in the league, but they are getting better rapidly. With weapons such as wide receiver Braylon Edwards and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Jets offense is getting more proficient at scoring points at the most opportune moments. To make things worse for opposing defenses, quarterback Mark Sanchez is rapidly improving as well.
Defense:
The Texans cannot stop the run, and the Texans cannot stop the pass. A glaring example of why the Texans are having so many problems is the “Hail Mary” play that lost them the game in week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The pass from Jaguars quarterback David Garrard should have been knocked to the ground, but instead it was batted right into the hands of Jacksonville receiver Mike Thomas. The Texans defense is riddled with bad technique and lazy play. That is not going to cut it against the Jets offense.
The Jets are solid on defense at the front and in the secondary. The only weakness in the Jets defense seems to be their 15th ranked pass defense. But when you have defensive backs such as Anotnio Cromartie and Darelle Reavis defending the pass, it seems unlikely that the Jets will be giving up many big plays on defense. The front seven of the Jets is ranked fifth in the run holding the opposition to 90 yards per game. If the Jets defensive line can take Arian Foster out of the game, then that leaves Cromartie and Reavis to shut down the pass.
The Bottom Line:
The Texans defense has developed some bad habits over the past 10 weeks that Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense cannot wait to exploit. It won’t take the Jets long to put this game out of reach.
BSN Sports Pick: New York Jets
NCAA football betting players have watched Oregon rip through everyone in their path this season, but they face a potentially tricky trip to Berkeley to face California, who is a much different team at home than they are on the road. Can the high-flying Ducks cover a massive NCAA football betting spread?Oregon California Betting – Saturday, November 13th, 8:00 PM ET
The No.1 Ducks (9-0, 6-0) were shut out in the first quarter, then dropped 18 points in the second and didn’t look back in a 53-16 rout at Washington, racking up 522 yards of offense. LaMichael James ran for 121 yards and three scores, while Darron Thomas was 24-of-33 for 243 yards and a touchdown, while adding 89 yards and two more scores on the ground for the Ducks, who overcame a couple of turnovers. Defensively, the Ducks got the Huskies off the field, stopping them on 14 of 16 third-down conversions. The Ducks are now averaging over 54 points a game, and they look as unstoppable as anyone in the country.
The Golden Bears (5-4, 3-3) won their first road game in seven tries with a 20-13 victory at Washington State, outgaining the lowly Cougars 383-194. Shane Vereen had 112 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Brock Mansion (which is in the running for ‘best sports names of the year’) was 12-of-24 for 171 yards and a couple of picks for the Golden Bears, who are truly awful away from home. The Golden Bears have scored 50 points or more in three of their four home games, while scoring more than 14 points just once in five road games.
Betting services have the Ducks as a 19.5-point NCAA football betting favorite, even though they’re only 2-3 both SU and ATS in their last five trips to Berkeley. Cal actually has the No.12 defense in the country, and they’re going to keep Oregon from romping, even though the Ducks will win the game by at least 10 points. The Golden Bears need to keep up with Oregon’s speed, while plays are running, and the pace at which Oregon runs plays. We think the Golden Bears have the energy to hang with Oregon longer than anyone else has, but like everyone else, they’ll eventually run out of gas because the Ducks have to be the best-conditioned team in the country. They just tire teams out and cause confusion with their offensive schemes, but Cal is going to be a stiff test for them, especially in Berkeley. We’re going to go with Oregon straight up, but if you’re feeling like taking a chance, take Cal to go against the sports betting spread.
Overview:The NFL betting is getting fierce as the teams have crossed the halfway point and are heading towards the playoffs. Some people are still betting that the Baltimore Ravens (6-2) are going to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, while others are seeing the NFL scores the Atlanta Falcons (6-2) are putting up and are picking Atlanta to play in Dallas in February.
The preseason NFL predictions had the Atlanta Falcons giving the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints a run for their money in the NFC South, but few could have predicted the problems the Saints would be having on offense and the way that the Falcons have been able to exploit those problems.
In this battle of two first place teams, we will see the hard-nosed defense of the Baltimore Ravens collide with the prolific offense of the Atlanta Falcons. If defense really wins championships, then the Ravens should be able to pull this game out with no problem.
Offense
The Atlanta Falcons have the fifth ranked offense in the league, and much of the credit for that goes to quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner. Ryan has thrown for 1,949 yards already this season and 13 touchdowns. Turner has rushed for 694 yards and five touchdowns. When the Falcons get deep into the red zone they are definitely a threat to score a touchdown. Turner has done a great job at stretching out the field for Ryan and wide receiver Roddy White.
The Ravens may not admit it but they were pretty concerned about their quarterback Joe Flacco earlier in the season. The Ravens went out and got wide receiver Anquan Boldin as a new target for Flacco, and with Ray Rice running the ball the Baltimore offense should have been a juggernaut. But Flacco was indecisive early in the season, and it was starting to become a concern. But in the last few games Flacco has come around and has put his team in line for a playoff berth.
Defense
The Ravens are playing good defense as they are ranked ninth overall in the league, but they are not playing great defense. They are inconsistent on the running game, and if Ed Reed is not on the field then the Baltimore secondary is suspect as well. But in the last couple of weeks Reed and linebacker Ray Lewis have been getting turnovers for the Ravens that are resulting in points. That kind of attacking defense is what will win the Ravens games.
The Falcons are great against the run as they are ranked sixth in the league, but if Flacco starts finding open receivers then it could be a long day for Atlanta. Look for the Falcons to shut down the Baltimore running game and key in on Flacco and the passing game. That puts the game on the shoulders of Flacco which, lately, has been a good thing for the Ravens.
The Bottom Line:
The Ravens need this game and are playing solid on both sides of the ball. The Falcons really need this game as the Saints are picking up some momentum in the NFC South. But the Falcons may not have enough defense to contain Flacco and the Ravens offense. If the Ravens defense can cause turnovers, then this game goes to Baltimore.
BSN Sports Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Despite a loss to South Carolina State that ended their undefeated run in the top spot of the SEC Standings, number-five Alabama still feels as though they are capable of catching one of the two spots available for this year’s BCS title game. While Oregon and Auburn remain locked in for first and second in the rankings, many of the other teams that are considered contenders for the championship also have one loss, and the Crimson Tide still have their season finale against Auburn to look forward to.
Alabama Crimson Tide @ LSU Tigers
Saturday November 6, 2010 – 3:30 PM ET
Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, California
Online Sports Betting Odds: Alabama – 6.5
The situation is only a bit different for LSU than it is Alabama, as the Tigers also head in to week 10 of the college football betting season with just one loss. Both the Crimson Tide and LSU are 7-1 overall this year, including 4-1 in the conference, setting the stage for a massive SEC showdown this Saturday.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: Alabama
A trip to LSU opens a stretch against three top-20 ranked opponents in the next four games for Alabama, including number-20 Mississippi State a week from Saturday and the season finale against Auburn. The nation’s second-ranked defense and a well balanced offense has the Crimson Tide still in contention for a spot in the BCS title game, but head coach Nick Saban will have to make sure his team sweeps through the remainder of its schedule to have any chance. Despite that last weekend was their bye, Alabama gained a little recognition in the standings with Michigan State and Missouri both losing on the road, but it is now up to running back Mark Ingram and company to finish what they’ve started in a crucial road game.
NCAA Football Betting Preview: LSU
The only defense in the country that is ranked ahead of the Crimson Tide belongs to LSU. Tigers’ head coach Les Miles has his team playing some of its best football since he joined the school, as illustrated by seven straight wins to open the season. That run came to an end however when LSU lost to Auburn 24-7 at home two weeks ago, and it will be hard for the school to recover in time to post a legitimate title game pledge. Like Alabama, the Tigers will be coming off an extra week of rest due to their bye.
The Match Up: Alabama @ LSU
This SEC showdown will be a clash of the top two defenses in the country, as a pair of 7-1 teams meet at Baton Rouge. The Crimson Tide have worked their way back in to contention to defend their national title, and will now control their own destiny. Meanwhile, LSU will have a lot more work to do with Alabama and number-18 Arkansas the only ranked opponents left on their pay per head schedule. The Crimson Tide are a focused, talented group, and will show everyone why they are so underrated this weekend.
BSN Sports Pick: Alabama – 6.5
Betting Overview: The Minnesota Vikings (2-5) are watching their playoff hopes slip away as their hall of fame quarterback gets beat up on a regular basis and their wide receivers cannot seem to stay healthy either. For some reason, the football betting experts are still on the Vikings Super Bowl bandwagon. But that wagon may get derailed if the Vikings lose to the Cardinals.
The Arizona Cardinals (3-4) are a different story. The NFL picks for the NFC West were all over the map before the season started as the division was seen as the weakest in football. The Cardinals are still in there swinging to win the division, and at 3-4 they are only one win away from divisional leaders St. Louis and Seattle.
Offense:
Quarterback Derek Anderson is back under center for the Cardinals as rookie Max Hall still tries to shake the effects of a week seven concussion. Anderson performed about as expected in week eight against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His inability to throw the underneath ball cost the Cardinals the game as Anderson was picked on the last drive of the contest. Max Hall may be back under center this week, and that could be a great relief for the Cardinals.
The Vikings have watched their 41-year-old quarterback Brett Favre get beat up and knocked down all season long. Favre’s most recent problems came in the week eight loss to the New England Patriots when Favre received a helmet hit to the chin. His chin was bleeding, but that is not the main concern. Once x-rays came back negative for a fractured jaw, the tests for a concussion began. What people seem to forget is if Favre cannot go, back up Tavaris Jackson is more than capable.
Defense:
Defense is where the Vikings are supposed to excel, but they do not. Minnesota’s defense is ranked 12th overall allowing an average of 316 yards per game. Most notable is the absence of Jared Allen. Last year Allen had 14.5 sacks. After 7 games this season he only has one. Allen’s inability to get to the quarterback sums up the Vikings problems on defense; everyone is underachieving.
The Cardinals struggle on defense, but they struggle the most against the run. Arizona’s rush defense is ranked 29th in the league at 143 yards per game allowed. If Favre cannot play in this game, do not expect Tavaris Jackson to just hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson all day long. However, Tavaris Jackson is a running quarterback that could be a big problem for the Arizona defense.
The Bottom Line:
This will be an interesting game to watch. Will the Vikings allow Peterson to exploit the weak Arizona run defense? In the end, it could be the ego of the Minnesota quarterback and offensive coordinator that could lose this game for them. But it is unlikely that the Cardinals offense will be able to pick up on the short-comings of the Minnesota defense.
BSN Sports Pick: Minnesota Vikings 35-10
