Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Select your timezone:
In a bit of an NFL Week 5 scheduling quirk involving two teams not in the same division, the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers will face off for the third time in less than a year at the Georgia Dome. Unbeaten Green Bay opened as 6-point favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.
Last year in Week 12, the Falcons stamped themselves as one of the NFC’s best teams with a 20-17 win over Green Bay, winning on a field goal with nine seconds left. Matt Ryan was nearly perfect, going 24-for-28 for 197 yards, one TD and no picks. And Michael Turner rushed for 110 yards and a score on 23 carries. But there were some bad signs. Green Bay put up 418 yards of offense (124 more than Atlanta) and Aaron Rodgers threw 344 yards, one TD and no picks.
When the teams met again in the NFC’s divisional round, it was all Rodgers and the Pack. In the 48-21 win, Rodgers was 31-for-36 for 366 yards and three scores as Green Bay had the highest-scoring playoff game in its history. Ryan was picked off twice and Turner was a non-factor.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, Rodgers is playing at an even higher level right now with Green Bay at 4-0. Last week in a blowout of Denver, he had 408 yards passing, four passing TDs and two rushing scores. Rodgers is the first player with that line in NFL history.
Atlanta has been very uneven. In losses to Chicago and Tampa Bay – both on the road – the Falcons’ offense was shut down. But in the Falcons’ lone home game so far, a win over the Eagles, and last week’s victory at Seattle, Atlanta has scored at least 30 in each. Rookie WR Julio Jones had his best game to date vs. the Seahawks with 11 catches for 127 yards. If Green Bay has one weakness, it’s the pass defense that ranks No. 31 in the NFL. That unit is No. 2 against the rush.
Including playoffs, the Packers have won 10 straight games overall and five in a row on the road. But since 2008, Atlanta has a 21-4 mark (.840) at home, No. 2 in the NFL over that span behind only New England.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
Last year in Week 12, the Falcons stamped themselves as one of the NFC’s best teams with a 20-17 win over Green Bay, winning on a field goal with nine seconds left. Matt Ryan was nearly perfect, going 24-for-28 for 197 yards, one TD and no picks. And Michael Turner rushed for 110 yards and a score on 23 carries. But there were some bad signs. Green Bay put up 418 yards of offense (124 more than Atlanta) and Aaron Rodgers threw 344 yards, one TD and no picks.
When the teams met again in the NFC’s divisional round, it was all Rodgers and the Pack. In the 48-21 win, Rodgers was 31-for-36 for 366 yards and three scores as Green Bay had the highest-scoring playoff game in its history. Ryan was picked off twice and Turner was a non-factor.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, Rodgers is playing at an even higher level right now with Green Bay at 4-0. Last week in a blowout of Denver, he had 408 yards passing, four passing TDs and two rushing scores. Rodgers is the first player with that line in NFL history.
Atlanta has been very uneven. In losses to Chicago and Tampa Bay – both on the road – the Falcons’ offense was shut down. But in the Falcons’ lone home game so far, a win over the Eagles, and last week’s victory at Seattle, Atlanta has scored at least 30 in each. Rookie WR Julio Jones had his best game to date vs. the Seahawks with 11 catches for 127 yards. If Green Bay has one weakness, it’s the pass defense that ranks No. 31 in the NFL. That unit is No. 2 against the rush.
Including playoffs, the Packers have won 10 straight games overall and five in a row on the road. But since 2008, Atlanta has a 21-4 mark (.840) at home, No. 2 in the NFL over that span behind only New England.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Easily the most anticipated game of Week 5 in the NFL is when the struggling New York Jets try to right the ship against their hated rivals in the Patriots. Host New England opened as a 9-point favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.
The Jets clearly need this one more than does New England. New York’s once-vaunted defense has been destroyed the past two weeks in losses at Oakland and Baltimore, allowing 34 points to each team. New York can still defend the pass, ranking No. 2 in the NFL, but is 27th against the rush.
On offense, Mark Sanchez was treated like a ragdoll by the Ravens, getting hit on almost every pass play. He was 11-for-35 for 119 yards and a pick. He also fumbled three times and lost three. The Ravens scored three defensive touchdowns off those Sanchez turnovers. And the Jets still can’t run the ball, getting just 38 total yards against Baltimore. New York ranks just 30th in the NFL in rushing. There is some good news as All-Pro center Nick Mangold will return this week after missing the past two games.
The New England defense is humming along like few in NFL history. Last week in Oakland, the Pats won 31-19 behind “only” 226 yards passing but two more TDs from Tom Brady. It was the 13th straight game Brady has thrown for two TDs, tying Peyton Manning’s NFL record. And Wes Welker continued his amazing start with nine more catches for 158 yards and a score. He leads the league in catches and yards and is second in TDs to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. Last week was the 12th straight regular season game the Pats scored at least 30, which is two shy of the NFL mark. New England has the most offense yards through four games in NFL history.
But that Pats defense has allowed the most yards through four games in NFL history. New England is last in the NFL against the pass – Oakland’s average Jason Campbell threw for 344 – in allowing 368.8 yards per game. That defense suffered a huge loss vs. Oakland with linebacker Jerod Mayo suffering a knee injury that will keep him out for a while.
The Jets won two of three meetings last year, including the divisional playoff upset in Foxboro. Sanchez actually outplayed Brady in that one.
The Jets clearly need this one more than does New England. New York’s once-vaunted defense has been destroyed the past two weeks in losses at Oakland and Baltimore, allowing 34 points to each team. New York can still defend the pass, ranking No. 2 in the NFL, but is 27th against the rush.
On offense, Mark Sanchez was treated like a ragdoll by the Ravens, getting hit on almost every pass play. He was 11-for-35 for 119 yards and a pick. He also fumbled three times and lost three. The Ravens scored three defensive touchdowns off those Sanchez turnovers. And the Jets still can’t run the ball, getting just 38 total yards against Baltimore. New York ranks just 30th in the NFL in rushing. There is some good news as All-Pro center Nick Mangold will return this week after missing the past two games.
The New England defense is humming along like few in NFL history. Last week in Oakland, the Pats won 31-19 behind “only” 226 yards passing but two more TDs from Tom Brady. It was the 13th straight game Brady has thrown for two TDs, tying Peyton Manning’s NFL record. And Wes Welker continued his amazing start with nine more catches for 158 yards and a score. He leads the league in catches and yards and is second in TDs to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson. Last week was the 12th straight regular season game the Pats scored at least 30, which is two shy of the NFL mark. New England has the most offense yards through four games in NFL history.
But that Pats defense has allowed the most yards through four games in NFL history. New England is last in the NFL against the pass – Oakland’s average Jason Campbell threw for 344 – in allowing 368.8 yards per game. That defense suffered a huge loss vs. Oakland with linebacker Jerod Mayo suffering a knee injury that will keep him out for a while.
The Jets won two of three meetings last year, including the divisional playoff upset in Foxboro. Sanchez actually outplayed Brady in that one.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
If the Denver Broncos are ever going to turn the starting quarterback job over to fan-favorite Tim Tebow, it could well come after Sunday’s home game against San Diego if Denver, as expected, loses to fall to 1-4. The Broncos then have a bye week, which would make perfect timing to get Tebow two weeks of practice with the first team. The Chargers are opened as 4-point favorites on Bodog’s NFL odds.
The Chargers are 3-1 for the first time under Norv Turner. But are they doing it with mirrors? Their three wins have come vs. with a combined 1-11 record and all three in San Diego. The Chargers, who had a losing road record in 2010, lost their one road game so far (in New England, which is understandable). Last week the Bolts sleepwalked past Miami 26-16. Philip Rivers threw for 307 yards and a TD, but perhaps more important, no picks. He had six interceptions entering the game. RB Ryan Mathews had another solid day, running 16 times for 81 yards and catching five passes for 68 yards.
Chargers WR Vincent Jackson had 108 yards against Miami but was in and out of the game with a hamstring injury. But the Bolts expect him to play. However, star tight end Antonio Gates missed his second game in a row and is expected out again.
Denver actually was very competitive in its first three games, with the two losses (Oakland and Tennessee) each coming by a field goal. But the Broncos were simply outclassed last week in Green Bay, falling 49-23. Kyle Orton threw for 273 yards and three TDs but also three picks. He has six interceptions on the year and could well be playing for his job here. The Broncos’ defense allowed 507 yards to Green Bay but didn’t have star cornerback Champ Bailey. But he should play in this one.
However, Denver really isn’t good any anything. The Broncos are 23rd in the NFL passing offense, 26th in rushing offense, 21st in scoring, 28th in scoring defense, 23rd in passing defense and minus-6 in giveaway-takeaway ratio. Denver lost both games to San Diego last year, allowing a total of 68 points. Rivers is 8-2 in his 10 career starts against the Broncos, having tossed 18 touchdown passes in those games.
The Chargers are 3-1 for the first time under Norv Turner. But are they doing it with mirrors? Their three wins have come vs. with a combined 1-11 record and all three in San Diego. The Chargers, who had a losing road record in 2010, lost their one road game so far (in New England, which is understandable). Last week the Bolts sleepwalked past Miami 26-16. Philip Rivers threw for 307 yards and a TD, but perhaps more important, no picks. He had six interceptions entering the game. RB Ryan Mathews had another solid day, running 16 times for 81 yards and catching five passes for 68 yards.
Chargers WR Vincent Jackson had 108 yards against Miami but was in and out of the game with a hamstring injury. But the Bolts expect him to play. However, star tight end Antonio Gates missed his second game in a row and is expected out again.
Denver actually was very competitive in its first three games, with the two losses (Oakland and Tennessee) each coming by a field goal. But the Broncos were simply outclassed last week in Green Bay, falling 49-23. Kyle Orton threw for 273 yards and three TDs but also three picks. He has six interceptions on the year and could well be playing for his job here. The Broncos’ defense allowed 507 yards to Green Bay but didn’t have star cornerback Champ Bailey. But he should play in this one.
However, Denver really isn’t good any anything. The Broncos are 23rd in the NFL passing offense, 26th in rushing offense, 21st in scoring, 28th in scoring defense, 23rd in passing defense and minus-6 in giveaway-takeaway ratio. Denver lost both games to San Diego last year, allowing a total of 68 points. Rivers is 8-2 in his 10 career starts against the Broncos, having tossed 18 touchdown passes in those games.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Two surprising division leaders face off in one of Week 5’s top games as the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers, who are 3-point favorites on Bodog's NFL odds.
This starts a killer seven-game stretch for Tampa Bay against teams that are all likely playoff-bound and only one of which, Chicago, has a non-winning record. The Bucs seem to play with fire as every game has been decided by no more than a touchdown. Tampa Bay is on a short week, having almost been upset at home on Monday night by a winless Indianapolis team that had QB Curtis Painter making his first NFL start.
Monday’s game was 17-17 until late in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay RB LeGarrette Blount scored from 35 yards out with 3:15 to play. He rushed for 127 yards and that score and QB Josh Freeman through for 287 and a TD. But the Bucs had 14 penalties and allowed 59- and 87-yard touchdown passes to Indy. The Bucs will try to establish the run vs. the Niners, but good luck: San Francisco hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 26 games.
San Francisco trailed 20-3 at Philadelphia but rallied in the fourth quarter for a 24-23 victory. QB Alex Smith has been pretty mediocre this year but went 13 for 17 for 201 yards and two TDs in the second-half rally. Frank Gore had a big game with 15 carries for 127 yards and a score. While the Niners are great against the run, ranking No. 4, they aren’t good against the pass. Philly’s Michael Vick threw for 416 yards and San Francisco is No. 27 against the pass.
These two met last year, also out west. The Bucs won 21-0 and San Francisco never reached red zone, managing 189 total yards and 11 first downs. Tampa Bay is still just 2-13 at the Niners all-time.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
This starts a killer seven-game stretch for Tampa Bay against teams that are all likely playoff-bound and only one of which, Chicago, has a non-winning record. The Bucs seem to play with fire as every game has been decided by no more than a touchdown. Tampa Bay is on a short week, having almost been upset at home on Monday night by a winless Indianapolis team that had QB Curtis Painter making his first NFL start.
Monday’s game was 17-17 until late in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay RB LeGarrette Blount scored from 35 yards out with 3:15 to play. He rushed for 127 yards and that score and QB Josh Freeman through for 287 and a TD. But the Bucs had 14 penalties and allowed 59- and 87-yard touchdown passes to Indy. The Bucs will try to establish the run vs. the Niners, but good luck: San Francisco hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 26 games.
San Francisco trailed 20-3 at Philadelphia but rallied in the fourth quarter for a 24-23 victory. QB Alex Smith has been pretty mediocre this year but went 13 for 17 for 201 yards and two TDs in the second-half rally. Frank Gore had a big game with 15 carries for 127 yards and a score. While the Niners are great against the run, ranking No. 4, they aren’t good against the pass. Philly’s Michael Vick threw for 416 yards and San Francisco is No. 27 against the pass.
These two met last year, also out west. The Bucs won 21-0 and San Francisco never reached red zone, managing 189 total yards and 11 first downs. Tampa Bay is still just 2-13 at the Niners all-time.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Back in the preseason, when you looked at this Week 5 game featuring Philadelphia at Buffalo, you probably wouldn’t have been surprised that the matchup had a 3-1 first-place team and a 1-3 last-place club. But I guarantee that you didn’t have the Eagles as that club in the basement and the Bills co-leading the AFC East. However, Buffalo opened as a 3-point home dog on Bodog’s NFL odds.
The Eagles are already shunning that “Dream Team” label that Vince Young laid on the team in the preseason after Philly added so many Pro Bowlers. Last week in their third straight loss, the Eagles led the Niners 20-3 at halftime but blew yet another fourth-quarter lead. In that losing streak, Philly has been outscored 36-0 and has turned the ball over three times, without forcing one turnover.
The Eagles are the fourth team since 2000 to lose three straight games in which they led entering the fourth quarter in all of them. The last team to start 1-3 and win the Super Bowl was the 2001 Patriots. The Eagles haven't lost four straight since 2005, and are in jeopardy of getting off to first 1-4 start since 1999, coach Andy Reid's first year. Philly QB Michael Vick can make history this week. Vick needs 71 rushing yards to pass Randall Cunningham (4,928) for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL annals. Vick threw for 416 yards in last week’s loss.
Buffalo suffered a huge letdown last week in Cincinnati, falling 23-20 on a last-second field goal to the Bengals for its first loss. Buffalo had only 12 first downs to Cincy’s 25 and was outgained by almost 200 yards. RB Fred Jackson, fourth in the league in rushing, was held to 66 yards on 17 carries. Look for Buffalo to stress the run in this one as the Eagles are No. 30 in the NFL in allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game.
Both the Eagles and Bills will be without their starting left tackles in this game. The teams haven’t met since 2007.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
The Eagles are already shunning that “Dream Team” label that Vince Young laid on the team in the preseason after Philly added so many Pro Bowlers. Last week in their third straight loss, the Eagles led the Niners 20-3 at halftime but blew yet another fourth-quarter lead. In that losing streak, Philly has been outscored 36-0 and has turned the ball over three times, without forcing one turnover.
The Eagles are the fourth team since 2000 to lose three straight games in which they led entering the fourth quarter in all of them. The last team to start 1-3 and win the Super Bowl was the 2001 Patriots. The Eagles haven't lost four straight since 2005, and are in jeopardy of getting off to first 1-4 start since 1999, coach Andy Reid's first year. Philly QB Michael Vick can make history this week. Vick needs 71 rushing yards to pass Randall Cunningham (4,928) for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL annals. Vick threw for 416 yards in last week’s loss.
Buffalo suffered a huge letdown last week in Cincinnati, falling 23-20 on a last-second field goal to the Bengals for its first loss. Buffalo had only 12 first downs to Cincy’s 25 and was outgained by almost 200 yards. RB Fred Jackson, fourth in the league in rushing, was held to 66 yards on 17 carries. Look for Buffalo to stress the run in this one as the Eagles are No. 30 in the NFL in allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game.
Both the Eagles and Bills will be without their starting left tackles in this game. The teams haven’t met since 2007.
Get the best NFL odds and props at the Web’s gaming leader! Bodog Sportsbook
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Indianapolis Colts are going to make Peyton Manning's decision on whether or not to return this season easy – pretty soon there's not going to be any point for him to bother.
The Colts lost again over the weekend, blowing a 24-14 halftime lead in a 28-24 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as 1.5-point favorites on the NFL betting lines at the Bodog Sportsbook. That puts them at 0-5 on the season.
Curtis Painter got the start at quarterback for Indy on Sunday, and he completed 15 of his 27 pass attempts for 277 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Pierre Garcon had five catches for 125 yards with two scores on the day, and Delone Carter ran for a TD.
Indianapolis will get their sixth chance to pick up their first victory of the year this weekend, with an early-afternoon contest on the road against a Cincinnati Bengals team that has unexpectedly won three of its first five games this season.
The Bengals improved their mark to 3-2 over the weekend with a 30-20 road win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville as a 2-point favorite against the NFL odds at the Bodog Sportsbook.
Cincinnati rookie quarterback Andy Dalton went 21-of-33 for 179 yards through the air for the Bengals in the victory, with two touchdown strikes and one interception. A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham had the TD catches on the day, and Bernard Scott ran for a score.
The Manning era in Indianapolis hasn't been kind to the Bengals, as the Colts are 5-0 straight up and 3-2 against the spread over their last five games against Cincinnati. When they last met in November 2010 Indy won 23-17 as a 7-point home favorite.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
The Colts lost again over the weekend, blowing a 24-14 halftime lead in a 28-24 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs as 1.5-point favorites on the NFL betting lines at the Bodog Sportsbook. That puts them at 0-5 on the season.
Curtis Painter got the start at quarterback for Indy on Sunday, and he completed 15 of his 27 pass attempts for 277 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Pierre Garcon had five catches for 125 yards with two scores on the day, and Delone Carter ran for a TD.
Indianapolis will get their sixth chance to pick up their first victory of the year this weekend, with an early-afternoon contest on the road against a Cincinnati Bengals team that has unexpectedly won three of its first five games this season.
The Bengals improved their mark to 3-2 over the weekend with a 30-20 road win over the Jaguars in Jacksonville as a 2-point favorite against the NFL odds at the Bodog Sportsbook.
Cincinnati rookie quarterback Andy Dalton went 21-of-33 for 179 yards through the air for the Bengals in the victory, with two touchdown strikes and one interception. A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham had the TD catches on the day, and Bernard Scott ran for a score.
The Manning era in Indianapolis hasn't been kind to the Bengals, as the Colts are 5-0 straight up and 3-2 against the spread over their last five games against Cincinnati. When they last met in November 2010 Indy won 23-17 as a 7-point home favorite.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Jacksonville Jaguars won their first game of the season, but it's been all downhill from there as they travel to Pittsburgh this week for a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Steelers on the NFL odds board at the Bodog Sportsbook.
Jacksonville's season began on a high note with a 16-14 home win over Tennessee; since then, though, it's been loss, loss, loss, loss to the Jets (32-3), Panthers (16-10), Saints (23-10), and Bengals (30-20).
And for those who don't want to do that math, that's 59 total points scored in five games; in contrast, the Colts, still winless on the season, have scored 87 points
The Colts, of course, are the only thing keeping the Jaguars (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) out of the basement of the AFC South standings right now, although Jacksonville looked like a last-place team in blowing a fourth-quarter lead at home in their loss to the Bengals on Sunday afternoon.
Blaine Gabbert went just 15-of-28 for 221 yards passing for the Jags in that loss, with one touchdown strike and no interceptions. Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 85 yards and a score on the day, and Jason Hill had five catches for 118 yards and a TD.
The Steelers (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) got back into the win column over the weekend by taking care of the Titans 38-17 at home. Ben Roethlisberger found his groove in that contest, throwing for 228 yards with five touchdown strikes and one interception.
Hines Ward had a pair of TD grabs for the Steelers on Sunday, while Mike Wallace, Heath Miller, and David Johnson had one each. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 107 yards on 11 carries in the win.
Currently the Steelers are pegged as 13-point favorites on the NFL lines.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Jacksonville's season began on a high note with a 16-14 home win over Tennessee; since then, though, it's been loss, loss, loss, loss to the Jets (32-3), Panthers (16-10), Saints (23-10), and Bengals (30-20).
And for those who don't want to do that math, that's 59 total points scored in five games; in contrast, the Colts, still winless on the season, have scored 87 points
The Colts, of course, are the only thing keeping the Jaguars (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) out of the basement of the AFC South standings right now, although Jacksonville looked like a last-place team in blowing a fourth-quarter lead at home in their loss to the Bengals on Sunday afternoon.
Blaine Gabbert went just 15-of-28 for 221 yards passing for the Jags in that loss, with one touchdown strike and no interceptions. Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 85 yards and a score on the day, and Jason Hill had five catches for 118 yards and a TD.
The Steelers (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) got back into the win column over the weekend by taking care of the Titans 38-17 at home. Ben Roethlisberger found his groove in that contest, throwing for 228 yards with five touchdown strikes and one interception.
Hines Ward had a pair of TD grabs for the Steelers on Sunday, while Mike Wallace, Heath Miller, and David Johnson had one each. Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 107 yards on 11 carries in the win.
Currently the Steelers are pegged as 13-point favorites on the NFL lines.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Oakland Raiders won one for late team owner Al Davis over the weekend, coming back to beat the Texans 25-20 in Houston. Now they return home looking to make it two in a row on Sunday when they host the Cleveland Browns.
The Raiders (3-2 straight up, 4-1 against the NFL betting lines) were down 17-15 to the Texans heading into the fourth quarter of their Week 5 contest, but Jason Campbell put them ahead for good with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens just 10 seconds into that frame.
Campbell went just 15-of-35 for 190 yards with two touchdown strikes and one interception in the contest, but Sebastian Janikowski bailed the team out of its poor field position with three FGs of 50-plus yards and another kick for 42 yards in the fourth quarter.
Darren McFadden ran for 51 yards on 16 carries for the Raiders on Sunday, and Darrius Heyward-Bey had seven catches for 99 yards and a score.
The Browns (2-2 straight up, 2-2 against the NFL lines) had a bye in Week 5, last taking to the field back in Week 4 when they were thumped 31-13 at home by the Tennessee Titans.
Cleveland QB Colt McCoy attempted 61 passes for his team in that contest, completing 40 of them for 350 yards with one touchdown strike and one interception. Benjamin Watson had the TD catch in the loss, and Peyton Hillis was held to 46 yards rushing on 10 carries.
The Browns and Raiders last met back in December 2009, with Cleveland winning 23-9 as a 3-point favorite on the NFL odds. Overall the Browns are 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings with Oakland; the OVER/UNDER was 2-3 in those games.
For Sunday's game the Raiders are favored by 6 points.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
The Raiders (3-2 straight up, 4-1 against the NFL betting lines) were down 17-15 to the Texans heading into the fourth quarter of their Week 5 contest, but Jason Campbell put them ahead for good with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens just 10 seconds into that frame.
Campbell went just 15-of-35 for 190 yards with two touchdown strikes and one interception in the contest, but Sebastian Janikowski bailed the team out of its poor field position with three FGs of 50-plus yards and another kick for 42 yards in the fourth quarter.
Darren McFadden ran for 51 yards on 16 carries for the Raiders on Sunday, and Darrius Heyward-Bey had seven catches for 99 yards and a score.
The Browns (2-2 straight up, 2-2 against the NFL lines) had a bye in Week 5, last taking to the field back in Week 4 when they were thumped 31-13 at home by the Tennessee Titans.
Cleveland QB Colt McCoy attempted 61 passes for his team in that contest, completing 40 of them for 350 yards with one touchdown strike and one interception. Benjamin Watson had the TD catch in the loss, and Peyton Hillis was held to 46 yards rushing on 10 carries.
The Browns and Raiders last met back in December 2009, with Cleveland winning 23-9 as a 3-point favorite on the NFL odds. Overall the Browns are 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings with Oakland; the OVER/UNDER was 2-3 in those games.
For Sunday's game the Raiders are favored by 6 points.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
NFL Power Rankings WEEK: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
After Week 5 the top five in our NFL Betting Power Rankings stay the same — the bottom two were on bye weeks while the top three are still blowing up spreads like Ray Lewis.
In fact, they’re practically interchangeable. You can argue the most impressive team out of the three the last two weeks has been the Green Bay Packers, considering Detroit, currently number one on our rankings, has trailed at halftime in its last three games before covering the spread. Also, it appears New England has rebounded from its ugly loss at Buffalo in Week 3.
On the come-up is our early-season favorites for underdog money makers: The Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders.
Check our Week 5 NFL Betting Power Rankings below. Remember, we rank squads for consistency against the spread (ATS) and total (OU) not win/loss record.
***
Bet on NFL odds in the Bodog Sportsbook!
***
1. Detroit Lions 4-0-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 1)
If you’re a baby boomer in Detroit pop some champagne, the Lions are 5-0 straight up (SU) for the first time since 1956. Also its 4-0-1 record ATS is no fluke, this is a similar start to last season, where they covered five of their first six.
2. Green Bay Packers 4-1 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 2)
Aaron Rodgers is wearing that championship belt well, and the defense finally stepped up and kept an opponent, Chicago, under 17 points. Unfortunately their swagger has caught the eye of oddsmakers. A monster spread (currently -14.5) at home versus St. Louis awaits.
3. New England Patriots 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 3)
The Patriot love has died down a bit the last two weeks. Cash in before things get loud again.
4. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 ATS, 4-0 OU (Last Week: 4)
We hope the bye week helped the Ravens realize that they don’t need Joe Flacco to throw it like Tom Brady to win games. Flacco had just 163 passing yards and one INT in their most decisive cover (vs. the New York Jets) this year.
5. Washington Redskins 3-1 ATS, 1-3 OU (Last Week: 5)
It’s up in the air who will start at running back, but we don’t see it affecting the Redskins as a wager going forward. Washington is looking like a bonafide Mike Shanahan team in his second year as coach; good news for bettors.
6. Buffalo Bills 3-2 ATS, 5-0 OU (Last Week: 7)
After feeling themselves a bit too much versus Cincinnati in Week 4 the Bills refocused and reestablished themselves as a bankable squad versus Philadelphia.
7. Oakland Raiders 4-1 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 10)
Sad that owner Al Davis passed after finally putting together a competitive team. “Just Cover Baby” will be our Raiders slogan going forward.
8. New Orleans Saints 3-2 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 6)
What irked us about the Saints was on display: Timely defense doesn’t mean good defense. The results will be a team that will likely end up in the middle of our rankings if things don’t change.
9. Carolina Panthers 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 13)
Who would’ve thought the replacement for Peyton Manning was Cam Newton? Oddsmakers certainly didn’t, we’re on the fourth cover in a row.
10. Houston Texans 3-2 ATS, 1-4 OU (Last Week: 9)
It’s a struggle every year, every week, to peg the Houston Texans. They are not bad but never great, and you’d be hard pressed not to find them in the top 15 of every rankings google can find. Got it! Jennifer Aniston, the Texans are Jennifer Aniston.
11. San Francisco 49ers 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 17)
Still watching our heads for their plummet back to Earth, but we have to admit we’ve pegged the 49ers wrong thus far. The defense finally has time to breath and has reached its elite potential with Alex Smith and the offense playing mistake-free football.
12. Cincinnati Bengals 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 20)
Although much credit is due for rookie QB Andy Dalton, the Bengals defense is why they’re such a surprising bet. Cincy ranks first in total yards allowed.
13. Atlanta Falcons 1-4 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 11)
Matt Ryan looks like an elite QB, talks like an elite QB, even throws like an elite QB, but four seasons in still doesn’t play like one. The Falcons were a better team when they didn’t trust him as much.
14. Chicago Bears 1-4 ATS, 2-3 OU (Last Week: 8)
Jay Cutler looked better versus Detroit but we simply don’t believe this team can be a consistent wager unless he’s throwing it 25 times or less.
15. Tennessee Titans 2-3 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 14)
The upcoming bye week should be all about finding the running game and Chris Johnson. As displayed in Tennessee’s blowout to Pittsburgh, this team won’t go far without a running game.
16. Philadelphia Eagles 1-4 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 12)
Nightmares count as dreams right?
17. New York Jets 1-4 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 15)
Without the defense playing elite football the gaping holes on offense are starting to show. This team needs to crush Miami (-7 favorites at home). Because when a team is built predominately on bravado and swagger none fall harder when humbled.
18. Dallas Cowboys 1-2-1 ATS, 3-1 OU (Last Week: 18)
When Tony Romo comes back from his bye keeps things in perspective: he’s good, not elite, and needs help — whether it’s the wideouts, O-line, running game or defense — to be effective. Brady, Rodgers and Brees can make up for their teams’ shortcomingsm he can’t. Beware if your bets are put squarely on his shoulders.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-3 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 22)
Like its franchise QB, the Steelers always play better when they’re a wounded animal. If oddsmakers continue to sell them short because of injuries it might be a good time to pounce.
20. San Diego Chargers 2-3 ATS, 2-3 OU (Last Week: 23)
Right on cue here come the Chargers. Two ATS wins in a row and a bye week
After Week 5 the top five in our NFL Betting Power Rankings stay the same — the bottom two were on bye weeks while the top three are still blowing up spreads like Ray Lewis.
In fact, they’re practically interchangeable. You can argue the most impressive team out of the three the last two weeks has been the Green Bay Packers, considering Detroit, currently number one on our rankings, has trailed at halftime in its last three games before covering the spread. Also, it appears New England has rebounded from its ugly loss at Buffalo in Week 3.
On the come-up is our early-season favorites for underdog money makers: The Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders.
Check our Week 5 NFL Betting Power Rankings below. Remember, we rank squads for consistency against the spread (ATS) and total (OU) not win/loss record.
***
Bet on NFL odds in the Bodog Sportsbook!
***
1. Detroit Lions 4-0-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 1)
If you’re a baby boomer in Detroit pop some champagne, the Lions are 5-0 straight up (SU) for the first time since 1956. Also its 4-0-1 record ATS is no fluke, this is a similar start to last season, where they covered five of their first six.
2. Green Bay Packers 4-1 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 2)
Aaron Rodgers is wearing that championship belt well, and the defense finally stepped up and kept an opponent, Chicago, under 17 points. Unfortunately their swagger has caught the eye of oddsmakers. A monster spread (currently -14.5) at home versus St. Louis awaits.
3. New England Patriots 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 3)
The Patriot love has died down a bit the last two weeks. Cash in before things get loud again.
4. Baltimore Ravens 3-1 ATS, 4-0 OU (Last Week: 4)
We hope the bye week helped the Ravens realize that they don’t need Joe Flacco to throw it like Tom Brady to win games. Flacco had just 163 passing yards and one INT in their most decisive cover (vs. the New York Jets) this year.
5. Washington Redskins 3-1 ATS, 1-3 OU (Last Week: 5)
It’s up in the air who will start at running back, but we don’t see it affecting the Redskins as a wager going forward. Washington is looking like a bonafide Mike Shanahan team in his second year as coach; good news for bettors.
6. Buffalo Bills 3-2 ATS, 5-0 OU (Last Week: 7)
After feeling themselves a bit too much versus Cincinnati in Week 4 the Bills refocused and reestablished themselves as a bankable squad versus Philadelphia.
7. Oakland Raiders 4-1 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 10)
Sad that owner Al Davis passed after finally putting together a competitive team. “Just Cover Baby” will be our Raiders slogan going forward.
8. New Orleans Saints 3-2 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 6)
What irked us about the Saints was on display: Timely defense doesn’t mean good defense. The results will be a team that will likely end up in the middle of our rankings if things don’t change.
9. Carolina Panthers 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 13)
Who would’ve thought the replacement for Peyton Manning was Cam Newton? Oddsmakers certainly didn’t, we’re on the fourth cover in a row.
10. Houston Texans 3-2 ATS, 1-4 OU (Last Week: 9)
It’s a struggle every year, every week, to peg the Houston Texans. They are not bad but never great, and you’d be hard pressed not to find them in the top 15 of every rankings google can find. Got it! Jennifer Aniston, the Texans are Jennifer Aniston.
11. San Francisco 49ers 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 17)
Still watching our heads for their plummet back to Earth, but we have to admit we’ve pegged the 49ers wrong thus far. The defense finally has time to breath and has reached its elite potential with Alex Smith and the offense playing mistake-free football.
12. Cincinnati Bengals 4-1 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 20)
Although much credit is due for rookie QB Andy Dalton, the Bengals defense is why they’re such a surprising bet. Cincy ranks first in total yards allowed.
13. Atlanta Falcons 1-4 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 11)
Matt Ryan looks like an elite QB, talks like an elite QB, even throws like an elite QB, but four seasons in still doesn’t play like one. The Falcons were a better team when they didn’t trust him as much.
14. Chicago Bears 1-4 ATS, 2-3 OU (Last Week: 8)
Jay Cutler looked better versus Detroit but we simply don’t believe this team can be a consistent wager unless he’s throwing it 25 times or less.
15. Tennessee Titans 2-3 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 14)
The upcoming bye week should be all about finding the running game and Chris Johnson. As displayed in Tennessee’s blowout to Pittsburgh, this team won’t go far without a running game.
16. Philadelphia Eagles 1-4 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 12)
Nightmares count as dreams right?
17. New York Jets 1-4 ATS, 4-1 OU (Last Week: 15)
Without the defense playing elite football the gaping holes on offense are starting to show. This team needs to crush Miami (-7 favorites at home). Because when a team is built predominately on bravado and swagger none fall harder when humbled.
18. Dallas Cowboys 1-2-1 ATS, 3-1 OU (Last Week: 18)
When Tony Romo comes back from his bye keeps things in perspective: he’s good, not elite, and needs help — whether it’s the wideouts, O-line, running game or defense — to be effective. Brady, Rodgers and Brees can make up for their teams’ shortcomingsm he can’t. Beware if your bets are put squarely on his shoulders.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-3 ATS, 3-2 OU (Last Week: 22)
Like its franchise QB, the Steelers always play better when they’re a wounded animal. If oddsmakers continue to sell them short because of injuries it might be a good time to pounce.
20. San Diego Chargers 2-3 ATS, 2-3 OU (Last Week: 23)
Right on cue here come the Chargers. Two ATS wins in a row and a bye week
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Because the Chicago Bears’ offensive line has been so porous and QB Jay Cutler thrown around like a ragdoll since last season, amazingly Cutler has become a sympathetic figure around the NFL after once having one of the worst reputations, for whatever reason, in the league. Cutler simply won’t make it through the season behind that line and the Bears can all but kiss their playoff hopes goodbye if they don’t win tonight against Minnesota. Chicago opened as a 3-point favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.
It’s a short week for Chicago off a 24-13 Monday night loss in Detroit, where the offensive line was nothing short of pathetic. Chicago (2-3) committed six false start penalties in the first half — an NFL season-high for a game. Cutler actually played brilliantly in avoiding the rush for most of the night (he was sacked three times), completing 28 of 38 for 249 yards with a TD and no picks. Matt Forte ran for 116 yards on 22 carries for the Bears, but Chicago just doesn’t have much else on offense other than those two.
The Chicago defense wasn’t much better – its safeties may be the worst in the league and were burned for another long touchdown pass, this time by Calvin Johnson. The Bears have allowed three passes of at least 50 yards since the second week of the season. And the Lions couldn’t run the ball to save their lives for most of the first four games but Jahvid Best had 163 yards rushing on Monday, including an 88-yard score, on just 12 carries. Chicago is among the NFL’s worst defenses a year after it led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
The Vikings (1-4) enter off their first win, a 34-10 home blowout of Arizona. Adrian Peterson rushed for 122 yards and three first-quarter touchdowns as Minnesota was up 28-0 before the end of the first quarter. The Vikes could be 5-0 with a few breaks; all four losses have been by a touchdown or less. The Vikings have actually outscored their opponents this year, 111-106. Just as remarkable is that they're plus-3 in turnover margin. Since the NFL playoffs expanded to 12 teams in 1990, five teams that have started the season 1-4 have rebounded to reach the playoffs.
That Chicago offensive line better account for Minnesota’s Jared Allen. He has seven sacks in the past three games (8.5 overall) and is on pace for an NFL-record 27.
Last year the Bears had no trouble in sweeping the Vikings, outscoring them 67-27. Their last meeting in Week 15, was at the University of Minnesota – the Vikings’ first outdoor game in 29 years – because the Metrodome roof collapsed. It was also the final game of Brett Favre’s career as he was knocked out injured.
It’s a short week for Chicago off a 24-13 Monday night loss in Detroit, where the offensive line was nothing short of pathetic. Chicago (2-3) committed six false start penalties in the first half — an NFL season-high for a game. Cutler actually played brilliantly in avoiding the rush for most of the night (he was sacked three times), completing 28 of 38 for 249 yards with a TD and no picks. Matt Forte ran for 116 yards on 22 carries for the Bears, but Chicago just doesn’t have much else on offense other than those two.
The Chicago defense wasn’t much better – its safeties may be the worst in the league and were burned for another long touchdown pass, this time by Calvin Johnson. The Bears have allowed three passes of at least 50 yards since the second week of the season. And the Lions couldn’t run the ball to save their lives for most of the first four games but Jahvid Best had 163 yards rushing on Monday, including an 88-yard score, on just 12 carries. Chicago is among the NFL’s worst defenses a year after it led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
The Vikings (1-4) enter off their first win, a 34-10 home blowout of Arizona. Adrian Peterson rushed for 122 yards and three first-quarter touchdowns as Minnesota was up 28-0 before the end of the first quarter. The Vikes could be 5-0 with a few breaks; all four losses have been by a touchdown or less. The Vikings have actually outscored their opponents this year, 111-106. Just as remarkable is that they're plus-3 in turnover margin. Since the NFL playoffs expanded to 12 teams in 1990, five teams that have started the season 1-4 have rebounded to reach the playoffs.
That Chicago offensive line better account for Minnesota’s Jared Allen. He has seven sacks in the past three games (8.5 overall) and is on pace for an NFL-record 27.
Last year the Bears had no trouble in sweeping the Vikings, outscoring them 67-27. Their last meeting in Week 15, was at the University of Minnesota – the Vikings’ first outdoor game in 29 years – because the Metrodome roof collapsed. It was also the final game of Brett Favre’s career as he was knocked out injured.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
An early important head-to-head tiebreaker in the NFC South will belong to the winner of this afternoon’s New Orleans at Tampa Bay game, with the visiting Saints opening as 4-point road favorites on Bodog’s NFL odds.
The Saints (4-1) have looked as good as anyone in the NFL outside of Green Bay, and of course the Packers are the only team to have beaten New Orleans, that coming on the season’s opening night at Lambeau. And New Orleans had a chance to potentially tie that game on the final play. Last week, however, the Saints were fortunate to escape Carolina with a 30-27 win. Drew Brees, who is behind only Tom Brady in passing yards, found Pierre Thomas wide open on the right side for a 6-yard touchdown with 50 seconds left for the win. Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns and was 8-for-9 on that winning drive.
The Bucs (3-2), meanwhile, went out to San Francisco and laid a major egg, getting crushed 48-3 by the Niners. It matched Tampa Bay’s worst loss ever. In a way you could see it coming with the Bucs on a short week off Monday Night Football and having to travel across country. QB Josh Freeman went 17 for 33 for 187 yards with two interceptions and two sacks. Tampa Bay lost both key players to injury in the loss. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy left in the first quarter with a left ankle injury, and RB LeGarrette Blount was sidelined early in the second half with a left knee injury. Both are very iffy for this one as of this writing. McCoy currently leads the Bucs with 13 quarterback pressures and four tackles for loss and Blount is the NFC’s sixth-leading rusher and really the focal point of the offense.
A win against Tampa Bay would give the Saints a two-game lead in the division and total control. These two split both meetings last year, each winning in the other’s stadium. In fact, they have split matchups in each of the past three seasons.
The Saints (4-1) have looked as good as anyone in the NFL outside of Green Bay, and of course the Packers are the only team to have beaten New Orleans, that coming on the season’s opening night at Lambeau. And New Orleans had a chance to potentially tie that game on the final play. Last week, however, the Saints were fortunate to escape Carolina with a 30-27 win. Drew Brees, who is behind only Tom Brady in passing yards, found Pierre Thomas wide open on the right side for a 6-yard touchdown with 50 seconds left for the win. Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns and was 8-for-9 on that winning drive.
The Bucs (3-2), meanwhile, went out to San Francisco and laid a major egg, getting crushed 48-3 by the Niners. It matched Tampa Bay’s worst loss ever. In a way you could see it coming with the Bucs on a short week off Monday Night Football and having to travel across country. QB Josh Freeman went 17 for 33 for 187 yards with two interceptions and two sacks. Tampa Bay lost both key players to injury in the loss. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy left in the first quarter with a left ankle injury, and RB LeGarrette Blount was sidelined early in the second half with a left knee injury. Both are very iffy for this one as of this writing. McCoy currently leads the Bucs with 13 quarterback pressures and four tackles for loss and Blount is the NFC’s sixth-leading rusher and really the focal point of the offense.
A win against Tampa Bay would give the Saints a two-game lead in the division and total control. These two split both meetings last year, each winning in the other’s stadium. In fact, they have split matchups in each of the past three seasons.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
For one week anyways, NFL fans were spared the constant dissection of every move that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo makes. But that’s only because the Cowboys were off last week. Romo will be under the microscope again this afternoon in probably the marquee matchup of the week when Dallas visits New England. The Pats opened as 7-point favorites on Bodog’s NFL odds.
Romo has put up some terrific numbers for Dallas (2-2) but has made some boneheaded decisions in the Cowboys’ two losses, to the Jets and Lions. On Oct. 2 at home against Detroit, the Cowboys took a 27-3 lead into the fourth quarter. But then the bad Romo showed up. He threw two interceptions that were returned for TDs, and another interception with 4:13 left that set up Detroit's winning score in the Lions’ 34-30. Romo did throw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, but no one much remembered that afterward. He could have a big day against New England’s No. 32 pass defense.
Thanks largely to Romo, the Cowboys blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead for the first time in their history in Week 1 vs. the Jets. The Lions’ choke job was the biggest blown lead a loss in team history and tied the largest for any home losing team in NFL history. By the way, that four-point loss was notable in that it was the first time in an NFL-record nine games that a game involving the Cowboys wasn’t won by a margin of a field goal or less.
The Cowboys will be much healthier this week, including getting back top receiver Miles Austin and cornerback Orlando Scandrick from injuries. Scandrick, incidentally will be the guy trying to slow down Wes Welker, who is off to record starts with 45 catches for 740 yards.
The Patriots beat the Jets 31-19 last week, the 30th straight home regular-season victory for Tom Brady, who yet again threw for at least 300 yards and remains well on pace to break Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a season. If New England scores 30 points this week, it would tie the NFL record set of 14 games in a row with at least 30 set by the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams.
Romo has put up some terrific numbers for Dallas (2-2) but has made some boneheaded decisions in the Cowboys’ two losses, to the Jets and Lions. On Oct. 2 at home against Detroit, the Cowboys took a 27-3 lead into the fourth quarter. But then the bad Romo showed up. He threw two interceptions that were returned for TDs, and another interception with 4:13 left that set up Detroit's winning score in the Lions’ 34-30. Romo did throw for 331 yards and three touchdowns, but no one much remembered that afterward. He could have a big day against New England’s No. 32 pass defense.
Thanks largely to Romo, the Cowboys blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead for the first time in their history in Week 1 vs. the Jets. The Lions’ choke job was the biggest blown lead a loss in team history and tied the largest for any home losing team in NFL history. By the way, that four-point loss was notable in that it was the first time in an NFL-record nine games that a game involving the Cowboys wasn’t won by a margin of a field goal or less.
The Cowboys will be much healthier this week, including getting back top receiver Miles Austin and cornerback Orlando Scandrick from injuries. Scandrick, incidentally will be the guy trying to slow down Wes Welker, who is off to record starts with 45 catches for 740 yards.
The Patriots beat the Jets 31-19 last week, the 30th straight home regular-season victory for Tom Brady, who yet again threw for at least 300 yards and remains well on pace to break Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a season. If New England scores 30 points this week, it would tie the NFL record set of 14 games in a row with at least 30 set by the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
You pretty much knew this day was coming at some point this season for the Minnesota Vikings: When will 2011 first-round pick Christian Ponder officially replace Donovan McNabb as the team’s starting quarterback? Apparently the answer to when the Ponder era begins will be answered on Wednesday.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said at his Monday press conference he will decide on a starting quarterback for Week 7 by Wednesday. But you can bet that it will be Ponder. The former Florida State star made his NFL debut with 14:43 remaining in Sunday’s 39-10 loss to Chicago. The 12th overall pick completed his first two passes and finished 9 for 17 for 99 yards.
"The only criteria and the only qualifier will be what’s best for our team," Frazier said of the decision.
But read between the lines there. Frazier didn’t endorse McNabb, who was 19 for 24 for 177 yards before being removed. Frazier said afterward he wanted to get Ponder some NFL experience in a game that was already out of hand. But he could have backed his veteran on Monday and didn’t. Plus the Vikings are 1-5, so the season is essentially already over from a playoff perspective.
McNabb said he "absolutely" expects to start against Green Bay, adding that he understood the move to play Ponder in a blowout because the "kid's got to get some reps."
The only reason Frazier might not go with Ponder is that Minnesota faces a beast in the Packers this week, the NFL’s only unbeaten team. Last year when the Packers visited the Metrodome they crushed Green Bay 31-3, ending Brad Childress' reign as head coach.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said at his Monday press conference he will decide on a starting quarterback for Week 7 by Wednesday. But you can bet that it will be Ponder. The former Florida State star made his NFL debut with 14:43 remaining in Sunday’s 39-10 loss to Chicago. The 12th overall pick completed his first two passes and finished 9 for 17 for 99 yards.
"The only criteria and the only qualifier will be what’s best for our team," Frazier said of the decision.
But read between the lines there. Frazier didn’t endorse McNabb, who was 19 for 24 for 177 yards before being removed. Frazier said afterward he wanted to get Ponder some NFL experience in a game that was already out of hand. But he could have backed his veteran on Monday and didn’t. Plus the Vikings are 1-5, so the season is essentially already over from a playoff perspective.
McNabb said he "absolutely" expects to start against Green Bay, adding that he understood the move to play Ponder in a blowout because the "kid's got to get some reps."
The only reason Frazier might not go with Ponder is that Minnesota faces a beast in the Packers this week, the NFL’s only unbeaten team. Last year when the Packers visited the Metrodome they crushed Green Bay 31-3, ending Brad Childress' reign as head coach.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Oakland Raiders have been one of the surprises of the NFL season thus far, with the team improving to 4-2 following Sunday’s 24-17 win over Cleveland. However, that win was costly as the Raiders lost starting quarterback Jason Campbell likely for the season with a broken collarbone.
Campbell landed hard on his shoulder after being hit at the end of a scramble by Cleveland linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita with about 4 minutes remaining in the first half Sunday. Campbell stayed down on the turf after the hit and was then helped to the locker room. Campbell was replaced by Kyle Boller, who went 8 for 14 for 100 yards in his first action of the season. Campbell has completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,170 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He may have played his last game in Oakland as he will be a free agent after this season.
Boller isn’t really considered a long-term solution, so where does Oakland turn to now? The Raiders would love to acquire Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who has yet to play this season. However, Cincinnati officials have long stated they won’t trade him. Reportedly the Raiders have reached out to free agent David Garrard. He was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starter but was surprisingly cut about a week before the season started. Garrard turned down an opportunity with the Miami Dolphins because they wouldn't guarantee his salary but has made it clear he isn’t retired.
Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton, who lost his starting job to Tim Tebow, could be a trade option. But that deadline is Tuesday. There are conflicting reports about whether Orton officially requested a trade. Free agent Josh McCown also has been contacted by Oakland. The Raiders host the Chiefs this Sunday.
Campbell landed hard on his shoulder after being hit at the end of a scramble by Cleveland linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita with about 4 minutes remaining in the first half Sunday. Campbell stayed down on the turf after the hit and was then helped to the locker room. Campbell was replaced by Kyle Boller, who went 8 for 14 for 100 yards in his first action of the season. Campbell has completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,170 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions this season. He may have played his last game in Oakland as he will be a free agent after this season.
Boller isn’t really considered a long-term solution, so where does Oakland turn to now? The Raiders would love to acquire Bengals QB Carson Palmer, who has yet to play this season. However, Cincinnati officials have long stated they won’t trade him. Reportedly the Raiders have reached out to free agent David Garrard. He was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ starter but was surprisingly cut about a week before the season started. Garrard turned down an opportunity with the Miami Dolphins because they wouldn't guarantee his salary but has made it clear he isn’t retired.
Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton, who lost his starting job to Tim Tebow, could be a trade option. But that deadline is Tuesday. There are conflicting reports about whether Orton officially requested a trade. Free agent Josh McCown also has been contacted by Oakland. The Raiders host the Chiefs this Sunday.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
If you are planning to bet at Bodog on the Week 7 NFL game between the Rams and Cowboys in Dallas, you probably want to wait at least a few days. That’s because it’s still unknown whether St. Louis starting quarterback Sam Bradford will be able to start after suffering a high-ankle sprain in last week’s loss to Green Bay. Because of Bradford’s uncertain status, there is no line on the board yet for this game.
The Rams returned to practice for the first time since the Packers’ loss on Wednesday and Bradford wasn’t out there – he has been in a walking boot since Sunday. Journeyman A.J. Feeley took the first-teams snaps for the Rams. It would seem highly unlikely that Bradford could go because at a minimum high-ankle sprains take at least a few weeks. If there is one positive with Bradford, it’s his left ankle, which isn’t the one he plants to throw on. Coach Steve Spagnuolo still says he hopes Bradford could play as the Rams, preseason NFC West favorites, look for their first win.
Feeley was set to start last season as the St. Louis starter to let Bradford learn on the sideline for a while. But then Feeley got hurt in the preseason and Bradford went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The 34-year-old Feeley didn't get any game snaps last year and is 1 for 5 for 21 yards this year in mop-up duty. He made his last regular-season start in December 2007 as a member of the Eagles when he replaced an injured Donovan McNabb.
It is expected that newly acquired Rams WR Brandon Lloyd, who came over in a trade this week from Denver, will play. The Rams will be the largest underdogs on the board in Week 7 whether Bradford plays or not.
Get your NFL odds and NFL team props at Bodog: Home of the greatest game ever played!
The Rams returned to practice for the first time since the Packers’ loss on Wednesday and Bradford wasn’t out there – he has been in a walking boot since Sunday. Journeyman A.J. Feeley took the first-teams snaps for the Rams. It would seem highly unlikely that Bradford could go because at a minimum high-ankle sprains take at least a few weeks. If there is one positive with Bradford, it’s his left ankle, which isn’t the one he plants to throw on. Coach Steve Spagnuolo still says he hopes Bradford could play as the Rams, preseason NFC West favorites, look for their first win.
Feeley was set to start last season as the St. Louis starter to let Bradford learn on the sideline for a while. But then Feeley got hurt in the preseason and Bradford went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The 34-year-old Feeley didn't get any game snaps last year and is 1 for 5 for 21 yards this year in mop-up duty. He made his last regular-season start in December 2007 as a member of the Eagles when he replaced an injured Donovan McNabb.
It is expected that newly acquired Rams WR Brandon Lloyd, who came over in a trade this week from Denver, will play. The Rams will be the largest underdogs on the board in Week 7 whether Bradford plays or not.
Get your NFL odds and NFL team props at Bodog: Home of the greatest game ever played!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Washington coach Mike Shanahan may be putting his once-sterling reputation on the line with this move, but he has decided to pull Rex Grossman as his starting quarterback and replace him with John Beck for Sunday’s game at Carolina. The Panthers opened as 3-point favorites on Bodog.
With Washington just a half-game out of the NFC East lead, this is a gutsy move by Shanahan because Beck hasn’t started a game since 2007. Grossman was replaced by Beck in the fourth quarter last Sunday after throwing four interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Eagles. Beck would lead led the Redskins' only touchdown drive of the game but didn’t exactly light things up, going 8-for-15 for 117 yards and no TDs (but no picks).
This will be Beck’s first start since he was a second-round rookie with the Miami Dolphins in 2007. That team finished 1-15 (sound familiar current Miami fans?) and lost all five of Beck’s starts. Overall the former BYU quarterback was 60-for-107 for 559 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Beck becomes the 21st quarterback to start a game for the Redskins in the past 19 seasons.
Shanahan, meanwhile, already ran Donovan McNabb out of Washington and paid a high price to get him for barely one full season. And the Skins decided not to take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Washington traded its No. 10 overall pick to Jacksonville, which then chose Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert. Although you can’t argue with whom Washington took with Jacksonville’s No. 16 spot as Ryan Kerrigan has been terrific on the Skins’ defense.
Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog: Home of the greatest game ever played!
With Washington just a half-game out of the NFC East lead, this is a gutsy move by Shanahan because Beck hasn’t started a game since 2007. Grossman was replaced by Beck in the fourth quarter last Sunday after throwing four interceptions in a 20-13 loss to the Eagles. Beck would lead led the Redskins' only touchdown drive of the game but didn’t exactly light things up, going 8-for-15 for 117 yards and no TDs (but no picks).
This will be Beck’s first start since he was a second-round rookie with the Miami Dolphins in 2007. That team finished 1-15 (sound familiar current Miami fans?) and lost all five of Beck’s starts. Overall the former BYU quarterback was 60-for-107 for 559 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Beck becomes the 21st quarterback to start a game for the Redskins in the past 19 seasons.
Shanahan, meanwhile, already ran Donovan McNabb out of Washington and paid a high price to get him for barely one full season. And the Skins decided not to take a quarterback in this year’s draft. Washington traded its No. 10 overall pick to Jacksonville, which then chose Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert. Although you can’t argue with whom Washington took with Jacksonville’s No. 16 spot as Ryan Kerrigan has been terrific on the Skins’ defense.
Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog: Home of the greatest game ever played!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Oakland Raiders apparently are wasting no time in getting Carson Palmer on the field even though the former Cincinnati Bengal missed all of training camp and the first six weeks of this season in a holdout while pushing for a trade from Cincy: He is expected to start on Sunday against Kansas City in an important AFC West game for Oakland. The line is currently off the board at Bodog.
With the Raiders losing starting QB Jason Campbell in Sunday’s 24-17 win over Cleveland, Oakland really had no other choice put to pay an extremely high price to the Bengals for Palmer, the former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman winner at USC. Cincinnati will get Oakland’s first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional pick in 2013, which will be a second-rounder unless the Raiders make the AFC Championship Game this year or next. In that case, it becomes a first rounder.
New Raiders coach Hue Jackson believes Palmer is the ideal fit, having recruited and coached him at USC and been an assistant in Cincinnati with Palmer. So Palmer should know the offense fairly well. And you know the Raiders don’t want to put Kyle Boller out there in what should be a win vs. K.C., with the only other QB on the roster being long-term project Terrelle Pryor. The Raiders (4-2) are going all-in to finally get back to the playoffs and are just a half-game behind San Diego in the AFC West, and the Bolts have a tough game Sunday at the Jets.
Palmer, 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, is a classic downfield thrower, although an elbow injury in 2008 may have affected his arm strength. His numbers have tailed downward the past two seasons. But he’s certainly the best quarterback Oakland has had since Rich Gannon won the NFL MVP award in 2002, the last year the Raiders made the playoffs (losing the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay).
Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog!
With the Raiders losing starting QB Jason Campbell in Sunday’s 24-17 win over Cleveland, Oakland really had no other choice put to pay an extremely high price to the Bengals for Palmer, the former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman winner at USC. Cincinnati will get Oakland’s first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional pick in 2013, which will be a second-rounder unless the Raiders make the AFC Championship Game this year or next. In that case, it becomes a first rounder.
New Raiders coach Hue Jackson believes Palmer is the ideal fit, having recruited and coached him at USC and been an assistant in Cincinnati with Palmer. So Palmer should know the offense fairly well. And you know the Raiders don’t want to put Kyle Boller out there in what should be a win vs. K.C., with the only other QB on the roster being long-term project Terrelle Pryor. The Raiders (4-2) are going all-in to finally get back to the playoffs and are just a half-game behind San Diego in the AFC West, and the Bolts have a tough game Sunday at the Jets.
Palmer, 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, is a classic downfield thrower, although an elbow injury in 2008 may have affected his arm strength. His numbers have tailed downward the past two seasons. But he’s certainly the best quarterback Oakland has had since Rich Gannon won the NFL MVP award in 2002, the last year the Raiders made the playoffs (losing the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay).
Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
Coming off back-to-back losses and missing two of their top players, the Houston Texans will nevertheless try to move back above the .500 mark on Sunday afternoon when they play in Tennessee for their Week 7 NFL betting matchup.
Houston started the season 3-1, but since then has dropped games to both the Raiders at home and the Ravens in Baltimore to fall to 3-3 (and 3-3 against the NFL odds at the Bodog Sportsbook).
To make matters worse, Texans linebacker Mario Williams was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral, and wide receiver Andre Johnson is out indefinitely after undergoing hamstring surgery.
That leaves Houston's fortunes in the hands of quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Arian Foster, neither of whom were particularly effective in their loss to the Ravens last week – Schaub threw for 220 yards with one TD, and Foster was held to just 49 yards on the ground.
Still, with the Jaguars and Colts a combined 1-11 after six weeks the Texans' only competition for the AFC South crown is Tennessee, which enters Week 7 at 3-2 (and 2-3 against the spread).
The Titans, a 3-point home favorite on the NFL lines for Sunday (with the total at 44.5), are coming off their bye week. In their last action back in Week 5 they had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 38-17 loss in Pittsburgh.
Tennessee's pass defense was no help to the club in that game, as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had five touchdown strikes in the contest. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 262 yards and a score in that loss, with one touchdown pass and one interception.
Looking for Super Bowl futures? Houston sits at 22/1 to win the championship this season, with Tennessee at 50/1.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Houston started the season 3-1, but since then has dropped games to both the Raiders at home and the Ravens in Baltimore to fall to 3-3 (and 3-3 against the NFL odds at the Bodog Sportsbook).
To make matters worse, Texans linebacker Mario Williams was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral, and wide receiver Andre Johnson is out indefinitely after undergoing hamstring surgery.
That leaves Houston's fortunes in the hands of quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Arian Foster, neither of whom were particularly effective in their loss to the Ravens last week – Schaub threw for 220 yards with one TD, and Foster was held to just 49 yards on the ground.
Still, with the Jaguars and Colts a combined 1-11 after six weeks the Texans' only competition for the AFC South crown is Tennessee, which enters Week 7 at 3-2 (and 2-3 against the spread).
The Titans, a 3-point home favorite on the NFL lines for Sunday (with the total at 44.5), are coming off their bye week. In their last action back in Week 5 they had their three-game winning streak snapped in a 38-17 loss in Pittsburgh.
Tennessee's pass defense was no help to the club in that game, as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had five touchdown strikes in the contest. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 262 yards and a score in that loss, with one touchdown pass and one interception.
Looking for Super Bowl futures? Houston sits at 22/1 to win the championship this season, with Tennessee at 50/1.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The surprising Detroit Lions could suffer a potentially devastating blow in their hopes to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 as starting running back Jahvid Best not only won’t play this week at home against Atlanta but could miss the rest of the season due to a concussion. The Lions are currently 3.5-point favorites on Bodog’s NFL football odds.
Best suffered the concussion in Detroit’s first loss of the season last week, against San Francisco. The problem is that it’s already the second this season for Best (the first coming in training camp), and he also suffered a serious one while a junior in college at Cal that forced him to miss the final four games of that season.
Reports today are that people “close to Best” are advising him to sit out the season to get fully healthy. Best has rushed for 390 yards and two scores on 84 carries this season and had the best game of his two-year career two weeks ago in a Monday night win over Chicago, rushing for 163 yards on 12 carries, including an 88-yard run that was the second-longest in Lions history. Best is also the Lions’ third-leading receiver with 287 yards.
There is no question Best won’t play this week as he hasn’t even been cleared to practice yet. The Lions are very thin at running back and attempted to trade for Philadelphia’s Ronnie Brown at Tuesday’s deadline. That deal was scuttled, however, due to health issues of Detroit RB Jerome Harrison, who was to be sent to the Eagles along with a late-round draft pick.
Essentially all the Lions have now, with Harrison’s status unclear (there are scary reports he has a brain tumor and that the physical he failed with Philly might save his life), is Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams at tailback. Morris has played a limited offensive role in his 2 1/2 seasons with the Lions, but he has a 100-yard rushing game in each of the last two seasons. Last year, Morris helped the Lions end an NFL-record 26-game road losing streak with 109 yards and a touchdown at Tampa Bay when Best was struggling with injuries.
The Lions thought they solved their running back depth in this year’s draft, taking Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure in the second round, but he suffered a season-ending injury in camp.
Home of the greatest game ever played: Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog!
Best suffered the concussion in Detroit’s first loss of the season last week, against San Francisco. The problem is that it’s already the second this season for Best (the first coming in training camp), and he also suffered a serious one while a junior in college at Cal that forced him to miss the final four games of that season.
Reports today are that people “close to Best” are advising him to sit out the season to get fully healthy. Best has rushed for 390 yards and two scores on 84 carries this season and had the best game of his two-year career two weeks ago in a Monday night win over Chicago, rushing for 163 yards on 12 carries, including an 88-yard run that was the second-longest in Lions history. Best is also the Lions’ third-leading receiver with 287 yards.
There is no question Best won’t play this week as he hasn’t even been cleared to practice yet. The Lions are very thin at running back and attempted to trade for Philadelphia’s Ronnie Brown at Tuesday’s deadline. That deal was scuttled, however, due to health issues of Detroit RB Jerome Harrison, who was to be sent to the Eagles along with a late-round draft pick.
Essentially all the Lions have now, with Harrison’s status unclear (there are scary reports he has a brain tumor and that the physical he failed with Philly might save his life), is Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams at tailback. Morris has played a limited offensive role in his 2 1/2 seasons with the Lions, but he has a 100-yard rushing game in each of the last two seasons. Last year, Morris helped the Lions end an NFL-record 26-game road losing streak with 109 yards and a touchdown at Tampa Bay when Best was struggling with injuries.
The Lions thought they solved their running back depth in this year’s draft, taking Illinois’ Mikel Leshoure in the second round, but he suffered a season-ending injury in camp.
Home of the greatest game ever played: Get your NFL odds and NFL player props at Bodog!
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
29893
The Giants (3-1 straight up, 3-1 against the NFL odds) are pegged as 10-point favorites (with an OVER/UNDER of 43.5) for Sunday's game against a Seahawks (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS) team that has stumbled to start the season.
New York grabbed their third straight win in Week 4 by beating the Cardinals 31-27 in Arizona behind a two-touchdown day from Manning. The Giants QB completed 27 of his 40 pass attempts for 321 yards in that contest, with no interceptions.
Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs ran for just 39 and 18 yards, respectively, in that win, but both still managed a rushing touchdown in the game. Hakeem Nicks had 10 catches for 162 yards and a score for New York.
The Seahawks were down 24-7 at halftime at home against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 and couldn't recover in time to avoid a 30-28 defeat.
Tarvaris Jackson was good on 25 of his 38 throws for 319 yards for Seattle against the Falcons, passing for three touchdowns but also getting intercepted twice. Sidney Rice, Mike Williams, and Ben Obomanu had the TD catches for the Seahawks in the loss.
Marshawn Lynch ran for just 24 yards on eight carries for Seattle but scored a touchdown on the day.
Seattle played host to the Giants last November and the results weren't pretty for Pacific Northwest football fans – they were flattened 41-7 as a 7.5-point home underdog. The Seahawks are 2-3 both SU and ATS in their last five against New York.
Get all your NFL odds at Bodog.