Archive for the ‘NFL Picks’ Category
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Bengals -3, 34 ½ O/U The first of 3 different week 17 rematches will kickoff Saturday afternoon when the New York Jets travel to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the first game of wildcard weekend for the postseason. The Jets destroyed the Bengals last week 37-0, but the Bengals also had most of their starters resting on the sideline during that contest because the playoff future was already set. However, this week their will not be any rest for either team because if you lose then your season is over. Also, the setting will be a little different this week considering last week’s game was in New York but this week’s battle will take place in Cincinnati. The Jets had a tough road to get to the playoffs and were once written off for any chance at the postseason after a 4-6 start. However, the Jets rallied to win 5 of their last 6 games including that big victory over Indianapolis in week 16. The biggest factors during their impressive stretch of games has been strong play from the defense and getting big help from running back Thomas Jones on the offensive side of the ball. The Jets defense has been stellar giving up just 7.8 points over the last 6 games. The Jets pass defense has been extremely strong during that stretch holding Peyton Manning to one of his lowest passing performances of the year and then frustrating Carson Palmers’ playing time last week where he completed just 1 of 11 passing. If the Jets continue to shut down the pass, the Bengals only hope could be tailback Cedric Benson and I am not convinced he can win the game alone. On offense the Jets have not put up any daunting numbers. QB Mark Sanchez has only passed for over 200 yards once in 7 games. Also, the Jets highest number of total yards was a rather low 331 yards against Buffalo during that same 7 game stretch and that should give you an idea to how well the defense is playing. The Jets offense has not had to put up any big points so they have constantly fed the ball to running back Thomas Jones. Jones has averaged 23 touches in the last 5 games and lingered around the 100 yard mark in each of those games outside of the loss to Atlanta where he was held to just 52 rushing yards. Jones is the key to the Jets success on offense and they need him to be around that 100 yard plus mark yet again. Sanchez has been quite erratic tossing 7 interceptions in the Jets last two losses and as a result his passing attempts have greatly decreased. So unless WR Jerricho Cotchery (841 yards this season) can make a big play against the Bengals secondary, the offense will rely on the legs of Jones. The Bengals offense has to find a way to get the passing game going. Running back Cedric Benson has been pretty reliable rushing for 1,251 yards this season, but it is the passing game that will be the difference maker. QB Carson Palmer had a horrible performance against Minnesota and was held to just 92 passing yards. The loss to the Vikings started a downslide that led to the Bengals losing 3 of their last 4. Palmer was also held to 0 yards on 11 passing attempts last week. Sure the game did not have much meaning for the Bengals last week, but going just 1 of 11 passing is rather alarming. It is imperative that Palmer have a good outing and spread the ball around to their receivers. The Bengals will surely hope WR Chad Ochocinco will be fully healthy. Ochocinco missed the beginning of practice this week with a knee injury but is expected to play and for the Bengals sake they need him to be full strength. Ochocinco reached the 1,000 yard receiving mark to lead Cincinnati this week and is one of Palmers’ favorite targets. Also, if the Bengals do have success in the passing game keep an eye on WR Laveranues Coles who has a history of stepping up in big games. Pick – Jets defense gets the job done again. Take Jets +3
New York Jets (9-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
Saturday January 9th, 4:30PM Eastern
Tags: Jets at Bengals Free Pick, New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals Preview
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Cowboys -3, 47 O/U The Dallas Cowboys silenced a lot of criticism for the 2nd straight week in a row last week. After knocking off the undefeated Saints in week 15, the Cowboys shutout the Redskins 17-0 to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The win not only proved Dallas could win a couple big games, but also silenced the December slump talk as well. The Cowboys now host the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend with one final objective left on their plate and that is to win the NFC East title. It was just one year ago the Cowboys needed a victory over the Eagles to get into the playoffs, and was blown out in Philadelphia 44-6. Dallas may not need the win to get into the playoffs, but the game will be of equal importance as the winner will get home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs and with some help possibly even a first round bye. The Eagles are possibly the hottest team in the NFC winning 6 straight games. However, they fell to the Cowboys earlier this season in a close 20-16 game. The Cowboys defense forced a few turnovers in that game and kept the Eagles to their 2nd lowest scoring total of the year. Still, Philadelphia will attempt to deliver a crushing blow to the Cowboys for the 2nd straight year in the season finale. However this year the Eagles will not be in front of the home crowd, but rather in front of a sold out crowd at the Cowboys new stadium which will house 100,000 plus to decide the NFC East crown. The Eagles will be attempting to take the crowd out of the game very early and jump on Cowboys from the start. The Eagles have not lost a game all season when they have been the first to score. In fact, the Eagles allowed their opponents to score first in 3 of their first 4 losses this season. All of those scores were first quarter touchdowns. It will be imperative for the Eagles to come out of the gates strong and keep the momentum from building with the home crowd. The guy to do that damage will be WR DeSean Jackson. Despite the always important QB Donovan McNabb, Jackson holds the key to the Cowboys doom. Jackson has tremendous speed and one of the best down field threats in the league. The Cowboys have really struggled against similar types players all year. The Cowboys secondary had no answer for Chargers WR Vincent Jackson in week 13 and similar type results against Giants wide out Steve Smith in week 12. Jackson was very quiet in the first meeting, but expect the Eagles offense to put a lot more effort around their game plan and getting Jackson the ball this Sunday. Of course the guy throwing Jackson the ball will have plenty of importance Sunday. McNabb had just one interception on the season before tossing two against the Cowboys in the first meeting. McNabb has thrown for 300 plus yards in the last two games so it will be interesting what type of effort he can post on Sunday. The Eagles running game has really struggled this season. RB Brian Westbrook returned to action last week with just 32 rushing yards. LeSean McCoy leads the team in rushing with 631 yards. The running game could give the Eagles a bit of balance, but it will not likely be the difference in the outcome given their on-going struggles. Dallas on the other hand could really control the game with the running backs in their stable. Tailback Marion Barber has rushed for 841 yards this season while sharing carries with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Barber is the bruising back the Cowboys need for tough yards, but do not be fooled when Jones gets the ball because he has all the tools to be a homerun threat. Dallas will need their tailbacks to move the chains allow maximum opportunities to develop for the passing game. QB Tony Romo has really been the big player over the past few weeks. Even in a few losses, Romo has played very well completing 67% of his passes over the past 5 games. Romo also has surprisingly thrown just 1 interception compared to 9 touchdowns in that 5 game stretch as well. When the Dallas rush offense, is complimenting Romo they are really a tough team to beat. WR Miles Austin has emerged as the big play threat and depending on what type of scoring game this turns out to be may determine on how many big plays they will need out of Austin. Austin is averaging over 100 yards receiving in the last 5 games so it will be important that he can be a factor again at keep the Eagles defense from playing in on the running game. The Cowboys will definitely need an all around solid effort, but they are extremely dangerous when everything comes together as well. Pick – The Dallas secondary is the x-factor in which team comes out victorious. However, defenses will be the story again similar to the first meeting. Take the under 47
Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) at Dallas Cowboys (10-5)
Sunday January 3rd, 4:15PM Eastern
Tags: Eagles at Cowboys Free Pick, Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys Preview
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Baltimore -10.5, 38.5 O/U The Baltimore Ravens fell just short of knocking off the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2nd time this season last week in a 23-20 loss. The Ravens actually rallied back from a 10 point deficit in the 2nd half to nearly score the big win. The loss kept the Ravens from locking up a playoff berth and they face a must win situation this week when they travel to take on the 5-10 Oakland Raiders. The Ravens unlike much of the other teams in the wildcard race control their destiny. A win over the Raiders will guarantee a spot in the playoffs. However, Oakland with just 5 wins has scored a number of upsets this year. The Raiders knocked off the Eagles, Steelers, and Broncos in surprising fashion. If the Raiders could put together another big upset, it will open the door for a host of AFC wildcard teams needing a lot of help to get into the postseason. After scoring those few impressive wins over Denver and Pittsburgh, the Raiders took a step back last week losing to Cleveland 23-9. The Raiders gave up a ton of yards on the ground allowing Jerome Harrison to rush for 148 yards. However, the offense got a confidence boost behind QB Charlie Frye. Frye in just his 2nd start tossed 3 interceptions in the contest. However, Frye proved he could move the ball down the field racking up an Oakland season high 333 passing yards. Frye will make his 3rd start this Sunday against the Ravens defense and if he can just turn a few of those interceptions into touchdowns then he could be in for a big performance. If that does indeed happen, look for WR Zach Miller to be a factor. Miller grabbed 9 receptions for 110 yards in his first game back from a concussion last week and he is easily the go to guy in the passing game. Rookie Louis Murphy has also proved at times that he has potential like the 128 yards racked up in the win against the Steelers. Murphy could be needed more if Miller has trouble getting open against the Ravens solid secondary. Baltimore had some opportunities against the Steelers, but could not capitalize in the passing game last week. WR Derrick Mason had a solid effort catching 7 passes for 77 yards. However, Mason dropped a sure touchdown that I’m sure is still haunting him in last week’s close loss. QB Joe Flacco has played pretty well in recent weeks, but perhaps still not as good as he played earlier in the year. Flacco has thrown just 1 pick in the last 3 games while tossing 7 touchdowns. Still, the offense likely has realized their strength over the last few weeks has been with running back Ray Rice and the ground game. Rice is averaging well over 100 yards per game in the last 3 outings. Rice dominated last week against one of the best rush defenses in the league racking up 141 yards against the Steelers. It was the first 100 yard game allowed by the Pittsburgh defense all season. In fact, Rice’s 88 yards against the Steelers in their first meeting was the 2nd highest rushing total allowed by the Steelers all year. Rice has taken the work load and strived as a result of the increase in carries. If Baltimore wants to safely lock up a playoff berth, expect Rice to get around 30 carries this Sunday against a Raiders defense that ranks 29th in the NFL allowing 149 yards per game. Pick – Ravens -10.5
Baltimore Ravens (8-7) at Oakland Raiders (5-10)
Sunday January 3rd, 4:15PM Eastern
Tags: Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders Preview and Pick, Ravens at Raiders Free Pick
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Jets -10, 35 O/U Out of a remarkable turn of events over the last two weeks, the New York Jets control their playoff destiny and can lock up a spot in the postseason with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday night. The Jets got tons of help last week with losses from nearly everyone they needed to lose and scored a huge upset win over the Colts 29-15. The Jets will now attempt to close out the season strong against the AFC North Division Champs in Cincinnati. Still, Cincinnati has been strong all season and they are a tough team to beat when they are playing well. However, the Bengals may not have much to play for entering Sunday’ nights battle. The top two spots in the AFC playoff race have been decided. The Bengals could move up to the no. 3 seed if the Patriots lose and the Bengals capture the victory this Sunday. However, that may not be the most important factor. The Bengals will likely rest most of their big play starters Sunday night to not only keep them rested, but also keep them safe from sustaining any injury before the postseason. QB Carson Palmer will definitely see very little playing time in the action. Also, offensive stars Cedric Benson and Chad Ochocinco are expected to see limited action. The question is will the guys on the field be able to challenge the Jets and perhaps even pull off the victory? Without the Bengals entire starting offense on the field, they will face a very difficult task in moving the ball against the Jets defense. The New York defense has played exceptional over the past few weeks. In fact, the Jets defense has held opponents to just 9.4 points per game over their last 5 games. The Jets strong defense is a big reason that the total for the game stands at a very low mark of 35. The ideal situation for the Jets is to get off to a very strong start. Cincinnati may have all the starters on the field to start the game, but if the defense comes out hitting hard and gets help from the offense it is unlikely those starters stay on the field long. On offense, the Jets have not been overpowering by any means. QB Mark Sanchez has not thrown over 154 yards, but once in the last 5 games. Running back Thomas Jones has been the reliable threat on the ground. Jones rushed for 105 yards in last week’s 17-10 victory over Kansas City and has rushed for at least 75 yards in 10 of the last 11 games. Jones will likely set the tempo in Sunday night’s game as he normally does for the Jets offense. Of course if Jones moves the ball on the ground, Sanchez passing attempts will be needed much less. Still, Sanchez needs to complete some passes and get some scores on the board early for the Jets offense. Sanchez has been the biggest factor in the last two losses by the Jets throwing 7 interceptions in those two games. As long as there are not horrible performances like those previous losses, the Jets should be able to get the job done against a Cincinnati team that may not be very interested in the outcome. Betting Trends - The Bengals are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games while going under the total in 4 of the last 5 games. The Jets have also gone under the total in 4 of their last 5 games. However, the Jets have performed a little bit better against the books going 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. During that stretch the Jets are also 4-1 SU. Pick – No way Jets should lose here if the Bengals do indeed rest the starters. Jets -10
Cincinnati Bengals (10-5) at New York Jets (8-7)
Sunday January 3rd, 8:20PM Eastern
Tags: Bengals at Jets free pick, Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets Preview and Pick
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Vikings -7.5, 41 O/U The Minnesota Vikings chances at home field advantage throughout the playoffs were kept alive this week thanks to the unlikely scenario in Tampa Bay handing the New Orleans Saints their 2nd straight loss. On the other hand, the Vikings could even miss out on a first round bye if they have any slip-ups in the final two weeks due to Philadelphia’s conference record. So needless to say the Vikings still have a lot to play for despite already being guaranteed a playoff position. However, they can make the road to the Super Bowl much easier with a few more needed victories and that road begins Monday night in Chicago. The Bears have just fallen apart during the 2nd half of the season losing 6 of their last 7 games. Chicago was blow out by Baltimore last week 31-7 as QB Jay Cutler was held to just 94 passing yards. Cutler tossed 3 interceptions during the loss and those mistakes have occurred far too often in recent weeks. Cutler was brought to Chicago to end the quarterback controversy surrounding the Bears, but has just not delivered any answers. Cutler has thrown 13 interceptions in just the last 6 games, but he will be needed in a big way against a Vikings secondary that was torched by an inexperienced Matt Moore one week ago. The Vikings will be entering the contest off that disappointing loss to Carolina last week by a final score of 26-7. As previously stated, Panthers QB Matt Moore threw for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns in his best game of the season. The loss exposed the Vikings secondary which was exposed just two weeks prior by Kurt Warner and the Cardinals who put up eerie similar numbers. The Bears offense now attempts to do the same and build some type of momentum heading into the off-season. Cutler definitely has the ability to put together big numbers, but he has thrown to many mistakes this year to be reliable. However, it may not be Cutler who is the source of the problems. The Bears wide receivers lack the big time playmaker good quarterbacks need as a reliable outlet. Wide out Devin Hester has the speed to be a down field threat, but he and Cutler have just not been able to connect on the big passes. The only other target Cutler has had is former Vanderbilt teammate Earl Bennett who lacks big time speed, but can catch the ball really well. However, the Bears offense really needs one of their receivers to become the go to guy that Cutler can rely on in needed situations before the offense finds any answers to their struggles. Still, the Vikings secondary will give the Chicago pass offense the opportunity to put everything together. The question is can they put things together? Over the past couple of weeks the Vikings offense has not been the quick scoring machine they once were earlier this year. The problem may be the running game where Adrian Peterson has been somewhat of a disappointment at time this year. In the Vikings last two losses, Peterson has just 54 yards combined. Of course Brett Farve has had a sensational year, but the offense needs their balance if they are going to be as dangerous as they were earlier in the year. An interesting statistic regarding Peterson is that the Vikings are 15-1 in their last 16 games their star running back has rushed for at least 80 yards or more. If the running game can get things rolling, it will allow Farve to be even more effective while attempting fewer amounts of throws. The Vikings can win on Farve’s arm alone, but they do not need to be in that situation. The Bears rank a miserable 25th against the run allowing 128 yards per game and 4.4 yards per attempt. This will be the week that the Vikings keep focus on the ground game because Brad Childress will try to protect Farve from taking a beating which stirred up controversy a week ago. However, Farve will still get his chances to hook up with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin down the field to pick up large chunks of yards. Just look for Peterson to carry the load. Pick – Under 41
Minnesota Vikings (11-3) at Chicago Bears (5-9)
Monday December 28th, 8:30PM Eastern
Tags: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Preview, Vikings at Bears Pick
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Dallas -7, 42 O/U One of the most popular and hated rivalries in the NFL will reunite this Sunday night when the Washington Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys in a NFC East special. The Redskins shut down the dangerous Cowboys offense in the first meeting for the majority of the game. However, a late touchdown in the 4th quarter lifted the Cowboys over the Redskins in a close 7-6 victory that was controlled by the defenses. Similar outcomes have been frequent throughout the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry and the last 3 games have been decided by a combined 7 points. Dallas is coming off a huge win against the previously unbeaten New Orleans Saints last week keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Cowboys are fighting for a wildcard or potential division crown to earn a postseason position. Those factors are a big reason the Cowboys are currently listed as 7 point favorites for Sunday night’s battle. However, the Redskins look to finish what they started in the first meeting at shut down the Cowboys offense once again. In the previous meeting, the Cowboys made it a priority to move the football on the ground. Dallas ran the ball over 30 times between Felix Jones and Marian Barber who combined for 150 rushing yards. However, QB Tony Romo was held to just 158 passing yards in one of his lowest passing days of the season. Dallas also coughed up a few turnovers which contributed to the Redskins near shutout. Heading into this week’s battle, things may be very different. Romo is averaging over 300 yards passing in each of his last 4 games. In that stretch, Romo has thrown 8 touchdowns without a single interception which is rather surprising. WR Miles Austin has been the biggest recipient during Romo’s impressive streak. Austin has averaged over 100 yards receiving in the last 4 games and is the main big play threat in the Cowboys arsenal. With Romo throwing the ball well, more is expected as long as the Redskins defensive front does not dominate. Still, expect Dallas to come out running the football and establish the run. The Cowboys proved they could run the ball against Washington, but just could not capitalize on the scoring opportunities. Washington’s defense has compiled 38 sacks this season to rank 5th in the NFL. The defensive front is possibly the best in the league with DT Albert Haynesworth, along with defensive ends Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo. However, there has been a lot of controversy surround Haynesworth heading into this week after being kicked from a mid-week practice. Haynesworth then lashed out in regard’s to Coach Jim Zorn’s game plan involving his use in defensive schemes. With so much happening, it will be interesting to see if the defense is affected by those events. On offense QB Jason Campbell was beaten up last week after 5 sacks and later suffering a stinger in the Redskins embarrassing 45-12 loss to the Giants. Campbell has been sort of hot and cold all year for the Redskins with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Dallas secondary is the weakest link to their star power and the Cowboys pass defense has only picked off 10 passes all year. As long as Campbell does not help Dallas by turning the ball over, the Redskins have some quick receivers that could break through. WR Santana Moss has crushed the Cowboys on numerous occasions throughout his career despite being held to just 38 yards in the first meeting. However, expect more offense to be displayed this Sunday night and the Redskins will need Campbell in particular to have a great performance. Pick – The Redskins have to make up for last week’s embarrassment and the last 5 out of 6 meetings with the Cowboys have been decided by 5 points or less. Take Washington +7
Dallas Cowboys (9-5) at Washington Redskins (4-10)
Sunday December 27th, 8:20PM Eastern.com
Tags: Cowboys at Redskins predictions, Dallas at Washington NFL Pick, Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins Preview
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Eagles -7, 41 ½ O/U The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Denver Broncos this Sunday afternoon as they attempt to hold on to the top spot in the NFC East before a showdown with Dallas that could be for the division title in week 17. The Eagles are suddenly one of the hottest teams in the NFC after winning 5 straight games and clinched a playoff berth last week with a 27-13 victory over the 49ers. However, the Eagles have dropped their last 2 out of conference games this season to San Diego and Oakland. Philadelphia will now attempt to end that streak when they host the Broncos this Sunday. Denver on the other hand has their backs up against the wall in attempt to hold off all those chasing them in the playoff race. The Broncos currently own the final wildcard spot if the season ended today. However, another loss would be devastating because they could likely lose on a few tie breaker scenarios. The Broncos have been on a downward slope since their impressive 6-0 start losing 6 of their last 8 games. Denver must turn the tide to finish strong or they will be in jeopardy of sitting home once January rolls around. Still, the Eagles have played well in recent weeks so may we will see just how good the Broncos are when they battle in Philadelphia this Sunday. The Broncos are following an embarrassing loss to the Raiders last week 20-19. The Denver offense tallied just 334 yards of offense in that game and the Raiders pounded the Broncos defense in the running game. Their rush defense could be a concern with Michael Westbrook returning to the Eagles lineup this week. However, the Eagles still have not had any rusher go over 100 yards in a single game this season so the Broncos defense will be targeting playmakers like WR DeSean Jackson. Offensively, the Broncos have had their own struggles running the football. In Denver’s last two losses rookie tailback Knowshon Moreno has been held to less than 65 yards rushing in both games. QB Kyle Orton has racked up 275 yards in each of the last two games, but the Eagles have one of the best pass defenses the Broncos have seen in some time. Still, Orton will need to play well and limit the mistakes. If the offense can effectively move the ball down the field, it will give their defense the chance to win. However, that sounds a lot easier than it will actually be when the Denver defense attempts to stifle the Eagles. Eagles WR DeSean Jackson has been on fire over the last two weeks racking up 318 yards receiving. In fact, Jackson has reached at least 100 yards receiving in 3 of his last 4 games while bringing home a touchdown in each of the last 4 games as well. Jackson without any doubt is the Eagles homerun threat and QB Donovan McNabb has done a good job getting Jackson the ball on big opportunities. However, McNabb has been just so-so in his last two outings throwing 3 picks with 3 touchdowns passes. McNabb has moved the ball through the air averaging 290 yards over the last two games, but those interceptions are always a concern for the Eagles quarterback. McNabb will have more help this week as rookie WR Jeremy Maclin returns to the lineup after missing time with a foot injury. Maclin has really become a solid threat in the Eagles arsenal and having him back will definitely be big for the offense. In most scenarios here, the Eagles just appear to be playing too well in this situation this Sunday to be upset by the struggling Broncos. However, a few turnovers kept the 49ers close last week and if that is the case again then a hungry Broncos team can certainly capitalize. Pick – Over 41 ½
Denver Broncos (8-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
Sunday December 27th, 4:15PM Eastern
Tags: Bronocs at Eagles Pick, Denver at Philadelphia free pick, Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles Preview
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Steelers -2 ½ , 42 O/U One of the bigger rivalries in the AFC takes center stage this Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens collide with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The game marks a week 12 rematch that resulted in a nail biting overtime win for the Ravens 20-17. However, this Sunday’s battle will be even bigger as both teams have playoff implications up for grabs. The Steelers are coming off a thrilling win last week against the Green Bay Packers 37-36. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace as time expired in the exciting victory ending a 5 games losing streak. The Steelers will now attempt to knock off a Ravens team that currently owns one of the wildcard spots in the playoffs. However, if Pittsburgh can find a way to score the victory it will open the door for a ton of teams that currently sit at 7-7 including the Steelers. Baltimore has really impressed over the last two weeks. The Ravens offense sputtered through the middle of the season, but a spark in the running game has yielded big results over the past few games. The Ravens blew out both Detroit and Chicago by a combined score of 79-10 and they are playing fairly well to say the least. Running back Ray Rice has run the ball well recently racking up over 250 yards in the past two games. Rice’s success on the ground has also benefited QB Joe Flacco and the passing game. Flacco has completed just less than 70% over the past two games with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. As a result, WR Derrick Mason has put together back to back solid performances averaging about 90 yards each game with 2 total touchdowns. If Mason continues to play well, he is just 72 yards shy of reaching the 1,000 yards receiving mark for the 8th time in his career and he will look to reach that milestone against the Steelers this Sunday. On the Steelers side of the field, their offense has turned into a full blown pass heavy offense that has nearly forgotten about the use of a running game. However, Roethlisberger proved last week that the running game does not have to be a factor as he became the first Pittsburgh Steelers player in history to throw for 500 yards. That’s right in case you missed it Roethlisberger compiled 503 yards completing 29 of 46 passes for 3 touchdowns in the big victory over Green Bay in an amazing performance. In fact, it was just the 10th time in NFL history a quarterback has thrown for over 500 yards. However, the question is how will Roethlisberger perform this week following his monstrous performance last week? The Ravens rank 6th against the pass allowing just 200 yards per game, but that was nearly identical to the number that Green Bay had allowed entering last week’s game. Wide outs Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward have both already eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark. Both receivers can really cause trouble for the Ravens defense. However when an outside threat like Mike Wallace gets involved similar to last week against Green Bay, the Steelers receiving core is nearly impossible to defend hence the big day by Roethlisberger. Normally the factor entering this AFC North rivalry showdown surrounds the defenses in these two teams. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have historically dominated AFC offenses. Pittsburgh currently ranks 6th overall while the Ravens are 4th in total defense both of which may be a little bit worse than expected considering how well both defenses played a year ago. Each defense is allowing right at 300 yards per game, but the biggest defensive match-up will still be the way each secondary defends the opposing passing game. The Ravens secondary will really need to play well against the Steelers offense if they are going to come out still in control of their postseason hopes. However, if they allow another big day from the Steelers pass offense they will be on the outside looking in. Pick – Over 42
Baltimore Ravens (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
Sunday December 27th, 1:00PM Eastern
Tags: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers Preview, Ravens at Steelers Pick
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – New England -8, 43 ½ O/U The New England Patriots have not been that dynamic over powering force that most would expect them to be at this point in the season. After back to back losses to New Orleans and Miami; the Patriots just narrowly breezed by Carolina and Buffalo. However, New England still can lock down the AFC East Division crown with a win this Sunday when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars who are also fighting for a postseason possibility. The Jaguars at 7-7 are in the midst of a bunch of teams with the same record fighting for a wildcard spot. However, the Jaguars may be sitting better than any of those teams considering they have the best conference record of any 7-7 team. Still, even if they can surprisingly win out they will need help from losses from Baltimore and Denver to get the postseason opportunity. The Jaguars will attempt to keep those postseason chances alive this Sunday when they battle with the Patriots. The Jaguars roll into Foxboro following a hard fought loss to the Indianapolis Colts 35-31. Jacksonville actually appeared to be in control the entire game, but the Colts were to score a late touchdown to steal the victory. However, the Jaguars should still feel strong about the efforts considering no other team has looked that good against Indianapolis. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew carried the ball 27 times for 110 yards to increase his season total to an NFL 3rd best 1,246 yards. Jones-Drew may be the guy that sets the tone for the Jaguars this Sunday considering New England is allowing 4.4 yards per rush attempt. However, David Garrard is also throwing the football well. Garrard completed 23 of 40 passes for 223 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 pick in their loss to the Colts. WR Mike Sims-Walker is the guy really coming along in the passing game with 822 yards this year. Sims-Walker caught 6 passes for 64 yards to lead the Jaguars last week and he will be needed again this Sunday. Still, the Jaguars will only contend if their defense allows them to contend. The Patriots have one of the most difficult passing offenses to defend even though their offense has been less potent in recent weeks. However, they still got the firepower to rack up points quickly. Patriots QB Tom Brady was banged up a bit in last week’s 17-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Brady was just 11 of 23 for a season low 115 yards passing last week. Brady also suffered a rib and right shoulder injury that caused him to miss some practice time this week, but is still expected to start come Sunday. The Jacksonville secondary has given up 244 yards per game against the pass this season so the Patriots offense will definitely attack through the air as they do against every opponent. Wide receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss are the most dangerous duo in the NFL posting over 1,100 receiving yards each. The two have combined for 14 of Brady’s 24 touchdowns this year. Moss received some criticism about his effort a few weeks back after a poor performance against Carolina. Moss did come back to catch 5 passes for 70 yards last week and the Patriots will definitely need their big play guy to be a big factor again this week if they are to stifle the Jaguars defense. Pick – Turnovers may tell the story here. If Garrard can have a solid performance, the Jaguars should come in to this game with a lot of determination catching a Patriots team that has been sleepwalking through the past few games. The points are plus. Take Jacksonville +8
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) at New England Patriots (9-5)
Sunday December 27th, 1:00PM Eastern
NFL Football Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Tennessee -3, 47 O/U The San Diego Chargers put their 17 game December winning streak on the line Christmas night when they meet up with the Tennessee Titans. The Chargers also own a 9 game winning streak heading into the showdown as one of the hottest teams in the AFC. However, the Chargers will meet a Titans team that has surged during the 2nd half of the season. Tennessee has won 7 of their last 8 games and is also holding on to slim playoff possibilities. The Titans would need a lot of help to make the postseason, but they still must win their final two games making Friday night’s battle a must win situation. However, the Chargers held off a similar emotionally charged Bengals team last week and they will be attempting to duplicate those results. The Titans roll into the contest following a 27-24 overtime victory over the Miami Dolphins last week. QB Vince Young tossed 3 touchdown passes in the event while running back Chris Johnson eclipsed the century mark again with 104 rushing yards. Johnson still leads the NFL with 1,730 rushing yards this season and if he could put together 2 big performances could still reach the 2,000 yard milestone. Johnson also led the Titans in receiving last week with 55 yards and it is safe to say he will be a primary focus for the Chargers defense. However many believe that for the Titans to truly challenge the Chargers for a win, that Young will have to throw the football really well. Young has completed just 56% which is far down from when he took over the leading role under center. Young has been able to control the football, but the Titans will need him to rack up a bunch of yards to keep up with the Chargers offense this week. Also, another big factor to the Titans success Friday will play out in the secondary. Tennessee will be battling one of the top passing teams in the league and they rank dead last in the AFC allowing 265 yards per game. The Titans have produced some turnovers out of their secondary with 19 interceptions this year which will be vital to helping slow down the passing attack. However, the Titans secondary was nearly the downfall last week against the Dolphins. Miami’s Chad Henne racked up 349 yards through the air last week against the Titans defense, but just could not put the ball in the end zone. If San Diego has that type of success throwing the football, rest assured they will capitalize on the scoring opportunities. QB Phillip Rivers threw 2 picks in last week’s 27-24 victory over Cincinnati which is out of the norm considering how well he has played in recent weeks. Rivers still compiled 308 yards and 3 scores through the contest despite the picks. For Rivers, he could be in for a big day if the Titans soft coverage allows WR Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates to roam free. Gates and Jackson are among the top due combination in the league having both eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark while also combining for 15 touchdowns. Considering the mismatches both receivers have on the Tennessee secondary along with Titans CB Nick Harper being questionable, these guys could have another big performance in the passing game. Pick – Chargers +3
San Diego Chargers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (7-7)
Friday December 25th, 7:30PM Eastern
Tags: Chargers at Titans Pick, San Diego Chargers at Tennessee Titans Preview
