NFL Betting Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) at Houston Texans (4-7)
 Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Texans -  3 ,  Total  48

ESPN has had a lot of luck on Monday nights this season with excellent matchups but that luck may have run out as two teams likely to miss the playoffs get together this Monday as Houston hosts Jacksonville.  The good news about this matchup for ESPN and for football fans is that it should be competitive. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Texans at Home.

The Jaguars have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments at 4-7 as their defense has been weak and their offense very inconsistent.  The Jaguars still have a solid running attack with Maurice Jones-Drew but their passing attack has been poor this season.  The Texans actually have the better offense, even with backup Sage Rosenfels running the show.  Rosenfels throws for a lot of yards each week, usually throws for a couple of touchdowns but he always makes mistakes.  He has thrown 9 interceptions this season and it is those mistakes that have prevented the Texans from having a winning record.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Monday’s game.  The Jaguars are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games in Week 13. The Jaguars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December. The Jaguars are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.

The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC South. The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Jaguars are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. The underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings between the two teams. The Jaguars are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Houston.

The Texans are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in December. The Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Texans -  3 ,  Total  48

The Over is 6-1-1 in the Jaguars last 8 vs. a team with a losing record. The Over is 5-1-1 in the Jaguars last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Over is 9-2-2 in the Jaguars last 13 road games. The Over is 13-3 in the Jaguars last 16 games in December. The Under is 4-1 in the Jaguars last 5 Monday games. The Over is 15-5-3 in the Jaguars last 23 games overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Jaguars last 7 vs. the AFC South. The Over is 5-1 in the Texans last 6 home games. The Over is 10-2 in the Texans last 12 games in December. The Over is 13-3 in the Texans last 16 games overall. The Over is 20-6 in the Texans last 26 vs. the AFC South.

Pick: Texans 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
 New York Giants (10-1) at Washington Redskins (7-4)
Sunday, 1:00 pm Eastern – FOX

SBG Global Opening Line: Giants  -  3.5   ,  Total  41.5

The Washington Redskins will try and slow down the NFL’s best team as they host the New York Giants on Sunday.  There was little doubt among most people who the best team in the NFL was even before Tennessee lost last week.  Now there is no debate.  The Giants hold a three-game lead over Washington and Dallas in the NFC East and a two game lead over Tampa Bay and Carolina for home field advantage in the NFC. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Giants on the Road.

The Redskins are in prime position to make the playoffs but the NFC is very competitive and a loss on Sunday against the Giants would throw them back into the pack.  The Redskins will have a tough time on both sides of the ball against New York.  Washington wins games when Clinton Portis runs effectively and Jason Campbell avoids making mistakes.  The problem for Washington lately has been that Portis has been dinged up and Campbell has been sacked 12 times and thrown three interceptions in the last three games. Mistakes like those against the Giants will result in a loss on Sunday.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. the NFC East. The Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November. The Giants are 23-6 ATS in their last 29 games overall. The Giants are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 road games. The Giants are 24-8-1 ATS in their last 33 vs. the NFC. The Giants are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

The Redskins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC East. Redskins are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Redskins are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games in November. The Redskins are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Giants  -  3.5   ,  Total  41.5

The Over is 4-0-1 in the Giants last 5 games in November. The Over is 5-1 in the Giants last 6 vs. the NFC. The Over is 4-1 in the Giants last 5 road games. The Over is 7-2-1 in the Giants last 10 games overall. The Under is 5-0 in the Redskins last 5 home games. The Under is 6-0-1 in the Redskins last 7 games overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Redskins last 6 vs. the NFC East. The Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Washington between the two teams.

Pick: Giants 5 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at New England Patriots (7-4)

Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Patriots  -  1   ,  Total  39.5

A marquee matchup is set for Sunday afternoon as the New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Last year the Patriots routed the Steelers 34-13 but both teams are different this season.  The Steelers lead the AFC North by a game over Baltimore while New England is a game behind the New York Jets in the AFC East. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers on the Road.

Pittsburgh has lost six of the last seven meetings against New England but still leads the all-time series 13-10.  Pittsburgh has the top ranked defense in the league but they should get tested by a New England offense that is suddenly rolling under quarterback Matt Cassel.  He has thrown six touchdowns over the last two weeks.  The key to the game could be New England’s pass protection.  The Steelers lead the AFC with 37 sacks.

A big part of this game on Sunday could be the injury situation.  Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker is questionable.  The Steelers also might be without defensive end Brett Keisel, cornerback Deshea Townsend, cornerback Bryant McFadden and left tackle Marvel Smith.  There is no time to rest for the Steelers who play the NFL’s toughest schedule that doesn’t get any easier.  They have the Cowboys, Ravens and Titans the next three weeks. “I didn’t care about the schedule in March. I don’t care about the schedule now,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “I really don’t. We play New England this week and that’s where we’re at. And that’s where our attention needs to be. I can care less what’s going to happen in the upcoming month or the subsequent weeks. That’s never been our mentality and won’t be.”

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Steelers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in November. The underdog is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings between the two teams. The Steelers are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

The Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC. The Patriots are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Patriots  -  1   ,  Total  39.5

The Over is 5-1 in the Steelers last 6 vs. the AFC. The Under is 8-2-2 in the Patriots last 12 home games. The Under is 9-3-2 in the Patriots last 14 vs. the AFC. The Under is 13-5 in the Patriots last 18 games in November. The Under is 11-5-2 in the Patriots last 18 games overall. The Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Patriots 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Chicago Bears (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Vikings  -  3.5   ,  Total  42

The top spot in the NFC North is on the line Sunday night as the Chicago Bears visit the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams won last week to move a game in front of the Green Bay Packers.  The game may be more critical to the Vikings considering the remaining schedule for each team.  The Bears have three of their four remaining games at home and all look winnable against Jacksonville, New Orleans and Green Bay. Their one remaining road game is also winnable at Houston.  The Vikings have a much tougher slate although next week’s game against Detroit looks like a win.  Minnesota finishes at Arizona, home against Atlanta and home against the Giants. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Vikings at Home.

This could be an offensive shootout on Sunday night.  The Vikings have Adrian Peterson leading their offense and a suddenly efficient passing attack with Gus Frerotte.  The Bears can also run the ball effectively with Matt Forte and Kyle Orton is capable of making big plays.  The Bears outscored the Vikings in their earlier meeting this season 48-41.  The Bears are averaging 316.4 yards per game and Minnesota is averaging 321.4 yards per game.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 13. The Bears are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a win. The Bears are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two teams.

The Vikings are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall. The Vikings are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games. The Vikings are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC North. The home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Vikings  -  3.5   ,  Total  42

The Under is 7-0 in the Bears last 7 road games. The Under is 5-2 in the Bears last 7 games overall. The Over is 26-11-1 in the Bears last 38 vs. the NFC. The Over is 5-1 in the Vikings last 6 games in November. The Over is 4-1 in the Vikings last 5 games overall. The Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Vikes 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Cincinnati Bengals (1-8-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
Thursday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NFL Network

SBG Global Opening Line: Steelers  -  10   ,  Total  34.5

The Pittsburgh Steelers will try and avoiding having a letdown as they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.  The Steelers blew away the Bengals 38-10 earlier this season as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes.  Big Ben threw for 308 yards last week in the Steelers 11-10 win against San Diego. “It was time for me to do it,” Roethlisberger said. “I don’t like to say it’s time for us to do it because some of these guys have been doing it all year. It was time for me to step up and make some plays.”  He may not have it as easy as it appears on Thursday.  The Steelers have lost two of their last three home games against the Bengals.
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers at Home.

The Bengals are coming off a 13-13 tie against Philadelphia last week, the first tie in the NFL since 2002. “I don’t know if you pat yourself on the back or be mad,” Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker said. “We came out here, played our hearts out and we didn’t lose, so we’ll just take it at that and strive to do better this Thursday night.”  The Bengals have played better of late thanks to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who is filling in for the injured Carson Palmer.  Fitzpatrick was 29-for-44 for a season-high 261 yards and a TD against the Eagles.  He will be facing a defense this week that is ranked #1 in the NFL. “They try to make you uncomfortable back there,” Fitzpatrick said, “And with their rush, and how hard they come sometimes, it’s uncomfortable. You’ve just got to make decisions and get the ball out.”

Here are the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Bengals are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games in Week 12. The Bengals are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games in November. The Bengals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC North. The road team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings between the two teams.

The Steelers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in November. The Steelers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 12. The Steelers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.

SBG Global Current Line: Steelers  -  11   ,  Total  34.5

The Under is 6-1 in the Bengals last 7 vs. the AFC North. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Bengals last 9 games in November. The Under is 11-4-1 in the Bengals last 16 games overall. The Under is 4-1 in the Steelers last 5 games in November. The Over is 38-15-2 in the Steelers last 55 home games. The Over is 5-2 in the Steelers last 7 vs. the AFC North. The Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh between the two teams.

Pick: Bengals 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-4)
 Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Bills  -  4   ,  Total  43

The Buffalo Bills were the talk of the NFL early in the season as they led the AFC East but after three straight losses, very few people are talking about them anymore.  The Bills will try and right the ship on Monday night as they host the Cleveland Browns.  The Bills had only 168 yards of total offense in last week’s 20-10 loss to New England. “We have to get our swagger back,” running back Fred Jackson said. “Going into these last couple of weeks, we haven’t had that normal swagger that we usually have. … That’s something we want to address, because we know we’re better than we’re playing.” Buffalo will definitely look for better play out of quarterback Trent Edwards who has thrown five interceptions during the losing streak. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Browns on the Road.

The Cleveland Browns are in danger of falling out of the playoff race at 3-6 and after blowing leads in their last two games, some players on the team have even questioned the team’s commitment. “This is as frustrated as I’ve been in as many years as I’ve been playing,” said running back Jamal Lewis, “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. I’m just not cut from this kind of cloth. I play physical football. I come out here and give it my all - all week. This is the NFL. You can’t call it quits until the game is over. But it looks to me like some people call it quits before that.”  The main problem for Cleveland has been a defense that is full of holes.  They have allowed an average of 496.5 yards in their last two games.  If that continues the Browns will probably be looking for a new coach as Romeo Crennel is feeling the heat.

Here are the NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Browns are 17-7 ATS in their last 24 games overall. The Browns are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games.

The Bills are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games. The Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Bills are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in November.

SBG Global Current Line: Bills  -  5   ,  Total  41

The Under is 6-1 in the Browns last 7 road games. The Under is 11-4 in the Browns last 15 games overall. The Over is 4-0 in the Bills last 4 Monday games. The Over is 6-1-1 in the Bills last 8 home games. The Over is 5-2-1 in the Bills last 8 games in November.

Pick: Browns 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3)
Sunday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Cowboys -  1.5   ,  Total  43.5

The Dallas Cowboys finally get quarterback Tony Romo back on Sunday and they are hoping he can save their season.  The Cowboys started the season strongly but have played poorly in recent weeks, especially since Romo has been out.  The Cowboys have lost four of their last six and are one game behind the Redskins in the NFC East and they are three games back of the New York Giants.  Winning the division looks out of the question and making the playoffs is in serious jeopardy.  A loss to the Redskins here would really put them behind the eight ball.  Most people believe Dallas has to win at least five of the last seven games to make the playoffs. “Everyone says we are out of the picture,” Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens said, “There’s seven games left. We’re not counting ourselves out by any means.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cowboys on the Road.

The Cowboys will be counting heavily on Romo to upgrade the offense.  They averaged 29.2 points with him but just 13.7 points per game without him. “I’ve done a lot of studying, and a lot of thinking about the game and trying to gain an understanding of what it is we may need to do a little bit differently or what we may need to continue to do or do better,” said Romo, “I feel very confident and excited going forward about things that we may have changed around, improved upon. I think this team has got a great second-half run in it. Hopefully we’ll be able to show that this week.”

They should get a good test from a Washington team that is looking to bounce back from a poor effort against Pittsburgh two weeks ago.  The big key for Washington on Sunday could be the health of running back Clinton Portis who is listed as questionable.  Portis is second in the NFL in rushing this season and a big part of the Washington offense.

The Redskins have won five the last seven games against the Cowboys.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Cowboys are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in November. The Cowboys are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. The Cowboys are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Cowboys are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC East. The Cowboys are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Washington.

The Redskins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC East. The Redskins are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a bye week. The Redskins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November.

SBG Global Current Line: Cowboys -  1.5   ,  Total  43

The Over is 6-1 in the Cowboys last 7 games in November. The Over is 5-1 in the Cowboys last 6 games overall. The Over is 16-6-2 in the Cowboys last 24 road games. The Over is 10-4-3 in the Cowboys last 17 vs. the NFC East.

The Under is 4-0 in the Redskins last 4 home games. The Under is 4-1 in the Redskins last 5 vs. the NFC East.

Pick: Redskins 3 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Steelers -  4  ,  Total  43

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be a little frustrated losing two of their last three games but they are in far better position than the 4-5 San Diego Chargers.  San Diego has played poorly most of the season and star running back LaDainian Tomlinson is having the worst season of his career.  The only positive for the Chargers is they play in the weak AFC West where Denver is leading the division at just 5-4.  Tomlinson led the league in rushing the past two seasons but has run for just 100 yards in two games this year and hasn’t scored a TD in five straight games. “I guess I’m really concerned about it because football to me is simple,” Tomlinson said. “I think in order to really be successful and to do what you want to do you have to be able to run the football. That’s the way it’s always been.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers at Home

The Steelers have been dealing with injuries this season but should be in good shape on Sunday as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Willie Parker are expected to play.  Roethlisberger has been taking snaps in practice this week and trying to resolve some of the problems he has had in recent games. “I think it’s important that you practice.” coach Mike Tomlin said. “The longer that goes on (missing practice), you start to see issues coming up with timing and cohesion. I think that’s the spot we’re at this point.”  Big Ben could have a field day on Sunday against a San Diego defense that is giving up 264.9 yards per game through the air, last in the NFL.  On the other side of the ball the Steelers have the league’s top rated defense against the pass, giving up only 171.1 yards per game.  They should get tested by San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers who leads the NFL with 21 TD passes.

The Chargers have never won in the regular season at Pittsburgh going 0-12 but they have won twice there in the playoffs.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game.  The Chargers are 15-4-1 ATS in their last 20 vs. the AFC.   The Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Chargers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

The Steelers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams.

SBG Global Current Line: Steelers -  5  ,  Total  42

The Under is 4-1 in the Chargers last 5 games overall. The Over is 14-5-2 in the Chargers last 21 road games. The Over is 38-14-2 in the Steelers last 54 home games. The Over is 9-4 in the Steelers last 13 games overall.

Pick: Chargers 2 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
New York Jets at New England Patriots
Thursday, 8:15 pm Eastern – NFL Network

SBG Global Opening Line: Patriots  -  4   ,  Total  41

The top spot in the AFC East will be on the line Thursday as the New England Patriots host the New York Jets in a game that can be seen on the NFL Network.  The Patriots have owned the AFC East in recent seasons but the Jets believe they can take away the title this season now that Brett Favre is at quarterback. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Patriots at Home.

The Patriots have been fighting injuries all season, losing quarterback Tom Brady, running back Laurence Maroney, safety Rodney Harrison and now linebacker Adalius Thomas. “Any time you lose a player, especially an impact player like (Thomas), it hurts,” cornerback Ellis Hobbs said. “But he’ll tell you himself: the machine can’t stop. It has to keep on rolling.”

The Patriots always seem to find a way to fill in for injured players.  The Patriots have won five straight AFC East titles but they are being tested this year by the Jets.  New York is coming off a 47-3 rout of the St. Louis Rams last week.  Now they get their big test on Thursday against New England. “This is a huge game,” said running back Thomas Jones, “It’s a divisional rival, first of all. It has a lot of implications as far as who’s going to be in sole possession of first place in the division, which leads into other things as the season goes along. It’s a really big game for us and we really look forward to it.”

The Patriots defeated the Jets 19-10 in Week 2 so they would in a sense have a two game lead over New York if they beat the Jets on Thursday. Here is a look at the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game.  The Patriots have won 9 of the last 10 games against the Jets.  The Patriots are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games against New York.  The Jets are 3-2 ATS at New England in the past five meetings. New England has lost almost 60% ATS in the past few years laying points at home.

SBG Global Current Line: Patriots  -  3   ,  Total  42             

Earlier this season the matchup between the two teams went under the total and in the last 10 meetings, 6 games have gone under. At New England, four of the last five have gone under.  The Jets have gone under about 60% of the time on the road since 2005.  New England has gone under the total more than 60% of the time at home the past three seasons.

Pick: Jets 5 out of 5 units

NFL Betting Preview
New York Giants (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
Sunday, 4:15 pm Eastern – FOX

SBG Global Opening Line: Steelers  -  2.5   ,  Total  42

The best matchup in Week 8 is definitely on FOX television late Sunday afternoon as the 5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers host the 5-1 New York Giants.  The Giants are defending Super Bowl champs and have looked the part this season while the Steelers look to be one of the top teams in the AFC. Both quarterbacks, New York’s Eli Manning and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger have led their teams to Super Bowl titles and are looking to do so again this season. “There’s always that little thing inside of you that wants to be the best, so I’ve got to get another Super Bowl before he does,” Roethlisberger said. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers at Home.

The Steelers have relied greatly on their defense this season which is first in the NFL in total defense and second in points allowed.  The Pittsburgh offense is efficient enough as well with Roethlisberger clicking most of the time.  The Steelers could also get a boost from the return of Willie Parker who may return for this game.  The Steelers look to be getting healthy as it is possible that fullback Carey Davis and nose tackle Casey Hampton might also play on Sunday.

The Giants have been relying more on their offense in their victories.  New York is second in the NFL in total offense and first in rushing.  The matchup on Sunday between their ground attack and Pittsburgh’s run defense should be interesting to watch.

Pittsburgh and New York last played in 2004 and the Steelers came away with the victory.  The teams have split their last four meetings overall.  Here are more NFL betting stats for Sunday’s game. The Giants are 6-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. The Giants are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games in October. The Giants are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.

The Steelers are 24-8-1 ATS in their last 33 games in October. The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning record.

SBG Global Current Line: Steelers  -  3   ,  Total  42

The Over is 4-1 in the Giants last 5 games overall. The Under is 9-4 in the Giants last 13 road games. The Over is 8-2 in the Steelers last 10 games overall. The Over is 42-15-2 in the Steelers last 59 home games.

Pick: Giants 3 out of 5 units