Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Sunday 11/4/18
Opening Line Report - Week 9
Joe Williams
We're halfway through the National Football League regular season, and it seems like only yesterday that we were just starting out. All of a sudden there is a chill in the air, the leaves have changed colors in the northern tier and the calendar is about to flip to November. We're also seeing divisional teams start to play each other for the second time this season.
In Week 9, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will meet in Charm City, and the Steelers are seeking revenge after a 26-14 setback on their home field earlier in the season on a Sunday night. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are meetings under the same circumstances, as the Dolphins picked up a win in New Jersey earlier this season.
This week's most anticipated games will be later Sunday afternoon and on Sunday evening. The Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints meet in a possible playoff preview down on the Bayou, while the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots hook up in a battle of two potential first-ballot Hall of Fame signal callers in Foxboro.
Sunday, Nov. 4
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5, 50.5)
Speaking of the trade deadline, the Lions might be sellers of WR Golden Tate, although reports say they'd need to be bowled over. The Vikings might be looking to add personnel, so we'll see what happens there.
Most shops opened this game on the 5 1/2 line, although if you really love the Vikings you need to run, not walk, to Treasure Island, as they opened the Vikings at just -4 1/2. There movement on the line has been from an open of 51 down slightly to 50 1/2 across the board, althoug the Wynn still offered the game at 51 at last check.
Kansas City Chiefs (-8.5, 51.5) at Cleveland Browns
Oh those crazy Cleveland Browns. They should be super prepared for the Kansas City Chiefs with an interim head coach and a new offensive coordinator, right? Oct. 29 was Black Monday in 'The Land', as head coach Hue Jackson and dueling offensive coordinator Todd Haley were each shown the door in favor of Gregg Williams, who will stick as the defensive coordinator, too. Freddie Kitchens moves into an OC role for now.
Jerry's Nugget opened this game at -8, it slid to -7 1/2 at one point, and is now back up to -8. The Strat opened at -7 1/2 and it was quickly bet up to -8 1/2. It wouldn't be surprising in the least to see this game peak at double digits before all is said and done. Offshore, Sportsbook.ag is holding steady at -9 if you love the Browns and want more points, while BetOnline.ag sits at -8. This will be one of the more interesting game lines to watch all week.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 47)
All shops offered this up at -3 with the lone exception being TI, which opened the game at -2 1/2. That was quickly bet up to 3, getting in line with everyone else. While the Steelers are 1-6-1 ATS in the past eight in this series, the road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings, and the underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in the past eight. Total bettors might start jumping on the 47, too, perhaps driving that down. Last time they met, the teams combined for just 40 points, and the under is 4-0 in the past four meetings in Charm City.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-7, 54)
The Buccaneers made a switch at QB, going from Jameis Winston to Ryan Fitzpatrick, but Vegas isn't buying Fitz-magic. The line opened at -6 1/2 at most shops and quickly went to a flat 7. Southpoint and Strat opened the game at -6, and you can still get it at less than a touchdown.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-3, 45)
This line hasn't moved one iota, opening at -3 and staying at -3 throughout the day on Monday. There was some movement on the line, going from 46 to 45 1/2 at Caesars/Harrah's, but Round 2 of this AFC East rivalry hasn't generated a lot of interest as of yet.
Atlanta Falcons at Washington Redskins (-1.5, 47.5)
This line has had a lot of movement during the early going. Caesar's opened at Washington -1 1/2, it slipped to a pick 'em, and now the Redskins are back listed at -1. Most everyone is offering at -1 1/2, and even the Strat, which had the 'Skins at -2 1/2 is down a full point to where everyone else is at the moment. The same holds true with Westgate Superbook, which is down a full point from -2 1/2 to -1 1/2, which the total went down slightly from 48 to 47 1/2, too.
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills (OFF)
The books are still dealing with the dumpster fire that is Buffalo's offense. Derek Anderson left the game late with an arm injury, Josh Allen remains sidelined and Nathan Peterman could be thrust into action. There is also the uncertainty of whether Khalil Mack can play for Chicago in the city he played his college ball. Stay tuned.
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-2.5, 46)
The Texans are on a roll, winners of five in a row to get to the top of the AFC South. So they're underdogs to the skidding Broncos. Hmm. This game could see personnel changes on offense for the Broncos, as WR Demaryius Thomas can reportedly be had. Watch that closely. Westgate opened this one as a pick 'em and the bread came flowing in on the home team, as now Denver is favored by -2 1/2.
Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks (-1.5, 48)
It seems the Seahawks have been flying under the radar and now they're starting to fly high. A big road win in Detroit, 28-14, has them on a roll, although well behind the first-place Rams. Bettors seem to like the Bolts, though, especially coming off a bye. Mirage-MGM opened the game at -1 1/2, and it's down to Seattle -1. Westgate opened at -2 1/2, and it fell all the way to a pick 'em in a matter of a few hours, but going back up to -1 1/2. This is another line to watch with plenty of movement.
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (-1, 60)
Back on Oct. 29, 2000, the then St. Louis Rams traveled to San Francisco with a line that closed at 61 1/2. That was the highest-ever during the regular season. NFL lines rarely go over 60. Vegas is expecting quite a bit of fireworks under the dome on Sunday afternoon, eh?
The under is 4-1 in the past five for the Saints on field turf, including last week in Minnesota. However, the over is 18-7-1 in the past 26 at home for the Saints, and the over is 4-1 in the past five meetings in NOLA between these two sides.
Going back to that 2000 game, the total amount of points scored that afternoon was 58, slightly under the close.
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (-6.5, 57.5)
The line has been holding steady at Patriots -6 1/2 across the board, not that many bettors could feel terribly confident with the offense they saw in Buffalo on Monday night. New England was atrocious, and their leading rusher was WR Cordarrelle Patterson. Changes could be made, though, as again...trade deadline. The Pats are also known to have a plan up their sleeve.
Monday, Nov. 5
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys (-6.5, 41)
The Titans will be the first team to try and slow down WR Amari Cooper in a Cowboys uniform. Both teams come off a bye, and they have the luxury of an extra day of rest, too, with the game being played on Monday.
CG Technology had Dallas listed at -4 1/2 to open, quickly moving to -6. The Strat also opened at -4 1/2, and quickly rose to -6 1/2 in less than 24 hours. Westgate went all the way from -4 to -6 1/2 in about 19 hours. Early bettors are feeling the Cowboys in their Jerry World on Monday night. Meanwhile, the total has tumbled from 42 1/2 to 41 at BetOnline.ag offshore.
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NFL LONG SHEET
Sunday. November 4
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DETROIT (3 - 4) at MINNESOTA (4 - 3 - 1) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 63-88 ATS (-33.8 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
MINNESOTA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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KANSAS CITY (7 - 1) at CLEVELAND (2 - 5 - 1) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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PITTSBURGH (4 - 2 - 1) at BALTIMORE (4 - 4) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 77-54 ATS (+17.6 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 71-43 ATS (+23.7 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TAMPA BAY (3 - 4) at CAROLINA (5 - 2) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 160-125 ATS (+22.5 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
CAROLINA is 83-51 ATS (+26.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
TAMPA BAY is 64-38 ATS (+22.2 Units) in November games since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 2-2 against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 2-2 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NY JETS (3 - 5) at MIAMI (4 - 4) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 72-101 ATS (-39.1 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
MIAMI is 56-82 ATS (-34.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
MIAMI is 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 against the spread versus NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-1 straight up against NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ATLANTA (3 - 4) at WASHINGTON (5 - 2) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-96 ATS (-42.6 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 25-46 ATS (-25.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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CHICAGO (4 - 3) at BUFFALO (2 - 5) - 11/4/2018, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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HOUSTON (5 - 3) at DENVER (3 - 5) - 11/4/2018, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games off a loss against a division rival since 1992.
DENVER is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 1-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 1-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LA CHARGERS (5 - 2) at SEATTLE (4 - 3) - 11/4/2018, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CHARGERS is 48-27 ATS (+18.3 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
SEATTLE is 45-67 ATS (-28.7 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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LA RAMS (8 - 0) at NEW ORLEANS (6 - 1) - 11/4/2018, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA RAMS is 188-235 ATS (-70.5 Units) in all games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 188-235 ATS (-70.5 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 134-185 ATS (-69.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
LA RAMS is 146-186 ATS (-58.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
LA RAMS is 68-100 ATS (-42.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 1-1 against the spread versus LA RAMS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 1-1 straight up against LA RAMS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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GREEN BAY (3 - 3 - 1) at NEW ENGLAND (6 - 2) - 11/4/2018, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 33-13 ATS (+18.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 33-13 ATS (+18.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 32-13 ATS (+17.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 68-45 ATS (+18.5 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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Monday. November 5
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TENNESSEE (3 - 4) at DALLAS (3 - 4) - 11/5/2018, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 51-28 ATS (+20.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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NFL TRENDS
Sunday. November 4
Detroit Lions
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 8-14-3 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 4-7-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Detroit is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is 3-6-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Minnesota is 16-5-1 SU in its last 22 games
Minnesota is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games at home
Minnesota is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Chicago Bears
Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 5 games
Buffalo is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Buffalo's last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Carolina
Tampa Bay is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Carolina
Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina Panthers
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
Carolina is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games at home
Carolina is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
Carolina is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Carolina is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Kansas City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Kansas City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Cleveland is 2-22-1 SU in its last 25 games
Cleveland is 7-18 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Cleveland is 3-17-1 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Cleveland's last 17 games at home
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
New York Jets
NY Jets is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
NY Jets is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Jets's last 5 games
NY Jets is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
NY Jets is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of NY Jets's last 23 games on the road
NY Jets is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
NY Jets is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Jets's last 6 games when playing Miami
NY Jets is 15-4-1 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Miami
NY Jets is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Jets's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Dolphins
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Miami's last 19 games
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
Miami is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing NY Jets
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Jets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing NY Jets
Miami is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 8-0-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Pittsburgh's last 25 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Baltimore is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Baltimore is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Atlanta is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Redskins
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 11 games
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Los Angeles Chargers
LA Chargers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Chargers's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of LA Chargers's last 18 games
LA Chargers is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
LA Chargers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Chargers's last 9 games on the road
LA Chargers is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
LA Chargers is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Chargers's last 5 games when playing Seattle
LA Chargers is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
LA Chargers is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Chargers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
Seattle is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games at home
Seattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Chargers
Seattle is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing LA Chargers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing LA Chargers
Seattle is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against LA Chargers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Chargers
Houston Texans
Houston is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver Broncos
Denver is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 games
Denver is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games
Denver is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games at home
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Houston
Los Angeles Rams
LA Rams is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Rams is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Rams's last 9 games
LA Rams is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Rams's last 12 games on the road
LA Rams is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Rams's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
New Orleans is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games at home
New Orleans is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing LA Rams
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Rams
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Green Bay is 3-6-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Green Bay's last 13 games
Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Green Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Green Bay's last 8 games on the road
Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New England
Green Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New England
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Green Bay's last 5 games when playing New England
Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New England
New England Patriots
New England is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New England is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home
New England is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
New England is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Green Bay
New England is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Green Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 5 games when playing Green Bay
New England is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Green Bay
Monday. November 5
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tennessee's last 6 games
Tennessee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee's last 6 games on the road
Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Cowboys
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 11 games
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tennessee
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Sunday 11/4
Lions (3-4) @ Vikings (4-3-1)— Minnesota is 9-0 vs spread (8-1 SU) in its last nine pre-bye games. Lions allowed 26+ points in their four losses, 23 or less in their three wins; Detroit is 3-0 vs spread on road this year (2-0 as AU), 1-2 SU, with losses by total of five points. Minnesota won three of its last four games; under Zimmer, they’re 20-7 as home favorites, 2-2 this year. Vikings allowed 21 or less people in its four wins, 27+ in the other four games; they ran ball for 100+ yards in only one of their last seven games. Lions are 8-6 in last 14 series games; they won three of last four visits to the Twin Cities. Over is 5-2 in Detroit games this year; under is 3-1 in Viking home games.
Chiefs (7-1) @ Browns (2-5-1)— Williams is new HC for Browns; Kitchens is new OC after team fired HC/OC Monday; KC is tough opponent for them to break in against. Chiefs won/covered seven of eight games; they’re 3-1 on road- their last three road games were all decided by 5 or fewer points. KC is 9-3 in last dozen games as road favorites. Browns lost last three games, giving up 32.3 ppg; they’re 6-15-1 in last 22 games as home dogs, albeit 2-1 this year. KC won three of last four series games, winning by 2-6-4 points; they lost last visit here 30-7 in ’12. Browns’ GM Dorsey came to Cleveland from the Chiefs. Under is 3-1 in Cleveland home games, 4-1 in Chiefs’ last five games.
Steelers (4-2-1) @ Ravens (4-4)— Ravens won first meeting 26-14 (+3) in Week 4 at Heinz Field; they last swept Pitt in 2015. Baltimore outgained Pitt 451-284, blanked Steelers 12-0 in 2nd half. Ravens are 7-4 in last 11 series games; Steelers lost four of their last five visits here. Nine of last 15 series games were decided by 4 or fewer points. Ravens are 1-3 since that first meeting; they’re 0-3 when allowing more than 14 points. Steelers won last three games, scoring 41-28-33 points (12 TD’s on last 29 drives); Pitt is 2-0-1 on road- they’re 11-6-1 in last 18 games as road underdogs. Under is 5-1 in last six Baltimore games, 2-4 in last six Steeler games. Ravens are 2-4 SU (1-5 vs spread) in last six pre-bye games.
Buccaneers (3-4) @ Panthers (5-2)— Fitzpatrick gets nod at QB for Bucs after he rallied them back from down 34-16 to tie game in Cincy Sunday; Bucs were 2-1 when he started in Weeks 1-3. Under Koetter, Tampa is 9-7-1 as road underdogs, 2-2 this year- average total in their road games is 70. Panthers won four of last five games, are 4-0 at home- they’re 7-9 in last 16 games as home favorites, 2-1 this year. Carolina won eight of last ten series games, including four of last five games played here, with wins by 21-2-28-3 points. Over is 6-1 in Tampa games, 4-2 in last six Carolina tilts. In last two games, Panthers converted 11-23 on third down (47.8%), after converting 22-62 (35.5%) in first five games.
Jets (3-5) @ Dolphins (4-4)— Miami won first meeting 20-12 (+2.5) in Week 2, but they haven’t swept Jets since ’09. Two of Miami’s three TD drives in Week 2 were less than 50 yards. Jets won four of last five visits to South Beach, but are 1-6-1 vs spread in last eight games on natural grass- they lost last three road games, scoring 4 TD’s in last 32 road drives. Gang Green scored 34+ points in its three wins, 17 or less in their losses. Miami lost four of last five games, giving up 32-42 points last two weeks; in 3 of their last 4 games, Fish allowed 22+ points in second half. Miami doesn’t have a takeaway in its last two games, after having 15 in its first six games. Over is 4-1 in Jets’ last five games, 3-0 in Miami’s last three.
Falcons (3-4) @ Redskins (5-2)— Atlanta plays six of its last nine games on road; they’re 0-2 outdoors, losing 18-12 in Philly, 41-17 in Pitt, are 1-8 vs spread in last nine road games- they’re 32 for last 55 on third down, and are 3-1 when allowing less than 30 points. Redskins won their last three games, with 7 takeaways (+6); they’re 5-2 in last seven games as home favorites. Washington ran ball for 130+ yards in all five of its wins, 65-39 in its losses; Atlanta held 2 of 7 opponents under 100 YR. Atlanta won last five series games, winning last three visits here, by 7-10-7 points; last series games was in ’15. Last three Redskin games stayed under total; over is 5-1 in last six Atlanta games.
Bears (4-3) @ Bills (2-5)— Buffalo played its hearts out Monday night but lost 25-6; need a QB to win NFL games. In their last five games, Bills scored two TD’s on 53 drives, with 14 turnovers (-6). In four of their six losses, Buffalo didn’t score a TD- they were outscored 43-3 in first half of last three games. Chicago is 1-2 on road; games were decided by total of six points- since ’14, they’re 0-3 as road favorites, 0-2 this year. Bears are 6-12 vs spread in last 18 true road games. Chicago is 3-2 vs spread as a favorite this year. Teams split last four series games, with both Bills’ wins in OT; this is Bears’ first visit to Orchard Park since ’02 (they met in Toronto in ’10). Over is 3-1 in last four Chicago games; last six Buffalo games stayed under.
Texans (5-3) @ Broncos (3-5)— Houston won its last five games after an 0-3 start; Texans ran ball for 141-188 yards in its last two games- hopefully banged-up QB Watson won’t have to take bus to Denver, like he did for last road game. Broncos lost five of last six games after a 2-0 start; they’re 2-4-2 in last eight games as home favorites. Denver won three of four series games, winning three of four series games played here; Broncos won 37-13/27-9 in last two meetings. Under is 3-1 in last four Houston games, 5-2 in last seven Denver games. AFC South teams are 9-12 vs spread outside their division; AFC West teams are 7-1-1 as non-divisional favorites. Denver won five of its last six pre-bye games (4-2 vs spread).
Chargers (5-2) @ Seahawks (4-3)— Seattle ran ball for 155-176 yards in winning their last two games- they’re 4-1 in last five games after an 0-2 start. In their last three games, Seahawks are 22-37 on 3rd down, after going 0-10 in Week 4 at Arizona. Seattle is 1-7 vs spread in its last nine games as home favorites. Chargers won their last four games, averaged 9.2+ yardss/pass attempt in each of their last three games. LA is 3-0 outside LA, winning 31-20 at Buffalo in their only game on artificial turf. Seattle won six of last eight meetings, three of last four played here; these teams used to be AFC West rivals. Chargers are 2-5 vs spread in last seven post-bye games. Under is 5-1 in Seattle’s last six games; over is 5-2 in Charger games.
Rams (8-0) @ Saints (6-1)— Under McVay, Rams are 3-2 vs spread as underdogs; they’re 12-1 SU away from home, with only loss at Minnesota LY. LA scored 29 points in every game this year except Denver game, when it was 20 degrees- in last three games, LA’s opponents are just 8-30 on 3rd down. Saints won their last six games, covering last five; they held last six foes under 100 YR, and haven’t lost field position battle yet this year. Average total in Saints’ three home games this year: 63. Home side won last five series games; Rams lost 31-13/49-21 in last two visits here. Under is 3-1 in Saints’ last four games, 3-0 in Rams’ last three. This game has good shot at deciding #1 seed in NFC playoffs.
Packers (3-3-1) @ Patriots (5-2)— Green Bay blitzed Goff a lot LW and held Rams without score on their first five drives; they’re 0-3 on road, allowing 31-31-29 points (11 TD’s on 34 drives)- they’re 6-4 in last 10 games as road underdogs, 1-0 this year. 4 of 7 Packer games this year were decided by 3 or fewer points. Short week for Patriots after vanilla effort in Buffalo Monday; NE won last five games, is 4-0 at home (3-1 as HF)- they’re 25-12-3 vs spread in last 40 games as a home favorite. Teams split ten games overall; Packers are 2-4 in Foxboro, losing 31-27 in last visit here, in ’10. Over is 4-2 in last six Packer games, 3-1 in last four Patriot games. In last two games, NE scored three TD’s on special teams/defense.
Monday
Titans (3-4) @ Cowboys (3-4)— Cowboys fired their OL coach during bye week, would expect to see them try and run ball more here. Dallas is 3-0 at home, 0-4 on road; 3 of their last 4 games were decided by 3 or fewer points. Cowboys are 7-6 in last 13 games as home favorites, 1-1 this year. Titans lost last three games after a 3-1 start; five of their last six games were decided by 3 or fewer points- they’re 10-24-1 vs spread in last 35 true road games, 8-17 in last 25 games as a road underdog. Dallas won three of last four series games; Oilers/Titans are 4-3 in their visits here. Under is 5-2 in Dallas games, 5-1 in last six Titan tilts. Thought o lay 6.5 points to a team that hasn’t played a game this season that was decided by more than seven points.
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Tech Trends - Week 9
Bruce Marshall
Sunday, Nov. 4
DETROIT at MINNESOTA (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Detroit has covered 3 of last 4 meetings and “over” 11-5 since mid 2016.
Tech Edge: Slight to “over” and Lions, based on “totals” and team trends.
KANSAS CITY at CLEVELAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Andy Reid 11-1 vs. line last 12 in reg season.
Tech Edge: Chiefs, based on team trends.
PITTSBURGH at BALTIMORE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Ravens have covered 3 of last 4 at home vs. Steel and 6-2-1 vs. spread last nine in series. Steel 2-0 as short-priced dog TY. Tomlin “over” 7-2 since late 2017.
Tech Edge: Slight to “over” and Ravens, based on “totals” and series trends.
TAMPA BAY at CAROLINA (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bucs “over” 7-1 since late 2017. Bucs have covered 3 of last 4 vs. Cam at Charlotte, however, and “unders” 7-2 last nine meetings.
Tech Edge: "Over" and slight to Bucs, based on “totals” and team trends.
N.Y. JETS at MIAMI (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Dolphins 1-4 SU and vs. line since 3-0 break from gate that included a win at Jets. J-Men, however, are 5-0-2 vs. line last seven at Miami.
Tech Edge: Jets, based on series trends.
ATLANTA at WASHINGTON (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Jay Gruden “over” trend has been fading for a while now, he’s actually “under” 8-2 last nine since late 2017. Skins, however, are 6-1 vs. spread last 7 at FedEx. Falcs have only played twice and road TY and have failed to cover either. Atlanta 5-2 “over” TY.
Tech Edge: Slight to Skins, based on team trends.
CHICAGO at BUFFALO (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bills 2-6 vs. line TY, “under” 8-2 last ten since late 2017.
Tech Edge: Slight to Bears and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.
HOUSTON at DENVER (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Texans have won last five SU though just 3-2 vs. line in those. Still improvement on 8 straight Ls previous. Denver has covered last three TY but Vance Joseph on 2-15-2 spread skid previous.
Tech Edge: Texans, based on team trends.
L.A. CHARGERS at SEATTLE (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Bolts have won last 4 SU but only covers in 2 of those. Bolts 5-2 “over” TY after closing 2017 on 10-1 “under” run. Pete Carroll has only played two home games TY and has covered them both. Hawks were only 1-5 vs. line last 6 at home LY.
Tech Edge: Slight to Chargers, based on team trends.
L.A. RAMS at NEW ORLEANS (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Saints have covered last five and won last six SU TY, Rams only 1-3-1 vs. spread last five, and surprisingly just 4-6-1 vs. line last 11 on board since late LY. Rams were “over” 7-1 as visitor LY, Saints “over” 6-2 last 8 at home.
Tech Edge: Saints and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.
GREEN BAY at NEW ENGLAND (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Pack “over” 12-4 last 16 since mid 2017, also covered last 2 two meetings vs. Belichick in 2010 & ‘14. Pack 2-1 as dog TY.
Tech Edge: “Over” and Packers, based on “totals” and team trends.
Monday, Nov. 5
TENNESSEE at DALLAS (ESPN, 8:25 p.m. ET)
Dallas 3-0 SU at home TY (2-1 vs. line), Cowboys also “under” 9-2 last 11 since late 2017. Titans 4-1 as dog for Vrabel, and “under” 9-4 since late 2017.
Tech Edge: “Under,” based on “totals” trends.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Preview and Predictions Picks and Tips
The Carolina Panthers aim for their 10th consecutive home victory dating to last season when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an NFC South clash on Sunday. The Panthers have won two straight contests and four of five overall to remain one game behind division-leading New Orleans, while the Buccaneers are making another change at quarterback after dropping four of their last five.
The Panthers are trying to stay within striking distance of the Saints, whom they will face twice in the final three weeks of the regular season, while Tampa Bay needs to turn things around to stay on the fringe of the playoff picture. The Bucs have turned back to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback after the journeyman relieved Jameis Winston and nearly led them to a comeback win in last week's 37-34 loss to Cincinnati. "What I've learned is that you've always got to stay ready, and you've got to take advantage of your opportunities when you get them," Fitzpatrick told reporters. "Because the biggest thing about the NFL is, it's a performance-based league and you have to go out there and perform, and if you don't, there are other guys that are going to be able to. That's something that I've learned, and I've been on both sides of it plenty in my career." Winston has thrown 10 interceptions in 13 quarters of play, which was a concern against a Carolina defense that thrives on turnovers and has 13 takeaways - including nine picks.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -6. O/U: 55
Trending Previews
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (3-4): Fitzpatrick took over late in the third quarter last week and flashed some of the magic he showed in leading the Bucs to a 2-0 start while Winston was suspended. Regardless of which quarterback is at the helm, Tampa Bay has put up NFL-leading passing numbers thanks to a dynamic receiving corps, and Peyton Barber is emerging as a rushing threat. The defense has been a disaster, however, allowing at least 400 total yards in six of seven games and forcing only one turnover over the last four contests.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (5-2): Carolina possesses the league's second-best rushing attack that is led by versatile back Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Cam Newton, who also is on pace for career-best passing numbers. Newton should be able to have success throwing against Tampa Bay's porous secondary, although he could be without receiver Torrey Smith (knee) for a second consecutive game. The Panthers' defense was stout in last week's 36-21 win over Baltimore, allowing 325 total yards and forcing three turnovers - giving Carolina 12 takeaways in its five wins.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Carolina has allowed only 10 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL and the second-lowest total through the first seven games in franchise history.
2. Tampa Bay WR DeSean Jackson has 24 touchdowns of 60 or more yards, the most in NFL history.
3. Newton has thrown at least two touchdown passes in six straight games.
PREDICTION: Panthers 30, Buccaneers 23
Kansas City Chiefs vs Cleveland Browns Preview and Predictions Picks and Tips
After a tumultuous week off the field, the Cleveland Browns face a major challenge between the lines Sunday, when they host the Kansas City Chiefs and their dynamic offense. It's a matchup of two of the league's most exciting young quarterbacks, as Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Cleveland's Baker Mayfield go head-to-head in a throwback to their days as Big 12 Conference rivals.
Mayfield has been a bright spot for a Browns team that seemed to be making strides but was loaded with dysfunction that came to a head this week. Coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley were fired Monday, and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was elevated to interim head coach. The Browns' defense faces a stiff test against Mahomes and a Chiefs offense that leads the NFL in scoring and ranks third in total offense. "They have done a good job of surrounding (Mahomes) with people that take a short play and turn it into a long play, or take a space play and turn it into a miss for the defense," Williams told reporters. "Andy (Reid) has always done a very good job with formation things to create those open areas for an athlete to make you miss. We have to do a good job in space defensively on the plays that they will create."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chiefs -8. O/U: 51
Trending Previews
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (7-1): The Chiefs are loaded with a group of offensive talent that includes versatile running back Kareem Hunt, speedster Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, who have combined for 22 touchdowns. They're coming off their lowest offensive output of the season with 340 total yards last week, but it was enough to hold on for a 30-23 win over Denver that kept Kansas City in command in the AFC West. The defense ranks 31st and struggled against the pass early in the season but has improved in the last two weeks and has recorded 10 takeaways in the last five games.
ABOUT THE BROWNS (2-5-1): After playing well to start the season, Cleveland's defense has surrendered more than 400 total yards in five straight games while the rushing defense has been especially bad in recent weeks. The unit's only saving grace has been a league-best 22 turnovers, including 12 interceptions. The offense has shown promise with Mayfield and fellow rookie Nick Chubb providing a glimpse of what may come, but the Browns sputtered to a season-low 237 total yards in last week's 33-18 loss at Pittsburgh.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Mahomes is only the fourth quarterback in NFL history with four or more touchdown passes in three consecutive games.
2. The Browns have forced at least one turnover in all eight games and have at least two takeaways in seven contests.
3. Hunt has scored a touchdown in seven consecutive games.
PREDICTION: Chiefs 31, Browns 23
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Preview and Predictions Picks and Tips
After having their three-game winning streak snapped last week, the Minnesota Vikings look to get back on track when they begin a string of three straight division games Sunday against the visiting Detroit Lions. Minnesota occupied first place in the NFC North before a 30-20 home loss to New Orleans in Week 8 dropped it one-half game behind Chicago in the tightly contested division.
Adam Thielen made league history in the Vikings' setback against the Saints, becoming the first player to record at least 100 receiving yards in eight straight games to start a season. Thielen, who leads the NFL in receptions (74 - most in his team's first eight contests in league history) and receiving yards (925), has made a touchdown catch in each of his last five games. Detroit was attempting for a three-game winning streak of its own last week but dropped a 28-14 decision at home to Seattle. Matthew Stafford will need to find a new favorite target as the Lions, who are just one game behind the Bears in the NFC North, traded leading receiver Golden Tate (44 catches, 517 yards - both team highs) to Philadelphia on Tuesday.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -5. O/U: 49
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-4): Marvin Jones Jr. figures to become Stafford's new main receiver, especially after his impressive performance last week. The 28-year-old, who is in his third season with Detroit after spending his first four with Cincinnati, made seven catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to the Seahawks. T.J. Jones, who has just four receptions this season after registering a career-high 30 last year, also figures to see more action with Tate gone while defensive tackle Damon Harrison seeks another strong performance after recording seven tackles and a sack in his team debut last week.
Trending Previews
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (4-3-1): Thielen's eight straight games with at least 100 receiving yards ties the NFL record set in 2012 by Calvin Johnson of the Lions. He can join Atlanta's Julio Jones (80, 1,029 in 2015) as the only players in league history with at least 75 catches and 1,000 yards in their teams' first nine contests this week. Safety Harrison Smith, who has made an interception in each of his last two games, is the only player in the NFL with at least 20 picks (20) and 10 sacks (12) since he entered the league in 2012.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has thrown 16 touchdown passes and only four interceptions in his first season with the team.
2. The Lions signed LB Kelvin Sheppard, who intercepted Cousins twice on Dec. 31 while with the New York Giants, to replace Tate on the roster.
3. Minnesota ranks fifth in the league in rushing defense at 91.8 yards allowed per game while Detroit is 31st at 144.6.
PREDICTION: Vikings 33, Lions 20
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Preview and Predictions Picks and Tips
Scheduled M&T Bank Stadium Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens' once-impenetrable defense is beginning to show some cracks, sending the team tumbling down the standings. The Ravens will try to avoid a three-game slide and jump back into the race in the AFC North when they host the rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Baltimore was torched for a season-high 36 points in a 15-point loss at the Carolina Panthers last week after dropping a 24-23 home decision to the New Orleans Saints. "It's apparent that two weeks in a row we weren't very sharp," defensive tackle Michael Pierce told reporters. "For whatever reason that is, that's got to get corrected ASAP. We got Pittsburgh coming up. It's personal pride. You have to man up to what everybody's doing and see what's going on." The Steelers are trending in the opposite direction with wins in three straight games since a 26-14 home loss to the Ravens in Week 4, and running back James Conner is leading the charge. Conner is making fans forget about Le'Veon Bell by piling up a total of 526 yards and six touchdowns in the last three contests.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -3. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE STEELERS (4-2-1): Bell, who is holding out after refusing to sign his franchise tender, is expected to return before Week 10 but has given little indication of when that return might come, leaving Conner to grab all the touches available. "He wants to be that guy," guard Ramon Foster told reporters of Conner. "He plays with a passion that's out of this world." Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is completing 67.7 percent of his passes during the winning streak but will play with a fractured left (non-throwing) index finger this week after suffering the injury in the 33-18 drubbing of the Cleveland Browns last week.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (4-4): Baltimore slid into third place in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati (5-3) with the loss to the Panthers and knows it faces an uphill climb. "We are obviously not in the most ideal situation possible, but we still have eight games left," quarterback Joe Flacco told reporters. "I feel like we have the opportunity to play really good football. We just have to make sure to keep the focus on that. I think there is obviously a bigger threat now to let this stuff affect you mentally, let it affect the team and how we are gelling together. We just have to combat that just by being ourselves and being as tough as we possibly can." The Ravens are 24th in the league with an average of 96.6 rushing yards and made a move to improve that area by trading for Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery prior to Tuesday's trade deadline.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Steelers CB Cody Sensabaugh (foot) sat out practice on Wednesday and is questionable.
2. Ravens starting offensive linemen LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle), G Alex Lewis (neck) and RT James Hurst (back) are all questionable.
3. Baltimore snapped a three-game losing streak in the series with Week 4's triumph.
PREDICTION: Steelers 26, Ravens 17
Atlanta Falcons vs Washington Redskins Preview and Predictions Picks
Scheduled FedEx Field Landover
Running back Adrian Peterson continues to defy both critics and Father Time to help the NFC East-leading Washington Redskins win three straight games. The 33-year-old Peterson and the Redskins look to continue their strong performances on Sunday when they host the Atlanta Falcons, who are 0-2 away from home this season and play six of their final nine games on the road.
"He's a guy that we feed off of, I know the mindset and attitude that he brings certainly fits with what we want to be about up front and our style of play," Washington coach Jay Gruden said of Peterson, who earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after scoring twice and rushing for a season-high 149 yards in Sunday's 20-13 win over the New York Giants (as Washington were -1 point favorite at intertops). While Peterson has been getting rave reviews, Alex Smith hasn't done much with the Redskins' aerial attack as the offseason acquisition has averaged a paltry 173.0 passing yards his last three contests. Matt Ryan has encountered no such difficulty, eclipsing 355 passing yards in four of his last five contests while throwing 13 touchdowns against zero interceptions in that stretch. The 2016 NFL Most Valuable Player sent the Falcons into their bye with a two-game winning streak after completing 31 of 39 passes for 379 yards and a score in a 23-20 victory over the Giants on Oct. 22.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Redskins -2. O/U: 48.5
ABOUT THE FALCONS (3-4): The running joke gaining steam is that there's no stopping Julio Jones ... well, until he reaches the red zone. Sure, the five-time Pro Bowl selection has yet to find the end zone this season, but Jones is doing his best to turn Atlanta's fortunes around by averaging an NFL-best 116.0 yards per game. "We just have to continue to keep building," the 29-year-old Jones said. "We just have to figure out ways to win games. We need to continue to execute in winning situations." The Falcons have struggled to get much established with their 30th-ranked ground attack, although running back Tevin Coleman has a touchdown in two straight games while rookie Ito Smith has found the end zone in three of his last four.
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (5-2): Atlanta's third-ranked passing game will be put to the test against a Washington secondary that features D.J. Swearinger (NFL-high four interceptions) as well as fellow safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who was acquired from Green Bay on Tuesday. "If you can add a good player to the team, you have to do it," Gruden said of the 25-year-old Clinton-Dix, who had three interceptions this season with the Packers and provides a bit of insurance with safety Montae Nicholson nursing a hip injury. Swearinger, who recorded his second multi-interception game of the season last week, has forced a fumble in back-to-back contests.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Atlanta has won the last five meetings with Washington, although the clubs last played in 2015.
2. Redskins TE Jordan Reed recorded a season-high seven catches -- albeit for just 38 yards -- last week.
3. Falcons DE Takkarist McKinley has 5.5 sacks in his past six games.
PREDICTION: Falcons 27, Redskins 21
New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins Preview and Predictions Picks
The Miami Dolphins have answered a sterling start to the season with four double-digit losses in their last five outings to cloud their visions of grasping a third postseason berth since 2008. The Dolphins bid to turn the page as they begin the second half of their season on Sunday versus the New York Jets, against whom they've won four of their last five encounters.
With Ryan Tannehill (shoulder) sidelined for a third straight game, Brock Osweiler completed just 56.8 percent of his passes with one interception in a 42-23 loss at Houston (as Miami were +8 point underdog at intertops) on Thursday. Miami has fared better a home, however, posting a 3-1 mark while its lone win on the road came at MetLife Stadium, courtesy of a 20-12 victory over New York on Sept. 16. Rookie Sam Darnold tossed a pair of interceptions in that contest, but has been picked off five times in his last four and threw for a career-low 153 yards in Sunday's 24-10 setback in Chicago. "(It's) very frustrating," Jets coach Todd Bowles said of his team losing two straight and residing at 3-5 for the third straight year. "... We got to put our heads down and we got to correct this and we got to try to come out and win some ballgames. The season is not over. ... You don't like where you are, but we dug ourselves this hole, we have to dig ourselves out."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Dolphins -3. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE JETS (3-5): Wideouts Quincy Enunwa (team-leading 22 catches) and Robby Anderson (club-best 314 receiving yards) missed practice on Thursday and are in line to sit out their respective third and second straight games due to ankle injuries. A depleted passing attack hasn't done any favors to New York's rushing game, which has been stuck in neutral with a league-worst 2.8 yards per carry over the last three contests heading into a meeting with Miami, against which it amassed just 42 yards on 19 attempts in Week 2. Isaiah Crowell rushed for 35 yards in that contest and has followed a 219-yard performance versus Denver that earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors with 94 yards on 37 carries over the last three games.
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (4-4): Like New York, Miami is also dealing with injuries to its wideouts, although former first-round pick DeVante Parker stepped up in the absence of the injured Kenny Stills (groin) and Albert Wilson (hip, injured reserve) with six catches for a career-high 134 yards versus the Texans. "I already know who I am as a player. I still got the talent," said the 25-year-old Parker, who missed five of the team's first seven games of the season. Parker was inactive in the first encounter versus the Jets, but gashed the club with eight receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown on Sept. 24, 2017.
EXTRA POINTS
1. New York S Jamal Adams has recorded a sack in each of his last three games versus Miami.
2. Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake, who found the end zone in the previous meeting with the Jets, has three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) over his last two contests overall.
3. Miami (334.3) and New York (314.1) are ranked 27th and 29th, respectively, in average yards per game on offense.
PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Jets 16
Chicago Bears vs Buffalo Bills Preview and Predictions Picks
Scheduled Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park
The Chicago Bears will play five of their final eight games against their NFC North rivals, and they are assured of beginning that stretch in first place if they can win Sunday at the Buffalo Bills. The Bears got past the New York Jets 24-10 last week (as a -8 point home favorite at intertops) to snap a two-game slide and improve to 4-2 since their one and only division game -- a one-point loss at Green Bay in Week 1.
Mitchell Trubisky threw for two touchdowns and Jordan Howard ran for another while Chicago's defense dominated without injured leader Khalil Mack in the win over the Jets. Trubisky has averaged 305.8 passing yards and 58 rushing yards over the past four weeks while accounting for 14 touchdowns, and the 24-year-old ranks second among NFL quarterbacks with 296 yards rushing. While Trubisky has settled in nicely in his second season as a pro, the Bills remain lost at the position and will turn once again to Nathan Peterman, who steps in for his fourth career start with Derek Anderson (concussion) and Josh Allen (elbow) sidelined. Peterman has completed just 13-of-32 passes with one TD and four interceptions this year, performing mop-up duty in Monday's 25-6 loss to the New England Patriots.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bears -10. O/U: 37.5
ABOUT THE BEARS (4-3): Mack (ankle) and wide receiver Allen Robinson (groin) both sat out the win over the Jets and are questionable entering this one, while the team is considering placing right guard Kyle Long (foot) on injured reserve. Howard, Trubisky and Tarik Cohen combined for 172 rushing yards last Sunday and Chicago enters the week ranked seventh in the NFL with 137.6 yards on the ground per game. A defense that leads the NFC with 11 interceptions -- three by cornerback Kyle Fuller -- will be licking its chops against Peterman.
ABOUT THE BILLS (2-6): Buffalo has scored 87 points on the season, its lowest through eight games in franchise history, and being forced to turn back to someone like Peterman as the offense sputters gives the impression of a team going nowhere. "I know we're getting it turned in the right direction," coach Sean McDermott told reporters. "We have a vision for this football team -- (general manager) Brandon (Beane) and myself. ... Sometimes we're not getting the results necessarily on the scoreboard, and that's frustrating. I know it's frustrating for our fan base. But I know we're doing things that are right, that are going to lead us to that down the road." The Bills incorporated veteran running back LeSean McCoy into the passing game a bit more against New England and the results (six catches, 82 yards -- his best total since 2013) were favorable.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Cohen has 23 catches out of the backfield over the last four weeks with 350 yards and three TDs.
2. The Bills signed WR Terrelle Pryor, who had 14 catches with the Jets before being released, and QB Matt Barkley -- a former Bear -- to back up Peterman.
3. The teams have not met since 2014, when Buffalo won 23-20 in overtime at Soldier Field.
PREDICTION: Bears 23, Bills 12
Los Angeles Chargers vs Seattle Seahawks Preview and Predictions Picks
Philip Rivers will make his 200th consecutive regular-season start when he leads the Los Angeles Chargers into battle against the host Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Rivers will become only the fourth quarterback to reach the milestone, joining Brett Favre (297), Eli Manning (210) and Peyton Manning (208).
Rivers, who turns 37 next month, has been Mr. Reliable since becoming the Chargers' starter in 2006 and takes pride in his ability to answer the bell on game days. "I think there is a small element of toughness involved, but then again, shoot, lots of prayers for me from many people on Sundays and guys' protection that allows me to be out there each and every week, whether dealing with minor things or big things," Rivers told reporters. "Then just that competitiveness to want to be out there and play every week, and I have that same passion in this 200th one that I had in the first one. That's what excites me for the next handful of years." Seattle is on a hot streak with four victories in five games after getting off to a slow start. Russell Wilson is performing well with three touchdown passes in each of his past three contests.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Seahawks -1. O/U: 48
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (5-2): Rivers has passed for 2,008 yards and 17 touchdowns against three interceptions this season while helping the offense average 27.9 points. The Chargers are hoping to have running back Melvin Gordon (466 yards, six touchdowns) back on the field after he missed a win over Tennessee due to a hamstring injury and also had a bye week to recuperate. Defensive end Joey Bosa (foot) still isn't ready to make his season debut for a unit that is allowing 23.3 points per game.
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (4-3): Wilson, who has thrown for 1,556 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, earned a perfect quarterback rating (158.3) in last week's 28-14 win over Detroit as he completed 14-of-17 passes for 248 yards. The running game ranks third in the NFL with an average of 137.4 yards as Chris Carson (457 yards) has stepped up as the primary ball carrier by topping 100 yards in three of his last four games. Defensive end Frank Clark has registered six sacks to help a unit that ranks fifth in total defense (327.3 yards per game) and is tied for third in takeaways (16).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rivers passed for 455 yards in his last visit to Seattle in 2010 - a 27-20 loss.
2. Seattle DE Rasheem Green (ankle) is expected to play after missing the last four games.
3. Chargers WR Keenan Allen (41 receptions) has made just one touchdown catch, with his longest gain being for 25 yards.
PREDICTION: Seahawks 27, Chargers 24
Houston Texans vs Denver Broncos Preview and Predictions Picks
The Houston Texans knew they were a better team than they showed in the early part of the season and have proven themselves right, turning things around and soared to the top of the AFC South. Houston will have a new weapon in its arsenal on Sunday as it seeks a sixth consecutive victory when it visits the Denver Broncos.
The Texans began the campaign with three tough losses - all by seven points or fewer - but have reeled off five straight wins, including a 42-23 rout of Miami (as a -7 point home favorite at intertops) on Oct. 25. Houston has had more than a week to prepare for Denver and will have someone very familiar with its opponent at its disposal in wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who was acquired from the Broncos on Tuesday. Denver's season has been almost completely opposite of Houston's, as the club won its first two games before losing four in a row and five of six after falling 30-23 at Kansas City in Week 8. Rookie Phillip Lindsay was a bright spot in the setback as he recorded a career-high 112 yards from scrimmage (95 rushing) while running for a touchdown for a second straight week.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Broncos -1. O/U: 46
ABOUT THE TEXANS (5-3): Deshaun Watson had a field day against the Dolphins last week, completing 16-of-20 attempts for 239 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. The 23-year-old has thrown 34 scoring passes in 15 career games and needs one to join Kurt Warner (39) and Dan Marino (35) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 35 in their first 16 contests. Thomas, a five-time Pro-Bowler, is Denver's all-time leader in 100-yard receiving games (33) and ranks second in both receiving yards (9,055) and TDs (60), and made 36 catches for 402 yards and three scores this season.
ABOUT THE BRONCOS (3-5): Denver has another impressive rookie on the other side of the ball in linebacker Bradley Chubb, who was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October after recording 5.5 sacks, 14 tackles and five tackles for loss. The 22-year-old is the first Broncos rookie to register multiple sacks in consecutive games since Elvis Dumervil in 2009 and first NFL rookie since Aldon Smith of San Francisco in 2011 to collect at least 5.5 sacks in a three-game span. Case Keenum, who appeared in 10 games for Houston from 2012-14, has thrown for 1,118 yards and five touchdowns in four starts at home this year.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Thomas was acquired by the Texans to replace WR Will Fuller V, who was placed on injured reserve and will undergo knee surgery that will sideline him for 6-9 months.
2. Denver LB Von Miller is tied for second in the league with eight sacks while Chubb has registered a rookie-high seven.
3. With a victory on Sunday, Houston will join the 1970 New York Giants as the only teams since that year to win six straight contests after losing their first three.
PREDICTION: Texans 31, Broncos 27