NFL News and Notes Sunday 10/17

Contenders or Pretenders?
By Kevin Rogers

The second quarter is underway in the NFL season with underdogs cashing being the top storyline through five weeks. The "Any Given Sunday" moniker is an accurate one this season with 24 teams owning at least two wins. The key going into Week 6 is trying to figure out which 3-2 teams are for real and which 2-3 clubs are better than their record indicates. We'll take a look at five early kickoffs that include a handful of teams seeking to find their identity, while bettors attempt to figure out the validity of these clubs.

Chargers (-8 ½, 45) at Rams - 1:00 PM EST

San Diego has been the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde case through five weeks this season. The Chargers have outscored Jacksonville and Arizona, 79-23 in two victories, while losing outright on the road at Kansas City, Seattle, and Oakland. The Bolts look to turn around their luck this week in their third matchup with an NFC West squad when they travel to St. Louis.

The Rams were handed their first double-digit loss of the season after getting spanked by the previously winless Lions, 44-6. St. Louis has covered two of three games as a home underdog, including outright victories over Seattle and Washington. Sam Bradford has thrown three touchdowns and two interceptions in the home wins over the Seahawks and Redskins after tossing three interceptions in the season opening loss to Arizona.

St. Louis' defense has allowed 36 points in three home contests, while San Diego has outgained its opponents in the yards department in all five games. Following an 'under' against Kansas City, the Chargers have cashed the 'over' in four consecutive games.

Chiefs at Texans (-4 ½, 45) - 1:00 PM EST

Kansas City was handed its first loss of the season last week at Indianapolis, falling to the Colts, 19-9. The Chiefs still lead the AFC West despite that setback with a 3-1 mark, as Kansas City heads down to the Lone Star State to battle Houston. The Texans lost their second home game in three weeks by more than 14 points as the Giants walked over Houston, 34-10.

The AFC South is loaded with 3-2 clubs as Houston tries to establish themselves as a playoff team in the AFC for the first time in franchise history. The Texans have been a hard team to figure out following a 2-0 start. Houston's two worst performances have come at Reliant Stadium in lopsided defeats to the Giants and Cowboys. The Texans are just 2-5 ATS since 2008 at home off a loss, while going 2-6-1 ATS as a home favorite since the start of last season.

With a win at Houston, the Chiefs are setting up for a nice run with home games against Jacksonville and Buffalo the next two weeks, followed by a stretch of games at Oakland and Denver. If Kansas City can pull off a victory, Todd Haley's squad can be set up in a solid spot to grab the AFC West title away from San Diego. The key for the Chiefs' success early on has been a strong defensive effort, by not allowing more than 19 points in any of their first four games, resulting in three 'unders.'

Saints (- 4 ½, 44) at Buccaneers - 1:00 PM EST

New Orleans may be suffering through a Super Bowl hangover after getting knocked off at Arizona as seven-point favorites, 30-20. The Saints hit the highway once again for a division battle with surprising Tampa Bay, who upset Cincinnati on the road with a last-second field goal.

The Bucs shocked the Saints at the Superdome last December, handing New Orleans its second straight loss following a 13-0 start. Tampa Bay won outright as 14-point road underdogs, 20-17 in overtime, the second away victory in three meetings. Under Raheem Morris, the Bucs are just 2-6 SU/ATS at Raymond James Stadium (not including a 35-7 loss in London as the home team against the Patriots).

The Saints are 0-2 ATS this season as a road favorite following a 10-4 ATS mark in Sean Payton's first three seasons as head coach. New Orleans has bounced back nicely off a SU loss since the start of 2008, going 7-2 ATS, despite one of those losses coming against Tampa Bay last season.

Falcons at Eagles (-3, 43) - 1:00 PM EST

Philadelphia returns home after grabbing a solid road win at San Francisco on Sunday night to climb back above .500 at 3-2. The Eagles will have Kevin Kolb at quarterback once again when the NFC South-leading Falcons invade Lincoln Financial Field. Atlanta is playing its second straight road game after knocking off Cleveland, 20-10, for its fourth consecutive victory.

The Falcons own a 2-8 ATS mark under Mike Smith coming off consecutive wins, including an 0-5 ATS ledger as an underdog. Atlanta's defense has played well by allowing 15 points or less in four of five games, including road contests at Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

The Eagles haven't won a home game yet this season after getting tripped up by Green Bay and Washington. Philadelphia's offense has responded better on the road (30 ppg) as opposed to at home (16 ppg), while both games at the Linc have finished 'under' the total. The Eagles are 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS against the Falcons since 2000, with the Eagles scoring at least 20 points in each victory.

Lions at Giants (-10, 44 ½) - 1:00 PM EST

New York has bounced back nicely following a 1-2 start with consecutive double-digit wins over Chicago and Houston. The Giants are laying doubles this week against a Detroit squad that finally won its first game of the season last week over St. Louis. The Lions will be without its biggest gun as wide receiver Calvin Johnson is out with a shoulder injury.

Even though Johnson will be inactive, the Lions are in a nice system play this week as double-digit underdogs off a win since 2009 are 10-4 ATS. However, Detroit is 2-6-2 ATS when receiving at least 10 points on the highway since Jim Schwartz's hiring as head coach in 2009.

The Giants have responded with victories the last two weeks, but New York is 4-8 ATS as a home favorite since December 2008. New York's offense has been strong by outgaining its opponents by 200 yards or more in each of its last three games, while cashing the 'under' in three straight.

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Week 6 NFL Capsules

SEATTLE (2-2) At CHICAGO (4-1)

OPENING LINE - Bears by 6 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Seattle 2-2-0; Chicago 3-2-0

SERIES RECORD - Seahawks lead 7-5

LAST MEETING - Bears beat Seahawks, 25-19, Sept. 27, 2009

LAST WEEK - Seahawks had bye, lost to Rams 20-3 in Week 4; Bears beat Panthers 23-6

SEAHAWKS OFFENSE - OVERALL (28), RUSH (29), PASS (23)

SEAHAWKS DEFENSE - OVERALL (26), RUSH (2), PASS (31)

BEARS OFFENSE - OVERALL (27), RUSH (23), PASS (24)

BEARS DEFENSE - OVERALL (6), RUSH (3), PASS (17)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - First game for Seahawks after several deals. Traded Deion Branch, former Super Bowl MVP WR with Patriots, back to New England, acquired RB Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo and released RB Julius Jones. ... Seahawks have made 217 transactions under new coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. ... DE Chris Clemons leads team with four sacks and 11 quarterback hits. ... K Kicker Olindo Mare has made last 25 field goal attempts dating to last year's game against Chicago. ... Bears tied for best record in NFL with Atlanta, Baltimore and New York Jets. ... Bears' 218 yards rushing last week were most for them since 223 yards at Phoenix on Oct. 28, 1990. ... Chicago tied for league lead in takeaways (14) with Detroit. ... RB Matt Forte rushed for career-high 166 yards with two TDs last week, including personal-best 68-yard scoring run; also had 151 yards receiving in opener against Detroit, making him one of four players since 1970 with 150 or more yards rushing and receiving in a game in the same season; also one of five players since 1970 with a TD run of 65 or more yards and TD reception of at least 85 yards in same season. ... Brian Urlacher has 18 career interceptions, tied with Hall of Famer Bill George for third most by Bears linebacker behind Doug Buffone (24) and Dick Butkus (22). ... DE Julius Peppers has forced three turnovers, including interception last week and two sacks in which he stripped the ball from the quarterback. ... DE Israel Idonije had career-high three sacks last week and leads team with four - all in last two games. ... K Robbie Gould hit career-long 53-yard field goal last week. ... Devin Hester has 12 kick returns for a touchdown (eight punts, four kickoffs), tied for second on the NFL's career list (one behind Brian Mitchell); stats don't include a 108-yard missed field-goal return or the opening kickoff return in the Super Bowl that he ran back 92 yards.

MIAMI (2-2) At GREEN BAY (3-2)

OPENING LINE - OFF

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Miami 2-2; Green Bay 2-3

SERIES RECORD - Dolphins lead 9-3

LAST MEETING - Packers beat Dolphins 34-24, Oct. 22, 2006.

LAST WEEK - Dolphins had bye, lost to Patriots 41-14 in Week 4; Packers lost to Redskins 16-13 OT

DOLPHINS OFFENSE - OVERALL (13), RUSH (15T), PASS (12)

DOLPHINS DEFENSE - OVERALL (7), RUSH (21), PASS (4)

PACKERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (12), RUSH (15T), PASS (10)

PACKERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (13), RUSH (15), PASS (15)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Packers hit hard by injuries. TE Jermichael Finley (knee) and LB Nick Barnett (wrist) both had surgery and could be out for year. QB Aaron Rodgers recovering from concussion; backup Matt Flynn, a third-year player out of LSU, took snaps in practice. ... Several other starters struggling with injuries, including LB Clay Matthews (hamstring), who leads NFL with 8 1/2 sacks. ... Packers RB Brandon Jackson had career-high 115 yards on 10 carries and five catches for 25 yards in OT loss at Washington last week. ... Packers CB Charles Woodson had 23-yard interception return for TD in Packers' last game against Dolphins. ... Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was coach in San Francisco when Packers coach Mike McCarthy was 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2005. ... Both of Miami's wins this year came on road, at Buffalo and at Minnesota. Sunday's game begins challenging stretch that includes Pittsburgh at home, then road games at Cincinnati and Baltimore. ... Dolphins QB Chad Henne has two straight 300-yard passing games. ... Since 2008, Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall ranks third in NFL with 232 receptions.

KANSAS CITY (3-1) At HOUSTON (3-2)

OPENING LINE - Texans by 3 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Chiefs 3-1; Texans 2-2-1

SERIES RECORD - Tied 2-2

LAST MEETING - Texans beat Chiefs 20-3, Sept. 9, 2007

LAST WEEK - Chiefs lost to Colts 19-9; Texans lost to Giants 34-10

CHIEFS OFFENSE - OVERALL (24), RUSH (3), PASS (27)

CHIEFS DEFENSE - OVERALL (16), RUSH (6), PASS (25)

TEXANS OFFENSE - OVERALL (6), RUSH (5), PASS (14)

TEXANS DEFENSE - OVERALL (31), RUSH (5), PASS (32)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Chiefs 2-1 at Reliant Stadium. ... Kansas City seeking first 4-1 start since 1998. ... Chiefs outrushing opponents by 68.3 yards per game. ... Chiefs have allowed NFL-low three sacks and produced league-low 17 plays for negative yards. ... Kansas City has committed 18 penalties, second-lowest in league (Tampa Bay, Miami, 17). ... WR Dexter McCluster leads league in punt return average (23.7 ypg). ... Chiefs RB Thomas Jones has rushed for 6,614 since 2005, second to LaDanian Tomlinson (7,026). ... Former Texas RB Jamaal Charles averaging 6.5 yards per carry for Kansas City this season. ... Texans S Bernard Pollard drafted by Chiefs in 2006 and led Kansas City with career-high 98 tackles in 2008. ... Texans LG Wade Smith started nine games for Chiefs last season. ... Texans RB Arian Foster leads NFL with 564 yards rushing. His 112.8 ypg average ranks second to Adrian Peterson (120 ypg). ... DE Mario Williams ranks sixth in NFL with five sacks. ... WR Andre Johnson can tie Jerry Rice for most 10-catch, 100-yard receiving games (15). ... Texans 21-2 when rushing more than 30 times over past three seasons. ... Houston 19-3 in Gary Kubiak's five seasons when forcing more turnovers than it gives away.

CLEVELAND (1-4) At PITTSBURGH (3-1)

OPENING LINE - Steelers by 13

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Cleveland 2-2; Pittsburgh 3-1

SERIES RECORD - Steelers lead 60-56

LAST MEETING - Browns beat Steelers 13-6, Dec. 10, 2009

LAST WEEK - Browns lost to Falcons 20-10; Steelers had bye, lost to Ravens 17-14 in Week 4

BROWNS OFFENSE - OVERALL (25), RUSH (20), PASS (22)

BROWNS DEFENSE - OVERALL (21), RUSH (23), PASS (18)

STEELERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (29), RUSH (8), PASS (32)

STEELERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (4), RUSH (1), PASS (20)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Browns have lost six straight and 10 of 11 in Pittsburgh, and 12 of last 13 overall to Steelers. ... Steelers are plus-7 in takeaways; Browns are minus-2. ... Browns RB Peyton Hillis has scored a touchdown in five consecutive games. ... Browns KR Joshua Cribbs has three career kickoff return TDs against Steelers, matching NFL record for player against single opponent. He also ran for 87 yards against Steelers in Cleveland last season. Cribbs has 10 career TDs on kick returns. ... ... Browns opponents are 16-7 to date. Cleveland is beginning three-game stretch in which it plays six of past nine Super Bowl champions (Steelers, Saints, Patriots). ... Browns are only NFL team to not allow rushing TD this season. ... Browns K Phil Dawson needs one more field goal to surpass Lou Groza (234 field goals) for sole possession of team record. ... Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, returning from his four-game suspension, is 5-0 at home and 9-1 overall against Cleveland. ... Without Roethlisberger this season, Steelers are last in NFL in passing yardage (544 yards). ... Steelers WR Mike Wallace averages 23.4 yards per catch. ... Heath Miller needs 59 yards to pass Bennie Cunningham (2,879 yards) for most career receiving yards by a Steelers tight end. ... By winning, Steelers would be 4-1 for third time in four seasons. ... Steelers WR Hines Ward has caught a pass in 182 consecutive games. He would tie Art Monk for fourth-longest streak in NFL history by making at least one catch. Jerry Rice (274 games) holds record. ... Steelers K Jeff Reed has missed 4 of 12 attempts, or as many misses as he had last season.

SAN DIEGO (2-3) At ST. LOUIS (2-3)

OPENING LINE - Chargers by 8 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - San Diego 2-3; St. Louis 3-2

SERIES RECORD - Rams lead 5-4

LAST MEETING - Chargers beat Rams 38-24, Oct. 29, 2006

LAST WEEK - Chargers lost to Raiders 35-27; Rams lost to Lions 44-6

CHARGERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (1), RUSH (12), PASS (1)

CHARGERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (2), RUSH (7), PASS (3)

RAMS OFFENSE - OVERALL (20), RUSH (21), PASS (17)

RAMS DEFENSE - OVERALL (20), RUSH (16), PASS (22)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Teams meeting for only 10th time, first since 2006. ... Chargers coach Norv Turner is 4-1 vs. Rams. ... Rams have won two straight at home following 14-game losing streak. ... Chargers have won six of last seven vs. NFC teams. ... Chargers QB Philip Rivers has 1,759 yards passing, fifth best all-time through first five games of the season, including two 400-yard games. ... TE Antonio Gates has TD catch last nine games, an NFL record for TEs and tied with Lance Alworth (1963) for longest by receiver in franchise history. Gates leads NFL with seven TDs, and is only NFL player with at least eight TD catches in each of last six seasons.

... LB Kevin Burnett coming off consecutive two-sack games. ... Rams RB Steven Jackson needs 141 yards to pass Eric Dickerson (7,245) and become franchise's leading career rusher. Jackson passed Marshall Faulk earlier in season. ... Rams allowed 52 points first four games, then gave up 44 last week in blowout loss at Detroit. ... WR Danny Amendola had career-high 12 catches for 95 yards last week. ... DE James Hall has four sacks and three fumble recoveries last three games.

DETROIT (1-4) At NEW YORK GIANTS (3-2)

OPENING LINE - Giants by 10 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Detroit 4-1; New York Giants 3-2

SERIES RECORD - Lions lead 21-18-1

LAST MEETING - Giants beat Lions 16-10, Nov. 18, 2007

LAST WEEK - Lions beat Rams 44-6; Giants beat Texans 34-10

LIONS OFFENSE - OVERALL (17), RUSH (27), PASS (6)

LIONS DEFENSE - OVERALL (25), RUSH (26), PASS (24)

GIANTS OFFENSE - OVERALL (5), RUSH (11), PASS (7)

GIANTS DEFENSE - OVERALL (1), RUSH (9), PASS (1)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Could be trap game for Giants with Dallas up a week from Monday. ... If Lions lose, they will tie own NFL record with 24th straight setback on the road; they lost 24 straight in 2001-03 seasons - ended it with win at Chicago to open 2004 season. ... Lions QB Shaun Hill completed 21 of 32 for 227 yards with three TDs for 117.6 rating last week. ... Rookie RB Jahvid Best leads NFL rookies with 495 yards from scrimmage (241 rushing) and five TDs. ... WR Calvin Johnson has four TDs in past four games. ... Brandon Pettigrew leads NFC TEs with 26 receptions. ... Stefan Logan had franchise-record 105-yard kickoff return for TD last week, sixth longest in NFL history. ... Rookie DT Ndamukong Suh leads NFL rookies with three sacks. Had first career interceptions last week. ... CB Alphonso Smith has an interception in three straight games. ... Giants QB Eli Manning needs 54 yards passing for 20,000. ... RB Ahmad Bradshaw has three rushing TDs at home this season. ...WR Hakeem Nicks had career-best 12 catches for 130 yards and two TDs last week. His six receiving TDs leads NFC. ... WR Steve Smith has 135 receptions since start of 2009, most in NFC. ... DE Osi Umenyiora has five sacks and four forced fumbles in last two games. ... DE Justin Tuck has four sacks, forced fumble and recovery in the last two games.

BALTIMORE (4-1) At NEW ENGLAND (3-1)

OPENING LINE - Patriots by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Baltimore 3-2; New England 2-2

SERIES RECORD - Patriots lead 5-1

LAST MEETING - Ravens beat Patriots 33-14, Jan. 10, 2010

LAST WEEK - Ravens beat Broncos 31-17; Patriots had bye, beat Dolphins 41-14 in Week 4

RAVENS OFFENSE - OVERALL (19), RUSH (14), PASS (18)

RAVENS DEFENSE - OVERALL (3), RUSH (10), PASS (2)

PATRIOTS OFFENSE - OVERALL (11), RUSH (13), PASS (15)

PATRIOT DEFENSE - OVERALL (29), RUSH (20), PASS (28)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Teams meet for first time since Ray Rice ran for 83-yard touchdown on first offensive play and Ravens dominated for 33-14 win in first round of last season's playoffs. ... New England 5-0 against Baltimore in regular season, including 27-21 win at Foxborough last year. ... Patriots lead league with average of 32.75 points. Ravens have allowed fourth fewest points per game, 14.4. ... Baltimore rushed for 233 yards last Sunday, led by Rice's 133 and two touchdowns. ... Ravens play on road, where they're 2-1, for fourth time in six games. ... Baltimore's offense is fifth in NFL in third-down efficiency; its defense is first in that category. ... Anquan Boldin, traded from Arizona in offseason, leads Baltimore with 28 catches. ... Joe Flacco has completed just 57.1 percent of his passes. ... Ravens allowed 39 yards rushing in last game but 314 through the air. ... Patriots play first game without Randy Moss, traded to Minnesota. Deion Branch, reacquired from Seattle, could start in his place. ... Tom Brady would break tie with John Elway for second most consecutive regular-season wins as starter at home if he wins 23rd straight Sunday. Brett Favre is first with 25. ... Brady is NFL's top-rated passer. ... BenJarvus Green-Ellis leads Patriots in rushing after they traded Laurence Maroney to Denver. ... Kevin Faulk suffered season-ending knee injury, and Fred Taylor missed their last game, a 41-14 win over Miami, with toe injury ... Against Dolphins, Patrick Chung blocked punt and field goal and returned interception for touchdown. ... In that game, Patriots became first team in NFL history to score on interception, kickoff return and blocked field goal return.

ATLANTA (4-1) At PHILADELPHIA (3-2)

OPENING LINE - Eagles by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Atlanta 3-2-0; Philadelphia 2-3

SERIES RECORD - Eagles lead 14-10-1

LAST MEETING - Eagles beat Falcons 34-7, Dec. 6, 2009

LAST WEEK- Eagles beat 49ers 27-24; Falcons beat Browns 20-10

FALCONS OFFENSE - OVERALL (7), RUSH (2), PASS (16)

FALCONS DEFENSE - OVERALL (10), RUSH (8), PASS (19)

EAGLES OFFENSE - OVERALL (8), RUSH (10), PASS (13)

EAGLES DEFENSE - OVERALL (15) RUSH (24), PASS (8)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Falcons looking for fifth straight win. ... QB Matt Ryan has an 86.9 passer rating. It's a homecoming for Ryan, who grew up in Exton, Pa. ... WR Roddy White has posted consecutive 100-yard receiving games for fifth time in career ... RB Michael Turner coming off season-best 140-yard effort. ... Falcons 19-1 under coach Mike Smith when leading at halftime, just 9-10 on road under Smith and 15-3 at home . ... Eagles QB Michael Vick hoping to start against former team. Sat out last week with rib cartilage injury. ... Eagles 26-5 under Andy Reid when scoring defensive touchdown, which they did last week ... Playing with broken rib, LeSean McCoy had 138 yards from scrimmage last week. ... Offense has scored a TD on opening drive twice this season. Since 2000, Eagles are 34-9 when doing so. ... Eagles have won league-best 21 straight games when leading at halftime.

NEW ORLEANS (3-2) At TAMPA BAY (3-1)

OPENING LINE - Saints by 6 1/2

RECORD VS. SPREAD - New Orleans 0-4-1; Tampa Bay 2-1-1

SERIES RECORD - Saints lead 21-15

LAST MEETING - Buccaneers beat Saints 20-17 OT, Dec. 27, 2009

LAST WEEK - Cardinals beat Saints 30-20; Buccaneers beat Bengals 24-21.

SAINTS OFFENSE - OVERALL (10), RUSH (31), PASS (5)

SAINTS DEFENSE - OVERALL (9), RUSH (22), PASS (7)

BUCCANEERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (21), RUSH (18), PASS (19)

BUCCANEERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (18), RUSH (30), PASS (9)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Even though Buccaneers finished 3-13 last season, success of late actually began with come-from-behind OT win at New Orleans in December. They've won five of seven, including that 20-17 triumph and 3-1 start this season. ... While New Orleans leads series 21-15, teams are 8-8 as NFC South rivals. ... Saints QB Drew Brees has had some of biggest days against Bucs. He's had a 100-plus passer rating in four of his past five games against Tampa Bay. In nine career starts versus Bucs, he's completed 68 percent of passes for 2,228 yards and 18 TDs with seven interceptions. ... With Reggie Bush (leg) and Pierre Thomas (ankle) sidelined, Saints' running game ranks 31st among 32 teams at 75.6 yards per game. Tampa Bay yielded 149 yards on ground in last week's victory at Cincinnati and ranks 30th in run defense (143.3 ypg). ... Saints WR Marques Colston has 30 catches and averaged 93.3 ypg receiving in four visits to Raymond James Stadium. WR Devery Henderson has five career TD receptions against Bucs, with four coming on plays of 45 or more yards. ... Tampa Bay second-year QB Josh Freeman 6-7 as starter since taking over midway through rookie season. ... Bucs rookie WR Mike Williams had career-best seven catches for 99 yards and a TD in last week's win over Bengals. He has scored TD in three of first four pro games. ... Tampa Bay's defense is last in NFL in sacks with four. It's second in interceptions with nine - three by Aqib Talib, who sat out one game while serving suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Talib has an interception in each of past three games against New Orleans.

NEW YORK JETS (4-1) At DENVER (2-3)

OPENING LINE - Jets by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Denver 2-3; New York 4-1

SERIES RECORD - Broncos lead 16-14-1

LAST MEETING - Broncos beat Jets 34-17, Nov. 30, 2008

LAST WEEK - Ravens beat Broncos 31-17; Jets beat Vikings 29-20

JETS OFFENSE - OVERALL (15T), RUSH (1), PASS (25)

JETS DEFENSE - OVERALL (11), RUSH (4), PASS (23)

BRONCOS OFFENSE - OVERALL (4), RUSH (32), PASS (2)

BRONCOS DEFENSE - OVERALL (19), RUSH (25), PASS (16)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Jets lead NFL with plus-11 turnover margin with offense fumbling away the ball only once. QB Mark Sanchez has yet to throw an interception this season. ... K Nick Folk went 5-for-5 in win over the Vikings and leads league in scoring with 49 points. ... New York averages league-leading 165 yards rushing per game. ... LB Calvin Pace had 1 1/2 sacks in his return to lineup last week. He was sack leader in 2009. ... Broncos have won two straight over Jets. ... Jets DE Trevor Pryce was taken by Denver in first round of 1997 draft. He played nine seasons in Denver and had 64 sacks. ... Broncos QB Kyle Orton and Jets TE Dustin Keller were teammates at Purdue during the 2004 season. ... Denver is first team in NFL to have three receivers - Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal - catch at least 29 passes and have over 300 yards receiving through first five games. ... Orton became second QB in franchise history to have four straight 300-yard passing games. Brian Griese also accomplished feat in 2002. ... Broncos will wear alternate jerseys as Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper proclaimed game ``Orange Sunday.'' ... Broncos have ruled five players out Sunday, including DBs Brian Dawkins (knee) and Andre' Goodman (thigh) along with pass-rushing LB Robert Ayers (foot).

OAKLAND (2-3) At SAN FRANCISCO (0-5)

OPENING LINE - 49ers by 6

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Oakland 2-3; San Francisco 2-3

SERIES RECORD - Raiders lead 6-5

LAST MEETING - 49ers beat Raiders 34-20, Oct. 8, 2006

LAST WEEK - Raiders beat Chargers 35-27; 49ers lost to Eagles 27-24

RAIDERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (14), RUSH (7), PASS (20)

RAIDERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (23T), RUSH (31), PASS (10)

49ERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (23), RUSH (30), PASS (11)

49ERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (17), RUSH (18), PASS (21)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Bay Area rivalry has lost some luster as both teams have gone seven straight years without winning record. ... Raiders won last week despite allowing 506 yards, just fifth time they have won when opponent gained at least 500 yards. ... Oakland has had RB top 100 yards from scrimmage each game this season, with Darren McFadden doing it first four weeks and Michael Bush last week. ... TE Zach Miller has already matched career high with three TD catches. ... After scoring TDs on only three of first 13 trips inside opponent's 20, Raiders have done it five of last six times. ... Oakland has league worst six defensive pass interference penalties ... 49ers are off to worst start since 0-7 in Bill Walsh's first season in 1979. ... San Francisco has scored two TDs on first drive of game. Niners have just six TDs on their other 50 drives. ... 49ers' 15 turnovers are tied for second most in NFL and their minus-10 margin is four worse than second-worst team. QB Alex Smith has 10 giveaways. ... San Francisco has had only six rushes go for negative yards, fewest in league. .. 49ers are only team without a TD that has gone for more than 20 yards. Their 13 plays of at least 20 yards are tied for fewest of any team that has played five games.

DALLAS (1-3) at MINNESOTA (1-3)

OPENING LINE - Vikings by 1

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Cowboys 1-3; Vikings 1-2-1

SERIES RECORD - Cowboys lead 14-13

LAST MEETING - Vikings beat Cowboys 34-3 in NFC divisional playoff round, Jan. 17, 2010

LAST WEEK - Cowboys lost to Titans 34-27; Vikings lost to Jets 29-20

COWBOYS OFFENSE - OVERALL (2), RUSH (24), PASS (3)

COWBOYS DEFENSE - OVERALL (8), RUSH (12), PASS (12)

VIKINGS OFFENSE - OVERALL (18), RUSH (9), PASS (21)

VIKINGS DEFENSE - OVERALL (5), RUSH (14), PASS (6)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Seven of 27 meetings between these teams have been in postseason, including second-worst playoff loss in Cowboys history, 34-3 at Metrodome in January as Vikings advanced to NFC championship game. Some Cowboys complained Vikings ran up score. ... Turnovers have been glaring problem for these expected contenders; Cowboys bring a minus-4 differential and the Vikings a minus-6 - second-worst mark in the league. ... Tony Romo needs 254 yards passing for Cowboys to become record fourth NFL QB this season to reach 1,600 yards passing in team's first five games. Romo threw for 406 yards last week against Titans. ... Cowboys RB Felix Jones coming off career-high 109 yards rushing against Titans. ... Vikings QB Brett Favre, fighting tendinitis in throwing elbow and facing an NFL investigation into allegations of impropriety, has fallen to 30th in league with passer rating of 67. ... Recently acquired WR Randy Moss plays at Metrodome, now known as Mall of America Field, for Vikings for first time since 2004. Moss has saved some of his best games for Cowboys, starting with three TDs and 163 yards as a rookie in 1998. ... Vikings lost CB Cedric Griffin for season to knee injury, thinning depth at critical position.

INDIANAPOLIS (3-2) At WASHINGTON (3-2)

OPENING LINE - Colts by 4

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Indianapolis 3-2; Washington 3-1-1

SERIES RECORD - Colts lead 18-10

LAST MEETING - Colts beat Redskins 36-22, Oct. 22, 2006

LAST WEEK - Colts beat Chiefs 19-9; Redskins beat Packers 16-13 OT

COLTS OFFENSE - OVERALL (3), RUSH (28), PASS (4)

COLTS DEFENSE - OVERALL (23), RUSH (29), PASS (13)

REDSKINS OFFENSE - OVERALL (15), RUSH (25), PASS (7)

REDSKINS DEFENSE - OVERALL (32), RUSH (19), PASS (30)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Colts looking for seventh straight win vs. NFC team. ... In three games vs. Redskins, QB Peyton Manning has completed 69 of 104 passes (66.3 percent) for 854 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions and 105.2 passer rating. ... WR Reggie Wayne leads league with 39 receptions, second in yards with 531. Needs 76 yards to reach 10,000 for career. Wayne and WR Austin Collie (37) have combined 76 catches this season, making them only teammates in NFL with 35-plus catches apiece. ... Colts outscoring teams 52-31 in fourth quarter. ... Indianapolis has scored on 17 of 18 trips inside the red zone. ... Defense has yet to allow a team to convert third down of 10 or more yards this season (0 for 15). ... Opponents' average starting position is 21.5-yard line, first in AFC and second in NFL. ... Colts haven't won in Washington since 1967, when they were Baltimore Colts. Johnny Unitas quarterbacked 17-13 victory over Sonny Jurgensen. ... Redskins looking to win three in row for first time since Weeks 3-5 of 2008, when they beat Arizona, Dallas and Philadelphia. ... Washington needs one victory to match last season's total (4-12). ... Defense ranks last in yards allowed per game (410.2), but only ninth in points allowed (18.4). ... Redskins' last two home games have gone to overtime. ... Offense averaging 5.7 yards per play - defense is allowing 5.7 yards per play. ... S LaRon Landry had interception and forced a fumble last week vs. Green Bay and was selected NFC defensive player of the week.

TENNESSEE (3-2) at JACKSONVILLE (3-2)

OPENING LINE - Titans by 3

RECORD VS. SPREAD - Tennessee 3-2; Jacksonville 3-2

SERIES RECORD - Titans lead 19-13

LAST MEETING - Titans 30, Jaguars 13, Nov. 1, 2009

LAST WEEK - Titans beat Cowboys 34-27; Jaguars beat Bills 36-26

TITANS OFFENSE - OVERALL (26), RUSH (6), PASS (28)

TITANS DEFENSE - OVERALL (22), RUSH (11), PASS (27)

JAGUARS OFFENSE - OVERALL (22), RUSH (4), PASS (26)

JAGUARS DEFENSE - OVERALL (30), RUSH (13), PASS (29)

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Team with more yards rushing has won last six meetings. Last game featured career-high 225 yards rushing by Tennessee's Chris Johnson and career-high 177 yards by Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew... Titans have won five of last seven in series. ... Titans have won three of last four Monday night games. ... QB Vince Young is 10-5 vs. AFC South, including 4-2 mark vs. Jaguars. He has four TD passes, eight INTs and 10 sacks in those games. ... Johnson has seven straight 100-yard games on road. He has averaged 131 yards rushing during streak. ... WR Nate Washington has caught TD pass in four straight games vs. Jacksonville. ... Jaguars are 6-2 at home on Monday night. ... Jones-Drew recovering from sprained right wrist/hand. It was swollen and heavily taped Thursday, but he should be OK. ... C Brad Meester will break franchise record for career starts with No. 151 against Titans. ... WR Mike Sims-Walker needs five receptions to reach 100 for career. ... Coaches Jack Del Rio and Jeff Fisher both graduated from Southern California. Del Rio played linebacker for Trojans (1981-84); Fisher was defensive back (1977-80). Did they ever cross paths? ``No, he's old,'' Del Rio said. ``He was already long gone.''

Total Talk - Week 6
By Chris David

Week 5 Recap

The ‘over’ train continued its red-hot run last week with a 9-5 mark on the 14-game card. On the season, the ‘over’ holds a slight 39-35-2 advantage after five weeks of play. All but two of the games in Week 6 have totals of 41 or higher, so you can see the oddsmakers are starting to adjust a little bit. Even though that may be the case, don’t be surprised to see the scoreboard lit up more this weekend. Four of the more inconsistent offensive clubs in Buffalo (17.4 points per game), Cincinnati (20 PPG), Arizona (17.6 PPG) and Carolina (10.4 PPG) are all on bye.

Bad Beats of the Week

Gamblers took quite a few punches to the stomach this past weekend, especially bettors who lean toward the ‘under’ more than ‘over.’

Let’s trace back to Ohio where the Bengals held a 21-14 lead over the Buccaneers late in the game. The total was 38 and while the number was tight, two big plays nudged the combined points up, including a defensive touchdown. Cincinnati led 21-14 with under three minutes left and it looked like it was going to run the clock out or at least punt the ball back to Tampa Bay at the two-minute warning. Facing a third-and-long at midfield, head coach Marvin Lewis decides to pass and Carson Palmer is picked off. A handful of plays later, the Bucs tie it 21-21 and eventually win outright on another Palmer interception. All Lewis had to do was run, let the clock hit 2:00, pin Tampa deep and let them go the distance to tie with no timeouts. Would’ve been a tough path for the Bucs but that’s why Lewis is Lewis.

Later in the afternoon, the Cardinals led the Saints 16-13 in the fourth quarter before the Cardinals returned a fumble for a touchdown, which built a 23-13 lead. The Saints stalled on a few drives but they managed to cut the gap to three (20-23) with 1:49 left on the clock. Arizona recovered the onside kick but couldn’t run out the clock and decided to pin the Saints deep than risk getting a field goal blocked. New Orleans takes over at its own nine and on the first play Drew Brees is picked to the house for a touchdown. Cards win 30-20 and the combined 50 points goes ‘over’ the closing number of 45.

If you’re looking for an honorable mention, some players can point to the 24 points put up in the fourth quarter between the Eagles and 49ers, seven coming from a defensive touchdown as well.

The fun kept rolling on Monday when the Jets led the Vikings 9-0 at halftime and the sky opened up in New Jersey, with serious rainstorms and lightning threatening the area. The total closed at 38 ½ and nobody expected both teams to put up close to 30 in the final 30. They were right as New York and Minnesota combined for 40 and ‘over’ players got another early Christmas gift.

Divisional Battles

Still not a lot of rivalry games on tap just yet, but we do have some trends to keep an eye on this weekend.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay: The ‘under’ is on a 3-0 run, including both meetings last season. The totals in the two games hovered between 49 and 51, but this week’s contest is hovering around 43 points. The Saints have seen the ‘over’ go 3-2 this season, but you can make a case that the ‘under’ should be 5-0 in their first five.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh: Tough game to handicap with Ben Roethlisberger returning for Pittsburgh and Cleveland expecting to name rookie Colt McCoy the starting QB. The total is low (37.5) and three of the last four have gone ‘under.’ Pittsburgh has watched the ‘under’ go 3-1 this season and the defense has only given up 12.5 PPG, plus the unit has had a week to rest.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: (See Below)

Afternoon Delights

Who do you like in the 4 o’clocks? What are you betting in the late games? I’m sure most of you reading this have said the above questions more than once in your betting life. To be honest with you, it’s common place and usually heard around 3:50 p.m. EDT ever Sunday. I love to track tendencies and often find myself playing the due factor, which isn’t smart, but I’m a strong believer that all things balance out. So Yes, I do think favorites will bounce back in the NFL eventually this year. When, I have no clue. While the ‘dog train has been red-hot so has been the late-game ‘over’ tickets.

Get this! After five weeks of action, the ‘over’ has gone 13-6-1 in the 20 late afternoon games this season and that includes an ‘under’ mark of 2-0-1 in the first week. If you take out those results, the ‘over’ has gone 13-4 over the past four weeks.

We have three affairs this week to analyze and you can make arguments either way.

N.Y. Jets at Denver (41.5): New York has seen the ‘over’ cash in four straight and Denver has now turned into a pass-happy offense with QB Kyle Orton largely because they can’t run. It’s a doable number yet this writer doesn’t believe the Jets will get up for a road trip to Mile High after a big MNF win.

Oakland at San Francisco (42): Don’t be fooled by Oakland’s 35-point outburst last week. The Raiders scored 16 points with its special teams and defense. San Francisco is now in a must-win spot and its defense is capable of a stifling performance. First win for the 49ers?

Dallas at Minnesota (45): High number here because of the big playmakers for both teams but it’s hard to justify an ‘over’ ticket with the ‘questionable’ status of QB Brett Favre for the Vikings.

Under the Lights

Indianapolis at Washington: The Colts have watched the ‘over’ go 3-2 in their first five games and last week’s offensive effort against Kansas City (19-9) was their worst of the season. However, the team got five scores, four of them happened to be field goals. Meanwhile, Washington has seen the ‘under’ go 3-2 and the offense has only been able to crack the 20-point plateau once, which came in a home loss to Houston (27-30) in Week 2. The problem with the Redskins is their inability to convert on third-down conversions (26.2%), which is the second worst in the league. The total is hovering around 44 points and the finale on Sunday’s usually has bettors chasing.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: The Titans (3-2) and the Jaguars (4-1) have both shown positive investments toward the ‘over’ this season. However, three of the last four encounters between the divisional foes have gone ‘under’ the number. The total has gone 3-3 on MNF this season but the ‘under’ could easily be 6-0. For those keeping score at home, the ‘under’ has gone 6-0 in the first half of all the contests on Monday, fairly easily too. Does the trend keep rolling in Week 6?

Fearless Predictions

So I received an email from a user and the individual asked how come I haven’t been putting up my weekly selections. He explained he needed some picks to fade and he made a killing going against me last year. I don’t have much room to argue since I dropped over 10 units, but it wasn’t largely due to my Best Bets (16-17-1), rather my Three-Team Total Teaser (4-12-1). I guess the name of that bet says it all. Five weeks into the season and I’m ready to fire…hope you’re ready!

Best Over: San Diego-St. Louis (44.5)

Best Under: Detroit-N.Y. Giants (44)

Three-Team Total Teaser (9-Point, +100)
San Diego-St. Louis Over 35.5
Detroit-N.Y. Giants Under 53
N.Y. Jets-Denver Under 52

vegasinsider.com

Gridiron Angles - Week 6
By Vince Akins

Seahawks at Bears - The Seahawks are 0-11 ATS (-11.2 ppg) since November 1990 when Seattle is coming off a bye and played a divisional foe last game. The Seahawks are 0-10 ATS (-12.5 ppg) since November 27, 2008 as a road dog. The Bears are 0-8-2 ATS (-13.3 ppg) when there were up double-digits at half last game and it wasn't on a Monday. The Bears are 8-0 OU (11.9 ppg) since October 28, 2001 as a home favorite when they were up by at least a TD at the half and won by double-digits last week. The Bears are 6-0 OU (9.9 ppg) since November 02, 2008 when on a 1 game SU and ATS winning streak.

Jets at Broncos - The League is 0-8-1 ATS (-13.4 ppg) since October 05, 2008 as a home dog when facing a team that has rushed the ball on at least 55% of their offensive plays, season-to-date. The Broncos are 6-0 ATS (13.0 ppg) since October 20, 1991 as a home dog when their opponent's season-to-date average rushing attempts per game is greater than 30.

Saints at Buccaneers - The Saints are 7-0 ATS (10.7 ppg) since November 25, 2007 after a straight up loss on the road. The Saints are 7-0 ATS (13.0 ppg) since October 14, 2007 the week after a loss in which they outgained their opponent. The Buccaneers are 0-8 ATS (-15.7 ppg) since December 21, 2008 at home after playing as a dog. The Saints are 0-6 OU (-11.7 ppg) since October 29, 1995 on the road after playing on the road as a favorite. The Buccaneers are 11-0 OU (10.2 ppg) since October 08, 1989 as a home dog vs a divisional opponent before playing at home.

Falcons at Eagles - The Falcons are 10-0 ATS (13.1 ppg) since December 23, 2007 when they trailed at half and scored less than expected. The Falcons are 7-0-1 ATS (15.0 ppg) since December 13, 1992 within 3 of pick versus any team with fewer wins, after playing on the road. The Eagles are 10-0 ATS (5.7 ppg) when they punted four or fewer times last game and turned it over one or fewer times. The Eagles are 6-0 ATS (20.3 ppg) since November 27, 2008 versus any team with more wins. The Falcons are 0-7 OU (-5.8 ppg) since January 11, 2003 versus the Eagles. The Eagles are 10-0 OU (13.4 ppg) since November 14, 2005 within 3 of pick at home after playing on the road.

Raiders at 49ers - The Raiders are 8-0 ATS (11.3 ppg) since December 25, 2004 as a dog the week after in which they allowed at least 100 more yards of offense than their season-to-date average. The Raiders are 7-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since November 05, 1989 as a dog the week after a win in which they allowed at least 300 yards passing. The 49ers are 0-7 ATS (-15.7 ppg) since November 14, 2004 after they scored at least 10 points more than their season-to-date average at home. The League is 15-0 OU (9.9 ppg) since December 20, 2009 as a dog when their rushing yards decreased in each of the last two weeks. The Raiders are 7-0 OU (14.4 ppg) since October 07, 2001 the week after a straight up win at home in which they had at least 3 more penalties than their season-to-date average.

Lions at Giants - The Lions are 0-14 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since November 11, 2007 when they scored more than expected last game against a non-divisional opponent. The Lions are 0-8 ATS (-8.7 ppg) since November 20, 2005 after they scored at least 10 points more than their season-to-date average. The Lions are 0-6 ATS (-16.9 ppg) since September 26, 2004 the week before their bye. The Giants are 8-0 ATS (11.2 ppg) since December 03, 2006 the week after in which they had at least three more minutes of possession time than their season-to-date average. The Lions are 9-0 OU (13.2 ppg) since October 29, 1989 on the road when they have had a negative dpa in each of their last three games. The Lions are 7-0 OU (14.8 ppg) since January 01, 2006 on the road when their opponent is on a 2+ game winning streak. The Giants are 8-0 OU (8.7 ppg) since November 25, 2007 as a 7+ favorite after a straight up win. The Giants are 7-0 OU (11.6 ppg) since October 21, 2007 when they won by 21+ points last week.

Dolphins at Packers - The Dolphins are 7-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since December 31, 2006 on the road when facing a team that has completed at least 65% of their passes season-to-date. The Dolphins are 7-0 ATS (16.7 ppg) since October 30, 2005 as a road dog when they have had a positive dpa in each of their last two games. The League is 8-0 ATS (16.7 ppg) since November 12, 2000 at home the week after an overtime loss as a favorite in which they were up at the half. The Packers are 8-0-1 OU (13.6 ppg) since October 11, 2004 when they had a negative takeaway margin in each of their last three games.

Ravens at Patriots - The Ravens are 0-10 ATS (-8.2 ppg) since October 19, 2003 on the road the week after a straight up win in which they had at least three more minutes of possession time than their season-to-date average. The Ravens are 8-0 ATS (11.1 ppg) since November 04, 2001 when they allowed at least 100 more yards passing last week than their season-to-date average in a straight up win. The Patriots are 7-0-2 ATS (6.1 ppg) since October 11, 1998 within 3 of pick at home when their opponent's season-to-date average rushing attempts per game is greater than 30. The Ravens are 0-7 OU (-7.3 ppg) since September 21, 2003 on the road when facing a team that has allowed an average of at least 375 yards of offense per game season-to-date. The Ravens are 0-6 OU (-13.8 ppg) since October 21, 2007 when their opponent is off their bye.

Chargers at Rams - The Chargers 10-0 ATS (14.3 ppg) since November 16, 2008 when they picked up 20+ first downs last game and scored more than expected.The Chargers are 0-8 ATS (-9.8 ppg) since December 03, 2006 as a road favorite vs a non-divisional opponent. The Rams are 0-7 ATS (-12.4 ppg) since December 11, 2006 at home when they are facing a team that has allowed less than 10 yards per completion season-to-date. The Chargers are 9-0 OU (13.6 ppg) since October 22, 2006 as a favorite the week after they had at least three times as many passing yards as rushing yards on the road. The Chargers are 6-0 OU (8.7 ppg) since October 15, 2006 as a road 7+ favorite. The Rams are 8-0-1 OU (6.7 ppg) since December 30, 2002 at home when facing a team that has averaged at least 32 minutes of possession time season-to-date.

Browns at Steelers - The Browns are 9-0 ATS (6.6 ppg) since October 24, 2004 when their previous total was 40.5+ and the game was within three of a pick. The Steelers are 0-6 ATS (-9.1 ppg) since February 01, 2009 as a 7+ favorite. The League is 15-0 OU (9.9 ppg) since December 20, 2009 as a dog when their rushing yards decreased in each of the last two weeks. The Browns are 0-7-1 OU (-7.0 ppg) since December 10, 1994 as a road 7+ dog when they lost last week while suffering a turnover margin of at least +2 at home. The Steelers are 6-0 OU (8.8 ppg) since October 05, 2003 as a 7+ favorite when facing a divisional opponent for the first time of the season.

Chiefs at Texans - The Chiefs are 7-0 ATS (12.1 ppg) since December 03, 1995 on the road after a straight up loss as a TD+ dog. The Chiefs are 7-0 ATS (8.9 ppg) since October 17, 1994 on the road the week after scoring fewer than 10 points on the road. The Chiefs are 7-0 ATS (11.2 ppg) since September 28, 2008 as a dog when facing a team that has allowed at least 65% completions season-to-date. The Texans are 6-0 ATS (11.1 ppg) since October 30, 2005 at home when they lost their last two home games. The Texans are 9-0 OU (11.6 ppg) since November 20, 2005 at home when their opponent is playing in at least their second straight road game.

Cowboys at Vikings - The Cowboys are 0-9 ATS (-11.9 ppg) since November 13, 1994 the week after as a favorite in which they had at least 100 more yards of offense than their season-to-date average. The Vikings are 11-0 ATS (14.6 ppg) since November 25, 1990 within 3 of pick at home when facing a team that has averaged at least 32 minutes of possession time season-to-date. The Cowboys are 8-0 OU (11.6 ppg) since October 30, 2005 when facing a team that has forced an average of at least six punts per game season-to-date. The Cowboys are 7-0 OU (14.6 ppg) since September 15, 2003 on the road when facing a team that has averaged at least 2.25 turnovers per game season-to-date.

Colts at Redskins - The Colts are 8-0 ATS (5.5 ppg) since November 09, 2008 on the road after a straight up win at home as a favorite. The Colts are 7-0 ATS (8.9 ppg) since January 13, 2007 on the road after playing at home as a TD+ favorite. The League is 10-0 ATS (7.2 ppg) since September 18, 2006 within 3 of pick the week after a win when the line was within 3 of pick'em in which they were behind by at least a TD at the end of the first quarter. The Redskins are 0-10 ATS (-13.5 ppg) since October 30, 2000 when they threw for at least 250 yards last game and had three or more sacks. The Colts are 0-8 OU (-11.5 ppg) since September 24, 2006 after a game when they had more than 34 minutes of possession time. The Redskins are 0-7 OU (-9.8 ppg) since October 08, 2006 after a win at home in which they were losing at the half.

Titans at Jaguars - The Titans are 9-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since November 21, 1999 the week after a straight up win in which their completion percentage was at least ten points lower than their season-to-date average. The League is 10-0 ATS (7.2 ppg) since September 18, 2006 within 3 of pick the week after a win when the line was within 3 of pick'em in which they were behind by at least a TD at the end of the first quarter. The Jaguars are 7-0 ATS (5.9 ppg) since September 23, 2001 within 3 of pick at home when they are one game above 500. The Jaguars are 0-6 ATS (-7.7 ppg) since October 22, 2007 at home when they are facing a team that has allowed less than 10 yards per completion season-to-date. The Titans are 9-0 OU (13.1 ppg) since December 04, 1997 on the road after a straight up win on the road as a dog.

Where the action is: Sunday's NFL Line Moves Report
By Greg Sindall

San Diego Chargers at St Louis Rams

Opening line: San Diego -9, 45
Current line: San Diego -8.5, 45

Early sharp action came in on the home dog moving the line from -9 to -8.5. With a lot of public support, the Chargers are still seeing 61 percent of the overall action. Action on the over/under is one sided with 82 percent on over.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

Opening line: Houston -4.5, 44
Current line: Houston -4.5, 44.5

Split action all around on this game. Action on the side is dead even, while the over is seeing slightly more on the total at 55 percent.

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots

Opening line: New England -3 +100, 44.5
Current line: New England -3, +105, 45

Both sharps and the public are favoring Baltimore in New England’s first game since trading Randy Moss with 66 percent of the money on the Ravens. If Baltimore wins, it should be because of its defense. As a result, the under is seeing slightly more action at 55 percent.

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opening line: New Orleans -4.5, 44.5
Current line: New Orleans -4.5, 43.5

The Saints are struggling without a running game while the Bucs continue to roll this year. But the Saints are the defending champs and will always attract public money so they are still seeing 71 percent of the action. Sharp money came in on the Bucs while the line was briefly at 5.5 and 5. Sixty-eight percent of the action on the total is on over.

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

Opening line: Philadelphia -3 -105, 41.5
Current line: Philadelphia -3 +110, 42.5

Sharp money poured in on the Falcons early in the week causing the price on the dog to drop. The public agrees and the Falcons are seeing 78 percent of the overall action. As you might guess by the line move, 71 percent of the money is on over.

Detroit Lions at New York Giants

Opening line: NY Giants -10, 44.5
Current line: NY Giants -10, 44.5

Nobody knows what to expect from the Giants this year so it is not surprising to see split action on the side. Bettors do seem to agree that this will be a high-scoring affair as the over is seeing 83 percent of the action so far.

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears

Opening line: Chicago -7, 37
Current line: Chicago -6, 37.5

Seventy-nine percent of the action is on Chicago with most of it coming in on -6. As is often the case when most of the money is on the favorite, the over is also seeing most of the action at 77 percent.

Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers

Opening line: Green Bay -3.5, 44.5
Current line: Green Bay -3.5, 43.5

This line did not come out until late as we waited for official word on the status of Aaron Rodgers. Seventy percent of the early action has been on Miami while the over/under action is split with the under taking slightly more at 52 percent.

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers

Opening line: Pittsburgh -12, 38.5
Current line: Pittsburgh -14, 37.5

Ben Roethlisberger is back and what a great opponent to have to ease back into the game. Sixty-nine percent of the action is on the Steelers, although I would expect a similar trend even without Roethlisberger. With so much action on a large favorite, the over is naturally seeing 62 percent of the money on the total.

New York Jets at Denver Broncos

Opening line: NY Jets -3 -115, 40.5
Current line: NY Jets -3 -130, 42.5

The Broncos are not a very good team to begin with and now they are suffering numerous injuries to key personnel. Facing a formidable opponent like the Jets, an overwhelming majority of the action is on the Jets at 86 percent. Likely due to Denver missing so many key defensive players, early sharp money on the total caused the line to shift and 80 percent of the overall action is on over.

Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers

Opening line: San Francisco -7, 40.5
Current line: San Francisco, -7, 42

Are the 49ers good enough to be giving a full touchdown? Most people don’t seem to think so as 63 percent of the action is on Oakland. Sharp money came in early on the over at 40.5 and 41 causing the line to move; 70 percent of the overall action is also on over.

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings

Opening line: Minnesota -1.5, 43.5
Current line: Minnesota -1.5, 44.5

Two teams that many expected to contend for the NFC title now face each other trying not to fall into a huge hole at 1-4. Action on the side is somewhat split with 57 percent on the home team, Minnesota. Sharp money on the over moved the total a full point early in the week and 79 percent of the overall action is also on over.

NFL Week 6's Biggest Betting Mismatches
By SCOTT COOLEY

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (-13, 37.5)

Cleveland rush offense vs. Steelers rush defense

Peyton Hillis has kept Cleveland’s head above water this season, scoring a touchdown in every game which is more than half of the team’s total production (9 TDs). But the bruising Hillis was visibly hampered by a quad injury last week and ran for just 28 yards on 10 carries.

He can’t be too dinged up, however, as the Browns traded away backup Jerome Harrison to the Eagles for Mike Bell, another downhill runner. Bell will have to pick up the offensive playbook quickly this week to see a significant role against Pittsburgh.

The Browns rank 20th in rushing offense with a 102.8 yards per game average. Their runners have coughed up the ball six times this season which is the second-most fumbles in the league. Pittsburgh has forced four fumbles in four games.

With rookie Colt McCoy in line for the start, the Steelers are expecting to see plenty of Josh Cribbs in the wildcat formation Sunday.

"Last year, he had our number,” Lawrence Timmons said. “We have to stay in our gaps and contain him."

Pittsburgh should be fully committed to stopping the run this week while daring McCoy to beat them with his arm. The Steelers boast the best run defense in the NFL this season, allowing just 62.2 yards per contest on the ground. They’ve only given up two rushing touchdowns and no runner has accrued more than 42 yards against them all year.

Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (-6.5, 37.5)

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Bears pass defense

The only quarterback in the league that looks older than Brett Favre is Matt Hasselbeck. The 35-year-young veteran isn’t exactly lighting up the sky in his 13th NFL season.

Through four games, Hasselbeck has a quarterback rating of 70.7 and hasn’t eclipsed the 100-point plateau in that category since Week 1. He’s thrown just four touchdowns against six interceptions and has yet to top the 250-yard mark all season.

Compounding matters, Hasselbeck lost his top receiver, Deion Branch, in a trade to New England this week. Second-year player Deon Butler is expected to start at the flanker position.

The Bears defense has allowed just two passing touchdowns this year, which is tied for the best mark in the league, while recording seven interceptions. Chicago is limiting opposing quarterbacks to just 217 yards a game and held a porous Panthers attack to just 96 yards through the air last Sunday.

New York Jets at Denver Broncos (+3, 41)

New York pass offense vs. Denver pass defense

The Jets aren’t just a ground-and-pound team anymore. It appears Mark Sanchez has found his NFL footing and he has a solid receiving corps to work with.

Santonio Holmes’ insertion into the lineup should create more opportunities for Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller. Edwards has been targeted 27 times during the Jets four-game winning streak and has 288 yards and three touchdowns to show for it.

The Broncos have surrendered eight passing scores this season and the secondary will be depleted Sunday. Josh McDaniels announced that safeties Brian Dawkins and Marcel McBath will miss the game as well as cornerback Andre' Goodman. Two linebackers will also be on the sidelines Sunday which could open up lanes for Keller over the middle.

"We're able to create mismatches," Edwards said of the maligned Denver defense. "That's the word going forward, mismatches."

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 42.5)

Atlanta rush offense vs. Philadelphia rush defense

It looked as if Eagles defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was going to be lost for the season after an elbow injury. But Andy Reid said that he could possibly play through the pain and hasn’t ruled Bunkley out for this weekend. But if the D-line’s best run-stopper is absent, a bad run defense gets even worse.

The Eagles currently rank 24th against the run as opponents are ripping off more than 125 yards a game. Michael Turner and Jason Snelling should be able to move the chains with ease against this unit. Atlanta is averaging nearly 150 yards per outing on the ground which is the second-best mark in the NFL.

The Falcons will also return the services of wideout Michael Jenkins for this matchup and he’s known as an exceptional, outside run blocker.

"We have a great group of receivers who get downfield and make some key blocks,” Turner said.

Colts at Redskins: What Bettors Need to Know

The surprising Redskins will look to remain atop the NFC East when they host Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

The Washington Redskins managed to slow one of the league's best offenses last week. They will be hard pressed to do it again.

Washington (3-2) has faced a slew of potent offenses this season in the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers, which is among the reasons the Redskins have surrendered more yards than any team in the league.

Most troubling for Washington is a pass defense that ranks 30th out of 32 teams, an ominous sign with Manning coming to town.

Still, the Colts respect the one stat Washington’s defense excels at – points allowed. The Skins are giving up an average of just 18 points per game, good for the ninth best mark in the NFL.

"I'm pretty sure any coach would tell you that points are all that matters," Manning Redskin beat reporters. "It's the same thing on the offensive side.

"If you're moving the ball and have a ton of yards, but not scoring touchdowns in the red zone, it doesn't really matter. So, that's the bottom line. They're not giving up points, keeping teams out of the end zone, holding some good offenses, too. They held Green Bay and held Philadelphia to 12. That's good defense."

GIDDY UP

The Colts (3-2) are the league's second-highest scoring team with 136 points, although they struggled in a 19-9 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season and finished 26 of 44 for 244 yards and an interception.

Despite playing with a running game that has been abysmal, Manning already has a pair of 300-yard games and a 400-yard performance this season.

A lack of offensive balance has forced Manning to attempt over 40 passes in each of the last three games. He is third in the league with 1,609 yards and has thrown 11 touchdown passes against only two interceptions.

POINT OF ATTACK

Indianapolis’ defense, which had been mauled in road losses to AFC South rivals Houston and the Jacksonville Jaguars, held the Chiefs to three field goals and 261 total yards.

The biggest problem for Indy has been an inability to stop the run, which the Redskins will likely try to exploit to keep Manning off the field.

Running back Ryan Torain struggled in his first start in place of an injured Clinton Portis, rushing for just 40 yards on 16 carries in last week’s 16-13 overtime victory over Green Bay.

Donovan McNabb threw for 357 yards on 26-of-49 passing last week, including a 48-yard scoring strike to Anthony Armstrong in the fourth quarter to get the Redskins back in the game. Santana Moss added seven receptions for 188 yards.

In his first season with Washington, McNabb’s numbers have not been great. He’s completing just 56.5 percent of his passes and has thrown four touchdown passes and three interceptions. But he supplies a big-play threat that has been lacking with the Redskins in recent seasons.

INJURY REPORT

The Colts hope to have starting running back Joseph Addai back on the field Sunday night. The versatile back left last week’s game with a shoulder injury after Chiefs lineman Glenn Dorsey pancaked him into the turf.

"It's just a little sore," Addai told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday. "I practiced (Wednesday) and felt good. Sunday's a long time from now, so I should be good."

Washington is expected to have both of its starting offensive tackles in the lineup against the Colts. Rookie left tackle Trent Williams missed two games because of a knee injury while right tackle Jamaal Brown didn’t play in the second half last week against Green Bay due to a pain in his knee.

Both players practiced and are expected to go, which is great news for a Washington offensive line that will have its hands full against Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

"It's nerve-wracking," Williams told the Washington Examiner about trying to block Freeney. "You definitely think about it before you go to sleep at night. He's that dominant of a player. What I've seen so far, I haven't seen anybody like him."

WEATHER REPORT

There’s a zero percent chance of rain and the game-time temperature should be in the mid 60s. The wind isn’t expected to be a major factor either.

NFL Week 6 Analysis

Chargers (2-3) @ Rams (2-3) - San Diego’s putrid special teams play, nine giveaways on road has them 0-3 away from Qualcomm, despite outgaining opponents by 192-247-227 yards in those games- they’ve given up four special teams TDs and a safety in three away games. Bolts scored 14 TDs in last four games, so when they don’t self-destruct, they’ve got potent offense, with their two wins by 25-31 points. Rams are 2-1 at home, holding foes to one TD on 23 drives in last two, but those games were both against teams with new coaches, new systems. NFC West home underdogs are 5-0 vs. spread in non-division games. Home team won last five series games, with average total in last seven, 51.4. Chargers lost last two visits here, 57-31/28-24. San Diego is 3-8 vs. spread in last 11 games as a road favorite.

Lions (1-4) @ Giants (3-2) - Interesting to see how improved Lions react after win; since 2001, they’re 7-21-2 vs. spread in game following an infrequent victories. Home team lost last six series games, with Detroit scoring 28-31-28 points in winning last three visits vs. Big Blue here (last loss ’90). Lions have only one loss by more than five points (3-1 as underdog in ’10)- they scored five TDs on 20 drives in last two games, with three TD drives of 80+ yards. Giants allowed only one TD on 26 drives in last two games; they better not look past this to Monday nighter in Dallas next week. Detroit lost last eight pre-bye games (0-7 vs. spread in last seven) losing last three by combined score of 91-16. NFC East faves are 3-5 vs. spread in non-division games, 2-3 at home. Three of last four Detroit games went over total; last three Giant games stayed under the total.

Chiefs (3-1) @ Texans (3-2) - Hard to win in NFL giving up 24+ points; Houston has given up 24+ in all five games this season, losing two times they scored less than 30 points. Chiefs been running ball well, averaging 148.8 yards/game on ground. Home team lost three of last four series games; Chiefs won two of three visits here. KC held Colts without TD for 55:00 last week, losing 19-9 game when they were stopped on downs at Indy 8-yard line on first series. Chiefs are 15-10 as road underdog since 2007 (1-1 in ’10). Texans gave up 61 points in losing last two home games (Dallas/Giants); they’re 2-5-2 in last nine games as home favorite. Houston is 6-2 vs. spread in pre-bye games, but were underdog in all eight. AFC West underdogs are 4-6 vs. spread in non-division games; AFC South favorites are 7-4. Three of four KC games stayed under the total.

Ravens (4-1) @ Patriots (3-1) - Baltimore waxed Pats 33-14 in playoffs LY, their first win in six tries vs old coach Belichick (led Browns before they bolted for Maryland, became Ravens); they lost tough 27-21 game in Week 4 LY. New England won last seven post-bye games (5-2 vs. spread as favorite) scoring 32.2 ppg in last six post-bye tilts. Pats are 7-4 in last 11 games as home favorite, beating Cincy by 14, Bills by 8 at home this year. Ravens won three games in row, but scored only 37 points (4 TDs on 34 drives) in three road games, with dog covering all three of those. Baltimore has only three takeaways (-6) in five games. This is Pats’ first game without Moss; Branch was re-acquired to fill the gap, but he’s no Moss. Interesting to see how Welker fares without constant double-team on other side of field. All four Patriot games went over total.

Saints (3-2) @ Buccaneers (3-1) - Saints are 5-3 in Tampa since becoming divisional rival with Bucs; four of last five series games were decided by 4 or less points. NO turned ball over nine times in last three games, have yet to win game by more than five points; they’re 0-9-1 vs. spread in last 10 regular season games, and are scoring 19 ppg less than they were at this time LY. Resourceful Bucs finding ways to win, picking off two Palmer passes in last 2:30 last week to steal game in Cincinnati. Tampa has nine INTs in four games, with 2+ in every game; their +5 turnover ratio is 5th in NFL. Saints have been outrushed 183-135 in two road games; after going 17-9 as road favorite from 2001-09, they’re 0-2 so far this year. Bucs have only four TDs in 12 visits to red zone, are -6 in sacks (4-10). Home underdogs in divisional games are 10-2-1 vs. spread so far this season.

Falcons (4-1) @ Eagles (3-2) - Will Michael Vick be healthy enough to play against his old team? It says here if he can walk, he’ll play. Philly is 3-0 on road, 0-2 at home, losing to Packers/Redskins; they’ve won seven of last eight vs Atlanta, winning last three meetings by average score of 28-13. Atlanta lost last six visits here, with last win in Philly coming way back in 1988. Eagles scored 27+ points in their three wins, 20-12 in losses (three TDs on 22 drives). Falcons won last four games since OT loss in opener at Pittsburgh; they’ve run ball for average of 171.5 yards/game in last four weeks, but have only one TD in seven visits to red zone in last two games. Philly is 14-20 vs spread in last 34 games where spread was 3 or less; Atlanta is 15-7-1 in their last 23 such games. NFC South teams are 3-8-2 vs. spread in non-divisional games; NFC East teams are 7-8.

Seahawks (2-2) @ Bears (4-1) - Seattle is just 4-17 vs. spread in game after its last 21 byes, 1-10 in last 11; they’re 0-2 on road this year, losing 31-14 in Denver (+3), 20-3 in St Louis (-2), their first loss in last 11 games against Rams. Bear offense has total of 80 passing yards in last two games, averaging 1.4/1.4 ypp; their QB’s have already been sacked 21 times this year (-12). Cutler expected back after getting KOd in Swamp at halftime of Week 4. Chicago is 2-0 at home, beating Lions 19-14, Packers 20-17, pair of nailbiters- they’re 8-6 in last 14 games as favorite. Bears won three of last four series games, winning 25-19 in last meeting at Seattle LY. Four of five Chicago games this season stayed under total. Key thing here is how well Cutler stays in pocket after getting kicked around by Giants like he was a freakin’ piñata two weeks ago.

Dolphins (2-2) @ Packers (3-2) - Pack QB Rodgers had concussion in OT last week, not expected to go here, giving untested backup Flynn (unspectacular at LSU) his first NFL start. Green Bay scored 27+ points in its three wins, 17-13 in losses- they’ve been minus-1 in turnovers in each of last three games, getting outscored 38-17 in second half of games they led at half. Miami is 11-3 vs spread as road underdog since start of ’08 season; they’re 2-0 on road, 0-2 at home, winning 15-10 at Buffalo, 14-10 at Minnesota. Dolphins are 3-9 after last 12 byes, 3-6 vs. spread as post-bye dog, scoring 17 or less points in six of last eight post-bye tilts. Green Bay won three of last four series games after losing first eight; Miami lost last two visits here, 23-18/24-10- their last Lambeau win was 25 years ago. NFC North teams are 6-4-1 vs. spread in their non-divisional games.

Browns (1-4) @ Steelers (3-1) - Roethlisberger returns under center for Pittsburgh team starting its fourth different QB in first five games of season. Cleveland’s 13-6 upset (+10.5) win over Steelers last December was just their second in last 20 series games; Browns lost last six visits here, with five of six losses by 11+ points. Pitt is just 5-9 vs. spread as post-bye favorite, but did win 38-10/28-10 coming off byes last two years. If you're not reading this on army.com, somebody is pirating my stuff. Steelers allowed only four TDs on 46 opponent drives in first four games; they’re +7 in turnovers, with 12 takeaways, allowing only 62.3 rushing yards/game. Pitt is just 2-6-1 in last nine games as home favorite. Cleveland is 6-3-1 in last 10 games as road dog; three of their four ’10 losses are by 7 or less points. Only defensive TD by Falcons made last week’s loss 20-10. Underdogs are 20-4-1 vs spread in divisional games so far this year, with home favorites just 2-10-1 so far.

Jets (4-1) @ Broncos (2-3) - Long road trip (third road game in last four weeks) on short week for Jets after holding off Favre’s Vikings Monday night; they’re 2-6 in last eight pre-bye games, allowing 27.2 ppg in last six, but who is playing better right now than Gang Green? They scored 28+ points in winning each of last four games, have been plus in turnovers all five games this year (+11). Jets have lost five of last six visits here, with all five losses by 7+ points. Denver scored 31-26 points in its two wins (six TDs, five FGs on 22 drives), 17 or less in its three losses (five TDs, four FGs on 30 drives); since 2002, Broncos are 6-4 as home underdog. Orton has 1,491 PY in last four games, but Denver is running ball for just 51.8 ypg so far this season. AFC West underdogs are 4-6 vs. spread in non-divisional games this season. Last four Jet games, four of five Denver games went over the total.

Raiders (2-3) @ 49ers (0-5) - Oakland ended 7-year drought vs. Chargers last week; if not for Janikowski miss on short FG at gun in Arizona, Raiders would be 3-2 Cinderella story, but still, they’ve had 11+ penalties in three of last four games and allowed 441-506 total yards in last two games. 49ers won three of last four games in local rivalry; Oakland is 4-2 in six visits here; they’re 1-5 vs. spread in game following their last six wins. 0-5 Niners have three losses by 3 or less points in last four games; they’re favored for fourth time in six games (6-4-1 as home fave since ’08). Hard-running Michael Bush helping Raider run game (134 ypg) in red zone (five TDs, FG on last six trips). Two of last three series games went OT; average total in last four series games is 54.3. Oakland is 10-8 as road dog since ’08. Over is 4-1 in Raider games, 3-1 in last four 49er contests.

Cowboys (1-3) @ Vikings (1-3) - Loser in desperate straits in battle of disappointing teams. Vikings won six of last seven series games, routing Dallas 34-3 here in playoffs LY; they’re 7-3 as home favorite with Favre at QB, but in four games this year, have yet to average more than 6.3 ypa (Dallas averaged 7.3/9.5/7.1 in last three games). Cowboys have only had takeaway in one game this year (+3 at Houston, -7 in other three games); opponents are just 12-43 on 3rd down against them, but turnovers create short fields, and Pokes haven’t started drive in enemy territory in last three games (foes have five). Hard to judge Favre/Moss in rain last week, but Vikes coughed ball up 10 times in last three games (-5), a recipe for failure. Dallas covered last three regular season games as a dog. Three of four Viking games this season stayed under the total.

Colts (3-2) @ Redskins (3-2) - Washington allowed 7-12-13 points in its three wins, 30-30 in losses; two of their three home games went OT, with underdog 2-0-1 vs. spread in those games. Skins had been outscored 52-13 in second half of games this year before rallying from down 13-3 in 4th quarter last week to steal win from Packers. Indy allowed 257-174 rushing yards in its two losses, average of 93.3 in its wins- offense didn’t score TD vs. Chiefs last week until final 5:00. Home team won six of last seven games in what used to be regional rivalry; Colts lost last five visits here last here in ’02), with last win by Johnny U’s ’67 Baltimore Colt team that was unbeaten going to season’s final week. Indy is 5-1 in last six pre-bye games, with four of five wins by 18+ points. AFC South teams are 6-1 vs. spread in non-divisional road games; NFC East home teams are 3-5.

Titans (3-2) @ Jaguars (3-2) - Tennessee won five of last seven series games; they’re 5-3 in last eight visits here. Titans beat Jags last six times they held them to 17 or less points, lost last five times Jags score more than 17. Jax scored 31-36 points in last two games, running ball for 390 yards, averaging 7.4/7.5 ypa- they won at Buffalo last week despite -3 turnover ratio. Rare in NFL to win on road with that bad a ratio, even against a sorry team. Titans have played better on orad, beating Giants/Dallas while losing last two home games. Field position has been key for Tennessee; in their wins, they’ve been +11/+15/+15; in losses, -11/-14, with +7 turnover ratio in wins, -7 in losses. Jags were held to 3-13 points in losses; scored 24+ in wins- they’re 11-6 as home underdog since 2004. Again, underdogs off to amazing 20-4-1 start vs. spread in divisional games this season, 10-2-1 at home.

Tips and Trends

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots

RAVENS: With a win today in New England, Baltimore can establish themselves as the best team in football. As it stands now, the Ravens are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS this season. Baltimore has already played 3 road games this year, going 2-1 both SU and ATS this year. The Ravens match up well with the Patriots passing attack, as they only allow 156 YPG through the air. The Ravens defense is going to have to be superb today to win, especially with the Patriots coming in off a bye week. Baltimore has a top 5 ranked defense both in YPG and PPG. The Ravens are allowing 258 YPG and 14.4 PPG respectively this season. The Ravens scored 31 PTS in their last game against Denver, hopefully a sign of things to come. This Baltimore offense has underperformed this season, as they have talented gamebreakers at nearly every skill position. QB Joe Flacco has struggled some this season, completing only 57% of his passes and having more INT's than TD's this year. RB Ray Rice is the key to this offense, as he has duel threat ability. The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Baltimore is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in October. The Ravens are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games on fieldturf.

Ravens are 7-2 ATS last 9 games following a bye week.
Under is 10-4-1 last 15 games against the AFC.

Key Injuries - S Ed Reed (hip) is out.

Projected Score: 24 (SIDE of the Day)

PATRIOTS: (-3, O/U 44.5) New England is facing the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year in humiliating fashion. New England has plenty of revenge, and plenty to prove today. Life without WR Randy Moss begins today, so the Patriots are likely to be very motivated to prove their worth today. New England is averaging 32.8 PPG this season, the only team in the NFL averaging more than 30 PPG. QB Tom Brady has thrown for 911 YDS this season, along with 9 TD's. Brady is the leader of this offense, and he has a QB Rating of 109.0 this year. Brady has several passing targets to throw too this season, including the emerging TE Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez has 18 receptions for 240 YDS this season, and is expected to play a bigger role with Moss out of the picture. The Patriots are 23-7-1 ATS in their last 31 games in October. New England is going to have to improve drastically if they are going to contend for yet another Super Bowl. The Patriots are allowing 24 PPG and 385 YPG this season, both stats amongst the worst in the NFL. New England is 24-11-1 ATS in their last 36 games following a SU win of more than 14 points. The Patriots are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.

Patriots are 1-5 ATS last 6 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Over is 9-4-1 last 14 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - RB Fred Taylor (toe) is questionable.

Projected Score: 20

Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins

COLTS: (-3, O/U 43.5) Whenever you play Indianapolis, you must be ready to deal with QB Peyton Manning and his passing attack. This year is no exception, as Manning is tied for the NFL in passing TD's and 3rd in passing YPG. Manning has 11 TD's and has thrown for more than 1,600 YDS. Manning's main target has been WR Reggie Wayne, who has 531 YDS receiving, 2nd most in the NFL. Wayne isn't the only receiving threat, as there are numerous others including TE Dallas Clark. Despite an elite passing attack, Indianapolis has one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL. The Colts are averaging 79.8 rushing YPG this season, 4st worst in the NFL. Defensively, the Colts will have to play better on the road as they've allowed 2 of their 3 opponents to score more than 30 PTS. Indianapolis has struggled playing in Washington, as they haven't won SU in their past 5 games playing in Washington D.C., dating back to 1969. The Colts are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games against a team with a winning home record. Indianapolis is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in October. The Colts are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games following a SU win.

Colts are 7-2 ATS last 9 games as a road favorite.
Over is 5-2 last 7 games in October.

Key Injuries - WR Austin Collie (foot) is questionable.

Projected Score: 27 (OVER-Total of the Day)

REDSKINS: Washington is at the top of the competitive NFC East division standings with an overall record of 3-2 both SU and ATS this year. The Redskins have had some improbable wins this season, thanks to twice as many takeaways than giveaways. This Redskins team has a winning record despite have the worst defense in the NFL so far this season. Washington is allowing opponents to average 410 YPG, one of only 2 teams allowing more than 400 YPG. Thanks to their takeaways, Washington is allowing 18.4 PPG, 9th best in the NFL. The Redskins have played a brutal schedule this year, as they will be playing their 5th game this season as the listed underdog. QB Donovan McNabb has done a great job leading this Redskins team, as they finally have the leader they've desperately needed. McNabb has thrown for more than 1,300 YDS this season, including 4 TD's. Washington is averaging 249 YPG through the air, 7th best in the NFL. The Redskins are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. Washington is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games.

Redskins are 7-15 ATS last 22 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 13-5 last 18 home games.

Key Injuries - DT Albert Haynesworth (personal) is questionable.

Projected Score: 24