Denver (5-5, 3-7 ATS) at Chicago (4-6, 3-7 ATS)
The Broncos carry a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak into Soldier Field to take on the Bears in a non-conference matchup.
Denver got out quickly against Tennessee on Monday night and held on for a 34-20 victory as a one-point home chalk. QB Jay Cutler had likely the best all-around game of his young career, going 16 of 21 for 200 yards with two TDs, no INTs, no fumbles and no sacks.
In a rematch of an NFC divisional playoff game last year, Chicago went to Seattle last week and got beat 30-23 as a 5½-point underdog. QB Rex Grossman returned as the starter and went a respectable 24 of 37 for 266 yards with no INTs, but he had no TD throws and his offense had to settle for field goals on three possessions that stalled in Seahawk territory.
Despite the results of the last two weeks, the Broncos are still just 4-14 ATS in their last 18 starts overall, including 2-6 ATS on the highway (1-3 ATS) this year and 1-5 ATS against non-division foes. However, coach Mike Shanahan’s squad is 7-4 ATS in the underdog role since 2005 (2-2 ATS this year).
The Bears are on ATS slides this season of 0-6 as a chalk, 0-4 at home and 1-5 against non-division opponents. But Chicago has an 8-3 ATS mark in its last 11 games as a non-conference home favorite.
In the Bears’ last 20 games, the straight-up winner is 17-3 ATS, including 9-1 ATS this season.
The over is 12-2 dating to last season for Denver, including 7-2 this year, and the over is 12-3 in the last 15 games at Soldier Field.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO and OVER
Tennessee (6-4, 5-4-1 ATS) at Cincinnati (3-7, 4-6 ATS)
Having dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season, the Titans look to get back on track in a non-division matchup against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
Tennessee’s defense, again minus injured star tackle Albert Haynesworth, couldn’t slow down Denver in Monday’s 34-20 loss as a one-point road pup. QB Vince Young had solid numbers, going 26 of 41 for 301 yards and a TD, while adding another TD on 74 rushing yards, but he threw two second-half INTs. It was Young’s third straight game with two INTs, lowering his TD-to-INT ratio to a paltry 5-12.
Cincinnati dropped to 2-4 SU and ATS at home this season with last week’s 35-27 loss to Arizona as a three-point chalk. QB Carson Palmer chucked the ball 52 times, completing 37 for 329 yards and two TDs, but he threw two INTs – both returned for TDs by Antrel Rolle. The Bengals finished with five turnovers.
The Titans are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 on the highway, including 3-1-1 ATS this season. They are also on positive ATS runs of 11-5 against the AFC, 6-1 following a SU loss and 5-2 following an ATS loss. On the downside, Jeff Fisher’s troops are just 1-4 ATS in their last five as a favorite.
The Bengals are on ATS slides of 6-14-1 at home, 3-9-1 against teams with a winning record and 2-4 vs. non-division opponents. Cincinnati is also 0-5 ATS in its last five as a home underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Buffalo (5-5, 7-3 ATS) at Jacksonville (7-3, 6-4 ATS)
The Bills hope to rebound from Sunday night’s humbling loss to the mighty Patriots when they had south to face the Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
Buffalo hosted New England last week and got destroyed 56-10 as a 16-point home pup, halting a four-game win streak and a 6-0 ATS run. QB J.P. Losman directed an offense that netted just 229 yards, and the Bills gave up a whopping 510 yards to Tom Brady and Co., including four Brady-to-Randy Moss TD passes.
Jacksonville held off San Diego 24-17 as a three-point home favorite, running its ATS mark to 6-2 since starting the season with consecutive non-covers. QB David Garrard returned from a three-game absence due to injury and was an efficient 15 of 24 for 189 yards and two TDs. He’s now thrown eight TD passes and no picks this season.
The Bills are just 3-7 ATS as non-division road ‘dogs. However, they are on positive ATS runs of 14-5 overall and 11-4 as underdogs, including 6-3 when catching points this year. Buffalo is also 4-1 ATS outside the AFC East this season.
The Jaguars are on ATS runs of 12-4 hosting a non-division opponent and 8-2 following an ATS win.
The straight-up winner is an eye-popping 25-1 ATS in the Jags’ last 26 starts overall, including 9-1 ATS this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: JACKSONVILLE
Oakland (2-8, 4-6 ATS) at Kansas City (4-6, 5-4-1 ATS)
Two longtime AFC West rivals having rough seasons complete their regular-season series as the Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium looking to beat hated Chiefs for the first time since 2002.
Oakland, with Daunte Culpepper back at QB, lost to Minnesota 29-22 last week as a 4½-point road ‘dog. Culpepper was effective, going 23 for 39 for 344 yards and a TD, but he threw an INT, lost a fumble, gave up a safety and was sacked four times, as the Raiders lost their sixth straight game (1-5 ATS) since a Week 4 win and cover over Miami.
Kansas City gave Indianapolis all it could handle in a low-scoring affair last week eventually succumbing 13-10 as a 14½-point road pup, its third consecutive loss. QB Brodie Croyle, making his first NFL start, went 19 of 27 for 169 yards with one TD and no INTs, but he lost one fumble.
Despite the Raiders’ poor record, they do maintain a 6-3-1 ATS streak in division road games (3-2 ATS this year) and are 4-2 ATS this year as underdogs.
The road team is 8-1 ATS the last nine in this series, including Kansas City’s 12-10 victory as a one-point road favorite back in October. The Chiefs have won the last nine meetings in this rivalry, including four in a row at Arrowhead.
Kansas City is 1-3-1 ATS this season laying points.
The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings in this series, 12-4 in Kansas City’s last 16 division games and 24-8 in Oakland’s last 32 against the AFC West.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Houston (5-5 SU and ATS) at Cleveland (6-4, 8-2 ATS)
The Texans aim to pull themselves above .500 – rare territory for them at this point of the season – when they travel to face the Browns.
Houston stifled New Orleans’ offense in last week’s 23-10 victory as a 1½-point home chalk, notching its second consecutive SU and ATS win in the process. QB Matt Schaub returned from a concussion and was sterling, going 21 of 33 for 293 yards and two TDs, with no turnovers. WR Andre Johnson, back after missing seven games with a knee injury, didn’t miss a beat, finishing with six catches for 120 yards and a TD.
Cleveland notched a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against Baltimore as a 2½-point road favorite. Phil Dawson hit a 51-yard field goal – after much review – to force overtime, then booted a 33-yarder in OT to give the Browns their fourth win in the last five weeks. Cleveland is a perfect 5-0 ATS during this run and also 4-0 ATS as a chalk this season.
The Texans’ spread-covers the last two weeks come on the heels of an 0-5 ATS drought. The straight-up winner is 8-2 ATS in Houston’s 10 contests this season.
In addition to their ongoing 5-0 overall ATS streak, the Browns are on positive ATS runs of 8-3 against non-division opponents and 7-3 as a home favorite. Like the Texans, the straight-up winner is 8-2 ATS in Cleveland games this season.
The over is 6-1 in Houston’s last seven on the highway and 9-0-1 for the Browns this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND and OVER
Seattle (6-4, 5-5 ATS) at St. Louis (2-8 SU and ATS)
The Seahawks shoot for their third straight win and cover when they take on the suddenly resurgent Rams in a battle of NFC West rivals at the Edward Jones Dome.
Seattle topped defending NFC champion Chicago 30-23 at home last week as a 5 ½-point favorite. QB Matt Hasselbeck went 30 of 44 for 337 yards and two TDs, with no INTs and one lost fumble, and the Seahawks outgained the Bears 425-345.
St. Louis, after starting the season 0-8 (1-7 ATS), posted its second consecutive SU and ATS win by downing San Francisco 13-9 as a three-point road chalk. RB Steven Jackson (23 carries, 92 yards) had his second-best output of his injury-riddled season.
The Seahawks, who routed a banged-up St. Louis squad 33-6 in Week 7 as a nine-point home chalk, have won the last five meetings in this rivalry (3-2 ATS). The underdog is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 in this series.
Seattle is mired in ATS slumps of 4-11-1 on the highway and 7-14 as road favorites.
The Rams are 2-7 ATS in their last nine inside their dome. However, they are 9-4 ATS as an underdog against NFC West rivals.
The straight-up winner is 9-1 ATS for both Seattle and St. Louis this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ST. LOUIS
Minnesota (4-6, 4-4-2 ATS) at N.Y. Giants (7-3, 6-4 ATS)
Fresh off a nice win over the Raiders at home, the Vikings head to the Meadowlands to face one of the NFC’s better teams in the Giants.
With star rookie RB Adrian Peterson sidelined with an injury, Minnesota rode the legs of RB Chester Taylor to last week’s 29-22 victory over Oakland as a 4½-point home favorite. Taylor had 22 carries for 164 yards (7.5 per carry) and three TDs, helping the Vikings overcome five turnovers, including an INT and a fumble from much-maligned starting QB Tarvaris Jackson.
New York quickly shook off its loss to NFC East rival Dallas by beating Detroit 16-10 as a three-point road chalk. QB Eli Manning was solid (28 of 39, 283 yards, 1 TD), but the Giants defense was the key, forcing four turnovers, including three Jon Kitna INTs.
The Vikings are on a 7-17-1 ATS slide as non-division road underdogs, and they are just 6-12-2 ATS in their last 20 games overall.
The Giants are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games.
The straight-up winner is 8-2 ATS in Minnesota’s games and 9-1 ATS for New York this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS
New Orleans (4-6, 3-7 ATS) at Carolina (4-6 SU and ATS)
Two teams aiming to break SU and ATS skids square off when the Saints meet the Panthers in an NFC South matchup at Bank of America Stadium.
The streaky Saints have followed up a four-game SU and ATS winning run with back-to-back SU and ATS losses, including last week’s 23-10 setback in Houston as a 1 ½-point road underdog. New Orleans QB Brees aired it out 49 times, completing 33 for 290 yards and a TD, but he had two INTs, and the Saints ran for just 47 yards.
Carolina has dropped four in a row SU and ATS following last week’s 31-17 loss at Green Bay as a 9½-point road underdog. QB Vinny Testaverde was effective (19 of 37, 258 yards, 2 TDs), but the 44-year-old accounted for all three Panthers turnovers (two INTs, one fumble).
The Saints are 19-4-1 ATS in division games on the road.
Carolina rallied past the Saints 16-13 as a 3½-point road underdog back on Oct. 7. The visitor has covered the last 11 in this series (excluding a 2005 meeting in Baton Rouge, La.).
The Panthers are on negative ATS runs of 0-6 at home (0-4 this year) and 2-7 hosting division opponents.
The straight-up winner has covered in all 10 of Carolina’s games this year and is 21-0-1 ATS in the Panthers’ last 22 contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS
Washington (5-5, 3-5-2 ATS) at Tampa Bay (6-4, 5-4-1 ATS)
The slumping Redskins remain on the road this week, traveling to Raymond James Stadium to take on the NFC South-leading Buccaneers.
Washington kept it close against Dallas last Sunday before falling 28-23, scoring a late TD to cover as an 11-point road ‘dog. QB Jason Campbell threw his arm off, going 33 of 54 for 348 yards and two TDs, but his lone INT squelched a late drive and sealed the win for Dallas. The Redskins, who generated just 62 rushing yards last week, enter this game in a 1-3 SU and ATS funk.
Tampa Bay gave itself a two-game cushion in the division by routing Atlanta 31-7 as a three-point road favorite. QB Jeff Garcia (10 of 20, 159 yards, 2 TDs) was average, but RB Earnest Graham remained hot with 17 carries for 102 yards and a TD. The Bucs also forced four turnovers, including a Ronde Barber fumble return for a TD.
The Redskins are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games on the road against non-division opponents, with the one push coming in a 20-17 loss at Tampa last year as a three-point pup.
Washington is 0-5-1 ATS following an ATS win.
The Buccaneers are 1-4-1 ATS in non-division play this year. However, they are 3-1-1 ATS at home this season and 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 hosting a non-division foe. Finally, Tampa is on positive ATS runs of 4-1 as a chalk and 5-1 against the NFC.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TAMPA BAY
San Francisco (2-8 SU and ATS) at Arizona (5-5, 6-3-1 ATS)
The 49ers, in the midst of an 0-8 freefall (1-7 ATS), head to University of Phoenix Stadium to meet the Cardinals in an NFC West matchup.
San Francisco’s offensive woes continued in last week’s 13-9 loss to St. Louis as a three-point home pup. QB Trent Dilfer (20 of 42, 231 yards) had no TDs and was picked off twice, and the 49ers generated just 244 total yards. San Francisco has gone 11 straight quarters without a TD and ranks last in the league with 113 points and a 218.6 yards-per-game average – nearly 50 yards per game fewer than the next-worst team.
Arizona won and covered its second straight last week in Cincinnati, topping the Bengals 35-27 as a three-point road underdog. QB Kurt Warner was an efficient 16 of 28 for 211 yards and two TDs, with no turnovers, and the Cardinals won the turnover battle 5-0, including two INTs returned for TDs. Those turnovers helped offset a 396-247 deficit in total yards.
The 49ers are on 5-1 ATS run as a division road ‘dog. However, the come into this game in ATS slumps of 0-5 overall, 1-4 against the Cardinals, 1-5 against NFC West opponents and 0-6 against the NFC.
The Cardinals are 3-1 SU and ATS at home this season and an impressive 13-4 ATS in their last 17 overall. Arizona will be looking to avenge a last-second 20-17 season-opening loss to the 49ers as a 3½-point underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA
Baltimore (4-6, 1-9 ATS) at San Diego (5-5 SU and ATS)
The regressing Ravens make a cross-country trek to Qualcomm Stadium to meet the Chargers, who despite their average play are tied for first in the AFC West.
Baltimore lost to Cleveland 33-30 in overtime as a 2½-point home ‘dog, falling to 0-4 SU and ATS in their last four games. QB Kyle Boller (22 of 41, 279 yards, 1 TD) helped the Ravens finally put up some points, but he also threw an INT that was returned 100 yards for a TD, and he was sacked six times. The Ravens lost on Phil Dawson’s 33-yard field goal in OT, after Dawson’s controversial 51-yarder tied it on the last play of the fourth quarter.
San Diego’s up-and-down season continued in a 24-17 loss at Jacksonville as a three-point pup, dropping the Chargers to 1-4 SU and ATS on the road this season. QB Philip Rivers moved the Chargers (22 of 40, 309 yards, 1 TD) but threw two fourth-quarter INTs to deflate a comeback attempt.
The Ravens, who sport the worst ATS record in the league, are 0-5 against the number on the road this season (1-4 SU). They are also 3-6 ATS in their last nine as a ‘dog of six or more points, and they have failed to cash in eight straight games against the AFC.
The Chargers are 4-1 SU and ATS at Qualcomm this year and 5-2 ATS in their last seven as a non-division home favorite. San Diego is also 16-5-2 ATS in its last 23 following a SU loss and 13-3 ATS as a home favorite of 3½ to 10 points.
The straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS this season for the Chargers
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO
gametimepicks.com
National Football League Weather
Sunday, November 25th
Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears, 4:15 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the South at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 45.
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 60.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 50.
Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southwest at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 45.
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 50.
Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 70.
Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers, 4:15 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
NFL Week 12 betting notes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Buffalo at Jacksonville
The Bills hope to improve to 3-0 at Jacksonville.
Houston at Cleveland
Houston and Cleveland have met four times, with each team winning twice. The Texans have taken the last two matchups, including a 14-6 victory at Reliant Stadium last season.
Minnesota at N.Y. Giants
In the teams' last meeting in 2005, Eli Manning threw four interceptions as Minnesota won 24-21. That was the clubs' first matchup at Giants Stadium since the Vikings lost the NFC championship game 41-0 in 2001. The Giants have won three of the last four meetings overall.
New Orleans at Carolina
Carolina has four straight wins - and eight in 10 games - against New Orleans.
Oakland at Kansas City
Oakland is 1-4 on the road this season and has lost five straight games in Kansas City since a 27-24 victory on Sept. 9, 2001. The Chiefs are 15-3 against the Raiders at Arrowhead since the start of the 1989 season.
Seattle at St. Louis
The Seahawks beat the Rams for the fifth straight time on Oct. 21, winning 33-6 as Matt Hasselbeck threw two touchdown passes to tight end Will Heller.
Tennessee at Cincinnati
Carson Palmer was 27-of-33 for 272 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions to lead the Bengals to a 31-23 victory in the teams' last meeting Oct. 16, 2005.
Washington at Tampa Bay
The Bucs beat Washington 20-17 last Nov. 19, and this will be the fifth straight season they meet. Tampa Bay has won two in a row overall in the series and five straight at home since Washington's 23-17 win on Dec. 5, 1993.
San Francisco at Arizona
Arizona will look to beat the 49ers for the fifth time in six meetings.
Baltimore at San Diego
The Ravens beat the Chargers 16-13 last season for their third straight win in this series after losing the first two meetings.
Denver at Chicago
Denver has not visited Chicago since a 13-3 victory on Dec. 18, 1993. These teams have played twice since then, with Chicago winning 19-10 in the last meeting on Nov. 23, 2003.
Philadelphia at New England
The Eagles, who have won three straight on the road, haven't visited the Patriots since a 34-31 overtime win on Nov. 29, 1987.
NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 12
Covers.com
Buffalo at Jacksonville (-8)
Why Bills Cover: Coming off worst loss in franchise history. Are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings with Jacksonville. Jags will be without leading tackler Mike Peterson who has a broken hand. Underdog is 4-1 ATS in last five meetings. Road team is 5-2 ATS in last seven meetings.
Why Jaguars cover: Fighting for AFC South lead. QB David Garrard is the AFC’s third-ranked passer and has yet to thrown an interception this year. Bills leading rusher Marshawn Lynch unlikely to play because of an ankle injury.
Total (36): Over is 4-1-1 in Jaguars’ last six games.
Houston at Cleveland (-3½)
Why Texans cover: Have covered every game with receiver Andre Johnson in the lineup. Won last two meetings. Browns defense has allowed most first downs in the NFL.
Why Browns cover: Have covered in five straight games and eight of last nine. Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last five versus AFC. Houston has only 15 sacks all season.
Total (51): Over is 5-1-1 in Texans’ last seven road games and 9-0-1 in Browns’ last 10 games overall. Both teams have offenses ranked in the top 10.
Minnesota at N.Y. Giants (-7½)
Why Vikings cover: Have the league’s best rushing attack by far (177.9 yards per game) even without star rookie Adrian Peterson. Giants likely to be without running back Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) and linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (broken leg). Eli Manning has thrown four interceptions and only one TD in two career games versus the Vikings. Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
Why Giants cover: Facing worst pass defense in NFL. Only San Francisco has a worse passing offense than Minnesota. Lead the league with 34 sacks. Vikings are 1-6-1 ATS versus a team with a winning record.
Total (41): Over is 4-1 in Giants’ last five home games.
New Orleans at Carolina (+3)
Why Saints cover: Are 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings in Carolina. Panthers have lost four straight games and are ranked 30th in the league in passing first downs and 29th in rushing touchdowns. Road team is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
Why Panthers cover: Drew Brees has only thrown one touchdown in four career games against Carolina. Underdog is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings. Saints defense allowing 5.86 yards per offensive play, worst in the league. New Orleans has a minus-10 turnover differential, worst in the NFL.
Total (41): Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings and 4-0 in the last four meetings in Carolina.
Oakland at Kansas City (-5½)
Why Raiders cover: Are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight meetings in Kansas City. Without Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes, Chiefs will start rookie Kolby Smith at running back. Road team is 8-1 ATS in their last nine meetings.
Why Chiefs cover: Have won last nine meetings. Have only allowed nine passing TDs this season. Raiders are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings.
Total (34½): Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Seattle at St. Louis (+3)
Why Seahawks cover: Have won last five meetings. Maurice Morris rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games while filling in for the injured Shaun Alexander. Rams have allowed the second-most sacks in the league.
Why Rams cover: Have won two games in a row after losing their first eight. Matt Hasselbeck dealing with rib injury that kept him out of practice most of the week. Seattle is 1-3 ATS on the road this season. Underdog is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
Total (45): Over is 4-0 in Rams’ last four games as a home underdog.
Tennessee at Cincinnati (+1½)
Why Titans cover: Are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Cincinnati. Vince Young is averaging 281 yards passing in his last two games after averaging only 106.9 in his first eight. Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings and has won seven of the last 10 games.
Why Bengals cover: Carson Palmer has thrown for 519 yards and two scores in two career games against Tennessee. Titans’ defense has allowed 166 yards rushing in each of their last two games, both losses. Chris Henry has 180 yards receiving and a score since returning from suspension.
Total (47): Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings. Both teams struggling defensively.
Washington at Tampa Bay (-3)
Why Redskins cover: Are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. Clinton Portis has rushed for 292 yards and two TDs in two career games versus Tampa Bay.
Why Buccaneers cover: Fifth-ranked defense holding opponents to 15.1 points per game. Earnest Graham is averaging 110 all-purpose yards per game since taking over as the starting running back.
Total (38): Over is 5-0 in Redskins’ last five games overall.
San Francisco at Arizona (-10½)
Why 49ers cover: Patrick Willis leads the league with 92 tackles. Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
Why Cardinals cover: Have won four of the last five meetings. San Francisco ranks near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories and are second-last in the NFL with a minus-nine turnover differential. Frank Gore still struggling through an ankle injury. San Fran is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
Total (37½): Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
Baltimore at San Diego (-9½)
Why Ravens cover: Have AFC’s top-ranked rush defense, holding opponents to 78 yards per contest. Won the last three meetings. Held Philip Rivers to 145 yards, one touchdown and an interception in their last meeting.
Why Chargers cover: Willis McGahee only averages 2.5 yards per carry for his career against San Diego. Ravens lead the NFL with 17 fumbles. Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings. Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Total (38½): Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
Denver at Chicago (-1½)
Why Broncos cover: Have won four of last five meetings. Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games. Chicago has the worst rush defense in the NFC while Denver averages 4.7 yards per rushing play, second best in the league.
Why Bears cover: Rex Grossman has played well since regaining the starting quarterback job from Brian Griese. Cedric Benson has touchdowns in his last two games and gets to face a Broncos rushing defense that ranks 30th in the NFL. Broncos could be without running backs Travis Henry and Selvin Young who are both injured.
Total (41): Over is 5-1 in Broncos’ last six road games and 6-0 in their last six games as underdogs.
Philadelphia at New England (-22½)
Why Eagles cover: Are 5-0 ATS in their last five games as road underdogs. Road team has won three of last four meetings. Spread is 6-points larger than any New England has faced this season. Brian Westbrook leads the NFL with 1,367 total yards.
Why Patriots cover: Have won last five meetings. Incredible offense averaging 41.1 points per game and showing no signs of slowing down. Donovan McNabb left last game with an injury which means A.J. Feeley could be Eagles’ starting QB.
Total (50½): Over is 7-0 in Patriots’ last seven home games and 6-1 in Eagles’ last seven games as road underdogs.
Miami at Pittsburgh (-16)
Why Dolphins cover: Are averaging 5.4 yards per rushing play, third best in the NFL. Ricky Williams returns to face a Pittsburgh rush defense that allowed Thomas Jones to gain 117 yards on the ground last week. Held Ben Roethlisberger to 163 yards passing in their last meeting.
Why Steelers cover: Have won last four meetings. Are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. Dolphins’ defense has only 12 sacks this season and has allowed 30 total touchdowns. Willie Parker rushed for 115 yards in his only game against Miami.
Total (41): Over is 6-1-1 in Steelers’ last eight home games versus a team with a losing road record.
Hawks Notebook | Hasselbeck looks ready
KIRKLAND — Thanksgiving was very good to Matt Hasselbeck.
After missing Wednesday's practice and taking Thursday to continue rehabilitating sore ribs, the Seahawks quarterback made an unexpected return to practice Friday. What's more, he took much of the snaps in team drills with the starting offense, making it look as though he will start tomorrow when the Seahawks play at St. Louis.
"I kind of had a 'jump' day [Thursday]," Hasselbeck said. "I was feeling pretty good. It felt even better [Friday]. I just went out and tried to do what I could. It got a little better as I went along. The weather was good, the footing was decent, so we gave it a try and it was pretty good."
Hasselbeck is officially questionable for Sunday, but after today to rest he should be better prepared for action than he was earlier in the week, when coach Mike Holmgren thought Hasselbeck would miss all of practices and maybe do some throwing on the side.
"He feels better about it," Holmgren said. "We had some new plays, some new stuff and he wanted to do that so it kind of clicks in his mind."
Hasselbeck will wear a flak jacket to protect his ribs but always does that for games, anyway.
"I was Tylenol-free today," he said after Friday's practice.
Morris to start again
No practice for Shaun Alexander this week; no game action in St. Louis for him, either. So Maurice Morris will make his third consecutive start at running back.
Alexander missed Friday's workout and is officially out for tomorrow's game with a knee injury, his third in a row. He might not make the trip east with the team.
Morris has a history of minor injuries: a hip problem earlier this year, a concussion in 2004 and a hamstring injury in 2002.
Holmgren was asked this week whether there are concerns about Morris' durability.
"Yeah, but I could probably say that about everybody," Holmgren said, then was reminded that Morris had 18 carries last week, which is about how many Holmgren would like him to get in a game.
"And then Leonard [Weaver], of course, eases a little bit of the pressure on Mo because he can run a little bit," he said. "That coincides with how we're approaching things just a little bit differently now."
Friday at practice
Wide receiver D.J. Hackett (knee pain), left tackle Walter Jones (shoulder), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin) and safety Mike Green (knee) all practiced Friday. It was the first practice this week for Hackett, Jones and Bernard. All are expected to play Sunday, Holmgren said.
Silencer of the Lambs
No doubt the Rams will be well aware of Seahawks return man Nate Burleson, who has punt and kickoff return touchdowns against the Rams in the past two meetings.
Burleson needs six punt returns to pass current Seahawks pro personnel director Will Lewis (41, 1980) for most punt returns in a season in team history, and 11 yards to pass Bobby Joe Edmonds (419, 1986) for most punt yards in team history.
But Holmgren will likely continue to send in Bobby Engram for punts around the Seahawks' 10-yard line, allowing Burleson to observe and see how Holmgren wants returns handled.
"Here's the deal. Nate, bless his heart, he wants to return every kick, which is a good attitude to have," Holmgren said. "But I don't want him to return it. If it falls inside the 10, I'd just as soon let it bounce. ... I just want to stay by the rules."
Holmgren said Burleson will probably be catching all punts before the season is over.
www.seattletimes.com
Wright to miss Texans game
Browns cornerback to be sidelined Sunday by sprained right knee
BEREA: Browns starting cornerback Eric Wright was ruled out of Sunday's home game against the Houston Texans with a sprained right knee.
The rookie wasn't on crutches Friday and sounded optimistic that he would play again this season. WKYC-TV continued to report that Wright will miss four to six weeks.
''That's funny. I know I never said anything like that, I don't think anybody said anything,'' Wright said.
Asked whether the sprain involved his medial collateral ligament, Wright said: ''It's a little banged up. Nothing big or anything.''
Daven Holly will take over for Wright, with rookie Brandon McDonald playing in the nickel.
Wright said he feared the worst when he went down on the first defensive play Sunday at Baltimore. He had to be helped off the field and was carted to the locker room.
''The pile came at me and I was in the wrong position. I sort of got tangled and twisted,'' he said. ''When you watch the play, it was pretty bad and I felt pretty bad.
''Once I got up, I realized it wasn't as bad as I initially thought. I felt good about it. They locked me in the locker room. I was trying to go out and play in the second half.''
Wright's play had improved, which makes him more eager to return.
''I was just getting more comfortable, getting my legs back and getting refreshed,'' he said. ''As soon as I get back on the field, it's going to be some
thing great. I feel my swagger's coming back and I'm excited. When I'm ready, I'll be back out there and hopefully I can pick up where I left off.''
Even though Wright will be out, cornerback Leigh Bodden said he'll remain in the slot in nickel situations as he has all season. Bodden has struggled at times, but he said that's because more teams throw to the slot on third down and there's a lot of ground for him to cover.
Asked whether he was playing as well as he did two years ago, Bodden said: ''I think so. That year, I just played outside. A lot of action happens inside. Now I'm getting more balls than I did in '05.''
Bodden said he takes it as a compliment that coach Romeo Crennel and defensive backs coach Mel Tucker want him in that spot.
''That's what my coach says, 'There's going to be plays to be made in the slot,' and I want to be put there because I want to make plays,'' he said.
On Monday, Crennel said Bodden had been ''working through some issues.'' Bodden had been on the injury report with back problems this season but not this week.
''I didn't know he said that,'' Bodden said. ''I've been working through some things, but everybody has injuries. I feel good right now. That's all that matters.''
Ngata, Lewis fined
Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and Browns running back Jamal Lewis were fined $5,000 for incidents at Baltimore.
Ngata was cited for unnecessary roughness. He punched left tackle Joe Thomas in the head after a third-down incompletion in the first quarter. The league said Ngata ''unnecessarily struck the opponent in the head area.'' Ngata was penalized for a personal foul.
Lewis was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spiked the ball on the Ravens' sideline following a 25-yard pass reception in the first quarter. He was penalized for taunting.
Browns strong safety Sean Jones was not fined after being flagged for roughing quarterback Kyle Boller when his arms hit Boller in the head.
Injury update
Browns nose tackle Ethan Kelley (knee) did not practice and is doubtful for Sunday. Right tackle Kevin Shaffer (knee), defensive lineman Shaun Smith (knee) and receiver Tim Carter (finger) were limited and are questionable. For the Texans, running back Ahman Green (knee) is out.
Smith said: ''I feel fine. I should be all right.''
Shaffer said he was more optimistic about playing after he tested his knee in practice Thursday. ''It didn't hurt quite as bad as I thought it might,'' he said. He hoped to do more Friday.
www.ohio.com
Titans' Haynesworth is expected to play; Defensive force limited in practice
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable for the game Sunday against the Bengals.
He is expected to play. He missed the previous two games, both Tennessee losses.
Haynesworth could play upward of 15 snaps, primarily against the run.
In the first eight games, the Titans limited opposing offenses to an average of 66-plus yards a game on the ground. With Haynesworth out, Jacksonville and Denver, two strong rushing teams, each had 166 yards against Tennessee.
In addition for the Titans, guard Benji Olson is out with a back injury. Besides Haynesworth, fullback Ahmard Hall (forearm) and defensive end Travis LaBoy (concussion) are questionable. Tackle David Stewart (ankle) is probable.
If Haynesworth is limited, Randy Starks is his backup at right defensive tackle.
Haynesworth sure caught the eye of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer during preparations for the Titans defense.
"He's been unblockable," Palmer said. "Really, if you sit down and watch him, he might not make every single play, but he's not blocked. He's double-teamed. They've got running backs chipping on him.
"A lot of times when you see a big 340-, 350-pound guy like that, they get off balance and you can kind of push him out of the way. But the guy gets engaged by the center and then the running back chips him and he'll stay on balance, spin off the center and somehow make the plays.
"He's having one of the most impressive years I've seen a guy have since I've been in this league."
BENGALS: Right tackle Willie Anderson (knee) was declared out Friday.
Eight players are probable and all practiced fully Friday: cornerback Leon Hall, shoulder; wide receiver Glenn Holt, concussion; wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, back; linebacker Rashad Jeanty, knee; safety Herana-Daze Jones, knee (limited practice); linebacker Landon Johnson, back; cornerback Deltha O'Neal, knee; and safety Marvin White, hip.
www.ENQUIRER.COM
SAINTS NOTES
Bush 'questionable' for Panthers game
Tailback Reggie Bush sat out Friday's Saints workout with a shin bruise and is listed as "questionable" on the first official injury report filed by the team with the NFL office.
Bush was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
But he did not take part in any phase of Friday's work, Coach Sean Payton said, and his availability for Sunday against the Carolina Panthers will be a game-time decision.
"He took a fair amount of the reps prior to today," Payton said of Bush, "so we'll just have to see where he's at with the shin. He's got this bruised (left) shin that we're treating, and we'll see where he's at."
Should Bush not be able to play, Payton said, the workload would be divided between Aaron Stecker and rookie Pierre Thomas.
"I'm hopeful with the work Reggie has gotten, we'll have him," Payton said.
Thomas said Friday he's prepared for an increased role if necessary.
"Whenever my time comes, I'll be ready," Thomas said. "Like every other day, I'm going through practice, going through the same routine, trying to get better every day. If my name is called on offense, I'm ready to do my part.
"When I get my opportunity I'm going to take advantage of it."
Defensive tackle Antwan Lake, who is filling in for Brian Young (knee) who's out again Sunday, was limited with a sore elbow. He's listed as probable.
WELCOMED RELIEF: Now that defensive end Charles Grant is expected back in the lineup, his mate on the other side of the line, Will Smith, might see less blocking attention in the form of double-teams.
"I think at the left spot or the right end, there's always a natural chip or help out," Payton said. "I think that, I don't know if it is out of the ordinary, but Charles has missed some time and whenever that's the case offensively you can help out the (offensive) tackle a little more than before. Certainly we missed Charles and Brian Young.
"Those are guys that are starters for us, no different than we miss Deuce McAllister. The key is picking up and replacing those guys, and the guys that fill in have to step up. This week this is a team that is physical on offense, and we have struggled against them.
"In the year and a half that I have been here, we have not beaten them. We have lost three times against them, so we have to do something better, and it starts this weekend."
STIFF UPPER LIP: Quarterback Drew Brees said he appreciates the passion with which tight end Eric Johnson plays. Johnson said after having two balls go through his hands that turned into interceptions last week against Houston, he let the team, and the city, down.
"You love that about a guy, that's he's going to stand up and say it," Brees said. "I think he's one of these guys who's extra hard on himself, and you love that because you know how much pride is there, and there's nobody that works (nobody works harder). You guys sit there after practice, and you see how hard Eric Johnson works with the JUGS machine, 100 balls after practice.
"There's nobody who works more at catching the ball than Eric, and there's probably nobody who has better hands than Eric Johnson. When something like that happens, you feel for the guy just because you know that is such a rare thing, but the fact that he steps up and takes some accountability, I love the guy for that. I tell the guy there's nobody I trust more than you catching the ball. Don't think I'm not coming to you every time I get the opportunity."
www.nola.com
Disappointment Bowl: Saints battle Panthers
- Two of the league's biggest disappointments take a final swipe at the playoffs Sunday when the Saints visit Carolina. New Orleans has lost to the Rams and Texans in the past two weeks and face a Panthers team crumbling under a four-game losing skid. The Saints have covered five in a row here and the road team has won seven of the past eight meetings.
Oddsmakers currently have the Saints listed as 3-point favorites versus the Panthers, while the game's total is sitting at 42.
The Saints lost to Houston 23-10 as a 1-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (50).
Drew Brees completed 33-of-49 passes for 290 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for New Orleans, while Marques Colston caught nine passes for 118 yards.
The Panthers lost to Green Bay 31-17 as a 10-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (37.5).
Vinny Testaverde completed 19-of-37 passes for 258 yard with two touchdowns and two interceptions for Carolina and Drew Carter caught five passes for 132 yards with a touchdown.
Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 2 straight games.
Carolina has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New Orleans: 4-6 SU, 3-7 ATS
Carolina: 4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing within the division are 5-5
Carolina most recently:
When playing in November are 5-5
When playing on grass are 1-9
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing within the division are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Next up:
New Orleans home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, December 2
Carolina home to San Francisco, Sunday, December 2
Titans stumble, get a schedule safety net in Cincinnati
- Tennessee's march to the playoffs has been tripped up by a pair of losses and now they have a short week to prepare for the Bengals. But is this a lock? The Titan weakness (road passing defense) just happens to clash with Cincy's strength. Still, the Titans have won five straight trips here and will be favored again.
Oddsmakers currently have the Titans listed as 2-point favorites versus the Bengals, while the game's total is sitting at 46½.
The Titans were upended 30-24 by the Broncos last time out, as slight 1-point underdogs. The 54 points sailed OVER the posted total pf 38.5.
Vince Young connected on 26-of-41 passes for 305 yards with a touchdown, and ran for 74 yards and a TD in the loss.
The Bengals lost to Arizona 35-27 as a 3-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (48).
Carson Palmer completed 37-of-52 passes for 329 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions for Cincinnati and T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught eight passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Current streak:
Tennessee has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tennessee: 6-4 SU, 5-5 ATS
Cincinnati: 3-7 SU, 3-6-1 ATS
Tennessee most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on turf are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing outside the division are 7-3
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing in November are 5-5
When playing on turf are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tennessee's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Tennessee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tennessee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Tennessee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing at home against Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Cincinnati's last 19 games when playing at home against Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
Next up:
Tennessee home to Houston, Sunday, December 2
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, Sunday, December 2
Shell-shocked Bills could endure second straight bombardment
- The Playoff Reality Check part of Buffalo's schedule continues this week at Jacksonville, a week after they were flattened with ease by the Patriots. It's hard to imagine that Marshawn Lynch's absence was the sole difference in a 56-10 loss, but if they get him back, they should be able to stay close to a hungry Jags team.
Oddsmakers currently have the Jaguars listed as 9-point favorites versus the Bills, while the game's total is sitting at 37.
The Bills lost to New England 56-10 as a 16-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (46.5).
J.P. Losman completed 15-of-26 passes for 172 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Roscoe Parrish caught one pass for 47 yards and a touchdown.
The Jaguars defeated San Diego 24-17 as a 3-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (40.5).
David Garrard threw for 189 yards with a pair of touchdowns for Jacksonville and Reggie Williams caught two passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Current streak:
Jacksonville has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Buffalo: 5-5 SU, 7-3 ATS
Jacksonville: 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS
Buffalo most recently:
When playing in November are 6-4
When playing on grass are 3-7
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 4-6
Jacksonville most recently:
When playing in November are 7-3
When playing on grass are 7-3
After being outgained are 8-2
When playing outside the division are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Jacksonville
Buffalo is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Jacksonville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Jacksonville's last 6 games
Jacksonville is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Jacksonville is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Jacksonville is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games at home
Next up:
Buffalo at Washington, Sunday, December 2
Jacksonville at Indianapolis, Sunday, December 2
Proud rivalry reduced to irrelevance in 2007
- There was a time when the KC-Oakland games were must-see events for their quality and ferocity. There won't be much of either Sunday when the free-falling Chiefs host the Raiders, losers of six straight. For the record, KC almost always beats the Raiders. For the record, the past five meetings have played UNDER the total.
Oddsmakers currently have the Chiefs listed as 5-point favorites versus the Raiders, while the game's total is sitting at 35.
The Raiders lost to Minnesota 29-22 as a 4.5-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (35.5).
Daunte Culpepper completed 23-of-39 passes for 344 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Oakland, while Ronald Curry caught four passes for 120 yards.
The Chiefs lost to Indianapolis 13-10 as a 15-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (41.5).
Brodie Croyle completed 19-of-27 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown for Kansas City, while Dwayne Bowe caught seven passes for 64 yards and a touchdown.
Current streak:
Oakland has lost 6 straight games.
Kansas City has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Oakland: 2-8 SU, 3-7 ATS
Kansas City: 4-6 SU, 5-4-1 ATS
Oakland most recently:
When playing in November are 1-9
When playing on grass are 2-8
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing within the division are 0-10
Kansas City most recently:
When playing in November are 5-5
When playing on grass are 5-5
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the division are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Oakland's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oakland's last 15 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Oakland
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
Kansas City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Next up:
Oakland home to Denver, Sunday, December 2
Kansas City home to San Diego, Sunday, December 2
Giants come off lucky win to host yo-yo Vikings
- Minnesota's pattern of one-good, one-bad would have them losing big to the Giants this week, but beware the road trend between these teams. The road team has won six of eight meetings and the Giants were plenty lucky to escape Detroit with a win last week and have now produced three straight poor efforts.
Oddsmakers currently have the Giants listed as 8-point favorites versus the Vikings, while the game's total is sitting at 40.
The Vikings defeated Oakland 29-22 as a 4.5-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (35.5).
Chester Taylor rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries for Minnesota, while Tarvaris Jackson completed 17-of-22 passes for 171 yards with an interception.
The Giants defeated Detroit 16-10 as a 2.5-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (48).
Eli Manning threw for 283 yards with a touchdown for New York, while Brandon Jacobs rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries and caught four passes for 49 yards with a touchdown in the win.
Team records:
Minnesota: 4-6 SU, 4-4-2 ATS
New York: 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing in November are 6-4
When playing on turf are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 4-6
New York most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
NY Giants are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Giants last 5 games at home
NY Giants are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Giants last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
Minnesota home to Detroit, Sunday, December 2
NY Giants at Chicago, Sunday, December 2
Redskins, Bucs still in NFC playoff hunt
- In the NFC, .500 puts you firmly in the Wild Card hunt, which makes this battle of mediocrity an interesting one for both bettors and playoff positioning. Washington comes off a loss to the Giants where Jason Campbell threw a bad last-minute pick, while Tampa crushed Atlanta in their first offensive outburst since Week 2.
Oddsmakers currently have the Buccaneers listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Redskins, while the game's total is sitting at 38.
The Redskins lost to Dallas 28-23 as an 11-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (47).
Jason Campbell completed 33-of-54 passes for 348 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Washington, while Santana Moss caught nine passes for 121 yards with a touchdown.
The Buccaneers defeated Atlanta 31-7 as a 3-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (35.5).
Earnest Graham rushed for 102 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown for Tampa Bay, while Jeff Garcia completed 10-of-20 passes for 159 yards with two touchdowns.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Tampa Bay has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 5-5 SU, 3-5-2 ATS
Tampa Bay: 6-4 SU, 6-4 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing outside the division are 6-4
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing in November are 5-5
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games at home
Next up:
Washington home to Buffalo, Sunday, December 2
Tampa Bay at New Orleans, Sunday, December 2
Spoiler Rams host Seahawks in NFC West tilt
- Make it three in a row? St. Louis is getting healthy and getting wins, which is bad news for the rest of the teams on their 2007 schedule. Seattle gets to find out all about it this week as they bring a two-game winning streak to the Gateway City. Of note, Seattle has won the past five meetings straight up.
Oddsmakers currently have the Seahawks listed as 3-point favorites versus the Rams, while the game's total is sitting at 45.
The Seahawks defeated Chicago 30-23 as a 5.5-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (38).
Matt Hasselbeck threw for 337 yards with two touchdown passes for Seattle, while Maurice Morris rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
The Rams defeated San Francisco 13-9 as a 3-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (39.5).
Marc Bulger passed for 155 yards with a touchdown for St. Louis, while Steven Jackson rushed for 92 yards on 23 carries.
Current streak:
Seattle has won 2 straight games.
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Seattle: 6-4 SU, 5-4-1 ATS
St. Louis: 2-8 SU, 3-7 ATS
Seattle most recently:
When playing in November are 8-2
When playing on turf are 7-3
After outgaining opponent are 5-5
When playing within the division are 6-4
St. Louis most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on turf are 3-7
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing within the division are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Seattle's last 23 games on the road
Seattle is 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 10 games
St. Louis is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
St. Louis is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Seattle at Philadelphia, Sunday, December 2
St. Louis home to Atlanta, Sunday, December 2
OVERwhelming Browns host Texans
- Do you believe? Cleveland is 6-4 and riding a five-game ATS winning streak, including last week's wild finish against Baltimore. They host Houston in Week 12, knowing that the OVER has prevailed in all 10 Cleveland games so far. Can Houston's improving defense keep the game under 51?
Oddsmakers currently have the Browns listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Texans, while the game's total is sitting at 51½.
The Texans defeated New Orleans 23-10 as a 1-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (50).
Matt Schaub threw for 293 yards with two touchdowns for Houston and Andre Johnson caught six passes for 120 yards with a touchdown in the win.
The Browns edged Baltimore 33-30 in overtime as a 2-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (43.5).
Derek Anderson completed 24-of-28 passes for 274 yards with an interception and a touchdown run for Cleveland, while Jamal Lewis rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS
Cleveland: 6-4 SU, 8-2 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 7-3
Cleveland most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After outgaining opponent are 2-8
When playing outside the division are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Houston at Tennessee, Sunday, December 2
Cleveland at Arizona, Sunday, December 2
Cardinals try to surge into playoff race at expense of 49ers
- Arizona is .500 and riding a two-game winning streak and face an awful team riding an eight-game skid. Is this a trap game for a team like Arizona still learning what it takes to win? San Francisco is a mess with just nine total points in their past two games, bad news against a high-power Arizona offense.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 11-point favorites versus the 49ers, while the game's total is sitting at 37½.
The 49ers lost to St. Louis 13-9 as a 3-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (39.5).
Trent Dilfer completed 20-of-42 passes for 231 yards with two interceptions for San Francisco, while Frank Gore was held to 32 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The Cardinals defeated Cincinnati 35-27 as a 3-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (48).
Kurt Warner threw for 211 yards with two touchdowns for Arizona, while Larry Fitzgerald caught eight passes for 93 yards with a touchdown in the win.
Current streak:
San Francisco has lost 8 straight games.
Arizona has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Francisco: 2-8 SU, 2-7-1 ATS
Arizona: 5-5 SU, 6-3-1 ATS
San Francisco most recently:
When playing in November are 3-7
When playing on grass are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 2-8
When playing within the division are 5-5
Arizona most recently:
When playing in November are 4-6
When playing on grass are 4-6
After being outgained are 5-5
When playing within the division are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games
San Francisco is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing Arizona
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Arizona's last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games when playing San Francisco
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
San Francisco at Carolina, Sunday, December 2
Arizona home to Cleveland, Sunday, December 2
Broncos come off big MNF win, head to Chicago
- The Broncos made themselves relevant again with a solid Monday Night win over the Titans, but now must follow it up with a win at Chicago. The Bears should be out of the playoff picture, but because of the weak NFC, they can remain in the hunt with a win here. The Bears have failed to cover at home all season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bears listed as 1-point favorites versus the Broncos, while the game's total is sitting at 41.
Jay Cutler threw two touchdown passes to lead the Broncos to a 30-24 win over the Titans last time out. The Broncos had no trouble covering the slight 1-point spread, and the 54 points sailed OVER the posted total pf 38.5.
Cutler completed 16-of-21 pass attempts for 200 yards for the Broncos, and Andre Hall rushed for a 62 yard TD in the win.
The Bears lost to Seattle 30-23 as a 5.5-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (38).
Rex Grossman completed 24-of-37 passes for 266 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, while Cedric Benson rushed for 89 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown.
Current streak:
Denver has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Denver: 5-5 SU, 3-7 ATS
Chicago: 4-6 SU, 3-7 ATS
Denver most recently:
When playing in November are 7-3
When playing on grass are 6-4
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing outside the division are 5-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing in November are 7-3
When playing on grass are 5-5
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Chicago's last 16 games at home
Chicago is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Chicago is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Next up:
Denver at Oakland, Sunday, December 2
Chicago home to NY Giants, Sunday, December 2
Plunging Ravens visit short-circuiting Chargers
- Balitmore lost in spectacular fashion last week, running their ATS mark in 2007 to 1-10. San Diego was blasted by Jacksonville, the latest bit of proof that they are pretenders. Of note, the Ravens have the league's best road run-defense stat with 2.75 yards per carry and rank fourth overall in both road passing and rushing yards.
Oddsmakers currently have the Chargers listed as 9-point favorites versus the Ravens, while the game's total is sitting at 38½.
The Ravens lost to Cleveland 33-30 in overtime as a 2-point favorite in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (43.5).
Kyle Boller completed 22-of-41 passes for 279 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Baltimore, while Willis McGahee rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
The Chargers lost to Jacksonville 24-17 as a 3-point underdog in Week 11. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (40.5).
Philip Rivers completed 22-of-40 passes for 309 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for San Diego, while LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 62 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown.
Current streak:
Baltimore has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Baltimore: 4-6 SU, 1-9 ATS
San Diego: 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS
Baltimore most recently:
When playing in November are 5-5
When playing on grass are 6-4
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing outside the division are 8-2
San Diego most recently:
When playing in November are 8-2
When playing on grass are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 9-1
When playing outside the division are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
San Diego is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games at home
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Baltimore home to New England, Monday, December 3
San Diego at Kansas City, Sunday, December 2
Taylor to start for Vikings after Peterson ruled out
ESPN.com
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson was ruled out of Sunday's game against the New York Giants, leaving Chester Taylor to start in his place.
Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee two weeks ago against Green Bay, but coach Brad Childress said he thought the NFL's leading rusher was progressing ahead of schedule this week in practice.
Taylor has proven to be more than capable in Peterson's stead, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns in last week's victory over the Raiders, and will again get the bulk of the carries Sunday.
Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) also was listed as inactive Sunday.
Testaverde inactive; Carr to start against NO
Vinny Testaverde is inactive Sunday against the Saints.
Carr admitted this week that he's not 100%. Things could get ugly in Carolina today. CB Chris Gamble, RB Alex Haynes, LB James Anderson, OLs Evan Mathis and Frank Omiyale, DT Gary Gibson, and DE Charles Johnson are the Panthers' other inactives. Richard Marshall starts at left corner for
Heap considered doubtful against Chargers
Todd Heap (hamstring) is considered doubtful for Week 12.
It appears Daniel Wilcox, who returns this week from ankle and foot injuries, and Quinn Sypniewski will share tight end duties against San Diego.
Testaverde misses Panthers' game with sore back
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde was inactive for Sunday's game against New Orleans, a day after he awoke with a stiff back.
The 44-year-old Testaverde seemed to recover from a right Achilles tendon injury that forced him to miss one game and leave at halftime of another. Testaverde had practiced for three days last week, and coach John Fox made him the starter on Wednesday.
But Testaverde complained of a sore back when he reported to the stadium Saturday. The Panthers planned to have Testaverde test the back in pregame warmups, but he was not seen on the field before the inactives were announced.
Without Testaverde, the Panthers were left with struggling David Carr and undrafted rookie Matt Moore.
Carr was expected to be the clear No. 2 quarterback behind Jake Delhomme when he signed a two-year, $6 million free-agent deal in the offseason. But Carr has struggled and has sustained two concussions and a back injury since he replaced Delhomme, who was lost in Week 3 to a season-ending elbow injury.
The Panthers were also without cornerback Chris Gamble, who broke his right thumb in last Sunday's loss to Green Bay.
Linebacker Thomas Davis, who was questionable with a foot injury, was on the active roster.
Saints running back Reggie Bush, who was questionable with a bruised left shin, was on the active roster. New Orleans also had defensive end Charles Grant and left tackle Jammal Brown back after they missed last Sunday's loss to Houston with injuries.