Carolina (5-7 SU and ATS) at Jacksonville (8-4 SU and ATS)
The Panthers, who snapped an 0-5 SU and ATS skid last week, try to make it two in a row when they travel to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium to face a solid Jaguars squad looking to bounce back from a tough loss.
Carolina got a little more mileage out of 44-year-old QB Vinny Testaverde, beating hapless San Francisco 31-14 as a three-point home favorite. Testaverde threw two INTs, but that was two less than 49ers QB Trent Dilfer tossed, and Testaverde finished an efficient 17 of 26 for 169 yards and two TDs. The Panthers’ defense also allowed just 195 total yards and had six sacks against the league’s worst offense.
Jacksonville gave Indianapolis all it could handle before succumbing 28-25 as a 6½-point road pup. The Jags dominated the running game (168-63) and the clock (35:45-24:15), but QB David Garrard’s first INT of the season was costly, killing a fourth-quarter drive that had gotten Jacksonville to the Colts’ 17-yard line.
The Panthers are 10-6 ATS as double-digit ‘dogs and 4-2 ATS on the highway this season. They also are on positive ATS runs of 20-6-2 as a road pup, 6-2 on the road and 10-1 following games in which it has scored more than 30 points.
The Jaguars are on a 4-0 ATS run as a favorite. However, they are 0-6 ATS laying double digits and 1-5 ATS in their last six against teams with a losing record.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CAROLINA
Dallas (11-1, 9-3 ATS) at Detroit (6-6 SU and ATS)
Now in full command of the NFC, the Cowboys take a six-game winning streak to Ford Field to meet the Lions, a once-hot team now fighting for its playoff life.
Dallas proved itself the class of the conference by beating Green Bay 37-27 as a seven-point home chalk in a battle of 10-1 teams back on Nov. 29. The Cowboys, who are 5-1 ATS during their current win streak, got another big day from QB Tony Romo (19 of 30, 309 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT), and WR Terrell Owens had seven catches for 156 yards and a TD. Dallas also picked off Brett Favre twice before he left with an arm injury late in the first half.
Detroit, which jumped out to stunning 6-2 SU and ATS start, dropped its fourth straight decision SU and ATS last week in a 42-10 rout at Minnesota as a four-point road ‘dog. The Lions had only one turnover (a fumble from QB Jon Kitna), but they got outgained 443-253 and the ball for just 23 minutes.
Dallas is on season-long ATS surges of 4-1 on the road, 6-2 in non-division play, 8-2 as chalk. Also, going back to last year, the Cowboys are on ATS runs of 5-2 as a road favorite, 8-1 against the NFC and 7-1-1 on the highway.
The Lions are 3-6 ATS this year as an underdog, including 1-4 ATS as a non-division pup. On a positive note, they are 4-0 ATS as a double-digit ‘dog of more than 10 points, and they did beat Dallas 39-31 in the 2006 regular-season finale as a 13-point road underdog.
The straight-up winner is 10-2 ATS for Dallas this season and 25-3-1 ATS in its last 29 starts (including one playoff game). The straight-up winner is also 12-0 ATS for Detroit this season.
The over is 21-7-3 in Dallas’ last 31 road games (5-0 this season) and 8-3 in Detroit’s last 11 as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS and OVER
Miami (0-12, 3-6-3 ATS) at Buffalo (6-6, 7-5 ATS)
The Dolphins continue their so-far fruitless pursuit for a victory when they travel north to face the Bills in an AFC East clash at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Despite an 0-11 record, Miami went off as a 1½-point home favorite against the Jets last week and ended up getting pummeled 40-13. QB John Beck looked very much like the rookie he is, completing 23 of 39 for 177 yards with no TDs, three INTs (one for a score) and three fumbles (two lost).
Buffalo halted an 0-2 SU and ATS slide by squeaking past Washington 17-16 as a six-point road ‘dog. QB Trent Edwards had a decent game (22 of 36, 257 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) but had to rely on Rian Lindell for scoring. The place-kicker booted five field goals, including a game-winning 36-yarder in the final seconds after back-to-back Redskins timeouts led to a 15-yard penalty.
The Dolphins are 2-11-1 ATS as a division road pup and 0-3-1 ATS in AFC East play this season. They are also a woeful 6-24-2 ATS in their last 32 division contests and 5-13-2 ATS in their last 20 against AFC opponents.
The Bills are on a 7-2 ATS run and are 5-1 ATS at home this season. They are also on ATS runs of 15-5 overall, 6-2 as a home chalk in divisional games, and 22-8-1 against teams with a losing record.
Buffalo rallied to beat the Dolphins 13-10 as a three-point road favorite a month ago, improving to 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS the last 10 meetings, including three consecutive wins and covers overall and three consecutive wins and covers at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BUFFALO
N.Y. Giants (8-4, 7-5 ATS) at Philadelphia (5-7 SU and ATS)
The Giants hope to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since October when they head to Lincoln Financial Field to meet the NFC East rival Eagles.
New York was on the brink of a second straight loss last week before rallying from a 16-7 fourth-quarter deficit to beat Chicago 21-16 as a one-point road favorite. QB Eli Manning led scoring drives of 75 and 77 yards in the fourth quarter to overshadow a second straight poor performance (16 of 27, 195 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 1 lost fumble). RB Derrick Ward had 24 carries for 154 yards and a TD before suffering a broken leg, and the Giants overcame a 4-0 turnover deficit.
Philadelphia was dealt a 28-24 home loss by Seattle as a three-point home chalk, halting a 3-0 ATS surge. QB A.J. Feeley lacked the ability he demonstrated a week earlier against New England, throwing four INTs while going 19 of 42 for 220 yards and a TD. Feeley’s final INT came with 23 seconds left and Philly sitting at the Seattle 4-yard line.
The Giants are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 NFC East games (2-2 ATS this year). New York is also on ATS streaks of 6-2 against the NFC and 7-1 on the road (4-1 this year).
The straight-up winner is 11-1 ATS in Giants games this season.
The Eagles are on negative ATS runs of 3-6 hosting division opponents, 2-6 at home overall and 0-8-1 ATS as a favorite of three points or fewer.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS
Oakland (4-8, 6-6 ATS) at Green Bay (10-2, 9-2-1 ATS)
The Raiders go for an unprecedented third straight win when they invade Lambeau Field to face the Packers, who are looking to make it a clean SU and ATS sweep against AFC West teams this season.
Oakland rolled past Denver 34-20 last week as a three-point home underdog for its second straight win and cover. RB Justin Fargas was the dominant force, with 33 carries for 146 yards and a TD, and QB Justin McCown was an efficient 14 of 21 for 141 yards and three TDs. The Raiders also won the turnover battle, 4-1.
Green Bay tumbled at Dallas 37-27 as a seven-point road pup on Nov. 29, ending a six-game winning streak (5-0-1 ATS). QB Brett Favre threw two INTs before leaving early with an arm injury, but Aaron Rodgers (18 of 26, 201 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) came off the bench and kept the Packers in the game. RB Ryan Grant had 14 carries for 94 yards, most of those from a 62-yard TD jaunt.
The Raiders are 2-7 ATS in their last nine non-divisional roadies; however, this year, they are 4-2 ATS on the road and 6-2 ATS as an underdog.
The Packers are 3-11-1 ATS in their last 15 when laying double digits. But they have positive ATS marks of 10-2-1 overall, 6-1-1 in non-division games this season and 4-1-1 at home.
The straight-up winner is 11-0-1 in Green Bay’s games this season and 25-1-2 for the Pack dating to the 2006 season opener.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY
Pittsburgh (9-3, 7-5 ATS) at New England (12-0, 9-3 ATS)
The Steelers hope they can be the squad to put a chink in the infallible Patriots’ armor when two of the AFC’s best square off at Gillette Stadium in the most anticipated game of the week.
Pittsburgh breezed past Cincinnati 24-10 last week as a seven-point home chalk, ending an 0-3 ATS skid. QB Ben Roethlisberger was average (21 of 32, 182 yards, two TDS, two INTs), but the Steelers’ top-ranked defense yielded just three points after the first quarter, helping offset four turnovers by the offense
New England got its second straight tough test last week, rallying to beat penalty-ravaged Baltimore 27-24. QB Tom Brady (18 of 38, 257 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) looked mortal but still came up with the game-winning TD pass to Jabar Gaffney with 44 seconds left, and the Patriots took advantage of 13 Ravens penalties for 100 yards. However, the Pats never threatened to cover as a huge 19-point favorite, dropping 1-3 ATS in the last four after starting out the season with eight straight spread-covers.
The Steelers, who will take the field as an underdog for the first time this season, are 4-8-1 ATS against non-division opponents with winning records. But they are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 as an underdog and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 as a road pup.
Despite the Patriots’ current ATS slide, they are still on positive pointspread streaks of 13-4 following a SU victory, 6-1 at home, 4-1 as a double-digit home favorite and 15-5-2 hosting teams with winning marks.
The under is 7-1 in Pittsburgh’s last eight games as an underdog; however, the over is 8-0 in the Patriots’ last eight at Gillette Stadium and 10-2 for the season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ENGLAND and OVER
San Diego (7-5 SU and ATS) at Tennessee (7-5, 6-5-1 ATS)
The Chargers, seeking their first three-game SU and ATS winning streak of the season, head to LP Field to face a Titans squad aiming to stay in the wild-card chase.
San Diego dropped AFC West rival Kansas City 24-10 last week, cashing as a six-point road favorite. Coach Norv Turner apparently learned that handing the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson is the smart thing to do, as the All-Pro tailback racked up 177 yards and two TDs on 23 carries. That kept the pressure off of QB Philip Rivers, who threw 21 passes, completing 10 for 157 yards and a TD, with one INT. The Chargers also won the turnover battle, 4-1.
Tennessee rebounded from its 0-3 SU and ATS skid by beating Houston 28-20 as a 3½-point home chalk. Vince Young had a steady game, going 21 of 31 for 248 yards with two TDs and one INT, and the Titans rushed for 153 yards (44 from Young).
The Chargers are 0-6 ATS outside the AFC West and 2-6 ATS in their last eight on the highway. But they are on a 6-2 SU and ATS roll and they’ve cashed in six of their last seven against the AFC.
The Titans are on negative ATS runs of 2-6 against non-division foes, 1-4 following a SU win and 1-4 against AFC opponents. On the positive side, they are 9-4 ATS following a spread-cover and 7-3 ATS against teams with a winning record.
The over is 9-2-1 in San Diego’s last 12 road starts, 14-6 in Tennessee’s last 20 at home and 11-5 in the Titans’ last 16 against the AFC.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
St. Louis (3-9 SU and ATS) at Cincinnati (4-8, 5-7 ATS)
Two teams playing out the string square off in a non-conference matchup when the injury-ravaged Rams face the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium.
St. Louis topped Atlanta 28-16 last week as a three-point home favorite, moving to 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games after a miserable 0-8 start (1-7 ATS). QB Gus Frerotte, subbing for an injured Marc Bulger, had two INTs but was otherwise solid, going 23 of 35 for 311 yards and three TDs. RB Steven Jackson (20 carries, 96 yards) had his third straight game of 90-plus rushing yards, including a 50-yard TD run to seal the win.
Cincinnati’s offense was stifled in a 24-10 loss at Pittsburgh as a seven-point pup. QB Carson Palmer chucked 44 passes but completed just 17 for 183 yards with no TDs and no INTs, and the Bengals scored just three points over the final three quarters after taking a 7-0 lead. Cincinnati failed to take advantage of a 4-1 turnover margin.
The Rams are mired in ATS slumps of 5-10 on the road against the AFC, 2-4 on the highway this season and 2-5 outside the NFC West this season.
The Bengals are stuck in ATS funks of 7-9-1 as a home favorite and 2-4 in non-division games this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Tampa Bay (8-4, 7-4-1 ATS) at Houston (5-7 SU and ATS)
The Buccaneers, who are in full control of the NFC South, head to Reliant Stadium to take on the freefalling Texans.
Tampa Bay dropped New Orleans 27-23 as a three-point road ‘dog, earning its fourth straight win and cover. The Bucs’ game-winning drive was set up by a Saints fumble on an ill-timed reverse, giving Tampa Bay the ball at the Saints’ 37-yard line. QB Luke McCown (29 of 37, 313 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT), who was outstanding subbing for an injured Jeff Garcia, threw a TD pass to Jerramy Stevens with 17 seconds left.
Houston lost at Tennessee 28-20 as a 3½-point road pup last Sunday, the Texans’ second consecutive SU and ATS loss. QB Matt Schaub (shoulder) exited late in the first quarter, paving the way for Sage Rosenfels, who finished 17 of 30 for 185 yards with one TD, plus and an INT late in the fourth quarter ended any chance at victory.
Despite their current hot streak, the Buccaneers are just 1-8 SU and ATS in their last nine on the road against the AFC and 1-7 ATS in their last eight as a road chalk of three points or less.
The Texans are on a 5-10-1 ATS plunge against NFC teams and are 2-7 ATS in their last nine overall. But Houston is 4-0 ATS in its last four as a home pup.
Teams coming off contests against the physical Titans, as is the case with Houston, are 4-19-1 ATS the following week, including 1-9 ATS this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TAMPA BAY
Arizona (6-6, 7-4-1 ATS) at Seattle (8-4, 7-5 ATS)
The Cardinals, still alive not only in the wild-card chase but within their division, travel to Qwest Field for a key NFC West matchup against the surging Seahawks.
Arizona held off Cleveland 27-21 as a one-point home favorite last week to move to 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games. QB Kurt Warner didn’t light it up but was effective, going 18 of 30 for 169 yards with two TDs and one INT, and RB Edgerrin James had 24 carries for 114 yards. The Cards also forced four turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
A week after rallying for a victory in St. Louis, Seattle went cross-country to beat Philadelphia 28-24 as a three-point road underdog, the team’s fourth consecutive SU and ATS win. LB Lofa Tatupu had three of Seattle’s four INTs, including one deep in the red zone in the last minute.
The Cardinals are 7-2 ATS in their last nine on the highway and a solid 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 as an underdog. However, Arizona is just 1-3 ATS in its last four trips to Seattle (0-4 SU). The home team is 6-2 ATS the last eight in this series, including the Cardinals’ 23-20 victory in Week 2 as a three-point pup.
The Seahawks, 6-2 ATS hosting division opponents, are on positive ATS runs of 10-4-1 as a home favorite of 3 ½ to 10 points, 5-0 against the NFC, 4-0 as chalk and 4-0 against the NFC West.
The over is 6-1 the last seven in this series.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SEATTLE and OVER
Minnesota (6-6, 6-4-2 ATS) at San Francisco (3-9 SU and ATS)
The Vikings, who have pushed their way into the NFC wild-card race courtesy of three straight wins, head to the West Coast to face the downtrodden 49ers at Monster Park.
Minnesota hammered Detroit 42-10 as a four-point home chalk, winning and covering for the third straight week and the fourth time in the last five games. Human highlight reel Adrian Peterson returned from a two-week absence because of injury and had 15 carries for 104 yards (6.9 per carry) and two TDs, QB Tarvaris Jackson – a huge liability most of the season – went 18 of 24 for 204 yards with two TDs and one INT, and the stout Vikings defense allowed just 253 total yards.
San Francisco lost at Carolina 31-14 as a three-point road pup, falling to 1-6 SU and ATS in its last seven starts. QB Trent Dilfer (14 of 29, 171 yards, 2 TDs) was awful, throwing four INTs and taking six sacks, and the 49ers looked every bit the league’s worst offense, totaling just 195 yards.
Although they’ve been hot recently, the Vikings are on negative road ATS runs of 2-10-1 as a favorite on grass and 2-10-1 against losing teams outside the NFC North. However, they are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 as a chalk.
The 49ers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven at home (1-3-1 ATS this season). They are also 1-7 ATS in their last eight against the NFC and 1-6 ATS in their last seven as an underdog.
The straight-up winner is 10-0-2 ATS for Minnesota this season and 10-2 ATS for San Francisco.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA
Cleveland (7-5, 9-3 ATS) at N.Y. Jets (3-9, 3-8-1 ATS)
The Browns look to get back on track when they hit the road for the second straight week, this time visiting to the Meadowlands to battle the Jets.
Cleveland, which had been on a 6-0 ATS spree (5-1 SU), fell short to Arizona 27-21 as a one-point road ‘dog. QB Derek Anderson (21 of 41, 304 yards, 2 TDs) was too turnover-prone, throwing two INTs and losing a fumble, with one of the picks returned 71 yards for a TD.
New York enjoyed a rare game against an inferior opponent, ripping winless Miami 40-13 as a 1½-point road underdog. QB Kellen Clemens had one TD pass, one INT and one lost fumble, and he was sacked six times, but the Jets ran for 163 yards, forced five turnovers and held Miami scoreless in the second half.
The Browns are 19-8 ATS against non-division opponents with a losing record and 10-3 ATS in their last 13 outside the division. They are also on positive ATS runs of 5-0 as a favorite (all this season), 4-0 as a road favorite, 4-0 after a SU loss and 4-0 against the AFC.
The straight-up winner is 10-2 ATS in Cleveland’s games this season.
The Jets are in ATS ruts of 4-8 at home after a SU victory and 3-9 after facing Miami. They are also 0-4 ATS following any SU win and 4-9 against teams with a winning record.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
Kansas City (4-8, 5-6-1 ATS) at Denver (5-7, 3-9 ATS)
The Chiefs will seek some payback for an earlier home loss to the Broncos when they meet their AFC West rivals at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Kansas City carries a five-game losing skid (1-4 ATS) in this contest following last week’s 24-10 loss to San Diego as a six-point home pup. QB Damon Huard, subbing for the injured Brodie Croyle, threw two INTs, lost a fumble and was sacked seven times.
Denver was dealt its second consecutive SU and ATS loss, tumbling to Oakland 34-20 as a three-point road chalk. QB Jay Cutler (16 of 32, 214 yards) had no TDs and two INTs among the Broncos’ four turnovers, and Denver let RB Justin Fargas rack up 146 rushing yards and a TD.
Despite their poor record, the Chiefs are 5-1 ATS in their last six division road games and 4-1 ATS on the highway this season. On the downside, they are 1-5 ATS in their last six trips to Mile High.
The Broncos are a paltry 3-11 ATS in their last 14 home starts and 0-6 ATS as a division favorite. They are also on ATS slides of 8-20 overall dating to the 2006 season opener and 1-9 in division play. However, Denver did beat Kansas City 27-11 as a three-point road pup a month ago.
Despite the Broncos’ win over the Chiefs earlier this season, the home team is still 9-1 the last 10 meetings in this series (7-3 ATS).
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS CITY
gametimepicks.com
Injury & lineup updates: Week 14
FOXSports.com
Quarterbacks
Marc Bulger, St. Louis: He is questionable to play against Cincinnati after missing last game with a concussion.
Brodie Croyle, Kansas City: He's starting against Denver after missing Week 13 with a back injury (bruise).
Daunte Culpepper, Oakland: He's doubtful to play with a quadriceps injury, according to the official NFL injury report. He missed last week's game with the injury.
Brett Favre: He's expected to start against Oakland after being listed as probable on the official NFL injury report.
Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay: He's questionable to play after being limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Josh McCown, Oakland: He's expected to start against Green Bay.
Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia: Listed as probable with an ankle and right thumb injury on the official NFL injury report, he is expected to start against the New York Giants.
Chris Redman, Atlanta: He will start against New Orleans.
Matt Schaub, Houston: He's out against Tampa Bay with a separated non-throwing shoulder.
Vinny Testaverde, Carolina: He's expected to start against Jacksonville.
Running backs
Reggie Bush, New Orleans: He has a torn PCL knee ligament and will miss Week 14, according to RotoWire. He could also reportedly be out for the season.
Jesse Chatman, Miami: He's questionable to play with an ankle injury after failing to practice Wednesday and Thursday before having limited participation on Friday.
Ahman Green, Houston: He's out for the season with a sprained knee. . He will miss his sixth game of the season.
Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants: He's probable to play with a hamstring injury against Philadelphia after practicing fully on Friday and having limited participation on Thursday and Wednesday.
Larry Johnson, Kansas City: He's out for the fifth straight week with a foot injury. His return is uncertain, but he practiced this past week.
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo: He's expected to play against Miami, according to RotoWire. Lynch is listed as questionable after having limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday before practicing fully on Friday. He had missed three straight games with an ankle sprain.
Derrick Ward, New York Giants: He's out for the season with a broken leg.
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia: He's expected to play against the Giants, reports RotoWire. According to the official NFL injury report, he's questionable to play with a knee injury after failing to practice Wednesday and Thursday before having limited practice on Friday.
Wide receivers
Arnaz Battle, San Francisco: He's questionable to play with an ankle injury after failing to practice Wednesday and Thursday before having limited participation on Friday, according to the official NFL injury report.
Anquan Boldin, Arizona: He's expected to be a game-time decision with a toe injury, according to RotoWire.
Plaxico Burress, New York Giants: He missed practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with an ankle injury and is questionable to play, according to the official NFL injury report.
Laveranues Coles, New York Jets: He's questionable to play against Cleveland with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets: He's doubtful against Cleveland and could be out for the season with a finger injury..
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona: He's questionable to play against Seattle.
Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay: He's questionable to play with a toe injury after he had limited participation in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
D.J. Hackett, Seattle: He's out against Arizona, according to the official NFL injury report.
Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis: He's questionable to play after he's already missed six straight games with a knee injury.
Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay: He's questionable to play with a knee injury after he had limited participation in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh: He may play against New England, according to RotoWire. He's already missed two games with a sprained ankle.
Brandon Stokley, Denver: He's questionable and practiced fully on Friday after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury, according to the official NFL injury report
Javon Walker, Denver: He's questionable and practiced fully on Friday (and Wednesday) after being limited on Thursday with a knee injury, according to the official NFL injury report. Walker had missed seven straight games with a knee injury before playing Chicago and Oakland the last two games.
Roy Williams, Detroit: He's out against Detroit with a broken leg and may miss the rest of the season.
Tight end
Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore: He's questionable to play with a hamstring injury.
Steelers Notebook: Polamalu doubtful for game
Safety aggravated knee in practice
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Safety Troy Polamalu, whose injured knee swelled after a teammate rolled into him at Wednesday's practice, did not practice yesterday and likely will not play in tomorrow against the New England Patriots.
Polamalu was given a run test in the morning to determine if he would be able to practice, but there was no change in his condition and it appears he will be unable to play.
He is listed as doubtful on the team's official injury report.
"We'll see how it feels on Sunday," Polamalu said.
Polamalu, a three-time Pro Bowl safety, has a sprain of the medial collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee -- the same type of injury that kept receiver Hines Ward out for three games earlier this season.
Polamalu has not played in the past two games. He was doing fine and was scheduled to return against the Patriots until his injury was aggravated two days ago, causing swelling.
He will be replaced in the starting lineup by safety Tyrone Carter.
"Ty has played consistently for us," said defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. "He steps in there and we do everything we do with Troy."
Injury report
Outside linebacker James Harrison missed practice for personal reasons, but he is expected to rejoin the team today and will play against the Patriots.
Receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle) and LT Marvel Smith (back), each of whom missed the past two games, practiced all week and will start. RB Najeh Davenport (foot) also has practiced all week and will play.
Backup LBs LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) and Andre Frazier (groin) are listed as questionable.
post-gazette.com
Lynch’s return is looking good
Bills running back Marshawn Lynch made it through a third straight day of practice Friday and said he expects to play in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
“I feel pretty good,” said Lynch, who took part in much of the workout. “It’s steadily improving.”
Presuming he plays, Lynch is expected to split carries with Fred Jackson.
“We’re a lot more optimistic,” said coach Dick Jauron, who still listed Lynch as questionable on the injury report. “We’ll monitor him and see how he’s feeling on game day, but I feel good about him.”
The Dolphins have injury concerns at running back, too. Starter Jesse Chatman, who gained 124 yards on the Bills a month ago, has played the past two games with a sore ankle and has missed practice time this week. It’s possible the Dolphins will use a committee approach with Chatman, Samkon Gado, Lorenzo Booker and Patrick Cobbs.
Bills tackle Jason Peters (groin) was limited in practice but is expected to play.
buffnews.com
Colts' Harrison will be out again Sunday
December 8, 2007
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Colts wideout Marvin Harrison will be out for the eighth time in nine games when Indianapolis plays the Ravens on Sunday.
Harrison, who did not travel with the team to Baltimore, saw limited practice time Wednesday and had been listed as questionable for the game. He injured his knee Sept. 30 against Denver.
Giants S Wilson to miss 2nd game
December 8, 2007
Associated Press
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Free safety Gibril Wilson will miss his second straight game and Pro Bowl linebacker Antonio Pierce will be a game-time decision for the New York Giants on Sunday against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Rookie Michael Johnson will replace Wilson, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Pierce sprained an ankle against Minnesota two weeks ago. He played last week against Chicago but the injury limited him in practice this week.
Chase Blackburn would start if Pierce cannot play.
Besides Pierce, receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle), cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) and safety James Butler (hamstring) are questionable, although coach Tom Coughlin expects Butler to play.
Burress has been questionable all season but he has not missed a game.
Halfback Brandon Jacobs, who pulled a hamstring three weeks ago, and rookie receiver Steve Smith, who has missed the last 10 games with shoulder and hamstring problems, are expected to play this weekend.
Where the action is: Key NFL line moves
COVERS.com
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals: -6½ to –10
The action started coming down fast and furious on the Bengals side once word broke that Marc Bulger would not be playing for the Rams. The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback practiced during the week after missing last weekend with lingering concussion symptoms, but is still not ready to return.
Backup Gus Frerotte is out with a shoulder sprain meaning third-stringer Brock Berlin will make his first NFL start under center. Berlin has spent most of the season on the Rams practice squad and hasn’t had much time to work with the starting offense.
The quarterback switch also caused the total to drop from 48 to 45.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: -6½ to –7
Brodie Croyle returns as the Chiefs’ starting signal-caller after sitting out last week’s loss against the San Diego Chargers. Croyle says his sore back isn’t bothering him and he should be 100 percent Sunday.
The Broncos are much healthier than they were the last time these two clubs met. Receiver Javon Walker and running back Travis Henry both did not play during the Week 10 win over Kansas City.
Bettors like the Broncos at home to beat Kansas City by at least a touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots: -14½ to –10½
The line opened with the Patriots giving just over two majors, but heavy action on Pittsburgh dropped the pointspread quickly.
Shane Catford, an oddsmaker with BetCRIS, told Covers on Saturday that his book opened at –12 but didn’t start collecting two-way action until moving down to –10.
The Patriots have narrowly escaped with wins in their last two games. They’ve failed to cover the number both times. New England is 1-3 ATS over its last four contests.
The Steelers still have a chance to grab a first-round bye in the playoffs. Pittsburgh will be tied for second place in the AFC if the Indianapolis Colts lose to the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers take care of the Pats.
National Football League Weather
Sunday, December 9th
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Sunny Mostly sunny. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 30.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the East at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 25.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots, 4:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 35.
San Diego Chargers at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m.
Partly Cloudy Partly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the South at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 80-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 50.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 80.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Southeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m.
Sunny Sunny. Winds blowing from the North at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 55.
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets, 4:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from the Northeast at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 4:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 40-percent chance of snow. Winds blowing from the East at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 25.
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens, 8:15 p.m.
Mostly Cloudy Mostly cloudy with a 60-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from the South at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 40.
Sunday NFL Gameday
Ben Roethlisberger and his Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to play the role of giant killer against the perfect New England Patriots on Sunday. Here is your NFL Gameday:
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) (Total 42.5)
Lincoln Financial Field, 1:00pm ET (FOX)
The Giants kept themselves out front in the Wild Card race by knocking off the Bears 21-16 last weekend. Eli Manning, though, went just 16-of-27 for 195 yards passing in the win, with one TD and two INTs. Derrick Ward had a big game against Chicago, but he's now on injured reserve with a broken leg. Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) is PROBABLE for Sunday, while Plaxico Burress (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE for the game.
Philadelphia lost 28-24 at home to the Seahawks on the weekend, which dropped them to 5-7 on the season and put them in last place in the NFC East. A.J. Feeley was picked off four times in that defeat, but Donovan McNabb (ankle/thumb) is now PROBABLE and will start on Sunday afternoon. Brian Westbrook, who ran for 93 yards and a score on 21 carries versus Seattle, is QUESTIONABLE with a knee injury but expected to play.
San Diego Chargers at Tennessee Titans (PK) (Total 40.5)
LP Field, 1:00pm ET (CBS)
San Diego picked up their second win in a row in Week 13, knocking off the Chiefs 24-10. Philip Rivers went just 10-of-21 for 157 yards passing in that game, with one touchdown and one interception. LaDainian Tomlinson, though, exploded for 177 yards rushing and two scores on 23 carries, and he also caught three passes for 20 yards. The Chargers now have a two-game lead on the Broncos for top spot in the AFC West.
The Titans kept themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt by beating Houston 28-20 at home last Sunday. Vince Young had a solid passing game for Tennessee against the Texans, going 21-of-31 for 248 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. LenDale White and Chris Brown each ran for a score in the victory. Albert Haynesworth (hamstring) is QUESTIONABLE for this game, while White (finger) is now PROBABLE.
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-10.5) (Total 48)
Gillette Stadium, 4:15pm ET (CBS)
The Steelers will be looking to improve on their 2-3 road record when they take on the undefeated Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Pittsburgh is now 9-3 on the season after getting past the Bengals 24-10 at home last weekend. Roethlisberger went 21-of-32 for 184 yards passing in that contest, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Willie Parker ran for 87 yards on 28 attempts, and Hines Ward had two touchdown receptions.
It was tight, but the Patriots managed to kept their perfect record intact with a 27-24 road win over the Ravens on Monday night. Tom Brady had a middling outing against Baltimore, completing just 18-of-38 pass attempts for 257 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Randy Moss had a TD catch in that victory, while Laurence Maroney ran for 44 yards on 13 carries and also caught a pair of passes for 79 yards.
Indianapolis Colts (-9) at Baltimore Ravens (Total 42.5)
M&T Bank Stadium, 8:15pm ET (NBC)
The Colts kept control of the AFC South by getting past the Jaguars 28-25 at home last weekend; Indy is now 10-2 on the season, and two games up on Jacksonville in the division. Peyton Manning went 20-of-29 for 288 yards passing against the Jags, with four touchdowns and one interception. Reggie Wayne caught eight passes for 158 yards and a score. Marvin Harrison (knee) is QUESTIONABLE for this Sunday's game.
Baltimore fell to 4-8 on the year with their loss to New England, and they're tied for last place in the AFC North with the Bengals. Kyle Boller was fairly effective against the Pats, completing 15-of-23 pass attempts for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Willis McGahee ran for 138 yards and a score on 30 carries. Todd Heap (thigh), Chris McAlister (knee), and Ed Reed (hip) are all QUESTIONABLE for the game.
Favorites had a field day today :-","xx