Ok back from vacation and getting back to normal write-ups......:hw<
Houston @ Cincinnati
Game 275-276
November 16, 2015 @ 8:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
128.323
Cincinnati
135.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 7 1/2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
by 10 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+10 1/2); Under
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Monday, November 16
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HOUSTON (3 - 5) at CINCINNATI (8 - 0) - 11/16/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
CINCINNATI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points this season.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) against conference opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 1-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
---------------------------------
Monday - Nov, 16
Houston at Cincinnati, 8:30 ET
Houston: 1-7 ATS when playing on Monday night
Cincinnati: 15-4 ATS in home lined games
-----------------------------
Monday, November 16
8:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
Houston is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Houston
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
-----------------------------------
Texans (3-5) @ Bengals (8-0)-- Unbeaten Bengals are 7-0-1 vs spread this season, 3-0-1 at home; four of eight wins are by 6 or less points. Texans still have shot at the playoffs with Indy QB Luck hurt; they're 1-3 as road underdogs, losing by 7-27-18 on foreign soil, with only win at Jax'ville. Houston allowed 24+ points in all five losses; two of their three wins are vs rookie QBs. Texans won five of last six series games, winning 28-17/20-19 last two played here- last visit was in '11. Texans won three of last four post-bye games; they're 3-5 as a post-bye underdog. Teams are 2-4 the week after playing Cleveland. Bengals played on Thursday last week, so this was semi-bye for them, too. AFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 3-5 vs spread; AFC North favorites are 6-5, 3-3 at home.
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NFL
Monday, November 16
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Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Texans at Bengals
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The Bengals haven't lost against the spread this season, going 7-0-1 ATS in eight games.
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals (-11.5, 47)
One of three undefeated teams still standing in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals look to extend their perfect run to nine games when they host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. The Bengals entered the weekend with a 3 1/2-game cushion over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North and have had 10 days off since demolishing Cleveland 31-10 on Nov. 5.
“We’ve put ourselves in the position that we’re in and there aren’t a lot of teams that get to 8-0," Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton said. "We’ve got to keep pushing and keep the same mentality that we’ve had the first half of the season and do whatever we can to keep winning these games in the second half." It marks the second of three straight prime-time matchups for the Bengals, who visit NFC West-leading Arizona on Nov. 22. Houston stumbled out of the gate with four losses in its first five games and has already changed starting quarterbacks twice. Brian Hoyer reclaimed the job and led the Texans to two wins in three games before last week's bye.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE HISTORY: The Bengals opened as 10.5-point home favorites and have been bet up to -11.5. The total has held steady at the opening number of 47.
INJURY REPORT:
Texans - WR N. Washington (probable Monday, hip), RB C. Polk (probable Monday, knee), WR C. Shorts (probable Monday, hamstring), LB B. McKinney (questionable Monday, concussion), LB A. Dent (questionable Monday, hamstring), T D. Brown (questionable Monday, concussion), LB J. Clowney (doubtful Monday, back), DB K. Jackson (out Sunday, ankle).
Bengals - DT M. Hardison (questionable Monday, knee), LB R. Maualuga (questionable Monday, questionable Monday, calf), T A. Smith (questionable Monday, concussion).
WEATHER REPORT: There will be 15-30 percent chance of rain for the Monday nighter in Cincinnati. Temperatures will be in the mid 50's with a five mile per hour wind blowing towards the northwest end zone.
POWER RANKINGS: Texans (3.5) - Bengals (-7) + home field (-3) = Bengals -13.5
ABOUT THE TEXANS (3-5, 3-5 ATS, 5-2-1 O/U): Houston's three victories have come at the expense of teams who are a combined 7-15, but it entered the weekend sitting a half-game behind first-place Indianapolis in the AFC South. Hoyer lost his starting job in Week 1 but has provided some stability by throwing for at least two scoring passes in a club-record five straight games and has one of the league's top receivers in DeAndre Hopkins, who has 66 receptions for 870 yards and six touchdowns. The running game has been anemic since the loss of Arian Foster and the defense will be without former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (8-0, 7-0-1 ATS, 5-3 O/U): If not for the play of New England's Tom Brady, Dalton would be the front-runner for MVP honors after throwing 18 touchdowns against only four interceptions while compiling a career-best 111.0 passer rating - second only to Brady. Wideout A.J. Green has 50 receptions and four touchdowns, but perhaps the biggest boost for Cincinnati's offense in the emergence of tight end Tyler Eifert, who had nine scoring passes among his 37 catches. Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill continue to share time in the backfield while the defense is permitting only 17.8 points and has notched 23 sacks.
TRENDS:
* Texans are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Under is 6-0 in Bengals last six games in November.
* Over is 4-1 in Texans last five games overall.
* Bengals are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games versus the AFC.
CONSENSUS: Fifty-nine percent of wagers are backing the Bengals for this Monday Night matchup. The public is also think it will be a high scoring affair with 58 percent of wagers on the over.
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NFL
Monday, November 16
NFL roundup: Broncos bench Manning in loss to Chiefs
DENVER -- A relentless Kansas City Chiefs defense pressured quarterback Peyton Manning into four interceptions, shutting down the Denver Broncos long enough for a 29-13 victory on Sunday.
Charcandrick West (24 carries, 69 yards; 3 receptions, 92 yards; two touchdowns) ran for a touchdown and caught an 80-yard scoring pass from Alex Smith (17 of 31, 204 yards, one touchdown), helping the Chiefs (4-5) snap a seven-game losing streak to the Broncos (7-2). Cairo Santos added five field goals.
Manning, who went 5 of 20 for 35 yards, was replaced by backup Brock Osweiler with 6:34 left to play in the third quarter after throwing his fourth interception. He missed a day of practice in the week leading up to the game with a foot injury and also was listed on the injury report Friday with sore ribs.
Patriots 27, Giants 26
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Stephen Gostkowski made a 54-yard field goal with one second left, and New England rallied to beat the New York Giants and remain undefeated.
The Patriots' Tom Brady completed 26 of 42 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns while the Giants' Eli Manning threw for 361 yards, completing 24 of 44 with two touchdowns.
Odell Beckham, who had four receptions for 104 yards, caught an 87-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter after Brady and tight end Scott Chandler connected on a 1-yard TD.
Steelers 30, Browns 9
PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger, who did not start because of a sprained left foot, entered the game early in the first quarter when starter Landry Jones was injured and led Pittsburgh over Cleveland at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger was 22 for 33 for 379 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Antonio Brown had 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns and Martavis Bryant had six catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.
Johnny Manziel started a second consecutive game for the Browns (2-8) because starter Josh McCown was inactive with a rib injury. Manziel was 33 for 45 for 372 yards, but he did not lead the Browns to a touchdown until 12:28 remained in the game. He was intercepted once and lost a fumble.
Panthers 27, Titans 10
NASHVILE, Tenn. -- Cam Newton completed 21 of 26 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown as unbeaten Carolina extended its best start ever with a win over Tennessee.
Newton also ran for a touchdown, marking the 30th game he has scored through the air and the ground. Only Steve Young has more with 31.
The Panthers (9-0) won their team-record 13th straight regular-season game. Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart led the Panthers in rushing with 91 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.
The Titans (2-7) suffered their 10th consecutive home loss, their longest skid since moving to Tennessee.
Lions 18, Packers 16
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A generation of Detroit fans witnessed something they had never seen before on Sunday: A Lions victory at Lambeau Field.
The Lions (2-7) shocked the reeling Packers (6-3) to snap a 24-game losing streak in Wisconsin, the longest in NFL history and one that dated to 1991 -- before the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers era at quarterback. It was the first game for the Lions since general manager Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand were fired last week.
As is the Lions' way, it wasn't easy, as they survived a frantic Packers comeback but escaped when Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby appeared to mis-hit a 52-yard field-goal attempt on the final play.
Redskins 47, Saints 14
WASHINGTON -- Kirk Cousins threw a career-high four touchdown passes and Washington rolled up 513 yards of offense to rout of New Orleans.
Cousins completed 20 of 25 passes and threw for 324 yards, compiling a perfect passer rating of 158.3 against the NFL's 31st-ranked defense, while running back Alfred Morris rushed for 93 yards for the Redskins (4-5).
Quarterback Drew Brees completed 19 of 28 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for New Orleans (4-6), which has lost two straight entering its bye week.
Buccaneers 10, Cowboys 6
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay only managed one trip into the red zone but made it count in a crazy ending that sent Dallas to its first seven-game losing streak since 1989.
The Buccaneers got a 1-yard bootleg touchdown run by quarterback Jameis Winston, making up for a day filled with missed opportunities by their offense.
The winning score came one play after Winston fumbled the ball leaping over a defender on a touchdown attempt, but a Dallas holding call in the end zone bailed out the Bucs (4-5). On the next play, Winston executed the fake perfectly and strolled into the end zone for the only touchdown in the game.
Dallas led at halftime on a pair of field goals but didn't score in the second half to drop to 2-7. Quarterback Tony Romo is expected to play next week for the first time since the team's last win in Week 2.
Bears 37, Rams 13
ST. LOUIS -- Tight end Zach Miller and running back Jeremy Langford turned Jay Cutler throws into 87 and 83-yard touchdowns, respectively, in the first half as Chicago dumped St. Louis.
Miller's catch-and-run, the result of a failed tackle by linebacker Akeem Ayers, tied the game at 7 with 11:10 left in the first quarter. It answered a 6-yard scoring run on the game's first possession by Todd Gurley of the Rams (4-5).
Taking advantage of two nice blocks down field, Langford turned a screen pass into his long touchdown to give the Bears (4-5) a 24-10 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. On the strength of those two plays, Cutler hit 19 of 24 passes for 258 yards and three scores, finishing with a quarterback rating of 151.0.
Dolphins 20, Eagles 19
PHILADELPHIA -- Miami scored the game-winning points on a deflected pass in the fourth quarter to overcame an early deficit and beat Philadelphia.
The Dolphins (4-5) took a 20-16 lead after a pass from quarterback Ryan Tannehill was batted high into the air at the line of scrimmage by Eagles linebacker Conner Barwin. The ball eventually landed in the arms of Miami receiver Jarvis Landry in the end zone with 14:55 left to play.
The Eagles (4-5) played the fourth quarter without starting quarterback Sam Bradford, who was knocked out of the game with a left shoulder injury late in the third quarter with the Eagles leading 16-13. He was hurt when he was sacked by Dolphins linebacker Chris McCain. X-rays on Bradford's shoulder were negative, but he was also diagnosed with a concussion and sat out the rest of the game and was replaced by Mark Sanchez.
Jaguars 22, Ravens 20
BALTIMORE -- A face mask penalty by Baltimore linebacker Elvis Dumervil as time expired set up a 53-yard goal by Jason Myers that provided Jacksonville with an improbable victory.
Dumervil was in the process of sacking Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles on what would have been the final play of the game. But Dumervil grabbed Bortles' facemask and slung him to the ground. That penalty moved the line of scrimmage from the Ravens' 49-yard line to the 35 and gave the Jaguars one additional untimed play. From there Myers booted the game-winning kick.
The Jaguars (3-6) snapped a 13-game losing streak on the road and improved to 3-6. The Ravens (2-7) lost for just the second time in eight games following a bye week under coach John Harbaugh.
Vikings 30, Raiders 14
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Adrian Peterson rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown, cornerback Terence Newman intercepted two passes, and Minnesota topped Oakland Raiders for its fifth consecutive win.
The Vikings' Cordarrelle Patterson had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher with 961 yards, carried 26 times and scored on an 80-yard sprint to seal the victory.
Derek Carr completed 29 of 43 passes for3 02 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions for the Raiders, who lost their second game in a row.
Cardinals 39, Seahawks 32
SEATTLE -- Carson Palmer threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, and back Andre Ellington rushed for a 48-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal Arizona's win over Seattle.
The Cardinals opened up a 19-0 lead in the second quarter, but Palmer and Ellington had to lead a fourth-quarter comeback after the Seahawks' defense provided a pair of late touchdowns to put Seattle on top.
Arizona's Michael Floyd made seven catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns, giving him four consecutive games with a receiving touchdown. Teammate Larry Fitzgerald added 10 catches for 130 yards. Doug Baldwin paced Seattle with seven receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown.
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MNF - Texans at Bengals
November 15, 2015
Midway through November, three teams entered Week 10 without a loss in the NFL. The Panthers and Patriots each picked up road victories on Sunday, improving to 9-0 on the season. The third squad takes the field on Monday night as the Bengals look for their ninth win in nine tries this season, hosting the Texans in their second consecutive primetime game at home.
Last Thursday night, Cincinnati (8-0 SU, 7-0-1 ATS) pulled away from Cleveland by outscoring the Browns in the second half, 17-0 in a 31-10 rout as 13-point favorites. Andy Dalton continued his solid season with 234 yards and three touchdown passes, while bouncing back from a subpar performance in a victory at Pittsburgh back in Week 8. Dalton’s touchdown to interception ratio improved to 9/1 at home this season, as he connected with tight end Tyler Eiffert for three scores against the Browns.
In spite of a rough first half to the season, the Texans (3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS) are still in the mix for the top spot in the AFC South by sitting one half-game behind Indianapolis. Houston has been off since dominating Tennessee at home in Week 8 by a 20-6 count to cash as 3 ½-point favorites. Brian Hoyer threw multiple touchdown passes for the fifth straight game, while the Houston defense allowed its fewest amount of points since a 13-6 win at Houston in 2012.
The Texans knocked the Bengals out of back-to-back postseasons in 2012 and 2013, but Cincinnati snapped a five-game skid to Houston last November in a 22-13 victory as three-point road underdogs. Houston failed to score an offensive touchdown as its lone trip to the end zone came on an interception return. The Bengals have lost each of their last two home matchups with the Texans, as Houston rallied past Cincinnati in its last matchup at Paul Brown Stadium, 20-19 in 2011.
It’s been a struggle on the highway for Bill O’Brien’s club, posting a 1-3 SU/ATS record with the lone road victory coming at Jacksonville in Week 6. The Texans have lost seven of their last eight away games against teams outside the AFC South, while being listed as this heavy of a road underdog since 2007 in a 35-10 defeat at San Diego as 9 ½-point ‘dogs. The last time Houston received double-digit points on the highway came back in 2006, losing at New England, 40-7 as 12-point underdogs.
Cincinnati’s defense has allowed 21 points or less in six of eight contests, while going 2-2 to the ‘over’ at Paul Brown Stadium this season. Since 2010, the Bengals have been listed as a double-digit favorite twice heading into Monday night, pushing in a 34-24 win over Jacksonville last season as 10-point chalk and covering in last week’s victory over the Browns.
Underdogs continue to dominate under the Monday night lights, covering eight of 10 times this season, including Chicago’s 22-19 comeback victory last week at San Diego as 3 ½-point ‘dogs. A double-digit underdog hasn’t won on Monday night this season in two tries, but both this heavy ‘dogs managed to grab covers as Detroit (in Week 4 at Seattle) and Baltimore (in Week 7 at Arizona) each kept it close in losses. The ‘under’ remains a strong play on Mondays, posting an 8-2 mark with one of the ‘unders’ coming in the Colts/Panthers Week 8 contest that was aided by several late touchdowns to hit the ‘over.’
VegasInsider.com handicapper Vince Akins has isolated a strong system on fading Houston, as this team has struggled against high-powered offenses recently, “The Texans are 0-13 ATS since 11/29/2009 as a ‘dog when facing a team that has averaged at least 385 yards of offense per game, with the last occurrence coming in a Week 4 blowout loss at Atlanta.”
The Texans were riding a four-game ‘over’ streak prior to the ‘under’ against the Titans, while the ‘over’ is 3-0-1 in four contests away from NRG Stadium. Since 2009, Houston owns a dreadful 0-7 ATS record in Monday night action, including an 0-4 SU/ATS mark in the underdog role. The Bengals are making their fifth Monday night appearance since 2010, compiling a 2-2 SU/ATS ledger in this span, including a 37-28 home underdog victory over Denver last December.
Cincinnati opened up as 11-point home favorites and have basically stuck to that number for most of this week with a few 10 ½’s hanging around. The weather isn’t expected to be much of a factor with temperatures in the mid-40’s around kickoff. The total sits at 47, the second-highest home total for the Bengals and second-highest road total for the Texans this season. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on ESPN.
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Bengals try to stay perfect
November 14, 2015
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-5) at CINCINNATI BENGALS (8-0)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Cincinnati -11, Total: 47.5
The Bengals try to keep their unbeaten streak alive at home Monday night against the Texans.
The Houston Texans (3-5 SU and ATS) hope to kick off the second half of the season with a bang off of their bye week, taking on the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals (8-0 SU and 7-0-1 ATS) who are hot on the heels of a commanding 31-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The Texans have had a slight edge over their opponents all-time (5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS), though they are 11-point underdogs in this week’s matchup. Betting trends largely favor the Bengals this week, as the team is 15-4 ATS in home games over the past three seasons, and their opponent is 2-10 ATS in road games versus good offensive teams (averaging 5.65+ yards per play) in franchise history.
Bettors looking to the Texans to cover the spread will note that underdogs who are poor rushing teams (less than 3.5 yards per run) are 23-4 ATS when playing a poor rushing defense (allowing 4.5+ yards per run) after gaining 99 or fewer rushing yards in three straight games.
Houston’s offense, now in the hands of QB Brian Hoyer after an early season quarterback controversy, has scored 21.8 PPG (20th in NFL) on 369.4 YPG (9th in league). WR DeAndre Hopkins is the team’s unrivaled first offensive option, being targeted 112 times for 66 catches, 870 yards, and six TDs. Hopkins’ pace has leveled off in recent weeks, but he’s still among the league leaders in receptions (4th), receiving yards (3rd), and receiving TDs (6th).
The loss of RB Arian Foster for the season is a blow to the Texans’ already anemic running game. The team averages just 88 YPG on the ground (29th in NFL), has scored only four rushing TDs (21st in league), and produces a league-worst 3.3 yards per attempt. RB Alfred Blue, starting for the injured Foster, has shown flashes of brilliance this year, rushing for 139 yards on 31 carries with a TD in a Week 3 game against Tampa Bay – though that single outing represents more than half of his total rushing yards all season.
The Texans’ defense, traditionally the focal point of the team, has been lackluster this season, allowing opponents to score 25.6 PPG (22nd in NFL), and is particularly susceptible to the run, spotting opposing rushers 123.5 YPG (27th in league), seven TDs (21st in NFL), and a generous 4.4 yards per attempt (23rd in league). The team is especially bad on the road, giving up 34.0 PPG and 406.2 YPG to their hosts.
As one would expect of any team that has been perfect through the first half of the season, Cincinnati has been excellent playing both sides of the ball. Led by the stellar play of QB Andy Dalton, the team has scored 28.6 PPG (3rd in NFL) and generated 391.1 YPG (6th in league). Dalton has thrown for 18 TDs (5th in NFL) on an outstanding 8.1 yards per passing attempt (2nd in NFL), while giving up just four interceptions (4th in league), good for the league’s second best passer rating (111.0). He has historically struggled against the Texans, however, going 1-3 SU and ATS in his career, averaging 201.5 yards per game and amassing just two TDs while giving up five interceptions for a passer rating of 66.5.
The rushing corps of RB Jeremy Hill and RB Giovani Bernard are good for 120.4 YPG (11th in NFL) and have found the end zone 10 times (2nd in league). Bernard has carved out a role for himself in the Bengals’ passing game as one of Dalton’s primary targets, along with fellow offensive weapons WR A.J. Green and TE Tyler Eifert. Eifert, in particular, has been key to the team’s success, and leads the league in receiving TDs with 9.
The Bengals’ defense has been just as formidable, allowing opponents just 17.8 PPG (4th in NFL), 10 passing TDs (7th in league), and 3 rushing TDs (4th in NFL), though they do allow opposing rushers to amass a league worst 4.9 yards per run. DE Carlos Dunlap and DT Geno Atkins have been the cornerstones of the team’s defense, and are among the league leaders in sacks with 8.5 (tied for 2nd) and 6.0 (tied for 5th), respectively.
Houston @ Cincinnati
Game 275-276
November 16, 2015 @ 8:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
128.323
Cincinnati
135.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 7 1/2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
by 10 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+10 1/2); Under
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Monday, November 16
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HOUSTON (3 - 5) at CINCINNATI (8 - 0) - 11/16/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
CINCINNATI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points this season.
CINCINNATI is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) against conference opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 1-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Monday - Nov, 16
Houston at Cincinnati, 8:30 ET
Houston: 1-7 ATS when playing on Monday night
Cincinnati: 15-4 ATS in home lined games
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Monday, November 16
8:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
Houston is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing Houston
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
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Texans (3-5) @ Bengals (8-0)-- Unbeaten Bengals are 7-0-1 vs spread this season, 3-0-1 at home; four of eight wins are by 6 or less points. Texans still have shot at the playoffs with Indy QB Luck hurt; they're 1-3 as road underdogs, losing by 7-27-18 on foreign soil, with only win at Jax'ville. Houston allowed 24+ points in all five losses; two of their three wins are vs rookie QBs. Texans won five of last six series games, winning 28-17/20-19 last two played here- last visit was in '11. Texans won three of last four post-bye games; they're 3-5 as a post-bye underdog. Teams are 2-4 the week after playing Cleveland. Bengals played on Thursday last week, so this was semi-bye for them, too. AFC South non-divisional road underdogs are 3-5 vs spread; AFC North favorites are 6-5, 3-3 at home.
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NFL
Monday, November 16
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Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Texans at Bengals
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The Bengals haven't lost against the spread this season, going 7-0-1 ATS in eight games.
Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals (-11.5, 47)
One of three undefeated teams still standing in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals look to extend their perfect run to nine games when they host the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. The Bengals entered the weekend with a 3 1/2-game cushion over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North and have had 10 days off since demolishing Cleveland 31-10 on Nov. 5.
“We’ve put ourselves in the position that we’re in and there aren’t a lot of teams that get to 8-0," Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton said. "We’ve got to keep pushing and keep the same mentality that we’ve had the first half of the season and do whatever we can to keep winning these games in the second half." It marks the second of three straight prime-time matchups for the Bengals, who visit NFC West-leading Arizona on Nov. 22. Houston stumbled out of the gate with four losses in its first five games and has already changed starting quarterbacks twice. Brian Hoyer reclaimed the job and led the Texans to two wins in three games before last week's bye.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
LINE HISTORY: The Bengals opened as 10.5-point home favorites and have been bet up to -11.5. The total has held steady at the opening number of 47.
INJURY REPORT:
Texans - WR N. Washington (probable Monday, hip), RB C. Polk (probable Monday, knee), WR C. Shorts (probable Monday, hamstring), LB B. McKinney (questionable Monday, concussion), LB A. Dent (questionable Monday, hamstring), T D. Brown (questionable Monday, concussion), LB J. Clowney (doubtful Monday, back), DB K. Jackson (out Sunday, ankle).
Bengals - DT M. Hardison (questionable Monday, knee), LB R. Maualuga (questionable Monday, questionable Monday, calf), T A. Smith (questionable Monday, concussion).
WEATHER REPORT: There will be 15-30 percent chance of rain for the Monday nighter in Cincinnati. Temperatures will be in the mid 50's with a five mile per hour wind blowing towards the northwest end zone.
POWER RANKINGS: Texans (3.5) - Bengals (-7) + home field (-3) = Bengals -13.5
ABOUT THE TEXANS (3-5, 3-5 ATS, 5-2-1 O/U): Houston's three victories have come at the expense of teams who are a combined 7-15, but it entered the weekend sitting a half-game behind first-place Indianapolis in the AFC South. Hoyer lost his starting job in Week 1 but has provided some stability by throwing for at least two scoring passes in a club-record five straight games and has one of the league's top receivers in DeAndre Hopkins, who has 66 receptions for 870 yards and six touchdowns. The running game has been anemic since the loss of Arian Foster and the defense will be without former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (8-0, 7-0-1 ATS, 5-3 O/U): If not for the play of New England's Tom Brady, Dalton would be the front-runner for MVP honors after throwing 18 touchdowns against only four interceptions while compiling a career-best 111.0 passer rating - second only to Brady. Wideout A.J. Green has 50 receptions and four touchdowns, but perhaps the biggest boost for Cincinnati's offense in the emergence of tight end Tyler Eifert, who had nine scoring passes among his 37 catches. Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill continue to share time in the backfield while the defense is permitting only 17.8 points and has notched 23 sacks.
TRENDS:
* Texans are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Under is 6-0 in Bengals last six games in November.
* Over is 4-1 in Texans last five games overall.
* Bengals are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games versus the AFC.
CONSENSUS: Fifty-nine percent of wagers are backing the Bengals for this Monday Night matchup. The public is also think it will be a high scoring affair with 58 percent of wagers on the over.
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NFL
Monday, November 16
NFL roundup: Broncos bench Manning in loss to Chiefs
DENVER -- A relentless Kansas City Chiefs defense pressured quarterback Peyton Manning into four interceptions, shutting down the Denver Broncos long enough for a 29-13 victory on Sunday.
Charcandrick West (24 carries, 69 yards; 3 receptions, 92 yards; two touchdowns) ran for a touchdown and caught an 80-yard scoring pass from Alex Smith (17 of 31, 204 yards, one touchdown), helping the Chiefs (4-5) snap a seven-game losing streak to the Broncos (7-2). Cairo Santos added five field goals.
Manning, who went 5 of 20 for 35 yards, was replaced by backup Brock Osweiler with 6:34 left to play in the third quarter after throwing his fourth interception. He missed a day of practice in the week leading up to the game with a foot injury and also was listed on the injury report Friday with sore ribs.
Patriots 27, Giants 26
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Stephen Gostkowski made a 54-yard field goal with one second left, and New England rallied to beat the New York Giants and remain undefeated.
The Patriots' Tom Brady completed 26 of 42 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns while the Giants' Eli Manning threw for 361 yards, completing 24 of 44 with two touchdowns.
Odell Beckham, who had four receptions for 104 yards, caught an 87-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter after Brady and tight end Scott Chandler connected on a 1-yard TD.
Steelers 30, Browns 9
PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger, who did not start because of a sprained left foot, entered the game early in the first quarter when starter Landry Jones was injured and led Pittsburgh over Cleveland at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger was 22 for 33 for 379 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Antonio Brown had 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns and Martavis Bryant had six catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.
Johnny Manziel started a second consecutive game for the Browns (2-8) because starter Josh McCown was inactive with a rib injury. Manziel was 33 for 45 for 372 yards, but he did not lead the Browns to a touchdown until 12:28 remained in the game. He was intercepted once and lost a fumble.
Panthers 27, Titans 10
NASHVILE, Tenn. -- Cam Newton completed 21 of 26 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown as unbeaten Carolina extended its best start ever with a win over Tennessee.
Newton also ran for a touchdown, marking the 30th game he has scored through the air and the ground. Only Steve Young has more with 31.
The Panthers (9-0) won their team-record 13th straight regular-season game. Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart led the Panthers in rushing with 91 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries.
The Titans (2-7) suffered their 10th consecutive home loss, their longest skid since moving to Tennessee.
Lions 18, Packers 16
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A generation of Detroit fans witnessed something they had never seen before on Sunday: A Lions victory at Lambeau Field.
The Lions (2-7) shocked the reeling Packers (6-3) to snap a 24-game losing streak in Wisconsin, the longest in NFL history and one that dated to 1991 -- before the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers era at quarterback. It was the first game for the Lions since general manager Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand were fired last week.
As is the Lions' way, it wasn't easy, as they survived a frantic Packers comeback but escaped when Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby appeared to mis-hit a 52-yard field-goal attempt on the final play.
Redskins 47, Saints 14
WASHINGTON -- Kirk Cousins threw a career-high four touchdown passes and Washington rolled up 513 yards of offense to rout of New Orleans.
Cousins completed 20 of 25 passes and threw for 324 yards, compiling a perfect passer rating of 158.3 against the NFL's 31st-ranked defense, while running back Alfred Morris rushed for 93 yards for the Redskins (4-5).
Quarterback Drew Brees completed 19 of 28 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for New Orleans (4-6), which has lost two straight entering its bye week.
Buccaneers 10, Cowboys 6
TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay only managed one trip into the red zone but made it count in a crazy ending that sent Dallas to its first seven-game losing streak since 1989.
The Buccaneers got a 1-yard bootleg touchdown run by quarterback Jameis Winston, making up for a day filled with missed opportunities by their offense.
The winning score came one play after Winston fumbled the ball leaping over a defender on a touchdown attempt, but a Dallas holding call in the end zone bailed out the Bucs (4-5). On the next play, Winston executed the fake perfectly and strolled into the end zone for the only touchdown in the game.
Dallas led at halftime on a pair of field goals but didn't score in the second half to drop to 2-7. Quarterback Tony Romo is expected to play next week for the first time since the team's last win in Week 2.
Bears 37, Rams 13
ST. LOUIS -- Tight end Zach Miller and running back Jeremy Langford turned Jay Cutler throws into 87 and 83-yard touchdowns, respectively, in the first half as Chicago dumped St. Louis.
Miller's catch-and-run, the result of a failed tackle by linebacker Akeem Ayers, tied the game at 7 with 11:10 left in the first quarter. It answered a 6-yard scoring run on the game's first possession by Todd Gurley of the Rams (4-5).
Taking advantage of two nice blocks down field, Langford turned a screen pass into his long touchdown to give the Bears (4-5) a 24-10 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. On the strength of those two plays, Cutler hit 19 of 24 passes for 258 yards and three scores, finishing with a quarterback rating of 151.0.
Dolphins 20, Eagles 19
PHILADELPHIA -- Miami scored the game-winning points on a deflected pass in the fourth quarter to overcame an early deficit and beat Philadelphia.
The Dolphins (4-5) took a 20-16 lead after a pass from quarterback Ryan Tannehill was batted high into the air at the line of scrimmage by Eagles linebacker Conner Barwin. The ball eventually landed in the arms of Miami receiver Jarvis Landry in the end zone with 14:55 left to play.
The Eagles (4-5) played the fourth quarter without starting quarterback Sam Bradford, who was knocked out of the game with a left shoulder injury late in the third quarter with the Eagles leading 16-13. He was hurt when he was sacked by Dolphins linebacker Chris McCain. X-rays on Bradford's shoulder were negative, but he was also diagnosed with a concussion and sat out the rest of the game and was replaced by Mark Sanchez.
Jaguars 22, Ravens 20
BALTIMORE -- A face mask penalty by Baltimore linebacker Elvis Dumervil as time expired set up a 53-yard goal by Jason Myers that provided Jacksonville with an improbable victory.
Dumervil was in the process of sacking Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles on what would have been the final play of the game. But Dumervil grabbed Bortles' facemask and slung him to the ground. That penalty moved the line of scrimmage from the Ravens' 49-yard line to the 35 and gave the Jaguars one additional untimed play. From there Myers booted the game-winning kick.
The Jaguars (3-6) snapped a 13-game losing streak on the road and improved to 3-6. The Ravens (2-7) lost for just the second time in eight games following a bye week under coach John Harbaugh.
Vikings 30, Raiders 14
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Adrian Peterson rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown, cornerback Terence Newman intercepted two passes, and Minnesota topped Oakland Raiders for its fifth consecutive win.
The Vikings' Cordarrelle Patterson had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher with 961 yards, carried 26 times and scored on an 80-yard sprint to seal the victory.
Derek Carr completed 29 of 43 passes for3 02 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions for the Raiders, who lost their second game in a row.
Cardinals 39, Seahawks 32
SEATTLE -- Carson Palmer threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, and back Andre Ellington rushed for a 48-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal Arizona's win over Seattle.
The Cardinals opened up a 19-0 lead in the second quarter, but Palmer and Ellington had to lead a fourth-quarter comeback after the Seahawks' defense provided a pair of late touchdowns to put Seattle on top.
Arizona's Michael Floyd made seven catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns, giving him four consecutive games with a receiving touchdown. Teammate Larry Fitzgerald added 10 catches for 130 yards. Doug Baldwin paced Seattle with seven receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown.
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MNF - Texans at Bengals
November 15, 2015
Midway through November, three teams entered Week 10 without a loss in the NFL. The Panthers and Patriots each picked up road victories on Sunday, improving to 9-0 on the season. The third squad takes the field on Monday night as the Bengals look for their ninth win in nine tries this season, hosting the Texans in their second consecutive primetime game at home.
Last Thursday night, Cincinnati (8-0 SU, 7-0-1 ATS) pulled away from Cleveland by outscoring the Browns in the second half, 17-0 in a 31-10 rout as 13-point favorites. Andy Dalton continued his solid season with 234 yards and three touchdown passes, while bouncing back from a subpar performance in a victory at Pittsburgh back in Week 8. Dalton’s touchdown to interception ratio improved to 9/1 at home this season, as he connected with tight end Tyler Eiffert for three scores against the Browns.
In spite of a rough first half to the season, the Texans (3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS) are still in the mix for the top spot in the AFC South by sitting one half-game behind Indianapolis. Houston has been off since dominating Tennessee at home in Week 8 by a 20-6 count to cash as 3 ½-point favorites. Brian Hoyer threw multiple touchdown passes for the fifth straight game, while the Houston defense allowed its fewest amount of points since a 13-6 win at Houston in 2012.
The Texans knocked the Bengals out of back-to-back postseasons in 2012 and 2013, but Cincinnati snapped a five-game skid to Houston last November in a 22-13 victory as three-point road underdogs. Houston failed to score an offensive touchdown as its lone trip to the end zone came on an interception return. The Bengals have lost each of their last two home matchups with the Texans, as Houston rallied past Cincinnati in its last matchup at Paul Brown Stadium, 20-19 in 2011.
It’s been a struggle on the highway for Bill O’Brien’s club, posting a 1-3 SU/ATS record with the lone road victory coming at Jacksonville in Week 6. The Texans have lost seven of their last eight away games against teams outside the AFC South, while being listed as this heavy of a road underdog since 2007 in a 35-10 defeat at San Diego as 9 ½-point ‘dogs. The last time Houston received double-digit points on the highway came back in 2006, losing at New England, 40-7 as 12-point underdogs.
Cincinnati’s defense has allowed 21 points or less in six of eight contests, while going 2-2 to the ‘over’ at Paul Brown Stadium this season. Since 2010, the Bengals have been listed as a double-digit favorite twice heading into Monday night, pushing in a 34-24 win over Jacksonville last season as 10-point chalk and covering in last week’s victory over the Browns.
Underdogs continue to dominate under the Monday night lights, covering eight of 10 times this season, including Chicago’s 22-19 comeback victory last week at San Diego as 3 ½-point ‘dogs. A double-digit underdog hasn’t won on Monday night this season in two tries, but both this heavy ‘dogs managed to grab covers as Detroit (in Week 4 at Seattle) and Baltimore (in Week 7 at Arizona) each kept it close in losses. The ‘under’ remains a strong play on Mondays, posting an 8-2 mark with one of the ‘unders’ coming in the Colts/Panthers Week 8 contest that was aided by several late touchdowns to hit the ‘over.’
VegasInsider.com handicapper Vince Akins has isolated a strong system on fading Houston, as this team has struggled against high-powered offenses recently, “The Texans are 0-13 ATS since 11/29/2009 as a ‘dog when facing a team that has averaged at least 385 yards of offense per game, with the last occurrence coming in a Week 4 blowout loss at Atlanta.”
The Texans were riding a four-game ‘over’ streak prior to the ‘under’ against the Titans, while the ‘over’ is 3-0-1 in four contests away from NRG Stadium. Since 2009, Houston owns a dreadful 0-7 ATS record in Monday night action, including an 0-4 SU/ATS mark in the underdog role. The Bengals are making their fifth Monday night appearance since 2010, compiling a 2-2 SU/ATS ledger in this span, including a 37-28 home underdog victory over Denver last December.
Cincinnati opened up as 11-point home favorites and have basically stuck to that number for most of this week with a few 10 ½’s hanging around. The weather isn’t expected to be much of a factor with temperatures in the mid-40’s around kickoff. The total sits at 47, the second-highest home total for the Bengals and second-highest road total for the Texans this season. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM EST and can be seen on ESPN.
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Bengals try to stay perfect
November 14, 2015
HOUSTON TEXANS (3-5) at CINCINNATI BENGALS (8-0)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Cincinnati -11, Total: 47.5
The Bengals try to keep their unbeaten streak alive at home Monday night against the Texans.
The Houston Texans (3-5 SU and ATS) hope to kick off the second half of the season with a bang off of their bye week, taking on the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals (8-0 SU and 7-0-1 ATS) who are hot on the heels of a commanding 31-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The Texans have had a slight edge over their opponents all-time (5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS), though they are 11-point underdogs in this week’s matchup. Betting trends largely favor the Bengals this week, as the team is 15-4 ATS in home games over the past three seasons, and their opponent is 2-10 ATS in road games versus good offensive teams (averaging 5.65+ yards per play) in franchise history.
Bettors looking to the Texans to cover the spread will note that underdogs who are poor rushing teams (less than 3.5 yards per run) are 23-4 ATS when playing a poor rushing defense (allowing 4.5+ yards per run) after gaining 99 or fewer rushing yards in three straight games.
Houston’s offense, now in the hands of QB Brian Hoyer after an early season quarterback controversy, has scored 21.8 PPG (20th in NFL) on 369.4 YPG (9th in league). WR DeAndre Hopkins is the team’s unrivaled first offensive option, being targeted 112 times for 66 catches, 870 yards, and six TDs. Hopkins’ pace has leveled off in recent weeks, but he’s still among the league leaders in receptions (4th), receiving yards (3rd), and receiving TDs (6th).
The loss of RB Arian Foster for the season is a blow to the Texans’ already anemic running game. The team averages just 88 YPG on the ground (29th in NFL), has scored only four rushing TDs (21st in league), and produces a league-worst 3.3 yards per attempt. RB Alfred Blue, starting for the injured Foster, has shown flashes of brilliance this year, rushing for 139 yards on 31 carries with a TD in a Week 3 game against Tampa Bay – though that single outing represents more than half of his total rushing yards all season.
The Texans’ defense, traditionally the focal point of the team, has been lackluster this season, allowing opponents to score 25.6 PPG (22nd in NFL), and is particularly susceptible to the run, spotting opposing rushers 123.5 YPG (27th in league), seven TDs (21st in NFL), and a generous 4.4 yards per attempt (23rd in league). The team is especially bad on the road, giving up 34.0 PPG and 406.2 YPG to their hosts.
As one would expect of any team that has been perfect through the first half of the season, Cincinnati has been excellent playing both sides of the ball. Led by the stellar play of QB Andy Dalton, the team has scored 28.6 PPG (3rd in NFL) and generated 391.1 YPG (6th in league). Dalton has thrown for 18 TDs (5th in NFL) on an outstanding 8.1 yards per passing attempt (2nd in NFL), while giving up just four interceptions (4th in league), good for the league’s second best passer rating (111.0). He has historically struggled against the Texans, however, going 1-3 SU and ATS in his career, averaging 201.5 yards per game and amassing just two TDs while giving up five interceptions for a passer rating of 66.5.
The rushing corps of RB Jeremy Hill and RB Giovani Bernard are good for 120.4 YPG (11th in NFL) and have found the end zone 10 times (2nd in league). Bernard has carved out a role for himself in the Bengals’ passing game as one of Dalton’s primary targets, along with fellow offensive weapons WR A.J. Green and TE Tyler Eifert. Eifert, in particular, has been key to the team’s success, and leads the league in receiving TDs with 9.
The Bengals’ defense has been just as formidable, allowing opponents just 17.8 PPG (4th in NFL), 10 passing TDs (7th in league), and 3 rushing TDs (4th in NFL), though they do allow opposing rushers to amass a league worst 4.9 yards per run. DE Carlos Dunlap and DT Geno Atkins have been the cornerstones of the team’s defense, and are among the league leaders in sacks with 8.5 (tied for 2nd) and 6.0 (tied for 5th), respectively.
