NFL odds: Week 9 opening line report
What do you remember about Baltimore’s thumping of Pittsburgh in the opener?
Aside from Super Bowl losers falling to 0-12 against the spread and 2-10 straight up in Week 1 the following season, here’s what I remember:
The Ravens went for two in highly unusual circumstances. They had just scored to take a 27-7, third-quarter lead, and there was holder Sam Koch taking the snap and running left into the end zone.
“It leaves a taste in your mouth,” Steelers wideout Hines Ward said then. “The 2-point conversion. The passing at the end.
“We’ll remember everything.”
Now they’re in position to do something about it.
At the time, the season opener felt like a coronation. The Ravens, who have not won the AFC North since 2006, would ascend to their rightful place and leave the aging, wounded Steelers in the dust.
Sunday, the Ravens were booed in their own stadium. They had to erase a 21-point deficit to beat woeful Arizona, one week after losing as double-digit favorites at Jacksonville.
The Steelers looked invigorated Sunday. They dismantled New England for their fourth straight win and own the AFC’s best mark at 6-2, half a game ahead of Baltimore and Cincinnati.
After the Week 1 blowout, Koch told the Baltimore Sun the 2-point conversion was not meant to send a message.
“You’ve got the Steelers and the Ravens, which is such a bitter rivalry year-in and year-out,” he said. “Rubbing it in their faces is definitely not the answer because you never know what can happen. You never know when a game can change or the momentum, especially in a game against the Steelers. It was just a way to add more points and give us a more comfortable lead.”
Coach John Harbaugh gave this explanation: “Sometimes you go with your head, sometimes you go with your heart. The second decision was probably going with my heart. I felt like we were going to get it. I felt like we could get it, and I thought we could really put the nail in the coffin.”
It was a humiliating loss for a proud franchise.
"The way they beat us is embarrassing," nose tackle Casey Hampton told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Since I've been here, nobody has beaten us like that on both sides of the ball for the entire game."
With the Steelers looking capable of exacting revenge, oddsmakers opened Pittsburgh as 3.5-point favorite in the Sunday night showdown.
“What’s always in the public’s mind is the last game," MGM Mirage sportsbook manager Jeff Stoneback told ***********. “Baltimore had to come back to beat a bad Arizona team, and Pittsburgh got the big win over New England. And it’s a revenge game: Pittsburgh got embarrassed. We figure the public’s going to figure they’re going to want to atone for that game.
“The public is going to want to bet Pittsburgh.”
You can break this game down from a myriad of angles.
Will LB LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) be able to play? He has six sacks over the last three games.
How likely are the Steelers to play near-perfect games in consecutive weeks? Facing New England’s defense is like a 7-on-7 passing drill. Baltimore is another animal entirely. The Ravens hound opposing QBs into a 65.5 passer rating.
On the other side, the Ravens receivers create little separation. Especially compared to Pittsburgh’s speed demons: Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
Baltimore came back Sunday because Joe Flacco started throwing to a covered Anquan Boldin and the 6-1, 223-pounder made terrific catches. Boldin likely won’t go off against Ike Taylor and the Steelers’ top-rated pass defense, which allows 171.6 yards a game and 5.8 yards per attempt.
BIGGEST SPREADS OF THE WEEK
Seattle at Dallas (-12.5, 42.5), Cleveland at Houston (-10.5, 41)
Everyone expects Dallas to bounce back from its no-show Sunday night.
Seattle’s Tarvaris Jackson came back from his pectoral injury to throw for a career-high 323 yards against Cincinnati. But the Seahawks can’t run the ball, and usually their defense is weaker on the road.
Dallas is just 2-7 ATS as a home favorite since last year.
Cleveland, coming off another ugly offensive performance, is 3-7 ATS as a road dog since last year.
SMALLEST SPREAD OF THE WEEK
New York Jets at Buffalo (-1, 43.5)
Teams coming off a bye were really struggling until Sunday, when they went 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS to bring the season marks to 8-10 SU and 8-9-1 ATS. The Jets come off a bye after edging San Diego thanks to 13 Chargers’ penalties.
Buffalo is getting very little respect here for its 5-2 start.
BIGGEST TOTAL OF THE WEEK
New York Giants at New England (-9, 52.5), Green Bay at San Diego (4, 53)
Eli Manning is playing at a very high level. In his last six games, Manning has averaged 310 passing yards with 13 TDs and four INTs.
And the Patriots’ offense should rebound, creating an expected shootout.
“Everybody is going throw in a bad game now and then,” Stoneback said. “It’s rare for them to have two bad ones in a row. And they’re at home.”
SMALLEST TOTAL OF THE WEEK
San Francisco at Washington (3.5, 37.5)
This total has already dropped two points. The Redskins couldn’t score against the Bills, and now their best remaining receiver, tight end Fred Davis, is in a walking boot.
The 49ers allow a league-low 15.3 points per game.
NFL
Long Sheet
Week 9
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Sunday, November 6
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ATLANTA (4 - 3) at INDIANAPOLIS (0 - 8) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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TAMPA BAY (4 - 3) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games in November games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 3-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CLEVELAND (3 - 4) at HOUSTON (5 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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NY JETS (4 - 3) at BUFFALO (5 - 2) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 3-1 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NY JETS is 3-1 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MIAMI (0 - 7) at KANSAS CITY (4 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) against AFC West division opponents since 1992.
KANSAS CITY is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) against AFC East division opponents since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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SAN FRANCISCO (6 - 1) at WASHINGTON (3 - 4) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-49 ATS (-24.9 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 57-36 ATS (+17.4 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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SEATTLE (2 - 5) at DALLAS (3 - 4) - 11/6/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
DALLAS is 74-51 ATS (+17.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
DALLAS is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) in home games in November games since 1992.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 1-0 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 1-0 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DENVER (2 - 5) at OAKLAND (4 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-57 ATS (-37.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-1 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 4-1 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CINCINNATI (5 - 2) at TENNESSEE (4 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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ST LOUIS (1 - 6) at ARIZONA (1 - 6) - 11/6/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 116-151 ATS (-50.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 116-151 ATS (-50.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 57-83 ATS (-34.3 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 60-87 ATS (-35.7 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 84-118 ATS (-45.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ARIZONA is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-2 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-1 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NY GIANTS (5 - 2) at NEW ENGLAND (5 - 2) - 11/6/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) in November games since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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GREEN BAY (7 - 0) at SAN DIEGO (4 - 3) - 11/6/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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BALTIMORE (5 - 2) at PITTSBURGH (6 - 2) - 11/6/2011, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) revenging a loss against opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 53-30 ATS (+20.0 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-3 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Monday, November 7
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CHICAGO (4 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (3 - 4) - 11/7/2011, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 145-104 ATS (+30.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
CHICAGO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games in November games since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Short Sheet
Week 9
Sunday, 11/6/2011
ATLANTA at INDIANAPOLIS, 1:00 PM ET
ATLANTA: 17-7 ATS in dome games
INDIANAPOLIS: 6-0 Over vs. non-conference
TAMPA BAY at NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 8-1 ATS as road underdog
NEW ORLEANS: 0-6 ATS at home vs. division
CLEVELAND at HOUSTON, 1:00 PM ET
CLEVELAND: 5-1 Under vs. Houston
HOUSTON: 8-22 ATS off home win
NY JETS at BUFFALO, 1:00 PM ET
NY JETS: 13-1 Over in road games
BUFFALO: 6-1 Over in all games
MIAMI at KANSAS CITY, 1:00 PM ET
MIAMI: 6-0 Under off a SU loss
KANSAS CITY: 13-29 ATS vs. AFC East
SAN FRANCISCO at WASHINGTON, 1:00 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO: 6-0-1 ATS this season
WASHINGTON: 6-0 Under after allowing 6+ yards/play BB games
SEATTLE at DALLAS, 1:00 PM ET
SEATTLE: 3-15 ATS as road underdog
DALLAS: 29-13 ATS off loss by 14+
DENVER at OAKLAND, 4:05 PM ET
DENVER: 10-2 Over after allowing 40+ points
OAKLAND: 13-4 ATS off ATS loss
CINCINNATI at TENNESSEE, 4:05 PM ET
CINCINNATI: 6-1 Over in all games
TENNESSEE: 19-7 ATS as home favorite of 3 pts or less
ST LOUIS at ARIZONA, 4:15 PM ET
ST LOUIS: 7-19 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
ARIZONA: 6-0 Under vs. St. Louis
NY GIANTS at NEW ENGLAND, 4:15 PM ET
NY GIANTS: 6-0 Over on turf
NEW ENGLAND: 16-5 Over as favorite
GREEN BAY at SAN DIEGO, 4:15 PM ET
GREEN BAY: 8-0 Under as road favorite of 7 pts or less
SAN DIEGO: 0-5 ATS vs. Green Bay
BALTIMORE at PITTSBURGH, 8:20 PM ET NBC
BALTIMORE: 6-1 Under after game w/ 50+ pass attempts
PITTSBURGH: 6-0 ATS playing w/ revenge
Monday, 11/7/2011
CHICAGO at PHILADELPHIA, 8:30 PM ET ESPN
CHICAGO: 11-1 Under as road underdog
PHILADELPHIA: 15-2 Under after gaining 7+ yards/play