Monday 12/15/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 18:00

Empoli

v

Torino

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		13/10	9/4	23/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EMPOLI	RECENT FORM
HLHWAWHDHWAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 0 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 1	ALHLHDALHDAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Empoli haven’t conceded a first-half goal in their last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Empoli are unbeaten in five and home wins over Lazio in the league and Genoa in the Coppa hint at the progress they are making. Highly-rated keeper Luigi Sepe was inspired as Empoli held Napoli last weekend and they have nothing to fear at home to a Torino side who are without a league win in five.

RECOMMENDATION: Empoli
3

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 20:00

Everton

v

QPR

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		4/9	15/4	7	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT EVERTON	RECENT FORM
HWAWALHDALHL​ Most recent​	4 - 0 2 - 0 0 - 1 2 - 0	ALHDALHWALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: QPR have lost all seven away games, scoring just twice

EXPERT VERDICT: QPR’s dismal away record is a result of a punishing set of games and it won’t get any easier at Goodison. Everton have often looked flat after Europa League games, but with top spot in Group H sealed and a home game in midweek, Roberto Martinez is likely to his powder dry for domestic matters.

RECOMMENDATION: Everton to win 1-0
1


REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 20:00

Chievo

v

Inter

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		3	9/4	21/20	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CHIEVO	RECENT FORM
ALHDHWADHDAW​ Most recent​	2 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 2 2 - 1	HDADHWALHLAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Chievo have conceded just three goals in their last six matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Inter look like work in progress under Roberto Mancini with another dire defensive display earning them a defeat at home to Udinese last time out. Mancini sent the reserves to Qarabaq in the Europa League with all eyes on the trip to Verona where Chievo have suddenly come to life.

RECOMMENDATION: Chievo
1

 

[superbeets]

German Bundesliga 1 Tu 16Dec 19:00

B Munich

v

Freiburg

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		1/11	10	25	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT B MUNICH	RECENT FORM
HWALAWHWHWAW​ Most recent​	4 - 0 1 - 0 7 - 0 4 - 2	AWHWADHLADHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bayern have won their last 11 domestic home fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: After cruising through to the Champions League last 16, Bayern Munich will be focused on stretching their lead at the top of the Bundesliga when they host fourth-bottom Freiburg. One defeat in six represents a decent run for Freiburg but they have recorded just two league wins and their match in Bavaria looks like a damage-limitation exercise.

RECOMMENDATION: Bayern to win 3-0
1


REFEREE: STADIUM: Allianz Arena

 

[superbeets]

French League Cup Tu 16Dec 20:00

Nantes

v

Metz

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		17/20	23/10	7/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NANTES	RECENT FORM
AWHDALHLALHW​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 0 2 - 2 0 - 2	ALHLALHDALAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Nantes have lost just one of their last nine home games

EXPERT VERDICT: Metz have lost eight of their ten away matches in the French top flight and their poor away form could continue with a league cup defeat to Nantes. Five defeats in six games have dragged Metz into a relegation battle and they have been handed a tough draw against Nantes, who have lost just two home fixtures this season.

RECOMMENDATION: Nantes
2

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A Th 18Dec 18:00

Cagliari

v

Juventus

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		7	7/2	2/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CAGLIARI	RECENT FORM
HDADHLHD*HLAD​ Most recent​	1 - 4 1 - 3 0 - 2 1 - 3	AWAWHWADHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Juventus are unbeaten in their last nine matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Juventus have scored just once in their last three matches but remain the most potent attacking force in Serie A and should have too much firepower for third-bottom Cagliari. Finishing second in their Champions League group was not ideal but Juve have led the Serie A standings since late September and look the dominant force in Italy.

RECOMMENDATION: Juventus-Juventus double result
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - December

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
12/1 5 26.5 31 OVER
12/2 10 55.5 45 UNDER
12/3 4 21 22 OVER
12/4 11 60.5 65 OVER
12/5 3 15.5 24 OVER
12/6 12 64 65 OVER
12/7 4 21.5 21 UNDER
12/8 3 15.5 16 OVER
12/9 10 55.5 54 UNDER
12/10 2 11.5 6 UNDER
12/11 10 54.5 58 OVER
12/12 4 21 23 OVER
12/13 13 69 73 OVER
12/14 3 16.5 12 UNDER
12/15 2 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lightning (19-9) at Penguins (19-6)

Date: December 15, 2014 7:00 PM EDT

The NHL's mumps epidemic has spread to its top star, Sidney Crosby.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Crosby's diagnosis over the weekend and will be without the two-time MVP Monday night when they seek to continue their dominance of the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.

Crosby missed Pittsburgh's last two games with illness and face-swelling that the team believed was related to a salivary gland injury Crosby sustained on Nov. 29. He is currently in isolation but should be through the infectious stage by Monday.

Crosby's illness is the latest in an outbreak of mumps cases across the NHL, with players from Anaheim, New Jersey, Minnesota and the New York Rangers among those affected. It is also the latest in a string of ailments for the Penguins, who entered Monday already without forwards Pascal Dupuis (blood clots), Beau Bennett (lower body) and Chris Kunitz (broken foot) and defenseman Olli Maatta (undisclosed injury).

"You sympathize with the players," Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said. "They work hard to be ready to play and play a full season and then they run into injuries and in our case, we're going through a period here that is pretty rough.

"It's a period that builds character and if you can get through it, it's going to help you in the long run. But certainly it's hard."

The Penguins (19-6-4) have managed to stay atop the Eastern Conference despite their depleted roster. Without Crosby on Friday, Pittsburgh topped Calgary 3-1, then fell to Columbus 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday.

Matchups with the Lightning have done little to slow the Penguins in recent years. Pittsburgh has won nine straight in the series since a 4-1 loss on Nov. 17, 2011. Evgeni Malkin has been a key figure in that success, tallying 12 goals and nine assists during an eight-game point streak against Tampa Bay.

Blake Comeau has played well in Crosby's absence, scoring both Friday and Saturday. He ranks third on the team with 10 goals after he had five in 61 games with Columbus last season.

"With the injuries that we've had, guys have done a great job of coming up and playing minutes for us," Comeau said. "We're going to need guys to step up as the season goes on."

Tampa Bay (19-9-3) sits just one point behind Pittsburgh for the top spot in the East, but the Lightning too have endured a trying stretch lately. They fell 4-2 to Washington on Saturday, marking their third loss in four games.

Steven Stamkos notched his 17th assist and team-best 34th point in the loss. He ranks among the league leaders in scoring along with Crosby (35 points) and Malkin (36).

Stamkos, however, failed to find any success on the power play Saturday, a fact he took issue with following the game.

'We're trying to be too cute, I think,' Stamkos said of the Lightning power play, which went 0 for 4. 'We have to find a way to be better. I think that cost us at least some momentum in the game.'

Tampa Bay sits near the top of the NHL with 23 power-play goals, but has converted on just two of 19 opportunities over its last six games. The Lightning are 16-0-1 this season when they score on the man advantage.

Ben Bishop will likely start in net for Tampa Bay, looking to end a personal three-game losing streak during which he's posted a 3.44 goals-against average.

Marc-Andre Fleury, who is 7-1-2 with a 2.04 GAA in his last 10 starts, figures to get the nod for the Penguins. He's won six consecutive starts against the Lightning.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Penguins' Crosby has the mumps
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby was diagnosed with the mumps, the team announced Sunday.

The Penguins said that Crosby will be monitored daily but expect him to be through the infectious period by Monday.

Crosby has been ruled out of Monday's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.

Crosby practiced Friday morning despite feeling ill on Thursday. He has not played the last two games as a precaution and is expected to have more tests.

The Penguins are the fifth team to be affected by mumps, joining the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. Some players on the St. Louis Blues have had symptoms similar to mumps.


--The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Jeremy Morin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Tim Erixon.

Morin had 28 shots on goal and 15 penalty minutes in 15 games for the Blackhawks this season. He was a healthy scratch in the past 11 games.

Erixon has a goal and five assists in 19 games this season.

He was a late first-round draft pick of the


--The Blackhawks reassigned defenseman Klas Dahlbeck to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.


--The Vancouver Canucks recalled forward Tom Sestito from a conditioning assignment with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League.

Sestito, 27, has an assist in two games with the Canucks this season and three games with Utica.



--The Dallas Stars recalled goaltender Anders Lindback from the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League and reassigned goaltender Jussi Rynnas to Texas.



--The Edmonton Oilers recalled defenseman Brad Hunt from the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Hunt, 26, has one goal in six games with the Oilers this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lehner to start for Senators at Sabres
Andrew Avery

New Ottawa Senators head coach Dave Cameron will stay with the hot goaltender as Robin Lehner will get the start at the Buffalo Sabres Monday, Bruce Garrioch reports.

The Swede stopped 29 of 31 shots, picking up the 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins Saturday. Lehner has a record of 6-4-1, 2.76 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in 11 starts so far this season.

At the time of publication, the Sens were -136 road faves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (5-19) at Clippers (16-7)

Date: December 15, 2014 10:30 PM EDT

Chris Paul has never lost against the Detroit Pistons since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, putting forth a solid effort the last time these clubs met.

Brandon Jennings missed that contest and the southern California native is no doubt looking to finally notch a win in his home region.

These point guards square off Monday night with the Clippers trying to defeat the Pistons for the eighth straight time.

Los Angeles (16-7) has won seven straight over Detroit (5-19) since a 113-107 overtime defeat Nov. 12, 2010.

Paul joined the Clippers the next season and he's averaged 20.8 points and 11.6 assists in going 5-0 in his Los Angeles career against the Pistons. He scored 14 of his 23 points in the third quarter of a 104-98 road win over Detroit on Nov. 26.

Paul, though, had the advantage of not facing Jennings, who was out with a sprained left thumb. Jennings is back, though he must improve his 37.0 percent shooting - among the NBA's worst marks.

Since missing three games with the thumb injury, Jennings has averaged 7.4 points and 23.1 percent shooting in eight contests. His average in his last six contests is 4.5 points, though he has focused more on being a playmaker in that span with 45 assists.

Jennings is a native of Lakewood, California. He has lost all eight career games at Staples Center against the Clippers (five) and Lakers.

Paul seeks to make amends after finishing with six turnovers in Friday's 104-96 loss to Washington, and repeating that dubious feat in a 111-106 defeat to Milwaukee on Saturday.

"Just like last night, it was (six) turnovers," said Paul, who fouled out for the first time in the latest game. "Never did that before. Don't think I ever had four offensive fouls in a game, either."

Los Angeles seeks a season-high fifth straight home win after capping a three-game trip with its first set of consecutive losses. The Clippers had a nine-game win streak snapped Friday before allowing the Bucks to shoot 56.6 percent the next night.

"We have to defend," Paul said. "We have to play better.'

The Pistons are looking for their first three-game win streak. Detroit ended a 13-game slide with Friday's 105-103 victory at Phoenix and won 95-90 at Sacramento the next night.

'When you're 3-19, there is no pressure to win with that kind of record," forward Josh Smith said. "You can play carefree, and just try to play your game."

The Clippers are among the top-shooting teams in the NBA at 47.9 percent, while the Pistons rank last at 40.9.

DeAndre Jordan is second in the league in field-goal percentage at 73.1 and leads the NBA with 67 dunks. He'll be up against another prominent dunker in Andre Drummond, who has 47.

Those big men excel on the glass, ranking among the league leaders with Jordan averaging 12.5 rebounds and Drummond 11.8.

Clippers forward Blake Griffin will try to make amends for a poor weekend in which he totaled 24 points on 10-of-25 shooting.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA roundup: Pelicans' Davis sits out game
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis did not play in Sunday's game in New Orleans against the Golden State Warriors because of a chest contusion, the team announced.

Davis was injured during Friday night's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He left the game with 5:30 left in the first quarter.

Tests revealed no serious injuries, and he is not expected to miss a significant amount of time.

Davis is averaging 24.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks this season.


--Minnesota Timberwolves center/forward Ronny Turiaf will have arthroscopic surgery on his right hip, the team announced Sunday.

The operation will be performed Tuesday by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

In two games this season, Turiaf has one rebound and two assists.



--The Sacramento Kings reassigned rookie forward Eric Moreland to the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League.

Moreland is averaging 14.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 steals and 29.3 minutes over six games with Reno this season.

Moreland scored the first two points of his NBA career in a 95-90 Kings' loss to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'DINO-MIGHT'

Toronto Raptors defeating Knicks 90-95 in overtime last night are off to a smart 18-6 SU, 14-10 ATS start to the campaign with a +8.0 points/game winning margin. Purple Dino's take the floor in a desirable winning situation when they host the young core of Orlando players on Monday. That's because Raptors have had great success vs Orlando winning nine consecutive encounters outscoring Magic by an average 11.4 points/game while posting a profitable 6-2-1 mark at the betting window. Looking further back Raptors have won 12-of-16 meetings (11-4-1 ATS) and are very comfortable playing Magic north of the border winning five straight (3-2 ATS) and six of eight encounters (5-3 ATS). The most compelling numbers in the Raptor's favor, they've responded playing without rest this season posting a 4-1 ATS record, have gone 2-0 ATS on the year following an OT game the previous effort. Raptors has also cashed 10-of-15 tickets vs Conference opponents including 4-of-6 vs the Southeast. The numbers clearly illustrate Raptors are the right choice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Duke hasn't played in 12 days since impressive win at Wisconsin as road dog; they play UConn Thursday, figure to look past 3-4 Elon squad that subs a lot but shoots just 41.4% inside arc. Blue Devils are 3-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 69-50-30 points. Elon's only top 100 game is 13-point home loss to Charlotte.

Georgia Southern hasn't played in 12 days since 61-59 loss at UCF; their other road game is 80-71 loss at Illiinois. South Florida is inexperienced, doesn't sub a lot, has new coach and lost last two games by 10-11 points; they're turning ball over 22.2% of time, are 2-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, winning by 9-14 points. Eagles' best win? Over #200 FIU.

Cal Poly is 1-5 vs D-I teams with only win over winless Delaware; they are shooting 25% from arc, 39% inside it. San Francisco lost four of last six games, losing last game at home to Eastern Washington. Dons turn it over 21.4% of time, shoot just 57.2% on line; they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with all four wins by 15+ points.

Pepperdine is 5-2 with both losses to top 70 teams; none of its wina are over teams ranked higher than #227 (Fresno State); Waves lead country, holding teams to 18.9% behind arc; their eFG% is #27 in nation. South Alabama has couple of non-D-I wins but is 0-4 vs D-I teams, losing by point in OT last game- their three road losses are all by 9+ points.

Georgia Tech is 6-2 vs #243 schedule; they lost at home to SC-Upstate Saturday, are shooting 27% from arc, 62% from line.- they're 2-0 against teams outside top 200, winning by 20-9 points. Appalachian State is 3-3 vs #309 schedule; they won at Va Tech, lost by 17 to Hofstra at home, best team they've played. ASU's 44% eFG% is #302 in country.

Troy is 2-3 vs D-I teams with two other wins; they've played schedule ##329- best team they've beaten is #331 Alcorn State. Trojans turn ball over 23.3% of time; they're 2-1 vs teams outside top 200, with only loss to Southern Miss by hoop. Austin Peay is 1-7 vs D-I teams, losing last three by 21-22-9 points; Governorss turn ball over 22.6% of time.

Tennessee-Martin is #7 team in experience; they're 5-2 vs schedule #252 with best win over #259 Arkansas State by hoop- they're turning ball over 22.3% of time. Ill-Chicago is 2-7 vs D-I teams but they beat UCF by 11 in last game; Flames are shooting 26% from arc, have #335 eFG% in nation. #282 Central Florida is best team they've beaten.

Missouri State-Oral Roberts is rescheduled game after power outage two weeks ago; Bears are making 45.5% of their 3's, #2 in nation- they're 3-1 vs teams outside top 200, winning by 11-5-12 points, with loss in OT to Washington State. Last three ORU games were decided by total of seven points; Eagles are 2-0 vs top 100 teams, 1-4 vs everyone else.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bears made MNF home 'dogs

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-8) at CHICAGO BEARS (5-8)

Kickoff: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Line: New Orleans -3, Total: 54

Two underperforming teams clash on Monday night when the Saints visit the Bears.

New Orleans hit rock bottom last week in a 41-10 home loss to the Panthers, dropping the club to 1-4 (SU and ATS) in the past five contests. Chicago, meanwhile, suffered a 41-28 home loss to the Cowboys last Thursday.

The Saints have won-and-covered in both meetings with the Bears since 2011. The most recent matchup was a 26-18 victory in Chicago on Oct. 6, 2013. Prior to that win, the Bears had won three straight home games SU in this series. New Orleans has allowed at least 32 points in each of its past three games, and Chicago hasn’t been much better, surrendering 34+ points in each of the past two contests. All of those games have gone Over the total.

Since 1992, the Saints are 15-4 ATS in road games after allowing 175+ rushing yards in their previous game. They are also 55-36 ATS on the road after one or more consecutive ATS losses in that timeframe. The Bears, however, are 18-7 ATS at home after two consecutive games with a turnover margin of minus-1 or worse since 1992.

The Saints have no new injuries to note, but the same cannot be said for the Bears.

While WR Brandon Marshall (ribs) and LB D.J. Williams (neck) are both done for the season, S Chris Conte (back), DE Cornelius Washington (chest), DT Jeremiah Ratliff (knee), LB Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) and even K Robbie Gould (quad) are all questionable for Chicago on Monday night.

The Saints played their worst game of the season last week, getting blown out at home against a miserable Panthers team. QB Drew Brees (3,983 pass yards, 28 TD, 12 INT) completed just 59.2% of his passes in the game for 235 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He should be able to get things going in this one though, as he’ll be facing a Bears defense that is allowing 265.5 passing yards per game (30th in NFL).

If he is to snap out of his recent funk, however, he’ll need TE Jimmy Graham (68 rec, 695 yards, 9 TD) to do so as well. Graham has caught just three passes in two of the past three games, and Brees is used to being able to just lob the ball up for his superstar pass-catcher. Graham has not been the same since injuring his shoulder earlier in the season.

One player that could be a real difference maker in this one is RB Mark Ingram (810 rush yards, 6 TD). Ingram is a powerful runner that is capable of tiring out a defensive line. He carried the ball 10 times for 43 yards in last week's blowout loss to the Panthers, but rushed for 122 yards in the week before against Pittsburgh.

New Orleans will need to establish its run game, and pounding the rock with Ingram early would really benefit the team. Defensively, simply holding its opponent under 30 points would be an accomplishment, as the Saints have not done so in the past three games.

The Bears were unable to beat the Cowboys in Chicago last week, but they’ll now turn their attention to picking up a victory over the struggling Saints. QB Jay Cutler (3,446 pass yards, 26 TD, 15 INT) was actually pretty good in the loss against the Cowboys last Thursday, throwing for 341 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. The Saints are surrendering 265.2 yards per game through the air this season (29th in NFL), so Cutler should be able to find some success in Monday's matchup.

One thing he’ll need to get over is the loss of season-ending loss of starting WR Brandon Marshall (61 rec, 721 yards, 8 TD), who broke his ribs against the Cowboys last week. With Marshall out, Cutler will be even more reliant on WR Alshon Jeffery (73 rec, 949 yards, 8 TD). Jeffery has been on a tear recently, catching five touchdowns in the past four games and eight in the past 10 contests. Jeffery should be able to find plenty of space against this porous secondary, and Cutler will be looking his way more often than usual.

Without Marshall, however, this team would be very wise to pound the football with RB Matt Forte (854 rush yards, 6 TD). Forte has gotten just 18 carries over the past two games, and that will need to change, as he is the team’s biggest weapon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL roundup: Texans QB Fitzpatrick suffers leg injury
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was carted off the field in the first half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts with what was called a fractured left leg by multiple media outlets.

However, when asked specifically after the game if Fitzpatrick's left leg is broken, Texans coach Bill O'Brien would neither confirm nor deny the report..

If Fitzpatrick's leg is broken, he is expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving the offense in the hands of rookie Tom Savage. Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett, who had replaced Fitzpatrick as the Texans' starting quarterback, is out for the season with a torn pectoral.

Fitzpatrick was injured after a 2-yard run in the second quarter. An air cast was placed on his leg before he was carted off the field.



---The San Francisco 49ers lost two running backs on Sunday.

Frank Gore was ruled out for the rest of the game after suffering a concussion in the first half.

Carlos Hyde limped off the field late in the third quarter Sunday after sustaining what appeared to be a knee injury.


-- Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker left Sunday's game against the New York Jets because of an injury with 1:58 left in the first half and did not return.

Moments after throwing an incomplete pass to wide receiver Derek Hagan, Locker was drilled by Jets defensive end Quinton Coples. Locker fell hard on his left shoulder and jogged off the field after a short delay.


--NFL owners will vote in March on a proposed new playoff system that will expand from 12 teams to 14 and include reseeding, ESPN reported.

A formula that owners will discuss is that, in addition to first-round byes for the teams with the best record in the AFC and NFC, two divisional champions in each conference will be guaranteed a home game. The remaining four teams in each conference will be seeded based on win-loss record.



--Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett's job appears safe, ESPN reported.

Garrett is in the final year of his contract and the team has finished 8-8 the past three seasons.

The Cowboys, who entered Sunday at 9-4, have slowed down after a hot start but are still guaranteed to finish the season with a winning record.

According to the report, owner/general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have been telling people they plan to retain Garrett, even if the Cowboys miss the playoffs.


--Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis plans to make major changes to the team, according to ESPN.

Those plans include spending lots of money and overhauling the organization in an attempt to build a winning team. The changes could include firing general manager Reggie McKenzie.

The Raiders are expected to hire a new coach. Tony Sparano replaced fired coach Dennis Allen in the interim after the Raiders got off to a 0-4 start.



--Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne broke the franchise's record for games played Sunday.

Wayne, 36, played his 209th career game, breaking former teammate Peyton Manning's record. Manning played his 208th game as a Colt in 2011.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday Night Football betting preview: Saints at Bears

New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears (+3, 54)

Despite owning identical records, one team is tied for the lead while the other resides in the basement in their respective divisions. The New Orleans Saints look to maintain at least a share of the top spot in the NFC South when they visit the NFC North cellar-dwelling Chicago Bears on Monday night. New Orleans enters Week 15 tied with Atlanta atop their division even though last Sunday's 41-10 loss to Carolina was its fourth defeat in five games, with all four losses coming at home.

Notoriously bad on the road, the Saints have won their last two games away from the Superdome - including a 35-32 triumph at Pittsburgh in Week 13. Chicago, which has rushed for a total of 48 yards in its last two games, has dropped four of its last six contests - allowing at least 34 points in each setback. The latest defeat, a 41-28 decision against Dallas, halted the Bears' two-game home winning streak.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Bears as 3-point home dogs, though some had +2.5. The total opened at 54.

INJURY REPORT: Saints - LB David Hawthorne (Probable, hip), DE Akiem Hicks (Probable, ankle), LB Junior Galette (Questionable, knee), WR Robert Meachem (Questionable, ankle). Bears - DT Jeremiah Ratliff (Questionable, knee), S Chris Conte (Questionable, back), K Robbie Gould (Questionable, quad).

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid-40s with wind blowing toward the N endzone at 12 mph and a 66 percent chance of rain.

POWER RANKINGS: Saints (+2.25) + Bears (+3.0) + home field (-3.0) = Bears +2.25

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Saints have lost four straight home games but are still tied with Atlanta for first in the NFC South. Head to Chicago where they are 5-2 ATS L7 Monday nights. The disappointing Bears season is now done and host the Saints in the second of three straight home games. 3-12-1 ATS L16 after allowing 350 or more yards." Matt Fargo.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (5-8 SU, 5-8 ATS, 10-3 O/U): New Orleans' defense has played a major role in the team's struggles this season, ranking 31st in yards allowed per game at 398.7. The club has yielded at least 27 points and an average of 183.8 rushing yards in its last five contests. Coach Sean Payton was particularly critical of the unit after the loss to Carolina. "Our tackling was awful. (The Panthers) were almost near 300 yards rushing. It was awful," he said. "On top of that, you can't make dumb mistakes like jump offside when a team is getting ready to punt or kick a field goal."

ABOUT THE BEARS (5-8 SU, 5-8 ATS, 8-5 O/U): After allowing 50-plus points in back-to-back losses at New England and Green Bay, the Bears appeared to right the ship, yielding 13 in home victories over Minnesota and Tampa Bay. But Chicago's defense went back to being porous as it yielded a total of 75 points in setbacks against Detroit and Dallas. Injuries to regulars have been a factor, forcing several rookies into extended action, but defensive end Jared Allen refuses to use that as an excuse. "You're in the NFL. By the time I got to the NFL, I'd been playing football every year since I was eight," he said. "That's a lot of years of football. They're young for the NFL, but it's still football."

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Chicago.
* Saints are 5-2-2 ATS in their last nine meetings.
* Bears are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Over is 6-1 in Saints last seven vs. NFC.

CONSENSUS: 60 percent of bettors are backing the Saints.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rain, wind in forecast for Monday night game
Andrew Avery

Forecasts are calling for a 66 percent chance of rain falling on Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears host the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-40s and wind will blow toward the north endzone at around 12 miles per hour.

The Bears are presently 3-point home underdogs for the game and the total sits at 54.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 15

Saints (5-8) @ Bears (5-8)—Neither team here inspires any confidence. Saints covered once in last eight games as a road favorite; they lost SU last four times they were favored, but they won last two road games, scoring 63 points. Road team won their last six games, after losing first seven. Dome team as road favorite on a December night in Chicago is a brutal spot, but Bears lost five of last seven games, allowing 75 points last two weeks and best WR Marshall (back) is done for year. Chicago failed to cover last five tries as a home underdog; they covered once in last seven tries as an underdog overall. NFC South non-divisional favorites are 4-10 vs spread, 0-3 on road. NFC North underdogs are 6-10, 1-2 at home. Four of last six Chicago games, four of last five Saint games went over the total.