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NFL notebook: Panthers QB Newton still not practicing
By The Sports Xchange

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was not on the field for Thursday's prtactice and his status for Monday's game Tampa Bay remains uncertain.
Newton and left tackle Michael Oher were absent as both remain in the league's concussion protocol.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said after Thursday's practice that if Newton is cleared he will play Monday night against Tampa Bay. But Rivera said he won't know Newton's status until later in the week.
Derek Anderson would start that contest if the league's reigning MVP is unable to play.
Newton sustained a documented concussion on Sunday when he took a legal helmet-to-helmet hit from Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Deion Jones on a two-point conversion run.

--New York Jets veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis and wide receiver Eric Decker remained spectators during practice.
Revis has yet to practice this week after sustaining a mild hamstring strain during Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The timing of the injury doesn't bode well for the 31-year-old Revis and the visiting Jets (1-3), who face the high-octane Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) on Sunday.
Decker is in jeopardy of missing his second straight game with a partially torn rotator cuff.

--Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs sat out practice for the second straight day due to a groin injury. His status for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans is uncertain.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph participated in practice after being bothered by a clavicle/rib injury sustained against the Giants.

--Running back Karlos Williams is expected to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills after serving his four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Williams wrote on his Twitter account that, "The return is gonna be so sweet," and ESPN reported that he was scheduled to visit Thursday with the Bills, who released the 2015 fifth-round pick in August after his suspension was levied.

--Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the New York Giants (2-2) due to the concussion he sustained in the season-opening win versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The concussion is the second in ninth months and fourth in six years for the 28-year-old Shields, who visited a concussion specialist last month.

--Johnny Manziel, officially reinstated by the NFL after serving a four-game suspension, is a free agent eligible to be signed to a practice squad.
Manziel became a free agent in March, but off-field antics and domestic violence charges in Texas kept interest lukewarm.
Because Manziel, a first-round pick in the 2014 draft, has accrued only two seasons in the league, he can be signed to a practice squad for less than $7,000 per week.

--San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch was removed from the roster-exemption list and activated, and linebacker NaVorro Bowman was placed on the injured reserve list, the team announced.
Lynch was suspended or the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy on substance abuse. He is eligible to play in Thursday's night's game against the Arizona Cardinals, although it is unclear whether he will get into the game.

--The Dallas Cowboys worked out kickers Robbie Gould and Kai Forbath amid concerns about Dan Bailey dealing with a balky back, the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported.
Bailey misfired on a 47-yard field goal attempt versus San Francisco last week, but rebounded to hit a 22-yarder and all of his extra points in a 24-17 win over the 49ers.

--Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman pantomiming firing a bow and arrow as part of a post-play celebration will cost him $10,000.
Norman was flagged during a celebration after a fourth-quarter interception in a win over the Cleveland Browns. Norman did the same thing two weeks earlier against the Dallas Cowboys and received a warning from game officials.

--Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown told ESPN that he has been fined again for his touchdown celebration dance against the Kansas City Chiefs this past weekend.
Brown was fined $9,115 for twerking in the opener, and a second offense in taunting would be $12,154. Each of those celebrations led to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The NFL has a rule against "sexually suggestive" behavior on the field, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin publicly asked the league to clarify what is and is not acceptable.
The NFL is sending a video to teams that explains the issue.

--The Atlanta Falcons will forfeit their first three days of Organized Team Activities in 2017 for excessive contact in offseason workouts.
The penalty stems from Atlanta breaking rules prohibiting excessive contact in an offseason workout in May. The club allowed players to engage in excessive levels of on-field contact, which is prohibited under the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.

--The NFL is closely monitoring the weather situation as it pertains to Hurricane Matthew, particularly the Tennessee at Miami on Sunday and the Tampa Bay at Carolina game on Monday night.
No schedule changes have been made yet.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 5
By Marcus DiNitto

Another week of football, another rash of injuries.

Starting quarterbacks Cam Newton, Carson Palmer and Trever Siemian all went down Sunday, prompting bookmakers to adjust their Week 5 numbers. Not all quarterback changes are created equal, of course, so we asked Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook oddsmaker Ed Salmons for his take on what this week’s injuries mean to next week’s lines.

Here’s a look at all the early point spreads for Week 5 of the NFL season. Lines are the Las Vegas consensus as of about 11 p.m. ET, with changes and differences among sports books also noted.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)

Houston’s only loss this season came at New England, yet the Westgate’s opening number of Minnesota -5 wasn’t big enough for the betting market’s tastes, and it was adjusted to -5.5. CG Technology, in fact, opened the game Minny -6.

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-3.5)

There was a fairly even mix of 3.5s and 4s being dealt on this matchup of AFC also-rans.

New England Patriots (-10) at Cleveland Browns

Double-digit spreads are not common in the NFL. Double-digit spreads with the road team favored are downright rare. But ratings disparities don’t get any bigger than the Patriots with Tom Brady compared to the Browns with Cody Kessler.

CG on Sunday night hung 7.5 as its first number on this game, but that moved up the ladder to 9 within an hour.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)

The Westgate opened Pitt -7, but action on the underdog Jets prompted a move to 6.5. CG Technology went the other way, opening 6 and moving to 6.5.

Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)

While 3.5 was the most popular number on this matchup of regional interest, Baltimore bounced between -4 and -4.5 at CG.

Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) at Detroit Lions

This game opened a pick ‘em at the Westgate, but shot up to Philly -2.5 in under an hour. A few shops – the Wynn and CG – were dealing 1.5 as of this writing.

As short favorites in Chicago, the Lions lost their third straight game, giving the Bears their first win of the season. The undefeated Eagles will be fresh off a bye.

Said Salmons, “After the way Detroit looked today, the public will definitely be on Philadelphia, so Philadelphia had to be favorite in that game.”

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)

The Westgate opened Indy -5, William Hill went -4, and the two shops met in the middle at 4.5. There were still plenty of +5s available for dog bettors Sunday night.

Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos (-5.5)

Atlanta has won three straight and has looked good doing it, but before we get too excited about the Falcons, let’s remember they started the season 5-0 last season before a hard crash back to reality. A win at Denver, though, would go a long way to legitimize Dan Quinn’s club.

“This will be a good test,” said Salmons. “If any team can go to Denver and play with Denver, that can kind of prove what you’re about …. You would think if anyone can score against Denver, it would be Atlanta, but no one seems to score against these guys.”

As for the Broncos’ quarterback situation, there’s a difference of “maybe a point, at most” between Siemian and Paxton Lynch, according to Salmons. In contrast to the Cardinals and Panthers games, bookmakers were not reluctant to post a number of this game, and lines ranged from 5 to 6.5.

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams (-3 even)

The Bills have won two straight (vs. Arizona, at New England), and the Rams have won three in a row (vs. Seattle, at Tampa, at Arizona). CG opened this game -1.5 but moved to -2.5 after a few hours of Sunday night wagering. The Westgate offered the Rams -2.5 on its week-in-advance lines, but was quickly bet to -3 even, Salmons said.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (-4.5)

With a 3-1 start, Oakland has earned the respect of bettors, who pushed the Raiders from -3.5 to -4.5 in early wagering at the Westgate. Plenty of 4s remained on betting boards Sunday night in Vegas.

Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys (pick ‘em)

This line varied from either side being a 1-point favorite as Week 5 wagering began. The game presents Dallas an opportunity to earn a quality win. The Cowboys are putting up points and winning on the road, but their resume so far includes wins over Washington, Chicago and San Francisco – not exactly a murderers’ row.

“Their defense doesn’t look like playoff-type defense,” said Salmons. “It looks like you can score points against them.”

The Bengals, meanwhile, pulled themselves to 2-2 with an easy win at home Thursday over Miami.

“Cincinnati still gets a lot of respect from the oddsmakers,” Salmons added. ”(Next Sunday’s line) is saying that Cincinnati is the better team.”

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (-7)

Quite a tough spot the NFL schedule makers put the Giants in next week. New York, off a short week since they play at Minnesota on Monday night, has to travel to Green Bay, which had a bye in Week 4. Plus, it’s the second leg of a back-to-back road situation for the Giants.

To that add this: The Packers are 8-2 SU and 8-1-1 ATS after a bye under Mike McCarthy.

Monday, Oct. 10

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers (-6)

CG opened Carolina -6, but the book was alone in accepting wagers on this game Sunday night. Most shops are waiting to hear more about Newton, who was concussed by a big hit as he lollygagged into the end zone on a two-point conversion late in the Panthers’ loss to Atlanta.

Should Derek Anderson start in place of Newton, Carolina will probably lay less than a field goal next Monday night, according to Salmons.

Salmons said of the Panthers, who are off to a disappointing 1-3 start, “They’re the opposite of the Cardinals – they can’t stop anyone.”

He added, “There’s a lot history that shows the team that lost the Super Bowl that hadn’t done something in years has a drop off, and they’re definitely going through it right now. But it’s early in the year, I wouldn’t write any of these teams off.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 5
By Marcus DiNitto

Another week of football, another rash of injuries.

Starting quarterbacks Cam Newton, Carson Palmer and Trever Siemian all went down Sunday, prompting bookmakers to adjust their Week 5 numbers. Not all quarterback changes are created equal, of course, so we asked Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook oddsmaker Ed Salmons for his take on what this week’s injuries mean to next week’s lines.

Here’s a look at all the early point spreads for Week 5 of the NFL season. Lines are the Las Vegas consensus as of about 11 p.m. ET, with changes and differences among sports books also noted.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)

Houston’s only loss this season came at New England, yet the Westgate’s opening number of Minnesota -5 wasn’t big enough for the betting market’s tastes, and it was adjusted to -5.5. CG Technology, in fact, opened the game Minny -6.

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-3.5)

There was a fairly even mix of 3.5s and 4s being dealt on this matchup of AFC also-rans.

New England Patriots (-10) at Cleveland Browns

Double-digit spreads are not common in the NFL. Double-digit spreads with the road team favored are downright rare. But ratings disparities don’t get any bigger than the Patriots with Tom Brady compared to the Browns with Cody Kessler.

CG on Sunday night hung 7.5 as its first number on this game, but that moved up the ladder to 9 within an hour.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)

The Westgate opened Pitt -7, but action on the underdog Jets prompted a move to 6.5. CG Technology went the other way, opening 6 and moving to 6.5.

Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)

While 3.5 was the most popular number on this matchup of regional interest, Baltimore bounced between -4 and -4.5 at CG.

Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) at Detroit Lions

This game opened a pick ‘em at the Westgate, but shot up to Philly -2.5 in under an hour. A few shops – the Wynn and CG – were dealing 1.5 as of this writing.

As short favorites in Chicago, the Lions lost their third straight game, giving the Bears their first win of the season. The undefeated Eagles will be fresh off a bye.

Said Salmons, “After the way Detroit looked today, the public will definitely be on Philadelphia, so Philadelphia had to be favorite in that game.”

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)

The Westgate opened Indy -5, William Hill went -4, and the two shops met in the middle at 4.5. There were still plenty of +5s available for dog bettors Sunday night.

Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos (-5.5)

Atlanta has won three straight and has looked good doing it, but before we get too excited about the Falcons, let’s remember they started the season 5-0 last season before a hard crash back to reality. A win at Denver, though, would go a long way to legitimize Dan Quinn’s club.

“This will be a good test,” said Salmons. “If any team can go to Denver and play with Denver, that can kind of prove what you’re about …. You would think if anyone can score against Denver, it would be Atlanta, but no one seems to score against these guys.”

As for the Broncos’ quarterback situation, there’s a difference of “maybe a point, at most” between Siemian and Paxton Lynch, according to Salmons. In contrast to the Cardinals and Panthers games, bookmakers were not reluctant to post a number of this game, and lines ranged from 5 to 6.5.

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams (-3 even)

The Bills have won two straight (vs. Arizona, at New England), and the Rams have won three in a row (vs. Seattle, at Tampa, at Arizona). CG opened this game -1.5 but moved to -2.5 after a few hours of Sunday night wagering. The Westgate offered the Rams -2.5 on its week-in-advance lines, but was quickly bet to -3 even, Salmons said.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (-4.5)

With a 3-1 start, Oakland has earned the respect of bettors, who pushed the Raiders from -3.5 to -4.5 in early wagering at the Westgate. Plenty of 4s remained on betting boards Sunday night in Vegas.

Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys (pick ‘em)

This line varied from either side being a 1-point favorite as Week 5 wagering began. The game presents Dallas an opportunity to earn a quality win. The Cowboys are putting up points and winning on the road, but their resume so far includes wins over Washington, Chicago and San Francisco – not exactly a murderers’ row.

“Their defense doesn’t look like playoff-type defense,” said Salmons. “It looks like you can score points against them.”

The Bengals, meanwhile, pulled themselves to 2-2 with an easy win at home Thursday over Miami.

“Cincinnati still gets a lot of respect from the oddsmakers,” Salmons added. ”(Next Sunday’s line) is saying that Cincinnati is the better team.”

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (-7)

Quite a tough spot the NFL schedule makers put the Giants in next week. New York, off a short week since they play at Minnesota on Monday night, has to travel to Green Bay, which had a bye in Week 4. Plus, it’s the second leg of a back-to-back road situation for the Giants.

To that add this: The Packers are 8-2 SU and 8-1-1 ATS after a bye under Mike McCarthy.

Monday, Oct. 10

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers (-6)

CG opened Carolina -6, but the book was alone in accepting wagers on this game Sunday night. Most shops are waiting to hear more about Newton, who was concussed by a big hit as he lollygagged into the end zone on a two-point conversion late in the Panthers’ loss to Atlanta.

Should Derek Anderson start in place of Newton, Carolina will probably lay less than a field goal next Monday night, according to Salmons.

Salmons said of the Panthers, who are off to a disappointing 1-3 start, “They’re the opposite of the Cardinals – they can’t stop anyone.”

He added, “There’s a lot history that shows the team that lost the Super Bowl that hadn’t done something in years has a drop off, and they’re definitely going through it right now. But it’s early in the year, I wouldn’t write any of these teams off.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends To Watch - October
By Marc Lawrence

October is a great month for sports fans alike with the MLB playoffs and the start of the NBA season. But nothing surpasses the excitement of the NFL and College Football during Halloween’s month.

That being said, listed below are the best and worst trends for NFL teams during the month of October. All we extracted from the 2016 PLAYBOOK Football Preview Guide magazine.

We’ll be back next month with the best and the worst that November has to offer.

Enjoy!

HOME TEAMS

Good: If there is one aspect you can count on this month, it is the Pittsburgh Steelers covering spreads at home. The Steelers have annually begun to hit their stride in October and particularly so at Heinz Field. The Steelers are 34-15 ATS and have Kansas City (10/2), the Jets (10/9) and New England (10/23) in the Steel City.

Keep an eye on (Good): Another high quality squad this loves home cookin' this month is Cincinnati, who is 19-10 against the oddsmakers. Too bad this year's schedule has so many road games with only Cleveland on the Oct. 23rd paying a visit.

Keep an eye on (Bad): For underperforming teams at home we find three that fit the bill. Chicago (18-29 ATS) is no surprise and neither is Jacksonville (14-23 ATS), but Seattle (16-26 ATS) with the 12th man certainly is.

The Bears have Detroit to start the month, the Jaguars in the middle of the month and Minnesota on Halloween.

Jacksonville justifiably gives up a home game for London trip and only has Oakland on the 23rd. The Seahawks have three away games and a bye, which means only Atlanta on the 16th are on Coffee Town.

AWAY TEAMS

Keep an eye on (Good): With the defending NFC champions Carolina off to a slow start, they will look to enhance 26-15 ATS road record against division foes Atlanta (10/2) and New Orleans (10/16).

The New York Giants always had a solid reputation at road warriors under former coach Tom Coughlin. The G-Men will be tested in back to back trips against Minnesota (10/3) and Green Bay (10/9) just six days apart.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Arizona will be challenged to improve pathetic 14-27 ATS mark this month, playing on first Thursday game at San Francisco and the day before Halloween in a NFC title tilt rematch at Carolina.

Cincinnati is 20-34 ATS away from home and its arduous early season slate continues with consecutive contests at Dallas and at New England beginning Oct.9th.

Seattle is only 19-35 ATS away from the Northwest this month and has a trio of sojourns to New Jersey (Jets) to start October and finishes things in the Arizona desert and in the bayou of Louisiana.

Tampa Bay has a rare Monday matchup at Carolina on the 10th and 13 days later in Frisco, and will be trying to better 16-28 ATS record.

FAVORITES

Keep an eye on (Good): The team from St. Louis is a sharp 21-11 handing out points and will try and see if that act continues in L.A. Only contest with Buffalo (10/9) might fit the bill.

San Francisco is 39-23 ATS, with nearly all of that accomplished with far better teams than this one. Possibly a date with Tampa Bay (10/23) could make this active angle.

Bad: The Bears are stinky 11-23 ATS as favorites and they catch Jacksonville (10/16) two weeks after their London trip.

Keep an eye on (Bad): With two games against New England this month, you know the Bills will not be favored in those, but assuredly they could better 20-30 ATS mark against the Niners at home on the 16th.

Jacksonville is another club not suited for handing out points, with only a 10-19 spread record. The Raiders in north Florida on the 23rd of the month is only possibility for winner.

Tampa Bay is none too pretty 16-26 ATS doling out digits. Contests at San Francisco and Oakland are only two games of the month where they could be favored.

We start this month not exactly sure what the status of Russell Wilson will be, but we do know Seattle is sickly 15-28 ATS as favored outfit.

UNDERDOGS

Good: Pittsburgh is remarkable 23-9 ATS this month in the role, but the only slightly conceivable chance they might be when New England and Tom Brady visit on the 23rd.

Keep an eye on (Good): Speaking of the Patriots, they are pretty good road dogs also at 22-14 ATS. They could be the pooch at the aforementioned Steelers. Somebody has to be, right?

Chicago is 28-17 ATS when receiving points and they will get a lot of practice this month to better that record, because the only opportunity they could be favored in five games is home against Jacksonville (10/16).

Mentioned the Giants as a quality road outfit and they have been even better as underdogs (23-13 ATS) and will be in that role in the Midwest at the Vikings and Packers.

Keep an eye on (Bad): San Francisco will be a underdog in first three games of the month against Dallas, Arizona and at Buffalo. The Tampa Bay tilt on the 23rd in Santa Clara is too be determined and nobody knows how the Niners will matchup against a bye week. Either way, the Niners are still 13-24 ATS.

We forget how bad Seattle used to be as 21-32 ATS record shows. However, only chance the Seahawks will be getting points is at Arizona (10/23).

DIVISION

Bad: Are the 49ers really 2-14 ATS against the NFC West in October? Yes they are and they will be home to Arizona (10/6).

In the same category is Cincinnati at 12-29 ATS and they will welcome Cleveland to the Queen City in the first of two battles of Ohio.

Keep an eye on (Bad): New Orleans has not been a good home division team for a numbers of seasons and is only 13-24 ATS in that situation against any NFC South foes. They have the Panthers in town on the 16th.

Indianapolis has not seen much success beating spreads versus AFC South foes at 15-23 ATS. Not much help coming for the Colts as they will playing all three opponents away from home, the first in London against Jacksonville.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 5 lines that make you go hmmm...
By PETER KORNER

Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmmm…” in Week 5:

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (-6, 40)

A surprising Houston team heads to face a just as surprising Minnesota team, in what looks like one of the better games to watch in Week 5. What caught my eye was the weak opening line (Vikings -5.5) at a few of the sportsbooks taking the lead in this one. I had this nailed at Minnesota -7 after Monday night’s performance and think anyone below the key number is just giving a few plays away from the start.

The combination of a stalled Houston offense and the aggressive defensive output by Minnesota leads me to believe the home favorite can keep a steady distance on the scoreboard to validate the higher number.

Though I’m impressed with Houston’s record, I’m wary of the level of competition it’s faced so far. The Vikings are playing at a higher level against better opponents. The value here is taking the Vikings early in the week before this gets to a touchdown.

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions (+2.5, 46)

Philadelphia is at Detroit and you know where that takes me. Detroit has been underachieving since Week 1. A dismal showing at Chicago doesn’t give me any sense that this team has the talent to take on an undefeated Philadelphia squad that comes in rested and with a head of steam.

We’ll have the fortunate advantage of knowing this line won’t be moved too far from the key three so finding that -2.5 early in the week will be to your advantage. I don’t care for the “due factor” so waiting for a Detroit team to suddenly turn it around is not on the agenda.

Betting the good teams against throwing our money at bad teams doesn’t make sense. So you would be wise to ride these two opposite waves and hope the consistent results of these teams continues.

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (-4, 50.5)

The Chargers been playing the types of games that can break a team’s spirit. After the past week’s collapse against the Saints, San Diego has now lost three games it possibly should have won. Conversely, the Raiders have been winning with solid play, a sense of cool and gaining momentum now that they stand at 3-1 on the season.

The line is surprisingly low at -4 and seems to me the value is with playing early in the week as the money is destined to fall on the winning home favorites. I see this closing at no less than -6 by game time. This looks like a high-scoring game, as the Chargers are equally capable of scoring as they are to give up big points to the Raiders. The higher the scoring is in a game, the less likely a low number will affect the outcome.

This is another contest in which bettors may prefer to ride the coattails of the winning team and not stand around waiting for the lesser one to turn things around. Hop on the Silver and Black early before this becomes a non-play.

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-3.5, 43.5)

Tennessee is at Miami in what looks like the dud game of the week. Nothing like a play on one of these teams to increase interest, with both sitting at 1-3 SU.

Miami’s damage has largely been on the road with its lone win against Cleveland at home. Tennessee beat who it had to (Detroit) but has lost to quality opponents whose combined records stands at 9-2 to date. I see nothing but red flags with Miami and sense the team is dragging after its poor play.

Conversely, Tennessee has nothing to be sorry about and has been quite competitive. The Titans may see this game as a chance to pick up a big win early in the season and bring their record to within string distance of playoff bound teams with plenty of schedule left.

That hook seems surprising to me and a take, if you like a team with the incentive to play this weekend. I had this game closer to -1 and certainly no higher than -2. It’s another game in which the money seems to be destined one way by game time. We don’t see this going up so, if you like Tennessee, grab the hook and enjoy a good chance of the straight up underdog win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Week 5
By MONTY ANDREWS

Each week, Monty Andrews breaks down some of the underlying mismatches in the NFL, giving you an inside edge when handicapping the schedule and setting your daily fantasy lineup.

Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5, 44.5)

Ravens' stuff-proof O-line vs. Redskins' run-stopping struggles

Winning via the run isn't the sexiest way of doing business. Just ask Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who says he's disappointed at not having taken more deep shots through the first four weeks of the season. But with victories so important, you have to go with what works. And in the Ravens' case, a steady rush attack should go a long way in helping them conquer the visiting Redskins in a Week 5 showdown at Baltimore.

The Ravens' stout offensive line has given its rushers more push than just about any unit in the league. Baltimore comes into Sunday's game having been "stuffed" - stopped at or before the line of scrimmage - on just four of its 102 rush attempts, leading to a loss of a paltry five yards. The Ravens' 3.9 percent stuff rate is second-best in the NFL. Only the Carolina Panthers (3.6 percent) have seen a lower rate of run attempts stuffed.

Baltimore's success rate should continue with emphasis against a Washington run defense that ranks among the worst in football. The Redskins are surrendering a whopping 4.9 yards per carry and are tied for the league lead with eight rushing scores allowed. Three members of Washington's defensive front four have Pro Football Focus grades below 60. This game should feature plenty of running by Baltimore, and that should work heavily in its favor.

Daily fantasy watch: RB Terrance West

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-3.5, 43.5)

Titans' time management skills vs. Dolphins' clock struggles

The Titans' passing game is in tatters, and that could become a significant problem moving forward. Marcus Mariota has been absolutely putrid through four games, looking like he has actually taken a step back from his solid rookie campaign. Add in an underwhelming receiving corps, and the concern among Tennessee fans is warranted. But this team can run the ball and that helps to control the clock, an area in which the Titans have an enormous advantage this week.

The Titans come into the week ranked ninth in the NFL in average time of possession, controlling the ball for an average of 30 minutes, 58 seconds per game. They had possession for nearly 32 minutes in their previous game, though it didn't help much as they ultimately dropped a 27-20 decision to Houston. Tennessee is tied for ninth in rush attempts coming into the week, and should move up the rankings as long as the running game is the only functional offensive piece.

The Dolphins, by comparison, have been dreadful at working the clock. Their 24:16 average time of possession is far and away the worst in the league, more than 1:40 less than the 31st-ranked San Francisco 49ers. Not surprisingly, Miami has run the ball just 74 times in four games. Look for Tennessee to control the clock as well as it has all season, limiting the Dolphins' scoring chances as it looks to grind out a road win on the ground.

Daily fantasy watch: RB DeMarco Murray

Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys (+1, 45)

Bengals' potent pass rush vs. Cowboys' shaky tackle play

Dak Prescott has been a revelation so far this season, having thrown for more than 1,000 yards without a single interception through four games. A run-heavy approach has no doubt been a big help in this regard, but Prescott hasn't made many mistakes over the first quarter of the NFL season. He'll face a stiff test Sunday against a Bengals pass rush that has been as disruptive as any unit in the league so far.

Cincinnati's front four is a who's-who of pass harassment: LT Carlos Dunlap (87.2) and LE Geno Atkins (85.5) are both graded second at their positions, and have combined for 15 quarterback hurries to date. Defensive end Michael Johnson (45.9) has struggled according to PFF's metrics, but still sits tied for second league-wide with nine hurries. The Bengals are the only team in football with three players ranked in the Top 15 in hurries through four games.

The Cowboys' interior offensive line is formidable, with three players graded 78.2 or better, but they've had all sorts of trouble on the ends, where RT Doug Free (51.4) and LT Chaz Green (43.0) have been well below average. Johnson and Dunlap should be able to generate all sorts of pressure on the periphery, forcing Prescott into mad scrambles or bad passing decisions. If the Bengals continue their solid defensive play, Prescott's first interception of the season is coming soon.

Daily fantasy watch: Bengals D/ST

Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos (-5.5, 47)

Broncos' penalty gains vs. Falcons' PI problems

Much of the focus in this game will be on the Falcons' high-powered offense - led by quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones - facing the league's most relentless defense. Home-field advantage will be a big factor, as the Broncos have limited opponents to 20 or fewer in six straight games at Sports Authority Field (playoffs included). But it's a major mismatch on the other side of the ball that could help you decide how to play this one.

Armed with a 1-2 receiving punch in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos have been the beneficiary of 12 passing penalties - the most in the NFL. That tally includes a league-high seven defensive pass interference calls, along with four defensive holding penalties and an illegal contact infraction. The Broncos have turned those calls into 117 penalty yards, behind only Green Bay (187), Washington (169) and the New York Jets (121)

The Falcons' pass defense is shaky to begin with, but it has also had discipline problems. Only four teams have been flagged for defensive pass interference more than Atlanta (four) and their five total passing-play infractions have resulted in 102 free yards for opposing teams. Atlanta's secondary is ill-equipped to deal with Thomas and Sanders and if it can't stay disciplined, it could wind up giving Denver great field position all game long.

Daily fantasy watch: WRs Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Underdogs to Watch - Week 5

Week 4 wasn't as good for underdogs as Week 3 was, but last week's feature had isolated the Saints (+165 on ML) and Giants (+185 on ML) and thanks to a tremendous fourth quarter comeback, New Orleans was able to get us to the window.

The Saints weren't the only one on the list of sizeable underdogs to win outright as Buffalo and LA got there as well, making the final result 3-for-7 for these underdogs on the ML.

That's not too bad considering all of them were listed at +165 or higher to win outright, and a $100 bet on all seven of those teams came out -$60 in the end. That's why it's critical to be selective with these underdogs when considering ML wagers and this week we've got six more to break down.

Week 5 Underdogs that Qualify

Houston (+7); ML (+230)
Cleveland (+11); ML (+500)
New York Jets (+7); ML (+265)
Chicago (+4.5); ML (+185)
Atlanta (+6); ML (+200)
New York Giants (+7.5); ML (+275)

Readers of this weekly piece shouldn't be surprised to see Cleveland on this list once again as they'll be on here the majority of the year. The Browns are at home and welcome Tom Brady to town as the Patriots get their future Hall-of-Famer back at QB. Not much more than that needs to be said as to why a Browns ML bet is not an option again this week. The rest of the teams on that list do offer some intriguing matchups though, so let's go through them.

Chicago could definitely be considered as they are in Indianapolis to take on the struggling Colts who for some reason did not get a bye week after going to London. The Colts are 1-3 and coach Chuck Pagano's seat is getting hotter by the day. Yet, the Bears still aren't very good overall and we could see a sense of urgency from Indy this week that we've yet to see in 2016. Chicago's win last week took some of the value out of this potential play and I'm not sure you can trust the Bears on the road this week in a non-conference game.

Houston (+230) and Atlanta (+200) have the toughest tests in Week 5 as they are both on the road to take on undefeated Minnesota and Denver respectively. Both of those teams have tremendous defenses and will garner much respect from bettors. I'm not sure either road dog here warrants a strong ML play here, but Atlanta does have the best offense in the league right now and it will be interesting to see if they can keep those numbers up against the Broncos. If they can, the Falcons could go into Mile High and give Denver their first loss in 11+ months and are definitely the better option to consider.

That leaves us with the two New York teams as road underdogs and I do believe that at least one of them gets the job done.

The Jets (+265) are in Pittsburgh to take on a Steelers team that completely dismantled KC on SNF and looked awesome doing it. Pittsburgh has already received a lot of love from bettors this week in part because of that dominant showing, but also because the Jets offense appears to be a complete mess right now with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing nine interceptions the last two weeks. Nobody wants anything to do with the Jets right now from a betting perspective and quite often those are the teams that can be the most dangerous. Things can only go up for Fitzpatrick and that offense, and New York's defense is more than capable of keeping the Steelers attack in check. Had the Jets not looked so bad the last two weeks we would have likely seen this line a little lower, so there is value in the number right now if you believe the Jets can bounce back in this spot.

The Giants (+275) are on the road in Green Bay on SNF as they get a prime time game for the second week in a row. They didn't do much offensively either last week in their loss to Minnesota, and now face a Packers team coming off the bye.

But I wouldn't be so quick to right off the Giants yet and all their squabbles about Odell Beckham being a distraction etc, because this team can score in bunches when they are able to get it rolling and Green Bay's defense hasn't exactly been spectacular this season. QB Eli Manning needs to be more decisive with his decision making and you know he'll love to play his best in the matchup vs. Aaron Rodgers. Going against a team off a bye week is a little concerning, but often times the bye week this early in the year for squads doesn't have the same positive effect that it does later in the year when the grind has really gotten to guys.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Betting Predictions: Week 5 Opening Line Report and Picks
by Alan Matthews

Not sure if you have heard the news, but arguably New England's best player on one side of the ball will return from his four-game suspension this week when the Patriots visit the Cleveland Browns. Of course I'm talking about defensive end Rob Ninkovich. He was suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. Ninkovich had played 116 consecutive games (including playoffs) for the Patriots since signing with the team as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2009. Ninkovich had 52 tackles and 6.5 sacks last year.

Oh yeah, Tom Brady's back too.

Perhaps just in time as New England's offense looked very mortal in Sunday's surprising 16-0 home loss to Buffalo, although I think the Patriots would have gladly taken a 3-1 record in the four games without Brady if given the chance to accept that before the season began. With Jimmy Garoppolo still out with a shoulder problem, third-string rookie Jacoby Brissett started for the second straight week and was 17 of 27 for 205 yards while fumbling twice (one lost). New England finished 1-for-12 on third downs and managed 277 total yards. The Patriots drove into Buffalo territory all of four times. It was the first time New England had been shut out at home since way back in 1993 at the old Foxboro Stadium. It gave Bills coach Rex Ryan his first regular-season road victory over Bill Belichick in eight tries -- Ryan is now off the coaching hot seat with the Bills' second win in a row.

Brady did play more than usual this preseason with the suspension looming, going 19-for-35 for 242 yards and two scores. I'm pretty excited that this will be the last time I type the word "Deflategate." And it's not like Brady was all that punished. Hey, if you want to give me four weeks off from work to hang out with Gisele Bundchen, sign me up. But I'm sure Brady will be playing with a mega-chip on his shoulder this season to stick it to Roger Goodell. I am not a Patriots fan, but I almost want to see Goodell hand the Super Bowl MVP trophy to Brady in Houston on the first Sunday in February.

The Patriots are the biggest early favorites on the board for Week 5 at -10.5 in Cleveland. This was supposed to also be the season debut of Browns receiver Josh Gordon off his suspension, but he had a slip-up last week and is in rehab. He'll never play for Cleveland again or probably in the NFL this year now. One team I could see taking a chance on him eventually? These Patriots. They tend to turn those types of guys around. Cleveland (0-4) lost 31-20 in Washington on Sunday despite outgaining the Redskins 380-301. But the Browns gave it away three times and had 101 yards in penalties. To sum up how sorry the Browns are, it sure looked like running back Duke Johnson recovered his own fumble in the fourth quarter of that loss and even held up the ball to show the official. Yet it was ruled Redskins ball. I swear that could only happen to Cleveland, which is the only winless team left.

Here are some Week 5 early lines that caught my eye. I won't touch on Thursday's game (Cardinals-49ers), the marquee Sunday matchup (still debating that one) or the Monday night matchup (Bucs-Panthers) as I will be previewing them here individually. The Chiefs, Saints, Seahawks and Jaguars are on the bye. That two-year streak of NFL teams firing their head coach after a Week 4 loss in London will end as the Jags were able to squeak by Indianapolis, so Gus Bradley will keep his gig through the bye.

Falcons at Broncos (-4.5, 47): This is probably the best game of Sunday, but I'll be previewing Denver's Thursday game in Week 6 so I'll pass on doing this one in depth this week. I wasn't real high on Atlanta this season because the Falcons' defense wasn't any good and quarterback Matt Ryan regressed the second half of last season. Ryan is an MVP candidate this year with his Falcons leading the NFC South at 3-1. He leads the NFL with 1,473 passing yards and 11 touchdowns (tied with Ben Roethlisberger) following a 503-yard, four-touchdown game in Sunday's upset of Carolina. Julio Jones caught 12 of those passes for 300 yards and a TD. Both yardage marks aren't just franchise records but the first time in an NFL game that teammates had 500/300 outings. It was the 19th 500-yard game in league history and sixth 300-yard game. I doubt we see those types of numbers this week against that excellent Denver defense. But will the Broncos have starting QB Trevor Siemian? Not looking promising after he left Sunday's 27-7 win at Tampa Bay with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Rookie first-round pick Paxton Lynch played well in his spot and we might not see Siemian again regardless because Lynch is the future of the franchise. The pick: Broncos and "under."

Chargers at Raiders (-4.5, 50.5): My pick for first NFL coach to be fired this season was the Bills' Ryan but now I'm thinking it might be San Diego's Mike McCoy. The Bolts are legitimately only a few plays from being 4-0, but they keep imploding in close games. They had no right losing Sunday at home to previously winless New Orleans, 35-34. The Chargers were up 34-21 with about five minutes left but had two crucial turnovers that Drew Brees, in his first regular-season game back in San Diego after leaving following the 2005 season. made them pay with two touchdowns, the last with 1:57 to go. Then Philip Rivers was picked off trying to drive for the potential winning field-goal attempt. McCoy threw a temper tantrum after the game, but he should look at himself. In the past two years, San Diego is 3-12 in games decided by eight points or fewer. Perhaps the Raiders should move to the East Coast instead of Los Angeles or Las Vegas. They are 0-1 at home but improved to 2-0 in the Eastern Time Zone with a 28-27 win in Baltimore on Sunday behind four TD passes from Derek Carr, three to Michael Crabtree. The Raiders are 3-0 on the road overall for the first time in 16 years. The pick: Raiders and over.

Jets at Steelers (-7, 48.5): All the Jets players are saying the right things publicly, but I don't know how New York head coach Todd Bowles could actually start quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick again this week. He followed up a six-interception game in a Week 3 loss to the Chiefs with three more picks in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Seahawks, a game I thought New York might win at home. Going back to the 2015 finale, he has had 11 fourth-quarter interceptions in the past five games. If the Jets had someone other than turnover-machine Geno Smith as the backup, they probably would make a move. But Fitz is likely on a short leash this week. Pittsburgh looked like the best team in the NFL in Week 4 as Le'Veon Bell returned from his suspension and had 144 yards rushing and 34 receiving in the Steelers' 43-14 blowout of Kansas City. Despite missing 13 games since the start of 2014, Bell has more games (five) with at least 175 yards from scrimmage than any other player during that span. Ben Roethlisberger threw five TD passes, or as many incompletions as he had. The pick: Steelers and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 5 Essentials
By Tony Mejia

We enter Week 5 with just three undefeated teams and a single winless one, so every team has to feel they’re close to clicking and really taking off since few have really gained separation. Although teams like the Raiders and Rams have a shot at a surprising 4-1 start, most eyes will be on high-profile expected playoff contenders like the Panthers, Colts and Jets all trying to emulate the Cardinals in avoiding opening 1-4. Seattle, Kansas City, Jacksonville and New Orleans are on bye. Here’s what else you need to know before wagering on Week 5:

Sunday, Oct. 9

Houston at Minnesota: The Texans prevailed in their first game since likely losing J.J. Watt for the season, scoring a season-high 27 points. Will Fuller played hero with a game-winning punt return, Brock Osweiler threw for two touchdowns for the first time since the season-opener and they came out of the win over Tennessee with a two-game edge on everyone in the AFC South. They’ll enter the new US Bank Stadium, where Minnesota’s defense has shined in high-profile night games against the Packers and Giants, looking to prove they can move the ball on the road since their only showing thus far was that 27-0 Thursday night debacle at New England. The Vikings have surrendered 50 points (12.5) over their four wins, ranking second in scoring defense while registering 15 sacks and 11 takeaways. Coming off a short week won’t affect much since they stayed home sleeping in their beds, so this will be a nice test in a potential letdown spot. The Texans have never beaten Minnesota, coming in 0-3, suffering the last loss in 2012.

Tennessee at Miami: All three of the Titans losses have been one-possession games where they felt they gave away chances and created opportunities for opponents. Special teams coordinator Bobby April paid with his job, but Tennessee’s struggles have been a combination of all units falling short. They’re a fairly young group still lacking true leaders, so it will be interesting to see whether they can rebound on the road in South Florida against another team out to avoid a 1-4 start. The Dolphins had a couple of extra days since they opened Week 4 with a Thursday night loss in Cincinnati where they showed little offensive chemistry. RB Arian Foster (groin) back at practice on Wednesday and hope he’ll suit up for his home debut. Since they’ve played three of the NFL’s better teams on the road at Seattle, New England and Cincy, Miami is likely right where it is supposed to be record-wise, but begins a stretch of four consecutive home games that it must make good use of to have any chance at a winning season. These teams are both in the bottom-five in turnover differential, so it would be fitting if that stat winds up determining a winner here. Miami won in Nashville last year 38-10, sacking Marcus Mariota six times and intercepting him twice. The Dolphins are hoping Hurricane Matthew cooperates enough that this game goes on as scheduled.

New England at Cleveland: Tom Brady’s suspension is over, so we’ll get to see him take a meaningful snap for the first time since the Broncos picked off his two-point conversion attempt in January’s AFC Championship game. That play followed Rob Gronkowski’s last touchdown in an NFL game, since the tight end missed the entire preseason and has just one reception so far, struggling with a hamstring issue. Coming off being shut out for the first time since 2006, the Patriots should rebound against a Browns defense that ranks next-to-last in the AFC in points allowed (28.8). New England also gets DE Rob Ninkovich back from suspension to face a Cleveland offense that will again be led by rookie QB Cody Kessler, who will make his third straight start since Josh McCown (shoulder) remains sidelined. The Browns are 1-14 SU (3-11-1 ATS) in their last 15 games and lost their final contest of the 2015 regular season as a double-digit home underdog to Pittsburgh, failing to cover +13 in a 28-12 setback. New England has won five of the last six in this series.

N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh: After throwing three more interceptions, Ryan Fitzpatrick has now thrown a league-high 10 and New York is at the bottom in giveaways (13) and turnover margin (-10). It’s not entirely Fitzpatrick’s fault, but most of it does fall on his shoulders, which means he could be on a short leash despite Todd Bowles’ continued confidence in his quarterback. Geno Smith hasn’t taken a snap in a regular-season game since his only appearance last year in a 34-20 loss at Oakland on Nov. 1. Pittsburgh has won its last six home games, suffering its last loss on that same Nov. 1 date, Week 8 of the 2015 season. Le’Veon Bell accounted for 178 yards in his return from a three-game suspension but will have to deal with a Jets run defense that ranks second in the NFL in yards allowed per game (70.3) and per carry (3.1). Antonio Brown comes off a two-touchdown night in Sunday’s 43-14 rout of Kansas City and is likely salivating at squaring off against Pittsburgh native Darrelle Revis, who has allowed 81 percent of passes in his direction to be completed and had been tormented by the deep ball even before his latest hamstring tweak, which has him questionable for this one. RB Matt Forte (leg) should play, but the prognosis isn’t as positive for WR Eric Decker (rotator cuff), who is listed as doubtful. The Jets are 1-9 in Pittsburgh and 5-19 all-time against the Steelers, but did win the most recent meeting (20-13, Nov. 2014).

Washington at Baltimore: These teams essentially share a market and have to compete for attention while also being forced to read about one another all the time, so this won’t be your typical interconference matchup. There have only been five meetings since the Ravens were established 20 years ago and all but one of the games have been decided by seven or fewer points. Washington won the 2012 meeting in OT to pull to within 3-2 in the series, but will be playing in Baltimore for just the second time. The Ravens come off their first loss of the season and have been involved in games solely decided by a single possession. The over has prevailed in all four ‘Skins games thus far and the team’s rush defense and points-per-game average ranks among the league’s bottom-five. Baltimore let go of veteran Justin Forsett this week, but look to have turned the page behind Terrance West and Buck Allen.

Philadelphia at Detroit: The Eagles come off a bye week, so all the good vibes and momentum they’ve acquired in becoming the league’s surprise team carried over into October. They’ll hit the road for just the second time this season, but come off dominating a Steelers squad that they just watched annihilate Andy Reid’s Chiefs last Sunday night, so doubt won’t be something they’re packing on this trip. Philly’s defense is strong enough to do the heavy lifting and Carson Wentz looks proficient enough as a rookie to keep the offense from being a liability. Eagles tackle Lane Johnson’s suspension has kicked in, so they’re catching a break with it looking likely that top pass-rusher Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) will miss another game. The Lions are hoping top LB Deandre Levy (quad) returns, but are preparing to be without TE Eric Ebron (ankle). Philadelphia is 7-2 in its last nine against Detroit, but has lost two of the last three meetings after a 45-14 setback at Ford Field last season.

Chicago at Indianapolis: The Bears have seen Brian Hoyer deliver a win and a pair of 300-yard passing games since taking over for the injured Jay Cutler, who is doubtful again here due to a thumb injury. They’re hopeful to hang around despite already suffering so many personnel losses on offense, having proven they can still move the ball enough to win with Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal and Zach Miller as primary targets against a defense that has surrendered 31.3 points per game. Indy will get DE Arthur Jones from suspension and has a healthier group in place, but it got no bye upon returning from its loss to the Jaguars in London, so we’ll see if the team’s legs will hold up all four quarters. Chicago has actually dominated the last two games in this series by a 70-34.

Atlanta at Denver: The Falcons take their three-game winning streak into Denver for a true test of where they are on both sides of the ball. Although they’ve got a two-game edge on the rest of the NFC South and averaging 38.0 points per game, they’ve played some of the worst defensive teams in the league thus far and are about to take aim at one of the best. The asterisk of course, is what they accomplished last week by pouring in 48 to rout Carolina, but the Panthers secondary has been a major disappointment. Matt Ryan has been tremendous and leads all quarterbacks in passing yards, touchdown passes, QB rating and yards per attempt. Aqib Talib has a long history against Julio Jones from his days with the Bucs, so that should be an tremendous matchup. The Broncos are still unsure whether Trevor Siemian will be able to make it back from a shoulder injury, increasing the likelihood that first-round pick Paxton Lynch will make his first career start. Demariyus Thomas, who caught Lynch’s first TD pass last week in Tampa, is still dealing with a hip issue, so Denver could have trouble keeping pace if its defense doesn’t rise to the challenge. The Broncos have won seven of nine over Atlanta dating back to 1985, but lost the last matchup in 2012 in addition to the last meeting at Mile High back in 2004.

Buffalo at Los Angeles: The Rams opened the season by getting blanked 28-0 by the 49ers, but have utilized a perfect run since and are actually now favored to take a lead in the NFC West over idle Seattle. To do so, they must handle business at home against Buffalo, who probably could’ve flown cross-country on the cloud they were on after blanking New England at Foxboro last week. The Bills will need their defense to rise up again since L.A. has scored fewer points than 29 of the other 31 teams but has persevered thanks to its defense’s ability to win up front and make plays in the back. It’s no surprise that this has surpassed Texans/Vikings the game with the lowest total since this will likely be a game dictated by the ground attack and won by whoever makes the fewest mistakes.

San Diego at Oakland: This AFC West clash joins the Monday-nighter as the only divisional games this week, and coming off a brutal letdown of a home loss, looms as a must-win for the visitors. The Chargers literally fumbled a game away against New Orleans and have suffered through more heartbreak due to season-ending injuries and grueling self-induced meltdowns than anyone. CB Jason Verrett was the latest key Charger lost for the season, which should help Derek Carr and the Raiders passing game identify mismatches given all their weapons. Oakland RB Latavius Murray may not be able to play after injuring his foot, which would give rookie Jalen Richard a chance to excel. The Raiders swept the season series from San Diego in 2015 for the first time since 2010.

Cincinnati at Dallas: All eyes here will be on the availability of star WR Dez Bryant (knee), who looks like he may miss his second straight game. My contention is that it will be far more vital to this game’s outcome if RB Jeremy Hill will play for the Bengals. Hill, who leads the team with three TDs and 221 rushing yards but was limited in practice Thursday, is struggling with a chest injury. This game should be decided in the trenches and on the ground, so not having a bruising back like Hill around to allow Giovani Bernard and Rex Burkhead to remain in their roles is going to be essential. Burkhead himself is dealing with a hamstring issue. The Cowboys will be down standout young guard La’el Collins, but should see LT Tyron Smith return from a back injury that kept him out last week. Rookie QB Dak Prescott proved he can win a game without Bryant on the road, although it helped the Cowboy cause that the 49ers lost multiple key defensive players in last week’s win. Dallas has won three of four against Cincy this century, including a 20-19 win in the last meeting in 2012 on a Dan Bailey last-second field goal. The Bengals are playing for the first time at Jerry World and haven’t won in the DFW area since 1988.


N.Y. Giants at Green Bay: Even though the offensive performance New York put on display Monday against mighty Minnesota was a dud, Odell Beckham, Jr.’s theatrics and the fallout from his latest meltdown won’t do anything to hurt ratings in this prime-time affair. Love him or hate him, he’s a magnet for controversy and is set to visit Lambeau Field, where Aaron Rodgers will undoubtedly put pressure on New York’s offense to match his production. If Beckham continues to feel slighted and the Giants struggle, the situation could become combustible. The Packers are looking to strike the match while coming off an early bye week, likely getting key defensive players Clay Matthews, Letroy Guion, Morgan Burnett and Datone Jones back after they missed the win over Detroit. The Giants are hopeful Rashad Jennings can return from a thumb injury after missing Monday’s loss as they attempt to win their fourth straight in this series. These teams have a rich history since New York ended the Brett Favre era with an OT win in the 2007 NFC Championship game. Rodgers beat Eli Manning in their first two head-to-head meetings, but hasn’t won since 2011 and was absent for the most recent encounter in ’13, which means the probable Hall-of-Fame QBs are 2-2 against one another.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions Odds and Expert Predictions
by Alan Matthews

The Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles as the NFC's only two unbeaten teams entering Week 5? Sure, I had that! Not. I almost hope those teams do reach the postseason and play each other because they are going to be intertwined all year in the wake of the Eagles sending starting quarterback Sam Bradford to Minnesota after Teddy Bridgewater's late training camp injury.

Seriously, who is the NFL Executive of the Year right now? Is it Vikings GM Rick Spielman for having the cajones to send first- and fourth-round picks to Philadelphia for Bradford barely a week before the season began? Or is it Philly's Howie Roseman? He's the guy who got those two picks for a quarterback he didn't really want. And Roseman is the guy who orchestrated the big trade before the draft to get the No. 2 overall pick from Cleveland and select North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. Minnesota's Mike Zimmer and Philadelphia first-year coach Doug Pederson have to be your two leading candidates for Coach of the Year. Wentz and Pederson are just the second rookie QB/head coach duo to start 3-0 since at least 1950. The other: Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez of the 2009 Jets.

The Eagles certainly would have preferred to not have their bye in Week 4 as that's way too early -- ideally it's around Week 8 -- but that's where Philadelphia is entering Sunday's visit to Detroit. The Lions are one of the most aggravating teams in the NFL to handicap because they look like world-beaters one minute and an expansion team the next. Which shows up here?

Eagles at Lions Betting Story Lines

Philadelphia (3-0) is the +150 favorite to win the NFC East, just ahead of 3-1 Dallas (+175). The Eagles are -185 to make the playoffs and +150 not to. While about 75 percent of teams that start 3-0 make the postseason since 1990, I still don't think this team will. Wentz has been fantastic, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 769 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in what has been a truly historic start and landed him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for September. But keep in mind he has played just the one road game thus far and that was at a bad Chicago team.

The bye week did come at a good time for top Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (rib) and No. 1 cornerback Leodis McKelvin as they will both return from injuries after missing two games. Tuesday could be the last game this season for excellent right tackle Lane Johnson, however. He is appealing a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy. That appeal was heard on Tuesday but a decision isn't likely until next week. Players rarely win these, but they do sometimes get them lessened. Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham was arrested Sunday at Miami International Airport as a loaded gun was reportedly found in his backpack. How stupid do you have to be? That isn't likely to keep him from Sunday's game.

I know no Eagle wants this win more than defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. He was 29-51 in five seasons as the Lions head coach, fired after the 2013 season. Schwartz is doing a fine job in Philly as the Eagles are No. 3 in yards per game allowed and No. 1 in scoring defense (9.0 ppg).

Detroit (1-3) obviously isn't going to win the NFC North as it's already three games behind the first-place Vikings. The Lions are +800 to make the playoffs. Don't see that, either. Perhaps the most relevant prop on the team is the next NFL coach fired. Jim Caldwell is a +700 third-favorite. Not impossible that happens on Monday if the Lions are blown out Sunday at home for a fourth straight defeat. Remember, the entire front office is news and keeping Caldwell this offseason was no sure thing.

At the same time, if the Lions are going to make any wild-card noise the time is now on a three-game homestand. This game is winnable as is Week 6 vs. the Rams and Week 7 vs. Washington. But Detroit will have to play leaps and bounds better than in Sunday's 17-14 loss in Chicago. The Lions had a Top-5 offense entering that game but managed 263 yards against a bad defense. Matthew Stafford threw two picks and Golden Tate had one catch for 1 yard and was benched for blowing a route that led to a pick. Something's up with Tate as he has just 95 yards all season. I thought he would really shine as the new No. 1 with Calvin Johnson retired, but that honor has gone to free-agent addition Marvin Jones. He's second in the NFL with 482 receiving yards.

The Lions are likely again without their top two defenders in injured end Ziggy Ansah and linebacker DeAndre Levy. Running back Ameer Abdullah already has been lost perhaps for the year. Fellow tailback Dwayne Washington, who was in line for more work with Abdullah out, is in question after being injured vs. the Bears. Could mean plenty of Theo Riddick.

Eagles at Lions Betting Odds and Trends

Philadelphia is a 2.5-point favorite (-120) with a total of 46. On the moneyline, the Eagles are -145 and the Lions +125. On the alternate lines, the Eagles are -3 (+105) and -2 (-125). Philly is 3-0 against the spread (1-0 on road) and 1-2 "over/under" (1-0 on road). Detroit is 1-3 ATS (0-1 at home) and 2-2 O/U (0-1 at home).

The Eagles are 4-0 ATS in their past four in Week 5. They are 4-1 ATS in their past five road games. The Lions are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 at home. They are 1-4 ATS in their past four vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 9-2 in Philly's past 11 after a win. It's 13-6 in Detroit's past 19 after a loss. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

Eagles at Lions Betting Prediction

Detroit blistered Philadelphia 45-14 last Thanksgiving. Stafford threw for 337 yards and five scores, three caught by Johnson. Mark Sanchez was the Eagles QB then. I take very little from that, but I do believe Stafford has a nice bounce-back game. The Lions are usually a tough team to beat at home and they are desperate. Wentz could struggle with the noise in his first dome game. Take the 3-point alternate line and go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 5 NFL

Titans (1-3) @ Dolphins (1-3)— Tennessee fired its special teams coach Monday after LW’s debacle in Houston. Titans are 10-18 as road underdogs last 4+ years, 1-1 this year- they have not allowed an offensive TD in second half of last three games, outscoring foes 23-10- they lost 38-10 at home to Miami LY, are 2-4 in last six series games, 1-3 here, with last visit in 2012. Over last decade, Dolphins are dismal 11-27 as home favorite, 0-1 this year- this is first of four strait home games for Fish (next road game, Nov 13). Miami is -7 in turnovers in its last three games. AFC East teams are 5-5 vs spread in non-divisional games, 0-1 as a favorite. AFC South teams are 5-7, 2-4 as underdogs.

Patriots (3-1) @ Browns (0-4)— Brady is back at QB here after his suspension; Patriots are 6-2 vs team Belichick used to coach (36-44 in five years, 1991-95), 2-2 here, with last visit in ’10. New England is 4-12 as road favorites last 3+ years; they nipped Arizona 23-21 (+6) in only road game so far this year, with Garoppolo at QB. Browns are 0-4 this year, starting three QBs; they’re 2-2 vs spread, with last three games going over total. Cleveland lost 25-20 (+6.5, led 20-0) in only home game so far, vs Ravens- they trailed only one of four games at halftime, but have been outscored 73-17 in second half of games. Patriots are 1-1 as a favorite this year. AFC North teams are 6-6 vs spread, 1-2 as underdogs.

Jets (1-3) @ Steelers (3-1)— New York turned ball over 11 times (-9) in last two games; they’ve been outscored 51-30 in second half of games, with one TD on 21 drives since 37-31 win at Buffalo. Jets are 15-19-3 in last 37 games as a road underdog, 1-1 this year. Steelers won 24-16/43-14 in home games this year; they’re 14-6 vs spread in last 20 games as home favorite, 2-0 this year. Pitt hasn’t played game this year decided by less than 8 points; they’re 19-5 in last 24 games vs Jets; nine of last 11 series totals were 37 or less. Jets lost last nine visits to Steel City, losing last one 27-10 in ’12. AFC East teams are 5-5 vs spread in non-divisional games, 4-5 as an underdog.

Texans (3-1) @ Vikings (4-0)— Minnesota is on 17-2 spread run, 4-0 this year, after Monday’s win over Giants; Vikings won 17-14/24-10 in two home games this year- they’re 10-2 as a home favorite under Zimmer, 7-0 in last seven tries. Texans’ offense was rolling early LW, with O’Brien calling plays, until TE Fiedorowicz (knee) was injured. Houston lost 27-0 in Foxboro in its only road game; they’re 5-6-1 as road dogs under O’Brien. Minnesota won all three series games, by 6-7-17 points, in three series games; Texans lost 28-21 in their only visit here, 8 years ago. AFC South teams are 5-7 vs spread outside its division, 2-4 as underdogs, 1-3 on road. NFC North teams are 5-5 its spread n non-divisional games, 1-2 as home favorites.

Redskins (2-2) @ Ravens (3-1)— Short road trip for Washington squad that scored 60 points in winning last two games after 0-2 start; they’ve got six takeaways (+4) in last two games, winning despite being outgunned by 54-79 yards. Redskins are 3-2 vs Ravens, winning last meeting 31-28 in OT four years ago; Skins lost 24-10 in last visit here, in ’08. Washington won only road game 29-27 (+4.5) at Giants two weeks ago. Four Raven games this year were decided by total of 14 points; last two were decided by total of 3 points. Baltimore NFC East teams are 6-3 vs spread in non-division games, 2-2 as underdogs, 2-1 on road. AFC North teams are 6-6 vs spread outside its division, 3-2 as home favorites.

Eagles (3-0) @ Lions (1-3)— Philly sprinted out to 3-0 start behind rookie QB Wentz, but then had bye; will it kill their momentum? Eagles have yet to turn ball over (+6), winning 29-14 in only road game, at Chicago. Philly is 15-2 in last 17 post-bye games (2-2 in last four); going back to 1990, they’re 13-3 vs spread as favorite in post-bye games (most of that was under Reid). Eagles are 7-2 in last nine games vs Detroit, but lost 45-14 to Lions LY (TY was 430-227, Lions). Iggles are 2-1-1 in last four visits here. Detroit lost its last three games, by 1-7-3 points; underdogs are 4-0 vs spread in their games this year- they lost 16-15 to Titans in only home game. Since 2011, Lions are 1-7-1 vs spread as a home underdog.

Bears (1-3) @ Colts (1-3)— Both teams are struggling badly; Indy is first team not to have bye after London game- they requested it that way. Colts have 12 TDs on 41 drives, but needed 63-yards in last 1:20 to nip San Diego for its only win- three of their four games went over. Indy had three takeaways in their win, a total of one in their three losses- they’re 3-5 in last eight games as home favorites. Bears got first win LW, at home over Lions, holding Detroit without offensive TD. Chicago won six of last eight series games, winning last three visits here, by 4-14-16 points; Bears lost 23-14/31-17 on road this year; they’re 6-4-1 in last 11 games as a road dog. NFC North teams are 5-5 vs spread outside its division, 3-2 as road dogs. AFC South teams are 5-7 vs spread, 3-2 as home favorites.

Falcons (3-1) @ Broncos (4-0)— Atlanta has NFL’s top offense, gaining over 7 yards/play, scoring 38 pts/game- they scored 93 points in last two games, but also allow 31 pts/game. Falcons are 6-1 in last seven games as a road underdog. Broncos won/covered all four games, winning last three by 12+ points; they’re 2-4-1 as home favorites under Kubiak, 1-0 this year. Bengals are only one of four Denver foes to average 5+ yards/pass vs Denver- they threw for 5.4 yds/pass. Atlanta has thrown for 7+ yards/pass in every game. Denver won seven of last nine series games, winning three of last four here; Falcons’ last visit here was in 2004. AFC West teams are 9-5 vs spread outside the division, 3-2 as home favorites. NFC South teams are 4-6, but 3-1 as road underdogs. Over is 4-0 in Atlanta games, 3-1 in Denver games this season.

Bills (2-2) @ Rams (3-1)— Buffalo won its last two games; they’ve turned ball over only twice this year (+6), but scored only two offensive TDs on 18 drives in splitting two road games. Bills are 8-5-1 in last 14 games as a road dog- they caught break LW, playing Patriots when NE’s only QB was playing with injured thumb. Rams won last three games (two on road) with +6 turnover ratio; they’ve only led one game at half this year and that was 6-3 over Seattle. Underdogs covered all four LA games this season. Bills won five of last seven series games; they were 2-0 in St Louis, lost last two games here vs Rams. NFC West teams are 3-5 vs spread outside the division, 1-2 as home favorites. AFC East teams are 5-5, 2-3 as road underdogs.

Chargers (1-3) @ Raiders (3-1)— San Diego led all four of its games in 4th quarter, led all four games by double digits, but lost three of the four. Chargers allowed 14 TDs on 45 drives, are allowing 19.5 second half points/game.*Average total in San Diego games this year: 57.3. Underdogs are 4-0 vs spread in Raider games this year; all four Oakland games were decided by 7 or less points- they lost 35-28 at Atlanta in only home game. Oakland swept Chargers 37-29/23-20 LY, after losing five of previous six* series games; San Diego is 3-2 in its last five visits here. NFL-wide, home favorites are 4-9 vs spread this year in divisional games. Over is 3-1 in both teams’ games this year. San Diego 19-9-1 in last 30 games as a road dog (1-1 this year). Since 2008, Oakland is 6-14 as a home favorite.

Bengals (2-2) @ Cowboys (3-1)— Dallas won/covered its last three games; they’ve only turned ball over twice in four games (+3) despite having a rookie QB. Cowboys ran ball for 393 yards in last two games- since 2010, they’re 9-28 as a home favorite. Bengals had three extra days to prep after beating Miami LW; they’ve run for less than 80 yards in three of four games this year. Dallas is 7-4 in series, winning 31-22/20-19 in last two meetings; Bengals are 1-5 in Dallas, with only win in ’88, last visit in ’08. AFC North teams are 6-6 vs spread in non-division games, 1-2 as road underdogs. NFC East teams are 6-3 vs spread, 3-1 as home favorites outside their division. Have to wonder if Bengals losing coordinators Gruden-Jackson-Zimmer over last few years has drained brain power in their coaching staff?


Giants (2-2) @ Packers (3-1)— Last 7+ years, Green Bay is 31-20-1 as a home favorite, 0-1 this year; Packers are 9-1 vs spread in last ten post-bye games, 7-2 in last nine when favored. Pack was held to 4.4 yards/pass in only loss, at Minnesota. Giants are on short week after loss in Minnesota Monday; NY has only one takeaway, is -8 in turnovers and was just 2-12 on third down vs Vikings. Giants are 5-7-1 in last 13 games as a road underdog. Big Blue smarting after consecutive losses; they’ve won last three games with Packers- they’re 3-1 in last four visits here, with last one 2011 playoff game. NFC East teams are 6-3 vs spread outside the division, 1-1 as road dogs. NFC North teams are 5-5 vs spread, 1-2 as home favorites. Last two weeks, Giants allowed 8.2/7.3 yards/pass attempt; they’ll need to do better than that here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 5
By Bruce Marshall

Sunday, Oct. 9

HOUSTON at MINNESOTA (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
After Monday win over G-Men, Mike Zimmer's Vikes now 18-3 vs. line since LY! Vikes also "under" 23-14 last 37. O'Brien 4-7 as dog since last season, also "under" 7 of last 9 since late 2015.
Tech Edge: Vikings and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.

TENNESSEE at MIAMI (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Titans now 9-30-3 vs. spread since late 2013, and just 3-10 SU and vs. spread for Mularkey. Titans were mauled at Miami LY, but Dolphins only 6-19 vs. line their last 25 since late 2014 and 2-6 last 8 as chalk. Miami "under" 8-4 last 12 since mid 2015.
Tech Edge: Slight to "under," based on team trends.

NEW ENGLAND at CLEVELAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Brady returns and Belichick vs. his old team. Belichick actually 0-2 vs. line last two vs. Browns, though teams have only played twice since 2010. Belichick only 4-13 as visiting chalk since 2013! Hue Jackson teams (Oakland in 2011 & Brownies TY) "over" 9-2 last 11.
Tech Edge: Browns and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

NY JETS at PITTSBURGH (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Jets were 5-0-1 last six as dog (3-0-1 for Bowles) prior to losses last 2 weeks. Tomlin 8-2-1 last 11 at home in reg season.
Tech Edge: Slight to Jets, based on extended team trends.

WASHINGTON at BALTIMORE (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Battle of the Beltways! Skins are 6-2 last eight as dog, however. Also "over" last nine since a year ago. Ravens only 2-10-2 last 14 as reg season chalk.
Tech Edge: Skins and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

PHILADELPHIA at DETROIT (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Birds 3-0 SU and vs. line, 2-0-1 "under" with the new defense.
Tech Edge: Eagles and "under," based on current team and "totals" trends.

CHICAGO at INDIANAPOLIS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bears on 2-7 SU and spread skid for Fox since late 2015, but did win last week vs. Lions Fox also "over" 5-3-1 last nine since late 2015. Pagano 3-7 last ten as chalk.
Tech Edge: Slight to "over," based on "totals" trends.

ATLANTA at DENVER (FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Falcs have won and covered last three as road dog since late 2015. Falcs also "over" first four TY after "under" 16-3 previous 19 on board. Falcs 7-1 as dog for Dan Quinn since LY. Denver "over" 16-8-2 at home since 2013. Broncos now 6-0-1 last six on board since late 2015.
Tech Edge: "Over," based on "totals" trends.

BUFFALO at LOS ANGELES (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Rams "under" 15-5-1 last 21 since late 2014, Bills "under" 6-2 last eight as visitor.
Tech Edge: "Under, " based on "totals" trends.

SAN DIEGO at OAKLAND (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Road teams have covered last three meetings, reviving a series road trend that once endured for many years. Bolts 19-9-1 in role since 2012. Raiders only 2-7 last 9 as host vs. line, no covers last four as home chalk, dating to 2013.
Tech Edge: Chargers, based on team and recent series road trends.

CINCINNATI at DALLAS (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Marvin Lewis was 7-0-1 vs. line away last season before failing to cover first two away this term. Dallas just 6-14-2 vs. line last 22 at Arlington.
Tech Edge: Bengals, based on team trends.

NY GIANTS at GREEN BAY (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
After loss to Vikes on Monday, G-Men 2-7-1 vs. line since late 2015, and now 0-3-1 vs. spread under Ben McAdoo. Though Eli has covered three straight vs. GB. NY "over" 9-5 last 14 away. Pack "under" 7-2 at home since LY.
Tech Edge: Slight to Giants, based on series trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 5

Sunday, October 9

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HOUSTON (3 - 1) at MINNESOTA (3 - 0) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in dome games since 1992.
MINNESOTA is 17-3 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-3 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference 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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TENNESSEE (1 - 3) at MIAMI (1 - 3) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 5-21 ATS (-18.1 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 46-68 ATS (-28.8 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
MIAMI is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is between 42.5 and 45 points over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 51-77 ATS (-33.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-0 against the spread versus TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 1-0 straight up against TENNESSEE 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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NEW ENGLAND (3 - 1) at CLEVELAND (0 - 4) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 175-134 ATS (+27.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY JETS (1 - 3) at PITTSBURGH (3 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
There are no T

Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NY JETS is 1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH 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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WASHINGTON (2 - 2) at BALTIMORE (3 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 55-78 ATS (-30.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (3 - 0) at DETROIT (1 - 3) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (1 - 3) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 3) - 10/9/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (3 - 1) at DENVER (4 - 0) - 10/9/2016, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.
ATLANTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUFFALO (2 - 2) at LA RAMS (3 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1992.
BUFFALO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in road games off a win against a division rival since 1992.
LA RAMS is 174-215 ATS (-62.5 Units) in all games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 174-215 ATS (-62.5 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 57-84 ATS (-35.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (1 - 3) at OAKLAND (3 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
SAN DIEGO is 91-64 ATS (+20.6 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
SAN DIEGO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in home games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 54-78 ATS (-31.8 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
OAKLAND is 24-46 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games versus division opponents since 1992.
OAKLAND is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
OAKLAND is 35-74 ATS (-46.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 2-2 straight up against SAN DIEGO 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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CINCINNATI (2 - 2) at DALLAS (3 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) against NFC East division opponents since 1992.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY GIANTS (2 - 1) at GREEN BAY (2 - 1) - 10/9/2016, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 101-74 ATS (+19.6 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 88-63 ATS (+18.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games against NFC North division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 5

Trend Report

Sunday, October 9

1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DETROIT
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia

1:00 PM
NY JETS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Jets are 8-15 SU in their last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Jets last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Washington
Baltimore is 2-10-1 ATS in its last 13 games at home

1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Minnesota6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games
Minnesota10-3-1 SU in its last 14 games at home

1:00 PM
TENNESSEE vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Tennessee's last 16 games when playing Miami
Tennessee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 16 games when playing Tennessee
Miami is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tennessee

1:00 PM
NEW ENGLAND vs. CLEVELAND
New England is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
New England is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing New England
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New England

1:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. INDIANAPOLIS
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Indianapolis is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Indianapolis is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago

4:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. DENVER
Atlanta is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing Denver
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 9 games when playing Atlanta

4:25 PM
BUFFALO vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 7 games when playing Buffalo
Los Angeles is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Buffalo

4:25 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. OAKLAND
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing at home against San Diego

4:25 PM
CINCINNATI vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cincinnati's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati

8:30 PM
NY GIANTS vs. GREEN BAY
NY Giants are 3-7-1 SU in their last 11 games ,
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Giants last 7 games when playing Green Bay
Green Bay is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing NY Giants
Green Bay is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Giants

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 5

Sun – Oct. 9

Houston at Minnesota, 1:00 PM ET
Houston: 6-16 ATS in dome games
Minnesota: 7-0 ATS off a home win

Tennessee at Miami, 1:00 PM ET
Tennessee: 3-11 ATS in games played on a grass field
Miami: 85-59 UNDER as a home favorite

New England at Cleveland, 1:00 PM ET
New England: 41-21 ATS after being outgained by opp by 100 or more total yards last game
Cleveland: 24-41 ATS off 2 or more consecutive overs

NY Jets at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM ET
New York: 9-1 UNDER after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3
Pittsburgh: 48-28 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7

Washington at Baltimore, 1:00 PM ET
Washington: 55-78 ATS in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49
Baltimore: 29-15 ATS in home games after allowing 75 or less rushing yards last game

Philadelphia at Detroit, 1:00 PM ET
Philadelphia: 21-8 UNDER after a bye week
Detroit: 1-8 ATS after allowing 6 or more yards/play in their previous game

Chicago at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM ET
Chicago: 10-24 ATS in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 45.5
Indianapolis: 54-35 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 45.5

Atlanta at Denver, 4:05 PM ET
Atlanta: 14-31 ATS off a home win against a division rival
Denver: 9-1 ATS in the first half of the season

Buffalo at Los Angeles, 4:25 PM ET
Buffalo: 6-0 UNDER off a win against a division rival
Los Angeles: 6-19 ATS in home games after gaining 50 or less rushing yards last game

San Diego at Oakland, 4:25 PM ET
San Diego: 6-0 ATS in road games in games played on a grass field
Oakland: 1-9 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5

Cincinnati at Dallas, 4:25 PM ET
Cincinnati: 8-1 ATS in road lined games
Dallas: 5-17 ATS after gaining 150 or more rushing yards in 2 straight games

NY Giants at Green Bay, 8:30 PM ET
New York: 29-14 UNDER in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49
Green Bay: 11-2 ATS off a division game

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 5


Sunday, October 9

NY Giants @ Green Bay

Game 473-474
October 9, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Giants
128.868
Green Bay
138.668
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 10
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 7
48
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(-7); Under

Cincinnati @ Dallas

Game 471-472
October 9, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
135.147
Dallas
131.633
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 3 1/2
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
Pick
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
Under

San Diego @ Oakland

Game 469-470
October 9, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
131.621
Oakland
129.105
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 2 1/2
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 4
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+4); Over

Buffalo @ Los Angeles

Game 467-468
October 9, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
140.568
Los Angeles
135.974
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 4 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 2 1/2
40
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(+2 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Denver

Game 465-466
October 9, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
136.529
Denver
143.971
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 7 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 5 1/2
47
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-5 1/2); Over

Chicago @ Indianapolis

Game 463-464
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
130.970
Indianapolis
128.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indianapolis
by 5
48
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+5); Under

Philadelphia @ Detroit

Game 461-462
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
137.570
Detroit
129.317
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 8
41
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 3
46 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-3); Under

Washington @ Baltimore

Game 459-460
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
129.909
Baltimore
130.975
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
by 4
45
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+4); Under

NY Jets @ Pittsburgh

Game 457-458
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Jets
129.231
Pittsburgh
143.074
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 14
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 7
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-7); Under

New England @ Cleveland

Game 455-456
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New England
134.171
Cleveland
125.584
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New England
by 8 1/2
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 11 1/2
47
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+11 1/2); Under

Tennessee @ Miami

Game 453-454
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tennessee
124.512
Miami
130.348
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3 1/2
34 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-3 1/2); Over

Houston @ Minnesota

Game 451-452
October 9, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
130.689
Minnesota
143.085
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 12
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 6
40
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-6); Under

 

[PayItForwardCapper]

PAY IT FORWARD CAPPER - Top 4 NFL PUBLIC Fades are Patriots ( 86 % Public) Steelers ( 86% Public) Eagles ( 77 % Public) Minnesota Vikings - ( 72 % Public).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Houston Texans (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

Date: October 09, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- For every football fan who has ever started a season predicting their favorite team will "be pretty good, if they stay healthy," the 2016 versions of the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings stand as reasons to throw that logic out the window.

When the Vikings (4-0) host the Texans (3-1) on Sunday afternoon -- in the first day game played inside Minnesota's sparkling new U.S. Bank Stadium -- it will showcase a pair of rosters that look much different than the ones that took to the practice field a month ago. Yet both teams are atop their respective divisions after one-fourth of the season, and neither has given fans a reason to view them sympathetically.

The concept of "next man up" has been tested repeatedly in both Houston and Minnesota early on, with Texans star defender J.J. Watt out of the lineup for the season with a back injury, while the Vikings lost starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and star running back Adrian Peterson -- both most likely for the season -- before the end of Week 2.

An ugly 27-0 blanking of Houston by the Patriots a few Thursdays ago is the only blemish on either team's record, and both are doing it with defense. Although the Texans defense took another hit on Wednesday when the team placed defensive end Devon Still on injured reserve due to a foot injury. Brandon Dunn was elevated the from the practice squad as a replacement.

The Texans enter Sunday's visit to Minnesota -- just the second in franchise history -- leading the league in pass defense, which they hope will pose a problem for new Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford.

While offense has hardly been the story in the Vikings hot sprint to the quarter pole, Bradford has played safe, mistake-free football in his three starts (since coming over from the Eagles in a trade on Labor Day Weekend) and has repeatedly found favorite targets like wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

"He's one of those guys that I think we had a bond early," Bradford said of Rudolph, after the pair connected for a touchdown in the Vikings 24-10 win over the Giants on Monday night. "He was a guy that I've trusted since I've got here. He's such a big target and he's got strong hands. He makes a lot of tough contested catches. ... It's nice having targets like that."

Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler has plenty of targets, too, and he took advantage of them in Houston's 27-20 home win over the Titans last week. Osweiler connected with rookie wide receiver Will Fuller seven times in the win over Tennessee, but also connected with Titans defenders twice and has thrown six interceptions in the Texans' first four games.

That's a trend the team knows cannot continue if they hope to become the first visitors to win a game in the Vikings' new home.

"I just think overall we just need to come out with a better sense of urgency in the second half, and that's going to be a big focus for us along with many other things as it relates to Minnesota this week," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said on Monday.

Despite being the defending division champions, the Vikings were widely picked as a potential Wild Card team behind Green Bay in the NFC North -- and that was before the significant injuries happened. But Minnesota is making believers with its defense and is in the heads of opponents as one of only three remaining unbeaten teams in the league.

The Vikings' biggest concern may be in the kicking game, where Blair Walsh's confidence has been rattled, seemingly since his missed late chip shot cost the team a playoff win last winter. He has three misses in four games and pushed a 46-yard attempt wide left versus the Giants.

"I don't know. I wish I knew; I wish I knew," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said when asked about his confidence in Walsh. "We need to make those or it's going to bite us in the rear end."

On Tuesday Zimmer said he's not bringing in another kicker to compete for the job, at least not yet, and said Walsh's struggles were something the Vikings intend to fix and move on.

The Texans' only previous road game was that forgettable Thursday night in New England, so they know a better showing will be required in Minnesota.

"That's something that we have to answer," Houston linebacker Whitney Mercilus said. "How can we play great on the road? We haven't done that yet, so this is a great, great test for us to show everybody that we can win on the road, especially in an environment like that."

Sunday's game will be the fourth all-time meeting between the Vikings and Texans. Minnesota has won the first three, most recently by a 23-6 score in Houston in December 2012.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Injury Report

Sunday's games

ATLANTA FALCONS at DENVER BRONCOS
ATLANTA FALCONS
--Out: LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle), LB Deion Jones (ankle), LB Paul Worrilow (groin)
DENVER BRONCOS
--Out: LB DeMarcus Ware (forearm), CB Kayvon Webster (hamstring)
--Questionable: TE Virgil Green (calf), S Shiloh Keo (knee), QB Trevor Siemian (shoulder), T Donald Stephenson (calf)

BUFFALO BILLS at LOS ANGELES RAMS
BUFFALO BILLS
--Out: T Cyrus Kouandjio (ankle), C Patrick Lewis (knee), WR Greg Salas (groin), CB Corey White (shoulder)
--Questionable: TE Charles Clay (knee), DT Marcell Dareus (hamstring), RB Jerome Felton (back), CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle), T Cordy Glenn (ankle), RB LeSean McCoy (hand), S Jonathan Meeks (foot)
LOS ANGELES RAMS
--Questionable: WR Kenny Britt (thigh), DT Michael Brockers (hip), RB Benny Cunningham (thigh), S Cody Davis (groin), DE Williams Hayes (ankle), DE Robert Quinn (shoulder)

CHICAGO BEARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
CHICAGO BEARS
--Out: WR Kevin White (ankle)
--Doubtful: QB Jay Cutler (right thumb), DT Eddie Goldman (ankle), CB Deiondre' Hall (ankle), RB Jeremy Langford (ankle)
--Questionable: DE Jonathan Bullard (shoulder), RB Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring), LB Leonard Floyd (calf), WR Alshon Jeffery (knee), LB Nick Kwiatkoski (elbow), T Charles Leon (illness), CB Sherrick McManis (hamstring), TE Zach Miller (ribs), CB Tracy Porter (knee), WR Eddie Royal (calf), G Josh Sitton (shoulder), LB Danny Trevathan (thumb), LB Willie Young (knee)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
--Out: C Jonotthan Harrison (illness), WR Donte Moncrief (shoulder)
--Questionable: CB Darius Butler (hamstring), T Denzelle Good (back), LB Robert Mathis (foot), T Joe Reitz (back), RB Robert Turbin (wrist, shoulder)

CINCINNATI BENGALS at DALLAS COWBOYS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
--Out: TE Tyler Eifert (back, ankle)
--Doubtful: WR James Wright (hamstring)
--Questionable: G Clint Boling (shoulder), RB Rex Burkhead (hamstring), T Jake Fisher (back)
DALLAS COWBOYS
--Out: DE David Irving (concussion), QB Tony Romo (back)
--Questionable: K David Bailey (back), WR Dez Bryant (knee), DE Jack Crawford (shoulder), RB Lance Dunbar (knee), LB Andrew Gachkar (neck), T Chaz Green (foot), LB Mark Nzeocha (Achilles), CB Orlando Scandrick (both hamstrings), T Tyron Smith (back)

HOUSTON TEXANS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
HOUSTON TEXANS
--Out: TE Stephen Anderson (hamstring), RB Jonathan Grimes (ankle)
--Questionable: T Duane Brown (knee), CB Kareem Jackson (hamstring)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
--Out: DT Sharrif Floyd (knee), TE David Morgan (knee), T Andre Smith (elbow)
--Doubtful: WR Stefon Diggs (groin), TE Rhett Ellison (knee)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
--Out: RB Brandon Bolden (knee), QB Jacoby Brissett (right thumb), LB Shea McClellin (concussion)
--Questionable: RB LeGarrette Blount (hip), T Marcus Cannon (calf), WR Julian Edelman (foot), LB Jonathan Freeny (shoulder), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right shoulder), TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring), LB Dont'a Hightower (knee), G Joe Thuney (shoulder), DT Vincent Valentine (back)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
--Out: WR Corey Coleman (hand), TE Seth DeValve (knee), C Cameron Erving (chest, lung), QB Josh McCown (left shoulder), C Austin Reiter (knee), TE Randall Telfer (ankle)
--Questionable: S Ibraheim Campbell (hamstring), DE Carl Nassib (hand), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)

NEW YORK JETS at PITTSBURGH STEELERS
NEW YORK JETS
--Out: TE Braedon Bowman (knee), WR Eric Decker (shoulder), QB Bryce Petty (right shoulder), G Brian Winters (concussion)
--Doubtful: WR Jalin Marshall (shoulder), CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring)
--Questionable: WR Quincy Enunwa (knee)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
--Out: CB Justin Gilbert (knee), T Marcus Gilbert (ankle), S Robert Golden (hamstring), CB Senquez Golson (foot), T Ryan Harris (shin), RB Roosevelt Nix (back), WR Eli Rogers (toe), LB Ryan Shazier (knee), C Cody Wallace (knee)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DETROIT LIONS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
--Questionable: DT Bennie Logan (calf)
DETROIT LIONS
--Out: DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), TE Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), LB DeAndre Levy (quadriceps, knee)
--Doubtful: RB Dwayne Washington (ankle)
--Questionable: S Don Carey (ribs), WR Marvin Jones (foot), S Tavon Wilson (neck)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at OAKLAND RAIDERS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
--Out: S Jahleel Addae (collarbone), LB Nick Dzubnar (knee), CB Brandon Flowers (concussion)
--Questionable: T Joe Barksdale (foot), T King Dunlap (illness), TE Antonio Gates (hamstring), CB Craig Mager (shoulder), LB Denzel Perryman (shoulder)
OAKLAND RAIDERS
--Out: S Nate Allen (quadricep), RB Latavius Murray (toe), T Menelik Watson (calf)
--Questionable: T Austin Howard (ankle), RB Taiwan Jones (knee), T Matt McCants (knee), LB Malcolm Smith (quadriceps), TE Clive Walford (knee)

TENNESSEE TITANS at MIAMI DOLPHINS
TENNESSEE TITANS
--Out: CB Cody Riggs (hamstring), S Da'Norris Searcy (ankle), DT Al Woods (calf)
--Questionable: TE Jace Amaro (shoulder)
MIAMI DOLPHINS
--Out: TE Jordan Cameron (concussion), CB Xavien Howard (knee), LB Koa Misi (neck)
--Doubtful: RB Arian Foster (hamstring)
--Questionable: T Branden Albert (ankle, illness), LB Jelani Jenkins (groin), C Mike Pouncey (hip), G Anthony Steen (ankle)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at BALTIMORE RAVENS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
--Out: CB Bashaud Breeland (ankle), S Su'a Cravens (concussion), WR Josh Doctson (Achilles), CB Dashaun Phillips (hamstring)
--Questionable: LB Ryan Kerrigan (elbow), G Shawn Lauvao (ankle)
BALTIMORE RAVENS
--Doubtful: T Ronnie Stanley (foot)
--Questionable: RB Kenneth Dixon (knee), WR Devin Hester (thigh), CB Sheldon Price (thigh)

NEW YORK GIANTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS on Sunday night
NEW YORK GIANTS
--Out: S Nat Berhe (concussion), TE Larry Donnell (concussion), T Marshall Newhouse (calf), S Darian Thompson (foot)
--Questionable: CB Eli Apple (hamstring), RB Rashad Jennings (thumb), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
--Out: TE Jared Cook (ankle), CB Sam Shields (concussion)
--Questionable: Damarious Randall (groin