CFL Betting Notes - Grey Cup
David Schwab
The 2018 CFL season will come to a close in dramatic fashion late Sunday afternoon at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium with the East’s Ottawa RedBlacks taking on the West’s Calgary Stampeders in this year’s Grey Cup Championship Game.
The RedBlacks punched their ticket to a third Grey Cup berth in four seasons by hammering Hamilton 46-27 as 3 ½-point home favorites in Sunday’s East Division Final. Calgary will be making its third-straight appearance in the CFL title game following a 22-14 home victory against Winnipeg as a 4 ½-point favorite in the West Finals.
Sunday, Nov. 25
Ottawa RedBlacks (12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (14-5 SU, 10-9 ATS)
Betting odds to win the 106th Grey Cup from Commonweath Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
Ottawa Redblacks (+170ML)
Calgary Stampeders -4 (-200ML)
Total: 53.5
1st Half
Ottawa Redblacks (+142ML)
Calgary Stampeders -2.5 (-165ML)
Total: 26.5
Game Overview
Ottawa lost to Edmonton in the 2015 championship game before stunning Calgary the following season 39-33 as a heavy 9 ½-point underdog. The RedBlacks come into Sunday’s title showdown with a four-game winning streak both straight-up and against the spread. They have been able to cover in six of their last eight games with the total staying UNDER in three of their last five outings.
Trevor Harris has come under fire at times this season for his inconsistent play under center, but he brought his A-Game to Sunday’s East Division Final by setting a new CFL playoff record with six touchdown throws. He completed 29 of his 32 passing attempts against Hamilton for 367 yards. Greg Ellingson was the top target with eight receptions for 144 yards and Diontae Spencer came down with two touchdown grabs as part of his six catches on the day. Harris was fourth in the CFL this season in total passing yards (5,116) and he tossed 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
The Stampeders are hoping that the third time will be the charm coming off losses to Ottawa and Toronto in the last two Grey Cups. They struggled down the stretch this season at 1-3 SU in their last four games while going a very costly 3-6 ATS in their last nine regular season games. The total stayed UNDER 53 points in Sunday’s victory against Winnipeg and it has stayed UNDER in five of Calgary’s last six games. It has stayed UNDER in 12 of 19 games on the year.
Calgary won the season series against the RedBlacks SU and ATS with the sweep in a home-and-home series early in the schedule. The total stayed UNDER in each of those contests. In Sunday’s win against the Blue Bombers, Eric Rodgers was the big story on offense with touchdown grabs in half of his six receptions on the day. Bo Levi Mitchell completed 54.8 percent of his 31 passing attempts for 214 yards. Don Jackson added another 83 yards running the ball on 14 carries. The Stampeders ended the regular season averaging 29.0 points per game as the second-highest scoring team in the CFL behind Winnipeg.
Betting Trends
-- The RedBlacks are 5-1 ATS in their last six postseason games and they have covered in four of their last five games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games closing as underdogs.
-- The Stampeders have failed to cover in 12 of their last 17 playoff games with one contest ending as a PUSH. This includes a 0-4 record ATS in their last four Grey Cup title games. The total has stayed UNDER in 12 of their last 16 games coming off a SU win.
-- Calgary has a SU 6-2-2 record in its last 10 games against Ottawa including this season’s two-game sweep. The Stampeders have a slight 6-4 edge ATS with the total going OVER in seven of the last 10 games between the two.
David Schwab
The 2018 CFL season will come to a close in dramatic fashion late Sunday afternoon at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium with the East’s Ottawa RedBlacks taking on the West’s Calgary Stampeders in this year’s Grey Cup Championship Game.
The RedBlacks punched their ticket to a third Grey Cup berth in four seasons by hammering Hamilton 46-27 as 3 ½-point home favorites in Sunday’s East Division Final. Calgary will be making its third-straight appearance in the CFL title game following a 22-14 home victory against Winnipeg as a 4 ½-point favorite in the West Finals.
Sunday, Nov. 25
Ottawa RedBlacks (12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (14-5 SU, 10-9 ATS)
Betting odds to win the 106th Grey Cup from Commonweath Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
Ottawa Redblacks (+170ML)
Calgary Stampeders -4 (-200ML)
Total: 53.5
1st Half
Ottawa Redblacks (+142ML)
Calgary Stampeders -2.5 (-165ML)
Total: 26.5
Game Overview
Ottawa lost to Edmonton in the 2015 championship game before stunning Calgary the following season 39-33 as a heavy 9 ½-point underdog. The RedBlacks come into Sunday’s title showdown with a four-game winning streak both straight-up and against the spread. They have been able to cover in six of their last eight games with the total staying UNDER in three of their last five outings.
Trevor Harris has come under fire at times this season for his inconsistent play under center, but he brought his A-Game to Sunday’s East Division Final by setting a new CFL playoff record with six touchdown throws. He completed 29 of his 32 passing attempts against Hamilton for 367 yards. Greg Ellingson was the top target with eight receptions for 144 yards and Diontae Spencer came down with two touchdown grabs as part of his six catches on the day. Harris was fourth in the CFL this season in total passing yards (5,116) and he tossed 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
The Stampeders are hoping that the third time will be the charm coming off losses to Ottawa and Toronto in the last two Grey Cups. They struggled down the stretch this season at 1-3 SU in their last four games while going a very costly 3-6 ATS in their last nine regular season games. The total stayed UNDER 53 points in Sunday’s victory against Winnipeg and it has stayed UNDER in five of Calgary’s last six games. It has stayed UNDER in 12 of 19 games on the year.
Calgary won the season series against the RedBlacks SU and ATS with the sweep in a home-and-home series early in the schedule. The total stayed UNDER in each of those contests. In Sunday’s win against the Blue Bombers, Eric Rodgers was the big story on offense with touchdown grabs in half of his six receptions on the day. Bo Levi Mitchell completed 54.8 percent of his 31 passing attempts for 214 yards. Don Jackson added another 83 yards running the ball on 14 carries. The Stampeders ended the regular season averaging 29.0 points per game as the second-highest scoring team in the CFL behind Winnipeg.
Betting Trends
-- The RedBlacks are 5-1 ATS in their last six postseason games and they have covered in four of their last five games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games closing as underdogs.
-- The Stampeders have failed to cover in 12 of their last 17 playoff games with one contest ending as a PUSH. This includes a 0-4 record ATS in their last four Grey Cup title games. The total has stayed UNDER in 12 of their last 16 games coming off a SU win.
-- Calgary has a SU 6-2-2 record in its last 10 games against Ottawa including this season’s two-game sweep. The Stampeders have a slight 6-4 edge ATS with the total going OVER in seven of the last 10 games between the two.
CFL
Long Sheet
Grey Cup
Sunday, November 25
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OTTAWA (12 - 7) vs. CALGARY (14 - 5) - 11/25/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 134-102 ATS (+21.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
OTTAWA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-3 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-1 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Grey Cup
Sunday, November 25
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OTTAWA (12 - 7) vs. CALGARY (14 - 5) - 11/25/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 134-102 ATS (+21.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1996.
OTTAWA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-3 against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-1 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CFL
Grey Cup
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Trend Report
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Sunday, November 25
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Ottawa is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 9 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-5-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 9 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games
Calgary is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games at home
Calgary is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Grey Cup
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Trend Report
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Sunday, November 25
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Ottawa is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 9 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-5-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ottawa's last 9 games when playing Calgary
Ottawa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games
Calgary is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games at home
Calgary is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Calgary is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
CFL
Sunday, November 25
Grey Cup, Toronto
Ottawa (12-7) vs Calgary (14-5) (-4, 52.5)— Ottawa upset Calgary 39-33 in this game two years ago; RedBlacks are in 3rd Grey Cup in last four years, Calgary is in its 4th Grey Cup in last five years, but they lost the last two years 39-33 (-7)/27-24 (-9.5)- they won the Cup in 2014,
RedBlacks won last four games, winning last three by 15+ points; they split their last four games away from home, covered four of last five as the underdog. Calgary won its last two games, allowing 14-9 points; five of their last six games went under the total. Stampeders won last three series games, by 4-10-24 points, winning this year’s matchups 24-14/27-3. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine series games; four of those nine games went to OT, with two of them ending in ties.
Divisional final
Ottawa 46 (-3, 54), Hamilton 27
Calgary 22 (-5, 52.5), Winnipeg 14
Divisional semifinals
Hamilton 48 (-1.5, 52.5), BC Lions 8
Winnipeg 23, Saskatchewan 18 (-3, 52)
Sunday, November 25
Grey Cup, Toronto
Ottawa (12-7) vs Calgary (14-5) (-4, 52.5)— Ottawa upset Calgary 39-33 in this game two years ago; RedBlacks are in 3rd Grey Cup in last four years, Calgary is in its 4th Grey Cup in last five years, but they lost the last two years 39-33 (-7)/27-24 (-9.5)- they won the Cup in 2014,
RedBlacks won last four games, winning last three by 15+ points; they split their last four games away from home, covered four of last five as the underdog. Calgary won its last two games, allowing 14-9 points; five of their last six games went under the total. Stampeders won last three series games, by 4-10-24 points, winning this year’s matchups 24-14/27-3. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine series games; four of those nine games went to OT, with two of them ending in ties.
Divisional final
Ottawa 46 (-3, 54), Hamilton 27
Calgary 22 (-5, 52.5), Winnipeg 14
Divisional semifinals
Hamilton 48 (-1.5, 52.5), BC Lions 8
Winnipeg 23, Saskatchewan 18 (-3, 52)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
The Buffalo Bills will have their rookie quarterback on the field as they seek their second straight victory when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Josh Allen is expected to be back under center after missing Buffalo's last four games with a right elbow injury.
The Bills, who enjoyed a bye last week, hope to post back-to-back wins for the first time this season after rolling to a 41-10 road triumph over the New York Jets on Nov. 11 with Matt Barkley at quarterback. Jacksonville is aiming for its first win since Week 4 as it has lost six consecutive games following a 3-1 start to the year. The Jaguars hope to erase last week's home loss to Pittsburgh from memory as they owned a 16-point lead late in the third quarter but squandered it and dropped a 20-16 decision (as a +4 point underdog at intertops). Buffalo has won three of the last four meetings between the teams, including the most recent matchup on Nov. 27, 2016 in which it registered a 28-21 home victory.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -3 O/U: 37
ABOUT THE JAGUARS (3-7): Jacksonville is hoping Jalen Ramsey is ready for Sunday's contest as the 24-year-old cornerback was limited in Wednesday's practice with a groin ailment. Ramsey, who made a pair of interceptions against the Steelers to raise his season total to a team-leading three, could be targeted by Allen on Sunday after calling the quarterback "trash" during an interview with GQ magazine over the summer. Defensive end Calais Campbell is one of two AFC players (Denver's Von Miller) with at least 20 sacks (20.5) and 25 tackles for loss (26) since the start of the 2017 season.
ABOUT THE BILLS (3-7): Trent Murphy expects to see action Sunday after missing three games with a knee injury. His return could not come at a better time as fellow defensive end Shaq Lawson suffered an elbow injury during Tuesday's practice and was inactive the following day. Linebacker Matt Milano also should be in the lineup against Jacksonville after clearing the concussion protocol on Wednesday.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Jaguars RB Carlos Hyde has rushed for five touchdowns in his last five road games.
2. Buffalo added LB Corey Thompson from the practice squad on Monday.
3. Jacksonville signed OL Corey Robinson on Monday and released QB Landry Jones, who did not see any action after being signed on Oct. 31.
PREDICTION: Jaguars 27, Bills 13
BY GRACENOTE
The Buffalo Bills will have their rookie quarterback on the field as they seek their second straight victory when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Josh Allen is expected to be back under center after missing Buffalo's last four games with a right elbow injury.
The Bills, who enjoyed a bye last week, hope to post back-to-back wins for the first time this season after rolling to a 41-10 road triumph over the New York Jets on Nov. 11 with Matt Barkley at quarterback. Jacksonville is aiming for its first win since Week 4 as it has lost six consecutive games following a 3-1 start to the year. The Jaguars hope to erase last week's home loss to Pittsburgh from memory as they owned a 16-point lead late in the third quarter but squandered it and dropped a 20-16 decision (as a +4 point underdog at intertops). Buffalo has won three of the last four meetings between the teams, including the most recent matchup on Nov. 27, 2016 in which it registered a 28-21 home victory.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -3 O/U: 37
ABOUT THE JAGUARS (3-7): Jacksonville is hoping Jalen Ramsey is ready for Sunday's contest as the 24-year-old cornerback was limited in Wednesday's practice with a groin ailment. Ramsey, who made a pair of interceptions against the Steelers to raise his season total to a team-leading three, could be targeted by Allen on Sunday after calling the quarterback "trash" during an interview with GQ magazine over the summer. Defensive end Calais Campbell is one of two AFC players (Denver's Von Miller) with at least 20 sacks (20.5) and 25 tackles for loss (26) since the start of the 2017 season.
ABOUT THE BILLS (3-7): Trent Murphy expects to see action Sunday after missing three games with a knee injury. His return could not come at a better time as fellow defensive end Shaq Lawson suffered an elbow injury during Tuesday's practice and was inactive the following day. Linebacker Matt Milano also should be in the lineup against Jacksonville after clearing the concussion protocol on Wednesday.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Jaguars RB Carlos Hyde has rushed for five touchdowns in his last five road games.
2. Buffalo added LB Corey Thompson from the practice squad on Monday.
3. Jacksonville signed OL Corey Robinson on Monday and released QB Landry Jones, who did not see any action after being signed on Oct. 31.
PREDICTION: Jaguars 27, Bills 13
Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely loose hold on a wild-card spot in the AFC and hope to strengthen it when they host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Baltimore currently owns the second wild card via tiebreaker, as it shares a 5-5 record with four other teams in the conference.
The Ravens again will turn to rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson to help produce a victory as veteran Joe Flacco is expected to miss his second straight contest due to a right hip injury. Jackson performed well in his first career start last week as Baltimore recorded a 24-21 triumph over Cincinnati (as a -6.5 point favorite at intertops). Oakland is coming off just its second win of the season, a 23-21 victory at Arizona that halted its five-game slide. Both of the Raiders' triumphs have come by way of field goals on the final play of the game, as they got past Cleveland 45-42 in overtime on Sept. 30 thanks to Matt McCrane's 29-yard kick.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -10.5 O/U: 43
ABOUT THE RAIDERS (2-8): McCrane was a participant in last week's victory, although he was a member of the Cardinals as Daniel Carlson - who replaced him on Oakland's roster in late October - booted a 35-yard game-winning field goal. Carlson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 on field goals and converting both of his extra-point attempts. Derek Carr threw eight interceptions in his first five games of the season but has gone five straight contests without being picked off.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (5-5): Jackson, who was the 32nd overall pick in this year's draft, threw for 150 yards against the Bengals and ran for 119 while fellow rookie Gus Edwards rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. The youngsters became the first rookie quarterback and rookie running back teammates to gain at least 100 yards on the ground in the same game in NFL history. Alex Collins' 7-yard touchdown run on Sunday capped an opening drive that consisted of 11 rushes, making Baltimore the third team since 1999 to score a TD on a first possession that featured at least 10 running plays and no pass attempts.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Collins has rushed for a TD in three straight contests overall and has recorded eight scores on the ground in has last nine home games.
2. Oakland placed WR Brandon LaFell (Achilles) on injured reserve, promoted WR Johnny Holton from the practice squad and signed WR Keon Hatcher from Green Bay's practice squad.
3. Jackson's 117 rushing yards last week were the most by a quarterback in franchise history.
PREDICTION: Ravens 33, Raiders 17
BY GRACENOTE
The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely loose hold on a wild-card spot in the AFC and hope to strengthen it when they host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Baltimore currently owns the second wild card via tiebreaker, as it shares a 5-5 record with four other teams in the conference.
The Ravens again will turn to rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson to help produce a victory as veteran Joe Flacco is expected to miss his second straight contest due to a right hip injury. Jackson performed well in his first career start last week as Baltimore recorded a 24-21 triumph over Cincinnati (as a -6.5 point favorite at intertops). Oakland is coming off just its second win of the season, a 23-21 victory at Arizona that halted its five-game slide. Both of the Raiders' triumphs have come by way of field goals on the final play of the game, as they got past Cleveland 45-42 in overtime on Sept. 30 thanks to Matt McCrane's 29-yard kick.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -10.5 O/U: 43
ABOUT THE RAIDERS (2-8): McCrane was a participant in last week's victory, although he was a member of the Cardinals as Daniel Carlson - who replaced him on Oakland's roster in late October - booted a 35-yard game-winning field goal. Carlson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 on field goals and converting both of his extra-point attempts. Derek Carr threw eight interceptions in his first five games of the season but has gone five straight contests without being picked off.
ABOUT THE RAVENS (5-5): Jackson, who was the 32nd overall pick in this year's draft, threw for 150 yards against the Bengals and ran for 119 while fellow rookie Gus Edwards rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. The youngsters became the first rookie quarterback and rookie running back teammates to gain at least 100 yards on the ground in the same game in NFL history. Alex Collins' 7-yard touchdown run on Sunday capped an opening drive that consisted of 11 rushes, making Baltimore the third team since 1999 to score a TD on a first possession that featured at least 10 running plays and no pass attempts.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Collins has rushed for a TD in three straight contests overall and has recorded eight scores on the ground in has last nine home games.
2. Oakland placed WR Brandon LaFell (Achilles) on injured reserve, promoted WR Johnny Holton from the practice squad and signed WR Keon Hatcher from Green Bay's practice squad.
3. Jackson's 117 rushing yards last week were the most by a quarterback in franchise history.
PREDICTION: Ravens 33, Raiders 17
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
Jameis Winston is back at the helm of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' prolific passing game, which he will try to guide to a win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Each team has lost seven of its last eight contests.
Winston replaced a struggling Ryan Fitzpatrick during last week's 38-35 road loss to the New York Giants (as a +3 point underdog at intertops) and on Monday was named the starter once again, as coach Dirk Koetter continues to search for consistency under center. "Our quarterback play in general has been spectacular at times and not good enough at times," Koetter told reporters. "Almost every game, we get some beautiful, beautiful play at quarterback, some tremendous throws, some great decision-making, some beautiful adjustments. But at other times, we've had some bad decision-making that has resulted in turnovers, and that's hurting our team." The 49ers can relate, as they've used three different starting quarterbacks due to Jimmy Garoppolo's injury and C.J. Beathard's ineffectiveness, eventually handing the job to the 23-year-old Nick Mullens. San Francisco is 1-1 since Mullens took over, posting a blowout victory over Oakland before suffering a 27-23 loss to the Giants prior to last week's bye.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -3 O/U: 54.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (2-8): Mullens has breathed new life in the passing attack since taking the reins, giving the 49ers another element to complement an effective ground game led by Matt Breida. Mullens doesn't have much of a receiving corps with which to work, but tight end George Kittle has been a favorite target, catching 13 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. The defense has been strong, especially in recent weeks, and ranks 10th in total defense, but the 49ers need more takeaways - they've forced an NFL-worst five turnovers in 10 contests.
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (3-7): Tampa Bay leads the league in passing and total offense but is eighth in scoring offense and last in scoring defense. The prime reason is the fact that Winston and Fitzpatrick have combined to throw 23 interceptions, contributing to the Bucs' league-worst minus-23 turnover ratio. The secondary has improved after being torched early in the season, but the run defense is sliding in the wrong direction as it gave up 163 rushing yards to the Giants.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bucs have posted more than 500 total yards in consecutive games for the first time in franchise history and have topped 500 five times this season.
2. Breida averages 5.59 yards per carry, the most in the league among players with at least 100 carries.
3. Tampa Bay placed TE O.J. Howard on injured reserve after he suffered an ankle injury against the Giants. Howard ranks third on the team in receiving yards (565) and is tied with Mike Evans with a team-high five touchdown receptions.
PREDICTION: Buccaneers 30, 49ers 27
BY GRACENOTE
Jameis Winston is back at the helm of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' prolific passing game, which he will try to guide to a win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Each team has lost seven of its last eight contests.
Winston replaced a struggling Ryan Fitzpatrick during last week's 38-35 road loss to the New York Giants (as a +3 point underdog at intertops) and on Monday was named the starter once again, as coach Dirk Koetter continues to search for consistency under center. "Our quarterback play in general has been spectacular at times and not good enough at times," Koetter told reporters. "Almost every game, we get some beautiful, beautiful play at quarterback, some tremendous throws, some great decision-making, some beautiful adjustments. But at other times, we've had some bad decision-making that has resulted in turnovers, and that's hurting our team." The 49ers can relate, as they've used three different starting quarterbacks due to Jimmy Garoppolo's injury and C.J. Beathard's ineffectiveness, eventually handing the job to the 23-year-old Nick Mullens. San Francisco is 1-1 since Mullens took over, posting a blowout victory over Oakland before suffering a 27-23 loss to the Giants prior to last week's bye.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -3 O/U: 54.5
ABOUT THE 49ERS (2-8): Mullens has breathed new life in the passing attack since taking the reins, giving the 49ers another element to complement an effective ground game led by Matt Breida. Mullens doesn't have much of a receiving corps with which to work, but tight end George Kittle has been a favorite target, catching 13 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown in the last two games. The defense has been strong, especially in recent weeks, and ranks 10th in total defense, but the 49ers need more takeaways - they've forced an NFL-worst five turnovers in 10 contests.
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (3-7): Tampa Bay leads the league in passing and total offense but is eighth in scoring offense and last in scoring defense. The prime reason is the fact that Winston and Fitzpatrick have combined to throw 23 interceptions, contributing to the Bucs' league-worst minus-23 turnover ratio. The secondary has improved after being torched early in the season, but the run defense is sliding in the wrong direction as it gave up 163 rushing yards to the Giants.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bucs have posted more than 500 total yards in consecutive games for the first time in franchise history and have topped 500 five times this season.
2. Breida averages 5.59 yards per carry, the most in the league among players with at least 100 carries.
3. Tampa Bay placed TE O.J. Howard on injured reserve after he suffered an ankle injury against the Giants. Howard ranks third on the team in receiving yards (565) and is tied with Mike Evans with a team-high five touchdown receptions.
PREDICTION: Buccaneers 30, 49ers 27
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
The Philadelphia Eagles found themselves on the business end of a beat-down so severe that it was the most lopsided loss ever by a defending Super Bowl champion. The Eagles aim to shake off the effects of a 41-point demolition on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field when they bid for their ninth win in 10 outings against the New York Giants.
"The product we're putting out there is not up to our standards. I'm not playing to my standards, but we know the talent we have and the chemistry we have," said Carson Wentz, who completed 19 of 33 passes for 156 yards and three interceptions in Sunday's 48-7 shellacking in New Orleans (as a +7 point underdog at intertops). The 25-year-old Wentz fared significantly better in his last encounter versus the Giants, throwing for three touchdowns with a pick in Philadelphia's 34-13 road win on Oct. 11. Rookie Saquon Barkley ripped off a 50-yard scoring run in that contest and found the end zone on three occasions (two rushing, one receiving) to highlight a career-high 142-yard rushing performance in Sunday's 38-35 victory over Tampa Bay. "We're finishing games and we're finishing drives, and that's what we weren't doing in the first half of the season," said Barkley, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -5.5 O/U: 46.5
ABOUT THE GIANTS (3-7): Eli Manning completed all but one of his 18 pass attempts versus the Buccaneers and has five touchdown passes in his last two contests -- after mustering just eight in the first eight games. Odell Beckham Jr. has been on the receiving end of three of those scoring strikes over the last two weeks, although he was not as fortunate in his last outing against Philadelphia as his six receptions went for just 44 yards. "The goal is to win every game. So six games left, it's really only crazy until you do it," the 26-year-old Beckham said. Fellow wideout Sterling Shepard has struggled to capitalize on a strong start to the season, as he has been limited to 37 receiving yards of fewer in four of his last five outings.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-6): Alshon Jeffery gouged the Giants for a season high-tying eight receptions for 74 yards with two touchdowns in the last encounter. Zach Ertz also found the end zone in that contest, but he was limited to season-low totals in catches (two) and receiving yards (15) against the Saints. The locker room talk after that debacle centered around safety Malcolm Jenkins pointing out a lack of fight of some of his teammates, although there's even more concern about the health of the team's secondary. Cornerbacks Jalen Mills (foot), Sidney Jones (hamstring), Rasul Douglas (knee) and Avonte Maddox (knee) were all absent from Wednesday's practice.
EXTRA POINTS
1. New York's Landon Collins leads all NFL safeties with 82 tackles.
2. Philadelphia has scored a league-worst 21 points in the first quarter this season.
3. The Giants have registered just 11.0 sacks this season, which is 31st in the league.
PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Giants 21
BY GRACENOTE
The Philadelphia Eagles found themselves on the business end of a beat-down so severe that it was the most lopsided loss ever by a defending Super Bowl champion. The Eagles aim to shake off the effects of a 41-point demolition on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field when they bid for their ninth win in 10 outings against the New York Giants.
"The product we're putting out there is not up to our standards. I'm not playing to my standards, but we know the talent we have and the chemistry we have," said Carson Wentz, who completed 19 of 33 passes for 156 yards and three interceptions in Sunday's 48-7 shellacking in New Orleans (as a +7 point underdog at intertops). The 25-year-old Wentz fared significantly better in his last encounter versus the Giants, throwing for three touchdowns with a pick in Philadelphia's 34-13 road win on Oct. 11. Rookie Saquon Barkley ripped off a 50-yard scoring run in that contest and found the end zone on three occasions (two rushing, one receiving) to highlight a career-high 142-yard rushing performance in Sunday's 38-35 victory over Tampa Bay. "We're finishing games and we're finishing drives, and that's what we weren't doing in the first half of the season," said Barkley, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -5.5 O/U: 46.5
ABOUT THE GIANTS (3-7): Eli Manning completed all but one of his 18 pass attempts versus the Buccaneers and has five touchdown passes in his last two contests -- after mustering just eight in the first eight games. Odell Beckham Jr. has been on the receiving end of three of those scoring strikes over the last two weeks, although he was not as fortunate in his last outing against Philadelphia as his six receptions went for just 44 yards. "The goal is to win every game. So six games left, it's really only crazy until you do it," the 26-year-old Beckham said. Fellow wideout Sterling Shepard has struggled to capitalize on a strong start to the season, as he has been limited to 37 receiving yards of fewer in four of his last five outings.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-6): Alshon Jeffery gouged the Giants for a season high-tying eight receptions for 74 yards with two touchdowns in the last encounter. Zach Ertz also found the end zone in that contest, but he was limited to season-low totals in catches (two) and receiving yards (15) against the Saints. The locker room talk after that debacle centered around safety Malcolm Jenkins pointing out a lack of fight of some of his teammates, although there's even more concern about the health of the team's secondary. Cornerbacks Jalen Mills (foot), Sidney Jones (hamstring), Rasul Douglas (knee) and Avonte Maddox (knee) were all absent from Wednesday's practice.
EXTRA POINTS
1. New York's Landon Collins leads all NFL safeties with 82 tackles.
2. Philadelphia has scored a league-worst 21 points in the first quarter this season.
3. The Giants have registered just 11.0 sacks this season, which is 31st in the league.
PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Giants 21
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
The Cincinnati Bengals are losers of four of their last five games to sink back to .500 but could be on the verge of getting an offensive weapon back. The Bengals hope to have star wide receiver A.J. Green available when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Cincinnati's hopes of an AFC North title took a big hit with a 24-21 loss at Baltimore last week (as a +6.5 point underdog at intertops), but Green's potential return could provide a significant boost down the stretch. "A.J. has worked hard and is ready to get back to work," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told reporters of Green, who has been out since suffering a toe injury on Oct. 28. "If he feels good enough to go and we judge him good to go by our eyes, he'll be good to go." The Bengals have an inside source in assistant coach Hue Jackson, who was hired in Cincinnati after being fired as the head coach of the Browns earlier this month. "I learned a long time ago: It's more important that we know what we're doing than somebody else," Cleveland interim coach Gregg Williams told reporters. "That was pounded down my throat when I worked with Buddy Ryan many years ago. I brought up something just like (that) and he ripped me pretty good."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -3 O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE BROWNS (3-6-1): Cleveland snapped a four-game losing streak in Williams' second game by knocking off the Atlanta Falcons 28-16 at home on Nov. 11 prior to the bye. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield played his most efficient game in the win, completing 17-of-20 passes for 216 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. "I think that him saying to cut it loose to me meant letting my personality go," Mayfield told reporters of Williams' message to him. "The reason that I was brought here is because of that stuff - the infectious energy, the passion for the game that I try to bring every day. I think it was more than just the on-field play."
ABOUT THE BENGALS (5-5): Cincinnati fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin prior to the loss at Baltimore and looked more confident on defense with Lewis calling the plays. "Coach Lewis, he's always out there on the field and you feel like he's in the fight with you," linebacker Vinny Rey told reporters. "We feel like we're fighting for Coach. Even though we're professionals and we're all grown men, you still go out there and you play for somebody. I do. I wanted to go out there and win this one for him. I wish we did. We came up short, but it's a long season." The Bengals sit 31st in the NFL in scoring defense (31.2 points allowed) and rank last while yielding an average of 449.4 yards.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bengals placed LB Preston Brown (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.
2. Browns rookie RB Nick Chubb rushed for a season-high 176 yards against Atlanta.
3. Cincinnati is enjoying a seven-game winning streak in the series.
PREDICTION: Bengals 31, Browns 20
BY GRACENOTE
The Cincinnati Bengals are losers of four of their last five games to sink back to .500 but could be on the verge of getting an offensive weapon back. The Bengals hope to have star wide receiver A.J. Green available when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Cincinnati's hopes of an AFC North title took a big hit with a 24-21 loss at Baltimore last week (as a +6.5 point underdog at intertops), but Green's potential return could provide a significant boost down the stretch. "A.J. has worked hard and is ready to get back to work," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told reporters of Green, who has been out since suffering a toe injury on Oct. 28. "If he feels good enough to go and we judge him good to go by our eyes, he'll be good to go." The Bengals have an inside source in assistant coach Hue Jackson, who was hired in Cincinnati after being fired as the head coach of the Browns earlier this month. "I learned a long time ago: It's more important that we know what we're doing than somebody else," Cleveland interim coach Gregg Williams told reporters. "That was pounded down my throat when I worked with Buddy Ryan many years ago. I brought up something just like (that) and he ripped me pretty good."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -3 O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE BROWNS (3-6-1): Cleveland snapped a four-game losing streak in Williams' second game by knocking off the Atlanta Falcons 28-16 at home on Nov. 11 prior to the bye. Rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield played his most efficient game in the win, completing 17-of-20 passes for 216 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. "I think that him saying to cut it loose to me meant letting my personality go," Mayfield told reporters of Williams' message to him. "The reason that I was brought here is because of that stuff - the infectious energy, the passion for the game that I try to bring every day. I think it was more than just the on-field play."
ABOUT THE BENGALS (5-5): Cincinnati fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin prior to the loss at Baltimore and looked more confident on defense with Lewis calling the plays. "Coach Lewis, he's always out there on the field and you feel like he's in the fight with you," linebacker Vinny Rey told reporters. "We feel like we're fighting for Coach. Even though we're professionals and we're all grown men, you still go out there and you play for somebody. I do. I wanted to go out there and win this one for him. I wish we did. We came up short, but it's a long season." The Bengals sit 31st in the NFL in scoring defense (31.2 points allowed) and rank last while yielding an average of 449.4 yards.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Bengals placed LB Preston Brown (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.
2. Browns rookie RB Nick Chubb rushed for a season-high 176 yards against Atlanta.
3. Cincinnati is enjoying a seven-game winning streak in the series.
PREDICTION: Bengals 31, Browns 20
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
The New England Patriots had two weeks off to reassess after suffering a 34-10 loss at the Tennessee Titans (as a -6.5 point favorite at intertops) and they are ready to move on. The Patriots will try to get back to the business of dominating the AFC East when they visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
"We're playing the Jets here," New England coach Bill Belichick told reporters. "We're not playing Tennessee. So, we'll have to deal with what the Jets do, what their keys are and who their players are. Whatever else has happened this year has happened. We've corrected those, talked about those situations, corrected them, but we're focused on the Jets now." One thing that could be corrected is the injury situation, with tight end Rob Gronkowski (ankle) among those expected to return to the lineup on Sunday. The Jets went into the bye with a sour taste as well after getting crushed at home 41-10 by the Buffalo Bills to extend their losing streak to four straight. "It was good," New York coach Todd Bowles told reporters of the bye week. "We got some guys back that were banged up - it happened late in the week. But everybody in the AFC East had a bye so it came at a good time, and it's always good to step back and study yourselves and then try to go from there."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -9.5 O/U: 46
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (7-3): New England is used to residing at or near the top of the NFL in most offensive categories but comes out of the bye seventh in the league in scoring (28 points) and 10th in yards per game (377.2). "I think we're definitely trying to find things that - this is the first really chance we've had to evaluate that," quarterback Tom Brady told reporters during the by week. "There's been a lot of moving parts this year for one reason or another with the receivers, tight ends, running backs, a little bit with the O-line, not so much with the quarterback position. But I think that's all part of what we're trying to do." Brady, 41, is 11th in yards (2,748) and tied for 15th in TD passes (17).
ABOUT THE JETS (3-7): Bowles is not offering any clue as to who his starting quarterback will be on Sunday, with rookie Sam Darnold (foot) questionable. "I think the idea of going up against (Tom Brady) and the Patriots, coach Belichick and all those guys, it's a cool thing, especially with me growing up in the era where they really controlled the whole NFL, for the most part," Darnold told reporters. "It would be really cool if I have the opportunity." If Darnold can't go, New York will again turn to veteran Josh McCown, who completed 17-of-34 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions in the loss to Buffalo.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Patriots OG Shaq Mason (calf) practiced Wednesday and could return after missing the last two games.
2. New York WR Robby Anderson (ankle) sat out the loss to Buffalo and is in danger of missing a second straight contest.
3. New England took the last four meetings and seven of eight in the series.
PREDICTION: Patriots 31, Jets 17
BY GRACENOTE
The New England Patriots had two weeks off to reassess after suffering a 34-10 loss at the Tennessee Titans (as a -6.5 point favorite at intertops) and they are ready to move on. The Patriots will try to get back to the business of dominating the AFC East when they visit the New York Jets on Sunday.
"We're playing the Jets here," New England coach Bill Belichick told reporters. "We're not playing Tennessee. So, we'll have to deal with what the Jets do, what their keys are and who their players are. Whatever else has happened this year has happened. We've corrected those, talked about those situations, corrected them, but we're focused on the Jets now." One thing that could be corrected is the injury situation, with tight end Rob Gronkowski (ankle) among those expected to return to the lineup on Sunday. The Jets went into the bye with a sour taste as well after getting crushed at home 41-10 by the Buffalo Bills to extend their losing streak to four straight. "It was good," New York coach Todd Bowles told reporters of the bye week. "We got some guys back that were banged up - it happened late in the week. But everybody in the AFC East had a bye so it came at a good time, and it's always good to step back and study yourselves and then try to go from there."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -9.5 O/U: 46
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (7-3): New England is used to residing at or near the top of the NFL in most offensive categories but comes out of the bye seventh in the league in scoring (28 points) and 10th in yards per game (377.2). "I think we're definitely trying to find things that - this is the first really chance we've had to evaluate that," quarterback Tom Brady told reporters during the by week. "There's been a lot of moving parts this year for one reason or another with the receivers, tight ends, running backs, a little bit with the O-line, not so much with the quarterback position. But I think that's all part of what we're trying to do." Brady, 41, is 11th in yards (2,748) and tied for 15th in TD passes (17).
ABOUT THE JETS (3-7): Bowles is not offering any clue as to who his starting quarterback will be on Sunday, with rookie Sam Darnold (foot) questionable. "I think the idea of going up against (Tom Brady) and the Patriots, coach Belichick and all those guys, it's a cool thing, especially with me growing up in the era where they really controlled the whole NFL, for the most part," Darnold told reporters. "It would be really cool if I have the opportunity." If Darnold can't go, New York will again turn to veteran Josh McCown, who completed 17-of-34 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions in the loss to Buffalo.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Patriots OG Shaq Mason (calf) practiced Wednesday and could return after missing the last two games.
2. New York WR Robby Anderson (ankle) sat out the loss to Buffalo and is in danger of missing a second straight contest.
3. New England took the last four meetings and seven of eight in the series.
PREDICTION: Patriots 31, Jets 17
Seattle Seahawks vs. Carolina Panthers Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
Two teams in the thick of the NFC wild-card battle square off on Sunday, when the Seattle Seahawks visit the Carolina Panthers. Carolina leads the competition entering Week 12 despite a blown opportunity last weekend while Seattle is just one game behind the Panthers.
Carolina suffered a 20-19 loss to Detroit (as a -4 point favorite at intertops) when coach Ron Rivera opted to go for a late two-point conversion and came up empty, and now will look for happier times against the Seahawks. "I wouldn't call it fun," Rivera told reporters of playing the Seahawks, "but there is a certain challenge to it that I enjoy. (Coach Pete Carroll) has been a staple there. They've had a lot of success, and the challenge obviously is competing against their football team." Seattle made the playoffs five straight seasons before missing out last year, and the reloading squad finds itself in must-win mode every week the rest of the season. "This is a championship matchup for us - it wouldn't matter about any of that stuff," Carroll told reporters. "That's a long ways down the road. We don't change anything. We've just got to try to put together a great plan and execute and play like it's the only game we've got in the whole world - which it is."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -3.5 O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (5-5): Russell Wilson has thrown multiple touchdown passes in six consecutive games and has 23 overall against just five interceptions. But Seattle continues to rely more on a running attack that leads the NFL at 154.3 yards per game as Chris Carson (580) leads the way while receiving help from Mike Davis (372) and first-round draft pick Rashaad Penny (300). Stellar defensive end Frank Clark recorded two sacks in last week's win over Green Bay to raise his season total to 10 and give him 29 since the beginning of the 2016 season.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-4): Carolina has dropped back-to-back games to Pittsburgh and Detroit to all but fall out of the NFC South race with New Orleans running away with the division. Cam Newton (20 touchdowns, six interceptions) summed up the situation as "there's no cheat codes here, you've just got to knuckle up and get ready to play," as the team doesn't want to lose sight of the division race but also knows it needs to worry about notching victories. Mario Addison has recorded a team-best 7.5 sacks but is dealing with an ailing shoulder, while middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is 17 tackles away from reaching 100 for the seventh straight season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Seahawks have won five of the last six meetings, including a 40-7 rout during the 2016 season.
2. Seattle OLB K.J. Wright (knee) could miss his second straight game and eighth overall this year.
3. Carolina WR Torrey Smith (knee) is aiming to return after missing the last four contests.
PREDICTION: Panthers 33, Seahawks 31
BY GRACENOTE
Two teams in the thick of the NFC wild-card battle square off on Sunday, when the Seattle Seahawks visit the Carolina Panthers. Carolina leads the competition entering Week 12 despite a blown opportunity last weekend while Seattle is just one game behind the Panthers.
Carolina suffered a 20-19 loss to Detroit (as a -4 point favorite at intertops) when coach Ron Rivera opted to go for a late two-point conversion and came up empty, and now will look for happier times against the Seahawks. "I wouldn't call it fun," Rivera told reporters of playing the Seahawks, "but there is a certain challenge to it that I enjoy. (Coach Pete Carroll) has been a staple there. They've had a lot of success, and the challenge obviously is competing against their football team." Seattle made the playoffs five straight seasons before missing out last year, and the reloading squad finds itself in must-win mode every week the rest of the season. "This is a championship matchup for us - it wouldn't matter about any of that stuff," Carroll told reporters. "That's a long ways down the road. We don't change anything. We've just got to try to put together a great plan and execute and play like it's the only game we've got in the whole world - which it is."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -3.5 O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (5-5): Russell Wilson has thrown multiple touchdown passes in six consecutive games and has 23 overall against just five interceptions. But Seattle continues to rely more on a running attack that leads the NFL at 154.3 yards per game as Chris Carson (580) leads the way while receiving help from Mike Davis (372) and first-round draft pick Rashaad Penny (300). Stellar defensive end Frank Clark recorded two sacks in last week's win over Green Bay to raise his season total to 10 and give him 29 since the beginning of the 2016 season.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-4): Carolina has dropped back-to-back games to Pittsburgh and Detroit to all but fall out of the NFC South race with New Orleans running away with the division. Cam Newton (20 touchdowns, six interceptions) summed up the situation as "there's no cheat codes here, you've just got to knuckle up and get ready to play," as the team doesn't want to lose sight of the division race but also knows it needs to worry about notching victories. Mario Addison has recorded a team-best 7.5 sacks but is dealing with an ailing shoulder, while middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is 17 tackles away from reaching 100 for the seventh straight season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Seahawks have won five of the last six meetings, including a 40-7 rout during the 2016 season.
2. Seattle OLB K.J. Wright (knee) could miss his second straight game and eighth overall this year.
3. Carolina WR Torrey Smith (knee) is aiming to return after missing the last four contests.
PREDICTION: Panthers 33, Seahawks 31
Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview and Predictions 11-25-2018
BY GRACENOTE
Ryan Tannehill would love to be as fortunate as Andrew Luck, who has silenced any talk about the shoulder injury that sidelined him for all of the 2017 season by tossing at least three touchdown passes in each of his last seven games. Luck and the Colts vie for their fifth straight win on Sunday when they host the returning Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins, who skidded into their bye with losses in five of their last seven outings.
"I was not in a good spot a year ago. I remember that. I am in a good spot now," said Luck, who is enjoying a career-best completion percentage (67.3) and quarterback rating (101.8) while tossing an NFL second-best 29 touchdown passes this season. The 29-year-old earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after connecting with trusted target T.Y. Hilton for two of his three touchdown passes in Sunday's 38-10 romp over Tennessee. Tannehill, who has been sidelined since Miami's 27-17 setback to Cincinnati on Oct. 7, takes the helm of an offense that has failed to score a touchdown in its last nine quarters. "It's been a hard five weeks of sitting out, sitting back, itching and biting at the bit," the 30-year-old Tannehill said. "To finally be healthy enough to go and be with my guys, I'm really excited and looking forward to the opportunity."
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Colts -7.5 O/U: 51
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (5-5): Ageless Frank Gore faces the team with which he averaged 984 yards rushing per season during his three years in Indianapolis. Gore rushed for 90 yards on just 13 carries in Miami's 31-12 setback at Green Bay (as the Dolphins were +12 point underdog at intertops) on Nov. 11 to move within 151 of surpassing Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson for fifth place in NFL history. Fellow running back Kenyan Drake has rushed for 75 or more scrimmage yards in four of his last six, although Indianapolis is allowing a league sixth-best 3.9 yards per carry. Danny Amendola recorded a team-high seven catches in his last outing to boost his total to 31 in his last five games.
ABOUT THE COLTS (5-5): Luck is tied with Miami legend Dan Marino for the third longest streak of consecutive games with three or more touchdown passes, trailing only Tom Brady (10) and Peyton Manning (eight). The offensive line has done its part in protecting Luck, who has not been sacked in five straight games. Evan Boehm, however, will start at center for the first time since he was in college at Missouri with Ryan Kelly (knee) ruled out for Sunday's contest. Hilton has found the end zone five times in his last five home games while running back Marlon Mack also had a touchdown on Sunday, giving him five scores (four rushing, one receiving) in his past four contests overall.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Indianapolis rookie LB Darius Leonard leads the NFL with 104 tackles while Miami's LB Kiko Alonso is tied for third with 89.
2. The Dolphins' first drive has failed to produce any points in 13 consecutive games.
3. Indianapolis' Eric Ebron, who leads all NFL tight ends with nine receiving touchdowns, was not even targeted in his last contest.
PREDICTION: Colts 34, Dolphins 16
BY GRACENOTE
Ryan Tannehill would love to be as fortunate as Andrew Luck, who has silenced any talk about the shoulder injury that sidelined him for all of the 2017 season by tossing at least three touchdown passes in each of his last seven games. Luck and the Colts vie for their fifth straight win on Sunday when they host the returning Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins, who skidded into their bye with losses in five of their last seven outings.
"I was not in a good spot a year ago. I remember that. I am in a good spot now," said Luck, who is enjoying a career-best completion percentage (67.3) and quarterback rating (101.8) while tossing an NFL second-best 29 touchdown passes this season. The 29-year-old earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after connecting with trusted target T.Y. Hilton for two of his three touchdown passes in Sunday's 38-10 romp over Tennessee. Tannehill, who has been sidelined since Miami's 27-17 setback to Cincinnati on Oct. 7, takes the helm of an offense that has failed to score a touchdown in its last nine quarters. "It's been a hard five weeks of sitting out, sitting back, itching and biting at the bit," the 30-year-old Tannehill said. "To finally be healthy enough to go and be with my guys, I'm really excited and looking forward to the opportunity."
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Colts -7.5 O/U: 51
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (5-5): Ageless Frank Gore faces the team with which he averaged 984 yards rushing per season during his three years in Indianapolis. Gore rushed for 90 yards on just 13 carries in Miami's 31-12 setback at Green Bay (as the Dolphins were +12 point underdog at intertops) on Nov. 11 to move within 151 of surpassing Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson for fifth place in NFL history. Fellow running back Kenyan Drake has rushed for 75 or more scrimmage yards in four of his last six, although Indianapolis is allowing a league sixth-best 3.9 yards per carry. Danny Amendola recorded a team-high seven catches in his last outing to boost his total to 31 in his last five games.
ABOUT THE COLTS (5-5): Luck is tied with Miami legend Dan Marino for the third longest streak of consecutive games with three or more touchdown passes, trailing only Tom Brady (10) and Peyton Manning (eight). The offensive line has done its part in protecting Luck, who has not been sacked in five straight games. Evan Boehm, however, will start at center for the first time since he was in college at Missouri with Ryan Kelly (knee) ruled out for Sunday's contest. Hilton has found the end zone five times in his last five home games while running back Marlon Mack also had a touchdown on Sunday, giving him five scores (four rushing, one receiving) in his past four contests overall.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Indianapolis rookie LB Darius Leonard leads the NFL with 104 tackles while Miami's LB Kiko Alonso is tied for third with 89.
2. The Dolphins' first drive has failed to produce any points in 13 consecutive games.
3. Indianapolis' Eric Ebron, who leads all NFL tight ends with nine receiving touchdowns, was not even targeted in his last contest.
PREDICTION: Colts 34, Dolphins 16
