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11/21/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After six days of finger-pointing and second-guessing in the local media and among their always-vocal fan base, the Philadelphia Eagles will be glad to be back on the football field on Sunday.
The goal for the Eagles in their tilt against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium won't be just to quiet the angry throng, but also to improve their standing in the crowded NFC Wild Card race.
Philadelphia's week of discontent didn't even follow a loss, though it sure had to feel that way for Andy Reid's squad. The Eagles finished in a 13-13 deadlock with the one-win Cincinnati Bengals, with quarterback Donovan McNabb throwing three interceptions in his worst outing of the season, then doing little to earn the respect of league observers in the game's aftermath.
In comments to reporters, McNabb expressed that he was unaware that an NFL game could end in a tie, despite the fact that the league's previous tie had occurred in 2002, his fourth year in the league.
But the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback's ignorance toward the league's overtime rules were ultimately just a tangential issue in the wake of a result that put the Eagles' playoff hopes on life support.
Philly dropped to 5-4-1 and into sole possession of last place in the NFC East, and enters Week 12 fifth in the chase for one of two Wild Card spots in the conference. Two teams that the Eagles trail - the Cowboys (6-4) and Redskins (6-4) - are in their own division, and Philadelphia's current 0-3 division mark makes any tie-breaking scenarios within their division problematic.
Also an issue is the team's arduous schedule over the final six weeks, which begins with a Baltimore team still in full control of its playoff fate.
The Ravens also come off a disappointing Week 12 result, a 30-10 loss at the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants that dropped Baltimore a full game back of division-leading Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
While trying to lead his squad back into the win column on Sunday, head coach John Harbaugh will also be facing an Eagles club for which he served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons (1998-2007). Harbaugh was special teams coach in Philadelphia for his first nine years with the organization, before switching over to the secondary last season.
SERIES HISTORY
The Eagles hold a 1-0-1 edge in their all-time series with the Ravens, including a 10-10 tie at Memorial Stadium in 1997 and a 15-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field in 2004.
Philadelphia last won a meaningful game in Baltimore in 1978, and last lost a contest in Charm City in 1970.
Reid is 1-0 in his career against the Ravens, while Baltimore's Harbaugh will be meeting his former employer the Eagles for the first time as a head man.
WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL
Though McNabb (2711 passing yards, 14 TD, 8 INT) and Reid have been the focus of Eagles fan hostility, there is no disputing that the recent performances of Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook (508 rushing yards, 32 receptions, 8 TD) have not been a credit to the offense. Westbrook, who has dealt with both rib and ankle issues this season, has averaged fewer than 50 rushing yards in his past three games and has not scored a touchdown over that span. The Villanova product has also been something of a non-factor in the passing game, including last week when his three catches went for just 11 yards. Westbrook is questionable for Sunday due to the ankle problem, and if he can't go, Correll Buckhalter (233 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 3 TD) would get the backfield call. Rookie wideout DeSean Jackson (42 receptions, 3 TD) has been the Birds' most dependable receiver all year, and Kevin Curtis (19 receptions, 1 TD) and Hank Baskett (22 receptions, 3 TD) both totaled 60-plus yards in Cincinnati. Tight end L.J. Smith (18 receptions, 3 TD) scored the team's only touchdown of the day. Despite their recent struggles, the Eagles go into Baltimore ranked sixth in NFL total offense (363.8 yards per game).
The Ravens' defensive reputation took a massive hit last week, when the Giants ran over Rex Ryan's group to the tune of 207 ground yards. Baltimore, which was allowing just over 65 ground yards per game coming into the Meadowlands, had not been gutted for 200-plus rushing yards since the 1997 season. Charged with bouncing back from that result will be a front seven including tackles Haloti Ngata (34 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) and Justin Bannan (32 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) along with linebackers Ray Lewis (73 tackles, 3 INT, 1 sack) and Bart Scott (49 tackles, 1 sack), all of whom have played a key role in the run-stopping effort this season. Meanwhile, a Ravens secondary that has already lost cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) for the year lists both corner Samari Rolle (shoulder) and safety Ed Reed (neck) as questionable on this week's injury report. If neither can go, it will place more pressure on a pass rush that has a modest 20 sacks on the year so far, including a team-high five from outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (46 tackles, 2 INT).
WHEN THE RAVENS HAVE THE BALL
Though two interceptions by quarterback Joe Flacco (1813 passing yards, 8 TD, 9 INT), including one returned for a critical pick-six in the third quarter, helped sink the Ravens' upset bid against the Giants last week, the lack of a running game was also a hindrance to Baltimore's efforts. The running back triumvirate of Willis McGahee (481 rushing yards, 5 TD, 16 receptions), Ray Rice (375 rushing yards, 24 receptions), and Le'Ron McClain (371 rushing yards, 18 receptions, 6 TD) combined for just 47 yards on 19 combined carries (2.5 yards per attempt), though McClain did add value by scoring the team's only touchdown on a 10-yard pass play in the second half. Flacco, who finished 20-of-33 for 164 yards with the touchdown and two picks, also rushed for a team-best 57 yards in the loss. No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason (53 receptions, 2 TD) continued his renaissance with seven receptions for 82 yards, but running mate Mark Clayton (21 receptions, 1 TD) had a quiet afternoon with just one catch. Of some concern for the Ravens this week is the health of offensive linemen Jared Gaither (shoulder) and Willie Anderson (ankle), both of whom are uncertain to go on Sunday. The Ravens remain 19th in the league in total offense (318.3 yards per game).
Job number one for Flacco will be avoiding an Eagles pass rush that has generated 36 sacks on the year, tied with Pittsburgh for the top figure in the league as Week 12 begins. The Birds dropped Cincinnati's Ryan Fitzpatrick eight times last week, with Darren Howard (18 tackles, 8 sacks) and Trent Cole (51 tackles, 6 sacks) leading the hit parade with two sacks apiece. Coverage, however, was something of an issue for Philadelphia on a week when Cincinnati's wide receivers went for over 200 yards. Cornerbacks Asante Samuel (26 tackles, 3 INT) and Sheldon Brown (31 tackles, 1 sack) will need to bounce back against Mason and Clayton, with safeties Brian Dawkins (50 tackles, 2 sacks) and Quintin Mikell (59 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) adding help over the top. The Eagles shut the Bengals running game down to the tune of 47 yards on 25 combined carries for three running backs, with linebacker Stewart Bradley (76 tackles, 1 sack) and tackle Brodrick Bunkley (33 tackles, 2 sacks) combining for 18 tackles to help fuel the effort. Philly is currently 11th in the NFL against both the run (98.7 yards per game) and the pass (194 yards per game).
FANTASY FOCUS
Eagles like McNabb and Westbrook have long been fantasy must-starts, but given their recent performances and strength of the Baltimore defense, you might want to consider utilizing other options this week. Of the other offensive players, the rookie wideout Jackson is a worthy flex option. The Eagles defense remains a must-play in leagues that reward sacks, and going up against a rookie quarterback should help their point total. Kicker David Akers has missed some field goals this year, but leads the NFL in scoring.
The Ravens don't have a lot of terrific fantasy plays, apart from the always- stout defense, of course. McGahee and Mason have had more prolific moments than anyone else on the roster, but counting on either having a huge game is foolish.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
McNabb and the Eagles offense need a positive showing in the worst way after last Sunday's plodding performance against a one-win team, but unfortunately for Philadelphia, it faces the Baltimore defense at the worst possible time. The pundits are questioning the Ravens' defensive strength after the ground- game tap-dance the Giants did on them last week, and questioning the viability of a group led by Ray Lewis is likely to yield some scary results. McNabb and Reid may show better than their usual questionable level of emotion, but it won't match that of the Ravens, who will be fired up to wash away last week's sins and keep pace in the AFC playoff race.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Ravens 23, Eagles 16
<< Romo, Cowboys, Back Home vs. Niners
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It has been six weeks since fans of the Dallas Cowboys have
watched quarterback Tony Romo take the playing field at Texas Stadium.
Needless to say, his presence in Sunday's Week 12 affair against the San
Francisco 49ers will
<< Lions Look to Catch Bucs Napping
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With three division games looming in the distance, the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing their best not to look past the Detroit Lions.
With Detroit winless in 10 games this year, that figures to be easier said
then done.
Ta
<< Can Redskins Halt Slide In Seattle?
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Back-to-back losses for the first time this year have the
Washington Redskins fading in the NFC playoff picture. Currently holding the
final Wild Card slot in the conference, Washington heads across the country
this weekend t
<< Win-Hungry Chiefs, Bills, Face Off at Arrowhead
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A hint of desperation will be in the air at Arrowhead
Stadium, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills - two teams in dire need
of a victory - will slug it out in a quest for a long-overdue trip to the left
column of the
Lane's End to be new Curlin home >>
Louisville, KY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Defending Horse of the Year Curlin will
stand his stud service at Lane's End Farm near Versailles, KY. The
announcement was made in a press release by the farm.
Curlin, the richest racehor
First-Place Matchup Pits Titans, Jets >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sometimes, excessive cleverness is simply unnecessary.
Though it seems a requirement of the weekly NFL preview writer to weave a
thread of humor, wit or even sarcasm into each and every pre-game tapestry,
every now and the
Giants Seek to Celebrate Another Win in Arizona >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - University of Phoenix Stadium has provided a number of warm
memories for the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. The New York Giants have a fond
recollection of the state-of-the-art stadium from this calendar year as well.
The Gian
Patriots Out for Revenge in Miami >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It's been quite a few years since the Miami Dolphins were
within striking distance of first place in the AFC East this late in a season.
It's been even longer since the New England Patriots weren't occupying the
division's to
Underdog bettors love the Super Bowl and, history suggests, the underdogs love them back. And the big dogs bite harder.
Even so, there is a warning in store for Super Bowl gamblers who must love dogs: The Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl betting lines might not be enough of a Cinderella to make it worth your while.
Although the Cardinals were widely panned as one of the worst division winners and least playoff-worthy teams in recent memory, their trip to Super Bowl XLIII Jan. 31 in Tampa against the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl betting lines comes with a little more respect from the oddsmakers than you might imagine. They are a 7-point underdog at most sports books.
If you count yourself among those who covet the big dog in the big game, this isn’t exactly great news. You should have been hoping for more points. This is because the facts show that the bigger the dog, the better the bet in the Super Bowl.
Case in point: Over the past 13 seasons, double-figure underdogs in the Super Bowl are 4-0-1 ATS and have won the past three outright. In fact, the last double-digit chalk to do the deed for bettors was the 1995 San Francisco 49ers, who managed to beat the astounding 19-point spot afforded backers of the San Diego Chargers in the 49-26 romp in Super Bowl XXIX.
By contrast, 7-point favorites are 2-1-1 ATS in the same span, the last such contest resulting a cover grinded out by the Colts in their 29-17 win over the Bears two seasons ago in Super Bowl XLI.
In 2004, the Patriots failed to cover the number in their 32-29 triumph over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl props while the Rams and Titans gave everyone a refund in 2000 after the Rams posted a 23-16 win as a seven-point favorite.
So while Arizona’s run has included impressive upsets as a 10-point road underdog to the Carolina Panthers and Sunday’s 32-25 win in the NFC championship game to the 4-point favored Philadelphia Eagles, their long-shot story lacks a bit of the David vs. Goliath storyline of past Super Bowl underdogs.
While the seven-point spread represents a significant gap in the perception of strength between the two teams, it is far from monumental. For example, last season the Giants were the wild-card afterthought turned road-warrior buzzsaw, with stunning wins over the Buccaneers, Cowboys and Packers to earn their place in the Super Bowl.
There, they played spoiler to New England’s bid to become the first 19-0 team in NFL history and cemented their place in sports betting lore with a 17-14 win as a 12.5-point underdog.
In other words, the Cardinals appear to have their work cut out for them as a mid-range underdog. But in homage to the spread beaters who have come before them, here is a brief look back at recent colossal upsets in the Super Bowl:
SB XLII -- 2008 -- New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14 (Giants +12.5) – Eli Manning’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the final minute clinched the historic upset for the Giants, who used a masterful defensive plan to slow down Tom Brady and the previously undefeated New England Patriots.
XXXVI -- 2002 -- Patriots 20, Rams 17 (Patriots +14) – This was the coming out party for the aforementioned Brady, who went from obscure sixth-round draft pick to Super Bowl hero in one fell swoop. He led the game-winning drive in the final minute – eschewing analyst John Madden’s advice to take a knee and play for overtime – leading to Adam Vinatieri’s memorable 48-yard field goal that split the uprights as time expired.
XXXII 1998 Broncos 31, Packers 24 (Denver +12) – The first of John Elway’s two consecutive Super Bowl titles to put an end to his Hall of Fame career was an upset for the ages. The Broncos used the determination of Elway and a 157-yard, three-touchdown performance from Terrell Davis to turn back Brett Favre and the heavily favored Packers.
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My fellow Americans, as tempting as it may be to don the coat and HD-ready tie in order to deliver this State of the Game address before the cameras, I know better. As Brad Paisley sings on his latest album, "I'm so much cooler online."
The ideas for this annual essay to kick off the MySportsbook.com college football betting preview flowed like frat-house beer, which is to say they were cheap and spilled all over the floor. The 2007 season will be better than 2007, if only because there will be more of it. A year ago, the NCAA Football Rules Committee made two rule changes in the interest of speeding up the game. These changes went over like Kobe burgers at a vegan banquet.
To its credit, the rules committee rectified its mistakes. This season the clock once again will start when a kickoff is received, rather than when it is kicked, and the clock will not start so quickly on a change of possession.
However, kickoffs have been moved back five yards, to the 30, which will force more returns. (Thus forcing the clock to run. Clever, huh?) Special teams might decide a lot of games, because coaching strategy will come straight out of another new Paisley lyric (almost), I'd like to check you for kicks.
Paisley sings with a twang, which is why he's appropriate for this college football season. The sun coming up over the 2007 college football betting lines season rises from the south. It's a Southern football world. As the Southeastern Conference begins its 75th year, the power shift is noticeable.
Eight-figure budgets, glamorous settings -- and that's just for the head coaches. The SEC has four coaches who have won national championships -- the greatest aggregation of coaching know-how since Eddie Robinson dined alone.
Steve Spurrier, Phil Fulmer, Nick Saban and Urban Meyer have given lie to the idea that a conference championship game is too daunting a hurdle on the road to No. 1. In six of the past 10 seasons, the national champions played and won a conference championship game -- three of the six (Tennessee, 1998; LSU, 2003; Florida, 2007) from the SEC.
There will be more of the same this season, if the preseason prognostications are correct. Six SEC teams are in the preseason coaches' poll, more than from any other conference. Only one conference has talent so deep that a team with 15 returning starters, including the best quarterback in the league, from an eight-win season is considered an afterthought. That may speak more to Kentucky's losing legacy than to the wisdom of the predictions, but there you have it. And seriously, keep an eye on Wildcats QB Andre' Woodson.
The reach of the South extends all the way to No. 1. Take a look at the team that is a consensus pick to win the national championship. The quarterback is from Shreveport. The best wide receiver is from Nashville. The top recruit is from New Orleans.
So what's the campus doing in Los Angeles? Hey, it is the University of Southern California.
USC lost two Pacific-10 Conference games a year ago, the first time that had happened in five seasons, and university officials withstood the urge to form blue-ribbon panels to unearth the cause of such a disaster. Instead, the Trojans gathered themselves and routed Michigan, 32-18, in the Rose Bowl.
USC's losses at Oregon State and at UCLA last year should have given pause to those who question the Pac-10's football prowess (such as, without naming names, L.M. from Baton Rouge). The league only got deeper this season; Dennis Erickson is taking over an Arizona State team that never quite got out of its own way under his predecessor, Dirk Koetter.
Erickson will resume his quest to become the first coach to win a national championship at two schools. Both he and Spurrier, now in his third season at South Carolina, returned to college football at schools with lower profiles than where they won their titles.
That isn't the case for the third coach looking for the national championship double. You may have missed this, but NASA reported the astronauts on the space shuttle last spring made contact with what can only be described as beings from another galaxy.
The leader of the aliens said, "We come in peace," followed by, "So how do you think Nick Saban will do at Alabama?"
The public is reacting to the new Crimson Tide coach as if he is the Barry Bonds of college football -- beloved at home for what his fans believe he is going to do, hated on the road for his intimidating attitude and for what his detractors believe he did (bend NCAA recruiting rules). I made this comparison from the dais at a charity dinner in Mobile, Ala., last month, and the chill that washed over me didn't come from the air conditioning.
Saban will attempt to prove that he can remake in Tuscaloosa what he built in Baton Rouge, much like another member of the national championship fraternity. Bobby Bowden is attempting to remake at Florida State what he built at, um, Florida State. Bowden rebuilt his offensive staff, bringing in four new coaches led by Saban's former offensive coordinator, Jimbo Fisher, to jump-start an offense that has been dead for a couple of years.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is expected to show new signs of life, too. That is said with no disrespect toward last season's champion, Wake Forest, which provided one of the best story lines of 2007. The Demon Deacons begin this season in their customary position, overshadowed by the Virginia Techs, Miamis and Florida States.
It's not that Wake will find it difficult to duplicate its success in 2007 as much as the feeling that success engendered. Surprising success is the narcotic of sport. It never feels quite so euphoric the next time. Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese has figured this out. He refers to 2007, when a league looked down upon by fans and foes alike took three undefeated teams into November, as "Cinderella."
The fairy tale may be over, but the Big East has four genuine Heisman Trophy candidates in Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm, West Virginia tailback Steve Slaton and quarterback Pat White, and Rutgers tailback Ray Rice. Rutgers, as did Wake Forest and, of course, Boise State, proved last season that the have-nots in college football occasionally have quite a lot.
The Broncos' rousing 43-42 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl has raised the profile of all schools in conferences that don't get automatic BCS bids. This season, TCU and Hawaii are the preseason favorites to burst through the BCS doors and earn an at-large bid. The Warriors return 14 starters from an 11-3 team, including quarterback Colt Brennan.
Brennan not only broke the single-season record with 58 touchdown passes in 2007, but he also led Division I-A in passing efficiency (186.0). The senior is expected to contend for the Heisman Trophy, and neither his success nor the rise of his team should come as any surprise in the 2007 season.
After all, Hawaii is the southernmost team in the country.
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