[LLXC]

NFL

Denver (8-4 SU and ATS) at Indianapolis (12-0, 8-4 ATS)

The torrid Colts look to grab home-field advantage for the playoffs and set an NFL record with their 22nd straight regular-season win when they play host to the Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis topped Tennessee 27-17 Sunday as a six-point home favorite to remain unbeaten, while also cashing for the third straight week. The Colts, who have won 21 straight regular-season contests dating to last season, rank fourth in the league total offense (390.6 total yards per game), mostly due to QB Peyton Manning leading the NFL’s No. 1 passing attack at 302.8 ypg, with the MVP candidate tossing 26 TDs against 12 INTS. Indy’s offense is also fourth in scoring 27.6 ppg (fourth), and Jim Caldwell’s troops are also second in points-allowed at just 16.8 ppg.

Denver has bounced back from an 0-4 SU and ATS skid by winning and cashing in its last two, including a 44-13 rout of Kansas City last Sunday as a six-point road chalk. Despite that scoring outburst, the Broncos are still netting just 20 ppg on the year (21st). However, they rate third in scoring defense (16.8 ppg), having given up just one point more than the Colts, and they’re third in total defense (288.9 ypg).

The SU winner has cashed in all 12 of Denver’s games this year and 15 in a row overall for the Broncos.

Indianapolis has won the last three meetings in this rivalry SU and ATS, including a 38-20 home victory laying 10 points in September 2007. The Colts are 4-1 ATS in the last five contests, during which the favorite and the home team also went 4-1 ATS, and Indy is 4-1 ATS in its last five home clashes with Denver. Also, the SU winner has cashed in eight straight meetings between these clubs.

The Colts are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as a home chalk, but they are otherwise on ATS upticks of 3-1 overall (all as a chalk and all against the AFC), 6-1 after a spread-cover and 4-1 in December. The Broncs are on identical 7-1 ATS runs after either a SU or an ATS win, but they carry negative pointspread streaks of 2-9 in roadies against teams with a winning home record 1-4 in December and 3-6 on the road after a SU victory.

Indianapolis is on “under” runs of 5-2 at home and 10-4 in conference play, and the under for Denver is on tears of 9-3 overall, 4-0 with the Broncos a pup, 9-1-2 against winning teams, 11-2 after a SU win and 9-2 after a spread-cover. However, the over is 10-4-1 in Denver’s last 15 December starts, and in this rivalry, the total has gone high in the last five clashes.

ATS ADVANTAGE:INDIANAPOLIS


Cincinnati (9-3, 6-6 ATS) at Minnesota (10-2, 7-4-1 ATS)

Two teams aiming to improve their playoff credentials get together when the Bengals head to the Metrodome for a non-conference clash with the Vikings.

Cincinnati topped Detroit 23-13 last week, but fell short as a hefty 13½-point chalk for its third straight ATS setback (2-1 SU), all against league doormats – the Lions, Browns and Raiders. The Bengals are fielding the NFL’s staunchest defense, allowing just 15.6 ppg, and they are fourth in total yards allowed at 293.2 per game. And RB Cedric Benson didn’t miss a beat in returning from a hip injury, with 36 carries for 110 yards against Detroit. Despite missing two games, Benson is seventh in the league with 969 rushing yards.

Minnesota had its four-game win streak (3-0-1 ATS) snapped in a 30-17 loss at Arizona as a 3½-point road favorite, being held under 27 points for just the second time all year (both losses). The Vikings are still second in the NFL in scoring at 29.9 ppg, trailing only the Saints (36.7 ppg), with an offense rolling up 383.8 ypg (fifth). Minnesota also sports a plus-seven turnover margin (seventh).

These teams have met just once this decade, with Cincinnati rolling 37-8 as a 3½-point home favorite in September 2005.

The underdog has covered in all 11 of Cincinnati’s games this season, while as a team the Bengals are on ATS runs of 8-0 as a ‘dog, 4-0 as a road pup, 6-0 against winning teams, 6-0 against the NFC and 5-2 in December. Likewise, the Vikings are on ATS surges of 3-1-1 overall, 6-1 after a SU loss and 7-3 as a non-conference chalk, but they are also 1-7 ATS in their last eight December outings and 2-7 ATS in their last nine against winning teams.

The under for Cincinnati is on several rolls, including 4-1 overall, 10-1 in December, 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 as a road pup and 24-9 with the Bengals catching 3½ to 10 points on the highway. The under has also hit in four straight for Minnesota (all as a chalk) and is 4-1 in the Vikes’ last five December games, but the over is 34-16-3 in Minny’s last 53 games following a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA



N.Y. Jets (6-6 SU and ATS) at Tampa Bay (1-10, 4-8 ATS)

The Jets, just a game behind New England for first place in the AFC East, fly south to face the dismal Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, but New York will do so without starting QB Mark Sanchez in the linuep

New York held off Buffalo 19-13 in the Thursday game last week (played in Toronto), covering as a 3½-point chalk. It was the second straight win and cover for the Jets, following a 1-6 SU and ATS purge. New York boasts the league’s No. 1 running attack (168.6 ypg), with RB Thomas Jones (1,068 yards, 4.5 ypg, 9 TDs) leading the way, yet the Jets are 20th in total offense (324.9 ypg) and 17th in scoring (20.8 ppg).

Sanchez sprained his knee in the win over the Bills and has been ruled out for this game, meaning Kellen Clemens will get the start.

Tampa Bay lost to Carolina 16-6 as a 3½-point road pup Sunday for its fourth consecutive setback (2-2 ATS). The Buccaneers have scored 17 points or less in seven of their last 10 games and are averaging just 15.6 ppg on the year (29th). Defensively, the Bucs are giving up 365.8 ypg (26th) and are allowing the second-most points in the league at 27.5 ppg.

New York and Tampa have met just twice this decade, with the Jets going 2-0 SU and ATS, both from the underdog role. Most recently, New York won 14-12 as a three-point home pup in October 2005.

The Jets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games coming off a SU win, but they are 1-5 ATS in their last six December starts and are on further pointspread purges of 0-5 against the NFC on the road and 4-11 as a favorite. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are on a 1-15 SU nosedive (5-11 ATS) and are on a handful of negative ATS streaks, including 4-10 overall, 1-8 at Raymond James, 1-6 in December and 3-10 after a SU loss.

The under for New York is on runs of 8-1 in December, 5-2-1 on the highway, 5-2 following a SU win and 13-6 after a spread-cover, and the under is 4-1 for Tampa Bay in its last five coming off a SU loss. However, the total has cleared the posted price in eight of the Bucs’ last 10 December games.

ATS ADVANTAGE:N.Y. JETS


Buffalo (4-8, 6-6 ATS) at Kansas City (3-9, 5-7 ATS)

In a meeting of two teams playing out the string, the Chiefs try to snap a two-game skid when they face the Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kansas City got belted for the second straight week last Sunday, losing to Denver 44-13 as a six-point home ‘dog after taking a 43-14 beating at San Diego catching 13½ points a week earlier. The Chiefs have allowed 24 points or more in five of their last six games and are giving up 27.2 ppg for the year (30th), along with 394.6 ypg, second-worst behind only Cleveland’s 400.2 ypg. Offensively, K.C. is netting just 265.6 ypg (30th) and 16.3 ppg (28th).

Buffalo, playing in the Thursday game last week, lost to New York 19-13 as a 3½-point “home” pup in Toronto, ending a modest two-game ATS upswing since Perry Fewell took over as interim coach. Like the Chiefs, the Bills have struggled to score all season, averaging 16.6 ppg (27th) and getting held to 17 points or less in eight of their last 10 outings, while gaining just 273.9 ypg (26th).

These teams met in November 2008, also in Kansas City, with Buffalo rumbling to a 54-31 victory as a three-point road chalk and improving to 4-1 ATS (3-2 SU) in the last five clashes. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings, and the SU winner is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 contests, dating to 1993.

The Chiefs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a SU loss and 4-0 ATS in their last four after a double-digit home loss, but they are also on ATS skids of 5-14 at Arrowhead, 2-6 after a non-cover and 3-7 against the AFC. The Bills are on a 1-4 ATS slide against winning teams, but they carry positive ATS streaks of 7-2 on the highway, 6-2 as a road pup and 7-3 after a SU loss.

Kansas City is on a bundle of “over” runs, including 4-1-1 overall, 3-0-2 at home, 8-1-1 after a double-digit home loss and 25-12 in December, though the Chiefs are on a 9-2-1 “under” surge against losing teams. The under for Buffalo is on runs of 6-2 overall and 5-2 against the AFC, and in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in six of the last seven meetings overall and four of the last five at Arrowhead.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER


Green Bay (8-4, 7-4-1 ATS) at Chicago (5-7, 4-8 ATS

The Packers, who are on a four-game run that has put them in the thick of the playoff race, travel to Soldier Field for a meeting with the division-rival Bears.

Green Bay dumped Baltimore 27-14 on Monday night as a 3½-point home favorite, moving to 3-0-1 ATS during its winning streak. QB Aaron Rodgers leads the NFL’s sixth-best total offense, at 379.3 ypg, and the Pack are putting up 26.9 ppg (seventh), scoring 26 or more in seven of the last eight games. The big difference maker for Green Bay this year, though, is its league-leading turnover margin of plus-18.

Chicago held off hapless St. Louis 17-9 at home Sunday to snap a four-game SU skid, but the Bears fell short of cashing as a 9½-point chalk and have now dumped five straight ATS decisions. The presence of QB Jay Cutler hasn’t done much to bolster Chicago’s fortunes, as it is averaging just 309.2 ypg (24th) and 19.4 ppg (22nd). Cutler has a league-leading 20 INTs (against 17 TDs), and the Bears have the second-worst running game (88 ypg).

Green Bay held off Chicago 21-15 as a 4½-point favorite in Week 1 to cover for the third straight time (2-1 SU) in this long-standing rivalry. The Packers have cashed in eight of their last 10 Soldier Field clashes with the Bears, and they are 12-5-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings overall. Also, the SU winner is 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 contests

The Packers are on several spread-covering streaks, including 9-3 in the NFC North, 4-1-1 against losing teams, 5-2-1 laying points, 17-7-1 on the highway and 10-4 as a road chalk. The Bears are on an 11-5 ATS run getting three points or less at home, but otherwise, they are on ATS dives of 6-18-2 after a SU win, 0-4 after an ATS setback, 1-6 in division play, 0-6 against the NFC and 0-5 versus winning teams.

The over carries the day for Green Bay, as it is on tears of 46-22-2 against losing teams, 18-8 with the Pack favored, 12-5-1 in roadies, 19-7 after a SU win and 22-6 after a spread-cover, though the under has hit in four of the Packers’ last five December games. The under for Chicago is on stretches of 4-0 overall, 5-0 after a non-cover, 5-2 at Soldier Field and 7-3 with the Bears a home pup. Finally, in this rivalry, the under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings overall

ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY


New Orleans (12-0, 8-4 ATS) at Atlanta (6-6, 7-5 ATS

The Saints, who narrowly kept their perfect record intact last week, hit the road for the second straight Sunday, this time facing the NFC South rival Falcons, who are on the brink of being forced out of the playoff picture.

New Orleans struggled all afternoon Sunday with Washington, trailing by 10 on three occasions, but it rallied from 30-20 down in the fourth quarter to win 33-30 on a field goal in overtime. The Saints fell well short as a nine-point road chalk, ending a two-game ATS uptick, but they continue to field the league’s most dominant offense, averaging 429 ypg and a whopping 36.7 ppg. New Orleans also forced four turnovers Sunday while committing just one, to stand at plus-15 for the season, second-best in the NFL.

Atlanta, minus starting QB Matt Ryan, got pelted by Philadelphia 34-7 as a four-point home pup last week, falling to 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four games. The Falcons have been giving up points in bunches the past seven games, allowing 28 points or more five times, with four teams scoring 34 points or more. Atlanta’s defense is also yielding 374.4 ypg on the year (28th).

Ryan, who is dealing with a toe injury, is questionable for this game. If he can’t go, veteran backup Chris Redman will get the nod once again.

New Orleans has won six of the last seven in this rivalry (4-3 ATS), including a 35-27 home victory Nov. 2, though it failed to cover as an 11-point favorite in that one. Despite that outcome, the SU winner is still 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in this series.

The Saints have failed to cash in four of their last five in conference action, but they still sport positive ATS streaks of 13-5-1 overall, 7-2-1 on the highway, 11-4-1 in road division tilts and 7-2 after a non-cover. The Falcons are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 coming off a SU loss and 4-1 ATS in their last five after a pointspread setback, but they are also on ATS dips of 1-4 in December, 4-9 in the NFC South and 4-9 as a home ‘dog.

In this rivalry, the over has hit in the last four meetings. Furthermore, the over for New Orleans is on sprees of 22-10-1 overall, 10-1 in December, 18-7 after a SU win and 37-18-1 against NFC foes. Atlanta is on nothing but “over” tears, including 5-2 overall, 4-1 after a SU loss, 9-3 within the conference, 6-2 inside the division and 7-3 in December.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER



Detroit (2-10, 3-8-1 ATS) at Baltimore (6-6 SU and ATS)

The Ravens, who reached the AFC title game last year, face a near must-win proposition to stay in the postseason picture when they meet the lowly Lions at M&T Bank Stadium.

Baltimore lost to Green Bay 27-14 Monday night getting 3½ points on the road for its third consecutive ATS setback, and the inconsistent Ravens have alternated SU wins over their past seven games. Baltimore has also struggled to score lately, netting 20 points or less in each of its last five outings to drag its season average down to 22.6 ppg (15th) after spending the first few weeks of the year among the top five in scoring.

Detroit fell at Cincinnati 23-13 Sunday for its second straight loss, though it covered as a heavy 13½-point pup to halt an 0-5-1 ATS slide. Like Baltimore, the Lions also have struggled to put up points, getting held to 13 or less in five of their last seven starts, and they are averaging only 17.2 ppg for the year. Defensively, Detroit is yielding a league-worst 29.8 ppg, along with 388.2 ypg (30th).

Lions Rookie QB Matthew Stafford (shoulder) is unlikely to play this week, meaning veteran Daunte Culpepper will start.

These squads have squared off just once this decade in regular-season play, with Detroit rolling 35-17 as a 1½-point home favorite in October 2005.

Despite their current 1-4 ATS skid, the Ravens maintain positive pointspread streaks of 9-0 against losing teams, 11-4 laying points, 40-17-1 as a home chalk, 9-2 laying more than 10 points at home and 6-2 after a SU loss. The Lions are a putrid 3-33 SU (11-24-1 ATS) in their last 36 games, dating to the middle of the 2007 season, and they are on ATS purges of 1-5-1 overall, 1-4-1 in roadies (all as a ‘dog), 1-4-1 after a SU loss and 7-18-1 after a spread-cover.

The under for Baltimore is on runs of 5-1 overall, 5-1 with the Ravens a chalk, 6-2 as a home favorite, 4-1 in December and 4-1 at home, though the over is on a 7-3 surge against losing teams. The under for Detroit is on upticks of 5-2 overall and 4-1 from the underdog role, but the over for the Lions is on tears of 10-2-1 after a spread-cover, 9-3 in December and 8-3 on the highway.

ATS ADVANTAGE:BALTIMORE



Miami (6-6 SU and ATS) at Jacksonville (7-5, 5-7 ATS)

The Jaguars, who have fought their way into playoff position after an 0-3 start to the season, look for their fifth win in six weeks when they battle the in-state rival Dolphins.

Jacksonville dropped Houston 23-18 as a one-point home pup last week, ending a two-game ATS skid while improving to 4-1 SU in the last five. The Jaguars are getting it done despite averaging just 18.8 ppg (23rd) while giving up 22.8 (22nd). Jacksonville is bolstered by the league’s seventh-best rushing attack (130.5 ypg), with Maurice Jones-Drew (1,077 yards, 4.6 ypc, 13 TDs) sitting fourth in rushing yards.

Miami upended New England a week ago, rallying from a 14-0 deficit to take a 22-21 victory as a 4½-point home ‘dog. The Dolphins, who have alternated spread-covers over their last five games (3-2 SU), are fourth in rushing (150.4 ypg) and 12th in scoring (23.2 ppg), but they are giving up 24.7 ppg (26th).

Miami and Jacksonville have met in the preseason every year since 2003, but they’ve had just three meaningful clashes since 2000, with the Jags going 2-1 SU and ATS. Most recently, Jacksonville rolled 24-10 as a one-point road chalk in December 2006. The favorite is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four contests.

Although they have surged into postseason contention, the Jaguars are on pointspread declines of 2-6 overall, 3-11 at home, 1-12 as a chalk, 0-9 laying points at home, 2-9 after an ATS win and 4-13 outside the AFC South. On the flip side, the Dolphins sport positive ATS streaks of 9-4 on the road, 4-0 getting points, 8-2 as a road pup, 5-1 against AFC foes and 4-1 against winning teams, but Miami is also just 2-9 ATS in its last 11 non-division games.

Jacksonville is on “over” runs of 5-2 at home, 5-1-1 with the Jaguars a favorite, 9-3-1 with them laying three points or less and 5-0-1 with the Jags a home chalk of that same price. That said, the under is 5-1 in Jacksonville’s last six December starts, and the under for Miami is on rolls of 8-3 on the highway, 7-1 with the Dolphins a road pup, 4-1 in December and 16-6 with the squad coming off a SU win.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE



Carolina (5-7 SU and ATS) at New England (7-5, 6-6 ATS)

The Patriots will try to halt a rare two-game losing skid in a non-conference contest with the Panthers at Gillette Stadium.

New England blew a 14-0 lead at Miami last weekend, losing 22-21 on a late field goal as a 4½-point road favorite. It was the Patriots’ second straight loss – the first time that’s happened since 2006 – and third in the last four games (2-2 ATS), trimming their lead in the AFC East to just one game over the Jets. New England still sports the second-most-productive offense, churning out 414.6 ypg, while scoring 27.3 ppg (fifth), and they’re giving up 321.9 ypg (11th) and just 18.7 ppg (seventh).

Carolina topped Tampa Bay 16-6 as a 3½-point home chalk Sunday, snapping a two-game SU and ATS skid. QB Jake Delhomme (finger) sat out the victory, but that might have actually helped, as the long-time starter has tossed 18 INTs, this season, trailing only the Bears’ Jay Cutler and the Lions’ Matthew Stafford (20 picks each. The lone bright spot for the Panthers: They have the NFL’s third-best rushing attack, racking up 151.9 ypg.

Delhomme is expected to sit out again this weekend, with Matt Moore set to start again.

The last regular-season meeting between these squads was in September 2005, with Carolina winning 27-17 as a three-point home pup. The Panthers are 2-1 ATS (1-2 SU) in three clashes with New England this decade, including a 32-29 loss as a seven-point ‘dog in the Super Bowl following the 2003 season.

The Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last five at Gillette (all as a chalk), 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 following a SU loss and 8-3-1 ATS in their last dozen following a pointspread defeat, and they are also on a 5-2 ATS run against losing teams. However, they are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 laying more than 10 points. The Panthers have cashed in seven of their last eight December starts, but they are on a 4-10 ATS purge as a road underdog and are 4-8 ATS in their last dozen against the AFC.

The over is 6-2-1 in New England’s last nine home games (all as a favorite), and the over for Carolina is on stretches of 7-3 on the road, 7-3 with the Panthers a pup, 8-3 against winning teams and 11-5 in December. However, the under for the Pats is on streaks of 4-1-1 overall, 3-0-1 against losing teams and 7-2-2 laying more than 10 points at home, and for the Panthers, the under is on surges of 4-1 overall, and 4-1 after either a SU or an ATS win.

ATS ADVANTAGE:NEW ENGLAND



Seattle (5-7 SU and ATS) at Houston (5-7, 5-6-1 ATS)

The Seahawks pursue their third straight victory when they make the trek to the Lone Star State for a non-conference clash with the Texans at Reliant Stadium.

Seattle bested San Francisco 20-17 catching one point at home Sunday, winning and cashing for the second straight week after a likely season-killing 1-4 SU and ATS skid. The Seahawks have been up and down all year offensively, scoring 27 points or more four times and 17 points or less five times. They rate 23rd in total offense (317.2 ypg) and 20th in scoring (20.2 ppg), and they’re in that same range defensively, allowing 349.4 ypg (21st) and 22.2 ppg (20th).

Houston’s season has imploded over the past month, losing four in row – all to division opponents – including a 23-18 defeat at Jacksonville on Sunday as a one-point favorite for its third consecutive ATS setback. The Texans have scored 18 points or less in three of the four losses, following a stretch in which they put up 24 points or more in six out of seven games. QB Matt Schaub is directing the NFL’s fourth-best passing attack, at 278.9 ypg, but the Texans are running for just 89 ypg (29th), and they will be without star RB Steve Slaton (neck) for the rest of the season.

Schaub left last week’s game against Jacksonville with a shoulder injury, but he returned and is probable for today.

There has been just one meeting between these two units, in October 2005, with Seattle belting Houston 42-10 as a 9½-point home chalk.

The Seahawks are on ATS upswings of 5-0 against losing teams and 4-1 in December, but they are otherwise on pointspread dives of 5-11 after a spread-cover, 3-10 after a SU win, 1-6 in roadies and 9-24 in non-division roadies. The Texans are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six at home, but they are on a pair of 5-2 ATS runs – coming off a non-cover and in December.

Seattle is on “over” runs of 6-1-2 against losing teams, 4-1 on the road and 25-12 as a road pup, but the under for the Seahawks is on 4-1 rolls after either a SU or an ATS win. The under for Houston is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 5-1 in December, 4-1 after a SU loss, 4-1 with the Texans favored and 4-0 against losing teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE:HOUSTON



St. Louis (1-11, 6-6 ATS) at Tennessee (5-7 SU and ATS)

The Titans, who had their five-game winning streak snapped last weekend, try to bounce back when they take on the lowly Rams at LP Field.

Tennessee tumbled to undefeated Indianapolis 27-17 Sunday as a six-point road pup, failing to cover for the second straight week after a four-game ATS surge. The Titans, who lost their first six games (1-5 ATS) before winning their next five (4-1 ATS), couldn’t keep their hot streak going against the Colts after falling behind 21-3. That said, star RB Chris Johnson (27 carries, 113 yards) continued to get it done, and he now has a league-leading 1,509 yards, averaging an eye-popping 6.2 ypc.

QB Vince Young missed some practice time this week with a knee injury but is expected to start against the Rams. If he can’t go, though, veteran Kerry Collins will get the nod

St. Louis dumped its fourth in a row in a 17-9 loss at Chicago, but covered as a 9½-point chalk and is now 4-1 ATS in its last five starts. The Rams have been held to 17 points or less in 10 of 12 games this year, including six outings of 10 points or less, and not surprisingly, they rate last in the league at 11.6 ppg. RB Steven Jackson is second to Johnson on the league rushing list, at 1,232 yards, (4.6 ypg), but his yards haven’t converted to points for St. Louis.

These teams have met twice this decade, with St. Louis going 2-0 SU and 0-1-1 ATS, including a 23-16 Super Bowl victory following the 1999 season, getting a push as a seven-point chalk. Most recently, the Rams won 31-27 giving seven points at home in September 2005, but Tennessee cashed as a seven-point pup.

The Titans are on ATS dips of 1-6 after either a SU or an ATS loss and 2-6 laying points, but they are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against losing teams, and they are on further ATS rolls of 5-0 laying more than 10 points and 16-5 hosting the NFC. The Rams are a paltry 1-21 SU (10-12 ATS) in their last 22 outings, and they carry negative ATS streaks of 3-9 catching more than 10 points and 13-27 following a SU loss. But along with their current 4-1 ATS run (all as a pup), they are on spread-covering upticks of 5-1 against losing teams and 4-1 on the road (also all as a ‘dog).

The under is 5-2 in Tennessee’s last seven December games, but the over for the Titans is on spurts of 4-0 against losing teams and 8-3 after a SU loss. Meanwhile, St. Louis is on a 5-1 “under” tear on the road (all as a pup).

ATS ADVANTAGE:TENNESSEE




Washington (3-9, 6-6 ATS) at Oakland (4-8, 6-6 ATS)

The Raiders, coming off one of the biggest upsets of the year, continue their quest to salvage a little dignity for the once-proud organization when they tackle the Redskins at the Coliseum.

Oakland shocked Pittsburgh 27-24 as a whopping 14½-point road underdog last weekend and is now on a modest 2-1 SU and ATS upswing, including an upset win over likely AFC North champ Cincinnati in its last home game. Still, the 27-point outburst is far from the norm for the Raiders, who are still 31st in scoring at a meager 11.8 ppg this year, and they also sit sit 31st in total offense (247.8 ypg).

Washington nearly pulled off a huge upset over undefeated New Orleans last Sunday, blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead and falling 33-30 in overtime, though the Redskins easily cashed as a nine-point home ‘dog. The ‘Skins have dropped three in a row SU – by a total of seven points – but they’ve cashed in each of their last four starts. Washington has scored 24 points or more in three of those games, well above their season average of 16.7 ppg (26th).

Oakland edged Washington 16-13 as a six-point road pup in November 2005, the only time these squads have met this decade.

Despite the Raiders’ recent surge, they remain on a bundle of negative ATS streaks, including 0-4 after a spread-cover, 1-5 after a SU win, 16-37-1 at the Coliseum, 16-36-1 against losing teams and 3-13 against the NFC. The Redskins are on ATS dips of 6-17-4 against losing teams, 4-9-2 after a SU loss and 1-10-1 against the AFC, though along with their current 4-0 ATS run, they are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine December starts.

The over is 5-1-1 in Oakland’s last seven in December, but the Raiders are on “under” stretches of 5-0-1 against losing teams and 4-1 following a spread-cover. The over has hit in five of the last six overall for Washington and is on a 5-0 roll for the ‘Skins following a SU loss, but the under for Jim Zorn’s troops is on a 9-1-1 tear against losing teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE:NONE




San Diego (9-3, 6-6 ATS) at Dallas (8-4, 6-6 ATS)

The streaking Chargers chase their eighth consecutive victory when they make the trip to Jerry Jones’ palatial new stadium to take on the Cowboys.

San Diego was up 27-7 on Cleveland in the third quarter Sunday before letting off the gas in a 30-23 road victory, failing to cash as a healthy 13½-point chalk, which ended a four-game spread-covering streak. The Chargers have scored 30 points or more in each of their last four games and sit third in the league for the season, averaging 28.5 ppg. San Diego also has posted a plus-9 turnover margin (fourth).

Dallas had its 6-1 SU roll halted last Sunday in New York, losing 31-24 to the Giants as a one-point chalk. The Cowboys had more than 400 total yards against the Giants and still sport the third-most proficient offense in the league, rolling up 394.8 ypg, though that has yielded just 23.2 ppg (tie for 10th). That’s generally been enough scoring, though, as the Dallas defense has held its opponents to an average of 17.8 ppg (fifth).

San Diego and Dallas have split two meetings SU and ATS this decade, with the road team winning and cashing each time. Most recently, Dallas won 28-24 as a 4½-point underdog in September 2005.

The Chargers are on ATS rolls of 4-1 overall (all after SU wins), 8-2 in December, 19-6-3 as a ‘dog and 15-6-3 as a road pup, but they’ve gone just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 non-division road games. The Cowboys have won their last five home games SU, going 4-1 ATS (all as a chalk), and they’re on an 11-4 ATS run in non-division home games, but the Pokes shoulder negative ATS streaks of 0-4 laying three points or less, 3-13-2 in December and 2-5 against winning teams.

San Diego is on a handful of “over” tears, including 11-5-2 overall, 5-0-1 in December, 20-8-3 on the highway and 10-4 following a SU win, and the over for Dallas is on rolls of 5-2 against winning teams and 9-4 with the Cowboys giving three or less at home. However, the under for Dallas is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-2 after a SU loss and 13-6 after a non-cover.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS



Philadelphia (8-4, 7-5 ATS) at N.Y. Giants (7-5, 5-7 ATS)

The Eagles aim to remain in the NFC playoff picture, while the Giants will try to climb back in it when these NFC East rivals collide at the Meadowlands.

Philadelphia has followed a two-game losing skid by peeling off three straight victories (2-1 ATS), including a 34-7 blowout of Atlanta on Sunday as a four-point road chalk. The Eagles sit 11th in the NFL in total offense at 359 ypg, but they rate sixth in scoring at 27.2 ppg, boosted by a plus-12 turnover margin that rates second only to the Saints. Philly’s defense, meanwhile is yielding 304.1 ypg (seventh) and 19.6 ppg (13th).

New York stemmed a 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS plunge by dropping Dallas 31-24 Sunday as a one-point home pup, winning and covering in the same week for the first time since Oct. 11. The Giants are averaging 25.2 ppg (eighth), but they’re giving up just a couple ticks less at 23.8 ppg (25th). However, New York’s once-stout defense has surrendered 24 points or more in six of the last seven games

Philadelphia has won and cashed in the last three meetings of this rivalry, all as an underdog. That includes a 23-11 victory as a four-point road pup in last year’s divisional playoff round, followed by a 40-17 rout on Nov. 1 as a one-point home ‘dog. Prior to Philly’s recent run, New York had cashed in four straight meetings (3-1 SU).

The underdog has covered in 10 consecutive meetings between these two, the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes, and the Eagles are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to the Meadowlands. Finally, the SU winner has covered in six straight overall and eight of the last nine matchups.

The Eagles are on a plethora of pointspread rolls, including 16-7 on the highway, 4-1 in December and 5-2 against NFC foes, though they are 2-5 ATS in their last seven after an ATS win. The Giants sport positive ATS stretches of 23-8 after a spread-cover, 19-7 after a SU win and 8-3 in December. But along with its current 1-6 ATS purge, New York is 1-6 ATS in its last seven against winning teams

Philadelphia is on “over” upswings of 9-4 overall and 27-13-1 against winning teams, and New York is on “over” runs of 4-0 in division play and 4-1 against the NFC. However, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in five of the last seven meetings overall and 13 of the last 16 clashes at New York.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA