You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Christmas day service plays 12/25/10
- Thread starter Can'tPickaWinner2
- Start date
DUNKEL INDEX
Dallas at Arizona
The Cowboys look to take advantage of an Arizona team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games as an underdog. Dallas is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cowboys favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2)
Game 103-104: Dallas at Arizona (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 133.135; Arizona 119.936
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 13; 51
Vegas Line: Dallas by 6 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2); Over
Dallas at Arizona
The Cowboys look to take advantage of an Arizona team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games as an underdog. Dallas is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cowboys favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2)
Game 103-104: Dallas at Arizona (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 133.135; Arizona 119.936
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 13; 51
Vegas Line: Dallas by 6 1/2; 45
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2); Over
Sports Network
Dallas (5-9) at Arizona (4-10)
The Dallas Cowboys try to continue their resurgence under interim head coach Jason Garrett when they match up against the woeful Arizona Cardinals in a Christmas Day affair Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium . While neither team will be returning to the playoffs this season, both are finishing the year in extremely different fashion. Dallas has won four of its past six games, while the Cardinals have dropped eight of their nine most recent tests.
Dallas' solid play has coincided with the promotion of Garrett, who took over from Wade Phillips following an embarrassing 45-7 loss to Green Bay in Week 9. The Cowboys continued to make progress under the elevated offensive coordinator this past Sunday against the Washington Redskins, when David Buehler's 39-yard field goal in the final minute helped Dallas to a 33-30 home win.
Jon Kitna had two touchdown passes and finished the game with 305 yards while completing 25-of-37 attempts for the Cowboys, whose two losses under Garrett have both been three-point heartbreakers at home to NFC contenders New Orleans and Philadelphia.
"It's nice to win these games, play competitively, but we don't have to keep making them like this," said Kitna of the tight finish. "We want to control all three phases of the game and get to it early. That's where we want to get to. But they are what they are and it was a good win."
Jason Witten had 10 catches for 140 yards and a score for Dallas, Miles Austin caught a touchdown pass and Buehler went 4-for-5 on field goal attempts with three extra points.
"The nature of the National Football League it's going to be a challenge every time you go out there," said Garrett. "No one's going to go away. Every time you break that huddle you need to be ready to play offensively, defensively and in the kicking game as well. The Redskins battled back, they made some plays on offense, they made some stops on defense, and they did a good job. They cashed in on some opportunities and we had our backs to the wall and we had to respond to it and ultimately we were able to do that."
The Cowboys had once thought that regular quarterback Tony Romo would return from his broken collarbone this week, but owner Jerry Jones squashed any talk of a comeback shortly after the Washington game. Dallas then placed Romo on injured reserve Tuesday, making him unavailable for the team's final contest of the year in Philadelphia.
Kitna, though, has done an admirable job in his place. Although their numbers have been similar, Kitna is 4-4 after taking over following Romo's injury, while the latter guided the Cowboys to just one win in his six starts.
Arizona, meanwhile, may have hit rock bottom this past Sunday, falling to the previously one-win Carolina Panthers, 19-12.
"We saw them on tape and knew they were going to play hard," said safety Kerry Rhodes of Carolina. "They were 1-12 and we aren't that much better. You can't really talk about that."
Rookie quarterback John Skelton threw for 196 yards on 17-of-33 passing with an interception as the Cardinals failed to build on a 43-13 dismantling of Denver in Week 14 and fell to 4-10 on the season. Steve Breaston scored the lone Arizona touchdown when he recovered a Tim Hightower fumble in the end zone late in the game.
"It was a disappointing loss for us," said Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. "We didn't play well early and made too many mistakes to dig ourselves back from. We didn't make plays out there."
SERIES HISTORY
Dallas has a 55-28-1 lead in its all-time regular-season series with Arizona, but the Cardinals snapped a three-game losing streak against the Cowboys with a 30-24 home triumph during their Super Bowl run in 2008. Dallas' last victory in the set occurred at University of Phoenix Stadium during Week 10 of the 2006 campaign, a 27-10 decision.
The Cardinals did come out on top in the only postseason meeting between the one-time NFC East foes, who shared residence in the same division from 1970-2001. Arizona snapped a 34-year winless drought in the playoffs with a 20-7 verdict at Texas Stadium in an NFC First Round game in 1998.
Whisenhunt won his only previous matchup with the Cowboys, while Garrett will be opposing both Whisenhunt and the Cardinals for the first time in charge.
WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL
With or without Romo, Dallas has been primarily a pass-first offense this season but has shown better balance lately, averaging over 150 rushing yards over the past four games and racking up 217 yards on the ground in an overtime win at Indianapolis in Week 13. The renewed emphasis on running the ball could be partly due to depletions among the receiving corps, with the Cowboys losing one of their best big-play threats for the rest of the year when rookie sensation Dez Bryant broke his fibula against the Colts. Kitna (2250 passing yards, 15 TD, 10 INT) still has Austin (61 receptions, 864 yards, 6 TD) as a deep threat, but the signal-caller has overcome the loss of Bryant by incorporating tight end Witten (82 receptions, 7 TD) more in the game plan. That was certainly the case this past week against Washington, when the perennial Pro Bowler had 10 catches for 140 yards and a score. Third-year running back Felix Jones (642 rushing yards, 46 receptions, 2 TD) has also been involved as a receiver and has supplanted plodder Marion Barber (313 rushing yards, 3 TD, 11 receptions) as the club's lead ball carrier, though he hasn't been the dynamic playmaker the Cowboys had been hoping for. Barber could return from a calf strain that has sidelined him the last three weeks, but will likely be utilized in a supporting role and primarily in short-yardage situations.
Dallas could continue to make headway running the ball this week, as defending the run has been an issue all season for an Arizona squad that's permitting a poor 145.7 rushing yards per game (30th overall) and has surrendered over 150 yards on the ground six times this year, including this past week when Carolina went for 177 yards. Look for the Cardinals to employ hard-hitting strong safety Adrian Wilson (77 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) closer to the line of scrimmage and help leading tackler Paris Lenon (112 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) and rookie and fellow inside linebacker Daryl Washington (66 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) attempt to neutralize Dallas' balanced attack. The secondary is the strength of an overall disappointing crew, as Wilson, playmaking free safety Kerry Rhodes (80 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INT) and cornerback Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie (38 tackles, 2 INT, 13 PD) have all been to the Pro Bowl at some point in their careers, and the Cardinals lead the NFL with seven defensive touchdowns in 2010. Veteran outside linebackers Joey Porter (44 tackles, 5 sacks) and Clark Haggans (40 tackles, 4 sacks) head up a pass rush that'll be out to make life tough on the grizzled Kitna.
WHEN THE CARDINALS HAVE THE BALL
Despite Skelton's (387 passing yards) rather unimpressive numbers, Whisenhunt has liked what he seen out of the strong-armed 22-year-old from a leadership and decision-making standpoint. The rookie, who will be making his third career start on Saturday, does have two excellent targets to work with when he drops back to pass, as wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (78 receptions, 986 yards, 5 TD) is a four-time Pro Bowl honoree and counterpart Breaston (43 receptions, 1 TD) averages 16 yards per catch. The passing game, though, has been hampered by an almost non-existent rushing attack, save for a 211-yard outburst against Denver two weeks ago. After getting a career-best 148 rushing yards and two scores out of top back Hightower (683 rushing yards, 5 TD, 18 receptions) in Week 14, the Cardinals reverted back to their ground woes last Sunday, managing just 43 yards against the Panthers with only 16 coming from Hightower. Arizona sits 30th in the league in yards gained on the ground (86.9 ypg). The Cardinals continued their season-long struggles on third downs in the Carolina game as well, converting only 4-of-15 chances on the day. Arizona is last in the NFL in that aspect, having been successful just 26 percent of the time.
If Skelton gets ample time to survey the field, there should be opportunities to pick apart a vulnerable Dallas secondary that's allowed 256.6 passing yards per game (28th overall) and has permitted 31 touchdown passes, tied with Houston for the highest total in the league. Fortunately for the Cowboys, they've got one of the game's premier pass rushers in outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (57 tackles, 12 sacks), who has recorded his fifth straight season of double-digit sacks, while 2009 All-Pro Jay Ratliff (29 tackles, 4 sacks) is a proven pressure-producer as well from his nose tackle spot. Twelve of Dallas' 17 interceptions in 2010 have come in the last six games, with safety Gerald Sensabaugh (66 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 INT) coming up with three over that span, so Skelton will have to choose his spots wisely. A front seven headed by Ratliff and inside linebackers Bradie James (106 tackles, 1 INT) and Keith Brooking (87 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) had been doing a credible job containing the run in recent weeks, and held the Redskins to just 55 rushing yards last Sunday.
FANTASY FOCUS
Outside of Fitzgerald, there are no must-starts on the Arizona offense. You can even make the argument that Fitzgerald is a risky play at best with the neophyte Skelton delivering him the ball. Hightower has been too inconsistent, but could warrant a start in deeper leagues. Witten and Austin are the two definite starts from the Dallas offense, while Kitna's a serviceable option at quarterback but likely not one you'd feel comfortable using in for what most leagues is a championship game. Felix Jones is the best bet for points out of the Cowboys' backfield, but his upside may be compromised a bit if Barber returns, as the latter often gets goal-line work. Avoid either defense here and proceed with caution with the somewhat inconsistent Buehler at kicker. Arizona's Jay Feely is always one of the more reliable kickers in the league, however.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Dallas has clearly done a better job on both sides of the ball since Garrett took over the reins from Phillips. The Cardinals, on the other hand, look like a team that has packed it in. That trend should probably continue this week, as Dallas should be able to run the ball at will on a porous Cardinals defense. The Cowboys defense may not be anything special, but Ware should make life miserable for the young Skelton this week.
Dallas 28, Arizona 13
Dallas (5-9) at Arizona (4-10)
The Dallas Cowboys try to continue their resurgence under interim head coach Jason Garrett when they match up against the woeful Arizona Cardinals in a Christmas Day affair Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium . While neither team will be returning to the playoffs this season, both are finishing the year in extremely different fashion. Dallas has won four of its past six games, while the Cardinals have dropped eight of their nine most recent tests.
Dallas' solid play has coincided with the promotion of Garrett, who took over from Wade Phillips following an embarrassing 45-7 loss to Green Bay in Week 9. The Cowboys continued to make progress under the elevated offensive coordinator this past Sunday against the Washington Redskins, when David Buehler's 39-yard field goal in the final minute helped Dallas to a 33-30 home win.
Jon Kitna had two touchdown passes and finished the game with 305 yards while completing 25-of-37 attempts for the Cowboys, whose two losses under Garrett have both been three-point heartbreakers at home to NFC contenders New Orleans and Philadelphia.
"It's nice to win these games, play competitively, but we don't have to keep making them like this," said Kitna of the tight finish. "We want to control all three phases of the game and get to it early. That's where we want to get to. But they are what they are and it was a good win."
Jason Witten had 10 catches for 140 yards and a score for Dallas, Miles Austin caught a touchdown pass and Buehler went 4-for-5 on field goal attempts with three extra points.
"The nature of the National Football League it's going to be a challenge every time you go out there," said Garrett. "No one's going to go away. Every time you break that huddle you need to be ready to play offensively, defensively and in the kicking game as well. The Redskins battled back, they made some plays on offense, they made some stops on defense, and they did a good job. They cashed in on some opportunities and we had our backs to the wall and we had to respond to it and ultimately we were able to do that."
The Cowboys had once thought that regular quarterback Tony Romo would return from his broken collarbone this week, but owner Jerry Jones squashed any talk of a comeback shortly after the Washington game. Dallas then placed Romo on injured reserve Tuesday, making him unavailable for the team's final contest of the year in Philadelphia.
Kitna, though, has done an admirable job in his place. Although their numbers have been similar, Kitna is 4-4 after taking over following Romo's injury, while the latter guided the Cowboys to just one win in his six starts.
Arizona, meanwhile, may have hit rock bottom this past Sunday, falling to the previously one-win Carolina Panthers, 19-12.
"We saw them on tape and knew they were going to play hard," said safety Kerry Rhodes of Carolina. "They were 1-12 and we aren't that much better. You can't really talk about that."
Rookie quarterback John Skelton threw for 196 yards on 17-of-33 passing with an interception as the Cardinals failed to build on a 43-13 dismantling of Denver in Week 14 and fell to 4-10 on the season. Steve Breaston scored the lone Arizona touchdown when he recovered a Tim Hightower fumble in the end zone late in the game.
"It was a disappointing loss for us," said Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. "We didn't play well early and made too many mistakes to dig ourselves back from. We didn't make plays out there."
SERIES HISTORY
Dallas has a 55-28-1 lead in its all-time regular-season series with Arizona, but the Cardinals snapped a three-game losing streak against the Cowboys with a 30-24 home triumph during their Super Bowl run in 2008. Dallas' last victory in the set occurred at University of Phoenix Stadium during Week 10 of the 2006 campaign, a 27-10 decision.
The Cardinals did come out on top in the only postseason meeting between the one-time NFC East foes, who shared residence in the same division from 1970-2001. Arizona snapped a 34-year winless drought in the playoffs with a 20-7 verdict at Texas Stadium in an NFC First Round game in 1998.
Whisenhunt won his only previous matchup with the Cowboys, while Garrett will be opposing both Whisenhunt and the Cardinals for the first time in charge.
WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL
With or without Romo, Dallas has been primarily a pass-first offense this season but has shown better balance lately, averaging over 150 rushing yards over the past four games and racking up 217 yards on the ground in an overtime win at Indianapolis in Week 13. The renewed emphasis on running the ball could be partly due to depletions among the receiving corps, with the Cowboys losing one of their best big-play threats for the rest of the year when rookie sensation Dez Bryant broke his fibula against the Colts. Kitna (2250 passing yards, 15 TD, 10 INT) still has Austin (61 receptions, 864 yards, 6 TD) as a deep threat, but the signal-caller has overcome the loss of Bryant by incorporating tight end Witten (82 receptions, 7 TD) more in the game plan. That was certainly the case this past week against Washington, when the perennial Pro Bowler had 10 catches for 140 yards and a score. Third-year running back Felix Jones (642 rushing yards, 46 receptions, 2 TD) has also been involved as a receiver and has supplanted plodder Marion Barber (313 rushing yards, 3 TD, 11 receptions) as the club's lead ball carrier, though he hasn't been the dynamic playmaker the Cowboys had been hoping for. Barber could return from a calf strain that has sidelined him the last three weeks, but will likely be utilized in a supporting role and primarily in short-yardage situations.
Dallas could continue to make headway running the ball this week, as defending the run has been an issue all season for an Arizona squad that's permitting a poor 145.7 rushing yards per game (30th overall) and has surrendered over 150 yards on the ground six times this year, including this past week when Carolina went for 177 yards. Look for the Cardinals to employ hard-hitting strong safety Adrian Wilson (77 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) closer to the line of scrimmage and help leading tackler Paris Lenon (112 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) and rookie and fellow inside linebacker Daryl Washington (66 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) attempt to neutralize Dallas' balanced attack. The secondary is the strength of an overall disappointing crew, as Wilson, playmaking free safety Kerry Rhodes (80 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INT) and cornerback Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie (38 tackles, 2 INT, 13 PD) have all been to the Pro Bowl at some point in their careers, and the Cardinals lead the NFL with seven defensive touchdowns in 2010. Veteran outside linebackers Joey Porter (44 tackles, 5 sacks) and Clark Haggans (40 tackles, 4 sacks) head up a pass rush that'll be out to make life tough on the grizzled Kitna.
WHEN THE CARDINALS HAVE THE BALL
Despite Skelton's (387 passing yards) rather unimpressive numbers, Whisenhunt has liked what he seen out of the strong-armed 22-year-old from a leadership and decision-making standpoint. The rookie, who will be making his third career start on Saturday, does have two excellent targets to work with when he drops back to pass, as wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (78 receptions, 986 yards, 5 TD) is a four-time Pro Bowl honoree and counterpart Breaston (43 receptions, 1 TD) averages 16 yards per catch. The passing game, though, has been hampered by an almost non-existent rushing attack, save for a 211-yard outburst against Denver two weeks ago. After getting a career-best 148 rushing yards and two scores out of top back Hightower (683 rushing yards, 5 TD, 18 receptions) in Week 14, the Cardinals reverted back to their ground woes last Sunday, managing just 43 yards against the Panthers with only 16 coming from Hightower. Arizona sits 30th in the league in yards gained on the ground (86.9 ypg). The Cardinals continued their season-long struggles on third downs in the Carolina game as well, converting only 4-of-15 chances on the day. Arizona is last in the NFL in that aspect, having been successful just 26 percent of the time.
If Skelton gets ample time to survey the field, there should be opportunities to pick apart a vulnerable Dallas secondary that's allowed 256.6 passing yards per game (28th overall) and has permitted 31 touchdown passes, tied with Houston for the highest total in the league. Fortunately for the Cowboys, they've got one of the game's premier pass rushers in outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (57 tackles, 12 sacks), who has recorded his fifth straight season of double-digit sacks, while 2009 All-Pro Jay Ratliff (29 tackles, 4 sacks) is a proven pressure-producer as well from his nose tackle spot. Twelve of Dallas' 17 interceptions in 2010 have come in the last six games, with safety Gerald Sensabaugh (66 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 INT) coming up with three over that span, so Skelton will have to choose his spots wisely. A front seven headed by Ratliff and inside linebackers Bradie James (106 tackles, 1 INT) and Keith Brooking (87 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) had been doing a credible job containing the run in recent weeks, and held the Redskins to just 55 rushing yards last Sunday.
FANTASY FOCUS
Outside of Fitzgerald, there are no must-starts on the Arizona offense. You can even make the argument that Fitzgerald is a risky play at best with the neophyte Skelton delivering him the ball. Hightower has been too inconsistent, but could warrant a start in deeper leagues. Witten and Austin are the two definite starts from the Dallas offense, while Kitna's a serviceable option at quarterback but likely not one you'd feel comfortable using in for what most leagues is a championship game. Felix Jones is the best bet for points out of the Cowboys' backfield, but his upside may be compromised a bit if Barber returns, as the latter often gets goal-line work. Avoid either defense here and proceed with caution with the somewhat inconsistent Buehler at kicker. Arizona's Jay Feely is always one of the more reliable kickers in the league, however.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Dallas has clearly done a better job on both sides of the ball since Garrett took over the reins from Phillips. The Cardinals, on the other hand, look like a team that has packed it in. That trend should probably continue this week, as Dallas should be able to run the ball at will on a porous Cardinals defense. The Cowboys defense may not be anything special, but Ware should make life miserable for the young Skelton this week.
Dallas 28, Arizona 13
Marc Lawrence
Playbook
Dallas over ARIZONA by 3
While Christmas Day fi nds a couple of interesting NBA games (see page
9), Christmas night fi nds a meaningless NFL contest. Thankfully, there’s a
silver lining to every cloud as this stocking is stuffed with our INCREDIBLE
STAT OF THE WEEK. Though the ‘Boys are a solid 15-4 SU and ATS in this
series off an ATS loss, we want no part of that 1-16-1 ATS stat found on
Page Two. We’re also not thrilled with their money-burning 1-6 ATS mark
when they line up as favorites this season or their 1-4 ATS log on Saturdays
during the regular season when they arrive off a SU win. We just asked
you to back the Panthers two days ago and now we’re suggesting a play
on the Cardinals. It may be a case of too much eggnog but it just may be
that the Redbirds are a perfect 6-0 ATS at home on Saturdays during the
regular season off a SU loss. It also may be a case of ‘Zona owning a 4-2
SU and 6-0 ATS mark in Last Home Games off a loss since 2000. Whatever
the case, we’ll have another as Cardinals’ HC Ken Whisenhunt improves
to 10-3 SU and ATS at home as pick or dog. May all those series losses be
forgotten… an ‘incredible’ take..
LA LAKERS over Miami by 11
Miami is scorching but we’re still not convinced that the Heat can handle
teams with tremendous size. The return of Andrew Bynum and Theo Ratliff
to go along with Pau Gasol and Lamar ‘Kardashian’ Odom give the Lakers a
huge advantage underneath. FYI: Rumor has it that Phil Jackson was trying
to add another ‘big’ to the roster just for this game but his fi rst choice,
Khloe, had prior engagements. He may not need him, err her, though, as
the Heat are just 4-15 SU and 6-13 ATS in this building, including 0-6 SU
and ATS when they own a win percentage of .575 or greater. With Miami
0-2 SU when taking points this year, look for Kobe and company to improve
on their 15-3 SU and 14-4 ATS Saturday log. Lay the spot as the defending
champs make a statement on Christmas Day.
Playbook
Dallas over ARIZONA by 3
While Christmas Day fi nds a couple of interesting NBA games (see page
9), Christmas night fi nds a meaningless NFL contest. Thankfully, there’s a
silver lining to every cloud as this stocking is stuffed with our INCREDIBLE
STAT OF THE WEEK. Though the ‘Boys are a solid 15-4 SU and ATS in this
series off an ATS loss, we want no part of that 1-16-1 ATS stat found on
Page Two. We’re also not thrilled with their money-burning 1-6 ATS mark
when they line up as favorites this season or their 1-4 ATS log on Saturdays
during the regular season when they arrive off a SU win. We just asked
you to back the Panthers two days ago and now we’re suggesting a play
on the Cardinals. It may be a case of too much eggnog but it just may be
that the Redbirds are a perfect 6-0 ATS at home on Saturdays during the
regular season off a SU loss. It also may be a case of ‘Zona owning a 4-2
SU and 6-0 ATS mark in Last Home Games off a loss since 2000. Whatever
the case, we’ll have another as Cardinals’ HC Ken Whisenhunt improves
to 10-3 SU and ATS at home as pick or dog. May all those series losses be
forgotten… an ‘incredible’ take..
LA LAKERS over Miami by 11
Miami is scorching but we’re still not convinced that the Heat can handle
teams with tremendous size. The return of Andrew Bynum and Theo Ratliff
to go along with Pau Gasol and Lamar ‘Kardashian’ Odom give the Lakers a
huge advantage underneath. FYI: Rumor has it that Phil Jackson was trying
to add another ‘big’ to the roster just for this game but his fi rst choice,
Khloe, had prior engagements. He may not need him, err her, though, as
the Heat are just 4-15 SU and 6-13 ATS in this building, including 0-6 SU
and ATS when they own a win percentage of .575 or greater. With Miami
0-2 SU when taking points this year, look for Kobe and company to improve
on their 15-3 SU and 14-4 ATS Saturday log. Lay the spot as the defending
champs make a statement on Christmas Day.
Winning Points
Dallas over *Arizona by 9 (Saturday)
Dallas has yielded 30 or more points during its last four games.That streak
should end here as Arizona has the most inaccurate quarterbacks in the
league. Cardinals quarterback John Skelton has zero touchdown throws in
two starts. Dallas is 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS since Jason Garrett replaced ineffective
Wade Phillips.There’s a chance the Cowboys could start Tony Romo, who
may be recovered from a broken collarbone. If not, Jon Kitna should get the
job done again. He’s accounted for 12 touchdowns during the last six
games.The Cardinals have lost eight of their past nine and are among the
three worst teams in stopping the run. DALLAS 28-19.
Dallas at Arizona – The Cardinals defeated Dallas, 30-24, at home in 2008.
Detroit at Miami – The Dolphins knocked off the Lions, 27-10, on the road
in 2006.
NBA
*New York over Chicago by 4
Sparked by MVP-candidate Amare Stoudamire, the Knicks rattled off 13 wins in 17
games through the third week of this month. The Bulls are going to be hard-pressed
to contain Stoudamire with center Joakim Noah sidelined with a thumb injury. NY
KNICKS 106-102.
*Orlando over Boston by 1
It’s too difficult to back Boston on the road versus an elite foe with Rajon Rondo
(check status) out and its big men banged-up. But the Celtics have been idle since
Wednesday. Orlando was 4-12 ATS versus Eastern Conference foes through Dec. 19.
ORLANDO 94-93.
***BEST BET
*Los Angeles Lakers over Miami by 10
Come playoff time, the Heat very well may be the team to beat. But right now the
two-time defending world champion Lakers are the team. The Lakers last played on
Tuesday. They will protect their home-court in this nationally televised marquee
matchup. Look for Phil Jackson to have a solid game plan and motivated squad. LA
last saw action on Tuesday, while Miami was at Phoenix on Thursday. The attention
will be on Kobe vs. LeBron, but the real battle will be decided up front where the
Lakers have a decided edge with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The Heat lack talented
big people, especially with Udonis Haslem out, to counter the Lakers’ height
advantage. LA LAKERS 108-98.
*Oklahoma City over Denver by 5
Denver was 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine road contests through the third week of
December and may be missing Chauncey Billups (check status), who has a wrist
injury. OKLAHOMA CITY 108-103.
*Golden State over Portland by 3
The Trail Blazers are hoping Brandon Roy’s sore knee is well targeting this game for
his return. If healthy, the Trail Blazers should beat the Warriors. But the Trail Blazers
entered this week extremely banged-up with center Marcus Camby (check status) and
swing man Nicolas Batum (check status) also hurting. Remember the Trail Blazers
already have lost Greg Oden for the season. GOLDEN STATE 104-101.
Dallas over *Arizona by 9 (Saturday)
Dallas has yielded 30 or more points during its last four games.That streak
should end here as Arizona has the most inaccurate quarterbacks in the
league. Cardinals quarterback John Skelton has zero touchdown throws in
two starts. Dallas is 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS since Jason Garrett replaced ineffective
Wade Phillips.There’s a chance the Cowboys could start Tony Romo, who
may be recovered from a broken collarbone. If not, Jon Kitna should get the
job done again. He’s accounted for 12 touchdowns during the last six
games.The Cardinals have lost eight of their past nine and are among the
three worst teams in stopping the run. DALLAS 28-19.
Dallas at Arizona – The Cardinals defeated Dallas, 30-24, at home in 2008.
Detroit at Miami – The Dolphins knocked off the Lions, 27-10, on the road
in 2006.
NBA
*New York over Chicago by 4
Sparked by MVP-candidate Amare Stoudamire, the Knicks rattled off 13 wins in 17
games through the third week of this month. The Bulls are going to be hard-pressed
to contain Stoudamire with center Joakim Noah sidelined with a thumb injury. NY
KNICKS 106-102.
*Orlando over Boston by 1
It’s too difficult to back Boston on the road versus an elite foe with Rajon Rondo
(check status) out and its big men banged-up. But the Celtics have been idle since
Wednesday. Orlando was 4-12 ATS versus Eastern Conference foes through Dec. 19.
ORLANDO 94-93.
***BEST BET
*Los Angeles Lakers over Miami by 10
Come playoff time, the Heat very well may be the team to beat. But right now the
two-time defending world champion Lakers are the team. The Lakers last played on
Tuesday. They will protect their home-court in this nationally televised marquee
matchup. Look for Phil Jackson to have a solid game plan and motivated squad. LA
last saw action on Tuesday, while Miami was at Phoenix on Thursday. The attention
will be on Kobe vs. LeBron, but the real battle will be decided up front where the
Lakers have a decided edge with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The Heat lack talented
big people, especially with Udonis Haslem out, to counter the Lakers’ height
advantage. LA LAKERS 108-98.
*Oklahoma City over Denver by 5
Denver was 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine road contests through the third week of
December and may be missing Chauncey Billups (check status), who has a wrist
injury. OKLAHOMA CITY 108-103.
*Golden State over Portland by 3
The Trail Blazers are hoping Brandon Roy’s sore knee is well targeting this game for
his return. If healthy, the Trail Blazers should beat the Warriors. But the Trail Blazers
entered this week extremely banged-up with center Marcus Camby (check status) and
swing man Nicolas Batum (check status) also hurting. Remember the Trail Blazers
already have lost Greg Oden for the season. GOLDEN STATE 104-101.
Pointwise
Dallas 38 - ARIZONA 24 - (7:30 - NFL) --
'Boys caught in division revenge sandwich
here, but it should make little difference. Dallas sure has made things
interesting, as it has averaged 33 ppg in its last 6 games, while allowing 34 ppg
in its last 11 outings. Another 33 pts in final 0:50 win over the 'Skins, but check
reaching Washington's 20, 2, 3, 1, & 18 without a TD on 5 other drives. Cards
came from 211 RYs to 43 in a week, managing 11 FDs, & a 36:56-23:04 time
deficit vs then 1-12 Carolina. Sure, 'Zona has had its moments (covered last
HG by 34), but is at 31st on "O", 30th on "D". Won't contain stellar Dallas "O".
(12:05) NEW YORK KNICKS 109 - Chicago 99 (ESPN)
(2:30) Boston Celtics 104 - ORLANDO MAGIC 98 (ABC)
(5:00) Miami Heat 106 - LA LAKERS 105 (ABC)
(8:05) OKLAHOMA CITY 117 - Denver 115 (ESPN)
(2:30) Boston Celtics 104 - ORLANDO MAGIC 98 (ABC)
(5:00) Miami Heat 106 - LA LAKERS 105 (ABC)
(8:05) OKLAHOMA CITY 117 - Denver 115 (ESPN)
(10:35) GOLDEN STATE 107 - Portland 99 (ESPN)
Sports Reporter
DALLAS over *ARIZONA by 1
The Cowboys are 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS since Jason Garrett was named head coach, but 1-1 ATS as
the favorite, which was home against Detroit. Their games have gone Over the Total 11 straight
times, 12 out of 14 times this season! But Arizona averages only 260 offensive yards and only
17.9 points per game, and is using a rookie quarterback John Skelton. Anyone deciding to jump
in and play the Over big-time on Christmas Day could be a day late and a dollar short with a
lump of coal in their Totals stocking. The Arizona defense – despite good red zone numbers –
often manages to bypass the red zone by allowing touchdowns from 21+ yards out. But an
over-reliance by Dallas on tight end Jason Witten (10 catches, 140 yards vs. Washington) will
inevitably net lesser returns on the time and energy invested in him. Every now and then, the
Arizona defense goes wild and forces turnovers that lead to points. Dallas is off a hard-fought
revenge win against NFC East rival Washington in the home finale, looking ahead to another
revenge game at division-rival Philadelphia. DALLAS, 19-18.
NBA
BEST BET
CHICAGO over *NEW YORK by 11
Knicks are playing better overall than when they beat the Bulls in Chicago, but in that
Chicago loss, the Bulls had no Carlos Boozer, had more turnovers and more fouls and
basically lost the game in the first half. Ray Felton is having nice year, but he’s no Derrick
Rose. CHICAGO 109 - 98
BOSTON over *ORLANDO by 1
Don’t look now, but the aged Shaq is making some All Star waves and the feeling is he doesn’t
really like Dwight Howard. When Celtics share the ball, they thrive. Orlando will be dangerous
if they can share the ball, but how do J-Rich and Arenas accomplish that successfully?
BOSTON 99 - 98
*LOS ANGELES LAKERS over MIAMI by 4
Many out there think this is the prelude to the Finals and it very well could be the truth. Heat
will get better as the Big Three get used to each other but the homers are usually pretty tough
in statement games. On top of that, wings Ron Artest and Matt Barnes can help Kobe defend.
LOS ANGELES 109 – 105
*OKLAHOMA over DENVER by 5
Homers have had 3 days to rest since coming in from the Big Apple. Chauncey Billups will be
taxed trying to keep up with Russell Westbrook. A lot of distractions in Colorado with the management
and Melo playing their own game of chicken. OKLAHOMA 99 - 94
*GOLDEN STATE over PORTLAND by 2
The fact the Trailblazers are just about a .500 team is pretty amazing considering all the
injuries they have had. Arguably their best player, Brandon Roy, has been gutting it out but
does not have the explosiveness. The Warriors lost their first 5 games on the month but could
have Curry back by now. GOLDEN STATE, 104 - 102
DALLAS over *ARIZONA by 1
The Cowboys are 4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS since Jason Garrett was named head coach, but 1-1 ATS as
the favorite, which was home against Detroit. Their games have gone Over the Total 11 straight
times, 12 out of 14 times this season! But Arizona averages only 260 offensive yards and only
17.9 points per game, and is using a rookie quarterback John Skelton. Anyone deciding to jump
in and play the Over big-time on Christmas Day could be a day late and a dollar short with a
lump of coal in their Totals stocking. The Arizona defense – despite good red zone numbers –
often manages to bypass the red zone by allowing touchdowns from 21+ yards out. But an
over-reliance by Dallas on tight end Jason Witten (10 catches, 140 yards vs. Washington) will
inevitably net lesser returns on the time and energy invested in him. Every now and then, the
Arizona defense goes wild and forces turnovers that lead to points. Dallas is off a hard-fought
revenge win against NFC East rival Washington in the home finale, looking ahead to another
revenge game at division-rival Philadelphia. DALLAS, 19-18.
NBA
BEST BET
CHICAGO over *NEW YORK by 11
Knicks are playing better overall than when they beat the Bulls in Chicago, but in that
Chicago loss, the Bulls had no Carlos Boozer, had more turnovers and more fouls and
basically lost the game in the first half. Ray Felton is having nice year, but he’s no Derrick
Rose. CHICAGO 109 - 98
BOSTON over *ORLANDO by 1
Don’t look now, but the aged Shaq is making some All Star waves and the feeling is he doesn’t
really like Dwight Howard. When Celtics share the ball, they thrive. Orlando will be dangerous
if they can share the ball, but how do J-Rich and Arenas accomplish that successfully?
BOSTON 99 - 98
*LOS ANGELES LAKERS over MIAMI by 4
Many out there think this is the prelude to the Finals and it very well could be the truth. Heat
will get better as the Big Three get used to each other but the homers are usually pretty tough
in statement games. On top of that, wings Ron Artest and Matt Barnes can help Kobe defend.
LOS ANGELES 109 – 105
*OKLAHOMA over DENVER by 5
Homers have had 3 days to rest since coming in from the Big Apple. Chauncey Billups will be
taxed trying to keep up with Russell Westbrook. A lot of distractions in Colorado with the management
and Melo playing their own game of chicken. OKLAHOMA 99 - 94
*GOLDEN STATE over PORTLAND by 2
The fact the Trailblazers are just about a .500 team is pretty amazing considering all the
injuries they have had. Arguably their best player, Brandon Roy, has been gutting it out but
does not have the explosiveness. The Warriors lost their first 5 games on the month but could
have Curry back by now. GOLDEN STATE, 104 - 102
CTO
BOSTON 100 - *Orlando 90 RATING - 10
*L.A. LAKERS 105 - Miami 96 RATING - 10
BOSTON 100 - *Orlando 90 RATING - 10
BOSTON over *Orlando (NBA)...For all of the media coverage of how hot Miami is, it’s Boston that has the longest winning streak in the league
and best record in the Eastern Conference. Orlando’s virtual gutting of the team means that Magic HC Stan Van Gundy has to restart “training
camp” and work three new starters and a couple of key rotation players into the mix.
and best record in the Eastern Conference. Orlando’s virtual gutting of the team means that Magic HC Stan Van Gundy has to restart “training
camp” and work three new starters and a couple of key rotation players into the mix.
*L.A. LAKERS 105 - Miami 96 RATING - 10
*L.A. LAKERS over Miami (NBA)...The marquee matchup of the season finds both the Lakers and Miami in form. L.A. welcomed back key C
Andrew Bynum, who has been building up his minutes and is coming off scoring 16 points and pulling down 7 rebs. in 18 mins. vs. Toronto. Miami
is on a win streak, but the Lakers have won 8 of last 9, and the defending two-time champs will certainly bring their “A” game for hot Miami.
Andrew Bynum, who has been building up his minutes and is coming off scoring 16 points and pulling down 7 rebs. in 18 mins. vs. Toronto. Miami
is on a win streak, but the Lakers have won 8 of last 9, and the defending two-time champs will certainly bring their “A” game for hot Miami.
The Goldsheet
*Dallas 32 - ARIZONA 20—Dallas fans have often outnumbered Arizona
backers in the desert, even when things were going relatively well for the Big
Red, which certainly hasn’t been the case this season, so no reason the
Cowboys won’t have the bulk of support in Glendale once again. Besides, Ken
Whisenhunt is more concerned these days about auditioning Fordham rookie
John Skelton in order to help Arizona decide what to do at QB in the offseason.
Meanwhile, Jason Garrett’s own audition as Jerry Jones’ full-time HC is going
well (Garrett 4-2 SU and 5-1 vs. the line since relieving Wade Phillips).
Cowboys "over" last 11 TY! TV—NFL NETWORK
(08-ARIZONA +5 30-24 (OT)...SR: Dallas 55-29-1)
The Gold Sheet Extra
Technical Play of the Week
NFL: DALLAS-ARIZONA "Over" (Dec. 25)...Cowboys now "over" an
amazing 11 straight in 2010; Cards "over" 5-2 at home this season!
*Dallas 32 - ARIZONA 20—Dallas fans have often outnumbered Arizona
backers in the desert, even when things were going relatively well for the Big
Red, which certainly hasn’t been the case this season, so no reason the
Cowboys won’t have the bulk of support in Glendale once again. Besides, Ken
Whisenhunt is more concerned these days about auditioning Fordham rookie
John Skelton in order to help Arizona decide what to do at QB in the offseason.
Meanwhile, Jason Garrett’s own audition as Jerry Jones’ full-time HC is going
well (Garrett 4-2 SU and 5-1 vs. the line since relieving Wade Phillips).
Cowboys "over" last 11 TY! TV—NFL NETWORK
(08-ARIZONA +5 30-24 (OT)...SR: Dallas 55-29-1)
The Gold Sheet Extra
Technical Play of the Week
NFL: DALLAS-ARIZONA "Over" (Dec. 25)...Cowboys now "over" an
amazing 11 straight in 2010; Cards "over" 5-2 at home this season!
WunderDog NFL 26th Dec 2010 Onwards
Washington at Jacksonville (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Washington +7 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: San Francisco at St. Louis (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on San Francisco +2.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 39.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Baltimore at Cleveland (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Cleveland +3.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 39.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: San Diego at Cincinnati (Sunday 12/26 4:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Cincinnati +7.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 44 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6)
Game: Seattle at Tampa Bay (Sunday 12/26 4:15 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: New York Giants at Green Bay (Sunday 12/26 4:15 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Green Bay -3 (-105) (risk ? to win 2.9)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Minnesota at Philadelphia (Sunday 12/26 8:25 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Washington at Jacksonville (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Washington +7 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: New England at Buffalo (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 44 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6)
Game: Houston at Denver (Sunday 12/26 4:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 48.5 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6
Washington at Jacksonville (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Washington +7 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: San Francisco at St. Louis (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on San Francisco +2.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 39.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Baltimore at Cleveland (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Cleveland +3.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 39.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: San Diego at Cincinnati (Sunday 12/26 4:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Cincinnati +7.5 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 44 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6)
Game: Seattle at Tampa Bay (Sunday 12/26 4:15 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: New York Giants at Green Bay (Sunday 12/26 4:15 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Green Bay -3 (-105) (risk ? to win 2.9)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Minnesota at Philadelphia (Sunday 12/26 8:25 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 43.5 -110 (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: Washington at Jacksonville (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Washington +7 (-110) (risk ? to win 2.7)
Game: New England at Buffalo (Sunday 12/26 1:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 44 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6)
Game: Houston at Denver (Sunday 12/26 4:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: ? units on Game Total OVER 48.5 -110 (risk ? to win 3.6
Statfox
DaLLas -6
Dallas at Arizona
Dallas has been a different team under interim coach Jason Garrett, especially
on the off ensive side of the ball. In six games under Garrett, the Boys
have averaged 32.2 points per game while going 5-1 ATS (4-2 SU). Dallas has
its fl aws, particularly in its defensive secondary, but the Cards will have trouble taking advantage with
rookie QB John Skelton leading the passing game.
In fact, the Cards are 0-8 ATS against defenses allowing 235 or more passing
yards per game over the past two seasons. It’s a big spread, but the Cards
have lost three of their past four home games by 13 points or more.
on the off ensive side of the ball. In six games under Garrett, the Boys
have averaged 32.2 points per game while going 5-1 ATS (4-2 SU). Dallas has
its fl aws, particularly in its defensive secondary, but the Cards will have trouble taking advantage with
rookie QB John Skelton leading the passing game.
In fact, the Cards are 0-8 ATS against defenses allowing 235 or more passing
yards per game over the past two seasons. It’s a big spread, but the Cards
have lost three of their past four home games by 13 points or more.
DaLLas -6
NC Power Plays
(DAL #3 vs ARZ #11, ARZ #32 vs DAL #31) - Its not a surprise that ARZ struggled on the road after blowing out DEN at home LW with just 11 FD’s & 43 (2.5) rush yds. They now return home vs a DAL team that is out to win to make fans want to buy tickets for 2011. DAL gave up 4 TD’s to Grossman LW but they also logged 17 plays behind the LOS along with 2 Int & a FF. PP gives DAL an 86 yd edge here in a very winnable game & we’ll take the road team & the Over here.
1* COWBOYS 31 CARDINALS 22
3* COWBOYS/CARDINALS: OVER1* COWBOYS 31 CARDINALS 22
