POINTWISE
PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NEW YORK GIANTS (12-4)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 -- 1:00 PM EST -- FOX TELEVISION
LINE: NEW YORK GIANTS BY 4 -- O/U: 41
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
Philadelphia 48.1 . 26- 18 .. 20-16 .. 104- 96 .. 247- 180 .. + 3 . NY Giants NY Giants ... 48.9 . 27- 18 .. 21-17 .. 157- 96 .. 199- 196 .. + 9 . by 2.5 Pts Third meeting for these 2 combatants, with the dog covering both earlier contests. That should come as no surprise, because the fact is that the pup has taken the bacon in the last EIGHT games between them. As a matter of fact, the visitor had >100 yd edges in their two '08 games, winning both, outright, while posting covers of 8 & 12½ pts. With their backs to the wall, the Eagles have responded with a run of 6-1, both SU & ATS. Sure, McNabb, Westbrook, & Co have been superb over
that stretch, but Philly's "D" has allowed only 10.8 ppg in its last 5 contests, & has held 10 foes below 15 pts. The Giants, of course, have had the loss of Burress to contend with, along with RB Jacobs' knee. They are on a brilliant 18-4 ATS run, & enjoy a 29-16 ppg edge at home this season, but their "D" has allowed 26 ppg in half their games. The visitor is 7-1 ATS in Eagle division games of late. Dog again!
PROPHECY: New York Giants 20 - PHILADELPHIA 19 RATING: 5
SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 -- 4:45 PM EST -- CBS TELEVISION
LINE: PITTSBURGH BY 6 -- O/U: 39
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
San Diego ... 46.4 . 27- 22 .. 19-21 .. 111-100 .. 238- 251 .. + 2 . Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ... 48.6 . 22- 14 .. 18-15 .. 106- 80 .. 206- 157 .. + 4 . by 8.1 Pts Field position. That was the tale of the tape, in the Chargers' win over the Colts, despite a fabulous game by scatback Sproles, who accounted for 328 total yards. The fact of the matter is that punter Scifres forced Indy to start drives on its own 10, 15, 3, 5, 9, & 1 yd lines, with its 2 TDs coming on drives of 81 & 91 yds, while
SanDiego's 2 regulation time TDs came on drives of 44 & 45 yds. SD ranks just 20th in rushing, but check a 456-154 RY edge in its last 2 games. The Steelers own the best "D" in the NFL, as per usual, with a 23-14 ppg home edge, & enjoyed a 410-218 yd edge over the Chargers, in their first meeting. But the concussion suffered by Roethlisberger in Pitt's finale wipeout of hapless Cleveland simply has to be somewhere in the mix. Chargers on 4-0 ATS playoff run, & keep this close.
PROPHECY: Pittsburgh 22 - SAN DIEGO 20 RATING: 6
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PHILADELPHIA (10-6-1) at NEW YORK GIANTS (12-4)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 -- 1:00 PM EST -- FOX TELEVISION
LINE: NEW YORK GIANTS BY 4 -- O/U: 41
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
Philadelphia 48.1 . 26- 18 .. 20-16 .. 104- 96 .. 247- 180 .. + 3 . NY Giants NY Giants ... 48.9 . 27- 18 .. 21-17 .. 157- 96 .. 199- 196 .. + 9 . by 2.5 Pts Third meeting for these 2 combatants, with the dog covering both earlier contests. That should come as no surprise, because the fact is that the pup has taken the bacon in the last EIGHT games between them. As a matter of fact, the visitor had >100 yd edges in their two '08 games, winning both, outright, while posting covers of 8 & 12½ pts. With their backs to the wall, the Eagles have responded with a run of 6-1, both SU & ATS. Sure, McNabb, Westbrook, & Co have been superb over
that stretch, but Philly's "D" has allowed only 10.8 ppg in its last 5 contests, & has held 10 foes below 15 pts. The Giants, of course, have had the loss of Burress to contend with, along with RB Jacobs' knee. They are on a brilliant 18-4 ATS run, & enjoy a 29-16 ppg edge at home this season, but their "D" has allowed 26 ppg in half their games. The visitor is 7-1 ATS in Eagle division games of late. Dog again!
PROPHECY: New York Giants 20 - PHILADELPHIA 19 RATING: 5
SAN DIEGO (9-8) at PITTSBURGH (12-4)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 -- 4:45 PM EST -- CBS TELEVISION
LINE: PITTSBURGH BY 6 -- O/U: 39
AOPR AVS FDS RUSH PASS TRN EDGE TO:
San Diego ... 46.4 . 27- 22 .. 19-21 .. 111-100 .. 238- 251 .. + 2 . Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ... 48.6 . 22- 14 .. 18-15 .. 106- 80 .. 206- 157 .. + 4 . by 8.1 Pts Field position. That was the tale of the tape, in the Chargers' win over the Colts, despite a fabulous game by scatback Sproles, who accounted for 328 total yards. The fact of the matter is that punter Scifres forced Indy to start drives on its own 10, 15, 3, 5, 9, & 1 yd lines, with its 2 TDs coming on drives of 81 & 91 yds, while
SanDiego's 2 regulation time TDs came on drives of 44 & 45 yds. SD ranks just 20th in rushing, but check a 456-154 RY edge in its last 2 games. The Steelers own the best "D" in the NFL, as per usual, with a 23-14 ppg home edge, & enjoyed a 410-218 yd edge over the Chargers, in their first meeting. But the concussion suffered by Roethlisberger in Pitt's finale wipeout of hapless Cleveland simply has to be somewhere in the mix. Chargers on 4-0 ATS playoff run, & keep this close.
PROPHECY: Pittsburgh 22 - SAN DIEGO 20 RATING: 6
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Scott Rickenbach<!-- / message -->
Game: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants Jan 11 2009 1:00PM
Prediction: under
Reason: NFL: Play UNDER the total in NEW YORK GIANTS vs PHILADELPHIA on Sunday, January 11th at 1 PM ET: Consider a play on the UNDER in this match-up. Teams have a way of figuring out how to best combat a team’s strengths when they meet frequently and that is certainly the case between the Giants and Eagles. This will be their third meeting this season. The first one was a crazy 36 to 31 affair in Philadelphia. The second one was a much more defensive-minded struggle where the Giants only two touchdowns came on a blocked field goal run back for a touchdown and a last-second meaningless touchdown just before the game expired. In other words, the 20 to 14 final in that December game in New York doesn’t even give proper value to the fact that the defenses dominated in that one. The Eagles and Giants both rely heavily on blitz packages and they should both have success in holding the opposing quarterback in check in this game as a result. The Giants offense did not look near as strong down the stretch run as they did earlier this season. Maybe Plaxico Burress meant more to this team than first thought! As for the Eagles, their offense has not been that impressive against top tier competition. That didn’t safely have the game in hand against the Vikings last week until Brian Westbrook broke that 72 yard screen pass for a touchdown. Prior to that, their win over Dallas saw the 44 points sparked by turnovers as they actually had just 16 first downs in the game! Prior to that the Eagles managed just a field goal at Washington in what was essentially a must-win game. Their offense may not be able to be trusted here against a rock solid defense but, likewise, the Giants offense could have trouble with an Eagles team that has only allowed 74 points in their last six games! While we won’t commit to the side in this match-up just yet. We will tell you that we can see some value with the under in this match-up and that could be worth a look in this one. Consider a play on UNDER the total in the New York Giants game on Sunday. Best of luck in all your sports gaming from Scott Rickenbach
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Game: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants Jan 11 2009 1:00PM
Prediction: under
Reason: NFL: Play UNDER the total in NEW YORK GIANTS vs PHILADELPHIA on Sunday, January 11th at 1 PM ET: Consider a play on the UNDER in this match-up. Teams have a way of figuring out how to best combat a team’s strengths when they meet frequently and that is certainly the case between the Giants and Eagles. This will be their third meeting this season. The first one was a crazy 36 to 31 affair in Philadelphia. The second one was a much more defensive-minded struggle where the Giants only two touchdowns came on a blocked field goal run back for a touchdown and a last-second meaningless touchdown just before the game expired. In other words, the 20 to 14 final in that December game in New York doesn’t even give proper value to the fact that the defenses dominated in that one. The Eagles and Giants both rely heavily on blitz packages and they should both have success in holding the opposing quarterback in check in this game as a result. The Giants offense did not look near as strong down the stretch run as they did earlier this season. Maybe Plaxico Burress meant more to this team than first thought! As for the Eagles, their offense has not been that impressive against top tier competition. That didn’t safely have the game in hand against the Vikings last week until Brian Westbrook broke that 72 yard screen pass for a touchdown. Prior to that, their win over Dallas saw the 44 points sparked by turnovers as they actually had just 16 first downs in the game! Prior to that the Eagles managed just a field goal at Washington in what was essentially a must-win game. Their offense may not be able to be trusted here against a rock solid defense but, likewise, the Giants offense could have trouble with an Eagles team that has only allowed 74 points in their last six games! While we won’t commit to the side in this match-up just yet. We will tell you that we can see some value with the under in this match-up and that could be worth a look in this one. Consider a play on UNDER the total in the New York Giants game on Sunday. Best of luck in all your sports gaming from Scott Rickenbach
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Johnny Guild
Sunday, January 11th, 2008
San Diego Chargers (9-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Heinz Field -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Series Record: Pittsburgh (20-8 -- San Diego, 2-0 in playoffs)
Home Record: San Diego 6-3; Pittsburgh 6-2
Road Record: San Diego 3-5; Pittsburgh 6-2
Last Meeting: 11/16/08 Pittsburgh (20-8 -- San Diego, 2-0 in playoffs)
San Diego Chargers are on a roll and played outstanding against the colts last week, but traveling to the East to collide with the Steelers defense in freezing weather and possible snow showers in Pittsburgh could be a bit daunting for any team. No doubt this will be a close clash, but playing in Pittsburgh and the weather conditions is a huge benefit for the Steelers.
The Steelers' defense won’t allow the Chargers offense to burst out or the running of Darren Sproles and questionable LaDainian Tomlinson to easily move the chains on their home turf. Look for the Steelers to control the ball. Sure, they couldn’t score a touchdown in the last battle with the Chargers, but would have if not for a bad call and did run for over 400 yards. Take the Steelers! Pittsburg has won six of seven meetings versus the Chargers, going 5-2 ATS. San Diego has never won in Pittsburgh.
New York Giants -4
Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5
Sunday, January 11th, 2008
San Diego Chargers (9-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Heinz Field -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Series Record: Pittsburgh (20-8 -- San Diego, 2-0 in playoffs)
Home Record: San Diego 6-3; Pittsburgh 6-2
Road Record: San Diego 3-5; Pittsburgh 6-2
Last Meeting: 11/16/08 Pittsburgh (20-8 -- San Diego, 2-0 in playoffs)
San Diego Chargers are on a roll and played outstanding against the colts last week, but traveling to the East to collide with the Steelers defense in freezing weather and possible snow showers in Pittsburgh could be a bit daunting for any team. No doubt this will be a close clash, but playing in Pittsburgh and the weather conditions is a huge benefit for the Steelers.
The Steelers' defense won’t allow the Chargers offense to burst out or the running of Darren Sproles and questionable LaDainian Tomlinson to easily move the chains on their home turf. Look for the Steelers to control the ball. Sure, they couldn’t score a touchdown in the last battle with the Chargers, but would have if not for a bad call and did run for over 400 yards. Take the Steelers! Pittsburg has won six of seven meetings versus the Chargers, going 5-2 ATS. San Diego has never won in Pittsburgh.
New York Giants -4
Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=center bgColor=#eaeded><TD align=left colSpan=2>Handicapper: John Ryan</TD></TR><TR vAlign=center bgColor=#eaeded><TD align=left width="85%">San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) - 4:45 PM EST</TD><TD>Premium Play</TD></TR><TR vAlign=center bgColor=#eaeded><TD align=left>Pick: Total: 38/102 Over Play Title: OVER</TD><TD align=left></TD></TR><TR vAlign=center bgColor=#eaeded><TD colSpan=8>[SIZE=-2]Click Here to View Pick Analysis[/SIZE]
Ai Simulator 15* graded play OVER San Diego/Pittsburgh scheduled to start on Sunday at 4:30 EST. Also, a 5* play on San Diego. Also an optional play to parlay SD with the money line and the OVER. AiS shows an 87% probability that 40 or more points will be scored in this game. Granted the following angles are self fulfilling prophesies to a degree, but not all of the games played were lined above 40 points either. With the line UNDER 40 the following projection takes on significant meaning. AiS shows an 84% probability that both teams will score 20 or more points. San Diego is 7-1 OVER this season, 17-3 OVER the past 3 seasons and 81-8 OVER since 1992 in a game where they and their opponent score 20 or more points. Steelers are 3-0 this season, 14-0 the last 3 seasons and 80-3 OVER since 1992 when they and their opponents score 20 or more points. SD is in a solid OVER role as well noting they are 14-4 OVER (+9.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons. Pittsburgh is 14-5 OVER (+8.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons; 10-2 OVER (+7.8 Units) after outgaining opp by 150 or more total yards in their previous game over the last 3 seasons. Needless to say Sproles will be the key offensive player the Steelers will want to focus on. The Steelers rank first in run defense, 1st in kick coverage and 4th in punt coverage. Yet, they have not had to face nor the time to prepare for a player as unique as Sproles. Rivers has developed into a complete QB and the most impressive part of his game is his pocket presence and that will certainly be a positive factor in keeping drives consistent and not predictable. SD does not have to run the ball extremely well to win this game. All that is needed is for Pittsburgh to respect the run (sproles). Note that Pittsburgh is 1-8 ATS when they allow 3 to 3.5 rushing yards per attempt and SD is 6-1 ATS over the past 3 seasons in that role.
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Ai Simulator 15* graded play OVER San Diego/Pittsburgh scheduled to start on Sunday at 4:30 EST. Also, a 5* play on San Diego. Also an optional play to parlay SD with the money line and the OVER. AiS shows an 87% probability that 40 or more points will be scored in this game. Granted the following angles are self fulfilling prophesies to a degree, but not all of the games played were lined above 40 points either. With the line UNDER 40 the following projection takes on significant meaning. AiS shows an 84% probability that both teams will score 20 or more points. San Diego is 7-1 OVER this season, 17-3 OVER the past 3 seasons and 81-8 OVER since 1992 in a game where they and their opponent score 20 or more points. Steelers are 3-0 this season, 14-0 the last 3 seasons and 80-3 OVER since 1992 when they and their opponents score 20 or more points. SD is in a solid OVER role as well noting they are 14-4 OVER (+9.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons. Pittsburgh is 14-5 OVER (+8.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons; 10-2 OVER (+7.8 Units) after outgaining opp by 150 or more total yards in their previous game over the last 3 seasons. Needless to say Sproles will be the key offensive player the Steelers will want to focus on. The Steelers rank first in run defense, 1st in kick coverage and 4th in punt coverage. Yet, they have not had to face nor the time to prepare for a player as unique as Sproles. Rivers has developed into a complete QB and the most impressive part of his game is his pocket presence and that will certainly be a positive factor in keeping drives consistent and not predictable. SD does not have to run the ball extremely well to win this game. All that is needed is for Pittsburgh to respect the run (sproles). Note that Pittsburgh is 1-8 ATS when they allow 3 to 3.5 rushing yards per attempt and SD is 6-1 ATS over the past 3 seasons in that role.
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Indiancowboy
3 Unit Play. #307. Take San Diego Chargers +6.5 over Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, January 11th @ 4:45pm est). I understand that the Chargers should not be here given the season that they have had in a weak division. I have always felt that a "Division Winner" should not be given the right to enter just because they won their particular division and in particular, host a playoff game over a team that has the better record. After all, the Arizona Cardinals should not be in the playoffs nor should they have hosted the first round of the playoffs as a home game against the the 11 win Atlanta Falcons. That's a joke. Having said that, the Chargers should not have been hosting a game against the Chargers either. But, what's done is done. This is not to take away from the fact that the Chargers have made a big run and a strong push the last few weeks. After all, they kept believing. Remember, the Chargers are quite capable of defeating the Steelers outright. Heck, they just defeated the Indianapolis Colts who were one of the hottest teams in the league coming into that game at Q-Com. Let's not forget, this is the same San Diego Chargers team that lost 10-11 to the Steelers on the road earlier this year and easily covered as the road chalk. If they can cover the road chalk there as 4.5 dogs, why could they not cover herre as 6.5 chalk? This team plays with a chip on its shoulder. This team wants to be here and in particular, they are thankful to be here given the year they had. They have not played a bad game in quite some time. After all, these Chargers once again, lost 10-11 to the Steelers on the road and frankly, there were some questionable calls that game and this team could have won outright. They were up 7-0 at the end of the first and went into half time up 7-5. Take away the safety that Rivers had and the final outcome of that game could have been very different. Pittsburgh remember lost to the Colts at home 20-24 as this team can be defeated and defeated at home. The Chargers know they played a great game against Pitt last time around and are quite capable of defeating this team. I look for the Chargers in Rivers, LT and Norv Turner to put it all together and continuing this improbable run and frankly, I would not be surprised if the Chargers won outright. After all, if the Giants can go on the road last year as 7 point dogs to Tampa Bay and win Outright, as 7 point dogs to Dallas and win Outright and 7 point dogs to Green Bay in the NFC Championship and win outright - is that impossible to think that the San Diego Chargers who lost by 1 point last time to the Steelers and who were leading at the half 7-5 and were a safety away from winning last time can't defeat the Steelers in Pittsburgh? The Chargers have won their last 5 straight, have covered their last 3 straight and have covered their last four straight playoff games. The "Boltz" get it done for us on Sunday.
2 Unit Play. #305. Take Philadelphia Eagles +4.5 over NY Giants (Sunday, January 11th @ 1pm est.) I believe in the Eagles. Why not? This team is very similar to the NY Giants of 2007-2008? Remember that team? That was the wild card team that went on the road last year as 7 point dogs to Tampa Bay and win Outright, as 7 point dogs to Dallas and win Outright and 7 point dogs to Green Bay in the NFC Championship and win outright. Why is it so hard to believe a Philadelphia team, a veteran Philadelphia team at that, who already defeated the Giants on the road Outright this year in a must win game can't defeat a Giants team that enter the playoffs playing questionable football? I actually think this game is a toss-up. Look, the Eagles have absolutely nothing to lose. They are thankful just to be in the playoffs, nevertheless, a game away from the NFC Championship. This is a magical year for this team. After all the heat that McNabb and company took this year, this team finds itself in a game they can certainly win outright. The Giants are simply not the same without Plaxico and it has showed. Yes, the Giants defeated the Panthers in an exciting Sunday Night Football game in a great comeback. I remember that as I was on the Giants and were rooting for them to score the touchdown in overtime rather than kick the field goal. But, having said that, the Giants simply have not been blowing anyone out of late. In all honesty, one can argue, that despite the Giants were 2-2 ATS coming into the playoffs, they should be 4-0 ATS. After all, the Giants should not have been true 7 point dogs on the road to the Vikings and lost outright and really should not have covered against the Panthers who should have won that game outright. Prior to that the Giants lost outright to the Eagles and lost on the road convincingly to Dallas 8-20 that even the Ravens were able to accomplish with relative ease. The Giants just come into the playoffs stumbling and I look for the hot Eagles who have won 5 of 6 SU and covered 5 of 6 to beat the Giants outright here or at worse lose by a field goal. Don't over think this, we have the team that has the angel that the Giants had on their shoulder the previous year and I firmly believe this could be a magical year for the Eagles as only the Panthers could stand in their way. The Eagles are more dynamic over the last month than the Giants, the Giants have not been the same with the exiting of Plaixco and have a defense that is second to no one when it comes to pressuring the quarterback which Tony Romo can tell you all about. The Eagles are 10-1 ATS as road underdogs and 4-0 ATS in their last four road playoff games
3 Unit Play. #307. Take San Diego Chargers +6.5 over Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, January 11th @ 4:45pm est). I understand that the Chargers should not be here given the season that they have had in a weak division. I have always felt that a "Division Winner" should not be given the right to enter just because they won their particular division and in particular, host a playoff game over a team that has the better record. After all, the Arizona Cardinals should not be in the playoffs nor should they have hosted the first round of the playoffs as a home game against the the 11 win Atlanta Falcons. That's a joke. Having said that, the Chargers should not have been hosting a game against the Chargers either. But, what's done is done. This is not to take away from the fact that the Chargers have made a big run and a strong push the last few weeks. After all, they kept believing. Remember, the Chargers are quite capable of defeating the Steelers outright. Heck, they just defeated the Indianapolis Colts who were one of the hottest teams in the league coming into that game at Q-Com. Let's not forget, this is the same San Diego Chargers team that lost 10-11 to the Steelers on the road earlier this year and easily covered as the road chalk. If they can cover the road chalk there as 4.5 dogs, why could they not cover herre as 6.5 chalk? This team plays with a chip on its shoulder. This team wants to be here and in particular, they are thankful to be here given the year they had. They have not played a bad game in quite some time. After all, these Chargers once again, lost 10-11 to the Steelers on the road and frankly, there were some questionable calls that game and this team could have won outright. They were up 7-0 at the end of the first and went into half time up 7-5. Take away the safety that Rivers had and the final outcome of that game could have been very different. Pittsburgh remember lost to the Colts at home 20-24 as this team can be defeated and defeated at home. The Chargers know they played a great game against Pitt last time around and are quite capable of defeating this team. I look for the Chargers in Rivers, LT and Norv Turner to put it all together and continuing this improbable run and frankly, I would not be surprised if the Chargers won outright. After all, if the Giants can go on the road last year as 7 point dogs to Tampa Bay and win Outright, as 7 point dogs to Dallas and win Outright and 7 point dogs to Green Bay in the NFC Championship and win outright - is that impossible to think that the San Diego Chargers who lost by 1 point last time to the Steelers and who were leading at the half 7-5 and were a safety away from winning last time can't defeat the Steelers in Pittsburgh? The Chargers have won their last 5 straight, have covered their last 3 straight and have covered their last four straight playoff games. The "Boltz" get it done for us on Sunday.
2 Unit Play. #305. Take Philadelphia Eagles +4.5 over NY Giants (Sunday, January 11th @ 1pm est.) I believe in the Eagles. Why not? This team is very similar to the NY Giants of 2007-2008? Remember that team? That was the wild card team that went on the road last year as 7 point dogs to Tampa Bay and win Outright, as 7 point dogs to Dallas and win Outright and 7 point dogs to Green Bay in the NFC Championship and win outright. Why is it so hard to believe a Philadelphia team, a veteran Philadelphia team at that, who already defeated the Giants on the road Outright this year in a must win game can't defeat a Giants team that enter the playoffs playing questionable football? I actually think this game is a toss-up. Look, the Eagles have absolutely nothing to lose. They are thankful just to be in the playoffs, nevertheless, a game away from the NFC Championship. This is a magical year for this team. After all the heat that McNabb and company took this year, this team finds itself in a game they can certainly win outright. The Giants are simply not the same without Plaxico and it has showed. Yes, the Giants defeated the Panthers in an exciting Sunday Night Football game in a great comeback. I remember that as I was on the Giants and were rooting for them to score the touchdown in overtime rather than kick the field goal. But, having said that, the Giants simply have not been blowing anyone out of late. In all honesty, one can argue, that despite the Giants were 2-2 ATS coming into the playoffs, they should be 4-0 ATS. After all, the Giants should not have been true 7 point dogs on the road to the Vikings and lost outright and really should not have covered against the Panthers who should have won that game outright. Prior to that the Giants lost outright to the Eagles and lost on the road convincingly to Dallas 8-20 that even the Ravens were able to accomplish with relative ease. The Giants just come into the playoffs stumbling and I look for the hot Eagles who have won 5 of 6 SU and covered 5 of 6 to beat the Giants outright here or at worse lose by a field goal. Don't over think this, we have the team that has the angel that the Giants had on their shoulder the previous year and I firmly believe this could be a magical year for the Eagles as only the Panthers could stand in their way. The Eagles are more dynamic over the last month than the Giants, the Giants have not been the same with the exiting of Plaixco and have a defense that is second to no one when it comes to pressuring the quarterback which Tony Romo can tell you all about. The Eagles are 10-1 ATS as road underdogs and 4-0 ATS in their last four road playoff games
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NBA
Orlando (29-8, 24-12-1 ATS) at San Antonio (24-11, 17-17-1 ATS)
Two of the hottest teams in the NBA square off at the AT&T Center, where the Magic, winners of 12 of their last 14, hook up with the Spurs, winners of nine of their last 10.
Orlando now has the second-best record in the Eastern Conference after sweeping a home-and-home series over the Hawks Wednesday and Friday. The Magic went to Atlanta and got a 106-102 win as two-point ‘dogs on Wednesday and then crushed the Hawks 121-87 at home on Friday and easily cashed as five-point favorites. Orlando is on a 14-3 ATS run overall and it is 12-5-1 ATS on the road this season.
The Spurs have won four straight (3-1 ATS), including a 106-84 rout of the Clippers on Thursday, covering as 13-point home favorites. San Antonio is 14-6 SU at home, but just 8-11-1 ATS.
The Magic got a 90-78 home win over the Spurs back on Dec. 18, easily cashing as 2½-point favorites. But going back to 2003, the Spurs are 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) against the Magic at home and they have covered the number in three of the last four overall.
Orlando is on a bevy of positive ATS streaks, including 19-7-1 overall, 26-10-1 as an underdog, 14-3 against the Western Conference, 11-2 following a spread-cover, 4-0 as a road ‘dog, 9-1 against teams with a winning record and 45-22-3 on the road. The Spurs are on ATS slides of 1-5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 1-4 as a home favorite and 1-5 following a spread-cover, but they are 8-3 ATS when getting two days off and 9-4 ATS against the Southeast Division.
The Magic are on “under” streaks of 29-14 after a spread-cover and 5-2 against Western Conference teams, but they have topped the total in four of their last five on the highway and five of their last six as a ‘dog. San Antonio is riding “under” runs of 29-14-1 overall, 20-7 against the Southeast Division, 20-8-2 after a straight-up win and 4-1 in Sunday games, but they have topped the total in four straight at home and four of five after a spread-cover. In this series, the under has been the play in four of the last five meetings in the Lone Star state.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Miami (19-16, 14-19-2 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (29-6, 16-19 ATS)
The Lakers will try to avenge one of their six losses this season when they welcome the Heat to the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has won eight of its last nine (5-4 ATS) but had to hold on to beat Indiana on Friday, escaping with a 121-119 win but coming nowhere near covering the 14½-point number. The Lakers have followed a five-game ATS winning streak with three consecutive non-covers. They are 19-2 at home this year but just 10-11 ATS.
The Heat are in the midst of a seven-game road trip, having dropped the opener in Denver on Wednesday 108-97 as a 5½-point ‘dog and then winning 119-115 in overtime in Sacramento on Friday, cashing as 3½-point favorites. Dwyane Wade was a beast against the Kings, putting up a season-high 41 points with seven assists and five rebounds.
The host has won seven of the last eight series clashes between these two (5-3 ATS), including Miami’s 89-87 home victory back on Dec. 19 as eight-point ‘dogs. The win snapped a three-game Lakers’ winning streak (2-1 ATS) in this series, including a 106-88 triumph in the Staples Center last year laying 14 points.
The Heat are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall and 8-22-2 ATS in their last 32 Sunday games, but they are on ATS streaks of 5-2-1 against the Pacific Division and 4-1-1 as an underdog of 11 points or more. The Lakers have been a disaster at the betting window, riding negative trends of 1-11 after a non-cover, 4-18 against the Eastern Conference, 0-5 against the Southeast Division, 4-13 as a favorite, 5-13 overall and 17-35 as a favorite of 11 points or more.
For Miami, the under is on streaks of 20-9 as a ‘dog, 13-6 as a road ‘dog, 6-1 on Sundays, 5-0 after a straight-up win and 4-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record. Los Angeles is on “over” runs of 11-4 against the Eastern Conference, 4-1 at home, 4-1 after a straight-up win and 12-5 as a favorite of 11 points or more. However, in this rivalry, the under has been the play in seven of the last eight.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI
CBB
Penn State (13-3, 7-2 ATS) at (22) Minnesota (14-1, 6-3-1 ATS)
Minnesota will try to make it eight straight over the Nittany Lions when it hosts this Big Ten matchup inside Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Penn State has split its first two conference games, losing at Wisconsin 65-61 as a 9½-point underdog back on Jan. 3 and then returning home to beat Purdue on Tuesday 67-64, cashing as a 2½-point favorite. The Nittany Lions have gotten the cash in their last three overall and they are 4-1 ATS in either road or neutral site contests this season.
Minnesota is 11-1 at home but just 4-3 ATS. The Gophers went to Iowa on Thursday and scored a 52-49 win as a 1½-point underdog. They have split their first two Big Ten games in Minnesota, losing to Michigan State and beating Ohio State. They are 5-1 ATS in their last six at home but just 2-7 ATS in front of the home fans in their last nine against teams with a winning record.
Penn State hasn’t beaten the Gophers since 2004, losing seven straight (2-5 ATS), including both matchups last season. Minnesota earned a 76-73 win in Pennsylvania as a 1½-point ‘dog and then beat the Nittany Lions 75-68 at home but failed to cash as and 11½-point chalk. The home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 series clashes, but the underdog has gotten the money in four of the last five.
The Lions are on ATS runs of 5-1 overall, 5-0 against Big Ten competition, 4-1 on the road and 5-2-2 on Sundays. Meanwhile the Gophers are on ATS streaks of 6-1 overall and 5-1 coming off a straight-up win.
For Penn State, the under is on streaks of 5-2 overall, 5-2 against Big Ten squads and 4-1 following a straight-up win. Minnesota is on “under” runs of 38-18 overall, 37-17 at home, 20-8 in conference play and 36-16-1 following a spread-cover. Finally, in this rivalry, the over is 8-1 in the last nine meetings, including 4-1 in Minnesota.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA
Wisconsin (12-3, 7-6 ATS) at (14) Purdue (11-4, 4-7 ATS)
The Boilermakers will try to end a two-game skid when they host Wisconsin in this Big Ten matchup inside Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
The two losses have been tough for Purdue. First, it fell 71-67 at home to Illinois in overtime in its conference opener on Dec. 30, losing as an eight-point favorite. Then on Tuesday, the Boilermakers lost at Penn State 67-64 an again failed to cash as a 2½-point chalk. Purdue is 0-3 ATS in its last three games overall and 2-6 ATS in its last eight lined contests.
Wisconsin has opened the Big Ten campaign with three straight wins (2-1 ATS), including Wednesday’s 74-45 blowout victory over Northwestern, easily cashing as a seven-point home favorite. The Badgers are 4-2 ATS in their six road/neutral site games this season and they are 6-3 ATS in their last nine overall.
Purdue swept the season series last year, winning 60-56 at home as a 1½-point home underdog and then shocking the Badgers at Wisconsin 72-67 as a 10-point pup in early-February. The Boilermakers are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Badgers and 5-1 SU and ATS in the last six at Mackey Arena. Purdue has been an underdog in the last five matchups and covered each time.
Wisconsin is on positive ATS trends of 7-1 on the road, 9-2 against Big Ten squads, 14-6 after a straight-up win and 4-1 on Sundays. Purdue us just on ATS slides of 1-6 at home, 1-4 overall, 2-6 against teams with a winning record but the Boilermakers are 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 conference games.
For the Badgers, the under is 7-3 in their last 10 Big Ten games, 22-7 in their last 29 after a spread-cover and 8-2 in their last 10 Sunday games. The Gophers have topped the total in seven of their last 10 Sunday games and four of their last five conference games. In this rivalry, the under is 4-1 in the last five clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(3) North Carolina (14-1, 6-7 ATS) at (4) Wake Forest (13-0, 5-4 ATS)
The Demon Deacons put their perfect record on the line in this classic ACC showdown with North Carolina.
There was talk of a perfect season for the Tar Heels until they were shocked at home by Boston College a week ago 85-78 as 23-point favorites. Roy Williams’ squad was able to rebound in emphatic style with Wednesday’s 108-70 win over Charlotte, cashing in as a 27-point favorite. The ‘Heels average 93.1 points a game and shoot 49.8 percent from the floor.
Wake has been perfect this season, but this is the first conference game for the Deacons. They’ve had more than a week off since their 94-87 win in Provo, Utah, on Jan. 3, beating BYU as a four-point underdog and halting the Cougars’ 53-game home winning streak. Wake Forest has the offense to hang with North Carolina, averaging 85.2 points a game and shooting 51.2 percent from the floor while holding the opposition to 36.4 percent shooting and 64.1 points.
North Carolina has won four straight (4-0 ATS) in this rivalry, including last year’s 89-73 win, narrowly cashing as a 15½-point favorite.
The Tar Heels are just 0-4 ATS in their last four ACC contests and 1-5 ATS following a straight-up win, but they are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 39-16-1 after a spread-cover, 4-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 27-11 against teams with a winning overall record. Wake is just 1-5 ATS in its last six ACC games, but it is 13-6-2 ATS in its last 21 home games and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games following a spread-cover.
For North Carolina, the over is 5-1 in its last six Sunday games and 8-3-1 in its last 12 after a spread-cover. The Demon Deacons have topped the total in six of their last eight ACC games and four of their last five against teams with a winning record. In this series, the over has been the play in four of the last five overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(10) UCLA (12-2, 6-7 ATS) at USC (10-4, 6-6 ATS)
Crosstown rivals meet for the first of two games this season when UCLA makes the short trek to the Galen Center in Los Angeles to face the Trojans.
UCLA is riding an eight-game winning streak (3-4 ATS) and hasn’t lost since an early-December visit to Texas, a 68-64 setback as a six-point underdog. The Bruins swept their opening Pac-10 doubleheader last weekend, winning 69-46 at Oregon State on Jan. 2 as a 15-point favorite and then scoring an 83-74 win at Oregon a week ago, coming up just short as a 10½-point chalk.
USC had its five-game winning streak stopped at Oregon State a week ago, falling 62-58 in overtime as an 11-point favorite. The Trojans, who hold the opposition to 59.2 points and 37.5 percent shooting at home, are 8-0 inside the Galen Center but just 3-3 ATS in lined contests.
The Bruins took two of three against USC last season (1-2 ATS), winning 56-46 on the Trojans’ home court as 6½-point favorites and then eliminating USC from the Pac-10 tournament with a 57-54 win, but falling well short as eight-point favorites. UCLA has won seven of the last nine meetings, but the Trojans have gotten the cash in five of the last six, all as an underdog. The road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS over the last two years in this rivalry.
UCLA is 0-4 ATS in its last four Sunday games, but the Bruins are on ATS streaks of 36-16-1 on the road, 37-17 after a non-cover, 9-3 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 4-0 against teams with a winning record. The Trojans are also 0-4 ATS in their last four Sunday games and just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games against teams with a winning road mark, but they are on positive ATS streaks of 18-6 following a straight-up loss and 19-7 following a non-cover.
The Bruins have topped the total in five of their last seven Pac-10 games, but otherwise the under is on runs of 5-2 on the road, 5-2 on Sundays and 4-1 following a non-cover. The Trojans are on “over” streaks of 9-4 at home, 23-10 in Pac-10 games, 5-2 overall and 4-1 following a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA
NBA
Orlando (29-8, 24-12-1 ATS) at San Antonio (24-11, 17-17-1 ATS)
Two of the hottest teams in the NBA square off at the AT&T Center, where the Magic, winners of 12 of their last 14, hook up with the Spurs, winners of nine of their last 10.
Orlando now has the second-best record in the Eastern Conference after sweeping a home-and-home series over the Hawks Wednesday and Friday. The Magic went to Atlanta and got a 106-102 win as two-point ‘dogs on Wednesday and then crushed the Hawks 121-87 at home on Friday and easily cashed as five-point favorites. Orlando is on a 14-3 ATS run overall and it is 12-5-1 ATS on the road this season.
The Spurs have won four straight (3-1 ATS), including a 106-84 rout of the Clippers on Thursday, covering as 13-point home favorites. San Antonio is 14-6 SU at home, but just 8-11-1 ATS.
The Magic got a 90-78 home win over the Spurs back on Dec. 18, easily cashing as 2½-point favorites. But going back to 2003, the Spurs are 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) against the Magic at home and they have covered the number in three of the last four overall.
Orlando is on a bevy of positive ATS streaks, including 19-7-1 overall, 26-10-1 as an underdog, 14-3 against the Western Conference, 11-2 following a spread-cover, 4-0 as a road ‘dog, 9-1 against teams with a winning record and 45-22-3 on the road. The Spurs are on ATS slides of 1-5-1 against the Eastern Conference, 1-4 as a home favorite and 1-5 following a spread-cover, but they are 8-3 ATS when getting two days off and 9-4 ATS against the Southeast Division.
The Magic are on “under” streaks of 29-14 after a spread-cover and 5-2 against Western Conference teams, but they have topped the total in four of their last five on the highway and five of their last six as a ‘dog. San Antonio is riding “under” runs of 29-14-1 overall, 20-7 against the Southeast Division, 20-8-2 after a straight-up win and 4-1 in Sunday games, but they have topped the total in four straight at home and four of five after a spread-cover. In this series, the under has been the play in four of the last five meetings in the Lone Star state.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Miami (19-16, 14-19-2 ATS) at L.A. Lakers (29-6, 16-19 ATS)
The Lakers will try to avenge one of their six losses this season when they welcome the Heat to the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has won eight of its last nine (5-4 ATS) but had to hold on to beat Indiana on Friday, escaping with a 121-119 win but coming nowhere near covering the 14½-point number. The Lakers have followed a five-game ATS winning streak with three consecutive non-covers. They are 19-2 at home this year but just 10-11 ATS.
The Heat are in the midst of a seven-game road trip, having dropped the opener in Denver on Wednesday 108-97 as a 5½-point ‘dog and then winning 119-115 in overtime in Sacramento on Friday, cashing as 3½-point favorites. Dwyane Wade was a beast against the Kings, putting up a season-high 41 points with seven assists and five rebounds.
The host has won seven of the last eight series clashes between these two (5-3 ATS), including Miami’s 89-87 home victory back on Dec. 19 as eight-point ‘dogs. The win snapped a three-game Lakers’ winning streak (2-1 ATS) in this series, including a 106-88 triumph in the Staples Center last year laying 14 points.
The Heat are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall and 8-22-2 ATS in their last 32 Sunday games, but they are on ATS streaks of 5-2-1 against the Pacific Division and 4-1-1 as an underdog of 11 points or more. The Lakers have been a disaster at the betting window, riding negative trends of 1-11 after a non-cover, 4-18 against the Eastern Conference, 0-5 against the Southeast Division, 4-13 as a favorite, 5-13 overall and 17-35 as a favorite of 11 points or more.
For Miami, the under is on streaks of 20-9 as a ‘dog, 13-6 as a road ‘dog, 6-1 on Sundays, 5-0 after a straight-up win and 4-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record. Los Angeles is on “over” runs of 11-4 against the Eastern Conference, 4-1 at home, 4-1 after a straight-up win and 12-5 as a favorite of 11 points or more. However, in this rivalry, the under has been the play in seven of the last eight.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI
CBB
Penn State (13-3, 7-2 ATS) at (22) Minnesota (14-1, 6-3-1 ATS)
Minnesota will try to make it eight straight over the Nittany Lions when it hosts this Big Ten matchup inside Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Penn State has split its first two conference games, losing at Wisconsin 65-61 as a 9½-point underdog back on Jan. 3 and then returning home to beat Purdue on Tuesday 67-64, cashing as a 2½-point favorite. The Nittany Lions have gotten the cash in their last three overall and they are 4-1 ATS in either road or neutral site contests this season.
Minnesota is 11-1 at home but just 4-3 ATS. The Gophers went to Iowa on Thursday and scored a 52-49 win as a 1½-point underdog. They have split their first two Big Ten games in Minnesota, losing to Michigan State and beating Ohio State. They are 5-1 ATS in their last six at home but just 2-7 ATS in front of the home fans in their last nine against teams with a winning record.
Penn State hasn’t beaten the Gophers since 2004, losing seven straight (2-5 ATS), including both matchups last season. Minnesota earned a 76-73 win in Pennsylvania as a 1½-point ‘dog and then beat the Nittany Lions 75-68 at home but failed to cash as and 11½-point chalk. The home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 series clashes, but the underdog has gotten the money in four of the last five.
The Lions are on ATS runs of 5-1 overall, 5-0 against Big Ten competition, 4-1 on the road and 5-2-2 on Sundays. Meanwhile the Gophers are on ATS streaks of 6-1 overall and 5-1 coming off a straight-up win.
For Penn State, the under is on streaks of 5-2 overall, 5-2 against Big Ten squads and 4-1 following a straight-up win. Minnesota is on “under” runs of 38-18 overall, 37-17 at home, 20-8 in conference play and 36-16-1 following a spread-cover. Finally, in this rivalry, the over is 8-1 in the last nine meetings, including 4-1 in Minnesota.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA
Wisconsin (12-3, 7-6 ATS) at (14) Purdue (11-4, 4-7 ATS)
The Boilermakers will try to end a two-game skid when they host Wisconsin in this Big Ten matchup inside Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
The two losses have been tough for Purdue. First, it fell 71-67 at home to Illinois in overtime in its conference opener on Dec. 30, losing as an eight-point favorite. Then on Tuesday, the Boilermakers lost at Penn State 67-64 an again failed to cash as a 2½-point chalk. Purdue is 0-3 ATS in its last three games overall and 2-6 ATS in its last eight lined contests.
Wisconsin has opened the Big Ten campaign with three straight wins (2-1 ATS), including Wednesday’s 74-45 blowout victory over Northwestern, easily cashing as a seven-point home favorite. The Badgers are 4-2 ATS in their six road/neutral site games this season and they are 6-3 ATS in their last nine overall.
Purdue swept the season series last year, winning 60-56 at home as a 1½-point home underdog and then shocking the Badgers at Wisconsin 72-67 as a 10-point pup in early-February. The Boilermakers are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings with the Badgers and 5-1 SU and ATS in the last six at Mackey Arena. Purdue has been an underdog in the last five matchups and covered each time.
Wisconsin is on positive ATS trends of 7-1 on the road, 9-2 against Big Ten squads, 14-6 after a straight-up win and 4-1 on Sundays. Purdue us just on ATS slides of 1-6 at home, 1-4 overall, 2-6 against teams with a winning record but the Boilermakers are 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 conference games.
For the Badgers, the under is 7-3 in their last 10 Big Ten games, 22-7 in their last 29 after a spread-cover and 8-2 in their last 10 Sunday games. The Gophers have topped the total in seven of their last 10 Sunday games and four of their last five conference games. In this rivalry, the under is 4-1 in the last five clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
(3) North Carolina (14-1, 6-7 ATS) at (4) Wake Forest (13-0, 5-4 ATS)
The Demon Deacons put their perfect record on the line in this classic ACC showdown with North Carolina.
There was talk of a perfect season for the Tar Heels until they were shocked at home by Boston College a week ago 85-78 as 23-point favorites. Roy Williams’ squad was able to rebound in emphatic style with Wednesday’s 108-70 win over Charlotte, cashing in as a 27-point favorite. The ‘Heels average 93.1 points a game and shoot 49.8 percent from the floor.
Wake has been perfect this season, but this is the first conference game for the Deacons. They’ve had more than a week off since their 94-87 win in Provo, Utah, on Jan. 3, beating BYU as a four-point underdog and halting the Cougars’ 53-game home winning streak. Wake Forest has the offense to hang with North Carolina, averaging 85.2 points a game and shooting 51.2 percent from the floor while holding the opposition to 36.4 percent shooting and 64.1 points.
North Carolina has won four straight (4-0 ATS) in this rivalry, including last year’s 89-73 win, narrowly cashing as a 15½-point favorite.
The Tar Heels are just 0-4 ATS in their last four ACC contests and 1-5 ATS following a straight-up win, but they are on a plethora of positive ATS streaks, including 39-16-1 after a spread-cover, 4-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 27-11 against teams with a winning overall record. Wake is just 1-5 ATS in its last six ACC games, but it is 13-6-2 ATS in its last 21 home games and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games following a spread-cover.
For North Carolina, the over is 5-1 in its last six Sunday games and 8-3-1 in its last 12 after a spread-cover. The Demon Deacons have topped the total in six of their last eight ACC games and four of their last five against teams with a winning record. In this series, the over has been the play in four of the last five overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(10) UCLA (12-2, 6-7 ATS) at USC (10-4, 6-6 ATS)
Crosstown rivals meet for the first of two games this season when UCLA makes the short trek to the Galen Center in Los Angeles to face the Trojans.
UCLA is riding an eight-game winning streak (3-4 ATS) and hasn’t lost since an early-December visit to Texas, a 68-64 setback as a six-point underdog. The Bruins swept their opening Pac-10 doubleheader last weekend, winning 69-46 at Oregon State on Jan. 2 as a 15-point favorite and then scoring an 83-74 win at Oregon a week ago, coming up just short as a 10½-point chalk.
USC had its five-game winning streak stopped at Oregon State a week ago, falling 62-58 in overtime as an 11-point favorite. The Trojans, who hold the opposition to 59.2 points and 37.5 percent shooting at home, are 8-0 inside the Galen Center but just 3-3 ATS in lined contests.
The Bruins took two of three against USC last season (1-2 ATS), winning 56-46 on the Trojans’ home court as 6½-point favorites and then eliminating USC from the Pac-10 tournament with a 57-54 win, but falling well short as eight-point favorites. UCLA has won seven of the last nine meetings, but the Trojans have gotten the cash in five of the last six, all as an underdog. The road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS over the last two years in this rivalry.
UCLA is 0-4 ATS in its last four Sunday games, but the Bruins are on ATS streaks of 36-16-1 on the road, 37-17 after a non-cover, 9-3 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 4-0 against teams with a winning record. The Trojans are also 0-4 ATS in their last four Sunday games and just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games against teams with a winning road mark, but they are on positive ATS streaks of 18-6 following a straight-up loss and 19-7 following a non-cover.
The Bruins have topped the total in five of their last seven Pac-10 games, but otherwise the under is on runs of 5-2 on the road, 5-2 on Sundays and 4-1 following a non-cover. The Trojans are on “over” streaks of 9-4 at home, 23-10 in Pac-10 games, 5-2 overall and 4-1 following a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA
Platinum Plays
San Diego @ Pittsburgh UNDER 38
This is a great time of year in the NFL where pretty much the best eight teams are left and each game is the end of another year for the loser. Our best against your best and let it all out on the field. San Diego and Pittsburgh played each other earlier this year in snowy and sloppy conditions that resulted in a Pittsburgh victory (11-10) on a Jeff Reed 32 yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining. The early forecast for Sunday’s contest is 28° and sunny which should mean Heinz Field should be in pretty good shape for this time of year.
Norv Turner brings his red hot San Diego Chargers to town and they have to feel very good about their chances. They won four games in a row at the end of the season to make up a three game deficit to the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West. In the first round of the playoffs they defeated the Indianapolis Colts in overtime (23-17) behind the 300+ all purpose yards of the big, little man, Darren Sproles. They’ll likely have to depend on Spoles heavily again this Sunday as LaDainian Tomlinson is doubtful to play with a groing injury that will require surgery in the future. Chargers QB Phillip Rivers was the NFL’s highest rated passer (105.5) during the regular season and tossed 34 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions. The Chargers wideouts are decent and deep but, a big game by Chris Chambers would be welcomed. Unwelcomed is the distraction brought about by WR Vincent Jackson (Chargers leading receiver) who was picked up for his second DUI during the week. TE Antonio Gates has been battling a high ankle sprain and may not be 100% but, he’s still better than the majority of TE’s in the league, even when injured. The other TE Brandon Manumaleuna is a punishing run blocker with surprisingly soft hands. The Chargers offense was the NFL’s second best scoring at a rate of 27.4 points per game trailing only the New Orleans Saints. The Charger defense ranked right around the middle of the NFL giving up 21.7 points per game. I’m not sure about Norv Turner’s ability as a head coach however, the team finally started to play up to it’s talent level at the end of the year without having to depend on Turner motivating the team or his gameday coaching decisions.
The name of the game for the Pittsburgh Steelers is DEFENSE. They were the top ranked defense in the NFL this year giving up a stingy 13.7 points per game. Led by the zone-blitzing guru, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, the Steeler defense of 2008 was reminiscent of the “Steel Curtain” defenses of years ago. With hard-hitting S Troy Polamalu patroling all over the field and one of the finest linebacker corps (led by James Harrison -NFL Defensive Player of the Year) in the NFL, the Steelers pressure the quarterback from all angles and control opposing offenses. The defense was blessed by good health this season which also aided their cause. The Steelers are also hoping QB Ben Roethlisberger has recovered from a mild concussion suffered in the regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns. To be honest, he wasn’t all that great before the concussion throwing for 15 interceptions versus 17 touchdowns. However, he is the leader of the offense and the unit rallies around him. The Steelers really need RBs Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore to rush the ball effectively and run some game clock to keep the defense fresh. WR Hines Ward caught 81 passes for 1043 and adds the element of being a great run blocker. Head coach Mike Tomlin does a good job of getting his players focused but has made questionable decisions in the heat of the moment and the Steelers can’t afford any miscues during the playoffs.
The Chargers actually catch a break with RB LaDainian Tomlinson not expected to play. Tomlinson hasn’t been the same running back when he left a playoff game last year with a knee injury. Sproles is rested and more of a threat at the present and will challenge the Steelers defense to shut him down. The Steelers were (6-2) at home this year and the home field advantage could prove big against a Charger team that was (3-5) on the road. The current line for this game is Pittsburgh - 6 with the Over/Under currently 38. In a blueprint for postseason games of defense being a big part of advancing in the playoffs, look for this game to stay under 38.
San Diego @ Pittsburgh UNDER 38
This is a great time of year in the NFL where pretty much the best eight teams are left and each game is the end of another year for the loser. Our best against your best and let it all out on the field. San Diego and Pittsburgh played each other earlier this year in snowy and sloppy conditions that resulted in a Pittsburgh victory (11-10) on a Jeff Reed 32 yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining. The early forecast for Sunday’s contest is 28° and sunny which should mean Heinz Field should be in pretty good shape for this time of year.
Norv Turner brings his red hot San Diego Chargers to town and they have to feel very good about their chances. They won four games in a row at the end of the season to make up a three game deficit to the Denver Broncos to win the AFC West. In the first round of the playoffs they defeated the Indianapolis Colts in overtime (23-17) behind the 300+ all purpose yards of the big, little man, Darren Sproles. They’ll likely have to depend on Spoles heavily again this Sunday as LaDainian Tomlinson is doubtful to play with a groing injury that will require surgery in the future. Chargers QB Phillip Rivers was the NFL’s highest rated passer (105.5) during the regular season and tossed 34 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions. The Chargers wideouts are decent and deep but, a big game by Chris Chambers would be welcomed. Unwelcomed is the distraction brought about by WR Vincent Jackson (Chargers leading receiver) who was picked up for his second DUI during the week. TE Antonio Gates has been battling a high ankle sprain and may not be 100% but, he’s still better than the majority of TE’s in the league, even when injured. The other TE Brandon Manumaleuna is a punishing run blocker with surprisingly soft hands. The Chargers offense was the NFL’s second best scoring at a rate of 27.4 points per game trailing only the New Orleans Saints. The Charger defense ranked right around the middle of the NFL giving up 21.7 points per game. I’m not sure about Norv Turner’s ability as a head coach however, the team finally started to play up to it’s talent level at the end of the year without having to depend on Turner motivating the team or his gameday coaching decisions.
The name of the game for the Pittsburgh Steelers is DEFENSE. They were the top ranked defense in the NFL this year giving up a stingy 13.7 points per game. Led by the zone-blitzing guru, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, the Steeler defense of 2008 was reminiscent of the “Steel Curtain” defenses of years ago. With hard-hitting S Troy Polamalu patroling all over the field and one of the finest linebacker corps (led by James Harrison -NFL Defensive Player of the Year) in the NFL, the Steelers pressure the quarterback from all angles and control opposing offenses. The defense was blessed by good health this season which also aided their cause. The Steelers are also hoping QB Ben Roethlisberger has recovered from a mild concussion suffered in the regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns. To be honest, he wasn’t all that great before the concussion throwing for 15 interceptions versus 17 touchdowns. However, he is the leader of the offense and the unit rallies around him. The Steelers really need RBs Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore to rush the ball effectively and run some game clock to keep the defense fresh. WR Hines Ward caught 81 passes for 1043 and adds the element of being a great run blocker. Head coach Mike Tomlin does a good job of getting his players focused but has made questionable decisions in the heat of the moment and the Steelers can’t afford any miscues during the playoffs.
The Chargers actually catch a break with RB LaDainian Tomlinson not expected to play. Tomlinson hasn’t been the same running back when he left a playoff game last year with a knee injury. Sproles is rested and more of a threat at the present and will challenge the Steelers defense to shut him down. The Steelers were (6-2) at home this year and the home field advantage could prove big against a Charger team that was (3-5) on the road. The current line for this game is Pittsburgh - 6 with the Over/Under currently 38. In a blueprint for postseason games of defense being a big part of advancing in the playoffs, look for this game to stay under 38.
Randall The Handle
Eagles @ Giants PINNACLE
Line: New York by 4
Many will look back at a December 14 contest between these two combatants as a gauge of what might happen at the Meadowlands this Sunday. That would be a mistake. The Giants entered that one as a 7-point favourite but succumbed to the visiting Eagles by a 20-14 count. Anyone that has watched the Giants play these past couple of years would concur that New York had one of its worst performances in recent memory. If you remember, that was the week when the Plaxico Burress incident drew all of its attention and it proved to be a huge distraction to the host. Don’t expect the same team to take the field on this day. The Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions. The Eagles had an improbable entry into the playoffs when the Buccaneers were upset by the lowly Raiders. Philadelphia won a playoff game in Minnesota last week and that is admirable but this task will be much tougher. The Eagles don’t travel well at the best of times. They were 3-4-1 on the road this season while the Giants were an impressive 7-1 at home. Even though the Eagles are familiar with this venue and have had some success here, Giants fans will be juiced up for this one as it will be the first time since the G-Men have hosted a playoff game since a 2005 wild-card game. Prior results notwithstanding, it makes no sense to us that the Vikings were a 3-point choice over these Eagles last week and that the Giants are only a 4-point pick here. Asking a suspect Philadelphia squad to win here twice in six weeks is asking a lot.
TAKING: New York –4
RISKING: 2.08 units to win 2
Chargers @ Steelers PINNACLE
Line: Pittsburgh by 6
Are the Chargers for real or just a bunch of pretenders that have reached the end of the line? No one seems to know for sure but until this recent run ends, it would seem prudent to jump on board. Say what you like about San Diego head coach Norv Turner but he is the anti-Schottenheimer, having won 12 of past 13 in December and January. With a win here, Turner would become the winningest playoff coach in Chargers history. It will take some work as the Steelers are no pushover. Pittsburgh owned the NFL's top ranked defence surrendering a league-low 223 points on the season. Clearly, stopping opponents is not an issue. However, offence is. Pittsburgh struggled with the ball for most of the season. Those concerns can be attributed to a weak offensive line that had QB Ben Rothlisberger running for his life and laying on the ground much more than anyone in Steeltown would have liked. San Diego is well aware of this and will do everything in its power to exploit its opponent’s weakness. In their previous encounter this season, Pittsburgh was victorious by a mere 11-10 count. While we expect more points than that on this day, we might get them from the visitor only. Philip Rivers is a top-tier quarterback. San Diego has a fresh and capable runner in Darren Sproles. The Chargers defence has improved since Ron Rivera took over a few weeks ago as coordinator. If there has been a strange destiny this season, it belongs to this quirky invader and an upset could be in the making.
TAKING: San Diego +6
RISKING: 1.08 units to win 1
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Eagles @ Giants PINNACLE
Line: New York by 4
Many will look back at a December 14 contest between these two combatants as a gauge of what might happen at the Meadowlands this Sunday. That would be a mistake. The Giants entered that one as a 7-point favourite but succumbed to the visiting Eagles by a 20-14 count. Anyone that has watched the Giants play these past couple of years would concur that New York had one of its worst performances in recent memory. If you remember, that was the week when the Plaxico Burress incident drew all of its attention and it proved to be a huge distraction to the host. Don’t expect the same team to take the field on this day. The Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions. The Eagles had an improbable entry into the playoffs when the Buccaneers were upset by the lowly Raiders. Philadelphia won a playoff game in Minnesota last week and that is admirable but this task will be much tougher. The Eagles don’t travel well at the best of times. They were 3-4-1 on the road this season while the Giants were an impressive 7-1 at home. Even though the Eagles are familiar with this venue and have had some success here, Giants fans will be juiced up for this one as it will be the first time since the G-Men have hosted a playoff game since a 2005 wild-card game. Prior results notwithstanding, it makes no sense to us that the Vikings were a 3-point choice over these Eagles last week and that the Giants are only a 4-point pick here. Asking a suspect Philadelphia squad to win here twice in six weeks is asking a lot.
TAKING: New York –4
RISKING: 2.08 units to win 2
Chargers @ Steelers PINNACLE
Line: Pittsburgh by 6
Are the Chargers for real or just a bunch of pretenders that have reached the end of the line? No one seems to know for sure but until this recent run ends, it would seem prudent to jump on board. Say what you like about San Diego head coach Norv Turner but he is the anti-Schottenheimer, having won 12 of past 13 in December and January. With a win here, Turner would become the winningest playoff coach in Chargers history. It will take some work as the Steelers are no pushover. Pittsburgh owned the NFL's top ranked defence surrendering a league-low 223 points on the season. Clearly, stopping opponents is not an issue. However, offence is. Pittsburgh struggled with the ball for most of the season. Those concerns can be attributed to a weak offensive line that had QB Ben Rothlisberger running for his life and laying on the ground much more than anyone in Steeltown would have liked. San Diego is well aware of this and will do everything in its power to exploit its opponent’s weakness. In their previous encounter this season, Pittsburgh was victorious by a mere 11-10 count. While we expect more points than that on this day, we might get them from the visitor only. Philip Rivers is a top-tier quarterback. San Diego has a fresh and capable runner in Darren Sproles. The Chargers defence has improved since Ron Rivera took over a few weeks ago as coordinator. If there has been a strange destiny this season, it belongs to this quirky invader and an upset could be in the making.
TAKING: San Diego +6
RISKING: 1.08 units to win 1
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Power Sweep
This will be the 4th meeting in as many years with PIT being 2-1 SU & 1-2 ATS. PIT beat SD 11-10 in Wk 11 but failed to cover as a 5 pt HF due to an officiating blunder. SD had a 10-8 lead with 6:41 left on a cold, snowy day but PIT hit a 32 yd FG with :11 left. SD struggled with PIT's muddy field & the Steelers had a 410-213 yd edge with a 13:02 TOP edge. PIT hurt themselves with 13 penalties (115 yds) and being SOD & settling for 2 FG's on 3 drives inside the SD14. SD had 3 drives inside the PIT17 with a TD, int & FG. Roethlisberger threw for 308 (76%) while Rivers had his worst game of the year with 164 yds (58%) with an 0-2 ratio. PIT has outgained foes 312-236 (+0 TO's) with a 23-14 avg score going 6-2 SU & 4-4 ATS at home TY. SD went 3-5 SU & 3-5-1 ATS on the road being outgained 376-331 (-3 TO's) with a 24.4-23.8 avg score. SD is 4-6 SU & 5-4-1 ATS vs teams above .500 while PIT went 4-4 SU & 3-5 ATS (no SD). IND & NE are the 2 common foes with PIT going 1-1 SU & ATS with a 330-279 yd edge. SD went 2-1 SU & ATS with a 385-335 yd edge. Tomlin lost his 1st playoff game to JAX LY 31-29 but covered as a 2.5 pt HD. West Coast teams went 3-17 SU, 8-11-1 ATS, 10-10 O/U on East Coast trips with SD going 1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS & 0-3 O/U.
Once again SD clawed its way past a slow start to a playoff spot thanks to outstanding play by Phillip Rivers & a D that has improved since Ron Rivera took over at the bye. Rivers has had to put up MVP numbers with the decline of Tomlinson (career worst 68 ypg, 3.6) who has just two 100 yd games rushing TY vs 6 LY. Rivers was 1st in QBR, 1st in ypa, 5th in passing yds & 1st in TD passes. He’s spread the ball around well with 6 players having 27+ rec & 3 with 50+ rec. The leading WR is Vincent Jackson whose 18.6 ypc is 2nd in the NFL. Chris Chambers has been slowed with an ankle inj & while Gates remains an elite TE his numbers are down as he’s had to help out the OL with its blocking. LT McNeill has struggled with a neck inj from ‘07 & Ctr Hardwick didn’t get off to a good start due to a foot inj & the OL has given up 25 sacks. SD’s defense never clicked under former DC Ted Cotrell & they gave up 372 ypg with a 25 ppg avg. The loss of OLB Merriman was a big blow but OLB Cooper was susp for the first 4 & Merriman’s replacement Jyles Tucker missed 3 games. Over the next 7 games SD all’d 330 ypg with an 18 ppg avg as DC Rivera crafted a better pass rush & NT Jamal Williams got healthier. SD’s #31 pass defense has been horrible TY despite being fairly healthy allowing 247 ypg passing (68%) with a 24-13 ratio & the slower LB’s are vulnerable vs TE’s. SD has our #16 spec teams thanks to a 40.9 net avg by Scifres & Sproles having an impressive 11.7 PR avg & 26.1 KR avg.
While Roethlisberger sustained a concussion vs CLE in the season finale HC Tomlin expects him to return for the #22 offense. OC Arians noted that QB Leftwich knows the offense & he won't pare down the playbook. The OL has taken quite a bit of heat for its sack total (29th) as Roethlisberger's 80.1 QBR was 24th in the NFL. He finished was 21st in comp% & tied for 28th in int due to hurrying his pass att's. While Willie Parker led the team in rushing for the 4th consec year he missed 5 games due to injury. He finished with 4 games of 100+ yds & PIT is 22-3 SU when he rushes for 100 yds. Mewelde Moore is a solid #2 RB that has proven that he can start for short periods & his 40 rec (8.0) backs up his versatility. Hines Ward had his best year since 2004 with 81 rec (tied 14th) remaining one of the most reliable WR's in the NFL & is a widely respected blocker. Holmes has fully developed into a #2 WR with deep threat potential while ***** Miller is an underrated receiving TE. PIT's was just short of leading the NFL in all 4 major defensive categories TY. They finished 1st in total defense (237 ypg), pass def (157 ypg), scoring def (13.9) & 2nd in rush def (80.3). PIT's 2511 passing yds allowed are the 3rd fewest since 1978. PIT has held foes to 300 yds or less in 15 games TY & only allowed 29 pts total in the 3Q. Their 51 sacks (2nd) were 2nd best in team history as LB's Harrison & Woodley combined for 27.5 sacks. PIT's defensive 5.4 ypa is the best of the 12 playoff teams & they have a 12-20 ratio with Polamalu leading the team with 7 int. The Steelers have our #16 special teams unit as while they have good coverage units the return units are weak with just 6.2 on PR's (31st) & 19.1 on KR's (29th).
The biggest question for PIT will be the health of Roethlisberger but indications are that he'll be fine. This game features the best playoff defense (PIT) vs the worst playoff defense (SD). PIT has held 6 of L7 foes to 13 pts or less while SD has allowed 21 or more to 5 of their L6. SD won a very weak AFC West while PIT overcame what was billed as one of the toughest skd's in the NFL before the year started. PIT has more balance on offense than SD & has a huge edge with a poor field in poor weather with their defense making it enough to end SD's smoke & mirrors run.
FORECAST: PITTSBURGH BY 17 RATING: 4★
The Super Bowl Champs not only suffered no letdown, they improved their regular season record by 2 wins. Only 3x's in the L/20Y has the SB champ improved their record & 2x those tms won B2B Super Bowls (SF '88 & '89, DEN '97 & '98). PHI & NYG are 2 of the 3 tms that finished in the Top 10 on off & def (NE the other). The visitor has won & covered 3 straight in the series. The Giants beat PHI 36-31 in the 1st meeting as a 3 pt AD on SNF. The Giants played to the strength of their run game (45 rush att's 219 yds) & had 26-17 FD & 401-300 yd edges. The Giants came in tired for the 2nd game off BAL followed by B2B road trips vs ARZ & WAS. The Plaxico situation also caught up to them & PHI played like the desperate team. PHI had a 332-141 yd edge before the Giants' 70 yd TD drive in the final 2:00. The Giants also lost RB Jacobs on the 2nd play of the 2H. The Giants went 7-1 SU & 6-2 ATS with a 25-18 avg score at home. PHI is 4-4-1 SU & 5-4 ATS on the road with 21-23 avg score. NFC East Div HF's are 6-16 ATS including playoffs. Reid is 5-1 ATS as a playoff dog while Coughlin is 2-2 ATS as a playoff HF.
The core of the PHI offense remains Donovan McNabb & Brian Westbrook & both went through a trying year. McNabb was benched vs BAL after getting nothing done vs the Ravens #2 D in the 1H. Since then he’s avg’d 229 ypg (64%) with a 9-1 ratio going 4-1 SU/ATS. Westbrook has been dealing with inj’s & a year after six 100 yd rushing gms he has just 3. PHI’s offense has been boosted by a better receiving unit & 6 players have 30+ rec. Rookie DeSean Jackson leads the team in rec & rec yds & is potent on special teams. Westbrook is 2nd on the team in rec’s as Reid is the most pass dependant coach in the NFL. LY’s PHI offense struggled without TE LJ Smith as he split coverage in the middle of the field. Baskett is the possession WR & Curtis is a speed threat but he has missed half the season with inj. PHI’s OL is better suited to pass blocking (23 sks all’d) but the OT’s are very long in the tooth. PHI lost RG Jean-Giles & has been working with Nick Cole the L4W but he has 6 career starts. PHI has been weak at the POA in short ydg situations (ie goal line vs CHI). PHI’s DL has great chemistry starting all 16 TY holding 11 tms to under 88 yds rush (3.0) though they did give up 200+ yds to WAS & NYG. DC Johnson believes in bringing pressure from everywhere & 15 players have at least 1 sk. PHI’s LB’s are fast & flow to the ball well. PHI invested heavily in CB Samuel to give them a very deep secondary & teams have comp just 54% of their passes with a 6.1 ypa with a 19-15 ratio. PHI has our #18 spec tms as DeSean Jackson has cooled a bit after a strong start & David Akers has cost them in several games.
The Giants improved their offense from LY's SB season finishing #7 (#16 LY) while finishing as the #1 rush offense (#4 LY). Eli Manning (3238, 60.3%) took another step forward & continued to mature finishing with a 21-10 ratio (10-3 at home). In the last 4' games (only played 1H vs MIN) without Burress, Manning avg'd 204 ypg (56%) with a 3-3 ratio. The offense produced a pair of 1,000 yd rushers in Brandon Jacobs (1,089, 5.0, 15 TD's) & Derrick Ward (1,025, 5.6). Jacobs has missed 3 games (inj) but he brings the offense its signature toughness. Manning has spread the ball around as 6 players had 33+ rec's & 4 have 384+ yds. Steve Smith (574, 10.1) finished as the #1 but never had over 5 catches in the L11 games. Domenik Hixon (596, 13.9) became the deep speed threat after Burress was susp but had issues with an ankle sprain. Kevin Boss (384, 11.6) allowed the NY faithful to forget about the departed Shockey. The OL has been one of the best TY as they have started every game the L2Y together & while they allowed 28 sacks they opened the way for 5.0 ypc. The defense also improved from their Champ season finishing #5 (#8 LY) despite losing Strahan & Umeniora. While the DL couldn't match the huge sack numbers of '07 (61) they still finished #6 with 42. Those numbers are skewed as they had 30 sacks the first 8 gms with 18 of those vs STL, CIN & SF. The Giants have the #4 rush def on the year (96 ypg, 4.0) but have allowed 128 ypg (4.1) their L4. MLB Antonio Pierce is the defensive play caller & a very underrated player esp vs the run. The Giants have played 4 games vs top 10 offenses (PHI, ARZ, CAR) allowing 230 ypg passing (58%) with a 5-2 but minus the ARZ game that drops to 190 ypg. The Giants have our #8 special teams unit as P Feagles has a 40.2 net avg (4th) & the coverage units have been impressive (PR 3rd, KR 12th).
This will be a very tough battle between these division foes in a venue the road team is used to operating in. The Giants will get RB Jacobs back & he will be counted on to set the tone here. The Giants will set their LB's on shutting down Westbrook who has avg'd 134 (5.4) combined ypg in his L5 in the Meadowlands. PHI played a physical game vs MIN LW & has to travel for the 3rd time in 4 wks. Look for a rested & focused Giants team to play to their strengths & be determined to run the ball on the Eagles for the win.
FORECAST: NY GIANTS BY 8 RATING: 1★<!-- / message -->
Maddux
Today's Free Pick is SD & Pittsburgh Over 37
Insiders Sports Group
Tony Mathew's Free NBA Selection for January 11, 2009.
Matchup: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Selection: Los Angeles Clippers +10 (-110)
Las Vegas Sports Investments
Free College Basketball Selection by Brian Marshall
January 11, 2009
Game: North Carolina vs. Wake Forest
Plays On: Wake Forest +5 (-110)
Today's Free Pick is SD & Pittsburgh Over 37
Insiders Sports Group
Tony Mathew's Free NBA Selection for January 11, 2009.
Matchup: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Selection: Los Angeles Clippers +10 (-110)
Las Vegas Sports Investments
Free College Basketball Selection by Brian Marshall
January 11, 2009
Game: North Carolina vs. Wake Forest
Plays On: Wake Forest +5 (-110)
Specs
(Hometrackadvantage)
Philadelphia +4
Another game in here in which I believe will be an outright win for the underdog. The Eagles defense is killing it right now. The millions of dollars they gave Asante Samuel this year just paid off with the playoff pick-6 last week. I’m looking for him to get another one this week. The eagles are going to pressure Eli and he is going to throw it up for grabs a few times just as he does every time he is pressured. Obviously the Giants are going to come prepared and this will not be a blow out by either team. It certainly could come down to a final field goal so with the 4 points you will be all set.
Pittsburgh -6
This team is very solid and at home they are really tough to beat. No LT for San Diego but he has not been the same all year anyway so that is not a reason to go against them. I just think that with the extra week to prepare and get some people healthy that the Steelers are going to be too much to handle. They get the 10-14 point win here.
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(Hometrackadvantage)
Philadelphia +4
Another game in here in which I believe will be an outright win for the underdog. The Eagles defense is killing it right now. The millions of dollars they gave Asante Samuel this year just paid off with the playoff pick-6 last week. I’m looking for him to get another one this week. The eagles are going to pressure Eli and he is going to throw it up for grabs a few times just as he does every time he is pressured. Obviously the Giants are going to come prepared and this will not be a blow out by either team. It certainly could come down to a final field goal so with the 4 points you will be all set.
Pittsburgh -6
This team is very solid and at home they are really tough to beat. No LT for San Diego but he has not been the same all year anyway so that is not a reason to go against them. I just think that with the extra week to prepare and get some people healthy that the Steelers are going to be too much to handle. They get the 10-14 point win here.
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