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SuperContest Picks - Week 10

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 1,854 entries, which is an all-time record.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 10

1) Pittsburgh -2.5 (671)
2) New Orleans -2.5 (550)
3) Atlanta PK (538)
4) Green Bay -2.5 (521)
5) Carolina -3 (417)

SuperContest Week 10 Matchups & Odds

Away Team Selections Home Team Selections

Cleveland (+9.5) 169 Baltimore (-9.5) 39
Houston (-1.5) 304 Jacksonville (+1.5) 406
Kansas City (+3) 282 Carolina (-3) 417
Denver (+2.5) 272 New Orleans (-2.5) 550
Los Angeles (+1.5) 134 N.Y. Jets (-1.5) 249
Atlanta (PK) 538 Philadelphia (PK) 408
Minnesota (+3) 321 Washington (-3) 374
Green Bay (-2.5) 521 Tennessee (+2.5) 164
Chicago (PK) 320 Tampa Bay (PK) 310
Miami (+4) 226 San Diego (-4) 412
San Francisco (+13.5) 101 Arizona (-13.5) 259
Dallas (+2.5) 356 Pittsburgh (-2.5) 671
Seattle (+7.5) 373 New England (-7.5) 353
Cincinnati (+2) 376 N.Y. Giants (-2) 240


Weekly and Overall Consensus Records

Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage

1 3-2 3-2 60%
2 0-5 3-7 30%
3 0-5 3-12 20%
4 1-4 4-16 20%
5 3-2 6-14 30%
6 1-3-1 5-19-1 21%
7 3-2 8-21-1 28%
8 3-2 11-23-1 32%
9 2-3 13-26-1 33%

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'The-Boys head to Pittsburgh'

They were bitter rivals in the 1970s, but these days, the Dallas Cowboys (7-1 SU and ATS) don’t get to play the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4 SU and ATS) very often. They'll meet this Sunday at Heinz Field, kicking off at 4:25 PM ET on FOX. At press time, the Steelers are 2-point favourites with a total of 50, down from –3 at the open.

The Cowboys seem happy to continue with rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback. Tony Romo may be activated this week if he makes enough progress in practice, but with Prescott playing at a Pro-Bowl level, there's no rush to put Romo in harm's way. The Cowboys have one of the best offenses in the league, and their defense has been surprisingly competent after four years of sub-par performances.

The Steelers were much happier to get Ben Roethlisberger back in the lineup after he tore a meniscus in Week 6, but they may have pushed him too hard. Roethlisberger was clearly less than 100% in last Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens (+3.5 at home). To make matters worse, centre Maurkice Pouncey dislocated his thumb in Baltimore and might not be available against Dallas.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Texans (5-3) at Jaguars (2-6)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien continues to emphasize the importance of creating more turnovers.

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley is having many of the same conversations with his team.

Entering the teams' first matchup of the season, the Texans and Jaguars are each eager to generate more takeaways on defense to support sputtering offenses as the race for the AFC South continues Sunday at EverBank Field.

"The past two years, we've been pretty good," O'Brien said. "The first year, we were real good at it. Last year, the second half of the year, it picked up for us. ... This year, we are obviously behind the eight ball."

Houston hit the midway point of the season 1 1/2 games ahead of Indianapolis and Tennessee in the division despite forcing just six turnovers (three interceptions and three fumble recoveries). Only Jacksonville's five takeaways (three interceptions and two fumble recoveries) are fewer this season.

Unsurprisingly, each team is near the bottom of the league in turnover differential. The Texans (5-3) are tied for 29th at minus-7; the Jaguars (2-6) are last at minus-12.

Houston's low total is uncharacteristic for a franchise that usually feasts on turnovers. The Texans led the league with 34 two years ago and still finished a respectable 12th with 25 last season.

But the most glaring issue has been their inability to make plays on the road. The Texans are 0-3 this season away from Houston and have yet to cause a turnover in games against New England, Minnesota and Denver while totaling a minus-6 turnover differential.

They are hopeful a trip to Jacksonville will change that.

"In the past couple years that we've been here, we've been able to turn that around," said O'Brien, whose team has alternated wins and losses for the past six weeks, "because that stat right there points right toward the won/loss record."

Jacksonville is experiencing the same problem right now.

The defense was overhauled during the offseason and has performed mostly as expected aside from embarrassing blowout losses at San Diego and at Tennessee. But a stunning lack of takeaways has everyone perplexed.

Jacksonville hasn't forced a turnover in 19 quarters going back to an interception of Colts quarterback Andrew Luck during a Week 4 game in London.

That deficiency was made obvious during a 19-14 loss at Kansas City last week. The Jaguars had 15 more first downs and 218 more yards of offense than the Chiefs but were undone by four turnovers that led to their third straight loss.

Jacksonville had a prime opportunity to snap their takeaway drought last week when a pass by Chiefs quarterback Nick Foles was overthrown and headed straight toward Jaguars cornerback Prince Amukamara. However, Amukamara collided with free safety Tashaun Gipson at the last second and the pass fell to the turf.

That's how it has seemed to go for the Jaguars all season.

"What you saw is probably the same feeling I had," Bradley said of the play. "We've got to have those. You have a chance to go back there and make a play and you get one thrown up to you, I don't know what to say on that one other than catch the ones thrown to you."

Each team should enter Sunday relatively healthy.

Jaguars defensive end Jared Odrick has missed the past two games with a foot injury, but is expected to play. Safety Tashaun Gipson (hamstring) and wide receiver Allen Hurns (concussion) are questionable.

For Houston, wide receiver Jaelen Strong (ankle) and safety Lonnie Ballentine (groin/ankle/knee) are out, while nose tackle Vince Wilfork (groin), linebacker Brian Peters (quad), cornerback A.J. Bouye (ankle) and linebacker Brian Peters (quadriceps) are questionable.

But the story of the game will be which team can create takeaways, and there could finally be some opportunities for each defense.

Jacksonville quarterback Blakes Bortles is third in the league with 10 interceptions and Houston's Brock Osweiler has nine of his own. Behind their inconsistent play, the Jaguars are 28th in scoring (19.1 points per game). The Texans are 30th (17.1 points per game).

That makes creating takeaways critically important for both teams.

"I feel like they're going to come," Bouye said. "We haven't been getting as many as we wanted, but we just have to keep pounding and eventually they're going to come."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Chiefs (6-2) at Panthers (3-5)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers can draw a degree of inspiration from the Kansas City Chiefs.

But how much weight that carries might depend on the result between the teams Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium.

The Panthers have won two games in a row since starting the season with only one victory across their first six games. A year ago, the Chiefs were 1-5 before rebounding to make the playoffs.

"It has been done before," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said, referring to the Chiefs responding from a miserable start.

For as much commotion as Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has caused around the NFL the past couple of weeks regarding officiating and a dialogue with commissioner Roger Goodell, the Chiefs have their own quarterback news.

That's because Alex Smith, who missed a game with what was listed as a head/ear injury, will be back in action.

"I feel like I can go through a normal week," Smith said. "I'm pumped to get back and get going."

Smith missed the victory against Jacksonville, with Nick Foles filling in. But the Chiefs (6-2) count on Smith, and that's part of the reason why coach Andy Reid said he thought it was best that he take a week off after hitting his head hard in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chiefs look comfortable when Smith has been at the controls.

"He runs their offense very well and he has some pretty good weapons around him," Rivera said.

Smith also will have the services of running back Spencer Ware, who has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (groin), however, will not play, joining defensive end Jaye Howard (hip) on the sideline. Linebacker Justin Houston (knee) is unlikely to make his return as well.

Having all the available big-play threats is something that the Chiefs figure they might need this week because Carolina's defense.

"It jumps out on film how strong they are," Smith said. "They've played a lot of football at a high level."

The Panthers (3-5) are coming off victories against Arizona and the Los Angeles Rams (3-5).

"You could say they're back on track," Reid said.

Still, the Panthers have an uphill climb in the NFC South, but it's not something they're consumed with at the moment.

"We've been focusing on one game at a time and that has been our approach and we're not going to change that," Rivera said.

The past two weeks, Newton said the Panthers have reaped the rewards that come with putting in the work.

"We knew we were doing the proper things," Newton said. "We were still trying to have the winning ingredients."

Newton has been at the center of what's an ongoing conversation regarding protection of quarterbacks, particularly after he called out NFL officiating for what he claimed was putting him in unsafe situations after the most recent home game.

Newton said he doesn't want to be caught up in that or other topics that could be distractions.

"My job is to win football games, not grade myself," he said.

Yet Newton's protection is one of the key components for Carolina's game plan.

"We've got to keep our pocket clean for our quarterback," Rivera said.

Newton said the Chiefs have "a very opportunistic defense and we have to control the line of scrimmage. I think that's one of the challenges of the game."

Newton said struggles on offense have popped up frequently, pinning the responsibility on the Panthers.

"We have to have answers," he said. "It doesn't matter what defense is called."

Carolina's injury situation seemed unclear, with center Ryan Kalil and linebacker Shaq Thompson listed as questionable.

Linebacker Thomas Davis' 12 tackles and one interception against the Rams were a boost for the Carolina defense while linebacker A.J. Klein filled in for Thompson.

Rivera said the Panthers appeared to be a fatigued team, something he attributed to coming off the West Coast trip. He said the energy level will need to be high by the weekend when encountering the Chiefs.

Rivera said he can tie some of his success as a coach to spending time on Reid's staff with the Philadelphia Eagles. Rivera was the linebackers coach under Reid from 1999 to 2003.

This will be only the sixth meeting between the teams, with Kansas City winning the most recent matchup 27-21 in December 2012 at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Broncos (6-3) at Saints (4-4)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS -- The defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, who last year had the most suffocating defense in the NFL, have been vulnerable this season stopping the run.

The New Orleans Saints, who usually live and die on the ageless right arm of Drew Brees, have found some offensive balance by running the ball effectively in back-to-back wins to climb back into playoff contention.

While Sunday's game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome pits Brees against the Broncos' top-ranked pass defense, the outcome could rest on how well the Saints (4-4) can run the ball to keep Denver's defense working overtime. The Broncos (6-3) saw that play out last week as they were on the field for 80 snaps in a 30-20 road loss to the Oakland Raiders.

"It's concerning because we've been really good at (stopping the run), and then we've given up almost 400 yards lately," Denver coach Gary Kubiak said. "There's also been a lot of big short-yardage plays where we thought we were there to make the tackle, and we didn't tackle well."

The Raiders shredded the Broncos last week for 218 yards on 43 carries. Denver has allowed eight rushes of 20 yards or more, third most in the NFL, and it is surrendering the fourth-most rushing yards overall (128.6 per game).

The Saints come into Sunday's game knowing they can throw the ball - Brees leads the NFL with an average of 336.1 passing yards per game. New Orleans has also found a spark with its dormant running game.

The Saints rushed for 248 yards on 42 carries in a 41-23 road victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week, the most rushing yards in a game in coach Sean Payton's 11 seasons. Tim Hightower and Mark Ingram each have had a 100-yard game in the last two weeks.

Payton figures to keeping looking for balance, especially since the Broncos have one of the league's top pass rushers in linebacker Von Miller.

"He's elite, and you would say, clearly, the best pass rusher in our game right now," Payton said. "He wins with speed, he wins with power, his get-off is outstanding. If you sit there with the same cadence, you know at the breath of 'hut' he's going to be one step past your tackle. He's a fantastic player."

Kubiak was effusive in his praise of Brees, who has two 400-yard passing games this season along with another three games of at least 323 yards. Brees' 21 touchdown passes rank second in the league to Atlanta's Matt Ryan (23), and he has thrown just five interceptions.

Brees also is the NFC's top third-down passer, completing 72.1 percent, with eight touchdowns against one interception. He ranks third behind Sam Bradford of Minnesota and Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay in fourth-quarter passing.

"We've faced a lot of good quarterbacks, and this one's got to be on top of the list," Kubiak said. "He's exceptional. One of the finest players I've ever seen from being a quarterback guy and watching that position."

"Drew's the best passer in the league right now," Miller said. "He's leading the league in passing yards, and it's not the first time he's done it. Over the years, he's been (Nos.) 1 or 2. He's just a great quarterback. He goes through all his progressions. He's got a high IQ."

The Broncos allow a league-low 183.3 yards passing per game.

"It's a tremendous challenge," Brees said. "They're defending Super Bowl champs for a reason. It's because there's really not a weak link in that defense. Their front four - or really front five - rushers, to their linebacker corps to their secondary, it's top notch. All those guys are play-makers. They fly around, they get after you."

Trevor Siemian, Denver's first-year starter at quarterback, has struggled with a left shoulder injury, completing just 59.8 percent of his passes with 10 TDs and five interceptions. He took several big hits against the Raiders.

Siemian bounced back from a rocky 1-of-7 start to throw for 286 yards and two scores against the Raiders. The Broncos, however, have failed to pick up a first down on 25 of their last 51 possessions in their last four games, and they've gone 2-2 in those games.

"We've got to find some consistency," Kubiak said. "I feel really good about what Trevor's doing, but, like any other player, he's got to get better."

For the Saints, starting left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) is questionable. Linebackers Stephone Anthony (hamstring) and Dannell Ellerbe (quadriceps) are out. Denver cornerback Aqib Talib (lower back) and defensivbe end Derek Wolfe (elbow) are out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rams (3-5) at Jets (3-6)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Rams hope a change of coasts and a slumping opponent will change their fortunes Sunday when they travel to face the New York Jets (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

After a 3-1 start put them on top of the NFC West, the Rams (3-5) are riding a four-game losing streak.

The Jets (3-6) are last in the AFC East, and there are rumors of discipline issues leaking from inside the team's facilities.

Both the Rams and the Jets need a victory this weekend. The winner may be able to salvage its record. The loser simply will be digging the hole deeper on what would be a lost season.

Both franchises have issues at the quarterback position. Both teams stuck with journeymen veterans instead of turning the reins over to younger players who were high draft picks.

The Jets re-signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a free agent contact after the well-traveled Harvard product had a career year for the team in 2015. Fitzpatrick has not produced close to those same statistics in 2016 and already was benched once this season.

Quarterback Geno Smith replaced Fitzpatrick for a start but got injured. The Jets also have young QBs Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg waiting in the wings.

Fitzpatrick missed a series in a loss to the Miami Dolphins last week due to a knee sprain, and is listed as questionable to play against the Rams.

Petty looked solid in his stead, and that at least has coach Todd Bowles thinking about making a switch.

"If (Fitzpatrick) misses a significant amount of (practice) time, then Bryce will play (this week)," Bowles said.

The coach termed Fitzpatrick as a game-time decision on Friday. Fitzpatrick, who was limited in practice all three days this week, threw two costly interceptions against Dolphins, giving him 13 picks against just eight touchdown passes this season, so many Jets fans are hoping to get an extended look at Petty.

The Rams drafted quarterback Jared Goff first overall in this year's draft, only to have him sit and watch Case Keenum play below average. Even with a Los Angeles fan base booing during last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers, coach Jeff Fisher continues to hedge on making a change.

"Case is starting. Jared is improving," Fisher said. "I keep saying that as you guys keep asking the questions, he's improving. But for right now, Case is starting, and we're going to New York. But, Case right now, especially against this (Jets') defense, gives us our best chance. It's an extremely complicated defense, and they can pressure the quarterback, they can do anything they want to do. They're very, very talented. Our focus is this week against the Jets, and Case will be under center."

The New York defense that Fisher raves about is in disarray due to discipline problems.

Two of the stars of the unit, defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, were benched to start the Dolphins game for being late or missing team meetings. Bowles called the benching of the two starters a "coach's decision," but both players acknolwedged the reports were true.

Despite the issues and the praise Fisher heaps on the unit, the Jets' defense is struggling. New York ranks 26th in the NFL in points allowed at 26.1 a game.

The Jets' pass defense is not playing well, and cornerback Darrelle Revis looks like a shell of his old self. New York is 22nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game at 272.2 per contest. The secondary has given up over 300 yards passing in four games this season. One solace for the unit is that Keenum has only one 300-plus-yard passing game this year.

The Rams' running attack was supposed to be dominant thanks to second-year player Todd Gurley. That has not come to fruition, and the ground game actually has regressed. Gurley has no 100-yard rushing games this season. Do not look for that trend to be broken against the Jets. Even with Wilkerson and Richardson missing time, the Jets are fourth in the NFL in run defense, allowing only 81 yards on the ground.

Los Angeles ranks 31st in total offense.

"(Three) weeks ago, we were one of the top offenses," Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin said. "The last two weeks, we kind of fell a little short. Now they're saying we're the worst. It really doesn't make a difference to us. These last eight games, we're going to come out week by week and try to go as hard as we can."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Falcons (6-3) at Eagles (4-4)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Eagles got off to a surprising start, but they have since lost three of four and head into a season-defining stretch against a string of playoff contenders, beginning Sunday with a home game against the explosive Atlanta Falcons.

Little was expected from the Eagles after an offseason that saw a coaching change and the exodus of their presumed starting quarterback and top running back. But Philadelphia raced out to a 3-0 start behind savvy rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and an opportunistic, aggressive defense.

Wentz and the Eagles cooled off the past two weeks, though, and dropped division games on the road to the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in back-to-back weeks.

"We still are -- and I truly believe that -- we're still a good football team," Eagles first-year coach Doug Pederson said.

That will be tested against the Falcons (6-3), who, led by quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones, boast the highest-scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 33.9 points. Ryan, who grew up around the Philadelphia area, is having an MVP-caliber season, completing 69.3 percent of his throws with 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

"It's always fun to get back up there and play," Ryan said. "We'll be ready to go. It'll be nice to have some family and friends up there. But once we start playing, it's like any other week. You just get into it and try to play your best."

Jones is averaging 19.0 yards per catch and has five touchdowns. But there's much more to the Falcons' attack than Ryan and Jones. Receiver Mohamed Sanu has 37 catches, including three touchdowns, and running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are both receiving threats out of the backfield. Coleman is out with a hamstring injury this week.

"(Ryan's) not always having to look for Julio (Jones)," Pederson told reporters. "He's got other weapons on that offense that he's utilizing and that's what's making that offense explosive right now."

The Eagles' pass defense ranks sixth in the league, allowing 218 yards through the air per game. Starting corner Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) will play this week.

The Falcons also have injury concerns in their secondary, but they received good news this week when a second look at star cornerback Desmond Trufant's left shoulder produced optimism about the Pro Bowler's availability. Trufant, who injured the shoulder in last Thursday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did not practice Wednesday but was not listed on Friday's injury report.

"The good news for us, from the second opinion, everything went well," Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said."

Second-year defensive back Jalen Collins, who was suspended for the first four games of the regular season after violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, is available if Trufant struggles.

The Falcons will be without veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney, who is battling a quad injury.

Atlanta has played well on the road, going 4-1 away from home this season. Quinn, who is in his second season with the Falcons, credits the team's preparation process for its success away from home.

"We love the process that we go through to get ready," Quinn told reporters. "Whether we're home, away, night, day, West Coast, East Coast, we know we have a responsibility to get ready."

The Eagles are 3-0 at home this season, including wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings.

Wentz, a first-round draft pick out of North Dakota State, has exceeded expectations but has not been able to produce big plays in the passing game as of late. He threw two interceptions without a touchdown in last week's loss at the Giants.

"He's learning the speed of the game and learning that each game is different, unique and has its own set of circumstances," Pederson said of the rookie. "I also think he realizes how hard it is to win in the NFL, and when you do win, how rewarding it is due to the preparation that goes into the week.

"One thing he has done well is (taking care of) the things that we've asked him to do in managing our offense during the game. He's handled it extremely well."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Vikings (5-3) at Redskins (4-3)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

One team has seen its surprising early success come to a screeching halt. The other has a tenuous hold on the final NFC playoff spot after an up-and-down first half of the season.

When the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins meet at FedEx Field on Sunday, a critical NFC playoff tiebreaker could be up for grabs.

But the bigger question for both teams: Can they shake off brutal setbacks in recent weeks?

The Redskins (4-3-1) were beaten in the final minute three weeks ago in Detroit and followed that game with a baffling 27-27 tie against Cincinnati in London where kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a 34-yard kick in overtime.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has dropped three games in a row after a 5-0 start. The Vikings (5-3) once looked like the class of the NFC North. But after the Lions also handed them a stunning overtime loss last week -- Minnesota was up by a field goal with 23 seconds to play in regulation -- the recent skid has left them vulnerable.

"We have to get back to making sure that we execute what we're trying to do as opposed to worrying too much about the Redskins," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said. "Obviously, you always try to attack the areas that you think you can attack. But for us in this week and where we're at, it's more about just us executing and doing the things we can do well."

The Vikings offense hasn't been very good without star running back Adrian Peterson (torn meniscus, right knee), who has been out since Sept. 18. Minnesota ranks 25th in points scored (19.4), last in yards per play (4.68) and yards per game (298.8) and 31st in rushing yards (72.6).

"Things haven't shaped up the way we've wanted them to, but it's only a couple plays away," said Minnesota wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a Maryland native who returns to play in front of friends and family in his home state. "We have the guys that hone in on everything that they want to get done each and every day. It's going to shake the way it's supposed to."

The Vikings could find a tonic in a Washington defense that still struggles to get off the field on third downs (29th overall). The Redskins aren't particularly stout on the defensive line and have issues at safety, where veteran Donte Whitner was signed Oct. 5 and is now the primary starter at strong safety.

The Redskins have already lost DeAngelo Hall (torn ACL, right knee) for the season and Will Blackmon, his backup, expects to play this week with a cast on his left hand for a broken thumb. Diggs (48 receptions) can expect to see plenty of star cornerback Josh Norman, who has been a magnet for fines and penalties this season, but remains one of the game's most physical corners.

The key matchup is on the other side of the ball, however. The Redskins are without four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams, who was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse program. Ty Nsekhe takes over. This summer, Washington general manager Scot McCloughan insisted that Nsekhe, a journeyman who spent several years in the Arena Football League before finally sticking in the NFL at age 29, could start for half the teams in the league.

Maybe so.

Now 31, Nsekhe, a mammoth presence at 6-foot-8, 350 pounds, started two games for the Redskins last year and held up well enough. But the Vikings defensive front is excellent.

Even after three losses in a row they allow the fewest points per game in the league (15.8) and are eighth in rushing yards allowed (93.1).

Minnesota will see a Washington offense that ranks 14th in points per game (23.3). But the Redskins are dangerous with weapons all over the field for quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is nursing a shoulder injury and is listed as doubtful after not practicing all week.

Jamison Crowder has 40 catches and has become one of the best slot receivers in the NFL. Tight end Jordan Reed (42 catches) is a matchup nightmare, but veteran tight end Vernon Davis (23 receptions) has been dangerous, too. And the reliable Pierre Garcon (36 catches) is a go-to option for Cousins on third down.

The Vikings must win the battle at the line of scrimmage because if Washington figures out its red-zone issues it will score. The Redskins are fourth in yards per game (410.3), but 30th in red-zone percentage (40.63 percent).

Part of that is due to Cousins' two red-zone interceptions and a fumble by running back Matt Jones inside the 5-yard line in the Detroit game on Oct. 23. But defenses are taking away Cousins' options, too.

"There are times where in the rhythm of the play guys aren't going to always be open in the end zone," Cousins said. "If teams play max coverages and cover people, maybe everyone's not open and that's where I look and say, 'Can I scramble? Can I make a play off-schedule?'"

The Redskins have protected Cousins well by allowing sacks on only 3.42 percent of pass attempts. But Minnesota defensive ends Everson Griffen has six sacks and Danielle Hunter and Brian Robison have four apiece. Linval Joseph has three and is a big presence at nose tackle that Washington must account for without Williams.

"You hate to make one game more important than the other but these next two games in general are going to be important," said Redskins coach Jay Gruden, whose team plays Green Bay, another NFC North title contender, at home the following Sunday night. "They're two home games that are very, very big for us. We're 4-3-1. We're right now currently (the No. 6) seed but we're in a position where we don't have a lot of room for error."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Packers (4-4) at Titans (4-5)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

When the NFL schedule was announced in April, Green Bay's visit to Tennessee on Sunday figured to be nothing more than a tuneup game for the Packers and an excuse for their fans to turn the Titans' Nissan Stadium into Lambeau Field South.

Well, Green Bay fans could still take over the enemy stadium, but given where the Packers are and how Tennessee has progressed, this looks to be anything but a gimme. In fact, it should be one of the tightest games on the Week 10 card.

At 4-4 after a 31-26 home loss last week to Indianapolis, Green Bay is just a game back of slumping Minnesota in the NFC North. The Titans (4-5) fell 1 1/2 games back of Houston in the AFC South after a 43-35 defeat last week in San Diego.

Alarms were sounded in Wisconsin after last week's game when players and coach Mike McCarthy took turns bemoaning the team's lack of energy. McCarthy wasted little time Wednesday squelching that issue in regards to this game.

"We'll play with great energy Sunday. That's not a concern of mine," McCarthy said. "It's a road game, so we have that challenge. Our guys will bring it. We're just paying attention to what matters and it's about improvement. We have to learn from last week."

Lesson one might be the idea of getting off to a better start. The Packers coughed up a game-opening 99-yard kickoff return score to Jordan Todman and never seemed to fight back until Indianapolis established a 31-13 fourth-quarter lead.

Tennessee had its own issues with getting out of the starting block last week. It fell behind 16-0 early in the second quarter and fought back to take a brief 21-19 lead before San Diego regained the lead for good, aided and abetted by two scores off turnovers by quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Mariota's game last week screamed mixed bag. While he threw for 313 yards and three scores, and added a 14-yard touchdown run, his three turnovers led to 17 Charger points, more than accounting for the difference.

Mariota has made real strides in his second season, but has tossed eight interceptions and lost multiple fumbles, leading to scores that hurt the team's chances of winning.

"It's an ongoing thing for me," he said of working on ball security. "It (stinks) when it doesn't come out to work too well during the course of a game, but that's part of it. That's part of my growing process. It's part of things I can do to get better."

One guy who's noticed Mariota's progress is Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had some of the same issues early in his career before learning to reduce errors.

"From afar, I've appreciated his game for a while now," Rodgers said of Mariota. "He can do it all on the field. He's extremely gifted athletically and he's doing a good job of throwing it efficiently. I'm definitely impressed with the way he's playing."

Rodgers has been dinged by some for not playing up to par, but the former two-time Most Valuable Player is still hitting better than 63 percent of his passes for 2,039 yards with a 20-5 touchdown-interception ratio.

Imagine what Rodgers could do if he had the Titans' running game. Led by DeMarco Murray, the NFL's second-leading rusher at 807 yards, Tennessee is third in the NFL in rushing, enabling Mariota to take advantage of better matchups than he had as a rookie.

But the Titans' strength could run headlong into the Packers' biggest strength. Green Bay leads the NFL in run defense at 75.8 yards per game.

"We feel strongly about running the football and how we run it," Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey said. "It will be a good test for us."

The Titans will get help up front Sunday with the return of left guard Quinton Spain, who suffered a knee injury on Oct. 23 in a 34-26 loss to Indianapolis. Spain sat out the last two games.

Meanwhile, Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who missed last week's game with a hamstring injury and has been hampered by nagging ailments throughout the year, was declared out. The Packers hope to get running back James Starks (knee) back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bears (2-6) at Buccaneers (3-5)

Date: November 13, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be rested before their game Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

After all, the Bears will have enjoyed a 13-day break while the Buccaneers will have been off for 10 after Thursday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

In both cases, the time off is expected to be beneficial as the clubs attempt to get healthier in a bid to scratch for wins in the second half of the season.

"The biggest thing is we were a pretty banged up football team, and it gave us an opportunity to get some guys back out to practice with the idea of hopefully playing," Bears coach John Fox said. "We've been without a lot of different guys that were able to heal up and get moving. ... I think the biggest thing is just getting healthy."

Chicago saw starting quarterback Jay Cutler return for its last game, a surprise Monday night win over Minnesota Vikings. The Bears will have guards Josh Sitton (ankle) and Kyle Long (triceps) back healthy in Tampa, although slot receiver Eddie Royal, who has been slowed by a toe injury, is questionable.

The Bucs also hope to be closer to full strength after the long weekend.

Running back Doug Martin, who finished second in the NFL in rushing last season, practiced Wednesday for the first time since he injured his hamstring in Week 2.

While he might not be fully healthy in time to return Sunday, it's a long-awaited return at a position where Tampa Bay is missing four running backs due to injuries.

"It's great to have him," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said. "Anytime we get our guys back, it's awesome to have those guys out there." Martin was listed as questionable Friday.

Tampa Bay could also get back starting defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, who has missed the last three games with his own hamstring injury. McDonald was optimistic he could return as the Bucs close out a three-game homestand, but he is also listed as questionable.

Tampa Bay could use McDonald as they face Bears rusher Jordan Howard, who has played in the shadow of Dallas Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott but nonetheless has more than 500 rushing yards and 150 receiving yards in his first eight games. Aside from Howard and Elliott, the only rookie running back to pull that off in the last eight years was Martin, with the Bucs in 2012.

"He's a talented guy," Cutler said of the former Indiana standout. "You wouldn't know he's a rookie the way he plays, and kind of the calming effect he has out there. I think he's really getting a lot better. He knows the cuts, knows where things are designed to go. He's gotten better and better over time."

Chicago ranks 31st in the NFL in scoring offense, averaging just 16 points a game. The Bucs' defense has allowed a combined 1,087 yards of total offense and 73 points in the last two losses to the Oakland Raiders and Falcons, both at home.

Unless Martin can return Sunday, the Bucs will be challenged with establishing a running game without four of the top five running backs. Martin has a hamstring issue, Charles Sims is on injured reserve with a knee injury, Jacquizz Rodgers is out with a foot injury and Antone Smith was placed on injured reserve this week with a knee injury.

That leaves rookie Peyton Barber, who rushed for 31 yards in his first career start last week, and fourth-year pro Mike James, who didn't have a touch in the NFL in nearly two years when he got spot work last week, days after re-joining the team.

James had 158 rushing yards in a game against Seattle as a rookie in 2013, similarly pressed into a larger role by multiple injuries ahead of him.

"I was surprised how well he picked things up when he came back," offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. "I think every day, every week he's going to feel more and more comfortable. We're going to have to count on him. As we keep losing running backs, we're going to have to count on him even more."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dolphins (4-4) at Chargers (4-5)

Date: November 13, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

Two of the top young running backs in the NFL will share the field in San Diego on Sunday.

And both players were considered huge question marks entering the season after disappointing rookie campaigns.

San Diego's Melvin Gordon is finally living up to his star billing, while Miami's Jay Ajayi came out of nowhere to become one of the NFL's top rushers. Those developments add plenty of luster to Sunday's matchup (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) between the Chargers (4-5) and Dolphins (4-4).

Gordon is coming off the top game of his career, a 196-yard rushing effort against the Tennessee Titans that boosted him to third in the NFL with 768 yards. He also leads the league with 11 touchdowns (nine rushing, two receiving) after failing to find the end zone as a rookie.

Ajayi is in the midst of a superb three-game frenzy in which he has rushed for 529 yards, a stretch that saw him become just the fourth player in NFL history to post back-to-back 200-yard outings. He ranks sixth in the NFL with 646 rushing yards and is averaging a sparkling 6.0 yards per carry.

Turns out the two 23-year-olds have a close friendship, stemming from working out together prior to the 2015 NFL Draft.

"I'm always checking on Melvin every week to see how he does," Ajayi said. "I'm so proud of him to come back from last year, where he wasn't able to score a touchdown and a lot of people were kind of starting to write him off a little bit.

"Through talking with him through the offseason and everything, he really put his head down and did a lot of things to set himself up for a great year. He's starting to showcase the ability that everyone knew he had, and it's exciting to see how well he has been doing."

Gordon's rushing output against Tennessee was the ninth most in Chargers history, and he added 65 receiving yards to give him 261 total yards.

He already has passed last season's total of 641 rushing yards. Gordon also has erased last season's image as a fumbler -- he lost four of the five he put on the ground -- and coach Mike McCoy now repeatedly refers to him as the team's "bell cow."

"Every guy wants to make a play," Gordon said. "Every guy wants you to look at him and think, 'I can count on this guy.' That's how we all want to be. When you get the opportunity to have the ball in your hands, it's your job to make something happen."

Ajayi is making things happen as well after opening the season as a healthy inactive against the Seattle Seahawks. Arian Foster's injury issues -- and eventual retirement -- opened the door for Ajayi, who responded with outings of 204 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 214 versus the Buffalo Bills and 111 against the New York Jets during the club's three-game winning streak.

The play of rookie left guard Laremy Tunsil helped fuel Miami's rushing success. Getting Ajayi loose could be a challenge on Sunday with San Diego ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing defense at 85.3 yards per game.

Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa is making an impact on the Chargers' defense, as he has four sacks in five games. Cornerback Casey Hayward, tied for the NFL interceptions lead with five, and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, who has a team-high five sacks, also are enjoying standout seasons.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers is feeding off the improved run game, throwing for 2,560 yards and 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is experiencing a relatively quiet campaign by passing for 1,877 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions. He has passed for just 605 yards during the three-game winning streak that has been highlighted by Ajayi's emergence.

Miami ranks just 30th in defending the run (136.1 yards per game) despite the presence of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Veteran defensive end Cameron Wake has a team-best five sacks, including four in the past three games.

The contest also marks the first time that McCoy and Miami's Adam Gase will square off as head coaches. The two spent four years together on the Denver Broncos' staff before McCoy became the Chargers' coach in 2013.

Another backdrop is that the contest is San Diego's first at Qualcomm Stadium since the city's voters overwhelmingly said no to a ballot measure to fund a $1.8 billion downtown stadium. The franchise's future home is once again in limbo.

"As you can imagine, we're all disappointed," Rivers said. "In the midst of a season, you can't get too caught up in it."

Rivers passed for 311 yards and three touchdown passes last December when the Chargers sailed to a 30-14 victory over the Dolphins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: 49ers (1-7) at Cardinals (3-4)

Date: November 13, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If there's going to be a Colin Kaepernick Redemption Tour, this would be a good week for it to happen for the San Francisco 49ers quarterback.

Nothing has been going very good for the spiraling 49ers, losers of seven straight games, but it couldn't have been worse the last time Kaepernick started against the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

In a 47-7 loss, he completed only 9 of 19 passes for 67 yards with no touchdowns and had four passes intercepted -- two of which were returned for touchdowns by Arizona.

"Yeah, definitely," Kaepernick said. "Last time we played down there, that was probably the worst game of my career that I can think of.

"It's an opportunity to go down there and redeem myself, and also try to help this team get a win and get back on track; start by breaking our current losing streak and trying to get on a winning streak."

A win might not do much for the 49ers (1-7) in the grand scheme of things, but a victory could certainly benefit the Cardinals (3-4-1), who are struggling their own right.

Considered legitimate preseason Super Bowl contenders after a 13-3 finish a year ago, the Cardinals have been beset by injuries, deficiencies as well as expectations.

The offense that set multiple franchise records in 2015 barely resembles the one that has dropped games to the equally struggling Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers this season.

The deep passing game that has become a staple of coach Bruce Arians' regime has been hit and mostly miss thus far and quarterback Carson Palmer doesn't look much like the MVP candidate he was a year ago.

In Palmer's mind, however, Sunday's game against the 49ers gives the Cardinals an ideal chance to hit the reset button as they try to turn things around and make an improbable push toward a playoff spot with a strong second-half finish.

And regarding which part of their game do the Cardinals need to refocus?

"Everything," Palmer said. "You come back and you try to improve on the things you looked at over the last eight weeks. Not make those same mistakes, but you're focused on everything. Situational football, technique, footwork.

"Even, we're talked to about our diet, our rest, all those things, and our sleep. So, you focus on everything. There's too many things going on and too many things to improve that you don't just worry about one thing or two things."

If there is one thing the Cardinals hope to exploit this week, it's the 49ers' knock-kneed rushing defense, which ranks last in the league and is allowing a staggering 193 yards per game.

San Francisco is the only team in NFL history to allow a 100-yard rusher in seven consecutive weeks.

Given that Arizona has one of the league's best running backs, David Johnson, who is fourth in the league with 705 rushing yards, don't be surprised if the Cardinals look to run the ball as often as they can.

"I love getting the ball," Johnson said when asked if he was wary of being overloaded come Sunday. "I love getting the touches. It doesn't matter to me."

Both teams will be playing without several key players.

The Cardinals, who have 10 players on season-ending injured reserve, lost two more starters during their last game at Carolina. Left tackle Jared Veldheer sustained a torn biceps tendon and all-purpose safety Tyrann Mathieu suffered a shoulder subluxation that is expected to keep him out for another week or two.

Losing Veldheer will sting, says Palmer.

"Huge," Palmer said. "He's been our most consistent, probably one of the better tackles in the league, one of the best tackles in the league for a long time. Three years, I think now here. His production, his professionalism, his athleticism, his power, his leadership. It's irreplaceable.

"You just don't find a guy that replaces what he brings to the team, aside from what he brings to the field of play -- what he brings to the locker room, what he brings to that group in their meeting rooms."

San Francisco, which lost its best defensive player, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, to an Achilles injury, also has to play without young defensive end Arik Armstead, who is done for the season because of a shoulder issue.

"Well, any time you lose those guys -- we've also lost Ray-Ray Armstrong, our other inside linebacker for the year," coach Chip Kelly said. "He's on IR also, but you can't feel sorry for yourself. Unfortunately, no one else does.

"It's really about getting the other guys ready to play. It's an opportunity for some other guys to play and to carry on. You kind of play in their honor and the best way you can show the impact of NaVorro and Arik and Ray-Ray is for the guys that replace them to go in and play to the standard that those guys have, and that's what we're looking for with those three guys out."

Kaepernick, at least, looks like he might be on the verge of returning to form. During last week's loss to the Saints, he passed for 398 yards and two touchdowns, and had a 102.3 passer rating.

"I think it's getting back into a rhythm," he said. "It had been almost a full year since I had been back really in live action in games. So it just took a little bit to get comfortable really. Now that comfort is starting to come back.

"Seeing the concepts that we're running, how things flow together, in live action on game day, is important as well. Now getting to see those things and getting those reps, I think that's something I get more and more comfortable with."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cowboys (7-1) at Steelers (4-4)

Date: November 13, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

It's been almost four years since Dallas and Pittsburgh last went toe-to-toe and in that game, Dallas eventually won, 27-24.

While many of the main characters in that 2012 drama remain, these two bluebloods have traveled a far different path to where they are today.

Forget that the Cowboys and Steelers have made 16 Super Bowl appearances and won 11 Vince Lombardi Trophies between them. The two franchises are among the most winning, the most proud and most popular, and nothing short of winning is tolerated or expected.

And winning is what the 7-1 Cowboys have been doing this year since dropping their season opener to the New York Giants.

And while their record might not be a good indication, the 4-4 Steelers aren't far off the Cowboys' heels, even though they have dropped three straight.

So when Pittsburgh and Dallas collide, bragging rights -- at a minimum -- are at stake, and on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. in Pittsburgh it's no different.

The Cowboys have been the brightest surprise in the NFL this season having reeled off seven straight wins, including last week's shellacking of the Cleveland Browns. But despite having two of the league's most prolific weapons in rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are 3-point underdogs to the Steelers.

Elliott leads the NFL in rushing and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's rookie mark of 1,808 yards.

Prescott has filled in for Tony Romo, who suffered a compression fracture almost three months ago, before the season started. Prescott has been stellar: 2,020 yards passing, 12 touchdowns, two interceptions.

But this week, Romo finally returned to practice and owner/general manager Jerry Jones and coach Jason Garrett said his workload would be ramped up as the team is encouraged by the 36-year-old's progress.

"We just have to see where he is," Garrett told reporters. "Tony's practiced four days over the last couple of weeks and has been involved in part of practices on each of those days. We'll do something similar with him today. He'll start in individuals and see how he does. He'll be working some scout-team reps like he did last week.

"We'll just take the situation day-by-day. We have a number of guys who are injured on the team, and that's what we do. We see how they do in individual and maybe they roll and get more into practice. We do anticipate Tony getting some good, positive work today. We will evaluate his situation day-by-day."

Romo might be active Sunday, although there were reports Friday he won't be, but Prescott will be the starter. Romo was listed as questionable on the injury report.

"I know how bad he wants to compete," Jones said. "Any time he's limited because of injury, I hate that. It's always has been the biggest downer for a competitor.

"On the other hand, for Tony, there isn't anything more important than being on a team that is capable of winning and competing for the big prize."

On the Steelers side of the ball, there aren't any questions about who the quarterback is. When healthy, Ben Roethlisberger is going to be slinging the ball across the field. Even when he isn't 100 percent, Roethlisberger is Pittsburgh's man.

He returned last week after knee surgery on Oct. 17 and was rusty at the beginning of a 21-14 loss to Baltimore. Roethlisberger overcame a slow start and completed 23 of 45 passes for 264 yards with a touchdown and interception.

His teammates didn't help as they committed 13 penalties. Head coach Mike Tomlin promised to fix the penalty problem before the Cowboys come to town.

"We haven't been good at that in the last several weeks, and probably more disturbing than the fact that we are being penalized is some of them are procedural things, pre-play things. In-play things sometimes happen, a facemask penalty in an effort to make a play. False starts, offside, delay of game, covering up eligible receivers. Those things are very much in our control and we have to eliminate."

Roethlisberger also admitted the need to be better.

"I put it on myself. I need to be more accurate. Give them credit -- there were times I was going to make throws and their guys jumped in front of things. ... I just need to be better."

The Steelers' offense is averaging 32.6 points per game in the three home games Roethlisberger has started this season. In those games, he has thrown 12 touchdown passes and only two interceptions.

"It's always a little easier to play at home," Roethlisberger said. "But that's the first half of the season. I'm not thinking about the good or bad with anything in the first half of the season.

"We're strictly moving forward. We need to be the best football team we can be at home and on the road."

On Sunday, he faces a tough task against a Dallas defense that flies under the radar.

Rod Marinelli's defense is the only one that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher or 100-yard receiver this year. It now ranks among the top 10 in total defense, yielding 332.9 yards per game. Dallas also is one of two defenses in the NFL that have allowed no more than 23 points in any game.

And they're doing this without safety Barry Church and cornerback Morris Claiborne who remain sidelined.

The Pittsburgh offense will provide a stiff test. Roethlisberger has another week under his belt to strengthen his knee and more practice time with All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Brown had a game-high seven receptions for 85 yards and a 23-yard touchdown against Baltimore. But for the Steelers' offense to be clicking, Roethlisberger needs to find another receiver to take the double-team pressure off Brown.

Roethlisberger might have found his man on Sunday. Eli Rogers registered six receptions for 103 yards.

Running back LeVeon Bell will try to match the Cowboys' Elliott stride for stride on Sunday. With 70 yards against the Ravens, Bell surpassed Willie Parker for the second most yards from scrimmage by a Steeler in his first four years.

Bell is hoping that Maurkice Pouncey will be ready to go on Sunday and that appears to be the case. The three-time Pro Bowl center dislocated his thumb on the second play from scrimmage on Sunday and had surgery before pronouncing himself ready to play on Thursday.

"I'm playing 100 percent, never any doubt," Pouncey told reporters. "People are making a bigger deal than what it is. Let's just go play, man, we got a football game."

The Steelers also received good news on the injury front when outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who had surgery before the season to repair a sports hernia, practiced Wednesday for the first time since training camp.

"It's going to be a process," Dupree said after practice. "I'm excited to be back on the field.

Running back DeAngelo Williams underwent knee surgery earlier this week, turning the backup chores over to Fitzgerald Toussaint.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seahawks (5-2) at Patriots (7-1)

Date: November 13, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It has been more than 21 months since Malcolm Butler picked off a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line, allowing the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl as the world wondered why Pete Carroll didn't have Wilson hand the ball off to Marshawn Lynch.

On Sunday night, the teams -- and those two players -- meet again, this time in Foxborough.

"We all know what happened," Butler said Wednesday. "It always (brings a smile) whenever I think back on it, but that's not going to help us win this game.

"This is bigger than me. That play will not help us Sunday night, so we have to be ready to play."

It might not be about Butler, Wilson and Carroll, but you can guess how many times NBC will show the play and delve deeper into it Sunday night.

In some ways, the play will overshadow another game between two good football teams. The Patriots are 7-1 with a three-game lead in the AFC East and the favorites to come out of the AFC. The Seahawks, 5-2-1 and atop the NFC West, are always a factor in the NFC.

Butler was a rookie when he made that interception and is developing into one of the top cornerbacks in the league.

"He's a really good player," Carroll told the New England media via conference call Wednesday. "Good ballplayer. He seems really instinctive and aggressive and confident. He's done a nice job."

While Seattle is coming off a 31-25 Monday Night Football win over the Buffalo Bills that snapped the Seahawks' two-game winless streak, New England is coming out of a bye week -- the Patriots still very much in the news even without playing.

The Patriots are 12-4 under Bill Belichick/Tom Brady coming out of a bye.

The day after their last game -- also a win over Buffalo -- the Patriots traded Pro Bowl linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns for a draft pick, stunning the football world with the move.

Then, after a weekend of watching football on television, came Election Day, and the questions over Brady and his support for Donald Trump and a letter sent by Belichick to the then-candidate showing support.

Asked Wednesday why he gave Trump permission to talk about the quarterback's support, Brady said, "Why did I give him permission? So you're assuming I gave people permission?" Asked again if he did, he said, "I'm just going to talk about football this week."

Finally, asked if he in fact supported Trump, Brady, who said he liked people or teams that win, said, "Yeah, I talked to my wife; she said I can't talk about politics anymore, so I think that's a good decision made for our family."

Belichick confirmed his letter.

"I've received a number of inquiries relative to a note that I wrote to Donald on Monday," he said. "Our friendship goes back many years and I think anybody that's spent more than five minutes with me knows I'm not a political person. My comments aren't politically motivated. I have a friendship and a loyalty to Donald.

"A couple of weeks ago, we had Secretary of State (John) Kerry in our locker room. He's another friend of mine. I can't imagine two people with more different political views than those two, but to me friendship and loyalty is just about that. It's not about political or religious views.

"I write hundreds of letters and notes every month. It doesn't mean I agree with every single thing that every person thinks about politics, religion or other subjects. But I have multiple friendships that are important to me and that's what that was about. It's not about politics.

"It's about football. We have a huge game this week against a great football team, a great organization, and that's where it all is going forward on Seattle."

Carroll, the former New England coach, said, "I like coming back. I had a good time there. It's kind of fun, you guys have so much good stuff. It's kind of an honor to have a chance to play."

As far as what he might have said to his players about the election, Carroll said, "We've always addressed whatever's at hand, going on around the country in all different areas and ways, to some extent. Not always in great detail, but we try to stay up with what's topical and what's current."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bengals (3-4) at Giants (5-3)

Date: November 14, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

This Monday Night Football matchup pits two of the top six passing offenses against each other in a prime-time showcase. The Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1), led by quarterback Andy Dalton, take their fourth-ranked passing attack into MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Giants (5-3) and two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants hope to counter the Bengals high-flying aerial attack with their own sixth-ranked air show.

After Monday night, both offenses could be even higher in the offensive rankings. The Bengals defense is 25th in total defense and tied for 19th in scoring defense. Cincinnati gives up 262.4 yards a game through the air and has allowed 16 touchdowns. The Bengals are 0-3-1 when an opponent passes for 250 yards or more. Their opponents are averaging six yards per play.

The Giants have the 23rd-ranked defense in the NFL. This unit gives up 371.2 yards a game. The Giants have the 25th-ranked pass defense in the NFL. New York is tied for a league-low 11 sacks generated. The Giants have not been able to consistently get pressure on the quarterback without blitzing.

Though both teams have had success passing the football, the Giants have had struggles getting their rushing attack going this season. They rank last in the NFL, averaging only 68.2 yards a game. Some of those issues belong to the offensive line's inability to open holes. Others blame the loss of running back Shane Vereen to a triceps injury in the preseason. Giants head coach Ben McAdoo thinks they have a good young player in rookie running back Paul Perkins. So does Manning.

"Paul does some good things. Did a couple of nice jobs on the screen. Had a screen earlier too and I thought he rushed it a little bit and got tackled. On the next couple, he did a good job being patient, setting up the blockers, having a better feel. He's good in the pass game and protections and running the ball well for us," said Manning when asked about the increased playing time for the runner from UCLA.

If Perkins is to help improve the Giants running game, he will have a chance against a Bengals run defense that gives up an average of 116.1 yards a game. A once fundamentally strong defense led by coordinator Paul Guenther, the Bengals miss too many tackles and have produced 57 penalties. The defensive line has been impressive as pass rushers, getting 25 sacks on the year, but their insistence on getting to the passer has opened up run lanes.

Another rookie who could play a major role in the outcome of the game against the Bengals is wide receiver Sterling Shepard. Starting wideout Victor Cruz has a sprained ankle and could miss the Bengals game. This will put Shepard into the starting spot against a defense that gives up tons of yardage to passing teams.

Another rookie the Giants were counting on to play a significant role, cornerback Eli Apple, was benched against the Philadelphia Eagles. Apple, the Giants' first-round selection out of Ohio State this year, had at least three mental mistakes against the Eagles and found himself on the sideline. "We're going to dust Eli off and we're going to put him back out there, and he's going to get better and learn from it," said McAdoo of the rookie defender.

Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green has made a living out of embarrassing NFL cornerbacks, Pro Bowlers and rookies alike. Green is second in the NFL in receiving yards with 896. Against a secondary that continues to give up big plays, the Bengals will be attacking cornerbacks Apple, high-priced free agent Janoris Jenkins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with Green deep.

Coming off their bye week should work wonders for Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert. Eifert missed the early part of the season due to issues with his back. Now 100 percent healthy, Eifert is a tough matchup for any safety in the NFL. On Monday night, Eifert will be facing safeties Landon Collins and Nat Berhe. Collins has three interceptions on the year and is an improved coverage player. But his true strength lies in his physicality in the run game, not as a coverage player. Berhe is a smart player and will need to use his brains to hold up in coverage against a more athletic player in Eifert.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pick Six - Week 10
By Kevin Rogers

Week 9 Record: 3-3 SU, 3-2-1 ATS
Overall Record: 27-27 SU, 24-28-1 ATS

Review: The Cowboys and Giants came through as favorites, while the Colts cashed outright as a road underdog at Green Bay. The Rams pushed in a three-point loss to the Panthers, while the Vikings fell in overtime to the Lions.

Chiefs at Panthers (-3, 44) – 1:00 PM EST

Kansas City
Record: 6-2 SU, 3-5 ATS, 6-2 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 15/1

The Chiefs split their first four games of the season, but Kansas City is riding a four-game winning streak, capped off by an ugly home victory over Jacksonville last Sunday. Nick Foles started in place of the injured Alex Smith at quarterback, as Foles led the Chiefs to the end zone only once, while Kansas City needed four field goals in a 19-14 win as seven-point favorites. Smith is expected back under center on Sunday as the Chiefs are listed as an underdog for the second time this season, losing to the Steelers in Week 4 in their other opportunity as a ‘dog.

Carolina
Record: 3-5 SU, 2-5-1 ATS, 5-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 45/1

The Panthers lost just once in the 2015 regular season, but won only one game through the first six contests this season. Carolina is looking to make a run by beating Arizona and Los Angeles the last two weeks, as the Panthers are facing their second AFC West opponent this season. The first interconference game didn’t work out for Carolina in a 21-20 opening week loss at Denver, as Carolina has cashed once in its last four chances against AFC opponents at home since 2014.

Best Bet: Kansas City +3

Broncos at Saints (-3, 49) – 1:00 PM EST

Denver
Record: 6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS, 5-4 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 18/1

The Broncos remain in the mix for the AFC West title in spite of last Sunday’s loss at Oakland. Denver starts Week 10 one game behind Oakland in the division after a 30-20 defeat at Coliseum as the Broncos were outrushed, 218-33. Denver is making its first trip to the Superdome since 2004 as the Broncos dropped 530 yards on New Orleans in its previous matchup in 2012 in a 34-14 blowout at Sports Authority Field.

New Orleans
Record: 4-4 SU, 6-2 ATS, 5-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 85/1

Following an 0-3 start, the Saints have come back to life by winning four of its past five games. New Orleans dominated San Francisco last Sunday as five-point favorites, 41-23, while racking up 571 yards on the 49ers’ awful defense. The Saints have covered five consecutive games, including the last two in the role of a home underdog. New Orleans has struggled in the home favorite role at 0-2 SU/ATS with losses to Oakland and Atlanta, while losing four of its past six contests against AFC foes.

Best Bet: Denver +3

Falcons (-1 ½, 50) at Eagles – 1:00 PM EST

Atlanta
Record: 6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS, 8-1 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 13/1

The Falcons have rebounded from a two-game skid to win each of their last two contests to sit atop of the NFC South at 6-3. Atlanta dominated Tampa Bay in Week 9 as 4 ½-point favorites, 43-28 to eclipse the 40-point mark for the third time this season. Matt Ryan tossed at least three touchdown passes for the fifth time in 2016, including the third instance on the road against the Bucs. Although Atlanta covered last week, the Falcons own a 2-10 ATS record as a favorite since the start of last season.

Philadelphia
Record: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS, 5-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1

The Eagles should be thrilled to be back at Lincoln Financial Field after losing each of the past two weeks inside the division to the Cowboys and Giants. Philadelphia has lost four of five road games, but has compiled a 3-0 home record, including victories as an underdog against Pittsburgh and Minnesota. Carson Wentz threw for a career-high 364 yards in last Sunday’s 28-23 loss at New York, but was intercepted twice. The rookie of North Dakota State owns a 5/2 touchdown to interception ratio at home, while the Eagles haven’t allowed more than 10 points in a game at home this season.

Best Bet: Philadelphia + 1 ½

Vikings at Redskins (-2 ½, 41 ½) – 1:00 PM EST

Minnesota
Record: 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS, 6-2 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 20/1

The Vikings are in the midst of a free-fall following a 5-0 start by losing three straight games. In the three losses (all in the favorite role), Minnesota’s offense mustered a total of 36 points, while falling in overtime to Detroit last Sunday, 22-16. The Vikings’ defense has done its part by allowing four offensive touchdowns in the last three games in regulation, but Minnesota hasn’t rushed more than 93 yards in any of its three defeats. Minnesota is flipped into the underdog role this week, as the Vikings have posted a terrific 14-2 ATS record in its past 16 opportunities when receiving points.

Washington
Record: 4-3-1 SU, 5-3 ATS, 5-3 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 90/1

The Redskins are back from the bye week following an unimpressive result in London, a 27-27 tie with the Bengals. Washington has work to do to catch Dallas in the NFC East, but the Redskins are still in the Wild Card mix after winning four of its past six games. The Redskins will be without one of their big offensive threats as wide receiver DeSean Jackson is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Washington has stumbled to a 2-9 ATS record under Jay Gruden in the favorite role, including a home loss to Dallas back in Week 2.

Best Bet: Minnesota +2 ½

Dolphins at Chargers (-4, 48 ½) – 4:05 PM EST

Miami
Record: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS, 5-3 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 150/1

The Dolphins embark on a two-game swing to southern California that will keep Miami out west for the next week. Miami heads to Los Angeles in Week 11, but first the Dolphins need to take care of the Chargers and keep their winning streak alive. The Dolphins started 1-4, but have won three consecutive games, including recent home divisional victories over the Bills and Jets. Miami has yet to pick up a road win this season (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS), while last winning at Qualcomm Stadium in 2005 (0-3 SU/ATS last three visits).

San Diego
Record: 4-5 SU, 6-3 ATS, 7-2 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 60/1

The Chargers are several plays away from sitting above the .500 mark and really having a legitimate shot at the AFC West title. San Diego needs to go on a run to capture a Wild Card spot, but the Bolts have played better recently by winning three of their past four games. The Chargers pulled away from the Titans last Sunday in a 43-35 triumph as running back Melvin Gordon posted his second straight 100-yard game, while the defense scored a pair of touchdowns. Last season, the Chargers closed the season with four consecutive UNDERS at home, but San Diego has cashed the OVER in three of four games at Qualcomm Stadium in 2016.

Best Bet: San Diego -4

Cowboys at Steelers (-2 ½, 50) – 4:25 PM EST

Dallas
Record: 7-1 SU, 7-1 ATS, 5-3 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 8/1

The Cowboys own the longest winning streak in the NFL at seven games following their opening week one-point defeat to the Giants. Dallas rolled Cleveland last Sunday, 35-10, as the Cowboys have held five of their last six opponents to 17 points or less. Dak Prescott continues to make his case as starting quarterback by throwing three touchdown passes against the Browns, while getting intercepted only twice in eight games. The Cowboys have won four of their past five road games against AFC opponents, as Dallas is making its first trip to Pittsburgh since a 20-13 loss at Heinz Field in 2008.

Pittsburgh
Record: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS, 6-2 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 15/1

The Steelers jumped out of the gate with a solid 4-1 mark, but have fallen backwards by losing three in a row. Ben Roethlisberger injured his knee in a loss at Miami and although he returned last week at Baltimore, the Steelers haven’t scored more than 16 points in any of the past three losses. Pittsburgh has won 10 consecutive regular season home games in the favorite role since 2014, including a 3-0 SU/ATS record this season. The Steelers have fared well against NFC foes at Heinz Field since 2011, going 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS, including a 2-0 SU/ATS mark last season.

Best Bet: Pittsburgh -2 ½

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Best Bets - Week 10

Not only did last week's Best Bet on the Indianapolis Colts +7.5 cash easily, the Colts won outright in Green Bay as significant underdogs and never trailed in the game.

That win continued a nice little run I've got going with these plays in the NFL and I'm looking to continue it this week.

Best Bet #1: Jacksonville (-2)

We've already seen a significant move on this line this morning as the Jaguars were sitting at a pick'em as NFL fans were waking up and going to work today. But while Jacksonville has seen significant money since then to move this line, the majority of tickets (over 80%) have been written the other way.

To see so many come out and support a Houston team that's been downright awful on the road was very surprising, especially when you consider that the Texans have lost by double digits in each of their three road games.

On the flip side is Jacksonville though and plenty of casual NFL bettors see the same old Jaguars again this year and always have no problem fading them.

Although Jacksonville is winless on their home field this year (0-3 SU), they are long overdue to put a complete game together in this stadium. They've seen all the Texans struggles away from Houston this season and have to be excited about the opportunity to get off this snide and get back into the AFC South race.

Remember, this was a Jags team that so many bettors were so high on coming into the year to take that next step and become a playoff contender and the foundation of that thought process is still there.

QB Blake Bortles has been awful more often than not, but the Jags haven't been a team decimated by injuries or anything and we could see this team finally start to put things together during the second half of the year.

Houston's only scored a total of 22 points in their three road games this season and only one touchdown is included in that number. That TD came during garbage time in their 31-13 loss at Minnesota, as this team has become the embodiment of a true home/road dichotomy squad.

Yes, Jacksonville will be the worst opponent the Texans have faced on the road, but until Brock Osweiler can show that he can hit his receivers and move the chains as a visitor like he does at home, they are not a team that deserves as much betting respect as they are getting in terms of volume this week.

These Texans are trying to do everything they can to hold onto their lead in the AFC South and while we are still a few weeks away from crunch time, that pressure on a young team learning how to cope with that is starting to build.

Seeing the big line move this morning only confirmed my thoughts that the Jags are one of the best plays on the NFL board this week as they'll get their first win over the Texans since they swept Houston in 2013.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Sunday Night Showdown'

The biggest, juiciest primetime matchup of the 2016 NFL season has Patriots hosting Seahawks in a rematch of the unforgettable 'Why Didn't You Run It' Super Bowl XLIX. Current odds have the Patriots -7.5 point home favorite with the total set at 48.0.

Patriots laying -7.5 points does give pause. However, New England fresh off a bye and catching Seahawks' on a short week along with having to fly across the country is a big advantage for the Patriots. Home field is also something NE can tap into. The Patriots have won 31 of the past 36 regular season games in front of the home audience with a 22-12-2 record against the betting line winning by a 10.1 points/game margin.

Seattle brings into the contest an impressive scoring defense (16.8) but trying to contain the red-hot hand of Tom Brady tossing 329.7 yards/game with 12 TD's, 0 Int since returning from his suspension is no easy task. Additionally, Seahawks' aren't lighting up the score board on offense (20.2) and do face a Patriot squad with its own stingy 2nd-ranked scoring defense allowing just 16.5 points/game.

Consider laying the points. Patriots are a money-grabbing 16-6-2 ATS in Foxboro in this -3.5 to -7.5 sweet betting spot, 7-2-1 ATS home vs a team with a .666 or better record, 8-2-2 as home chalk vs a team off a win. Finally, this being a Prime Time is yet another nod towards Patriots, since the team has compiled a 6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS record recently under bright light' of SNF.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday Night Football betting preview: Seahawks at Patriots

Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots (-7.5, 49)

It's appropriate that the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will occupy a prime-time slot on the NFL's schedule this weekend, since their last meeting produced one of the most dramatic finishes in league history. With both teams sitting atop their respective divisions, the Seahawks pay a visit to New England on Sunday night in their first matchup since Super Bowl XLIX.

The Seahawks were on the verge of winning back-to-back Super Bowls when they last saw the Patriots, perched at the 1-yard line with 20 seconds to play. Instead of running the ball, Seattle elected to pass and Russell Wilson was picked off by Malcolm Butler at the goal line in a stunning finish. “It’s a terrible memory," Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Wednesday. “Every time it comes up it sticks in your gut. But it’s a new season." New England is looking every bit like a Super Bowl favorite, tied for the best record in the NFL and winning four straight by an average of 16.3 points since Tom Brady returned from a four-game suspension.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC.

LINE HISTORY: The Patriots opened as 7.5-point home favorites and, despite a brief drop to -7 on Friday, remain at the opening figure of -7.5 on Sunday night. The total hit the betting board at 48.5 and was bet up to 49.5 before ending up at 49.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Seattle Seahawks anxiously look to avenge a loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49 when they invade Foxborough Sunday night in what should be the top rated game NBC-TV this season to date. The question is whether Seattle's Super Bowl revenge outweighs Tom Brady’s revenge on the league since his return for the Deflategate suspension. It all comes down to QB Russell WIlson’s well documented success in games against former Super Bowl winning quarterbacks and Brady’s penchant for delivering in prime time games." - Marc Lawrence

WEATHER REPORT: The forecast for Gillette Stadium is calling for clear skies with temperature in the low 40’s with winds blowing west at 7mph.

INJURY REPORT:

Seahawks - TE Jimmy Graham (probable, knee), S Kam Chancellor (probable, groin), RB Christine Michael (questionable, hamstring), TE Luke Willson (questionable, knee) T Bradley Sowell (questionable, knee), CB DeAndre Elliott (questionable, hamstring), LB Cassius Marsh (questionable, foot), RB Thomas Rawls (out, shin)

Patriots - WR Malcolm Mitchell (probable, hamstring), TE Martellus Bennett (probable, leg), WR Julian Edelman (probable, foot), DL Alan Branch (questionable, back), DL Woodrow Hamilton (questionable, leg), RB Dion Lewis (probable, knee), G Tre Jackson (questionable, knee)

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (5–2-1 SU, 4-4 ATS, 4-4 O/U) Seattle is 3-0 against AFC East opponents, holding off Buffalo 31-25 on Monday night after winning at the New York Jets (27-17) in Week 4 and squeezing past Miami (12-10) in the season opener. Tight end Jimmy Graham is coming off his best game of the season as he prepares to resume a rivalry against Patriots stud Rob Gronkowski, hauling in a season-high eight catches for 103 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With the Seahawks limited to only 33 yards rushing on 12 attempts against Buffalo, running back Christine Michael could yield carries to rookie C.J. Prosise. Safety Kam Chancellor is expected back in the lineup to bolster a defense that has allowed 25 points in each of the past two games.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (7-1 SU, 7-1 ATS, 3-5 O/U) New England is coming off a bye week, leaving coach Bill Belichick to address questions on why he sent a letter of support to President-elect Donald Trump. The Patriots are averaging 34 points since the return of Brady, who has thrown for 1,319 yards with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions while 73.1 percent of his passes and posting a quarterback rating of 133.9. Gronkowski, who had one reception through four weeks due to injury, has taken off with Brady back under center, reeling in 21 catches for 473 yards while reaching the end zone in each of the last three games. The Patriots, who won at Buffalo 41-25 before their bye, allowed 16.5 points per game -- just ahead of the Seahawks (16.8).

TRENDS:

Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a bye week.
Over is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games on fieldturf.
Over is 5-0 in Patriots last 5 games in Week 10.
Over is 4-1 in Patriots last 5 games following a bye week.
Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The bettors love the line for this game as users are split 50/50 on the line. As for the total, another 50/50 split.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SNF - Seahawks at Patriots
By Micah Roberts

The New England Patriots (7-1 straight up, 7-1 against the spread) are on their way to an eighth straight division title with a clear path to home field in the AFC as they've won and covered seven of eight games this season, including all four since quarterback Tom Brady returned from his silly suspension. On Sunday night they figure to get their toughest test of the season as the Seattle Seahawks (5-2-1 SU, 4-4 ATS) visit with the Patriots, who are 7.5-point favorites and a total set at 49.

This will be their first meeting since Super Bowl 49 when the Patriots won 28-24 as one-point favorites. It will be the second time this season the Seahawks have been underdogs, the first coming at Arizona (-2,5) and ending in a 6-6 draw. It's also the largest spread Seattle has faced since a 2012 game at San Francisco (-7.5) that they lost 13-6, but got the cover.

Since Brady returned, New England has won all four games by an average score of 34-17 beating an average spread of -7.5, and bettors have been loving it with tickets written on their side multiplying each week of Brady's vengeance tour. The sports books have been getting beat the like a drum along the way with each New England cover, but got a temporary halt-fire last week during the Patriots bye -- books still lost as bettors went against the 49ers and Browns.

The effect of the Patriots popularity with bettors has been inflated numbers as sort of a luxury tax, but they still cover whatever the oddsmakers throw out there. And because of that success, their past two games have seen tickets written at a 9-to-1 ratio over their opponents. Because of the quality opponent this week, the tickets written disparity should be lessened. However, the Patriots party wagon at the bet windows still figures to be prominent. Why jump off now when they keep cashing?

LINE MOVEMENT

CG Technology's seven sports books opened the Patriots -6.5 on Sunday night and within four minutes money had pushed it to -7 where it stayed until Tuesday when they moved to -7.5. The total has gone from an opener of 48.5 to 49.

If we go back to April when CG opened spreads on every game for the season the Patriots were only -2, which is a huge indication of how perception and ratings have changed since the season started.

ROBERTS RATING

I've upgraded New England 1.5-points since Week 5, which is a significant move, but also doesn't account for an added popularity tax. Over the same time, I've dropped Seattle 1.5-points which is also substantial for a team considered elite. Let's give New England 3-points for home field and then add in the Patriots differential of 2.5-points and I'm set with a number of -5.5. If I was booking it for the house, taking actual cash on the number after losing every week with New England, I'd start at -7 like most books did.

IT'S GO TIME FOR SEATTLE

This is the ninth game of the season for Seattle, which means we're in the second-half, which means Seattle gets into playoff mode. In the past four seasons, they've gone a combined 26-6 straight-up in the second-half.

SEATTLE DEFENSE

DB Kam Chancellor is a huge part of Seattle's defense, but he's missed the past four games with a groin injury and is questionable this week. Through eight games, the defense is ranked No. 9 allowing 332 ypg (2015: No. 2 with 291 ypg allowed), but the pass rush has been strong with 27 sacks, which ranks third. The real area of concern, though, is they're not forcing turnovers -- just eight on the season.

TOM BRADY'S REVENGE

At 39 and in his 17th season, Brady looks better than ever averaging 329 yards and three TDs passing in four games since returning to the lineup. He's yet to throw an interception or fumble. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has a over-under prop listed with him at 278.5 yards and two TDs.

RUSSELL WILSON LIGHT

Between nagging knee and ankle injuries, Russell Wilson has taken away a big part of what made him Danger-Russ by not taking off as often for positive yardage. Through eight games, he's rushed only 28 times for 54 yards (1.9 avg.) and one TD. In the past three seasons he's ended up with at least 539 yards rushing. After throwing a career high 36 TDs last season, he has only seven this year. However, after three games of not throwing any TD's, he threw two and ran for one against Buffalo on Monday night.

BETTING TRENDS

--Seattle is 3-8-1 ATS in past 12 against winning teams.
--Seattle is 6-2-1 ATS in past nine road games against winning home teams.
--Seattle Over total in seven of past nine gainst winning teams.

--New England is 21-8-2 ATS in past 31 home games.
--New England is 4-1 ATS past five years following bye week.
--New England Over total in four of past five following bye week.

SNF PROPS (WESTGATE)

--Total completions by Russell Wilson: 23.5
--Total TD passes by Russell Wilson: 1.5 UN -150
--Gross passing yards by Tom Brady: 278.5
--Total TD passes by Tom Brady: 2 OV -150
--Total receiving yards by Rob Gronkowski: 75.5

ODDS TO WIN (WESTGATE)

Seattle Seahawks
NFC WEST: 1/4 (favorite)
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: 3/1 (co-leader with Dallas)
SUPER BOWL: 8/1 (second choice tied with Dallas)

New England Patriots
AFC EAST: Off board due to commanding lead
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: 5/8 (favorite)
SUPER BOWL: 7/5 (favorite)