This Week In The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Preview: New Orleans at Arizona.

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, December 18, 2016
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

The NFL’s top offense and best defense go head-to-head Sunday, but surprisingly no playoff implications will be on the line. The Arizona Cardinals and their top-ranked defense welcome the New Orleans Saints and their league-leading offense in an intriguing, if ultimately meaningless, matchup.
Both teams’ high hopes in the preseason have given way to disappointing campaigns despite each squad’s dominance in one facet of the game. Drew Brees and New Orleans’ prolific, pass-happy offense haven’t been able to overcome a whopping 22 turnovers and one of the league’s worst pass defenses. Turnovers also have plagued the Cardinals, whose 23 giveaways help account for the fact Arizona ranks 14th in scoring defense despite allowing the fewest total yards in the league. Arizona had four turnovers in last week’s 26-23 setback at Miami, its third loss in four games.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cardinals -2.5. O/U: 50.5.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (5-8): New Orleans has committed 13 turnovers in its past five games, losing four of them. The Saints managed only 294 total yards in last week’s 16-11 loss at Tampa Bay, as they were held to 46 rushing yards – the second straight game with 50 yards or fewer. The subpar offensive outing wasted a strong performance from an improving defense, as the Saints gave up fewer than 300 total yards for the third time in the last four contests.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (5-7-1): The turnover issue has held back an Arizona offense that has plenty of weapons beginning with versatile running back David Johnson. Johnson leads the league in yards from scrimmage (1,830) and touchdowns (15) and ranks third in rushing yards (1,085), and Carson Palmer’s receiving corps has been plagued by injuries and illness while the veteran quarterback has had a tough time hanging onto the ball. The defense, which is especially tough against the pass, has forced at least one turnover in six straight games and 12 of 13 this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arizona released WR Michael Floyd following his arrest early Monday on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.

2. New Orleans WR Michael Thomas, who leads all rookies in receptions (69), receiving yards (831) and touchdown catches (seven), is questionable with a foot injury after sitting out last week.

3. Johnson has at least 100 scrimmage yards in every contest this season – joining Edgerrin James as the only players in history to do so through the first 13 games.


[h=3]ATS Trends[/h]

New Orleans

Saints are 6-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Saints are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC. Saints are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Saints are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.

Arizona

Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 15. Cardinals are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games in December. Cardinals are 21-9 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Cardinals are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Cardinals are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC. Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Cardinals are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

New Orleans

Over is 9-1 in Saints last 10 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 4-1 in Saints last 5 games overall. Under is 7-2 in Saints last 9 road games. Under is 5-2 in Saints last 7 games on grass. Under is 5-2 in Saints last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

Arizona

Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games overall. Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Cardinals last 5 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 10-1 in Cardinals last 11 home games. Over is 5-1 in Cardinals last 6 games following a ATS loss. Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 vs. NFC. Over is 8-2-1 in Cardinals last 11 games in Week 15. Over is 37-15 in Cardinals last 52 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

• Home team is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
• Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
• Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: San Francisco at Atlanta.

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, December 18, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta Falcons probably won’t be at full strength when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but they hope they won’t need to be. The Falcons expect to get by without several key players and preserve their spot atop the NFC South with a win over the woeful 49ers.
The Falcons are tied with the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the top of the NFC South and a game behind the Detroit Lions for the conference's second seed. All three of Atlanta’s remaining games are against teams with losing records, but with so much on the line in terms of their postseason scenario, the Falcons already are in playoff mode. “Let’s throw the records out. Let’s go play ball,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn told reporters. “Who we’re playing, where we’re playing – that’s kind of irrelevant, so to speak, because you just want to go battle for it.” The 49ers have lost 12 straight since a season-opening shutout of the Los Angeles Rams and squandered a 17-3 halftime lead in last week’s 23-17 overtime loss to the New York Jets.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Falcons -14. O/U: 51.5.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-12): San Francisco hasn’t had many bright spots in 2016, but the offense showed signs of life last week with Carlos Hyde rushing for a career-high 193 yards and catching a touchdown pass while Colin Kaepernick put together a decent outing. Kaepernick will be without one of his top receivers in Torrey Smith, who is recovering from a concussion suffered against the Jets. The league’s worst defense melted down in the second half last week and has allowed 400 or more total yards in six of the past eight games.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (8-5): Atlanta boasts the league’s highest-scoring offense but put up pedestrian numbers in last week’s 42-14 win at Los Angeles with Julio Jones – the league’s leading receiver – sidelined with a sprained toe. Quarterback Matt Ryan is putting up MVP-like numbers, leading the league in rating (113.2) and ranking second in passing yards (4,050), but the status of his receiving corps is up in the air with Jones and Mohamed Sanu (groin) both nursing injuries. Atlanta’s young defense has had its share of growing pains but turned in a dominant outing against the Rams, forcing five turnovers and scoring two defensive touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ryan has averaged 325.5 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions over his past eight home games.

2. Hyde has averaged 109 rushing yards over his past four games.

3. Atlanta LB Vic Beasley is tied for the NFL lead in sacks (13.5) and leads the league with six forced fumbles, including four sacks and two forced fumbles in his past four home games.


[h=3]ATS Trends[/h]

San Francisco

49ers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 15. 49ers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 49ers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. 49ers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf. 49ers are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. 49ers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss. 49ers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. 49ers are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. 49ers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss. 49ers are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games overall. 49ers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC. 49ers are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game. 49ers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. 49ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in December. 49ers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

Atlanta

Falcons are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Falcons are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC. Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 15. Falcons are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Falcons are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games. Falcons are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 14 points. Falcons are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

San Francisco

Over is 4-0 in 49ers last 4 games on fieldturf. Over is 7-1 in 49ers last 8 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in 49ers last 7 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 9-2 in 49ers last 11 games in Week 15. Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games in December. Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games following a straight up loss. Under is 6-2 in 49ers last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 10-4 in 49ers last 14 road games. Over is 5-2 in 49ers last 7 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in 49ers last 7 games following a ATS loss. Over is 5-2 in 49ers last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 9-4 in 49ers last 13 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

Atlanta

Over is 6-0 in Falcons last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 6-0 in Falcons last 6 home games. Over is 8-0 in Falcons last 8 games on fieldturf. Over is 4-0 in Falcons last 4 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 8-1 in Falcons last 9 vs. NFC. Over is 7-1 in Falcons last 8 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 14 points. Under is 7-2 in Falcons last 9 games in December. Over is 6-2 in Falcons last 8 games following a straight up win. Over is 5-2 in Falcons last 7 games following a ATS win.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

• Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
• Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: New England at Denver.

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, December 18, 2016
Where: Sports Authority Field, Denver, Colorado

The New England Patriots hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC with three games to play as they prepare to visit the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. The Patriots were in a similar position a year before dropping their final two games of the regular season and wound up losing at Denver in the AFC Championship Game.
The two-point loss to the Broncos that denied New England a trip to the Super Bowl hasn't been forgotten by quarterback Tom Brady, who told reporters this week that he “watched it a bunch this offseason.” The Patriots, coming off a 30-23 win over Baltimore on Monday night, can clinch the AFC East and a first-round bye in the postseason with a victory Sunday. Denver is clinging to the sixth and final playoff slot in the AFC following last week's 13-10 loss at Tennessee and faces a grueling closing stretch. Following Sunday's matchup versus New England, the Broncos will face AFC West co-leaders Kansas City and Oakland -- three teams that sport a combined 31-8 record.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -3. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (11-2): Facing the league's top-ranked defense, Brady shredded the Ravens by throwing for three touchdowns and a season high-tying 406 yards, but he acknowledged New England cannot go with a similar game plan against the Broncos. "Because they play the pass so well, we have to find ways to make yardage in the run game," said Brady, giving a nod to a Denver defense that surrenders a league-low 183.5 yards per game and ranks second with 38 sacks. That could mean a heavy dose of running back LeGarrette Blount, who has establish career highs with 14 rushing touchdowns and 1,029 yards. New England's defense is permitting an AFC-low 17.7 points per game.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (8-5): The only thing separating Denver from a four-game losing streak was a blocked extra point that was returned against New Orleans, although three of its last four contests have been played on the road. The lack of a consistent running game has put more of an onus on quarterback Trevor Siemian, who has thrown for 702 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions over the past two games while airing it out 51 times at Tennessee last week. The Broncos have perhaps the league's best cornerback tandem in Chris Harris Jr. and ex-Patriot Aqib Talib. Von Miller has 13.5 sacks for Denver, which dropped Brady five times in last season's playoff win.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brady has 21 touchdown passes and two interceptions in his last 10 games versus Denver.

2. Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas has 100 yards receiving in three of the last five meetings versus New England.

3. The Patriots claimed WR Michael Floyd on waivers Thursday, three days after he was arrested on DUI charges.


[h=3]ATS Trends[/h]

New England

Patriots are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass. Patriots are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games. Patriots are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC. Patriots are 13-3-2 ATS in their last 18 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Patriots are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Patriots are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December. Patriots are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Patriots are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall. Patriots are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win. Patriots are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.

Denver

Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Broncos are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Broncos are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 home games. Broncos are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS loss. Broncos are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games in December. Broncos are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games in Week 15. Broncos are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

New England

Under is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Under is 7-0 in Patriots last 7 games on grass. Over is 7-0 in Patriots last 7 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game. Under is 7-1 in Patriots last 8 road games. Over is 5-1 in Patriots last 6 games in Week 15. Over is 13-4 in Patriots last 17 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 44-21 in Patriots last 65 games following a ATS win.

Denver

Under is 4-0 in Broncos last 4 games following a ATS loss. Under is 5-1 in Broncos last 6 games in December. Under is 5-1 in Broncos last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-1 in Broncos last 6 games after accumulating less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Broncos last 5 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Broncos last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 14-5 in Broncos last 19 games in Week 15. Over is 11-4 in Broncos last 15 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Under is 7-3 in Broncos last 10 games overall. Over is 45-20-3 in Broncos last 68 games following a straight up loss. Over is 15-7-1 in Broncos last 23 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

• Home team is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
• Patriots are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Denver.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Oakland at San Diego.

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, December 18, 2016
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

The Oakland Raiders lost both their hold on the top seed in the AFC and first place in the AFC West in the same night, but they can still wrap up their first postseason berth in 14 years when they visit the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Raiders have had 10 days off since suffering their first road loss in a 21-13 setback at Kansas City.
Oakland had its six-game winning streak snapped by the Chiefs and fell into a tie with them atop the division, although Kansas City holds the tiebreaker courtesy of a season sweep. "I know for our team, our sole focus is beating the Chargers because if we don't, we're still sitting there hoping and wishing," Raiders quarterback Derek Car said. Oakland has won three straight against the Chargers, although they had to erase an eight-point second-half deficit in a 34-31 win in Week 5. San Diego is out of playoff contention, but its first seven losses were by eight points or fewer until last week's 28-16 defeat at Carolina.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Raiders -3. O/U: 49.5

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (10-3): Carr produced a dramatic comeback in his first game since injuring the pinkie on his throwing hand, but he struggled miserably in frigid conditions at Kansas City while producing a season-low 49.1 quarterback rating. In the first meeting against San Diego, Carr threw for 317 yards and connected on scoring passes to wideouts Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper, who were each limited in Thursday's practice. Running back Latavius Murray sat out the earlier matchup because of injury, but he is coming off his second 100-yard game of the season and has nine rushing TDs in the last seven games. Defensive end Khalil Mack has registered 10 sacks during an eight-game streak.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (5-8): San Diego absorbed a huge blow when running back Melvin Gordon was carted off the field early last week with knee and hip injuries. Gordon, who is three yards shy of 1,000 and has racked up 12 touchdowns overall and 10 on the ground, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and is not expected to play, leaving undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow to carry the ground game. Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa, the No. 3 overall selection in this year's draft, practiced fully on Wednesdy and Thursday after sufftering a sprained neck against Carolina. Philip Rivers is struggling down the stretch with 10 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions over the past four games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Mack is bidding to become the sixth player in NFL history to record a sack in nine straight games.

2. Chargers TE Antonio Gates has 13 touchdown catches versus the Raiders — the most by any player against Oakland.

3. The Raiders will secure their first playoff spot since 2002 with a win but can also clinch with a loss and plenty of help.


[h=3]ATS Trends[/h]

Oakland

Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Raiders are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games. Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Raiders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss. Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC. Raiders are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Raiders are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game. Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass. Raiders are 17-38-1 ATS in their last 56 games in December. Raiders are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 15. Raiders are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Raiders are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.

San Diego

Chargers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. AFC West. Chargers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss. Chargers are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 vs. AFC. Chargers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss. Chargers are 6-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Chargers are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 home games. Chargers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

Oakland

Over is 4-0-1 in Raiders last 5 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game. Over is 7-1 in Raiders last 8 games in Week 15. Over is 6-1 in Raiders last 7 games overall. Over is 6-1 in Raiders last 7 games on grass. Over is 5-1-1 in Raiders last 7 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Over is 14-3 in Raiders last 17 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 12-3-2 in Raiders last 17 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 4-1 in Raiders last 5 vs. AFC. Under is 5-2 in Raiders last 7 vs. AFC West. Over is 12-5-2 in Raiders last 19 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 9-4 in Raiders last 13 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

San Diego

Under is 6-0-1 in Chargers last 7 games in December. Under is 4-0 in Chargers last 4 games in Week 15. Under is 9-2-1 in Chargers last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 4-1-1 in Chargers last 6 home games. Over is 4-1 in Chargers last 5 vs. AFC West. Over is 22-8 in Chargers last 30 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 8-3-1 in Chargers last 12 games on grass. Over is 7-3 in Chargers last 10 vs. AFC. Over is 9-4-1 in Chargers last 14 games overall. Under is 9-4-1 in Chargers last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

• Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
• Underdog is 14-2 ATS in their last 16 meetings.
• Raiders are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in San Diego.
• Under is 15-5-1 in the last 21 meetings in San Diego.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Tampa Bay at Dallas.

When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, December 18, 2016
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones keeps opening the door to a quarterback controversy on his team, but no one else seems to be biting. There is no controversy on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are closing in on a playoff spot behind Jameis Winston as they prepare to visit the NFC-leading Cowboys on Sunday.
Rookie Dak Prescott took the quarterback job when Tony Romo was hurt in the preseason and ran with it, guiding Dallas to 11 wins in the first 12 games before matching his interception total from those first 12 games with two in a 10-7 loss at the rival New York Giants last week. "This is the Dallas Cowboys. There has been noise ever since I have been drafted," Prescott told reporters. "So nothing really changes. I don't think they need to come in and reinstate their confidence in me. They know the person I am. I'm going to keep working and get better." The Buccaneers are winners of five straight to pull into the No. 6 spot in the NFC, a half-game ahead of the Washington Redskins and one game clear of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Tampa Bay is tied with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South and is staring at a tough close to the regular season with a trip to New Orleans and a home game against the Carolina Panthers after the visit to Dallas.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cowboys -7. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (8-5): Winston is drawing raves for his leadership during Tampa Bay's winning streak but could use more from top receiver Mike Evans, who was limited to 80 yards without a touchdown in the last two games. "I'm a little disappointed in my performances, but I'm always disappointed in my performances, even when I have good games to the naked eye," Evans told reporters. "This is a good opportunity for me against a great team and to help my team win this game." The Bucs could get some help on the other side of the ball from defensive back Chris Conte, who missed the last two games with a chest injury but returned to practice this week.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (11-2): Jones clarified his comments on Thursday and backed Prescott while still expressing his admiration for Romo. "We completely support Dak as our starting quarterback unequivocally, so that's that," Jones told reporters. "And there's no issue there at all. We're very fortunate -- and I've said that -- that we have depth there. And you certainly have got depth in a big way when you got Tony Romo sitting there, and that's not trying to be cute." The quarterback on defense, linebacker Sean Lee, recorded a season-high 18 tackles in Sunday's loss but is limited in practice this week due to a knee injury and is questionable for Sunday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Buccaneers WR Adam Humphries (concussion) cleared the league's protocol and returned to practice after sitting out last week's game.

2. Dallas WR Dez Bryant (back) was held to one catch on nine targets last week and is limited in practice.

3. Tampa Bay DT Gerald McCoy (foot) continues to miss practice time but has yet to miss a game due to the injury and is questionable for Sunday.


[h=3]ATS Trends[/h]

Tampa Bay

Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win. Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games. Buccaneers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC. Buccaneers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Buccaneers are 21-10 ATS in their last 31 games on fieldturf. Buccaneers are 12-25-1 ATS in their last 38 games in December. Buccaneers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 15.

Dallas

Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Cowboys are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 15. Cowboys are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall. Cowboys are 3-8-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Cowboys are 6-17-1 ATS in their last 24 games on fieldturf. Cowboys are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Cowboys are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss. Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Cowboys are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in December.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

Tampa Bay

Under is 3-0-1 in Buccaneers last 4 games overall. Under is 3-0-1 in Buccaneers last 4 games following a straight up win. Under is 3-0-1 in Buccaneers last 4 games following a ATS win. Under is 5-1 in Buccaneers last 6 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 9-2-1 in Buccaneers last 12 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Under is 3-1-1 in Buccaneers last 5 road games. Under is 6-2-1 in Buccaneers last 9 games in December. Over is 8-3-1 in Buccaneers last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-2-1 in Buccaneers last 8 games in Week 15.

Dallas

Under is 6-0 in Cowboys last 6 games in December. Under is 12-3 in Cowboys last 15 games following a ATS loss. Under is 6-2 in Cowboys last 8 games following a straight up loss. Under is 7-3 in Cowboys last 10 games overall. Over is 35-15-3 in Cowboys last 53 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Over is 9-4-1 in Cowboys last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

With frigid temperatures in Chicago today, concessionaire Aramark says it expects to sell 12,000 cups of hot chocolate at Soldier Field.

 

[Greenbacks]

Tom Brady is 2-7 in his career including playoffs in Denver, his worst road record against any team he's played more than once. In his last visit there in the 2015 AFC Championship Game, Brady threw 56 times and completed 48% of his passes against the Broncos, his worst completion percentage in 31 career playoff games.

 

[Greenbacks]

Quarterbacks with the most favorable matchups in fantasy football in Week 15 (0-100 scale, with 100 being the most favorable): Kirk Cousins (90), Carson Palmer (83), Tyrod Taylor (80), Colin Kaepernick (75), Matt Barkley (75), Matt Ryan (73)

 

[Greenbacks]

Quarterbacks with the least favorable matchups in fantasy football Week 15 (0-100 scale, with 100 being the most favorable): Tom Brady (8), Drew Brees (10), Matthew Stafford (25), Trevor Siemian (28), Marcus Mariota (33)

 

[Greenbacks]

Rain is expected by kickoff for Eagles at Ravens. This will be the first time that the new grass at M&T Bank Stadium will be played under rainy conditions. Dolphins players complained about the field condition in the last game here.

 

[Greenbacks]

All three quarterbacks – Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley and Joe Callahan (promoted Saturday from the practice squad) – are active for the Packers against the Bears.

 

[Greenbacks]

Lions RB Theo Riddick (wrist) is inactive.

 

[Greenbacks]

Bills inactives:
QB Cardale Jones
LT Cordy Glenn
RB Reggie Bush
WR Dez Lewis
OLB Lerentee McCray
TE Logan Thomas
TE Gerald Christian

 

[Greenbacks]

Ravens inactives
CB Jimmy Smith
RB Buck Allen
ILB Lamar Louis
G/C Ryan Jensen
G/T Alex Lewis
TE Crockett Gillmore
OLB Za'Darius Smith

 

[Greenbacks]

Lions inactives:
RB Theo Riddick
C Travis Swanson
OT Cornelius Lucas,
DE Corey Lemonier
QB Jake Rudock,
WR TJ Jones
DT Stefan Charles

 

[Greenbacks]

Jaguars inactives:
QB Brandon Allen
RB Denard Robinson
CB Josh Johnson
OL Chris Reed
OL Luke Bowanko
WR Allen Hurns
DE Chris Smith.

 

[Greenbacks]

Rain is coming down hard at M&T Bank Stadium 90 minutes before kickoff between Eagles and Ravens. This is expected to last through at least the first half.