NFL Playoff Matchups & Early Lines

It’s official, folks. The results are in and the matchups are set on the NFL betting board for the first weekend of the postseason. New England and Dallas are out, while Miami and Philadelphia are in despite it looking like that might not be the case heading into Sunday’s games.

Here’s a quick look at the early lines for this weekend’s games, whether you want to jump on the numbers or hold off until later in the week when the money starts to roll in.

AFC

(6) Baltimore at (3) Miami (+3, 37) – Sunday, 1 PM ET

Three points might not be enough to keep action even on the spread for the Ravens (11-5, 12-4 ATS) and Dolphins (11-5, 8-8 ATS), mostly because of Baltimore’s impressive ATS record.

The Ravens were the league’s best bet this season, in part because they were undervalued by the public and in part because of their dominant defense. Baltimore finished second in the NFL in defense at 261.1 yards against per game, and ranked third in the league with 15.2 points against per contest.

Baltimore’s stifling ‘D’ was on display when it defeated Miami 27-13 on October 19 at Dolphin Stadium, as the Ravens held the Fish to 71 yards rushing in the win. Joe Flacco was 17-of-23 for 232 yards with a touchdown for Baltimore, which covered as 3-point underdogs.

Miami (+3) clinched the AFC East with a 24-17 victory on the road against the New York Jets on Sunday, as the Dolphins finished off a run of nine wins in their last 10 games (5-5 ATS).

(5) Indianapolis at (4) San Diego (pick ‘em, 49) – Saturday, 8 PM ET

The red-hot Colts (12-4, 8-7 ATS) roll into Qualcomm Stadium to take on the Chargers (8-8, 7-8-1 ATS), who have the fortune of hosting a playoff game despite having the worst record of any team in the postseason.

San Diego won the AFC West with a 52-21 pasting of the Denver Broncos in the Sunday nighter in Week 17, as the Bolts rolled as 7-point home chalk. The Chargers look to avenge their 23-20 loss at home to the Colts on November 23, a game in which Adam Vinatieri’s 51-yard field goal as time expired assured Indianapolis backers the payday as 3-point underdogs.

The Colts won nine in a row to end the season (5-3-1 ATS), and will surely be slim road favorites by the time the teams take the field on Saturday. There will be too much action on Indy for oddsmakers to avoid moving the line in its direction, so bettors might be wise to get a piece of the Colts before that happens. 

NFC

(6) Philadelphia at (3) Minnesota (+3, 42) – Sunday, 4:30 PM ET

The Eagles (9-6-1, 10-6 ATS) face the Vikings (10-6, 6-10 ATS) after garnering an improbable NFC wild card berth with their 44-6 shellacking of the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as 2.5-point home faves.

Philadelphia runs into the league’s toughest run defense in Minnesota, which allowed only 76.8 yards on the ground per game during the regular season. The Vikes reeled off five wins in their last six games to take the NFC North crown, including a last-second 20-19 triumph over the New York Giants at the Metrodome on Sunday. 

The Eagles cashed four of their last five contests both SU and against the number after hitting rock bottom following a 36-7 loss as 1-point road pups at Baltimore on November 23.

(5) Atlanta at  (4) Arizona (+1, 50.5) – Saturday, 4:30 PM ET

Expect a ton of action on the Falcons (11-5, 9-7 ATS) before their matchup against the Cardinals (9-7, 9-7 ATS), who are limping into the playoffs after dropping four of their last six games (2-4 ATS).

Sharp bettors have every reason to discount Arizona considering its lackluster play over the past two months. The Cards have won at home to Seattle and St. Louis during the stretch – hardly impressive considering Arizona goes up against the NFL’s No. 2 rushing attack in Atlanta (152.4 yards per game).

The last time the Cardinals defeated a team with a winning record was back on October 12 when they trimmed Dallas 30-24 in overtime as 4.5-point home dogs.

NCAA Basketball Preview Cincinnati @ Memphis

The Cincinnati Bearcats have gotten their 2008-09 NCAA basketball campaign off to a great start and come into tonight’s matchup against the Memphis Tigers at FedEx Forum, riding a four-game winning streak in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

Memphis may be the nationally-ranked team in this contest, but the defending national-champion runner-ups have been the more inconsistent of the two teams tonight, alternating wins and losses in each of their last seven games.

The Bearcats are coming off an emphatic 79-49 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Monday, getting 14 points apiece from freshman forward Yancy Gates and junior guard Deonta Vaughn.

The Tigers are coming off a 87-49 rout over Drexel on Monday, covering a huge 22.5-point spread as home favorites for NCAA college basketball sports betting enthusiasts in the process.

Freshman shooting guard Tyreke Evans led the way with 20 points while senior forward Robert Dozier chipped in 14 points.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAB Free Pick:

NCAAB Odds

Cincinnati +13½ -110

Memphis -13½ -110

Analysis: I know the Memphis Tigers are the nationally-ranked team in this contest, but I like the Cincinnati Bearcats to cover the spread here with room to spare. The Bearcats are a well-coached team that plays the game the right way and has enough athleticism and height to compete with some of the powerhouse teams in the nation.

NCAAB Free Picks: Cincinnati +13½ Points

Alamo Bowl Northwestern Wildcats vs. Missouri Tigers

BetOnline NCAA Football Betting Odds: MISSOURI -12.5, Total 66

Here are some of the NCAA college football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* NW has covered four of its last six games

* NW has won nine of its last 12 games SU

* NW has played four of its last five games UNDER the total

* MIZZ has covered one of its last five games

* MIZZ has won 16 of its last 21 games SU

Northwestern’s defense did a heck of a job this year. Only two teams exceeded 30 points against them (Michigan State and Ohio State) and the Wildcats limited capable offensive clubs like Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa to 17, 10 and 17 points respectively. All told, they allowed just 19.2 points per game.

Tyrell Sutton, the team’s leading rusher, who gained 776 yards on the season but missed the last four games with a wrist injury, has been practicing and the team is very optimistic that he will play.

Missouri, however, is well-prepared and well-equipped to bring plenty of bad tidings to San Antonio. Chase Daniel completed 74% of his passes with 37 TD passes and was simply overshadowed by a lot of the other outstanding passers in the Big 12 this year. Certainly he has big guns to throw to. Chase Coffman (83 catches, 920 yards) was a first-team All-American and the recipient of the John Mackey Award for being the nation’s outstanding tight end. Jeremy Maclin, the all-purpose ace, caught 95 passes for 1221 yards and 12 touchdowns, and also received All-America recognition. You could do a whole lot worse than have a third option like Tommy Saunders, whose 66 receptions were good for 800 yards and seven scores. Missouri also gets the right kind of balance in its offense by employing tailback Derrick Washington (992 yards, 6.1 ypc) as the cornerstone of its ground attack.

The Tigers ranked 117th nationwide in pass defense, but you have to remember that they faced a staggering number of capable arms this season, including Juice Williams (Illinois), Colin Kaepernick (Nevada), Drew Willy (Buffalo), Joe Ganz (Nebraska), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), Colt McCoy (Texas), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Josh Freeman (Kansas State) and Todd Reesing (Kansas). So it is highly unlikely that they will be fazed by the presence of C.J,. Bacher (14 TD’s, 14 INT’s) across the line of scrimmage. In fact, it will probably be a relief of sorts.

Remember that this was a down year in the Big Ten, and Northwestern has faced no offense yet that has an assortment of weapons to compare to Missouri. Of course, there is the natural concern that Mizzou, having been beaten in the Big 12 title game two years in a row, might be quite disappointed to be competing in this relatively "minor" bowl, but we imagine the defense is anxious to redeem itself for the 61-point embarrassment Oklahoma laid on them in the conference championship game. We’re going to lay the points with the only explosive team on the field, the Missouri Tigers, the 12.5-point favorite in the BetOnline NCAA college football betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: MISSOURI -12.5 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay of http://www.ebookies.com gives it more than the old college try as a contributor to the BetOnline Locker Room)

NBA Preview D Wade vs The King

The NBA’s top two scorers face off for the second time in three days on Tuesday night when LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers square off with Dwayne Wade’s Miami Heat in the second game of a home-and-home series on the NBA betting schedule.

In Game 1 of the series on Sunday in Cleveland the Cavaliers erased a nine-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to cool off the Heat 93-86 as an 11-point favorite on the NBA odds. The victory extended Cleveland’s winning streak to six games overall and 16 straight at home. James led the way with 33 points, six rebounds, and nine assists for Cleveland, while some solid defense held Wade to only 24 points and eight assists for Miami. James also received some help from Mo Williams, who netted 20 points and Ben Wallace, who matched a season-high with 14 rebounds. Wade didn’t receive nearly as much help from his teammates, as only two other Miami players scored in double figures, Udonis Haslem with 15 and Daequan Cook with 12.

The loss snapped Miami’s four-game winning streak, but they should have a better chance against the Cavaliers on Tuesday night in Miami. All four of Cleveland’s losses this season have come on the road, while the Heat sport a much better record at home at 10-5, compared to a 6-8 mark on the road.

Also on tap on Tuesday night is an interesting matchup between Boston and Portland. The Celtics are finishing off a four-game west coast road trip in Portland after a rocky start in Los Angeles on Christmas Day. Boston lost two straight for the first time this season after falling to the Lakers and the Warriors, but they quickly bounced back against the Kings on Sunday with a 108-63 rout. Boston was a 13-point favorite in the win and easily covered the large spread. Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Ray Allen got back on track with 19 points.

The Trail Blazers recovered from a loss by blasting Toronto 102-89 as an 8-point favorite on Saturday. Brandon Roy poured in 32 points to go along with nine assists, while Greg Oden finally broke out of a long slump with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics and Blazers met up earlier this month in Boston when the Celtics crushed Portland 93-78 as an 8-point favorite. Allen led the Celtics with 19 points as all of Boston’s starters scored at least 12 points in the contest. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 13 points, while Roy struggled in the loss with only 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting.

Holiday Bowl Oregon Ducks vs Oklahoma St. Cowboys

The Oregon Ducks travel to San Diego to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Holiday Bowl.  The Ducks were oh so close again to getting to the Rose Bowl this season but the USC Trojans found a way not to get into the BCS Championship and instead got a bid to the Rose Bowl.  Oregon is coming off of a smashing victory over rival Oregon State in their Pac-10 finale.  Sports betting fans have to decide if the victory was a prelude of what might happen in the Holiday Bowl or if the Oklahoma State Cowboys will bounce back from their horrendous loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in their Big-12 finale.  Oregon was 6 and 6 against the BetOnline online wagering spread this season.  Those aren’t fantastic numbers but the Ducks were getting better as the season progressed.  The three straight wins they accrued to close out the season against Stanford, Arizona and Oregon State, a 65 to 38 victory over the Beavers, means that the Ducks come into the Holiday Bowl on a roll.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were one of the best teams in college football this season up until late October and November where they lost three out of their last five.  Of course, the three losses were to Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.  Both Texas and Oklahoma are playing in BCS Bowl games while the Red Raiders are playing on January 2nd in the Cotton Bowl.  Losing to those three teams shouldn’t bother online betting fans looking to back the Cowboys.  What should bother them is the fact that they gave up 61 points to the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oregon Ducks are a high-scoring team.

Here are the BetOnline online sportsbook NCAAF betting odds for this game.

Oregon Ducks                                    + 2 ½  – 110                 + 120               O  76 ½  – 110

Oklahoma State Cowboys                 – 2 ½  – 110                  – 140                U  76 ½  – 110

Here are a few online wagering trends that might help us find a good online bet in this game.

The Oregon Ducks are 5 and 1 against the spread in their last 6 bowl games as the underdog.

The Oregon Ducks are 5 and 2 against the spread in their last 7 non-conference games.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are 4 and 0 against the spread in their last 4 non-conference games.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are 9 and 3 against the spread in their last 12 games overall.

Oklahoma State is a very good team but they have only faced an offensive powerhouse like the Oregon Ducks twice this season.  In both of those games the Cowboys were throttled.

They lost 56 to 20 to Texas Tech and 61 to 41 to Oklahoma.  The loss to Texas Tech was very disturbing because the Cowboys couldn’t muster enough points to keep it close.  Against Oklahoma, it was a given that the Cowboys would lose as Oklahoma is one of the best teams college football has ever seen.

So, what happens in the Holiday Bowl?  Oregon will come out passing and trying to run once they can open up the Oklahoma State defense.  The Cowboys will come out running.  To me, that’s the key to which online bet to make in the BetOnline Sportsbook.  Smart college football betting says that the team with the best defense and better running game usually wins in bowl games. Kendall Hunter for the Cowboys should do very well if he gets at least 17 carries in this game.

The Oregon Ducks are on a roll, but the Oklahoma State Cowboys got just enough time to figure out what was wrong.  They’re going to bounce back in this game in a big way and cover the 2 ½ point in the BetOnline online sportsbook.

NBA Betting Preview Memphis @ Minnesota

BetOnline NBA Basketball Betting Odds: MINNESOTA -2, Total 197

Here are some of the NBA pro basketball sports betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* MEM is 7-2-1 ATS in its last ten games

* MEM has lost five of its last six games SU

* MEM has played 15 of its last 23 games OVER the total

* MEM has covered two of its last eight road games

* MEM has lost nine of its last ten road games SU

* MEM has played six of its last seven road games OVER the total

* MINN has covered five of its last 17 games

* MINN has lost 14 of its last 15 games SU

* MINN has played four of its last six games OVER the total

* MINN has covered one of its last nine home games

* MINN has lost its last nine home games SU

* MINN has played four of its last six home games UNDER the total

Also…

* MEM has covered five of the last six meetings

* MEM has won 10 of the last 14 meetings SU

* Four of the last six meetings have gone UNDER the total

* MEM has covered five of the last six meetings as the road team

* MEM has won four of the last six meetings SU as the road team

* Fourteen of the last 19 meetings in Minneapolis have gone OVER the total

* MEM has made more three-pointers in eight of the last ten meetings

Maybe Glen Taylor thought stripping Kevin McHale of his deal-making duties and putting him on the bench as the T-Wolves’ interim coach was going to light a fire under the former Boston Celtics great. However, it seems more like the demotion has sucked some of the life out of McHale, which in turn has had a negative impact, if that was possible, on the team’s fortunes. The Wolves had lost 13 games in a row before finally scoring a resounding win over the New York Knicks last Friday. But 24 hours later, it was back to the same old ineptitude, this time at the Target Center, where Minnesota fell tot he Orlando Magic by 24 points, as forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis combined for 50 points. Minnesota shot 41% in that game.

That’s the thing; neither the T-Wolves nor the Grizzlies play very much defense (Minnesota allows 47.4%, with Memphis at 47.5%), but Memphis has much more in the way of offensive firepower right now, with O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay teaming up for about 40 points a game. If these two clubs are works in progress, Memphis is showing more progress fighting tooth-and-nail with good teams like San Antonio, which it stretched into double overtime at the AT&T Center on Saturday night before going down to a disappointing 106-103 defeat. Marc Iavaroni is one of those struggling NBA coaches who got off to a bad start but did NOT get canned (it’s a short list), and he has his team playing hard most nights.

This is an opportunity to play in a winnable game. Minnesota has shown no home court advantage whatsoever, losing its last nine games at the Target, securing just one cover in the process. Even the Clippers came in and beat them by 23 points. For what it’s worth, Memphis has edges in the technical numbers in this series, covering five of the last six meetings. Things are looking worse and worse in Minneapolis; many people are losing their patience with McHale and what he’s done, and those who aren’t are laying the blame at Taylor’s feet. Whatever the case, it is wise right now to take the points against this crew, and Memphis is playing like there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. We take the Grizzlies, the two-point underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook NBA pro basketball sports betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: MEMPHIS +2 ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay of http://www.ebookies.com makes his share of shots from downtown as a contributor to the BetOnline Locker Room)

College Football Betting BCS Bowl Mania

Sports betting aficionados have already had a wacky bowl season, and BetOnline Sportsbook will have all of the football betting action covered from now through the final snap of the Florida/Oklahoma game.

So far this bowl season, the oddsmakers haven’t come particularly close to the number. Only three of the 12 games have finished within six points of the football betting line. Underdogs and favorites have been evenly split at six games apiece against the spread. Southern Mississippi, Colorado State, and Florida Atlantic all pulled outright upsets in their bowl bashes. The ‘totals’ have been split as well, going 6-6. (592 points)

The average score of bowl games so far this season is lagging behind last year’s clip. The 12 bowl games this year have averaged just 51.6 points per game after averaging 57.7 points per game a year ago.

Rose Bowl

Though there have been plenty of appetizers for the holidays, the main courses of the bowl season have yet to be served. The BCS games begin on New Year’s Day with the “Granddaddy of them All,” the Rose Bowl.

Penn State and Southern Cal will hook up in the first BCS showdown to kick off 2009. The Trojans will be playing in their fourth straight Rose Bowl. They’re 2-1 SU and ATS in those three games, and haven’t lost a game to a Big Ten team since 1996, when they lost to these Nittany Lions 24-7. This will be PSU’s first Rose Bowl since 1995. Expect to see a lot of defense to kick off the New Year. The two squads have only combined to average giving up 20.2 points per game this season.

Orange Bowl

Later that night, the Orange Bowl will kick off in the first of two showdowns at Dolphins Stadium. Two red hot teams will take the field when the Cincinnati Bearcats duel with the Virginia Tech Hokies. The last meeting between these teams was in 2006, a game that V-Tech knocked the Bearcats off 29-13. Tech will hope to avenge last year’s Orange Bowl loss to Kansas, while Cincy will hope to snap back-to-back ATS losses in bowl games. It has won three straight bowl games, but has never played in a BCS bowl.

Sugar Bowl

The only undefeated team remaining in America will be on display in January 2nd’s Sugar Bowl when the Utah Utes clash with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Utes are most known for their 35-7 destruction of Pittsburgh in the ’04 Fiesta Bowl. They became the first non-BCS school to play in, and win a BCS bowl game. Alabama came up just short of playing for the National Championship by losing to Florida in the SEC title game. The Tide has alternated wins and losses in bowl games for the last four years. Don’t count the Utes out of this one even though they’re double digit underdogs.

Fiesta Bowl

Texas may feel snubbed from a shot at the BCS crown, but a trip to the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State isn’t a bad consolation prize. These teams met in 2005 and 2006, with the road team winning both meetings. The Buckeyes have had no luck in the BCS lately, as they are the losers of back-to-back National Championship games. It’ll be OSU’s fourth straight season playing in the BCS. As for the Longhorns, they have won five straight bowl games, and are heavy favorites to continue that stretch on the 5th.

BCS Title Game

It’ll all wrap up on January 8th with the BCS title game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Florida Gators. The fireworks should be flying offensively, as both teams rank in the Top 5 in the land in offense. Oklahoma is the only team in college football history to score 60 or more points in five straight games. Since losing to Texas, they are a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS. Florida is even more impressive, as it is 9-0 SU and 8-0 ATS since losing to Ole Miss back on September 27th.

NFL Playoff Preview & Picks

The Wild-Card Round in the NFL is set now that every seed has been decided after a wild Week 17 in the NFL!

Some teams that should have made the playoffs, like the New England Patriots, will be staying home because of the NFL Playoff rules. Other teams that should probably be staying home, yes, I’m thinking of you San Diego Chargers, not only made the playoffs but get to host a wild card game.

For sports betting fans, NFL betting heats up during the playoffs. There are less games, but the games are more intense and football betting fans will find shorter BetOnline online sportsbook betting lines to deal with.

Let’s take a quick peek at this weekend’s games!

Wild Card NFL Playoff Games in the AFC

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers

BetOnline Against the Spread Line: Pick

BetOnline Total: 49

Early Analysis: The Chargers looked Super “Bowlish” against the Denver Broncos on Sunday but so did the Colts. I like the Chargers at home but I like the Colts because of their consistency. My first read is that the Colts are a great football online bet as a pick but I’ll wait until the Chargers end up the favorites in the BetOnline online sportsbook before betting Indy. These teams should squash the BetOnline Total but this is a playoff game. So, I expect a healthy dose of some serious defense. The under looks good in this.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

BetOnline Against the Spread Line: Miami Dolphins + 3

BetOnline Total: 37

Early Analysis: The Dolphins are at home and they are underdogs. Usually, I’d be all over a team like the Fins in this position, but I can’t because the Ravens are loaded on defense and their offense has been much better lately. What I do like about Miami is the fact that they played terrific defense against the Jets and now they get to face Joe Flacco, a rookie, in this game. My first inclination is Miami all the way to beat the BetOnline online wagering spread. The BetOnline Total of 37 is where it should be. This game should go under.

Wild Card NFL Playoff Games in the NFC

Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals

BetOnline Against the Spread Line: Arizona Cardinals + 1

BetOnline Total: 50 ½

Early Analysis: The Cardinals are getting a point at home against a team with a rookie quarterback. It won’t matter because the Falcons’ defense is just much better than the Cardinals’ defense. This might end up being my pick of the weekend against the BetOnline online betting spread. I love the Falcons in this game. The BetOnline Total of 50 ½ shouldn’t be enough for the under but this is the playoffs and the Falcons do have Michael Turner. My first inclination is that this goes under.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings

BetOnline Against the Spread Line: Minnesota Vikings + 3

BetOnline Total: 42

Early Analysis: Neither team has been all that consistent but the Eagles don’t have that huge question mark at quarterback that Minnesota does. I see the Eagles beating the Vikings because Jimmie Johnson’s defensive unit for Philly has been playing very well. The Eagles should cover against the BetOnline online betting spread in a boring game that probably will go under. Both defenses are good. I’m thinking 17 to 10 in the end with Donovan playing a smart game and Tarvaris Jackson for the Vikings making a big mistake or two.

NFL Week 17 Betting Chicago Bears at Houston Texans

BetOnline NFL betting odds: HOUSTON -3, Total 46.5

NOTABLE STAT: Bears have allowed 3.4 yards per rushing attempt

KEY NFL FOOTBALL BETTING TREND: Chicago has played seven of its last eight road games under the total

In the BetOnline NFL football betting odds, the Texans are listed as a three-point favorite, with a posted total of 46.5 points.

Here are some NFL football betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* CHI is 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight games

* CHI has won four of its last five games SU

* CHI has played five of its last seven games UNDER the total

* CHI has lost seven of its last ten road games SU

* CHI has played seven of its last eight road games UNDER the total

* HOU has won four of its last five games SU

* HOU has covered five of its last six games

* HOU has played four of its last five games UNDER the total

* HOU has covered eight of its last 11 home games

* HOU has won five of its last six home games SU

The Bears tried to kill themselves last week, showing even less imagination of offense than they normally do, but they stayed with it and took advantage of Packer mistakes to keep themselves alive for another week.

They also had some incredible luck.

Will that luck continue, as Chicago heads into the final week having to win, and hope for Minnesota and/or other teams to stumble?

Kyle Orton was been respectable with 16 TD passes and 12 interceptions this year, but he’s been less impressive lately, with five TD’s and eight pickoffs in his last four games. The Bears just don’t do very well on offense under Lovie Smith; they rank 26th in the NFL in yards gained, and even with the insertion of Devin Hester (45 catches) into the lineup, they can’t improve their air attack. Seriously, if it weren’t for rookie Matt Forte, who’s had 1188 rushing yards and 452 receiving yards, this team would be sitting with about four wins. Thank God also for Danieal Manning, who has taken control of the kickoff return duties as Hester was pulled off, and chalked up 885 yards.

The Texans tripped badly against Oakland last week, indicating that are not ready for prime time. They let JaMarcus Russell to pass for 236 yards, and seemingly couldn’t handle the idea of beating the Titans the week before. Andre Johnson has caught 105 passes, and is hands down one of the NFL’s best at the wide out position. Steve Slaton has been even more sensational than Forte, with a 4.8 yard average and 1190 total rushing yards. Owen Daniels (67 catches, 825 yards) provides another dependable target for Matt Schaub (65%, 13 TD’s, 10 INT’s), who has bouts with inconsistency that may not rival those of Orton, but are pretty frustrating nonetheless.

Houston has played well enough at Reliant Stadium to have beaten teams like Miami and Tennessee, and would have put the Colts as a notch in their belt if not for a near-surreal late game collapse. But before we talk about this as a walk in the park for the Texans, let’s point out a few things.

One of those is that Houston, believe it or not, has been a less efficient offense than Chicago, when we look at it within the reference of "yards per point." The Texans have had to gain 16.9 yards for every point they’ve scored, compared with just 12.6 for the Bears. That’s because Houston has been so bad in the red zone, scoring touchdowns only 44% of the time they have been down there. That’s tough against a capable defense. Houston also allows 4,5 yards per rushing attempt, so Forte is liable to have an easier time chewing up ground than fellow rookie Slaton.

Chicago’s desperation here should bring out something close to maximum effort, particularly on the defensive side, This is a tough call, but we’ll side with a desperate squad getting points, which means "Da Bears" plus "Da Points" in "Da BetOnline NFL betting odds.

JAY’S PLAY: CHICAGO +3 **

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay of www.ebookies.com is a member of the NFL too – that is, "not for long" if you don’t get results. He is now a regular contributor to the BetOnline.com Locker Room)

NFL Week 17 Picks

For once, Week 17 brings us plenty of games with playoff implications. Yet some teams are still fighting to gain the national attention that all teams want. That’s where BetOnline.com comes in! Even if nobody cares about the Seahawks on a national scale, I’m sure their betting faithful are still interested. Below you’ll find all the games that only the online betting community gives a damn about. Enjoy!

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -3 over Washington Redskins

How would this season have panned out had Shaun Hill been the quarterback in Week 1? Probably a whole lot better. Listen, J.T. O’Sullivan put in a fine effort. But as my uncle used to remind me, “good intentions don’t pay the bills”. The Redskins have tumbled and fumbled their way to a 1-5-1 ATS record over their last 7 games. Against the Niners they’re 2-5-1 ATS. With Hill’s steady leadership at the helm, I like the Niners to take care of business and carry on a strong 5-2 ATS record they’ve accumulated over the past 7 games. I just don’t like it when East coast teams travel West. Didn’t work out for the Jets against the Niners. I don’t see it working out to well for the letdown specialists from Washington.

Seattle Seahawks +6.5 over ARIZONA CARDINALS

Just like last weekend, the Cardinals have zero to play for. They have a playoff spot because of their crap division and will likely want to rest their starters to prepare for some grueling playoff matchups. The Blowhawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road, and are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games against the Cardinals. I like Seattle to send Mike Holmgren off properly with a victory as they cover a spread that has nearly doubled since it opened.

GREEN PAY PACKING IT UPS -10.5 over 1976 Bucs

Oh lord, how bad can it get in Detroit? At least they have the Red Wings! Green Bay has been the best worst team to hit the field in a long time. It’s virtually inexplicable for them to have a 5-10 SU record this season with Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, a star powered defense and three solid receivers. I like the Packers to explode against the woeful Lions who are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 games. I hope Michael Crabtree enjoys Michigan!

(note: I know Matt Millen is gone, but Detroit should just do it anyways to stick it to their fans)

Kansas City Chiefs -3 over CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Chiefs are a sturdy 6-3 ATS despite going 2-22 SU in their last 24 games. I wonder who’s going to get fired first between Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis? The Chiefs are three-years away from being a good team, but are certainly moving in the right direction with Tyler Thigpen at quarterback. I wish I could say the same about the brutal Bengals. How Marvin Lewis has a job will baffle me if he’s still holding the headphones in 2009.

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