NFL Highlights, Week 14
by Joshua Faibanks - 12/12/2006
Doc's Sports will look at the most important NFL highlights from a betting perspective each week of the football season. Here is where you can find out who covered, where the lines moved and also which teams were hot against the total.
Chicago Defeated St. Louis Monday, 42-27.
Rex Grossman finally found his groove Monday as the Bears ran over the Rams. Devin Hester ran back two touchdowns, setting the new NFL record for TD returns. With the threat of Griese taking over his starting slot, Rex Grossman did his job and managed his way to a strong Bears victory. Chicago, who covered the total alone, also seemed to return to their scoring dominance. Following week 14, the Bears are now 8-3-1 against the total. Not only can the Bears light up the scoreboard, they can also hold teams to very few points. Maybe that's why the total always seems to be shaded at the lower end.
New Orleans Defeated Dallas Sunday, 42-17.
The Saints came into Dallas Sunday and put a serious beating down against the Cowboys. Drew Brees passed for five touchdowns and threw for almost 400 yards. Reggie Bush also found himself in the mix with over 100 all-purpose yards. The total for this game, although easily covered, found itself slowly rising all week. The number opened up around 45 and by Sunday night it was almost 48 at some sports books. Luckily, the Saints felt like putting on an offensive spectacle Sunday night. New Orleans now finds themselves at a strong 9-4 ATS. They are also 3-0 ATS in their last three weeks. The Saints seem to be heating up at just the right time.
Tennessee Defeated Houston Sunday, 26-20.
Once again, one of this year's leading Rookie of the Year candidates, Vince Young, took the game into his own hands. The Texans drove down the field in the final moments to hit a game tying field goal. In overtime, the Titans faced a tough third-and-20. Vince Young checked off his receivers and decided to take off from the 50. After an amazing scramble Young found himself in the end zone with the winning score. The Titans are now an amazing 6-2 ATS under Vince Young. Week after week this team continues to be under appreciated. I bet the Texans are kicking themselves after passing on Young this week.
Jacksonville Defeated Indianapolis Sunday, 44-17.
Following the game this week, Coach Tony Dungy said that he is not worried about his Colts in the playoffs. If I were him, I would be. Maurice Drew ran all over Indy Sunday putting up over 200 yards including a kickoff return for a TD. During the last five weeks, Jacksonville has been 5-2 ATS. Indy, on the other hand, has been horrific. They are 1-3 in their last four weeks, and they have also given up almost 600 rushing yards in their past two games. Needless to say, the Colts have been a bettors dream. During the past five weeks, Indianapolis has been 1-4 ATS. The Colts have also been a poor 2-4 covering the total. If you don't mind going against one of the league's best records, you may be collecting big by fading the Colts. I wonder if Peyton Manning will be practicing on both sides this week?
Miami Defeated New England Sunday, 21-0.
Miami seems to be continuing right where they left off last season. Once again, the Dolphins came out of the gate slow, but since then, they have been a team to reckon with. Shutting out a good Patriots team surely will make the Dolphins confidence even stronger heading into the end of the season. After starting the season 0-7 ATS, the Dolphins now hold a strong 5-1 ATS streak. Miami recent win streak has also been influential on their defense. During the past five weeks, the Dolphins are 1-4 against the total. It seems to me that next week against Buffalo, the Dolphins are money in the bank.