Props To Prop Bets

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Posted by Diesel | Posted on 20-01-2010

Category : Previews & Forecasts, Strategies & Tips

Props To Prop Bets

This weekends Sunday action is the last slice of football you’re going to see until the Super Bowl on February 7th. Gridiron Experts, along with many (many) of you are definitely going to go through NFL withdrawals, but until then check out these prop bets that you may find interesting (or insulting if you’re a New York Jets fan).

For those who don’t know, these are bets you can place in Vegas or with online sportsbooks on individual player achievements. You can get everything from the coin toss to Superbowl Odds. Most of the time these bets are based on an average of a team or players numbers throughout the year, making the bet not worth a second look, but this week a couple bets caught my eye, in kind of a humorous fashion. (The .5 is so there are no ties)

Prop Bet #1]  Over/Under Mark Sanchez will complete 13 passes. 13…that’s it? I understand the Jets have gotten to where they are now with their top defense and power running game, but 13 passes? Wow! So if you were to lose this bet, Sanchez would only average 3 completed passes per quarter. Not a lot of faith for a guy who is one game away from going to the Super Bowl.

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Superbowl Or Super Bust: Minnesota Vikings

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 12-01-2010

Category : Minnesota Vikings, Previews & Forecasts

Superbowl Or Super Bust: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings were division winners and playoff contestants last season. With a powerful rushing attack and a strong, supportive defense, they only had one thing missing.

One addition, and they could start thinking Super Bowl.

After months of speculation, both from the media, from the players themselves, and the coaching staff, the Vikings had their “difference-maker” in mid-August.

Yes, the one and only, prima dona/future Hall of Famer; Brett Favre.

Favre’s addition had pre-wrapped expectations of a Super Bowl for Minnesota. He was supposed to be a game-manager that would come through in the clutch when needed, but would otherwise play second fiddle to the team’s true MVP, Adrian Peterson. However, after two blow-out wins over the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, Favre’s heroic arm was needed much sooner than Minnesota fans had expected.

Nevertheless, the veteran gunslinger responded.

Despite a mediocre showing for much of the day in a Week Three battle at home against the San Francisco 49ers, Favre evaded the 49ers pass rush and zipped a 32-yard pass into the hands of a leaping Greg Lewis, injecting life into all of Minnesota. Vikings fans that were still on the fence about Favre had committed to the former Packer. Favre’s magic, dormant for much of 2008 while he played with the New York Jets, was back. Jared Allen muttered to himself before the dramatic heave, “Be Brett. Just once. Be Brett.”

Favre did just that, and continued to pick up the slack for a surprisingly ineffective Vikings rush attack, as he led Minnesota to a 6-0 start, the best start for any team Favre had led in his 19-year career.

Amidst arm and age concerns, Favre had placed the entire Minnesota offense on his broad, aging shoulders, and had instilled hope into the franchise that he in fact was the missing piece they were looking for.

Fast forward to Week 12, where Minnesota stood at 10-1, in complete control of their division, and needing to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints for home-field advantage. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Favre and the offense were splitting at the seams. Favre and Childress were

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Early NFL Odds

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 11-01-2010

Category : Around the League, Previews & Forecasts

Early NFL Odds

This weeks NFL action sees a whole different outlook through the eyes of the betting community. The following are the odds for the upcoming week of NFL playoff football

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints -7    (57 O/U)

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts -6.5   (44 O/U)

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings -3    (46 O/U)

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers -7.5   (43 O/U)

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NFL Wildcard Preview: Ravens-Patriots

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Posted by T.J Jenkins | Posted on 09-01-2010

Category : Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Previews & Forecasts

Wildcard Preview:

Baltimore Ravens- New England Patriots

I guess the two most pertinent things when looking at the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens Wildcard match-up would be the injury to Patriots record setting receiver Wes Welker and the fact that the Ravens have never beaten the Patriots.

Ever.

Now, if history does indeed repeat itself, then this game doesn’t even need to be played. But that’s exactly the kind of fire and locker room fodder that teams like the hard nosed Ravens use to motivate themselves. Patriots receiver Randy Moss is going to see a lot of double coverage with Ed Reed shadowing him over the top. That’s a recipe for disaster for Tom Brady and company, because face it – no quarterback wants Reed targeting his number one wideout.

At least with Welker in the game, Reed’s efforts would be divided, but the Ravens have only ONE proven receiver to cover and that’s Moss himself.

Maybe it’s my love for the AFC North, maybe it’s because the Ravens are looking extremely tough to me after having to fight and scrape to simply get into the playoffs, but I’m liking the crew from Baltimore to pull this one out in the end.

Call me crazy, I’ve heard it before, but Joe Flacco is in nothing short of elite company. He is the fifth most productive quarterback within their first two years in the league.

The other guys on that list?

Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, and Jeff Garcia.

Not bad company to be in at all I don’t think.

Add to that the fact that he is one of only four quarterbacks since the 1970 merger to lead his team into the playoffs in his first two years in the NFL. The others on that short list are Ben Roethlisberger, Marino, and Bernie Kosar.

Not to mention the Ravens have both Willis McGahee and Ray Rice in the backfield. Rice has been nothing short of unstoppable, leading the team in receptions along with amassing 1,339 yards on the ground.

The Patriots on the other hand are going to have to look at Julian Edelman with Welker out. The best news for the Patriots is that Reed may or may not appear in a limited role after nursing injuries throughout the month of December.

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NFL Wildcard Preview: Eagles-Cowboys

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Posted by Daniel Phillips | Posted on 07-01-2010

Category : Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Previews & Forecasts

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -4

Last week the Cowboys dismantled the Eagles to the tune of 28-0. The Eagles had not been shutout in the first half the entire season prior to this game, let alone in a complete 4 quarters. The end result of this wiping of the floor is that instead of the Eagles attaining the first round bye, they will now face off against Dallas in the Wildcard round in Cowboys Stadium.

The Cowboys have been historically atrocious throughout the month of December, but this year they’re heading into the playoffs with all the confidence in the world; they have gained 3 straight wins coming into Saturday’s game (2/3 came against formidable opponents, Saints and Eagles). It’s not only the month of December that’s painful for Dallas fans, so to are the playoffs. The Cowboys have not won in the first round of the NFL playoffs since 1996 against Minnesota.

The loss to Dallas halted a 6 game win streak for the Eagles which definitely slowed down their momentum, but I still wouldn’t count them out. Philadelphia has one of the most impressive playoff records since 2000 at 10-7. Head Coach Andy Reid should take credit for this record as he seems to be at his best in the playoffs, rarely making poor decisions.

Rest  assured this game will be much more competitive than last week’s match-up.

Keys To The Game For Dallas:

Marion Barber and Felix Jones

Last week the Eagles run defense was non-existent and the RB tandem was able to put up some fantastic numbers, but more importantly they

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Wild Card Preview:Packers-Cardinals

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 05-01-2010

Category : Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Previews & Forecasts

Tags: ,

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals-1.5

Before this article grabs Green Bay fans by the wrists and drags them into the depths of painful, realistic punishment, let’s adore the facts. Green Bay just beat the Arizona Cardinals. They did so handily, 33-7, and after winning seven of their last eight games, there really isn’t much to suggest a first round exit.

If you truly believe that, you’re either a naive Cheesehead from Wisconsin, or you simply don’t follow the NFL.

After seeing the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants and end any chances of the Cardinals obtaining a first round bye, Arizona head coach Ken Wisenhunt “wizened up” (pun intended) and sat all of his offensive starters after less than a quarter of play.What transgressed was the Green Bay Packers (who left their starters in for nearly the entire game) demolishing the Cardinals. Add the soul-pounding victory by Green Bay with it’s other six victories out of it’s last eight games, and you’ve got a confident group of players and coaches on your hands.

But, really, are they that confident?

They’re going back to the same place they just played in less than a week. Only, this time they get the real deal. The Cardinals saw what the Packers are capable of. They saw their offense going to work, how their defense works in it’s 3-4, and what tendencies Mike McCarthy and co.

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Checking “Momentum Gauge”: Vikings and Saints

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Posted by Daniel Phillips | Posted on 05-01-2010

Category : Around the League, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Previews & Forecasts

Checking the “Momentum Gauge”: Vikings and Saints

Weeks ago the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints looked virtually unbeatable, the Saints in fact were. It seemed as if the NFC championship was not up for grabs but rather was going to be subject to a game of rock paper scissors between these two teams.  But all is not right on “Vikes and Saints Cam” (see NFL Network) as the past few weeks for both teams have been miserable, with the exception of Minnesota finishing off terrifyingly strong against the Giants.

The Saints traditionally have rested their hat on their high octane offense, however this season it wasn’t only the offense that was producing, the defense was as well, leading the league in turnovers.  But over the past few weeks New Orleans has stumbled and fumbled their way in and out of some questionable games. The loss to the Dallas Cowboys is an acceptable loss; the Cowboys are on fire in the month of December for the first time since, well… ever!  A close victory over the Skins and a defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers however are not acceptable for a team that has aspirations of going to the ship.  Following all of this was a week 17 divisional loss to the Carolina Panthers and now the Saints “Momentum Gauge” is reading nearly empty. This loss of momentum is truly worrisome for Saints fans, as a fan of the Eagles I’m worried about one week 17 loss going into the playoffs that followed a 6 game win streak; I don’t know where my mind would be if my team had such an atrocious December.

The Vikings have as well lost their early momentum from this season. Although as witnessed in a 44-7 trouncing of the Giants on Sunday the Vikings “Momentum Gauge” is not reading entirely empty. Led by the ageless wonder Brett Favre and backed up by “All Day” Peterson the Vikes may have slowed down going into the playoffs but they are still a formidable opponent. One thing that hasn’t faded for this team over recent weeks – as it has in New

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Gridiron Experts Power Rankings

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 22-12-2009

Category : Around the League, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Previews & Forecasts, San Diego Chargers

Gridiron Experts Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) – Tried, tested and true. The Colts are not getting the same respect that the Patriots got the year they went 16-0. While New England’s perfect (regular) season racked up points at will, even embarrassing teams long after the game was out of reach, the Colts play tight, hard fought football in a competitive division that is arguably one of the leagues toughest. Indianapolis is quietly putting together a perfect season that has hopes for a Super Bowl victory ending, not showboating records in the history books. No gimmicks, no flashy records, just wins.

2. San Diego Chargers (11-3)-  The Chargers are on a 9 game winning streak and look to roll into the playoffs with maybe even more momentum than Indianapolis has. The Chargers have overcome a shaky start to the season and have the confidence to out-shoot anyone. While Peyton Manning gets all the glory the Chargers offense has just as many weapons that can run up the score, which could lead to a great AFC showdown.

3. New Orleans Saints (13-1)- Gridiron Experts doesn’t do weekly power rankings, mainly due to teams like the Colts and Saints never making  any change at the top, but this week we’re knocking the Saints down a peg. Offensive powerhouse…yes, but also very lucky. The Saints should have lost to the Redskins, and played a sub-par game against the Falcons without Michael Turner or Matt Ryan. This team can rip anyone apart with it’s explosive offense, but the defense is only average at best, ranking in the middle of the pack in many categories including 25th against the pass.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)- A 5 game winning streak that includes two come from behind victories, even without a guy who used to be their entire offense: Brian Westbrook. DeSean Jackson is McNabb’s new favorite target, and the defense is only playing at a sub-par level. The best is yet to come for a team that flourishes this time of year.

5. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)- Gridiron Experts had mentioned in our last power rankings that we saw a rough winter ride for a team that is overusing their veteran quarterback, and who are not proven as a road team in the cold. Of course we did pick the Vikings last week against the Panthers, but games against the Bears and

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Thursday Night Football: Colts vs. Jags

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 17-12-2009

Category : Free Picks, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Previews & Forecasts

Tags:

jag ind

Indianapolis Colts-3  vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The first time these teams met, a failed two-point conversion by the Jaguars in the fourth quarter was all that separated these two in Indianapolis’ 14-12 victory in the season opener. The Colts have already clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, and appear to have no interest in pursuing a perfect record…making this game hard to pick.

On one hand the Colts don’t want a divisional rival to be the ones to hand them their first loss, while on the other hand…who cares, it’s the Super Bowl they’re after.

Indianapolis is 6-2 all-time at Jacksonville, and 5-0-1 against the spread on the road this season.  Keep in mind though, the Indianapolis injury report is as long as some team’s rosters. Most players are just banged up and will play, but Colts coach Jim Caldwell has said only his “healthy” starters will play in Thursday night’s game, meaning DE’s Dwight Freeney (abdomen) and Robert Mathis (quad) who are listed as questionable are most likely out.

Feature back Maurice Jones-Drew is in a slump and the best way to get him out of it is to feed him the ball against the Colts’ banged-up front seven. Jones-Drew can easily take over a game with his blend of power and speed; he has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time, is averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and has 14 rushing TD’s.

Our Thoughts:

The Jaguars see this game as a must win even though they are right now sitting in a playoff spot, while the Colts just see extra time off being in an early Thursday game and could really care less if they win or lose. While our picks have been on fire lately, the Thursday games have been difficult…wait, who picks the Browns…really, they’ve been hard to pick for everybody.

We like the Jaguars in an upset as too many factors come into play Thursday: home field, Colts injuries, and the chance the Jaguars lock in closer to a JAGplayoff spot. Expect a high scoring entertainment grudge match.

Jaguars 29-27

Gridiron Experts picks overall: 143-66  | ATS:113-96

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