Betting Week 14
By Bodog
The Denver Broncos may have finally hit on that winning formula: Fire your coach. Josh McDaniels was let go after less than two seasons, the last straw coming Sunday when the Broncos lost 10-6 to the Kansas City Chiefs – although Denver did put up a good fight as a 9-point puppy. Both the Dallas Cowboys (Wade Phillips) and the Minnesota Vikings (Brad Childress) won and covered after firing their coaches earlier this year. The Broncos have a very good chance of doing the same this week in Glendale, one of five stops on this week’s football betting preview.
Thursday: Indianapolis at Tennessee
Peyton Manning is no stranger to throwing interceptions. It comes with the territory when you lead the league in pass attempts (534 already in 12 games). But Manning and the Colts have given up two interception returns for touchdowns in each of the last two games, falling to 6-6 (6-5-1 ATS) in the process. Indianapolis supporters can blame that to some extent on bad luck. The Titans (5-7 SU and ATS) have lost five in a row SU and ATS and are without Vince Young for the rest of the season. They’re getting 3.5 points (–120) as we go to press; don’t forget to check out our live betting feature for this matchup.
N.Y. Giants at Minnesota
The story, as usual, is about Brett Favre. He’s expected to suit up despite suffering a sprained SC joint in his shoulder against the Buffalo Bills (+5 away). Tarvaris Jackson played most of that game and won 38-14 as Minnesota improved to 2-0 SU and ATS under interim coach Leslie Frazier. But how will the Vikings do against a real opponent? All five of their victories this year are against losing teams, while the Giants are living large at 8-4 SU (6-6 ATS), powered by one of the most fearsome pass defenses in the NFL. Favre (10 TDs, 18 INTs, 21 sacks) might not have anything left to sprain after this contest.
Denver at Arizona
McDaniels is a wizard when it comes to offense, but the Broncos are without a doubt one of the worst defensive teams in the league. That’s partly because of injuries and partly because McDaniels let defensive coordinator Mike Nolan leave for Miami during the offseason. Running backs coach Eric Studesville takes over as interim coach this week. He might not have the expertise to fix the defense, but the Broncos probably won’t be tested much by the Cardinals (3-9 SU and ATS). They might have to rush rookie QB John Skelton into duty with Derek Anderson (concussion) still under evaluation and Max Hall (dislocated shoulder) on injured reserve. Watch for fresh NFL odds as this situation is resolved.
Philadelphia at Dallas
The Cowboys (4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS) have covered all four of their games with Jason Garrett as their interim coach, winning three times – including last week in overtime against the Colts (–5.5 at home). Jon Kitna has seven TD passes and just two picks during this span, and Garrett has allowed Tashard Choice (4.2 yards per carry) to take his rightful place ahead of Marion Barber (3.1 yards) on the depth chart. The Cowboys are getting the full 3.5 points against the Eagles (8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS), who are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four games. The OVER is a combined 18-6 for these two NFC East rivals.
Monday: Baltimore at Houston
Once again, the Ravens (8-4 SU, 5-6-1 ATS) are trying to regroup after losing a heartbreaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers, this time falling 13-10 as 3-point home faves. Coach John Harbaugh told reporters this is the toughest time of his three years at the helm. He also pointed to the failures of the offense, which has suffered its share of injuries this season. Harbaugh expects both tackle Michael Oher (knee) and fullback Le’Ron McClain (ankle) to face the Texans (5-7 SU and ATS), who have one of the worst defenses in the league, especially against the pass. Houston is a 3-point home dog (–115) for this Monday Night Football matchup.