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12/22/2006 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - You thought last year was something, huh?
Well, should the Pittsburgh Steelers climb out of their hanging-on-by-a- thread-of-a-thread-of-a-thread abyss and actually get themselves into the playoffs with even a chance to defend their Super Bowl title from last February, consider it a worthy encore.
Coach Bill Cowher's team needs a litany of positive outcomes - ranging from losses by the Cincinnati Bengals to the capture of Osama Bin Laden - to fully erase the stain left by an inglorious 2-6 start to their post-title, post- Jerome Bettis fairy tale season.
Five wins in six games have followed since the schedule's midway point, however, with the only loss of the last half-dozen coming to this week's opponents - the Baltimore Ravens - in a punishing 27-0 whitewash on Nov. 26 at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens have already guaranteed themselves a spot in the postseason, having clinched the AFC's North Division title in the midst of a successful run that's yielded seven wins in eight games since the toppling of former offensive coordinator Jim Fassel.
Head coach Brian Billick took over the play-calling duties after sacking his former Super Bowl coaching opponent, and the Ravens have responded by scoring at least 20 points in all but one game since the change was made.
Baltimore did suffer something of a scare in its Week 15 toppling of North bottom-feeder Cleveland, losing quarterback Steve McNair for the afternoon when he had a hand stepped on by Browns linebacker Andra Davis in the first quarter.
McNair was replaced by former starter Kyle Boller, who completed 13-of-21 passes for 238 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a 104.0 QB rating in his first extended on-field action since Week 6 against Carolina.
McNair will return this week, however, and was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.
The Ravens, though third in the chase entering the weekend - trailing San Diego (12-2) and Indianapolis (11-3) - nonetheless maintain a shot at securing home-field advantage throughout their stay in the AFC playoffs.
Baltimore holds a tiebreaker advantage over the Chargers by virtue of their Week 4 victory in early October, though they would need to establish a clear advantage over the Colts, who hold an edge over the Ravens with a superior record against common foes.
"We're still in the battle to get home-field and let the playoffs go through Baltimore," linebacker Bart Scott said. "Hopefully we can keep chugging along because we know it's a huge advantage and something we're fighting for. By no means do we shut it down here."
SERIES HISTORY
The Steelers hold a 13-8 edge in the all-time regular season series with the Ravens, but as mentioned, were routed, 27-0, when the teams met in Baltimore in Week 12. The teams split last year's home-and-home, including a 20-19 Pittsburgh win when the teams met for a Monday Night showdown in the Steel City in Week 8. The home team has won the last eight installments of the series since Pittsburgh prevailed in Baltimore during the 2002 campaign. The Ravens are 0-4 in regular season games played in Pittsburgh since last winning there in 2001.
Pittsburgh won the only postseason meeting between the teams, a 27-10 triumph in a 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff at home.
Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher is 14-8 against Baltimore all-time (including postseason), while the Ravens' Brian Billick is 7-9 overall against both Cowher and Pittsburgh.
RAVENS OFFENSE VS. STEELERS DEFENSE
The Ravens are surely a defense-first, offense-second team, but that's not to say there's a dearth of weaponry at Billick's disposal.
McNair has been exactly the leader the team coveted when it snatched him away from Tennessee during the off-season, and the former Alcorn State collegiate wizard has responded with a solid 82.3 QB rating and 62.4 percent completion rate.
He's 9-4 in his career as a starter against the Steelers, and has thrown multiple TD passes in three of his last five meetings with them. The veteran needs 281 pass yards to join Fran Tarkenton and Steve Young as the lone NFLers with 30,000 through the air and 3,500 on the ground.
Running back Jamal Lewis has returned to his workhorse form, grinding out 986 yards in 270 carries and scoring eight touchdowns. Predictably, Baltimore is 18-3 when he runs at least 25 times in a game.
Elsewhere, the tandem of Mark Clayton (805) and Derrick Mason (710) can become the first Ravens pair since 1997 to reach 800 receiving yards apiece in a single season. And tight end Todd Heap (team-high 64 receptions) has three TD catches in four road games against division foes.
Mason and Heap were listed as questionable on Wednesday's injury report, and both were held out of practice.
Overall, the Ravens are 23rd in the NFL with 101.6 rushing yards per game, and 12th with 211.6 yards through the air. The total offense count of 313.3 yards per game is good for 19th in the league.
The Steelers defense has been particularly stingy in the recent recovery toward "on the bubble" status, allowing just 13 points in victories over Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Carolina since the loss to the Ravens. Previously, Pittsburgh had been gashed for at least 20 points in seven of eight games - going 3-5.
Rankings-wise, the Steelers are fifth overall against the run (90.4 yards per game), 15th against the pass (206.1 yards) and ninth overall (296.5 yards).
Outspoken linebacker Joey Porter leads the unit with seven sacks, and elite- level safety Troy Polamalu is first in interceptions with three. Polamalu is listed as questionable due to the lingering impacts of a knee injury, but practiced Wednesday.
Rookie safety Anthony Smith has interceptions in consecutive games.
STEELERS OFFENSE VS. RAVENS DEFENSE
This is where the numbers contrast between the teams is most likely to play out.
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 3,077 yards in injury-abbreviated duty, nonetheless good for third in the AFC. New primary running back Willie Parker is also third in the conference with his 1,331 yards, and is tied for third in the AFC with 11 touchdowns.
And overall, the Steelers' clip of 356.6 yards per game is also, you guessed it, third in the AFC.
But then there's the Ravens' defense.
Baltimore's turnover ratio is a league-best plus-15 overall and its limiting of foes to just 265.8 yards each week is also tops in the NFL.
On the perimeter, big names are plentiful on both sides.
For the Steelers, wide receiver Hines Ward has at least five catches in six of nine games against the Ravens and leads Pittsburgh with 61 receptions for the season.
He needs 125 receiving yards to become the second player in franchise history (John Stallworth) with 8,000 for a career.
On the other side, Trevor Pryce leads the Ravens with 12 sacks, deep man Chris McAlister has a team-best five interceptions, and Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas has at least one sack in five of his last six road games.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Admittedly, there's not a lot to separate here.
Both teams have something left to play for - Pittsburgh for its very 2006 football life and a chance to defend its title, Baltimore for the chance at hosting a series of playoff games alongside the chilly Inner Harbor in January.
Both teams are chock full of high-profile players in the midst of successful seasons - Pittsburgh had four players (two offense, two defense) selected to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster, Baltimore had five (one offense, four defense).
Both teams are hot - Pittsburgh has won five of six, Baltimore has taken seven of eight.
And both teams have the requisite division-rival dislike for one another.
So, when all else fails, take the home (and certainly more desperate) team.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Steelers 14, Ravens 13
<< Will Bears Take it Easy on Lions?
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Bears will have to put together a plan of
attack for Sunday's game at the Detroit Lions, and that strategy will have
little to do with run-pass balance, taking shots down the field, or safety
blitzes.
The NFC
<< Determined Bengals Await Broncos, Cutler
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Appropriately, the Denver Broncos' quest for a spot in the
AFC Playoff bracket could come down to a wild card.
He wears No. 6.
Rookie Jay Cutler will make his fourth career start when the Cincinnati
Bengals invade Inves
<< Colts Carry New-Found Momentum into Houston
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Indianapolis Colts will attempt to move one step closer
to securing a first-round playoff bye this Sunday at Reliant Stadium, where
the AFC powerhouses visit a Houston Texans team they have owned in recent
years.
The
<< Chiefs Need Win Over Raiders, Holiday Miracle
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With a 7-7 record that includes a woeful 3-7 mark within
the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs need a great deal of help to realize their
playoff dreams.
But first, the Chiefs must help themselves.
Herm Edwards' team travels
No Spirit of Giving Present in Cowboys-Eagles Showdown >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC
East title is not going to be sitting under the tree Christmas morning. The
clubs, who will meet at Texas Stadium Monday evening, will have to engage in a
little holiday
Hornets ink G Brown >>
Oklahoma City, OK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New Orleans/Oklahoma City
Hornets signed free agent guard Devin Brown, the team announced Friday.
"Devin is a proven NBA player and he'll help strengthen our backcourt with his
ability to
New Orleans/Oklahoma City >>
Signed guard Devin Brown.
Borriello suspended after positive test >>
Rome, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After testing positive for a banned substance,
AC Milan striker Marco Borriello has been suspended and could face a ban if a
second sample proves positive again, as the Italian Olympic Committee found
prednis
American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.
Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.
Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.
Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.
Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.
All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.
A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.
For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.
2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1
Ron Brace (NE) 25/1
Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1
Darius Butler (NE) 40/1
Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1
Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1
Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1
Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1
Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1
Larry English (SD) 15/1
Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1
Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1
Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1
Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1
James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1
Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1
Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1
Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1
Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1
Roy Miller (TB) 20/1
Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1
Fili Moala (IND) 30/1
Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1
Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1
B J Raji (GB) 7/1
Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1
Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1
David Verkune (CLE) 20/1
Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1
Field (Any Other Player) 6/1
To visit this internet sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.
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