8 replies:

1. Marc Lawrence

   3* BEST BET

   Alabama over MISSISSIPPI by 3

   The glow of the Florida win has worn off and Alabama can

   concentrate on keeping itself atop the SEC West standings.

   Ole Miss doesn’t offer much resistance when it comes to

   winning the games, but the Rebels are a staunch 11-2 ATS in

   their last 13 tries as an SEC dog of +11 or more. The Tide

   surely remembers the 43-28 whipping they took in Oxford in

   2003. We remind you that Game Six 5-0 conference road

   favorites that covered their last game by 10 or more points

   are just 3-15 ATS when taking on a .400 or better opponent.

   Take the points with this defensive dog in an opportune spot.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   4* BEST BET

   Florida over LSU by 14

   We mentioned earlier that New Mexico was an outstanding

   conference underdog. Well, the Lobos don’t hold a candle to

   Florida. The Gators are 9-0-1 ATS in their last ten tries as the

   short and, in this series, the home favorite has covered just

   three times in the last 16 games. Sounds like an endorsement

   for Florida and it is. Florida’s goal is simple. Score at least 21

   points and add to LSU’s dismal 2-33 ATS mark as home chalk

   when allowing 21 or more. We love underdogs that own both

   the better offense and the better defense.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   5* BEST BET

   NOTRE DAME over Usc by 1

   Beano Cook, the portly champion of NCAA football, once

   said that there are only two home dogs in the world that

   you never bet against – Notre Dame and the Russian Army.

   We don’t know about that but we do know that this is an

   awful lot of points for a suspect defense to lay on the road

   against an offense that is absolutely on fire. Charlie Weis

   has changed the Irish attitude and has renewed the

   aggressive nature of Notre Dame football. You know our

   MR. BIG STUFF take on the game (defending national champs

   laying points on the road in non-conference games). The

   Trojans better bring their lunches. It’s gonna be a long day.

   We call the inevitable upset!

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   GAME OF THE WEEK UPSET UPSET

   ARKANSAS over Auburn by 3

   Auburn is in the exact same role as Nebraska and, like the

   Huskers, is going into double-digit revenge against a hungry

   team. Unlike Nebraska, Auburn is not coming off a big

   game; in fact, the Tigers have been resting since halftime of

   the South Carolina game two weeks ago. Still, the razorbacks

   are 6-0 ATS as home dogs of 7 or more points with revenge

   and the Smart Box tells us to take the Hogs and the points.

   Add to that our Trivia Teaser (Houston Nutt is the answer)

   and we gladly oblige.

   Best Bets Marc Lawrence

   3* CFB : Ole Miss..NFL : Cowboys , Ravens over

   4* CFB : Florida.. ..NFL : Dolphins , Denver over

   5* CFB : ND , ..NFL : Ravens, Tenn over

   Marc Lawrence

   AWESOME ANGLE OF THE WEEK

   BUBBLE BURST PLAY AGAINST any college favorite of > 3 points who allows > 16 PPG in Game 6 > that is playing off their 1st loss of the season – if the loss was by 16 < points and they are facing a .400 > opponent.

   Play Against: CALIFORNIA

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   PITTSBURGH over S Florida by 1

   We know South Florida can play. The Bulls dismembered an excellent Louisville team in Tampa a couple of weeks ago. We’re not sure Pittsburgh can. The Panthers have zero quality wins this season to go with several embarrassing losses. It looks to us like South Florida has more weapons and a slightly better defense.

   Although the Pitt attack is showing signs of life, we're still not ready to lay anything with the Panthers.

   Saturday, October 15th

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

   Thursday, Octover 13th

   NC STATE over Clemson by 3

   Thanks to a terrible call by Chan Gailey, the Wolfpack survived a Georgia Tech comeback and notched its first ACC win of the season. Win number two won’t be any easier. Clemmie has won three of the last five games on this field with the two losses by a combined six points. Don’t trust the Wolves as a favorite, especially not with this perfect trend against them: NC State is 0-12 ATS laying two or more in ACC play (Lost seven of the games SU!).

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   ARKANSAS ST over LA Lafayette by 13

   Since Sun Belt teams are 13-29 SU on the conference road over the past year and a half and Arkansas State is 14-1 ATS in its last 15 SU wins, we would only play the Indians here. The Tribe is also 7-1 ATS at home with revenge and very anxious to erase the memory of back-to-back three point losses to the Rajun Cajuns.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Texas El Paso over TULANE by 4

   Believe it or not, Tulane had the nation’s second best defense going into last weekend’s game with Houston. Granted, the Greenies haven’t played a killer schedule, but they are playing well and they do have a monster weapon in QB Lester Ricard. It’s been a while since El Paso impressed anyone. The Miners have been turning the ball over at an alarming rate, a very dangerous trait for a road favorite. Clincher is UTEP's putrid 1-18 SU mark in conference games when playing off a loss. Wave gets the green.

   3
   BEST BET

   Alabama over MISSISSIPPI by 3

   The glow of the Florida win has worn off and Alabama can concentrate on keeping itself atop the SEC West standings. Ole Miss doesn’t offer much resistance when it comes to winning the games, but the Rebels are a staunch 11-2 ATS in their last 13 tries as an SEC dog of +11 or more. The Tide surely remembers the 43-28 whipping they took in Oxford in2003. We remind you that Game Six 5-0 conference road favorites that covered their last game by 10 or more points are just 3-15 ATS when taking on a .400 or better opponent.

   Take the points with this defensive dog in an opportune spot.

   Georgia Tech over DUKE by 17

   No matter how many ridiculous calls Gailey makes, he won’t be able to stop the Yellow Jackets from beating Duke. Winning is one thing, covering the spread is another and Georgia Tech isn’t very good at it in this role. The Bumblebees are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 chances as an ACC road favorite off a SUATS loss and 1-5 ATS in their last six off BB losses. Still, you won’t catch us backing the banged-up Dukies in too may games this year.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   BOSTON COLL over Wake Forest by 21

   Wake got softened up by that vicious Seminole defense in Tallahassee last week and must hit the road against another physical outfit. Since 1996, that’s been a pointspread disaster. Road teams who played Florida State in Tallahassee the week before are a lowly 2-12 ATS, including a perfect 0-8 ATS when the opponent is .400 or better. The BC defense is even more physical than the Seminole stop troops and defends its home turf with great vigor.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   TEXAS over Colorado by 17

   A Longhorn hangover from the Oklahoma war is only natural. Mack Brown has finally shaken the Stoops monkey off his back, and he did it in dramatic fashion with a 45-12 skunking of the Cowboys. In the process Texas has now held every opponent to a season low yardage mark. Yes, that's impressive. You don’t see too many 20-point dogs out there who actually have a solid defense, but Colorado is one. The Buffs have given up a paltry 14 ppg this season and have the ability to hang in or sneak in the back door.

   Louisville over W VIRGINIA by 3

   The last time the Cardinals went on the road, they got caught in the running of the Bulls as South Florida trampled the Redbirds 45-14. West Virginia has that same kind of running game (USF posted 253 yards rushing in that big win) and a defense that’s 50 yards better than South Florida’s. The problem for the Hillbillies is that Louisville should be ready this time. Bottom line is we can't lay wood into a home pup with this kind of defensive credentials.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~

   MINNESOTA over Wisconsin by 4

   Wisconsin is 6-19-1 ATS in Big Ten play when the opponent gains more ground yards than the Badgers. In its last 48 home games, Minnesota has outrushed its opponent 39 times. If Minnesota wasn’t just 1-13 ATS after playing Michigan, we might be interested in the Gophers. We must admit fear of Wisconsin’s 9-4 ATS road dog mark, but the loss at Northwestern was a bad one for the Badgers. Will Minny come down to earth after that monster win or will Wisky fall prey to an inevitable 'bubble burst' letdown?

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Rutgers over SYRACUSE by 1

   This has been a home series with the host covering seven in a row but Syracuse is struggling with a capital “Sâ€Â

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 12, 2005 3:52pm
2. Pro Football Marc Lawrence newsletter

   3* BEST BET

   DALLAS over NY Giants by 13

   The Giants have been terrors at home but, in their only road trip, got pummeled in San Diego. We don’t pretend to tell you that Dallas has the same set of weapons that the Chargers do (hey sport, didn’t Dallas beat San Diego and Philadelphia this year?) but they have enough to get the job done here. No letdown here as Dallas stands 9-1 ATS in games afterfacing the Eagles. The Cowboys are tough at home in division games, standing at 43-12 SU in those matches since 1992. Parcells will find a way to win this especially in this, his best role (home with .500-plus club in same division game). We're in his corner again this week.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   4* BEST BET

   Miami over TAMPA BAY by 7

   One thing we’ve learned about winning streaks - they usually end in the place you least expect it. So it was for the Bucs last week and as it is, that's not good. That's because Game Six teams playing off their initial loss of the season are 1-11 ATS when they take on a non-division opponent in their next game. We don't know what Ricky Williams' return will mean to the Dolphins' offense. But we do know that Tampa will not go up and down the field on the Dolphin defense. Miami has covered five times in a row as a non-division dog of +4 or more. This could make it six in a row.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   5* BEST BET

   BALTIMORE over Cleveland by 14

   Baltimore has a great defense (#3 in the league), as you well know, but the Ravens also own the second-worst offense in the NFL averaging a puny twelve points per game. We figure that ends here against a 2-2 Browns bunch that is allowing 44 YPG more than it gains. Great technical applies here as .250 Game Five home teams playing off a loss against an opponent off a win are 32-12-3 ATS since 1980. Look for Brownies to dip to 0-6 ATS as road dogs before a Dawg Pounder. Ravens in a rout!

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   DETROIT over Carolina by 3

   It’s difficult for us to understand how the linemaker can keep making the Panthers the favorite when they fail to cover in that role four out of five times. That’s right, Carolina is 5-20 ATS in its last 25 cracks at the chalk board. Detroit is just the opposite. The Lions are a solid 23-11 ATS in their last 34 home dog dances and have the talent to get the job done here. It’s just that Joey Harrington hasn’t had a good game in a long time.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Atlanta over NEW ORLEANS by 10

   Sooner or later, the emotional tank of the Saints is going to run dry. And it could happen here as division dogs, playing off a loss of 40+ points, are a measly 1-8 ATS. Michael Vick is hobbling (again) but Matt Schaub from Virginia is no slouch. Atlanta’s running game figures to have some success against the Saints and the Falcons are a mind-blowing 25-4 ATS as a visitor in this series. Where's the Superdome?

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Monday, October 17th

   INDIANAPOLIS over St Louis by 13

   There is no team in the NFL playing better than the Colts and there are few teams in the league who play more poorly on the road than the Rams. That makes it easy, doesn't it? Decide if you can look past Indy’s 4-17 ATS mark at home vs non-division foes before a division road game or its 2-10 ATS mark as October home favorites off a non-division match. Once you've made up your mind consider the fact that the Rams are 1-9 ATS as dogs of more than nine points. Looks like another Monday night in the easy chair without a beer.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   CHICAGO over Minnesota by 6

   The good people of Minnesota simply don’t know who to blame for the collapse of the Vikings. We don’t, either. It could be that Mike Tice doesn’t know what he’s doing or that Daunte Culpepper is vastly overrated or that all those defensive additions were wasted money that didn’t help a lick. We do know that Chicago has a better defense (over 100 yards) and a better coach and that the Bears are extremely tough to beat on this field.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   KANSAS CITY over Washington by 6

   Given Kansas City’s home record, you might think that the Chiefs are pretty good at home off a loss. Such is not the case. Kansas City is a sorry 13-18-2 ATS in those situations. But KC is 10-3 ATS as non-conference home favorites and 10-3 ATS after allowing 35 or more in their previous game. Like Chicago above, Washington owns the superior defense in this battle (86 yards) and is 8-1 ATS taking 3 or more away from home.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   TENNESSEE over Cincinnati by 3

   The Bengals got off to a great start thanks to a cupcake schedule that included four teams who, going into last week, had a total of three wins between them. Tennessee isn’t much better than those four and Cincinnati has a right to expect another victory here. We have learned that what is expected and what actually happens in the NFL is not necessarily the same thing. We’ll be patient and wait the Bengals out. They’ll make us money later. See the sweet angle inside the Miami/Tampa Bay game and you'll know why we want no part of these striped Cats this week.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   PITTSBURGH over Jacksonville by 4

   We’re not that anxious to dive into the Steeler mix. Pittsburgh is not the complete team it was last season. Elements are missing. Additionally, we cannot forget the gutty effort the Jaguars put forth in Indianapolis and last Sunday night against the Bengals. Be careful with that jerking knee here.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   DENVER over New England by 1

   Although Denver leads the series 13-4 since 1980, the Broncos piled up a lot of those wins before the Bill came to Boston. Here, you will find New England in one of its better roles, a non-division road dog. In the 19 occurrences since late 1997, the Pats have failed to cover just six times. Denver is a tough home team but the Broncos are 1-8 ATS vs the AFC East and 3-11 ATS as home favorites with a road game up next. You know how we feel about taking points with the defending champs.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   NY Jets over BUFFALO by 3

   With both teams having QB troubles, this could be a scary game to get involved in monetarily. Kelly Holcomb has apparently taken the starting job away from Buffalo rookie JP Losman and the Jets pulled Vinny Testeverde off of his garbage route to rescue the team’s dismal offense. Because the Jets are 7-0 ATS on the road with division revenge and appear to have more character, we would only take the Big Apple Boys and the points.

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   San Diego over OAKLAND by 4

   It appears the Chargers are getting revved up for another playoff run. They have the best running back in football, one of the two best tight ends, a fleet of explosive receivers and a QB that thinks he can beat anybody anytime anywhere. Give a team like that a win situation and you will catch our eye. Oakland needs the win but we’re not biting on any “haftaâ€Â

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 12, 2005 3:54pm
3. Confidential Kick-Off!!

   The Gold Sheet!!

   America's Handicapping Leaders For 48 Seasons!

   CKO Vol. 44 October 13 - 17, 2005 No. 7

   11 NEW ENGLAND over *Denver

   Late Score Forecast:

   NEW ENGLAND 30 - *Denver 23

   (Sunday, October 16)

   Yes, Patriots got a nice break when Michael Vick was unable to play last week in Atlanta. But N.E. also found something very important in that game-its rushing attack (30 for 141)! And scouts in New England say the Pats intend to stick with the same 3 & 4-receiver sets that worked so well vs. the hard-charging Atlanta defense. That scheme makes great use of some of the Pats' best talents-QB Brady directing things from the shotgun and getting a little more time to throw, N.E.'s deep group of WRs & TEs, and RB Corey Dillon with more space to run. Yes, Pats banged up on defense. But they play with the heart of a champion (8-0-1 last 9 as dog). And Denver has its own flaws, including the sometimes-erratic Jake Plummer and a defense that nearly failed in the clutch last week vs. Washington (Skins missed a late two-pointer that would have tied the game).

   10 *CALIFORNIA over Oregon State

   Late Score Forecast:

   *CALIFORNIA 45 - Oregon State 19

   Certainly, California is disappointed by late loss at UCLA, but if Bears have a hangover and come out flat, it will be an unusual occurrence. Cal has been an extremely resilient team under dynamic HC Jeff Tedford, bouncing back from its last 10 regular season losses to post an 8-1-1 spread mark in the following game. The Bear offense flexed its considerable muscle against UCLA, compiling 545 total yards, including huge games from soph RBs Justin Forsett (153 YR) and Marshawn Lynch (135 YR). That unit should have significant edges facing an Oregon State defense that currently ranks 113th (out of 117) in the nation in total defense. By contrast, Cal's defense ranks first in the Pac-10 this season in both scoring and total defense, and is in the top 25 in the nation in both categories. Bear QB Joe Ayoob is making progress rapidly under Tedford and has thrown 8 TD passes in 3 Pac-10 games so far. Bears also 9-5 vs. spread last 14 at home.

   10 *IOWA over Indiana

   Late Score Forecast:

   *IOWA 37 - Indiana 10

   Have great respect for the improvement Indiana has made TY under new mentor Terry Hoeppner, from that famous "Cradle of Coaches," Miami-Ohio. But can't avoid the temptation to give Iowa another chance at a reasonable number at rockin' & rollin' Nyle Kinnick Stadium, where Hawkeyes have covered 26 of their last 30 games! Hoosiers 4-1 SU & 3-1 vs. the spread TY, as soph QB Blake Powers has 18 TDP orchestrating Hoeppner's 3-WR spread offense. It is notable, however, that at Wisconsin-the only high-quality foe Indiana has faced TY-Indiana lost 41-24 vs. a rebuilding Badger defense that has been lit up more than once TY. This week Powers faces the toughest defense he has seen. Iowa is much better established on the defense than UW. And Hawkeyes'offense starting to come around in a big way, pounding out 301 YR vs. Illinois and throwing for 357 in last week's 34-17 victory at Purdue. Iowa's special teams (4 FGs last week) among nation's best.

   10 *CENTRAL MICHIGAN over Ohio

   Late Score Forecast:

   *CENTRAL MICHIGAN 38 - Ohio 20

   Eager to lay fair price with Central Michigan when it plays host to Ohio this week. Second-year HC Brian Kelly is further ahead in rebuilding Chippewa program than new HC Frank Solich is with Bobcats. Kelly's improved recruiting has bolstered speed throughout CMU roster. A prime example is true frosh RB Ontario Sneed (6-0, 202), who is averaging 5.7 ypc and already has 6 TDs (4 of those covering 45+ yards!). Chippewas' biggest edge in this game, however, lies at QB. Versatile sr. QB Kent Smith (16 TDP, 10 rush TDs in 2004) has picked up where he left off last season. He'll consistently find speedy jr. WR Damien Linson roaming free in Ohio secondary. Struggling Bobcat jr. QB Austen Everson has hit just 51% with 1 TDP & 7 interceptions. CMU's confidence growing after upsets at Akron & Miami-O., while Ohio is just 1-9 vs. spread its last 10 as visitor.

   10 *SAN DIEGO STATE over Utah

   Late Score Forecast:

   *SAN DIEGO STATE 26 - Utah 24

   MWC scouts urge us to take substantial points with an undervalued SDS squad that believes it has a legitimate shot to defeat a somewhat troubled Utah squad that now can't reach its lofty preseason goals after losing its 2nd conference game of year week ago. The Utes-who have lost more games in last 6 weeks than in previous 2 seasons under Urban Meyer-continue to have 4th-Q problems (outscored 32-6 last two weeks in final Q). Expect Aztecs potent aerial attack, spearheaded by mobile, accurate QB O'Connell (67%) and his favorite target, sr. WR Webb (41 grabs), to hook up more frequently this week after being severely hampered by strong winds in disappointing 10-7 loss vs. UNLV. And even if State's top RB Hamilton (missed UNLV) is out with quad injury again, have faith experienced, physical 6-1, 230 soph RB Bornes (587YR, 6 TDs LY) able to pick up slack vs. Ute rush defense that's yielded 4.2 ypc & 10 rush TDs. Moreover, expect fast-developing Aztec defense (just 18 ppg past 4 tilts) to play with lots of passion and energy after allowing a season-high 51 points LY to a more explosive Utah arsenal (featuring NFL's top pick Alex Smith) in '04.

   TOTALS: OVER (47) in N.Y. Giants-Dallas game-Cowboy offense reached a new level vs. Eagles; Giants' attack (34 ppg) healthy, versatile, and rolling...UNDER (37) in Minnesota-Chicago game-Both teams "under" 3 of 4 TY; Bears running lots of "safe" plays with rookie Orton at QB.

   HONORABLE MENTION: TEXAS (-18.5) vs. Colorado-While some are fearful of a letdown after win vs. Sooners, it can be viewed as a big momentum builder for UT team that's 5-0 vs. spread that and totally dominating teams that don't have strong defenses...NORTHWESTERN (+7) at Purdue-Boilermakers have fallen, and they can't get up; Wildcats have electric offense with QB Basanez & RB Sutton...IOWA STATE (+6) at Missouri-ISU superior on defense; looking for revenge for LY's loss that cost Cyclones a berth in Big XII title game...WASHINGTON (+15.5) at Oregon-Huskies' offense starting to arrive behind QB Stanback & RB Rankin; UW rested for this bitter regional rivalry...BUFFALO (-3) vs. N.Y. Jets-Have much more trust in veteran Buffalo QB Holcomb than in immobile Vinny, now taking his act on the road after no training camp.

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 12, 2005 3:54pm
4. OCTOBER 14, 2005 VOLUME 37, NUMBER 7

   TEXAS TECH 41 - Kansas State 17 - (12:00 EDT) -- Line opened at TexasTech minus 12, and is now minus

   13½. The Raiders keep doing it under Leach. Simply continue to light up the scoreboard

   with the nation's most feared passing attack, year after year. Now it's Cody Hodges at the

   helm, with 17 TDs & only 3 INTs, averaging 372 ypg. Not only that, but he came through

   with a clutch scoring pass in the final 0:12 at Nebraska, which is doing it under extreme

   pressure. Only 1 loss for the 'Cats, but they can't run (0.8 ypr last week), & are but a shell

   of their recent dominant selves. And even then, they couldn't handle the Raiders, losing by

   26, 31, & 12 pts vs the spread! Check KSt being nailed, 43-21, in its trip to Oklahoma, by

   a Sooner squad which is averaging just 19 pts in its other 4 contests.

   RATING: TEXAS TECH 89

   BOISE STATE 66 - San Jose State 13 - (8:00) -- Line opened at BoiseSt minus 31, and is still minus 31.

   Laying quite a number here, but this is the perfect spot for a Bronco call. A week ago, Boise

   managed just 21 pts, needing a 4th quarter comeback to slip by Portland St, of all people.

   Talk about your premier wakeup call. As we noted on Pointwise, forget that one, & concentrate

   instead on Boise's previous HG, in which the Broncs pulverized Bowling Green, one of

   the more unnoticed quality squads, 48-20, in a game which saw them with a 48-6 lead in the

   4th, piling up 34 FDs, 337 RYs, & 546 TYs. SanJose, as usual, fields a nearly defenseless

   squad, allowing 41 ppg in its last 23 contests. Boise took 'em by 50, 37, & 63 pts, before

   getting a classic scare in '04. That one ensures total focus in this.

   RATING: BOISE STATE 89

   South Florida 27 - PITTSBURGH 20 - (2:00) -- Line opened at Pittsburgh minus 2, and is still minus 2. With

   Dave Wannstedt now head man at Pitt, the Panthers figure to be a defensive force, with

   their current ranking as the 27th best stop unit in the nation seeming to back up that supposition.

   But containing the likes of OhioU, Youngstown, & Rutgers, along with a still learning

   Nebraska squad, is hardly the same as ranking 26th, defensively, while taking on such

   powers as PennSt, Louisville, & Miami. And that is exactly what this Bull squad has done.

   SoFla has allowed less than 90 RYpg, & just 20 ppg, in its 4-1 start, along with its 4-0 spread

   start. Four TOs did the Bulls in a year ago, with a repeat highly unlikely.

   RATING: SOUTH FLORIDA 88

   Toledo 49 - BALL STATE 17 - (3:00) -- Line opened at Toledo minus 19, and is still minus 19. Here we go

   again. The Rockets have almost become a permanent fixture on this publication, & until

   things change, we will stick with 'em. Sure, last week's payoff vs Eastern was a bit hairy (by

   just 5 pts, thanks to a TD in the final 1:30), but do it, they did, even with a subpar showing

   from Gradkowski (just 15-of-26), who riddled the Cards in '04 (26-of-34: 6 TDs). BallSt has

   allowed an amazing 53 ppg, & is entering this one off its epic 5 OT win over WMich. Note

   Cards being outrushed, 613-139, in its 2 tilts previous to that one. Rout!

   RATING: TOLEDO 88

   OREGON 52 - Washington 24 - (3:30) -- Line opened at Oregon minus 16, and is now minus 15. We

   originally backed off a rated Duck call on Pointwise, in deference to the Huskies' showing at

   UCLA in their last contest, nearly upsetting the unbeaten Bruins, as 22-pt dogs, losing in the

   final minute, after leading 17-7 in the 4th. Check Washington's 213-65 RY edge in that one.

   However, taking on this Duck squad is a more than formidable task of late. OU has simply

   lit it up, posting 554, 492, 585, & 512 yds vs teams other than SouthernCal. Clemens triggers

   this offense, averaging 330 ypg, including 14 TDs & only 3 picks. Check covering by

   18 & 23½ pts since its collapse vs USC. Ducks are taking them one at a time.

   RATING: OREGON 88

   SEATTLE 22 - Houston 20 - (8:30 - ESPN) -- Line opened at Seattle minus 9, and is now minus 9½. We

   know that this one looks a bit suicidal, as the Seahawks have shaken the effects of their

   opening week flop, with a 3-1 SU & ATS run (easily could be 4-0). But this is a prime spot

   to buck 'em. Seattle is in off its bruising win over the Rams, who had taken the previous 3

   in their NFC West series. Note Joe Jurevicius catching a career-best 9 passes for the

   'Hawks in that one. Nice, but it demonstrates just how shallow Seattle's injury-riddled receiving

   corps has become. Two weeks ago, the winless Texans travelled to Cincinnati for

   what seemed a "lamb-to-slaughter" setup. Result: a 4-pt cover. Houston stays in it.

   RATING: HOUSTON TEXANS 88

   NEAR CHOICES (Rated 87): Marshall, Utah, Houston, Hawaii - NFL: Cincinnati, Denver, Indianapolis

   LINE

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 12, 2005 3:55pm
5. Kevin O'neill's The Max

   NCAA

   S Fla

   Alabama

   BYU

   Oklahoma

   Wash St

   Tech play of the week - Miami Ohio

   NFL

   New Orleans

   Washington

   New England

   Tech Play Of The Week - Baltimore

   College System from Dave Fobare

   Ugly Loss Bounce Back: Play on an unrested team off a 31+ point road loss, provided they are not off 3+

   losses in a row.

   Record: 62-40 ATS (60.1%)

   This week’s application: New Orleans Saints

   NFL System from Nelly’s Sportsline

   Momentum Home Dog: Play on any NFL home dog in the first half of the season coming off a S/U road

   win facing an opponent off an ATS win or push.

   Record: 52-29-2 ATS (64%) since 1980

   This week’s application: Tennessee Titans

   College System from Marc Lawrence

   Experienced Losing Dog: Play on any sub .500 college conference road dog who has returned 17 or

   more starters each of the last two years.

   Pointspread Record Since 1990: 19-8 (70.3%)

   This week’s application: Memphis

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 14, 2005 11:01pm
6. THE GOLD SHEET EXTRA!!!

   TECHNICAL PLAYS OF THE WEEK

   TEXAS TECH

   Kansas State has experienced a definite downturn in its fortunes the past

   two seasons. This is reflected in a mere 5 covers for the Wildcats in their last

   16 games on the board, and holds especially true in their road efforts, as they’ve

   covered just 1 of their last 7 games away from Manhattan. And, unfortunately

   for K-State, it must make the trip to hostile Lubbock for a battle vs. dangerous

   Texas Tech Saturday morning at Jones Stadium. The Red Raiders have covered

   the last 3 games in this Big XII series and are 12-5 as home chalk since the

   beginning of the 2002 campaign. They’re also a play with HC Mike Leach this

   week in the Coach & Pointspread system.

   UCONN

   Connecticut has established itself as one of the most formful technical

   entities in college football. The consistent Huskies have been successful in a

   number of pointspread roles lately, including a 6-0-1 spread mark their last 7

   on the board since late ’04, covers in all 3 tries as chalk this season, 15-5-1 their

   last 21 laying points overall, and 16-7-1 vs. the number their last 24 away from

   home. No wonder they’re a recommendation with HC Randy Edsall in the Coach

   & Pointspread system this week! And that all spells trouble for sagging

   Cincinnati (only 1-4 vs. the line its last 5 regular-season games) when UConn

   visits Nippert Stadium Saturday afternoon. Note, too, the Huskies’ +18.00 “AFSâ€Â

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 14, 2005 11:01pm
7. Sports Reporter NCAA

   BEST BET

   LOUISVILLE over *WEST VIRGINIA by 20

   The Cardinals have rebounded nicely from that shocking 31-point loss at South Florida

   with a pair of easy “Wsâ€Â

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 14, 2005 11:02pm
8. Gold Sheet

   KEY RELEASES

   WASHINGTON by 4 over Kansas City

   INDIANAPOLIS by 27 over St. Louis

   OVER THE TOTAL in the N.Y. Giant-Dallas game

   COLLEGE KEY RELEASES

   WAKE FOREST plus over Boston College

   TEXAS TECH by 24 over Kansas State

   BOISE STATE by 42 over San Jose State

   SCORE Newsletter

   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   This guy went went 6-0 last week

   South Florida

   Syracuse

   UConn

   Marshall

   NFL

   Chi Bears

   KC

   SPORTSNETWORK

   14 GAMES IN 64 SECONDS (EACH)

   I was 9-5 in my picks last week, and was 9-5 against the spread as well. The record through five weeks is a healthy 48-26 (.649) without the line, and a decent 42-31-1 (.574) with it.

   Atlanta (3-2) at New Orleans (2-3), San Antonio, Sunday, 1:00 (Atlanta -4½)

   Storylines: Falcons could head into the Alamodome without the services of quarterback Michael Vick, who missed last week's 31-28 loss to the Patriots with a sprained knee...Matt Schaub was 18-of-34 for 298 yards and three touchdowns in place of Vick last Sunday...Atlanta will also be without linebacker Edgerton Hartwell (Achilles) and cornerback Chris Cash (forearm), who are both out for the year...The Falcons lead the league in rushing offense (190.4 yards per game), and the Atlanta defense is pacing the NFC in sacks (18)...New Orleans' second of three games in San Antonio comes one week following a 52-3 loss in Green Bay...The Saints will this week begin life without running back Deuce McAllister (knee), who is out for the year...Aaron Stecker and Antowain Smith will likely share New Orleans' running back duties...The Saints are last in the NFC in scoring offense (13.6 points per game), are tied for the league lead with 17 turnovers and nine lost fumbles, and are an NFL-worst -10 in turnover margin.

   Fast Fact: The Falcons are 4-12 all-time in games (regular season and playoffs) played in the state of Texas.

   Prediction: Vick or no Vick, the Falcons are the better team, and can't afford to trip up within a crowded NFC South. Falcons 24, Saints 13.

   Cincinnati (4-1) at Tennessee (2-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Cincinnati -3)

   Storylines: Cincinnati will try to bounce back from its first loss of the season, a 23-20 setback at Jacksonville on Sunday night...Despite the loss, the Bengals lead the AFC in total offense (380.6 yards per game), and wideout Chad Johnson leads the AFC with 31 receptions...Cincy QB Carson Palmer leads the AFC with 11 touchdown passes...Starting receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hand), who missed the Jacksonville game, is considered questionable for this week...Marvin Lewis' team leads the league with 18 takeaways, 12 interceptions, and a +13 turnover margin...Bengals cornerback Deltha O'Neal leads the league with four interceptions...Cincinnati has been flagged for a league-high 53 penalties and a league-high-tying 443 penalty yards...Cincinnati is currently second in the AFC in scoring defense (12.2 points per game)...Tennessee, which went on the road for a 34-20 win at Houston last week, is trying to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since 2003...The Titans, who sacked Houston's David Carr seven times last Sunday, are third in the league with 17 sacks...End Kyle Vanden Bosch is tied for the NFL lead with six sacks...

   Fast Fact: Since becoming the Titans in 1999, Tennessee has won seven of eight meetings with the Bengals.

   Prediction: Bengals passing game should have a good day against the Titans' young secondary. Bengals 30, Titans 16.

   Carolina (3-2) at Detroit (2-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Detroit -1)

   Storylines: The NFC North-leading Lions, fresh off a 35-17 takedown of Baltimore last week, will try to remain atop the division...Detroit will again be without wideout Charles Rogers (NFL suspension), and fellow starting receiver Roy Williams (thigh bruise) is considered questionable for Sunday...The Lions have been flagged for just 22 penalties and 169 penalty yards, the lowest figures in the NFC...Carolina, which went to Arizona and emerged with a 24-20 victory last Sunday, is seeking its third straight win...Panthers wideout Steve Smith, who scored twice in the Arizona win, has an NFL-best six touchdown catches...Carolina Pro Bowl end Julius Peppers has yet to record a sack in his first five games of 2005...The Carolina defense is currently No. 3 in the league against the run (82.8 yards per game).

   Fast Fact: Steve Mariucci is 10-8 in home games as head coach of the Lions, 3-15 on the road.

   Prediction: Detroit is banged-up on offense, and the Panthers are due for a truly complete performance. Panthers 21, Lions 16.

   Cleveland (2-2) at Baltimore (1-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Baltimore -5½)

   Storylines: Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer will face a Ravens team that he helped guide to a Super Bowl title in 2000...Cleveland receiver and No. 3 overall draft pick Braylon Edwards (right arm infection) is expected to miss the Baltimore game...Cleveland comes off a 20-10 win over the Bears, the first home win for head coach Romeo Crennel...The Browns defense has been flagged for a league-low 21 penalties and 153 penalty yards...Last-place Baltimore comes off a disastrous 35-17 loss to the Lions...The Ravens were flagged for 21 penalties, just one shy of the league record, and had two players ejected for making contact with officials in the loss...Baltimore running back Jamal Lewis rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries last week, his best outing of 2005 to date...Brian Billick's team is 31st in the NFL in scoring offense (11.8 points per game)...The Ravens have committed an AFC-high 12 turnovers and seven interceptions, and are a conference-worst -9 in turnover margin....Baltimore currently leads the AFC in total defense (262 yards per game).

   Fast Fact: Browns quarterback Trent Dilfer is 5-1 in his career as a starting quarterback at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium.

   Prediction: These are the only kinds of games the Ravens can win - against inferior opponents at home. Ravens 19, Browns 9.

   Jacksonville (3-2) at Pittsburgh (3-1), Sunday, 1:00 (NL)

   Storylines: Pittsburgh will enter Sunday's game unsure of the status of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee), who was injured late in the Steelers' 24-22 win over San Diego on Monday night...With Roethlisberger and Tommy Maddox (calf) both considered questionable, Charlie Batch could get his first start since 2001 with the Lions...Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis carried 17 times for 54 yards against the Chargers in his first action of 2005...The Steelers enter Week 6 ranked third in the league in scoring offense (26.2 points per game)...Jacksonville took down previously unbeaten Cincinnati, 23-20, last week, and will be vying for its first two-game win streak of the year...Jack Del Rio's club will be trying to avenge a 17-16 loss suffered to the Steelers last season...Jags running back Fred Taylor rushed 24 times for 132 yards in the win over the Bengals...The Jacksonville defense ranks second in the league against the pass (155.2 yards per game).

   Fast Fact: In 14 career outings against the Jaguars, Steelers running back Jerome Bettis has averaged just 3.6 yards per rush, scored a total of four touchdowns, and gone over the 100-yard mark only twice.

   Prediction: Pittsburgh hasn't lost two in a row at home since 2003, and won't start Sunday while facing an inconsistent Jaguar attack. Steelers 20, Jaguars 12.

   Minnesota (1-3) at Chicago (1-3), Sunday, 1:00 (Chicago -3)

   Storylines: Two teams trying to pick up ground on NFC North-leading Detroit (2-2) will convene at Soldier Field...The homestanding Bears were 20-10 losers in Cleveland last Sunday...Running back Thomas Jones rushed 24 times for 137 yards but will be questionable with a knee sprain this week...First-round draft choice Cedric Benson would likely share time with Adrian Peterson if Jones is unable to play...The Bears are last in the NFC in passing offense (128.2 yards per game)...Lovie Smith's club is third in NFL total defense (269.8 yards per game)...Chicago's Bobby Wade leads the NFL in punt return average (12.4 per attempt)...Minnesota's Week 5 bye was preceded by a 30-10 loss in Atlanta...Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper has thrown a league-high 10 interceptions through four games, and Minnesota's 20 sacks allowed are tied for the NFC high...The Vikings defense is last in the league against the run (178 yards per game), and opponents are averaging a bloated 5.4 yards per rush.

   Fast Fact: The home team has won the last six installments of the Vikings/Bears series, and Minnesota's last road win in the series came in 2000.

   Prediction: Swarming Bears defense will cause problems for Culpepper, and Vikings misery will continue. Bears 17, Vikings 13.

   Washington (3-1) at Kansas City (2-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -5½)

   Storylines: Washington will try to rebound from its first loss of the season, a 21-19 setback at Denver last Sunday...Redskins enter Week 7 tied atop the NFC East at 3-1, along with the Giants...Washington quarterback Mark Brunell threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos, and Clinton Portis rushed 20 times for 103 yards against his former team...Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington was active but did not play against the Broncos...Kansas City's Week 5 bye was preceded by a 37-31 home loss to the Eagles, in which Dick Vermeil's team blew a 24-6 lead...K.C. running backs Priest Holmes (303 yards, 3 TD) and Larry Johnson (198 yards, 3 TD) combined for 118 yards in the Philadelphia loss...The Chiefs have given up 67 points in their past two games combined, but will this week regain the services of cornerback Eric Warfield (NFL suspension)....The Chiefs rank last in the AFC in passing defense (273.2 yards per game).

   Fast Fact: Dick Vermeil and Joe Gibbs will be meeting for the first time since Nov. 28th, 1982, when Gibbs and the Redskins defeated Vermeil's Eagles, 13-9, at R.F.K. Stadium.

   Prediction: Chiefs should be able to re-assert themselves defensively against a basic Washington attack, and the Redskins will sputter in a second straight lengthy road trip. Chiefs 24, Redskins 3.

   Miami (2-2) at Tampa Bay (4-1), Sunday, 1:00 (Tampa Bay -4½)

   Storylines: Tampa Bay will try to rebound from its first loss of the season, a 14-12 setback against the Jets last Sunday...Rookie running back Cadillac Williams (foot/hamstring), who did not play in that game, is listed as probable for this Sunday...The Bucs lead the league in total defense (218.6 yards per game) and rushing defense (61.6 yards per game), and lead the NFC in scoring defense (11.8 points per game) and passing defense (157 yards per game)...Miami was a 20-14 loser to the Bills last week, and is now 0-2 on the road under head coach Nick Saban....Running back Ricky Williams, who was serving a four-game NFL suspension, is expected to play in his first game since the 2003 season this week...Rookie running back Ronnie Brown rushed 17 times for 97 yards and caught a teem-high six passes last Sunday...The Dolphins enter Week 6 ranked No. 1 in the AFC against the run (82 yards per game).

   Fast Fact: The Buccaneers are 4-6 all-time against the NFL's other two Florida-based teams, the worst mark among Jacksonville (4-2), Miami (5-5), and Tampa Bay.

   Prediction: The Dolphins will struggle to get anything going offensively against a solid Tampa Bay defense, and Cadillac will drive the Bucs offense towards a win. Buccaneers 16, Dolphins 10.

   N.Y. Giants (3-1) at Dallas (3-2), Sunday, 1:00 (Dallas -3½)

   Storylines: Two longtime division rivals meet in an important game within the crowded NFC East...The Giants enter Week 6 tied with the similarly 3-1 Redskins atop the division...New York's Week 5 bye was preceded by an impressive 44-24 takedown of the Rams...Tom Coughlin's team leads the league in scoring offense (34 points per game), and the o-line has allowed an NFC low six sacks...The Giants are 31st in the league in both total defense (425.2 yards per game) and passing defense (322 yards per game), but are an NFC-best +9 in turnover margin...Dallas, which routed the Eagles, 33-10, last Sunday, will be trying to avenge last year's home-and-home sweep at the hands of the Giants...Bill Parcells is 3-3 all-time against the team he coached to Super Bowl titles while serving as head coach between 1983 and 1990...Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe, who threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns last week, leads the NFC in passer rating (102.0)...Cowboys running back Julius Jones (ankle) sat out the second half of the Eagles' win, and is questionable for Sunday.

   Fast Fact: The Cowboys' Drew Bledsoe is 3-0 in his career as a starter against the Giants.

   Prediction: Giants will be playing the best defense they've seen thus far, and Bledsoe should have a field day against a weak New York secondary. Cowboys 31, Giants 21.

   New England (3-2) at Denver (4-1), Sunday, 4:15 (Denver -3)

   Storylines: Denver will look to increase its win streak to five games while taking on the defending Super Bowl champs...Broncos running back Tatum Bell exploded for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns in last week's 21-19 win over the Redskins... The Broncos lead the AFC in rushing offense (148.4 yards per game)...Denver cornerback Champ Bailey (hamstring), who has missed the team's last two games, is considered questionable for Sunday...The Broncos have forced a league-best seven lost fumbles thus far...The Denver defense has committed a league-high 56 penalties through five games...New England was a 31-28 winner in Atlanta last week, avoiding its first two-game losing streak since the 2002 season...Tom Brady threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns in the win, and Corey Dillon rushed for a season-high 106 yards...Brady leads the AFC in passing yards (1,522), and New England leads the conference in passing offense (294.8 yards per game)...The Patriots enter Week 6 ranked last in the AFC in scoring defense (27.2 points per game).

   Fast Fact: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is 2-6 against the Broncos in his career.

   Prediction: It is difficult to beat two good teams on the road in back-to-back weeks, and the physical Broncos will show the Patriots why. Broncos 31, Patriots 27.

   San Diego (2-3) at Oakland (1-3), Sunday, 4:15 (San Diego -2)

   Storylines: San Diego will attempt to bounce back from a 24-22 loss to the Steelers on Monday night by taking down the Raiders on the road...The Chargers' three losses this season have come by a total of nine points...Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who had 130 total yards and a touchdown on Monday night, leads the league with nine touchdowns...Wideout Keenan McCardell leads the AFC with five touchdown catches, but was held to one catch for five yards against Pittsburgh...San Diego leads the AFC in scoring offense (29.8 points per game)...Oakland's Week 5 bye was preceded by a 19-13 win over the Cowboys...The Silver and Black are trying to avenge a home-and-home sweep at the hands of the Chargers last year, and are attempting to win back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 2-3 of the 2004 campaign...Running back LaMont Jordan's last appearance was his best as a Raider, as he rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries...Oakland receiver Randy Moss leads the AFC with 466 receiving yards.

   Fast Fact: Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has averaged 123.6 rushing yards in eight career meetings with the Raiders, and Oakland wide receiver Randy Moss has averaged 123.5 receiving yards in two career meetings with San Diego.

   Prediction: With a trip to Philadelphia looming in Week 7, the Chargers can ill-afford a loss in Oakland. Chargers 35, Raiders 30.

   N.Y. Jets (2-3) at Buffalo (2-3), Sunday, 4:15 (Buffalo -3)

   Storylines: A pair of teams trying to pull out of last place in the AFC East will convene at Ralph Wilson Stadium...The homestanding Bills snapped a three- game losing skid with a 20-14 win over the Jets last week, as quarterback Kelly Holcomb (20-of-26 passing, 169 yards, 1 TD) made his first start in a Buffalo uniform...Holcomb is likely to start on Sunday...Buffalo leads the league in passing defense (139 yards per game), but is last in the AFC against the run (160.4 yards per game), and is giving up 5.0 yards per carry...The Bills' Terrence McGee leads the NFL in kickoff return average (34.6 yards per attempt)...The Bills (13.6 points per game) and Jets (12.2 points per game) are 29th and 30th in the league in scoring offense, respectively...New York grabbed a 14-12 win over previously unbeaten Tampa Bay last week, with 41- year-old Vinny Testaverde (13-of-19 passing, 163 yards, 1 INT) making his first appearance in a Jets uniform since 2003...The Jets are last in the AFC in rushing offense (66.8 yards per game), though running back Curtis Martin did manage to score two touchdowns in last week's win...Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma leads the NFL with 62 tackles.

   Fast Fact: Bills quarterback Kelly Holcomb has not won back-to-back starts in the same season during his 11-year NFL career.

   Prediction: In a bad day for offense, the Bills will eke out a home victory. Bills 13, Jets 9.

   Houston (0-4) at Seattle (3-2), Sunday, 8:30 (Seattle -9½)

   Storylines: Seattle, which moved to 3-2 and atop the NFC West with a 37-31 win in St. Louis last week, will be in search of its second straight victory...The Seahawks won last week despite the absence of wideouts Darrell Jackson (knee) and Bobby Engram (ribs), who were replaced by Joe Jurevicius (9 receptions, 137 yards, 1 TD) and D.J. Hackett (5 receptions, 43 yards)...Jackson and Engram are again expected to be out...Shaun Alexander rushed 25 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the win...Alexander leads the league in rushing yards (574), and is currently pacing the NFC with eight touchdowns...The Seahawks are first in the NFL in total offense (396.8 yards per game)...Houston is the NFL's only winless team after last week's 34-20 home loss to Tennessee...The Texans are worst in the NFL in total offense (213 yards per game), scoring offense (11 points per game), passing offense (89.2 yards per game), and sacks allowed (27)...The Houston defense has zero takeaways through its first four games.

   Fast Fact: The Texans will be playing in the Pacific Time zone for the first time since Sept. 15, 2002, when they lost to San Diego, 24-3, in the first regular season road game in franchise history.

   Prediction: Houston may win a game this year, but it won't be against a quality team on the road. Seahawks 34, Texans 6.

   St. Louis (2-3) at Indianapolis (5-0), Monday, 9:00 (Indianapolis -13½)

   Storylines: St. Louis will be playing its first game without the services of head coach Mike Martz, who is being treated for a bacterial infection within a heart valve and is expected to be out for six weeks...Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt will be interim head coach...The Rams were 37-31 home losers to Seattle last week, falling a game behind the Seahawks in the NFC West...St. Louis quarterback Marc Bulger, who threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns last week, leads the league in passing yards (1,648)...Torry Holt leads the NFL with 38 catches and 568 receiving yards...The Rams are second in the NFL in total offense (384.8 yards per game), and third in passing offense (301.4 yards per game)...The Rams are 31st in the league in scoring defense (29.6 yards per game)...St. Louis has given up 20 sacks, tied for the NFC high, while the Colts defense has an NFL-best 20 sacks on the year...Indianapolis was a 27-3 winner over the 49ers last Sunday, and is the NFL's lone remaining unbeaten team...The Indy offensive line has allowed a league-low one sack...Colts running back Edgerrin James leads the AFC in rushing yards (519)...Indianapolis is pacing the league in scoring defense (5.8 points per game), and has allowed double digits just once...End Robert Mathis is tied for the NFL lead with six sacks...

   Fast Fact: The Colts are 3-0 in Monday Night games at home during the Peyton Manning era, and have averaged 39.3 points per game in those wins.

   Prediction: Indianapolis will see its first strong offensive attack of 2005, and will hold up reasonably well by putting tons of heat on Bulger. Colts 35, Rams 17.

   

   posted by phantom

   Oct. 14, 2005 11:04pm