NFL Highlights, Week 13
by Joshua Fairbanks - 12/05/2006
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.
Philadelphia Defeated Carolina Monday, 27-24.
Week in and week out, the Carolina Panthers seem to fall short in close games. Monday night's contest saw the Panthers ahead most of the game. Of course, for the sixth time this season, Carolina blew a fourth quarter lead only to lose in the final moments. When Carolina is favored to win a game by a touchdown or less, they are now 2-6 ATS. One line that I thought was off was the total. For the second week in a row under Garcia, the Eagles have managed to put 20-plus points on the board. If sports books continue to underestimate Philadelphia's offensive abilities, there may be a nice line in store for bettors next week.
Dallas Defeated New York Giants Sunday, 23-20
Week 13 turned out to be another great week for the Cowboys as they squeaked by the Giants. Scoring throughout the first three quarters was very low, but the offense finally broke loose in the end and the game was capped off by a Gramatica field goal to secure the over. Uncharacteristically, the line was also a push, depending on whom you shop with. Following week 13, Romo's Cowboys are now 3-0-1 ATS. This young quarterback is turning into the real deal very fast.
New Orleans Defeated San Francisco Sunday, 34-10.
Every time that it seems the 49ers are gaining momentum, they just get thrown back to reality. Four touchdowns for Reggie Bush capped off one of San Fran's worst beat downs this season. The Saints, who are now 8-4 ATS, have one key reason behind their betting success. No line this year has been for or against New Orleans by more than seven points. With spreads so small most weeks, all the Saints really have to do is win to cover most lines.
Tennessee Defeated Indianapolis Sunday, 20-17.
Tennessee has now had two amazing wins in a row. After that stunning comeback against the Giants, I expected a huge reality check against the Colts for Vince Young. But, once again, Bironas' 900-yard field goal gave another win to the Titans. Well, maybe it was a 60-yarder, but it looked even longer. Either way, this was one exciting football game. The mighty Colts are now 1-2 in their last three games. This season could end up turning into disappointment for the Colts if they don't get their act together. The Colts are now 1-3 ATS in their last four weeks. Indy is also 1-4 covering the total in their last five weeks. The totals may just be too inflated, even for the Colts.
New York Jets Defeated Green Bay Sunday, 38-10.
The recently streaking Jets put up a strong win this week against the Packers. Although beating the Packers isn't a giant feat, holding Brett Favre's non-stop passing attack to 10 points was impressive. New York is now 3-1 ATS in their last four weeks and may be getting hot at the right time. In the first seven weeks, the Jets posted the over at a perfect 7-0 mark. Since then, New York is 1-4 against the over. With a newfound defense emerging from the Jets, it may be time to pin this team as a strong playoff contender.