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CNOTES
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San Francisco awarded Super Bowl L; Houston lands LI


The Super Bowl is headed back to the Bay Area for the first time since 1985. Houston didn't have to wait so long.
Next four Super Bowl locations
Date Host Stadium
Feb. 2014 New York/
New Jersey MetLife Stadium
Feb. 2015 Arizona University of Phoenix Stadium
Feb. 2016 San Francisco Levi's Stadium
Feb. 2017 Houston Reliant Stadium

NFL owners voted Tuesday to award Super Bowl L in 2016 to San Francisco, and the game will be played in the 49ers' new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The result came as no surprise: San Francisco beat out South Florida, which had stadium issues, for the honor of hosting the 50th championship game.

"It's a testament to everybody in the Bay Area," 49ers owner Jed York told NFL Network. "The city of Santa Clara came together, obviously San Francisco stepped up for the Super Bowl; San Jose has been a big part of this, and I think you're going to see everybody from Napa all the way to Monterey step up for this. ... Sports are supposed to bring people together; they bring communities together, and nothing emphasizes that more than the Bay Area hosting Super Bowl L."

After the Super Bowl L announcement was made Tuesday at the NFL Spring Meeting in Boston, owners voted whether to award Super Bowl LI to Houston or South Florida. Houston, which hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers in 2004, won the bid for the 2017 game.

"We had a wonderful time in 2004. ... I think we are even better prepared this time," Houston Texans owner Bob McNair told NFL Network. "It is just going to be a wonderful celebration. We just look forward to having people from all over the world come to Houston."

Winning the Super Bowl L bid helped cap a thrilling four-year run for the 49ers franchise. In 2010, Santa Clara voters approved plans for a new stadium. Coach Jim Harbaugh took over the reins of the team in 2011, swiftly bringing them back to the top of the league. Groundbreaking began on the stadium in 2012, with Levi's officially coming on board this month in a naming-rights deal.

The Bay Area has hosted only one previous Super Bowl, with Joe Montana's crew defeating Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins 38-16 in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium. Tuesday's result had a familiar ring.

South Florida was a severe underdog to win the rights to host Super Bowl L or LI after the region failed to secure public funding for stadium upgrades.

The day's events send a clear message to cities and teams: If your stadium is out of date, you aren't going to host a Super Bowl.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-21-13 11:39 PM
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Brian Urlacher announces retirement

May 22, 2013 11:12 am ET

After 13 NFL seasons, Brian Urlacher calls it a career.

The Bears and Brian Urlacher parted ways in March and now, two months later, the 13-year veteran has announced his retirement.

"After spending a lot time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made the decision to retire," Urlacher wrote Wednesday. "Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.

"I want to thank all the people in my life that have help me along the way," Urlacher continued. "I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great Bears fans. I'm proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss the great game, but I leave with no regrets."

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs admitted this week that he already missed Urlacher, his teammate for the past decade.

“I didn't call the plays before and now I'm calling the plays," Briggs said via CSNChicago.com. "I just have a lot of respect ... I've been spoiled for the last 10 years.”

The Bears selected Urlacher in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He excelled as a hybrid linebacker-safety at the University of New Mexico and quickly became one of the NFL's best players. Urlacher earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, was named to the 2000s All-Decade Team, AP Defensive Player of the Year (2005), and was an eight-time Pro Bowler. He retires with 939 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 22 interceptions.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-23-13 01:00 AM
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Report: 49ers WR Michael Crabtree suffers torn Achilles tendon

May 22, 2013 1:58 pm ET

Michael Crabtree, the 49ers wide receiver who was involved in the fourth-quarter Super Bowl play that could have brought a sixth championship to San Francisco, will almost certainly get no such opportunity this season. The former first-round pick suffered a torn Achilles tendon during OTAs Tuesday, according to USA Today's Mike Garafolo.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted Wednesday afternoon that Crabtree has already had surgery.

More from Garafolo: "The [source] spoke on condition of anonymity because the 49ers haven't commented on the injury, which used to be an automatic season-ender but has since become one that can sometimes be rehabbed in a matter of months -- as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers did last year."

Crabtree, drafted 10th overall in 2009, didn't emerge as a playmaker until last season when he racked up 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. In March, he admitted that much of his success had to do with second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

"I think he trusted me more," Crabtree said at the time. "It was a lot of trust. Playing wide receiver you need to have a quarterback who trusts you. And I feel like he trusted me."

With Crabtree sidelined, Kaepernick loses his favorite target. The 49ers passing game will now have to go through Mario Manningham (who was second on the team in receptions in 2012 with 42), tight end Vernon Davis (41 receptions in '12), offseason acquisition Anquan Boldin, and with the hope that 2012 first-rounder A.J. Jenkins can contribute after getting shutout last season.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-23-13 01:02 AM
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LVH vs. Cantor

May 23, 2013


The Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and Cantor Gaming have both released their NFL season win totals for the 2013 campaign. Nineteen of the league’s 32 teams have the same win tally at both books, but there are more than a dozen exceptions.

The most noticeable team is Miami, which has a win total of 7.5 at LVH. However, Cantor has the Dolphins at 6.5. This is the only squad with a one-game gap offering gamblers a hedge opportunity.

In its first season under head coach Joe Philbin, Miami finished with a 7-9 straight-up record with a rookie starter at quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins lost veteran running back Reggie Bush to Detroit via free agency. Bush was outstanding in 2012, rushing for 986 yards and six touchdowns while also catching 35 balls for 292 yards and a pair of scores.

Miami’s splashy off-season moves include the acquisition of wide receiver Mike Wallace, who proved to be one of the NFL’ best deep threats during his years with Pittsburgh. Also, the Dolphins signed cornerback Brent Grimes and veteran offensive tackle Tyson Clabo away from Atlanta.

Grimes had a stellar 2011 season before rupturing his Achilles in Week 1 last season. Clabo, who will replace Jake Long, started 80 consecutive regular-season games for the Falcons.

Miami is hoping to get rookie production out of draft picks like OLB Dion Jordan (Oregon), CB Jamar Taylor (Boise St.), OT Dallas Thomas (Tennessee), CB Will Davis (Utah St.), OLB Jelani Jenkins (Florida) and RB Mike Gillislee (Florida).

According to the lines released by Cantor, Miami is only going to be an underdog of more than three points three times – at New Orleans (+4.5), at New England (+7) and at Pittsburgh (+3.5).

The highest win totals for non-playoff teams in 2012 belong to the Saints, Giants and Steelers. New Orleans and New York have both been assigned a win tally of nine at both LVH and Cantor. LVH has the Steelers at nine, but Cantor has them at 9.5.

The Saints get head coach Sean Payton back and there’s no reason to think his offense won’t continue to thrive under the direction of QB Drew Brees. The defense is the main issue, though, and fixing that unit is the assignment for new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

As usual, Pittsburgh upgraded its talent base with several solid draft picks. First, the Steelers got great value at No. 17 in the first round with the selection of Jarvis Jones, a playmaker out of Georgia who can rush the passer and has a nose for the ball. Also, Michigan St. product Le’Veon Bell will add depth to the running back position, and Oregon St. WR Markus Wheaton could make an instant impact.

The Giants will be dealing with the defections of two key players on both of their recent Super Bowl squads, DE Osi Umenyiora and PK Lawrence Tynes. They might also need to concern themselves with a possible holdout from WR Victor Cruz.

The lowest win totals for teams who did go to the playoffs last year belong to Washington (8), Minnesota (7.5 at LVH, 7 at Cantor) and Indianapolis (8.5).

The lowest overall total deservedly goes to Jacksonville (5), which has no options at QB with the franchise inexplicably sticking with Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne.

Below is a list of all the Win Totals from LVH and Cantor, along with their 2012 records.

2013 NFL REGULAR SEASON WIN TOTALS

TEAM LVH CANTOR 2012 RECORD

ARIZONA 5.5 5.5 5-11
ATLANTA 10 10 13-3
BALTIMORE 8.5 9 10-6
BUFFALO 6.5 6.5 6-10
CAROLINA 7 7 7-9
CHICAGO 8.5 8.5 10-6
CINCINNATI 8.5 8.5 10-6
CLEVELAND 6 5.5 5-11
DALLAS 8.5 8.5 8-8
DENVER 11.5 11 13-3
DETROIT 7.5 7.5 4-12
GREEN BAY 10 10.5 11-5
HOUSTON 10 10.5 12-4
INDIANAPOLIS 8.5 8.5 11-5
JACKSONVILLE 5 5 2-14
KANSAS CITY 7 6.5 2-14
MIAMI 7.5 6.5 7-9
MINNESOTA 7.5 7 10-6
NEW ENGLAND 11.5 11 12-4
NEW ORLEANS 9 9 7-9
N.Y. GIANTS 9 9 9-7
N.Y. JETS 6.5 6.5 6-10
OAKLAND 5.5 5.5 4-12
PHILADELPHIA 7 7 4-12
PITTSBURGH 9 9.5 8-8
ST. LOUIS 7.5 6.5 7-8-1
SAN DIEGO 7.5 7.5 7-9
SAN FRANCISCO 11.5 11 11-4-1
SEATTLE 10.5 10 11-5
TAMPA BAY 7.5 7.5 7-9
TENNESSEE 6.5 6.5 6-10
WASHINGTON 8 8 10-6




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-24-13 11:59 PM
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CNOTES
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Active players who are locks for Canton and those on the cusp

May 24, 2013 12:21 pm ET


I asked a simple question about the Hall of Fame: Which active players are locks to go to Canton right now? I surveyed as many coaches and fans that I could find heading into Memorial Day weekend and the response on my Sirius radio show was overwhelming.

Players like Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are not under contract, but are still hoping to latch on with a team, so technically they don't fit the criteria to make this list, which is strictly for active players on a roster.

Peyton Manning Q&A
Broncos QB opens up on his long road back

If either Owens or Moss signs, that will change. But like them or not, both wideouts are going to be in Canton one day. In regular and postseason games Owens has 1,132 receptions and 158 touchdowns. Moss has 1,036 receptions and 166 touchdowns.

A number of players are on the cusp of being a lock for the Hall of Fame but need at least one more year of excellence to convince me and, more importantly, the Hall of Fame voting committee that they deserve entry. After hours of debate and comparison of statistical data, as well as an investigation of just how prominent some players have been over their careers, here's the list of my "Already Hall of Fame Locks."

Following the list of HOF locks is a short list of players ready to join the ranks of the immortals if and when they have one more career year.
Already Hall of Fame Locks

1. Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos: This is a no-brainer and statistics aren't required to make his case. But for the record 59,487 yards, 436 touchdowns, a 95.7 QB rating and 20 post season games with a Super Bowl win and 32 touchdown passes in those 20 games.

2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: Nothing has to be said for a QB who has started in five Super Bowls and has led his team to victory in three. In the regular season Brady already has thrown for 44,804 yards, 334 touchdowns and has a 96.6 QB rating. In the postseason he is 17-7 with 42 touchdown passes.

Mike Freeman

Brian Urlacher was one of last great headbangers

3. Drew Brees , QB, New Orleans Saints : 5,069 yards in 2008 is a good start. Brees has 45,919 passing yards in 169 starts and 324 touchdown passes and a 94.3 QB rating. In his 5-4 postseason record he has a Super Bowl win and 22 touchdown passes. Some will debate this selection.

4. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants: Eli will put fans on both sides of the HOF debate but for me two Super Bowl wins and two Super Bowl MVPs -- both in wins over the Patriots -- opens the door for him. On top of that, he is 8-3 in the postseason, and 7-1 in his last eight playoff games.

5. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Atlanta Falcons : There is no debate about a first ballot for Gonzalez. He is already the leading tight end in receptions (1,242) and touchdowns (103). His 1-6 post season record isn't as strong as Shannon Sharp's 13-5 record with three Super Bowl wins, but his regular season production will be enough.

6. Charles Woodson, S, Oakland Raiders: Woodson has started a combined 219 games in the regular season and postseason with 56 interceptions, 30 forced fumbles, 11 touchdowns and 18 sacks. He has also defended 200 passes. Deion Sanders had 58 interceptions and nine touchdowns but did play in 59 fewer games.

7. Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona Cardinals: Can you imagine what Fitzgerald's numbers would be if the Cardinals had good quarterbacks throughout his career? In 146 total games he has 806 receptions, 86 touchdowns and 101 receptions over 25 yards. Michael Irvin is in the HOF with 837 receptions, 77 touchdowns and 98 receptions over 25 yards in 23 more games than Fitzgerald.

8. Ed Reed, S, Houston Texans : Reed has 70 interceptions, 155 passes defended, 8 touchdowns, and 6 sacks. Ronnie Lott had 72 interceptions and 7 touchdowns.
Close but not yet

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings : Some say Peterson falls into the category of Terrell Davis, a great player who didn't do it long enough. Davis played in 86 total games with 10,158 combined yards rushing and receiving to go with 77 touchdowns. Peterson has 93 games, 10,783 total yards and 85 touchdowns. Consider Curtis Martin got in the Hall of Fame with 18,530 total yards and 108 touchdowns in regular and postseason play.

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts : Wayne may fall into the same bind that Andre Reed and Tim Brown find themselves: Receivers with great numbers who continue to miss the cut. Wayne already has 968 receptions and 78 touchdowns. There are a number of receivers enshrined in Canton who don't have those numbers.

Pass rushers: There was some sentiment for DeMarcus Ware (115 sacks), Jared Allen (121 sacks) and Dwight Freeney (117 sacks) but I reminded the contributors Kevin Greene is not in the Hall of Fame and he has 168.5 sacks in his career.
Under consideration but need more than one year

Calvin Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Thomas and Sebastian Janikowski all fall into this category. Janikowski is up against the reality that only one kicker is in the Hall of Fame (Jan Stenerud). Janikowski has 42 field goals over 50 yards, Stenerud had 17. Janikowski has 324 field goals with an 80.6 percent success rate. Stenerud has 373 field goals at 66.8 percent.

Lastly, if you want to make a case for a player I left out or tell me why someone on the list doesn't belong, email me, tweet at me or call into my Sirius show.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-26-13 05:18 PM
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Cnotes 2013 Preview NCAAFB News Notes Rumors !

Golson news latest jolt for Notre Dame in nightmarish 2013

May 26, 2013 12:52 am ET

As much as the 2012 season seemed magical for Notre Dame, 2013 has produced one nightmare after another for the Irish.

It started fast with Notre Dame getting blasted by Alabama 42-14 in the BCS title game that wasn't even that close. Then later that month came the revelation of Manti Te'o's infamous fake girlfriend and a media circus that ensued.

The spring hasn't been kind to the Irish, either. Earlier this month, rumors have swirled that Notre Dame's top incoming recruit, powerhouse defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, may not want to enroll at ND and is looking to play somewhere else.

Saturday night brought an even bigger haymaker: Everett Golson, the Irish's dynamic young starting quarterback, who reportedly had blossomed during spring ball, is no longer enrolled in school, leaving the Notre Dame QB situation in even more doubt than it was heading into 2012.

The root of Golson's stunning departure: an academic violation, according to the Chicago Tribune. As the news swirled around the Internet on Saturday night, so did the barbs. Several people noted that Notre Dame's No. 5 jersey (the one worn by by Te'o and Golson) seems to be jinxed, at least it has been since the calendar turned to 2013.

What made the Golson news sting even more for many Fighting Irish fans was the fact that earlier this year, Gunner Kiel, a touted former five-star QB recruit ND had signed in 2012, just transferred out of Notre Dame to Cincinnati in large part because he realized he would've had to sit behind Golson for the next three seasons.

The site Bylaw Blog, written by a former NCAA compliance officer, had a column Saturday night about how technically Kiel could play for ND this year and how he also does not need a release from Cincinnati to play for Notre Dame next year. Regardless of that, I'd be surprised if Kiel ends up back in South Bend or even if Brian Kelly would want the 6-foot-4, 220-pound QB back. After all, Kiel bailed on the ND program. He didn't even stick around to go through spring ball to see how things might develop. Word is, folks inside the program were higher on early enrolled freshman Malik Zaire than they were on Kiel. Zaire has dual-threat skills, much like Golson's, and his ability to extend plays suits Kelly's system well.

On Sunday morning Kiel told reporters that he's staying a Bearcat and dismissed any speculation that he wants to return to ND.

Back to Zaire, it's a stretch to think he will be ready to compete for the now-vacant Irish QB spot. Last year, Golson was able to lean on a true go-to receiver in star tight end Tyler Eifert. The athletic 6-7, 250-pound target, is now a Cincinnati Bengal.

Eifert, a veteran O-line and a physical defense enabled Golson time to grow into the position. Golson went from averaging 175 yards of total offense for the first half of the season to more than 275 for the second half of 2012. Golson only widened the gap between himself and the other ND QBs this spring, and it seemed like Kelly, after three seasons in South Bend, finally had his ideal triggerman ready to attack defenses. Golson appeared to be a budding star for an Irish team that figured to open the season somewhere around No. 10 in the preseason polls.

Now, only that defense (minus Te'o) is back for 2013 for a team that relied heavily on its grit to go 5-0 in games decided by seven points or less last fall.

Kelly does have some experienced options to replace Golson. Senior Tommy Rees has thrown 34 touchdowns and started 18 games at Notre Dame. His skill set doesn't wow anyone, but he's won a bunch of games and won't get rattled by anything. Andrew Hendrix, another senior, has a stronger arm and better feet than Rees, but less seasoning.

Hendrix has been used as more of a running quarterback, having only thrown 44 passes in eight career games, but Kelly proved repeatedly in his previous coaching stops, especially at Cincinnati, that he's resourceful and can get a QB ready in a hurry. He's going to need to do it again if he hopes to get his team back in the top 10 in 2013. It's less than 100 days till ND's opener against Temple and there's a road trip to Michigan lurking in Week 2.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-26-13 05:26 PM
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Gunner Kiel on possible return to Notre Dame: 'I'm a Bearcat'

May 26, 2013 11:19 am ET

Following Saturday night's news that Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson was no longer enrolled at Notre Dame there was speculation that Gunner Kiel could leave Cincinnati to return to South Bend.

Speculation that Kiel seemingly put an end to in a text message to the Cincinnati Enquirer on Sunday morning.

"I'm a Bearcat," Kiel told the paper via a text message.

Kiel transferred to Cincinnati from Notre Dame in April, but as John Infante, a former NCAA compliance officer, wrote on Saturday night, Kiel could technically return to Notre Dame and play in 2013 and wouldn't need a release from Cincinnati. Though it certainly doesn't look like that's what Kiel is planning on doing.

Plus, even if Kiel did want to return to Notre Dame, it's not a guarantee that Brian Kelly and the coaching staff would welcome him back after his decision to leave this spring.

Without Kiel and Golson, Notre Dame has three quarterbacks remaining on scholarship in former starter Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix and incoming freshman Malik Zaire.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-26-13 05:27 PM
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Schaub, Texans begin preparation for season

May 24, 2013


HOUSTON (AP) - Matt Schaub has gotten good at tuning out criticism from those outside the organization.

Houston's quarterback doesn't have time for those opinions. Besides, even his harshest critics probably aren't as hard on him as he is on himself.

``I have higher expectations of myself than anyone could ever put on me,'' he said.

So what does he expect from himself this season? Simple. After the Texans were bounced from the postseason in the divisional round two years in a row, he is determined to help them go deeper in the playoffs and contend for a championship.

``Whenever you're not the last team standing at the end of the day, that's motivation to get back at what you've been doing and start working toward next season,'' Schaub said. ``Last year is in the past, and this is the time to get better individually and as a group, and if we all get better by a little bit, we'll be right where we want to be.''

Last season was Schaub's playoff debut after he missed Houston's first playoff run with a foot injury.

Houston's season ended with a 41-28 loss to New England. Schaub threw for 343 yards and two scores in that game, but also had an interception in the fourth quarter ending a drive which could have got Houston within a touchdown. That miscue had many fans and media blaming the quarterback for the loss.

Coach Gary Kubiak brushed off the notion that Schaub was the problem in that loss.

``We were there because of him,'' he said. ``So (criticism's) part of playing quarterback and that just makes you better and pushes you every day and he's doing fine. If you can't take a little bit of that in this business you're probably not going to last very long.''

He doesn't think that what happened last season puts any extra pressure on Schaub this year.

``I think pressure is the same all the time, I don't think it changes,'' Kubiak said. ``Matt's goal is to win a championship and we've got to get a team that can get that done and he's got his job to do with the football team.''

The Texans won a franchise-best 13 games last season. However, they had trouble celebrating the accomplishment because of a late-season collapse where they lost three of their final four regular-season games, costing them a bye and homefield advantage.

Schaub is hoping to help the team avoid a similar fate this time around.

``We played so well throughout the season, and then that last month we kind of were up and down, we had peaks and valleys and we didn't have that consistent level of play across the board,'' he said. ``Then we got to the playoffs and it was the same thing. So we've just got to be a little more consistent and when we get a team down we've got to keep them down.''

He started every game for Houston in 2012 and threw for 4,008 yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

This season he'll have a new weapon on a unit that already boasts running back Arian Foster and receiver Andre Johnson in first-round draft pick DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans hope that Hopkins can develop into a top-tier receiver they've long lacked to play opposite Johnson.

``He's such a dynamic player and the run after the catch, the ability to go up and get the ball; he's just going to bring an added dimension to our offense,'' Schaub said.

Schaub missed organized training activities last season while still recovering from his foot injury. He has enjoyed being on the field with his teammates this week and has been impressed with the development of some of Houston's rookies in just three days of practice.

``We've had a good start and we've just got to keep going and keep bringing the young guys along,'' he said. ``It's a fun time of year because you see young guys growing up and you see the team coming together.''

Schaub can't name one thing that he's focusing on this spring as the team begins preparations for the season, but he simply hopes to do more this year to help the team reach the next level. He won't directly say that anything less than reaching the Super Bowl would be a disappointment, but it seems that he and the rest of this team have that mindset.

``Once you get a taste of the playoff atmosphere and having some success there and not getting to your ultimate goal, you keep wanting to get back there and keep doing more,'' he said. ``So we're definitely hungry and the fire is burning pretty good.''




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-27-13 07:29 AM
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5Dimes posts Week 1 lines

May 2, 2013


5Dimes is ready for your college football wagers already. The offshore betting shop posted Week 1 lines for college football earlier this week.

Let's start with Alabama, which will be seeking its fourth national title in five seasons in 2013. 5Dimes has the Crimson Tide as the +355 'chalk' at the future book (risk $100 to win $355).

In its season opener at the Ga. Dome, 5Dimes had Alabama installed as an enormous 22.5-point favorite vs. Va. Tech as of Wednesday afternoon. By lunch on Thursday, the number was up to 24.

Clemson was a two-point home favorite vs. Georgia yesterday. That number has bee adjusted to 3.5.

LSU and TCU will collide at Cowboys Stadium on Aug. 31. The Tigers, who saw nearly their entire defense from last season drafted last weekend, are 7.5-point favorites versus the Horned Frogs.

Florida St. will face Pittsburgh in its opener at Heinz Field on Monday, Sept. 2. The Seminoles are currently listed as 8.5-point road favorites.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Vanderbilt was a 6.5-point home favorite vs. Ole Miss. The Commodores are now four-point 'chalk.'

South Carolina will host North Carolina in its opener at Williams-Brice Stadium. 5Dimes had the Gamecocks favored by 14.5 yesterday, but the number is now 13.5.

Other numbers include Oklahoma St. -11.5 vs. Mississippi St. (in Houston), USC -19 at Hawaii, Auburn -12 vs. Washington St. and Penn St. -5 at Syracuse.

All games have 40-cent lines (-120 either way).




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 05-27-13 07:32 AM
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NCAAF Top 4: High-profile program coaching changes

Many high-profile coaching jobs were filled in the college football ranks this offseason. For some programs, a new head coach can breathe life into a struggling team. For others, it’s a painful learning curve early in the schedule.

We look at four big-name college football teams under new head coaches this season and how they stack up in the NCAAF conference futures:

Auburn Tigers (+8,000 to win SEC)

Out: Gene Chizik
In: Gus Malzahn

Malzahn is back at Auburn after a brief stop at Arkansas State. The mastermind behind the Tigers’ potent offense during their BCS title run in 2010, inherits a young team packed with potential. Auburn is still trying to lock down a No. 1 quarterback, with Kiehl Frazier and Jonathan Wallace as the frontrunners. But don’t rule out JuCo transfer Nick Marshall, who has followed a similar troubled path to Auburn as former star Cam Newton.

Oregon Ducks (+150 to win Pac-12)

Out: Chip Kelly
In: Mark Helfrich

The Ducks lose Kelly to the NFL and turn the keys over to former offensive coordinator Helfrich. Oregon’s plan of attack should remain the same, leaving opposing defenses with their hands on their knees by the fourth quarter. Perhaps the biggest difference will be on those close calls that Kelly was so apt to go for. This is Helfrich first go-around as a head coach and those fourth-and-short and 2-point conversion decisions could weigh heavy on him in a competitive Pac-12.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (+1,500 to win Big 12)

Out: Tommy Tuberville
In: Kliff Kingsbury

Kingsbury brings some serious QB pedigree to Lubbock, where he played his college ball. The former NFL passer was the man behind the curtain for Johnny Manziel’s Heisman campaign at Texas A&M last season and served as offensive coordinator for record-setting QB Case Keenum at Houston. However, the 33 year old doesn’t have that same talent at Texas Tech, with redshirt sophomore Michael Brewer tabbed as a soft No. 1. Kingsbury will have to prove that it was him, and not all that ample talent, that got him where he is.

Wisconsin Badgers (+350 to win Big Ten)

Out: Brett Bielema
In: Gary Andersen

Andersen made Utah State the best bet in college football last season, going 11-2 SU and 11-1-1 ATS. He’s built a reputation of turning around lost programs but now has a history of success to follow and steps into a different world in Madison. Andersen is a Big Ten outsider and will quickly learn about performing on the big stage. He’s done well with little pressure in past jobs. Now he has a ton of expectations to keep the wins coming at Wisconsin.




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Old Post 05-27-13 04:58 PM
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Detroit Lions' Jim Schwartz: Ziggy Ansah raw, but still 'very instinctive'

May 27, 2013 |


The crash course started at rookie minicamp earlier this month and continued with OTAs last week, and over the next 100 or so days, before they open the season against the Vikings, the Lions will try to cram as much football into first-round pick Ziggy Ansah as humanly possibly.

For now, the lessons are in the beginning stage, with Ansah still trying to master pass-rushing technique three years after he first picked up football and with only nine college starts under his belt.

“It’s all new to him,” coach Jim Schwartz said last week. “We did talk about how Ziggy was an inexperienced player, but he was very instinctive playing things like screens and reverses and some trap blocks and draws and things like that that you would think an inexperienced player would struggle on. He did well on all those things.

“But our scheme is a lot different. It helped that we had him a week at the Senior Bowl. He got introduced to some of the techniques that we play. But all our rookies, their heads are spinning right now. A lot’s being asked of them.”

And especially of Ansah.

The Lions are counting on the fifth overall pick to start at right defensive end this fall and bring a pass-rushing presence to a line breaking in two new starters.

They let Cliff Avril walk in free agency, released Kyle Vanden Bosch after the Super Bowl and showed little interest (in part because they had little cap room) on the host of big-name veterans who lingered on the secondary free-agent market this spring.

If Ansah is slow in his development, the Lions will be forced to lean on two players opposite Jason Jones who combined for zero sacks last year, Willie Young and Ronnell Lewis.

Schwartz said all of the Lions rookies had “a lot of catching up to do, and Ziggy’s the same way,” although he wouldn’t estimate how long it would take Ansah to refine his all-important technique.

“I do think that’s a constant process,” Schwartz said. “I think if you asked veteran players along our defensive line, they’d always say they’re working on their technique. But, I mean, he doesn’t have a lot of time. None of our rookies have a lot of time.

“They’re not going to move our opener back because there’s a rookie that’s trying to get up to speed. And when you’re there, you’re not graded on the curve. You’re not graded on the rookie curve or the inexperienced player (curve). The final score is the final score. So there is urgency for him to get everything, but he’s done a good job so far.”




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Old Post 05-27-13 05:02 PM
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Adrian Peterson says he's 'not with' gay marriage

May 27, 2013


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - NFL MVP Adrian Peterson says he has family members who are gay whom he loves and respects. But on gay marriage, the Minnesota Vikings running back says ``that's not something I believe in.''

Peterson made his comments in a recent interview with Sirius/XM NFL radio. He was asked his thoughts on the Vikings cutting longtime punter Chris Kluwe, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and gay marriage.

Peterson says he considers Kluwe a good friend. He says: ``I have relatives who are gay. I'm not biased towards them. I still treat them the same. I love 'em. But again, I'm not with that. That's not something I believe in. But to each his own.''

Gay marriage will become legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1.




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Old Post 05-28-13 07:55 AM
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Info i need to know?

what are your thoughts on Adrian Peterson with this statement and how can i use it handicapping

Old Post 05-28-13 05:02 PM
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Wildcat....it has nothing to do with handicapping....but thought i'd throw this article in....just strange that the punter was cut after reviewing his sexual status...........




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Old Post 05-28-13 07:14 PM
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Grading the Coaching Hire

May 30, 2013


1-Kliff Kingsbury: (Texas Tech) - Tommy Tuberville was obviously dying to get out of Lubbock and that’s never a good thing for the long-term future of a program. With Kingsbury, the school’s second all-time leading passer, that won’t ever be a concern. If things go swimmingly, he could be there for the next 2-3 decades. Kingsbury has reunited a fractured fan base that was divided by the Mike Leach controversy in 2009. His age – he’ll be 34 in August – is the only criticism that can possibly be levied to this choice. In three seasons as an offensive coordinator, his units finished third, first and 11th in the nation (2012 at Texas A&M, 2010-2011 at Houston).

2-Gary Andersen: (Wisconsin) – This was a home-run hire by Barry Alvarez and remember, he got a late start to the process. Andersen caught my eye for the long haul while nearly orchestrating an upset of Auburn on The Plains in the 2011 season opener for Utah St. and the defending national champions. Andersen took the Aggies to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1960-61. I’ve always felt that against-the-spread records are a good barometer for the type of job a head coach is doing. On that note, we’ll inform you that Utah St. compiled an 11-1-1 spread record last season.

3-Willie Taggart: (South Florida) – Sticking to that same ATS theme, Western Kentucky went 18-6 versus the number in the last 24 games coached by Taggart. For whatever reasons, the Skip Holtz Era was a disaster. But it’s not as if Holtz didn’t have plenty of talent. The Bulls just lost too many close games. In 2011, they dropped five games by 18 combined points. My point is that the cupboard is far from bare. Taggart can recruit and he has a dynamic personality. I’ll be stunned if this hire doesn’t work out extremely well for USF.

4-Mike MacIntyre: (Colorado) – San Jose St. went 11-2 both straight up and ATS last season. In the Spartans’ season opener, they almost pulled a monster upset in a 20-17 loss at Stanford. CU has a hard time hiring coaches because it is financially strapped and the football program has come upon hard times since the glory days of Darian Hagan and Eric Bienemy in the early 1990s. But the school got it right with this hire and I believe brighter things are on the horizon in Boulder, which is one of the best college towns in America.

5-Gus Malzahn: (Auburn) – The 2010 national championship gets further into the rearview mirror with each national title Nick Saban collects at arch-rival Alabama. The AU program fell into the toilet in its one season without Malzahn, resulting in Gene Chizik’s pink slip. The school, which could still be looking at NCAA sanctions in the not-too-distant future, passed on the temptation to hire Bobby Petrino and instead chose Malzahn, who was the real architect behind the success in 2010. In his lone year as a college head coach, Malzahn led Arkansas St. to seven straight victories to close the regular season. This is a solid hire for Auburn. With what’s going on at Alabama, however, and the potential of facing the NCAA’s wrath, the better question is if this was the right choice by Malzahn?

6-Bobby Petrino: (Western Kentucky) – We slot this hire at sixth only because we know BP’s stay in Bowling Green will be a brief one. Western Kentucky knows this, though, and the school has protected itself well with the contractual terms. But doesn’t it always end in a mess when Petrino is involved? Tom Jurich, Arthur Blank and Jeff Long can attest to that. Petrino is what he is -- a terrific head coach and a snake for a human being. The Hilltoppers just hope they can get one or two quality seasons (and minimal controversy) from BP before he bolts for a bigger job.

7-Bret Bielema: (Arkansas) – The reality is that Jeff Long ran the perfect coaching search. He swung for the fences by offering big-time dollars to Les Miles and Chris Petersen and then took quality cuts at James Franklin and Mike Gundy. Just when it appeared as if all hope was lost, Long reached into his bag of tricks and pulled out the head coach of the last three Big Ten championship teams. Long had something Barry Alvarez couldn’t provide – an SEC job and everything that comes with it. Certainly, Bielema faces challenges galore at what is probably the fifth-best program in a seven-team division. But he’s in his prime and has already enjoyed success. Well done, Jeff Long.

8-Sonny Dykes: (California) – Jeff Tedford had it going in his first seven seasons, but things steadily went south for the Bears over the last four seasons. Dykes had a really nice run at La. Tech and inherited a program with a freshly refurbished stadium in Berkeley. There are plenty of recruits in California and Dykes brings an exciting brand of football to the Bay Area. Cal did well to get Dykes.

9-Tommy Tuberville: (Cincinnati) – This hire gets a 10 on the Shock Scale. Obviously, Tuberville realized he was never going to get another SEC job (Arkansas didn’t even call when it was getting desperate) and he wanted out of West Texas in the worst way. This space has always had a soft spot for The Riverboat Gambler who knows on how to coach, plain and simple. It won’t be easy at Cincy, particularly with the uncertainty of its league in the future. But ‘Tubs’ is as good a game coach as there is and the Bearcats couldn’t possibly have done better.

There were plenty of other hires, but the nine above were the only ones I was bullish on. We will concede that some of the hires for the smaller schools involve coaches that this space simply isn’t knowledgeable about yet.

Of course, there was the exception in FIU hiring Ron Turner. What, Ray Goff wasn’t taking calls that day?




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Old Post 06-01-13 07:01 AM
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NFL Top 4: Coaching moves total bettors should know

It was another busy offseason for the NFL coaching carousel. Eight teams found a new head coach, 13 new offense coordinators joined a staff, a dozen defensive coordinators were hired, and numerous other sideline swaps occurred.

With those coaching changes come major shifts in philosophy and game plan for many NFL teams, which means bettors will need to adjust accordingly when sizing up football totals this fall. Here are four coaching changes that could impact your over/under bets:

Chip Kelly, head coach, Philadelphia Eagles (2012: 4-12 SU, 9-7 O/U)

Kelly’s high-octane offense had college kids sucking wind against the Oregon Ducks, but how will this track meet translate to the pros? Many pundits doubt Kelly’s approach, stating that opponents have much more time to prepare for the quick, dink-and-dump attack.

Kelly and his crew say they’re throwing some wrinkles into the playbook and it could resemble the New England Patriots' offense more than what went on in Eugene. Books aren’t taking any chances, posting a lofty 51-point total for the Eagles’ opener at Washington on Monday Night Football.

Monte Kiffin, defensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys (2012: 8-8 SU, 8-8 O/U)

Some would argue that the wrong coach was fired in Dallas this offseason, pointing the blame at head coach Jason Garrett rather than former DC Rob Ryan. But someone’s head had to roll. Enter 107-year-old Monte Kiffin and his switch from the 3-4 to the 4-3 defense.

Kiffin’s Tampa-2 pedigree will stop the Cowboys from bleeding big plays and pick off a more passes after recording only seven INTs last season. But perhaps the most important thing Kiffin brings to the table is a change in attitude, something Dallas desperately needs. Big D could be big on D when it settles into its new scheme.

Adam Gase, offensive coordinator, Denver Broncos (2012: 13-3, 10-5-1 O/U)

Giving a new offensive coordinator to a QB like Peyton Manning is like giving the UPS guy a Lamborghini. And Gase is putting the pedal to the metal. The Broncos' new OC is turning up the tempo and has Denver running a faster offense in Year 2 under Manning.

The faster attack will pay extra dividends at home in the thin air of Mile High, where opponents already struggle to breathe. The Broncos were one of the better over plays last season and, even though books will pad the numbers, they should continue to top the total, especially as hosts early into the schedule.

Kevin Spencer, special teams, San Diego Chargers (2012: 7-9 SU, 10-6 O/U)

Special teams have long been a thorn in the side of the Chargers. This offseason’s house cleaning brought in former Arizona special teams coach Kevin Spencer, who has two Super Bowl appearances on his special teams resume. He has his work cut out for him in San Diego, where seven punts have been blocked over the past three seasons.

How do special teams impact my over/under bets, you ask? Football is all about field position and solid kick coverage and punt protection can trim those would-be TDs into field goals. The Bolts have been among the top half of the league in defense in recent years, but hemorrhage avoidable points. Spencer will crack the whip and give some value back to the under in San Diego.




Believe in the 3 G's
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Old Post 06-02-13 12:28 AM
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NFL Games of the Year: Line tight for Redskins-Cowboys

Odds are out for the biggest and best games of the upcoming NFL season. Covers Expert Bryan Power gives you his insight into some of these marquee matchups and predicts where the odds could move before kickoff.

NFL Week 6: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-2)

Recent History: Dallas 15-9 SU, 10-14 ATS, Under 14-8-2

Early look at the Redskins: Robert Griffin III was all the rage in 2012, but with his health still in question for 2013, the market isn’t going to be nearly as kind to the Redskins. They came out of nowhere to win the NFC East last year, but they find themselves about even with the Cowboys and behind the Giants, according to this year’s odds. Most books have their win total at eight wins (with some 8.5’s). I don’t foresee a return trip to the playoffs in the Nation’s Capital.

Early look at the Cowboys: The familiar stench of disappointment was emanating from Big D at the end of last season after another Tony Romo Week 17 failure. But because of the talent here, and the star on the helmet, expectations will always be high for the Cowboys. Assuming the Redskins don’t repeat as NFC East Champs, that leaves the Boys or the Giants as the most likely contenders as the Eagles are still a rebuilding project. Most books have Dallas’ win total at 8.5.

Where this line will move: This is a Sunday night game and if Dallas is still less than -3, then expect the action to come in on them. However, the fact that Washington will be coming in off its bye week could limit that action.




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Old Post 06-02-13 12:31 AM
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NFL Games of the Year: Early money on 49ers over Colts

Odds are out for the biggest and best games of the upcoming NFL season. Covers Expert Bryan Power gives you his insight into some of these marquee matchups and predicts where the odds could move before kickoff.

NFL Week 3: Indianapolis Colts at San Francisco 49ers (-9)

Past history: San Francisco 1-2 SU, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 Under (since ’01)

Early look at the Colts: The Colts shocked everyone last season by improving their win total a full nine games in Andrew Luck’s rookie year. Yet, at the same time a minus-30 point differential for an 11-5 football team is eye opening. They beat a lot of bad teams close and had a favorable home schedule. The whole Chuck Pagano situation was a wonderful inspirational story, but it remains to be seen just how good of a head coach he truly is. Bruce Arians is now in Arizona after winning Coach of the Year in Pagano’s absence. Everyone expects this team to take a step back in 2013, which is evident by the Colts’ win total being at 8.5 (with some 8's out there).

Early look at the 49ers: Even with the possible season-ending injury to WR Michael Crabtree, the 49ers will be at the top of the short list of Super Bowl contenders. They are favored to win a tough NFC West and despite coming in at the lowest odds to win the Super Bowl, they are currently drawing the most action. They are projected to finish with 11 or more wins depending on the book.

Where this line will move: This line has already been bet up from the opening number of -7.5, but where it moves from here will depend on how the 49ers perform in their first two games. They open the season by hosting Green Bay, then traveling to Seattle. The Seahawks game, which is on a Sunday night, will have particular impact depending on the result. There’s a good chance the Colts could be 2-0 coming in, as they open at home versus the Raiders and Dolphins. Don’t be surprised to see the action come in on the dog in this one.




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Old Post 06-02-13 12:32 AM
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NFL Games of the Year: Bears-Steelers stuck on key number

Odds are out for the biggest and best games of the upcoming NFL season. Covers Expert Bryan Power gives you his insight into some of these marquee matchups and predicts where the odds could move before kickoff.

NFL Week 3: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Past History: 1-1 SU, ATS, 2-0 Under (since ’01)

Early look at the Bears: For a second straight season, the Bears collapsed down the stretch. They were the only team to win 10 games and miss the playoffs last season. Many tabbed them as a dark-horse Super Bowl contender at this time last year, but that’s not the case in 2013 as most books have their win total at 8.5, which in a tough NFC would probably have them on the outside looking in.

Early look at the Steelers: The Steelers rarely have back-to-back losing seasons, so after finishing just 8-8 (also fell apart late in the season), the knee-jerk reaction is to call for improvement and a return to the playoffs. Oddsmakers are calling for a three-horse race in the AFC North with the Steelers, Bengals and Super Bowl Champion Ravens having all near identical odds to bag the division title. Pittsburgh is projected at nine wins (some 9.5’s) at most books.

Where this line will move: It’s surprising to see the Steelers only get the token three points for home-field advantage in this one. It’s probably because sharp bettors would jump all over Pittsburgh at -2.5 or Chicago at +3.5. This will be the Bears' road opener after opening against the Bengals and Vikings at home. Pittsburgh should win its opener at home versus Tennessee, but could be off a loss in Week 3 as it travels to Cincinnati the week before. Either way, it would be tough to see this game coming off the key number of three.




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Old Post 06-02-13 04:56 PM
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NFL Top 4: Coaching moves total bettors should know

It was another busy offseason for the NFL coaching carousel. Eight teams found a new head coach, 13 new offense coordinators joined a staff, a dozen defensive coordinators were hired, and numerous other sideline swaps occurred.

With those coaching changes come major shifts in philosophy and game plan for many NFL teams, which means bettors will need to adjust accordingly when sizing up football totals this fall. Here are four coaching changes that could impact your over/under bets:

Chip Kelly, head coach, Philadelphia Eagles (2012: 4-12 SU, 9-7 O/U)

Kelly’s high-octane offense had college kids sucking wind against the Oregon Ducks, but how will this track meet translate to the pros? Many pundits doubt Kelly’s approach, stating that opponents have much more time to prepare for the quick, dink-and-dump attack.

Kelly and his crew say they’re throwing some wrinkles into the playbook and it could resemble the New England Patriots' offense more than what went on in Eugene. Books aren’t taking any chances, posting a lofty 51-point total for the Eagles’ opener at Washington on Monday Night Football.

Monte Kiffin, defensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys (2012: 8-8 SU, 8-8 O/U)

Some would argue that the wrong coach was fired in Dallas this offseason, pointing the blame at head coach Jason Garrett rather than former DC Rob Ryan. But someone’s head had to roll. Enter 107-year-old Monte Kiffin and his switch from the 3-4 to the 4-3 defense.

Kiffin’s Tampa-2 pedigree will stop the Cowboys from bleeding big plays and pick off a more passes after recording only seven INTs last season. But perhaps the most important thing Kiffin brings to the table is a change in attitude, something Dallas desperately needs. Big D could be big on D when it settles into its new scheme.

Adam Gase, offensive coordinator, Denver Broncos (2012: 13-3, 10-5-1 O/U)

Giving a new offensive coordinator to a QB like Peyton Manning is like giving the UPS guy a Lamborghini. And Gase is putting the pedal to the metal. The Broncos' new OC is turning up the tempo and has Denver running a faster offense in Year 2 under Manning.

The faster attack will pay extra dividends at home in the thin air of Mile High, where opponents already struggle to breathe. The Broncos were one of the better over plays last season and, even though books will pad the numbers, they should continue to top the total, especially as hosts early into the schedule.

Kevin Spencer, special teams, San Diego Chargers (2012: 7-9 SU, 10-6 O/U)

Special teams have long been a thorn in the side of the Chargers. This offseason’s house cleaning brought in former Arizona special teams coach Kevin Spencer, who has two Super Bowl appearances on his special teams resume. He has his work cut out for him in San Diego, where seven punts have been blocked over the past three seasons.

How do special teams impact my over/under bets, you ask? Football is all about field position and solid kick coverage and punt protection can trim those would-be TDs into field goals. The Bolts have been among the top half of the league in defense in recent years, but hemorrhage avoidable points. Spencer will crack the whip and give some value back to the under in San Diego.




Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.

Old Post 06-02-13 05:09 PM
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