Boss Odds

New York Giants will Expose New England Patriots to win Superbowl XLVI

Feb 032012

Sure the New England Patriots were 13-3, but as the old adage goes: there are lies, damn lies and statistics. And in this case, that 13-3 record is lying, big time.

If you take a look around the NFL at the end of the season, there were 10 teams of any significance this year. They were, in no particular order: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans and the New England Patriots.

So let’s take a look at who the Patriots really beat, or beat up on this year. Of those teams listed above, who did they play? The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. That’s it, just two teams of any significance in this past 2011-12 NFL season. And how did the Patriots do in those two games you might ask? They lost, both!!

So they were 13-1 against the dregs of the NFL, and 0-2 against teams that matter. Hmm, so what does that tell us? The Patriots are not nearly as good as the Las Vegas sportsbook have them made out to be, as why else are the Patriots 3-point favorites??

And look what they’ve done in the playoffs. They hammered a Denver team that is led by a great story in Tim Tebow, but not a very good quarterback. Yes, he’s had success, but that will be short-lived. A story for another day. Then the Patriots edged out the Baltimore Ravens, but that was more the Ravens beating themselves than New England winning. Missed play calls, a dropped winning touchdown and a missed tying field goal were key components of that win.

So now the Patriots move on to Superbowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Sunday, February 5th, starting at 6:30pm ET. They are a good team, with one of the best coaches of all time and one of the best quarterbacks of all time. But that and the schedule is what has made the Patriots this year. They have a very good offensive line, very average running game, a stud of a tight end in Rob Gronkowski, and a great inside receiver in Wes Welker.

On the defensive side, they have the worst pass defence in the NFL this season. They are pretty good against the run, but the New York Giants throw the ball, not run it. Unlike the Broncos and Ravens whose strengths were running the ball, the Giants present a lot of matchup problems for the Patriots, on both sides of the ball.

Brady will struggle at times to deal with the NFL’s best defensive line, especially when they can pass rush. And Eli Manning will be able to throw the ball down the field with impunity, with his two big play receivers, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. And don’t forget the Giants have a very good 3rd receiver in Mario Manningham.

Bottom line is that the game should be close early on, but the ongoing pressure of the Giants front four will slowly get to Brady, and the ongoing deep threats and crossing patterns of the Giants receivers will make for a very long day for New England.

Our Superbowl Handicapping:
New York Giants 31
New England Patriots 24

Ravens Host Texans and Patriots Face Broncos in AFC Division Games

NFL Comments Off

Jan 102012

In NFL Playoff action this weekend, there is the potential for a couple of major blowouts in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.

First off, the Baltimore Ravens (12-4) host the Houston Texans (10-6) in a game (Sunday January 15, 1:00 PM ET TV by CBS) that on paper looks like a rout. The Texans bring their rookie quarterback, T.J. Yates into the Ravens’ den and it looks like they will be picked apart.

The New England Patriots (13-3) host Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos (Saturday, January 14, 8:00 PM ET TV by CBS) in another game that looks like a huge blowout. The Patriots defense is far from stellar; in fact they rank 31st in the NFL. Don’t be surprised if Tebow has another 300-plus yard performance in his second NFL playoff.

The Patriots opened up as a 13.5 point favorite and the number is getting play on both sides with only 57% of the money coming down on the Pats. The Ravens must cover 7.5 on the Pointspread over the Texans and the money is flooding in on the Ravens with 69% of the bettors giving the points.

The Totals on both games are showing some interesting movements. New England is going to score points and the Broncos have potential to score against a weak Pats defense. The Total is 51 points and the money is almost even with 55% coming in on the Over. The Ravens/Texans game is a low Total at 38 points. The money is overwhelmingly on the Under with 81% of the bettors hammering the Under.

Denver is a huge Moneyline dog at +605 and the Pats are the prohibitive favorite at -805 for good reason. If this game becomes a track meet anything can happen though. Denver is getting the lion’s share of the bets with 81% of the money coming in on Tebow and the Broncos.

The Ravens are also a huge negative number on the Moneyline at -350. The Texans are a +290 dog with the money coming in on the Texans with wishful thinkers betting the Texans at 62%.

TicketCity Bowl Preview: Houston Cougars vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

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Dec 202011

The Ticket City Bowl will pit the No. 19-ranked Houston Cougars and Case Keenum against No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions and quarterback Matt in the Cotton Bowl located in Dallas, Texas January 2nd at Noon Eastern time. This is essentially a home game for Keenum and the Cougars and Penn State is riding an emotional roller coaster since the Sandusky sex case broke more than a month ago.

The Houston Cougars opened as a 7 point favorite and the number has already been bet down to 5.5 points. The money is evening out with the initial line adjustment with 52% of the money coming in on the Cougars.

The Over/Under is posted at 57.5, moving up from the initial post of 56.5 points at most online sports betting sites. 58% of the early money is going down on the over. The Moneyline on this game is getting hammered. 71% of the money is landing on Penn State on Moneyline. Penn State is +193 after seeing a major swing of money come down them. The value may come with the Houston Cougars at -215 as the seven point favorite.

Penn State is 3-10-1 against the point spread in their last 14 games. This number is telling, especially for a road game to Texas. Another telling trend for the Nittany Lions is their failure to cover the over in 11 games. The number has gone under in 8 of 11 games this season for Penn State.

The Houston Cougars have done well versus the Pointspread going 10-3 against the number. The Cougars are also riding a four-game winning streak heading into this game.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2011 Grey Cup Overview: Nov 27 2011

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Nov 262011

Here’s the Scouting Report on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-8), Eastern Division Champions, for this year’s 2011 Grey Cup championship in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

OFFENCE
The Winnipeg offence struggled most of the year, especially after halfback Fred Reid was injured earlier in the season. Enter scatback Chris Garrett, who was released just after training camp earlier this year. He was then re-signed when Reid went down with his season-ending injury. Garrett has been a catalyst all year, helping to take the pressure off quarterback Buck Pierce, as he averaged over 6 yards a carry. Garrett also rumbled for 190 yards in last weekend’s win over Hamilton in the Eastern Final, adding a touchdown for good measure.

With the ability to go play action, Pierce has been able to remain somewhat healthy, and issue earlier in his career when the BC Lions cut him loose after missing much time two years in a row. Pierce is the heart and soul of the team, and his never-say-die attitude has been infectious. But he did toss 18 INT against just 13 touchdowns. Terrence Edwards leads the receiving corps, while the offensive line will have its work cut out, as they tied Edmonton for the most sacks allowed with 48.

Advantage: BC Lions

DEFENCE
After going just 4-14 and missing the playoffs, the Blue Bombers rode their defence this year to the Eastern Division championship, finishing tops in the CFL in a dozen of 25 defensive categories. That list included getting 55 sacks and 25 interceptions, while allowing only 301 total yards and 223 passing yards per game. Winnipeg boasts three All-CFL selections in the backfield, led by CB Jovon Johnson, who’s the east’s Defensive Player of the Year, DB Jonathon Hefney, and safety Ian Logan. Odell Willis was tops in the league with 13 sacks.

Advantage: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS
Second year kicker Justin Palardy was solid this year, hitting 40 of his 52 field goal attempts. The Bombers were struggling with the punt game and traded for Jamie Boreham, and 8-year veteran, who averaged just under 43 yards a kick. Jovon Johnson handled most of the kick returns and was solid, if not spectacular at times.

Advantage: BC Lions

COACHING
In just his second year as the head coach, Paul LaPolice did a wonderful job in leading the Bombers to a 6-game improvement. After sitting on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ sidelines as an assistant two year previous, LaPolice does have Grey Cup experience, just not as the head decision-maker. But during the season, he showed his in-game adjustments were on the ball, as witnessed by the many come-from-behind wins.

Advantage: BC Lions

Overall Advantage: BC Lions

BC Lions 2011 Grey Cup Overview: Nov 27

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Nov 242011

Here’s the Scouting Report on the BC Lions (12-7), Western Division Champions, for this year’s 2011 Grey Cup championship in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

OFFENCE
BC Lions quarterback Travis Lulay had his coming out party this year, in his first year as the starter. For the first time in almost a decade, Lulay was behind centre for all 18 games this season, The former Montana State star was voted the top QB in the Western Division this year, and is favored to win the Most Outstanding Player award this week. Lulay tied for first in TD passes (32), and was second overall in passing (4,815 yards) while leading the Lions as the CFLs second highest scoring offence. The Lions were also the second best offence statistically, behind only Montreal. But it’s not only Lulay’s arm that threatens defences as witnessed by his 61-yard scamper during last weekend’s win over the Edmonton Eskimos. Lulay uses his legs to not only gain good yardage, but also extend plays. Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce lead the receiving corps, while the offensive line was the best in the league, allowing only 29 sacks.

Advantage: BC Lions

DEFENCE
The Lions have what is considered to be the best front seven in the Canadian Football League. While the Bombers may have garnered one more sack than the Leos 54, the linebacking crew is led by All-CFL middle backer Solomon Elimimian, second in the league in tackles. BC also goes with a six-man rotation up front, which has proven problematic for most O-Lines in the league during the Lions 11-1 run. In the defensive backfield, Korey Banks, Ryan Phillips and Dante Marsh headline a secondary that has more than 30 years of CFL experience. The Lions forced four turnovers in West Division final win, which the offence was able to convert into 21 points.

Advantage: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS
What can you say when you have a kicker who was almost perfect through an entire season, as Lions kicker Paul McCallum has hit on 54 of 57 field goals this season including last weekend’s 4-4 display. The CFL’s oldest player at 41, McCallum set a league-record with a 94.3 per cent success ratio during the year. He also had another league mark by hitting on 30 straight field goals. And while not as spectacular, McCallum did a solid job of punting (42.1-yard punting average) and posted a respectable 57.6-yard kickoff average. On the return game, Tim Brown was fourth overall in punt returns and third in kickoff returns.

Advantage: BC Lions

COACHING
With 254 regular season wins, four Grey Cup titles and three Coach of the Year awards, Wally Buono defines coaching in the CFL. There is not a single coach in the history of the game who would get an advantage when it comes to coaching the big game. And after having turned around an 0-5 team into a squad which looks poised to win for a number of years, this just may have been Buono’s greatest coaching job ever.

Advantage: BC Lions

Overall Advantage: BC Lions

Get in on the CFL action at your favorite online sports betting site.

Green Bay Packers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Nov 152011

The undefeated (9-0) Green Bay Packers host the (4-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers November 20, 2011. The Packers look like a better team than they were when they won the Super Bowl last February as they run through all of their opponents with ease so far this season.

Seemingly impossible to defend against for most defences now that Aaron Rodgers has stepped it up a notch and is firing on all cylinders. Rodgers ability to spread the ball around the field is making it tough on defenders looking to isolate players like Greg Jennings.

Struggling against the pass the Green Bay Packers defence has also stepped it up their run defence. Giving up almost 300 yards per game through the air, Green Bay’s corners have been getting smoked this season.

For the Buccaneers to compete with the Packers Josh Freeman must work the edges of the field and open up the running game. Working the outside of the field with his wide outs Freeman will open up this match for his running back LaGarette Blount.

Heading into this Week 11 NFL game the Bucs have dropped three games in row.

Freeman also needs to utilize tight end Kellen Winslow and he could be key to this game if Winslow comes into the game with the right attitude. When he isn’t a head case Winslow’s abilities are actually top shelf.

Green Bay will blow through Tampa Bay but this game should surprise most fans and is potentially a great matchup.

Weekend Clash Between New York Yankees And Seattle Mariners

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May 252011

This weekend the Seattle Mariners will lock horn with the New York Yankees. This series will be very important for both teams as they continue to compete as these teams are both in contention for their respective divisions this season.

In baseball betting lines odds, Seattle is at 125-1 whereas the Yankees are among the top favorites to win the World Series, at 5-1.

Even though the Mariners are just 1.5 games behind the leading Texas Rangers, they are the 3rd place team in the NL West. While the Mariners have now won 6 games in a row and they look like a team that could compete in the NL West, they looked like they were on their way towards a last place finish.

The Mariners will send Pineda and Hernandez to the mound in this series, which is good news for them. Both of these pitchers are a major reason for the recent success of the Mariners as they have been on as of late. The Yankees will have a difficult time beating Seattle, if they put up good games in this series.

Even though the Yankees have found their way back into the first place position in the AL East, they were counted as dead by many teams. It is not encouraging that they are only in first place because Tampa Bay has played awfully as of late while they are in first place again. The Yankees need to win this series to stave them off as the Red Sox and Blue Jays are in hot pursuit.

In this series, the Yankees will send AJ Burnett, Ivan Nova and Bartolo Colon to the mound.

Weekend Clash Between Los Angeles Angels And Texas Rangers

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May 102011

This weekend the Texas Rangers will lock horn with the Los Angeles Angels. As these teams are fighting for the top spot in a crowded American League West Division, this should be an exciting series. In this series the Rangers will be the home team.

For the Rangers the home field advantage could prove to be the difference in this series. Even though they have posted a 12-7 record while at their home field, they have been a very poor team playing away from their home field. The Angels are a solid road team as this being said. This season they have already collected 12 wins on the road. With a 20-15 record they are atop the division. At 18-17 on the season the Rangers are tied for 2nd place.

While the Rangers are at 30-1, MLB Odds have the Angels at 20-1 to win the World Series.

Because of the Angels’ stellar starting pitching, they have had so much success on the road this season. Between Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, they have two of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. They have a shot at going the distance and shutting out their opponents, each time that these pitchers take the mound.

In this series the Angels will be fortunate to have both of these pitchers take the mound. Early in their starts the Rangers will need to jump on both of these pitchers. As they go deeper into games they tend to get stronger.

In opposition to a dominant defense this will be a matchup of a dominant offense. When the series is over the winner of this series could end up as the top team in the division. In online free picks, the Texas Rangers are favorites to win this match.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid – Football Match Review

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Apr 292011

Lionel Messi’s delightful touch enabled Barcelona to a 2-0 win over bitter opponents Real Madrid. This win has lit up few controversies and has brought up a hostile Champions League semi-final first leg, as coach Jose Mourinho was sent off and the hosts finished with 10 men.

With 80,000 spectators, Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was packed, with even all of the 4,000 most pricey tickets valued at 2.6 million won (2,430 U.S. dollars) sold out. However, Messi saddened Real fans once again. In an attritional contest, which was short on entertaining football but rich in disagreement, the Argentine World Player of the Year’s clinical finish from close in the 76th minute and dazzling individual strike three minutes from time gave Barca the spoils at an unruly Bernabeu. In the 76th minute, the forward scored the opening goal but saved the best for the 87th minute. Real`s highly paid defense was penetrated and he ran for about 35 meters, passed four defenders, and scored his second goal of the game.

Throughout the game, fights broke out between players from both sides and a halftime brawl resulted in a red card for Barcelona reserve goalie Jose Manuel Pinto.

Mourinho had commented that Barcelona had received favorable treatment from the match referees. After his side lost 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Barca, he went on the attack with his comments. Following a bad-tempered El Clasico clash at the Bernabeu, a board meeting was considered to take action. However, the claims made by Mourinho were dismissed by the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

On 3rd of May 2011, the 2nd leg semifinal match between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be held at Camp Nou. With all the controversies, the betting picks have become hotter. The best odds for Barcelona are (4/6), while for Real Madrid (4).

Manchester City Vs. Sunderland – Match Preview

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Apr 022011

In the English Premier League Standings, Manchester City currently sits in fourth place. In hopes of being able to qualify for the Champions League they are looking to hold that spot. They will battle against Sunderland team which is looking to remain in the top ten in the EPL standings.

Sports handicapping have Manchester City as a -200 favorite and Sunderland as a +600 underdog.

Manchester City’s defense has been one of the major strengths for them all season. With goalie Joe Hart that starts, who has allowed just 27 goals in 30 games. This season Hart has kept Manchester City in nearly every game. Manchester City is not easy to beat because of him. Carlos Tevez is the biggest threat offensively. With 18 goals and 106 shots he leads the team. Compare to any other player in the team he has goaled three times.

Simon Mignolet and Craig Gordon have split duties in goal for Sunderland and has made the past three starts. In those starts he has given up four goals. That is far from the weakest area though. Especially in recent games Sunderland has struggled offensively. In their last three EPL games they have not scored a goal. They are winless in their last six games, thanks to an inept offense as well as that has kept them from moving up the standings.

In their first meeting earlier this season Sunderland defeated Manchester City 1-0. Sunderland needs a strong showing from either goalie for them to do that again. It will be difficult for Sunderland to score as they cannot match the attack that Manchester City has and the team that scores first should get the win in this match.

Older Entries

New York Giants will Expose New England Patriots to win Superbowl XLVI

Ravens Host Texans and Patriots Face Broncos in AFC Division Games

TicketCity Bowl Preview: Houston Cougars vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2011 Grey Cup Overview: Nov 27 2011

BC Lions 2011 Grey Cup Overview: Nov 27

Green Bay Packers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Weekend Clash Between New York Yankees And Seattle Mariners

Weekend Clash Between Los Angeles Angels And Texas Rangers

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid – Football Match Review

Manchester City Vs. Sunderland – Match Preview

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