With every week of the season there are upsets and various wins unexpected. After reaearching the net I have copy and pasted a couple reviews from the pro's...
We may agree with some and may not. That's the beauty of opinion. Take a peek.....
NFL Betting Review: NFL Week 7 Lessons Learned
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:19 AM ET
By: The Prez | www.who2beton.com
The news about Brett Favre's injury is dominating the NFL wire, but don't forget about some of the other lessons we learned in the seventh week of betting action.
TEARFUL FAVRE-WELL?
Is it time for Brett Favre to finally hang ‘em up for good? It sure is starting to look like at and it was almost sad to see Favre in the postgame press conference following Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers that dropped the Vikings to 2-4.
Favre was practically in tears while speaking to reporters and when he left the podium had to use both hands on a railing simply to walk because he has two fractures in his ankle – as tough as No. 4 is, it’s sure hard to imagine him playing on that ankle in Week 8, which would end a truly remarkable consecutive games streak at 291. Favre has an avulsion fracture in his heel bone as well as a stress fracture.
Certainly Favre has to think coming back this time was not the right call, not with the way he’s playing, the way his team is playing or because of all the Jenn Sterger stuff surrounding him. Shoot, evencoach Brad Childress seemed to throw Favre under the bus after the game, questioning Favre’s decision making as he threw three second-half picks against the Pack, who won just their second game in 13 decided by four points or fewer since Aaron Rodgerssucceeded Favre in 2008.
Green Bay turned Favre's two third-quarter interceptions into touchdowns that erased the Vikings' halftime lead. Favre now has 10 picks after throwing just seven all last season. Sunday was Favre's third game this season with more interceptions than touchdowns and the first time in his last three games he's completed more than 14 passes.
Don’t touch the Vikings when they are away – that was their seventh straight road loss dating to last season (including playoffs). They are 0-3 ATS on the road this year and now have to travel toNew England.
JOSH MCDANIELS ON HOT SEAT?
Don’t look now, but the 3-4 Oakland Raiders could actually win the mediocre AFC West and upset the NFL betting odds. Certainly their 59-14 blowout of Denver had to be the most surprising score of Week 7 as Darren McFadden became the fourth Raider ever to score four touchdowns in a game. It was the most points in Raider history and they didn't even score in the fourth quarter! Maybe it’s just playing in Denver as it was Oakland’s third win in a row there. But that it was able to rush for 328 yards is astounding and ridiculous both. The Raiders became the fourth team since 1970 to score at least eight touchdowns just a week after having none.
LONDON BRIDGE: BRONCOS versus 49ERS
For what it’s worth, the last two times the Broncos lost at home to Oakland by three or more touchdowns, there was a coaching change after the season. Wade Phillips left following a 48-16 whipping in 1994, and his successor, Mike Shanahan, was fired not long after a 31-10 loss to Oakland in 2008. Shanahan was replaced by McDaniels, who is 4-13 since starting his first season with six wins.
The Broncos, who have lost three straight, head to London this week to play the 1-6 49ers. And the speculation on McDaniels' job status will heat up if the team can't snap out of its funk and into playoff contention. Denver is 2-5 ATS this season and might turn to Tim Tebow sooner rather than later, especially with its bye week coming after the London game.
The Broncos are last in the league running the football, sitting at only 68.4 yards per game. That's a whopping 10.6 yards per game behind the Detroit Lions, who are 31st. The Broncos are also 30th in the league in run defense, allowing 156.3 yards per game. In the Broncos' past 13 losses, they have surrendered at least 173 yards rushing seven times and opponents have topped 200 yards five times.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE - PLAYOFF BOUND
After a scintillating comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL's Week 6, Houston is tied for the division lead in the loaded AFC South with a 4-2 record. While first place after six games is a feat to be excited about for a Houston franchise that's never made the playoffs, the Texans are far from a playoff lock. In fact, given one of the league's most difficult remaining schedules, and playing in not only the NFL's toughest conference, the Texans face a tough task on Monday night against an injury riddled Colts troupe. If they want to not only make the postseason, but also dethrone the Indianapolis Colts as kings of the AFC South, head coach Gary Kubiak's team needs to beat a damaged Indianapolis group that will be without two of their top receivers (Dallas Clark and Austin Collie) and their starting running back (Joe Addai).
SLEEPING IN SEATTLE
Seattle's net points of plus-13 are the second lowest of any division leader, behind only the Chicago Bears (plus-12), who are struggling since starting the season 4-0. The combined record of the four teams the Seahawks have defeated is 12-21. However, the Hawks have only five games left against teams with winning records, including Kansas City with three of these contests on their home turf.
REAL? OR SCHEDULE LUCKY?
The Chiefs had been an underdog with the sportsbooks in their first five games this season and suddenly were nine-point home chalk against a quarterback-less Jacksonville squad. Kansas City is a plus-38 in net points, but the four teams they've defeated have a combined record of 7-20. The only two teams they lost to happen to be the only two teams on their schedule with a winning record. However, at 4-2, and in first place in the AFC West the Chiefs have a chance to win the weak division. KC has only two games left against teams with a winning record, one of them against a mysterious Seahawks group, the other against a good Tennessee squad.
Week #7 Sunday NFL review
By: Turner Sports Desk
Week #7 Sunday in the NFL brought about some record setting performances along with some earth shattering, football pool busting losses.
1. The Falcons win a huge game at home - Roddy White and Matt Ryan were in sync to the tune of 11 catches for 208 yards while Michael Turner gashed the Bengals for 123 yards on the ground as the Falcons outscore the mistake prone Bengals.
2. The Steelers pull out another tough win on the road - The Steelers justified there #1 power ranking by going into another tough stadium and gutting out a victory. This game had a controversial call that will leave Dolphins fans with a bad taste in their mouths.
3. The Ravens survive the Bills in OT - A couple of weeks ago the Ravens looked like the best team in football. The Bills made them look very ordinary early. The Offensive numbers the Bills out up against a normally stout Ravens defense is alarming especially when the Ravens got Pro-Bowl Safety, Ed Reed back.
4. The Chiefs pound the struggling Jaguars - If Magic Johnson wants to buy the Jaguars he should get a big medal and a huge discount. The Jags got spanked on Monday Night Football last week only to lay another egg against the Chiefs.
5. The Browns shock the Saints - It is official..the Saints are no where near the Superbowl team they were last year. They are not getting the breaks and they have a lot of guys out that made a difference last year. Drew Brees threw 3 picks and the Browns made him pay.
6. Jay Cutler puts DeAngelo Hall in the record books - Ok, the empty look after an interception, the relentless belief that his arm can do anything and the non-chalant attitude just screams Jeff George. Cutler is talented but he has a 50 cent football mind. It is truly unfortunate for the Bears that they hitched their wagon to Jeff George part two.
7. The crows are circling again in 49er country (again) - They play hard and they have talent but there is just something missing with the 49ers. Singletary is a good coach but as Bill Parcells put it "You are what your record says you are"
8. The Bucs keep winning - Josh Freeman went 23 for 40 for 212 yards as he lead the Bucs comeback. The St. Louis Rams played well but the Bucs just seem to have the winning mojo this season.
9. The Eagles have no answer for Britt - Titan's Wideout Kenny Britt made the Eagles secondary look like they were all riding HOV arounds and asking for their pills. Kerry Collins went 17 for 31 for 276 yards and three TDs. The Titans appear to be getting stronger while the Eagles appear to be headed for more QB controversy.
10. The Seahawks and the 12th man subdue the Cardinals - The Seattle
11. The Patriots finish the struggling Chargers - The New England Patriots continued their experiment with small ball while Norv Turner continues his death spiral in San Diego
12. Oakland annihilates Denver
13. Mr. 50-50 turned into Mr. 25-75 in a big loss at Lambeau - Brett Favre showed everyone what he is last night much to the benefit of the Green Bay Packers. Brett Favre's notoriety is based more on his longevity than his ability to elevate teams to an NFL Championship. His numbers make the case that he throws picks at the worst possible times. Brad Childress and the Vikings hitched their wagon to this guy when they would have been better off giving Tavaris Jackson these two years to round into form.
Week 7 provided history, some great, some good, some bad and some extremely bad.
As Broncos coach Josh McDaniels told his team after getting destroyed at home by the Raiders, "We get one chance a week to put our name on something for the three hours that we play and coach on Sunday and our name is forever going to be put on this game. None of us are proud of it, but we're a part of it and those of us who are a part of the problem are also going to have to be a part of the solution."
Starting with the extremely bad, the Broncos were hosting the Raiders and in desperate need of a win, after losing their last two homes games. But instead of a victory, Denver was embarrassed by Oakland Denver
The Broncos don't even need to watch the tape this week as their effort was not worth evaluating. This game will never be forgotten by any member of the Broncos, and as they take that long flight to London
The only reason the call in Miami Miami
I believe officials are supposed to allow players to play to the whistle, therefore, why was there not more of an effort to make sure they knew who had the ball? The reason for the stoppage was once a touchdown was signaled the play was over. Clearly Roethlisberger fumbled and the ball was loose in the end zone. The blunder cost the Dolphins a victory. This will haunt the Dolphins all season, especially if they fail to make the playoffs by one game.
For the good history from Week 7, look to the Browns beating the Saints. The Browns have been down for years but they rode creative thinking, physical play and David Bowens writing his name in the NFL history books to victory. Bowens took two Drew Brees passes back for touchdowns. Prior to Sunday, the linebacker only had two picks in his entire career and he became the first Brown to take two interceptions back for scores in a game since 1960.
"I think we are all doing a little soul searching," a concerned Brees said after the loss. "We know how good we are and how good we can be. Obviously, we aren't playing that way right now. We are doing things that are not like the things that we talk about, the things that we preach and the things that we understand win and lose football games in this league."
The game was not even as close as the 30-17 score might suggest. The Browns dominated from the opening whistle thanks to creative coaching, particularly in the kicking game, and an opportunistic defense that forced Brees into four interceptions. This is a huge cause for alarm in New Orleans
For the great history, DeAngelo Hall might want to have a confrontation each week with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett if the results were as historic as they were in Chicago
With all this history being made, the one thing that is uniquely clear about the 2010 season is the best team has yet to emerge. Yes there are some good ones, but after seven weeks, it is not clear -- at least to me -- who will be the best of the AFC and NFC. That is why we need to keep watching.
Sunday's best
» I was in Atlanta, watching the Falcons play the Bengals in a must-win game for both teams, and came away impressed with combination of Matt Ryan and Roddy White. Both players were great and Ryan is now 16-1 at home. White had 201 of the 299 yards Ryan passed for, and accounted two of the quarterback's three touchdown passes.
» I love watching Ravens safety Ed Reed. The ball is a magnet that just seems to find him all the time. He has what I call "Crib Instincts," which means when his momma took him from the crib, he was already a playmaker, no training involved. Coming off the physically unable to perform list, not having any formal training camp, Reed was his old self, securing two interceptions in his first game back.
» Darren McFadden returned from an injury after missing the last two games to have his best game as a Raider, scoring four times and reinforcing why he was the fourth overall pick in the draft in 2008. McFadden was the best player on the field and made every member of the Broncos look slow.
» Kenny Britt had a weird week. Friday morning he was involved in a bar fight, which lead him to sitting out Friday's practice and the first four series against the Eagles. Britt then went on to have his finest game as a pro, leading the Titans to a victory behind three touchdowns catches as he and dominated the Eagles' secondary. Britt proved he has unique talent, and if he works hard and dedicates himself to being a great player, he will have more days like that.
» LaDainian Tomlinson is having a great year for the Jets and the man he replaced in New York
Sunday funnies
» The Bears are struggling offensively, and what Mike Martz is finding out is what former coordinator Ron Turner already knew -- Chicago lacks an offensive line to run any scheme effectively. Converting third downs has been an adventure for the Bears this year. They moved the chains on just 2 of 10 third-down opportunities against the Redskins, which was an improvement from a week ago (0-12).
» A year ago, the Bengals were a physical defense that played well and kept people from scoring. However, this season they struggle to play the run or pass and have not yet matched the level of intensity from a division winning squad. The Bengals spotted the Falcons a 24-3 halftime advantage and when Cincinnati
| There's no need to fret about missing any games. You can watch every contest again with Game Rewind. Get more information here. |
» At what point do the 49ers stop talking about the playoffs and start talking about just trying to get better? They allowed the Panthers to gain 379 yards of offense and convert third downs at a 46 percent rate. Still, after their sixth loss, they believe in their chances. I am missing something here.
» The Eagles faced a tough matchup, especially on the road, as the Titans are built to rush the passer and create havoc, which they did against the Eagles' offensive line. Yet, not scoring the last four possessions of the game and allowing 27 fourth-quarter points is not the way to win on the road.
On the lookout
With all the talk about the recent bad tackling and helmet-to-helmet collisions, the underlying factor is most players are not trying to actually tackle the ball carrier, but instead strip the ball away and create a turnover. As evidenced Sunday, there were 52 fumbles, 29 of them lost. No one is properly tackling any longer. Everyone is going for the football.
Off the beaten track
While the Buccaneers are 4-2, I am not a believer in their team. However, quarterback Josh Freeman has had to lead the team to fourth-quarter rallies in five of the seven games he has won. The Buccaneers are one of those teams that, if they are able to hang around, might be able to mount a comeback, especially at home.
Do you think coach Raheem Morris really believes what he is saying?
"I like where we are. We're 4-2. We're the best team in the NFC. Yeah, I said it. We're the best team in the NFC and we're excited."
Three-step drops
» The Bills gave a valiant effort against the Ravens. If they keep playing hard and cut down on the turnovers, they will break into the win column. …
» The Ravens had to play several tough games in a row and did not bring their "A" game. Still, they managed to win, which is all that counts. …
» Vikings DE Jared Allen has only one sack this year and does not look like the same player coming off the edge. He still gives great effort, but his production in terms of hurries and sacks is down. …
» Bears coach Lovie Smith (more about this on Wednesday) did not challenge a goal-line fumble call against the Redskins after throwing a questionable flag the play before. He is 3-15 on challenges since 2009. His Bears are not good enough to overcome the missed opportunities. …
» The Patriots made the Chargers work the ball down the field and forced 15 third downs, which is critical if you want to slow down this passing game. The biggest pass completed was for 26 yards. …
» Punter Reggie Hodges' run accounted for a third of the Browns' offense on his 68-yard fake punt. Forget yards gained, it's more important to do what it takes to win. And Eric Mangini did the right things to allow his team a chance to beat the Saints in New Orleans
» Marshawn Lynch has given the Seahawks a little power in their run game and this has helped the offense find an identity. I still think the Packers would be better with Lynch then they are with their four-round pick in 2011. …
» Speaking of backs, Ryan Torain had another 100-yard day for the 'Skins and Chris Ivory is the real deal for the Saints. Both backs were available to all teams via the waiver wire, but each went unclaimed. At this point point, both could help many teams that need a back. …
» Running back Danny Woodhead has helped the Patriots redefine who they are offensively and become more explosive. Filling in for Kevin Faulk, Woodhead allowed the Patriots to ignite a stagnate offense against the Chargers.
Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi
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