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12/20/2006 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - LaDainian Tomlinson has been busy shattering records all season long, but this year it is clear that the superstar running back's ambitions go well beyond personal achievements.
Tomlinson's legend is growing with each passing week, and there is no better way to cement a legacy than by winning a Super Bowl. That team goal is what drives not only Tomlinson, but also the rest of his teammates.
The Chargers (12-2) have won eight straight contests, and each victory in that stretch has helped solidify San Diego's status as the team to beat in the NFL this season. San Diego also has the best record in the AFC, and is still fighting to seal up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
The relentless running of Tomlinson is the most obvious reason San Diego may be headed to its first-ever Super Bowl championship season, and LT didn't disappoint in his most recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tomlinson rushed for 199 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead the Chargers to the 20-9 triumph over the visiting Chiefs this past Sunday.
It was another day of record-breaking for Tomlinson, who snapped an NFL record that stood for 46 years. His two TDs this week gives him 186 points on the season, breaking the mark of 176 set by Green Bay Packers halfback/placekicker Paul Hornung in 1960.
Also, he scored multiple touchdowns for the eighth straight week, breaking the tie he held with Washington's John Riggins, who originally set the standard in 1983.
And we can't forget Tomlinson now has 31 touchdowns (28 rushing, 3 receiving) on the season to further improve upon the mark of 28 set by Seattle's Shaun Alexander last year.
"It's happening so much now, I can't keep up anymore," Tomlinson said of the record-breaking season. "To be honest, I don't want to keep up. I'll let everyone else do that. I just want to keep rolling."
Tomlinson's 199-yard day also gave him a good shot at something LT surprisingly can't currently claim on his resume, a rushing title. At this point he leads the NFL with 1,626 rushing yards, and is 110 yards ahead of Kansas City's Larry Johnson.
WHAT ABOUT THE DEFENSE?
While Tomlinson garners the majority of the accolades and headlines, the Chargers defense has become one of the most-feared units in all of football and is another big reason San Diego has become this year's Super Bowl favorite.
San Diego displayed its stingy defense this past week, as it held the Chiefs to just 241 yards of total offense. The Chargers were also able to limit KC running back Larry Johnson to just 84 yards on the ground.
However, the Chargers were most impressive this week in their ability to get to the quarterback. San Diego, which leads the NFL with 54 sacks, dropped KC quarterback Trent Green six times in Sunday's contest.
"We added a few wrinkles that put pressure on the quarterback and created some errant throws and gave us a chance to make some plays in a timely fashion," said head coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Chargers outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was held without a sack, but that's just fine with the second-year star, because that meant more for his teammates.
"They had a pretty good scheme in keeping the outside pass rushers from getting to the quarterback," Merriman said. "Like I've said all along, double- team me and someone else is going to make a play. We saw some of that [Sunday] night. I was proud of the way our guys got after them."
RIVERS RUNS DRY
It was a good thing Tomlinson had another huge day on Sunday, because Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had his worst game of the season.
Rivers, a first-year starter, completed just 8-of-23 passes for 97 yards and two interceptions. That gave the young QB a dismal 12.4 passer rating on the day.
"The passing game wasn't very good," Rivers said. "The first thing that has to be good to have a good passing game is I have to be throwing it well, and I wasn't. But I tell you what, we won and that's what's most important."
Overall, it's been a very good year for Rivers, who is seventh in the NFL with a 91.5 passer rating.
UP NEXT
The Chargers head north next Sunday, when they visit the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field.
<< G-Men are down, but not out
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Philadelphia entered the Meadowlands on Sunday and punched
the Giants square in the mouth, beating them at their own game.
Even Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said during a radio interview on Monday
that stopping the run i
<< Jets keep hope alive in Minnesota
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - "Just when I thought that I was out, they pull me back in."
There is not much to like, or remember, about Godfather III, but Michael
Corleone's signature line in that movie pretty much sums up my feelings
towards the New Y
<< Nets continue homestand vs. Cavs
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New Jersey Nets continue their homestand tonight
as they welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers to town for a battle at Continental
Airlines Arena.
New Jersey is 1-1 on its four-game homestand and defeated Golden State by a
<< Bobcats, Knicks battle at MSG
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Knicks continue their homestand tonight when
they welcome the Charlotte Bobcats to Madison Square Garden.
New York is 1-1 on the homestand and defeated Utah, 97-96, in overtime on
Monday night. Stephon Marbu
Leinart loses battle of rookie quarterbacks >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Arizona's Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler of Denver will
probably be compared to each other for years to come.
Both were taken in the first round of the 2006 draft; Leinart was grabbed 10th
overall, Cutler one pick later.
N
Bucs prove they'll fight to the bitter end >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Jon Gruden is not into moral victories. Neither are his
players. However, the hard-nosed Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach and his
troops had to feel at least some sense of satisfaction after nearly pulling
off the biggest upse
Injuries, inconsistency plague Browns once again >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cleveland Browns lost another game this past Sunday.
That should have come as no surprise, considering they were facing a very good
Baltimore Ravens squad on the road.
Romeo Crennel's troops displayed grit, fighting ba
49ers' Smith shows his leadership >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Everyone was as sure as Pacific Northwest rainfall that
Seattle would avenge an early-season defeat against the 49ers last Thursday,
and in the process clinch the NFC West.
But Alex Smith had a different idea.
Smith sho
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
Eastern Conference Playoff Betting Trends
We all know by now that the “public” loves to put their money on the FAVORITES and the OVERS. Just by taking a quick glance at Sportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends” it appears as is this tendency will continue as far as the Eastern Conference games are concerned. For the inaugural games of the first round, 69% of the early money is on Toronto -4.5; 59% of bettors prefer Chicago -4.5; 84% are backing Detroit -9; and 56% think Cleveland -11.5 is the way to go. As far as TOTALS are concerned, the only UNDER the “public” is backing is the Cleveland/ Washington game in which 83% are pounding the UNDER (190). Remember, there is no better way to predict a possible line change than by monitoring MySportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends”. By determining who the “public” is backing, you can get the most ideal line for your bet. For example, if you are siding with the public you better place your bet before the line moves in the wrong direction. On the other side of the coin, if you prefer the team that the “public” is betting against; you might be able to get and extra ½ or even more by placing your bet a bit later. Under the “Betting Trends” section, Sportsbook.com also provides plenty of statistical data and trends in order for the bettor to make the most informed pick. Below are some extremely important trends for the first round opponents of the Eastern Conference match-ups, more can be found at MySportsbook.com
New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
Toronto was the most reliable covering team this season with a 48-33-1 ATS record but covered the OVER only 41.5% of the time.
The last 20 times these teams have played, the TOTAL has gone UNDER 16 times.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Toronto is 33-19 ATS including 17-9 at home.
New Jersey has covered four games in a row while Toronto has failed to cover their last four games.
When playing a team with a winning record during the second half of the season, New Jersey was just 5-13 ATS this season.
After scoring 105 points or more, Toronto has covered the OVER only 28% of the time this season.
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls
Miami has failed to cover their last 7 games whereas Chicago has covered 6 out of their last 8 games.
Miami has covered the UNDER in four of their last five games whereas Chicago has covered the UNDER in five out of their last six.
When playing on Saturdays, Miami covered 80% of their games this season.
Away from home, Chicago is just 16-25 ATS this season.
At home, Miami covered the UNDER about 66% of the time whereas Chicago covered the UNDER about 61% of the time.
The last 13 times these teams have played each other, Chicago has covered 9 times.
In Miami’s last 11 road games, the UNDER covered 9 times.
Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons
Detroit has covered 5 out of their last 6 games.
Away from home, Detroit is 28-13 ATS but just 14-26-1 ATS at home.
At home, Orlando covered the UNDER 64% of the time while Detroit covered the UNDER in 63% of their away games.
The last five times these teams have played in Detroit, the OVER covered each time.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Detroit is 8-17-1 ATS at home but 17-9 ATS away.
Detroit covered the spread 5 out of the last 6 times they played Orlando.
After a Division game, Orlando covered the UNDER 87% of the time this season.
Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers
In a home game where the TOTAL is between 190 and 194.5 points, Cleveland is 9-1 ATS this season.
Washington has covered the UNDER in their last 6 games and in 8 of their last 9 games.
The last 6 times these teams have played each other, the UNDER covered each time.
When playing on 3 or more days of rest, Washington is just 18-37 ATS since 1996.
Since 1996, Washington is 28-16 ATS versus Cleveland including 11-5 over the last 3 seasons.
In their last 7 road games, Washington is 6-1 ATS.
Versus Eastern Conference teams at home, Washington is just 6-18-2 ATS.
For even more betting trends for not just the NBA but for all of the major sports, log on to Sportsbook.com and click on “Trends”. With only two months left in the NBA betting season it is important to be as well informed as possible in order to maximize your profit. Also for all of you poker players, check out MySportsbook.com’s “WSOP Low Bid Auction”. You could be on your way to Vegas to play against the world’s best poker players for under a buck.
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