The Steelers are matched up versus the Broncos in the nfl post-season. The Broncos ended up with an 8-8 record narrowly claiming victors of the AFC West, whilst the Steelers ended as a wild card with an impressive record of 12-4 in the AFC North division. The Steelers will be visiting Denver to compete versus them at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Sportsbook
Denver has enjoyed some success this year and a ton of media buzz encircling quarterback Tim Tebow after he took the reins the starting position with the departure of Kyle Orton. They were able to grab some exciting comeback victories as his play in addition to their sound defense has kept them in contention in a lot of contests this year.
Super Bowl odds
Tebow should have confidence and remain calm under stress to move forward in the playoffs and perhaps cement himself as the franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Former Denver Broncos quarterback and current VP of operations John Elway has given Tim Tebow some words of encouragement for the impending game. If the Denver Broncos find themselves dropping behind early in this playoff match up, then it will likely be quite challenging to turn it around versus the sound defense of the Steelers. Both teams will rely on their defense to keep themselves in the game and offer their offense a possibility to step up and perform. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has done well this year and seeks to continue that success in the first round of the playoffs. Additionally watch for running back Isaac Redman to step up as Rashard Mendenhall is looking after a knee injury.
Tthe Steelers are slated as 8 point favorites to move forward in the playoffs, most likely due to the fact he Broncos aren’t going to have an simple time versus the juggernaut Steelers. The over/under on overall points in this game is 35.5.
Steelers versus Denver Broncos in Football Playoff Gambling
BCS Championship Game Betting – Jan 9
It all boils down to this as the #1 ranked Louisiana State University Tigers battle against the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS National Championship Game at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA on January ninth. After winning the national championship in 2009 and additionally winning it with LSU as a head coach in 2003, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is no stranger to this game. LSU head coach Les Miles is additionally no stranger at this time as he’s won the national championship in 2007. 2 fantastic teams and head coaches clashing on a collision course in what is sure to be an excellent game. The oddsmakers presently have this at Alabama (-1) with the over-under set at 40 points.
NFL betting
The Tigers come into play undefeated at 13-0 with an 8-0 record in the SEC. They’ve additionally gone a staggering 8-0 vs ranked teams with wins over number 3 Oregon, #25 Mississippi State, #16 West Virginia, #17 Florida, #20 Auburn, #2 Alabama, #3 Arkansas, and #14 Georgia. This game is a rematch of the classic November fifth game at Alabama with the LSU Tigers winning in overtime over the Tide 9-6. The LSU Tigers have an excellent offense ranked 12th in the country with 38.5 ppg landed. LSU’s real weapon is their defense which is ranked 2nd in the country with only 10.5 ppg permitted. Senior Quarterback Jarrett Lee with 1,306 passing yards as well as a 152.0 rating mans the LSU Tigers passing attack. The tandem of sophomores Michael Ford and Spencer Ware set the pace for the LSU running attack with each racking up over 700 yards on the ground. CB Tyrann Mathieu ended 5th in the Heisman contest whilst nabbing 6 interceptions and getting 173 yards off of those picks which rank 1st in the country.
NFL betting
The Alabama Crimson Tide come into this game attempting to avenge their loss to LSU back in November. The Tide has gone 11-1 overall with a 7-1 record in the SEC. They’ve gone 4-1 vs the Top 25 this year with wins over #23 Penn State, #14 Arkansas, #12 Florida, and #24 Auburn. The aforementioned game vs LSU in November was their only loss. The Tide has averaged 36.0 ppg on offense with an amazing running game. As fantastic as LSU is on defense, the Tide are even greater at it position 1st in the country only allowing a mindboggling 8.8 ppg. The CrimsonTide place the offense in sophomore Quarterback AJ McCarron’s hands, McCarron has 2,400 passing yards and a 149.8 passer rating. Junior RB Trent Richardson ended 2nd in the Heisman whereas getting 1,583 rushing yards and 20 td’s on the ground.
Saints against Detroit Lions in Nfl Post Season Wagering
Perhaps the Detroit Lions just are unlucky with regards to scheduling. First, they complete their regular season against their division rival Packers, who additionally possess the league’s best record. Then they follow that up by getting the New orleans saints in the 1st round of the playoffs.
NFL betting
The Jan 7 – Lions against Saints game will be the second meeting of the two squads this season. New Orleans won the 1st game in New Orleans 31-17. New Orleans is a 10.5 point fave to defeat Detroit this week, and this is perhaps part of the reason.
Sportsbook
Another is that the Saints are on a roll. They’ve won 8 contests back to back arriving into this week’s match with Detroit, defeating 3 other playoff squads in the course of that stretch. Detroit managed to pull things together after defensive star Ndamukong Suh was suspended for two contests after kicking an opposing competitor with his cleats. Only losing a tight game to 15-1 Green Bay, they won 3 out of their last 4 contests of the season. When they last confronted New Orleans, they were without Suh, and Detroit is hoping the return of his existence to the defensive line could be the change they must stop Drew Brees and the effective New Orleans offense.
Unfortunately for Detroit, that Saints offense has been on fire for the second half of the season. They’ve obtained more than 40 points in their last 3 contests, and gone over 40 in 4 of their last 6. They are 8-0 in their home stadium this season and earlier this year in New Orleans they tumbled 62 points on Indianapolis.
Detroit has had trouble this year against higher powered competition, going 1-5 against playoff squads (just defeating Denver). Their offense has the potential to be high-flying, and therefore it’ll be up to their defense to ensure they are in this game. If Suh will probably make amends for his two-game suspension, this is the time.
Football Post-Season Gambling – Jan 8 Giants versus Atlanta Falcons
After finishing with the greatest record in the league a year ago, and getting terminated in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, the Falcons pray that slipping into the playoffs undetected in 2012 will grant them better results. Atlanta ended 10-6 this year, earning them a first round wild-card match with the NFC East winning Giants (9-7).
NFL odds
New York appears to have the momentum going into the playoffs for the Jan 8 – Atlanta Falcons against Giants game, however. Odds makers have identified this, and made New York a 3-point fave. This is perhaps a shocking position for a team that lost 4 contests in a row in November-December. The Giants had to count on colossal errors by their division rival Cowboys to grant them an chance to get to the playoffs. A win over Dallas in week 17 guaranteed them the division title.
NFL odds
New York players could state that their losing streak this year came when starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw was wounded. Which is a valid argument, as three of 4 losses in that streak came when Bradshaw was on the sideline. Now that he’s back the Giants have seemed as though a different team, winning two must-win contests in a row over difficult contest (Jets and Dallas).
Atlanta has had trouble all year versus winning teams, though Atlanta won three of their last 4 contests coming into the playoffs. Vs teams that ended over .500, Atlanta is only 2-4. Just two weeks ago, they were blown out by the Saints, 45-16.
Both teams are headed by quality quarterbacks, the Giants by Eli Manning and the Atlanta Falcons by Matt Ryan. The change in this match, however, might be in qb strain. The Giants defensive line can get to the qb, and recorded 48 sacks this year, excellent for third in the nfl. The game will be decided by how well Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons offensive line can resist the strain of the Giants’ defensive front.
Football Post Season Wagering – Bengals vs Texans
The Bengals will be facing off vs the Houston Texans in the nfl playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Reliant Stadium in Houston for the competition. Cincinnati concluded their season with a record of 9-7 and attained the playoffs this season as a wild card in the AFC North division. Houston concluded with a record of 10-6 and came out ahead as the top squad in the AFC South this season.
ONline sports betting
With the Houston Texans having serious injuries to qbs Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart and the Bengals losing each and every game vs playoff quality squads, both squads have still had their fair share of battles this season. Both qbs were lost for the season with their injuries and rookie T.J. Yates has gotten control. Houston has furthermore seen key injuries to linebacker Mario Williams and wide receiver Andre Johnson. The two squads have already confronted one another during the regular season and the Houston Texans made a last effort comeback attempt with a game winning touchdown pass caught by wide receiver Kevin Walters with just a few seconds left on the clock.
Online sportsbook
The Cincinnati Bengals are going to have to try and stick to what has worked for them this year which has been their extraordinary run game with running backs Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. If they are able to make this happen they might have the edge and at last defeat a playoff squad and progress past the 1st round for the 1st time in only over twenty years.
This will probably be a close one and might boil down to the wire yet again. Despite several injuries to many important star competitors, the Houston Texans are minor favorites. The over/under for total total points for this specific game is 38. The line is established with the Texans as three point favorites at their home turf to the long shot Cincinnati Bengals.
Basketball Wagering – Boston celtics Vs Washington Wizards Jan 1
The unsightly specter of the Lockout had loomed large over the NBA landscape until earlier this month. With both the players and the owners at last coming to an agreement, the NBA has successfully tipped off in earnest over Christmas weekend. The NBA welcoming committee journeys to the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. when the Celtics (1-3) take on the Wizards (0-3). Both teams come into play with shaky records and a slow beginning to the season. The sportsbook appears to have the nod on the better squad as the line presently stands – Boston (-7) 184 ½ .
College football betting
The Boston celtics come into the game attempting to recover from a frustrating season last year as their 56-26 record got them bounced out of the Eastern Conference Semifinals 4-1 by the Heat. As Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are in the final year of their respective contracts, this year symbolizes a turning point for the Boston celtics. It’s not likely that the Boston celtics will have the ability to resign both players as the “Big 3″ era may come to a close. In this youthful season, the Boston celtics are lead by Ray Allen and his regular long distance pyrotechnics. Star point guard Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce offer a regular complimentary force behind Allen. Kevin Garnett has gotten off to a slow beginning, however the damage of 15 previous NBA seasons might be catching up with him. Guard Keyon Dooling has furnished a great shooting spark off of the bench. The Boston celtics come in averaging 96.3 PPG and permitting 100.8 PPG.
Super Bowl odds
The Wizards come into play attempting to right the good ship formerly referred to as the Bullets. The breakout of celebrity shooting guard Nick Young who averaged over 20 points per game until going down with injury had buoyed Washington’s sub-par season last year, when they went 23-59. The Wizards this year are averaging 82.7 PPG, which is among the worst showings in the league. Washington is permitting 97.7 PPG on average, which is somewhat a lot better than the Boston celtics. Guards Nick Young and John Wall steady the balanced Wizards attack.
Seattle Seahawks vs Cardinals in Sports Gambling Jan 1
The Seattle Seahawks (7-8) are going to be traveling to challenge the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) in an NFC West divisional contest. Each individual team has fallen just shy of playoff competition this year as they were looking for a wild card spot, but there’s a little bit of reason that a victory will offer either team a winning record. Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has yet to lose a game against the Cardinals in his tenure, but Arizona qb Kevin Kolb might come back and start for his team following recovering from a concussion.
Super Bowl odds
Arizona will need to stop the formidable run game from the Seattle Seahawks with leading rusher Marshawn Lynch seeking to continue to add to his impressive career high of 1,118 yards. Lynch has furthermore landed a touchdown in a team record eleven matches.
Super Bowl odds
Both teams are planning as if this were any other game and would adore to finish strong with a winning record. Both of them have possible bright odds ahead with a number of players being obtained to the Pro Bowl roster including Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and defensive players Adrian Wilson and Patrick Peterson. Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas was furthermore picked for the Pro Bowl team and all these top players should be participating in this final struggle with the exception of Peterson who’s questionable with an injury to his left Achilles’ tendon. Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch almost certainly feels he should have been selected for the Pro Bowl honors too and after being left out probably will want to demonstrate why he genuinely does belong there.
This contest will be an interesting one to see who can end on a solid note and maintain a winning record for the 2011 year. The Arizona Cardinals are a fave over the longshot Seattle Seahawks with a spread of -3. The over/under for in total points in this game is 40.5.
Steelers vs Cleveland browns in Sports Wagering Jan 1
This game between the Steelers and the Browns will showcase 2 squads who have distinct goals for the last 2 games of the season. The Steelers are currently in the playoff race and are just just getting all set for the playoffs. On the other hand, the Cleveland browns are just attempting to save their season with a few more victories following having had a pretty bad season. Both squads nevertheless will be playing hard despite the difference in their records. If both squads play hard, it’ll be a pretty tight game.
Super Bowl betting
The Steelers are currently 11-4 and have just come off a big win versus the St. Louis Rams. The Cleveland browns have lost 5 consecutive games while the Steelers beat the Rams 27-0 and exhibited incredible defense. The Cleveland browns last game versus the Ravens showed just how hard it is for the Cleveland browns to score and they’re surely going to have a hard time with the Steelers defense. Nevertheless, a great amount of the game will rest on the team’s celebrities and how they will play under pressure. Since the regular season is nearly done, look to see both squads finish with a flurry.
NFL odds
The Cleveland browns will trust that Hardesty will control the ground game while the Steelers are focusing on Big Ben to drive the squad for major passes that will lead to multiple touchdowns. The Cleveland browns nevertheless will need to work together as a unit to have the ability to eliminate the Steelers as the talent is surely on Pittsburgh’s side. Both squads will look to play hard and keep it a minimal scoring game but look to see a major performance by Big Ben and the Steelers. The Cleveland browns will just have a shot if the Steelers completely break down offensively but this is very dubious.
Week 17 News & Notes: Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Redskins
The Philadelphia Eagles (7-8) will be visiting the Washington Redskins (5-10) in an NFC East divisional competition in their final game. Both teams are at the bottom of the division standings and have been removed from playoff contention this season. Philadelphia had a ton of press hype prior to the start of the season being branded the dream team with their impact in the free agent market.
College football odds
Nonetheless, they haven’t quite lived up to the highly high anticipations and have had their fair share of struggles this season with accidents to important players such as qb Michael Vick. Considering Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid is possibly on the hot seat for remaining the squad’s coach next season, they still have something to play for.
College football odds
Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu is doubtful to play one time again with an injury to his toe. Their deficiency of depth at the running game combined with their vulnerable offensive line will be tough to overcome with important Philadelphia Eagles defensive players doing well such as defensive ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole. It will be up to Washington Redskins qb Rex Grossman to have an excellent passing game for them to have any sort of chance. The Philadelphia Eagles are averaging around 400 yards on offense per game and you are able to anticipate them to do just as well with the team of a well Michael Vick at qb and running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel is not likely to compete with a hamstring injury.
Even with both teams not earning a playoff place for the 2011 season, they still would like to end on a good note and come out at the top for the final game of the year. The Philadelphia Eagles are faves in this specific game to the underdog Washington Redskins with a line of -9. The over/under for points is at 46.5.
Green bay packers vs Detroit Lions in Sports Betting Jan 1
Week 17 of the nfl Year is usually full of trap games. The game between the Detroit Lions and Packers in Green Bay is one of this sort of game.
Football betting
The Detroit Lions have had a renaissance season. They have already qualified for the postseason with a win over the San diego chargers this past week, on top of already having a winning record. Having claimed all that, nevertheless, the Lions pale in contrast to the Packers who are 14-1 and already beat the Lions 27-15 in Detroit earlier in the season. Everything says this ought to be a Packers win, but one has to wonder why odds makers are making the Lions a 3 point favorite in the game. The reason is…
Online betting
The Packers come into this match with the number 1 seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Packers have nothing to play for since win or lose, they’re going to be the number 1 seed. With all this, all indications are the squad will rest key players on its offense and defense. For instance, stud quarterback Aaron Rodgers may play just the 1st quarter. This is particularly true as the squad tries to get rest for its struggling offensive line. Overall, the Packers appear to be ready to sleepwalk through this match.
The Lions take a different approach. Although the squad has qualified for among the two wild cards in the division, it’s now seeking to get the top seed [5th] possible. The advantage of this higher seed would mean the Lions would play a weaker pick of division winners depending on the end result of the other games in week 17. That may be the difference between being one and done in the playoffs or having a deep run. All and all, the Lions will be really enthusiastic for this match.
