No Spirit of Giving Present in Cowboys-Eagles Showdown

Football Betting Lines

12/22/2006 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - For the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC East title is not going to be sitting under the tree Christmas morning. The clubs, who will meet at Texas Stadium Monday evening, will have to engage in a little holiday overtime to keep their hopes of a division crown intact.

Dallas, which has won four of its last five including an important 38-28 win in Atlanta last Saturday night, needs only a victory on Monday to claim its first NFC East title since 1998. The Cowboys own a one-game advantage over the Eagles in the division, and remain in the hunt for the No. 2 seed in the NFC and the first-round postseason bye it would bring.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, has been one of the league's biggest second-half surprises, resuscitating a season that looked all but lost when quarterback Donovan McNabb was ruled out for the year due to a torn ACL suffered against the Titans on Nov. 19th. The Eagles have managed to go 3-1 in McNabb's stead, scoring their most impressive victory during that stretch by going to the Meadowlands and stunning the Giants, 36-22, last week.

Andy Reid's team defeated Dallas by a 38-24 count on Oct. 8th, and a second win over the Cowboys would give the Eagles the tie-breaker advantage should the two squads finish knotted in the standings. Philly will clinch at least a Wild Card berth with a win on Monday, while Dallas has already secured its first postseason trip since 2003.

Two different quarterbacks, McNabb and Dallas' Drew Bledsoe, started in the first 2006 matchup between the squads. Garcia's counterpart on Sunday will be Cowboys signal-caller Tony Romo, who was named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad on Tuesday after fashioning a 6-2 record in his first half-season as a starter.

SERIES HISTORY

The Cowboys hold a 51-40 advantage in their all-time regular season series with the Eagles, but as mentioned, were 38-24 road losers when the teams met in Week 5. Dallas swept last season's home-and-home, including a 33-10 rout of Philly at Texas Stadium in Week 5. Philadelphia has won four of the previous five games held in Big D, including a 49-21 blowout in 2004.

In addition to their regular season advantage, the Cowboys have a 2-1 edge in the postseason series. The Eagles were 20-7 winners in the 1980 NFC Championship, while Dallas won NFC Divisional Playoff games over Philadelphia following the 1992 and 1995 seasons.

Reid has a career record of 10-5 against the Cowboys, and is 4-3 all-time against Dallas' Bill Parcells. Parcells has a 12-11 mark against Philadelphia in his career, including 3-4 since coming to the Cowboys in 2003.

EAGLES OFFENSE VS. COWBOYS DEFENSE

Garcia (1042 passing yards, 9 TD, 1 INT) comes into Monday's game with a sterling 96.3 passer rating, a surprising development indeed for a quarterback that had not broken 90 in a single season since playing for the 49ers in 2001. Garcia needs just two more touchdown passes to post his best yearly total since departing San Francisco following the 2003 campaign. The veteran was 19- of-28 for 237 yards with a touchdown, an interception, and a lost fumble in the win over the Giants. The 36-year-old Garcia has spread the ball equally to a number of capable targets, including running back Brian Westbrook (74 receptions, 4 TD), tight end L.J. Smith (48 receptions, 5 TD), and wideouts Reggie Brown (43 receptions, 8 TD) and Donte' Stallworth (35 receptions, 5 TD). Brown was the pass-catching star against the Giants, hauling in four passes for 77 yards including a 19-yard fourth-quarter touchdown catch that put the Eagles ahead to stay. Smith added 54 yards on four grabs, a total that does not include his two-point conversion catch following the Brown TD. Rookie Hank Baskett (15 receptions, 1 TD) had three receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown in the last meeting against Dallas, by far his most productive outing of the season to date. The Philly line has surrendered 26 sacks on the year, but just four of those have been absorbed by Garcia.

Garcia should be able to make some hay downfield against a Dallas secondary that has been the weak link in the Cowboys' defensive chain of late. One week after allowing the Saints' Drew Brees to gut them for 384 yards and five touchdown passes, Michael Vick and at Atlanta passing attack ranked dead last in the league managed to throw four more touchdown passes against America's Team last week. The Cowboys did manage a pair of interceptions versus Atlanta, with Pro Bowl-bound outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (57 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT) stepping in front of Vick's first pass of the second quarter and returning it 41 yards for a Dallas touchdown, and safety Pat Watkins (29 tackles, 2 INT) intercepting backup Matt Schaub's deep ball attempt in the closing seconds. Strong safety Roy Williams (54 tackles, 5 INT), who was perhaps unjustifiably named to the Pro Bowl squad earlier in the week, finished with six tackles against the Falcons. Dallas had four sacks in Atlanta, including the first one-and-a-half in the career of rookie outside linebacker Bobby Carpenter (12 tackles). The Cowboys are 21st in the NFL against the pass (214.8 yards per game).

Westbrook (1092 rushing yards, 7 TD) was overlooked for Pro Bowl honors when the NFC team was announced Tuesday, a borderline-criminal oversight in light of the running back's impact on his team. Westbrook went over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career last week, when he rushed 19 times for 97 yards, added five receptions for 40 yards out of the backfield, and scored a pair of touchdowns. Among NFL players with more than 150 rushing attempts, Westbrook's 5.1 yards per carry rank behind only San Francisco's Frank Gore (5.5) and probable NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson (5.2). His 74 catches are third among league running backs behind the Saints' Reggie Bush (84) and Rams' Steven Jackson (82). Offering a solid change of pace for the Eagles is Correll Buckhalter (306 rushing yards, 23 receptions, 2 TD), who carried eight times for 48 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown since 2003 in the Giants game. Philadelphia is 11th in the league in rushing offense (124.1 yards per game), and fifth in yards per carry (4.9).

The Cowboys have done a generally good job against the run this season, ranking seventh in NFL rushing defense (97.9 yards per game) and limiting Westbrook to 33 rushing yards on 11 attempts when the teams met back in October. Last Saturday, Dallas faced Atlanta's top-ranked running game and held the Falcons well below their average with just 127 ground yards on the night. Inside linebacker Akin Ayodele (75 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) led the charge with five stops and a fumble recovery, though the recovery was coughed right back up to the Falcons. Inside linebackers Bradie James (84 tackles, 1 INT) and Ayodele are 1-2 on the team in tackles as Week 16 begins. Up front, nose tackle Jason Ferguson (34 tackles) has set the linebackers up for success, and ends Marcus Spears (41 tackles, 1 sack) and Kenyon Coleman (26 tackles, 3 sacks) have had their moments as well. Coleman was particularly involved in the Atlanta win, coming up with five tackles and notching his third sack of the season.

COWBOYS OFFENSE VS. EAGLES DEFENSE

Though some were surprised that Romo (2440 passing yards, 16 TD, 10 INT) was named to the Pro Bowl in light of his limited experience as the Cowboys' signal-caller, it is impossible to minimize the impact he has had on his team's run to the playoffs. The quarterback has a strong 98.4 passer rating as Week 16 begins, is completing a robust 66.3 percent of his passes, and is within striking distance of compiling 3,000 passing yards in what amounts to less than three-quarters of a season. Romo has worked will with starting wideouts Terrell Owens (77 receptions, 11 TD) and Terry Glenn (63 receptions, 6 TD), and has also gotten tight end Jason Witten (54 receptions, 1 TD) involved a great deal. Owens took over the NFL lead in touchdown passes against Atlanta last week, catching five passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns, though his night was overshadowed by a spitting incident involving Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Owens was limited to three catches for 45 yards when he faced his former team for the first time in Week 5. Glenn and Witten both had five receptions last week, combining for 152 yards on those 10 grabs. Glenn is 79 yards shy of posting the first back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons of his career. The Achilles heel in the Dallas offense is likely the offensive line, which has allowed 30 sacks, including 14 of Romo.

The Eagles' defensive strength begins with its secondary, where free safety Brian Dawkins (87 tackles, 3 INT, 1 sack) and cornerback Lito Sheppard (27 tackles, 5 INT) were both named to the Pro Bowl this past week. Dawkins comes off one of the best games of his illustrious 11-year career. The Clemson product forced a Brandon Jacobs fumble in Eagles territory in the first half, came back on the next drive and intercepted an Eli Manning pass to set up a Philadelphia touchdown, and in the fourth quarter stripped New York end Visanthe Shiancoe on a pass play, with Sheppard recovering the loose ball. Sheppard will be seeking a repeat performance of his first game against Dallas, when he picked off a fourth-quarter Cowboys pass in the end zone, returning it 102 yards for a game-sealing touchdown. Philly has mostly struggled to apply pressure during the second half of the year, though top pass rusher Trent Cole (60 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 INT) did make a huge impact with an interception off a tipped Eli Manning pass in the closing stages of last week's game, which he promptly returned for a 19-yard touchdown to sew up the Eagles win. The Birds are 12th in the league against the pass (195 yards per game).

Though it was Julius Jones (1019 rushing yards, 4 TD) that became Dallas' first 1,000-yard rusher since Emmitt Smith last Saturday, the Cowboys' most productive back in recent weeks has been second-year-pro Marion Barber III (636 rushing yards, 18 receptions, 15 TD). Barber has scored multiple touchdowns in four of his past five games, reaching the end zone twice on an 11-carry, 69-yard night against Atlanta last week. By contrast, Jones was held to 26 yards on 13 totes versus the Falcons, and perhaps the Notre Dame product's only memorable play of the second half of the season was his 77-yard touchdown run that opened the scoring in an eventual blowout loss to the Saints in Week 14. That ranks as the only game in Jones' last nine where he has averaged better than four yards per carry. Jones carried 26 times for 100 yards against the Eagles in Week 5. Dallas is 10th in the league in rushing offense (128.2 yards per game).

Philadelphia is mostly deserving of its reputation of being soft against the run, though the league's 28th-ranked rushing defense (138.6 yards per game) did a nice job against the Giants' tandem of Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs last Sunday. The duo totaled 88 yards on 22 combined carries with a pair of touchdowns, with neither breaking off a run of longer than 14 yards. Members of the embattled front seven who performed well included rookie linebacker Omar Gaither (45 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), who posted 10 tackles and a sack from his outside position, and defensive tackle Darwin Walker (33 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT), who contributed five stops to the proceedings. Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (107 tackles, 1 INT), who came up with four tackles against the G-Men, continues to lead the Eagles in that category.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

One has to applaud the Eagles' effort of late, particularly its road takedown of the Giants last week, but a third consecutive road win is going to be a tall order indeed for Garcia and company. Unlike the Giants, the Cowboys have a crisp, multi-pronged offensive attack that will keep the still-suspect Eagles "D" guessing for most of the evening. And though Dallas has its defensive flaws, particularly in the secondary, Philadelphia won't threaten the Cowboys downfield enough to make Dallas pay. Look for America's Team to jump out to an early lead, keep the Eagles at arm's length thereafter, and celebrate with an NFC East title on Christmas night.

Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Cowboys 26, Eagles 17

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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.

About MySportsbook.com MySportsbook.com  is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, MySportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, MySportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.

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American Idol Betting Season 6 Strategies  

It's that time of year folks.  Betting on American Idol Season 9.  And we have plenty of American Idol Season 6 strategies appearing below.  With the Top 24 finalists revealed, online gambling sites will be offering betting odds on each of them, including MySportsbook.com.

No other “event” has been growing as fast as wagering on American Idol. It has turned into a huge betting event with reasonably high limits and all sorts of profit-making potential for sharp bettors. Last year, MySportsbook.com experienced unprecedented traffic as a result of the American Idol betting craze.

Every week there will be odds to win American Idol, various elimination props and contestant versus contestant match-ups at the MySportsbook.com website.

Whether a fan of America’s top-rated show or watching only because of a wife or girlfriend, here are some of basic strategies to use when betting American Idol.

Odds to Win

There are a few things to consider when looking for the right win bet. First off, remember that this bet is for the long haul. Many people make the mistake of picking the performer who sang the best the previous week. This strategy leads to an underlay situation – betting a price, which is less than what it should be.

All Idol contestants struggle at some point in the competition, so you should always look for value. In last year’s competition alone, two performers who had some of the best performances early in the series were subsequently bet down to low prices - Lisa Tucker and Ace Young. After just a few weeks, Tucker had already been eliminated, while Young quickly became a huge long shot to win America’s largest talent search.

A better strategy is to look for performers who don’t necessarily get the praise from the judges, but show flashes of the talent necessary to go the distance.

Another important thing to remember when betting any contestant to win is the demographic breakdown of the voters, the viewing public and potential future CD purchasers. Unlike sporting events, American Idol is not decided on the field of play – it’s decided by the American public under the guiding influence of the shows producers.

Understand that the great state of Alabama has a mighty edge when it comes to American Idol. 

Therefore, to be successful betting on American Idol, put any personal opinions or prejudices aside and think like the majority of the voting public. Remember that the typical voter is young, female and quite often, Southern.

If a contestant cannot appeal to this demographic, no matter how much talent he or she possesses, they’ll struggle for votes. Looks, demeanor and charisma are extremely important. And it’s no coincidence that every Idol winner so far has hailed from a Southern state.

Elimination Props

Every week MySportsbook.com anticipates offering a prop on who’ll be eliminated from the show each Wednesday night. A suggestion to handicap this is to gauge an overall feel for who’s the least popular contestant left in the competition. Generally the least popular performers have recently appeared in the bottom three and will have been the target of repeated criticism from the judges.

Last year, resources included dialidol.com and votefortheworst.com. Dialidol.com measures the volume of each contestant’s voting line. While by no means a perfect science, it does give a good indication of who is generating votes and who isn’t. Meanwhile, votefortheworst.com is a site that attempts to build support for the worst competitor to keep them in the competition for ‘entertainment’ value. The site has a proven track record of keeping performers around who most feel should have been voted off a long time ago.

Contestant vs. Contestant Match-ups

The best strategy for doing well on match-ups is to assess how close either of the contestants is to being eliminated. If neither is expected to be voted off of the show in the coming weeks, the value is almost always on the underdog. If both are expecting an imminent exit in the near future, the favorite in the match-up might offer value.

Watch for American Idol betting odds on each of the contestants shortly and good luck with these American Idol betting strategies.

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