By David Jones
Colts perfect run ends
In the end, a chance at making history wasn’t enough of a motivator for the Indianapolis Colts to go full out in last week’s home matchup against the Jets. With a 15-10 lead midway through the third quarter, Peyton Manning and some other key performers were pulled from the game. New York took advantage to record a 29-15 victory as a 3-point underdog. There were indications during the week that the Colts might not go full out despite their perfect record. Indianapolis opened as an 8-point choice in the game.
It was a good week for underdogs as six non-favorites were able to win straight up. The Jets, Chargers, Texans, Panthers, Buccaneers and Bears were able to pull upsets. Carolina, Tampa Bay and Chicago were all underdogs of nine points or more.
Here’s a categorical recap of week 16 NFL results:
Line moves: sides 11-5, totals 10-3
Home teams: 10-6 (6-8-2 ATS)
Favorites: 10-6 (6-8-2 ATS)
Over/Under: 6-8-2 OV
Entire season
Line moves: sides 102-94, totals 96-94
Home teams: 138-101 (109-123-7 ATS)
Favorites: 164-76 (112-121-7 ATS)
Over/Under: 109-126-5 OV
Cowboys favored in NFC East showdown
In the marquee matchup in week 17, Dallas is a 3-point home favorite over Philadelphia in a battle for the only remaining division title that is up for grabs heading into the final Sunday of the regular season. The Eagles can clinch the number two seed in the NFC with a victory but Philly would have to play on the road next week as a wild-card with a defeat.
The Jets and Ravens can clinch the final two remaining AFC playoff spots with victories on Sunday. In a late Sunday afternoon game, Baltimore is an 11-point favorite at Oakland while New York is a 9-point home choice over the Bengals in a Sunday night matchup. In an early kickoff, Houston is an 8-point home favorite over New England. The Texans can reach the postseason with a victory and some help. Denver is in in the same position as Houston. The Broncos are a 13.5-point home favorite over Kansas City in a late afternoon contest.
Favorites finally show some life in college bowl action
In the first seven bowl games of the college postseason, six underdogs recorded straight up victories. Wyoming and SMU were able to win as double-digit underdogs while the other five bowl matchups had point spreads of less than four points. In the last four games, all four favorites were able to win and cover. Pittsburgh, USC, Clemson and Georgia were able to gain solid victories in the favorite role. There has also been a reversal in over/under outcomes in the bowls. The first five games went over the total but the last six have gone under the over/under figure.
Bowl results
Line moves: sides 5-6, totals 6-5
Favorites: 5-6 (5-6 ATS)
Over/Under: 5-6 OV
19 bowl games on tap over next five days
Beginning with a pair of bowl contests on Tuesday, there will be 19 bowl games over the next five days. On New Year’s Day, West Virginia is a 2.5-point favorite over Florida State in the Gator Bowl. There could be some late money set to come in on the Seminoles in the coaching finale of Bobby Bowden. After opening as a 10.5-point favorite, Florida is now a 12.5-point choice over Cincinnati in the wake of last weekend’s drama involving Gators head coach Urban Meyer.
In the BCS Championship game, the odds have held steady from last week. Alabama is a 4-point favorite over Texas for the January 7th game in Pasadena.
Tags: Behind The Line, David Jones