| Picked
up pieces from the sports betting weekend.
A pro handicapper told me about an old betting
angle started back in the 1970s which relates
to the mid-point of the NFL season. According
to him, people bet on any team that starts
the season 2-6 or worse for the rest of
the year, and against any team that starts
6-2 or better. This is not a formula for
hitting 80% winners the rest of the way,
but for sports betting grinders. I don't
do that, but I can see reasoning behind
the angle. You're going against public perception
which means, in theory, you're getting a
few extra points each week, as teams that
2-6 are likely to be big dogs the rest of
the way, while currently strong teams like
the Colts and Broncos will be getting respect
from oddsmakers. Just thought I'd pass that
wagering angle along.
The Terrell Owens saga is ridiculous. A
pampered, problem-child superstar continues
to backstab teammates and talk about ME,
ME, ME, so the coach throws him off the
team. A pat on the back for Andy Reid for
making that decision. Football is not about
ME, it's about teamwork, working hard and
working together. Owens was suspended for
Sunday night's 17-10 loss at Washington,
and will remain suspended for three more
games without pay. After that, the Eagles
plan to deactivate him for the rest of the
season. Does anyone recall the TV speech
Owens gave early in preseason, trying to
explain his actions? It was embarrassing.
Let's hope Owens and his agent aren't dumb
enough to go on TV again to try and plead
his case.
Athletes wear out their welcome all the
time in sports, and most move on to another
team for a few years where they often wear
out their welcome again. Lost in the shuffle
of the Owens' saga is a similar thing that
happened in the NFL four years ago. Early
in the 2001 season, Patriots All-Pro WR
Terry Glenn was being a problem child, missing
practices and complaining about a variety
of topics. Coach Bill Belichick laid down
the law and suspended Glenn. At the time
it was a surprise, as New England was short
on offensive speed. However, the team showed
they were better without Glenn, recovering
from an 0-2 start and the sideshow antics
by winning the Super Bowl, all without Glenn.
In Cleveland, first-year coach Romeo Crennel
has the Browns playing hard. A defensive
expert, the Cleveland defense is allowing
17 ppg after allowing 24 per game last season.
The offense is still short on talent and
plays a conservative, grind-it-out style.
Notice that the Browns are 7-1 "under" the
total.
The 3-5 Raiders have had
a tough schedule and some bitter defeats,
losing at home to KC by 6 when a late drive
stalled, and at Philly by 3. Sunday's shocking
27-23 loss at Kansas City on the final play
was easily the hardest to take. "This is
about as bitter a defeat as you could have,"
said Oakland quarterback Kerry Collins afterward.
It's the type of loss that could break the
back of a team. Watch for any finger-pointing
or complaining by Oakland players over the
next few weeks, especially Randy Moss, who
hasn't spoken to the press since early September,
which is probably a blessing.
Bryan Leonard is a documented member of
The Professional Handicappers League.
Read more of his articles and get his NFL
Wagering Predictions & plays here. |
