Beleaguered Eagles Head to Baltimore
Football Betting Lines
11/21/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After six days of finger-pointing and second-guessing in the local media and among their always-vocal fan base, the Philadelphia Eagles will be glad to be back on the football field on Sunday.
The goal for the Eagles in their tilt against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium won't be just to quiet the angry throng, but also to improve their standing in the crowded NFC Wild Card race.
Philadelphia's week of discontent didn't even follow a loss, though it sure had to feel that way for Andy Reid's squad. The Eagles finished in a 13-13 deadlock with the one-win Cincinnati Bengals, with quarterback Donovan McNabb throwing three interceptions in his worst outing of the season, then doing little to earn the respect of league observers in the game's aftermath.
In comments to reporters, McNabb expressed that he was unaware that an NFL game could end in a tie, despite the fact that the league's previous tie had occurred in 2002, his fourth year in the league.
But the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback's ignorance toward the league's overtime rules were ultimately just a tangential issue in the wake of a result that put the Eagles' playoff hopes on life support.
Philly dropped to 5-4-1 and into sole possession of last place in the NFC East, and enters Week 12 fifth in the chase for one of two Wild Card spots in the conference. Two teams that the Eagles trail - the Cowboys (6-4) and Redskins (6-4) - are in their own division, and Philadelphia's current 0-3 division mark makes any tie-breaking scenarios within their division problematic.
Also an issue is the team's arduous schedule over the final six weeks, which begins with a Baltimore team still in full control of its playoff fate.
The Ravens also come off a disappointing Week 12 result, a 30-10 loss at the defending Super Bowl Champion Giants that dropped Baltimore a full game back of division-leading Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
While trying to lead his squad back into the win column on Sunday, head coach John Harbaugh will also be facing an Eagles club for which he served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons (1998-2007). Harbaugh was special teams coach in Philadelphia for his first nine years with the organization, before switching over to the secondary last season.
SERIES HISTORY
The Eagles hold a 1-0-1 edge in their all-time series with the Ravens, including a 10-10 tie at Memorial Stadium in 1997 and a 15-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field in 2004.
Philadelphia last won a meaningful game in Baltimore in 1978, and last lost a contest in Charm City in 1970.
Reid is 1-0 in his career against the Ravens, while Baltimore's Harbaugh will be meeting his former employer the Eagles for the first time as a head man.
WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL
Though McNabb (2711 passing yards, 14 TD, 8 INT) and Reid have been the focus of Eagles fan hostility, there is no disputing that the recent performances of Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook (508 rushing yards, 32 receptions, 8 TD) have not been a credit to the offense. Westbrook, who has dealt with both rib and ankle issues this season, has averaged fewer than 50 rushing yards in his past three games and has not scored a touchdown over that span. The Villanova product has also been something of a non-factor in the passing game, including last week when his three catches went for just 11 yards. Westbrook is questionable for Sunday due to the ankle problem, and if he can't go, Correll Buckhalter (233 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 3 TD) would get the backfield call. Rookie wideout DeSean Jackson (42 receptions, 3 TD) has been the Birds' most dependable receiver all year, and Kevin Curtis (19 receptions, 1 TD) and Hank Baskett (22 receptions, 3 TD) both totaled 60-plus yards in Cincinnati. Tight end L.J. Smith (18 receptions, 3 TD) scored the team's only touchdown of the day. Despite their recent struggles, the Eagles go into Baltimore ranked sixth in NFL total offense (363.8 yards per game).
The Ravens' defensive reputation took a massive hit last week, when the Giants ran over Rex Ryan's group to the tune of 207 ground yards. Baltimore, which was allowing just over 65 ground yards per game coming into the Meadowlands, had not been gutted for 200-plus rushing yards since the 1997 season. Charged with bouncing back from that result will be a front seven including tackles Haloti Ngata (34 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) and Justin Bannan (32 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) along with linebackers Ray Lewis (73 tackles, 3 INT, 1 sack) and Bart Scott (49 tackles, 1 sack), all of whom have played a key role in the run-stopping effort this season. Meanwhile, a Ravens secondary that has already lost cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) for the year lists both corner Samari Rolle (shoulder) and safety Ed Reed (neck) as questionable on this week's injury report. If neither can go, it will place more pressure on a pass rush that has a modest 20 sacks on the year so far, including a team-high five from outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (46 tackles, 2 INT).
WHEN THE RAVENS HAVE THE BALL
Though two interceptions by quarterback Joe Flacco (1813 passing yards, 8 TD, 9 INT), including one returned for a critical pick-six in the third quarter, helped sink the Ravens' upset bid against the Giants last week, the lack of a running game was also a hindrance to Baltimore's efforts. The running back triumvirate of Willis McGahee (481 rushing yards, 5 TD, 16 receptions), Ray Rice (375 rushing yards, 24 receptions), and Le'Ron McClain (371 rushing yards, 18 receptions, 6 TD) combined for just 47 yards on 19 combined carries (2.5 yards per attempt), though McClain did add value by scoring the team's only touchdown on a 10-yard pass play in the second half. Flacco, who finished 20-of-33 for 164 yards with the touchdown and two picks, also rushed for a team-best 57 yards in the loss. No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason (53 receptions, 2 TD) continued his renaissance with seven receptions for 82 yards, but running mate Mark Clayton (21 receptions, 1 TD) had a quiet afternoon with just one catch. Of some concern for the Ravens this week is the health of offensive linemen Jared Gaither (shoulder) and Willie Anderson (ankle), both of whom are uncertain to go on Sunday. The Ravens remain 19th in the league in total offense (318.3 yards per game).
Job number one for Flacco will be avoiding an Eagles pass rush that has generated 36 sacks on the year, tied with Pittsburgh for the top figure in the league as Week 12 begins. The Birds dropped Cincinnati's Ryan Fitzpatrick eight times last week, with Darren Howard (18 tackles, 8 sacks) and Trent Cole (51 tackles, 6 sacks) leading the hit parade with two sacks apiece. Coverage, however, was something of an issue for Philadelphia on a week when Cincinnati's wide receivers went for over 200 yards. Cornerbacks Asante Samuel (26 tackles, 3 INT) and Sheldon Brown (31 tackles, 1 sack) will need to bounce back against Mason and Clayton, with safeties Brian Dawkins (50 tackles, 2 sacks) and Quintin Mikell (59 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) adding help over the top. The Eagles shut the Bengals running game down to the tune of 47 yards on 25 combined carries for three running backs, with linebacker Stewart Bradley (76 tackles, 1 sack) and tackle Brodrick Bunkley (33 tackles, 2 sacks) combining for 18 tackles to help fuel the effort. Philly is currently 11th in the NFL against both the run (98.7 yards per game) and the pass (194 yards per game).
FANTASY FOCUS
Eagles like McNabb and Westbrook have long been fantasy must-starts, but given their recent performances and strength of the Baltimore defense, you might want to consider utilizing other options this week. Of the other offensive players, the rookie wideout Jackson is a worthy flex option. The Eagles defense remains a must-play in leagues that reward sacks, and going up against a rookie quarterback should help their point total. Kicker David Akers has missed some field goals this year, but leads the NFL in scoring.
The Ravens don't have a lot of terrific fantasy plays, apart from the always- stout defense, of course. McGahee and Mason have had more prolific moments than anyone else on the roster, but counting on either having a huge game is foolish.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
McNabb and the Eagles offense need a positive showing in the worst way after last Sunday's plodding performance against a one-win team, but unfortunately for Philadelphia, it faces the Baltimore defense at the worst possible time. The pundits are questioning the Ravens' defensive strength after the ground- game tap-dance the Giants did on them last week, and questioning the viability of a group led by Ray Lewis is likely to yield some scary results. McNabb and Reid may show better than their usual questionable level of emotion, but it won't match that of the Ravens, who will be fired up to wash away last week's sins and keep pace in the AFC playoff race.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Ravens 23, Eagles 16
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Just like Day 1 of the “Sweet 16”, Friday’s games are chock full of some of the nation’s elite. Unlike Thursday’s games, there is a little bit more of a “Cinderella” feel as #7 seed UNLV and #6 seed Vanderbilt will attempt to move on to the Elite Eight. With powerhouses Florida, UNC and Georgetown looking to continue their momentum against lesser known teams, it isn’t surprising that once again the “betting public” is backing most of the favorites. As the early coin rolls in, 56% of Sportsbook.com bettors prefer Georgetown (-7.5) as they take on Vanderbilt; 84% of the early money is backing Oregon (-3) as they square off against UNLV; and a slight majority (52%) of the early cash is on Florida (-10.5) against Butler as the Gators continue their quest for another National Title. The only favorite the public don’t seem confident in is UNC, as 59% of the cash is backing the underdog Trojans (+8).
Midwest
#1 Florida vs. #5 Butler
The defending National Champs have been on a mission since last April. Joakim Noah and Al Horford turned down millions of dollars for one reason, to REPEAT. After a late season hiccup which saw them lose three out of four, the Gators have won six straight by an average of 20.3 points. More importantly, they covered in five of those six games. Behind their stymie defense that yields only 56.9 PPG, Butler has been a very pleasant surprise this season. As their 20-11 ATS record will indicate, “surprise teams” like Butler are often good bets for gamblers. Playing in an average conference, Butler wasn’t and underdog too often but when they were, they covered (6-0 ATS). Butler’s defense will have its hands full against a Gators offense which averages 80.1 PPG on an amazing 52.9% shooting from the field. With Florida’s tournament experience over the last few years, it isn’t surprising that they are 5-1 ATS this season, 20-4 ATS over the last three seasons and 38-20 since 1997 in tournament action.
#3 Oregon vs. #7 UNLV
As a #7 seed, UNLV is the closest thing to a “Cinderella” we have this year. If you bet on UNLV this season with any regularity, you most likely cashed in. Behind their guard oriented attack, the Rebels are an impressive 20-11 ATS this season. As an underdog they covered in 8 out of their ten games which isn’t surprising since they are 52-30 ATS as a ‘dog since 1997. The Rebels have been a consistent cover during the month of March as well. This March they are 6-0 ATS, 11-3 ATS over the last three seasons and 24-11 since 1997. Their impressive ATS trends don’t end there; versus teams with a winning record they are 15-6 ATS this season and 41-21 over the last three seasons. Although Oregon hasn’t been as generous to gamblers as UNLV this season, they have been covering consistently as of late. There is no question that they are playing their best ball of the season having won their last 8 straight up (SU) by an average of 14.5 points. Not surprising they covered in 7 of those games. It is interesting to note how similar these teams are in regards to scoring and scoring defense. UNLV averages 75 PPG while giving up 66.5 PPG and Oregon scores 75.8 PPG while yielding 65.5 PPG.
East
#6 Vanderbilt vs. #2 Georgetown
“Hoya Paranoia” is officially back! After a decent start, Georgetown has rolled through the second half of the season. Over their last 18 games, they are 17-1 SU. They have definitely improved ATS as the season has progressed as well. After opening the season 1-4-1 ATS, the Hoyas have covered 78.3% of their games. With their great interior play of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas as a team shoot 50.5% from the field. Like the Georgetown teams from years ago, they also excel on defense. Hoya opponents averaged only 56.8 PPG on 38.2% shooting from the field and an extremely low 30.4% from beyond the arc. The last stat could be of some concern to Vanderbilt considering they shoot 37.7% from long-range. Ranking second to last in the SEC in rebounding margin, Vanderbilt will have its work cut out for them against the Hoya trees. As far as covering is concerned, Vanderbilt has been almost a “sure thing” (7-1 ATS) versus good defensive teams that allow less than 64 PPG.
#1 UNC vs. # 5 USC
The Tar Heels are as talented and as deep as any team in the country. Going ten deep and chock full of HS All-Americans, UNC averages 86.1 PPG and scored 100+ seven times. Led by All-American forward, Tyler Hansbrough (18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG) UNC has a very balanced attack which can kill you on the inside as well as on the perimeter. UNC only real concern is their youth as eight of their rotation players are either sophomores or freshmen. UNC was a reliable cover this season going 20-13 ATS. An intriguing covering trend for the Tar Heels in recent years has been how they fared after non-conference games. This season they are 11-3 ATS after non-conference games and over the last three seasons they are 31-13 ATS. USC is also a pretty deep team which is loaded with swingman types. An match-up to keep an eye on will be freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG) as he squares off against the AA Hansbrough. USC has been a covering machine this season achieving a 21-10 record ATS. They have thrived in the underdog role, having covered 10 out of 12. When playing a team with a winning record, the Trojans are an incredible 20-6 ATS. Keep in mind, USC dedicated their season to former star to Ryan Francis who passed away before the season so as they get closer to the ultimate goal, emotion could definitely be on their side.
With Friday -105 juice on Basketball betting, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on all of the “March Madness” action. Don’t forget to monitor who the public is backing at this sportsbook “Betting Trends”. By doing so, you have the best chance of predicting a possible line change, thus getting the best value for your wager.
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