Earlier this week, Minnesota was all over the news when they traded with the New England Patriots for Randy Moss. Moss returns to the place where he started his career after a combined six years in Oakland and New England. Considering Brett Favre and the Vikings ranks 24^th in passing this season, it is obvious why this trade was made.

Speaking of Favre, his name was also a hot topic all week. The future hall-of-famer returns to New York where he spent one controversial season. Amid the controversy were alleged inappropriate sexting, voice mails and photos to Jets’ buxom employee Jen Sterger in 2008 reported by Deadspin.com.

Whether or not the allegations will be a distraction or not is up for debate. However, Sportsbook.com obviously doesn’t think so as the Vikings vs. Jets line stayed pat at Jets +4.5 points all week.

The 3-1 Jets play their third prime time game of the young season. They have been kind to their football betting faithful this season compiling a 3-1 against the spread (ATS) record as well, including three straight easy covers. With a point spread cover Monday night, the Jets will improve to 5-0 ATS versus the Vikings in their last five games.

The 1-2 Vikings have been a huge disappointment thus far. Last season they had a high-scoring offense that averaged 29.4 points per game during the regular season. Through their first three games in 2010, their PPG average has been cut in half to 14.3. Putting points on the board Monday night could be a challenge as the Jets’ allow only 15.3 PPG.

Vikings’ stud running back Adrian Peterson is off to another great start, averaging about 130 rushing yards per game with three scores. More importantly, his fumbling woes from a year ago seem to be solved as he has yet to turn the ball over.

The Jets do own the best turnover ration in the entire NFL at +8. Meanwhile, despite AP’s improvements in holding onto the ball, the Vikings have a -3 turnover ration; mainly thanks to Favre’s six interceptions.

Stats aside, the Vikings will be playing with their backs up against the wall Monday night as they can not start the season at 1-3. Also which can’t be ignored is the fact that they are coming off their bye week so they had two weeks to get healthy and prepared for one of the NFL’s best teams.

So far this season Minnesota’s defense is allowing just 12.7 PPG and will have to be on top of their game versus the Jets surprisingly high octane offense in order to cover the point spread.

Everyone knew that the Jets would have a great defense this season but it’s their offense that is putting Rex Ryan’s club at the top of the heap. With a running attack led by the reinvigorated LaDainian Tomlinson, the Jets churn out 167.8 rushing yards per game, good enough for second best in the NFL.

New York Mark Sanchez has been extremely efficient and is getting better every week. Through four games the second year signal caller has eight touchdowns and ZERO interceptions. He’ll have another weapon Monday evening as wide receiver Santonio Holmes completed his four game suspension and will be suited up.

To check out the latest NFL betting odds for Monday night’s Vikings vs. Jets game, hit up Sportsbook.com now and get a 20% sign-up bonus.

The Gamecocks are coming off their bye week, but the last time they took the field they suffered their first loss of the season; a 35-27 defeat to the Auburn Tigers. They also failed to cover the point spread evening their against the spread (ATS) record to 2-2.

In their defeat to Auburn, South Carolina’s defense was exposed on the ground. The Tigers’ rushing attack exploded for 334 yards on 57 caries. If South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier doesn’t have his defense in check, they will have a hard time covering the point spread, let alone pulling the upset.

As everyone knows by now, the Crimson Tide offense prides itself on their rushing attack. Since missing the first two games, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram has tallied 355 yards and six touchdowns.

Last season versus South Carolina, Ingram averaged 10.3 yards per carry en route to ripping off 246 yards and a touchdown. Bama won 20-6; however, South Carolina bettors didn’t mind as they covered the 17.5 point spread.

To make matters worse, the ‘Cocks are a bit banged up on defense with numerous starters expected to play hurt, except for linebacker Shaq Wilson who appears to be done for the season.

Speaking of injuries, Alabama’s star wide receiver is nursing a bruised knee but is expected to play. In last year’s victory against South Carolina Jones failed to catch a pass. Quarterback Greg McElroy also struggled completing just 10-20 passes for 92 yards and an interception. This season South Carolina’s defense gives up 240.3 passing yards per game, so perhaps they’ll have more success on Saturday.

As far as South Carolina’s passing attached is concerned, there appeared to be a QB controversy during the Auburn loss. Starter Stephen Garcia was yanked by Spurrier after the second of two fourth quarter fumbles, replacing him with freshman Connor Shaw. Spurrier stated that Garcia will indeed start versus the Tide.

Alabama’s defensive backfield is young, but through five games is surrendering just 191.4 passing yards per game. Even more impressive, opposing quarterbacks have combined for only one touchdown to11 interceptions. Garcia could be in for a long day…

Ingram and his running mate Trent Richardson will once again do their thing, churning out one long gain after the other. Garcia will be in way over his head and will face plenty of 3^rd and longs; resulting in turnovers and punts.

Playing on the road hasn’t affected Bama’s covering prowess recently as they are 8-2 ATS in their last ten games away from home. They’ll make it 9 out of 11 on Saturday.

Get over to Sportsbook.com and bet Alabama -7.5 points now.

Despite a ten game win streak versus NFC opponents, Sportsbook.com has the Titans as 6.5 point spread underdogs in Dallas on Sunday.

The Cowboys are coming of their bye week which is good news for Dallas fans. Dallas has won at least three straight games after its bye in each of the past three seasons.

Chris Johnson is the key to another Tennessee victory. He only has 354 rushing yards on 3.8 YPC this year, which is well off last year’s 2,000-yard pace. Johnson will not have an easy time against a quality Dallas defense, and also considering how bad the Titans passing offense is (152 YPG, third-worst in the NFL).

Despite the two losses, Tony Romo has had a quality season, leading the Cowboys to the fourth-best passing attack in the NFL (312 YPG). Romo has completed 69 percent of his passes, but only has four touchdowns (and two picks) in three games. The Dallas rushing attack has been weak, as its 80 rush YPG is only better than six other NFL teams. Team owner Jerry Jones said that RB Felix Jones (22 carries, 88 yards) will have a bigger role in the offense moving forward.

The Titans were crushed in their last meeting with Dallas (45-14 in 2006), but are 15-1 in their past 16 games against NFC teams since that game. If that wasn’t enough to justify football betting fans to back the Titans, listen to this:

Play Against – Home favorites (DALLAS) – excellent passing team (>=265 PY/game) against an average passing defense (185-230 PY/game), after gaining 7 or more passing yards/attempt last game. (31-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (77.5%, +21.1 units. Rating = 3*).

Despite both teams having top-10 defenses, allowing approximately 300 total YPG, the following NFL betting trend found at Sportsbook.com leans towards the ‘over’:

Play Over – Road teams where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points (TENNESSEE) – off 1 or more straight overs, with a good scoring defense – allowing 17 or less points/game. (34-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (81%, +25.2 units. Rating = 4*).

For more football betting trends and to check out the rest of this weekend’s NFL betting odds, head over to Sportsbook.com now.

Kansas City crushed San Francisco 31-10 in Week 3 before resting with a bye. Indianapolis lost a 31-28 heart-breaker at Jacksonville when Josh Scobee won the game at the buzzer with a 59-yard field goal.

Kansas City’s defense has been excellent, holding each of its first three opponents to 14 points or fewer.  The Chiefs limited their last two opponents to just 275 YPG including a measly 58 rushing YPG. The offense has played pretty well too, ranking third in the NFL with 161 rushing YPG. Jamal Charles (79 rush YPG) and Thomas Jones (72 rush YPG) have done a great job splitting carries this year. QB Matt Cassel was very efficient against the 49ers last game with 250 passing yards, three touchdowns and just one interception.

Despite the two losses, Peyton Manning has been amazing. He has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,365 yards, 11 TD and just 1 INT. It’s the running game that has had problems, gaining a total of just 102 yards in its two losses and ranking 29^th in the NFL with 76 rush YPG. Indy also ranks 29^th in rushing defense, surrendering 150 rush YPG.

The Colts are 7-2 ATS in the series since 1992. This football betting trend found at Sportsbook.com supports another Indy cover.

Play Against – Road teams (KANSAS CITY) – off 2 or more consecutive upset wins as an underdog, with a winning record on the season. (49-22 since 1983.) (69%, +24.8 units. Rating = 2*).

After checking out Sportsbook.com’s NFL betting trends it appears as if 94 percent of the early bettors are backing the ‘Over’. Here is a trend to support those one-sided numbers:

Play Over – Road teams where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points (KANSAS CITY) – off a home blowout win by 21 points or more, undefeated on the season. (22-4 since 1983.) (84.6%, +17.6 units. Rating = 3*).

Head over to Sportsbook.com now to check out all of the football betting odds for this weekend. After placing your bets be sure to make your picks for the $100,000 Perfect Parlay promo.

Jay Cutler, Chicago quarterback

Cutler suffered a concussion last week at the NY Giants and will not start this week at Carolina. Backup Todd Collins had a stinger last week as well, but is ready to go. The Bears have moved from three-point favorites to one-point dogs.

Steve Smith, Carolina wide receiver

Smith has a high ankle sprain and will reportedly be sitting out the Chicago game. The receiving targets for rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen are really limited now. Look for a lot of rushing attempts for the Panthers.

Clinton Portis, Washington running back

Portis (groin) will be out several weeks and it could even be season threatening. Ryan Torain has looked when he’s played this year and will be the featured back going forward. The Redskins are 2 ½-point home underdogs to Green Bay.

Green Bay defense

The Packers suffered two big injuries on the defensive side of the ball last week. Rookie starting safety Morgan Burnett (knee) is out for the year as is linebacker Nick Barnett (wrist), according to latest reports.

Michael Vick, Philadelphia quarterback

Vick (ribs) is out at least this week and probably more. Running back LeSean McCoy (ribs) is questionable. Kevin Kolb struggled in relief in last week’s loss versus Washington, but he’ll start Sunday night in San Fran. The 49ers are 3 ½-point favorites.

Andre Johnson, Houston wide receiver

The All-Pro wide receiver (ankle) sat out last week’s game at Oakland. The Texans still put up 31 points, thanks to 249 rushing yards. He’s considered questionable for Sunday against the Giants, with Houston three-point home ‘chalk.’

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans running back

Thomas (ankle) could miss his second week in a row and Reggie Bush is already sidelined (fibula). Chris Ivory and Ladell Betts split carries last week as New Orleans struggled in a 16-14 home win over Carolina. They’re seven-point favorites at Arizona on Sunday.

Darren McFadden, Oakland running back

McFadden is doubtful to play this week with a hamstring injury. Oakland will host San Diego as six-point ‘dogs.

Knowshon Moreno, Denver running back

Moreno has missed the last two weeks (hamstring) and appears questionable at best at Baltimore. The Ravens are seven-point favorites.

The Tigers realize they are very lucky to be unbeaten, thanks to a crazy finish over Tennessee where the Tigers scored the game-winning TD with no time left on the clock. Florida’s undefeated run ended with a sound 31-6 beating at the hands of Alabama. Both teams committed four turnovers in their games last Saturday.

LSU’s offense has been dismal this year. The Tigers are averaging less than 25 PPG and rank 112^th among FBS schools with 131 passing YPG. LSU is winning games because of a stellar defense that is fifth in nation in scoring (12.4 PPG), and sixth in total defense (247 YPG).

Florida QB John Brantley will need to have his best game for Florida to be successful. He has played much better at home (65% completion rate, 5 TD, 1 INT) than on the road (56%, 1 TD, 2 INT) this year, albeit against weaker competition.

After exploding on LSU in their last meeting in the Swamp (51-21 in 2008), Florida survived a defensive struggle last year, winning 13-3 in Baton Rouge. These two betting trends found at Sportsbook.com support bettors backing the Gators:

Play Against – Road underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (LSU) – excellent rushing team (>=4.8 YPR) against an average rushing team (3.5 to 4.3 YPR), after gaining 5.5 or more rushing yards/attempt last game. (23-5 over the last 10 seasons.) (82.1%, +17.5 units. Rating = 2*).

LSU head coach Les Miles is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive straight up wins as the coach of LSU. The average score was LSU 28.0, OPPONENT 20.3 – (Rating = 2*).

For those interested in betting on the ‘total’, be aware of the following trend:

Play Over – All teams where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points (FLORIDA, LSU) – with a winning record on the season playing another winning team, in conference games. (99-50 over the last 5 seasons.) (66.4%, +44 units. Rating = 3*).

The LSU vs. Florida over-under is currently 42 points.

To check out more football betting odds for this weekend’s this weekend’s games, head over to Sportsbook.com now.

Every game has playoff implications, so buckle up and enjoy this week’s CFL action!

Friday, October 8, 7:30 PM ET

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EDMONTON ESKIMOS (4-9) vs. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (6-7)

Spread: Hamilton -6

Moneyline:

Total: 52 points

The Edmonton Eskimos will try to make it two straight wins against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night. Last week, Edmonton got a great performance from quarterback Ricky Ray on their way to a 37-35 home win. They gained 426 yards on offense and for once didn’t turn the ball over.

Hamilton missed a chance to overtake Toronto for sole possession of second place in the East but their defense let them down. The offense was still strong, led by Kevin Glenn and his second ranked passing offense and running back DeAndra Cobb who appears to finally be breaking out of his season long slump.

CFL Football Betting Outlook:

The Edmonton Eskimos are 1-5 S/U and 2-4 ATS this season on the road and are 5-8 ATS overall. Hamilton is 6-7 ATS this season and is just 3-3 ATS and S/U at home.

Hamilton is a better football team than they showed last week. At home, they should feed off a raucous crowd and finally break through and gain sole possession of second place in the East. Edmonton had their one good offensive game of the season last week. I don’t expect the offensive onslaught to continue.

CFL Football Betting Pick: Hamilton Tiger-Cats -6

TORONTO ARGONAUTS (6-7) vs. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (-4)

Saturday, October 9, 5:00 PM ET

Spread: Saskatchewan -11 ½

Moneyline:

Total: 49 points

The Toronto Argonauts bring their league worst offense to Saskatchewan on Saturday in hopes of stopping their latest losing skid. They will likely get quarterback Cleo Lemon back from injury – I’m not sure it is a good thing! Cory Boyd, who returned from a two game absence last week still leads the CFL in rushing and will be the focal point of the Argo offense.

Toronto also has the worst defense in the league, surrendering an average of 402.7 yards per game.

The Saskatchewan Rough Riders have played an up-tempo, high powered offensive game all season. Quarterback Darian Durant is Top three in the CFL in most statistical categories and Andy Fantuz and Wexton Dressler rank third and fourth respectively in receiving yards in the league.

The Riders also boast the most productive running back in the game. Wes Cates has an astonishing 14 touchdowns on the year so far.

CFL Football Betting Outlook:

Saskatchewan is a tough team to slow down for even the best defenses in the CFL. Toronto’s defense has little or no chance against a Saskatchewan team that is a perfect 6-0 at home. As for the Toronto offense – they’ve scored 20 touchdowns all season – Wes Cates of the Riders has 14 by himself. You get the idea don’t you?

CFL Football Betting Pick: Saskatchewan Rough Riders – 11 ½

BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS (5-8) vs. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (3-10)

Sunday, October 11, 4:30 PM ET

Spread: Winnipeg -3 ½

Moneyline:

Total: 52 points

The BC Lions head to Winnipeg this week to try to sweep both ends of a home-and-home against the Blue Bombers. BC has won two straight games and four of its last five as they continue their quest for a playoff spot.

BC will start Travis Lulay at quarterback once again after a somewhat pedestrian outing last week in which he passed for 237 yards and added a touchdown rushing. The Lions have been playing much better football of late and have finally achieved the preseason form that had them as preseason favorites to represent the West in this year’s Grey Cup.

The Winnipeg Blue Bomber will surprisingly turn to an untested quarterback on Sunday, electing to start Alex Brink over Steven Jyles who had been performing well under center for the Bombers. This should be a major blow to the league’s top receiver Terrence Edwards who has 1106 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns on the year.

Running Back Fred Reid, who is second in the CFL with 1041 yards rushing, will have to be a major factor on Sunday if the Bombers hope to get back on the winning track.

CFL Football Betting Outlook:

The BC Lions have played good defense all season long and held the Bombers to just 14 points last week – and that was with a somewhat seasoned quarterback. With little or no threat from the Winnipeg passing game, the Lions will be able to play to stop Fred Reid who appears to be the only viable threat in the Blue Bombers offense.

It is likely that the Lions will only have to play average ball to win Sunday’s tilt and they are certainly capable of that.

CFL Football Betting Pick: BC Lions + 3 ½

CALGARY STAMPEDERS (10-3) vs. MONTREAL ALOUETTES (9-4)

Monday, October 11, 1:00 PM ET

Spread: Montreal – 3 ½

Moneyline:

Total: 58 points

The Calgary Stampeders avenged a horrible loss to BC last week by beating up on the Montreal Alouettes. Henry Burris continued his MVP-type season and accounted for 412 yards and four touchdowns through the air and 56 yards rushing in that game. Calgary’s defense has consistently been one of the best units in the CFL all season long and should give the Alouettes fits once again.

The Montreal Alouettes are the class of the East but they struggle on the road. This week, they are at home, where they are a completely different team. Anthony Calvillo was OK last week as was the rest of his offense but it was the defense that really let them down.

Montreal gave up over 40 points for the second week in a row and if they can’t stop the bleeding immediately, Calgary will dominate once again this week.

CFL Football Betting Outlook:

Montreal was beaten in almost every aspect of the game last week. But what hurt the most was the injury to their all-star kicker David Duval. He is very iffy again this week and in a game in which the teams are so statistically close; one X-factor could be the difference.

Calgary should win the field position battle and ultimately upset the Alouettes in Montreal.

CFL Football Betting Pick: Calgary Stampeders +3

Check out the latest football game lines in the sportsbook, click here.

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Wisconsin Badgers
12 pm ET Saturday

College Football Betting Line: Wisconsin favored at -22 ½.

While the Gophers started out as a spread team in Tim Brewster’s first few years, they’ve tried to go back to a smash-mouth style in recent games.

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But their running game hasn’t been up to snuff and while Adam Weber has been efficient throwing the ball, the team lacks downfield threats. None of their skill guys scare anyone and they don’t get very many big plays on offense. The defense is also a step slow which helps explain the college football betting advice that Wisconsin will likely win big.

The Badgers are similar to Minnesota scheme-wise but they do better in just about every aspect of the game.
That means that a blowout is definitely like on Saturday, especially with homefield advantage at Wisconsin’s disposal.

The crowd will be into this one like no other game this year save perhaps the Ohio State game. On one hand, it being a rivalry game will fire Minnesota up. But it could also make them mistake-prone and Wisconsin is a much better team capable of capitalizing on any and all mistakes.

While Wisconsin doesn’t blow a lot of teams out, the style similarities and talent disparity means there’s a different feel surrounding this one. It is for those reasons that Wisconsin will rise to the occasion and stuff the Minnesota run game on their way to a big blowout victory at home.

College Football Betting Advice: Pick Wisconsin at -22 ½ despite the big spread.

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) at San Francisco 49ers (0-4 SU, 2-2 ATS)

Live at Candlestick Park
San Francisco, CA
Sunday, October 10 –  8:20 PM ET
TV:  NBC

NFL Sportsbook Odds:
San Francisco -3
Philadelphia +3
Total 38

Here are some of the sportsbook trends as they impact our football betting prediction on this game:

• Philadelphia has played four of its last six games UNDER the total
• Philadelphia has lost four of its last six games SU
• Philadelphia has won eight of its last 12 games SU
• Philadelphia has covered one of its last seven games
• Philadelphia has won five of its last seven road games SU
• San Francisco has played seven of its last ten games UNDER the total
• San Francisco has lost four of its last five games SU
• San Francisco is 4-0-1 ATS in its last five home games
• San Francisco has played four of its last five home games UNDER the total
• San Francisco has won four of its last five home games SU

Key stats for Philadelphia — Michael Vick has averaged 8.3 yards an attempt, throwing six TD passes without an interception. He is also the Eagles’ second leading rusher with 187 yards. The team’s leading rusher and receiver is LeSean McCoy, with 273 yards, 5.5 yards per carry and 23 catches. The reason we mention all of this is because neither Vick nor McCoy is expected to make the start in the game against the Niners, and that will undoubtedly impact the way we play this game against the sportsbook.

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Key stats for San Francisco — The Niners, who professed to be a run-first offense, have thrown 151 passes this season – all of them by Alex Smith – while running the ball only 83 times. Frank Gore is the only operative running back, and he has gained 270 yards on the ground. The 49ers have converted only 30% of their third down conversions, a very poor figure. Opponents have completed 67% of their passes against them compared with just 52% permitted by Philadelphia.

Here are the head-to-head betting trends as they involve the sportsbook odds on this game:

• Five of the last six meetings have gone OVER the total
• Philadelphia has won five of the last six meetings SU
• Philadelphia has won five of the last seven meetings SU as the road team
• Five of the last seven meetings in San Francisco have gone OVER the total

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This ACC encounter starts week two of the college football campaign and it has the potential to be a good one. If history is any indication, bettors should be loading up on Clemson, as underdogs have dominated the head-to-head series between the Tigers and Yellow Jackets. Currently, Sportsbook.com has Clemson as 5 ½ point dogs.

In week 1, Georgia Tech manhandled Jacksonville State 37-17, while Clemson covered the spread against Middle Tennessee State 37-14. The Yellow Jackets are getting love in Southern circles with their 16 returning starters.

Forget any talk about coach Paul Johnson’s triple option offense won’t work against better athletes. It’s not as if Johnson is recruiting the same level of player he could at Navy. Georgia Tech should be plenty explosive in its second year of this offense, with Josh Nesbitt running the show. The offensive backfield will be as good as any in the ACC and if Nesbitt becomes a better passer, watch out! The Jackets however are just 6-5 ATS as ACC home favorites the last three years.

Dabo Swinney got on the job training last season as interim head coach and his enthusiasm ignited Clemson to win four of their last five regular season games. Coach Swinney hopes Kyle Parker steps up as his choice at quarterback. Parker has a good arm and is fairly mobile, with his backup Willy Korn the more elusive runner with a weaker arm. If the offensive line produces as expected, running back C.J. Spiller should have a huge season. Spiller is a constant home run threat, but will stick his helmet into the pile to pick up a few yards for a club that is 16-8 ATS as ACC single digit dog.

Sportsbook.com has Georgia Tech as 5.5-point favorite with total at 42. This will be a “Whiteout” contest for the Yellow Jackets, with fans in white t-shirts at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Nesbitt will have to do a better job of hanging onto the ball after a pair of fumbles last week. The Jackets are 16-5 ATS in the first two weeks of the season and 18-5 UNDER when playing on a Thursday. Clemson is 6-1 ATS as road underdogs and is 7-1 UNDER playing on the day before Friday.

This is a wacky series, with the underdog 17-3 against the spread. Clemson is in a revenge spot, losing 21-17 at home as 2.5-point favorites last season in what was coach Swinney’s first game as Tigers coach. The road team is 7-3 ATS in this hotly contested series.

ESPN will televise this frantic ACC encounter, with kickoff set for around 7:45 Eastern.

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