Can the Jets and Vikings win on the Money Line?

[vikesfan]

Can the Jets and Vikings win on the Money Line?
By Doug Upstone

Both New York and Minnesota are road underdogs this upcoming Sunday, yet each in their own way has proven to be a valuable play for the sports bettors. The postseason tournament has revisited yesteryear this season, as the two top seeds from each conference advanced to the conference titles games for the first time since 2004. However, if history has shown us anything, the higher seeded favorite not only fails to cover, but they lose outright.

The last time two top seeds made it to the Super Bowl was the season of 1993. Since that time, on seven different occasions a matchup of the best from the NFC and AFC could have happened and not once did this occur. Betting on No.1 leaves a nasty mark at 5-9 against the spread with seven outright losers, six from the AFC.

Confident New York rolling

The Jets are the bigger underdog at 7.5-points at BetUS.com and are +280 on the money line. Indianapolis has nobody to blame but themselves for ending up with this opponent who really believes in itself.

The Colts pulled many of the their top players against the Jets in Week 16 and New York stormed to 26-6 second half, providing the momentum they needed to start winning. Make no mistake, coach Rex Ryan has this team believing they are every bit as good as the 85 Bears and 2000 Ravens, both defensive-oriented teams that won Super Bowls.

In analyzing the rosters of the two teams, take away Peyton Manning; a case could be made the Jets have a better starting roster. The Colts offensive line is merely average with Indy have no running game to speak of, saved by Mannings ability to get rid the ball. No doubt Manning has the skill to pick apart any defense, but this is unique Jets D, who creates relentless pressure from every angle imaginable and whose job this week is to make Manning miserable, which could lead to bad throws and possible picks.

The Jets are going to run the ball with Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, as the duo along with a talented offensive line averages 4.5 yards per carry on 38 attempts per contest. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has played smartly in recent weeks and his confidence has been growing, making better throws especially once the second half arrives.

NFL playoff football has evolved into getting hot at the right time. The Flyboys have won and covered seven of eight and dont worry about playing a third straight game on the road, the Giants and Steelers have won Super Bowls in the last four years doing so.

Strong defensive teams allowing 14-18 points per game, against teams that allow 18 to 23 points per contest, after allowing 17 points or less in three straight times, are 44-18 on the money line.

Minnesota is Favre-ulous

It was a little shocking to see New Orleans as four-point favorites over Minnesota, since the Vikings appear to have a decidedly better defense. That said the Vikings have not been nearly as good away from the Metrodome this season with .500 record SU and ATS and havent won or covered a road game since Nov. 1 in Green Bay (0-3).

It would be foolish to dismiss Minnesota since this team is right where many thought they would be dating back to the middle of October. Brett Favre has been amazing. Scrap the grayish beard and flecks on the dome and he looks every bit the player that went to consecutive Super Bowls in the mid-90s. Gone are the days of just throwing it up for grabs, trusting his arm along with coaches patience, trying to play Mission Impossible plays.

While New Orleans has offensive weapons all over the field, Minnesota crew is hardly second-rate. Receivers like Sidney Rice are explosive and rookie Percy Harvin is a ticking time bomb that could detonate at any time. The Vikings offensive line and Adrian Peterson have seen a number of different defensive schemes, all designed to stop A.P.; nonetheless they have to be encouraged with the Saints permitting 4.6 yards per carry.

The strength of Minnys defense is not in the secondary, however if the Vikings defensive line plays the same as they did against Dallas, it wont matter again. If DE Ray Edwards brings it again, Minnesota has four legitimate run stoppers and pass rushers on every play. The affects of defensive pressure have been on display in eight playoff games and if they can shake up Drew Brees, possibilities start to open up.
This is the moment Favre yearned for and no doubt wants retribution for NFC title game failure two years ago. Teams that average 7.3 or more yards per pass attempt, against average passing defense (5.9-6.7 YPPA), after gaining eight or more passing yards an attempt in two straight games, are 37-12 on the money line the last five seasons. At +160, the Vikes are worth serious consideration.

[WildKat]

no

[Sweetleaf22]

Some game stats from jets colts week 16, when colts pulled Manning only up by 5


1st Downs 17 NY /18 Ind
Rushing 11 ny /2 ind
Passing 5 ny/12 ind
3rd-Down Conversions 7-16 ny / 2-11 ind
4th-Down Conversions 0-1ny /0-1 ind

Total Net Yards 293 ny/ 286 ind
Total Plays 65 ny /57 ind
Average Gain 4.5 ny /5.0 ind
Net Yards Rushing 202 ny /64 ind
Rushes 44 ny /23 ind
Avg. Per Rush 4.6 ny /2.8 ind

[fed11]

Vikesfan some good info to ponder Thanks

[ace bdream]

Anything can happen. Odds they wont , but , is A BIG WORD.

[Romanowski]

Originally Posted by vikesfan

The strength of Minnys defense is not in the secondary, however if the Vikings defensive line plays the same as they did against Dallas,

1/21 9:14A Kevin Williams DT Knee Questionable is questionable Sunday (1/24) at New Orleans


1/17 5:00P Pat Williams NT Elbow Probable played last game, is probable Sunday (1/24) at New Orleans

[Sweetleaf22]

Just three days away from the NFC title game, the Minnesota Vikings' injury situation is a concern.

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams and defensive end Ray Edwards missed their second straight practice on Thursday because of knee trouble.

The outlook does appear positive for Williams, at least. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports Williams is highly likely to play, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The team will remain cautious with Williams, who has a bone bruise on his knee, according to La Canfora.


Ray Edwards had one hell of a game last week,three sacks and five quarterback hurries

[Romanowski]

if Saints can run the ball, then the game is already over..

contrary to what people believe, the pair of RBs the Saints have is much better than Petersen alone

[Sweetleaf22]

saints do have a nice stable, with reggie playing fast and Physical



Receiver and kick returner Percy Harvin also was not present. After practicing on Wednesday, he got another migraine headache, a problem that has plagued him all season.

Harvin missed a game against Cincinnati in December because of the headaches and visited the Mayo Clinic to address the recurring issue. While Harvin has been headache-free for more than a month, coach Brad Childress said it was unrealistic to think that the problem had been solved. For a while he had them pretty often. This is the first time one's raised up (in a while). We expect him to be OK.'' vikes.com

[CANDY-MAN]

good point Romo.

[rjb1816]

Originally Posted by Sweetleaf22

Some game stats from jets colts week 16, when colts pulled Manning only up by 5


1st Downs 17 NY /18 Ind
Rushing 11 ny /2 ind
Passing 5 ny/12 ind
3rd-Down Conversions 7-16 ny / 2-11 ind
4th-Down Conversions 0-1ny /0-1 ind

Total Net Yards 293 ny/ 286 ind
Total Plays 65 ny /57 ind
Average Gain 4.5 ny /5.0 ind
Net Yards Rushing 202 ny /64 ind
Rushes 44 ny /23 ind
Avg. Per Rush 4.6 ny /2.8 ind

these numbers are incorrect. when the colts pulled starters the jets had like 3 first downs

[Sweetleaf22]

Jets drives

StartTime/ TimePoss/ DriveBegan/ # ofPlays /YardsGained /Result

12:03 0:48 NYJ 5 3 6 Punt
06:55 5:24 NYJ 20 8 33 Punt
11:46 2:07 NYJ 20 3 9 Punt
06:22 4:38 NYJ 20 11 63 Field Goal
00:38 0:38 NYJ 9 3 9 End of Half
15:00 0:12 0 0 Touchdown
10:13 4:37 NYJ 20 9 34 Punt
03:41 2:03 NYJ 40 5 21 Punt
00:26 2:03 IND 45 6 20 Field Goal
11:52 6:14 NYJ 21 11 79 Touchdown
04:46 3:43 NYJ 42 7 25 Downs
00:39 0:39 IND 29 1 -1 End of Game


New York Jets at 06:55 1st Q
1-10-NYJ20 (6:55) (Run formation) T.Jones right tackle to NYJ 21 for 1 yard (E.Foster).
2-9-NYJ21 (6:22) (Run formation) T.Jones right tackle to NYJ 25 for 4 yards (J.Lacey). Direct Snap to NYJ B. Smith (16).
3-5-NYJ25 (5:44) (Shotgun) M.Sanchez pass short middle to J.Cotchery to NYJ 36 for 11 yards (K.Hayden).
1-10-NYJ36 (5:07) M.Sanchez pass deep right intended for J.Cotchery INTERCEPTED by K.Hayden at IND 37. K.Hayden to NYJ 41 for 22 yards (J.Cotchery).
PENALTY on IND-K.Hayden, Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at NYJ 36 - No Play.
1-10-NYJ41 (4:56) T.Jones right tackle to NYJ 45 for 4 yards (A.Bethea, E.Baldwin).
2-6-NYJ45 (4:19) T.Jones up the middle to IND 45 for 10 yards (R.Humber).
1-10-IND45 (3:40) (Run formation) D.Clowney left end to NYJ 41 for -14 yards (P.Wheeler). Handoff from NYJ T. Jones (20).
2-24-NYJ41 (2:51) (Shotgun) T.Jones left guard to NYJ 45 for 4 yards (R.Humber).
3-20-NYJ45 (2:13) (Shotgun) M.Sanchez pass short middle to D.Woodhead to IND 47 for 8 yards (E.Foster).
4-12-IND47 (1:41) S.Weatherford punts 37 yards to IND 10, Center-J.Dearth, fair catch by T.Rushing.



New York Jets at 06:22 2nd Q
1-10-NYJ20 (6:22) (Run formation) M.Sanchez pass short right to T.Richardson to NYJ 25 for 5 yards (K.Hayden).
2-5-NYJ25 (5:44) (Run formation) S.Greene right tackle to NYJ 29 for 4 yards (P.Wheeler, E.Foster).
3-1-NYJ29 (5:11) (Run formation) T.Jones up the middle to NYJ 30 for 1 yard (E.Foster).
1-10-NYJ30 (4:28) M.Sanchez pass short right to B.Edwards to NYJ 41 for 11 yards (J.Lacey).
1-10-NYJ41 (3:53) (Run formation) S.Greene right tackle to NYJ 46 for 5 yards (A.Francisco).
2-5-NYJ46 (3:14) M.Sanchez pass short right to J.Cotchery to IND 42 for 12 yards (A.Francisco, K.Hayden).
1-10-IND42 (2:36) S.Greene right end pushed ob at IND 21 for 21 yards (J.Gill).
1-10-IND21 (2:07) T.Jones up the middle to IND 20 for 1 yard (E.Foster, G.Brackett).
2-9-IND20 (2:00) (Shotgun) M.Sanchez sacked at IND 28 for -8 yards (D.Freeney). NYJ-D.Woody was injured during the play. His return is Questionable.
3-17-IND28 (1:54) M.Sanchez pass short right to D.Clowney to IND 17 for 11 yards (A.Bethea, J.Lacey).
4-6-IND17 (1:49) J.Feely 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-J.Dearth, Holder-K.Clemens.
NYJ 3 IND 9, Plays: 11 Yards: 63 Possession: 4:38.

[mrhotpicks2]

i dont think the vikings have much of a shot at all honestly. now the jets on the otherhand, thats a different story

[Sweetleaf22]

McLovin's Jets will beat the Colts
The Jets do have guys who are going to the Pro Bowl or have been to the Pro Bowl all over their roster -- Alan Faneca, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Thomas Jones, Tony Richardson, Braylon Edwards, Bart Scott, Darrelle Revis, Shaun Ellis, Lito Sheppard (and two more on the IR, Kris Jenkins and Leon Washington). And they have guys who will be Pro Bowlers some day -- David Harris, Kerry Rhodes and Shonn Greene. The Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson is one of the few left tackles in the NFL who can stay with the Colts' Dwight Freeney.If they stick with the run, they have to wear down Indy's smaller D-line.Rex Ryan is a better coach than Jim Caldwell.

[dhunter]

Originally Posted by mrhotpicks2

i dont think the vikings have much of a shot at all honestly. now the jets on the otherhand, thats a different story

Vikes have a better shot than the jets