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Week 15 - Talk of Wild Cards
By Joe, BettingExpert.com | Edited
Google+: Joe Bexpert
The stage is getting closer where the playoff wild cards will be determined. A few teams have already secured their playoff spots like the 49ers but the Steelers are still trying to keep theirs. Others like the Cowboys, Bears and the Jets are still in the hunt.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Saturday evening will kickoff the encounter between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The home side has already played their part in the regular season and the possibility of finish last in the NFC South might not be tempting. In order to avoid finishing last, the Buccaneers needs to change their losing streak which is stretching to eight if the Dallas Cowboys were to win at Raymond James Stadium. So their seventh straight defeat came with a humiliating 41-14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and for a team like Dallas who is a chance to make the playoffs, this is an opoortunity to get themselves back into contentions.
The Cowboys current overall record is 7-6 and are competing against Chicago Bears, Detroit and Atlanta for a wild card spot. Their narrow 37-34 defeat to the New York Giants last weekend didn’t help their cause but facing the Buccaneers could get them back on track to fight for a place. The Cowboys have suffered two straight defeats and with only three games left, the urgency for QB Tony Romo to do better might be a big calling because star rookie runner DeMarco Murray is set to miss out on Saturday.
Verdict: Cowboys are stronger but it might be a tight affair with the loss to their running game. All eyes on Tony Romo to win it for the Cowboys.
Obscure Stats - In their last 55 away games as a favourite, Dallas have only covered the line 17 times, while in their last 21 home games, Tampa Bay have only covered the line 5 times as underdogs.
Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks
Another team that is searching for a wild card playoff entry are the Chicago Bears who are in a similar situation as the Dallas Cowboys. However, their form is a bit worse off. The Bears suffered a third straight defeat after losing to Denver Broncos 13-10 in overtime. That field goal could cost the Bears a wild card ticket but only time will tell with three games left. However, facing the Seahawks might prove a little bit too much without their QB Jay Culter. The Seahawks have been good for the last two games, coming up with two straight wins. It was two games where they blew out both the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams with 30 points and conceded less with 15, another game of this kind of performance will only enhance their playoff chances and the opportunity of chance for a wildcard.
Verdict: One team on form, One team losing their form, home advantage could be the key to winning, Chicago Bears have that sprinkle of a chance to make the playoffs or else accept fate that the season is over.
Obscure Stats - In their last 29 away games, the Seahawks have only covered the line 8 times as underdogs, while the Bears have covered the line in 6 of their last 8 home games when favourites.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets
Once upon a time before the regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles were tipped to find more than just a playoff place but also a Superbowl appearance. Looking at the National Football Conference standings in Week 15, their overall record stands at 5-8 and dreams for QB Michael Vick making a stance is well and truly over. Despite their beating the Miami Dolphins 26-10 on the road, this hasn’t proven much but against the New York Jets, they can enhance their slim playoff chances. The Jets are well placed for the last wild card on offer for the playoffs. Their last three games showed that they have what it takes to go for another post-season playoff campaign with Rex Ryan's defensive tactics. Things have gotten tighter for the defense and QB Mark Sanchez is showing a bit of form but nothing like running back Shonn Greene. They face a Eagles team knowing that their passing game needs to be stopped or else their wild card might be in danger.
Verdict: Impressive New York Jets should be able to resist any plays if their defensive tactics are in place. Jets to win this road game.
Obscure Stats - The Jets have covered the line in 9 of their last 10 away games as an underdog of 3 pts or less, while Philadelphia have covered in 3 of their last 14 games when a favourite.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15 will end with Monday Night Football with the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers have already booked a place in the playoffs and likely getting a bye in the wild card playoffs due to clinching the division. Although winning the divison, they saw themselves stumbling last weekend to a 21-19 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals and that might have been due to the loss of concentration or complacency. Imagine seeing QB Alex Smith being sacked five times, well that happened last weekend. They face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that also have something to play for. They need to keep their playoff place alive by defending their overall record of 10-3 over teams like Tennessee, Oakland and Cincinnati that would improve their playoff chances if the Steelers were to lose to the 49ers. A defeat here for the guest could raise a bit of panic but a win would secure a playoff place.
Verdict: Considering the 49ers have only lost once this season at home, the Steelers will have a tough time there. However with four straight wins in the bag, the Steelers are inches away from securing that playoff spot. Evens here but surely the 49ers will prepare themselves well taking on the black and yellow as a playoff game, 49ers to win.
Obscure Stats - Pittsburgh have covered the line in just 3 of their last 11 games following a win, while the 49ers have covered the line in 17 of their last 26 home games.
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