by Jim Feist

   As the playoffs began, those who earned the top two seeds in each conference have a key edge, as they get a bye the first week while watching the others duke it out. Sitting at home this past weekend were the Giants, Panthers, Titans and Steelers. Almost a year ago the odds to win the 2009 Super Bowl were the Patriots at 8-to-5, the Colts 5-to-1, the Chargers 6-to-1 and the Cowboys 7-to-1. None of those teams got a bye and two didn’t make the playoffs. The Giants and Steelers were 15-to-1, the Titans 25-to-1 and Carolina 55-to-1.

   Gaining the bye is an advantage for teams to not only rest injured players, but to have two weeks to put together a game plan.  Since 1990, 28 first and second round seeds have filled 36 Super Bowl slots and the No. 1 and 2 seeds, rested after the bye, have gone 56-16 (76 percent) in their first games in the divisional round.

   The No. 1 seeded team in three of the last four years in the NFC (Eagles, Seahawks, Bears) wound up in the Super Bowl. In the AFC it’s been a different story, as the only No. 1 seeds to make it have been the 2003 and 2007 Patriots. In 2001 and 2004 the Steelers were the No. 1 AFC seed and fell short, along with the 14-2 Colts and Chargers the previous two years. Here’s a look at the four teams that come into this weekend’s playoff games rested with home field.

Panthers: (12-4 SU, 8-7-1 ATS): Carolina coach John Fox prefers a balanced offense and this group exemplifies that, ranked 10th in total offense, third in rushing with 152 yards on the ground per game. They upgraded with rookie RB Jonathon Stewart joining RB DeAngelo Williams for a powerful one-two punch, plus giving QB Jake Delhomme (15 TDs, 12 INTs) an extra target, bringing back WR Muhsin Muhammad alongside star WR Steve Smith (1,421 yards).

  It’s the defense that is the great unknown, ranked 18th overall, nowhere near the powerful unit that the 2003 Carolina NFC Champs were. Also, the Panthers have been dominant at home (8-0 SU, 5-2-1 ATS), but just 4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS on the road. They would love a rematch with the Giants, after losing a 34-28 OT game at NY December 21st. Carolina is on a 7-2 run over the total.

Giants (12-4 SU, 11-4-1 ATS): The Giants weren’t respected as defending champs at 15-to-1 odds entering this season. Their remarkable run last year appeared to be a fluke, plus they lost two key defensive linemen, one to injury and one to retirement. However, they proved that this team is for real, with balance on offense, great depth, and an attacking defense. The Giants rank 7th in total offense, first in rushing with 157 yards per game, and 5th in total defense.

  QB Eli Manning (21 TDs, 10 INTs) keeps getting better and they have a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. Is their defense ready to dominate again? NY is on a 5-2 run under the total. They don’t have the late season momentum from a year ago, on a 1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS run, but have a bye, something they didn’t have last year.

Titans (13-3 SU, 10-6 ATS): Tennessee started 7-0 SU/ATS and finished up 6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS. QB Chad Pennington got much of the headlines leading Miami from 1-15 to the playoffs, but how about veteran journeyman Kerry Collins? He didn’t dazzle, with 12 TDs, 7 picks, but was a game manager, taking over for flaky Vince Young and leading Tennessee to the top spot in the AFC.

  This is a run-first offense, ranked 7th in rushing behind rookie RB Chris Johnson (1,228 yards, 4.9 ypc) and LenDale White (773 yards). The defense has a ferocious pass rush, ranked 7th overall. They hope to have Albert Haynesworth back for the playoffs after missing the final two games. The Titans beat a lot of bad teams, but they also went 4-1 against playoff qualifiers, beating the Steelers (31-14), Colts (31-21), Ravens (13-10) and Vikings (30-17). The lone loss was to the Colts in the meaningless finale (23-0).

Steelers (12-4 SU, 9-7 ATS): Pittsburgh once again was No. 1 in total defense and allowed the fewest points in the league. They battled injuries but came through with the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The offense used to be run-first, but the offensive line isn’t as strong and the running back depth was hit hard by injuries. RB Willie Parker (791 yards) averaged just 3.8 yards per attempt on a team ranked 23rd in rushing.

  QB Ben Roethlisberger (17 TDs, 15 INTs) was running for his life often (46 sacks) and didn’t have a stellar year, but carried the offense that ranks 17th in passing. Big Ben sustained his third concussion in as many years in the finale, so the bye week is a big plus. They were champs just three seasons ago and have held six of the last seven opponents to 13 points or less.

by Jim Feist

It’s the final game of the college football season. Oklahoma and Florida have been playing football for more than a century, but it will mark the first time they meet. It’s also a battle of the last 2 Heisman winners. No. 1 Florida (12-1 SU, 10-2 ATS) has also been a beast since losing its only game (31-30 to Ole Miss). Head Coach Urban Meyer has a deadly offense (18th) behind junior QB Tim Tebow (28 TDs, 2 pick, 2,515 yards). The triple-option attack is averaging 45 points, 229 yards rushing, 212 passing and is red-hot after a mild September. Four players ran for over 500 yards, led by freshman RB Chris Rainey (655 yds, 7.9 ypc), freshman Jeffery Demps (582 yds, 8.4 ypc) and Tebow (564 rush yards).

Do-it-all junior WR Percy Harvin is their best playmaker and missed the SEC title game with a high-ankle sprain, but is expected back. With all the focus on offense, let’s pay attention to Florida’s defense, which allowed 12.8 ppg and is ranked 9th in the nation. To put that in perspective, the top defensive team from the Big 12 is Texas, ranked 50th. The SEC has 11 teams ranked higher than Texas defensively. Since losing to Ole Miss at home, the Gators have been scary: They ripped LSU (51-21), Kentucky (63-5), No. 6 Georgia (49-10), won 42-14 at Vanderbilt, beat No. 25 South Carolina (56-6), at Florida State (45-15) and beat ‘Bama (31-20). Those were very talented South Carolina and ‘Bama defenses, too.

The only concern is that Alabama gashed some gaping holes in Florida’s thin defensive front in the SEC title game, and Oklahoma has a better offensive line. Florida became the first SEC team in history to beat six straight conference opponents by 28 or more points.

Six of the last eight Heisman winners have played in the Bowl Championship Series title game, yet only USC’s Matt Leinart came out a winner in 2004. Another Heisman winner, Oklahoma’s 6-foot-5 sophomore QB Sam Bradford, will try and beat those odds. No. 2 Oklahoma (12-1 SU, 10-3 ATS) has the third-ranked offense in the nation, averaging 54 points, 205 yards rushing and 356 passing behind Bradford (48 TDs, 6 picks, 4,464 yds, 68%). The ground game has a pair of 1,000-yard backs with sophomore RB DeMarco Murray (1,002 yds) and junior RB Chris Brown (1,110 yds). However, RB DeMarco Murray just had surgery to repair a partial rupture of his left hamstring tendon and will not play against Florida.

This is still a pass-first attack with senior WR Juaquin Iglesias (1,092 yds) and 6-6 junior TE Jermaine Gresham (888 yds). The last six games Oklahoma has scored 58, 62, 66, 65, 61 and 62 points, though none of those teams played defense, so the Sooners won’t be approaching 60 here. The Sooners are 10-1 over the total. But defense wins championship, and the Sooners battled injuries and inconsistent play while ranking 65 in total defense, allowing 24.5 ppg. Middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds has a torn ACL and has been out. Reynolds was playing like an All-Big 12 linebacker.

The defense gave up 452 yards (198 rushing) to Oklahoma State and 438 yards (161 rushing) in the 45-35 loss to Texas. Texas dominated time of possession, 37:10-22:50. Oklahoma hasn’t been an underdog since midway though the 2006 season (26-10 win over Missouri). The Sooners have a terrific bowl history in South Florida, having won four national titles in the Orange Bowl Classic. But Bob Stoops is 1-4 SU, 0-4-1 ATS the last 5 bowls, including losses for the 2003 and 2004 national title games (LSU, USC). Let the big game begin!

by Jim Feist

Happy New Year! It’s an exciting week, ringing in the new year, celebrating with family friends, plus endless college football bowls. All of this is a tune-up for the January 8 Oklahoma/Florida showdown for all the marbles.

Chick-Fil-A Bowl (Wed., Dec. 31): This game is indoors from the Georgia Dome, featuring defending national champion LSU against Georgia Tech. LSU (7-5 SU, 2-9 ATS) has been weak defensively and a money-burner. Part of the problem has been a young offense behind freshman QB Jarrett Lee (14 TDs, 16 INTs) and Jordan Jefferson (3 TDs, 1 pick). They prefer the power running game behind junior RB Charles Scott (1,109 yds, 5.5 ypc), but the defense allows 26 ppg and fell apart down the stretch, allowing 31 points in each of its final three games (1-2 SU/0-3 ATS).

Ole Miss steamrolled the Tigers, 31-13 as freshman QB Jordan Jefferson came on in relief and was 10-of-20 for 129 yards, one TD pass and one interception. He was sacked three times. Let’s not forget the miracle they needed to beat Troy, 40-31, trailing 31-3 in the third. One plus is that LSU is 17th in the nation in run defense (105 ypg allowed), just 3.3 ypc.

After years of battling mediocrity, first-year coach Paul Johnson did wonders for Georgia Tech (9-3 SU, 8-2 ATS). Johnson recruited speed for his option-attack as sophomore QB Josh Nesbitt has been impressive running (631 yards) along with sophomore RB Jonathan Dwyer (1,328 yds). Georgia Tech ran for a staggering 472 yards against Miami!

Rose Bowl (Thurs., Jan. 1): The Big 10’s reputation has taken a beating the last two years, with Ohio State losing back-to-back national title games to Florida and LSU, plus in September getting smacked silly by USC. Perhaps Penn State can restore some Big 10 luster. While USC has been lauded for its top-ranked defense all season, don’t forget Penn State is No. 5 in total ‘D’. Penn State (11-1 SU, 9-2 ATS) has a balanced offense and a fierce defense (12 ppg allowed).

Senior QB Daryll Clark (17 TDs, 4 INTs) has played well, leading an offense that averages 40 points, 211 yards rushing, 240 passing. The great offensive line blocks for junior RB Evan Royster (1,202 yds, 6.5 ypc) and freshman RB Stephfon Green (522 yards, 5.5 ypc). Penn State whipped Oregon State, 45-14, while the Beavers upset USC, 27-21. Penn State is 3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS the last three years in bowls.

USC (11-1 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) has won eight straight by an average of 30 points. The Trojans average 206 yards rushing, 240 passing behind junior QB Mark Sanchez (30 TDs, 10 INTS), while the deep backfield has soph RB Joe McKnight (646 yds, 7.7 ypc) and junior RB Stafon Johnson (642 yds, 5.2 ypc). Pete Carroll is 5-1 SU/ATS the last six years in bowls.

Cotton Bowl (Fri., Jan. 2, 2009): One of those unusual matchups the bowl committee has fun with: a great running team (Ole Miss) against a great passing squad (Texas Tech). Mississippi (8-4 SU/9-2 ATS) goes to a bowl for the first time since the 2003 season. That shows what a great coach Houston Nutt is, in his first year with the Rebels. Like he did at Arkansas, Nutt has Ole Miss pounding out yards on the ground, averaging 30.8 points, 183 yards rushing behind All-SEC offensive tackle Mike Oher.

This offense is actually balanced because of sophomore QB Jevan Snead (a celebrated transfer from Texas), who has 23 TDs, 12 picks and 2,470 yards. Ole Miss gave unbeaten ‘Bama a game, dropping a 24-20 thriller despite 359 yards (158 rushing) and is the only team to beat Florida, 31-30. Texas Tech (11-1) averages 44.6 points and 417 yards passing behind senior QB Graham Harrell (41 TDs, 7 picks, 4,447 yards, 71.5% completions) and sophomore WR Michael Crabtree (1,135 yds, 18 TDs).

Fiesta Bowl (Mon., 5, 2009): So what’s more valuable, offense or defense? Ohio State has the No. 8 defense, Texas No. 50. The Longhorns are No. 9 in offense, the Buckeyes 78th. Ohio State (10-2 SU, 5-5 ATS) has a strong defense and a retooling offense under freshman QB Terrelle Pryor (12 TDs, 4 picks). They are a run-oriented attack, with 191 yards rushing per game behind Pryor (553 rush yards) and junior RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (1,091 yds, 5.7 ypc). Three times this season Ohio State failed to score an offensive touchdown.

Texas (11-1 SU, 8-4 ATS) feels they should be playing Florida for the national title. The defense improved (18.6 ppg allowed) under first-year defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (from Auburn), and this offense is strong behind junior QB Colt McCoy (3,445 yards, 32 TDs and 7 picks), averaging 44 points, 177 yards rushing, 299 passing. These teams are familiar with each other: In 2005, Texas won 25-22 at Ohio State, then in 2006 the Longhorns won in Texas, 24-7, when McCoy was a freshman. Texas is 44-7 SU, 34-16 ATS and 35-15 over the total the last three-plus seasons.

Grizzlies at Spurs: Take: (711) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Reason: Memphis won’t make the playoffs, but they have some budding young talent. They are also playing some defense, allowing 99 ppg (18th in the league). The Grizzlies are on a 6-3-1 ATS run with a pair of 20-point scorers in Rudy Gay and rookie O.J. Mayo, plus Hakim Warrick and 7-foot-1 center Marc Gasol up front. They are also on a 7-3 run under the total. San Antonio was just a double digit favorite over Minnesota and won by 6, and they are 1-2-1 ATS the last four games as a double digit favorite. Play Memphis. 

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by Jim Feist
If you like offense, the Holiday Bowl in San Diego is the bowl for you, as Oregon takes on Oklahoma State. This is the only bowl this season to feature two of the nation’s top-10 offenses. The Oregon Ducks (9-3 SU, 6-5 ATS) run an outstanding spread offense ranked 8th in the nation, averaging 42 points, 277 yards rushing, 200 passing pg. Sophomore QB Jeremiah Masoli (12 TDs, 4 picks, 1,486 yards) took over in midseason for injured soph QB Justin Roper and the ground game is loaded with senior RB Jeremiah Johnson (1,102 yds, 6.2 ypc) and junior RB LeGarrette Blount (928 yds, 7.2 ypc) running behind All American center Max Unger.
  The Ducks’ offense has been on fire, with a 55-45 victory against Arizona, then dashed rival Oregon State’s hopes for the Rose Bowl in a 65-38 massacre, rolling up 694 yards! Oregon is on a 5-1 run over the total. They destroyed a good South Florida defense in a bowl a year ago, 56-21. Oklahoma State (9-3 SU/8-3 ATS) also has a sensational offense (ranked 7th in the nation) under Head coach Mike Gundy. On offense they go with a no-huddle at times and are dazzling averaging 41 points, 256 yards rushing and 233 passing per game behind senior QB Zac Robinson (2,735 yards, 24 TDs, 8 INTs) and All-American sophomore WR Dez Bryant (74 catches for 1,313 yards, 18 TDs). Who’s hotter? Oregon is on a 4-1 SU/3-2 ATS run, Oklahoma State is on a 1-2 SU/0-3 ATS run.
   After you’ve digested that offensive show, the Rose Bowl serves up two of the Top 5 defenes in the nation with Penn State battling USC. USC is No. 1 in the nation in total defense, Penn State is No. 5. Both programs are high-profile, with Penn State hitting the 800-win mark in its regular-season finale, and USC the possessor of 765 all-time wins. Penn State (11-1 SU, 9-2 ATS) has been rolling, with a balanced offense and a fierce defense (12 ppg allowed). Penn State is 3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS the last three years in bowls.
   USC (11-1) has won eight straight by an average of 30 points. The Trojans’ offense averages 206 yards rushing, 240 passing behind junior QB Mark Sanchez (30 TDs, 10 INTS). But it’s the top-ranked defense that controls the games, pitching three shutouts while allowing only two teams to score more than 10 points. USC has been undergoing a coaching staff shuffle. The offensive coordinator has already left (for Washington) so John Morton has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Pete Carroll is 5-1 SU/ATS the last six years in bowls.
  Common opponents? Penn State struggled to win at Ohio State, 13-6, while USC (at home) dismantled the Buckeyes, 35-3. Of course, Penn State whipped Oregon State, 45-14, while the Beavers upset USC, 27-21. Offense or defense? You can fill your New Year’s platter with whatever styles fit your interest. 

As 2008 draws to a close, we find ourselves smack in the middle of the bowls. You shouldn’t be bowled-out, either, as the bowls slowly build to the crescendo that is the Florida/Oklahoma showdown, which I’ll look at next week.

Hawaii Bowl (Wed., Dec. 24): Aloha! And top of the marnin’! Notre Dame (6-6 SU/5-7 ATS) ended the regular season 1-4 SU/ATS with fans calling for Charlie Weis’ scalp after a miserable home loss to Syracuse, 24-23. The Irish have a mostly passing offense behind sophomore QB Jimmy Clausen (20 TDs, 17 INTs). They average 22.7 points and 231 yards passing.

   However, they lost to Syracuse, a 20-point dog, one with the nation’s No. 104th-ranked defense. Notre Dame is 2-4 SU, 3-3 ATS on the road and on a 5-1 run under the total. Hawaii (7-6 SU, 7-5 ATS) made it to a bowl for first-year head coach Greg McMackin, winning six of the last nine. They had a 29-24 home loss to Cincinnati as QB Greg Alexander threw for 275 yards. The last five bowls, Hawaii has allowed 36, 48, 40, 24 and 41 points.

Motor City Bowl (Fri., Dec. 26): Two outstanding passing teams meet as Florida Atlantic and Central Michigan battle in Ford Field. Florida Atlantic (6-6 SU/7-5 ATS) had a tough start (1-5) under Coach Howard Schnellenberger, but ended on a 5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS run. Junior QB Rusty Smith (22 TDs, 14 picks) leads an offense that averages 141 yards rushing, 250 passing. The offense has scored 24, 29, 46, 40, 14 and 57 points the last six games. There has been a flare for dramatics, with a 22-yard TD pass with 22 seconds left to top UL-Monroe, 29-28, and a 57-50 OT victory over Florida International.

   Schnellenberger is 5-0 in bowl games, including a 44-27 win over Memphis last year.    (9-2 SU, 5-4 ATS) Central Michigan averages 30 points and 292 yards passing behind junior QB Dan LeFevour (19 TDs, 5 INTs) and RB Ontario Sneed. The defense has allowed 34, 30, 24 and 56 points the last four games. CM beat Indiana, 37-34, and will appear in its third straight Motor City Bowl. This indoor game should feature many things, except defense.

Champs Sports Bowl (Sat., Dec. 27): Orlando, Florida, is the site for Wisconsin against Florida State. Wisconsin (7-5 SU/5-6 ATS) was ranked as high as No. 9 before a four-game skid. The Badgers won their final three games to make a bowl, including a 36-35 OT win over Cal Poly. Junior QB Dustin Sherer (5 TDs, 5 INTs) is in charge after they demoted senior QB Allan Evridge (5 TDs, 5 INTs) during the slide. This is a running team behind 5-11, 242-pound junior RB P.J. Hill Jr (1,021 yds, 4.8, 13 TDs) and freshman John Clay (845 yds).

   The Badgers are 1-3 SU their last four road games and on a 5-2-1 run over the total. Florida State (8-4 SU, 6-5 ATS) has a young QB of its own in sophomore QB Christian Ponder (12 TDs, 13 picks). They also like to run behind senior RB Antone Smith (753 yds) and freshman RB Jermaine Thomas (478 yds). Wisconsin is 4-0 under the total their last four bowls.

Emerald Bowl (Sat., Dec. 27): This is a long road trip for Miami, 3,000 across the country, and a 13-mile trip across San Francisco Bay for Cal. Miami (7-5 SU, 4-6 ATS) is a young team that had a 5-game win streak in midseason, then finished 0-2 SU/ATS, getting clocked by Georgia tech (41-23) and NC State (38-28). Against Georgia Tech they allowed a staggering 472 yards rushing! Redshirt freshman QB Robert Marve (9 TDs, 13 INTs) had been running the offense, but freshman QB Jacory Harris (10 TDs, 6 INTs) has seen time.  

    Cal (8-4 SU, 8-3 ATS) was a perfect 7-0 SU/ATS at home, but 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS away from Berkeley. Coach Jeff Tedford had been using both sophomore QB Kevin Riley (14 TDs, 6 INTs) and senior Nate Longshore, but Riley has played most of the way the last three games. This offense is balanced, averaging 33 points, 175 yards rushing, 200 passing with a beast in the backfield in sophomore RB Jahvid Best (1,394 yards).

PapaJohn’s Bowl (Mon., Dec. 29): N.C. State (6-6 SU/9-2 ATS) coach Tom O’Brien whipped the young Wolfpack into shape and is on a four-game win streak, plus a 7-0 ATS run. Even more remarkable, they were an underdog the last four games, but won them all by 10, 4, 31 and 10 points. The running game is strong with senior Andre Brown (728 yds) and junior RB Jamelle Eugene, while the emergence of freshman QB Russell Wilson (16 TDs, only 1 pick) was key. NC State is on a 6-3 run over the total.

   Rutgers (7-5 SU, 6-4 ATS) is even hotter, on a 6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS run for coach Greg Schiano. Senior QB Mike Teel (23 TDs, 12 INTs, 3,099 yards) and 6-4 junior WR Kenny Britt (1,252 yds) lead a passing offense that averages 29 points. Britt is the nation’s second leading receiver with an average of 113.8 yards receiving. This offense has scored 54, 35, 49, 30 and 63 points the last five games. Rutgers is 2-0 SU/ATS the last two bowls, but NC State is 7-0 ATS its last seven as a dog.

Handicapping bowl games is different in many ways from regular season contests. Some teams are delighted to be in a bowls. A team like Memphis, for instance, started 0-3 but scratched and clawed its way to the postseason. Rutgers, too, was a great story under Greg Schiano, starting 1-5 and ending with a winning record and a trip to the PapaJohn’s bowl. The likelihood is that these teams are proud and ecstatic about earning their way into a bowl. Rutgers is 2-0 SU/ATS the last two bowls.
   Rutgers finished up the year 7-5. Wisconsin also finished up 7-5, but they got there in much different fashion than Rutgers. Wisconsin had high expectations in August, reached as high as No. 9 in the polls before a four-game losing streak in midseason submarined their lofty goals. I’m not suggesting the Badgers are going to be complacent about this bowl game with Florida State, but merely pointing out how teams wind up where they are needs to be weighed carefully.
   Check out what players are saying. Examine the last few games to see if they overachieved or were supremely motivated. Clemson was a focused team down the stretch, playing hard for interim coach Daba Swinney on a 4-2 SU/ATS run. NC State was another, finishing up 7-0 ATS the last seven games to make a bowl under second year coach Tom O’Brien. When O’Brien was at Boston College, his teams went 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS the last seven bowls. 
   Another piece of the puzzle to examine is that the bowl committee often has fun putting together unusual matchups. For instance, the Cotton Bowl has Mississippi against Texas Tech. Here we have a balanced offense/strong running team in Ole Miss under new coach Houston Nutt, against a mostly-passing Red Raider squad. Those matchups can be difficult to handicapp. Whoever controls the tempo might have an edge. If it’s a wide-open offensive show, the Red Raiders would be happy with that, but if it’s a battle of ball control, Ole Miss might have an edge. But how to predict whether it’s a 24-20 kind of game, or a 38-30 shootout? That’s where matchups come in, along with common opponents or ones with similar styles. All of which makes handicapping bowls endlessly challenging.

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Suns (704) at Blazers. Take: over the total.

Reason: The Suns are still an over the total team, on a 7-2 run over with Steve Nash directing the attack. The last time these teams met, the Suns shot 53 percent to Portland’s 39 percent. So Portland’s usually strong defense wasn’t present against this versatile Phoenix offense. The only other time they met, Phoenix shot 55% in a game that sailed over. Portland has a strong offensive of its own, and look at Brandon Roy’s points the last 4 games: 30, 33, 38 and 29. These teams are a comibed 7-3 over the total their last 10 games. Play the Suns/Blazers over the total. 

It was another big winner from World Champion handicapper Jim Feist on Sunday as the Houston Texans brought home Jim’s Dog of the Month with a straight up win over the Titans, 13-12!

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Looking at NFL streaks, one thing stands out. There was only one team with a winning streak over 6 games, the Colts. There were three teams with losing streaks at least that long, with the Rams at 8 and the toothless Lions at 14. The lesson is obvious: It’s far more difficult to win in pro football than it is to lose. That’s especially true this time of the season, with many teams going through the motions while winding down a lost season.

  One only has to look at the play of the Raiders (2-6 ATS run) or Rams (1-5-1 ATS) and see teams that aren’t giving 100%. The Raiders are double-digit losers for the sixth straight season. When is Al Davis going to wake up and hire a real GM? “There’s guys that are frustrated every game,” said one Raider. The Rams lost seven games in a row under Jim Haslett, their second coach of the season, getting outscored 216-73.

   On the other side of the coin are teams having great seasons, such as the Giants, Titans, Steelers and Panthers. Players and coaches on these teams largely take their roles seriously and look forward to showing up for work (except Plaxico Burress). One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes teams having dismal seasons will get fired up to face the top teams, especially at home. It can help ease the pain of a disappointing season. Everyone wants a shot at knocking off the best. 

  The Rams started 0-4 SU/ATS, but in a home game against the talented Cowboys, the Rams won 34-14 as a big dog. Later on they lost back-to-back games to mediocre teams, the 49ers and Bears, by scores of 35-16 and 27-3. Clearly that game against Dallas was their Super Bowl. Everyone’s been trying to knock off the defending champs and the Browns did it on national TV, thumping the Giants 35-14 — a rare bright spot in a tough season. 

  2007 was unique for powerhouses, with the Packers and Cowboys starting 10-1 and the Patriots going 16-0. You may recall the 4-7 Ravens dominating the 11-0 Pats on Monday night as a +19 dog, playing with fire before a last second 27-24 defeat. The 2007 Eagles failed to make the playoffs or have a winning record, but as a +24 dog they gave the unbeaten Pats all they could handle. New England needed a late TD to survive 31-28. “It was the most complete game we played all year,” Eagles LB Omar Gaither said. Offensive lineman Shawn Andrews added, “People built them up to be Goliath. At the same time, a lot of people made us out to be a 24-point spread, and we know they’re not that much better than us.”

  Pro players have pride and know the score. Taking out their frustrations on a powerhouse team is not uncommon and can offer line value. The good teams aren’t that much better from year to year than bad ones. Look at the Miami Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season and are still in the postseason race. Parity and the salary cap have leveled the playing field and schedules are longer, all of which makes it that much harder to dominate or go undefeated.

   Several teams have come close. The 1962 Green Bay Packers enjoyed a 10-0 start on the way to a 13-1 season, ending in a 16-7 win in the championship game over the Giants as one of Vince Lombardi’s best teams. They came close to running the table, except for a surprising Thanksgiving Day loss to Detroit, 26-14 (trailing 26-0 to the fired up Lions).

   The 1985 Bears had a powerhouse team behind defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s 46-defense. They held 11 opponents to 10 points or less and started 12-0 SU, 10-1-1 ATS. They looked unstoppable, until a Monday night game at Miami when Dan Marino passed over the 46-defense as the Dolphins won 38-24. Chicago finished 18-1 SU, 15-3-1 ATS with playoff victories of 21-0, 24-0 and 46-10.

   The 2005 Colts started a sizzling 13-0 SU, 9-4-1 ATS until injuries cropped up. In Week 15 they lost 26-17 at home to the Chargers. “It’s tough to go 16-0. You have to play well every week,” coach Tony Dungy said. Other factors creep in, such as resting players to get primed for the postseason. The next week the Seahawks dominated a depleted Indianapolis team, 28-13, playing without Pro Bowlers Marvin Harrison, Cato June and Bob Sanders, while Peyton Manning played just one quarter. Even NFL David’s are gunning for Goliath this time of the season.

Jazz/Celtics Under the total.  Reason: It’s not your imagination: Utah is playing some defense, holding 5 of its last 7 opponents under 100. The Jazz are on a 7-1 run under the total. Now they face the best defensive team in the league. Boston is tops in FG shooting allowed, and No. 2 in points allowed (91 ppg). The defending champion Celtics’ defense has been great, just like last year, particularly at home where they’ve allowed 78, 96, 88, 78 and 82 points the last five contests. Boston is No. 1 allowing 41% shooting by opponents, yet oddsmakers have made this number too high because of perception that Utah is all-offense. Play the Jazz/Celtics under the total. 

It was another big winner from World Champion handicapper Jim Feist on Sunday as the Houston Texans brought home Jim’s Dog Game of the Month play with a straight up win over the Titans, 13-12.

Now, it’s MNF and Jim Feist IS the King of Monday Night’s!! Tonight Jim proves it with his winner in the game between the Browns and Eagles, just $29 (get this game FREE along with 5 days of NBA & College Hoops by calling Monday to 1-877-677-9467).  Either way, make sure you are on board another winner in pro football from Jim Feist!!