NFL Week 17 Picks – Seattle – St Louis Battle For NFC West Crown

In this week’s NFL Week 17 picks,.there’s a "brawl for not much at all," which means a one-game playoff, in effect, for the NFC West crown between Seattle and St. Louis, while the New Orleans Saints still have some feint hope of winning the NFC South and gaining home field advantage in the playoffs.

By "feint," I mean that Carolina actually has to win against Atlanta for the Saints to get there. We look at the Steelers-Browns and Bills-Jets as well, in NFL week 17 picks.

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Sunday, January 2

ST. LOUIS RAMS (7-8 SU, 10-5 ATS) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (6-9 SU & ATS)

8:20 PM ET — Qwest Field, Seattle

Odds for NFL Week 17 Picks

St. Louis -3

Seattle +3

Total; 41

A team at 6-9 has an opportunity to win a division title. Think about that for a minute. It’s the underachieving Seattle Seahawks, who have branded themselves as a team that lays down on the road, and has been slapped around in recent home games by the Giants, Chiefs and Falcons.

And now they are likely to go with Charlie Whitehurst, who has really never done anything positive in the NFL. The Rams are hardly anything special, but they have performed well above expectations, and have a mature rookie quarterback in Sam Bradford. Then again, he is a rookie,and Qwest Field is a louder place then he’s ever played before. Maybe a defensive struggle is in order.

JAY’S PLAY – NFL WEEK 17 PICKS :UNDER 41

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TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-6 SU & ATS) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (11-4 SU, 6-9 ATS)

1 PM ET — Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

Odds for NFL Week 17 Picks

New Orleans -7.5

Tampa Bay +7.5

Total; 47

It’s sort of a "one last gasp" thing for the Bucs here, while New Orleans needs needs Joe Montana to channel through Jimmy Clausen for the Panthers against the Falcons. They stil lhave a chance to win the NFC South, but they need a LOT of help.

Either way, this one should be entertaining, and the Bucs are looking for redemption after the Saints ripped through them for 475 yards in the first meeting between these two. Tampa Bay got a rare home cover against Seattle last week (third in last 18) but they are "money" when going on the road, with eight pointspread wins in their last nine tries.

They have some of what it takes to be a live dog here, including a quarterback who is maturing all the time; in Josh Freeman (five TD’s last week) and the running back they have been looking for in LeGarrette Blount (387 yards last three weeks).

I know the motivation may seem to be on New Orleans’ side, but this could be a barn burner. And don’t discount that the Saints could come out flat after that big Monday night effort.

JAY’S PLAY – NFL WEEK 17 PICKS :; TAMPA BAY +7.5

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BUFFALO BILLS (4-11 SU, 8-6-1 ATS) at NEW YORK JETS (10-5 SU, 8-7 ATS)

1 PM ET — Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Odds for NFL Week 17 Picks

N.Y. Jets -1.5

Buffalo; +1.5

Total; 39.5

We appreciate that for the most part, the Bills have not quit. But they have been outclassed on occasion. Here, the line anticipates that the Jets will rest a lot of people, including quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Some of that might happen, with the Jets locked into a wild card spot, but I’ll bet Rex Ryan will be looking for some crispness and intensity from his starers as well, coming off three losses in the last four games. And I’m just wondering whether Mark Brunell, being given a rare opportunity to play, may just turn in a strong effort.

Remember that the Jets completely dominated the line of scrimmage in the first meeting, with 273 yards rushing, and Buffalo gives up 4.7 yards per carry.

JAY’S PLAY – NFL WEEK 17 PICKS : N.Y. JETS -1.5

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS (11-4 SU, 9-6 ATS) at CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-10 SU & ATS)

1 PM ET — Cleveland Browns Stadium

Odds for NFL Week 17 Picks

Pittsburgh; -5.5

Cleveland +5.5

Total; 37

Pittsburgh can win the AFC north title, but if they lose they can drop all the way down to the #6 seed in the AFC playoffs. They are certainly coming off a sharp effort, out-gaining Carolina 408-119, and have had extra days to rest and/or prepare for this hated division rival.

For what it’s worth, the Browns have scored 43 points in the last five meetings. And they have covered just one of their last seven games against the number. Yes, Eric Mangini is hearing footsteps.

JAY’S PLAY – NFL WEEK 17 PICKS : PITTSBURGH -5.5

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NFL Sportsbook: Vick sits out for eagles on Sunday

NFL sportsbook followers know that Michael Vick is one of the prime candidates to be the league’s MVP, and so it is big news that he is likely out of action for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Meanwhile, there is a tense situation going on in Dallas,.where jobs could be on the line in the season finale. The Cowboys and Eagles meet up at Lincoln Financial Field (natural turf) on Sunday afternoon at 4:15 PM ET.

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NFL Sportsbook Betting

Dallas Cowboys (5-10 SU, 6-9 ATS) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-5 SU, 7-8 ATS)

Live at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia, PA

Sunday, January 2 — 4:15 PM ET

TV: FOX

NFL Sportsbook Betting Odds: TBA

Here are some of the trends as they impact NFL sportsbook betting on this game:

• Dallas has lost 11 of its last 16 games SU
• Dallas has played its last 12 games OVER the total
• Dallas has played its last five road games OVER the total
• Philadelphia has played nine of its last eleven games OVER the total
• Philadelphia has won six of its last eight games SU
• Philadelphia has won four of its last five home games SU

Jerry Jones was not a happy camper after last week’s 27-26 loss to the Cardinals. Before the game he did an interview with the NFL Network which cast some doubt as to whether he was going to hire Jason Garrett on a full-time basis at the end of the season, citing that Garrett has not had a lot of experience as a head coach.

Then his team went out and got outplayed by a last-place team with a quarterback making his second NFL start, and they lost it in heart-breaking fashion, no less, as Arizona kicked a last-second field goal.

So I’m wondering, when we look at the dynamics surrounding the NFL sportsbook odds for this game, whether it’s something of a "must win" for Garrett. or rather, a "must not lose." Jones is going to weigh his options next week, and he may choose to "go big" with his next head coaching selection, looking to avoid the mediocrity that was Wade Phillips. hey, does David Buehler still have a job?

Here are the head-to-head NFL sportsbook betting trends that have a bearing on this game:

• Four of the last six meetings have gone OVER the total
• Dallas has won four of the last six meetings SU
• Philadelphia has won eight of the last 11 meetings SU as the home team
• Four of the last five meetings in Philadelphia have gone OVER the total
• Dallas has covered four of the last six meetings as the road team

Quarterbacks are going to be the story of this game, and part of the reason for that, I guess, is that we don’t quite know who they are yet. of course, that would be important to know, for the sake of sizing this up for NFL sportsbook betting.

We know what it looks like at the moment, though. Stephen McGee had to come into the game to relieve Jon Kitna, who injured his oblique muscle and has all but been ruled out of this game. McGee threw a clutch TD pass to Miles Austin late in the game on Saturday before the Cardinals’ comeback at the end.

He played at Texas A&M, where interestingly enough, he was benched in his senior season in favor of Jarrod Johnson.

The Eagles’ situation looks a little more clear. Michael Vick has a thigh bruise and is sitting out this game, so Kevin Kolb is getting the start. Of course, Kolb was the "quarterback of the future" who was going to be handed the job after the trade of Donovan McNabb, but he eventually lost his job to Vick.

This will be his fifth career start, and the purpose of it may be to showcase his talents for teams who might want to trade for him. What’s crucial to keep in mind, as we look at the NFL sportsbook odds, is that this game does not affect the Eagles’ position in the NFC playoff queue, so it may shape up a little more like a pre-season game for Kolb, in that he may not have all the starters around him for very long.

Conversely, I see a bit of a different scenario for the Cowboys, who from the coaching staff to the playing field, are probably auditioning to keep their jobs. That’s why I like Dallas in the NFL sportsbook betting for this game.

JAY’S PREDICTION: DALLAS BY 8

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Satisfy Your Tim Tebow Craving With These NFL Prop Bets

Tim Tebow has already received his very own, personalized brand of NFL prop bets for the 2011 betting season. I’m not even kidding. The Tebow sensation that’s been rocking the nation is ready for total NFL betting domination. Can you hang on to the edge of your seats?

Listen, I was one of the bigger critics of Tim Tebow, and there were justified signs that he didn’t really have the proper skills to be a reasonable NFL quarterback. His throwing motion was slow, inaccurate and never fully tested when he was at Florida. When Urban Meyer tried to protect Tebow by reducing his rushing yards, Florida’s season fell in to jeopardy and so they quickly reverted to using him as a passing fullback.

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Still there was writing on the wall that he could be good. People talked my ear off about Tim Tebow’s work ethic, his high moral character and the way players respond to him. I really didn’t care because mechanics are such an important part of the game, but that last little nugget has been a key to turning around the Denver Broncos.

Hell, the fans in Denver were vehemently chanting his name after he led a huge comeback against the Houston Texans last weekend. Listen, I think what Tebow did was pretty damn impressive but let’s keep in mind that he staged that come from behind win against the 29th ranked defense in terms of yards.

How he plays against the San Diego Chargers will be a much bigger indicator if he’s NFL ready. But I can’t ignore that he plays with a passion, and that the players do indeed get jacked up just by being around him. He’s like a poor man’s combination of Drew Brees’ articulate passion in speeches, a lesser Michael Vick with the body of JaMarcus Russell. So I have no idea how he’ll fare in the long run.

Which is why these 2011 NFL prop bets on Tim Tebow’s production are so fun to me. The man who was responsible for drafting him to Denver – Josh McDaniels – is no longer part of the team. You have to imagine that whomever gets the starting job in Denver won’t be stupid enough to piss off the fans by benching Tebow. The real question is whether or not he can do enough to keep that job in 2011.

He still has to get past Kyle Orton…for now.

How Many Games Will Tebow Start In 2011?

The interesting part here is that 4-to-5 games is actually the front runner at +120. We’ve seen Tebow play against two of the most hapless teams in the NFL sport betting. How will he do when he has to play Kansas City and San Diego twice next year? I have no idea but the fact that he’s favored to only start less than half the games next year is a telling sign.

Tim Tebow Total Passing TD’s In 2011 – 4.5 (OVER -135 / UNDER -105)

Let’s keep in mind that Jimmy Clausen, who was a far better rated passer than Tebow coming out of college, has managed to throw just 2 touchdowns in 11 games this year while ramping up 8 touchdowns before we head into the final weekend of the season.

Tim Tebow Total Rushing TD’s In 2011 – 5.5 (OVER -135 / UNDER -105)

Tebow is always at his best when he’s rushing the football which is why the OVER is such a tempting NFL prop bet. However, as he proved in the preseason when he was rocked by a Bengals safety, he may not be big enough to withstand the NFL’s brand of patented barbarism and violence. Can you imagine him running in to Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu? I mean if Peyton Hillis can’t survive hits from those guys, how will Tebow?

The Tim Tebow era has begun in the NFL, and the glory of betting on him goes beyond he Tim Tebow NFL prop bets in 2011. Whether or not he’s a viable starter for years to come is still very much up for debate, but right now the odds are against him…just like this weekend when Tebow hosts the San Diego Chargers in Week 17 NFL betting.

These are currently Tim Tebow’s NFL prop bets which you can be by clicking here!

Online NFL Sportsbook – Atlanta Will Definitely Not Cover Against Carolina

The Atlanta Falcons whiffed on a chance to secure the first seed in the NFC and are getting a monster line in Week 17 online NFL sportsbook betting because of it. This is a typical “first half throwdown” for the Falcons, who can still clinch that coveted top seed with a win in this game. And besides, Carolina has by and large been the worst team in terms of scoring.

Earlier in the week, I said not to trust Carolina because they can’t get in to the endzone but the more and more I research the playoff scenarios and draft-pick probabilities of both teams in this game, the more I like the Panthers in online NFL sportsbook betting.

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Part of it is that Jimmy Clausen is most definitely trying to save his job. As perhaps one of the worst quarterbacks in the league right now, Clausen has to prove to Carolina that he’s worth hanging on to so this team doesn’t make him irrelevant by taking Andrew Luck with the top pick in 2011. Clausen has just 1,376 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 8 interceptions this season making him much more of a Delhomme 2.0 than the fans had hoped.

Carolina Panthers (2-13) vs. Atlanta Falcons (12-3)

Sunday, January 2nd — Georgia Dome — 1:00pm EST

Online NFL Sportsbook Line: Atlanta -14.5 (41.0)

Atlanta has been a juggernaut this season and a win is virtually necessary to secure their home field advantage in the playoffs, which is pivotal to their success. The Falcons continue to be one of the best bets in football with a 10-5 ATS season record, but their value in Week 17 online NFL sportsbooks is derailed by the fact that Carolina won’t be able to stop them offensively or put up any points defensively.

That is, until the game is in hand and Mike Smith lets his young starters to take a rest. The way Atlanta plays, they need the rest more than most teams. They’re a punchy, grinding team that loves to wear people down. Matt Ryan needs a mental break and the last thing this team needs is Michael Turner putting more mileage on his body.

Don’t be surprised when Atlanta thunders out to a terrific start in this game, only to have Clausen try valiantly to keep his job with a startlingly explosive second half. This team loves head coach Jon Fox and will do whatever’s necessary to keep his job intact. A big showing by Carolina in the second half closes this number with a greasy backdoor cover in online NFL sportsbook betting.

Furious Online NFL Sportsbook Pick – Carolina +14.5 (UNDER)

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NFL Sportsbook – Dallas to Take on Depleted Eagles

Although the football Sportsbook has not set any lines for the Cowboys/Eagles tilt on Sunday, news out of Philadelphia is that Michael Vick will not play and that DeSean Jackson is unlikely to start. For Dallas, Jon Kitna may sit as well. Get your programs out folks – there is bound to be some names that you don’t recognize in this one.

DALLAS COWBOYS (5-10) vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-5)

Sunday, January 2, 4:15 PM ET

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Broadcast: FOX

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NFL Sportsbook Lines:

*** The NFL Sportsbook has not yet set the lines for this game ***

*** Be sure to check back to the BetOnline NFL Sportsbook for up-to-date Lines ***

The Dallas Cowboys laid an egg on Christmas Day and despite being an NFL Sportsbook seven point favorite over the Arizona Cardinals, they were unable to close the deal. Dallas is now 4-3 under Jason Garrett and they may be forced to go with Stephen McGee at quarterback on Sunday.

Dallas has a real chance to beat the Eagles this weekend with many of the Philadelphia Eagles sure to sit out. Their prospects are good until you consider just who may start under center for the Cowboys!

Dallas owns the 4th ranked passing game in the NFL (261.93 yards per game) but with McGee at pivot, expect the Cowboys 18th ranked running game to see more that its share of work. Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber will be expected to shoulder the offensive load against a Philadelphia defense that has only allowed 2 – 100+ yard rushers this season.

The Cowboys defense has been atrocious this year – it is a good thing that Mike Vick and DeSean Jackson will likely not be on the field on Sunday. Their 27th ranked pass D will have to worry about Kevin Kolb, who may just have himself a good game. The 14th ranked run defense will be busy as well – the Eagles are likely to remain conservative and call more runs than passes.

The Philadelphia Eagles have nothing to play for and it is obvious that the NFL Sportsbook has no idea what to make of this game. Mike Vick will rest with the Eagles locked in as the #3 seed in the NFC. Kevin Kolb will start and he likely won’t have DeSean Jackson to throw the ball to.

On offense and on defense, the Eagles will likely field a bunch of backups, making this a difficult game to handicap.

NFL Sportsbook Outlook:

The Dallas Cowboys are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games overall. They are 4-2 SU in their last six games against the Eagles but are just 3-8 SU in their last 11 trips to Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Eagles are 6-2 SU in their last eight games and are 4-1 SU in their last five at home. The eagles are 2-4 SU versus Dallas in their last six and are 1-4 ATS in t heir last five versus the Cowboys.

In a battle of the backups, it may all boil down to who has the better quarterback. Who do you like – Kevin Kolb of Stephen McGee? Me too! I don’t care how many Eagles rest – with Kolb running the offense, the Eagles will likely not be as affected as one would think. The lines aren’t out yet but I like the Eagles, no matter the Spread!

NFL Sportsbook Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

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NFL Sportsbook – Niners and Cardinals End Horrific 2010 Seasons

Things imploded for the NFC West hopeful San Francisco 49ers late in the season when Mike Singletary kyboshed their NFL sportsbook value by decimating the mental integrity of The Smiths. For the Arizona Cardinals, they couldn’t even get out of the gates without tripping over their own stupidity.

Coaching is such a huge part of the NFL and neither Singletary nor Ken Wisenhunt have proven to be viable personnel managers. Wisenhunt unceremoniously embarrassed and cut quarterback Matt Leinart at the beginning of the season, which would’ve been fine had he not then turned his attention to Derek Anderson, Max Hall and recently John Skelton.

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Still, at least Wisenhunt has a job. The Niners parted ways with Singletary after they were thrashed 17-25 against the St. Louis Rams in Week 16, and now the Niners will begin the long search for a new head coach.

What should be killing the Niners value is that this team has zero direction and they’ll also be without star linebacker Patrick Willis who has been integral to a defense that has been wholly unreliable in the NFL sportsbook. The Niners are just 5-10 ATS this season, and 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home when hosting the Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals (5-10) vs. San Francisco 49ers (5-10)

Sunday, January 2nd — Candlestick Park — 4:15pm EST

NFL Sportsbook Line: San Francisco -6.0 (38.5)

As misguided as the Cardinals have been, they at least have a semblance of the future. It’s no secret their defense needs plenty of help, and they could certainly use a better offensive line, but Skelton engineered a massive comeback against the Dallas Cowboys that showed he has the confidence and swagger this team has lacked as a whole.

When these teams last met, the Niners throttled the Cardinals on Monday Night Football in a virtual pick ‘em in the NFL sportsbook. Arizona had terrible defensive line problems that stemmed from injuries. If their matchup against Dallas proved anything, it’s that those injuries were a one-time only thing. You can count on the Arizona defense being much better.

And while I’ll murder Wisenhunt for not shoring up this team during Kurt Warner’s run at quarterback with a real backups, at the very least this team plays for him. San Francisco has been so misguided and unreliable on the whole that there’s no point in throwing money their way especially without their best player.

Talent not withstanding, the Niners are now two years removed from being a threat in the playoffs and until they find a head coach who can get the most out of this roster, they’re a stay-away in the NFL sportsbook this weekend and in the early part of the 2011 NFL season.

NFL Sportsbook Pick – Arizona +6.0

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Tennis Betting – Federer and Nadal on course for Abu Dhabi clash in final

Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are warming up their games at the Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championships Exhibition tournament this week, and as both have arrived into the final four, the scene is set for a potential dramatic showdown in the tournaments’ final movement between this pair. Of course, that is unless Robin Soderling and Tomas Berdych, respectively, have anything to say about it all.

BetOnline Sportsbook is taking action on this Exhibition event, despite the fact that the outcome of the tournament has no bearing on the season proper. There are no points up for grabs that is.

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Nevertheless, a tournament like this, at the very least, affords tennis bettors – eager for the new season – an opportunity to flex their wagering muscles and a preview of what they can expect from some of the best players in the game ahead of the fast-approaching Australian Open.

Here is the breakdown of the action on the two semi-final clashes already trading on the BetOnline books.

Tennis Betting Line: Rafael Nadal -450        Tomas Berdych     +275

First Set Line: Rafael Nadal   -350         Tomas Berdych     +225

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time (03:00 AM Pacific Time) Friday December 31, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Predictably, Nadal is the hot favourite to win outright listed at -450 for the match and at -350 to take the first set. Recommending the Spaniard is a favourable 9-3 head-to-head edge over Berdych, comprised of three wins on 2010 including the Wimbledon final.

Berdych has shown some good form this week in Abu Dhabi. He is after dispatching Marcos Baghdatis in the previous round in three sets. Although Berdych could have been more efficient in his win, he rallied eventually to send the Cypriot packing. That Berdych rallied is a positive sign altogether because the Czech can be suspect mentally.

In spite of the positives from Berdych, the edge goes significantly to Nadal and few bettors would consider betting against the Spaniard. This doesn’t mean Berdych can’t win. It just means that it’s more likely, than not, that he won’t. If he does put paid on this notion, then that would be quite the statement to make ahead of the 2011 season.

Tennis Free Picks: Nadal in straight sets -450

Tennis Betting Line: Robin Soderling     +225        Roger Federer     -350

First Set Line: Robin Soderling  +185         Roger Federer     -250 

Match Time: 06:00 AM Eastern Time (03:00 AM Pacific Time) Friday December 31, 2010

Tennis Betting Verdict: Robin Soderling is eager for a crack at Roger Federer ahead of the 2011 season. The big-hitting Swede is in the hunt for his first-ever grand slam title and a win over Federer would be a nice way to ring in the New Year and start what could potentially be a dream season. More than a few tennis fans fancy the Swede for major glory this season (although I remain on the sidelines on that score).

Soderling beat Federer at this event last year so he’d like nothing better to prove that wasn’t a fluke. Of course, he did get a win over Federer in 2010 at the French Open when he dispatched the then defending champion in the quarterfinals en route to a second straight runner-up finish.

However, Soderling remains at a significant head-to-head disadvantage with Federer. He trails a whopping 1-15 to the Swiss maestro, which includes a 1-3 mark on 2010. And given that Federer picked up his game in the tail end of the 2010 season and is after winning the Barclay’s World Tour  Finals –where he handed Soderling his third loss on 2010 – one has to give Fed the overwhelming edge.

 Tennis Free Picks: Federer in straight sets -350

UFC 125 – Bet on Gomi vs Guida

The UFC betting is back in Las Vegas Nevada for its annual New Year’s Eve show at UFC125. The main event features a lightweight title fight between Champion Frankie Edgar and the only man ever to defeat him, Gray Maynard.

But when the pay-per-view kicks off we’re treated to another lightweight battle that has fight of the night written all over it, when Clay “The Carpenter” Guida takes on Taknori “Fireball” Gomi.

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The UFC odds makers have Clay Guida as the -150 favorite. A straight up bet on the underdog Gomi will pay bettors +120 on the moneyline.

UFC125 Betting Odds

January 1, 2011

Takanori Gomi +120

Clay Guida -150

Lightweight 3 rounds

Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Game Time: 10:00pm

TV: PPV

Both fighters are coming into this fight on a high note. Gomi knocked out Tyson Griffin at the August 1 UFC Live show and Guida is on a two fight win streak, his last a dominating submission victory over rising star Rafael dos Anjos.

Gomi was a legend in Japan, he was widely considered the top lightweight in the world just a few years ago. However since starting his MMA career 29-3, he’s gone 3 and 3 in his last 6. When he made his debut in the UFC against Kenny Florian, Gomi wasn’t active and he lacked the explosive striking that made him famous. He tapped out with just over two minutes remaining in the fight.

He bounced back in the aforementioned Griffin Fight by knocking out the wrestling at just 1:04 of the first round. He’s a legend still capable of a devastating KO but it remains to be seen whether he’s rediscovered his striking or if this is just another blip on a career heading south.

Clay Guida is the underdog that fans love, although he’s not the dog here, before winning his last two his fight record was sub .500 in the UFC. He’ll lose as much as he’ll win but his active fighting style has endured him to fans. He’s defeated the likes of Nate Diaz and Mac Danzig but when the competition steps up a level, Guida puts on a hell of a show but loses in the end.

He’s switched gyms and now trains with Jackson’s MMA. Greg Jackson is one of the best trainers in the UFC sports betting so if anyone can get Guida over the hump it will be Jackson.

I like Gomi in this fight, travel from Japan to the US is much harder for fighters than going the other way. It’s part of the reason most Japanese fighters lose their debuts in the UFC. I think Gomi will have adjusted his schedule to deal with any lag issues and Guida’s manic style will leave him open to a Gomi combo. Take Gomi and the plus money.

UFC 125 Pick: Takanori Gomi +120

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NHL Odds – Western Conference Heavyweights San Jose and Chicago Thursday

NHL Betting Odds are that the Chicago Blackhawks did something to upset the injury bug. After fielding their “A Team” for just one game, the Hawks sustained yet another injury to one of their superstars. Kane and Hossa are back but Chicago will be forced to play against San Jose minus second leading scorer Jonathan Toews.

San Jose Sharks at Chicago Blackhawks

8:30 PM ET, Thursday, December 30, 2010

United Center, Chicago, Illinois

Broadcast: CSN-CA (HD), CSN-CH (HD)

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NHL Odds:

San Jose: +1 ½ (-250)

Chicago: -1 ½ (+210)

Moneyline: San Jose +120: Chicago -140

Total: 5 ½ goals

The San Jose Sharks have been on a bit of an NHL Odds roller coaster the last couple of weeks. Before Christmas they looked invincible but in the two games post-break, they have looked like anything but Western Conference Big Shots. They have been outscored 9-3 in the two games after Christmas.

San Jose has somehow slipped to 12th in the NHL Offensively, scoring 2.9 goals per game. However, the big names on the Sharks have finally started to heat up after a 10 game stretch in which they were virtually absent. Joe Thornton has five points in his last three games, Patrick Marleau has four points in three and Ryan Clowe has continued his strong play with 13 points in his last 12 games.

Defensively, the Sharks have remained just an average team. They are 14th in the NHL in goals against (2.8 per game). Antti Niemi, who has won both meetings this season with his former club, will likely get the start in goal Thursday night. He is just 7-9-2 this season with a 2.44 goals against average.

The Chicago Blackhawks were happy to see Kane and Hossa back on the ice but NHL Odds NHL Odds are that they were looking to make a strong run with their full roster in tow. Second leading scorer Jonathan Toews’ shoulder injury will keep him out and seriously affect Chicago’s 7th ranked offense (3.1 goals per game). Names like Troy Brouwer (two points in two games), Bryan Bickell (10 points in 10 games) and Patrick Sharp (four points in four games) will have to continue to contribute as they have been.

Marty Turco will likely be in goal for the third straight game with Corey Crawford suffering flu-like symptoms. Turco has been decent of last but in his last eight games is just 2-5-1 with a 3.24 goals against average.

NHL Odds Outlook:

The San Jose Sharks are just 3-9 in the last 12 games against Chicago and are 10-7 on the road this season. The Chicago Blackhawks are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and are just 8-6-3 at home this season.

The San Jose Sharks have been playing some bad hockey in the last week but a good team always bounces back. The coaches and the players of San Jose have started publicly that they are not happy with their recent play. I think they bounce back Thursday and rally behind former Hawks goaltender Antti Niemi. Niemi has been in goal for both of San Jose’s wins over Chicago this season. It is hard to imagine Niemi and Turco not letting in a few goals as well.

NHL Odds Pick: San Jose Sharks +120 and the Over

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NHL Betting Tips – Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Columbus Blue Jackets aim to end a seven-game road skid at the expense of a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. Surely, if the Maple Leafs are jittery tonight, as they have been for most of this season, the Blue Jackets should finally be able to stop the slide. Then again, the Leafs have been showing some positive signs of late – might they punch above their weight class?

Here is a look at the hockey betting market rolled out on this game, complete with an analysis and free pick.

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NHL Betting Line:

Columbus Blue Jackets +1½  -290   +100   5½  O -105   U -115    2½  O -130   U -110  

Toronto Maple Leafs  -1½  +240   -120   5½  O -105   U -115    2½  O -155   U +115 

Match Time: 07:05 PM Eastern Time (04:05 PM Pacific Time) Thursday December 30, 2010

NHL Betting Verdict: The Blue Jackets (18-15-3) descend on Toronto tonight to take on the Maple Leafs (13-18-4) that continue to deal with what are seemingly never-ending woes.

As things  currently stand, the Leafs are at the bottom of the Northeast Division, 14 points behind divisional leaders Boston Bruins. Indeed, given their woebegone form and numerous missteps, it’s not surprising that they are dwelling in the cellar.

They are after a recent defeat –albeit narrow— 4-3 at home to Carolina Hurricanes. The defeat marked their second home defeat in a row and fifth overall in seven home games up to this point in December. To say the Leafs (8-8-3 at home) are desperate for a home win would be a gross understatement.

The Blue Jackets are 8-6-2 on the road but this mark is threatened by their recent dip in form that stands at 3-5-2 in their last ten games. They are after a win, a home win over Minnesota Wild; but it was of the by-the-skin-of-their-teeth variety, as they beat the Wild in the shootout 4-3, that leaves something to be desired.

Certainly, it’s good that they did get that win under their belts. But is it enough to buoy their spirits and send them into this game with any optimism?

While the Blue Jackets are aware of the Leafs’ woes this season (who isn’t) this will be their first look at them, one of the East’s worst offerings this season. Of course, it’s not as if the Blue Jackets are faring any better in their Conference either. Or, I might add, on any formidable form ahead of this clash that would have the Leafs quaking in their skates.

All this makes this a bit of a tossup game. Anything can happen. Accordingly, the market is modest, befitting a first-clash on the season where the home side is given the slight edge over the visiting team.

Those looking to back Toronto can find them listed at -120 to win outright. Now, there is little by way of recent form to recommend such a play – they are 4-6-0 in their last ten –  however the Leafs showed fightback in their last game, against the Hurricanes, and will be feeling cheated by the end result when a late third period goal by the Hurricanes went unanswered. Whereas the Blue Jackets (tipped at +110 to win) were lucky to take the win over Minnesota – let’s face it – when they allowed a goal lead to slip through their fingers in the third period only to go through the overtime motions before finally coming out on top in the shootout.

NHL Free Picks: Toronto Maple Leafs -120 | Over 5 ½ -105

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