Celebrity Deathmatch NFL Edition

Celebrity DeathMatch Sports Edition
By: Jeremy Shin

Manny Pacquiao’s next fight won’t be against Floyd Mayweather. No surprise there. Disappointed fight fans can find refuge in the revival of iconic 1990s MTV reality show Celebrity Deathmatch (sponsored by none other than Coopers Sports Picks). The revamped version of Celebrity Deathmatch cleverly exploits the recent rash of brawls between teammates by matching squabbling athletes and coaches against each other in a nationally televised battle royale.

Let’s take a look at the under card:
Terrell Owens versus Chad OchoCinco

Venue: A blood-stained UFC Octagan

Celebrity

Deathmatch: NFL Edition

Opening Favorite: Draw (-1000)
Analysis: No need to enlist the services of Bob Arum here. These athletes (self) promote themselves. HBO 24/7 producers will be licking their chops at the opportunity to film T.O. doing crunches in his driveway while Ochocinco eagerly choreographs victory dances instead of actually training for the fight.
The blood on the Octagan will have to be applied from leftover Halloween makeup prior to the fight. Has anyone noticed the UFC finally started mopping up the blood on the floor between fights? Dana White has officially sold out.
Prediction: The pre-fight smack talk will easily outshine the actual fight, which will likely feature both divas endlessly circling each other while firing verbal jabs about who has better individual statistics. Rumor has it producers will allow both men to wield pillows in a futile attempt to encourage them to actually engage each other in combat.

The Pick: Take the draw to the bank.

2. Donovan McNabb versus the Shanahans

Venue: Mile High Stadium
Opening Favorite: McNabb (-225)
Analysis: The NFL is the only league where you can get a $78 million dollar raise one week then get axed the next. Shanahan claims it’s not personal but fails to realize that getting benched for Rex Grossman is always personal no matter how you spin it.

The elder Shanahan was smart in demanding a high altitude venue: McNabb is has suspect cardio (T.O. will vouch for this). Shanahan will also have the support of the masses in Denver. Still, this matchup comes down to which side has the superior corner. Even with son Kyle Shanahan backing him up, the smart money is on McNabb because rumor has is it that he’s been training with his agent, Fletcher Smith. If anyone knows how to overcome the odds with low blows and backstabbing tactics, it’s an NFL agent. Also, Momma McNabb will provide replenishing cans of Campbell’s Chunky soup for her son between rounds.
The Pick: McNabb, if he can finish it in the early. Take the Shanahans if you think it’s going past three quarters.

3. Shaq versus Kobe

Venue: The Forum
Opening Favorite: Shaq (-175)
OK, this isn’t an NFL matchup but had to thrown it in for nostalgia. No one is buying the pre-orchestrated truce Kobe and Shaq staged in Phoenix at the 2009 All-Star game. Everyone knows David Stern/Tim Donaghy rigged that one, too.
What about Shaq’s congratulatory tweet to Kobe after he won his first ring without the big fella? I redirect you here.
The bad blood still simmers, and it’s finally time to settle the score.
Analysis: Please refrain from calling this a David vs. Goliath matchup. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Goliath never conducted the Bethlehem Philharmonic (cut to the 2:50 mark here to see The Big Aristotle conduct Queen’s We Are the Champions.)
Kobe’s giving up seven inches and 120lbs to Shaq, so he’s going to really have to morph into his moniker, the Black Mamba, and pick his spots wisely here. Shaq is the more experienced gladiator of the two, having dropped gloves with the likes of Greg Ostertag and Sir Charles throughout his career. Kobe’s lone melee was with the lesser known Raja Bell, whom he challenged to a battle in the Octagan during a post-game press conference. Sadly, the fight never materialized after Bryant refused to relinquish top billing despite his lopsided 90-10 cut of the fight purse. Typical Kobe.



The Pick: Bet the mortgage on Shaq Diesel.
An impressive undercard pales in comparison to the main event, headlined by the one and only Brett Favre. Much like Maximus, Favre has proven to be unstoppable in traditional 1v1 or 2v1 hand-to-hand combat. Organizers couldn’t secure the proper permits to have Favre face a horde of lions so they settled for…
Brett Favre versus the rest of the Minnesota Vikings
The Venue: The Collapsed Metrodome

Opening Favorite: The Vikings (-20000)
Favre’s teammates did little to hide their disdain for him during their week 15 loss to the Bears: not a single Viking so much as offered him an oar to help him back to his feet as their concussed quarterback laid motionless on the turf. Favre eventually wobbled to his feet and limped to the sideline on his own but the play further reinforced the fact that Brett is far from a locker room favorite. Even the trainer kept whacking him in the back of the head with his clipboard during mid-week concussion tests.
Given Favre’s current status, his only hope is that either the Vikes are rendered immobile by waist deep snow inside the Metrodome or they spot Brad Childress in the stands and go for him instead. Expect Brett to graciously congratulate the Vikes after they force feed him five pounds of yellow snow by urging them to “go beat the Packers.”

The Pick: The Vikings are laying some heavy chalk and facing the fury of Mother Nature, but a season’s worth of pent up frustration and the opportunity to sucker punch Favre will be the difference here.

Sidenote: Roger Goodell released a statement explaining the NFL couldn’t go beyond fining Favre 50K because there was of a lack of “forensic evidence” linking Brett to a cell phone picture allegedly featuring his, um, “equipment.” Can’t help but snicker when picturing Goodell sitting through a powerpoint slide presentation in his Park Avenue corporate office while forensic scientists break down the probability that a grainy cell phone picture of genitalia belongs to Favre. It’s doubtful Favre would’ve accepted an invitation to come in and offer a live comparison: the 50K fine is .03% of his $16 million salary this season. If you’re an average Joe making 50K a year, that’s equivalent to a $152 fine. Not exactly worth the embarrassment of flashing a roomful of strangers.
A quick injury note: Favre is questionable for this matchup with a fractured ankle, lacerated chin, and the sniffles. Stay tuned for minute-by-minute updates on his status for the next seventeen weeks.

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Green Bay Packers vs Patriots Pick

The Cheese heads in Green Bay face off against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this Sunday night at 8:20 live on NBC. The pats have been on fire and as usual Brady is appearing as Most Valuable Player in all likeliness. It sucks for the Pack that their star quarterback is hurt with a concussion but if you had followed our arbitrage parlay card pick you would be celebrating now with all of the money you are about to make tonight.


The Live NFL spread is avaialable and changing rapidly here at Coopers Pick. So check with your bookie before you place your wager.

Green Bay has a solid defense and will hope to win the game with that side since Rogers being out will certainly put a ton of pressure on back up qb Matthew Flynn.

The NFC playoff scenario looks like this: if the Pack lose tonight & the Chicago Bears win tomorrow against the Vikings then Chicago takes the NFC North.

The Pats come into tonights game with the leagues best record of 11-2 along with the best offense in the leauge. In the last 6 games they've averaged about 40 ppg. Tom B. has 18 td's in his last 10 games and when he plays at home he doesnt lose since he is 26-0 and have only lost to 1 NF team in their last 22 games.

The current over under stats against the spread are that the under has hit 7-0 in the Packers last seven away games. The Over is 6-1 in the Patriots last seven home games. The Over is 13-3 in the Patriots last 16 games overall.

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Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys, -3.5, 50.5

The Cowboys are 1-5 at home this year, but at the moment should be undefeated under Jason Garrett with the costly fumble against the Saints. With the serious injuries to the Cowboys right now; Jason Witten has an ankle injury, their top two cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick [with concussion] and Mike Jenkins [knee injury] are banged up and Marion Barber has a calf injury and on top of that, the most important injury would be the season ending ankle injury to Dez Bryant that will probably hurt the most in the long term.

With the Eagles last game being last Thursday, Philly has had 10 days to prepare for a Dallas team without their most explosive player in Dez and we all know how good Andy Reid is when you give him a full 10 days to not only prepare for a team, but rest his players as well. Asante Samuel and Juqua Parker will both be available and healthy for this game, which will give a serious boost to the Eagles defense.

The Cowboys have won 3 in a row versus Philly and 4 of their last 5, but this time, the Eagles will turn the page. These two teams have yet to play this year and the Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in December, there is simply too much explosiveness on this Eagles offense to be stopped by an injured Cowboys defense right now.

In Michael Vick’s career versus Dallas, he has thrown 5 TD/ 1 INT and has a 2:1 TD to INT ratio on the road in his career as well; take Andy Reid and the Eagles with 10 days rest against the banged up Cowboys.

Oakland Raiders Jaguars NFL Pick

Oakland Raiders (6-6) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)

NFL Point Spread: Jaguars -4 O/U 43

By: Barrett Kazmerzack of Coopers Pick CALL NOW 1-888-730-COOP

The Raiders got back in the playoff picture with an impressive 28-13 win over the
San Diego Chargers last week. They will be facing a Jaguars squad that has won
4 of their last 5 games and is in first place in the AFC South with a slim 1 game
lead over the Indianapolis Colts. The Jags looked stellar on defense last week in
their 17-6 win over the Titans. Can either team play any rushing defense in this
game? That is the big question and the team that can do it has a great chance to
win.

QB David Garrard leads the Jaguars, but they only have the league’s 29th
ranked passing attack and running the ball is their strength. In their last 5 games
Jacksonville has averaged 184.8 rushing yards per game and RB Maurice
Jones-Drew has 5 straight 100+ yard games, which is the longest streak in the
league. That is not good for the Raiders, who are legit at defending the pass
ranking 9th in the league, but weak at defending the run ranking 23rd. However,
in their last game they held the Chargers to only 21 rushing yards, but will face a
stiffer test this Sunday against the Jags. If Oakland can contain Jones and force
Garrard to air it out they have a chance to win this road game.

In the win over the Chargers last week the Raiders rushed for 251 yards and the
RB duo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush combined to rush for 192 yards.
They will be facing a Jacksonville rushing defense that ranks 17th in the league
and last week held Titans’ RB Chris Johnson to only 53 yards on the ground.

The Jags have been torched through the air this season having the league’s
27th ranked passing offense. Oakland QB Jason Campbell will get the start this
weekend and his season has been up and down. In the win over the Chargers he
was only 10/16 for 117 yards with 1 TD, but he did not have to air it out since the
Raiders’ rushing attack could not be stopped. Much like the Oakland defense the
Jacksonville D has to defend the run well and force the Raiders to win through
the air.

The Jags have to play good special teams’ defense, as the Raiders have 5 kick
return TD’s.

The Raiders may have to keep this a low scoring game, as the Jaguars are 12-1
in the last 2 seasons then they score over 20 points.

This season the Raiders are 7-5 ATS and the Jaguars are 8-4 ATS. In a couple
of interesting betting trends for this game Jacksonville is 0-7 ATS in their last 7
games as a home favorite of 3.5-10 and Oakland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
as a road underdog.

Oakland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games and Jacksonville is 7-15 in their
last 22 home games.

Free Pick: I don’t think either team will play much run defense, but I do think Jason
Campbell will have a good game and that will be the difference. The Raiders will
win this game in an upset and move above .500 for the season.

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San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers, -9, 41

When the 49ers travel to Lambeau Field to play the Packers on Sunday, they will be trying to get their first win in Wisconsin in around 15 years. The 49ers task will get a little bit harder without their top running back for the rest of the season in Frank Gore, he fractured his right hip at the beginning of the Monday Night Football game last week against the Cardinals. San Francisco will be relying on Brian Westbrook and Anthony Dixon to carry the load against on of the stingiest run defenses in football led by linebacker Clay Matthews. The Packers are currently scoring 7.5 more points a game than San Francisco and allowing 5.5 points less; to me, that is a great formula for victory.

Before the 49ers win in Arizona on Monday Night Football, San Francisco was 0-3 on the road and 0-3 ATS, I simply do not see San Francisco coming out and showing the same type of performance in Green Bay in back-to-back weeks. Green Bay is 6-1 against the spread against the 49ers in their last 7 meetings in Lambeau and with Troy Smith and the Westbrook/Dixon combination, I do not think the 49ers offense will be enough to match the onslaught Aaron Rodgers will put on the Niners defense after getting slowed down by the Falcons last week. Aaron Rodgers has thrown 40 career touchdowns at home in his career and threw for 344 yards, 2 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his only game versus San Francisco. The smart lean in this matchup is with Green Bay to overwhelm the reeling 49ers.

Seymours Bad Ass Hit on Ben Roethliserger

In case you missed it because it was probably one of the more boring games for the decade when the Steelers blew out the Oakland Raiders on Sunday you might have missed the amazing and costly hit that Richard Seymour delivered to the quarterback with 1:26 left to go in the first half being down already a whopping 17 points 20-3. None the less enjoy the video and check out our live NFL odds for this football betting week!

Oh and did I mention the hit cost the little guy $25,000.00.... thats one expensive pimp slapping:




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Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins

Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins
Thursday, 8:20 pm Eastern – NFL Network

The Miami Dolphins are down to their third string quarterback but they are still favored at home on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears. The Dolphins lost Chad Pennington and Chad Henne to injuries last week and both are out. Pennington is out for the NFL betting season while the prognosis on Henne is up in the air. Third string quarterback Tyler Thigpen came in last week and played well in Miami’s win over Tennessee and he will get the start on Thursday night.

Miami is a 1 point favorite with a total of 39.5 at SBG Global.

The Dolphins were not getting much out of Henne at the quarterback position anyway so Thigpen may not be any worse. Pennington was given the starting job but his return lasted just two plays before he was knocked out with an injury that probably will end his career. Thigpen is not your average third-string quarterback. He started a couple of years ago for the Chiefs and he has some talent. He went 4 for 6 for 64 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano in last week’s win. The victory was huge for Miami as it got them above the .500 mark. Now they need to beat the Bears to put themselves in a position to challenge for a playoff spot.

Chicago comes into the NFL betting game tied for the NFC North lead at 6-3. The Bears are second in the league in scoring defense and first in turnovers. Their defense throttled Minnesota last week in a 27-13 win. Even the Chicago offense played well last week as they gained 360 yards.

This will be the first meeting between the Bears and Dolphins since 2006 when Miami went into Soldier Field and won 31-13. Here are more football betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Bears are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games as a road underdog. The Dolphins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Dolphins are 6-25 ATS in their last 31 games as a home favorite

The Under is 6-1 in the Bears last 7 games overall. The Under is 6-2 in the Bears last 8 road games. The Over is 10-1-1 in the Dolphins last 12 home games. The Under is 11-5 in the Dolphins last 16 games in November.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins MNF

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Monday, 8:35 pm Eastern – ESPN

NFC East rivals meet on Monday night as the Washington Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins had a bye last week which allowed them to put some of the controversy regarding Donovan McNabb’s benching behind them while the Eagles beat Indianapolis 26-24. The Eagles are looking like a Super Bowl contender with Michael Vick at quarterback while the Redskins could be ready to come apart if they lose this game.

Philadelphia is a 3 point favorite with a total of 42.5 at SBG Global.

The Redskins were able to beat the Eagles in their first matchup this NFL betting season by a score of 17-12 as Donovan McNabb got some revenge against his old team even though he didn’t play that well. Vick was hurt in that last meeting but since coming back from that injury he has looked good. The Philadelphia offense looks explosive with DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy providing excellent options. Vick is leading the NFL with a 105.3 passer rating as he has thrown seven TD passes this year with no interceptions.

Washington will look to run the ball on Monday night. Ryan Torain is expected back and he had a very good game in the first meeting against the Eagles. When the Redskins win it is a low scoring game as all four of their wins saw them score 17 points or less and still win. When the game is high scoring the Redskins lose. It is possible that Washington head coach Mike Shanahan knows something because McNabb has the lowest passer rating since he was a rookie.

Philadelphia has done well at Washington, winning eight of their last ten. Here are more football betting stats for Monday’s game. The Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Monday games. The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a road favorite. The Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC East.

The Redskins are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog. The Redskins are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Redskins are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 home games. The Redskins are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Monday games.

The Over is 4-0 in the Eagles last 4 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Eagles last 5 road games. The Under is 7-3-1 in the Redskins last 11 Monday games. The Under is 13-6 in the Redskins last 19 home games. The Under is 5-2-2 in the last 9 meetings between the two teams in Washington.

Is Roddy White the best wideout in Football

If you look at the top of the current NFL receiving charts in both catches and yards, you will find the same name: Roddy White.

Perhaps that does not come as an absolute shocker, but the amazing thing is that White has room to spare atop both categories. The Atlanta Falcons Pro-Bowler has 54 receptions, nine more than both Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne, who are tied for second. White’s 747 yards put him 38 ahead of Brandon Lloyd and at least 145 clear any other player at his position.

White cemented his status as an elite receiver—if not the elite receiver—last Sunday at the Georgia Dome. And he did it with Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (who were jabbering and jabbering the entire week leading up to the game) on the other sideline. White hauled in 11 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns while making a one-handed grab, a juggling catch for a 43-yard score, and a leaping snag for a two-point conversion.

Just how good was White on Sunday? Well, let’s just say that Ochocinco (108 yards, one touchdown) and Owens (88 yards, one touchdown) both had big days and their combined numbers just about matched White.

White, who is never shy of talking himself, would have no best-receiver-in-the-league talk during interviews after the win over Cincinnati. But he took the bait without hesitation in an interview with the NFL network on Wednesday.

He was asked where he ranks on the NFL's list of best receivers.

Some tidbits from that interview: "I'm probably right now No. 1 in the league. I'm probably the best receiver in the NFL right now the way I am playing."

Maybe—maybe—Ochocinco and Owens could somehow come up with an argument to suggest otherwise. But there’s no argument here.

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Football Strategy Why the Cowboys went for it

I'm going to try this one more time. I created another thread on this topic but I realize that my original post might not have been as clear as it should have been. It was my fault because I included too much math and made it confusing.

This is an important point and I think you'll see football in a whole new light if you get it. Similar situations pop up a lot and about 95% of the time the coach gets them wrong.

Dallas was down by 18 and on the 6 yard line with 12 minutes to play. Nearly all coaches would have kicked the field goal in that situation. Phillips went for it. The announcers couldn't contain themselves talking about how stupid he was. 15 points is two scores. 11 points is two scores. You should in no circumstances ever risk being down three scores when you could be down only two. The number of times you need to score from here until the end of the game is the only thing that matters.

Phillips was right. They were wrong. I'm going to explain why. Hopefully, I'll be clearer this time.

I think most people agree that there was really only one way to win involving the field goal.

Kick the FG
Hold NY scoreless
Score 2 TDs
Convert 2 pt Conversion
Win in OT

Do all of that and you win. Miss a single piece of it and you lose.

If Dallas went for the touchdown, their path to victory would be:

Make the Touchdown
Hold NY Scoreless
Score 2 TDs

Compare the two options and you see that "Score 2 TDs" and "Hold NY Scoreless" are in both of them. Is there any particular reason to think that in either case, it is more likely that you'll be able to make 2 TDs and hold NY scoreless just because you kicked or went? Not really. Obviously, doing this is unlikely, but its unlikely whether you go for it or not. Whatever probability you want to assign to this, you need to assign it to both scenarios. Since the probability is the same, you can just remove it from the equation.

So ultimately the decision comes down to

Make the touchdown or Kick the FG + Convert the 2 point conversion + Win in OT

Sports bettors should recognize this scenario. Wade Phillips was basically offered a choice between a straight bet and a teaser. One low probability event vs having to complete all 3 higher probability events. You can go ahead and place your own probabilities in there but I think you'll see that the teaser was the wrong choice.

But the analysis doesn't end there. Both of those scenarios involve making both TDs and holding NY scoreless. There was no realistic way that Dallas could have won without doing this if they kicked. There are several ways Dallas could have still won the game even without 2 more TDs and holding NY scoreless if they got the initial TD. They could have won in OT with two TDs and a NY field goal. They could have won in OT with one TD, a 2 point conversion and a field goal.

When you add these scenarios back in to the straight bet, the teaser that Wade Phillips was offered became even less attractive.

I'm sure some of you won't get this. Some will just throw up their hands and say "two scores is always better than 3". Some just don't want to accept that 95% of coaches routinely make the wrong decision. The crowd can't be wrong. The one guy that goes against it must be. But others might get it. If you look closely at what I'm saying and you aren't instantly dismissive, I think you'll eventually come around.

I know its counter intuitive but you'll gain a whole new understanding of football strategy if you really think about it.

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Week 7 NFL Picks: Every Dog Has His Day

Week 7 NFL Pick: Every Dog Has His Day

By: Jeremy "Puckhead" Shin

Betting the NFL last season was a chalk bettor’s dream come true. Double-digit road favorites covered like they were playing the Washington Generals every weekend. Seasoned bettors fully expected the books to adjust their opening lines and destroy the public the second half of the season. It never happened.

This season is different. Underdogs are 54-31-9 through six weeks, and double-digit road spreads on the road are rarer than a millionaire at a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Eleven out of fourteen games in the NFL were decided by a touchdown or less this past weekend. Six were by a field goal or less.

Parity is back in the NFL. Adjust your betting card accordingly.
Underdogs worth wagering this week:

CAROLINA PANTHERS (+3) vs San Francisco 49ers
PICK: CAROLINA

CAROLINA: There’s no sugarcoating Carolina’s early struggles: the Panthers will finish in the cellar of the stellar NFL South this season. Still, getting three points is a gift here. Home team coming off a bye playing a west coast team in an early game always has great value. The good news is that Steve Smith is back this week. The two-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will keep the Panthers competitive in what will likely be a punt-a-thon decided by field position. Turnovers will be key in this game and having Matt Moore back at QB instead of rookie Jimmy Clausen is a plus in that department.

SF: Mike Singletary has given his team fire with his unbridled passion but what he hasn’t done is give them a competent offense. San Fran has weapons on offense but lacks a QB to execute and consistently get them the ball. Anyone who’s watched Alex Smith this season knows he consistently misses throws on crucial third downs. It doesn’t matter what defense Smith is facing if he can’t execute a simple 5-yard hitch or slant. It almost makes sense to drop back in coverage and let him make a mistake rather than send a pass rush the way he’s playing. Bottom line is that Frank Gore can’t do it by himself. The Niners D is legit but this team needs Alex Smith to put it together to have any shot of winning on the road. Don’t count on it.
Minnesota Vikings (+3) at Green Bay Packers
PICK: MINNESOTA

GREEN BAY: Betting against the Pack in Lambeau has always been a big no-no. Don’t be afraid to fade them at home because this is nowhere near the same team that was undefeated and 4-1 Superbowl favorites a month ago. Since then, their injury report has grown longer than the Starr Report. The biggest loss is TE Jermichael Finley who was on his way to becoming the next Antonio Gates before he went down for the season with a torn meniscus. The offense has sputtered without Finley and RB Ryan Grant (also out for the season), averaging 15.5 points during their downward spiral back to .500. The D took another blow when they lost the perennially reliable Nick Collins to a broken wrist. Add that to losing half their secondary (Al Harris, Atari Bigby) and this team barely resembles the Packers who stormed out of the gates as legit Superbowl contenders.

MINNESOTA : Forget the tiresome Favre theatrics surrounding this game. The key to this game is getting pressure on Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota DL still excels in this category (2nd in the league with 21 sacks). Rodgers needs to have a big day against a Minny pass defense (3rd in the NFL) has been solid all season long. Jared Allen and the Williams wall won’t make it easy for him.

On the other side of the ball, Green Bay is a team that Randy Moss has consistently shown up against throughout his career. Expect the Vikings to test the wounded Packer secondary early and find Moss for an early score. This offense simply has too many weapons to continue struggling. If they can get in a rhythm and build a lead in the first half, pounding Adrian Peterson in the second half will earn them a crucial division victory and put them back in the playoff picture.

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AFC Division Standings 2010 Season

East Division W L T Pct. PF PA Home Away Div Conf
NY Jets 4 1 0 .800 135 81 2-1 2-0 3-0 3-1
New England 3 1 0 .750 131 96 2-0 1-1 2-1 3-1
Miami 2 2 0 .500 66 92 0-2 2-0 1-2 1-2
Buffalo 0 5 0 .000 87 161 0-3 0-2 0-3 0-4

North Division W L T Pct. PF PA Home Away Div Conf
Baltimore 4 1 0 .800 92 72 2-0 2-1 2-1 4-1
Pittsburgh 3 1 0 .750 86 50 1-1 2-0 0-1 1-1
Cincinnati 2 3 0 .400 100 102 1-1 1-2 1-1 1-2
Cleveland 1 4 0 .200 78 97 1-2 0-2 1-1 1-2

South Division W L T Pct. PF PA Home Away Div Conf
Jacksonville 3 2 0 .600 107 137 2-1 1-1 1-0 3-1
Houston 3 2 0 .600 118 136 1-2 2-0 1-0 2-0
Indianapolis 3 2 0 .600 136 101 2-0 1-2 0-2 2-2
Tennessee 3 2 0 .600 132 95 1-2 2-0 0-0 1-2

West Division W L T Pct. PF PA Home Away Div Conf
Kansas City 3 1 0 .750 77 57 2-0 1-1 1-0 2-1
Oakland 2 3 0 .400 111 134 2-1 0-2 1-0 1-2
Denver 2 3 0 .400 104 116 1-1 1-2 0-0 1-3
San Diego 2 3 0 .400 140 106 2-0 0-3 0-2 1-2

Free Weekly NFL Picks

Since Coopers Pick is in a generous mood we are giving out some of our smaller unit plays to complement our big winners that make you the real money when it comes to NFL Picks. Also be on the lookout this week for our Live Week 4 NFL Betting odds.

10/3/10 Seattle Seahawks @ St Louis Rams 1:00 EST

The Seahawks are two different teams when they are playing at home versus playing on the road. At home, they can beat almost anybody but when they are on the road, they look at times like they forgot how to play the game of football. St Louis is a rising team filled with lots of young talent. After beating a quality team in Washington last week, they proved that they are no longer every team‘s punching bag. Look for St. Louis to continue their momentum by getting another big win against a Seattle team that can’t play effectively when they are away from their 12th man security blanket.

The Profit Play: St Louis Rams +1

10/3/10 Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 EST

Baltimore has been one of the most hyped teams this year, and they have yet to live up to the expectations. Last week, their defense really struggled against Cleveland as they were unable to stop the run, surrendering 144 yards to Payton Hillis. This is a bad sign for Baltimore as Pittsburgh’s offense exploded against a very strong TB defense last week.

Pitt’s defense has simply been amazing thus far this season, and we expect them to shut down Baltimore‘s offense which could be without RB Ray Rice this week.

The Profit Play: Pittsburgh Steelers -1

Week 3 Against the spread NFL standings

2010 Pro Football Team Report Sorted by Team
Straight UP ATS Totals Scoring
Team #G SU Win % ATS Win % Units O/U/P Over % Under % PF PA
ARIZONA 3 2-1 66.7% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 16.0 25.7
ATLANTA 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 25.7 15.3
BALTIMORE 3 2-1 66.7% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 14.7 13.7
BUFFALO 3 0-3 0.0% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 15.7 29.0
CAROLINA 3 0-3 0.0% 0-3-0 0.00% -3.3 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 10.7 23.7
CHICAGO 2 2-0 100.0% 1-1-0 50.00% -0.1 1-1-0 50.0% 50.0% 23.0 17.0
CINCINNATI 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 19.7 18.3
CLEVELAND 3 0-3 0.0% 1-1-1 50.00% -0.1 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 15.0 19.0
DALLAS 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 18.0 17.7
DENVER 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 20.3 21.7
DETROIT 3 0-3 0.0% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 18.7 26.0
GREEN BAY 2 2-0 100.0% 2-0-0 100.00% +2.0 0-2-0 0.0% 100.0% 30.5 13.5
HOUSTON 3 2-1 66.7% 1-1-1 50.00% -0.1 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 25.7 26.0
INDIANAPOLIS 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 29.7 20.3
JACKSONVILLE 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 13.3 27.7
KANSAS CITY 3 3-0 100.0% 3-0-0 100.00% +3.0 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 22.7 12.7
MIAMI 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 17.3 17.0
MINNESOTA 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 0-3-0 0.0% 100.0% 14.3 12.7
NEW ENGLAND 3 2-1 66.7% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 3-0-0 100.0% 0.0% 30.0 27.3
NEW ORLEANS 3 2-1 66.7% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 21.0 19.3
NY GIANTS 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 18.3 28.3
NY JETS 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 22.7 15.7
OAKLAND 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 17.3 25.3
PHILADELPHIA 3 2-1 66.7% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 27.7 20.7
PITTSBURGH 3 3-0 100.0% 3-0-0 100.00% +3.0 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 24.0 11.0
SAN DIEGO 3 1-2 33.3% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 24.0 20.3
SAN FRANCISCO 3 0-3 0.0% 1-2-0 33.33% -1.2 2-0-0 100.0% 0.0% 12.7 29.0
SEATTLE 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 2-0-0 100.0% 0.0% 24.0 19.0
ST LOUIS 3 1-2 33.3% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 19.0 16.3
TAMPA BAY 3 2-1 66.7% 1-1-1 50.00% -0.1 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 16.7 19.7
TENNESSEE 3 2-1 66.7% 2-1-0 66.67% +0.9 1-2-0 33.3% 66.7% 26.0 14.0
WASHINGTON 3 1-2 33.3% 1-1-1 50.00% -0.1 2-1-0 66.7% 33.3% 18.7 22.3

Philadelphia eagles vs Detroit lions betting pick and preview

Philadelphia Eagles [-7] at Detroit Lions, 41.5
 
Every game for a professional football player is virtually an audition, unless you are among the elite in the NFL. For Michael Vick on Sunday, this is an actual audition. Vick has not started a game since 2006, and gets the opportunity to take the field against the Detroit Lions. No player this week has more to play for than Michael Vick, his return to the field is something of a novelty and should be paid attention to.
 
On the other side of the ball the Lions start former 49ers QB Shaun Hill, with the injury to Matthew Stafford last week with a shoulder injury. Shaun played in a total of 18 games for San Francisco, where he threw 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and over 2,000 yards in 2008. This line started at 3.5 points and has risen to 6.5 and 7 on some sites and books; I think there is some value here with the Detroit Lions. The Eagles have some injuries than Kevin Kolb on their team this week, with their fullback and center sidelined for the season, the Eagles have a lot more to deal with than just starting a quarterback who has not been in that position in four years. Another injury that cannot be overlooked is the concussion to Stewart Bradley. He is the lead linebacker of their defense, and he will be sorely missed on Sunday, especially with the early season success of Jahvid Best.
 
The Eagles have no covered a spread in their last 5 games overall going back to last season, and I just think people are too high on Philadelphia this week based on all the problems they have on both sides of the ball.
 
 

Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints preview

National Football League games continue this thursday when the super bowl champs the New Orleans Satins faceoff in the Dome against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. Here are some quick stats and information to prepare you for the game:

Minnesota (12-4) at New Orleans (13-3) (previous season stats)
9/9/2010 8:30 PM W/L H A AF AA ATS O/U
Minnesota 12-4 8-0 4-4 29.4 19.5 9-6-1 8-8
New Orleans 13-3 6-2 7-1 31.9 21.3 8-8 7-9
Quickchart Matchup
Minnesota Off vs.
New Orleans Def New Orleans Off vs.
Minnesota Def
379.6 yards
357.8 yards
4.1 y/rush
4.5 y/rush
7.5 y/att
6.6 y/att 403.8 yards
305.5 yards
4.5 y/rush
3.9 y/rush
8.0 y/att
6.5 y/att

Weather
Game is being played in a dome.
Current Lines
GameID Team WSEX Bodog Bookmaker 5Dimes Stations
451 MIN
452 NOS -5 -6 -4.5 -5 -5.5
O/U: 48.5 49.5 49 49 49.5
Injuries
Minnesota New Orleans
- Tackle Bryant McKinnie (9/13, finger) is probable for Sunday's game against Miami. Cornerback Cedric Griffin (9/13, knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami. Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (9/13, knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami. Cornerback Chris Cook (9/13, knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against Miami. *Running back Toby Gerhart (9/14, knee) is probable for Sunday's game against Miami. Linebacker J Leman (8/31, toe) is on injured reserve. Wide receiver Sidney Rice (8/31, hip ) is on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform-List. - Tight end Jimmy Graham (9/10, ankle) is questionable for 9/20 against San Francisco. Linebacker Stanley Arnoux (9/10, ankle) is questionable for 9/20 against San Francisco. Linebacker Clint Ingram (9/3, knee) is on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform-List. Running back Chris Ivory (9/4, knee) is expected to miss three weeks. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (9/4, foot) is on injured reserve. Safety Darren Sharper (9/3, knee) is on the Physically-Unable-to-Perform-List.
Latest News
Minnesota New Orleans
09/04 19:05:55 ET Vikings Release WR Walker, 19 others
09/04 01:04:44 ET Giants trade for Sage Rosenfels
09/03 21:41:22 ET Report: Giants trade for Sage Rosenfels
09/06 18:36:21 ET Saints ink LB Clark
09/05 03:29:27 ET Ramsey, McCray among Saints' final cuts
09/02 23:36:17 ET Titans down Saints in exhibition finale
Stats
ATS Records Over/Under Records
W/L ATS Home Away Grass Turf O/U Home Away Grass Turf Avg.
Minnesota 12-4 9-6-1 8-0 4-4 2-4 10-0 Minnesota 8-8 4-4 4-4 3-3 5-5 44.5
New Orleans 13-3 8-8 6-2 7-1 4-1 9-2 New Orleans 7-9 3-5 4-4 3-2 4-7 49.8

Overall Stats Last 3 Stats
Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 29.4 379.6 259.8 119.9 4.1 7.5 Minnesota 27.0 382.3 284.7 97.7 3.7 8.2
New Orleans 31.9 403.8 272.2 131.6 4.5 8.0 New Orleans 14.7 307.3 207.3 100.0 4.4 5.6

Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 19.5 305.5 218.4 87.1 3.9 6.5 Minnesota 23.0 313.7 225.7 88.0 3.3 7.1
New Orleans 21.3 357.8 235.6 122.2 4.5 6.6 New Orleans 22.3 401.7 235.3 166.3 4.7 8.0

Home Stats Away Stats
Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 32.8 425.8 292.5 133.3 4.1 8.2 Minnesota 26.0 333.5 227.0 106.5 4.1 6.8
New Orleans 31.8 423.9 303.1 120.8 4.3 9.0 New Orleans 32.0 383.8 241.3 142.5 4.7 7.0

Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 15.5 273.4 209.0 64.4 3.6 6.3 Minnesota 23.5 337.6 227.8 109.9 4.1 6.7
New Orleans 21.5 357.1 227.8 129.4 4.6 6.6 New Orleans 21.1 358.4 243.4 115.0 4.4 6.6

Grass Stats Turf Stats
Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Offense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 23.8 458.3 229.2 229.2 8.6 6.5 Minnesota 32.7 404.8 278.1 126.7 4.1 8.2
New Orleans 35.0 376.2 252.2 124.0 4.2 7.0 New Orleans 30.5 416.4 281.3 135.1 4.6 8.5

Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P Defense Avg. Yards Pass Rush Y/R Y/P
Minnesota 27.5 339.3 234.7 104.7 4.2 6.9 Minnesota 14.7 285.2 208.6 76.6 3.7 6.3
New Orleans 23.2 359.6 239.4 120.2 4.4 6.4 New Orleans 20.5 356.9 233.8 123.1 4.5 6.6
Results
Recent Meetings Minnesota New Orleans
Date Away Home Line ATS Total Rush Pass Total Rush Pass
10/6/2008 MIN 30 NOS 27 -3/46.5 MIN/O 270 44 226 375 55 320
9/25/2005 NOS 16 MIN 33 -4/45 MIN/O 296 114 182 420 146 274
10/17/2004 MIN 38 NOS 31 -3/53.5 MIN/O 605 188 417 385 159 226
12/15/2002 MIN 32 NOS 31 -7/51 MIN/O 439 146 293 299 78 221

Minnesota Last 20 Yards Per Play
Date Vs. Score Line ATS Total Rush Pass Total Rush Pass
1/24/2010 @NOS L 28-31 4/54 W/O 475 165 310 5.8 4.6 6.7
1/17/2010 DAL W 34-3 -3/45 W/U 323 109 214 5.4 3.3 8.9
1/3/2010 NYG W 44-7 -8.5/47.5 W/O 487 129 358 7.1 4.0 9.7
12/28/2009 @CHI L 30-36 -8/41.5 L/O 423 123 300 5.6 3.7 7.5
12/20/2009 @CAR L 7-26 -8.5/42.5 L/U 237 41 196 5.3 2.9 7.3
12/13/2009 CIN W 30-10 -6/42 W/U 322 142 180 4.7 3.8 6.0
12/6/2009 @ARI L 17-30 -3/48.5 L/U 315 62 253 4.6 3.1 5.6
11/29/2009 CHI W 36-10 -10/47 W/U 537 159 378 6.5 4.7 7.9
11/22/2009 SEA W 35-9 -10.5/47 W/U 431 160 271 6.0 4.3 8.2
11/15/2009 DET W 27-10 -17/47.5 T/U 492 152 340 7.8 4.9 1.0
11/1/2009 @GBP W 38-26 3/47 W/O 355 111 244 5.9 3.5 8.7
10/25/2009 @PIT L 17-27 6/46.5 L/U 386 89 297 4.9 3.9 5.9
10/18/2009 BAL W 33-31 -3/45.5 L/O 426 167 259 6.8 5.4 8.9
10/11/2009 @STL W 38-10 -10/40.5 W/O 377 89 288 7.1 3.7 0.7
10/5/2009 GBP W 30-23 -4.5/46.5 W/O 334 63 271 5.4 2.1 8.5
9/27/2009 SFX W 27-24 -6.5/39 L/O 377 94 283 5.0 3.5 6.2
9/20/2009 @DET W 27-13 -9.5/45 W/U 265 112 153 4.7 4.5 5.5
9/13/2009 @CLE W 34-20 -4/40 W/O 310 225 85 4.9 6.1 3.9
1/4/2009 PHI L 14-26 3/41 L/U 301 148 153 4.3 4.4 4.4
12/28/2008 NYG W 20-19 -7/41 L/U 328 110 218 6.0 4.1 8.4

New Orleans Last 20 Yards Per Play
Date Vs. Score Line ATS Total Rush Pass Total Rush Pass
2/7/2010 @IND W 31-17 4.5/56.5 W/U 332 51 281 5.7 2.8 7.2
1/24/2010 MIN W 31-28 -4/54 L/O 257 68 189 4.7 3.0 6.1
1/16/2010 ARI W 45-14 -7/57 W/O 418 171 247 6.3 5.0 7.7
1/3/2010 @CAR L 10-23 10/40.5 L/U 213 111 102 3.5 3.5 3.5
12/27/2009 TAM L 17-20 -14/48.5 L/U 373 124 249 6.1 5.4 6.7
12/19/2009 DAL L 17-24 -7.5/54 L/U 336 65 271 5.4 5.0 6.0
12/13/2009 @ATL W 26-23 -10/50.5 L/U 391 95 296 5.8 3.7 7.2
12/6/2009 @WAS W 33-30 -8.5/46.5 L/O 463 55 408 6.3 2.3 8.3
11/30/2009 NEP W 38-17 -2/57 W/U 480 113 367 9.6 4.3 6.0
11/22/2009 @TAM W 38-7 -10.5/51 W/U 370 183 187 5.7 5.1 6.4
11/15/2009 @STL W 28-23 -14/50.5 L/O 420 203 217 7.5 7.0 8.3
11/8/2009 CAR W 30-20 -12/51 L/U 414 84 330 7.0 3.7 9.4
11/2/2009 ATL W 35-27 -11/56 L/O 437 146 291 6.2 4.2 8.8
10/25/2009 @MIA W 46-34 -6/48 W/O 414 138 276 5.9 5.1 7.3
10/18/2009 NYG W 48-27 -3/47.5 W/O 493 124 369 7.0 3.1 2.3
10/4/2009 NYJ W 24-10 -7.5/47 W/U 343 153 190 5.4 4.8 5.9
9/27/2009 @BUF W 27-7 -6/51 W/U 378 222 156 5.5 5.8 5.4
9/20/2009 @PHI W 48-22 -3/45.5 W/O 421 133 288 6.5 4.6 8.5
9/13/2009 DET W 45-27 -14/50 W/O 515 157 358 7.5 4.5 0.5
12/28/2008 CAR L 31-33 1/51.5 L/O 417 50 367 6.7 4.5 7.5

2010 Monday Night Football Schedule

Monday Night football is the biggest game of the week for many because when you don't take Coopers advice and end the week down a few nickels you end up laying it all down come Monday. There's a reason that ESPN pays millions of dollars to have the broadcast rights for these NFL games because millions of sports bettors are laying chalk to make back what they lost over the weekend.

Monday Night Football 2010 Schedule

Week 1 - Monday, Sep. 13
Baltimore at NY Jets
7:00 PM ET

San Diego at Kansas City
10:15 PM ET

Week 2 - Monday, Sep. 20
New Orleans at San Francisco
8:30 PM ET

Week 3 - Monday, Sep. 27
Green Bay at Chicago
8:30 PM ET

Week 4 - Monday, Oct. 4
New England at Miami
8:30 PM ET

Week 5 - Monday, Oct. 11
Minnesota at NY Jets
8:30 PM ET

Week 6 - Monday, Oct. 18
Tennessee at Jacksonville
8:30 PM ET

Week 7 - Monday, Oct. 25
NY Giants at Dallas
8:30 PM ET

Week 8 - Monday, Nov. 1
Houston at Indianapolis
8:30 PM ET

Week 9 - Monday, Nov. 8
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
8:30 PM ET

Week 10 - Monday, Nov. 15
Philadelphia at Washington
8:30 PM ET

Week 11 - Monday, Nov. 22
Denver at San Diego
8:30 PM ET

Week 12 - Monday, Nov. 29
San Francisco at Arizona
8:30 PM ET

Week 13 - Monday, Dec. 6
NY Jets at New England
8:30 PM ET

Week 14 - Monday, Dec. 13
Baltimore at Houston
8:30 PM ET

Week 15 - Monday, Dec. 20
Chicago at Minnesota
8:30 PM ET

Week 16 - Monday, Dec. 27
New Orleans at Atlanta
8:30 PM ET

For our 2009 MNF schedule and up to date Monday Night Football Schedule as well as up to the minute live NFL odds please check out the rest of coopers pick.

Redskins vs Cowboys proposition bet pick

Tonights prop pick is to take mcnabb over 20 completions in the redskins vs. Cowboys game. Donovan is out to show and strut his stuff since leaving Philadelphia and wants to prove himself at Fedex Field and to the daunting Dallas Cowboy squad. We nailed our earlier pick of Henne out throwing the Bills quarterback and made our clients a lot of money thus far and it's only week 1.

If you have any questions or need more betting picks call the Coop himself at 1-888-730-COOP

NFL Week 1 Prop of the day

Today is the start of the NFL football season and we know just how incredibly excited everybody is about this. We are giving out a special week 1 football Lock of the day as a proposition bet. Last year we nailed the playoffs with JR's Prop Betting Strategy and this year will be no different.

So todays proposition bet comes from the Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills game where Henne will throw for more yards than Buffalo's quarterback -20.5.

Lock it up and place a wager today with one of our trusted online sportsbooks.

Picture of Tom Bradys Car Accident

Tom Brady star quarterback of the New England Patriots was driving his Audi this morning September 9th 2010 when a van ran a red light and hit him at aproximately 6:15 a.m. He was a bit shaken but appeared to be fine and is at Gillette Stadium assurinbg Bob Kraft and the rest of the team that everything is alright. The accident occured at the corner of Gloucester and Commonwealth Ave. when the red van hit his audi a6 wagon. The jaws of life we're used to extract the driver out of the van but not Tom Bradys car.

Week 1 NFl Schedule

This weeks NFL football schedule looks like this with broadcast stations listed:

[Minnesota] Minnesota 9/9 8:30 PM ET
[New Orleans] New Orleans TV: NBC
[Miami] Miami 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Buffalo] Buffalo TV: CBS
[Detroit] Detroit 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Chicago] Chicago TV: FOX
[Indianapolis] Indianapolis 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Houston] Houston TV: CBS
[Denver] Denver 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Jacksonville] Jacksonville TV: CBS
[Cincinnati] Cincinnati 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[New England] New England TV: CBS
[Carolina] Carolina 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[NY Giants] NY Giants TV: FOX
[Atlanta] Atlanta 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh TV: FOX
[Cleveland] Cleveland 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Tampa Bay] Tampa Bay TV: CBS
[Oakland] Oakland 9/12 1:00 PM ET
[Tennessee] Tennessee TV: CBS
[Green Bay] Green Bay 9/12 4:15 PM ET
[Philadelphia] Philadelphia TV: FOX
[San Francisco] San Francisco 9/12 4:15 PM ET
[Seattle] Seattle TV: FOX
[Arizona] Arizona 9/12 4:15 PM ET
[St. Louis] St. Louis TV: FOX
[Dallas] Dallas 9/12 8:20 PM ET
[Washington] Washington TV: NBC
[Baltimore] Baltimore 9/13 7:00 PM ET
[NY Jets] NY Jets TV: ESPN
[San Diego] San Diego 9/13 10:15 PM ET
[Kansas City] Kansas City TV: ESPN

Miami Dolphins Add Clifton Smith

The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pro Bowl return specialist Clifton Smith, who spent the previous two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith has played 20 games in his NFL career and was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2008. He averaged 27.6 yards on 36 kickoff returns in his first year, then led the NFL last year with a kickoff return average of 29.1 yards.

A pair of concussions, however, limited Smith to just 11 games in 2009. He also averaged 10.1 yards on 23 punt returns last year.

The Dolphins opened a roster spot by waiving offensive lineman Joe Reitz, who was claimed off waivers this past Sunday.

SBG Global Football Videos

2010 NFL Predictions

2010 NFL Season Predictions
NFC North Champion: Minnesota Vikings - If Brett Favre comes back and plays as he did last year, which I believe he will, the Vikings will once again be the best team in the North. Adrian Peterson, who is perhaps the best running back in the NFC, will join Favre in the backfield as the focal points of one of the most balanced attacks in football. And wild and crazy Jared Allen leads one of the premier defenses in the NFC. Green Bay will contend as well, but the Packers haven't shown they can stop elite quarterbacks from picking them apart. Favre torched them twice last season. Big Ben Roethlisberger had his turn. And so did Kurt Warner in the playoffs.

NFC East Champion: Dallas Cowboys - Winning their first playoff game in 13 seasons does a lot for the confidence of the Cowboys as they enter the 2010 season. Led by Tony Romo on offense and DeMarcus Ware on defense, Dallas appears ready to contend for a trip to the Super Bowl. They wouldn't have to go far this season with the biggest game of the year scheduled to be played right at home in Jerry World.

NFC West Champion: San Francisco 49ers - Kurt Warner's retirement likely opens the door for another team to emerge as West champs. With star running back Frank Gore and star linebacker Patrick Willis leading the charge, the 49ers look like a promising pick. The key will be the play of quarterback Alex Smith. If he can do a good job of taking care of the football and managing the game, I like San Francisco's chances.

NFC South Champion: New Orleans Saints - Since realignment took place back in 2002, no team has won consecutive division titles in the NFC South. I expect that to change with the defending Super Bowl champion Saints this season. Led by quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints have an excellent opportunity to be the most explosive offensive team in the NFL again. A big play defense brings back the majority of its key performers, including Darren Sharper, who came up with nine interceptions last season.

AFC North Champion: Baltimore Ravens - I believe Cincy slightly overachieved last season, and Pittsburgh will have to deal with Ben Roethlisberger's suspension. Led by Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, the Ravens appear ready to bring their offense to elite status. The defensive side of the football has been Baltimore's staple, and 2009 was no exception when the Ravens allowed only 16.3 points per game.

AFC East Champion: New York Jets - Teams that can run the football and play defense are going to win a lot of football games. The Jets led the NFL is rushing offense and they were the No. 1 ranked defensive teams in the league last season, and it took them to the AFC title game. With some key additions, the defense could be even better in 2010. The offense figures to improve as well now that Mark Sanchez has a year of experience under his belt.

AFC West Champion: San Diego Chargers - The Bolts have rattled off four straight division titles, and it would be a big upset if they didn't make it five in a row. Led by Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers, the offense will be tough to tame. The defense will have the potential to be better if outside linebacker Shawne Merriman can return to his pre-knee injury form. If that is the case, the Chargers may finally be ready to make a Super Bowl trip.

AFC South Champion: Indianapolis Colts - Since Peyton Manning arrived in Indy, all the Colts have done is win. Nothing will change in 2010 as Manning and company show up hungry after falling short in the Super Bowl. If Bobby Sanders can stay healthy this season, the Colts will have an even better shot at getting back to the big game.

Crush the NFL odds this season with the help of Jimmy Boyd's expert NFL picks!

Top ESPN SportsCenter Football Commercials

Best ESPN This is SportsCenter Commercials - Football Edition

We figured in the spirit of Foootball season being less than a month away now and pre-season in full swing it might be nice to see all the greatest This is Sportscenter commercials that have aired throughout the years.

Steve Smith are you Fast commercial?
Would you classify yourself as speedy or incendiary. By the way is this one of those i before e words?



I'm the man training camp
Kids at the time KJ and Kobe Bryant getting a little bit of schooling on letting people know who the man is.


Bad Boy Big Ben's Fire Drill
I guess this was before we realized that Big Ben was a bad boy and some felt bad for this unnecessary fire drill.


LT in the Mailroom
Number 31 Ladanian Tomlinson trying to learn how to sort the mail luckily he's a great running back.


Chad Johnson Dances
Finding a new touchdown dance for this Bengal star shouldn't be so diffucult.


Peyton Manning Fighting with Brother
Seems like the Manning brothers always beat up on each other on and off the field. This is also one of the most popular football related commercials of all time.


Adrian Peterson and BedWetter
Some nicknames are meant to be kept secret.


LT playing Gameboy
Seems like this Charger star couldn't cut it in the mail room so he came back to play a Nintendo classic.


Larry Fitzgerald Catches everything
Our favorite commercial here at Cooper's Pick showcasing some serious catching skills of the Arizona Cardinal superstar Mr. Fitzgerald.


Is it soccer or football?
A little bit of a deviation but with the world cup just ending we figured a little futbol tied in couldn't hurt too badly right?


Brett Favre staying or going?
This is in great timing with Brett Favre just announcing that he's coming back again for the 138th time after being a tad bit nonsuccessive but none the less I am sure the Vikings are proud to have him back.


Hopefully you enjoyed our compilation of the best videos and are gearing up for the NFL season. We are glad to provide you with the best football picks and live Football Odds all season long from the most veteran sports handicappers in the world.

2010 NFL Football Season Preview

2010 NFL Football Season Preview

With the 2010 NFL season training camps opening is less than a month,
there are more unanswered questions to the upcoming season then there
are days left to answer them. The league is scrambling to resolve issues
and put out fires in a pent up environment that’s ripe for controversy;
will Albert Haynesworth oblige the Redskins new 3-4 defense, will Brett
Favre return to the Vikings, and what draft picks will most affect the
odds? With information being the key to betting, the league seems to
be deliberately testing our collective patience as we wait for what will
become of its most pressing issues.

Perhaps the most controversial question of the upcoming season
revolves around Washington Redskins Defensive Tackle, Albert
Haynesworth. As is the case for many players of his exceptional talent,
Haynesworth is using his reputation as one of the fiercest players in
the league to openly oppose the Redskins’ new defensive format for
the upcoming 2010 football season. The Redskins fear his opposition
to the new defense will cause him to break his contract, or at the very
least, cause him to give less than his full effort come regular season.
Haynesworth, though openly opposed to the new defense, says he will
return to training “on time and in shape.” This issue has Washington
fans in an uproar. Coach Mike Shanahan is openly disappointed with
him, and fellow teammates see his actions as selfish and inexcusable.
Even if Haynesworth decides to play and everything appears fine on the
surface, this controversy will skew the odds for betting on the Redskins
for the entire 2010 season. At this point, many fans would like to see
Haynesworth thrown out of Washington all together; even if it means
more lost talent from a team that’s already struggling to keep its head
above water.

Brett Favre is another focal point of controversy for the upcoming football season. While some people speculate whether or not he’ll
return, most fans are wondering whether his body can take another
year of punishment. Favre was quoted in Men’s Journal as saying that
another year of playing “probably isn’t going to make much difference”
when it comes to his long term health; the damage has already been
done. Despite people’s concerns over his knee, quotes like that make it
seem likely that Favre will return for another season. If he does, the odds
are certainly against him for being able to complete the new season with
his health intact.

The most exciting part of every pre-season is the NFL draft. And this
year, the big winners in the draft were the Seahawks and the Ravens
who came away with great talents such as Earl Thomas and Terence
Cody, respectively. The Raiders traded up their QB JaMarcus Russell
for the Redskin’s QB Jason Campbell, which many consider to be a
good move after Campbell’s lackluster 2009 season. But most fans agree
that the biggest pick was Tim Tebow, who was the 25th overall pick by
the Broncos after they traded their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round draft picks.
That was a HUGE reach for the Bronco’s, and many are wondering if
Tebow can make the transition from college style quarterbacking to the
NFL.

The statistics are getting rearranged everyday as the questions, drama,
and trades settle into place. But regardless of the many issues the NFL
has to resolve before September, you can bet that these questions will
answer themselves just in time for another great season of football.

Hope you enjoyed this 2010 NFL Football Season Preview from Cooper's Sports Picks if you want to catch all the latest up to the minute live football odds this season than check out our live odds page for updated Las Vegas Odds and of course we offer Football pick season packages if you are interested since we take pride in always winning more than we lose.

Opening Week 1 NFL odds/lines

Football Season is right around the corner and I am sure plenty of you are ready to start placing your bets. So here is the current NFL Odds For the first

Week 1 NFL Lines for September 9th 2010 - 13th

Date and Time Current Fav. Line Underdog Over/Under total
9/9 8:30 @ New Orleans -4 Minnesota 51.5
9/12 1:00 @ NY Giants -7 Carolina 40
9/12 1:00 Miami at -3 Buffalo 38
9/12 1:00 @Atlanta -1.5 At Pittsburgh 39
9/12 1:00 @ Chicago -7 Detroit 42.5
9/12 1:00 @ New England -6 Cincinnati 44
9/12 1:00 @ Tampa Bay -2.5 Cleveland 36
9/12 1:00 @ Jacksonville -2 Denver 40.5
9/12 1:00 Indianapolis -3 At Houston 47
9/12 1:00 @ Tennessee -7 Oakland 41
9/12 4:15 @ Philadelphia Green Bay 45.5
9/12 4:15 San Francisco -2.5 At Seattle 38
9/12 4:15 Arizona -3.5 At St. Louis 41
9/12 8:20 Dallas -3.5 Washington 42.5

Monday Night Football Line

9/13 7:00 @ NY Jets -3 Baltimore 37.5
9/13 10:15 San Diego -6 At Kansas City 45

Note: All times are eastern standard time

Also check out our complete schedules and live odds for every game for every team in the league.

Chargers, Chiefs, Ravens, New York Jets, Cowboys, Redskins, Saint Louis Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, Packers, Eagles, Titans, Raiders, Colts, Texans, Jaguars, Broncos, Bucs, Browns, Patriots, Bengals, Bears, Lions, Steelers, Falcons, Dolphins, Bills, Giants, Vikings, Panthers, and Super Bowl Champs Saints scores and picks all football season long.

2014 Superbowl in New York

The Meadowlands have won a huge and in fact monumental victory today in securing the 2014 superbowl at the new New York Jets and Giants stadium complex in Northern New Jersey.

The owners of the NFL teams voted on 5/25/2010 on the $1.6 billion dollar complex as a suitable place to host the game which is monumental because it is the first time that a Super Bowl is going to be held in a cold weather city that is not enclosed (think dome).

With lots of rain, snow, heavy winds and average temperatures in the 30's many will be glad to be warm when watching the early February game in the tri-state area.

The comparisons to the 1967 Ice Bowl with Bart Starr are already coming up and the "Make Some History" slogan is already coming out with negative connotations not intended by the stadiums owners.

The overall economic impact for the area will likely exceed 550 million dollars and will be held on either February 2, 9 or 16th and will likely be a chilly night that many will never forget and thus will lead the way back to the 70 degree rule and for good reason.

Stay warm I'll See you in Dallas, Miami,Tampa,Jacksonville, Phoenix, or anywhere in California but New York in the dead of the winter? I don't think so.


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The NFL's Race Card

Since 2006, 16 players have been suspended under commissioner Roger Goodell's personal conduct policy. None will have more significance than Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension.

The highest profile suspension under Sheriff Goodell's watch was Michael Vick. Expect Roethlisberger's banishment to resonate longer primarily because of one reason: he's the first big name white player to be punished.

There's zero evidence any of Goodell's suspensions have ever been racially motivated. He's been consistent in his mission for the personal conduct policy: protect the league. Yet it can't be ignored that this suspension feels different because it involves so many firsts -- the first noticeable blemish for the reputable Steelers organization, the first disgraced Super Bowl quarterback, and yes, the first white quarterback to end up in the commish's doghouse.

Media watchdogs were watching closely to see whether Goodell would administer a slap on the wrist or come down hard on Big Ben. In the end, the six-game suspension was just right. Ben is the first player under the policy to be suspended without being formally charged of a crime, a fact that Goodell felt little remorse for in his public letter to Roethlisberger:

"I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you," said Goodell. "You are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans."

The message since Goodell arrived has always been clear: players no longer have the luxury of waiting for the legal system to bail them out. It's even clearer now that players see that no demographic is immune to the commish's iron fist. Players who put themselves in compromising situations are in danger of earning themselves a very public trip to the principal's office.

Goodell has succeeded in striking fear into the hearts of players. He's built his brief tenure around his personal conduct policy. Both the players union and owners agree the policy has helped the league immensley. This was evident by Steelers owner Art Rooney's reaction to the news that he was losing his franchise quarterback for nearly half the season: "I agree and support the decision the commissioner made today."

The suspension of one of the NFL's biggest names is a wake up call for players debating whether or not to pop another bottle. They might even start seeing Goodell's reflection staring back at them instead of a scantily clad co-ed sitting across the bar (call it Goodell goggles).

Big Ben will have his chance at redemption. Reports that he's being shopped for draft picks are nothing more than a smokescreen the organization is using to warn their quarterback that they won't tolerate any further incidents. His suspension will not define his legacy if he focuses on football and earns his way back into the good graces of Goodell. He knows another trip to the principal's office will likely be his last.

SuperBowl Talking points for the Saints and Colts

"A lot of people who are going to bet this game, all they know is Peyton Manning," Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.


I've quoted this before and I'm quoting it again because this exact sentiment is driving an already inflated number even higher. Don't get me wrong, I acknowledge that Manning is quite possibly the greatest quarterback to ever snap on a chinstrap but sometimes we tend to get so enamored with one player that we let him become the sole rationale in our picks. Does this happen to you? If your going out on your own for your picks than god bless you and good luck since you are basing your hopefully basing your pick solely based on research and trends instead of the fact that you just saw Peyton playing ping pong with Justin Timberlake on the tube and everyone's telling you "he's been there before."

Allow me to dispel five misconceptions bettors are using to rationalize backing the Colts at such a high number:

1. Peyton Manning is a better quarterback right now.

It's not entirely fair to give the edge at quarterback to the Colts. Drew Brees (363-514, 4388 yds, 34 tds, 11 ints) and Manning (393-571, 4500 yds, 33 tds, 16 ints) both enjoyed historic seasons. Brees' was better. His 70.6 completion percentage sits alone atop the single season all-time NFL record, besting the likes of Staubach, Montana, Favre, Marino, and Manning.



Yes, Manning took home his fourth MVP award. Yes, his bust is already drying in Canton. Brees hasn't achieved his immortal status and he will never achieve Peyton status (even if he ends up in Canton). If the Superbowl victor was determined by which quarterback has built a more impressive body of work throughout their careers, I would moneyline Manning at +8000 in a heartbeat. But the Superbowl isn't a lifetime achievement award (that's what the HOF is for) it's a team competition and the bottom line is that both QBs are playing at the same elite level right now.

Edge: Neither

2. The Colts would have finished 16-0 if Jim Caldwell didn't decide to yank Manning during the second half of the Jets game in Week 16 while the Saints limped into the playoffs with three straight

Is it possible the Colts could be 18-0 and in the pursuit of perfection had they decided to keep their foot on the gas? Absolutely. I know this guy isn't happy about it.
Even if this was the case, I don't think it would improve their chances to defeat the Saints. It doesn't change the fact that the Saints are a far more balanced team on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Or that the Saints weren't just statistically the most prolific offense in the league this year, they also finished third in the league in TO margin (+11). Compare that to the 15th ranked Colts (+2) and it's clear the Saints have had both a more efficient offense and opportunistic defense thus far.

I'm not trying to shove statistics down anyone's throat, my point is that if you want to count the Colts slightly better regular season mark as a pro for Indy you simply can't ignore the regular season statistics that are compiled in the Saints regular season games. An objective comparison of the two teams based on this argument favors neither team.

Edge: Neither

3. Indy plays in a tougher conference therefore had the harder schedule.

Both teams finished 4-0 out of conference this season. The Saints collected most high profile win with a 38-17 Monday night blowout of the Patriots in the Superdome during week 12. Still, one could argue that the Colts Sunday night 31-10 domination of the Cards in Arizona was equally if not more impressive.

Many NFL gurus defend the AFC superiority theory by citing the AFC's recent success in the Superbowl: 9-3 in the past 12 years. The AFC finished 37-27 against the NFC this year. Combined this is pretty compelling evidence that the AFC has a leg up on the NFC heads up. Against the spread is a different story: The AFC is 5-7 in the Superbowl ATS and an even 32-32 ATS during the regular season.

Don't forget: we're picking against the spread here. I never advocate taking single digit dogs unless I believe the game straight up and I don't think there's any question New Orleans is capable of winning outright and there's no question the other side of the equation is capable of holding true.

Edge: Colts

4. Sean Payton and his staff are newbies to the Superbowl. While the Colts' Jim Caldwell might be a rookie head coach, offensive coordinator Tom Moore and Manning are the ones really running the show. They've been there before and they know how to block out the pageantry and distractions of the Super Bowl and better prepare their team.

Despite the fact that Sean Payton is in his fourth year, both coaches are still unproven quantities. That will change for one of them on Sunday. Let's take a look at both staffs:

New Orleans

Payton came on strong as a rookie head coach in 2006, winning the NFC south and NFL head coach of the year honors. The Saints failed to live up to expectations over the next two years, going a combined 15-17 due to a porous secondary and inconsistency on offense. The biggest adjustment Payton made was making a commitment to running the ball. Despite the lack of a feature back, the Saints still averaged 131.6 rushing yards per game (6th in the league), a welcome complement to their bombs away passing attack which averaged an 272 yard passing per game (4th in the league. Their balanced attack (which led the league in total offense by a significant margin) combined with a developing young defense with big play ability crowned the Saints as Superbowl contenders early this season. The league was already wary of Payton's fearless air attack and regarded him as a QB guru but no one considered the Saints seriously until they finally started playing hard nosed defense and running the ball this year.

Indianapolis

Dungy was always the antithesis of the tough guy head coach personality that NFL GMs covet. Owner Jim Irsay decided to stay the course by hiring the equally stoic and soft-spoken Jim Caldwell. While he has practically accomplished everything a first year head coach can thus far, there remain doubters who believe Caldwell has inherited instead of facilitated his success. Caldwell often paces the sidelines for what feels like hours without speaking a word, often inviting comparisons to the clueless Art Shell during his second stint in Oakland. Many prefer to credit offensive coordinator Tom Moore with the Colts' success. Despite running the most one dimensional office in the league (the Colts were by far the pass happiest team in the league with a run/pass ratio of 32/68), Moore and Peyton Manning managed to thrive throwing the ball on crucial 3rd downs and short situations as well as on the goal line. Manning himself must be mentioned among his coaches. He is the closest to a player-coach you get in the league and he does it without ego or bravado.

The real question for Indy is whether this is the game where their lack of a rushing attack catches up with them. So far the Colts have played defensive teams (Baltimore, NY Jets) with nowhere near the firepower or explosiveness of the Saints. They'll need to establish a running game to control the game and manage the clock to keep Brees off the field.

Edge: Saints

5. The intangibles have to go to the Colts, right?

I'll concede the Colts have been there. But there are other intangibles to consider such as the Colts thin secondary (both starting CB Marlin Jackson and FS Bob Sanders are out for the season), big losses to an already depleted defensive back unit. The health of Dwight Freeney remains a concern and although It's unlikely he'll sit the game out don't expect him to be 100 percent.

While both teams have stepped up in big games this year, New Orleans has been the team that has stepped up and crushed its opponent. A 48 point explosion in Philly during Week 2 followed by a 24-10 victory over the undefeated Jets two weeks later was just the beginning for the Saints. They've shown a willingness to rise to the occasion all season long especially on the national stage.

Manning's Monday night magic at the Dolphins and his unforgettable 4th quarter comeback versus the Patriots are reminders of why he's a first ballot hall of famer. The difference is that Manning is eeking out wins and while he performs best under pressure it's apparent that the Colts are grossly overachieving this season. In order to handle the Saints they're going to need Peyton to Peyton and hope their secondary can hold up against Brees and company.

Edge: Saints

The moment Garrett Hartley's 40-yard field goal sailed effortlessly through the uprights to send New Orleans to their first Superbowl, I knew the Saints would have strong value if the books spotted them a feasible amount of points versus the Colts. Most sharps predicted a threefold point spread for the Colts so many were surprised when they opened at 4. As of Friday, the super bowl betting line at certain sportsbooks online and most of Vegas had jumped to six while our bookmaker as of this writing is still at 5 1/2. Here is a list of reputable online sportsbooks with varying odds from 5 1/2 to 6 and for Cooper's Star Super Bowl Picks and analysis go to: Expert Super Bowl Picks

How to Bet Superbowl Props

Meet Jay Kornegay, the undisputed "King of Props" and bookmaker at the Las Vegas Hilton. Jay is responsible for determining possibilities as inane as what object the first drunken hooligan will throw onto the field (a can of soda pop was the clubhouse leader at 5-2) to whether Drew Brees will surpass Dan Marino's Superbowl XIX 318 passing yards (Marino opened as -150 favorite).



"We basically just make these up until we get tired," said Kornegay to the Las Vegas Review-Jornal. "The props really make the event. It has become such a popular part of Super Bowl weekend. In essence we love betting props. We've never had a prop with zero bets. Not even close to it."

Kornegay is admitting something books rarely acknowledge: the fact that even the house gets caught up in Superbowl hype. But can we really take advantage of the books without getting juiced to death or are we better off staying away from props and letting the rookies bet the coin toss? Let's take examine some of the current props to see if we can find any value:

Player Props

Peyton Manning total passing yards: 300.5 over: -155
under: +125

The -155 juice on Manning throwing for over 300 yards is remarkable, it's a testament to the respect the books have for him. I was initially tempted to jump on the under but my 'never, any under circumstances, bet against Peyton' rule quickly vetoed me. "A lot of people who are going to bet this game, all they know is Peyton Manning," said Kornegay, further evidence that the books want to inflate Manning's over/unders in anticipation of most of the money coming in on the over for Manning related props. How likely is it that Indy builds an early lead and deviates from their lopsided pass heavy offense? Don't count on it. Tom Moore is notorious for keeping his foot on the gas in these situations, he trusts Manning to continue throwing the ball without turning the ball over. If the Colts are down late, Manning will air it out every down and hit the 300-mark with ease. Bottom line is the under at +125 is an enticing number but there simply too many scenarios where Manning eclipses this mark.

Drew Brees completion percentage: 68.5% over: -125
under: -105

Another surprisingly high number. While Brees is fresh off the most accurate regular season in NFL history (70.6%) his playoff completion of 63.5 percent is encouraging for sports handicappers looking to take the under here. There's only been one other season where he's managed to complete close to the prop (67.5% in 2007). Brees is also coming off his most inaccurate game of the season in the NFC championship game where he completed just 54.8% of his 31 pass o attempts. The 68.5% prop is also being inflated because of the uncertain status of Indy DE Dwight Freeney but I'd be shocked if Freeney doesn't play and wreak havoc in this game. Freeney will command consistent double teams providing the Colts the opportunity to blitz Brees or drop an extra man back in coverage. There's definite value in taking the under here at -105.

Team Props

Alternate Point Spread New Orleans Saints (-3.5) +275

I've never been a fan of alternate point spreads but there's value in taking the Saints with points here at +275. Yes, we are essentially reverse teasing the Saints for eight points here but we get the same advantage of great odds what we get in a tease without relying on multiple outcomes. There's no compelling statistical evidence that suggests either team is superior. Is the mystique of Manning really worth 6 points alone? The experience argument is invalid here because outside of Manning, this a completely different Colts team--particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger is yes, once again, my never bet against Peyton Manning rule. If you don't feel the restraints of this simple but wise philosophy, this is a good spot to test the waters.

Most valuable player (odds will vary)

This is more of a fun prop that fantasy football fanatics enjoy wagering on. Let's start out by eliminating players who have no chance to win the award or don't offer us odds worth wagering on:

Stay away from Peyton Manning (2:3) and Drew Brees (9:4). Are these two the runaway leading candidates to win this award? Absolutely. The problem here is that I'm a strict advocate of never taking a MVP player prop at less than 10-1 odds. You'll be hard pressed to find a quarterback at better than 4:1 in the modern era of the NFL and this game is no exception. I'm fully aware that a quarterback has won this award
56% of the time but don't forget you have to also correctly choose the winning team. This fact alone makes getting double digit odds so much more important, especially in a year where there is no clear cut favorite to win the game.

Don't bet on wide receivers or tight ends. Marques Colston (12:1), Reggie Wayne (10:1), Pierre Garcon (14:1), Austin Collie (20:1), Dallas Clark (12:1), Jeremy Shockey (20:1) these are all great players with respectable odds but the problem is that their respective quarterbacks are too high profile. It's impossible for receivers to accumulate numbers that don't simultaneously pad the quarterback's stats. The Superbowl MVP is first and foremost a hype award and none of these names can hold a candle to that of Manning or Brees. Sure, Santonio Holmes was far from a household name last year when he took home the hardware but do you really believe if Peyton was his quarterback he would've still won the award? Please.

So this still leaves us with several intriguing options.

We have running backs (Joseph Addai 10-1, Donald Brown 25-1, Reggie Bush 10-1, Pierre Thomas 10-1). Let's cross off Brown because he hasn't been healthy and a rookie back has never won.



Bush is the most interesting out of the bunch because he returns punts and is used primarily as a receiving back. He also has the added publicity of having a celebrity girlfriend in the stands, which never hurts. My problem with Bush is that he simply doesn't get enough carries. He had a career low 70 rushing attempts and has just 12 this postseason. In order to leapfrog the QBs a back is going to have score multiple rushing TDs and I just don't see the Saints calling Bush's number on the goal line. If he can take a punt back to the house and add another offensive TD from scrimmage he'll have a healthy shot. Still, in Bush's case 10-1 isn't good enough for me, I might have considered him at 15-1 or better.

Addai has yet to score in the postseason and his longest offensive play from scrimmage was a 17-yard rush versus the Jets in the AFC championship game. Not exactly the resume of a Superbowl MVP, right?

Thomas is the most likely of the running backs to win the award. He would be the first back to do so in over a decade (Terrell Davis in 1998 was the last). He's still a longshot because the Saints platoon him with Bush and his combined 27 postseason carries means Thomas will have to make the most out of every opportunity he has to touch the ball. What he does have going for him is his role as goal line back and and he's fresh off a solid two-touchdown performance in the NFC championship game. The key will be taking TDs away from Brees in a winning effort. It won't be easy but he's worth taking a look at here.

Finally, we have the rest of the pack (defense, kickers, the field). We'll find good value here starting with big defensive names such as Dwight Freeney (30-1) or the lesser known but effective Robert Mathis (40-1). Freeney's banged up but he possesses the talent to single handedly disrupt a high powered offense. It's never easy to picture a defensive player hoisting the trophy but remember no one expected Tampa Bay FS Dexter Jackson to take home the honors in 2003. Eight defensive players have held the honors in the history of the award, the last defensive end to do so was Richard Dent of the Chicago Bears in 1986.

Gary Brackett (50-1), Clint Sessions (50-1) and Jonathan Vilma (40-1)need to rack up more than tackles to have a shot, they would need to force turnovers and score at least one defensive touchdown. Steer clear.

The one defender that offers the most value is Darren Sharper (28-1). He's a known commodity and proven big play safety, if he can goad Manning into making bad decisions he'll have an opportunity to have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Stay away from kickers and the field. There's simply too much star power in this game for it to go to an unknown this year.

Now that we gave you some free Super Bowl Prop Picks check out our expert SuperBowl Picks and more from Cooper's Pick.

10 Reasons Why I Hate the Superbowl (and you should too)

Yep, I said it.

Before you brandish me an Un-American misanthrope and squish me into an iron maiden with the decomposed remains of Benedict Arnold and Azzam the American (he's an Al-Qaeda member), hear me out:

1. Bandwagon fans come out of the woodwork. Co-workers who nauseatingly recap last night's episode of "Jersey Shore" at the water cooler are suddenly donning jerseys from the favored team and proclaiming they've been super fans all along. When you ask if they have any legitimate affiliation with either squad, their response is something along the lines of "No, but I've always been a _______ fan. "

2. People who proudly announce they only watch the Superbowl for the commercials. Don't get me wrong, I get a good chuckle out of the clever Bud Light commercial where the 20-something dude trains his Yorkie to lap up beer from sticky bar floors and regurgitate it back into his beer bong. I just can't stand the guy who shushes everyone so he can hear the commercials than disappears into a bowl of guacamole during the actual game. You'll see how your girlfriend comes into the mix with this one when you get to #8. Which brings me to...

3. You're forced to be around people that don't watch the game. It becomes 'the socialite bowl' for casual watchers who are strictly there to schmooze. I'm utterly incapable of making small talk during significant games or when my Detroit Lions are playing so please don't talk to me about Obama's state of the union address or your how many goals your niece scored in her JV field hockey debut. I would pretend I cared any other day.




4. Halftime shows. The extended halftime only stretches out the already painfully long filibuster that has become the Superbowl. Forgive me for my ignorance but I've never even heard of this year's performers, The Who. Seeing as how we've been graced by the ageless likes of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Shania Twain in recent years, this selection makes me wonder why the NFL is suddenly targeting the baby boomer demographic again? Regardless of who (no pun intended) performs the acoustics are always spotty and the throngs of backup dancers and high school bands always manage to create an awkwardly gridlocked chaos. Oh, and please leave the wardrobe malfunctions for publicity stunts on MTV. There's no place for that in football.

5. Only corporate fatcats can actually afford to attend the Super Bowl. Since it's a neutral site, the average fan can't afford to follow his team there. Going to the Super Bowl is a status symbol for many Americans so evil corporations snatch up luxury boxes while equally diabolical ticket brokers drive prices up to five figures a pop. Most of the rich coots will devour hors d'oeuvres while discussing croquet and Sarah Palin's personal memoirs of going rogue or something like that instead of watching the actual game (see #3).

6. Celebrity Cameos. I will wager my wedding ring that we will endure a minimum of fifty Kim Kardashian reaction shots during the game. Hopefully we catch her picking her nose or groping Lamar Odom during the halftime show?
7. It's impossible to order a pizza. For the most part, football fans are lazy, unprepared creatures. We're too distracted by the games to order three hours in advance and lack the motivation to go pick up a pie in fear we might miss kickoff. The Superbowl is the only day we can't reach for the phone, order in, then roll back onto the couch for the rest of the day.


8. You're forced to watch the game with your girlfriend. As lovely as she may be, there's nothing worse than having to explain the difference between a safety and touchdown to your significant other during the big game. She claims she wants you to teach her the rules but this seems to be the only day she expresses any interest; the rest of the season she complains that you sit around on your butt and watch too much football. Despite your detailed explanations you realize she only starts cheering after everyone else does. She still has no idea what's going on but that doesn't prevent her from barraging you with a flurry of inane questions. If you blow her off, you're a big jerk and she storms off to flirt with the douche who only watches the commercials (see #2).

9. Everyone has money on the game. This is the one day in the year that the amateurs go to the sports handicappers and there's only one thing worse than having to listen to someone who has $10 on the opposing team gutturally scream after every 1st down when you bet your mortgage on the other team. It's being stuck in a room where everyone screams as if they have wagered their first born child's college tuition on the game. Once they hear someone passionately rooting for the other team they feel an alpha male responsibility to out shout the other person. It quickly turns into a barbaric match of who can embarrass themselves more in public by throwing adolescent tantrums when the their team is penalized 5 yards for a false start. If your one of these people I got some great sports betting tips for you.

10. It's the last game of the year. From here on out we're stuck with hoops and baseball (ugh). There will be no more fantasy stat tracking, redzone channel, or suicide leagues. Monday night football will be replaced by Grey's Anatomy night with the same girlfriend who cheated on you with the guacamole guy. You still have the draft in two months but it's not the same. The only saving grace is that fans of perennial basement dwelling franchises get a clean slate. Maybe, just maybe, this is your year (unless you're a Lions fan).

If you liked 10 Reasons Why I hate the SuperBowl (and you should too) you may also like How to bet Super Bowl Props and Cooper's Super Bowl Picks