Will the Giants beat the Titans?

[matt674]

Those stats will take some getting used too.  They do that with odds as well don't they - I can't work those out either.

So if I'm looking at stats for a NFL match, what should I be looking out for?  What are the key indicators?

Ta

Yikes, to be honest it all depends on what your looking for i suppose. To be honest i dont bet on American Sports, i just watch them for pleasure (apart from basketball as i find that boring to watch) so i dont sit and study all the stats.

As you are watching the sports and getting used to them then usually the stats they throw up on screen occasionally are sufficient to keep you interested in what is happening and as you get used to them you will understand what they mean.

[TightEnd]

a very complicated question:

the inital key is the running game...who has the good rushing game in offense...yards per carry etc and which defenses can stop the run?

Then look at the overall NFL.com stats, which are the best offensive and defensive teams...each will be ranked 1-32 on a series of measures. Look at the match ups and see if you spot any mismatches eg a good running team comes up against a bad rushing defense.

In post seasons, defense and the running game are vital. It is often sdaid that defense wins championships. I'd look there first eg Chicago this year...so so offense but stellar defense, 10-1 record

[matt674]

a very complicated question:

the inital key is the running game...who has the good rushing game in offense...yards per carry etc and which defenses can stop the run?

Then look at the overall NFL.com stats, which are the best offensive and defensive teams...each will be ranked 1-32 on a series of measures. Look at the match ups and see if you spot any mismatches eg a good running team comes up against a bad rushing defense.

In post seasons, defense and the running game are vital. It is often sdaid that defense wins championships. I'd look there first eg Chicago this year...so so offense but stellar defense, 10-1 record

9-2 the clowns went and blew it against New England at the weekend (they better buck their ideas up or i can kiss my bet goodbye!)

[TightEnd]

yes 9-2...Colts are 10-1


but it was the Bears offense throwing interceptions that blew it, not the defense

[matt674]

yeah - but then both teams gave away quite a few turnovers but then with two "iffy" offences playing against the ranked 1 and 2 defences it was hardly going to be an offensive extravaganza!!

One particular "strip" of the ball from the New England rookie running back Maroney was first class with him trying to explain it to the coaches on the sideline afterwards!!

[Graham C]

Cheers for the info.

Been looking a bit into the Ravens v Bengals games (need to post the cute animal names to get to recognise them ) It seems as if both teams are quite similarly matched.  Ravens are doing well at the moment though and have a good home and away record. 

If I had to bet now, I'd go for an away win but I think it will be fairly close, less than 7 points between them (although that crazy home crowd could be worth a couple of points   OK I made that bit up but it felt appropriate)

I think I'll try and watch a few more games so things make a bit more sense to me and I get an idea on who's who.

What does PF and PA stand for in the standings table please?

[matt674]

Cheers for the info.

Been looking a bit into the Ravens v Bengals games (need to post the cute animal names to get to recognise them ) It seems as if both teams are quite similarly matched.  Ravens are doing well at the moment though and have a good home and away record. 

If I had to bet now, I'd go for an away win but I think it will be fairly close, less than 7 points between them (although that crazy home crowd could be worth a couple of points   OK I made that bit up but it felt appropriate)

I think I'll try and watch a few more games so things make a bit more sense to me and I get an idea on who's who.

What does PF and PA stand for in the standings table please?

For someone who doesnt know much at the moment you talk a good game

PF = Points For
PA = Points Against

I too would have to go with the Ravens for the thursday game, both teams coming off shutouts in week 12 but the Ravens was more impressive against the reigning champions the Pittsburgh Steelers where as the Bungals Bengals shutout was againts the hapless Browns. If the Ravens win then they clinch their Division and will take another step towards securing some form of home field advantage for the playoffs. The Bungals Bengals still have a playoff place to aim for but i think they will find it tough against a Raven defence who recorded a franchise tying 9 sacks in week 12.

In the other meeting between the teams this season the Ravens stormed into a 17-0 lead before allowing the Bungals Bengals back into the game, eventually the Ravens went onto win 26-20. This game was only 4 weeks ago so i cant see too much having changed since then.

Monkey's key to the game: If the Ravens defence can keep Carson Palmer (Bungals QB) and Chad Johnson (Bungals WR) quiet they should go on to a comfortable victory

[TightEnd]

The Ravens are more consistent, have a premier defense and this year for the first time in many years have offensive threats since Steve McNair came across at QB

The Bengals are talented but inconsistent. Their particular weakness is run defense (Tomlinson and the Chargers put 41 second half points on them a fortnight ago) and the Ravens have a human tank, Jamal Lewis, coming from RB.

Ravens for me in a low scoring game. However they are not likely to be great betting value at odds-on

[Newportlad]

Ravens for me in this one as well, in a low scoring game. Since Bill Bellichick took over the offensive play calling, the Ravens have gone back to their power running game, which means a lot of carries for Jamal Lewis, and using up a lot of the clock.
The Bengals have a potent deep passing game with Chad Johnson and TJ Housmenzadah (sp).  Will QB Palmer get the time though to throw the deep passes?  Doubtful.  Bengals want a high scoring game, Ravens a low scoring bore.

[Graham C]

Seems to be a few doubtful players for the game tonight. I  don't know who any of them are obvioulsy but I wonder how much of a difference it will make.

Also the weather is supposed to be lousy.  Will this help for a low scoring game?  I was thinking of betting under 44.5 pts.  It could mean more scores I suppose.  Who can tell?  Not me that's for sure.

[Karabiner]

Nine sacks, blimey the QB must be in intensive care  ;bat; ;bat;

[crip17]

I have put 260 quid on the ravens at 2.65.   I think you guys have talked me into it.         

[TightEnd]

I have put 260 quid on the ravens at 2.65.   I think you guys have talked me into it.         

gulp.

[matt674]

can i ask where you managed to get 2.65?

can find any odds above 6/4

[crip17]

srry   2.54   i put on 260   return  is  400.40    +  260  =     £660.40