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Uciet, te sunt quiduntur? Bori odipsa sum, susdaere volo diti deriate sincto omnimagnis non re imi, sum eturi dolenem fugitatibus et molore poratiis minctusanda nosti quaerem eum vit utat. Nis est lat. Ovitis nonsect urepelesto tet mi, sin exerferum re cuptio et quam qui as sam, sintia sequo veria destinctatur sequi recus modipsam eos aut reseque solupti bearum excerit pratibus repratia pra nis est as nis debit, commodi gnamusandel moluptam voluptatia delesentendi cum et rehendistis reculla vitam, ommolo tori volo volorpos re, optae pro to dolorionecus parum dit odit quam, sin ra dellaci volores totatis apicae nonet endipsanis et moluptatat. Et ut fugite doluptatur si inctus. Anducim inciunte que imus molorum sunt restrum, ut ipit, nullibu scidese ctotaque nobissunt quiam, officiandis doluptur? Qui int dolor restiorro omnistet quatium ipiti sed est fugitas dendis et autatur, odicil mint. Ciis dolupti umquiae pratatintur, ute mos eos sit odi reruntionse eat quam ad quatect atisto eaque voluptur? Qui destius, sitiumquo estis conseque volorpo ritatur apit officilia qui cus mi, estruptae maion conserspit fuga. COPYRIGHT 2015, Sports Reporter Inc. Ecere nectate mporeperum quia sae quodit ommos cuptiore volorem.The #1 Fuga. Sports Aciist, quiInformation volesciis vel et Sourceomnimetur for sincto 41 cum Years dolum quis eum quiae atiatis dernam, ulpa sus eum cullibus nonseque qui as ut expedi tem si dolupta apicimus suntur modi odionesto explign iminulpa que volumet quis ut adit quaes est, comnimpos consece ptatum fugitat emperissunt eatus pliae non nullore pedis re coremporenis sinctiustiam ad minus. Tempores adipsam utent reratur, aut a nos maximenisto corum nobitibus dolorporepel ipitate volut inciminis eum as adiore voluptae volupti duntiaerci blabore iciureped quiPorterium ocrit; nu seriviridi casdam am utem. C. Ahacera eceropu blicavo ctorbit Catertem prituribunce et orave, Catantiliam dum oculienam tem int pessenaribusVOLUME vivis 41, quiPorterium #15 ocrit;WEEK nu seriviridi ENDING casdam am MONDAY, utem. C. Ahacera DECEMBER eceropu blicavo ctorbit 14, Catertem 2015 prituribunce et orave, Catantiliam dum oculienam tem int pessenaribus vivi. jflskajdf;ksjdfskjslkfj;slkjf a;sldkjnfsa;dlkfj ;lkansdjf;lksa ;laksnd f;lk ;lkansd;lfknj ;;lkn ;lkn ;lkansd f;; ;lknas d;lfkns;;;kans df;lkn ;klansd fn ;akdnf ;alkdnf a;lskdnf ; f;kasjd NFL WEEK 14! Army-Navy forecast inside this issue

This week’s mound of misery is the Army-Navy game. Some people think want to expose it as being ridiculous by adding something like, “Oh, hey, Army’s 13 straight losses is an incredible streak. But look at those point- these other guys on the team started and made some great plays in all of spreads. Other than being a +3.5 dog once (and losing by 46 points), Army those games, too, but there is no company or “club” they can go to and talk has been a dog of +6.5 to +7.5 four times, and a dog of +10.5 to +22.5 the about it, only the company and “club” that me, Mr. Media, just invented, other eight times. If there’s a story here, then the headline would be: “Army, which is “Quarterbacks Only.” supposed to lose 13 straight times to Navy, often by a lot, loses 13 straight times to Navy, often by a lot!” Which is not a story at all, unless people con- The brain of ESPN NFL reporter Ed Werder has been taken over: sider “things keep happening that are expected to happen” to be a story. “The most important thing Ben Roethlisberger did beyond self-reporting With College and Pro in full swing and College and Pro Football in concussion symptom was saying today, “I think more guys should do it.” late-season excitement-generation season, the media drivel is being dished at an incredible rate right now: The Worldwide Leader in ranking ARMY Site Opponent Line Tot PF PA SU ATS OU stupid things got this guy to publicly “Indiana now 3-17 against AP Top-10 te- 13-Dec-14 n Navy +14.5 58 7 17 L W U rank, in order of importance, “Thin- ams when unranked under Tom Crean.” gs Ben Roethlisberger Does After He 14-Dec-13 n Navy +13 55 7 34 L L U Gets a Concussion.” 1) Said “I think Duh! I dare anyone out there – espe- 8-Dec-12 n Navy +7 50 13 17 L W U more guys should do it.” 2) Self-repor- cially an alleged sportswriter – to find 10-Dec-11 n Navy +7 52.5 21 27 L W U ted it. 3) Said “Ow, my head hurts.” an “unranked” team with anything 11-Dec-10 n Navy +7.5 55 17 31 L L U Poor Ed. He probably doesn’t even close to a long-term winning record realize that his brain has been hi- 12-Dec-09 n Navy +14.5 41.5 3 17 L W U against “ranked” teams. Holy friggin’ jacked by Bristol, CT engineers, on cow these sportswriters get worse 6-Dec-08 n Navy +10.5 44 0 34 L L U orders from the higher-ups, who in- by the minute. 1-Dec-07 n Navy +14 65 3 38 L L U serted a microchip in it while he slept. 2-Dec-06 n Navy +20 49 14 26 L W U “Iowa’s C.J. Beathard can join eli- And then, there was this classic that te company with a win Saturday. 3-Dec-05 n Navy +6.5 50.5 23 42 L L O keeps coming around: Since 2000, just four FBS quarter- 4-Dec-04 n Navy +12 55 13 42 L L U backs have won their first 14 star- 6-Dec-03 n Navy +22.5 49 6 34 L L U “Minus Boeheim, Syracuse upset by Hoyas.” ts: Jameis Winston, Greg McElroy, 7-Dec-02 n Navy +3.5 55 12 58 L L O Cam Newton and Brandon Doman. Beathard is 13-0.” 1-Dec-01 n Navy -1.5 56.5 26 17 W W U None of us will ever understand how a 6-point underdog can be reported to Beathard was not 13-0! Iowa was 13-0 in games Beathard started! The kid have been “upset,” unless the reporting is being done by person who can be played like crap in some of them, too! Obviously, a lot of things about sport- described by an unflattering adjective. But the Associated Press – an establi- swriting bug me, because it’s horrible. But when these trivia-touting twits shed, national media outlet respected by some people (and not respected by give quarterbacks credit for wins, (and for “big passing yards!,” the majority many others) -- apparently knows how Syracuse can be upset on the road by of which are accumulated by runs after the catch) it probably rankles me the -6 home favorite, Georgetown! Maybe the public should be reporting the more than anything else. Can they cite the names of the offensive linemen, news to the Associated Press, instead of the other way around? defensive linemen and linebackers who have started in all 13 of those ga- mes and did their jobs as well as or better than Beathard may have done Can ownership please make Jerry Reese, his? Of course they can’t! They’re making something up, and they wouldn’t Tom Coughlin and Ben McAdoo go away? – B. Smith side which has consistently lost “close.” Atlanta QB Matt Ryan’s sustained underperformance is one of the major mysteries among the league’s sea- PRO FOOTBALL sonal storylines. Ryan denies the existence of some chronic injury which might explain it. But the Falcon touchdown-scoring machine was largely shut down at New Orleans, and it hasn’t been fully revived, since. Still, the defense should keep Atlanta lurking in this throughout, given the substantial THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 head start afforded. CAROLINA, 24-20.

*ARIZONA over MINNESOTA by 10 *CLEVELAND over SAN FRANCISCO by 3 The now 8-4 SU Vikings just got handed their expected dose of reality on After the 49ers got the highly anticipated, confidently expected and very their home field by Seattle, losing by 31 points. The 10-2 SU Cardinals put predictable road win vs. the Bears, you’d have to feel that it’s too hard for a methodical beating on St. Louis, knowing they had this quick-turnaround a not-so-good team to win two straight on the road. Browns-49ers is no nationally televised affair on deck. We knocked Minnesota’s offense as it backyard brawl, and the 49ers’ braintrust will have a hard time wrapping compared to Seattle’s last week, and now the Cardinals’ offensive YPA of their brains around what the 2-10 SU Browns are all about. One reason 8.8 is greater than Seattle’s 8.4. The Vikings are the second-rushingest of- for that is that the Browns don’t know what the Browns are about. They’ll fense in the NFL, and when a rushing offense faces a scoreboard deficit on keep the 49ers guessing and trying to out-think them, when Cleveland is the road against a good passing offense, things can get uglier as the game not really thinking too hard or even executing very well. The defenses allow progresses. Arizona’s style, however, is less the “hammering” way that San about the same yardage per game: 400 for the Browns, 397 for the 49ers. Francisco and Seattle have used for easy wins vs. the Vikings. Bruce Arians Cleveland’s offense is gaining more yards, 336 to 295. The Browns’ offense is no clock genius and can be an overly aggressive puppet-master, and has been very sloppy, putting the ball on the ground more than anyone in Carson Palmer can be picked. But you’d want to know that injured Vikings’ the NFL except for Buffalo. But the 49ers’ defense has fewer takeaways safety Harrison Smith is back there to do some pickin’, with help from pres- than everyone except Dallas. CLEVELAND, 21-18. sure put on by fellow injured Viking LB Anthony Barr. ARIZONA, 31-21. * over WASHINGTON by 4 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 The Bears look to bounce back in their quest to shake their nasty seasonal habit of failing to cover at (excepting the very late +2 ½ which over *CINCINNATI by 1 popped up in the final hour or so prior to their Bronco bout on the lake- The 7-5 SU Steelers would have the 10-2 SU Bengals set up so nicely for front). Relevant to the prevailing conversation, we’re faced with at least one January if they lose this, and the teams meet again in the post-season, forc- distinct performance pattern regarding this year’s Redskins: other than a ing the Bengals to beat the Steelers three times in one season to advance in narrow underdog cover at struggling Atlanta, the Washingtons behind QB the playoffs. Yeah, like the Bengals would ever beat the Steelers three times Kirk Cousins have barely managed a few loud fouls when away from FedEx in one season! This one could go either way. Sorry for the waffle. But while Stadium. Considering Washington’s tenuous hold on the wheel of the NFC nobody can stop the amazing Pittsburgh offense other than injuries, the East clown car, pertinent details regarding the Monday-night aftermath of Bengals aren’t chopped liver. They also know that they can hurt the Steel- “L”’affaire Cowboys are needed. A Redskins win over that life-support rival ers’ chances of even making the playoffs – where the Steelers would be a would have kept the (wait for it!) Eagles at arms’ length, but they blew it and legitimate threat to run the table -- if they beat them here and sweep the now there is a three-way farce we’re forced to witness. CHICAGO, 24-20. series after already winning in Pittsburgh. Many folks will like the Steelers in DETROIT over *ST. LOUIS by 2 same-season revenge mode after the first meeting was Ben Roethlisberg- Against NFC North opponents, the Rams have been brutal lately: three er’s slightly rusty return from his early-season injury absence. They might be losses this season: by 14 points at Green Bay, by 24 home vs. Chicago, right. If it wasn’t for the possibility of Pittsburgh’s defense being beaten by and in Week 9, failed revenge for last season’s 34-6 opening day home loss the big play returning after enjoying a one-week reprieve facing Matt (Ugh!) to Minnesota. St. Louis is on a 0-4 SU and ATS run against teams from this Hasselbeck, we’d be officially on ’em. PITTSBURGH, 31-30. division, and although they’re not playing against the “division,” perhaps BUFFALO over *PHILADELPHIA by 2 it’s evidence of Jeff Fisher/Gregg Williams lack of preparation depth com- bined with a lousy offense that could afford neither the injury absences, nor If you could tell us that the Eagles would score another three defensive new quarterback Nick Foles failing to grasp what appears to be a relatively and special teams touchdowns like they did at New England, then we’d simple offense. After all, the offensive coordinator is Frank Cignetti, not Don say, “Yes, Eagles over Bills, easily!” That kind of lightning is not unusual Coryell or Bill Walsh or even Chip Kelly. The Rams had only 50 offensive for the Eagles, but it hasn’t been happening every week, either. The Bills snaps vs. the Cardinals, in a mere 20:13 of possession time. The Lions’ of- are built to run a team like the Eagles off the field, owning time of pos- fense usually gets the majority of the clock, but the problem often is that the session for nearly 40 minutes, like Dallas did to the Eagles early in the longer QB Matt Stafford has the football, his chances of making a bonehead season. Philly’s defense has been on the field for 34:00 per game this play increase. DETROIT, 19-17. season, longer than any other. That’s fine when the unit is scoring points for them, or at least setting them up. But when it isn’t, and it’s being soft- RECOMMENDED ened up for failed stops in crunch time, and not enough opportunities for *KANSAS CITY over SAN DIEGO by 19 an offense that gained only 4.3 yards per play vs. the Pats, it really puts Post-Week-One, the Chargers’ total number of seasonal straight-up them behind an 8-ball. BUFFALO, 25-23. wins amounts to two: a home win against the then-friskier Browns and *CAROLINA over ATLANTA by 4 a road “upset” of the Jaguars. The fact they were decided underdogs at Jacksonville tells you plenty. Respect Philip Rivers’ sustained peak After arriving infused with gobs of “devil may care” in the SuperDome, the effort, but the broad, severe attrition in personnel – and the essential di- Panthers got away with another one to maintain their perfect record, despite minishing of the formerly-respectable local running game (Melvin Gor- losing the turnover battle, decisively. Over the past four seasons, Carolina don having yet to develop into what the franchise had hoped) leaves didn’t cover in any of their eight contests immediately on the heels of a this pennywise outfit in sustained disarray. The Chiefs put a couple of Saint engagement. That may be a coincidence – or maybe not – but we still balls on the ground last week against the Raiders, but one of the rea- favor the Falcons to hang within this generous spread. Atlanta’s defense sons Kay Cee has enjoyed such a steady season is that Alex Smith has continues to do its job, not allowing more than 24 points to any foe since managed to avoid throwing an interception since his losing track-meet their Thursday-night visit to New Orleans in October. When Atlanta’s rush/ effort at Lambeau in Week Three! Since their initial three engagements pass ratio comes up too skewed towards the air side (as was the case last with NFC North opponents this year, the Chiefs haven’t lost, not allow- week – and in their big upset loss at San Francisco), they’re virtually cer- ing more than 22 points in any contest – all without Jamaal Charles! tain to underperform. We don’t expect things to work out quite that badly Andy Reid, take a bow. KANSAS CITY, 35-16. here – and the generous spread is attractive, when you’re considering a 2 *DENVER over OAKLAND by 10 With the beyond-superior Bronco defense a buttress against sustained of- fensive sorties by most foes, Denver, behind the obviously-very-well-prepped PRO FOOTBALL QB, Brock Osweiler and the Bronco stable of receivers, looks good enough. High-percentage passers have given the Broncos sustained grief over the years, but the special emphasis/effort by Bronco management to fortify their stop unit specifically to foil slick passers (hi, Tom!) continues to bear fruit. *TAMPA BAY over NEW ORLEANS by 6 At the relatively-modest market number, find it difficult to trust Derek Carr Dual relevant questions: (1) Did New Orleans put all their emotional chips on to hang close, under the circumstances. But with former Denver defensive the layout in their quest to knock Carolina from the unbeaten ranks, and thus string-puller Jack Del Rio getting a head start, and the Broncos continuing to likely to the kind of horrendous defensive lapses as endured in Weeks 9-11, battle injuries, and the two AFC West Week 13 games having been decided during which they allowed 130 points in those three games?, and (2) Is Tampa by two TDs when division games are supposed to be close, ingredients for a finally ready to put a representative foe away at Raymond James Stadium, a 60-minute ballgame are there. DENVER, 23-13. task they haven’t accomplished since they tore up the Bills by three TDs in late 2013, during the pre-Lovie/Jameis era? The Bucs closed a slim favorite *GREEN BAY over DALLAS by 4 against the Falcons. Now, they’re larger chalk against the Saints. If you be- The Packers get back to business in an intriguing late-afternoon start, after lieve Jameis Winston can now be classified as an NFL sophomore (not unlike they regained the upper hand in the NFC North at the conclusion of what many an elite freshman NCAA roundballer who knows a good deal more in was one of most dramatic Hail Mary long passes executed under bizarre February and March than he did, back in November), he figures to take full conditions in the history of the NFL. Aaron Rodgers has to feel much better advantage of the deficient Saint defense and hasten Sean Payton’s path to about the Pack’s broad circumstances – with the exception of the running his next job. Believe there are better places to get involved on this card, but game. Eddie Lacy dinged his ankle again in the second quarter of the Detroit don’t trust the Saints in this schedule spot. TAMPA BAY, 30-24. Thursday-nighter, so the burden on Rodgers’ arm will again be considerable. Rodgers will hand off primarily to give his money wing temporary respites. *JACKSONVILLE over INDIANAPOLIS by 1 The Cowboys, of course, are in full revenge mode, as you’ll recall the tough Secret agent Doug Marrone, the Jags’ AFC East expert who helped them to divisional-game playoff loss at Lambeau after Tony Romo and the Cowboys two wins and a 3-1 ATS record vs. the teams in that division, has been used carried a lead into the fourth quarter before Gene Steratore’s imprecise judg- up. And with the loss at Tennessee despite scoring 39 points, Jacksonville ment left wondering just what the hell a catch is, in this league. once again has proven to be the kind of team whose defense cannot hold up But that was w/Romo, and this is Matt Cassel, though it’s not as if Dallas its end of the deal when the long-hapless offense finally finds some rhythm doesn’t own a couple of legitimate weapons, here. The Packer secondary and realizes its scoring potential. The Colts – 6-6 in first place but with a dou- can be had. Of course, the Cowboy defense barely remembers what an in- bly important game vs. fellow AFC South 6-6er Houston on deck -- haven’t terception is, but you can’t have everything. Big number! GREEN BAY, 28-24. lost to a division rival since Moby Dick was a minnow. The Jags need to hire an AFC South expert, pronto, or have Strip Sack Matt show up, or for BEST BET banged-up Strip Sack Matt to be replaced by Charlie Whitehurst. No Luck for SEATTLE over *BALTIMORE by 20 Indy till next week, they say! INDIANAPOLIS, 18-17. The Ravens held the football for 38:09 at Miami on Sunday, but gained less than 10 yards per minute and scored only 13 points. Matt Schaub *NY JETS over TENNESSEE by 5 passed 32-for-46, 308 yards. Looks impressive on paper. But the game Even though the Titans finally managed to stagger to their very first home win isn’t played on paper. It’s played on a nasty field where the bum’s rush of the season in their seventh try, Marcus Mariota showed to best advantage. Miami put on him will be hotter and heavier coming from the Seahawks. Mariota and his act catches more than a touchdown head start against a Baltimore’s two home wins this season were by 3 points each, vs. re- side which just took out its highest-profile non-divisional rival in overtime. cently L-laden St. Louis and San Diego, opponents riding the downward On the favorite side, Ryan Fitzpatrick again found that life’s easier when you swirly curve along with Baltimore. Seattle is surging, having made it don’t turn the ball over, though his Jets had to drag the City Game to an ex- through the gauntlet of a ridiculously difficult early slate facing so many tra frame to deal Big Blue yet another of its now-habitual come-from-ahead of the best teams when those teams were at their healthiest. Now the losses. Tennessee knows Ryan Fitz, as he took over for the injured Jake Seahawks enjoy a little downhill run of overrated Minnesota, here in Balti- Locker in ’13 and mopped up the bulk of that season. The Titans can conjure more, then hosting the life-support Browns and Rams after this. The only tricky situations in this kind of scenario, as Mariota can extend drives with December road game they’ve lost since 2012 was by 2 points at a good sheer ingenuity. But he’s still learning the ropes. When Titan foes maintain 49ers team, when the Seahawks were 11-1 going in and didn’t necessar- ball control, Tennessee has real difficulties holding respectable opposition ily need the game. At 7-5 today, they need the game. SEATTLE, 33-13. below 24 points. Playoff contention weighs on Jets. NY JETS, 28-23. MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 BEST BET *HOUSTON over NEW ENGLAND by 8 *MIAMI over NY GIANTS by 3 Houston is not one of our favorite teams. But you can’t keep betting With the league continuing to deal the Sunday-night NBC slot all the best of on the teams with the best straight-up and against-the-spread re- it in terms of dramatic programming, we’re served yet another brutal Mon- cords because they eventually regress back towards “normal good” day-nighter, in a season laden with them. These two 5-7 outfits could each instead of “great good,” which is where the media places teams like be facing head-coaching alterations at season’s end. The Giants dribbled the when they have established lots of wins the Jet game away, and the remainder of their season’s schedule after to- at a certain point of any given season. Barely There Bill O’Brien and night is forbidding. The Dolphins are playing out the string, staring up at Rockin’ Romeo Crennel, head coach and defensive coordinator for their betters from the perspective of the AFC East basement, while pretend- the Texans, were dropped from the Bill Belichick coaching tree. They ing Ryan Tannehill is part of the solution, rather than a core constant high- have to be hopped up for the opportunity to be a) hosting, not visit- lighting their chronic problems. Giants still alive, but provided the Dolphins ing, All Hail Bill and Tom so they can block placement of the Patri- can fight off another December swoon along the lines of 2014’s disaster, ots’ hidden cameras and microphones, and b) catching the Patriots’ frankly expect them to win this, despite all. Northern teams coming to south when the Pats are decidedly less than full strength. Last five games, Florida in December (the early forecast is for a warm, humid evening, with defensive yields: Houston, 13 ppg; New England, 21.6. Patriots, last rain possible) are not advantaged; they’re unused to the conditions (obvi- three road games: 0-3 ATS; Texans, last three home games: 3-0 ATS. ously!), and can wind up performing in subpar fashion. Odell Beckham Jr. is Tom Brady completion percentage, last three games, as the receiver the primary Big Blue lifeline, but Eli Manning needs to deliver the ball only to injuries have set in: 51.3%, 54.8%, 51.8%. Ya gotta hit 60% to win the guys in the familiar uniforms -- relevant, given how Matt Schaub’s pair in this league, pal. HOUSTON, 27-19. of tipped picks essentially handed the Dolphins a halftime advantage the visiting Ravens couldn’t quite overcome. For now, MIAMI, 20-17. 3 BOARD

This week’s match-ups, listed in Vegas/Offshore order, home team at bottom, with: Kickoff time (ET), Opening line, Sports Reporter computer-made line, and past scores of 2014, 2013 and 2012 meetings, where applicable. The as- terisk (*) in past scores indicates home team. No asterisk: was neutral field.

Time SATURDAY, 12/12 Line sr line 2014 2013 2012 PREMIER PLAYERS

Army 7 7 13 3:00 Navy -22 -19.5 17 34 17 PHONE SERVICE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 1-800-305-9604 NAVY over ARMY by 17 (at Lincoln Financial Field -- Philadelphia, PA) Army rushes the ball for only 4.88 yards per carry. We say ‘only’ because an option offense needs 5 yards per carry, minimum, for the team to be any BOWL SEASON good. Army is not good. They are 2-9 SU, 4-6-1 ATS, beating only Eastern Michigan (1 win), and Bucknell of the FCS level. But – ah, there’s always a but – when a team is not good, there is always a point-spread to help it do x something successfully. The spread in this game is calling for Army to lose IS COMING SOON! by about three touchdowns. During the program’s 13-season losing streak to Navy, Army has done this – lose by three TDs or more – six times. How- ever, as you can see from the table on page 1, Army has managed to cover much smaller spreads in four of the last six meetings, including Year One of the Jeff Monken coaching regime in 2014.

“I’ve had the rare opportunity to be on both sidelines,” Monken, a Navy as- Only $395 sistant from 2002-2007, and an assistant on triple-option offenses at Geor- gia Tech and Georgia Southern from 2008-2013, said last week. That’s a generally under-appreciated edge. Navy averaged 31.8 ppg last season, but for all NFL and scored only 17 vs. Army, who held Navy’s rushing attack to a mere 205 yards, 3.7 per carry. It was Navy’s lowest 2014 rushing output except when College Football the Middies played up in class (theoretically) vs. Rutgers. Army’s defense is usually a much bigger pushover vs. most other foes. But the offenses play similar systems, and when you practice against a certain style every day, you thru Super Bowl 50 learn the assignments better and react better when you know what’s com- ing. It all comes down to execution. on February 7, 2016. For Navy (9-2 SU, 8-3 ATS), senior quarterback Keenan Reynolds executes a lot better than anybody Army can put under center. He may fly to New York End of Football Season Package: afterwards to participate in the Heisman Trophy ceremony as a candidate. But he gained only 3.8 ypc vs. Army last season and you know he’ll be getting the bulk of the rushes, and won’t be putting the ball in the air more • Picks on all 41 College Football Bowl and than 10 times. It seems like Army would have to screw up royally to lose this by more than three touchdowns. Yes, Army has often screwed up royally. Playoff Games. (Bowl games start Saturday, They’ve put the ball on the ground 35 times in 11 games (that’s “Ball Out!” 3.18 times per game, folks), while Navy has dropped it only 13 times in 11 December 19, end Monday, January 11.) games (1.18 times per game). Navy is +13 in TO Margin, Army -8. By our • Final three weekends of NFL regular season. math, the 84-point difference in turnovers (worth 4 points each), divided by 11 games, says that Army is undervalued by about 7.5 points if they can play • The entire NFL post-season tournament, an even game in Turnovers. Of course, that’s asking a lot. But they managed to do it in last season’s game. NAVY, 27-10. concluding with the Super Bowl!

BE A PREMIER V.I.P.! -- 6 months of Sports Re- Combine it with Pro and College porter Online access, with continuous call-in privileges for all Premier Players star-rated, game-day picks, including Hoops during that span for an 5-Stars! For more details, check out details on the Web site, or call between 10:30 and 6 pm, ET: 1-800-305-9604 even better deal!

4 PRO FOOTBALL BOARD Time SUNDAY, 12/13 Line sr line ‘15 PF ‘15 PA Base D Detroit 40.5 -1 21.1 26.3 4-3 1:00 St. Louis -1 39 15.8 21.4 4-3 This week’s match-ups, listed in Las Vegas/Offshore order, home San Diego 45.5 51 20.6 27.0 3-4 team at bottom, with: Kickoff times, Opening Line and Total, Sports 1:00 Kansas City -10 -12.5 26.8 20.8 3-4 Reporter computer-made line, this season’s average Points For and New Orleans 50.5 52 24.9 31.7 3-4m Against, and each team’s base defense. 1:00 Tampa Bay -4 -5.5 22.7 24.8 4-3 Time THURSDAY, 12/10 Line sr line ‘15 PF ‘15PA Base D Indianapolis 37 21.6 25.5 3-4 1:00 Jacksonville P P 22.9 28.4 4-3 Minnesota 45.5 49 19.9 19.3 4-3 Tennessee 43 47.5 20.4 24.7 3-4m 8:25 Arizona -7.5 -9 31.8 19.3 3-4 1:00 NY Jets -7 -6 24.6 20.7 3-4 New England -3.5 -2.5 31.3 20.6 3-4m Time SUNDAY, 12/13 Line sr line ‘15 PF ‘15 PA Base D 8:30 Houston 45 46 21.1 21.5 3-4 Pittsburgh 50 25.9 20.0 3-4m Oakland 43.5 40 24.5 26.2 4-3 1:00 Cincinnati -3.5 -1 27.8 16.3 4-3 4:05 Denver -7.5 -8.5 22.4 17.5 3-4 Buffalo 47 48 24.7 23.2 3-4m Dallas 45 48.5 18.2 23.7 4-3 1:00 Philadelphia -2 P 23.3 25.3 3-4 4:25 Green Bay -8 -7 24.1 19.8 3-4 Atlanta 46 48.5 21.7 21.9 4-3 Seattle -6 -9.5 25.4 19.1 4-3 1:00 Carolina -7.5 -6.5 31.1 20.3 4-3m 1:00 Baltimore 40 22.7 24.3 3-4m San Francisco 41 40 14.8 24.3 3-4 Time MONDAY, 12/14 Line sr line ‘15 PF ‘15PA Base D 1:00 Cleveland -1 -2 18.0 28.9 3-4m Washington 44 20.1 22.3 3-4 NY Giants 46.5 39 25.9 23.2 4-3 8:30 1:00 Chicago -3 -4 20.9 24.2 3-4 Miami -1 -2.5 20.0 25.0 4-3

PRO FOOTBALL : WEEK 14 PAST PERFORMANCES

Yr. Wk V Pts H Pts Vis QB Hm QB v off v next h off h next Notes 2014 8 CIN 16 PIT 10 Dalton Big Ben BYE W CLE L at KC W OAK 10-pt 4th quarter secures 7th straight win to start season. 2014 17 CAR 34 ATL 3 Newton Ryan W at NO NONE W CLE W ARI 2 INTS returned for TDs helps Panthers D smother Falcons 2014 11 ATL 19 CAR 17 Ryan Newton W AT TB L CLE L at PHI BYE Panthers score 14 in 4th quarter but Falcons hold them off. 2013 7 CHI 41 WAS 45 McCown Griffin W NYG BYE L at DAL L at DEN Skins score last in offensive slug fest on Helu TD run. Forte 3 TDs 2015 11 KC 33 SD 3 A. Smith Rivers W at DEN W BUF BYE W at JAX Ugly Chargers loss highlighted by TD from 346-lb DT Dontari Poe 2015 2 TB 26 NO 19 Brees Winston L TEN L at HOU L at ARI L at CAR Wintston gets 1st win with solid 14/21, 207 yds, TD performance 2015 4 JAX 13 IND 16 Bortles Luck L at NE L at TB W at TEN W at HOU With Luck out for first time, Hasselbeck fills in capably with 282, TD 2014 15 NYJ 16 TEN 11 G. Smith Whithrst L at MIN L NE L NYG L at JAX Jets and Titans fight, but Jets win game. Decker 100 yds 2013 4 TEN 38 NYJ 13 Locker G. Smith W SD L KC W BUF W at ATL Locker starts hot, gets hurt, but Jets can't keep up. Jets 4 TO 2013 13 NE 34 HOU 31 Brady Keenum W DEN W CLE L JAX L at JAX Comeback hands Houston their 10th straight loss. Brady 371, 2 TD 2015 5 DEN 16 OAK 10 P. Mnnng Carr W MIN W at CLE L at CHI BYE Key INT return for TD helps cover up shaky Manning in win 2014 DIV DAL 21 GB 26 Romo Rodgers W DET NONE BYE L at SEA Packers again come back in 2nd half to take down Cowboys 2013 15 GB 37 DAL 36 Flynn Romo W ATL L PIT L at CHI W at WAS Flynn-led Packers outscore Cowboys 34-10 in 2nd half.

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GREETINGS TO ALL SPORTS REPORTER ONLINE members! Welcome to the collection of forecast essays known as the MIDWEEK UPDATE, whose name should be changed to the LATE WEEK UPDATE, but probably won’t be. Here’s a little heads-up about our College Football Bowl Season coverage: Next week, Issue 4116: 12 games. Week after that, Issue 4117: 19 games. Week after that: 8 games. Week after that: 1 game. CLICK HERE to email me when the mood strikes.

but we’ll run him on designed runs and we have enough guys to NFL block them. As soon as the quarterback can run, if you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you’re gonna get creased…I’m anxious to see somebody try to spy on him and have success.” Some former BEST BET Titans are publicly saying that ownership should remove the “interim” TENNESSEE (+7.5) over *NY JETS tag from his job title. The players seem to like him and could be – as SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 – The Jets scored 10 points through the they progress in the systems – playing for the guy so he’ll keep the first three quarters this past Sunday. People were making a big deal job next year. Mularkey, taking it one game at a time, says, “We’re about Ryan Fitzpatrick passing for 390 yards. But they only scored 23 doing a better job of not beating ourselves, we’ve cut our penalties in points, and the running back Bilal Powell got a lot of those yards after half.” TENNESSEE, 26-20. little dump-offs, and whatever yards he was throwing for were com- ing against the single lousiest pass defense in the National Football BEST BET TOTAL League, the New York Big Blue Awful New York Giants Defense. After UNDER 43 all was said and done, the Jets covered by a half-point, with luck, as DALLAS at GREEN BAY the favorite. Who wants a seven-point favorite that plays the way the SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 – Record high temperature being neared at Jets play? Not us. Green Bay! You can just hear the NFL Red Zone guy: ‘Folks, we are witness to history! A record-high temperature in Green Bay today! New York may change the game plan around and seek to throw Aaron Rodgers is undefeated when he plays in record high tempera- downfield more often, but that isn’t really QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s tures!” Okay, we digress a little bit to poke the usual fun at overly strength. Downfield accuracy has always been his weakness, actu- hyping sports announcers who intrude upon the ballgames we want ally. At titansonline.com, Tennessee head coach Mike Mularkey was to enjoy with their terrible, trivial trumpets. The announcer will surely asked about Fitzpatrick’s relative effectiveness. “I think some of the reference “almost 48 years to the day of the -15-degree Ice Bowl offensive schemes that he’s in helps with some of his decision-mak- played between these two teams!” It’s actually two weeks shy of 48 ing. I know Chan [Gailey] very well. I worked him in Pittsburgh. He years since the Cowboys visited Green Bay in the 1967 NFC Cham- doesn’t put his quarterbacks at risk, if he can help it.” pionship Game and everyone froze their butts off. The forecast is for a game-time temperature of about 54 degrees. Must be a great day Mularkey also had another observation about the Jets’ offense, con- to be Aaron Rodgers and Matt Cassel, eh, winging it in the unexpect- cerning New York running back Chris Ivory “We know this: he’s not ed hot air for big points? Nah. Along with the possible record high going to run out of bounds. He’s going to look for the hole and if temperature that is sure to have global warming theorists all excited, somebody’s in it, he’s going to try to run us over.” That’s nothing there is another part of the forecast: 100% chance of rain. Also, the fancy, didn’t amount to much against the Giants (and has been on a spread score of 25-18 (based on the Pack being favored by -7 with a down-trend since early in the season) and a game-shortening tactic, Total of 43), is asking Green Bay to score 25 when they really scored whether the Jets intend for that side-effect or not. The Jets are not only 20 in their last game vs. Detroit (come on, man, that Hail Mary built to blow anybody out. It can happen if they get turnovers, but af- was on an extra play that shouldn’t have taken place, after more than ter getting them in bunches earlier in the season, the turnovers have 60 minutes of clock time had elapsed); 13 vs. the Bears before that. been fewer and farther between lately. Dallas, playing a fourth road game in their last five, is coming off 19- and 14-point games vs. Washington and Carolina. The 19 they got The Titans have been hanging in there very much this season. Since at Washington had every right to finish at 9, except for some bizarre Week 3, they’ve lost by 2 points to the Colts, 1 point vs. Buffalo, 3 Washington antics in the final 1:30 that you may have witnessed on points vs. Atlanta, 6 vs. New Orleans, 6 vs. Jacksonville, 3 vs. Oak- Monday Night. land. They’re in the second season of offensive and defensive sys- tems that are beginning to become more productive. Dick LeBeau It’s two competent defenses, one good QB who hasn’t really been in is assisting with the defense – Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing QB for the sync with his receivers (Rodgers) and whose top running back Eddie Jets. There’s plenty of opportunity for that match-up to go Tennes- Lacy has not been as productive as he can be, and one lousy quar- see’s way. About Titans’ QB Marcus Mariota, Mularkey says: “I’m terback (Dallas’ Matt Cassel) running an offense that likes to stay on good with him running. There were a lot of bad angles guys were the field, dominate Time of Possession, but not do much of anything taking at him. I think it helps our whole offense that they know that other than that. Playing with a wet ball. GREEN BAY, 16-13. we have formations and personnel groupings that look like passes,