NCAAF Odds - SEC Championship: Tennessee vs. LSU

A trip to the Sugar Bowl will be up for grabs on Saturday afternoon, when Tennessee takes on LSU in the SEC Championship game in Georgia.

The Tigers must be disappointed that the Sugar Bowl is the only BCS Bowl open to them. LSU squandered their shot at the national championship game last week after losing to Arkansas.

LSU was a 13.5-point favorite and fell to the Razorbacks 50-48 in triple overtime.

Tigers' quarterback Matt Flynn had a solid showing in the loss, completing 22-of-47 passes for 209 yards with three touchdown passes and a touchdown run.

Jacob Hester ran in for a pair of touchdown while rushing for 126 yards on 28 carries, while Early Doucet and Demetrius Byrd each caught a TD.The usually strong LSU defense had trouble containing Arkansas running back and Heisman candidate Darren McFadden, who rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

The Volunteers nearly backed into the title game after edging Kentucky 52-50 as a 3-point underdog in a quadruple overtime shootout last week.

Tennessee looked to have the game in hand with a 24-7 lead at the half before the Wildcats stormed back in the second half.

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge had a big game, completing 28-of-45 passes for 397 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Running back Arian Foster rushed for 118 yards on 27 carries and also caught nine passes for 98 yards with a touchdown.

The Volunteers and Tigers last met up last season when LSU defeated Tennessee 28-24 as a 4-point road favorite. In Saturday's big game, the Tigers are a 7.5-point favorite.

College Football Odds - ACC Championship: Hokies vs. Eagles

The Virginia Tech Hokies have a score to settle on Saturday when they take on the Boston College Eagles for the ACC Championship in Jacksonville.

The Hokies had their national championship hopes crushed by Boston College earlier this season when the Eagles upset Virginia Tech 14-10 as a 3-point underdog.

Virginia Tech controlled most of that game up until the fourth quarter when Boston College engineered a late comeback, scoring all of their points in the final frame.

Matt Ryan carried the Eagles while completing 25-of-52 passes for 285 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Ryan's biggest play of the game was a 24-yard touchdown pass to Andre Callender with 11 seconds remaining that clinched the victory for Boston College.

Junior QB Sean Glennon got the start for Virginia Tech and completed 15-of-25 passes for 149 yards with a touchdown.

The Hokies' offense may look a little different on Saturday with freshman QB Tyrod Taylor now healthy.Glennon and Taylor split the QB duties in Virginia Tech's 33-21 win over state rivals Virginia last week.

Glennon completed 13-of-19 passes for 260 yards with a touchdown, while Taylor completed 4-of-6 passes for 39 yards and also ran in for a pair of touchdowns.

Hokies' running back Branden Ore had his best game of the season in the win with 147 rushing yards on 31 carries.

The Eagles ended the regular season last week with a meaningless game versus Miami (FL). Boston College had already clinched the Atlantic Division, but still went on to defeat the Hurricanes 28-14 as a 14.5-point favorite.

Ryan completed 26-of-43 passes for 369 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, while Callender rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

In Saturday's rematch, the Hokies are a 4.5-point favorite.

NFL Football Odds - Week 13

All eyes this week will be on Thursday night's game in Big D, but there are several other close matchups in the NFL this week ... if you don't count any team that plays New England.

Green Bay (+7) at Dallas, Thursday: We did a separate preview for this one and like the Cowboys, but would recommend buying down to 6.5.

Buffalo (+5.5) at Washington: This is a tough one to gauge, with the Redskins either being distracted because of Sean Taylor's death or completely fired up and wanting to win for him. With their playoff hopes also on the line, I think the latter. All games will observe a moment of silence for Taylor. The pick: Redskins.

Atlanta (NL) at St. Louis: There is currently no line on this game at WagerWeb.com due to the status of Rams QB Marc Bulger, whose status is in doubt due to a concussion. The likely line will be Rams by a point or two, and with Steven Jackson healthy, that should be enough to beat Atlanta if even Bulger is out. The pick: St. Louis.

New York Jets (NL) at Miami: Currently, there is no line on WagerWeb.com for this game because of ssorted injuries, but other books have it as Miami -1.

That's right, the Dolphins are favored! Miami won't have Ricky Williams, but this is the Fins' best chance, by far, to avoid infamy. The pick: Miami.

Seattle (NL) at Philadelphia: This line also is in limbo currently at WagerWeb.com (although it is Philly by 3 at other books), as the status of Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is up in the air. As is whether the Seahawks' Maurice Morris or Shawn Alexander will play. Expect A.J. Feeley to go for the Eagles. The pick: Philadelphia.

Detroit (+3.5) at Minnesota: I've hitched my wagon to Detroit the past few weeks, and the Lions have stunk it up at home against the Giants and Packers.

Adrian Peterson is expected to return for Minnesota, and that's enough for me. I'm off the Lions for good. The pick: Minnesota.

Houston (+4) at Tennessee: Vince Young and the Titans have been really bad the past few weeks, and Houston has been solid whenever Andre Johnson has played.However, with Albert Haynesworth set to likely return for the Titans, Houston won't be able to run much. The pick: Tennessee.

Jacksonville (+6.5) at Indianapolis: The AFC game of the week. The Jaguars can tie the Colts atop the AFC South with a win, and Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew could have a field day. Indy has been struggling big-time on offense. Yet I still expect a Colts close victory. The pick: Jags will cover.

San Diego (-5.5) at Kansas City: Kolby Smith was a stud in his debut for the Chiefs, but Oakland's run defense was the worst in the league. Philip Rivers had one of his best games of the year against a tough Baltimore defense last week, so maybe the light has gone on. The pick: Chargers.

San Francisco (+3) at Carolina: Really no reason to be on this game unless you are fan of one of these going-nowhere teams. Possibly the worst quarterback matchup of the season in Trent Dilfer vs. Vinny Testaverde. The pick: Panthers only because they are home.

Tampa Bay (+3) at New Orleans: I still say the Bucs are doing it totally with mirrors. They almost lost last week despite all those Redskins fumbles. Plus it appears Jeff Garcia may not play. Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden remained hopeful, however: "We'll expect Jeff to play," Gruden said. This pick is the lock of the week if Garcia doesn't go but still favors the Saints if he does. The pick: Saints.

Cleveland (pick) at Arizona: I'm shocked at this line, as the oddsmakers still clearly don't trust Cleveland. Neither team is much on defense, but the Cards lost arguably their best defender, Adrian Wilson, for the season this week. The pick: Browns.

Denver (-3.5) at Oakland: The Broncos blew last week's game in Chicago by kicking to Devin Hester, and they should get back RBs Selvin Young and Travis Henry. Oakland can't stop the run, but neither can Denver, so this could be interesting. The pick: Denver.

New York Giants (-1.5) at Chicago Bears: Chicago keeps alternating wins and losses, while Eli Manning took a huge step back in last week's rout by Minnesota. Two very schizophrenic teams here, but the Bears need it more. The pick: Chicago.

Cincinnati (+7) at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh has not looked good the past few weeks, but Monday's debacle against the Dolphins was mostly because of the field.

Troy Polamalu may or may not play, which could definitely be a factor. Cincy is coming off its best win of the year, while Pittsburgh is on a short week. The pick: Cincinnati.

New England (-20.5) at Baltimore: Did the Eagles give other teams a road map to go by against the Patriots?

Maybe, but Baltimore is terrible offensively. Not going to pretend that the Ravens can win this game, but I think they can keep it to a 17-point loss by running Willis McGahee often. The pick: Baltimore.

Note: All lines as of Thursday

NFL Odds - Packers vs. Cowboys at the Texas Stadium

For as much hype as the New England-Dallas game got earlier this season, Thursday night's Packers-Cowboys game - with Dallas -7 (51.5) on WagerWeb.com - is more important in the grand scheme of things.

Because while the Pats and Cowboys were both unbeaten at the time of their meeting, they are in separate conferences.

Thursday's matchup of 10-1 teams probably will be the deciding factor in which team gets home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs. And don't you think the Packers would prefer the NFC Championship Game be played in frigid Lambeau instead of Texas Stadium?

This will be the first time two teams with records of 10-1 or better will face off since the 10-1 New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers played on Dec. 3, 1990, and just the eighth time in NFL history. The team that wins will clinch a playoff berth.

First off, let's start with the notable injuries.

Dallas better shape than Green Bay in this category.

Receiver Patrick Crayton, who missed last week's game due to a sprained ankle, is expected to play. Crayton has 33 receptions for 482 yards, close to his career highs of 36 and 516, respectively, set last season.

Green Bay's situation isn't as clear. Two of the Packers' top defensive players, cornerback Charles Woodson and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, are officially listed as questionable and will be game-time decisions.

Woodson (toe) and Gbaja-Biamila (ankle) both were injured during last week's Thanksgiving Day victory at Detroit.

Woodson took part in the jog-through portion of practice Tuesday, while Gbaja-Biamila was limited to what Packers coach Mike McCarthy called "a rehab workout," which included change-of-direction drills using cones.

Gbaja-Biamila, tied for fourth in the NFL with 9 1⁄2 sacks, said he is playing if he has any say.

"It's a coach's call, but I feel good. I'm ready to play," said Gbaja-Biamila, whose right leg was bent under him in an ugly collision with Lions lineman Blaine Saipaia. "I think that when I'm out there, I'm going to be ready to go 100 percent. ... It's a big game, and I want to be in it."Woodson, meanwhile, is a bit more iffy, and he will be needed against the high-powered Dallas passing attack.

"He's pretty much around-the-clock in the training room," McCarthy said. "He's going to be a game-time decision. He's improving. He's dealt with this injury before. He's making progress."

If Woodson can't go, No. 3 corner Jarrett Bush would move into the starting lineup, as he did last week, while either No. 4 corner Frank Walker or No. 5 corner Tramon Williams would play in the nickel defense.

If Gbaja-Biamila can't play, Jason Hunter would replace him in the pass-rush package.

"This goes on week in and week out," McCarthy said of the injuries. "Our guys will be ready to play. We have a plan. Our coaches have to put our players in the best position to be successful."

Green Bay will have safety Nick Collins, who practiced for the third consecutive day Tuesday and will start, according to McCarthy. Collins hasn't played since suffering a left knee injury Nov. 4 at Kansas City.

Cornerback Al Harris likely will get the call in defending Cowboys star WR Terrell Owens, but Bush struggled against the Lions when Woodson went out.

You can't have a preview of this big game without mentioning the quarterbacks.

Green Bay's Brett Favre has thrown only eight interceptions, completed passes at a career-high 68.5 percent clip and is on target for his fifth 4,000-yard season.

Dallas' Tony Romo, who idolized Favre growing up, enters this game already tied for the single-season team record for touchdown passes with 29, established by Danny White in 1983. He also seems a near-lock to better White's single-season club record of 3,980 passing yards set that season (Romo has 3,043).

There could be cause for concern regarding Green Bay's run defense, which has been one of the better ones in the league but that has allowed 265 combined yards to the Panthers and Lions in the past two games.

Meanwhile, Dallas had one of its best running games of the season on Thanksgiving against the Jets, as Julius Jones and Marion Barber combined for 167 yards on 32 carries.

The lowdown: Much of the U.S. may not be able to watch tonight's game as it is being televised by the NFL Network, which is not carried - barring a last-second change - on many cable companies, including the two main ones, Comcast and Time Warner. ... Favre is 0-8 lifetime and 0-5 in the regular season at Texas Stadium. ... The Packers have won seven consecutive road games, one shy of the franchise record last accomplished in the 1966 and 1967 seasons. ... The Cowboys have won five straight games and the Packers have won six straight this season and 14 of their last 15 dating back to last season. ... Dallas is clearly the more well-rounded team. Can Favre win this game by himself? Sure. But expect a Dallas victory and cover ... although it may be worth buying down to 6.5 on WagerWeb.com.

Betting trends

The Packers are 9-1 ATS.
The Packers are 5-0 ATS away.
The Packers are 4-0 ATS as the underdog.
The Packers are 2-0 ATS as an away underdog.
The Cowboys are 8-3 ATS.
The Cowboys are 4-2 ATS at home.
The Cowboys are 7-2 ATS as the favorite.
The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS as a home favorite.

More NFL Trends

NHL Odds: Who's No. 1 for Red Wings?

Is there a goalie controversy in Detroit?

According to coach Mike Babcock and GM Ken Holland, no. But the numbers suggest that supposed No. 1 Dominik Hasek isn't what he used to be and that the Detroit Red Wings are clearly a better team with "No. 1A" Chris Osgood in net.

Osgood, who turned 35 on Monday, is playing some of the best hockey of his career. He is 11-1-1 after Tuesday's win against the Calgary Flames with an NHL-leading 1.76 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage, which is near the top.

Hasek, meanwhile, will be 43 soon, looks beaten down and already has dealt with a hip injury (NHL Injury Report). And his numbers, .864 save percentage and 2.90 goals-against average, aren't the stuff of a No. 1 goalie on any team, much less a Stanley Cup contender like the Red Wings. He is currently on a three-game losing streak.

However, everyone on the team seems to be giving the right answers on the subject.

"I don't think in terms of numbers," Chris Osgood said. "I don't think in terms of 1 and 2, or 1 and 1A. I've don't say to myself 'Well, Dom's this and I'm that.' Hey, he's one of the greatest goalies ever. I've just never thought of myself as a backup. And I never will. I've won a Stanley Cup. I don't think there's any situation that I haven't had to deal with in 14 years. I've proven myself. I can deal with whatever comes."

Hasek, meanwhile, also is playing the good teammate and supporting Osgood whenever he plays.

"I know I haven't played well, but I feel very good in practice and I feel healthy and that's most important right now," Hasek said. "I was in at the beginning of the year and I didn't play well. Ozzie played great game a few times, most of the time. Right now, I believe when I get back I can play on the highest level again. Then I can play more games in a row, then I will feel even better. ... I have no problem with it."Babcock isn't catering to controversy, either:

"It's always been my understanding this is about the team," Babcock said. "And that's the approach you take with everybody. Dom's been around a hundred years. He knows this, and he also knows how good he is."

And the company line also comes from Holland:

"Early in the year, Dom hasn't played the way he knows he can, the way we know he can. I really think that Dom's going to get it cranked up here. That's been his history. The injury in October set him back, and he's had some bad puck luck. We like both (players). I still expect, come playoff time, that Dom's going to be in net. He's the guy that, last year, was a major factor in us going to the final four. Certainly, we feel good about our 1-2 punch."

But it appears obvious that Chris Osgood has wrested away the No. 1 spot from a now healthy Hasek. Osgood, after all, has won 42 of his past 67 starts since rejoining the Red Wings in 2005-06. And Tuesday's win against the Flames was Osgood's second consecutive start.

"When you've got one guy playing well, you've got to play him. Ozzie's getting us points, so he gets the opportunity (to play)."

Detroit's next game is Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning - bet on it at WagerWeb.com - and it will be interesting to see whom Babcock goes with in net.

Meanwhile, the Red Wings will be without Kris Draper indefinitely after he suffered a sprained left knee Tuesday.

Draper is set for an MRI exam on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game against the Flames. The last Red Wing to suffer a sprained knee, Johan Franzen, missed 10 games. Draper was injured when he got tangled with Owen Nolan along the boards; Draper's left leg buckled, and he dropped to the ice, where he lay for a few seconds until play was stopped.

"We're a little concerned right now, but we're hoping that things are going to be real good, and it won't be a big issue," Babcock said.

College Basketball Odds - LSU's Mitchell done for year?

LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell will undergo surgery on Thursday after X-rays determined a stress fracture in his left ankle, Tigers coach John Brady said.

Mitchell started the first three games of the season, extending his starting streak to 71 straight games (every game of his career), but was able to go only six minutes in the first game at the EA Sports Maui.

Invitational over the holidays before going to the bench.

"We are glad to now know the situation and that it will be a 6-8 week ordeal," Brady said. “I feel bad for our team and I feel bad for Tasmin. We all know how hard he worked and he had gotten himself into the best shape of his career. We just have to control the things with this team that we can control. Tasmin was so important to what we had planned to do.

That's 15-to-16 points and eight or nine rebounds a game that we've got to pick up somewhere else.

Brady did say that if circumstances warrant and he is unable to return this season, Mitchell would apply for a medical redshirt and return to the team for the 2008-09 season with two years of eligibility remaining.

For the three games, Mitchell scored 22 points with 17 rebounds. He was the team's leading returning scorer entering this season, having averaged 14.7 points and six rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2006-07. He helped lead LSU to the Final Four in 2005-06 and was named to the freshman All-SEC team.

"I'm kind of nervous,' Mitchell said after learning of the diagnosis. "I've never had surgery. But this is the best decision, to go ahead with the surgery and there is a good chance I will probably not be back this season."

LSU is 3-2 and plays Nicholls State on Wednesday night - bet on the game at WagerWeb.com.

BRUINS DUO TO PLAY: UCLA star freshman Kevin Love and junior forward Alfred Aboya were both cleared to play in Wednesday's game against George Washington after sustaining injuries in Friday's home win over Yale.Aboya suffered a fractured right orbital bone and left the game with blurred vision. However, the Cameroon native took part in a full practice Tuesday wearing protective goggles. Aboya is averaging 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds after starting all six of the No. 1 Bruins' games this season.

Love, meanwhile, turned his ankle Friday but practiced fully on Sunday. The freshman is leading UCLA with 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He was named the Pac-10 Conference Player of the Week on Monday.

Bet on UCLA-George Washington at WagerWeb.com

OLSON BACK? Arizona coach Lute Olson returned to practice on Monday night, but his status for the Wildcats' game on Wednesday night is still unclear.

"He came back and participated in practice and film session," said Arizona interim coach Kevin O'Neill.

"It was good to have him back."

Olson has been away from the team for the past three weeks to attend to a personal matter. In a statement, Olson said it was not related to his health.

O'Neill said he expects Olson to return for Tuesday's practice and coaches' meeting, but has not yet been told whether the 73-year-old Hall of Famer will be on the sidelines for Wednesday night's home game against Cal State Fullerton.

The Wildcats are 3-2 without Olson coming off an overtime loss to Kansas.

Bet on Arizona-Cal State Fullerton at WagerWeb.com

Horse Betting - Horses to Watch

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won five races, ran second three times and finished third once since Nov. 8.

AQUEDUCT

Borrowing Base: Broke awkwardly, bumped, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, advanced from ninth to fifth in stretch, altered course, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished a game third beaten two necks at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 25.

CALDER

Teddy Ballgame: Steadied on first turn, raced eighth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, closed well from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 25.

FAIR GROUNDS

Our Dancing Babe: Trailed early, advanced to 11th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied midway on far turn when bothered and dropped to 12th and last, rallied in traffic to seventh in stretch, angled out to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a about a mile on the turf on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

Thataboyandrew: Raced sixth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, went outside for the drive, rallied from fourth in stretch to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 23; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

HAWTHORNE

Convairman: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied late to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 4/5. HOLLYWOOD PARK

Banner Lodge: raced ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came out leaving turn, forced five wide by runner-up into stretch, rallied from seventh making up more than 4 ½ lengths, finished third beaten a neck and a nose, but was moved up to second on an interference disqualification; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

HOOSIER PARK

Dixie Obsession: Stumbled at start, raced eighth early, moved to seventh more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished third beaten a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Nov. 21.

LAUREL PARK

Casual: Caught in traffic early, raced seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung five wide advancing to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 23.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Lover Nekia: Raced three lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, weaved between rivals on far turn to fifth while losing ground, advanced to third in stretch, finished well making up five lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 23.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Tejas Cat: Broke seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, swung six wide for drive, advanced to fourth in stretch, closed willingly to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

Distorted Cat: Broke eighth and last, raced seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung five wide to sixth in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

TURF PARADISE

Crazy Girl: Bobbled leaving gate, raced eighth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed fast to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 19; ran final quarter in 23 1/5.

Horse Racing Betting - How to Handicap Horses Second Time Off a Layoff

I've always believed it's tricky trying to handicap horses coming off long layoffs. So the next logical question: How about second time off a layoff?

One of my favorite handicappers that answered the original question is Steve Klein of the Daily Racing Form. His premise expressed several years ago:

"The theory that previous comeback attempts can accurately predict the future comeback tries is terribly flawed. It is a cherished handicapping myth that I've never seen challenged in print. The problem is that the theory assumes that all layoffs are equal. They aren't. Short layoffs aren't usually a big deal."

First, let's review some betting strategy often followed when considering horses returning to the race track no matter the length of a layoff. I favor:

Thoroughbreds that performed well in similar circumstances, preferably winning right away.

Routers over sprinters because the slower pace conserves energy.

Horses returning from short layoffs of 30 to 60 days that show a workout of four furlongs or longer within seven days of racing again.

Runners racing again after extended layoffs worked five furlongs or longer within 14 days.

Horses returning after layoffs from two months to half a year because they do better than those rested longer.
I prefer horses second time off a layoff that showed speed and faded or has a closing running style and came up short. That's because, according to many experts, a horse may have needed a freshener and should improve next time out.

However, runners should have performed well in similar, past circumstances and the trainer must have a fairly high winning percentage in this category. Remember that horses in allowance and stakes races perform better than rested claimers.

Especially watch out for horses coming off a layoff exceeding 90 days that run an uneventful race and return within 14 days. If the wait is longer than two weeks, it becomes more of a guessing game.

It's always a good idea to check out body language in the paddock or post parade whether the runner is first or second time off a layoff. For example, you might notice first-time front wraps that could signal an injury and the tape might cover enlarged ankles.

The winning percentage for first-time front wraps is really low. Back wraps don't seem to matter.

Many experts agree that a horse's lucky number is 3 as in running third time off a layoff. That's considered the most crucial start after a rest. And it makes no difference the distance.

Third time off a layoff is best, some say, provided the second start was a sprint and the runner performed well.

Third time off a layoff is best in routes, others say, when preceded by a pair of improving sprints.

I have no hard rule when it comes to distances, but the thoroughbred must show improvement in preceding races.

Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers - Ricky Williams is back!

There isn't much reason to watch Monday night's Dolphins-Steelers matchup as far as the likely result. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) is a 16-point favorite at WagerWeb.com and should have little trouble beating the 0-10 Miami Dolphins.

However, there may be one reason to watch: Ricky Williams' likely return to the NFL.

"This is a little bit different than anything we're used to, having a guy who's been out of the league and all the stuff he's been through," Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior said. "We look forward to seeing what he's been doing in his free time."

Williams, 30, hasn't carried the ball in an NFL game since New Year's Eve in 2005, but he is expected to be back tonight because Miami's starting running back, Jesse Chatman (who replaced original starter Ronnie Brown), limped through practice all week after injuring an ankle in last Sunday's loss at Philadelphia. (NFL injury report)

Thus, the Dolphins either turn to Williams, second-year pro Patrick Cobbs or rookie Lorenzo Booker and Williams. Cobbs has 11 NFL carries, and Booker has none. Williams, on the other hand, is a former league rushing champion who awed teammates last week with his conditioning and quickness.

When he last played, Williams gained 280 yards in his final two games in 2005, including 172 against Tennessee. Neither the Dolphins nor the Steelers are certain what Williams is capable of following so long a layoff.

'I'm not really anticipating anything,' Miami coach Cam Cameron said.

Pittsburgh's Casey Hampton isn't so sure: "If he's in shape, he's going to be good."

How good against a tough Pittsburgh defense remains to be seen. The Steelers rank third in the league against the run, allowing an average of 79.9 rushing yards. They hadn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 34 games before the Jets' Thomas Jones did it last week.

In the past 60 games, only two players, Jones and Edgerrin James, have cracked 100 yards against the Steelers.Miami will need a running game to keep this game even close. Rookie John Beck makes only his second start after going 9-for-22 for 109 yards last week against the Eagles. The Dolphins were held to 186 total yards and their only points came off rookie Ted Ginn's 87-yard punt return for a touchdown.

"I'm tired of searching for a positive. We need to win a game," said Miami guard Rex Hadnot.

Miami's defense isn't in much better shape, allowing a league-worst 154.9 rushing yards per game and an average of 27.4 points, among the NFL's worst.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is one of the league's top rushing offenses but is coming off a shocking loss to the Jets where it was held to only 112 yards.

"We've got to come out and play Steelers football," said QB Ben Roethlisberger, who was 15-of-25 for 195 yards with a touchdown and an interception. "I don't feel we did that (in New York). They were probably the more physical team. I think it showed."

The Steelers will be without injured wide receiver Santonio Holmes (sprained ankle) and safety Troy Polamalu (sprained knee). Losing Holmes takes away Roethlisberger's best deep threat; losing Polamalu will alter defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's blitz package against Miami's inexperienced Beck.

The lowdown: Miami leads the all-time series 11-10. The Steelers have won the last two meetings. ... The Steelers are 12-0 at home on Monday night since a 23-20 loss to the New York Giants in 1991. ... Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 14 times in the last three games. ... If Pittsburgh hadn't just lost to the Jets, there's a chance Miami could cover tonight. However, you know the Steelers will play with high intensity tonight, and a 17-point win, at a minimum, shouldn't be a problem.

Miami Dolphins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The Dolphins are 2-6 ATS.
The Dolphins are 1-2 ATS away.
The Dolphins are 2-5 ATS as the underdog.
The Dolphins are 1-2 ATS as an away underdog.
The Steelers are 6-4 ATS.
The Steelers are 4-1 ATS at home.
The Steelers are 6-4 ATS as the favorite.
The Steelers are 4-1 ATS as a home favorite.

More NFL Trends

NFL Odds – Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are betting favorites by 24 points on WagerWeb.com this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. That is not a misprint. Twenty-four points!!!!

OK, the Eagles (5-5) aren't exactly a powerhouse, but they were expected to be a playoff team. And they have won three of four to pull within a game of the final NFC wild-card spot. They have even won three straight on the road. So, 24 points!!??

Well, Philly starting quarterback Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb) will miss Sunday night's game, which certainly hampers Philly's offense. McNabb hurt the thumb on his throwing hand early against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday and left after injuring his ankle in the second quarter. He did not practice all week.

A.J. Feeley, who led the Eagles to a pair of touchdowns in a 17-7 win over the Dolphins, gets the start for Philadelphia. It will be his first start since he led Miami over Cleveland on Dec. 26, 2004. He was 4-1 as a starter in the last five regular-season games in 2002 for Philly and 3-5 in eight starts with the Dolphins in '04, including a win over eventual Super Bowl champion New England.

"Every team can be beaten, that's a given," said Eagles safety Brian Dawkins. "There's no team that's played the game that can't be beaten. We, as a team, want to go in there and do what we can so we can get a win up there."

These are the 10-0, record-breaking Patriots. The team that likely will clinch the AFC East on Sunday, the one that is favored to actually run the table.The Patriots are averaging 41 points and nearly 437 yards per game, and only one of their opponents, the Colts, has come within 16. Tom Brady's QB rating this season is 134.0 -- well above Peyton Manning's single-season record of 121.1 in 2004. With 38 touchdown passes, Brady is primed to break Manning's record of 49, and his 74.0 completion percentage is above Ken Anderson's record of 70.6 in 1982.

And there's Randy Moss, whose 16 touchdown receptions are six off Jerry Rice's NFL record of 22 set in 1987.

"I'm still in a dream, man, and I'm loving every second of it," Moss said. "It's too good to be true.

I'm with the Patriots. What else do you want?"

"I have a hard time, as I think about it, thinking of anybody that's done it better for 10 games than what the Patriots have done right now," Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

"Everything seems a little more poignant when you're sitting here having to play them and they're doing it at the present. There have been some good offenses before, but they're doing it very well right now."

Expect a ton of blitzes from Philly. The Eagles have only one sack in the past three games, and the Patriots have allowed only 10 all season. So Philly will turn to the demoted Jevon Kearse in an attempt to improve their pressure on the pocket.

Kearse, a the three-time Pro Bowler performer was benched last week, losing his left end job to Juqua Thomas, and wasn't even active for the Eagles' victory over the Miami Dolphins. He won't start on Sunday, but Kearse will be active and play on third down and in obvious passing situations, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said.

"Javon is going to play a little more this week, and we'll see if we can get some better pressure," Johnson said. The Eagles have just 11 takeaways this season, five in the last seven games.

The lowdown: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook leads the league in yards from scrimmage and is coming off a career-high 148-yard rushing effort vs. Miami last week. Combine that fact and that New England's defense ranks fifth in the league in passing yards per game (181.3), while recording 29 sacks, and expect him to get the ball 30-plus times again. I just can't turn down 24 points, so take Philly to cover. Barely.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots Betting Trends

The Eagles are 5-5 ATS.
The Eagles are 3-2 ATS away.
The Eagles are 1-1 ATS as the underdog.
The Eagles are 1-0 ATS as an away underdog.
The Patriots are 9-1 ATS.
The Patriots are 4-0 ATS at home.
The Patriots are 9-1 ATS as the favorite.
The Patriots are 4-0 ATS as a home favorite

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NFL Football Odds - Ravens vs. Chargers

Arguably the AFC's two most disappointing teams meet Sunday in San Diego when the 5-5 Chargers host the 4-6 Baltimore Ravens, with San Diego-8.5 (38.5) on WagerWeb.com.

Last year, San Diego was an NFL-best 14-2 and Baltimore 13-3, both playoff teams. This year either would be fortunate to make the postseason, although the Chargers are co-leaders in the lousy AFC West.

Had he been told months ago that these teams would have combined for 11 losses before Thanksgiving, "I'd have laughed, considering where we were last year,"Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason said.

Baltimore, for example, has lost four games in a row, and the four teams it has beaten this season are a combined 11-30. The Ravens are an AFC-worst minus-9 in turnovers and have the league's 23rd-ranked offense.

Much of that offensive blame is targeted at the quarterbacks. Steve McNair has made six starts and has thrown just two touchdown passes, and mostly been injured. Kyle Boller has started the other four games and has thrown for four TDs, yet his quarterback rating (71.9) is worse than McNair's (73.9). Boller will start Sunday after throwing for 279 yards last week against Cleveland.

One bright spot has been offseason acquisition Willis McGahee. He has a TD in five straight games and is second in the AFC with 851 rushing yards.

Baltimore's defense is still among the league leaders in overall ranking- 6th- but is allowing 21.1 points this season compared to 12.6 last year. And the Ravens will now be without defensive end Trevor Pryce, the team's sack leader in 2006, for the rest of the season.

Then there's San Diego. Many Charger fans would point to coach Norv Turner replacing Marty Schottenheimer as the main problem, but it's much deeper than that.Culprit No. 1 is QB Philip Rivers, who in 2006 threw for 3,388 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. But 10 games into 2007, he has 11 picks, a QB rating of 76.5 and an NFL-high 17
turnovers.

"We knew coming in that we weren't going 14-2 again,"Rivers said. "The goal obviously was to not be 5-5. The goal was to give us a shot in January and that goal is still obtainable."

Reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson is averaging more than 4 yards a carry, but is only getting 19 carries a game this season.

The Chargers' defense, meanwhile, led the NFL with 61 sacks last year but has only 19 this year and is ranked 25th overall, allowing an average of 353.7 yards per game.

"We're (all) a little disappointed,"said San Diego safety Marlon McCree. "I know I'm a little angry, some other guys are. We've got to channel that anger and that disappointment and dig ourselves out of this hole. We've just got to keep fighting."

The lowdown: The Ravens have matched the longest losing streak in the team's 12-year history. In that skid, the Ravens have held the lead for five minutes, seven seconds (out of 240 minutes played). .

Tomlinson needs 26 yards rushing to become 23rd player in NFL history with 10,000 yards on the ground.

Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons hit the milestone Thursday night in a loss to the Colts. . The Chargers are allowing 4.5 yards per carry on defense, not good news against McGahee. Thus, look for this game to be close and the Ravens to cover but still lose.

Betting trends

The Ravens are 1-9 ATS.

The Ravens are 0-5 ATS away.

The Ravens are 0-3 ATS as the underdog.

The Ravens are 0-2 ATS as an away underdog.

The Chargers are 5-5 ATS.

The Chargers are 4-1 ATS at home.

The Chargers are 3-3 ATS as the favorite.

The Chargers are 3-1 ATS as a home favorite.


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NFL Odds - Redskins vs. Buccaneers

Sunday's game in Tampa is pivotal to the Washington Redskins'WagerWeb.com, can inch closer to the NFC South title with a victory.

The Redskins (5-5) have lost three of four but are only one game out of a wild-card spot, while Tampa Bay (6-4) has won three games in a row and leads Carolina and New Orleans by two games in the NFC South.

"We've got a lot of guys on our football team who know how to win, expect to win and come in here every day preparing to win,"Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden said.

"The same with the coaches. We realize that we have six wins and that doesn't guarantee us anything.

But we are seeing signs of improvement, and for that we're excited to get back to work."

As usual, it's defense leading the way for Tampa Bay.

The Bucs lead the NFC in scoring defense (15.1 points per game) and total defense (285.1 yards per game) and have yielded only 72 yards on the ground on 31 attempts in their last two games. The Bucs also are tied for seventh in turnover margin (plus-5).

"The defense, I don't know what else you can say,"

Washington coach Joe Gibbs said. "I hate going against them."

And while Jeff Garcia has been very solid at quarterback (throwing for 2,126 yards, 11 TDs and only three INTs this season), the Bucs' recent resurgence has been with unsung running back Earnest Graham.

The former Florida Gator, who took over as starter in Week 6 for the first time in his career, has had back-to-back 100-yard rushing games and is averaging 95 yards in his last four games. Overall, Graham has rushed for 556 yards and five touchdowns on 133 carries while hauling in 27 receptions for 182 yards.Expect a big workload for Graham on Sunday, as backup Michael Pittman is doubtful after missing practice again Friday with an ankle injury. The ankle caused Pittman to miss four games earlier this season, and he aggravated it last week against Atlanta.

The Redskins, meanwhile, have found their offensive rhythm: putting up 48 points and 784 total yards in their last two games - but they lost both. QB Jason Campbell has thrown for 563 yards, five touchdowns and only one interception in those two games. Campbell set career highs for pass attempts (54), completions (33) and yards (348) and threw for two touchdowns in a loss to the Cowboys last week.

"We can throw the ball pretty good if we have to,"Gibbs said.

Washington enters this game eighth in the league in rushing (125.1 ypg) but that part of the offense struggled last week against Dallas, gaining only 62 yards.

This will be the fifth consecutive season the teams will have met in the regular season.

"It feels like we're in the NFC East. This is a common opponent for us."said Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden.

The lowdown: The Bucs beat Washington 20-17 last Nov. 19 in the last meeting. Tampa Bay has won two in a row overall in the series and five straight at home since Washington's 23-17 win on Dec. 5, 1993. .

Tampa Bay is 4-1 at Raymond James Stadium this season, while Washington has dropped three of its last four on the road. . Redskins RB Clinton Portis has gained 292 yards on 52 attempts and scored two TDs in two career games against the Bucs. .

These games always seem to be close, and this should be no different. Something tells me the desperate Redskins will at least cover, if not win outright.

Betting trends

The Redskins are 3-5 ATS.

The Redskins are 2-2 ATS away.

The Redskins are 2-1 ATS as the underdog.

The Redskins are 2-1 ATS as an away underdog.

The Buccaneers are 6-4 ATS.

The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS at home.

The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS as the favorite.

The Buccaneers are 3-1 ATS as a home favorite.


More NFL Trends chances at a wild-card spot, while the host Buccaneers, -3 (38) on

NFL Odds: Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears

After a 44-7 loss at Detroit on Nov. 4, it appeared the Denver Broncos' season was pretty much over. Well, Denver has won two in a row since then and is a co-leader of the AFC West with San Diego heading into Sunday's game at Chicago, where the Bears are -1.5 (41) on WagerWeb.com.

Since that loss to the Lions, the Broncos have scored 61 points in beating the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans.

"This is our division," Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall said after Monday's 34-20 victory over the Titans. "It's always been our division. It's time for us to take it back. San Diego, Kansas City, they don't have the talent like us in the locker room."

The Broncos (5-5) had four scoring plays of more than 40 yards - three on offense, one on special teams - and rolled up 359 yards in beating the Titans. QB Jay Cutler completed 16 of 21 passes for 200 yards with a pair of touchdowns and no interceptions.

And Cutler might be able to throw Sunday to wide receiver Javon Walker, who has missed the last eight games due to an injured right knee but returned to practice Wednesday and is likely to play. (NFL injury report)

"It's feeling pretty good," said Walker, who had 19 catches for 230 yards through the first three games of the season. "It's not completely healed. But it's something I can work through. It feels good."

The Broncos gained 166 yards on the ground against the Titans, and have rushed for 307 in their last two games after gaining 297 in their previous four.

Andre Hall, a first-year player who entered Monday's game with eight carries this season, finished with 89 yards on seven attempts and scored his first NFL touchdown. Hall replaced Selvin Young, who went out with a knee injury. Hall could start Sunday as Travis Henry will miss a third straight game with a knee injury and Young only had limited practice this week. Young will be a game-time decision.

The Bears (4-6) are heading the wrong way, coming off a 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks

"We haven't given up on this football season," coach Lovie Smith said.Last Sunday was the fourth time this season the Bears gave up more than 400 yards and the fourth time an opponent scored at least 30 points. They allowed just one team to gain 400 yards and three to score 30 points against them over the previous two seasons.

Rex Grossman will start again at QB for Chicago. He threw for 266 yards in last week's loss but had a costly turnover.

"Time is running out," cornerback Charles Tillman said. "We can keep talking about making a run, making a run, but time is running out. Time's almost out right now."

The main reason Chicago has struggled on offense this year has been a running game that is 29th in rushing offense (81.6), but it did match a season high with 107 against the Seahawks, thanks mostly to Cedric Benson.

Benson gained 89 yards on 11 carries, and scored on a 43-yard touchdown on Chicago's second play. The Bears hope to get another productive game from Benson, as the Broncos are 30th in the league in rush defense (149.2).

The lowdown: Soldier Field hasn't provided the Bears with much home-field advantage, though, as they've dropped three straight there since beating Kansas City 20-10 in their home opener on Sept. 16. Chicago, which won 13 of 16 at home over the last two seasons, has not lost four straight at Soldier Field since Sept. 17-Oct. 15, 2000. . Denver has not visited Chicago since a 13-3 victory on Dec. 18, 1993. These teams have played twice since then, with Chicago winning 19-10 in the last meeting on Nov. 23, 2003. . The Bears led the NFL with 44 takeaways last season. Through 10 games this year they've got 17. . I look for a Chicago victory here, with Andre Hall likely not being able to gouge the Bears' run defense like previous backs have.

Broncos vs. Bears Betting Trends
The Broncos are 3-7 ATS.
The Broncos are 1-3 ATS away.
The Broncos are 2-2 ATS as the underdog.
The Broncos are 1-2 ATS as an away underdog.
The Bears are 3-7 ATS.
The Bears are 0-4 ATS at home.
The Bears are 1-5 ATS as the favorite.
The Bears are 0-4 ATS as a home favorite.

More NFL Trends when they allowed 425 yards. They need to start winning - now - to have any chance of defending their NFC championship (they have alternated wins and losses in their past six games)

NFL Football Odds - Vikings vs. Giants

The Vikings'chances of upsetting the Giants on Sunday went from doubtful to questionable on Friday when star Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson was upgraded to questionable; New York is -7 (40) at WagerWeb.com.

Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee two weeks ago against Green Bay, but coach Brad Childress said he thought the NFL's leading rusher was progressing ahead of schedule this week in practice.

"He's getting there," Childress said. "There's a 50-50 chance he'll play [this week]."

If Peterson can't play against the Giants, Chester Taylor will again get the bulk of the carries. Taylor rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns in last week's victory over the Raiders.

At 4-6, the Vikings can't waste any time if they have any playoff hopes, which undoubtedly is playing into the reason they may bring Peterson back so quickly.

Minnesota could get back in the wild-card hunt by winning consecutive games for the first time this season.

"That is the only way we are going to have a chance to get to the playoffs," said Vikings safety Darren Sharper.

However, New York has won seven of its last eight, including a win in Detroit last weekend. Its only losses have been to Dallas (twice) and Green Bay, teams who have combined for only two losses. This will be the Giants'first of five straight contests against teams at or below the .500 mark."We have to play to try to stay there and work our way into the playoffs and get another shot at those upper-tier teams that we have already played," Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield said. "We have so much to play for, so much still on our plate, and so much still to be excited about. There is no time to mope."

Expect the ground games to make the difference on Sunday, as the Vikings have the NFL's best running attack (177.9) and the league's top run defense (74.4). New York is ranked No. 7 in rushing (128.0) and rushing defense (91.3).

New York could be missing its top two tailbacks, as Brandon Jacobs is out and Derrick Ward is very uncertain for this week, meaning veteran Reuben Droughns likely will start after rushing for just 13 yards on 11 carries in the second half against the Lions last week.

The good news for the Giants and QB Eli Manning is they will face a Vikings pass defense that, at 288.4 yards per game, is the worst in the league by 18.9 yards.

Minnesota has the NFL's second-worst pass defense, and QB Tarvaris Jackson will be facing a defense that has a league-high 34 sacks.

The lowdown: The Giants have won three of the last four meetings overall, with the last coming in 2005. .

The Giants'offense has struggled lately, scoring 13, 20 and 16 in their last three games. . The Vikings only have five TD passes on the season. . Even if Peterson plays today, there's no way he can be 100 percent, so there's no way I can't see the Giants not covering. Take New York.

Betting trends

The Vikings are 4-4 ATS.

The Vikings are 1-2 ATS away.

The Vikings are 2-4 ATS as the underdog.

The Vikings are 1-2 ATS as an away underdog.

The Giants are 6-4 ATS.

The Giants are 3-2 ATS at home.

The Giants are 3-2 ATS as the favorite.

The Giants are 2-1 ATS as a home favorite.


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College Football Odds - TCU vs. San Diego State

The Horned Frogs will be looking to bolster their chances for a bowl invitation by knocking off San Diego State on Saturday night.

TCU earned their sixth win of the season by getting past UNLV at home last time out; the Horned Frogs scored two touchdowns in each of the first two quarters in that game and cruised to a 34-10 decision. Andy Dalton ran for two TCU scores on the day. The Horned Frogs are now 6-5 straight-up and 5-5-1 against-the-spread on the season, and they'll be taking on a San Diego State team that is 4-6 straight-up and 5-4 against-the-spread in 2007.

The Aztecs were pounded 55-23 by Air Force in their last contest, giving up multiple touchdowns in each of the first three quarters before holding the Falcons to a mere six points in the final frame.

Kevin O'Connell threw for 384 yards and a touchdown for San Diego State in the loss, and he also ran for a major score. The Horned Frogs are expected to win this game handily – they're 13-point favorites. The OVER/UNDER is pegged at 49.5. e

College Football Odds - Alabama vs. Auburn

The Crimson Tide have lost three games in a row as they get set to take on Auburn in their Rivalry Week matchup on Saturday night. The worst of those defeats came last week, when they fell 21-14 to the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.

Alabama was blanked in the second half in that contest to suffer the upset. Tide QB John Parker Wilson went 21-of-31 for 246 yards against the Warhawks, with one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Keith Brown had the TD grab, and Terry Grant rushed for a Tide major score in the loss. Alabama is now just 6-5 straight-up on the season, but they're also only 4-5-1 against-the-spread.

Auburn is slightly better at 7-4 straight-up this year, and they're 5-5 against-the-spread. The Tigers dropped in the rankings after they fell 45-20 to Georgia last time out.

Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox went 14-of-30 for 133 yards passing in that contest, with one touchdown pass and four big interceptions. Ben Tate ran for 58 yards and a sore in the defeat. Auburn is pegged as a 4.5-point favorite in this contest, with the OVER/UNDER set at 44.5.

NCAA Football Odds - Cincinnati vs. Syracuse

The Bearcats will be looking to lay a pounding on lowly Syracuse this weekend after they were knocked off 28-23 by West Virginia last time out. That defeat ruined Cincinnati's chances of winning the Big East this season, and they're now 8-3 straight-up and 7-3 against-the-spread in 2007.

Ben Mauk went 19-of-34 for 323 yards passing against West Virginia, with two touchdown strikes and no interceptions. Marcus Barnett had both TD grabs on the day. Syracuse is coming off a loss as well – but that's not a big surprise for a team that is just 2-9 straight-up and 3-8 against-the-spread this season. The Big East cellar-dwellers were trounced 30-7 by Connecticut last time out, with quarterback Cameron Dantley going 7-of-17 for 61 yards with a TD and an INT to close out the contest.

Mike Williams had a TD catch for Syracuse in the loss, and that play put an end to the Huskies' shutout bid. The Bearcats are listed as big 20.5-point favorites against the Orangemen this weekend, while the OVER/UNDER for the game is at 53.5.

NCAAF Odds - Clemson at South Carolina

The Tigers fell apart in a key game versus Boston College last time out, so they'll be looking to find their motivation this weekend when they take on South Carolina.

Clemson gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter to lose 20-17 to the Eagles in their last game, which knocked them out of top spot in the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Tigers QB Cullen Harper went 26-of-40 for 226 yards passing in that game, with no touchdowns and one interception. Harper and James Davis each rushed for major scores in the loss. Clemson is now 8-3 straight-up and 6-4 against-the-spread on the season. South Carolina, on the other hand, is just 6-5 straight-up and 4-5-1 against-the-spread in 2007. The Gamecocks are coming off a defensive disaster against the Florida Gators, allowing double-digit points in every quarter in a 51-31 defeat. Blake Mitchell completed 26-of-42 pass attempts for 316 yards for South Carolina in that loss, with one touchdown strike and one interception.

Cory Boyd ran for 44 yards and three scores on the day. Clemson has been pegged as the 3-point favorite to beat South Carolina on Saturday, with the game's OVER/UNDER at 53.5 points.

Horse Betting - Midnight Lute Scares Away Most Cigar Mile Nominees

Twenty horses were nominated for Saturday's $300,000 Cigar Mile. But only a handful will show up to challenge the impressive winner of this year's Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Midnight Lute, who roared from far off the pace in the Sprint on a sloppy Monmouth Park surface Oct. 27 to catch Idiot Proof en route to a 4 ¾-length victory, is tackling eight furlongs for the first time.

The son of 1998 Kentucky Derby-Preakness champ Real Quiet scored three of his five wins at seven furlongs. His pedigree indicates he shouldn't have any trouble going a mile. His granddad Quiet American won this race when it was known as the New York Racing Association Mile in '90.

At Santa Anita Park this month, Midnight Light posted a pair of bullet works, including a sizzling 1:10 3/5 at six furlongs on Sunday. He has two routes under his belt, both in Santa Anita stakes last winter, finishing second a nose back at 1 1/16 miles after leading at the mile marker.

Since those races, however, the colt has performed extremely well after undergoing surgery to correct a breathing problem. On Sept. 1, he captured Saratoga's Forego at seven furlongs while registering a 124 Brisnet speed figure.

Midnight Lute has been training well, trainer Bob Baffert said. "The Cigar Mile is something he should be able to handle.”

In fact, Baffert plans to send his trainee longer in the foreseeable future, possibly in the $6 million Dubai World Cup at 1 ¼ miles on March 29, because "he's getting better and better.”Daaher, who skipped the Breeders' Cup after winning the Jerome Handicap at Belmont on Oct. 7, goes for his third consecutive triumph since blinkers were added.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin felt 19 days between the Jerome and the BC Dirt Mile wasn't long enough to allow the 3-year-old colt to be ready for another strong effort. On Sunday at Belmont, Daaher breezed four furlongs in 48 3/5.

McLaughlin also is hoping the son of Awesome Again is good enough to run in the Dubai World Cup. "We'll go Cigar Mile, then hopefully Dubai by way of something,” mentioning the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 2 as a possibly.

Tasteyville, who is the horse for the course, boasts a 4-4-2 record in a dozen starts at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old son of With Approval beat three other rivals in the slop in the Big A's Sports Page Handicap on Oct. 27.

Other contenders that might go in the 19th running of the stakes honoring Cigar, who won it in '94 during his 16-race winning streak equaling Citation's record set nearly half a century ago, are:

Istan, sensational winner of the Ack Ack by 8 ¾ lengths a Churchill Downs on Nov. 3 for his fourth victory at a mile. The 5-year-old son of Gone West has won three of his last four starts.

Chatain, 4-year-old son Forest Wildcat that had the perfect prep in the six-furlong William Livingston Stakes at the Meadowlands on Nov. 3, said trainer Angel Penna Jr. The colt has two victories and a second in three outings at a mile, including a win in the Hal's Hope at Gulfstream.