NFL Betting – Week 13 Early Look

The Florida Alabama odds will take the cake as the biggest sports betting event of the week, so we should probably take an early look at NFL picks before the big college game distracts us. Check out these matchups.

New York Jets (-2.5) @ Buffalo Bills

Thursday, December 3, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Jets and Bills head north of the border to visit Toronto in the game being billed as “T.O. in T.O.” It’s true that Terrell Owens has enjoyed quite the resurgence under interim head coach Perry Fewell, but his two monster games came against Jacksonville and Miami. Each of those teams plays shaky pass defense. The Jets, meanwhile, defend the pass very well and can shut down pretty much any wideout in the league using phenomenal corner Darrelle Revis. I’d bet at my online sportsbook that Owens disappears this week.

The Jets have the second-best rushing offense in the NFL and the Bills rank dead last against the run. Expect Gang Green to run the ball down Buffalo’s throat and neutralize the Bills’ offense en route to a stifling win.

NFL betting pick: Jets -2.5

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (-7)

Sunday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. ET

What a comeback for Vince Young. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has been a throwback to his Texas days this season, winning all five of his starts and helping Tennessee become the first team in NFL history to win five straight after starting 0-6.

The undefeated Colts, however, have a record of their own. They’ve won five straight games after trailing to start the fourth quarter – a stat that reflects Peyton Manning’s brilliance in the clutch. It seems no lead is safe with him at the helm and, versus a Titans secondary he shredded once already this season, we should expect another big day from him. Don’t be surprised if this game turns into a shootout, as the Titans lead the NFL in rushing and should do some damage through the air too, but the Colts always pull away. Manning leads his team downfield and Indy’s “D” usually comes up with a big play or two, as it did against Houston last week. Stick with Indy.

NFL betting pick: Colts -7

Friedel #4 on top 5 saves of the week

*Friedel has admitted the presence of Brad Guzan in the Aston Villa squad is keeping him on his toes

YA articles from today

I am looking for video of the interview but no luck so far. Supposedly it is airing tonight on Sportscenter. Please post a link if you get it. Thanks.

*Davies gives first interview since accident, aiming to be back in time for World Cup

*White expected to leave AGF?

*Guy admits that he has just come through his most ‘difficult' year as a professional, but there are reasons to be upbeat

*New Deal for Donovan?

MOTD Highlights of YA in EPL: Hahnemann and Howard

MOTD highlights from Sunday's games including Hahnemann and Timmy.

Howard with Everton

Hahnemann with Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Birmingham City
by ninomerengez

Bocanegra goes full 90 in Rennes draw

 Bocanegra with Rennes
*He played the full match and got a yellow card in a 1-1 draw with Lyon.

Parkhurst goes full 90 in FC Nordsjælland loss

Parkhurst with FC Nordsjælland
*He played the full match in a 1-0 loss to Silkeborg IF.
*Click the picture for highlights.

Feilhaber and White help AGF defeat Brondby

Feilhaber and White with AGF
*Benny went the full 90 and Jeremiah entered in the 83rd minute in a 1-0 win over Brondby.
*Click the picture for highlights.

Adu plays 10 minutes in Belenenses draw

Adu with Belenenses
*He entered in the 80th minute in a 2-2 draw with Maritimo.

Simek has a rough day in a 4-0 loss to West Brom

Simek with Sheffield Wednesday
*He went the full 90 in a 4-0 loss to West Brom.

Davies doing very well in his recovery

Click the picture for video of some well wishing from his teammates at Sochaux

*Davies making "fantastic" progress on road to recovery

*Charlie Davies continues his rehabilitation in Delaware

Howard in net for Everton in loss to Liverpool

Howard with Everton
*He made 4 saves in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Everton v Liverpool
by ninomerengez

Hahnemann gets rare start in Wolves loss

Hahnemann with Wolverhampton
*He made 4 saves in a 1-0 loss to Birmingham.

MOTD Highlights of YA in EPL: Altidore, Dempsey, Friedel, and Spector

Here are the usual MOTD highlights of our boys in premier league action from Saturday. Enjoy!

Altidore with Hull City

Dempsey with Fulham

Spector with West Ham

Friedel with Aston Villa

Friedel makes 6 saves in Villa draw

Friedel with Aston Villa
*He made 6 saves in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

Bradley plays full match in 'Gladbach win (updated with full highlights)

Bradley with Gladbach
*He went the full 90 in a 1-0 win over Schalke.

Tracy helps Aab earn a draw

Tracy with Aab

Dempsey plays in Fulham draw

Dempsey with Fulham
*He played the full 90 in a 1-1 draw with Bolton.

Jozy goes 73 minutes in Hull draw

Altidore with Hull City
*He went 73 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Man City.


This clip will be gone soon so the goals are below this one.

Spector goes full 90 in win over Burnley

Spector with West Ham
*He played the full 90 in a 5-2 win over Burnley.

NFL Betting – More Week 12 Picks

Our busy sports betting weekend rages on and we have more NFL games ahead. Consider these Week 12 picks after you finish your holiday shopping.

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Houston Texans

Sunday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

Every week, we ask if “this is the week” when Indy finally loses at the sportsbook. Can you blame us? The Colts have won their last four games by a combined 10 points. It seems they squeak out wins by the skin of their teeth every week. Some bettors will thus pile onto Houston’s NFL odds this week. The Texans only lost by a field goal at Indianapolis early this season and they certainly put points on the board.

Fact of the matter is that the Colts are an elite offensive team and the Texans are a poor defensive team. They have just 13 sacks in 10 games; it’s frightening to wonder what Peyton Manning can do if he has all day to throw. Indy is 14-1 all-time against Houston so we have to keep betting on the Colts with our football picks.

NFL betting pick: Colts -3.5

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings (-11)

Sunday, November 29, 4:15 p.m. ET

Who could’ve imagined the Bears would be 11-point underdogs for any game at the start of the season? 2009 has been a massive disappointment for the Bears, as the “D” gets burned for big plays, the O-line has been weak and Jay Cutler makes mistakes galore. In theory, the Vikings are a deadly matchup for Chicago. Jared Allen will terrorize Cutler, the Williams Wall will swallow Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson should tenderize a sagging Bears “D.” But Cutler, even when he struggles, still takes shots downfield and completes big plays. The Vikings allow over 230 passing yards per game, so Cutler may put enough points on the board to keep this game close. Remember, this is a divisional rivalry game. The Bears won’t go quietly and should at least stay within 11 points.

NFL betting pick: Bears +11

Old John O'Brien Ajax Video

Spotted this at No Short Corners and decided to post it here. It's worth a watch just for highlights of some of his goals.

YA Articles and Weekend Schedule

 *American Devann Yao will be offered a contract by Town boss Roy Keane.

*Weekend Preview - Nov. 28-29

*Rumors have circulated about the professional prospects of Luis Gil and Jack McInerney, two of the American's best players on the team.

*Pittman bounces back after short scare

YA weekend schedule after the jump



SATURDAY
Jonathan Spector and West Ham United play Burnley.
Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fulham play Bolton Wanderers.
Jozy Altidore and Hull City play Manchester City.
Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Tottenham Hotspur.
Frank Simek and Sheffield Wednesday play West Bromwich Albion.
Jemal Johnson and Milton Keynes Dons play Exeter City in Round 2 of the FA Cup.
DaMarcus Beasley and Rangers play Aberdeen.
Dominic Cervi and Celtic play St Mirren.
Michael Bradley and Borussia Moenchengladbach play Schalke 04.
Marcus Tracy and Aalborg play Esbjerg,

SUNDAY
Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers play Birmingham.
Tim Howard and Everton play Liverpool
Mike Grella and Leeds United play Kettering Town in Round 2 of the FA Cup.
Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 play Bayern Munich.
Carlos Bocanegra and Stade Rennes play Lyon.
Freddy Adu and Belenenses play Maritimo.
Michael Parkhurst and FC Nordsjaelland play Silkeborg IF.
Danny Califf and FC Midtjylland play FC Copenhagen.
Benny Feilhaber, Jeremiah White and AGF Aarhus play Brondby.
Michael Orozco and San Luis play Toluca in the Apertura quarterfinals.

MONDAY
Luis Robles and Kaiserslautern play Arminia Bielefeld.

Full highlights of Jozy with Hull

Here are longer highlights from the Hull City. Videos are after the jump.

Full highlights of Dempsey with Fulham

I already posted quick highlights, but here are some much longer highlights to get you through your Friday. Highlights after the jump. Enjoy.

US fans have a lot to be thankful for

Despite the recent downsides of being a US soccer fan (Injury bug, Rossi, Hejduk's recent performance, Davies injury), there are still lots of things to be thankful for. We qualified for the cup, Dempsey just scored a brace in the prem, and we had a nice run at the Confederations Cup to name a few. I hope everyone enjoys the holiday. Enjoy the US soccer related things that I am thankful for and thanks for the continued following which has grown a great deal this year.

NCAA Football Betting – Rivalry Week Picks

Sportsbook bettors have a lot on their plates this week and that doesn’t even include Thanksgiving turkey. As if NFL picks weren’t enough, the NCAA treats us to some big rivalry games throughout the weekend. Let’s make some picks for the Thursday and Friday matchups.

(3) Texas @ Texas A&M

Thursday, November 26, 8:00 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Texas -22

Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy seems poised to be a high pick in next spring’s NFL draft but his work at the collegiate level isn’t finished. He may be the winningest quarterback in NCAA history but he wants a national title. Standing in Texas’ way is its Lone Star State rival Texas A&M. The spread is huge, especially with the Longhorns on the road, but A&M gave up huge points against the likes of Kansas State, Colorado and Utah State. I don’t see how Texas doesn’t post a huge number here. Don’t know if the Cowboys will do the same in NFL betting, though.

Pick: Texas -22

(2) Alabama @ Auburn

Friday, November 27, 2:30 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Alabama -12

Sure, the Auburn Tigers are “playing for a better bowl game,” but the truth is that they just want to ruin their rival Alabama’s BCS title hopes. There’s just one big problem: Auburn can’t stop the run. It ranks 88th in the nation in yards allowed. That means Alabama’s Mark Ingram, a dark horse Heisman contender, should run through Auburn’s front seven. With the nation’s No. 1 defense also there to hold the lead, Alabama should cover the spread without much hassle.

Pick: Alabama -12

(8) Pittsburgh @ West Virginia

Friday, November 27, 7:00 p.m. ET

Sports betting favorite: Pittsburgh -1

West Virginia had its heart broken by Pittsburgh in the past and would like nothing more than to crush the Panthers’ BCS dreams in the Backyard Brawl. I don’t see it happening. Pittsburgh is 5-0 against its own conference and hungry for a date with Cincinnati to battle for the Big East crown. It has a better offense and defense than West Virginia so what’s not to like?

Pick: Pittsburgh -1

Dempsey postgame interview

*Click the picture for the video

USMNT to play the Dutch on March 3rd

No Short Corners is reporting that USMNT will be playing a friendly against fellow World Cup invitees the Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 3rd

I was looking for some previous encounters of the US vs Netherlands and found this. The Dutch deserve to lose just because of these two guys:

Dempsey scores a brace in Fulham's win

Dempsey with Fulham
*He scores 2 in a 3-0 win over Blackburn.



Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Jozy and Timmy face off in Premier league action

Altidore with Hull and Howard with Everton
*Timmy made 3 saves and Jozy went 75 minutes in Hull's 3-2 win.

Brief highlights from YA yesterday: Grella and Beasley

These are short clips of the games from yesterday. Not much in terms of our YA since they both came in late in each of the games but here are the highlights nonetheless. Nice to see Beas get some time even if it is for just a few minutes.

Grella with Leeds
*He entered in the 81st minute in 1-0 win over Leyton Orient.

Beasley with Rangers
*He entered in the 86th minute in a 2-0 loss to Stuggart.

Watch Rangers v VfB Stuttgart in Sports  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

YA Midweek Match Reports and Articles

*Frankie Simek glad to be back

*Waddock says Jon-Paul Pittman will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness for Tuesday's game with Brentford.

*Lincoln City's on-loan Aston Villa Eric Lichaj, 20, have deal with the Imps extended until the new year

I will post highlights of these matches as soon as they become available.
Lichaj with Lincoln City
*He played the full match in a 2-0 loss to Rotherham United.

Johnson with MK Dons
*He entered in the 79th minute in a 4-3 loss to Carlisle United.

Grella with Leeds
*He entered in the 81st minute in 1-0 win over Leyton Orient.

Beasley with Rangers
*He entered in the 86th minute in a 2-0 loss to Stuggart.

What Could The Draw Hold For The US?

*CONCACAF throws support behind USA bid to host World Cup

NFL Betting – Week 12 Early Look

Every sportsbook will be a bit busier than normal this week as the NFL hosts three Thanksgiving games this Thursday. Let’s get a head start with a Thanksgiving Day NFL pick and an early peek at Sunday’s action.

New York Giants (-6.5) @ Denver Broncos

Thursday, November 26, 8:20 p.m. ET

The luster has quickly worn off Josh McDaniels and the upstart Denver Broncos, who defied the NFL odds with a 6-0 start only to lose four straight games. When it rains, it pours; Kyle Orton is battling injury and not guaranteed to play for a second straight week, Brandon Marshall and Knowshon Moreno had a shoving match on the sidelines during Denver’s blowout loss on Sunday, and the Broncos suddenly can’t stop the run. They’ve allowed at least 174 rushing yards in three straight games.

New York’s power running game should give Denver plenty of trouble and their aggressive pass rush will terrorize either Orton or Chris Simms. Even if the Broncos’ contain Eli Manning, the Giants will dominate every other facet of the game.

NFL betting pick: Giants -6.5

Miami Dolphins (-3) @ Buffalo Bills

Sunday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

In theory, the Dolphins should win this game, right? They’re clearly the better team and their No. 4 rushing offense should wreak havoc on the Bills’ No. 31 rushing defense. However, savvy NFL picks makers know to expect the unexpected and there’s reason to believe the Bills can pull an upset this week.

First off, Miami is making a long road trip from its nice, cozy climate to frigid Buffalo, which is long overdue for some snow after a surprisingly mild fall. The warm-to-cold weather adjustment never treats players from southern teams well. Secondly, the Dolphins just lost nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season to a torn quad and their run defense may suffer in the short term, opening up holes for Fred Jackson and maybe Marshawn Lynch. Thirdly, Terrell Owens exploded last week; was it a coincidence that he did so in his first game under a new coach? Now he faces a very suspect Dolphins secondary.

Lastly, there’s the rivalry factor; no matter how mismatched a rivalry game seems, there’s always the possibility that emotion wills a team to victory. We should thus take a flier on the Bills this weekend.

NFL betting pick: Bills +3

Feilhaber post game interview

*Click the picture for video of his post game interview.

Feilhaber and Tracy face off in draw

Feilhaber with AGF and Tracy with Aab
*Both played the full match in a 0-0 draw.
*Click the picture for highlights.

Orozco enters late in San Luis win

Orozco with San Luis
*He came on in the 90th minute in a 1-0 win over Toluca.

YA in Lower English Leagues: Pittman and Simek

Simek with Sheffield Wednesday
*He went the full 90 in a 0-0 draw with Ipswich Town.



Pittman with Wycombe
*He played just 30 minutes in a 2-0 win over Millwall.

MOTD Highlights of YA in EPL: Altidore, Dempsey, Friedel, and Howard

Here are the full highlights of our boys in the Premier League. As anyone can tell you, MOTD highlights are the only ones worth watching. Enjoy.

Altidore with Hull

Friedel with Aston Villa

Dempsey with Fulham

Howard with Everton

Full highlights of Bradley with 'Gladbach from Saturday

I posted the goals already, but here are full highlights from the game.

Bradley with Gladbach

Bocanegra helps Rennes in 2-1 win

Bocanegra with Rennes
*He entered in the 21st minute and got a yellow card in a 2-1 win over Le Mans.

Parkhurst goes full 90 in FC Nordsjælland win

Parkhurst with FC Nordsjælland
*He played the full game in a 2-1 win over Koge.
*Click the picture for highlights.

Rough day for Howard in goal for Everton

Howard with Everton
*He made 2 saves in a 3-0 loss to Man U.

Dempsey plays in Fulham loss

Dempsey with Fulham
*He went the full 90 in a 1-0 loss to Birmingham City.
*EJ made the bench but did not play.




Full highlights will be posted when available.

Friedel makes 3 saves in Villa draw

Friedel with Aston Villa
*He made 3 saves in a 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Jozy gets the start in a 3-3 draw with West Ham

Jozy with Hull City
*He went 74 minutes in a 3-3 draw with West Ham.
*Spector was on the bench but did not play.

Bradley plays full match in 'Gladbach win

Bradley with Gladbach
*He played the full 90 in a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Falcons Giants Preview – Giants Will Put Matty on Ice

Amidst the many solid NFL betting matchups this weekend is one featuring two teams who are struggling after hot starts. The Giants started 5-0 and have lost four straight; the Falcons started 4-1 and have gone 1-3 since. Each team seeks redemption but only one will get it this week.

Eli Manning and the Giants offense have sputtered during their losing streak but the Falcons offer them a good opportunity to bounce back. The Falcons are poor against the run and the pass. In fact, their 371 yards allowed per game is easily the worst mark by any NFL team with a winning record this season. The Giants rushing attack, which still ranks seventh in the league despite its so-called “struggles,” should have its way with an Atlanta “D” that allows over 130 rushing yards per game. Brandon Jacobs is heating up, too; the bullish runner is averaging 5.1 yards per carry over his last four games.

Normally, the Falcons can answer back with a potent running game of their own, especially since Michael Turner was catching fire, but there’s one problem: Michael Turner almost certainly won’t play this week thanks to a high ankle sprain. With Jerious Norwood possibly out too, Jason Snelling will get the rock. He’s capable of every-down duties but a matchup versus a Giants defense that hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 2 wouldn’t exactly an easy one for his first career NFL start.

That leaves Matt Ryan to try and keep the Falcons alive in this one and he too has a tough matchup. Ryan started the year looking like a Pro Bowler and, while he’ll probably fly to Hawaii plenty of times before his career is over, he’s suffering through a sophomore slump of late. In his last four games, he has five touchdown passes versus eight interceptions and a 54.2 per cent completion rate. Teams have Ryan figured out; pressure him early and he’ll get jittery. Then he’ll start hurrying throws and sailing balls over his receivers’ heads.

I don’t see why the Giants won’t follow that same strategy this Sunday, sending the NFL’s No. 2 pass defense onto the field at home. The Falcons aren’t done yet in the playoff race but they just don’t match up well against the Giants. Go with New York in a slump-buster for your sports betting
pick.

Prediction: Giants 24, Falcons 13

USMNT and YA News

*Lee Nguyen Contract to Be Terminated?

*Possible US vs Mexico “Friendly” in March?

*Walter Smith tracks American internationalist Stuart Holden

*Aalborg striker Marcus Tracy remains steadfast and focused on his continual growth as a player

*SPL club Aberdeen targeting Dynamo star Holden

*Spain regains 1st, U.S. 14th in FIFA rankings

*My Sportsman: The U.S. Nat'l Team

*Denmark 3, USA 1: A Look Back

YA Weekend Schedule

Here is the list of YA playing this weekend.

SATURDAY
Jozy Altidore and Hull City play Jonathan Spector and West Ham United.
Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fulham play Birmingham.
Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Burnley.
Tim Howard and Everton play Manchester United.
Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers play Chelsea.
Frank Simek and Sheffield Wednesday play Ipswich Town.
Jon-Paul Pittman and Wycombe Wanderers.
Mike Grella and Leeds United play Brighton.
DaMarcus Beasley and Rangers play Kilmarnock.
Michael Bradley and Borussia Moenchengladbach play Eintracht Frankfurt.
Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96.
Matt Taylor and FSV Frankfurt play RW Oberhausen.
Carlos Bocanegra and Stade Rennes play Le Mans.
Danny Califf and FC Midtjylland play Esbjerg.
Michael Parkhurst and FC Nordsjaelland play Koge.

SUNDAY
Dominic Cervi and Celtic play Dundee United.
David Yeldell and TUS Koblenz play Alemania Aachen.
Michael Orozco and San Luis play Toluca in the Apertura quarterfinals.

MONDAY
Luis Robles and Kaiserslautern play FC Union Berlin.
Marcus Tracy and Aalborg play Benny Feilhaber, Jeremiah White and AGF Aarhus.

Courtesy Soccer By Ives

Fox Football Fone In Discuss Donovan becoming a YA

<br/><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=foxsports&vid=bbcf5b54-d28e-47ec-95e1-d3a5ec84f45c" target="_new" title="Fox Football Fone-In: Landon Donovan">Video: Fox Football Fone-In: Landon Donovan</a>

Landon Donovan on Bill Simmons Podcast

Click the picture for the Podcast with Landon Donovan