NFL Key Trends for Divisional Weekend from NFLOne.com

AT FIRST GLANCE, there are games that always look "Tasty" ATS in many publications as a ‘Bullet’ trend only to ‘trap’ upon further review. In 2006, The Director looked for the first time to clear the way for you to understand which team has the real ‘ADVANTAGE’ against the ‘Trend’.

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!

For those of you who do not study the numbers, but instead listen to sports talk radio, the continued focus on the injuries to Tomlinson and Gates may blind you to the fact that the San Diego Chargers are 2-0 ATS versus the PITTSBURGH STEELERS over the last three seasons, and the big reason that the Steelers enter the game 1-5 ATS versus the AFC West over the last three seasons.

While the media has a focus on the Steelers D, who have allowed only 14.4 points per game on only 3.1 yards per rush, it is the Chargers, who have allowed less than 12 points per game to the Steelers in their last two matchups, who should impress.

Having shocked the Colts and Patriots ATS in 2007, don't be surprised from a Chargers team that is 4-1 ATS in January, 9-3 ATS as an Underdog, and most impressively 4-2 ATS versus the AFC North over the last three seasons surprise the Steelers, who enter 0-1 ATS in the playoffs under Mike Tomlin.

Sure, Kurt Warner took down the Atlanta Falcons, and is projected to be the most productive quarterback of the weekend with 263 passing yards. Sure, the Arizona Cardinals are 7-1 ATS on Saturdays since 1992.

Upon a closer look, however, the Cardinals are actually 2-5 ATS versus the NFC South over the last three years. Averaging an amazing 407 offensive yards per game in their last three games, it is the CAROLINA PANTHERS, who enter 5-1 ATS versus the AFC West and 2-1 ATS after a bye week over the last three seasons that should be in the media spotlight.

While many will point to the Cardinals win ATS in October, a review of the game will uncover that one last stop by the Arizona defense would have propelled the Panthers the field goal it needed to cover the spread.

With the NFC South arriving 4-1 ATS in their last five Divisional Playoff games, this game is particularly interesting because experts are projecting the Panthers to have most points on the day with the fewest passing attempts by Delhomme.

Yet another year watching the ups and downs of Donovan McNabb. The trouble for the Eagles is that they run up against the Super Bowl Champions, who although they had beat them in December, 2008 here in New York had gone 0-4 ATS in the previous four matchups with the NEW YORK GIANTS.

Considering that Giants are 10-3 ATS revenging a loss to an opponent over the last three years, the victory may just have fuel to a fire in a team that is 5-0 ATS in the playoffs, and 28-11 ATS versus Division opponents over the last three years.

Projected to have to rely McNabb's arm, the Eagles, who themselves are 5-0 ATS as Road Underdogs of 3.5 to 7 points over the last three years, have struggled recently with a 1-1 playoff record ATS since 2005, including a SU victory in 2006.

FIRST LOOK

You are looking at a guy that has ridden Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens all the way to the sunset of the 2008 NFL Season. Rarely has there been more two evenly matched teams than in their matchup with the TENNESSEE TITANS.

In 2008 the Ravens arrive with the No. 2 rated defense (as rated by yards per game), that has propelled the team to a 10-3 record ATS versus the Conference this year. The trouble for the Ravens, who also bring the No. 4 rated rushing attack, are facing off with the Titans, who are powering the No. 7 rated rushing attack and the No. 7 rated defense, are 2-5 ATS versus the AFC South and 5-10 ATS revenging a loss against an opponent over the last three years.

The Titans, on the other hand, who will benefit from Fisher's playoff experience, arrive 2-0 ATS over the last three years versus the Ravens, including their October, 2008 victory. Even more eye opening is their 5-1 ATS versus the AFC North, and 2-0 record ATS after a bye over the last three years.

While many many root for the Ravens, it is simply too hard to go against the Titans and their 3-1 record ATS as a Home Favorite of three or less points over the last three years.
ADVANTAGE TITANS

KING TRENDS

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