NFL Betting: McNabb’s Groin Worth 3 1/2 Points

READ MORE: Donovan McNabb's Groin, NFL Betting, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles

Nobody can really imagine the Eagles winning this weekend when the travel to the Meadowlands. They’re facing a Giants team that’s coming off a ridiculous loss to Darren Sharper and the Minnesota Vikings special teams unit. They are mourning the loss of another dead owner. Plus, not to mention, for most of the year the Giants have shown that they might very well be the class of the NFC East. Now, factor in a Donovan McNabb groin yank and you get a three point swing for the Giants this weekend. The line opened at 3.5/4 for some books, but has now jumped to 7.5/8.5 on some thanks to the annnouncment that third-string idiot Mike McMahon will start instead of McNabb. Honestly, the line may move a bit more before Sunday as bettors are sure to throw heavy dollars at Giants. Not a bad play, considering what happened to the Redskins when they entered the Meadowlands after Wellington Mara died. Mike McMahon may actually wish he was back with the Detroit Lions after this weekend.

Injured McNabb Out; McMahon To Start [Covers]

NFL Futures Betting: T.O.’s Next Reckless Steps

READ MORE: NFL Futures, Philadelphia Eagles, Terrell Owens

Great game last night! Wooh. Stunning, really. It’s 1999 all over again in Iggles Country. Our Doug Pedersen jersey is being ironed as we speak.

Okay, enough whining. The only thing we did get right about last night’s game was the predictability of Philadelphia’s anti-Terrell Owens fervor. Old #81 jerseys defiled and desecrated, the patented “T.O. Who?” signs, and the unflagging support for Donovan McNabb, which was very inspiring until he threw the soul-crushing interception that should ultimately ruin the Eagles’ season. Anyway, enough about the Eagles team—let’s refocus attention back to T.O. Because, as sad as it is, that’s the only thing interesting about the 2005 Philadelphia Eagles. Betmaker has set ridiculous odds on what will be the next move for Terrell Owens:

THE EAGLES FORGIVE T.O. AND BRING HIM BACK TO HELP SALVAGE THEIR DISAPPOINTING SEASON +400

THE EAGLES FOLD TO THE NFLPA`SPRESSURE AND CUT T.O. WHO THEN SIGNS ANDPLAY WITH A DIFFERENT MASOCHISTIC TEAM +300

T.O. TAKES A COMMENTATOR POSITION WITH FOX, AND SPENDS SUNDAYS DISCUSSING HIS FAVORITE FOOTBALL TOPICS: HIMSELF, AND THE GODLIKE BRETT FAVRE +1200

T.O. BECOMES THE NEXT FOOTBALL PLAYER TO BE A CONTESTANT ON SURVIVOR +1000

T.O. FALLS OFF THE MAP, ONLY TO RESUSCITATE HIS CAREER WITH AN APPEARANCE ON THE SURREAL LIFE, AND A SUBSEQUENT SPIN-OFF
T.O. USES HIS CONNECTION WITH NICOLETTE SHERIDAN TO LAND A ROLE AS ONE OF CARLOS’ PRISON BUDDIES ON DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES -1000

NONE OF THE ABOVE -350

Terrell Owens Next Career Move [Betmaker]

Free Pick Rundown: Free Picks To Help Jerry Jones Buy Another New Face

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Free Pick Rundown, Philadelphia Eagles

· Ah, the Sedge Court Journal boys: “The Eagles already weak offensive line suffered another setback with the loss of center Frank Haley.” That’s cute. “Frank Haley.” They pick Dallas and we don’t mind the fact because, well, they’ve obviously been huffing shoe polish. [Sedge Court Journal]
· Our silly online nemesis at American Gambling News picks his jock off the ground and makes an alarmingly sound pick with the Eagles. [AGN]
· Sharpjuice plays the “revenge” factor. Always a nice way to go. He’s picking the Eagles because he’s a genius and will one day have handsome children who grow up to be millionaires. [SharpJuice]
· The NBX boys are picking the Cowboys and the points because they were raised by wolves, have no table manners and drink their own pee. [NBX]

Chopping Lines: Bring Back The Bounty Bowl

READ MORE: Chopping Lines, Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

9 p.m.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)

Best Line: PHI -2.5, DAL +3

Some of the greatest games in Philadelphia Eagles history have been against Dallas. Dating back to the 1980 NFC Championship Game, it’s been one story line after another. Buddy Ryan’s infamous Thanksgiving game where he (allegedly) offered a reward for the person who injured Cowboys’ kicker Luis Zendejas. Barry Switzer’s 4th-and-1 brain fart. The Pickle Juice game which officially kicked off the Andy Reid era. Something always happens when these games mean something. And now, with the Eagles flailing and searching for something to resuscitate their season, it once again has them up against the Cowboys. It’s silly to think that the Eagles are anywhere close to the team they’ve been the last few years. But the thing they do have going for it is history and going up against Dallas to save their season once again. Huge homefield advantage for the Birds tonight. Count the anti-T.O. signs, give away the points and watch the magic happen.

PICK!: PHI -2.5

NFL Betting: If You Don’t Think The Cowboys Suck

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

And, of course, there is always another side. Say you enjoy things like watching your sister shower, eating Doritos with your bare feet, or just shooting fireworks in your shed, well, you’re probably betting on the Cowboys tonight. If you’re Chad Hutchinson, you’re probably doing all three and making a ridiculous face. Covers has the list of things that should make you feel better about this startling lapse of judgment.

5: No T.O. Let’s get this out of the way quick because we’ve all heard just about enough about you know who.

All the bad blood aside, the Eagles are not better off without Owens. He leads them in touchdowns (6), constituted their only true deep threat, and has nearly twice as many yards as their second-leading receiver - running back Brian Westbrook.

Philly posted a season-worst 145 passing yards against the Boys in Week 5 and Owens accounted for more than a third (50 yards) of that. Think the air attack will fair any better without him this week?

For the rest, go jump. Please.

4: Julius Jones back in action

The Cowboys No.1 running back has been out ever since he sprained an ankle in that Week 5 tilt with Philly.

Jones notched 72 yards on 16 carries in that game and with backup Marion Barber racking up 222 yards on 49 carries in Dallas’ past two games, he’ll have a little extra incentive to perform this week.

“I think [Jones] wants to play. I think Barber wants to play. But there`s only one ball, and that`s good,” said coach Bill Parcells.

Until one rusher proves himself better than the other, Parcells says he’ll use those two backs to do most of the rushing. Third stringer Tyson Thompson, who’s looked solid in limited time, will also get a few carries. That means Philly’s No. 19 run defense has three very motivated rushers to worry about.

“We have a good situation here, with three [backs] I can put into the game,” says Parcells. “They can all carry the ball and I`m going to use [them] the best way I can.”

3: Dallas ready for a fired up Philly team

Worried that Dallas might come out a little soft after the 33-10 beatdown it laid on the Birds last month?

Don`t count on it. The Cowboys are well aware of how desperate the Eagles are for a win, and how badly they want to prove they can win without Owens.

“That`s what scares me,” said tight end Dan Campbell. “They`re probably going to pull closer together. They`re going to prove we can do this with who we have on the team right now. I`m looking for them to play the best they`ve played all year. We just got to be ready to go. We`re going into a hornet`s nest.”

“I expect to get a good effort from them. They`ve always given a good effort,” added Parcells. “It`s Monday night. They`re at home. Why wouldn`t you expect that?”

2: Eagles O-line soft in the middle

Lost in the wake of the Owens saga is that the Eagles lost Hank Fraley for the season this week. The starting center had season-ending rotator-cuff surgery on his left shoulder Wednesday, and will be replaced by backup Jamaal Jackson.

Centers don’t get a whole lot of media attention, but they can be vital to team’s success or the direct cause of its failures. One errant snap can easily cost a team the game, and with Jackson making his first ever NFL appearance in a tilt that could make or break the Eagles’ season, nerves could easily become a problem for him.

He also figures to be ill equipped to call the blocking schemes against Dallas` dangerous pass rush, which just so happens to top this list.

1: Dallas’ pass rush

Dallas` blitzes made creamed corn out of Donovan McNabb when these teams last met. The Eagles quarterback was sacked four times and held to a 131 yards on 13-of-26 passing.

Hampered by rib and ankle ailments, McNabb wasn’t able to evade defenders the way he has in past seasons. Those injuries don’t seem to have improved much over the last five weeks and the Cowboys pass rushers are just hitting their stride. They’ve sacked four of the last five quarterbacks they’ve faced at least three times.

With only a greenhorn center standing between him and Dallas’ defenders, McNabb could be in for a long night.

Five Reasons Why Dallas Will Cover [Covers]

NFL Betting: Eagles Will Not Release The East

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

So, you’re thinking that this whole Terrell Owens thing could actually benefit the Eagles tonight against the Cowboys? That those three points they’re giving won’t matter? That Brian Westbrook will bust out for 200 yards and the defense will stand tough? Well, here’s the list for the Iggles backers brought to you by Covers.

5: Problem isn’t the offense The Eagles bread and butter over the last several seasons has been their defense.

Unfortunately they have not been the same this season, highlighted by the 564 yards and 49 points the Denver Broncos put up on them two weeks ago.

“We`ve made too many mistakes, bottom line,” said cornerback Sheldon Brown. “We`ve got to minimize mistakes. Every man has to do his job on a consistent basis.”

But this is a veteran group that is littered with several All-Pros and with Jim Johnson and Andy Reid on the case, Philadelphia should work out their problems.

Rest of the positive thinking, after the jump.

4: The Cowboys aren’t that good

The Eagles did get thumped by the Cowboys last time out - 129 yards total offense and six first downs is a complete embarrassment.

“We tried everything, and they were one step ahead of what we did,” said linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, after the loss.

But come on, that is by far the best these Dallas Cowboys will play this year.

The 129 yards is less than one-third of what the Eagles have been averaging this season and the 456 yards they gave up is 100 yards more than they’ve been giving up.

Dallas isn`t that good. Look at the games they have played. Aside from their 34-13 win over the hapless Arizona Cardinals they haven’t impressed, losing to Washington, Oakland and Seattle, while barely getting by the 49ers and Giants.

3: Eagles still have firepower

Say what you want, but the Eagles still have some offensive weaponry.

Brian Westbrook, for one, may be the best two-option back this side of LaDainian Tomlinson and L.J. Smith should soon be mentioned with Gates and Gonzalez as one of the top tight ends in the league.

Meanwhile their two young receivers (Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis) definitely have the talent to get the job done and are feeling no pressure coming into the game.

“We just have to try now to pull everything together,” said Brown. “I hope I can make some big plays because that`s what they brought me here for.”

Add the veteran Lewis to the mix and you have five decent offensive threats for the Eagles. That means plenty of options to spread the ball around and if anyone can do that it’s McNabb.

2: No T.O. means no distraction

The Philadelphia Eagles locker room was probably more of a family picnic this week – happy, good-natured and cheerful - than the back stabbing, volatile media circus that accompanied Terrell Owens wherever he went this season.

“It was a distraction so I think it brings everybody closer together,” said tight end L.J. Smith of the Owens saga.

The fewer distractions also meant the Eagles had the opportunity to better prepare for tonight’s showdown with the Cowboys.

“I’d say they were very business-like,” said coach Andy Reid describing practice this week. “They came out and practiced hard and aggressive.”

More unity, better preparation - what else do you need to win a football game?

1: Donovan McNabb

The real Donovan McNabb will return.

Whether it`s the assorted injuries healing or the Owens saga quieting down, the Eagles pivot appears to have found the bounce in his step he has been missing for most of the season.

“I`ve been with Donovan for a full week of practice but it seems like I`ve never left,” said recently re-signed tight end Chad Lewis. “He`s having fun and there`s no difference to me. I can tell you this week, I see the exact same person that I`ve always known.”

McNabb was already showing signs of coming around last week against the Redskins. He scampered around the pocket, put together a couple of rushes and aside from the interception by Ryan Clark, he played well. He still threw for 304 yards and one touchdown against a tough Redskins defense.

Why The Eagles Will Cover [Covers]

Paddy Power: Handicapping MNF Like The Drunks They Are

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, NFL Betting, Paddy Power, Philadelphia Eagles

We can knock Irish bookmakers Paddy Power about a lot of things—their propensity for prop bets about seemingly anything on the planet, being the first—and here’s another one. When trolling their prop bets for tonight’s NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys we noticed some interesting names listed on their clumsy “First Touchdown Scorer” line:

That highlighted name is supposed to be journeyman wide receiver Darnerian McCants, who is currently listed as the fifth wide receiver on the Eagle’s depth chart. We’re assuming that the Irish guys just figure that without Terrell Owens, any old wide receiver has 14/1 odds at scoring first in tonight’s game. Even ones who won’t even play. We’re also happy to see that fullback Jon Ritchie has 18/1 odds of scoring, given that, well, he’s been cut from the team. And Reno Mahe’s chances of recovering a fumble on punt return duties are apparently as strong as third-down back Lamar Gordon at 33/1. Imagining a few reckless Irish punters screaming at the television tonight to “Throw the ball to Ritchie!” just makes our day so much more fun.

First Touchdown Scorer [PaddyPower]

NFL Betting: Does No Owens Equal No Problems or No Points?

READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys, Monday Night Football, Philadelphia Eagles

There’s a pall hanging over Philadelphia this evening—except actually in Philadelphia. What people don’t understand is that this is a home game, against the Cowboys, after one of the most miserable weeks in Philadelphia Eagles’ history. Yes, they’ll mist Terrell Owens in the offense. Yes, Donovan’s playing injured and self-conscious. But do remember that this is the Cowboys and even though the Eagles are oddly favored by three points, they are in no way the favorites to win this game. In the media, at least.
· “Owens’ absence won’t help the Eagles in this one, because it hasn’t been his distraction that has kept them from running the ball well, and Bledsoe is having a heck of a year.” [FreeP]

· “With Owens in the lineup, the Eagles (4-4) lost three games and were having trouble on offense. Without Owens, it’ll be even more difficult to score points.” [Chicago Sun Times]

· Peter King: “I wish I could give him a happy ending but I can’t. I can give you an old Parcellsism, though: In the NFL, the desperate team usually wins. Eagles, 17-16.” (Wait. We just realized that quote looks highly suspicious….) [SI.com]

· “The Cowboys had a 27-3 lead at halftime in Game 5 and won, 33-10. Terrell Owens caught five passes. The Eagles don’t have Owens, and nobody on their roster can make up 23 points. Pick: Cowboys” [DetNews]

NFL Betting: Which Team Will Terrell Owens Have To Apologize To Next?

READ MORE: Drew Rosenhaus, Futures, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles, Terrell Owens

Well, for those of you who just witnessed super agent dickhead Drew Rosenhaus completely make the Terrell Owens’ situation 400 times worse, it’s time for the betting to begin. BetCRIS is the first to offer lines on which team Terrell Owens will play for. The front-runner at this point is surpsingly the jilted brides of the Baltimore Ravens at 10 to 1. The Green Bay Packers are second favorites at 11 to 1. The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins are listed as 18 to 1 favorites. The Philadelphia Eagles are given 20 to 1 odds right now, which may be a great bet considering how well the team receives his half-hearted apology to the organization. Here are the full list of odds:

TERRELL OWENS TEAM FOR THE 2006 SEASON

• ATLANTA FALCONS 18 to 1
• BALTIMORE RAVENS 10 to 1
• DALLAS COWBOYS 20 to 1
• DENVER BRONCOS 18 to 1
• GREEN BAY PACKERS 11 to 1
• INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 20 to 1
• JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 20 to 1
• KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 20 to 1
• MIAMI DOLPHINS 18 to 1
• MINNESOTA VIKINGS 20 to 1
• NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 20 to 1
• PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 20 to 1
• SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 20 to 1
• SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 20 to 1
• NONE 22 to 1

Which Team Will T.O. Play For in 2006? [BetCRIS]

Fantasy Football: We Hope The Door Hits You In The Ass. Hard.

READ MORE: Fantasy Football, Greg Lewis, Philadelphia Eagles, Reggie Brown, Terrell Owens

Well, everybody that looked like a genius drafting Terrell Owens in the third round has finally got what they deserved. Well, not really. They didnt’ deserve it. Nobody did. But for all the good the man brings to a football team, it’s amazing that his awful personality can completely ruin his own career. As an Eagle fan, it’s a shame that the worst case scenario actually happened, but we all knew it was a possibility as soon as he signed the contract(by dicking over the Ravens, no less).

So, it goes back to that whole theory about how there should be no surprises when you start dating a girl who cheated on her old boyfriend to be with you. You knew she had it in her to stray, so once she does, well, you knew what you were getting into. We hope for the Eagles’ sake and every fantasy owner that had him for seven weeks that the sex was at least good.

Anyway, do take a look at Greg Lewis as a possible replacement. We know Reggie Brown caught the pass last night, but it’s Lewis who will see the majority of the balls thrown his way. Dude’s probably in available in most leagues at this point. He stepped up huge in the playoff games last season. He may not have big play potential, but he’ll be the guy that has the best opportunity to gain 100 receiving yards for the Eagles on a consistent basis in this offense.

Owens Days As An Eagle Are Over [Phily Inquirer]

Chopping Lines: The Purifying Restive of the Bye Week

READ MORE: Chopping Lines, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers

Sun, 1 p.m.
San Diego Chargers (3-3)

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)

Best Line: PHI -3, SD +3.5

This seems like a great underdog pick, especially with Ladainian Tomlinson pretty much doing everything at this point—including throwing touchdown passes. And the Eagles’ defensive line? Well, that’s not Reggie White and Clyde Simmons in there right now. Mike Golic, maybe. Everybody runs on the Eagles—this was a problem last season and then they moved a rejuvenated Jeremiah Trotter into middle linebacker and everything was fixed. But after the bye week, Andy Reid’s Eagles are pretty amazing. Yes, they suck against AFC teams and had they won two weeks ago in Dallas this would be a great pick for the Chargers. But the Eagles, after a loss, after a bye week are tough(6-0). And they’re at home. Say what you will about the Linc being soulless venue devoid of all the madness of Vet Stadium, but this is a Vet crowd edgy for victory right now and one exciting play can make them a ferocious bunch. Even if they are eating $9 cheesesteaks.

PICK!: PHI -3

NFL Betting: McNabb’s Groin Moving the Line?

READ MORE: Donovan McNabb, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Betting, Philadelphia Eagles

Oh, these Philadelphia Eagles. Sigh. What tumult will befall us now? The latest is a the “sports hernia” industry taking hold of quarterback Donovan McNabb’s, er, abdomen that will require surgery at some point—but he is cleared to play as long as he can deal with the pain. Alas, what kind of outcome will this have on the Eagles the rest of the betting season? Will a pain-stricken McNabb keep the bettors away and hinder lines? Or will this end up being a catalyst for the rest of the Eagles season that catapults them to a Superbowl victory? Only the rest of the season will tell. But, bettors must remember McNabb’s four touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals three years ago as exhibit A. Dude had a broken ankle. That has to hurt worse than a silly “sports hernia”, or whatever this is. We think. This weekend the Eagles are 2 point favorites against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles also suuuuck against AFC teams ATS, so keep that in mind.

McNabb Hopeful Not to Miss Time With Sports Hernia [Covers]
Philadelphia at Kansas City [Covers]