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NFL Revenge Games - Al McMordie 8/12/2009

One of the great things about sports wagering is
the growth of creativity over the last decade.
Futures wagers, prop bets, halftime wagering has
all seen an increase, adding to the challenge and
enjoyment of the industry. Other examples are
“Games of the Year” and “Revenge Games” which
crop up before the college and pro football
seasons. Oddsmakers have various numbers posted
on key games during the season, such as rivalry
games like Oklahoma/Texas and NFL regular
season showdowns.

A year ago in this column I told you to watch for
revenge in Week 6 when the Patriots went to San
Diego. The Patriots shocked the 14-2 Chargers in
the playoffs three years ago, 24-21, despite
getting outplayed, then the two met twice in 2007.
The Pats flogged the Chargers, 38-14, in the
regular season, then won a more competitive AFC
Championship game, 21-12. San Diego was
without its two biggest offensive stars in the playoff
game, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and WR Antonio
Gates, while QB Philip Rivers was hobbled with a
bad knee.

That ended an 8-game win streak for San Diego
and first-year coach Norv Turner. I wrote, “This will
be the first meeting in San Diego since the playoff
game, when the Pats stomped all over the 50-yard
line bolt, prompting an outburst from Tomlinson.
No doubt the players and fans will be into this one.”
They were, as the Chargers stomped on the Pats,
30-10. Let’s examine some of the better revenge
situations to keep tabs on long before the week of
the contest (I put in a potential point spread for
fun.)

Week 2, Pats (-7) at NY Jets: This is always a rivalry
game, but expect even more fur to fly this time. The
teams split two games in 2008, with the visitor
pulling the upset each time. The Pats lost a tough
game in OT at home when they last met, which
tripped up their division title hopes. The Jets have a
new coach in Rex Ryan who a few months ago said,
“I’m not afraid of Bill Belichick.” Bad blood, history,
a division rival and a new coach all make this an
explosive emotional/revenge situation.

Week 8, Carolina at Arizona (-3): No one
remembers Carolina going 12-4 last season with a
No. 2 seed in the NFC. Everyone remembers its
huge playoff flop to Arizona, a 33-13 blowout while
turning it over 6 times. How bad was it? Consider
that the Panthers gave up 145 yards rushing to the
Cardinals! Entering as a 10-point underdog and
ridiculed for their 0-5 record in the Eastern time
zone, Arizona raced to a 27-7 halftime lead and
cruised past the mistake-prone Panthers, who were
the league's only unbeaten team at home in the
regular season. All of that success was wiped away
in a few hours. Bet the Panthers will be focused for
this one, even if it is on the road.

Week 8, Miami at NY Jets (-2): The Jets had a
chance to make the playoffs with Brett Favre in the
finale last season hosting Miami. They flopped in a
24-17 home loss, with four turnovers. They lost to
former QB Chad Pennington and missed the
playoffs because of it. And the Dolphins went from
1-15 to division champs, while the Jets let Eric
Mangini and Favre walk.

Week 9, Dolphins at Patriots (-10): This game is
always a rivalry contest, but here we have the last
two AFC East champs. It was the Dolphins who
stunned the Patriots in their last meeting here in
2008, winning 38-13 as a big dog. That ended the
Patriots' NFL record of 21 straight regular season
wins. The Dolphins rushed for 216 yards, and the
term “Wildcat offense” made its way into the NFL
lexicon. Fans booed the Patriots and many left
early. The Dolphins went on to win the AFC East
while the Pats missed the playoffs for the first time
since 2002.

Week 14, Philadelphia at NY Giants (-4): The
defending champion Giants were the dominant
team in the NFC in 2008, until the Eagles stunned
them in the playoffs, a 23-11 upset. Five times
New York got inside the Eagles 20, for just three
field goals. The Giants were the first No. 1 seeded
defending Super Bowl champion to lose their first
playoff game. "I am very, very disappointed," Giants
coach Tom Coughlin said. "I am sorry to see the
season come to an end. There is remorse for
opportunities lost." He will likely roll the game film
again for this one.

Week 17, Eagles at Dallas (-4): It’s too bad this one
is in Week 17. These teams battled in the 2008
regular season finale to see who would go to the
playoffs, and the Cowboys decided not to show up,
humiliated in a 44-6 embarrassment. Terrell Owens
said, "I don't have all the answers, but I'd love to be
part of the solution." The Cowboys also hope he is
–- so they shipped him out of town! By the way,
this game is the first week of January: Tony Romo
is 5-8 in December starts, 22-4 in all other
months. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

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