Line of Scrimmage: NFL GameChangers '10: Running Backs

Football Betting Lines

07/16/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In addition to being three people who have never been in my kitchen, former NFL running backs Troy Hambrick, Greg Hill, and Neal Anderson all share another important commonality - they all followed legends.

And, in a circumstance as predictable as a Jaguars game being blacked out, each failed to rival the success of their more famous predecessor.

Hambrick (972 yards, 5 TD in 2003) earned the starting job in Dallas after Emmitt Smith defected to Arizona, and though he was good enough to help the Cowboys to the playoffs, was released the following May.

Hill (542 yards, 4 TD in 1999) was brought to Detroit as a stop-gap after Barry Sanders abruptly retired on the eve of training camp, but his uninspiring lone season with the Lions also represented his final bow in the NFL.

Anderson actually enjoyed some success after taking over for Walter Payton full-time in 1988, ending up with over 6,000 rushing yards and 50-plus touchdowns in eight seasons, but a promising career was derailed by injuries and Anderson is viewed by many Bears fans as an unfortunate case of "what if".

We offer this history lesson to those who wonder what will become of San Diego Chargers first-round pick Ryan Mathews. Mathews, the No. 12 overall selection in the April draft, will be the next in line to follow an all-time, top 10 NFL rusher when he carries San Diego into the post-LaDainian Tomlinson era this fall. Tomlinson was released by the Chargers in February and later signed by the New York Jets.

Asked if he felt the burden of succeeding Tomlinson, who left San Diego as the No. 8 rusher in NFL history, Mathews told the San Diego Union-Tribune, "I don't feel pressure replacing L.T. Big shoes. It's hard to fill those shoes. I'm going to play my game."

Mathews' game was just fine at Fresno State last season, when he led the NCAA in rushing during a junior campaign that saw the Bakersfield, CA native amass 1,808 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. Spurred on by that showing, Mathews opted to enter the draft, where the combination of a weak running back crop, a 4.45 40-yard dash and a round of strong in-person interviews saw his stock rocket into the first round. Though some thought Mathews would last late into the first round, the Chargers took no chances, moving up to the No. 12 position to secure his services.

Immediately, head coach Norv Turner pegged the 6-0, 218-pounder for 250 carries and 40 catches as a rookie, a testament to the direction a formerly pass-happy offense is heading.

"Ryan was the most complete back in the draft," Turner told reporters in May. "He's got great speed and vision. What puts him over the top is he's capable of being a very physical runner."

Handling the physical demands will be critical for Mathews, who will likely be the team's primary offensive weapon early in the season. No. 1 wide receiver Vincent Jackson will serve a three-game suspension to open the year, and could be out longer if he fails to settle a contract dispute with the Chargers. That situation should open the door for plenty of extra touches for Mathews.

Perhaps more important for Mathews will be handling the expectations. Though Tomlinson's production had dropped off in recent years, Chargers fans know what a high-caliber running back looks like, and will be expecting to see some of the same flashes from Mathews that Tomlinson showed when he burst on the scene as a rookie in 2001.

After a long holdout, Tomlinson opened eyes with a 1200-yard, 10-touchdown performance in '01, one that served as a springboard to a certain Hall of Fame career. You can bet Bolts supporters will be breaking out the yardsticks come September to see whether Mathews is following the same trajectory.

You won't find Mathews comparing himself to Tomlinson, though he's already L.T.'s equal in terms of self-assuredness.

"I knew I should be playing with those guys after I got here," Mathews recently said of his initial steps in the NFL. "I didn't struggle. It was good. A running back has to be confident; you can't second-guess."

Below, as the seventh installment of our eight-part "GameChangers" series, we look at five incoming running backs who will enter their first year in a new uniform as central figures in their team's 2010 development:

5. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets (free agent, from Chargers) - Though Tomlinson is old news in San Diego, big things are expected out of him in Gotham, where the Jets controversially signed him to a two-year deal worth $5.2 million after dumping the cheaper (and more recently effective) Thomas Jones. There have been indications that Shonn Greene will nominally be the Jets starter following a strong finish to 2009, but you have to believe, given his price tag and legacy, Tomlinson will get considerable touches as well. The NFL's active rushing leader did not post a single 100-yard game last season, but told ESPN in regard to those who feel he has diminished skills, "I'm tired of being doubted by so many people about what I can do." The motivation appears to be there for Tomlinson. But at 31, are the legs?

4. Thomas Jones, Chiefs (free agent, from Jets) - It's too bad Jones didn't hit his stride until he was 27 years old, otherwise we might be talking about him as a future Hall of Famer like Tomlinson. As it is, the 31-year-old Jones has now posted 1,100 or more yards in each of the past five seasons, split among two teams that ultimately decided he wasn't good enough to continue playing for them. Jones hopes to make the Jets pay for that decision just as he did the Bears three years ago, but there's no doubt that the odds are stacked against him repeating that scenario in Kansas City. The emerging Jamaal Charles (1,120 yards and eight TDs last season) and second-round draft pick Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss) are going to siphon carries away from Jones, and the Chiefs offensive line isn't nearly as strong as the one Jones ran behind as a Jet. Though he still appears to have something left in the tank, the former No. 7 overall draft pick is going to have to fight for an opportunity to shine.

3. Jahvid Best, Lions (rookie, California) - The Lions have had a rough history with promising running backs that they can't seem to keep healthy (see: Kevin Smith, Kevin Jones), so it was a little bit curious that they moved up into the bottom of the first round to select Best. Best had both elbow and foot surgeries while at Cal and missed the final four games of his junior season due to multiple concussions, but the 5-10, 199-pounder's sub-4.4 speed and 7.3 average per carry as a member of the Golden Bears were too enticing for Jim Schwartz's team to pass up. To start out, Best could play in a rotation with incumbent Kevin Smith (if he recovers sufficiently from knee and shoulder surgeries), with Best counted on most off the edge and as a pass- catcher. That's probably a prudent approach for a guy who might not be physically ready to take the punishment he would face behind a still- developing Detroit offensive line.

2. C.J. Spiller, Bills (rookie, Clemson) - There have been a number of ominous pronouncements about how bad the Bills could be in their first year under Chan Gailey, as the team has an uncertain quarterback situation and did very little to upgrade the already-marginal talent throughout the rest of its roster in the offseason. If there is an antidote to that line of doomsday thinking, it is Spiller, the first running back selected in the April draft. Though he'll have his work cut out for him on a team with a shaky offensive line and limited passing attack to take the pressure off, his 4.37 speed, pass-catching ability and good head for the game give the Bills a chance to be competitive. What Buffalo must avoid is another situation like the one it faced with last- year's first-round pick, Aaron Maybin, who held out late into the 2009 preseason and was rarely a factor in his first year in an NFL uniform.

1. Ryan Mathews, Chargers (rookie, Fresno State) - Though as mentioned above, following a legend is difficult, there are some positive examples to whom Chargers fans can point as they assess the possibilities for Mathews. The Browns' Leroy Kelly became a Hall of Famer after following Jim Brown, while Herschel Walker (succeeded Tony Dorsett) and Willie Parker (succeeded Jerome Bettis) each had at least modest success after filling big shoes. One thing that Mathews hopes not to emulate about Tomlinson is the protracted holdout that delayed his development slightly back in 2001. "My main thing is to get into camp as soon as possible," Mathews told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I've talked to my agent; I need to be there. Too many guys hold out for all the wrong reasons and I'm not going to be one of them."

Next up at the Line of Scrimmage: 2010 GameChangers Part VIII - Specialists

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American Idol Betting Season 6 Strategies  

It's that time of year folks.  Betting on American Idol Season 9.  And we have plenty of American Idol Season 6 strategies appearing below.  With the Top 24 finalists revealed, online gambling sites will be offering betting odds on each of them, including MySportsbook.com.

No other “event” has been growing as fast as wagering on American Idol. It has turned into a huge betting event with reasonably high limits and all sorts of profit-making potential for sharp bettors. Last year, MySportsbook.com experienced unprecedented traffic as a result of the American Idol betting craze.

Every week there will be odds to win American Idol, various elimination props and contestant versus contestant match-ups at the MySportsbook.com website.

Whether a fan of America’s top-rated show or watching only because of a wife or girlfriend, here are some of basic strategies to use when betting American Idol.

Odds to Win

There are a few things to consider when looking for the right win bet. First off, remember that this bet is for the long haul. Many people make the mistake of picking the performer who sang the best the previous week. This strategy leads to an underlay situation – betting a price, which is less than what it should be.

All Idol contestants struggle at some point in the competition, so you should always look for value. In last year’s competition alone, two performers who had some of the best performances early in the series were subsequently bet down to low prices - Lisa Tucker and Ace Young. After just a few weeks, Tucker had already been eliminated, while Young quickly became a huge long shot to win America’s largest talent search.

A better strategy is to look for performers who don’t necessarily get the praise from the judges, but show flashes of the talent necessary to go the distance.

Another important thing to remember when betting any contestant to win is the demographic breakdown of the voters, the viewing public and potential future CD purchasers. Unlike sporting events, American Idol is not decided on the field of play – it’s decided by the American public under the guiding influence of the shows producers.

Understand that the great state of Alabama has a mighty edge when it comes to American Idol. 

Therefore, to be successful betting on American Idol, put any personal opinions or prejudices aside and think like the majority of the voting public. Remember that the typical voter is young, female and quite often, Southern.

If a contestant cannot appeal to this demographic, no matter how much talent he or she possesses, they’ll struggle for votes. Looks, demeanor and charisma are extremely important. And it’s no coincidence that every Idol winner so far has hailed from a Southern state.

Elimination Props

Every week MySportsbook.com anticipates offering a prop on who’ll be eliminated from the show each Wednesday night. A suggestion to handicap this is to gauge an overall feel for who’s the least popular contestant left in the competition. Generally the least popular performers have recently appeared in the bottom three and will have been the target of repeated criticism from the judges.

Last year, resources included dialidol.com and votefortheworst.com. Dialidol.com measures the volume of each contestant’s voting line. While by no means a perfect science, it does give a good indication of who is generating votes and who isn’t. Meanwhile, votefortheworst.com is a site that attempts to build support for the worst competitor to keep them in the competition for ‘entertainment’ value. The site has a proven track record of keeping performers around who most feel should have been voted off a long time ago.

Contestant vs. Contestant Match-ups

The best strategy for doing well on match-ups is to assess how close either of the contestants is to being eliminated. If neither is expected to be voted off of the show in the coming weeks, the value is almost always on the underdog. If both are expecting an imminent exit in the near future, the favorite in the match-up might offer value.

Watch for American Idol betting odds on each of the contestants shortly and good luck with these American Idol betting strategies.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.

MySportsbook.com: NBA Championship Odds

With the playoffs about two months away, the top two teams in the Western Conference are the clear cut leaders to win the NBA Championship. The Dallas Mavericks have the best record in the NBA (44-9) and have been absolutely scorching since the second week of the season.  What makes the Mavs’ record more impressive is the fact that they dropped their first four games of the season.  Currently they have won 17 out of their last 18 and are MySportsbook.com’s favorite (2-1) to win it all.  Right behind the Mavs are the Pacific leading Phoenix Suns (39-13).  Last season, the Suns lost in the Conference Finals to non-other then the Mavericks four games to two.  Of course the Suns were without center Amare Stoudemire who has is averaging 19.9 PPG and 9.5 RPG since coming back from his knee injury.  Unlike the Mavs, the Suns have struggled a bit lately having lost their last three and four out of their last seven.  Of course the main reason for their three straight loses is due to the absence of two time MVP Steve Nash, who is out with a shoulder injury.  Heads-up, the Mavs have beaten the Suns in both of their meetings this season.

In the Eastern Conference, the Pistons (32-19) are the favorites to win it all at 6-1. The addition of Chris Webber seems to have been a good move for the Pistons.  Since coming over from the 76ers, Webber has averaged 13.1 PPG and 7.3 RPG and the Pistons are 11-4.  Even though the defending champion Heat are currently on the playoff making cusp, they are the Eastern Conference team that is getting the most action to win it all (9-1).  The fact that Shaquille O’Neal is back in the starting lineup after missing 39 games probably has something to do with this.  No doubt, Shaq makes a difference when in the lineup as their winning six out of their last seven would indicate.

Just because it is the All-Star break doesn’t mean that you can’t bet on NBA hoops this weekend.  Be sure to log onto MySportsbook.com to bet on who you think will cut down the nets this July. Also, be sure to check out all of the lines and props for All-Star weekend.  With the highest credit card acceptance rate in the industry, there are plenty of ways to cash in on the NBA this weekend.

MySportsbook.com’s NBA Championship odds:

Atlanta Hawks 1000-1

Boston Celtics 5000-1

Charlotte Bobcats 5000-1

Chicago Bulls 20-1

Cleveland Cavaliers 20-1

Dallas Mavericks 2-1

Denver Nuggets 25-1

Detroit Pistons 6-1

Golden State Warriors 250-1

Houston Rockets 12-1

Indiana Pacers 60-1

Los Angeles Clippers 45-1

Memphis Grizzlies 5000-1

Miami Heat 9-1

Milwaukee Bucks 1000-1

Minnesota T-Wolves 200-1

New Jersey Nets 50-1

New Orleans Hornets 150-1

New York Knicks 150-1

Orlando Magic 75-1

Philadelphia 76ers 1000-1

Phoenix Suns 5-2

Portland TrailBlazers 1000-1

Sacramento Kings 250-1

San Antonio Spurs 9-1

Seattle Sonics 5000-1

Toronto Raptors 35-1

Utah Jazz 20-1

Washington Wizards 25-1

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