'Guster said:
Pats at -7.5 on SB. My gut says to load up...time to look at some stats
Alright, time for more of my overanalysis...Last 4 games for NE@home & BALaway:
NE +3.3 pts scored 1H, NE +9.8 pts scored 2H, NE +11.5 pts scored total
NE -5.5 pts allowed 1H, NE +1.0 pts scored 2H, NE -4.8 pts scored total
NE is scoring more and giving up fewer points than BAL over their last 4 games home/away.
Based on this, NE should cover the -7.5 with ease
The line for the total in this scenario should be ~53.5, so over 51 would be the bet
NE with and without Gronk:
NE's scoring is down 0.4pts in 1H, down 0.8pts in 2H and down 1.4pts/gm total
NE's D gives up 1.2pts less in 1H, 1.4pts more in 2H and is basically flat for the total game
Not really as much of a difference as I expected. One thing to note is that you can make a case for NE's D wearing down...starting off better but then giving up more points. This will be something to keep an eye on for sure if you're looking at live betting.
BAL with and without Ray Lewis:
BAL's scoring is down 1pt in 1H, up 2pts in 2H and up just over 1pt for total game
BAL's defense gives up 1.5pts more in 1H, 0.6pts less in 2H and 0.6pts more for total game
So basically, scoring is up for both teams when Ray Lewis plays with a 0.4pt edge to BAL
My suggested bets
NE 1Q -0.5
NE 1H -6
1H u26 (but this looks like a pretty tight line, play with caution)
BAL 2H +anything or BAL 2H moneyline
2H o26
Basically, I see the first half belonging to NE and the second half being pretty even.
NE scores less and gives up more in the 2nd half (vs 1st) while BAL scores a bit more and gives up less.
On the whole, NE scores more and plays better 1H D... The question will be how can NE's D hold up in the 2H and can BAL exploit that
I can see a backdoor cover on the spread by BAL
The game total looks spot on, so I would consider teasing that in whichever direction you choose with NE