ALWAYS remember this: Vegas knows all, hears all. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what’s been happening behind the scenes this week around the NFL.
BUCS-COWBOYS
THE SKINNY: Now that Brad Johnson will be making his second straight start, the line plummets dramatically because of the dropoff at the most critical position.
“If [Tony Romo] was going to play, it was probably going to be close to a 7-point game,” said Las Vegas Sports Book Executive Director Jay Kornegay.
On Wednesday, the line ranged between the Jerry Joneses minus-2 and -21/2, in large part because of Johnson’s subpar effort last week against the Rams. “We thought Johnson could fill the void,” Kornegay said. “We thought Johnson could come in and manage the game a little better than he did.”
“I saw a number as high as 3½ and I’ve seen some offshore shops deal that number as low as 11/2,” said Vegas sports handicapper and radio personality John Kelly. “That tells me the direction the money’s going. Vegas books will play catchup to the smart money offshore.”
Wade Phillips taking over the defensive playcalling from Brian Stewart? Yawn.
FOR THOSE LOOKING AHEAD: Next week’s early number on Giants-Cowboys: Giants minus-7.
CHIEFS-JETS
THE SKINNY: The line opened at the Manginis minus-10½ and was -13 on Wednesday.
“Most likely that isn’t a move because of money we have accepted,” Kornegay said. “It’s just the information we have received out of Kansas City that’s not favorable for the Chiefs.” Such as: Larry Johnson not playing, Damon Huard not playing, Tyler Thigpen playing.
FOR THOSE LOOKING AHEAD: Next week’s early number on Jets-Bills: Bills minus-41/2.
CHARGERS-SAINTS
THE SKINNY: Interesting that Reggie Bush being out had no bearing on the line, which actually dropped from 3½ to 3 by midweek.
“The Saints offense is so high-powered anyway,” Kelly said.
The track is better this time at Wembley Stadium than it was when the Giants eked past the Dolphins 13-10 a year ago in a downpour, and the forecast is for light rain.
“I honestly think that’s why the Giants were successful last year,” LaDainian Tomlinson said. “They were kind of going through the same struggles; they came here, and it kind of changed their season.”
Not exactly: The Giants had won five in a row entering London; the Chargers are 3-4. Matchup pits Drew Brees and his No. 1 passing offense against his old team and its league-worst pass defense.
EAGLES-FALCONS
THE SKINNY: The McNabbs opened at 7½ and moved to 9 on Wednesday, as word filtered that Brian Westbrook (ribs) would try to play. “That line is saying Westbrook is probable,” Kornegay said. “Once the team announces he is going to start, that line might go to 10.”
Notes Kelly: “You could almost consider[Westbrook] as valuable as McNabb.” FYI: The Falcons OL has yielded only seven sacks, but this is precocious rook quarterback Matt Ryan’s first taste of blitz-crazed defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
FOR YOUR SLIP: The Falcons OL has yielded just seven sacks, but this is precocious rookie QB Matt Ryan’s first taste of blitz-crazed defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
TEXANS-BENGALS
THE SKINNY: Every Texans game has gone over this season. Tomorrow’s number with the Bengals is 44.