Philadelphia Sports Betting Roundup
It’s rare that the quarterback lining up opposite Peyton Manning steals the spotlight, but with the return of Eagles QB Michael Vick this weekend all eyes are on Philadelphia’s dual-threat pivot. Sorry Peyton.
The return of Vick was enough to convince books to set the Eagles as field-goal favorites hosting the Colts in Week 9 as well as post a handful of prop wagers centered around the polarizing No. 7.
At Bodog Sportsbook Philadelphia sports bettors can wager on Vick’s total passing yards (220.5), total rushing yards (35.5), or if Vick will throw a touchdown (-165) or an interception (+135) first.
And for those of you who doubt Vick’s effectiveness since going down with a chest injury in Week 4, you can even wager on if Kevin Kolb will get the start in Week 10 following a loss Sunday. “Yes” is priced at +250.
Out of those props, the Under 35.5 rushing yards seems to have the most value. Vick will be tentative with the football coming off injury and told reporters earlier this week that he must run smarter when breaking out of the pocket.
Vick rushed for 37 yards in the win over Detroit and added 30 yards on the ground in the victory over Jacksonville. He had 17 rushing yards against Washington before getting hurt on a dash for the end zone.
Coach Andy Reid will be careful of his starter and draw the ire of the Colts’ pass rush with a lot of carries from running back LeSean McCoy. Indianapolis has one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, allowing over 133 yards on the ground per game.
Flying high
The Flyers are rolling on a four-game winning streak on the back of rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
The first-year netminder has been between the pipes in all four wins, allowing just eight total goals in that span, and has won six of the team’s seven games this season. Bobrovsky owns a 2.39 GAA and .918 save percentage this year, stirring up an already complicated goaltending situation for Philadelphia.
Bobrovsky will be between the pipes when the Flyers host a vengeful Rangers squad Thursday. Philadelphia knocked New York out of the postseason hunt with a shootout win in the final game of the 2009-10 regular season, punching its playoff ticket and battling all the way to the Stanley Cup final.
Doug down and out?
The Sixers finally cracked the win column with a 101-75 thumping of the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, but the win was bittersweet after coach Doug Collins was forced to leave in the second half due to symptoms related to vertigo.
Collins suffered a concussion this past spring and missed preseason action with similar ailments. His status for Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers is up in the air as of Wednesday night. Philadelphia is just 1-4 on the year but has proved profitable, going 3-2 ATS.
No. 400 or bust
Legendary Penn State head coach Joe Paterno can earn career win No. 400 against the Northwestern Wildcats this Saturday. Oddsmakers have set the Nittany Lions as 5.5-point home favorites, coming off an impressive win over Michigan in Week 9.
Penn State is still without freshman starting QB Robert Bolden, who is recovering from a concussion. Backup Matthew McGloin was solid against the Wolverines, passing for 250 yards and one touchdown. He’ll get the nod again versus the Wildcats.