NFL Live: It’s Defense’s Time to Shine with Bovada Live
by Bovada Sportsbook Staff | Dec. 13, 2012
In the age of the “quarterback league,” NFL live betting has been largely an offensive-minded affair. That could change this Sunday, as Bovada Live betting is offering two matchups that could turn into old school, smashmouth events. And you can bet on every play as it happens.
Our first Sunday matchup is the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Dallas Cowboys. Go back a few of weeks and this could’ve been dubbed as a potential high-scoring affair. But injuries have piled up on both sides.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned last week from Week 10 injuries to his ribs and shoulder and looked like he could use another week or two off. No chance, he’ll get the start on Sunday but his throws will again be limited. In Dallas, QB Tony Romo could be without his greatest target this season, wide receiver Dez Bryant, as he’s nursing a broken finger. Even if Bryant does play on Sunday he won’t be competing at 100 percent.
The Steelers are first in passing yards against and fifth in rushing yards. The Cowboys are eighth in passing yards against and are facing a running game decimated by injuries and mediocrity. The flaws on each team’s offense leaves the door open for a D dominated low-scoring game. Live betting wagers like “No First Down” or “No Score” could be a premium throughout the contest.
Sunday Night Football has lined up another gem for online bettors as the San Francisco 49ers are at the New England Patriots. Any game involving the Pats makes you think shootout, however a couple of factors has us believing this could be a low-scoring affair.
For the Patriots, they haven’t allowed a team to score over 20 points in three straight weeks. This includes its recent 42-14 drubbing of the Houston Texans. The Patriots held the Texans rushing attack to under 100 yards, and kept QB Matt Schaub to just 232 passing yards and one interception. Now they face a first-year starter in QB Colin Kaepernick. We expect Pats head coach Bill Belichick to have plenty of plays dialed up to confuse the young 49er.
On the 49ers side, their elite defense is no surprise. The Niners rank second in pass defense, second in rush defense, second in total yards and first in points against. They hit hard, tackle well and are not easily exploited. We understand Tom Brady is one of the best in football, but he’s going to find it difficult to put up points just like everyone else — especially if the team can’t run the ball effectively. That could make this a 20-14 affair where the punter puts in work. Just like the Cowboys game expect “No First Down,” “No Score” and even “Turnover” to get plenty of play Sunday night.
Bovada Sportsbook Live Schedule, Sunday, December 16th
4:25pm ET NFL Steelers @ Cowboys – CBS
8:30pm ET NFL 49ers @ Patriots – NBC, TSN
