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Picked up pieces from the sports betting weekend. A pro handicapper told me about an old betting angle started back in the 1970s which relates to the mid-point of the nfl season. According to him, people bet on any team that starts the season 2-6 or worse for the rest of the year, and against any team that starts 6-2 or better. This is not a formula for hitting 80% winners the rest of the way, but for sports betting grinders. I don't do that, but I can see reasoning behind the angle. You're going against public perception which means, in theory, youre getting a few extra points each week, as teams that that 2-6 are likely to be big dogs the rest of the way, while currently strong teams like the colts and Broncos will be getting respect from oddsmakers. Just thought I'd pass that wagering angle along.

The Terrell owens saga is ridiculous. A pampered, problem-child superstar continues to backstab teammates and talk about ME, ME, ME, so the coach throws him off the team. A pat on the back for Andy Reid for making that decision. football is not about ME, it's about teamwork, working hard and working together. owens was suspended for Sunday night's 17-10 loss at washington, and will remain suspended for three more games without pay. After that, the Eagles plan to deactivate him for the rest of the season. Does anyone recall the TV speech owens gave early in preseason, trying to explain his actions? It was embarrassing. Let's hope owens and his agent aren't dumb enough to go on TV again to try and plead his case.

Athletes wear out their welcome all the time in sports, and most move on to another team for a few years where they often wear out their welcome again. Lost in the shuffle of the Owens' saga is a similar thing that happened in the nfl four years ago. Early in the 2001 season, Patriots All-Pro WR Terry Glenn was being a problem child, missing practices and complaining about a variety of topics. coach Bill Belichick laid down the law and suspended Glenn. At the time it was a surprise, as New England was short on offensive speed. However, the team showed they were better without Glenn, recovering from an 0-2 start and the sideshow antics by winning the Super Bowl, all without Glenn.

In Cleveland, first-year coach Romeo Crennel has the Browns playing hard. A defensive expert, the Cleveland defense is allowing 17 ppg after allowing 24 per game last season. The offense is still short on talent and plays a conservative, grind-it-out style. Notice that the Browns are 7-1 under the total.

The 3-5 Raiders have had a tough schedule and some bitter defeats, losing at home to KC by 6 when a late drive stalled, and at Philly by 3. Sunday's shocking 27-23 loss at Kansas City on the final play was easily the hardest to take. "This is about as bitter a defeat as you could have," said oakland quarterback Kerry Collins afterward. It's the type of loss that could break the back of a team. Watch for any finger-pointing or complaining by oakland players over the next few weeks, especially Randy Moss, who hasn't spoken to the press since early September, which is probably a blessing.

A good football stadium can make even a losing game not seem like a total loss. If youre not a fan of one of the top teams in the NFL then at least you may be a fan who gets to watch games in one of the top stadiums the NFL has to offer. Out of all 31 stadiums the NFL teams play in, one man went out and ranked them from best to worst. Thanks to Dan Pompei you can have an idea of where youd like to view a game.

Coming in first was Qwest field belonging to the Seattle seahawks. The stadium offers a beautiful view of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle Skyline. From various points in the stadium a fan can view these attractions, along with the game. How does it get any better? The field isnt far from downtown Seattle so a fan does not have to go far to do some pre and post game partying.

The second best stadium belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Raymond James stadium has a layout all its own. From the palm trees in the end zone to the flags along the top of the stadium, this place really stands out. The north end zone also sports a 103 foot long pirate ship in Buccaneer Cove is what really separates this stadium from the rest. And for those fans who love sun, every part of the stadium gets it so no one is left in the dark.

Coming in third is Houstons reliant Stadium. Since the dome is made from a fiberglass fabric, sun is a natural star in this stadium. Enough light is allowed in the stadium for it to have natural grass which the players seem to love and the game will be fun to watch whether the dome is open or closed.

In fourth place is Ford field, home of the Detroit Lions. Ranked by Dan as the best indoor stadium ever, the brick and exposed duct work make this stadium feel like a trendy oversized loft that was converted from an oversized factory. With a seven story atrium and a connection to Hudsons warehouses, Ford field was built like more of a workplace than a football stadium. Thanks to the Ford family, the field has really invigorated Detroits downtown area.

And finally, in fifth place comes Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, ohio. With this stadium do you not only get to view a good football game but you can also travel a few minutes to view the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the great Lakes Science Center. Even the architects felt they should let fans see some of the city by creating gaps in the seating bowl where fans can look upon downtown Cleveland. Also, with all of the glass in the stadium, a fan doesnt have to feel as confined as in other stadiums where all they see are other fans and the game.