The Cincinnati Bengals could have their 2010 NFL betting campaign put on the line on Monday Night Football, as they are taking on their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in a huge encounter. We here at Bankroll Sports, have all of our Monday Night Football prop picks available for you for the upcoming MNF tussle.

Terrell Owens Over/Under 67.5 Receiving Yards
The Bengals know that they are going to have to throw the football if they plan on beating this Pittsburgh defense. The interesting question here is whether it is going to be WR Terrell Owens or WR Chad Ochocinco that really gets coverage rolled his way in this one. Either way, the Steelers don’t have the corners to be able to stick with either man. When the lights start rolling on Monday Night Football, you know that Owens wants to be the star of the show. This is the top statistical receiver on the team, and he is going to have no choice but to have a big time game on Monday Night. You’d better get your popcorn ready. TO is going Over 67.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook) on Monday Night Football.

Cedric Benson Over/Under 63.5 Rushing Yards
Benson is having a down year this season, as he only has two total touchdowns to speak of. His rushing total is up there, and at least on the average night, he should have no problem eclipsing this type of a number on the ground. However, let’s be real. This is the Pittsburgh defense that he is running against, not a bunch of rag tag guys just trying to hold on for dear life. The Steelers are out to really punish your running back, and this isn’t going to be an exception. Benson is easily flustered when things aren’t going his way, and with the Steelers averaging allowing less than three yards per carry on the season, it is probably going to take at least 18-20 carries to get Benson to this type of figure. Dream on. The University of Texas standout probably stands little chance in this one, so go with Benson Under 63.5 Rushing Yards (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Jordan Shipley Over/Under 3.5 Receptions
Shipley is becoming the receiver du jour for QB Carson Palmer at times, and for good reason. The former Texas Longhorn has great hands, isn’t afraid to go over the middle, and will do all of the dirty work for your team. Consider him like the New England Patriots’ Wes Welker. He’s really the same exact player, just Cincinnati’s form of it. Palmer isn’t going to have much time to figure out how to reach Owens and Ochocinco with deep balls, so we tend to believe that he is going to be forced to check down on those five yard curls and quick slants to the inside. That’s right up Shipley’s alley. As long as Palmer doesn’t try to do too much against this black and gold defense, Shipley should go Over 3.5 Receptions (-115 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Will Ben Roethlisberger Throw an Interception?
These are some absolutely stellar odds that Big Ben isn’t going to get picked off. The Bengals just don’t get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks for it to really make much of a difference. Cincinnati is dead last in the NFL with just six sacks this year, and at that point, and only thing separating Roethlisberger and a solid game without a blunder is staying away from DB Leon Hall, who leads the team with four INTs on the year. Especially if the Steelers get up early in this game, if you can survive the first half, you’ll have this prop free and easy the rest of the way, as RB Rashard Mendenhall should once again just be pounding the rock in the second half. We’ll say that Roethlisberger does Not Throw an Interception (+160 at Hollywood Sportsbook).

Let the complaining and politicking begin! With just one week of game’s left to be played in the college basketball season, teams across the country are going to be groveling to the Selection Committee to try to make their case for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. We’re ranting all across the sports world here at Bankroll Sports, though, and here’s who we’re upset with this week.

Rap Sheet Picture of the Week

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who was accused of yet another assault charge this week.

We’re coming right out with the gloves off. Hey Connecticut Huskies, do you really want to go dancing or not? Instead of whining about how hard your schedule was this year, why don’t you turn around and beat somebody? Or better yet, how about trying to figure out how to win a conference road game? After losing at Notre Dame and South Florida this past week, UConn doesn’t even remotely deserve consideration for an at-large bid to the dance, but you and I both know full well that wins against St. John’s on Tuesday and Marquette on Wednesday will probably somehow sneak the Huskies in the field.

Can someone explain to me what the heck the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers are doing? I understand that the Bolts wanted to cut ties with RB LaDainian Tomlinson before his career totally fell off the map, but what gives with trading DB Antonio Cromartie to the Jets for a song and a dance? Don’t you remember that it was New York’s defense which gave you all of those hassles in the playoffs last year? Do you think that unit is getting worse by giving them your second best defensive player?

And Arizona, what are you doing, too? You had the NFC West already neatly packaged for you even if QB Matt Leinart proved to be a total stiff. But you let WR Anquan Boldin, S Antrel Rolle, LB Karlos Dansby, and a host of others get away from you. Now, you’re no better than a .500 team in a lousy division… which may still be good enough to win the NFC West… which is worth ranting about in itself when you consider how good the NFC East and AFC South are…

To the Cleveland Cavaliers: If you’re going to get trounced by the Bucks by a touchdown without F LeBron James in the lineup, what does that tell you about your future if you let “The King” skip town? If your name wasn’t F Antawn Jamison (30 points) or G Delonte West (27 points), you didn’t score more than seven points in Milwaukee. What’s up with that? Oh that’s right. It’s just another example of how lousy the Cavs really are without their pride and joy in the lineup, and is a harsh reminder that this team had to be the worst in the NBA just to earn the right to land LeBron in the draft in the first place.

Finally, we’ll take a swipe at HC Phil Jackson, who called his F Pau Gasol “weak and sickly.” Now Phil, we know you’re the Zen master and all of that, but if I’m not mistaken, Gasol has put together double-doubles in four of his L/5 games, and has scored a total of 41 points in his L/3. Maybe it’s not your big man that is “weak and sickly” after all. Maybe it’s just your whole team. You’ve dropped three straight overall and now have both the Mavs and Nuggets in your rear view mirror trying to stalk you for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Last night’s Super Bowl lived up to the hype and expectations that it received while providing for the second year in a row on of the best games of the year in the NFL’s biggest game. Everyone remembers Eli Manning and the Giants upsetting the undefeated New England Patriots last year in a close grudge match. However, this year epic battle was also among the ranks of one of the best Super Bowl’s in recent history. The NFL could not be happier with how their Championship game has been played over the last two seasons. Perhaps the NCAA would get these types of caliber championship games if they would ever finally go to a playoff system, but that is another subject for another time. Last night Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald played the underdog role that made a valiant effort at a 13 point comeback only to see Pittsburgh make another game winning drive in the final seconds of the game something they did quite a bit this season. Santonio Holmes may have got the MVP Award last night, but big Ben Roethlisberger had one of the best nights he has had all season and the Steelers offense was the group to breakthrough and get the job done rather than the defense. There was a lot we learned last night as we take a look back on the NFL’s biggest night.

The first thing we learned is that the Pittsburgh offense is not too shabby. The Steelers had some bright moments on the ground and even more success through the air. Santonio Holmes come up with two big grabs late in the game, including the game winning touchdown with less than a minute to go in the game pulled down in the back of the end zone while somehow keeping two feet inbounds. The touchdown reception was definitely the biggest play of the game and a true testimony of skills. For Roethlisberger, it was just another game winning drive that the Steelers accomplished so often in the latter part of the year against teams like Dallas and Baltimore. However, this game winner will be remembered forever. The Steelers defense got them to the Super Bowl, but it was the offense that really made the difference last night for Pittsburgh.

The Hall of Fame answer may not have been decided last night, but I guarantee you that Kurt Warner lead two Hall of Fame type drives at the end of the game to give Arizona the lead with under 3 minutes to go. Sure Larry Fitzgerald made big plays, but Warner delivered the ball in tight spots time and time again. Some believed that Warner needed to win that game last night to really seal his faith into the Hall. However, the veteran put on another brilliant display in the NFL’s Championship Game. Warner went 31 for 43 (72%), 377 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The 377 yards will rank 2nd all-time behind his 414 yard performance in the 2000 Super Bowl meaning Warner now has the 3 highest passing performances in Super Bowl history in only 3 Super Bowl appearances. That should definitely aid in his cause, yet some will still question his longevity in the league. One thing that people should not forget though is that this guy still is not done. He will be back this year throwing to the same talented group of receivers given they can keep Anquan Boldin in town. Warner best chance at winning a Super Bowl most likely was last night, but as we have learned you can not count him out ever. Arizona will return a strong offense next year, and if their defense can play the way they did throughout the post season this team’s future is bright.

Larry Fitzgerald is amazing if you did not catch on to this fact throughout the playoffs you must not have been watching. Fitzgerald posted yet another 100+ yard performance last night shattering the postseason record while amassing 546 yards in the playoffs with 7 touchdowns. Without Fitzgerald, there is no telling how ineffective the Arizona offense could be. This special wide receiver is a playmaker that can change games in the blink of an eye. Fitzgerald pulled down a beautiful touchdown early in the 4th to close the lead to 6, then caught a pass over the middle and left 3 Steelers like they were standing still for 64 yards to put the Cardinals on top in the closing minutes. If you are new to the name Larry Fitzgerald, he has been making amazing plays since his days at Pittsburgh just go look at some of his youtube highlights. Arizona has a golden treasure in this young talent and it will be very fun to watch him over the next few years especially if Anquan Boldin stays with the team despite some early reports saying he will not.

The last thing we did not learn last night may have been the most important. The final play on offense for Arizona concluded with force fumble that ended up in the Steelers hands or at least that is what was called. Looking at the replay it clearly looked like the football was in Warner’s hands as it was going forward. Now he may not have had control of the ball, but the ball was definitely in contact with his hand as his arm motioned forward. However, there was never an official review in the biggest moment of the game. Sure Warner would have had to throw a hail mary on the next play and pray for a miracle, but still the NFL should have never let Pittsburgh kneel on the ball before taking an extra look. Just a bizarre situation considering how well and how often the replays of have been used in the National Football League over the last few seasons. While it most likely would not have changed the outcome on the game, they took all possibility out when they did not review the play. Instead, the Pittsburgh Steelers are now the first team to win 6 Super Bowl’s in NFL history and that will do nothing but add fire to the beloved Steeler nation.

Let me know what you think readers. Should the play have been reviewed? Fumble or incomplete pass?

Everyone knows Superbowl Sunday is the single biggest betting event every year. The sportsbooks around the nation offer unlimited amounts of unusual and exciting bets for the Superbowl considering the extremely large amount of bettors eagerly anticipating a final chance to win some money to close out the football season. This year you can bet on anything from how long it will take Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem to who will win the coin toss. If you looking for some ways to win some money on some other aspects of the game consider a few of these prop betting picks we have established.

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Team to receive the opening kickoff?

Steelers +145
Cardinals -175

This bet is as simple as it gets. Arizona always wants the ball when they win the coin flip so they can put their high power offense on the field. The Arizona offense leads the team and definitely not the defense which gave up nearly 27 points on the board every game this season. The Cardinals offense will be eager to get on the field if they win the toss and possibly make some big plays early and not allow the Pittsburgh defense to dominate like they have all season. Pittsburgh on the other hand is definitely going to put their defense on the field if they win the toss. The Steelers have the best defense in the NFL and they will definitely want to shut down the Arizona offense right off the bat to make a statement. The Steelers defense ranks first in 3 of 4 major defensive categories and 2nd in the other major category which is rushing defense. The Steelers will definitely be trying to prove early that they can shutdown the Cardinals offense and control the pace of the game. Throw some extra money on this prop if you have the chance. The odds may not be favorable to making a big win, but this is a certain winner.

Pick: Arizona -175

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Will there be a score in the first 7:30 of the first quarter?

Yes -170
No +140

I know a lot of people are jumping on the over total for the game due to the fact both offenses have performed really well through the playoffs and many are anticipating for their to be a good bit of points scored. However while that may or may not happen, teams less likely come out of the gates with a bang on offense in the Superbowl. A lot of times the defenses control the first minutes of the games and the play calling is a bit conservative until the tempo picks up. Going back to the first prop bet, I believe Arizona gets the ball and will attempt to move it up the field through the air. I like to think Pittsburgh defense will at least win the first battle against the Arizona offense on the field. Predicting that the Pittsburgh offense will then take over and then move the ball rather slowly as they usually do with a good bit of running plays with a pass thrown in here and there. The first few minutes usually fly by and believe it will again. Place a wager that there will not be any points scored in the opening minutes on this game and get some good odds as well.

Pick: No +140

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First team to be penalized for pass interference?

Steelers -140
Cardinals +110

This is a bet like other prop bets that are simply by the trend of the game. Arizona will be throwing the ball all over the field while Pittsburgh will throw the ball more sparingly. Expecting that the Steelers get many more chances to make a pass interference and the difficulty they may have covering the Arizona receivers I would place my money on Pittsburgh. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have been unstoppable all year long with over 25 combined touchdowns grabs. Fitzgerald caught 3 touchdown passes in the first half of the NFL Championship and has also broken a postseason record with 419 receiving yards. It is safe to say that the Pittsburgh defense will have a tough task in trying to control these playmakers that lead one of the best air attacks in the NFL. Not to mention how the NFL has gotten fairly absurd with their pass interference calls over the last few years. It seems like the defender is to a big disadvantage with the rules and the first touch they make on a receiver the yellow flag flies. Again the odds may not be what you would like on a winning bet, but follow the likelihood of what will happen and place this wager with Pittsburgh.

Pick: Pittsburgh -140

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The Division Playoff Round is out of the picture along with yet another exciting and crazy weekend of football leaving us with NFL’s version of the final four. Championship weekend is among us as we have a pair of games to determine both the NFC and AFC Titles and more importantly decide who will be playing in this year’s Super Bowl. Amazingly the NFC will be hosted by the #5 and #6 seeded teams in the Title game for the first time in history when the Arizona Cardinals host the Philadelphia Eagles. The AFC match-up will be a colossal rematch between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens dominated the majority of the game earlier this year, but Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a game winning drive late in the 4^th quarter to steal the victory. Take a look at what to watch for during Championship weekend.

NFC Championship

Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (11-7)

The Arizona Cardinals have been the biggest surprise this postseason. The Cardinals started off the year strong, but were nearly written off for dead losing their last 4 of 6 games of the regular season. However, the Cardinals would find the spark that would need to ignite their electrifying air assault. The Cardinals blew out the Carolina Panthers last week 33-13 a team that many people thought were the best in the NFC heading into the playoffs Arizona will host their first playoff game this weekend since 1947 and will become the final NFC team to host at least one home playoff game. Kurt Warner has looked solid finding targets Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin missed last week’s game and his status for the NFC Championship game is unknown. Larry Fitzgerald has been spectacular to say the least. Averaging 130 yards per game in the playoffs receiving with a pair of touchdowns, Fitzgerald has been uncontrollable for opposing secondary. The Cardinals will match up well again this week when they lead a high power offense against a brutal Philadelphia defense. The Eagles defense has been superb especially in the trenches. The best way to attack the Philadelphia defense if there is any is to try and pick apart the secondary. Warner and company will attempt to shock the world once again and earn a bid to the Super Bowl when they host the Eagles on Sunday.

Philadelphia has looked scary good during the playoffs and knocked off the defending Super Bowl Champions last week 23-11. The Eagles are flying high since their 5-5-1 start this season equaling 6 victories in their last 7 games. Philadelphia is getting it done on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles have not allowed over 14 points in 6 straight games and only allowing 10.8 points per contest during that stretch. The Eagles may have surprised many with their victory over the Giants, but I knew if New York did not make some plays through the air that they would be in for a long day. The Eagles have opened up as 3 point favorites over the Cardinals and they will have to withstand a strong passing game that was 2^nd best in the NFL this season averaging 292 yards per game. The Eagles let some Giants receivers get open last week, but New York failed to make the big plays. The Eagles secondary will have to be solid this weekend to slow down the Arizona passing game. Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb has been wonderful since being benched in week 12 for not performing up to par. Since that time, McNabb has averaged 240 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and only 4 picks. McNabb has the offense back to performing the way they should have been all year. Michael Westbrook is a big time playmaker that had a big 71 yard screen pass that lifted the Eagles over Minnesota in the first week of the playoffs. Westbrook was not very effective last week, but his presence alone is a big play threat for the Eagles offense. The Eagles made a Super Bowl appearance in 2005. McNabb and Westbrook will look to lead the Eagles back with a win over the Cardinals.

AFC Championship

Baltimore Ravens (13-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)

The first meeting between these teams this season was a wonderful defensive football game and the re-match has all the makings to be very similar. In the first meeting, Santonio Holmes caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger with 43 seconds left to get the victory over the Ravens 13-9. The Steelers have been nearly untouchable in the latter part of the year winning 7 of their last 8 games against some of the best teams in the NFL. Pittsburgh had a convincing performance last week when they man-handled the San Diego Chargers 35-24. Pittsburgh has one of the best defenses to ever step on an NFL field. The Steelers rank 1^st, 1^st, 2^nd, and 1^st in all 4 major defensive categories. Pittsburgh’s success is based around the performance of the defense because before last week the offense had really not been that good. The Steelers offense only averages 21 points per game along with 312 yards of total offense that both rank in the bottom half of the NFL. However when you have defense as talented as this unit, like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens proved that alone can be enough to win a Super Bowl. The Steelers looked like more of an offensive team last week, but that could be due to a poor San Diego defense as well. Still Pittsburgh is playing very well. Willie Parker leads the way on the ground and had a big performance against the Chargers. When Parker is effective on the ground, the Steelers are nearly impossible to defeat. Parker racked up 146 yards and 2 touchdowns last week and will get a load of carries this weekend for certain. Pittsburgh has yet to lose a game this season when Parker rushes for at least 50 yards or more. The Steelers defense will certainly be stout, but will the Pittsburgh offense be strong enough to hold off the Ravens for a second time?

I said before the playoffs started the Baltimore Ravens looked like the best prepared team to really make a strong run at a Super Bowl. The Ravens have really matured on the offensive side of the ball and the defense is a very tough unit. Baltimore has played better than anyone in the 2^nd half of the season winning 11 of their last 13 games. In the last 8 games, Baltimore is only allowing 10.2 points per game. If you throw out the Cowboys high scoring game, the Ravens are only allowing an amazing 8 points per contest. On top of that, the Baltimore offense has really come around late in the year. Rookie QB Joe Flacco is throwing more passes and controlling the ball well. The Ravens ground game has been solid this season as well behind the legs of Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. Both running backs will share carries and they have both shown the can be effective backs. Baltimore was shut down by the Pittsburgh offense in their last meeting only putting up 202 total yards. The offense should have a bit more confidence this time around and it will be interesting to see if they can get the job done. The turnovers will be a key category in this game. Last meeting, both teams have two turnovers a piece and it will be very crucial for each team to hold onto the ball in a field position type ball game. Look for this ball game to possibly be another very low scored game controlled by defense.

The NFL playoff hunt is in full stride as teams are battling to get every victory possible. Every loss and every win is huge this time of the year because one game can make or break the entire team’s season. Take a look at what teams are in, who still has a chance, and what some need to do to be playing in the postseason. We break down the AFC playoff picture as the NFL season winds down:

Tennessee Titans (12-1) – The Titans have solidified their playoff hopes by clinching the AFC South this past weekend and also sealing a first round bye. Tennessee controls their destiny in the playoffs in trying to capture home field advantage. The Titans simply have to beat Pittsburgh in two weeks or win 2 of their last 3 games to rap up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They hold the best record in the NFL and look ready to make a deep playoff run.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) – Pittsburgh owns the 2^nd best record in the AFC at 10-3 and winner of 4 straight games. The Steelers have a huge game with Baltimore this Sunday. If Pittsburgh wins, they will clinch the AFC North and guarantee themselves a playoff position. Pittsburgh is in great shape, but has some tough games to close out the season. A win this weekend is a must considering they will battle Tennessee in two weeks. The Steelers would have to lose their last 3 games and then some other teams would have to finish strong for Pittsburgh to be kept out of the postseason.

Denver Broncos (8-5) – Denver has all but clinched the AFC West division. The Broncos just need to get one more victory or even a tie would seal the deal. Also, a loss from the San Diego Chargers in any of their last 3 games would officially put Denver into the playoffs. You can basically count the Broncos into the playoffs given the weakest division in the AFC. Due to that fact, the Broncos will most certainly be playing in the first week of the postseason and there are zero chances for them earning a bye.

New York Jets (8-5) – Two weeks ago the Jets looked to easily make the playoffs as they owned a two game lead in the AFC East. After losing two straight games to weak teams, New York finds themselves in a 3 way tie for the division with Miami and New England. The Jets will have the chance to greatly improve their odds when they take on Miami in the final week of the season. With a fairly easy schedule from here on out, New York must be thinking they have to win out to make the playoffs. If they lose two games, it might not be enough considering Baltimore and Indianapolis hold better records in the wildcard picture.

New England Patriots (8-5) – The Patriots could be in the best position to come out ahead of that 3 way dog fight in the AFC East. New England benefits because Miami and New York will play each other and one of those teams are sure to score a loss. New England has the chance to win the next 3 games if they can manage to pull off a victory over the Cardinals at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots other two games showcase struggling teams such as Buffalo and Oakland. Like the Jets, New England needs to run the table or at least win 2 out of 3 to have a shot.

Miami Dolphins (8-5) – Miami has a chance to make the playoffs? After only winning one game all last year, the Dolphins have a chance to win the division and make the playoffs. Sounds crazy, but Miami is actually playing the best football out of everyone in the AFC East. The Dolphins get New York in what seems to be the game that could decide who makes the postseason in the final week of the season. The Dolphins have San Francisco and Kansas City left on the schedule and there is definitely a possibility they could close out with 3 more wins. Miami has won 6 of their last 7 games and will need at 2 more, most likely 3.

Baltimore Ravens (9-4) – Baltimore will play in their biggest game of the season this Sunday when they basically play for the division championship. If the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North. Still regardless of this weekend, Baltimore still has a good chance to make the playoffs. Their record ties with Indianapolis for the best teams for the wildcard spot. Baltimore has a tough road to get their through Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Jacksonville. If the Ravens can pull out two of those victories, they will be in.

Indianapolis Colts (9-4) – Do not count out the Colts. Peyton Manning has led a late season charge winning 6 straight games and Indianapolis is in the middle of the playoff battle despite being written off after a 3-4 start. The Colts get the Lions next week and one must consider that a win given that Detroit is still winless this season. Indianapolis can win 2 out of their last 3 games and make the playoffs through a wildcard position. Considering the way Peyton and the offense has come on in the 2^nd half on the season, the Colts could surprise some teams in the playoffs as well.

The following teams are completely eliminated from the AFC playoff picture: Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

The following teams aren’t eliminated but have absolutley no chance: Buffalo Bills

Be sure to check back for the NFC breakdown in the next day or two…