Killer Sports NFL Annual Has 1,000 Team Trends

18 June 2004

By Howard Schwartz

Ed Meyer and his Killer Sports group again have the trend-and-angle seeker in mind with their latest effort, 2004 Killer Sports NFL Annual (262 pages, 8x11 plastic spiralbound, $24.95) -- a new arrival at Gambler's Book Shop. This resource is excellent for both team and (for many) the all-important league trends. Meyer offers some rationale for many of the angles, including extra emphasis a team might have for winning when there's a divisional battle versus a non-divisional game, and when certain matchups might indicate a potential high-scoring affair.

Granted, looking way ahead in the schedule is difficult as injuries and other factors come into play week by week as a season progresses -- but there are many handicappers who believe a trend is a trend and it will repeat, like Halley's Comet returning as predicted.

A sample: "The Bills are a staggering 3-23 in totals in their last 26 regular season games and were 2-14 O/U last season, so it is relatively easy to find under trends for the Bills."

Also: "The Steelers are 0-8 O/U since 1999 when playing their second road game in two weeks. Pittsburgh has gone under by an average of 12.7 ppg in this situation..."

Starting on page 132, each team gets a four-page section with 10 just for betting totals and 25 trends against the spread, with the featured trend highlighted with that key trend analyzed.

For those who like half-time betting, one page shows what the quarter scores were for every regular season game played for the last three years; plus the final score, the line and the total, week by week, against what opponent. Another page shows you the complete 2004 schedule and the time the game begins Eastern Standard Time. The preseason games are listed -- opponents but not dates to be played.

Overall, this is a fine book to do your homework before the season begins -- it will alert you to situations and matchups worth taking a second look at -- games worthy of special attention, where they might be an edge when the line is established.

For beginners, it's an eye-opening time-saver well worth the price. Guaranteed many a fledgling sports service will buy a copy and be advising their clients of material Meyer and his Killer Sports organization compiled in the off-season.