"We have a developing story at lunchtime on the East Coast Monday as a mix of sharp and square action has come in heavily on the New England Patriots in their long awaited TV showdown with the Houston Texans. This is a developing story, so be sure you monitor line movements throughout the day.
Here are the basics as we go to press.
*New England opened near -4.5 last week, and sharps bet Houston at that line. The number dropped to -3.5, and even -3 temporarily in some sports before Patriots money came in at the key number.
*The line largely sat at New England -3.5 through much of the weekend, reflecting the reality that Houston money was in at +4.5 and +4, and New England money would come in at -3. The fact that things settled at New England -3.5 told you that sharp sentiment was far from unanimous on the Texans or the line would have settled on the field goal.
*A little after breakfast time on the East Coast, Patriots money started hitting the market aggressively, moving the line past New England -4 up to New England -4.5.
*By late morning, strong sentiment continued with the line hitting -5 and then -5.5. As we go to press there are some outlets even showing New England -6.
Line moves of this nature are often connected to injury news. Nothing has hit the newswires yet. We’ll post an update if the media does announce a major absence for the Texans. It’s not uncommon at all for the markets to “know” something before ESPN announces it on their website.
It’s also possible that this is weather related, as rain and wind are in the forecast. We are hearing that some sharps believe Tom Brady is better suited to these kinds of conditions that Matt Schaub because Houston rarely plays in questionable weather. Houston may have defeated Chicago in poor conditions a few weeks ago, but it wasn’t because their offense played great. Houston is facing Tom Brady this week instead of Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell.
Of course, the public loves betting New England at cheap prices. There’s certainly a mix of sharp and square money hitting the board early Monday. It’s possible sharps were taking positions amidst very clear evidence of one-sided public action coming in waves…which magnified the speed and direction of the line move…knowing they could buy back on Houston at the end of the day with a shot at a middle. The sharps who loved Houston at +4.5 a week ago are now seeing an even better price for their side. You know they will re-enter the market once they sense an apex. "