Bengals looking hopeless

In an effort to light a fire under his fading team, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio ripped his players last week for sloppy play.

It will take more than motivational tricks to spark the Cincinnati Bengals, who are 0-8 and seemingly hopeless without injured quarterback Carson Palmer.

The Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall said several factors point to a bet on the Jaguars as 71/2-point favorites at Cincinnati today.

The Bengals are 2-6 against the spread, including 0-4 with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. The Jaguars slipped to 3-4 with a home loss to Cleveland last week, but they are 9-4 against the spread on the road since last season.

Marshall (goldsheet.com) outlines technical notes in more Week 9 games:

• Houston at Minnesota: The Texans are 6-1 over the total this season and 10-2 over since late 2007. The Vikings are 11-23-1 against the spread in their past 35 games. Edge: Texans and over.

• Tampa Bay at Kansas City: Chiefs coach Herm Edwards is 2-8-1 ATS at home since 2007, and Kansas City is 8-4 over the total in its past 12 at home. The Buccaneers are 7-4 over in their past 11 as visitors. Edge: Bucs and over.

• New York Jets at Buffalo: The Bills have won and covered the past three meetings. Buffalo coach Dick Jauron is 12-4 ATS in his past 16 at home. The Bills are 10-5 over the total in their past 15 at home. Edge: Bills and over.

• Detroit at Chicago: The Lions are 9-4 over the total in their past 13 as visitors; the Bears are 17-4 over in the past 21 at Soldier Field. Edge: Over.

• Dallas at New York Giants: The Giants are 19-6 ATS in their past 25. The Cowboys are 3-10 ATS since late 2007. Dallas is 8-4 over the total on the road, and New York is 8-4 over at home. Edge: Giants and over.

• Philadelphia at Seattle: The Eagles are 11-3 ATS in their past 14 away. The Eagles are 7-1 over the total in their past eight on the road. Edge: Eagles and over.

• New England at Indianapolis: The Colts have covered the past four meetings. Pats coach Bill Belichick is 15-6 ATS in his past 21 away, including 2-1 with Matt Cassel at quarterback. The Patriots are 10-5 over the total in their past 15 away. Colts coach Tony Dungy is 6-8 in his past 14 as a favorite. Edge: Over.

Compiled by Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans.