Some quick ones but i know there are more:
1) All 5 TNF games have fallen UNDER the total over/under line, including the giants snapping and the ogletree vs 5th string corner tryon
2) The under in TNF games (including some wed, etc) is 176-142-8 in all Thursday games from 1978-2012
3) Since 2008, home teams in TNF games are 19-10... since 2010, home teams are 16-5. The travel, and the short week (on the body, on planning) are a BRUTAL combination - just ask the steelers
So, so far, we are mostly finding betting trends - if you are wagering on TNF, go with the under, and most definitely a home dog, but likely the home team in general. For fantasy purposes, a good matchup for a STUD or a decent home matchup for a really good player is probably straight. Anyone slightly sketchy, putting up surprising numbers previous (brandon lafell, cleveland roster) or just not a super strong play or on the road, especially after a rough game and most especially having weaker coaching minds... you gotta sit. It is also telling us that at least one team, if not both, is going to likely grossly under perform on offense. So, a strong DEF play in a TNF game could be gold, but an iffy offensive play is made even more daunting.
Now the way you perceive it isn't the worst way either. It's like having last ups in the bottom of the ninth. Sure, you may stick in the top of the first, or so you think, but theres still a lot of "game" to be played. Each week plays out differently. Maybe it's a huge week for rushing, but your guy went thu night and had a decent game - then everybody else goes berserk sunday - you blew your wad early. On the other hand, you know what your opponent has scored and precisely what you need to get in order to win on MNF. Also, the team your player is on has had extra rest for their bodies, their gameplans, and their peace of mind in general. Also, they KNOW everyone's watching them in the most primetime of spots. Thu night doesn't get great games (who the **** in the league office thought cards/rams was a primetime matchup - fire that guy, hire me), not everybody has NFLN (poor coach), the broadcast id dog****, and anyone who works a regular schedule is probably passed out midway through. Even other players have to still worry about their own injuries, Friday practice, etc. I think you're totally right here. And I am starting to adjust my lineups accordingly. I'd rather bench a guy that's somewhat iffy on thu night and he does well than play him and get a 1, 0, 3, or whatever bull****. I would strongly encourage erring on the side of the bench thursday, that's for sure.
