One month is in the books this season, as the Falcons, Texans, and Cardinals are the only unbeaten teams left in the NFL. With October here, it's time to look at the clubs that thrive and struggle in the month leading up to shopping for Halloween costumes.
Cincinnati, Kansas City, and San Francisco were the only three teams to win and cover all four October contests last season. The Bengals actually outdid themselves from the three previous Octobers in which Marvin Lewis' squad put together a 3-9 SU/ATS mark from 2008-10. Cincinnati looks to improve on a 3-1 record this season as the Bengals face the Dolphins and Browns before a divisional showdown with the Steelers.
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The Chiefs were blown out by the Chargers to end a disastrous September, but managed an unbeaten October in 2011. Things don't get easier for Kansas City, who hosts Baltimore to start this month, but the Chiefs have a shot at a second road victory at Tampa Bay in Week 6. Prior to last season, the Chiefs won just three of their previous 11 October contests.
The 49ers concluded September with a solid 3-1 record, capped off by a shutout of the Jets. San Francisco returns home for three consecutive games, as Jim Harbaugh's team is a heavy favorite in Week 5 against Buffalo. The Niners welcome the Giants to Candlestick Park for an NFC Championship rematch in Week 6, followed by their first divisional showdown with the Seahawks in Week 7.
Arizona, Indianapolis, and Miami all finished October 2011 with no victories, but the Cardinals can start the season at 5-0 with a win on Thursday night at St. Louis. The Colts obviously struggled last season without Peyton Manning, while putting together an 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS record in October. The Dolphins head into this month off consecutive overtime losses to the Jets and Cardinals, as Miami owns a 9-6 ATS record the last four Octobers.
Below is a list of each team with their October (SU/ATS) records from last season, 2008-2010, and their schedule for the month.
