Service Plays Friday 8/8/14

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[tgunn11]

Baseball Crusher
Los Angeles Angels -116 over LA Dodgers - pending
Seattle Mariners -144 over Chicago WhiteSox
(System Record: 74-0, lost last game)
Overall Record: 74-51

Rest of the Plays
Washington Nationals -112 over Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles -145 over St. Louis Cardinals
Arizona Diamondbacks -134 over Colorado Rockies

 

[tgunn11]

Soccer Crusher
Godoy Cruz + Banfield UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 620-21, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 620-509-87

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MARC LAWRENCE

NFLX

2* N.O. Saints

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Jags -1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NFL Week 1 preseason betting primer

The opening week of the NFL preseason continues in full force Friday with six games on the docket. Here's a look at betting notes for Friday's NFL preseason action:

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 37)

* The Dolphins are expected to be without several key offensive contributors Friday night, including running back Knowshon Moreno (knee), wide receiver Mike Wallace (hamstring) and tight end Charles Clay (knee). The quarterbacking play behind starter Ryan Tannehill will likely fall to Seth Lobato and Brock Jensen, a pair of undrafted free agents.

* Falcons star receiver Julio Jones will likely sit out the game as he makes his recovery from foot surgery, though he did practice on a limited basis Wednesday and is hopeful of seeing action at some point during the exhibition season. Head coach Mike Smith is traditionally stingy when it comes to first-team offense in the preseason opener, which means Matt Ryan and Co., will likely only play the game's opening series.

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers (+1.5, 37)

* The Bills may be dealing with a handful of major injuries - including standout linebacker Kiko Alonso's season-ending ACL tear early in training camp - but the kicking game is strong, as Dan Carpenter went a perfect 8-for-8 Wednesday. Buffalo will be looking for a better performance from its first-team offense than it had in its preseason opener, when it managed just 27 yards on 11 plays against the Giants.

* Quarterback Cam Newton has been careful with his surgically repaired left ankle, participating in only light passing drills Thursday and likely sitting out Friday's contest as a precaution. Head coach Ron Rivera says Newton won't see more than two series if he does take the field, and likely won't be allowed to scramble or use the read-option during the game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1, 37)

* The Buccaneers have anointed offseason acquisition Josh McCown as the Week 1 starter, which means he should see limited action Friday while starter-turned-backup Mike Glennon sees as much or more playing time as the game goes on. Rookie wide receiver Mike Evans is "progressing" from a hamstring injury but may be limited Friday or held out altogether.

* The Jaguars will be without seven players for the preseason opener, including expected No. 1 running back Toby Gerhart (hip flexor), No. 1 wide receiver Cecil Shorts (hamstring) and tight ends Clay Harbor (calf) and Brandon Barden (illness). The Jaguars will go with a three-pronged rush attack in Gerhart's absence, with Jordan Todman starting and Storm Johnson and Denar Robinson spelling him.

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-1.5, 42)

* With two of the Eagles' veteran wide receivers - Riley Cooper (ankle) and Jeremy Maclin (legs) - likely to sit out Friday's exhibition opener, unproven pass-catchers like Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff and Brad Smith will jockey for playing time. Head coach Chip Kelly doesn't see his starters playing more than two series, with 10-15 plays the target amount before the backups take over.

* The Bears suspended tight end Martellus Bennett for conduct detrimental to the team earlier in the week, but head coach Marc Trestman had a "very positive" conversation with Bennett and won't rule out his participation in the preseason opener. At quarterback, Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer will both see plenty of action Friday as they duel for the No. 2 spot behind Jay Cutler.

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams (-3, 38)

* Veteran receivers Marques Colston and Kenny Stills will likely see a lighter load Friday as they take a back seat to electrifying rookie Brandin Cooks, who has impressed the New Orleans coaching staff in training camp and will be a popular target against St. Louis. The Saints were an impressive 3-1 in preseason action last year, then rode that momentum to a season-opening five-game winning streak.

* The Rams will be without left tackle Chris Long, who spent the offseason recovering from ACL surgery last January and still isn't quite ready for game action. St. Louis also isn't expecting to play quarterback Sam Bradford, who took the first-team reps throughout the week but will be treated with caution by head coach Jeff Fisher after undergoing major knee surgery last season.

Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings (-3, 38)

* Head coach Dennis Allen told reporters Thursday that "everyone healthy" will see action against the Vikings, though it's likely quarterback Matt Schaub and the rest of the first-team offense will play just two series. Oakland is relatively healthy going into the game; left guard Lamar Mady missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, those who participated came away unscathed.

* Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Adrian Peterson in the preseason will be disappointed; the All-Pro running back won't dress for Friday's opener and might possibly sit out the entire exhibition campaign to preserve himself for the rigors of the regular season. Matt Cassel will likely get the start at quarterback Friday, though Teddy Bridgewater will see time as the two remain locked in a battle for the Week 1 starting job.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: CFL doubleheader

Edmonton Eskimos at Montreal Alouettes (+5.5, 46)

Life in the post-Anthony Calvillo era has been miserable for the Montreal Alouettes as they prepare to face the visiting Edmonton Eskimos on Friday. The Alouettes have scored a league-low 75 points through their first five games, and have turned to a former CFL star in hopes of reversing its fortunes. Montreal added Jeff Garcia earlier this week in a yet-to-be-determined role - but his best course of action may be to take the field himself.

Quarterback issues have plagued the Alouettes, and were on full display last week in a 31-5 trouncing at the hands of the Toronto Argonauts. Troy Smith and Alex Brink combined to complete 14-of-33 passes for 123 yards and an interception, and things may not get any better Friday. The Eskimos own one of the league's stingiest pass defenses, having racked up 19 quarterback sacks through their first five games while allowing just four TD passes.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Alouettes opened as +4.5 before quickly moving to +5. The total jumped to +6 for a brief time Thursday before settling at +5.5. The total opened at 46 and has remained steady since.

INJURY REPORT: Eskimos - OL Justin Sorensen (Questionable, Knee), LB JC Sherritt (Questionable, Lower body) Alouettes: N/A

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Montreal will be in tough once again after getting blasted by the Argos last week. Coming off it's bye week Edmonton should be rested and ready. Despite the loss to Calgary two weeks ago, the Eskimos still have a lot going for them on both sides of the football. The fairly steep line is warranted in this situation. Value with Edmonton up to a touchdown favorite." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (4-1): Friday's showdown looks like a mismatch, but Edmonton has no plans to take it easy against a struggling Montreal team. "If you give an offence like that confidence, let them get a couple of plays in, it can make for a long day," middle linebacker Rennie Curran told the Edmonton Journal. "We really have to go in there and shut them down from the get-go and not let them have any hope or give them any confidence." The Eskimos are well-rested, having not played since dropping a 26-22 decision to rival Calgary on July 24.

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-4): Adding a four-time CFL All-Star in Garcia may muddy an already murky coaching situation, but Smith doesn't see it that way at all. "For the starter and the guys who can be hands-on with these people, be blessed and humble that you have this many people wanting to help you out," Smith told the Montreal Gazette. "We have a plethora of people that are helping us." Smith will remain the starter despite sputtering all season for a team that has managed just five offensive touchdowns - and none in the past two games.

TRENDS:

*Eskimos are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games
*Under is 8-1 in Alouettes last 9 games overall
*Eskimos are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 meetings.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 57 percent of Covers backers are taking the Eskimos -6 with the total leaning slight toward the Over with 51 percent support.


Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Lions (-6.5, 49.5)

Kevin Glenn may be down to his last crack as a starting quarterback Friday night as he guides the BC Lions against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Glenn has started the first six games in place of Travis Lulay, who is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery but participated in some first-team reps earlier this week. Glenn will need to be on point Friday as he takes on a Tiger-Cats team that has performed better than its record may indicate.

The Tiger-Cats are coming off a split of their two-game homestand, earning an impressive victory over the Ottawa Redblacks before dropping a 27-26 decision to Winnipeg on a game-winning TD pass as time expired. That has been a bit of a theme of late for Hamilton, whose last three defeats have come by a combined eight points. But relief may be on the way for the Tiger-Cats, who will play four of their next five games at home after leaving Vancouver.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Lions opened at -7.5 home-faves, but have been bet down to -7 and eventually -6.5. The total opened at 49.5 and has remained steady.

INJURY REPORT:Ti-Cats - LB Craig Butler (Questionable, Foot) Lions - N/A

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It will be interesting to see how Hamilton responds following that deflating last second loss against Winnipeg last week. The Ti-Cats are still working through some issues but so are the Lions, who have been wildly inconsistent thus far. We might see some additional value with the underdog Ti-Cats leading up to kickoff. B.C. hasn't done anything to prove it is an elite team to this point." - Covers Expert Sean Murphy

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (1-4): The nature of Hamilton's recent losses, coupled with the fact that not even a 1-4 team is out of contention for the East Division lead, has the Tiger-Cats somewhat upbeat. "We've been in three out of our four losses and literally, without exaggeration, it would've only taken one play in each of those games to win the game," coach Kent Austin told the Hamilton Spectator following Monday's practice. The Tiger-Cats will also look to be a more disciplined team against BC, coming into the week tied for the CFL lead with 74 penalties.

ABOUT THE LIONS (3-3): The week didn't start out so well for BC, which lost cornerback Dante Marsh early in Monday's practice. Marsh, who suffered an apparent hamstring pull, appears questionable at best to take the field against the Tiger-Cats - a surprising development for a player who has missed just two games in the past six years. "Dante doesn't do veteran days," coach Mike Benevides told reporters of Marsh, who was seen wearing an ice bag taped to his right leg after leaving the field Monday. "It does concern me a little bit."

TRENDS:

*Tiger-Cats are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Friday games
*Under is 4-0 in Lions last 4 home games
*Tiger-Cats are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings

COVERS CONSENSUS: 58 percent of Covers users are backing the Lions -7 with the total bets split virtually 50/50.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 6
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

Underdogs went 3-1 straight up in Week 6
Underdogs went 3-1 ATS in Week 6
Road teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 6
Road teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 6
The 'over' went 3-1 in Week 6

Team Betting Notes

Toronto (2-4) picked up a much-needed victory on the road at Montreal (1-4) by a 31-5 count. The 'under' has now cashed in four straight games for the Argos.

The Alouettes have been terrible this season, going 1-4 SU/ATS, and the 'under' has now cashed in four of the five games overall, too.

The BC Lions (3-3) have won three of the past four games after an 0-2 SU/ATS start, but perhaps was none bigger than its Week 6 triumph. BC stunned Calgary (4-1) 25-24 on the Stamps' home field. It was the first 'over' of the season for both BC (one over, five unders) and Calgary (one over, four unders).

Hamilton (1-4) was unable to carry over momentum from its first win in Week 5, slipping at home against Winnipeg (5-1) by a 27-26 score. It also ended a three-game cover streak for the TiCats.

Defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan (3-2) has won back-to-back games for the first time this season after throttling the expansion Ottawa (1-4) RedBlacks by a 38-15 count. More importantly, the champs have also covered back-to-back games while the 'over' cashed for the first time in three outings.

Looking ahead to Week 7, Edmonton (4-1) is back in action after a bye, traveling to last-place Montreal. The 'under' has cashed in all five games for the Esks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 7
By David Schwab

The underdogs got the best of it both straight-up and against the spread in Week 6 of the CFL regular season with a 3-1 mark as the last team fell from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Winnipeg got things started last Thursday with a 27-26 victory on the road against Hamilton as a 4 ½-point underdog. The total went OVER the 50 ½-point closing line. Friday’s action got underway with another SU upset when Toronto stunned Montreal 31-5 as a two-point road underdog. The total in that contest stayed UNDER 50 ½ points.

British Columbia kept the upset train going with a 25-24 squeaker over previously unbeaten Calgary as a four-point road underdog. This total went OVER against a closing line of 46 ½ points. The expansion Ottawa RedBlacks ended the underdogs’ run this past Saturday in a 38-14 loss to Saskatchewan as six-point underdogs at home. The total in that contest also went OVER with the line set at 50 ½ points.

Friday, August 8

Edmonton (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS) at Montreal (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4
Total: 46 ½

Game Overview

Edmonton has been the other big surprise this year after posting just four victories last season. Mike Reilly has led the way for the Eskimos on offense with 1,142 yards through the air and slotback Adarius Bowman leads the CFL in receiving with 359 yards. Edmonton’s defense has done its part and it is ranked second in the league in points allowed (16.8).

The rebuilding process in Montreal took a huge step backwards with last week’s loss and overall this offense has only been able to score a total of 75 total in its first five games. Troy Smith has not been the answer at quarterback and Alex Brink did not fare any better in relief against Toronto.

Betting Trends

The Alouettes have owned this series in recent years with a 9-1 SU record in the last 10 meetings and an 8-2 mark ATS. The total has gone OVER in four of the last five games. Edmonton has failed to cover in six of its last seven trips to Montreal.

Hamilton (1-4 SU, 3-2 ATS) at British Columbia (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -7
Total: 50

Game Overview

Hamilton has just one SU victory on the year, but a win against BC would put the Tiger-Cats into a tie with idle Toronto for the lead in the watered-down East Division standings. Quarterback Zach Collaros remains on the Six-Game IR list with a head injury, so the T-Cats have turned to Dan LeFevour as their starter.

The Lions are trying to get their quarterback Travis Lulay back on the field after missing the first six games with a shoulder injury. His absence has been fairly evident on an offense that has averaged just 21.2 points per game. BC has been able to hang tough behind a defense that is allowing just 19.3 PPG.

Betting Trends

This series has remained tight in the last 10 meetings with each team posting five SU wins, but Hamilton has gone a very profitable 8-2 ATS during this stretch. The total has also been a good bet by going OVER in six of the last nine meetings.

Saturday, August 9

Ottawa (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) at Calgary (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -12
Total: 45 ½

Game Overview

The RedBlacks have not played all that bad in their inaugural season in the CFL, but they did look like an expansion team last week against Saskatchewan. They fell behind by 24 points in the first quarter and it was pretty much over from there. While Ottawa could not climb back into that game, Thomas DeMarco did give the team a spark in relief for an ineffective Henry Burris by completing five of six passes for 84 yards and a score.

Calgary is coming off a tough loss to BC, but it remains the best balanced team in the CFL this season. The Stampeders’ offense led by quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is averaging 24.6 PPG, which are more than enough points when you have a defense that is holding teams to an average of 15.4 PPG.

Betting Trends

This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. The Stampeders are 23-11-2 ATS in their last 35 games against a team with a SU losing record and the total stayed UNDER in eight of their last nine games overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Week 7 Betting Preview and Trends
By Mike Pickett

Edmonton at Montreal

Last 10 Meetings: Montreal 9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS | OU 6-4

The Montreal Alouettes only have one SU victory so far this season, but they're on an 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS run against the Edmonton Eskimos as those teams meet for the first time this year on Friday night. Montreal went 2-0 both SU and ATS against Edmonton in their two meetings last season, with the OVER paying out for totals bettors in each of those games. The OVER is 4-1 in their last five meetings.

Hamilton at B.C

Last 10 Meetings: B.C. 5-5 SU, 2-8 ATS | OU 6-3-1

The B.C. Lions will be home favorites on the CFL Week 7 betting lines for Friday night against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but they've only managed to pay off twice in the last 10 games between the two teams dating back to 2009. Last season B.C. went 1-1 SU but 0-2 ATS against Hamilton, with the OVER paying off for totals bettors at the sportsbooks in each of those two CFL odds matchups.

Ottawa at Calgary

Last 10 Meetings: Calgary 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS | OU 0-0

The Calgary Stampeders will be trying to pick up their fifth SU victory in six games so far this season on Saturday night as they play their first ever game against the Ottawa RedBlacks. Calgary fell to 4-1 on the season last week with a 25-24 home loss to the Lions, while the RedBlacks are coming off a 38-14 home loss to the Roughriders that dropped them to just 1-4 so far this year.

 

[cracy]

StatSystemsSports
Inside The Huddle – Friday

#263 MIAMI @ #264 ATLANTA - 7:00 PM
Line: Falcons -3, Total: 37

The Miami Dolphins will kick off the 2014 preseason against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Friday. Miami, of course, is coming off a controversy-filled 8-8 campaign a year ago which ultimately resulted in offensive tackle Jonathan Martin leaving the team after being bullied by linemate Richie Incognito and others. Head coach Joe Philbin survived the embarrassing scandal but is likely on a short leash considering owner Stephen Ross embattled general manger Jeff Ireland in favor of Dennis Hickey and gave Hickey full autonomy over all personnel matters.

One thing that is certain is that the Fish need improved play from the Offensive-line. Miami allowed a league-high 58 sacks and couldn't protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill with Martin and Incognito or without them. The Dolphins started the rebuild up front by giving ex- Kansas City left tackle Branden Albert a monster deal in free agency and drafting Tennessee offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James with the 19th overall pick.

The team suffered a huge blow, however, when its best O-lineman, center Mike Pouncey, was forced to undergo hip surgery back in June, a development which will cost the Pro-Bowler at least three months. Defensively, Miami was able to bring in veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan to team with Brent Grimes on the outside. Finnegan has probably seen his better days but he's always been a scrappy player who competes and brings a nastiness contagious to any defense.

Atlanta, of course, went from the penthouse to the outhouse in 2013, following up a trip to the NFC Championship Game with a 4-12 injury-plagued season. Among the most compelling storylines for the Falcons figures to be the shift to an attacking defensive scheme under coordinator Mike Nolan, a change made far more difficult after the devastating offseason loss of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who went down with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Weatherspoon's potential replacements -- 2013 undrafted college free agent Joplo Bartu and nondescript veteran Tim Dobbins -- are significant downgrades.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff was intent on getting bigger and more physical up front, however, and he took some significant strides in that direction, bringing in run-stuffer Paul Soliai from Miami and big, five- technique defensive end Tyson Jackson in free agency and drafting the athletically-gifted Ra'Shede Hageman. Offensively the Falcons have a star quarterback in place (Matt Ryan) and are counting on big-play receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White to stay healthy as well as a revamped offensive line featuring the No. 6 overall pick, Jake Matthews, and free agent pickup Jon Asamoah.

Jones and White believe they have what it takes to become the first NFL receiving duo to each top the 1,500-yard mark. "There ain't no telling. Me and Rod... 1,500, 2,000 ... You never know what we can do out there," Jones told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I think it's possible, absolutely," Ryan added. "I'm lucky to have two of the best guys and the best tandem in the NFL. I think they're both going to have big years."

QB ROTATIONS
•Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Pat Devlin, Brock Jensen.
•Falcons: Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates, Sean Renfree.

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Dolphins: 11-18 ATS Game #1 (0-2 L2), 19-13 favorite, 28-20 dog, 0-4 favorites off BB straight-up wins, 1-6 away versus opponent off SU favorite loss, 2-7 road favorite’s, 1-8 SU and ATS under Philbin.

•Falcons: 14-14 ATS Game #1 (0-3 L3), 25-21 favorite, 27-21 dog, 10-1 off SU dog win versus opponent off straight-up loss, 6-1 road favorite’s, 8-2 away off SU favorite loss, 1-8 Home under Smith.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•Miami, Joe Philbin 2-7 SU, 1-8 ATS, 5-4 O/U, 0-6 vs. opponent Game Two or later.
•Atlanta, Mike Smith 7-17 SU, 9-13-2 ATS, 11-12-1 O/U, 5-1 off SU favorite loss.

FAST FACT
The Dolphins were ranked 20th against the pass last season, but they only allowed 17 passing touchdowns (3rd). They also intercepted 18 passes (10th) and had 42 sacks (11th). Note: The Falcons and Dolphins have met in the preseason 12 previous times with Atlanta holding a slim 7-5 edge in the series.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the underdog covered the spread 26 times, while the favorite covered the spread 16 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 26 times, while the underdog won straight up 19 times. 31 games went under the total, while 23 games went over the total. *No EDGE.

--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 42 times, while the underdog covered first half line 42 times. *No EDGE. 47 games went under first half total, while 43 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
_______________________________________________

#265 BUFFALO @ #266 CAROLINA - 7:30 PM
Line: Bills -1.5, Total: 37

The Buffalo Bills will continue their extended preseason in the Tar Heel State when they take on a Carolina Panthers team trying to build on an impressive 2013 resume. The Bills fell in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio last Sunday when New York fourth-round rookie Andre Williams ran for 48 yards and a touchdown as the Giants edged Buffalo 17-13. Bills second-year quarterback E.J. Manuel was just 2-of-7 for 19 yards, while highly touted rookie wide receiver Sammie Watkins was targeted three times, but did not have a reception.

Backup QB Jeff Tuel completed 12-of-17 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown to Robert Woods, who caught four passes for 49 yards and the score. Bryce Brown, who was acquired in a trade from Philadelphia in the offseason, carried the ball seven times for 40 yards in defeat. "I just had a lot of fun," said Tuel. "Tried to stay within the system and just move the ball and just did what we've been doing all camp and it ended up working out."

The Panthers, meanwhile, finished 12-4 in 2013 but have faced plenty of obstacles since. QB Cam Newton underwent left ankle surgery in March and wasn't ready for serious offseason work while receiver Steve Smith, perhaps the best player in franchise history, is now in Baltimore. Also, steady left tackle Jordan Gross and linemate Travelle Wharton both called it a career and pass-rushing star Greg Hardy is dealing with some significant legal issues and could be facing a league-imposed suspension.

Newton has been practicing consistently at camp but could be held out on Friday. "I'm not going to say yes and all of a sudden he's not going to (play). And I'm not going to say no and all of a sudden he's going to," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. The biggest issue on the field for Carolina seems to be at receiver, a group which is headlined by C-level free agent pickups Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant, along with rookie first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin. Meanwhile converted right tackle Byron Bell is penciled in to replace Gross at the all-important left tackle spot.

On defense, the front seven remains one of the National Football League's best, especially if Hardy is on the field but the team lost underrated safety Mike Mitchell and nickel playmaker Captain Munnerlyn in free agency. Veteran safety Thomas Decoud, who made the Pro Bowl in Atlanta after the 2012 season, will be asked to help replace the departed Mitchell.

QB ROTATIONS
•Bills: E. J. Manuel, Thad Lewis, Jeff Tuel, Dennis Dixon.
•Panthers: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Matt Blanchard, Joe Webb.

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Bills: 12-17 Game #2 (0-2 L2), 13-23 favorite, 31-32 dog, 0-6 favorites off double-digit straight-up win, 0-6 off BB SU wins, 2-8 home versus opponent off DD SU loss, 1-10 L11 away.

•Panthers: 10-8 Game #1 (1-0 most recent), 15-19 favorite, 21-19 dog, 8-0 off straight-up dog win, 5-1 dogs versus opponent off double-digit SU win, 1-6 favorites off BB SU losses, 6-1 off BB SU wins.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•Buffalo, Doug Marrone 2-2 SU, 1-2-1 ATS, 2-2 O/U, 0-2 vs. opponent off SU win.
•Carolina, Ron Rivera 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS, 6-6 O/U, 5-1 if total is 36 points or less.

FAST FACT
Following its Week #1 Lost to the Giants the Bills now stand just 1-11 straight-up and 1-10-1 against the spread versus the National Football Conference during the exhibition season. Buffalo is also 1-10-1 ATS when playing on Fridays.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the underdog covered the spread 16 times, while the favorite covered the spread 12 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 20 times, while the underdog won straight up 11 times. 25 games went under the total, while 17 games went over the total. *No EDGE.

--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 21 times, while the favorite covered first half line 17 times. *No EDGE. 40 games went over first half total, while 39 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.

•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Road teams where the first half total is between 18 and 21 (BUFFALO) - off 1 or more consecutive unders.
(59-29 over the last 5 seasons.) (67.0%, +27.1 units. Rating = 2*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 19
The average first half score in these games was: Team 10.1, Opponent 12.3 (Total first half points scored = 22.4)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (28-10).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (117-75).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (286-183).
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#267 TAMPA BAY @ #268 JACKSONVILLE - 7:30 PM
Line: Jaguars -1, Total: 37

The rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars will open the 2014 preseason on Friday by hosting fellow Sunshine State resident Tampa Bay and its new coach, Lovie Smith. Led by second-year general manager David Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley, the Jaguars are coming off a 4-12 season in 2013, including four wins in a five game stretch during the second half of the season. The foundation of Jacksonville's rebuilding process has begun to take shape with the headliner being rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, who was taken with the third overall pick in May's draft.

Caldwell also hit free agency hard, bringing in significant contributors at running back (Toby Gerhart), left guard (Zane Beadles) and on the defensive line (Red Bryant, Chris Clemons and Ziggy Hood). Next up is figuring out whether veteran Chad Henne will serve as the bridge at the quarterback position or if Bortles can hit the ground running, and if rookie receivers Marqise Lee or Allen Robinson can at least help alleviate the loss of the very talented Justin Blackmon, who is suspended indefinitely for repeated violations of the league's substance-abuse policy.

"We still have a lot of work to do so you won't see us game prep much for Tampa Bay," Bradley said. "You'll see us go out and get some of these situations done. Try to elevate the level of play through a little bit more reps for the ones, get them acclimated to it. And then be precise on our responsibilities."

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are a sexy pick by many to be a playoff contender in 2014, especially if veteran free agent quarterback Josh McCown can take advantage of a similar set-up to what he had in Chicago with two very tall receivers (Vincent Jackson and rookie Mike Evans). The 35-year-old McCown is no long-term fix for Tampa, which finished a disappointing 4-12 a year ago, but he proved that he could perform with solid skill-position talent around him with the Bears last year.

The Sam Houston State product really excelled when throwing the jump ball to lengthy receivers like Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett in Chicago and will have a similar setup in Tampa now that the 6-foot-5 Evans and 6-5 rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins will be joining similar-sized veteran Jackson. "He reminds me of Drew (Brees)," Bucs linebacker Jonathan Casillas told WEPN radio in New York when discussing McCown. "Not just the way he throws the ball, but his approach to the game. The first one in, last one out. You know, he's always around. He's very (communicative), very personable. And you can tell he's a born leader."

Defensively Smith came in and quickly asserted that the Bucs' pass rush simply wasn't good enough so the team spent heavily on former Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, signing the lengthy player to a five-year deal worth $43 million, including $24 million in guaranteed money. The 27-year-old former third-round pick out of Georgia Tech is one of the better two-way ends in football, stellar against the run and solid when chasing the passer. Johnson had 11 1/2 sacks in 2012 before dropping back to just 3 1/2 last year in Mike Zimmer's rotational system. More reps in Smith's scheme should mean bigger numbers for the high-priced Johnson.

"Coach Smith and (defensive coordinator Leslie) Frazier, they're putting together a great defense," Johnson said. "I'm just thankful to be a part of it, and looking forward to all the stuff I can do."

QB ROTATIONS
•Buccaneers: Josh McCown, Mike Glennon, Mike Kafka, Alex Tanney.
•Jaguars: Chad Henne, Blake Bortles, Ricky Stanzi.

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Buccaneers: 14-15 ATS Game #1 (0-1 most recent), 22-25 favorite, 29-18 dog, 7-1 dogs versus opponent off straight-up dog win, 12-3 .500 or more off straight-up loss, 0-5 away off SU dog win.

•Jaguars: 7-9 ATS Game #1 (0-3 L3), 21-22 favorite, 19-12 dog, 7-1 off BB straight-up losses, 4-1 home dog’s, 4-0 favorites off straight-up favorite loss, 7-1 away off DD SU win, 8-2 Over/Under L10.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•Tampa Bay, Lovie Smith 19-18 SU, 18-18-1 ATS, 20-17 O/U, 5-1 off SU dog win.
•Jacksonville, Gus Bradley 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS, 2-2 O/U, 0-3 SU/ATS pick or dog.

FAST FACT
According to our NFL database here at WWW.StatSystemsSports.net we find the Jacksonville Jaguars having gone 11-4 Over/Under at home (73% Overs) since the 2006 season. Jacksonville home games have averaged 42.1 PPG in this time frame.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the favorite covered the spread 24 times, while the underdog covered the spread 10 times. *EDGE against the spread =JACKSONVILLE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 29 times, while the underdog won straight up 7 times. 33 games went under the total, while 16 games went over the total. *No EDGE.

--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 32 times, while the underdog covered first half line 25 times. *No EDGE. 44 games went under first half total, while 34 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
_________________________________________________________

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“Remember, don't make a move without it, you'll be real glad you did" Stan!
___________________________________________________

#269 NEW ORLEANS @ #270 ST LOUIS - 8:00 PM
Line: Rams -3, Total: 38

The high-powered New Orleans Saints begin their quest for another successful campaign on Friday night at the Edward Jones Dome when they open the preseason against what figures to be an improved St. Louis Rams team. The Saints have advanced to the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and are looking to build on last year's 11-5 finish. Despite having little salary-cap room at the beginning of free agency New Orleans was able to bring in a difference maker for the back end of its defense in former Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd.

He, along with fellow safety Kenny Vaccaro and cornerback Keenan Lewis, now give the Saints a host of upper-echelon players in the secondary, meaning defensive coordinator Rob Ryan can get exotic with the pass rush. The Saints do need to replace the production of departed scatback Darren Sproles but head coach Sean Payton is as inventive as it gets and rookie receiver Brandin Cooks should step in as NOLA's new "Where's Waldo" player.

Meanwhile, the team avoided a potential messy situation by signing star tight end Jimmy Graham to a big-money, four-year contract on July 15. "I think the expectations for us as a team are higher," said Payton. "This is another team. There are a handful of new faces that weren't here a year ago. Our goals are set high."

In St. Louis this is likely the make-or-break year for quarterback Sam Bradford, who will be returning from a torn ACL suffered in Week 7 of last season. The fact that Bradford and the Rams play in a division where three teams won 10- or-more games a year ago isn't going to help matters but Jeff Fisher's club figures to have one of the NFL's best fronts on defense and an offense with some pretty impressive pieces if the QB can hold his own water. "It's all about expectations now," said Fisher. "Yes, we have youth, but now there's skill at every position. There's experience there, too."

QB ROTATIONS
•Saints: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Ryan Griffin.
•Rams: Sam Bradford, Shaun Hill, Austin Davis

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Saints: 18-13 ATS Game #1 (3-0 L3), 21-26 favorite, 35-19 dog, 4-0 dogs off BB straight-up losses, 10-1 versus opponent off straight-up loss under Payton, 7-1 away off DD SU win.

•Rams: 12-18 ATS, Game #1 (0-2 L2), 20-22 favorite, 24-30 dog, 6-1 after scoring 35 or more points, 5-1 versus opponent off BB straight-up and ATS wins, 4-1 away off SU dog win, 1-4 dogs off BB SU losses.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•New Orleans, Sean Payton 16-13 SU, 18-11 ATS, 14-12-3 O/U, 10-1 vs. opponent off SU loss.
•St. Louis, Jeff Fisher 37-35 SU, 36-34-2 ATS, *34-23 O/U, 5-0 dog vs. opponent off SU/ATS win.

FAST FACT
The Saints are s 19-4 ATS in a road game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993. Note: This will be only the third preseason meeting between the two old NFC West rivals and the first time they have met since 1967 and 1968, the first two years of existence for the Saints and when the Rams franchise was located in Los Angeles.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the underdog covered the spread 21 times, while the favorite covered the spread 8 times. *EDGE against the spread =NEW ORLEANS. In past games, the underdog won the game straight up 16 times, while the favorite won the game straight up 14 times. 21 games went over the total, while 19 games went under the total. *No EDGE.

--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 33 times, while the favorite covered first half line 27 times. *No EDGE. 38 games went over first half total, while 18 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
_________________________________________________________

#271 PHILADELPHIA @ #272 CHICAGO - 8:00 PM
Line: Bears -2, Total: 41.5

The Philadelphia Eagles kick off their preseason slate in the Windy City on Friday as they travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. The Eagles surprised many by finishing 10-6 and winning the NFC East in 2013 under the direction of innovative rookie head coach Chip Kelly. A potential sequel, however, will have to take place without one of the game's best, pure home-run hitters in receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson, who was coming off a career year, was released in the offseason due to problems with Kelly and the whispers of some nefarious off-the-field behavior but division rival Washington had no issue with quickly picking up the Pro-Bowl selection.

Hindsight will ultimately prove that the Jackson mess was either incredible hubris on Kelly's part or provide further proof that the former Oregon mentor is indeed one of the great offensive minds of this generation. Jeremy Maclin, who is returning from a torn ACL and has been seen limping at times in camp, and the lengthy Riley Cooper will start at receiver for the Birds with rookie second-round pick Jordan Matthews hoping to mix in frequently. None possesses the pure, gamebreaking ability of Jackson, though, so the spacing Kelly craves figures to be a bit more difficult to create this time around.

A second major issue propped up late in June when second-year right tackle Lane Johnson tested positive for a performance- enhancing drug and suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the upcoming season. On the other side of the ball Philadelphia has struggled at safety since former six-time All-Pro Brian Dawkins walked in free agency after the 2008 season. The Eagles feel they finally have a solid presence on the back end, though, after signing former Saints first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins in free agency. "He had the specific skill set that we were looking for," Kelly said. "So he was the No. 1 guy we were looking for in free agency."

That skill set Kelly is speaking of is coverage skills, a necessity for a defense which ranked last in the NFL last season defending the pass, allowing an average of 289.8 yards per game. "It's just about making the calls and eliminating the dumb mistakes to where you (limit) big plays or blown coverage’s," Jenkins said. "That's where I come in, as far as knowing the defense, making the right calls, and getting everybody lined up so then we can go play fast."

Bears general manager Phil Emery spent much of his offseason trying to upgrade a defense which collapsed in 2013, focusing largely on the front four. Chicago bid adieu to veterans Julius Peppers, Henry Melton and Corey Wootton and used free agency to bolster the defensive end position, bringing in veteran pass-rushing star Jared Allen, along with Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. Emery then carpet-bombed defensive tackle in the draft with a pair of early selections, second-rounder Ego Ferguson and third-rounder Will Sutton. Much like last season, though, Chicago will go only as far as its high-powered offense can take it. Little tinkering was done there and rightfully so because the Bears were so explosive on offense last season.

A few issues popped up this week, however. Receiver Marquess Wilson, who was battling for the No. 3 position behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a fractured right clavicle in Monday's training camp practice. Wilson was hurt when he dove for a pass in the end zone. "Diving for balls is one of the most difficult things not to do when you're a competitive player," Bears coach Marc Trestman said. "We promote it, we talk about it a lot. When a guy goes to make a play on the ball you're not going to be disappointed with him if he doesn't go to the ground.

" Meanwhile star tight end Martellus Bennett was suspended Tuesday for conduct detrimental to the team after an incident in practice in which he slammed rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller to the ground after the first-round pick spun the veteran around on a tackle after a reception. The Eagles and Bears will be meeting in the preseason for just the third time since 1975, with the series tied at one game apiece.

QB ROTATIONS
•Eagles: Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, G.J. Kinne.
•Bears: Jay Cutler, Jordan Palmer, Jimmy Clausen, David Fales.

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Eagles: 9-18 ATS Game #1 (1-8 L9), 26-33 favorite, 15-22 dog, 5-1 road favorite’s with revenge, 0-5 home versus opponent off BB straight-up wins, 1-7 favorites off BB SU and ATS wins.

•Bears: 15-14 ATS Game #1 (0-2 L2), 18-26 favorite, 28-25 dog, 5-1 dogs off double-digit straight-up loss, 0-7 favorites off BB SU and ATS losses, 1-5 home versus opponent off SU dog win.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•Philadelphia, Chip Kelly 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS, 3-1 O/U, 2-0 SU/ATS if total is 40 points or more.
•Chicago, Marc Trestman 2-2SU, 1-3 ATS, 3-1 O/U, 0-2 dog.

FAST FACT
Philadelphia has gone a perfect 5-0-1 Over/Under in the last three seasons when playing on the preseason road (47.1 combined PPG). Going back a little further, the numbers for Philly are still consistently strong at 18-9-2 Over/Under (67% Overs) since the 1999 season. Last season, the Eagles road encounters had 55 and 47 total points scored.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the favorite covered the spread 11 times, while the underdog covered the spread 9 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 13 times, while the underdog won straight up 8 times. 14 games went over the total, while 3 games went under the total. *EDGE against the total =OVER.

--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 23 times, while the underdog covered first half line 23 times. *No EDGE. 18 games went over first half total, while 6 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
_________________________________________________________

#273 OAKLAND @ #274 MINNESOTA - 8:00 PM
Line: Vikings -3, Total: 38

A new coach and a new temporary home will be unveiled to the Minnesota Vikings' faithful on Friday. Head coach Mike Zimmer will make his debut with the Vikings as they open the 2014 NFL preseason against the visiting Oakland Raiders. The contest also marks the first game of the Vikings' two-year stay on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The Vikings will play the 2014 and 2015 seasons at TCF Bank Stadium while the team's new stadium is being built downtown at the same site as its previous home, Mall of America Field.

Minnesota, which finished 5-10-1 in 2013, figures to finally sport a 21st- century defense now that Zimmer has taken over the head-coaching duties from Tampa-2 acolyte Leslie Frazier. The real issue with the Vikings, however, remains the game's most important position. The franchise was set back years by 2011 draft bust Christian Ponder. For now, veteran Matt Cassel is the placeholder for rookie first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater, an intriguing prospect who struggled in the pre-draft process but has drawn rave reviews from Minny offensive coordinator Norv Turner during training camp.

Bridgewater, who was once considered a top-five-level prospect, was taken with the 32nd overall pick, a prudent gamble. The Louisville product is the most polished and NFL-ready signal caller from this year's draft class. "There is no pressure on this kid to come in and play," general manger Rick Spielman said. "We're very comfortable with Matt Cassel right now. He'll come in and compete and then the coaches will determine if he's even ready to play this year." On defense Minnesota re-built the front four (re-signing promising pass rusher Everson Griffen and inking ascending nose tackle Linval Joseph, along with underrated swingman Corey Wootton), and addressed cornerback as well (snaring slot star Captain Munnerlyn and the lengthy Derek Cox) in free agency.

Perhaps no team upgraded its overall talent level more than the Raiders, who finished 4-12 in 2013, in the offseason. General manger Reggie McKenzie had a ton of money to spend and he brought in a host of veterans who figure to help, headlined by quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, wide receiver James Jones and O- linemen Austin Howard and Kevin Boothe on offense, and defensive linemen Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith and Lamarr Woodley as well as cornerback Carlos Rogers on defense. Add potential rookie linebacking star Khalil Mack to that mix and you can see Oakland is among the most-improved teams in football, at least on paper.

The wheels came off on Schaub during his final season in Houston and it's conceivable the 33-year-old QB's days as a productive starter at this level are over. The Raiders, though, are obviously hoping that last season was the anomaly and that Schaub will return to being the 4,000-yard passer he was in 2012 when the Texans were making a postseason run. "I think every man on the team is counting on him being the guy," veteran safety Charles Woodson told Sirius XM NFL Radio when discussing Schaub. "You know, you bring him over from Houston, and it's been duly noted about the struggles that he had last year. But you can't discount the year that he had before last year so we're looking at last year as being an anomaly and that not being the true Matt Schaub."

QB ROTATIONS
•Raiders: Matt Schaub, Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Trent Edwards.
•Vikings: Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder, Teddy Bridgewater.

MOST RECENT PRESEASON TRENDS – ALL ATS
•Raiders: 15-15 ATS Game #1 (1-0 most recent), 22-27 favorite, 25-27 dog, 0-7 favorites versus opponent off straight-up favorite loss, 0-4 home after allowing 35 or more points, 1-9 dogs off DD ATS loss.

•Vikings: 17-14 ATS Game #1 (0-3 L3), 28-23 favorite, 27-19 dog, 4-0 dogs versus opponent off BB straight-up wins, 7-1 home off SU loss versus opponent off SU loss, 1-7 away versus opponent off DD SU loss.

TEAM/COACH - SU, ATS, O/U, BEST/WORSE ROLE
•Oakland, Dennis Allen 2-6 SU, 3-5 ATS, 5-3 O/U, 1-4 dog 4 points or more.
•Minnesota, Mike Zimmer no trends available.

FAST FACT
In the last five seasons, the best road Over team has been the Oakland Raiders. Their road games have averaged 44.8 total PPG in the same time span, and the games have gone 9-1 Over/Under (90% Overs). That’s a ‘total reversal’ from 2000-2007, when Raider road games went 3-13 Over/Under Note: This will be the fifth time the Vikings have met the Raiders in the preseason with Minnesota holding a 3-1 advantage in the series.

StatSystemsSports.net has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Yards/Play and turnovers) Here are the results against the spread, against the total, and straight up:

--In past games, the underdog covered the spread 16 times, while the favorite covered the spread 15 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 20 times, while the underdog won straight up 12 times. 30 games went under the total, while 23 games went over the total. *No EDGE.

--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 36 times, while the favorite covered first half line 34 times. *No EDGE. 55 games went over first half total, while 26 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
_________________________________________________________

 

[goldencontender]

GC: MLB Play

Friday card has 2 Big NFL Preseason Week 1 Power system totals plays, an MLB Blowout system that this by 4 runs per game and a 100% Late night MLB Totals system, MLB Sweeps on Thursday. Bonus Plays 24-10 Run. MLB Road warrior system below.​

On Friday the free MLB Road warrior system play is on the Washington Nationals. Game 907 at 7:35 eastern. The Nats cashed big in afternoon action on Thursday beating the Mets in Extras. Now they travel to Atlanta to take on a reeling Atlanta Team that has lost 8 straight and is scoring just 2 runs per game in that stretch. The Braves have lost all 5 games to winning teams in the 2nd half. Washington fits a powerful road warrior system that has won at a 90% clip. We want to play on road favorites off a home win, vs an opponent like Atlanta off a road favored loss and scored 4 or less runs. The Nationals have S. Strasburg on the mound and we will back him over Santana and the Braves. On Friday there are 4 Powerful pays up. In NFLX their are 2 Week 1 specific totals systems. In MLB Action we swept the board on Thursday. Tonight we have a Blowout system that wins on average by 4 runs. Then their a Perfect Totals system in late night Action. Jump on now and start the weekend big with the most Powerful data and Material in the Industry. For the Bonus Play take the Washington Nationals. GC

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

EZWINNERS

EZ's Plays For Friday

Three Major League Baseball plays and one pre season NFL selection on my card for Friday. Best of luck!

-EZ

MLB

3* (915) Detroit Tigers -$130

3* (917) Texas Rangers +$100

3* (911) Colorado Rockies -$115

NFLX

1* (267) Tampa Bay Bucs +1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Maddux Sports

NFL

Buccaneers +1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bob Balfe

ATLANTA FALCONS -3
To say the Dolphins Offensive Line is a mess would be the understatement of the year. Nobody returns from last year on that starting line and this was a team that had to win one of its final two games to make the playoffs and failed to do so. I don’t think this is a quality football team this year. It will take a while for this team to gel and in the meantime you just hope the quarterbacks stay healthy. Atlanta is a tough crowd at home and on this surface I expect them to win with their speed. Take the Falcons.

BUFFALO BILLS -1.5
There is always an advantage when a team has a game under the belt already and especially when they fought hard and lost the football game. Cam Newton is not going to play and this team goes as he goes. I don’t expect the Panthers to play much of their starters and this will be a game that in the second half Buffalo can pull first downs running the ball with mobile QB’s. This is a Bills team that is going to make a playoff push this year. The Panthers have a great defense, but they will be extremely vanilla in the preseason. Take Buffalo.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS -120
Bumgarner/Vargas
Madison Bumgarner has been very solid all season long and he is starting to get stronger as the year goes on. The Giants bullpen is sensational. Neither team really does well against left handed pitching so I expect runs to be at a premium this evening. In a case like so I lean more towards Bumgarner who has better numbers and that bullpen which can go deep into the night. Take the Giants.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PGA - 2nd Round Odds

The first round at Valhalla Golf Club is in the books and there is a three-way at the top of the leaderboard. Lee Westwood, Kevin Chappell and Ryan Palmer all shot 6-under 65s on Thursday to share the lead in the opening round of the 2014 PGA Championship.

The oddsmakers have updated their odds on the trio and they don’t believe any of them will be at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.

Amongst the top three leaders, Westwood has the best chance according to the offshore outfit. He’s been made a 29/2 betting choice (Bet $100 to win $1,450) with Chappell (35/1) and Palmer (40/1) listed much lower.

Before the final major began, oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag had Westwood (65/1) and Palmer (135/1) listed as serious longshots while Chappell, a late invite, didn't get any consideration from the books.

Rory McIlroy closed as a 5/1 choice prior to the tournament and he’s still the betting favorite, but his odds have been lowered to 37/20 (Bet $100 to win $185).

McIlroy is right behind the leaders and is tied for fourth place with four other golfers at 5-under 66, which include solid players in Jim Furyk and Henrik Stenson.


Odds to win 2014 PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy 37/20
Henrik Stenson 15/2
Jim Furyk 25/2
Lee Westwood 29/2
Rickie Fowler 19/1
Bubba Watson 22/1
Phil Mickelson 24/1
Sergio Garcia 27/1
Justin Rose 29/1
Adam Scott 30/1
Kevin Chappell 35/1
Ryan Palmer 40/1
Martin Kaymer 40/1
Luke Donald 45/1
Jason Day 50/1
Ian Poulter 50/1
Hunter Mahan 55/1
Edoardo Molinari 60/1
J.B. Holmes 60/1
Steve Stricker 65/1
Jimmy Walker 70/1
Geoff Ogilvy 75/1
Graham Delaet 75/1
Keegan Bradley 75/1
Jordan Spieth 85/1
Shane Lowry 85/1
Daniel Summerhays 90/1
Joost Luiten 90/1
Seung-Yul Noh 90/1
Hideki Matsuyama 90/1
Zach Johnson 95/1
Victor Dubuisson 95/1
Matt Jones 100/1
Kevin Na 100/1
Chris Wood 100/1
Charl Schwartzel 110/1
Louis Oosthuizen 120/1
Patrick Reed 120/1
Mikko Ilonen 130/1
Nick Watney 140/1
Marc Leishman 140/1
Shawn Stefani 150/1
Francesco Molinari 161/1
Jerry Kelly 190/1
Tim Clark 190/1
Ryan Moore 190/1
Jamie Donaldson 200/1
Paul Casey 210/1
Bill Haas 250/1
Bernd Wiesberger 250/1
Russell Henley 250/1
Danny Willett 250/1
Jonas Blixt 250/1
Brendon Todd 250/1
Webb Simpson 250/1
Chris Kirk 300/1
Stephen Gallacher 300/1
Rafael Cabrera-Bello 300/1
Alexander Levy 300/1
Robert Karlsson 300/1
Tiger Woods 300/1
Charley Hoffman 300/1
Gary Woodland 300/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marlins pitcher has been quietly beaten up
Justin Hartling

The Miami Marlins have not had an amazing year on the mound, but Nathan Eovaldi may be the worst. In Eovaldi's last 12 starts the Marlins have gone 3-9.

Seven times in Eovaldi's last 12 starts, he has given up at least four runs. And they are not fluke runs, Eovaldi has given up six or more hits nine times.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

This team has had a terrible time in Atlanta
Justin Hartling

The Washington Nationals can take a stranglehold on the National League East when they travel to Turner Field this weekend, but Atlanta has not been a good place for the Nats. The Nationals are 1-7 in their last eight at Turner Field, including dropping their last four straight.

The Nationals have only scored more than three runs twice in their past eight visits to Atlanta, compared to the six times the Braves have accomplished that.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

This team has major troubles in the Bay Area
Justin Hartling

The sunshine does not bode well with the Minnesota Twins. In the Twins last six visits to Oakland, they have come away with a 0-6 record.

The Twins have been abysmal in Oakland allowing 48 runs and 67 hits in those six games. That's an average of eight runs and 11 hits per game by the Athletics.