StatSystemsSports
Inside The Huddle Saturday
NFL Preseason Betting News And Notes - Week #3
•Graham Fined For Celebratory Dunks: The National Football League fined New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham $30,000 for two celebratory dunks after he scored touchdowns in a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans last week. Graham "dunked" the football over the goalpost crossbar twice and received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty each time. The league banned his trademark celebration during the offseason, a result of one of Graham's dunks knocking the goalpost out of alignment in a November game against Atlanta. Graham defended his celebrations by saying he's not hurting anyone. But he did acknowledge the new rule needs to be followed.
"For four years and however many touchdowns, I always dunked it," Graham told NOLA.com. "I've just got to stop doing that now." While Graham has ignored the league mandate this preseason, his dunks have clearly irritated Saints head coach Sean Payton. "I'm very upset," Payton said after the Tennessee game in which the Saints were penalized 22 times. "Would you be upset? I was, particularly." Despite the fines and upsetting his coach, Graham has not promised to stop dunking. Graham signed a new four-year contract in July after a highly-publicized battle over his designation as a wide receiver or tight end. His new deal guarantees nearly $21 million and could be worth up to $40 million.
•Dolphins Waive TE Egnew: The Miami Dolphins waived tight end Michael Egnew, the 2012 third-round pick out of Missouri who managed just seven catches for 69 yards and no touchdowns during his first two NFL seasons. The Dolphins also cut defensive tackle Micajah Reynolds and waived/injured defensive back Jalil Brown. Egnew, 24, appeared in just two games as a rookie, struggling to pick up the offense and create separation downfield. He managed seven catches last season, but was fighting for a roster spot throughout training camp with Arthur Lynch, Gator Hoskins, Brett Brackett and Evan Wilson, only one of whom is likely to be kept on the depth chart behind Charles Clay and Dion Sims. Egnew is the highest draft pick to be cut loose by the Dolphins since 2009 second-round pick Pat White, the former West Virginia quarterback who failed to make his mark in a "Wildcat" role.
•League Suspends Chiefs Tackle Stephenson: The NFL suspended Kansas City Chiefs starting right tackle Donald Stephenson for the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Chiefs were informed of the league's decision on Friday morning. "Obviously losing Donald is disappointing, but we are in full compliance with the league's policy. We will have no further comment on the situation," the team said. Stephenson, 25, has played in every game since being a third-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
He started seven games in both 2012 and 2013. "I'm extremely sorry that I failed to check with the NFL, NFLPA or Chiefs medical team before I took a medication that requires a therapeutic use exemption," Stephenson said via a statement. "The rules are strict and without a therapeutic use exemption, the consequence is a four-game suspension.... It is not a mistake I will ever make again." He is permitted to play in the Chiefs' final two preseason games and will be eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 30.
•Bell, Blount Play, Then Apologize: Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount apologized Thursday night but said nothing about the charges each faces for marijuana possession. Bell and Blount, who were stopped Wednesday afternoon after a Ross Township police officer smelled marijuana coming from the Camaro that Bell was driving, played extensively in the Steelers' 31-21 loss to the Eagles. They drew crowds at their respective lockers in the cramped visiting quarters at Lincoln Financial Field after the Steelers turned in a performance that coach Mike Tomlin called "unacceptable." "I'm sorry for the distraction that I caused my team," said Blount, who led the Steelers with 32 rushing yards on seven carries. "I just want to apologize to my team and my coach and my organization for causing that distraction."
Asked whether he has told Tomlin and Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert that he won't let it happen again, Blount said, "I'm going to answer some questions about the game tonight. That's about it until further notice." Bell, Blount and a female passenger were stopped Wednesday afternoon and a 20-gram bag of marijuana was found inside Bell's car, Ross Township detective Brian Kohlhepp said. Bell was taken to a hospital for a blood test and also will face a charge for driving under the influence of marijuana, Kohlhepp said. The incident happened less than two hours before the Steelers flew to Philadelphia, and Bell reportedly had to find his own way here.
Tomlin opened himself up to criticism by playing Bell and Blount in the final preseason game in which the regulars see extended duty. The eighth-year coach, however, didn't give serious consideration to not playing Bell and Blount. "I didn't view it as punishment to send them home, to not play in this preseason game," Tomlin said. "I'd rather play them more than anticipated than to remove them from the game, so that's why we took the stance we took tonight. Obviously we've got some things to do regarding the matter moving forward but not a lot to say at this point in time." The NFL is expected to review the incident, and each player is subject to a one- to four-game suspension that likely wouldn't happen until next season.
Bell is entering his second season after breaking Franco Harris' Steelers rookie record for yards from scrimmage with 1,259. The Steelers signed Blount in March to pair with Bell, and the two received all 16 of the Steelers' carries against the Eagles. Bell rushed for 23 yards on nine carries. He later apologized for causing a distraction but declined to answer any questions that didn't pertain to football. The Steelers regressed after beating the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night. They were outgained by almost 200 yards and only a couple of late touchdowns made the final score respectable. Asked whether the arrests of Blount and Bell led to any distractions on the field, Tomlin said, "What happened yesterday had nothing to do with our performance tonight. We're not going to make an excuse for that performance. We're going to own that."
•Former Steelers RB Redman Retires: A serious spinal cord injury has forced former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Isaac Redman to retire. He announced his retirement via Twitter on Friday: "Why I'm not in the NFL? To those who are wondering why I am not playing anymore. Last season, I tried my best to play through a neck injury, but I just wasn't myself on the field." Redman, 29, compiled 1,148 yards and five touchdowns on 282 career carries during his five-year career. Redman attended Division II Bowie State and went undrafted before signing with the Steelers before the 2009 season. The Steelers released Redman after he suffered a concussion in the second game of the regular season.
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#263 TAMPA BAY @ #264 BUFFALO
Line: Bills -3, Total: 41.5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finally face an opponent from outside the Sunshine State as they visit Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo New York in preseason action. A week after falling in Jacksonville, the Bucs suffered another setback when Miami arrived in central Florida to hand Lovie Smith's club a 20-14 defeat. Tampa Bay starting quarterback Josh McCown tossed for 46 yards on 5-of-7 passing and a score against the Dolphins while third-stringer Mike Kafka also added a touchdown pass late in the contest.
Backup Mike Glennon looked like he had connected with rookie first-round pick Mike Evans on a 42-yard touchdown strike. The play was reviewed, however, with video evidence showing Evans fumbling the ball at the 1-yard line and it went out of bounds in the end zone for a touchback. The Bucs made a minor move off the field this week trading safety Kelcie McCray to Kansas City in exchange for offensive guard Rishaw Johnson, who lost out to rookie Zach Fulton for the Chiefs' right guard spot. In Tampa Johnson is expected to compete with Oniel Cousins at left guard as the team tries to replace the now retired Carl Nicks.
The Bills continued their extended preseason last week by losing a tough one in Pittsburgh after Shaun Suisham's 20-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Steelers to a 19-16 win. E.J. Manuel finished 17-of-27 for 148 yards and one interception for the Bills. Anthony Dixon rushed 10 times for 26 yards and Buffalo's lone TD, a one-yard run in the third quarter. Fred Jackson led the club with seven grabs for 28 yards. Dan Carpenter connected on a pair of field goals, including a 44-yard try which knotted the score with 1:56 left in regulation. Rookie wideout Sammy Watkins left the game with bruised ribs on his club's opening possession and did not return. Watkins was back in pads and participating in practice by Tuesday but the Bills are expected to be very cautious with the potential star.
•KEY STAT: TAMPA BAY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games against AFC East division opponents since 1993.
The average score was TAMPA BAY 19.8, OPPONENT 15.7.
StatSystemsSports 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 12 times, while the underdog covered the spread 7 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 16 times, while the underdog won straight up 5 times. 6 games went over the total, while 6 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 23 times, while the favorite covered first half line 22 times. *No EDGE. 11 games went under first half total, while 8 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Road teams where the first half total is between 18 and 21 (TAMPA BAY) - after scoring 14 points or less in 2 straight games against opponent off an extremely close road loss by 3 points or less, with a losing record.
(48-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (71.6%, +27.1 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 19.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 10.3, Opponent 12.5 (Total first half points scored = 22.9)
The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-8).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (85-48).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (188-117).
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#265 DALLAS @ #266 MIAMI
Line: Dolphins -3.5, Total: 46.5
The Miami Dolphins will kick off their home slate for 2014 when they face the Dallas Cowboys (7:00 PM EST) on Saturday evening in Week #3 of preseason action. The Dolphins have already split a pair of exhibition games on the road, rebounding from a loss in Atlanta to top Tampa Bay, 20-14, behind backup quarterback Matt Moore, who finished 13-of-19 passing for 158 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers.
Damien Williams rushed for 20 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown and hauled in three passes for a team-high 46 yards. Rishard Matthews finished with three receptions for 43 yards and a score in the victory. Starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill went 9-of-14 for 110 yards in limited action.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 in the preseason after falling to Baltimore in a shootout, 37-30. Tony Romo played two series in his preseason debut after offseason back surgery. He was 4-of-5 for 80 yards and tossed a 31-yard TD pass to Dez Bryant, who caught three passes for 59 yards. DeMarco Murray ran for 34 yards on eight carries in defeat. Dallas got some more bad news during the week when it was revealed that second-year linebacker DeVonte Holloman has been advised by doctors to give up football due to a neck injury suffered against the Ravens.
Holloman battled neck issues last year, missing six games because of the problem, and had struggled with the injury again during this preseason. "DeVonte got information back from the doctors he visited with regarding his neck and it doesn't look like he's going to be able to play football anymore," Garrett said during a media briefing Thursday. "It's in relation to the injury he had last year. I think he had a similar injury this year. They are related."
The last time the two teams faced each other in the preseason, the Cowboys defeated the Dolphins, 24-20, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in 2013. Overall Dallas holds a 6-2 preseason series advantage against the Dolphins.
•KEY STATS: DALLAS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after playing a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 16.7, OPPONENT 23.2.
--MIAMI is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 14.8, OPPONENT 20.9,
StatSystemsSports 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 17 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 24 times, while the underdog won straight up 16 times. 0 games went over the total, while 0 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 40 times, while the underdog covered first half line 40 times. *No EDGE. 0 games went over first half total, while 0 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Any team versus the 1rst half total (DALLAS) - off a non-conference game, after playing a game at home against opponent after playing their last game on the road.
(24-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (85.7%, +19.6 units. Rating = 3*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 19.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 11.8, Opponent 13 (Total first half points scored = 24.8)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (40-18).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (78-39).
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#267 TENNESSEE @ #268 ATLANTA
Line: Falcons -3, Total: 44
The Atlanta Falcons will play host to the Tennessee Titans at the Georgia Dome in the all-important third preseason contest for both clubs. Each team has split its first two exhibition contests with both winning their openers before coming back down to earth last week. Atlanta, however, lost far more than a game in its last encounter. Falcons starting left tackle Sam Baker went down for the season during a 32-7 drubbing at the hands of the Houston Texans with a torn patellar tendon in his knee.
"Following his injury in the game, Sam underwent a number of tests and it was determined that he had suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the rest of the season," said Falcons coach Mike Smith. "Sam had worked extremely hard to get back on the field after missing most of last season, and he was having a good camp. I know he is disappointed, but I also know he is a very resilient football player and will do whatever he can to bounce back."
The Falcons had planned on starting first-round pick Jake Matthews at right tackle, but now the No. 6 overall pick will flip to the left side to replace Baker and Lamar Holmes will slide into the right tackle spot. Sean Renfree took over for Atlanta starting quarterback Matt Ryan, who went just 3-of-7 for 37 yards, midway through the second quarter and connected with Devin Hester for a 12-yard touchdown to account for the Falcons' only score. Renfree finished 7-for-10 for 49 yards while T.J. Yates, an ex-Texan, was in a giving mood against his former teammates, completing just 4-of-11 passes and throwing two interceptions.
The Titans, meanwhile, fell in New Orleans last week when Jimmy Graham caught a pair of touchdown passes from Luke McCown as the Saints defeated Tennessee 31-24. Jake Locker completed 8-of-11 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown and Justin Hunter caught four balls for 111 yards and a pair of scores for the Titans. Shonn Greene gained 46 yards on nine attempts and second-round rookie Bishop Sankey accumulated 31 yards on the ground on six totes in defeat.
These two teams have split eight previous preseason matchups with Tennessee winning the last contest, 27- 16, at LP Field in Nashville last season.
•KEY STATS: TENNESSEE is 14-1 OVER (+12.9 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1993.
The average score was TENNESSEE 23.4, OPPONENT 23.6.
--ATLANTA is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a loss by 14 or more points since 1993.
The average score was ATLANTA 20.5, OPPONENT 14.7.
StatSystemsSports 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 18 times, while the favorite covered the spread 5 times. *EDGE against the spread =TENNESSEE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 13 times, while the underdog won straight up 12 times. 3 games went over the total, while 3 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 34 times, while the favorite covered first half line 26 times. *No EDGE. 7 games went over first half total, while 1 games went under first half total. *EDGE against first half total =OVER.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Any team against the total (ATLANTA) - off a non-conference game, after scoring 9 points or less last game against opponent after a playing a game where 50 total points or more were scored.
(86-43 over the last 5 seasons.) (66.7%, +38.7 units. Rating = 3*)
The average total posted in these games was: 38.2
The average score in these games was: Team 20.6, Opponent 22.1 (Total points scored = 42.7)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 59 (46.1% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (8-4).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (50-17).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (172-119).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (376-313).
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#269 WASHINGTON @ #270 BALTIMORE
Line: Ravens -2.5, Total: 44
After opening the 2014 preseason with consecutive home wins at FedExField, the Washington Redskins will make the short trip up I-95 to take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. On Monday, the Redskins improved to 2-0 in dramatic fashion, defeating the Cleveland Browns, 24-23. With the game deadlocked at 17, the teams traded touchdowns in the final few minutes, beginning with Colt McCoy's 30-yard touchdown strike to receiver Nick Williams with just over two minutes remaining.
The Browns responded with a 45-yard, Hail Mary touchdown pass from Connor Shaw to Emmanuel Ogbuehi with no time remaining before the Redskins successfully defended a two-point conversion attempt to seal the victory. Robert Griffin III started for the 'Skins and finished 6-for-8 for 112 yards with an interception and a lost fumble. Kirk Cousins led the Redskins on a pair of scoring drives during his time under center, going 12-for-21 with 145 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Ravens also improved to 2-0 in practice games last week when Joe Flacco connected on 9-of-17 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown as Baltimore defeated the Dallas Cowboys 37-30. Flacco, who began the game just 1-of-7 and played the entire first half, didn't see his first snap until the 3:25 mark of the opening frame as Baltimore put up two non-offensive touchdowns. Courtney Upshaw returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown and Deonte Thompson took a kickoff 108 yards for a score. Torrey Smith hauled in a 19-yard TD reception from Flacco, Bernard Pierce carried the ball seven times for 55 yards and Ray Rice had just two totes for 21 yards in the triumph.
Saturday's preseason game between the two clubs will be the eighth in the series with Baltimore holding a 5-2 advantage. The Redskins have never won a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium.
•KEY STATS: WASHINGTON is 7-0 against the 1rst half line (+7.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was WASHINGTON 13.1, OPPONENT 5.7.
--WASHINGTON is 16-4 UNDER (+11.6 Units) the 1rst half total after allowing 3 points or less in the first half last game since 1993.
The average score was WASHINGTON 7.3, OPPONENT 8.5.
--BALTIMORE is 8-0 against the 1rst half line (+8.0 Units) after allowing 6 or more yards/play in their previous game since 1993.
The average score was BALTIMORE 10.9, OPPONENT 4.0.
StatSystemsSports 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 10 times, while the favorite covered the spread 4 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the underdog won the game straight up 8 times, while the favorite won the game straight up 6 times. 3 games went over the total, while 2 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 16 times, while the underdog covered first half line 16 times. *No EDGE. 5 games went over first half total, while 1 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play On - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (WASHINGTON) - after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread against opponent after 2 or more consecutive wins against the spread.
(29-10 over the last 10 seasons.) (74.4%, +18.4 units. Rating = 2*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (27-14 over the last 10 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0
The average score in these games was: Team 21.2, Opponent 17.1 (Average point differential = +4.1)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 13 (33.3% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (13-3).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (50-31).
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#271 NEW ORLEANS @ #272 INDIANAPOLIS
Line: Colts -2.5, Total: 47.5
New Orleans star quarterback Drew Brees, who has passed for over 5,000 yards in each of the past three seasons, expects to make his 2014 preseason debut (8:00 PM EST) this Saturday when the Saints visit Indianapolis. New Orleans has done just fine without its star in the team's first two exhibition games, compiling a 2-0 mark thus far including last week's 31-24 win over Tennessee in the Superdome. Jimmy Graham caught a pair of touchdown passes from Luke McCown in that one but was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following both scores after performing his signature dunk over the goalpost, something the NFL banned in the offseason.
"Yes, I was (upset)," Saints coach Sean Payton told reporters after the game when asked about Graham's flouting of the new rule. "I'm very upset. "It is the first sign of a team that has no discipline and the first sign of poor coaching.... The first sign along with the quarterback-center exchange." Graham, who tallied five receptions for 48 yards, is now planning to move on from his trademarked celebration. "For four years and however many touchdowns I always dunked it," Graham told the New Orleans Time-Picayune. "I just got to stop doing that now. That's just the rule, which is unfortunate because I just love the game. I have a lot of passion for the game. I go out there on Sunday and it's fun for me. It's just fun. Act like a little kid out there, and sometimes I act like it."
McCown finished 12-of-20 for 117 yards for New Orleans against the Titans while Mark Ingram carried the ball five times for 19 yards and added a 23-yard TD reception in the triumph. Brees, who has been struggling with an oblique strain, is looking forward to shaking off some of the rust. "As you approach that third preseason game this is really kind of the final dress rehearsal for the season so this is when the season becomes very imminent," the veteran said.
The Colts, meanwhile, are 0-2 in the preseason but their star signal caller, Andrew Luck, looked sharp in last week's loss against the New York Giants, completing 12-of-18 passes for 89 yards with one touchdown as he led three scoring drives on the night. Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, the ex-Giant who joined the Colts this offseason, had five catches for 53 yards against his former team which engineered a ferocious fourth-quarter comeback to earn a 27-26 victory. The Giants put up 27 unanswered points in the final 10 1/2 minutes to erase a 26-0 deficit. "Nicks and Andrew were in a rhythm," said Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. "Obviously, we figured Hakeem would play inspired football against a really good football team."
•KEY STATS: NEW ORLEANS is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after playing a non-conference game since 1993.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 21.7, OPPONENT 17.5.
--NEW ORLEANS is 2-14 against the 1rst half line (-13.4 Units) after allowing 6.5 or more yards/play in their previous game since 1993.
The average score was NEW ORLEANS 6.4, OPPONENT 12.4.
--INDIANAPOLIS is 13-3 OVER (+9.7 Units) after gaining 4 or less yards/play in their previous game since 1993.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 23.0, OPPONENT 20.5.
StatSystemsSports 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 19 times, while the favorite covered the spread 9 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 15 times, while the underdog won straight up 13 times. 0 games went over the total, while 0 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 40 times, while the favorite covered first half line 25 times. *No EDGE. 0 games went over first half total, while 0 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Home teams against the total (INDIANAPOLIS) - off a non-conference game, after a game where they committed 1 or less turnovers against opponent after a game with a turnover margin of +2 or better.
(38-15 over the last 10 seasons.) (71.7%, +21.5 units. Rating = 2*)
The average total posted in these games was: 37.4
The average score in these games was: Team 22.9, Opponent 20.6 (Total points scored = 43.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (46.2% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (20-7).
Since 1993 the situation's record is: (67-48).
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#273 MINNESOTA @ #274 KANSAS CITY
Line: Chiefs -3.5, Total: 45
It's dress rehearsal time in the Midwest as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their all-important third preseason contest (8:00 PM EST) on Saturday against Mike Zimmer's Minnesota Vikings. The Chiefs return home after a road contest in Carolina last week where the club fell 28-16 to the Panthers. Despite the loss, the Chiefs defense opened the game with three consecutive three-and-outs and sacked Panthers quarterback Cam Newton twice.
Kansas City rookie signal caller Aaron Murray threw his first career NFL touchdown with a 43-yard toss to Travis Kelce, while embattled receiver Dwayne Bowe caught five passes for 62 yards on the night. Bowe was suspended by the National Football League for the season opener last week after violating the league's substance-abuse policy, a penalty stemming from an arrest back in November of last year for speeding and marijuana possession.
The Vikings' preseason has been all about finding a starting signal caller and both veteran Matt Cassel and rookie Teddy Bridgewater have performed well. Another solid performance in Kansas City will likely sew up the job for Cassel but "Two-Minute Teddy" was born against Arizona last week. Bridgewater threw two touchdown passes, including one with 18 seconds remaining which lifted Minnesota to an exciting 30-28 preseason victory over Arizona in Minneapolis.
Cassel started under center and completed 12-of-16 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, while the rookie first-round draft pick finished 16-for-20 for 177 and two scores in relief. The Cardinals were leading 28-24 with 1:07 left when Bridgewater and the Vikings offense got the ball back on their own 17-yard line. Bridgewater found Rodney Smith for short gains of 10 and six yards and following a 12-yard completion to Jarius Wright, went back to Smith for 37 yards down the left sideline to the Arizona 18.
Four plays later, Bridgewater hooked up with Smith for a 2-yard, go-ahead score. Joe Banyard carried six times for 64 yards for Minnesota, while tight end Kyle Rudolph caught four passes for 89 yards and a touchdown. The biggest moment in Chiefs and perhaps all of Kansas City sports history came on Jan. 11, 1970 when the Chiefs defeated the Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. In the preseason series Minnesota holds a slim 8-7 advantage.
•KEY STATS:KANSAS CITY is 22-41 ATS (-23.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.
The average score was KANSAS CITY 16.4, OPPONENT 19.1.
--KANSAS CITY is 15-34 ATS (-22.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1993.
The average score was KANSAS CITY 16.0, OPPONENT 19.5.
StatSystemsSports 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 15 times, while the favorite covered the spread 10 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 17 times, while the underdog won straight up 10 times. 3 games went under the total, while 1 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 30 times. *No EDGE. 2 games went over first half total, while 0 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play On - Underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (MINNESOTA) - in non-conference games, after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins, top level team, winning 75% or more of their games in the preseason.
(52-17 since 1993.) (75.4%, +33.3 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (31-38)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5
The average score in these games was: Team 18.9, Opponent 19.8 (Average point differential = -0.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 24 (34.3% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (4-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (19-5).
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#275 ST LOUIS @ #276 CLEVELAND
Line: Browns -2.5, Total: 43
With "the decision" finally made, the Cleveland Browns will get back to work in preparation for Week #1 of the NFL season when they host the St. Louis Rams in preseason action. Brian Hoyer was named the Browns' starting quarterback to begin the season on Wednesday, winning the job over high-profile rookie Johnny Manziel. "We've maintained all along that if it was close, I would prefer to go with the more experienced player," said first-year coach Mike Pettine. "Brian has done a great job in the meeting rooms and with his teammates on the practice field and in the locker room."
Hoyer started each of the Browns' first two preseason games. He completed 6- of-14 passes for 92 yards in the opener against Detroit and was just 2-of-6 for 16 yards this past Monday in a 24-23 setback against Washington. Manziel, selected with the 22nd overall pick in May's draft, threw for 63 yards on 7-of-11 passing in the first preseason game against the Lions. He was 7-of-16 for 65 yards with a touchdown on Monday, but was also sacked three times. "It's obviously disappointing," said Manziel after practice Wednesday. "I didn't play terrible (in the first two preseason games), but I made strides."
If I would have done better in the last two weeks, it would have been different outcome. I'm going to continue to give it my all every day." The 21-year-old Manziel hasn't shown much maturity and his latest escapade resulted in a $12,000 fine for giving the Washington bench the middle finger during Monday's preseason game. "I get words exchanged throughout the entirety of the game, every game, week after week, and I should've been smarter," Manziel said. "It was a 'Monday Night Football' game and cameras were probably solid on me, and I just need to be smarter about that.... It's there, and it's present every game, and I just need to let it slide off my back and go to the next play."
The Rams are still looking for their first exhibition victory after falling to Green Bay last week, 21-7. Sam Bradford, playing for the first time since tearing his ACL last October, completed 9-of-12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, including a 41-yard strike to Brian Quick. Rookie defensive end Michael Sam, who was the first openly-gay player drafted in the NFL, didn't see any action until the second half for St. Louis but did finish with two tackles and a sack. Worse than the loss for the Rams, however, was the fact that the team lost running back Isaiah Pead, who will miss the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee while running back a kickoff in the first quarter.
This contest will be the 29th preseason meeting between the Rams and Browns with St. Louis holding a slim 14-13-1 advantage in the series.
•KEY STATS: ST LOUIS is 10-1 OVER (+8.9 Units) the 1rst half total against AFC North division opponents since 1993.
The average score was ST LOUIS 12.9, OPPONENT 10.4.
--CLEVELAND is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) in home games after allowing 6 or more yards/play in their previous game since 1993.
The average score was CLEVELAND 13.9, OPPONENT 11.9.
--CLEVELAND is 11-1 OVER (+9.9 Units) the 1rst half total after scoring 3 points or less in the first half last game since 1993.
The average score was CLEVELAND 13.3, OPPONENT 11.0.
StatSystemsSports 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 19 times, while the favorite covered the spread 14 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 20 times, while the underdog won straight up 15 times. 4 games went under the total, while 3 games went over the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the underdog covered first half line 42 times, while the favorite covered first half line 28 times. *No EDGE. 7 games went over first half total, while 6 games went under first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Over - Any team versus the 1rst half total (ST LOUIS) - after scoring 14 points or less last game against opponent after scoring 3 points or less in the first half last game.
(106-45 since 1993.) (70.2%, +56.5 units. Rating = 4*)
The average first half total posted in these games was: 18.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 11.5, Opponent 10.6 (Total first half points scored = 22.1)
The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (8-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (20-4).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (40-21).
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#277 HOUSTON @ #278 DENVER
Line: Broncos -7, Total: 46
The Houston Texans and reigning American Football Conference champion Denver Broncos will cap off a week of joint-practice sessions by squaring off at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Week #3 of preseason action. The two teams engaged in practice sessions at the Broncos' facility on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday while kickoff is (9:00 PM EST) on Saturday evening.
Joint sessions with the Atlanta Falcons last week paid dividends for the Texans, who bounced back from a rough preseason-opening loss at Arizona with a 32-7 win against Matt Ryan and Co. last Saturday at NRG Stadium. Ryan Fitzpatrick went 9-of-12 passing for 97 yards and a touchdown pass while Jonathan Grimes led Houston's rushers with 42 yards off nine carries. The Texans scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams for the first time ever in a preseason game and tallied the franchise's highest preseason point total in six years.
Denver, meanwhile, is coming off an equally impressive win last Sunday at San Francisco. The defending AFC kingpins spoiled the 49ers debut at Levi's Stadium with a 34-0 thumping. Reigning MVP Peyton Manning headlined an impressive performance from Denver's signal callers as he completed 12-of-14 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. The five-time MVP is now 22-of-27 for 180 yards in two preseason games.
Manning's backup, Brock Osweiler, was also superlative, finishing 10-of-13 for 105 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Cody Latimer, Denver's second-round draft pick. Third-stringer Zac Dysert finished 8-for-11 for 63 yards with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Morrah in the fourth quarter.
The Texans have played the Broncos more times in the preseason and regular season than any other non-division team, squaring off 10 times since 2003.
•KEY STATS: DENVER is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games after allowing 14 points or less last game since 1993.
The average score was DENVER 21.4, OPPONENT 21.1.
--DENVER is 12-2 UNDER (+9.8 Units) after allowing 4 or less yards/play in their previous game since 1993.
The average score was DENVER 18.2, OPPONENT 15.6.
StatSystemsSports 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 10 times, while the underdog covered the spread 8 times. *No EDGE. In past games, the favorite won the game straight up 15 times, while the underdog won straight up 3 times. 1 games went over the total, while 0 games went under the total. *No EDGE.
--In past games, the favorite covered first half line 15 times, while the underdog covered first half line 13 times. *No EDGE. 1 games went under first half total, while 0 games went over first half total. *No EDGE.
•SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS: Play Against - Home favorites of 3.5 to 10 points (DENVER) - in conference games, after leading in their previous game by 14 or more points at the half against opponent after allowing 14 points or less last game.
(34-8 since 1993.) (81.0%, +25.2 units. Rating = 4*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (25-17)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.4
The average score in these games was: Team 22.7, Opponent 19 (Average point differential = +3.7)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 15 (36.6% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-0).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-1).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (19-3).
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w-thumbs!^
