Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMTommy Rider | NFL Side
triple-dime bet394 BUF -9.5 (-110) BetUS vs 393 OAK
Analysis:
***3 UNIT INSIDE THE HUDDLE PLAY***
I just got off the phone with one of my Insiders from the Bay Area. They told me the Raiders had a terrible week of practice and their flight landed an hour later than expected. This is already a mentally weak team to start. They are brat up, in disaray and had to travel six hours to lovely Buffalo. Bills roll at home.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMTommy Rider | NFL Money Line
dime bet394 BUF (-120)BetUS vs 393 OAK
Analysis:
*THIS IS A TWO TEAM 6-POINT TEASER*
*1.5 UNITS*
49ers +1 and Bills -3.5
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMTommy Rider | NFL Side
double-dime bet404 CHI -3.0 (-110) BetUS vs 403 TAM
Analysis: This is a **2 UNIT Play** Analysis to come on the Bears -3.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 4:15 PMTommy Rider | NFL Total
double-dime bet414 PHI / 413 PIT Under 45.0 Bodog
Analysis: This is a **2 UNIT PLAY** Analysis to come on Pitt/Philly UNDER 45.
triple-dime bet394 BUF -9.5 (-110) BetUS vs 393 OAK
Analysis:
***3 UNIT INSIDE THE HUDDLE PLAY***
I just got off the phone with one of my Insiders from the Bay Area. They told me the Raiders had a terrible week of practice and their flight landed an hour later than expected. This is already a mentally weak team to start. They are brat up, in disaray and had to travel six hours to lovely Buffalo. Bills roll at home.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMTommy Rider | NFL Money Line
dime bet394 BUF (-120)BetUS vs 393 OAK
Analysis:
*THIS IS A TWO TEAM 6-POINT TEASER*
*1.5 UNITS*
49ers +1 and Bills -3.5
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMTommy Rider | NFL Side
double-dime bet404 CHI -3.0 (-110) BetUS vs 403 TAM
Analysis: This is a **2 UNIT Play** Analysis to come on the Bears -3.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 4:15 PMTommy Rider | NFL Total
double-dime bet414 PHI / 413 PIT Under 45.0 Bodog
Analysis: This is a **2 UNIT PLAY** Analysis to come on Pitt/Philly UNDER 45.
GREG GAMBLE’S 2008 PIGSKIN PICKS - 14-7 ATS...67%
NCAA ATS: 6-0 - NFL ATS: 4-6 - Teasers ATS: 4-1
CAROLINA PANTHERS (+3.5) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Like no other sport, the balance of power and momentum in the NFL is a year-by-year accomplishment. And considering the Vikings entered 2008 with the double-dip of a lethal rushing attack and possibly the best run defense in the league, as well as huge upgrades for both the passing game (WR Bernard Berrian) and pass-defense (DE Jared Allen), it was amazing the Vikings decided to enter the season with Tarvaris Jackson & Gus Frerotte as their potential playoff QBs. While they grossly overpaid for both Berrian & Allen, those are the types of moves you make when you feel your just a player or two away.
Surprisingly, I’m probably in the minority in thinking Jackson could be legit down the line, but considering his collegiate development was at Alabama St. and he’s never had an experienced vet to learn from (ala Aaron Rodgers), I honestly believe Minnesota put the youngster in a lose/lose situation. As for the well-traveled back-up, while Frerotte is a harmless fellow (except when he’s knocking himself out after banging his head on a stadium wall) and a decent emergency option, he’s lost more games than he’s won along his journey, has a lower career comp% than the 25 year-old from Bama St., and at 37…should we really expect to see him improve on a career QB-rating surpassed by Patrick Ramsey, Damon Huard, and only 2-pts higher than Cleo Lemon?
As for the fiery Panthers, weekly NFL match-ups usually comes down to who has more passion, desperation, confidence, & less players dealing with babies from groupies from week-to-week. While Del-spaz-homme’s complaining and chest-thumps are almost comical and extremely annoying when your squad is playing against them, his teammates seem to rally around his fervor and respect how he approaches each game. Especially after missing most of last season and the uncertainty of how is career might end after elbow surgery, Spazhomme seems poised to prove the Panthers still have the magic from a few years back. Throw-in the return of the toughest pound-4-pound player on the gridiron & the intensity he’s built-up from sitting out, and I expect Carolina to take the moxy of both their leaders & head out the Metrodome tunnel with a playoff-type intensity.
As for the actual gridiron match-ups, the Vikings secondary has the unfortunate combo of being below average in coverage and slow to make-up ground. Stevie Smith should open things up even more for a Panthers squad already utilizing the skills of Muhsin Muhammad (11 rec, 115 yrds), Dante Rosario (8 rec, 102 yrds), & D.J. Hackett (6 rec, 70 yrds) underneath. Throw-in an extra safety dropping back to shadow the superstar playmaker and the run game should find some room if it can get past the first level of defense.
Quick Side Note, for all the uproar in Bearland regarding Mushin’s comment: “Chicago is where WRs go to die!” , just like a chick entering a Wet T-shirt contest is doomed for the stripper pole, please tell me how Moose's theory is one iota wrong?
While Minny has a stout run D, Carolina’s balanced attack should open things up a little, while the lighting & thunder combo of DeAngelo Williams & Jonathon Stewart has the ability to wear-out a defense by the 4th quarter…so don’t be surprised to see behemoths like 35 year-old Pat “330” Williams & Kevin “320” Williams with arms on their hips late.
As for Childress’s offense, tough to see how the passing game and OL look sharp with the surprising QB-switch…especially since the QB’s name is Grandpa Gus. Considering the Panthers offense has average 23 ppg against two solid defenses without Stevie (San Diego & Chicago), tough to see how they don’t put up a few more as the Vikings fail to keep pace. And if I’m wrong on who wins, at least we have a FG and the hook as some MFin insurance!
Final Score: PANTHERS 27 VIKINGS 20
WEEK THREE SUNDAY FUNDAY TEASER
TAMPA BAY BUCS (teased +9) @ CHICAGO BEARS
HOUSTON TEXANS @ TENNESSEE TITANS (teased +1)
Let’s see here…giving Chucky almost double digits when facing Kyle “Party Pictures” Orton seems more inviting than a cleaning lady willing to work topless & fancying a dude with a unibrow. While the Bears defense is still solid, look for the hard-running Earnest Graham & shifty Warrick Dunn to exploit many of the same areas the Panthers did last week.
As new signal-caller Brian Griese, you think the crafty veteran a former Bear knows a little something about Lovie’s defense? Look for plenty of play-action from the former Wolverine as he keeps things simple underneath with his veteran WRs (Hilliard, Galloway, Bryant). As a result, that offensive recipe combined with the pedestrian offense of the Bears and a Hester-rib injury (questionable) makes a 9-point victory by the Beloved extremely unrealistic.
Final Score: CHUCKY’S BUCS 20 BEARS 16
As for the Titans/Texans, not to punish Houston for dealing with all the drama regarding Hurricane KobeTai, but Gary Kubiak’s squad has being living & practicing in limbo the last two weeks…which is usually not a formula for success for professional athletes. On Pornstache Fisher’s side, for all the drama in Collins past, the former Nittany Lion seems to have gained the respect of his teammates & knows this opportunity to lead a playoff team may be his last. With a balanced rushing attack similar to thunder & lighting in Carolina, the electric Chris Johnson & short-yardage specialist Lendmesomepoundcake White should have a field day against a Texas defense that allowed Willie Parker to run like Willie Mays Hayes in Week One.
Throw-in the quick read & release of Collins to his large targets (Crumpler, Cage, Scaife, & McCareins), and the home-crowd should be pleased with the balanced offense. As always, the Texans will throw a few bombs late in desperate comeback attempt, but in the end, the Titans are just a better team with a coach psyched for a 3-0 start.
Final Score: TEXANS 20 PANTHERS 30
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NCAA ATS: 6-0 - NFL ATS: 4-6 - Teasers ATS: 4-1
CAROLINA PANTHERS (+3.5) MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Like no other sport, the balance of power and momentum in the NFL is a year-by-year accomplishment. And considering the Vikings entered 2008 with the double-dip of a lethal rushing attack and possibly the best run defense in the league, as well as huge upgrades for both the passing game (WR Bernard Berrian) and pass-defense (DE Jared Allen), it was amazing the Vikings decided to enter the season with Tarvaris Jackson & Gus Frerotte as their potential playoff QBs. While they grossly overpaid for both Berrian & Allen, those are the types of moves you make when you feel your just a player or two away.
Surprisingly, I’m probably in the minority in thinking Jackson could be legit down the line, but considering his collegiate development was at Alabama St. and he’s never had an experienced vet to learn from (ala Aaron Rodgers), I honestly believe Minnesota put the youngster in a lose/lose situation. As for the well-traveled back-up, while Frerotte is a harmless fellow (except when he’s knocking himself out after banging his head on a stadium wall) and a decent emergency option, he’s lost more games than he’s won along his journey, has a lower career comp% than the 25 year-old from Bama St., and at 37…should we really expect to see him improve on a career QB-rating surpassed by Patrick Ramsey, Damon Huard, and only 2-pts higher than Cleo Lemon?
As for the fiery Panthers, weekly NFL match-ups usually comes down to who has more passion, desperation, confidence, & less players dealing with babies from groupies from week-to-week. While Del-spaz-homme’s complaining and chest-thumps are almost comical and extremely annoying when your squad is playing against them, his teammates seem to rally around his fervor and respect how he approaches each game. Especially after missing most of last season and the uncertainty of how is career might end after elbow surgery, Spazhomme seems poised to prove the Panthers still have the magic from a few years back. Throw-in the return of the toughest pound-4-pound player on the gridiron & the intensity he’s built-up from sitting out, and I expect Carolina to take the moxy of both their leaders & head out the Metrodome tunnel with a playoff-type intensity.
As for the actual gridiron match-ups, the Vikings secondary has the unfortunate combo of being below average in coverage and slow to make-up ground. Stevie Smith should open things up even more for a Panthers squad already utilizing the skills of Muhsin Muhammad (11 rec, 115 yrds), Dante Rosario (8 rec, 102 yrds), & D.J. Hackett (6 rec, 70 yrds) underneath. Throw-in an extra safety dropping back to shadow the superstar playmaker and the run game should find some room if it can get past the first level of defense.
Quick Side Note, for all the uproar in Bearland regarding Mushin’s comment: “Chicago is where WRs go to die!” , just like a chick entering a Wet T-shirt contest is doomed for the stripper pole, please tell me how Moose's theory is one iota wrong?
While Minny has a stout run D, Carolina’s balanced attack should open things up a little, while the lighting & thunder combo of DeAngelo Williams & Jonathon Stewart has the ability to wear-out a defense by the 4th quarter…so don’t be surprised to see behemoths like 35 year-old Pat “330” Williams & Kevin “320” Williams with arms on their hips late.
As for Childress’s offense, tough to see how the passing game and OL look sharp with the surprising QB-switch…especially since the QB’s name is Grandpa Gus. Considering the Panthers offense has average 23 ppg against two solid defenses without Stevie (San Diego & Chicago), tough to see how they don’t put up a few more as the Vikings fail to keep pace. And if I’m wrong on who wins, at least we have a FG and the hook as some MFin insurance!
Final Score: PANTHERS 27 VIKINGS 20
WEEK THREE SUNDAY FUNDAY TEASER
TAMPA BAY BUCS (teased +9) @ CHICAGO BEARS
HOUSTON TEXANS @ TENNESSEE TITANS (teased +1)
Let’s see here…giving Chucky almost double digits when facing Kyle “Party Pictures” Orton seems more inviting than a cleaning lady willing to work topless & fancying a dude with a unibrow. While the Bears defense is still solid, look for the hard-running Earnest Graham & shifty Warrick Dunn to exploit many of the same areas the Panthers did last week.
As new signal-caller Brian Griese, you think the crafty veteran a former Bear knows a little something about Lovie’s defense? Look for plenty of play-action from the former Wolverine as he keeps things simple underneath with his veteran WRs (Hilliard, Galloway, Bryant). As a result, that offensive recipe combined with the pedestrian offense of the Bears and a Hester-rib injury (questionable) makes a 9-point victory by the Beloved extremely unrealistic.
Final Score: CHUCKY’S BUCS 20 BEARS 16
As for the Titans/Texans, not to punish Houston for dealing with all the drama regarding Hurricane KobeTai, but Gary Kubiak’s squad has being living & practicing in limbo the last two weeks…which is usually not a formula for success for professional athletes. On Pornstache Fisher’s side, for all the drama in Collins past, the former Nittany Lion seems to have gained the respect of his teammates & knows this opportunity to lead a playoff team may be his last. With a balanced rushing attack similar to thunder & lighting in Carolina, the electric Chris Johnson & short-yardage specialist Lendmesomepoundcake White should have a field day against a Texas defense that allowed Willie Parker to run like Willie Mays Hayes in Week One.
Throw-in the quick read & release of Collins to his large targets (Crumpler, Cage, Scaife, & McCareins), and the home-crowd should be pleased with the balanced offense. As always, the Texans will throw a few bombs late in desperate comeback attempt, but in the end, the Titans are just a better team with a coach psyched for a 3-0 start.
Final Score: TEXANS 20 PANTHERS 30
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SPORTS ADVISORS
Kansas City (0-2, 1-1 ATS) at Atlanta (1-1 SU and ATS)
Two teams that mustered just single digits last week get together for a non-conference contest when the Falcons host the Chiefs at the Georgia Dome.
Atlanta lost to Tampa Bay 24-9 as a seven-point road underdog, putting up just three field goals. After an impressive performance in his NFL debut in Week 1, QB Matt Ryan looked much more like the rookie he is, going 13 of 33 for 158 yards, with two INTs and four sacks. RB Michael Turner, who busted out for 220 yards and two TDs in the season opener against Detroit, had just 42 yards, and the Falcons were outgained 311-234, allowing 164 rushing yards.
Kansas City was even worse than Atlanta last week, losing 23-8 to Oakland as a 3½-point home favorite, failing to score until a TD and 2-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. QB Damon Huard lasted just two possessions before getting hurt, going 2 of 4 for 17 yards and an INT, and the Chiefs finished with just 190 total yards (55 rushing). The defense gave up 355 yards, including a whopping 300 on the ground.
Tyler Thigpen (14 of 33, 151 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) replaced Huard last week, and coach Herm Edwards has pegged Thigpen to start against Atlanta.
These two teams haven’t met since 2004, when K.C. administered a 56-10 beatdown laying 3½ points at home.
Despite the Chiefs’ 0-2 SU start, they are on positive ATS streaks of 7-1 on the highway, 12-6-1 as a non-division road ‘dog and 9-2-1 in Week 3. On the flip side, the Falcons are in pointspread funks of 13-23-1 as a non-division home chalk, 4-9 at home and 1-4 after a non-cover.
Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, the straight-up winner is an astounding 27-3-1 ATS, with nine of the 12 underdogs that covered winning outright.
The under for Kansas City is on streaks of 13-3 in September and 9-3 in roadies, but the over for Atlanta is on runs of 8-1 overall, 6-0 after a SU loss, 5-0 after a non-cover and 5-0 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Oakland (1-1 SU and ATS) at Buffalo (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Bills look to hold onto a share of first place in the AFC East when they host the Raiders at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Buffalo put up 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 20-16 upset of Jacksonville as a four-point road pup. QB Trent Edwards was effective and efficient, going 20-for-25 for 239 yards with one TD and no INTs, though he did lose one fumble. The Bills’ defense also yielded just 243 total yards and allowed the Jags to convert just two of 11 third-down attempts.
Oakland beat Kansas City 23-8 as a 3½-point road ‘dog, primarily on the strength of 300 rushing yards. First-round draft pick Darren McFadden had 21 carries for 164 yards and a TD, helping offset another poor effort from QB JaMarcus Russell (6 of 17, 55 yards), and the Raiders finished with a whopping 355-190 edge in total yards.
The Raiders have won the last four meetings between these AFC rivals (3-1 ATS), dating to 1999, but they haven’t met since 2005, when Oakland claimed a 38-17 home win as a three-point favorite.
The Bills are on positive ATS runs of 10-4-1 overall, 13-3-1 after a spread-cover, 11-3 at home and 10-3-1 after a SU win. Conversely, the Raiders carry nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 27-55-1 overall, 20-41-2 against the AFC, 6-15 as a non-division road ‘dog and 1-6 coming off an ATS win.
The over is on a plethora of runs for both squads, including 5-0 overall for Buffalo, 19-9 for the Bills following a SU win, 7-2 overall for Oakland, 5-1 in September for the Raiders, 4-1 for the Raiders on the road and 14-6 for the Raiders after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BUFFALO and OVER
Houston (0-1 SU and ATS) at Tennessee (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Texans, forced to take an early bye week as Hurricane Ike raged through southeast Texas, get back to work when they travel to LP Field to take on the Titans.
Houston opened the season with a 38-17 loss at Pittsburgh, failing to cover as a 6½-point road ‘dog. QB Matt Schaub (25 of 33, 202 yards) passed for one TD and rushed for another, but he also accounted for all three Texans turnovers (2 INTs, 1 fumble) and was sacked five times as Houston finished with just 234 total yards. The Texans were supposed to play their home opener against the Ravens last weekend, but Ike postponed that contest until November.
Tennessee flattened Cincinnati 24-7 last week as a one-point road pup, scoring their second straight upset to begin the season. Kerry Collins (14 of 21, 128 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) was serviceable stepping in for the injured Vince Young, and he was greatly aided by the Titans’ 177 rushing yards – with rookie Chris Johnson netting 109 yards on 19 carries. Tennessee also held Cincy to just 215 total yards and blocked a punt for a TD.
Tennessee has won six straight meetings in this AFC South rivalry (5-1 ATS), including sweeping the last two season series’ both SU and ATS. However, the underdog is on a 7-2 ATS streak in this series.
The Texans carry negative ATS streaks of 0-4 on the highway, 3-8 against the AFC, 2-5 against winning teams, 3-7 in September and 1-5 as a divisional road ‘dog. Meanwhile, the Titans have cashed in six straight September contests and nine of their last 10 in division play.
The over has cashed in the last four meetings between these two. Also, for Houston the over is on runs of 5-1 overall, 8-0 against AFC South rivals and 8-2-1 on the highway. On the flip side, the under streaks for Tennessee including 5-0 overall, 6-0 in September, 11-1-1 after a SU win, 8-1-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2-1 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Cincinnati (0-2 SU and ATS) at N.Y. Giants (2-0 SU and ATS)
The defending Super Bowl-champion Giants step outside the conference when they host the struggling Bengals in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York trounced St. Louis 41-13 as a hefty nine-point road chalk, racking up an overwhelming 441-201 edge in total yards against the hapless Rams. QB Eli Manning was a steady 20 of 29 for 260 yards with three TDs and no INTs, and RB Brandon Jacobs (15 carries, 93 yards) led a ground attack that netted an even 200 yards.
Cincinnati got beat up by Tennessee 24-7 as a one-point favorite in its home opener, totaling just 215 yards. QB Carson Palmer was 16 of 27 for 134 yards with no TDs and two INTs, and the Bengals also had a punt blocked for a TD.
These squads have met just once this decade, a 23-22 Cincinnati home win in 2004, though the Bengals failed to cash as a six-point chalk.
Including their run through the playoffs, the Giants are on a 10-1 ATS roll, including eight consecutive spread-covers. New York is on further ATS streaks of 16-5 overall and 8-3 against losing teams. The Bengals, meanwhile, are still 8-3 ATS in their last 11 September starts, but otherwise they’re on spread-covering slides of 2-5 overall, 2-5 on the highway and 5-11-1 against winning teams.
The under for Cincinnati is on tears of 7-1 overall, 6-0 versus winning teams, 4-1 on the road and 13-5 in September, but the over has cashed in five of New York’s last seven home games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS
Arizona (2-0 SU and ATS) at Washington (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Cardinals hope to ride the aging arm of QB Kurt Warner to another win when they cross the country to battle the Redskins at FedEx Field.
Arizona routed Miami 31-10 as a 6½-point home chalk, winning and covering as a favorite for the second straight week. Warner went haywire, completing 19 of 24 passes for 361 yards with three TDs and no INTs. That helped the Cards to a whopping 445-236 advantage in total yards, as WRs Larry Fitzgerald (6 catches, 153 yards) and Anquan Boldin (6 catches, 140 yards) both had huge days.
Washington bounced back from its Week 1 loss at the Giants by rallying past New Orleans 29-24 as a one-point home favorite. QB Jason Campbell erased a 24-15 fourth-quarter deficit by leading two TD drives, and he finished 24 of 36 for 321 yards and a TD pass, which went to WR Santana Moss, who finished with 164 receiving yards. The Redskins defense yielded 250 yards, while the offense rolled up 455, and Washington won the turnover battle, 3-1.
The Redskins have won the last six clashes in this rivalry (3-2-1 ATS), including a 21-19 home win last year, though they failed to cash as a nine-point favorite. The underdog is on a 10-4-1 ATS run in the last 15 meetings.
The Cards have gone 17-8 in their last 25 games overall and 9-4-1 ATS in their last 13 roadies, and they are on additional pointspread runs of 6-0 in September and 9-5 in non-division tilts. The Redskins are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games against winning teams and 5-2 ATS in their last seven overall, but they are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 10 following a spread-cover and 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight as non-division home chalk.
The over for Arizona is on runs of 18-6 overall, 37-14 on the highway and 25-10 inside the conference. The over also cashed in last year’s FedEx Field meeting between these two.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Miami (0-2 SU and ATS) at New England (2-0, 1-1 ATS)
The Patriots, successfully moving on last week without MVP quarterback Tom Brady, play host to the division rival Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
With Brady sidelined for the season, New England was hardly the offensive juggernaut it was in 2007, but got enough done to beat the Brett Favre-led Jets 19-10 as a one-point road underdog. In two games this year, the Pats have totaled just 36 points – which is what they averaged per game last season. QB Matt Cassel, making his first start since high school, avoided mistakes in going 16 of 23 for 165 yards, and Stephen Gostkowski made four field goals.
Miami fell at Arizona 31-10 last week catching 6½ points, totaling just 234 yards while allowing 445. QB Chad Pennington (10 of 20, 112 yards, no TDS, no INTs) was pedestrian before yielding to rookie Chad Henne in the fourth quarter.
The host is on a 12-5 ATS streak in this rivalry, with New England cashing in six of the last eight at Gillette Stadium. The Pats rolled to two easy wins over Miami last year, going 1-1 ATS.
The Patriots snapped an 0-7 ATS skid last week, but they remain on negative pointspread streaks of 0-6 at home, 1-6 after a SU win and 1-5 against AFC foes. On the bright side, they are 25-11 ATS in their last 36 against losing teams and 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 divisional games. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are mired in ATS funks of 2-5 overall, 0-7-2 in September, 5-22-2 inside the division and 17-36-2 against the AFC.
The under has been the play in New England’s last four games and is also 6-0-1 in the Pats’ last seven at home. Conversely, the over for Miami is on runs of 5-2 overall, 5-0 coming off a SU loss and 4-1 in September.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ENGLAND
Tampa Bay (1-1 SU and ATS) at Chicago (1-1, 1-0-1 ATS)
The Bears, who hit the road for the first two weeks of the season, return to Soldier Field for their home opener against the Buccaneers.
Chicago blew a 17-3 third-quarter lead in losing to Carolina 20-17 last week, getting a push as a three-point road pup. Kyle Orton was a mediocre 19 of 32 for 149 yards, but the offense generated just 10 points, as the other seven came off a blocked punt on the game’s first possession. The Bears defense allowed just 216 total yards, but gave up two second-half TDs.
After a tough four-point home loss at New Orleans to open the season, Tampa Bay coasted past Atlanta 24-9 as a seven-point home chalk last week. QB Brian Griese (18 of 31, 160 yards, 1 TD) was serviceable in place of Jeff Garcia, but RB Earnest Graham was the difference, with 15 carries for 116 yards, including a late 68-yard TD jaunt.
The Bears have won the last two battles with the Bucs, but Tampa is 3-1 ATS over the last four contests, most recently covering as a 13-point road ‘dog in a 34-31 overtime loss in 2006.
The Bears are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five overall and 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a SU loss, but they are in pointspread ruts of 4-9 at Soldier Field and 2-7 as a home chalk. The Bucs have also struggled to cash, carrying negative ATS streaks of 1-4 overall (all against the NFC), 3-9 following a SU win of more than 14 points, 2-5 as a visitor and 3-12 in non-division road outings.
The under is 4-1 in the last five clashes between these teams. The under is also 4-1 run in Chicago’s last five and 9-3 in Tampa’s last 12 September starts. However, the over is on streask of 6-2 for Tampa Bay overall, 5-0 for Tampa Bay on the road, 22-7-1 for Chicago against the NFC and 15-5 for the Bears at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Carolina (2-0, 1-0-1 ATS) at Minnesota (0-2 SU and ATS)
The Panthers, who have posted come-from-behind wins in the first two weeks, look to keep their good fortune going when they travel to the Metrodome to take on the Vikings.
Carolina erased a 17-3 third-quarter deficit last week to beat Chicago 20-17, pushing as a three-point home favorite. QB Jake Delhomme (12 of 21, 128 yards, 1 INT) had a subpar overall effort as the Panthers finished with just 216 total yards, but he led three second-half scoring drives to give Carolina the win. The Panthers won the turnover battle 2-1, helping offset an early blocked punt that gave the Bears their first TD.
Minnesota fell apart in the second half against Indianapolis last week, blowing a 15-0 lead and losing 18-15 as a two-point home underdog. The Vikings’ offense settled for five Ryan Longwell field goals as QB Tarvaris Jackson (14 of 24, 130 yards, one lost fumble) continued to be ineffective, leading coach Brad Childress to announce this week that veteran Gus Frerotte will start at quarterback for the rest of the season.
The Vikes edged the Panthers 16-13 in overtime as a two-point home favorite early in the 2006 season, ending a 3-0 SU and ATS run by Carolina in this series.
The Panthers are on ATS tears of 8-3 on the road, 19-9-2 as a road underdog and 8-2-2 in domes, and they’re also 4-0-1 ATS in their last five overall. The Vikings, conversely, have failed to cover in five straight games and are also 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.
The under has been the play in five of the last six head-to-head battles between these teams in Minnesota, and the under for Carolina is on streaks of 8-3 against the NFC and 20-8-2 in September. But the over for the Vikings is on runs of 6-2 at the dome, 6-1-1 after a SU loss and 13-3-2 following a pointspread setback.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CAROLINA
St. Louis (0-2 SU and ATS) at Seattle (0-2 SU and ATS)
The three-time defending NFC West champion Seahawks look to get in the win column for the first time in 2008 when they host the rival Rams at Qwest Field.
Seattle suffered a 33-30 overtime upset loss to San Francisco a week ago, getting outscored 20-10 after halftime and failing to cover as a 6½-point home chalk. QB Matt Hasselbeck had his second straight rough outing, going 18 of 36 for 189 yards with no TDS and two INTs – one of which was returned 86 yards for a TD midway through the third quarter. And the Seahawks defense, which gave up 34 points in Buffalo in Week 1, struggled again.
St. Louis got pounded 41-13 as a nine-point home underdog, gaining just 201 total yards while allowing 441. QB Marc Bulger (20 of 32, 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had another forgettable day, getting sacked six times and having his one pick returned for a TD, and the Rams got outgained on the ground, 200-68.
Seattle has ripped off six straight victories (4-2 ATS) in this NFC West rivalry, winning and cashing in both meetings last year, including a 33-6 rout at Qwest laying nine points. That said, the underdog is still on an 8-3 ATS run in this series.
The Seahawks are in a 1-4 ATS skid dating to last season, but they’re still on positive pointspread runs of 6-1 at home, 5-1 in division play, 4-1 after a SU loss and 4-1 following a non-cover. On the flip side, the Rams have dropped five straight pointspread decisions and are on additional ATS slides of 5-13 since the 2007 season opener, 2-6 inside the division, 3-6 in roadies and 7-20-3 in September.
The over for Seattle is on stretches of 5-0 overall, 4-1 at home and 22-10 against losing teams, and for St. Louis the over is on runs of 4-1 overall, 6-0 after a pointspread defeat and 7-1 after a SU loss. However, both of last year’s clashes between these two stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SEATTLE
Detroit (0-2 SU and ATS) at San Francisco (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Lions, whose 2007 freefall appears to have continued into 2008, make the lengthy trip to the West Coast to face the 49ers at Monster Park.
Detroit followed up a 10-point loss at Atlanta in Week 1 with a 48-25 setback to Green Bay as a three-point home pup. After rallying the Lions from a 21-0 deficit to a 25-24 lead midway through the fourth quarter, QB Jon Kitna (21 of 41, 276 yards, 2 TDs) threw INTs on the next three possessions, with two returned for scores to kill Detroit’s hopes. The Lions were outgained 447-311 and had an 11-minute deficit in time of possession.
San Francisco stunned Seattle 33-30 in overtime last Sunday to cash as a 6½-point road ‘dog. QB J.T. O’Sullivan (20 of 32, 321 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) had a big day passing and rushed for another 32 yards, and WR Isaac Bruce (4 catches, 153 yards) found some of his old form. The 49ers’ defense keyed a 3-1 turnover edge, picking off Matt Hasselbeck twice – returning one 86 yards for a TD.
These two teams have met just three times this decade, with San Francisco going 3-0 SU (1-1-1 ATS). In the most recent clash in 2006, the Niners posted a 19-13 road win catching 6½ points.
The Lions are 1-9 SU and ATS in their last 10 games. Detroit is on additional pointspread dips of 4-13 on the road (0-5 last five) and 2-8 on grass. The 49ers, despite last week’s upset in Seattle, also carry a bunch of negative ATS trends, including 4-9 overall, 3-8 at home, 3-9 against the NFC and 1-6 after a spread-cover.
The under has cashed in four of the 49ers’ last five home games, but the “over” trends kick in for both teams from there. For Detroit, the over steaks include 10-1 overall, 6-0 in conference play and 5-0 on the highway, while the over is 21-10 in San Francisco’s last 31 games against losing teams and 5-1 in its last six after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
New Orleans (1-1 SU and ATS) at Denver (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Broncos, coming off one of the most controversial wins in years, remain home at Invesco Field at Mile High for another week, hosting the Saints for a non-conference clash.
Denver edged San Diego 39-38 last week in a pick-em contest at home, aided greatly by a botched call in the waning moments on a fumble that should have given the Chargers the ball and the win. Instead, QB Jay Cutler (36 of 50, 350 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) got a second chance and hit Eddie Royal with a short TD pass, and Cutler and Royal followed by hooking up on the 2-point conversion to get the victory.
Neither team had any trouble moving the ball, with the Broncos finishing with a 486-456 total yardage edge.
New Orleans blew a 24-15 fourth-quarter lead at Washington last week, giving up a pair of late TDs in a 29-24 loss as a one-point road pup. QB Drew Brees (22 of 33, 216 yards, 1 TD) had a fair outing, but he threw two INTs to Chris Horton, with the last coming on the Saints’ final drive. The Saints’ running game (55 yards) never got going as they finished with just 250 total yards, while allowing 455.
These clubs have met twice since 2000, with Denver going 2-0 SU and ATS, including a 34-13 road win laying six points in 2004.
The Broncos have cashed in their first two games of 2008 and they’re 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home games, but they still remain mired in pointspread slides of 7-18-1 overall, 2-11-1 after a SU win and 5-12 after a spread-cover. The Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last seven AFC road games and 1-4 ATS in their last five September starts, but they are 5-2 ATS in their past seven following a pointspread setback.
For New Orleans, the over is on tears of 7-0 overall, 6-2 on the highway and 39-18-1 against winning teams, and the over for Denver is on streaks of 21-6-1 overall, 12-1-1 at Mile High and 5-0 in September.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Pittsburgh (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at Philadelphia (1-1, 2-0 ATS)
The Eagles, coming off a highlight-reel Monday night road loss in Dallas, return home for an instate, non-conference clash against the Steelers.
Philadelphia came up just short against the Cowboys, falling 41-37 but covering as a 6½-point underdog. QB Donovan McNabb (25 of 37, 281 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) had his second straight solid start, though he did lose a fumble to snuff out a fourth-quarter drive at the Dallas 33. The Eagles defense allowed just 68 rushing yards, but yielded 312 yards and three TDs in the air.
Pittsburgh played an absolute yawner by comparison last week, beating Cleveland 10-6 and failing to cash as a six-point road chalk. QB Ben Roethlisberger was a mediocre 12 of 19 for 186 yards and a TD, but he got support from RB Willie Parker (28 carries, 205 yards), and the Steelers won the turnover battle 2-0 while allowing just 208 total yards.
These two teams have met in the past four preseasons, but the last game that counted was a 27-3 Pittsburgh rout in 2004 as a one-point home ‘dog.
The Eagles have struggled to get back on track coming off games against Dallas, going 5-9 ATS the last 14 times in that situation, and they are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home starts. But they sport positive pointspread streaks of 4-1 overall, 6-2 after a SU loss and 9-4 against winning teams. The Steelers, meanwhile, are 1-4 ATS in their last five on the highway and 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a SU win.
The under has been the play in four of Philly’s last five home games, but the over is 20-7-2 in the Eagles’ last 29 games versus winning teams and 5-1 in Pittsburgh’s last six contests overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
Jacksonville (0-2 SU and ATS) at Indianapolis (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Jaguars, off to a rough start after reaching the divisional round of the playoffs last year, head north to the new Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Colts in an AFC South showdown.
For the second straight week, Jacksonville went off as a favorite and lost outright, falling to Buffalo 20-16 as a four-point home chalk. QB David Garrard (17 of 28, 165 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT) was mediocre for an offense that finished with just 243 total yards, and the Jags gave up 10 points in the last five minutes of the game to blow a 16-10 lead.
Indianapolis rallied from a 15-0 deficit to edge Minnesota 18-15 laying two points on the road. QB Peyton Manning (26 of 42, 311 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) didn’t lead the Colts to any points until a late-third quarter TD, but he guided two more drives in the fourth quarter, with Adam Vinatieri winning it on a 47-yard field goal in the waning seconds. Indy rushed for a meager 25 yards, while allowing 179.
The Colts have won five of the last six in this rivalry, though they are just 2-3-1 ATS in that stretch. Indy took both meetings in 2007, but did not cash at home. In fact, the road team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight series clashes.
The Jaguars are on a 9-3-1 ATS streak as a division road ‘dog, but otherwise they’re on pointspread skids of 1-4 overall and 1-5 in September. Meanwhile, the Colts are mired in ATS funks of 0-4 after a spread-cover, 1-5 at home and 2-8 in division play, though they’re still on pointspread upticks of 14-5-1 in September and 8-3 coming off a SU win.
The over for Jacksonville is on tears of 10-2-2 overall, 7-1-1 as a visitor and 7-2-2 in conference play, but the under is 9-3 in Indy’s last 12 September games and 6-1 in its last seven when coming off a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Cleveland (0-2, 1-1 ATS) at Baltimore (1-0 SU and ATS)
The Browns, who barely missed the playoffs last year on a tiebreaker, aim to kick-start their 2008 season when they travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Ravens.
Cleveland lost to Pittsburgh 10-6 as a six-point home underdog in prime time last Sunday night, getting only a pair of second-half field goals. QB Derek Anderson (18 of 32, 166 yards) threw two INTs, and the Browns finished with just 208 total yards.
Baltimore, which had its game last week at Houston postponed by Hurricane Ike, topped Cincinnati 17-10 as a one-point home pup in its season opener. Rookie QB Joe Flacco (15 of 29, 129 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) wasn’t flashy, but he did contribute a 38-yard TD run, and the Ravens finished with 229 rushing yards, while the defense stifled the Bengals, allowing just 154 total yards.
The Browns are on a 5-0 ATS roll in this AFC North rivalry (2-3 SU), winning and cashing in both of last year’s clashes. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests, and the home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
The Browns have cashed in five of their last six division games, and they are on additional ATS streaks of 10-3 overall, 11-1 against winning teams, 7-1 after a SU loss and 7-1 against the AFC. The Ravens are on a 10-6 ATS run in division play at home, but they’re on pointspread slides of 4-11 overall, 3-11 in conference play and 2-5 inside the division.
The under has cashed in four of the last five meetings between these rivals in Baltimore. Furthermore, the under for Cleveland is on runs of 8-0 overall and 5-0 against the AFC. On the flip side, the over for Baltimore is on stretches of 6-2 overall, 4-1 at home and 6-1 in AFC play.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
Dallas (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at Green Bay (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Cowboys, coming off a thrilling Monday night victory, make the trek to Lambeau Field to face the Packers in the prime-time Sunday night slot.
Dallas held off Philadelphia 41-37 in a scoring bonanza six days ago, but the Cowboys failed to cash as a 6½-point home chalk. QB Tony Romo (21 of 30, 310 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) was solid, though he did lose a fumble that was recovered in the end zone to give Philly a second-quarter TD. Neither team committed much to the run, but the Cowboys passing game was just a tick better than the Eagles’, led by TE Jason Whitten (7 catches, 110 yards) and WR Terrell Owens (3 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs).
Green Bay squandered all of a 24-9 fourth-quarter lead at Detroit a week ago, then quickly got it all back and more in a 48-25 rout of the Lions as a three-point road favorite. After falling behind 25-24, the Pack picked off Lions QB Jon Kitna on three straight possessions, returning two for TDs. QB Aaron Rodgers was sterling, going 24 of 38 for 328 yards and three TDs and no INTs, and Green Bay finished with a 447-311 total yardage edge.
The Packers and Cowboys have met just twice this decade, with each winning and covering at home. Last November, Dallas claimed a 37-27 home win laying seven points, with Rodgers coming off the bench to replace injured starter Brett Favre. The home team has won 10 straight meetings in this rivalry, going 9-1 ATS, including 7-0 ATS in the last seven. Also, the favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last seven clashes.
The Cowboys are on a 9-4 ATS streak on the highway and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven in September, but otherwise they’re on pointspread declines of 1-6 overall, 0-6 against the NFC, 0-4 after a non-cover and 1-4 after a SU win. The Packers, meanwhile, are on a 7-1-1 ATS tear at Lambeau and are on further ATS hot streaks of 19-7-2 overall, 7-0 in September, 16-5-2 against the NFC and 12-4 after a SU win.
Monday’s shootout against Philadelphia ended a five-game under run for the Cowboys. The Cowboys now sport over streaks of 13-5-2 on the road, 13-5-1 versus winning teams and 6-2-1 in September. The over is also on a bevy of runs for Green Bay, including 19-7 overall, 6-0 at home, 5-0 in September, 5-0 against winning teams and 13-3 against the NFC. Finally, the last four meetings between these rivals have topped the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY and OVER
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Kansas City (0-2, 1-1 ATS) at Atlanta (1-1 SU and ATS)
Two teams that mustered just single digits last week get together for a non-conference contest when the Falcons host the Chiefs at the Georgia Dome.
Atlanta lost to Tampa Bay 24-9 as a seven-point road underdog, putting up just three field goals. After an impressive performance in his NFL debut in Week 1, QB Matt Ryan looked much more like the rookie he is, going 13 of 33 for 158 yards, with two INTs and four sacks. RB Michael Turner, who busted out for 220 yards and two TDs in the season opener against Detroit, had just 42 yards, and the Falcons were outgained 311-234, allowing 164 rushing yards.
Kansas City was even worse than Atlanta last week, losing 23-8 to Oakland as a 3½-point home favorite, failing to score until a TD and 2-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. QB Damon Huard lasted just two possessions before getting hurt, going 2 of 4 for 17 yards and an INT, and the Chiefs finished with just 190 total yards (55 rushing). The defense gave up 355 yards, including a whopping 300 on the ground.
Tyler Thigpen (14 of 33, 151 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) replaced Huard last week, and coach Herm Edwards has pegged Thigpen to start against Atlanta.
These two teams haven’t met since 2004, when K.C. administered a 56-10 beatdown laying 3½ points at home.
Despite the Chiefs’ 0-2 SU start, they are on positive ATS streaks of 7-1 on the highway, 12-6-1 as a non-division road ‘dog and 9-2-1 in Week 3. On the flip side, the Falcons are in pointspread funks of 13-23-1 as a non-division home chalk, 4-9 at home and 1-4 after a non-cover.
Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, the straight-up winner is an astounding 27-3-1 ATS, with nine of the 12 underdogs that covered winning outright.
The under for Kansas City is on streaks of 13-3 in September and 9-3 in roadies, but the over for Atlanta is on runs of 8-1 overall, 6-0 after a SU loss, 5-0 after a non-cover and 5-0 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Oakland (1-1 SU and ATS) at Buffalo (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Bills look to hold onto a share of first place in the AFC East when they host the Raiders at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Buffalo put up 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 20-16 upset of Jacksonville as a four-point road pup. QB Trent Edwards was effective and efficient, going 20-for-25 for 239 yards with one TD and no INTs, though he did lose one fumble. The Bills’ defense also yielded just 243 total yards and allowed the Jags to convert just two of 11 third-down attempts.
Oakland beat Kansas City 23-8 as a 3½-point road ‘dog, primarily on the strength of 300 rushing yards. First-round draft pick Darren McFadden had 21 carries for 164 yards and a TD, helping offset another poor effort from QB JaMarcus Russell (6 of 17, 55 yards), and the Raiders finished with a whopping 355-190 edge in total yards.
The Raiders have won the last four meetings between these AFC rivals (3-1 ATS), dating to 1999, but they haven’t met since 2005, when Oakland claimed a 38-17 home win as a three-point favorite.
The Bills are on positive ATS runs of 10-4-1 overall, 13-3-1 after a spread-cover, 11-3 at home and 10-3-1 after a SU win. Conversely, the Raiders carry nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 27-55-1 overall, 20-41-2 against the AFC, 6-15 as a non-division road ‘dog and 1-6 coming off an ATS win.
The over is on a plethora of runs for both squads, including 5-0 overall for Buffalo, 19-9 for the Bills following a SU win, 7-2 overall for Oakland, 5-1 in September for the Raiders, 4-1 for the Raiders on the road and 14-6 for the Raiders after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BUFFALO and OVER
Houston (0-1 SU and ATS) at Tennessee (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Texans, forced to take an early bye week as Hurricane Ike raged through southeast Texas, get back to work when they travel to LP Field to take on the Titans.
Houston opened the season with a 38-17 loss at Pittsburgh, failing to cover as a 6½-point road ‘dog. QB Matt Schaub (25 of 33, 202 yards) passed for one TD and rushed for another, but he also accounted for all three Texans turnovers (2 INTs, 1 fumble) and was sacked five times as Houston finished with just 234 total yards. The Texans were supposed to play their home opener against the Ravens last weekend, but Ike postponed that contest until November.
Tennessee flattened Cincinnati 24-7 last week as a one-point road pup, scoring their second straight upset to begin the season. Kerry Collins (14 of 21, 128 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) was serviceable stepping in for the injured Vince Young, and he was greatly aided by the Titans’ 177 rushing yards – with rookie Chris Johnson netting 109 yards on 19 carries. Tennessee also held Cincy to just 215 total yards and blocked a punt for a TD.
Tennessee has won six straight meetings in this AFC South rivalry (5-1 ATS), including sweeping the last two season series’ both SU and ATS. However, the underdog is on a 7-2 ATS streak in this series.
The Texans carry negative ATS streaks of 0-4 on the highway, 3-8 against the AFC, 2-5 against winning teams, 3-7 in September and 1-5 as a divisional road ‘dog. Meanwhile, the Titans have cashed in six straight September contests and nine of their last 10 in division play.
The over has cashed in the last four meetings between these two. Also, for Houston the over is on runs of 5-1 overall, 8-0 against AFC South rivals and 8-2-1 on the highway. On the flip side, the under streaks for Tennessee including 5-0 overall, 6-0 in September, 11-1-1 after a SU win, 8-1-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2-1 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Cincinnati (0-2 SU and ATS) at N.Y. Giants (2-0 SU and ATS)
The defending Super Bowl-champion Giants step outside the conference when they host the struggling Bengals in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York trounced St. Louis 41-13 as a hefty nine-point road chalk, racking up an overwhelming 441-201 edge in total yards against the hapless Rams. QB Eli Manning was a steady 20 of 29 for 260 yards with three TDs and no INTs, and RB Brandon Jacobs (15 carries, 93 yards) led a ground attack that netted an even 200 yards.
Cincinnati got beat up by Tennessee 24-7 as a one-point favorite in its home opener, totaling just 215 yards. QB Carson Palmer was 16 of 27 for 134 yards with no TDs and two INTs, and the Bengals also had a punt blocked for a TD.
These squads have met just once this decade, a 23-22 Cincinnati home win in 2004, though the Bengals failed to cash as a six-point chalk.
Including their run through the playoffs, the Giants are on a 10-1 ATS roll, including eight consecutive spread-covers. New York is on further ATS streaks of 16-5 overall and 8-3 against losing teams. The Bengals, meanwhile, are still 8-3 ATS in their last 11 September starts, but otherwise they’re on spread-covering slides of 2-5 overall, 2-5 on the highway and 5-11-1 against winning teams.
The under for Cincinnati is on tears of 7-1 overall, 6-0 versus winning teams, 4-1 on the road and 13-5 in September, but the over has cashed in five of New York’s last seven home games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS
Arizona (2-0 SU and ATS) at Washington (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Cardinals hope to ride the aging arm of QB Kurt Warner to another win when they cross the country to battle the Redskins at FedEx Field.
Arizona routed Miami 31-10 as a 6½-point home chalk, winning and covering as a favorite for the second straight week. Warner went haywire, completing 19 of 24 passes for 361 yards with three TDs and no INTs. That helped the Cards to a whopping 445-236 advantage in total yards, as WRs Larry Fitzgerald (6 catches, 153 yards) and Anquan Boldin (6 catches, 140 yards) both had huge days.
Washington bounced back from its Week 1 loss at the Giants by rallying past New Orleans 29-24 as a one-point home favorite. QB Jason Campbell erased a 24-15 fourth-quarter deficit by leading two TD drives, and he finished 24 of 36 for 321 yards and a TD pass, which went to WR Santana Moss, who finished with 164 receiving yards. The Redskins defense yielded 250 yards, while the offense rolled up 455, and Washington won the turnover battle, 3-1.
The Redskins have won the last six clashes in this rivalry (3-2-1 ATS), including a 21-19 home win last year, though they failed to cash as a nine-point favorite. The underdog is on a 10-4-1 ATS run in the last 15 meetings.
The Cards have gone 17-8 in their last 25 games overall and 9-4-1 ATS in their last 13 roadies, and they are on additional pointspread runs of 6-0 in September and 9-5 in non-division tilts. The Redskins are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games against winning teams and 5-2 ATS in their last seven overall, but they are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 10 following a spread-cover and 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight as non-division home chalk.
The over for Arizona is on runs of 18-6 overall, 37-14 on the highway and 25-10 inside the conference. The over also cashed in last year’s FedEx Field meeting between these two.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Miami (0-2 SU and ATS) at New England (2-0, 1-1 ATS)
The Patriots, successfully moving on last week without MVP quarterback Tom Brady, play host to the division rival Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
With Brady sidelined for the season, New England was hardly the offensive juggernaut it was in 2007, but got enough done to beat the Brett Favre-led Jets 19-10 as a one-point road underdog. In two games this year, the Pats have totaled just 36 points – which is what they averaged per game last season. QB Matt Cassel, making his first start since high school, avoided mistakes in going 16 of 23 for 165 yards, and Stephen Gostkowski made four field goals.
Miami fell at Arizona 31-10 last week catching 6½ points, totaling just 234 yards while allowing 445. QB Chad Pennington (10 of 20, 112 yards, no TDS, no INTs) was pedestrian before yielding to rookie Chad Henne in the fourth quarter.
The host is on a 12-5 ATS streak in this rivalry, with New England cashing in six of the last eight at Gillette Stadium. The Pats rolled to two easy wins over Miami last year, going 1-1 ATS.
The Patriots snapped an 0-7 ATS skid last week, but they remain on negative pointspread streaks of 0-6 at home, 1-6 after a SU win and 1-5 against AFC foes. On the bright side, they are 25-11 ATS in their last 36 against losing teams and 35-16-1 ATS in their last 52 divisional games. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are mired in ATS funks of 2-5 overall, 0-7-2 in September, 5-22-2 inside the division and 17-36-2 against the AFC.
The under has been the play in New England’s last four games and is also 6-0-1 in the Pats’ last seven at home. Conversely, the over for Miami is on runs of 5-2 overall, 5-0 coming off a SU loss and 4-1 in September.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ENGLAND
Tampa Bay (1-1 SU and ATS) at Chicago (1-1, 1-0-1 ATS)
The Bears, who hit the road for the first two weeks of the season, return to Soldier Field for their home opener against the Buccaneers.
Chicago blew a 17-3 third-quarter lead in losing to Carolina 20-17 last week, getting a push as a three-point road pup. Kyle Orton was a mediocre 19 of 32 for 149 yards, but the offense generated just 10 points, as the other seven came off a blocked punt on the game’s first possession. The Bears defense allowed just 216 total yards, but gave up two second-half TDs.
After a tough four-point home loss at New Orleans to open the season, Tampa Bay coasted past Atlanta 24-9 as a seven-point home chalk last week. QB Brian Griese (18 of 31, 160 yards, 1 TD) was serviceable in place of Jeff Garcia, but RB Earnest Graham was the difference, with 15 carries for 116 yards, including a late 68-yard TD jaunt.
The Bears have won the last two battles with the Bucs, but Tampa is 3-1 ATS over the last four contests, most recently covering as a 13-point road ‘dog in a 34-31 overtime loss in 2006.
The Bears are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five overall and 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a SU loss, but they are in pointspread ruts of 4-9 at Soldier Field and 2-7 as a home chalk. The Bucs have also struggled to cash, carrying negative ATS streaks of 1-4 overall (all against the NFC), 3-9 following a SU win of more than 14 points, 2-5 as a visitor and 3-12 in non-division road outings.
The under is 4-1 in the last five clashes between these teams. The under is also 4-1 run in Chicago’s last five and 9-3 in Tampa’s last 12 September starts. However, the over is on streask of 6-2 for Tampa Bay overall, 5-0 for Tampa Bay on the road, 22-7-1 for Chicago against the NFC and 15-5 for the Bears at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Carolina (2-0, 1-0-1 ATS) at Minnesota (0-2 SU and ATS)
The Panthers, who have posted come-from-behind wins in the first two weeks, look to keep their good fortune going when they travel to the Metrodome to take on the Vikings.
Carolina erased a 17-3 third-quarter deficit last week to beat Chicago 20-17, pushing as a three-point home favorite. QB Jake Delhomme (12 of 21, 128 yards, 1 INT) had a subpar overall effort as the Panthers finished with just 216 total yards, but he led three second-half scoring drives to give Carolina the win. The Panthers won the turnover battle 2-1, helping offset an early blocked punt that gave the Bears their first TD.
Minnesota fell apart in the second half against Indianapolis last week, blowing a 15-0 lead and losing 18-15 as a two-point home underdog. The Vikings’ offense settled for five Ryan Longwell field goals as QB Tarvaris Jackson (14 of 24, 130 yards, one lost fumble) continued to be ineffective, leading coach Brad Childress to announce this week that veteran Gus Frerotte will start at quarterback for the rest of the season.
The Vikes edged the Panthers 16-13 in overtime as a two-point home favorite early in the 2006 season, ending a 3-0 SU and ATS run by Carolina in this series.
The Panthers are on ATS tears of 8-3 on the road, 19-9-2 as a road underdog and 8-2-2 in domes, and they’re also 4-0-1 ATS in their last five overall. The Vikings, conversely, have failed to cover in five straight games and are also 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.
The under has been the play in five of the last six head-to-head battles between these teams in Minnesota, and the under for Carolina is on streaks of 8-3 against the NFC and 20-8-2 in September. But the over for the Vikings is on runs of 6-2 at the dome, 6-1-1 after a SU loss and 13-3-2 following a pointspread setback.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CAROLINA
St. Louis (0-2 SU and ATS) at Seattle (0-2 SU and ATS)
The three-time defending NFC West champion Seahawks look to get in the win column for the first time in 2008 when they host the rival Rams at Qwest Field.
Seattle suffered a 33-30 overtime upset loss to San Francisco a week ago, getting outscored 20-10 after halftime and failing to cover as a 6½-point home chalk. QB Matt Hasselbeck had his second straight rough outing, going 18 of 36 for 189 yards with no TDS and two INTs – one of which was returned 86 yards for a TD midway through the third quarter. And the Seahawks defense, which gave up 34 points in Buffalo in Week 1, struggled again.
St. Louis got pounded 41-13 as a nine-point home underdog, gaining just 201 total yards while allowing 441. QB Marc Bulger (20 of 32, 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had another forgettable day, getting sacked six times and having his one pick returned for a TD, and the Rams got outgained on the ground, 200-68.
Seattle has ripped off six straight victories (4-2 ATS) in this NFC West rivalry, winning and cashing in both meetings last year, including a 33-6 rout at Qwest laying nine points. That said, the underdog is still on an 8-3 ATS run in this series.
The Seahawks are in a 1-4 ATS skid dating to last season, but they’re still on positive pointspread runs of 6-1 at home, 5-1 in division play, 4-1 after a SU loss and 4-1 following a non-cover. On the flip side, the Rams have dropped five straight pointspread decisions and are on additional ATS slides of 5-13 since the 2007 season opener, 2-6 inside the division, 3-6 in roadies and 7-20-3 in September.
The over for Seattle is on stretches of 5-0 overall, 4-1 at home and 22-10 against losing teams, and for St. Louis the over is on runs of 4-1 overall, 6-0 after a pointspread defeat and 7-1 after a SU loss. However, both of last year’s clashes between these two stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SEATTLE
Detroit (0-2 SU and ATS) at San Francisco (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Lions, whose 2007 freefall appears to have continued into 2008, make the lengthy trip to the West Coast to face the 49ers at Monster Park.
Detroit followed up a 10-point loss at Atlanta in Week 1 with a 48-25 setback to Green Bay as a three-point home pup. After rallying the Lions from a 21-0 deficit to a 25-24 lead midway through the fourth quarter, QB Jon Kitna (21 of 41, 276 yards, 2 TDs) threw INTs on the next three possessions, with two returned for scores to kill Detroit’s hopes. The Lions were outgained 447-311 and had an 11-minute deficit in time of possession.
San Francisco stunned Seattle 33-30 in overtime last Sunday to cash as a 6½-point road ‘dog. QB J.T. O’Sullivan (20 of 32, 321 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) had a big day passing and rushed for another 32 yards, and WR Isaac Bruce (4 catches, 153 yards) found some of his old form. The 49ers’ defense keyed a 3-1 turnover edge, picking off Matt Hasselbeck twice – returning one 86 yards for a TD.
These two teams have met just three times this decade, with San Francisco going 3-0 SU (1-1-1 ATS). In the most recent clash in 2006, the Niners posted a 19-13 road win catching 6½ points.
The Lions are 1-9 SU and ATS in their last 10 games. Detroit is on additional pointspread dips of 4-13 on the road (0-5 last five) and 2-8 on grass. The 49ers, despite last week’s upset in Seattle, also carry a bunch of negative ATS trends, including 4-9 overall, 3-8 at home, 3-9 against the NFC and 1-6 after a spread-cover.
The under has cashed in four of the 49ers’ last five home games, but the “over” trends kick in for both teams from there. For Detroit, the over steaks include 10-1 overall, 6-0 in conference play and 5-0 on the highway, while the over is 21-10 in San Francisco’s last 31 games against losing teams and 5-1 in its last six after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
New Orleans (1-1 SU and ATS) at Denver (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Broncos, coming off one of the most controversial wins in years, remain home at Invesco Field at Mile High for another week, hosting the Saints for a non-conference clash.
Denver edged San Diego 39-38 last week in a pick-em contest at home, aided greatly by a botched call in the waning moments on a fumble that should have given the Chargers the ball and the win. Instead, QB Jay Cutler (36 of 50, 350 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) got a second chance and hit Eddie Royal with a short TD pass, and Cutler and Royal followed by hooking up on the 2-point conversion to get the victory.
Neither team had any trouble moving the ball, with the Broncos finishing with a 486-456 total yardage edge.
New Orleans blew a 24-15 fourth-quarter lead at Washington last week, giving up a pair of late TDs in a 29-24 loss as a one-point road pup. QB Drew Brees (22 of 33, 216 yards, 1 TD) had a fair outing, but he threw two INTs to Chris Horton, with the last coming on the Saints’ final drive. The Saints’ running game (55 yards) never got going as they finished with just 250 total yards, while allowing 455.
These clubs have met twice since 2000, with Denver going 2-0 SU and ATS, including a 34-13 road win laying six points in 2004.
The Broncos have cashed in their first two games of 2008 and they’re 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home games, but they still remain mired in pointspread slides of 7-18-1 overall, 2-11-1 after a SU win and 5-12 after a spread-cover. The Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last seven AFC road games and 1-4 ATS in their last five September starts, but they are 5-2 ATS in their past seven following a pointspread setback.
For New Orleans, the over is on tears of 7-0 overall, 6-2 on the highway and 39-18-1 against winning teams, and the over for Denver is on streaks of 21-6-1 overall, 12-1-1 at Mile High and 5-0 in September.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Pittsburgh (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at Philadelphia (1-1, 2-0 ATS)
The Eagles, coming off a highlight-reel Monday night road loss in Dallas, return home for an instate, non-conference clash against the Steelers.
Philadelphia came up just short against the Cowboys, falling 41-37 but covering as a 6½-point underdog. QB Donovan McNabb (25 of 37, 281 yards, 1 TD, no INTs) had his second straight solid start, though he did lose a fumble to snuff out a fourth-quarter drive at the Dallas 33. The Eagles defense allowed just 68 rushing yards, but yielded 312 yards and three TDs in the air.
Pittsburgh played an absolute yawner by comparison last week, beating Cleveland 10-6 and failing to cash as a six-point road chalk. QB Ben Roethlisberger was a mediocre 12 of 19 for 186 yards and a TD, but he got support from RB Willie Parker (28 carries, 205 yards), and the Steelers won the turnover battle 2-0 while allowing just 208 total yards.
These two teams have met in the past four preseasons, but the last game that counted was a 27-3 Pittsburgh rout in 2004 as a one-point home ‘dog.
The Eagles have struggled to get back on track coming off games against Dallas, going 5-9 ATS the last 14 times in that situation, and they are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home starts. But they sport positive pointspread streaks of 4-1 overall, 6-2 after a SU loss and 9-4 against winning teams. The Steelers, meanwhile, are 1-4 ATS in their last five on the highway and 2-5 ATS in their last seven after a SU win.
The under has been the play in four of Philly’s last five home games, but the over is 20-7-2 in the Eagles’ last 29 games versus winning teams and 5-1 in Pittsburgh’s last six contests overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
Jacksonville (0-2 SU and ATS) at Indianapolis (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Jaguars, off to a rough start after reaching the divisional round of the playoffs last year, head north to the new Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Colts in an AFC South showdown.
For the second straight week, Jacksonville went off as a favorite and lost outright, falling to Buffalo 20-16 as a four-point home chalk. QB David Garrard (17 of 28, 165 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT) was mediocre for an offense that finished with just 243 total yards, and the Jags gave up 10 points in the last five minutes of the game to blow a 16-10 lead.
Indianapolis rallied from a 15-0 deficit to edge Minnesota 18-15 laying two points on the road. QB Peyton Manning (26 of 42, 311 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) didn’t lead the Colts to any points until a late-third quarter TD, but he guided two more drives in the fourth quarter, with Adam Vinatieri winning it on a 47-yard field goal in the waning seconds. Indy rushed for a meager 25 yards, while allowing 179.
The Colts have won five of the last six in this rivalry, though they are just 2-3-1 ATS in that stretch. Indy took both meetings in 2007, but did not cash at home. In fact, the road team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight series clashes.
The Jaguars are on a 9-3-1 ATS streak as a division road ‘dog, but otherwise they’re on pointspread skids of 1-4 overall and 1-5 in September. Meanwhile, the Colts are mired in ATS funks of 0-4 after a spread-cover, 1-5 at home and 2-8 in division play, though they’re still on pointspread upticks of 14-5-1 in September and 8-3 coming off a SU win.
The over for Jacksonville is on tears of 10-2-2 overall, 7-1-1 as a visitor and 7-2-2 in conference play, but the under is 9-3 in Indy’s last 12 September games and 6-1 in its last seven when coming off a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Cleveland (0-2, 1-1 ATS) at Baltimore (1-0 SU and ATS)
The Browns, who barely missed the playoffs last year on a tiebreaker, aim to kick-start their 2008 season when they travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Ravens.
Cleveland lost to Pittsburgh 10-6 as a six-point home underdog in prime time last Sunday night, getting only a pair of second-half field goals. QB Derek Anderson (18 of 32, 166 yards) threw two INTs, and the Browns finished with just 208 total yards.
Baltimore, which had its game last week at Houston postponed by Hurricane Ike, topped Cincinnati 17-10 as a one-point home pup in its season opener. Rookie QB Joe Flacco (15 of 29, 129 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) wasn’t flashy, but he did contribute a 38-yard TD run, and the Ravens finished with 229 rushing yards, while the defense stifled the Bengals, allowing just 154 total yards.
The Browns are on a 5-0 ATS roll in this AFC North rivalry (2-3 SU), winning and cashing in both of last year’s clashes. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests, and the home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
The Browns have cashed in five of their last six division games, and they are on additional ATS streaks of 10-3 overall, 11-1 against winning teams, 7-1 after a SU loss and 7-1 against the AFC. The Ravens are on a 10-6 ATS run in division play at home, but they’re on pointspread slides of 4-11 overall, 3-11 in conference play and 2-5 inside the division.
The under has cashed in four of the last five meetings between these rivals in Baltimore. Furthermore, the under for Cleveland is on runs of 8-0 overall and 5-0 against the AFC. On the flip side, the over for Baltimore is on stretches of 6-2 overall, 4-1 at home and 6-1 in AFC play.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEVELAND
Dallas (2-0, 1-1 ATS) at Green Bay (2-0 SU and ATS)
The Cowboys, coming off a thrilling Monday night victory, make the trek to Lambeau Field to face the Packers in the prime-time Sunday night slot.
Dallas held off Philadelphia 41-37 in a scoring bonanza six days ago, but the Cowboys failed to cash as a 6½-point home chalk. QB Tony Romo (21 of 30, 310 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) was solid, though he did lose a fumble that was recovered in the end zone to give Philly a second-quarter TD. Neither team committed much to the run, but the Cowboys passing game was just a tick better than the Eagles’, led by TE Jason Whitten (7 catches, 110 yards) and WR Terrell Owens (3 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs).
Green Bay squandered all of a 24-9 fourth-quarter lead at Detroit a week ago, then quickly got it all back and more in a 48-25 rout of the Lions as a three-point road favorite. After falling behind 25-24, the Pack picked off Lions QB Jon Kitna on three straight possessions, returning two for TDs. QB Aaron Rodgers was sterling, going 24 of 38 for 328 yards and three TDs and no INTs, and Green Bay finished with a 447-311 total yardage edge.
The Packers and Cowboys have met just twice this decade, with each winning and covering at home. Last November, Dallas claimed a 37-27 home win laying seven points, with Rodgers coming off the bench to replace injured starter Brett Favre. The home team has won 10 straight meetings in this rivalry, going 9-1 ATS, including 7-0 ATS in the last seven. Also, the favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last seven clashes.
The Cowboys are on a 9-4 ATS streak on the highway and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven in September, but otherwise they’re on pointspread declines of 1-6 overall, 0-6 against the NFC, 0-4 after a non-cover and 1-4 after a SU win. The Packers, meanwhile, are on a 7-1-1 ATS tear at Lambeau and are on further ATS hot streaks of 19-7-2 overall, 7-0 in September, 16-5-2 against the NFC and 12-4 after a SU win.
Monday’s shootout against Philadelphia ended a five-game under run for the Cowboys. The Cowboys now sport over streaks of 13-5-2 on the road, 13-5-1 versus winning teams and 6-2-1 in September. The over is also on a bevy of runs for Green Bay, including 19-7 overall, 6-0 at home, 5-0 in September, 5-0 against winning teams and 13-3 against the NFC. Finally, the last four meetings between these rivals have topped the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY and OVER
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Sun, 09/21/08 - 4:05 PMJeff Bonds | NFL Side
double-dime bet411 NOS 6.0 (-110) Bodog vs 412 DEN
Analysis:
Absolutely horrendous situation for the Denver Broncos to walk into:
1. Coming off back-to-back divisional wins against their two biggest rivals and welcome in an NFC opponent that they rarely see and have Kansas City on deck.
2. The emotional victory over the Chargers followed an opening week victory on Monday Night Football. This once again becomes a HUGE LETDOWN spot - especially considering that the San Diego game was a DOUBLE REVENGE spot that they really should have lost.
3. Who's going to play Reggie Bush? If Darren Sproles can become the fantasy darling of Week 2 in the NFL in replacement of Tomlinson - how in the world are they going to account for this guy?
In a game that has pretty even squads on both sides of the ball - I'll take the QB (Brees) that's known for making less mistakes. New Orleans is on a MISSION to prove that 2006 wasn't a fluke after failing to make the playoffs in 2007.
double-dime bet411 NOS 6.0 (-110) Bodog vs 412 DEN
Analysis:
Absolutely horrendous situation for the Denver Broncos to walk into:
1. Coming off back-to-back divisional wins against their two biggest rivals and welcome in an NFC opponent that they rarely see and have Kansas City on deck.
2. The emotional victory over the Chargers followed an opening week victory on Monday Night Football. This once again becomes a HUGE LETDOWN spot - especially considering that the San Diego game was a DOUBLE REVENGE spot that they really should have lost.
3. Who's going to play Reggie Bush? If Darren Sproles can become the fantasy darling of Week 2 in the NFL in replacement of Tomlinson - how in the world are they going to account for this guy?
In a game that has pretty even squads on both sides of the ball - I'll take the QB (Brees) that's known for making less mistakes. New Orleans is on a MISSION to prove that 2006 wasn't a fluke after failing to make the playoffs in 2007.
Boston Blackie
5 STAR Total of the Week Early
UNDER 41.5 vs Cincinnati vs NYG
The Cincy defensive is better than you think
5 STAR Total of the Week Late
OVER 41.5 Jacksonville vs Indy
Both teams have defensive injuries.
Over is 7-1-1 in JAC last 9 road games.
Over is 10-2-2 in JAC last 14 games overall.
Over is 7-2-2 in JAC last 11 vs. AFC.
Both teams find their offense
5 STAR Total of the Week Early
UNDER 41.5 vs Cincinnati vs NYG
The Cincy defensive is better than you think
5 STAR Total of the Week Late
OVER 41.5 Jacksonville vs Indy
Both teams have defensive injuries.
Over is 7-1-1 in JAC last 9 road games.
Over is 10-2-2 in JAC last 14 games overall.
Over is 7-2-2 in JAC last 11 vs. AFC.
Both teams find their offense
Sportsbettingstats
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles -3.5
Coming into this big cross-conference battle the Steelers won their last game beating the Browns 10-6, exciting game, while the Eagles lost a barnburner to the Cowboys 41-37. This game will feature 2 teams that are playing great football and feature 2 QB's that are at the top of their game. However, Ben Roethlisberger has a sprained shoulder and that may affect the outcome. The Eagles are led by the resurgent Donovan McNabb (642 yds 4 TD), who is playing like he did in his prime. His main targets are WR's DeSean Jackson (12 rec 216 yds) and Greg Lewis (8 rec 140 yds). The Eagles rushing attack is led by Brian Westbrook (149 yds 3 TD). The Steelers are led by QB Ben Roethlisberger (323 yds 3 TD), who is the top rated QB in the NFL. His main targets are WR's Hines Ward (11 rec 135 yds 3 TD) and Santonio Holmes (7 rec 113 yds). The Steelers rushing attack is led by Willie Parker (243 yds 3 TD).
Staff Pick: Pittsburgh is winning with their defense, which ranks 4th in the NFL. It is interesting that even though Roethlisberger is the NFL's top rated QB and RB Parker has the 3rd most rushing yards that the Steelers offense is only ranked 23rd. While the Eagles have the 3rd ranked offense their D has been sketchy. Well, at least their passing defense. The Eagles have the 11th ranked D in the league, but have given up the fewest yards rushing (52 ypg), but have given up an average of 221 yards passing for their first 2 games. The Eagles will have to pressure Roethlisberger and if they don't he will pick apart their secondary much like Tony Romo did last week. The one main weakness of the Steelers is their offensive line and they will have to step up against a tough front line D of the Eagles. Donovan McNabb is playing great and looks like he did a few years back when he was one of the premier QB's in the league. He will have to play a great game against the tough D of the Steelers. Look for a close game and for the Eagles to pull one out in the end, as they will win this game and cover the spread.
Eagles 27 Steelers 20
Dallas Cowboys -3 at Green Bay Packers
In a huge game that will show which team is the team to beat in the NFC the cowboys come in after beating the Eagles 41-37, while the Packers come in after beating the Lions 45-28. So far both of these teams have looked awesome, especially on offense. The Cowboys are led by QB Tony Romo (632 yds 4 TDs 2 INT) and his main targets are WR Terrell Owens (8 rec 176 yds 3 TD) and TE Jason Witten (13 rec 206 yds). Dallas no longer uses a 2 RB system as Marion Barber III (143 yds 3 TD) is now the main man in the backfield. Green Bay is led by 1st year starter Aaron Rodgers (506 yds 4 TD), who is coming off his best game as a pro against the Lions last week. His main targets are Greg Jennings (11 rec 258 yds) and Donald Driver (11 rec 90 yds 1 TD). The Green Bay rushing attack is led by Ryan Grant (112 yds).
Staff Pick: Both offenses are on fire and a key to this game may be which D can put pressure on the opposing QB. Dallas ranks 10th on defense and Green Bay ranks 22nd. The Cowboys have a legit D, especially against the run, but they were torched last week as the Eagles put up 37 points against them. This is Rodgers biggest game as a pro, but he has passed the test so far in taking over for Brett Favre. Rodgers is the 5th rated QB in the NFL. Packers RB Grant has to have a good game and if he can't pick up some yards the Dallas D will stack the front line and put a lot of pressure on Rodgers. The Packers will run a 3 and 4 WR spread offense, but the Packers offensive line has to give Rodgers time. Green Bay is not particularly strong up front and they have had trouble stopping the run. If the Packers D focuses too much on Romo, Barber III may have a big day. A HUGE advantage for the Packers is that they are playing at home and Lambeau Field is never an easy place to play. However, the forecast is for mild weather, too bad for the Packers, so the elements will not favor the Pack like they do later in the season. Look for a high scoring game but for the Cowboys to exploit Green Bay's D, as they will win this game, cover the spread, and show the league that they are the team to beat in the NFC.
Cowboys 28 Packers 23
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles -3.5
Coming into this big cross-conference battle the Steelers won their last game beating the Browns 10-6, exciting game, while the Eagles lost a barnburner to the Cowboys 41-37. This game will feature 2 teams that are playing great football and feature 2 QB's that are at the top of their game. However, Ben Roethlisberger has a sprained shoulder and that may affect the outcome. The Eagles are led by the resurgent Donovan McNabb (642 yds 4 TD), who is playing like he did in his prime. His main targets are WR's DeSean Jackson (12 rec 216 yds) and Greg Lewis (8 rec 140 yds). The Eagles rushing attack is led by Brian Westbrook (149 yds 3 TD). The Steelers are led by QB Ben Roethlisberger (323 yds 3 TD), who is the top rated QB in the NFL. His main targets are WR's Hines Ward (11 rec 135 yds 3 TD) and Santonio Holmes (7 rec 113 yds). The Steelers rushing attack is led by Willie Parker (243 yds 3 TD).
Staff Pick: Pittsburgh is winning with their defense, which ranks 4th in the NFL. It is interesting that even though Roethlisberger is the NFL's top rated QB and RB Parker has the 3rd most rushing yards that the Steelers offense is only ranked 23rd. While the Eagles have the 3rd ranked offense their D has been sketchy. Well, at least their passing defense. The Eagles have the 11th ranked D in the league, but have given up the fewest yards rushing (52 ypg), but have given up an average of 221 yards passing for their first 2 games. The Eagles will have to pressure Roethlisberger and if they don't he will pick apart their secondary much like Tony Romo did last week. The one main weakness of the Steelers is their offensive line and they will have to step up against a tough front line D of the Eagles. Donovan McNabb is playing great and looks like he did a few years back when he was one of the premier QB's in the league. He will have to play a great game against the tough D of the Steelers. Look for a close game and for the Eagles to pull one out in the end, as they will win this game and cover the spread.
Eagles 27 Steelers 20
Dallas Cowboys -3 at Green Bay Packers
In a huge game that will show which team is the team to beat in the NFC the cowboys come in after beating the Eagles 41-37, while the Packers come in after beating the Lions 45-28. So far both of these teams have looked awesome, especially on offense. The Cowboys are led by QB Tony Romo (632 yds 4 TDs 2 INT) and his main targets are WR Terrell Owens (8 rec 176 yds 3 TD) and TE Jason Witten (13 rec 206 yds). Dallas no longer uses a 2 RB system as Marion Barber III (143 yds 3 TD) is now the main man in the backfield. Green Bay is led by 1st year starter Aaron Rodgers (506 yds 4 TD), who is coming off his best game as a pro against the Lions last week. His main targets are Greg Jennings (11 rec 258 yds) and Donald Driver (11 rec 90 yds 1 TD). The Green Bay rushing attack is led by Ryan Grant (112 yds).
Staff Pick: Both offenses are on fire and a key to this game may be which D can put pressure on the opposing QB. Dallas ranks 10th on defense and Green Bay ranks 22nd. The Cowboys have a legit D, especially against the run, but they were torched last week as the Eagles put up 37 points against them. This is Rodgers biggest game as a pro, but he has passed the test so far in taking over for Brett Favre. Rodgers is the 5th rated QB in the NFL. Packers RB Grant has to have a good game and if he can't pick up some yards the Dallas D will stack the front line and put a lot of pressure on Rodgers. The Packers will run a 3 and 4 WR spread offense, but the Packers offensive line has to give Rodgers time. Green Bay is not particularly strong up front and they have had trouble stopping the run. If the Packers D focuses too much on Romo, Barber III may have a big day. A HUGE advantage for the Packers is that they are playing at home and Lambeau Field is never an easy place to play. However, the forecast is for mild weather, too bad for the Packers, so the elements will not favor the Pack like they do later in the season. Look for a high scoring game but for the Cowboys to exploit Green Bay's D, as they will win this game, cover the spread, and show the league that they are the team to beat in the NFC.
Cowboys 28 Packers 23
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Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet394 BUF -9.5 (-110) Bodog vs 393 OAK
Analysis: I took the Bills in the week 1, where they slaughtered Seattle at home. Then in the following week, I took them once again as road dogs at Jacksonville, where they won the game outright, in a game played in very tough conditions for them, due to very high temperatures. This team can be an outsider this season, especially with the Patriots being without Brady for the season. The Bills still doesn't have the trust and the respect of the bettors and even though they are a 9,5 home favorites for this game, I think we have enough value in here to take them once again. They will face the Raiders this season and I must say I'm not impressed with the Raiders at all.
Oakland is coming from a road win at Kansas by 23-8, but the Chiefs aren't exactly a powerful team, far away from that! Even against a weak opponent and controlling the line of scrimmage, the team couldn't do nothing in their passing game, just limited themselves to be a unidimensional offensive team by just running the ball, with their QB JaMarcus Russell completing only 6-17 passes for 55 yards, while having an awful 45.0 rating. If you remember in the week 1 against Denver, Russell had also a terrible performance, completely shut down until the Raiders trailed by 34-0; earning nine of his 17 completions in the fourth quarter. So, the Raiders will once again depend their rushing offense, where they had a very good performance against the Chiefs with 300 rushing yards, with their RB's Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in a good level. However McFadden is currently with a toe problem and he won't be at 100% for this game.
However the Bills are a much improved team this season, not only in the offense, but in every sector. Just remember the Bills played last week against the Jaguars, who were the second best team in running the football last season and they had a great performance in terms of run defense, holding Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to 66 yards on 21 carries. Already in their home games against the Seahawks, they had held their opponents to 85 rushing yards and jusr four yards per carry. QB Trent Edwards had a good performance against Seattle, but he was even better against the Jaguars, not only because of his great TD pass late in the game to give the win to his team, but also he went the game with 20-25 80% completions and a QB rating of 119.8! The offense continues with different solutions, which will cause problems to the Raiders. Just remember Oakland suffered 41 points against Denver at home in the week one, the only good offensive team they have faced until now this season.
The spot for Oakland for this game is terrible and their headcoach Lane Kiffin is on the verge of getting fired, according to the local press. Also the Raiders are a west coast team and they had to travel 3 time zones to play an early game in the East Coast (10AM for them), which is the ultimate bad spot for a team in the NFL. With all these facts, I think it's clearly possible for the Bills to get a double digits points win in here. They have already beaten Seattle at home by 34-10 this season and today against a team with several problems, I expect an easy win for the Bills in here. Take Buffalo.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet400 WAS -3.0 (-115) Bodog vs 399 ARI
Analysis: Arizona is in my opinion the most overrated team in the league after the first two weeks of the season. The team has won their first two games, QB Kurt Warner comes from a game where he had a great performance, with 361 yards and 3 TD for a QB rating of 158.3 and everybody is saying that he is back to his best and the Cardinals are a serious contender for the postseason. However let's make things clear. The team won at San Francisco by 23-13, but they were outplayed by the 49ers. The Cardinals ended that game with less 6 yards than the Niners, however they were able to take advantage of the turnovers of San Francisco to get the win. Last week, Arizona defeated at home the Dolphins by 31-10, with a differential of +200 passing yards and +9 rushing yards. However I have to ask: is there any team in the league which can't beat the Dolphins right now?
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are putting up huge receiving numbers, but remember that Miami was coming from a game where they suffered 20 points against a weak offense of the Jets and the Niners suffered 30 points against Seattle, so even though there is merit on the Cards offense, the truth is that their opponents were far from being tough, unlike Washington.
The Redskins after an horrible first half against the Giants, they held the Giants to zero points and last week against a power club (New Orleans), they didn't allow any point in the final quarter of the game, which was the weakest link of the team last season.
On Sunday, the defense limited the high-octane New Orleans Saints to seven points on their five second-half series, allowing the offense to rally for a 29-24 victory. What's more, that touchdown came on the first possession after halftime. The Saints had three first downs and 58 yards on their four drives the rest of the way.
"We come in at halftime, and the coaches really emphasize where we made our mistakes," said middle linebacker London Fletcher, who leads the Redskins with 24 tackles. "It's not like we're changing a lot of things. We're just executing them better in the second half. We're doing a great job of making those adjustments."
So I expect a lot of problems of the offense of the Cardinals in this game. The offense of the Redskins was horrible in his game against the Giants, but the fact the team had some extra days to prepare their last week's game against the Saints helped them a lot, as the Redskins looked like another team last week, with QB Jason Campbell being much more comfortable on his task of commanding the west coast offensive scheme of the Redskins. Numbers don't lie and between the game against the Giants and the Saints, he improved from 133 passing yards to 321, from 55.6% completions to 66.7% and from a 81.3 QB rating to a 104.1 rating. The team did quite well on both running and passing, with Clinton Portis still being an upper level running back. The Redskins ended the game against the Saints with 149 rushing yards, while at the same time, WR Santana Moss is back to his game-breaker position, finishing last week's game with 164 yards for 7 catches and 1 TD.
Another important fact for this game has to go with the factor I've told you in my pick on the Bills: the Cardinals had to travel across three time zones, with this game being played at an early start time. The team has an offensive game very based on passing as we've seen and playing so early, the Cards will have to deal with a very hard spot this week. I expect a win for the Redskins in here, as the Cardinals are clearly overrated right now, so we have the opportunity to bet on Washington this week with a very good line. Take the Redskins in here.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 8:15 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet419 DAL -3.0 (-110) BetUS vs 420 GBP
Analysis: There were a lot of doubts about the Packers this season, after Favre left and Rodgers took his place on the team. Suddenly, the Packers are 2-0, nobody remembers that Favre used to be the team's QB and some people even dare to say that Rodgers is an even better version of Favre. He had a very efficient performance against the Vikings, with 171 yards and 1 TD for a 115.5 QB rating and in his last game against the Lions, he had an even better performance with 3 TD and 328 yards for a 117 QB rating. For this SNF game, the oddmakers put the Packers as a 3 points home underdog and the question I put for this game is to know if the Packers are a superbowl contender team or not. We all know Dallas is a contender, the question is to know if the Packers are also at that level.
Everybody is talking about the offense of the Packers, but very few people comment on their defense. The team suffered 19 points against the Vikings, where they were completely dominated in the second half and we even watched a TD pass from Tavaris Jackson (who knew that was possible?!) and last week, the team had a 21-0 lead and allowed the Lions to rally back to the back and even taking a 25-24 lead, before screwing everything up with two turnovers, which originated in two touchdows for the Packers. What these two games prove is that the Packers have been struggling in the defense and against a team like Dallas, this will have to be a major concern for them. Dallas scored 28 points on the road against Cleveland and 41 last week at home against the Eagles. Tony Romo had a terrible mistake in that game, which prevented us to cash Dallas on the spread, but he still finished with 312 yards, 70% in completions and 3 TD besides that interception. The offense of the Cowboys is extremely powerful and their offensive line is probably the best in the whole league. The Packers, like most teams, will start off the game at a disadvantage because of the size of the Cowboys' offensive line, which averages 6 foot 6 and 323.8 pounds across the front. The Packers, when situational pass rusher Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is added to the mix, goes only 6-3 1/2 and 293.8. It's also important to refer that Dallas is the only team in the league (with two games played) which is yet to see their QB getting sacked, which is a proof how Romo has all the time and space in the world to command the offense of his team.
On the other side, I expect a better effort from the defense of the Cowboys, after having suffered 37 points in last week's MNF against the Eagles. Surely a team who wants to win the superbowl can't allow 37 points in a game. The RB of the Packers Ryan Grant had a weak performance against the Lions, with just 20 yards in 15 attempts (1,3 yards per attempt). So, the team will depend a lot from their passing game and the defensive line of the Cowboys is very strong, as they showed against the Eagles by sacking NcNabb four times during the game.
Dallas went 7-1 SU on the road last season and when they were a small fav or dog [-3, +3], the team went 4-0 ATS. This is a National TV game and I expect a statement from Dallas in here. The fact that the Cowboys are a small favorite in this game gives them value and remember the Packers are 1-5-2 ATS in their last 8 home games against a team with a winning road record. So, I'm taking Dallas in here.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 4:15 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet417 CLE 3.0 (-120) Bodog vs 418 BAL
Analysis:
The Browns are coming to this season with great expectations, after a 10-6 record last season. But the truth is that after two weeks, the Browns may be heading to a 0-3 hole and then, all of the expectations would be ended right away. They lost at home twice, even though both games were really tough, as they faced Dallas and Pittsburgh, losing by 10-28 and 6-10. This week they come to Baltimore to face the Ravens.
The Ravens had an unexpected bye, as their game at Houston against the Texans was postponed, due to the hurricane Ike. The team defeated the Bengals in the week 1 at home by 17-10, but we had the confirmation last week that the Bengals are in fact horrible (lost at home by 7-24 against the Titans), so this win isn't exactly a proof that they are very good. The Ravens had just 129 passing yards, confirming the struggles that everybody was expecting from rookie QB Joe Flacco, who ended the game with 15/29 and a QB rating of just 63.7! The team is uni-dimensional, counting just with running the football to make some damage. They had 46 (!) carries against the Bengals for 229 yards. So if Cleveland is able to stop the running game of the Ravens and obligate Flacco to throw the ball, then Baltimore will surely struggle in the offense. We also have the factor of the bye week the Ravens had last week. In theory a bye is a synonym of advantage for the team who rests, as the team will have an extra week to rest and prepare their following game. The problem is that uses to happen much later in the season and not in the second week of the league. So, the Ravens won't be able to take advantage of it that much. Actually it's the opposite, as the teams need to compete early in the season to gain rhythm and automatisms and that's something the Ravens are lacking right now.
Cleveland is the underdog for the third time this season, but for this game the scenario is much different, as the Ravens are far from the level of the Cowboys and the Steelers. Defensive nose tackle Kelly Gregg will be out against for the Ravens and that will help Jamal Lewis and the running game of the Browns. Braylon Edwards is far from his level last season, but he has been motivated by the whole team this week and I expect him to come to his normal level this season, which sent him to the pro bowl last season.
The spot for Cleveland in here is a desperate team, which will give everything in this game. They are also a very motivated team, after all also the Giants started the season with a 0-2 record and ended up winning the superbowl and there is that feeling inside the club.
Defensive lineman Shaun Smith said : "We are that caliber type of team (like the Giants)?We're a good team. We're just trying to get over the hump.
So I'm taking the underdog in here. Take Cleveland.
Also:
1* unit 6.5 Pt Teaser: Buffalo Bills (-3) x Pittsburgh/Philadelphia Under 51.5 @ -120 Bodog
dime bet394 BUF -9.5 (-110) Bodog vs 393 OAK
Analysis: I took the Bills in the week 1, where they slaughtered Seattle at home. Then in the following week, I took them once again as road dogs at Jacksonville, where they won the game outright, in a game played in very tough conditions for them, due to very high temperatures. This team can be an outsider this season, especially with the Patriots being without Brady for the season. The Bills still doesn't have the trust and the respect of the bettors and even though they are a 9,5 home favorites for this game, I think we have enough value in here to take them once again. They will face the Raiders this season and I must say I'm not impressed with the Raiders at all.
Oakland is coming from a road win at Kansas by 23-8, but the Chiefs aren't exactly a powerful team, far away from that! Even against a weak opponent and controlling the line of scrimmage, the team couldn't do nothing in their passing game, just limited themselves to be a unidimensional offensive team by just running the ball, with their QB JaMarcus Russell completing only 6-17 passes for 55 yards, while having an awful 45.0 rating. If you remember in the week 1 against Denver, Russell had also a terrible performance, completely shut down until the Raiders trailed by 34-0; earning nine of his 17 completions in the fourth quarter. So, the Raiders will once again depend their rushing offense, where they had a very good performance against the Chiefs with 300 rushing yards, with their RB's Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in a good level. However McFadden is currently with a toe problem and he won't be at 100% for this game.
However the Bills are a much improved team this season, not only in the offense, but in every sector. Just remember the Bills played last week against the Jaguars, who were the second best team in running the football last season and they had a great performance in terms of run defense, holding Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to 66 yards on 21 carries. Already in their home games against the Seahawks, they had held their opponents to 85 rushing yards and jusr four yards per carry. QB Trent Edwards had a good performance against Seattle, but he was even better against the Jaguars, not only because of his great TD pass late in the game to give the win to his team, but also he went the game with 20-25 80% completions and a QB rating of 119.8! The offense continues with different solutions, which will cause problems to the Raiders. Just remember Oakland suffered 41 points against Denver at home in the week one, the only good offensive team they have faced until now this season.
The spot for Oakland for this game is terrible and their headcoach Lane Kiffin is on the verge of getting fired, according to the local press. Also the Raiders are a west coast team and they had to travel 3 time zones to play an early game in the East Coast (10AM for them), which is the ultimate bad spot for a team in the NFL. With all these facts, I think it's clearly possible for the Bills to get a double digits points win in here. They have already beaten Seattle at home by 34-10 this season and today against a team with several problems, I expect an easy win for the Bills in here. Take Buffalo.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 1:00 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet400 WAS -3.0 (-115) Bodog vs 399 ARI
Analysis: Arizona is in my opinion the most overrated team in the league after the first two weeks of the season. The team has won their first two games, QB Kurt Warner comes from a game where he had a great performance, with 361 yards and 3 TD for a QB rating of 158.3 and everybody is saying that he is back to his best and the Cardinals are a serious contender for the postseason. However let's make things clear. The team won at San Francisco by 23-13, but they were outplayed by the 49ers. The Cardinals ended that game with less 6 yards than the Niners, however they were able to take advantage of the turnovers of San Francisco to get the win. Last week, Arizona defeated at home the Dolphins by 31-10, with a differential of +200 passing yards and +9 rushing yards. However I have to ask: is there any team in the league which can't beat the Dolphins right now?
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are putting up huge receiving numbers, but remember that Miami was coming from a game where they suffered 20 points against a weak offense of the Jets and the Niners suffered 30 points against Seattle, so even though there is merit on the Cards offense, the truth is that their opponents were far from being tough, unlike Washington.
The Redskins after an horrible first half against the Giants, they held the Giants to zero points and last week against a power club (New Orleans), they didn't allow any point in the final quarter of the game, which was the weakest link of the team last season.
On Sunday, the defense limited the high-octane New Orleans Saints to seven points on their five second-half series, allowing the offense to rally for a 29-24 victory. What's more, that touchdown came on the first possession after halftime. The Saints had three first downs and 58 yards on their four drives the rest of the way.
"We come in at halftime, and the coaches really emphasize where we made our mistakes," said middle linebacker London Fletcher, who leads the Redskins with 24 tackles. "It's not like we're changing a lot of things. We're just executing them better in the second half. We're doing a great job of making those adjustments."
So I expect a lot of problems of the offense of the Cardinals in this game. The offense of the Redskins was horrible in his game against the Giants, but the fact the team had some extra days to prepare their last week's game against the Saints helped them a lot, as the Redskins looked like another team last week, with QB Jason Campbell being much more comfortable on his task of commanding the west coast offensive scheme of the Redskins. Numbers don't lie and between the game against the Giants and the Saints, he improved from 133 passing yards to 321, from 55.6% completions to 66.7% and from a 81.3 QB rating to a 104.1 rating. The team did quite well on both running and passing, with Clinton Portis still being an upper level running back. The Redskins ended the game against the Saints with 149 rushing yards, while at the same time, WR Santana Moss is back to his game-breaker position, finishing last week's game with 164 yards for 7 catches and 1 TD.
Another important fact for this game has to go with the factor I've told you in my pick on the Bills: the Cardinals had to travel across three time zones, with this game being played at an early start time. The team has an offensive game very based on passing as we've seen and playing so early, the Cards will have to deal with a very hard spot this week. I expect a win for the Redskins in here, as the Cardinals are clearly overrated right now, so we have the opportunity to bet on Washington this week with a very good line. Take the Redskins in here.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 8:15 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet419 DAL -3.0 (-110) BetUS vs 420 GBP
Analysis: There were a lot of doubts about the Packers this season, after Favre left and Rodgers took his place on the team. Suddenly, the Packers are 2-0, nobody remembers that Favre used to be the team's QB and some people even dare to say that Rodgers is an even better version of Favre. He had a very efficient performance against the Vikings, with 171 yards and 1 TD for a 115.5 QB rating and in his last game against the Lions, he had an even better performance with 3 TD and 328 yards for a 117 QB rating. For this SNF game, the oddmakers put the Packers as a 3 points home underdog and the question I put for this game is to know if the Packers are a superbowl contender team or not. We all know Dallas is a contender, the question is to know if the Packers are also at that level.
Everybody is talking about the offense of the Packers, but very few people comment on their defense. The team suffered 19 points against the Vikings, where they were completely dominated in the second half and we even watched a TD pass from Tavaris Jackson (who knew that was possible?!) and last week, the team had a 21-0 lead and allowed the Lions to rally back to the back and even taking a 25-24 lead, before screwing everything up with two turnovers, which originated in two touchdows for the Packers. What these two games prove is that the Packers have been struggling in the defense and against a team like Dallas, this will have to be a major concern for them. Dallas scored 28 points on the road against Cleveland and 41 last week at home against the Eagles. Tony Romo had a terrible mistake in that game, which prevented us to cash Dallas on the spread, but he still finished with 312 yards, 70% in completions and 3 TD besides that interception. The offense of the Cowboys is extremely powerful and their offensive line is probably the best in the whole league. The Packers, like most teams, will start off the game at a disadvantage because of the size of the Cowboys' offensive line, which averages 6 foot 6 and 323.8 pounds across the front. The Packers, when situational pass rusher Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is added to the mix, goes only 6-3 1/2 and 293.8. It's also important to refer that Dallas is the only team in the league (with two games played) which is yet to see their QB getting sacked, which is a proof how Romo has all the time and space in the world to command the offense of his team.
On the other side, I expect a better effort from the defense of the Cowboys, after having suffered 37 points in last week's MNF against the Eagles. Surely a team who wants to win the superbowl can't allow 37 points in a game. The RB of the Packers Ryan Grant had a weak performance against the Lions, with just 20 yards in 15 attempts (1,3 yards per attempt). So, the team will depend a lot from their passing game and the defensive line of the Cowboys is very strong, as they showed against the Eagles by sacking NcNabb four times during the game.
Dallas went 7-1 SU on the road last season and when they were a small fav or dog [-3, +3], the team went 4-0 ATS. This is a National TV game and I expect a statement from Dallas in here. The fact that the Cowboys are a small favorite in this game gives them value and remember the Packers are 1-5-2 ATS in their last 8 home games against a team with a winning road record. So, I'm taking Dallas in here.
Sun, 09/21/08 - 4:15 PMAndre Gomes | NFL Side
dime bet417 CLE 3.0 (-120) Bodog vs 418 BAL
Analysis:
The Browns are coming to this season with great expectations, after a 10-6 record last season. But the truth is that after two weeks, the Browns may be heading to a 0-3 hole and then, all of the expectations would be ended right away. They lost at home twice, even though both games were really tough, as they faced Dallas and Pittsburgh, losing by 10-28 and 6-10. This week they come to Baltimore to face the Ravens.
The Ravens had an unexpected bye, as their game at Houston against the Texans was postponed, due to the hurricane Ike. The team defeated the Bengals in the week 1 at home by 17-10, but we had the confirmation last week that the Bengals are in fact horrible (lost at home by 7-24 against the Titans), so this win isn't exactly a proof that they are very good. The Ravens had just 129 passing yards, confirming the struggles that everybody was expecting from rookie QB Joe Flacco, who ended the game with 15/29 and a QB rating of just 63.7! The team is uni-dimensional, counting just with running the football to make some damage. They had 46 (!) carries against the Bengals for 229 yards. So if Cleveland is able to stop the running game of the Ravens and obligate Flacco to throw the ball, then Baltimore will surely struggle in the offense. We also have the factor of the bye week the Ravens had last week. In theory a bye is a synonym of advantage for the team who rests, as the team will have an extra week to rest and prepare their following game. The problem is that uses to happen much later in the season and not in the second week of the league. So, the Ravens won't be able to take advantage of it that much. Actually it's the opposite, as the teams need to compete early in the season to gain rhythm and automatisms and that's something the Ravens are lacking right now.
Cleveland is the underdog for the third time this season, but for this game the scenario is much different, as the Ravens are far from the level of the Cowboys and the Steelers. Defensive nose tackle Kelly Gregg will be out against for the Ravens and that will help Jamal Lewis and the running game of the Browns. Braylon Edwards is far from his level last season, but he has been motivated by the whole team this week and I expect him to come to his normal level this season, which sent him to the pro bowl last season.
The spot for Cleveland in here is a desperate team, which will give everything in this game. They are also a very motivated team, after all also the Giants started the season with a 0-2 record and ended up winning the superbowl and there is that feeling inside the club.
Defensive lineman Shaun Smith said : "We are that caliber type of team (like the Giants)?We're a good team. We're just trying to get over the hump.
So I'm taking the underdog in here. Take Cleveland.
Also:
1* unit 6.5 Pt Teaser: Buffalo Bills (-3) x Pittsburgh/Philadelphia Under 51.5 @ -120 Bodog
HONDO
September 21, 2008
There were no Minny happy returns for Hondo last night, as Kaz & Co. cuffed the Twins in St. Pete to slice the earnings to 670 andujars.
Today, he'll refrain from Dempster diving and instead put his disposable dead presidents on Looper, who should be super - 10 units on the Cards
September 21, 2008
There were no Minny happy returns for Hondo last night, as Kaz & Co. cuffed the Twins in St. Pete to slice the earnings to 670 andujars.
Today, he'll refrain from Dempster diving and instead put his disposable dead presidents on Looper, who should be super - 10 units on the Cards
GT Bookie Battle YTD (2-2-1) LY (as posted on this forum: 22-12)
Over the years I have followed the Bookies Battle in GamingToday. The angle is to fade those teams that clearly have over 70% of the casino contestants picking one side. Over the last couple of years there hasn't been a lot of action, but it seemed to hit around 60%.
Let’s see how this angle has worked so far this year.
Week #1 thru #2:: 2-2-1
Week #3 Picks are on: KC, and WAS
Over the years I have followed the Bookies Battle in GamingToday. The angle is to fade those teams that clearly have over 70% of the casino contestants picking one side. Over the last couple of years there hasn't been a lot of action, but it seemed to hit around 60%.
Let’s see how this angle has worked so far this year.
Week #1 thru #2:: 2-2-1
Week #3 Picks are on: KC, and WAS
