Justin Bay
St Louis vs. Atlanta
Play: Over 47½
Rams offense showed some promise in Week 1 with Bradford finishing with 299 yards through the air. Rams defense was a little rough around the edges allowing 390 total yards of offense for the Cardinals. Bradford should be able to put up equivalent numbers against a Falcon's defense that did not perform very well last week.
Falcon's defense gave up 419 total yards to the Saints last week. Matt Ryan and company should have a better game this week against a Ram's defense that will have trouble guarding the highly potent wide receivers.
St Louis vs. Atlanta
Play: Over 47½
Rams offense showed some promise in Week 1 with Bradford finishing with 299 yards through the air. Rams defense was a little rough around the edges allowing 390 total yards of offense for the Cardinals. Bradford should be able to put up equivalent numbers against a Falcon's defense that did not perform very well last week.
Falcon's defense gave up 419 total yards to the Saints last week. Matt Ryan and company should have a better game this week against a Ram's defense that will have trouble guarding the highly potent wide receivers.
Ben Burns
Minnesota vs. Chicago
Pick: Chicago
With this line staying below the touchdown mark, I believe we're getting some value with the Bears. The home team won both meetings last season. The game here at Chicago was a blowout. The Bears were up 25-3 by halftime and cruised to a 28-10 victory. The Bears check in off a comeback win. The Vikings saw their game go the other way. While the Bears gave up 330 yards in their opener, the Vikes allowed 469. This game figures to have special meaning to Bears' coach Jim Tressman, a native of Minnesota. I expect him to have his team ready and feel that they've got an excellent shot at a big win. Consider Chicago.
Minnesota vs. Chicago
Pick: Chicago
With this line staying below the touchdown mark, I believe we're getting some value with the Bears. The home team won both meetings last season. The game here at Chicago was a blowout. The Bears were up 25-3 by halftime and cruised to a 28-10 victory. The Bears check in off a comeback win. The Vikings saw their game go the other way. While the Bears gave up 330 yards in their opener, the Vikes allowed 469. This game figures to have special meaning to Bears' coach Jim Tressman, a native of Minnesota. I expect him to have his team ready and feel that they've got an excellent shot at a big win. Consider Chicago.
Brandon Shively
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Play: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5
Who Dat, Who Dat? The Saints got a HUGE win for Sean Payton and the WHO DAT Nation and now they have a tough divisional game vs. a Tampa Bay team that got caught napping vs. the Jets. The Saints are 0-3 ATS in their L3 road openers and an emotional letdown is expected this week as they have been installed as a RF and nobody is giving the Bucs a chance in this game.....but ME.There was a lot of money riding on the Bucs last week and nobody wants any part of them this week. The Saints embarrassed the Bucs 41-0 LY and I can promise you these professionals remember that. Freeman threw 4 picks that game and he is in a contract year so we are expecting this guy to perform to his full capability. The Saints do have some defensive injuries and we just can't see them being as motivated for this game. For the Bucs to start off 0-2 and a game @ New England in Week 3, then that would be a disaster. Tampa Bay is 6-0 ATS w/ div revenge in Games 1-4 of the season and covered as a 3 pt. home dog in their season opener LY vs. Carolina. I can almost guarantee you that Doug Martin will not avg. only 2.7 YPR this week like he did vs. the Jets. Vincent Jackson had 216 rec yards in the 1st matchup between these two teams LY and he is off to a big start again. The scheduling and motivational dynamics favor Tampa Bay in this game and although I expect them to win this game SU, I will advise you to buy the .5 point if needed to get them at +3.5.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Play: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5
Who Dat, Who Dat? The Saints got a HUGE win for Sean Payton and the WHO DAT Nation and now they have a tough divisional game vs. a Tampa Bay team that got caught napping vs. the Jets. The Saints are 0-3 ATS in their L3 road openers and an emotional letdown is expected this week as they have been installed as a RF and nobody is giving the Bucs a chance in this game.....but ME.There was a lot of money riding on the Bucs last week and nobody wants any part of them this week. The Saints embarrassed the Bucs 41-0 LY and I can promise you these professionals remember that. Freeman threw 4 picks that game and he is in a contract year so we are expecting this guy to perform to his full capability. The Saints do have some defensive injuries and we just can't see them being as motivated for this game. For the Bucs to start off 0-2 and a game @ New England in Week 3, then that would be a disaster. Tampa Bay is 6-0 ATS w/ div revenge in Games 1-4 of the season and covered as a 3 pt. home dog in their season opener LY vs. Carolina. I can almost guarantee you that Doug Martin will not avg. only 2.7 YPR this week like he did vs. the Jets. Vincent Jackson had 216 rec yards in the 1st matchup between these two teams LY and he is off to a big start again. The scheduling and motivational dynamics favor Tampa Bay in this game and although I expect them to win this game SU, I will advise you to buy the .5 point if needed to get them at +3.5.
Robert Ferringo
New Orleans (-3) over Tampa Bay
I'm never a big fan of playing road favorites in divisional games. But I think that this play warrants it. Tampa Bay has looked horrendous so far this season. I'm not just talking about their Week 1 debacle in New York. This team looked sloppy and disorganized throughout the preseason, and the whole organization is kind of a mess right now. Tampa can't rush the passer, they are still missing one of their best offensive linemen, and they have a quarterback spraying balls all over the place. It is looking more and more like Tampa's competitive 2012 season was an aberration. New Orleans, on the other hand, has to be feeling very good about itself after taking down Atlanta last week. Now they are facing a Tampa team that they throttled 41-0 the last time they saw them. New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and they are 4-1 ATS in the last five trips down to One Buc Place. The road team is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings, and I have no problem putting my money on Drew Brees over Freeman. The Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 divisional games and 15-7 ATS in their last 22 conference affairs. I still don't trust New Orleans' defense. But I trust the Bucs even less. Lay the points in this one.
New Orleans (-3) over Tampa Bay
I'm never a big fan of playing road favorites in divisional games. But I think that this play warrants it. Tampa Bay has looked horrendous so far this season. I'm not just talking about their Week 1 debacle in New York. This team looked sloppy and disorganized throughout the preseason, and the whole organization is kind of a mess right now. Tampa can't rush the passer, they are still missing one of their best offensive linemen, and they have a quarterback spraying balls all over the place. It is looking more and more like Tampa's competitive 2012 season was an aberration. New Orleans, on the other hand, has to be feeling very good about itself after taking down Atlanta last week. Now they are facing a Tampa team that they throttled 41-0 the last time they saw them. New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings, and they are 4-1 ATS in the last five trips down to One Buc Place. The road team is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings, and I have no problem putting my money on Drew Brees over Freeman. The Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 divisional games and 15-7 ATS in their last 22 conference affairs. I still don't trust New Orleans' defense. But I trust the Bucs even less. Lay the points in this one.
Hollywood Sports
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Prediction: Under
History indicates it becomes very difficult to make the playoffs after starting the season 0-2 so this AFC North rivalry game shapes up to be a very important early season test for both teams. Expect a very physical defensive struggle between these two teams that have played 4 of their last 5 meetings Under the Total. The Bengals' defense did play well by holding the Bears to just 323 yards in their 24-21 loss at Chicago. Now the Bengals (0-1) return home where they have played 4 straight games Under the Total. Additionally, Cincy has played 6 straight games Under the Total against AFC opponents. Expect former-Steeler linebacker James Harrison to be particularly fierce when facing his former team that chose to not re-sign him. Pittsburgh (0-1) has significant problems on offense after a devastating season-ending injury to All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey and running back LaRon Stephens-Howling last Sunday in their 16-9 loss to Tennessee as a 6-point favorite. The Steelers' offense managed a mere 195 yards of offense against that suspect Titans defense last week. Pittsburgh has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Additionally, the Steelers have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against fellow AFC North opponents. Lastly, in their last 6 appearances on Monday Night Football, Pittsburgh has played 5 of these games Under the Total. Take the Under in this one.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Prediction: Under
History indicates it becomes very difficult to make the playoffs after starting the season 0-2 so this AFC North rivalry game shapes up to be a very important early season test for both teams. Expect a very physical defensive struggle between these two teams that have played 4 of their last 5 meetings Under the Total. The Bengals' defense did play well by holding the Bears to just 323 yards in their 24-21 loss at Chicago. Now the Bengals (0-1) return home where they have played 4 straight games Under the Total. Additionally, Cincy has played 6 straight games Under the Total against AFC opponents. Expect former-Steeler linebacker James Harrison to be particularly fierce when facing his former team that chose to not re-sign him. Pittsburgh (0-1) has significant problems on offense after a devastating season-ending injury to All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey and running back LaRon Stephens-Howling last Sunday in their 16-9 loss to Tennessee as a 6-point favorite. The Steelers' offense managed a mere 195 yards of offense against that suspect Titans defense last week. Pittsburgh has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Additionally, the Steelers have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against fellow AFC North opponents. Lastly, in their last 6 appearances on Monday Night Football, Pittsburgh has played 5 of these games Under the Total. Take the Under in this one.
Jesse Schule
Jacksonville vs. Oakland
Pick: Oakland
It wasn't that surprising to see the Jags lose their home opener, but the way they lost was quite concerning. Blaine Gabbert completed fewer than half his passes, failing to engineer a scoring drive and getting picked off twice and sacked six times.
They only managed 178 total yards of offense against Kansas City, and Maurice Jones-Drew wasn't able to get anything going with the ground game.
Now this game in Oakland is perhaps the only game on their schedule that you could look at, and say: "this is a winnable game". But is it really?
The Raiders are surely one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they have demonstrated the ability to compete in this league, far more so than the Jags over the last few seasons.
Terrelle Pryor didn't have a perfect game against Indy by any stretch of the imagination, but he made things happen. He completed 19-of-29 passes for 217 yards and a TD, and he added another 112 yards on the ground on 13 carries.
He was picked off twice, but he played well enough to give his team the lead until late in the fourth quarter on the road.
The Raiders defense did a good job of containing Andrew Luck, who had just 178 yards and a pair of TDs but was sacked four times.
Oakland out-gained the Colts by nearly 100 yards, but they couldn't overcome the two turnovers on the Pryor interceptions.
I think Oakland fans should have plenty to cheer about this weekend, as the Raiders should beat up on a very bad Jacksonville team.
Jacksonville vs. Oakland
Pick: Oakland
It wasn't that surprising to see the Jags lose their home opener, but the way they lost was quite concerning. Blaine Gabbert completed fewer than half his passes, failing to engineer a scoring drive and getting picked off twice and sacked six times.
They only managed 178 total yards of offense against Kansas City, and Maurice Jones-Drew wasn't able to get anything going with the ground game.
Now this game in Oakland is perhaps the only game on their schedule that you could look at, and say: "this is a winnable game". But is it really?
The Raiders are surely one of the worst teams in the NFL, but they have demonstrated the ability to compete in this league, far more so than the Jags over the last few seasons.
Terrelle Pryor didn't have a perfect game against Indy by any stretch of the imagination, but he made things happen. He completed 19-of-29 passes for 217 yards and a TD, and he added another 112 yards on the ground on 13 carries.
He was picked off twice, but he played well enough to give his team the lead until late in the fourth quarter on the road.
The Raiders defense did a good job of containing Andrew Luck, who had just 178 yards and a pair of TDs but was sacked four times.
Oakland out-gained the Colts by nearly 100 yards, but they couldn't overcome the two turnovers on the Pryor interceptions.
I think Oakland fans should have plenty to cheer about this weekend, as the Raiders should beat up on a very bad Jacksonville team.
Bryan Power
Miami vs. Indianapolis
Pick: Over
It was a vintage Indianapolis game (for the Andrew Luck era) in Week 1 as they grinded out a 21-17 win over a bad Oakland team. Beating bad teams close, usually at home, has been the hallmark of the Luck era and usually the games stay Under. This is incomprehensible to me given how bad Indy's defense is....
The Colts have gone 12-5 Under in Luck's 17 regular season starts. That's pretty surprising considering how good the second year quarterback is and how the bad the Colts defense has been. Last week, they allowed the Raiders w/ Terrelle Pryor at QB, to gain over six yards per play! Allowing more than six yards per play is not new to this Colts D as that's what they allowed last year. Pryor ran for over 100 yards himself and was actually made to look good! While I wouldn't be surprised to see Indianapolis win another close one this week, don't be surprised to see this defense hurt them as the season moves on.
Miami scored 23 points last week in a road win over Cleveland. They couldn't run the ball at all and new WR Mike Wallace was a non-factor. But I still though QB Ryan Tannehill played well. Like the Colts, the Dolphins have been an Under team going back to last season. These teams went Under by a half point when they met last year on this field (Colts won 23-20), but I'll call for slightly more points to be scored this time around and this one goes Over.
Miami vs. Indianapolis
Pick: Over
It was a vintage Indianapolis game (for the Andrew Luck era) in Week 1 as they grinded out a 21-17 win over a bad Oakland team. Beating bad teams close, usually at home, has been the hallmark of the Luck era and usually the games stay Under. This is incomprehensible to me given how bad Indy's defense is....
The Colts have gone 12-5 Under in Luck's 17 regular season starts. That's pretty surprising considering how good the second year quarterback is and how the bad the Colts defense has been. Last week, they allowed the Raiders w/ Terrelle Pryor at QB, to gain over six yards per play! Allowing more than six yards per play is not new to this Colts D as that's what they allowed last year. Pryor ran for over 100 yards himself and was actually made to look good! While I wouldn't be surprised to see Indianapolis win another close one this week, don't be surprised to see this defense hurt them as the season moves on.
Miami scored 23 points last week in a road win over Cleveland. They couldn't run the ball at all and new WR Mike Wallace was a non-factor. But I still though QB Ryan Tannehill played well. Like the Colts, the Dolphins have been an Under team going back to last season. These teams went Under by a half point when they met last year on this field (Colts won 23-20), but I'll call for slightly more points to be scored this time around and this one goes Over.
JAMIE TURSINI
Seattle Seahawks-2½-110
Here's a classic example in the line as an overreaction to Week 1. The 49ers played at home vs a Packer team that will struggle on defense all season like last. And their defense will not be as good as last year. The Seahawks clearly (believe it or not) were looking ahead to this match up and past the Panthers in Week 1. And may have let the pre-season predictions (many had them #1) get to their heads.
The Seahawks have the bets home field advantage in the NFL, and at home Sunday night this place will be hopping. The number should be Seattle -4 to 4.5. But remember the books are looking for two-way even action. If that was the number, 49er money would be one-sided and rightfully so. So lay less than a FG and reap the rewards afterwards.
Seattle Seahawks-2½-110
Here's a classic example in the line as an overreaction to Week 1. The 49ers played at home vs a Packer team that will struggle on defense all season like last. And their defense will not be as good as last year. The Seahawks clearly (believe it or not) were looking ahead to this match up and past the Panthers in Week 1. And may have let the pre-season predictions (many had them #1) get to their heads.
The Seahawks have the bets home field advantage in the NFL, and at home Sunday night this place will be hopping. The number should be Seattle -4 to 4.5. But remember the books are looking for two-way even action. If that was the number, 49er money would be one-sided and rightfully so. So lay less than a FG and reap the rewards afterwards.
SEAN HIGGS
Washington Redskins v Green Bay Packers
With both teams in off losses, we should expect a battle. As I look at this game a couple things jump out at me. We are going to start with the Redskins off their Monday Night Football loss. I thought that if RGIII was under center, his health wouldn’t be the question. And I don’t think it was. The problem was he looked out of sync early. Add in running back Alfred Morris’ stone-hands and the Redskins never recovered from a self-inflicted would. What really worries me is the defense. I know this was a ‘new’ offense under former Oregon HC Chip Kelly. I really did not think that a college offense would take be successful. Now, this isn’t the wildcat fad of a few years back. This is an entire system, not running direct snaps 6 times a game. The Washington defense was not up to the task. I know Philly had revenge from last year, but in a MNF home opener, I would think at least part of the team would show up.
The Green Bay Packers are also off loss. Not sure how they feel about the NFL saying the officials made a mistake that possibly cost them a shot at a win. But I can pretty much be 100% sure that they are going to come out like gang-busters here in their home opener. As the season progresses, I rarely make statements like this. But, I will do it now in week 2. If the Redskins had trouble at home with Vick, how are they going to regroup on a short week and handle Aaron Rodgers off a loss? Again, I am not from the school of what happens 1 week automatically carries over to the next. I know people will be down on the Redskins, and that the Packers are the better team and should win. This defense just allowed nearly 500 yards. They will be looking to make a statement at home that they are better than that.
My Final Thoughts –
As I write this review the Packers are being favored by less than a TD. Obviously, if you are a GB backer you will want to jump all over this number. Something tells me though that this line is going to move up and probably rather quickly. With a tough road game up next at Cincinnati, the Packers are in no position to overlook any team. Coupled with the fact that Redskins are on a short week, plus off a tough divisional game, I am going to back the GREEN BAY PACKERS at this price.
Washington Redskins v Green Bay Packers
With both teams in off losses, we should expect a battle. As I look at this game a couple things jump out at me. We are going to start with the Redskins off their Monday Night Football loss. I thought that if RGIII was under center, his health wouldn’t be the question. And I don’t think it was. The problem was he looked out of sync early. Add in running back Alfred Morris’ stone-hands and the Redskins never recovered from a self-inflicted would. What really worries me is the defense. I know this was a ‘new’ offense under former Oregon HC Chip Kelly. I really did not think that a college offense would take be successful. Now, this isn’t the wildcat fad of a few years back. This is an entire system, not running direct snaps 6 times a game. The Washington defense was not up to the task. I know Philly had revenge from last year, but in a MNF home opener, I would think at least part of the team would show up.
The Green Bay Packers are also off loss. Not sure how they feel about the NFL saying the officials made a mistake that possibly cost them a shot at a win. But I can pretty much be 100% sure that they are going to come out like gang-busters here in their home opener. As the season progresses, I rarely make statements like this. But, I will do it now in week 2. If the Redskins had trouble at home with Vick, how are they going to regroup on a short week and handle Aaron Rodgers off a loss? Again, I am not from the school of what happens 1 week automatically carries over to the next. I know people will be down on the Redskins, and that the Packers are the better team and should win. This defense just allowed nearly 500 yards. They will be looking to make a statement at home that they are better than that.
My Final Thoughts –
As I write this review the Packers are being favored by less than a TD. Obviously, if you are a GB backer you will want to jump all over this number. Something tells me though that this line is going to move up and probably rather quickly. With a tough road game up next at Cincinnati, the Packers are in no position to overlook any team. Coupled with the fact that Redskins are on a short week, plus off a tough divisional game, I am going to back the GREEN BAY PACKERS at this price.
CHIP CHIRIMBES
Cleveland at Baltimore 1:00 ET
Browns (+) over Ravens- The Super Bowl champs could not have asked for a better home opponent in need of their first win as the Cleveland Browns come to Baltimore. The history of these two off the field is one for the book but the Ravens have defeated the upstart Browns 10 straight time. Why am I not surprised the Browns only scored 10 points last week and then I realize they have a new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. The problem for the Ravens is that they do and will miss the dearly departed who either retired or left for greener pastures but their talent level has dropped. Look for the Browns to keep this one close. Take CLEVELAND!
Cleveland at Baltimore 1:00 ET
Browns (+) over Ravens- The Super Bowl champs could not have asked for a better home opponent in need of their first win as the Cleveland Browns come to Baltimore. The history of these two off the field is one for the book but the Ravens have defeated the upstart Browns 10 straight time. Why am I not surprised the Browns only scored 10 points last week and then I realize they have a new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. The problem for the Ravens is that they do and will miss the dearly departed who either retired or left for greener pastures but their talent level has dropped. Look for the Browns to keep this one close. Take CLEVELAND!
JOSEPH D'AMICO
Today's NFL FREE WINNER is Chicago over Minnesota.
On Sunday, the Bears are 6 1/2 at home vs. the Vikings. Minnesota plays their 2nd straight Divisional road game. QB, Christian Ponder threw 3 interceptions while the Vikes blew an 8-pt lead in week 1. The Bears were the NFL's top takeaway team a season ago and started this year with 3 more in their victory over the Bengals last week. More importantly, Chicago's OL did not allow a sack against a talented Cincy defensive front-7. I must side with Chicago here.
Today's NFL FREE WINNER is Chicago over Minnesota.
On Sunday, the Bears are 6 1/2 at home vs. the Vikings. Minnesota plays their 2nd straight Divisional road game. QB, Christian Ponder threw 3 interceptions while the Vikes blew an 8-pt lead in week 1. The Bears were the NFL's top takeaway team a season ago and started this year with 3 more in their victory over the Bengals last week. More importantly, Chicago's OL did not allow a sack against a talented Cincy defensive front-7. I must side with Chicago here.
STEVE MERRIL
Miami Dolphins+3-110
The Dolphins got a workmanlike 23-10 win last week as they were in a defensive grinder with Cleveland. The Browns have a sneaky good defense this season so we’re willing to give Miami a pass for their minimal offensive production last week. The Dolphins were unable to run the ball (20 yards total), but there’s a high likelihood that Miami’s running game will get going this week. Indianapolis’ defense was gouged on the ground by the Raiders. The Colts allowed 171 rushing yards on 33 carries. That’s a whopping 5.2 yards per rush so Miami’s running game should produce much better numbers in this game.
The Colts were out-played by the Raiders last Sunday and Indianapolis should have lost that game. They were out-yarded 372-274 by a bad Oakland team with a terrible offensive line and an inexperienced quarterback. That win and failed pointspread cover by the Colts came as no surprise as we played against the overrated Colts and took the Raiders plus the generous points in this spot last week. Miami is now 7-2 ATS as a single digit underdog under HC Philbin. They went 6-2 ATS in this role last season, and they won and covered as 2.5-point underdogs last week in Cleveland. Indianapolis is now 0-1 ATS as a favorite, and while they won another close game last Sunday, the Colts are surviving on borrowed time. We see another good opportunity to fade the overrated Colts so shop around and get the best number on the underdog Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins+3-110
The Dolphins got a workmanlike 23-10 win last week as they were in a defensive grinder with Cleveland. The Browns have a sneaky good defense this season so we’re willing to give Miami a pass for their minimal offensive production last week. The Dolphins were unable to run the ball (20 yards total), but there’s a high likelihood that Miami’s running game will get going this week. Indianapolis’ defense was gouged on the ground by the Raiders. The Colts allowed 171 rushing yards on 33 carries. That’s a whopping 5.2 yards per rush so Miami’s running game should produce much better numbers in this game.
The Colts were out-played by the Raiders last Sunday and Indianapolis should have lost that game. They were out-yarded 372-274 by a bad Oakland team with a terrible offensive line and an inexperienced quarterback. That win and failed pointspread cover by the Colts came as no surprise as we played against the overrated Colts and took the Raiders plus the generous points in this spot last week. Miami is now 7-2 ATS as a single digit underdog under HC Philbin. They went 6-2 ATS in this role last season, and they won and covered as 2.5-point underdogs last week in Cleveland. Indianapolis is now 0-1 ATS as a favorite, and while they won another close game last Sunday, the Colts are surviving on borrowed time. We see another good opportunity to fade the overrated Colts so shop around and get the best number on the underdog Dolphins.
MATT FARGO
We played on the Browns last week and they fell to Miami 23-10 despite outgaining the Dolphins by 16 total yards. Turnovers were the issue as quarterback Brandon Weeden tossed three picks but I expect a better game out of him this week. I also expect a better gameplan. The game was close until late in the fourth quarter yet Cleveland threw the ball 53 times compared to running it just 13 times. Trent Richardson is more valuable than that and he needs more touches. Balance will be the key against a Baltimore defense that was lit up last week. The Ravens have had some extra time to get ready for this game following their blowout loss at Denver a week ago this past Thursday. It was a close game for a while but Denver was able to pull away early in the third quarter thanks to a record setting performance from Peyton Manning. Now Baltimore heads home for the first time as reigning Super Bowl Champions and while the atmosphere will be electric, I do not think they Ravens have what it takes yet to win big here. The biggest liability now for Baltimore on offense is its passing game. Gone is wide receiver Anquan Boldin, they are without tight end Dennis Pitta, and Jacoby Jones, who was signed to a big deal in the offseason, is out for several weeks with an injury. The only threat that the Ravens have right now is Torrey Smith and cornerback Joe Haden will be blanketing him all day. Running back Ray Rice will be asked to make up for it but the Browns clamped down on Miami's running game, allowing just 20 yards on 23 carries (0.9 ypc). This is a very underrated defense in my opinion. Looking at history, the Browns have not had much success in this series of late as the Ravens have won all 10 games against the Browns under coach Jim Harbaugh while sporting a plus-14 turnover margin. Cleveland has been a very good bounce back team as it is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games following a loss. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. I expect this line to go up as we get closer to kickoff after coming down from the opening so while we are catching a solid number now, waiting it out is not going to hurt. Play (197) Cleveland Browns
We played on the Browns last week and they fell to Miami 23-10 despite outgaining the Dolphins by 16 total yards. Turnovers were the issue as quarterback Brandon Weeden tossed three picks but I expect a better game out of him this week. I also expect a better gameplan. The game was close until late in the fourth quarter yet Cleveland threw the ball 53 times compared to running it just 13 times. Trent Richardson is more valuable than that and he needs more touches. Balance will be the key against a Baltimore defense that was lit up last week. The Ravens have had some extra time to get ready for this game following their blowout loss at Denver a week ago this past Thursday. It was a close game for a while but Denver was able to pull away early in the third quarter thanks to a record setting performance from Peyton Manning. Now Baltimore heads home for the first time as reigning Super Bowl Champions and while the atmosphere will be electric, I do not think they Ravens have what it takes yet to win big here. The biggest liability now for Baltimore on offense is its passing game. Gone is wide receiver Anquan Boldin, they are without tight end Dennis Pitta, and Jacoby Jones, who was signed to a big deal in the offseason, is out for several weeks with an injury. The only threat that the Ravens have right now is Torrey Smith and cornerback Joe Haden will be blanketing him all day. Running back Ray Rice will be asked to make up for it but the Browns clamped down on Miami's running game, allowing just 20 yards on 23 carries (0.9 ypc). This is a very underrated defense in my opinion. Looking at history, the Browns have not had much success in this series of late as the Ravens have won all 10 games against the Browns under coach Jim Harbaugh while sporting a plus-14 turnover margin. Cleveland has been a very good bounce back team as it is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games following a loss. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. I expect this line to go up as we get closer to kickoff after coming down from the opening so while we are catching a solid number now, waiting it out is not going to hurt. Play (197) Cleveland Browns
