DOUG UPSTONE
Buffalo Bills+3
Both teams lost after coming close to upsetting at home last week. Buffalo was a pleasant surprise while Carolina showed a lot of the same concerns offensively. This week Buffalo is at home again and has a great chance to upset at +3 to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start. They should be highly motivated and the game should probably be a pickem so take the dog with the extra margin.
Buffalo Bills+3
Both teams lost after coming close to upsetting at home last week. Buffalo was a pleasant surprise while Carolina showed a lot of the same concerns offensively. This week Buffalo is at home again and has a great chance to upset at +3 to avoid the dreaded 0-2 start. They should be highly motivated and the game should probably be a pickem so take the dog with the extra margin.
NICK "BOOKIE KILLER" PARSONS
1* Bonus Play "over" Giants/Dodgers.
The Giants annihilated the Dodgers 19-3 yesterday behind 22-hits.
With a couple of confirmed "gas cans" on the bump tonight, I'm once again expecting a higher-scoring affair.
Ryan Vogelsong (3-5, 5.82 ERA)
Vogelsong was lucky to earn a no-decision for his effort vs. the Rockies on Tuesday, giving up five runs off eight hits with two walks over five innings, failing to register a strikeout.
The big right-hander has now allowed 12 combined runs over his last three starts.
Unfortunately for Vogelsong, a date vs. the hard-hitting Dodgers is likely not what the doctor ordered as the last time he faced them he gave up a ghastly seven runs over just 4 2/3's innings of work (and note that Vogelsong is a disturbing 1-2 with a pathetic 6.37 ERA on the road this year).
Edinson Volquez (9-11, 5.99 ERA)
Volquez is also coming off a no-decision vs. the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, giving up three runs off four hits with one walk over six innings.
He's now allowed seven runs over his first 11 innings of work for LA.
And unfortunately for Volquez, facing the Giants has been a disaster for him this season, already 0-1 with a ballooned 7.31 ERA in three starts vs. them (also note that the beleaguered right-hander owns a deplorable 6.47 ERA road record).
The Bottom Line
There is no love loss between these clubs and despite how hot the Dodgers have been this year, it may come as a surprise to learn that the Giants own an 8-7 edge in the season series.
After today, they'll have just one three-game set left at AT&T Park at the end of September.
I believe all signs once again point to a slug-fest. Consider a second look at the "over" in this one.
1* Bonus Play "over" Giants/Dodgers.
The Giants annihilated the Dodgers 19-3 yesterday behind 22-hits.
With a couple of confirmed "gas cans" on the bump tonight, I'm once again expecting a higher-scoring affair.
Ryan Vogelsong (3-5, 5.82 ERA)
Vogelsong was lucky to earn a no-decision for his effort vs. the Rockies on Tuesday, giving up five runs off eight hits with two walks over five innings, failing to register a strikeout.
The big right-hander has now allowed 12 combined runs over his last three starts.
Unfortunately for Vogelsong, a date vs. the hard-hitting Dodgers is likely not what the doctor ordered as the last time he faced them he gave up a ghastly seven runs over just 4 2/3's innings of work (and note that Vogelsong is a disturbing 1-2 with a pathetic 6.37 ERA on the road this year).
Edinson Volquez (9-11, 5.99 ERA)
Volquez is also coming off a no-decision vs. the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, giving up three runs off four hits with one walk over six innings.
He's now allowed seven runs over his first 11 innings of work for LA.
And unfortunately for Volquez, facing the Giants has been a disaster for him this season, already 0-1 with a ballooned 7.31 ERA in three starts vs. them (also note that the beleaguered right-hander owns a deplorable 6.47 ERA road record).
The Bottom Line
There is no love loss between these clubs and despite how hot the Dodgers have been this year, it may come as a surprise to learn that the Giants own an 8-7 edge in the season series.
After today, they'll have just one three-game set left at AT&T Park at the end of September.
I believe all signs once again point to a slug-fest. Consider a second look at the "over" in this one.
SCOTT DELANEY
My free winner for Sunday is on the defending champion Baltimore Ravens, laying the points against the one division rival, and team in the league, they absolutely own. After one of the worst losses in franchise history, I love the Ravens to take it to Cleveland, which they're 10-0 against since coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco arrived in 2008.
Baltimore has outscored its AFC North rival, 251-122, during the win streak, and if you factor in it is 33-7 at home over the past five years, I'd say this is a pretty damn good scenario.
I suspect the Ravens' defense will be fired up after getting pummeled last week in Denver, and not to mention the team will raise a championship banner for the home crowd during pregame festivities commemorating last season's championship win.
Cleveland allowed six sacks against Miami in Week 1, and now the Browns face that pissed off stop unit that includes two of the best sack specialists in the league: Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
I'm sorry, but this is a game the Ravens will take full advantage of, and will win big.
4* BALTIMORE
My free winner for Sunday is on the defending champion Baltimore Ravens, laying the points against the one division rival, and team in the league, they absolutely own. After one of the worst losses in franchise history, I love the Ravens to take it to Cleveland, which they're 10-0 against since coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco arrived in 2008.
Baltimore has outscored its AFC North rival, 251-122, during the win streak, and if you factor in it is 33-7 at home over the past five years, I'd say this is a pretty damn good scenario.
I suspect the Ravens' defense will be fired up after getting pummeled last week in Denver, and not to mention the team will raise a championship banner for the home crowd during pregame festivities commemorating last season's championship win.
Cleveland allowed six sacks against Miami in Week 1, and now the Browns face that pissed off stop unit that includes two of the best sack specialists in the league: Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
I'm sorry, but this is a game the Ravens will take full advantage of, and will win big.
4* BALTIMORE
BRAD WILTON
Sunday Bonus Play winner comes in the NFL, as I go with New Orleans and Tampa Bay to hold Under the posted total.
Both teams opened the season last Sunday by playing Under the total, and it sure looks like the linesmakers have set the bar a little too high on today's total as well.
With Sean Payton back as head coach, the public tends to feel that the Saints will post some big points anytime they step on the field, but the fact of the matter is New Orleans could only come up with 23 points in their win over the Falcons last Sunday. Also consider that Rob Ryan was brought in to tighten things up defensively, and after holding Atlanta to just 17 points, so far so good for the Saints on defense.
Dating back to last season, the Bucs have now been Under the total in 5 straight games. Included in that streak is the 2nd game between these two division rivals. In fact, 5 of the last 6 series meetings between the Saints and the Buccaneers have held Under the total. This one does too!
3* NEW ORLEANS-TAMPA BAY UNDER
Sunday Bonus Play winner comes in the NFL, as I go with New Orleans and Tampa Bay to hold Under the posted total.
Both teams opened the season last Sunday by playing Under the total, and it sure looks like the linesmakers have set the bar a little too high on today's total as well.
With Sean Payton back as head coach, the public tends to feel that the Saints will post some big points anytime they step on the field, but the fact of the matter is New Orleans could only come up with 23 points in their win over the Falcons last Sunday. Also consider that Rob Ryan was brought in to tighten things up defensively, and after holding Atlanta to just 17 points, so far so good for the Saints on defense.
Dating back to last season, the Bucs have now been Under the total in 5 straight games. Included in that streak is the 2nd game between these two division rivals. In fact, 5 of the last 6 series meetings between the Saints and the Buccaneers have held Under the total. This one does too!
3* NEW ORLEANS-TAMPA BAY UNDER
JEFF BENTON
Your Sunday freebie is a total, as I go Under in the Dolphins-Colts meeting at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indy opened the season a week ago with a 21-17 win over Oakland that wound up staying Under the total, while Miami picked up a 23-10 road win and Under at Cleveland last Sunday afternoon.
Have to believe we are in store for a game that features a combined amount of points similar to what the teams just put on the board a week ago. Ryan Tannehill is looking better this season, but remember the Dolphins could only muster a measly 23 yards rushing in last week's win over the Brownies.
Dating back to last season, Miami's last 4 games have all played low, and the 'Fins are on an overall 10-2-1 Under clip their last 13 since last year.
As for Indianapolis, they too have been on the low side of things, holding Under the total in each of their last 5 games since last year, and 10 of their last 13 overall.
The oddsmakers have posted a total in the low 40's, but I am not sure I see much more than 38 or 39 points combined being scored in this one.
Dolphins-Colts Under the total.
2* MIAMI-INDIANAPOLIS UNDER
Your Sunday freebie is a total, as I go Under in the Dolphins-Colts meeting at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indy opened the season a week ago with a 21-17 win over Oakland that wound up staying Under the total, while Miami picked up a 23-10 road win and Under at Cleveland last Sunday afternoon.
Have to believe we are in store for a game that features a combined amount of points similar to what the teams just put on the board a week ago. Ryan Tannehill is looking better this season, but remember the Dolphins could only muster a measly 23 yards rushing in last week's win over the Brownies.
Dating back to last season, Miami's last 4 games have all played low, and the 'Fins are on an overall 10-2-1 Under clip their last 13 since last year.
As for Indianapolis, they too have been on the low side of things, holding Under the total in each of their last 5 games since last year, and 10 of their last 13 overall.
The oddsmakers have posted a total in the low 40's, but I am not sure I see much more than 38 or 39 points combined being scored in this one.
Dolphins-Colts Under the total.
2* MIAMI-INDIANAPOLIS UNDER
CRAIG DAVIS
It's crazy to think the Tampa Bay Bucs blew that lead last week vs. the Jets when it seemed as if they dominated pretty much throughout the contest.
I'm not sure if this selection is more against Tampa Bay or for New Orleans. Either way, I know it's a huge game for the Saints because they could go 2-0 in the division to start the season... and not many teams have a chance to start out of the gates with two division wins.
The Saints beat the Falcons last week in a game that was back and forth and very exciting to watch for both sides. While I still have some questions about the Saints defense, they did do better than they did in most games a year ago and the offense worked out some kinks early and finally settled in.
If Doug Martin looked like half the player he was last year, I might be a little leery to release the Saints in this spot today, but until the Bucs get the run game going, Josh Freeman and the pass game are going to struggle.
Take New Orleans as your Bonus Play of the day, and buy the half point down on the Saints at -4 and -3 1/2 points.
4* NEW ORLEANS
It's crazy to think the Tampa Bay Bucs blew that lead last week vs. the Jets when it seemed as if they dominated pretty much throughout the contest.
I'm not sure if this selection is more against Tampa Bay or for New Orleans. Either way, I know it's a huge game for the Saints because they could go 2-0 in the division to start the season... and not many teams have a chance to start out of the gates with two division wins.
The Saints beat the Falcons last week in a game that was back and forth and very exciting to watch for both sides. While I still have some questions about the Saints defense, they did do better than they did in most games a year ago and the offense worked out some kinks early and finally settled in.
If Doug Martin looked like half the player he was last year, I might be a little leery to release the Saints in this spot today, but until the Bucs get the run game going, Josh Freeman and the pass game are going to struggle.
Take New Orleans as your Bonus Play of the day, and buy the half point down on the Saints at -4 and -3 1/2 points.
4* NEW ORLEANS
SEAN MICHAELS
7-3 comp play roll heading into Sunday's selection on the Lions and Cardinals to go Over the posted price of 47 1/2 points.
Reggie Bush, who accounted for 191 yards on 25 touches in last Sunday's win at home against Minnesota, gives Matthew Stafford another huge offensive weapon. Teams can no longer afford to double coverage on Calvin Johnson because Bush will make them pay with short passes in the seams in the middle of the field in addition to proving a true running threat Detroit hasn't had in years.
Although the Lions have added to their offensive arsenal, their defense remains as shaky as ever despite a lot of high-priced talent. There is a reason they're 17-7-1 Over in their last 25 road games.
The Cardinals allowed St. Louis to score 14 unanswered fourth-quarter points last week on the road and it cost them a potential win in Bruce Arians' debut. But the bright spot was the performance of Carson Palmer, who should have similar success against a Detroit secondary that will be helpless defending against Larry Fitzgerald.
Arizona has topped the total in six of its last seven games dating back to last season and I say this trend continues today.
3* DETROIT-ARIZONA OVER
7-3 comp play roll heading into Sunday's selection on the Lions and Cardinals to go Over the posted price of 47 1/2 points.
Reggie Bush, who accounted for 191 yards on 25 touches in last Sunday's win at home against Minnesota, gives Matthew Stafford another huge offensive weapon. Teams can no longer afford to double coverage on Calvin Johnson because Bush will make them pay with short passes in the seams in the middle of the field in addition to proving a true running threat Detroit hasn't had in years.
Although the Lions have added to their offensive arsenal, their defense remains as shaky as ever despite a lot of high-priced talent. There is a reason they're 17-7-1 Over in their last 25 road games.
The Cardinals allowed St. Louis to score 14 unanswered fourth-quarter points last week on the road and it cost them a potential win in Bruce Arians' debut. But the bright spot was the performance of Carson Palmer, who should have similar success against a Detroit secondary that will be helpless defending against Larry Fitzgerald.
Arizona has topped the total in six of its last seven games dating back to last season and I say this trend continues today.
3* DETROIT-ARIZONA OVER
Jim Feist's Free Pick: Sunday, September 15, 2013:
Take: (220) NEW YORK GIANTS
Reason: This is one week the Broncos are happy to be on the road with all the rain and flooding in Northern Colorado. This matchup is even more special as it's Peyton Manning vs little brother Eli Manning. Is this a must win spot for the Giants? Could be, but not quite yet. If this was a division game then the stakes would be much higher. Denver is missing two of it's biggest defensive players in LB Von Miller and CB Champ Bailey. The Giants need to exploit this and score first. On defense the Giants need to pray, they are thin at linebacker and their secondary isn't much better. The only bright spot about last week's loss is that the Giants are 5-2-1 ATS their last eight games after allowing 30 points or more. Even though the line has dropped on this contest from an opener of 6 to 4 1/2, we still have two key numbers with the Giants in +3 and +4. I'm taking the points here in week two as the Giants look to correct that embarrassment from week 1.
Take: (220) NEW YORK GIANTS
Reason: This is one week the Broncos are happy to be on the road with all the rain and flooding in Northern Colorado. This matchup is even more special as it's Peyton Manning vs little brother Eli Manning. Is this a must win spot for the Giants? Could be, but not quite yet. If this was a division game then the stakes would be much higher. Denver is missing two of it's biggest defensive players in LB Von Miller and CB Champ Bailey. The Giants need to exploit this and score first. On defense the Giants need to pray, they are thin at linebacker and their secondary isn't much better. The only bright spot about last week's loss is that the Giants are 5-2-1 ATS their last eight games after allowing 30 points or more. Even though the line has dropped on this contest from an opener of 6 to 4 1/2, we still have two key numbers with the Giants in +3 and +4. I'm taking the points here in week two as the Giants look to correct that embarrassment from week 1.
