Thursday 08/30/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc.

[bmd1803]

Preview: Rockies at Padres
Gracenote
Aug 29, 2018

The Colorado Rockies begin a 23-game stretch against the National League West when they kick off a four-game series against the Padres in San Diego on Thursday. Colorado is one-half game behind first-place Arizona in the NL West and is also in the thick of the wild-card race, one game behind Milwaukee for the second and final spot.

"It's going to be fun," Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez told reporters after hitting a two-run homer in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. "It's going to be a big month ahead of us and every team in this division. We're going to face each other a lot and it's going to be a long stretch facing division rivals. We're excited and ready for the challenge." Gonzalez (.294, 15 home runs, 56 RBIs) is a big part of Colorado's success, going 11-for-26 with four RBIs during a six-game hitting streak and batting .323 since the All-Star break. The Padres (52-83) completed a two-game sweep of Seattle 8-3 on Wednesday as rookie Luis Urias, the No. 32 prospect in all of baseball entering 2018 according to Baseball America, recorded his first three major league hits in his second game. The Rockies' German Marquez tries for his seventh straight quality start and 10th in 11 outings and opposes rookie Eric Lauer, who returns after a stint on the disabled list with a strained left forearm.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network; FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.21 ERA) vs. Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-7, 5.30)

Marquez earned a no-decision after allowing three hits and one walk while striking out nine in seven shutout innings of Colorado's 9-1 victory over St. Louis on Saturday. The 23-year-old Venezuelan is 6-1 with a 2.57 ERA in his last 10 starts, lowering his ERA by 1.32. Eric Hosmer is 3-7 with a home run while Wil Myers is 2-for-10 with five strikeouts against Marquez, who is 2-2 with a 5.14 ERA in seven games (five starts) versus San Diego - 0-1, 2.25 in two turns this season.

Lauer struggled in three starts after the All-Star break, going 0-2 and yielding 14 runs over 11 innings before sustaining the injury while earning a no-decision in San Diego's 5-3 loss to San Francisco on July 30. The 23-year-old Ohio native and 25th overall pick in the 2016 draft was solid in eight starts prior to the break, going 4-2 with a 2.33 ERA. Lauer was hit hard in his major league debut, permitting seven runs (six earned), six hits and four walks in three innings of an 8-0 loss at Colorado on April 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies have a minus-13 run differential while Arizona is plus-84 and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are one game behind in the NL West, plus-127.

2. Padres CF Manuel Margot (.253) is 8-for-16 in his last five games after going 3-for-4 with a home run and double Wednesday.

3. Colorado has won nine of the 15 meetings in 2018, including four of six in San Diego, as it tries for its third straight season series victory over the Padres.

PREDICTION: Padres 3, Rockies 2

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Colorado

Rockies are 5-0 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rockies are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Rockies are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
Rockies are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. National League West.
Rockies are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Rockies are 5-2 in their last 7 Thursday games.
Rockies are 20-8 in their last 28 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Rockies are 12-5 in their last 17 overall.
Rockies are 12-5 in their last 17 games on grass.
Rockies are 26-11 in their last 37 games following a win.
Rockies are 2-5 in their last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rockies are 5-1 in Marquezs last 6 road starts.
Rockies are 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rockies are 8-2 in Marquezs last 10 starts.
Rockies are 8-2 in Marquezs last 10 starts on grass.
Rockies are 6-2 in Marquezs last 8 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Rockies are 18-8 in Marquezs last 26 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rockies are 2-5 in Marquezs last 7 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

San Diego

Padres are 9-19 in their last 28 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Padres are 20-45 in their last 65 vs. National League West.
Padres are 16-39 in their last 55 games following a win.
Padres are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
Padres are 4-10 in their last 14 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Padres are 18-45 in their last 63 overall.
Padres are 4-10 in their last 14 Thursday games.
Padres are 18-45 in their last 63 games on grass.
Padres are 5-13 in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Padres are 15-39 in their last 54 during game 1 of a series.
Padres are 6-16 in their last 22 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Padres are 7-22 in their last 29 home games.
Padres are 3-11 in their last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Padres are 3-9 in Lauers last 12 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Padres are 2-6 in Lauers last 8 starts.
Padres are 2-6 in Lauers last 8 starts on grass.
Padres are 1-4 in Lauers last 5 home starts.
Padres are 1-7 in Lauers last 8 starts during game 1 of a series.

OU Trends
Colorado

Under is 3-0-1 in Rockies last 4 games following an off day.
Under is 6-0 in Rockies last 6 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-0 in Rockies last 6 vs. National League West.
Over is 4-0 in Rockies last 4 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 Thursday games.
Under is 4-1 in Rockies last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 4-1-1 in Rockies last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.
Under is 14-5 in Rockies last 19 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in Rockies last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Under is 12-5 in Rockies last 17 overall.
Under is 12-5 in Rockies last 17 on grass.
Under is 5-0 in Marquezs last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 6-0 in Marquezs last 6 starts on grass.
Under is 6-0 in Marquezs last 6 starts overall.
Under is 5-1 in Marquezs last 6 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 Thursday starts.
Under is 4-1-1 in Marquezs last 6 road starts.
Over is 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 starts vs. National League West.
Under is 20-7-1 in Marquezs last 28 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 9-4 in Marquezs last 13 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

San Diego

Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 on grass.
Over is 4-1 in Padres last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 9-3 in Padres last 12 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 21-8-1 in Padres last 30 Thursday games.
Under is 5-2 in Padres last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 4-1-1 in Lauers last 6 starts on grass.
Over is 4-1-1 in Lauers last 6 starts overall.
Over is 3-1-1 in Lauers last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Lauers last 5 starts vs. National League West.
Over is 5-2-1 in Lauers last 8 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 5-2-1 in Lauers last 8 home starts.

Head to Head

Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Rockies are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in San Diego.
Rockies are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Dodgers
Gracenote
Aug 30, 2018

The suddenly hot Los Angeles Dodgers look to post a season-best sixth consecutive victory when they open a crucial four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. The Dodgers have outscored their opponents 34-13 during the winning streak to move within one game of the first-place Diamondbacks in the National League West.

Cody Bellinger, Yasmani Grandal and Manny Machado all hit solo homers in Wednesday's 3-1 triumph over the Texas Rangers as Los Angeles remained 1 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL's second wild-card spot. "I think we're cooking as a whole team right now," Bellinger told reporters. "It's just a matter of producing on the field. It's just a matter of time until the talent takes over." Arizona salvaged the finale of a three-game set against the San Francisco Giants by recording a 3-1 win Wednesday to move a half-game ahead of the Colorado Rockies. Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock is 3-for-28 over the last eight games but has tormented the Dodgers this season by batting .348 with seven homers, four doubles and 12 RBIs in 12 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.73 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (6-4, 3.50)

Ray has received seven consecutive no-decisions and is 0-2 over his last 10 turns. The 26-year-old allowed one run and five hits and struck out seven over five innings against the Seattle Mariners in his last outing. Ray is 2-0 with an 0.89 ERA in his last three starts against the Dodgers and is 6-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 13 career outings against Los Angeles.

Hill is 0-5 in seven starts against Arizona since joining the Dodgers - including 0-1 with a 12.00 ERA in two 2018 outings - and stands 1-6 with a 5.90 ERA in 11 career turns against the Diamondbacks. The 38-year-old defeated the San Diego Padres in his last turn when he gave up two hits and struck out eight over six scoreless innings. Hill is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA over his last seven starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in six of them.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks are 8-4 versus Los Angeles this season, including 3-2 at Dodger Stadium.

2. Struggling Los Angeles RHP Kenley Jansen (heart issues) is expected to be available for closing duties Thursday, though manager Dave Roberts opted to use RHP Kenta Maeda to close out Wednesday's win.

3. Arizona had three runs on 16 hits in the three-game series with the Giants and had gone 25 innings without a run until RF Steven Souza Jr. led off the third inning Wednesday with his first homer since Aug. 5.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 4

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Arizona

Diamondbacks are 2-7 in their last 9 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Diamondbacks are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Diamondbacks are 1-4 in their last 5 Thursday games.
Diamondbacks are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Diamondbacks are 7-2 in Rays last 9 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Diamondbacks are 18-8 in Rays last 26 starts vs. National League West.
Diamondbacks are 15-7 in Rays last 22 road starts.
Diamondbacks are 6-16 in Rays last 22 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Diamondbacks are 1-5 in Rays last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.
Diamondbacks are 1-7 in Rays last 8 starts.
Diamondbacks are 1-7 in Rays last 8 starts on grass.
Diamondbacks are 0-5 in Rays last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Diamondbacks are 0-5 in Rays last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

LA Dodgers

Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 vs. National League West.
Dodgers are 5-0 in their last 5 overall.
Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 Thursday games.
Dodgers are 5-0 in their last 5 games on grass.
Dodgers are 21-6 in their last 27 during game 1 of a series.
Dodgers are 36-15 in their last 51 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Dodgers are 65-30 in their last 95 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Dodgers are 108-51 in their last 159 games following a win.
Dodgers are 2-5 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Dodgers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Dodgers are 1-5 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Dodgers are 4-0 in Hills last 4 starts during game 1 of a series.
Dodgers are 5-1 in Hills last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Dodgers are 5-1 in Hills last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Dodgers are 13-3 in Hills last 16 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Dodgers are 5-2 in Hills last 7 starts.
Dodgers are 5-2 in Hills last 7 starts on grass.
Dodgers are 1-6 in Hills last 7 starts vs. National League West.

OU Trends
Arizona

Under is 5-0 in Diamondbacks last 5 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 road games.
Under is 5-0 in Diamondbacks last 5 on grass.
Under is 4-0 in Diamondbacks last 4 vs. National League West.
Under is 10-1 in Diamondbacks last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 7-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-1 in Diamondbacks last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 in Diamondbacks last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Diamondbacks last 8 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Diamondbacks last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in Diamondbacks last 7 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 4-1 in Rays last 5 Thursday starts.
Over is 8-2 in Rays last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Over is 15-5-1 in Rays last 21 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 8-3 in Rays last 11 starts vs. National League West.
Under is 15-7 in Rays last 22 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

LA Dodgers

Under is 4-0 in Dodgers last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-0 in Dodgers last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 7-1 in Dodgers last 8 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Dodgers last 5 on grass.
Over is 4-1-1 in Dodgers last 6 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 18-7-2 in Dodgers last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 18-7-2 in Dodgers last 27 Thursday games.
Over is 5-2 in Dodgers last 7 games following a win.
Under is 10-4 in Dodgers last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 13-6-1 in Dodgers last 20 vs. National League West.
Under is 33-16-2 in Dodgers last 51 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 3-0-2 in Hills last 5 Thursday starts.
Over is 4-0 in Hills last 4 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 11-1 in Hills last 12 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Over is 7-1 in Hills last 8 home starts.
Over is 5-1 in Hills last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Over is 8-3 in Hills last 11 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 8-3 in Hills last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 13-5 in Hills last 18 starts on grass.
Over is 13-5 in Hills last 18 starts overall.
Over is 5-2 in Hills last 7 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 10-4 in Hills last 14 starts vs. National League West.

Head to Head

Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles.
Over is 5-0 in Hills last 5 home starts vs. Diamondbacks.
Over is 6-0 in Hills last 6 starts vs. Diamondbacks.
Over is 5-0 in Rays last 5 starts vs. Dodgers.
Over is 6-2-1 in the last 9 meetings.
Diamondbacks are 5-2 in Rays last 7 starts vs. Dodgers.
Diamondbacks are 13-31 in the last 44 meetings in Los Angeles.
Dodgers are 1-4 in Hills last 5 starts vs. Diamondbacks.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

(953) PITTSBURGH @ (954) ST LOUIS | 08/30/2018 - 7:15 PM
Play ON ST LOUIS using the money line in All games in August games
The record is 20 Wins and 5 Losses this season (+16.52 units)

 

[bmd1803]

(959) COLORADO @ (960) SAN DIEGO | 08/30/2018 - 10:10 PM
Play ON COLORADO using the money line in Road games in night games
The record is 29 Wins and 16 Losses this season (+19.22 units)

 

[bmd1803]

(967) BOSTON @ (968) CHI WHITE SOX | 08/30/2018 - 8:10 PM
Play ON BOSTON using the run line in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 25 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+21.10 units)

 

[bmd1803]

(969) SEATTLE @ (970) OAKLAND | 08/30/2018 - 10:05 PM
Play ON OAKLAND using the money line in All games in all games
The record is 80 Wins and 53 Losses this season (+32.65 units)

 

[bmd1803]

Patriots vs. Giants Preview and Predictions in NFL



The New England Patriots aren't likely to have a whole lot of competition in the AFC East unless something rather catastrophic happens. And even if it does, the division isn't exactly deep. But their standard is much higher, as it is always "Super Bowl or bust."

The New York Giants hope they can provide the principal competition for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East, and if a few things fall right for them, they can make it happen. They did well to change the atmosphere, and one of the things they did was bring in a big-impact running back and not a "quarterback of the future."

So these teams, who have a nasty history that includes two Super Bowl victories on the part of the Giants, will tangle at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Thursday night.

TV: 7 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Giants -2.5. O/U: 38.5.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS: The Pats lost their third game of the pre-season to the Carolina Panthers 25-14. In the process, Tom Brady got in his last work before the regular season opener, completing 12 of 18 passes for 102 yards.
One big key to New England's success this season is going to revolve around Sony Michel's ability to step in and be a dual-purpose back, and he may eventually elevate himself to being a featured back. Michel was taken next-to-last in the first round out of Georgia but suffered a knee injury, which had the potential to set him back. But he has returned to practice and impressed the staff, including his position coach, Ivan Fears, who says "It looks like he's going to be what we expected to be." He'll be in the rotation for certain in Week 1. And while Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill don't have as much upside as Michel, they have a chance to get a lot of playing time in the backfield. It might come down to who produces this week. Gillislee had some modest numbers (35 rushing yards, one catch) last week, while Hill sprained an ankle. Shaq Mason, who has been a starting right guard for most of the last three seasons, has signed a five-year contract extension that is worth $50 million, with $23.5 million of it guaranteed. The Pats suffered a big blow in the last couple of weeks when offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn, another of their first-round draft choices from Georgia (like Michel) sustained a torn Achilles and is out for the season.



ABOUT THE GIANTS: In a game that was less contentious than it has been in recent years, the Giants scored a 22-16 victory in the "Snoopy Bowl" against the Jets last week. Eli Manning is apparently ready to go, as he threw for 188 yards. Jhurell Pressley, signed on August 20, led the team with 71 yards on the ground and is making a bid for a roster spot. He was in camp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 when Pat Shurmur was the offensive coordinator there. After Saquon Barkley, Big Blue is planning on backing him with veteran Jonathan Stewart, along with Wayne Gallman. So catching on in some way is Pressley's objective, and he'll have a chance in the pre-season finale. And by the way, Barkley, who has been bothered with a hamstring and kept out of action as a precaution, is participating in 7-on-7 drills. There is no reason to believe he should not be ready for the season opener. Olivier Vernon, who was signed for big money a couple of years ago, then has underwhelmed, should be available for the season opener, though he has a high ankle bruise. Vernon has had 15 sacks in the last two seasons, but defensive coordinator James Bettcher, who has re-positioned Vernon in his 3-4 alignment, would like to see more.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Odell Beckham Jr. finally signed his contract extension. It's for five years and $95 million, with a massive $65 million guaranteed. He is now the highest-paid receiver ever.

2. James Bettcher, who was brought on board by new coach Pat Shurmur as defensive coordinator, has switched the alignment from a 4-3 to a 3-4. This is the kind of thing that often necessitates some awkward moves, mostly for defensive ends who now have to become outside linebackers.

3. The Patriots are the -700 favorites to win the AFC East, and they are also +500 to capture Super Bowl 53. The Giants are +425 to win the NFC East, and +2000 to win the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION: Giants 17, Patriots 14

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
New England

Patriots are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 road games.
Patriots are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on fieldturf.
Patriots are 36-17-2 ATS in their last 55 games overall.

N.Y. Giants

Giants are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.

OU Trends
New England

Under is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Patriots last 5 Thursday games.
Over is 68-33 in Patriots last 101 games on fieldturf.

N.Y. Giants

Under is 6-1 in Giants last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 Thursday games.
Under is 10-3 in Giants last 13 games on fieldturf.
Under is 9-3 in Giants last 12 home games.

Head to Head

Underdog is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Colts vs. Bengals Preview and Predictions in NFL



The Indianapolis Colts come into the 2018 season with an awful lot of optimism, because they expect to have their Pro Bowl quarterback behind center. And they are taking every measure to make sure that he's ready when the bell rings.

The Cincinnati Bengals were simply flat last season because their offense did not perform. Is there any reason to believe things might be different this season? That is a legitimate question.

The Colts and Bengals will meet up on Thursday night in a game that will not include a lot of starters but will go a long way toward determining who may be kept on board to play reserve or special teams roles. It takes place at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

NFL Football Previews and Predictions

TV: 7 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Bengals -2.5 (-115) O/U: 34.

ABOUT THE COLTS: Of course, since everybody's eyes are on Luck, there has been a lot of unrest about a minor foot injury that he had suffered. But even though the team did concede that it was going to sideline him for a while, he did return to practice on Monday. Luck will not play in this final pre-season game, but the Colts, very mindful of wild speculation, are insisting that he will indeed be ready to play in the regular season opener. One of the fundamental concerns about the Indianapolis offense was being able to put together enough of a running game, and because there were no major moves made in the off-season, Marlon Mack was expected to be part of that. But Mack may not be ready for Week 1, as he sits out with a hamstring injury. The Colts are in such a situation that Christine Michael, a journeyman who has been largely forgotten about, is actually the guy taking the first-team reps while Mack is out. If Frank Reich, entering his first season as head coach, wants to truly protect Luck, one of the ways he can do it is to at least be able to present the threat that the Colts are going to move over land. Speaking of protecting Luck - and hamstring injuries - Anthony Castonzo, who some people consider one of the best left tackles in the NFL, is obviously hoping to be able to play in the season opener, and Reich would not want to have to go to the alternative, Le’Raven Clark, if he doesn't have to. Naturally, part of the off-season initiative was to solidify the left side of the offensive line, which included drafting Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, and having Castonzo healthy.



ABOUT THE BENGALS: The Bengals hope that what they saw from John Ross last Sunday was a harbinger of things to come. Ross, who was drafted in the first round last season but contributed almost nothing, caught a 57-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton, beating Pro Bowl cornerback Vontae Davis in the process. Ross set a record for the fastest 40-yard time in the NFL Scouting Combine but proved not ready to play in the league, even when healthy. This might be a do-or-die year for him, and unquestionably Cincinnati can use some people who are able to take some attention away from AJ Green on the other side. By the way, Green caught four passes last Sunday, including the touchdown, and every sign is that he is in mid-season form at the moment. Of course, if Cincinnati's going to make some kind of a comeback offensively (they were ranked last in the NFL in 2017), will have to get a Pro Bowl-caliber season out of Andy Dalton, who has proven capable of it before. Dalton was 11 for 16 last week in the 26-13 win against Buffalo, with 180 yards and two touchdowns. He has given every indication that will produce much better this season. Last year he did have 25 TD passes and a dozen interceptions. Coming into the final game, the battle is for the backup QB job. Jeff Driskel went four of seven for 75 yards last week, while Matt Barkley was 9-16 for 112 yards and an interception. Bengals Owner. GM Mike Brown opened up the pocketbook to the tune of $110 million to sign defensive linemen Geno Adkins and Carlos Dunlap to contract extensions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Mack led the Colts in rushing last season, with 358 yards on the ground, and added 225 in receptions. No other Indianapolis running back in camp right now had triple digits in either of those categories in 2017.

2. Interestingly enough, these teams will turn around play each other in the regular season opener, scheduled for a week from Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. So would stand to reason that they wouldn't show each other much of the playbook.

3. The Bengals are +700 to win the AFC North and +8500 to win the Super Bowl. Indianapolis is +500 to be the AFC South champ and +5500 for Super Bowl honors.

PREDICTION: Bengals 20, Colts 14

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Indianapolis

Colts are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 Thursday games.
Colts are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.

Cincinnati

Bengals are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC.
Bengals are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

OU Trends
Indianapolis

Under is 8-0 in Colts last 8 games overall.
Under is 6-0 in Colts last 6 games on fieldturf.
Under is 8-0 in Colts last 8 vs. AFC.
Under is 4-0 in Colts last 4 road games.

Cincinnati

Under is 4-0-1 in Bengals last 5 Thursday games.
Over is 4-1 in Bengals last 5 vs. AFC.
Under is 12-5 in Bengals last 17 games on fieldturf.
Under is 7-3 in Bengals last 10 home games.

Head to Head

Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Cincinnati.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Dolphins vs. Falcons Preview and Predictions in NFL



The Miami Dolphins stripped away several of their veteran players in the off-season, and now they have to rely on the health of their starting quarterback. There are a lot of holes in this team, and they must be addressed before they are going to be considered real contenders in the AFC East.

The Atlanta Falcons would like to return to the Super Bowl, where they were a couple of seasons ago, and for that to happen their offense needs to get turbo-charged again. Maybe the addition of wide receiver Calvin Ridley will contribute toward that happening, but they also need Devonta Freeman, part of their dual-purpose backfield, to stay injury-free.

The Dolphins and Falcons lock horns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday night at 7 PM ET.

See all the Pro Football Predictions

TV: Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Pick'em. O/U: 36.5.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS: One of the things Miami fans didn't necessarily want to see out of Ryan Tannehill, who was returning to the lineup after more than a year and a half out of it, is an issue with "ball security." Yet there he was, fumbling twice last Saturday in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Tannehill didn't do too badly by the numbers, completing 11 out of 16 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, but that has been the story of his career – pretty good numbers, but not enough in the way of victories to show for it. Neither of his fumbles resulted in a turnover, but that was just his good luck. Coming into the season opener, you've got to be at least a little bit concerned with how sharpies going to be, having missed all of last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Devante Parker, the former first-round draft choice, has not been cleared to catch footballs yet, as he continues to recover from a finger injury. He would be considered questionable at the moment to go in the season opener, and if he can't make post, look for Danny Amendola, acquired in the off-season, to get his snaps. If Parker is ineffective due to this injury, that puts the Miami receiving corps in rough shape since obviously, Jarvis Landry has a new address these days (Cleveland). It appears as if coach Adam Gase is not interested in putting too big a burden on Kenyan Drake in the Dolphin backfield. He is going to do everything in his power to see that 35-year-old Frank Gore, who has returned "home" after a lot of years in San Francisco and Indianapolis, splits carries with him.



ABOUT THE FALCONS: Giorgio Tavecchio, a kicker who has just been cut by the Oakland Raiders, was picked up by the Falcons, presumably for the purpose of playing in this pre-season finale. Matt Bryant is aging (43), and maybe they don't want to take a chance on him. Tavecchio gets a chance to play and maybe impress someone enough to catch on somewhere else. But with David Marvin (who will punt Thursday), the Falcons now have three kickers with them, and at least one of them will have to go. Brandon Fusco, a member of the San Francisco 49ers last season, has been named the starting right guard by head coach Dan Quinn. Fusco has 80 NFL starts to his credit, and he beat out Wes Schweitzer to get to the first team. There has been some level of continuity with the Falcons on the offensive line, as four of the five starters who helped this team reach the Super Bowl two seasons ago are still with the team. One plus for Fusco is that he spent last season in a Kyle Shanahan offense, and the Falcons have not changed things appreciably on offense since Shanahan left Atlanta (and the coordinator position) for San Francisco. Calvin Ridley, the first-round draft pick who looked so outstanding two weeks ago, dropped three passes in Saturday's loss against Jacksonville. So yes, before getting overly excited with the rookie as a perfect complement to Julio Jones, he's going to have his moments of difficulty. Dan Quinn is now 4-11 against the spread in pre-season action as an NFL head coach.

EXTRA POINTS

1. These teams met last season. The Dolphins, who went into the game as a 13.5-point underdog, overcame a 17-0 halftime deficit and emerged with a 20-17 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Jay Ajayi had 130 yards on the ground, but he's no longer in Miami. Kenyan Drake did not play.

2. Marvin Hall, battling for the last Atlanta roster spot as a wide receiver, has caught two passes in the NFL, and one of them was a 40-yard TD from Matt Ryan against the Dolphins last October.

3. The Falcons are +150 to be the champions of the NFC South and +1800 to win the Super Bowl, which will be held in their building this season. The Dolphins are +700 to capture the AFC East crown and +8500 to win the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION: Dolphins 19, Falcons 17

 

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ATS Trends
Miami

Dolphins are 2-7-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Dolphins are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games.

Atlanta

Falcons are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games.
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.

OU Trends
Miami

Under is 8-1-1 in Dolphins last 10 Thursday games.
Over is 4-1 in Dolphins last 5 road games.
Over is 8-3 in Dolphins last 11 games overall.

Atlanta

Under is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games overall.
Under is 6-1 in Falcons last 7 home games.
Under is 33-16-2 in Falcons last 51 games on grass.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

 

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Jets vs. Eagles Preview and Predictions in NFL



The New York Jets may yet begin their "new era" with a new quarterback earlier than expected, although curiously, their head coach has not given the aggressive The Apple press the heads-up on whether that is going to happen. Maybe there is something about this pre-season finale that will help this thing come to a conclusion.

The Philadelphia Eagles certainly don't want their own quarterback situation to become muddled, and so that means a very low-risk policy. This is a team with some reason to believe it can contend well into the future, and we saw last season that they can perform even if their starting quarterback is out of action.

These clubs will come together for the final exhibition on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field in the City of Brotherly Love.

National Football League Preseason Previews

TV: Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Jets -3.5 (-115). O/U: 36

ABOUT THE JETS: Head coach Todd Bowles has been adamant that he's making no decision on who the starting quarterback will be until after the last pre-season game. Perhaps this means that Teddy Bridgewater will get some snaps and an opportunity to either solidify his position on the depth chart or allow the Jets to showcase him in a trade. Bridgewater completed 11 of 15 passes last week against the Giants, while Sam Darnold was 8-16 for 86 yards. It should be mentioned that Darnold has been taking most of the snaps with the first team in practice, and reports are that many of the things the Jets have looked for out of him, he has delivered. So maybe the plan to have Josh McCown keep the seat warm for the time being will go out the window. But that has not been decided yet. Bowles also said that some of his starters may play in this game as well, although he did not specify which ones they were or how long they could be in the game. The Jets are obviously not satisfied that Elijah McGuire will be recovered from his foot surgery in time to make the season opener, and in fact, they may wind up to placing him on an injured reserve list that will keep him out for the first eight games of the season. So they have taken the step of signing Charcandrick West, a solid veteran who had been cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move. West can run from scrimmage and catch passes, and he is good for backfield depth. The team is still awaiting word on how the NFL is going to deal with disciplinary situations involving wide receiver Robby Anderson and linebacker Dylan Donahue. Both may get suspended, but the league has taken much longer than expected to finish their review of each situation, and that has left management in something of a quandary as far as personnel movement is concerned.



ABOUT THE EAGLES: What's really interesting about this game is the fact that both of these coaches are holding out a decision as to who will start at quarterback in the opener until Friday at the earliest. Of course, with the Eagles' situation, it's more related to injuries and recovery. Carson Wentz has not even been cleared for full contact, so obviously would be foolish for Doug Pederson to make the call on his availability. Both Wentz and Nick Foles have been splitting up the first-team snaps in practice, so either one of them should be sharp enough when the bell rings. Naturally, neither one of them is going to be put in harm's way either. But keep in mind that the defending Super Bowl champs go into action earlier than everyone else, as they've got the first Thursday night game against the Atlanta Falcons. We know that Nate Sudfield can handle things behind center, but the real intrigue is going to come from somebody who is fifth on the depth chart. Christian Hackenberg never saw the field in the regular season for the Jets, although they had taken him in the second round out of Penn State. He was much maligned and lost the respect of the staff. After getting cut loose, he was then cut by the Raiders and wound up with the Eagles. And Pederson will put him on the field in what could present a very interesting dynamic. "If I get the chance to play on Thursday," Hackenberg says, "I’m looking forward to seeing how it all translates to the field. Being here, it’s been good for my game and for me." The 2013 Big Ten Freshman of the Year may be a candidate to stick around on the practice squad.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Hackenberg has played for the Jets AGAINST the Eagles in the last two pre-season finales, completing 21 of 53 passes for 159 yards. He is slightly below 50% accurate in two years of pre-season play, with four interceptions - three of which were returned for touchdowns.

2. Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery is expected to miss the first two games of the regular season with a shoulder injury. But he is coming off the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list this weekend.

3. The Eagles are priced at +850 to defend their Super Bowl title, and they are the -170 favorites to capture the NFC East. The Jets are +1100 to win the AFC East, and +8500 to win the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION: Jets 21, Eagles 16

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
N.Y. Jets

Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
Jets are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Jets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Jets are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games on grass.

Philadelphia

Eagles are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games on grass.
Eagles are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Eagles are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

OU Trends
N.Y. Jets

Under is 7-3 in Jets last 10 road games.

Philadelphia

Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 home games.
Over is 7-2 in Eagles last 9 Thursday games.

Head to Head

Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Browns vs. Lions Preview and Predictions in NFL



The Cleveland Browns are in the middle of what they feel is an exciting rebuilding project, but they really need a coach who knows what he's doing to make the thing complete, and there are critics who are not sure whether they have that at the moment.

The Detroit Lions went through some controversy not long after the hiring of their own head coach, but so far it looks as if it is full steam ahead, and last week's result had to be pretty encouraging.

Now the Lions, who were somewhat embarrassed by the New York Giants in their last game at Ford Field, return home for the preseason finale against the Browns.

Find all the NFL Previews and Predictions

TV: 7 PM ET, NFL Network. LINE: Browns -2 (-120). O/U: 35

ABOUT THE BROWNS: There has been some criticism of head coach Hue Jackson because he has not had Baker Mayfield on the field with first-team starters. That won't change this Thursday night, but Mayfield will start the game anyway. The difference, of course, is that he'll be working with second and third-team players. And so the question is, why? And those things may have been asked about Jackson when he put Tyrod Taylor back into last week's game after getting injured. Various pundits have suggested that Jackson should be fired. Josh Gordon has been the center of some speculation during this training camp, and his situation has come under either even closer scrutiny because of the fact that Cleveland is the subject of this year's "Hard Knocks" documentary series on HBO. Gordon, who had gone to Florida to seek some help emotionally and with his substance abuse, has been cleared by the league to practice, and if he's close to 100%, is going to be a major contributor. But there was enough doubt about all of this that the Browns sat down with Dez Bryant to discuss a contract. Gordon came back to practice but had a little bit of a hamstring issue which limits his activity. Tight end David Njoku, a first-round pick last year, has a load of potential and could be ready for a breakout season. Now he is nursing an ankle injury, and the team is very optimistic that he'll be just fine for the season opener. And the fact that he is working to the side and not sidelined completely is a good sign of that.



ABOUT THE LIONS: The team found itself down 27-6 in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but then things started to turn. The Lions started to edge back with Matt Cassel behind center against Tampa Bay's "twos" and there was an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown by Brandon Powell. Jake Rudock made the comeback complete when he took the team on a last-minute touchdown drive after the Bucs tried to sit on the ball, and Detroit emerged with a 33-30 victory. Cassel went 7-11 for 60 yards, while Rudock was 9-12 for 58 yards. And this issue of who will fill the backup role has probably not been resolved just yet. Rudock has some things in his favor; namely a 72% completion rate and 94.5 passer rating in this pre-season. But Cassel has the experience advantage, obviously, and even if he got cut he would get picked up by somebody else. Luke Willson, who came over from the Seattle Seahawks with the idea that he could become the team's #1 tight end, suffered a knee injury that forced him to leave the game with Tampa Bay, and he could have lost some ground, but got back to practice on Monday. Ameer Abdullah was the Lions' starting tailback last year, but with a new commitment to the run, the team added LeGarrette Blount and draft pick Kerryon Johnson, which made him expendable. So Matt Patricia is giving him extra playing time in this finale in an attempt to give him a chance to do enough to stick with the roster. Abdullah fumbled twice against the Giants a couple of weeks ago.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Can the Browns improve from a place-kicking standpoint? Zane Gonzalez, who made only 75% of his field-goal attempts last year, is sticking around, despite a challenge from Ross Martin. The Browns made that obvious when they cut Martin on Tuesday.

2. Defensive end Robert Ayers, with the Buccaneers the last two seasons, was signed on Monday and then suddenly cut on Tuesday, without much of an explanation as to why.

3. The Lions are +500 to win the NFC North and +3500 to win Super Bowl 53. The Browns are +700 to win the AFC North and +5500 for the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION: Lions 21, Browns 17

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Cleveland

Browns are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
Browns are 15-35-1 ATS in their last 51 games overall.
Browns are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
Browns are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 games on fieldturf.

Detroit

Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.

OU Trends
Cleveland

Over is 5-0 in Browns last 5 games on fieldturf.
Under is 6-1 in Browns last 7 Thursday games.
Over is 11-4 in Browns last 15 road games.

Detroit

Over is 6-1 in Lions last 7 Thursday games.
Over is 7-2 in Lions last 9 home games.

Head to Head

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

 

[bmd1803]

Redskins vs. Ravens Preview and Predictions in NFL



Most people who follow the Washington Redskins are well aware that coach Jay Gruden’s bread-and-butter is the short passing game. So after losing Kirk Cousins in free agency, if Alex Smith can give them some continuity at the quarterback spot, this team might offer something for the Philadelphia Eagles to think about in the NFC East.

The biggest story in the Baltimore Ravens' camp this season has been that of their rookie quarterback, a former Heisman Trophy winner who they moved up in the draft to pick. Lamar Jackson may not be completely ready to shoulder the burden that comes with running an NFL offense, but when he's in the game, all eyes are on him.

The Redskins and Ravens, neighbors in the Mid-Atlantic region, will meet up on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

TV: 7:30 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Ravens -6.5 (-115). O/U: 35.5.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS: The Redskins may have lost 29-17 to the Denver Broncos last week, but Adrian Peterson has them some reason for hope as far as their running game is concerned. In one half of football, he gained 56 yards. And head coach Jay Gruden gave him eleven carries, so he wasn't fibbing earlier in the week when he told reporters he would give A.P. some action. We're still not sure what this all means, and we are relatively certain that at his age, there is no future in the NFL for him as a feature back. But he can play some kind of role with the team and remember that this is a club that has suddenly had to deal with the injury absence of a rookie ball-carrier (Derrius Guice) who they were counting on heavily. Could he actually be the starter for Washington? Well, he may be a better alternative right now for the 'Skins than either Rob Kelley or Samaje Perine, and if the intention is to keep Peterson around through the final cuts, we have to wonder if maybe one of those other two could become a casualty. Perine is in some peril in that regard, since he has an ankle injury and had to sit out against Denver. Perhaps there is something in the final pre-season game that will help team brass make a decision. Chris Thompson, who fits in more as a third-down back and has been kept out of pre-season action as he recovers from a broken leg, is going to have a roster spot. And Gruden wants to assure people that tight end Jordan Reed, who has been kept out of the pre-season, will indeed be on track to play in the season opener.



ABOUT THE RAVENS: There was no question on the part of many observers that Lamar Jackson was going to have to polish himself up quite a bit to be able to become a starting quarterback in the NFL. He was a little uneasy in the pocket, although his feet give him a chance to get out of almost any situation. Through the first two games, Jackson completed just 42% of his passes. But he was much more effective last week, as he went 7-for-10 for 98 yards and ran for 39 more. He had both a rushing and passing touchdown, and the Ravens won easily. He is currently listed #2 on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco, although one cannot discount the impressive showing Robert Griffin III has made in camp. Right now the Ravens are showing holdovers in the backfield, with Alex Collins, Buck Allen, and Kenneth Dixon. Is that enough for them to play any kind of power football this season? Don't forget that Flacco averaged just 5.7 yards per attempt in 2017. Perhaps we underrate Collins, the former Arkansas standout; he had 973 yards (4.6 ypc) last season. Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg were hoping to be tight end-heavy in the offense this season. That may still be the case, but they'll have to start off without first-round draft pick Hayden Hurst for about a month as he deals with surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot. Jaleel Scott, a wide receiver who was drafted in the fourth round, is on injured reserve with a rather severe hamstring injury. He was not coming around as fast as the Ravens hoped he would anyway. Harbaugh is now 28-15 ATS in the pre-season, and Baltimore has covered its pre-season finale in each of the last four seasons.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Baltimore linebacker Kamalei Correa, who played high school ball with former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, will now reunite with him as the Ravens traded him to Tennessee on Tuesday. He was picked in the second round out of Boise State in 2016 but only brought back a sixth-round pick from the Titans.

2. Placekicker Kaare Vedvik, who has been impressive in camp as an undrafted free agent, isn't going to unseat Justin Tucker with the Ravens, but will invariably wind up somewhere else, as a number of teams are just waiting for him to get cut, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.

3. The Redskins are +425 to win the NFC East, and +5000 to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens are priced at +300 in the AFC North and +3500 to be Super Bowl champions.

PREDICTION: Ravens 23, Redskins 13

 

[bmd1803]

ATS Trends
Washington

Redskins are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.

Baltimore

Ravens are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 Thursday games.
Ravens are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Ravens are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
Washington

Under is 4-0 in Redskins last 4 games overall.
Over is 6-1 in Redskins last 7 Thursday games.
Over is 10-3 in Redskins last 13 road games.

Baltimore

Over is 5-2 in Ravens last 7 games on fieldturf.

Head to Head

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.