BEN BURNS
2009 MNF GAME OF THE YEAR!
I'm laying the points with HOUSTON. Remembering some of his performances from the past, the majority of the betting public typically likes betting on Brett Favre on Monday Nights. Regardless of which side one favors for this evening's game, Favre continues to be the headline story. I believe that this will work in Houston's favor this evening. While he's barely taken the field yet, the 'Favre saga' has to be a distraction for at least some of the Vikings' players. This is particularly true when reporters are regularly asking them their feelings about the quarterback situation. Many of the players are happy to have Favre on board. However, there are at least some that feel differently and that can cause some division in the locker-room. As far as Favre the player, it remains to be seen how he'll fare. He should get plenty of playing time this evening but that's not necessarily a positive. He was 1 of 4 for four yards last game and wasn't sharp down the stretch for the Jets last season. Even if he's been studying the Vikings' playbook all summer, as many feel that he has, it's still relatively new to him. He's likely to be without wide receiver Bernard Berrian, currently listed as doubtful. Of course, Favre would like to perform well and backups Rosenfals (a former Texan) and Jackson both have plenty of reason to try and do the same. Wanting to play well and playing well are entirely different matters though - keep in mind that the main reason Favre is even a Viking is because the team didn't trust either Jackson or Rosenfals. Yes, the Vikings did come away with a win and cover last week. However, that was against the rebuilding Chiefs and KC had a significant edge in both first downs and time of possession. In fact, the Chiefs would have won the game if they could have gotten in the end zone with four cracks from the 1-yard line in the final minute. While the Vikings quarterbacks should be highly motivated to play well, I believe that entire Houston team will also want to be at its best. The Texans haven't had many Monday Night games in their history and they're still a team which wants to win over their fans and show the country that they're actually a pretty good team. The fact that they lost at Minnesota last season should provide some added motivation. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the fact that the Texans got blown out by the Saints last week should provide them with plenty of 'hunger.' Coach Kubiak has stated that he wants his players to take these 'meaningless' games seriously. He was quoted as saying: "They better all take on the same meaning. They better all be just as important to each player every week." Last week's result notwithstanding, the Texans have quietly turned into a very strong home team in recent seasons. In fact, they're 14-4 SU and 13-5 ATS their last 18 regular season games here. While this obviously isn't a regular season game - Week 3 of the preseason is the closest thing to the 'real deal.' Note that the Texans haven't lost both their preseason home games since 2003. The Texans are also 3-0 ATS the last three preseasons in Week 3, including a double-digit victory over Dallas in their lone Week 3 home game during that stretch. I expect them to bounce back with a highly motivated win and cover. *10 MNF GOY
PERSONAL FAVORITE! (10-5 L15 PFs)
I'm laying the price with the CHICAGO CUBS. Both these teams have fallen on hard times since they last met and both are now unlikely to make the playoffs. While the Astros are now all but mathematically eliminated, the Cubs still have an outside shot. That said, they need to start winning games, effective immediately. Having Rich Harden on the mound gives them an excellent shot at starting this series off with a much-needed victory. When healthy, Harden is among the very best in the game. That's certainly been the case in the second half. In eight starts since the All Star Break, Harden has recorded an outstanding 1.80 ERA. During that 8-game stretch, he has allowed two earned runs or less in every outing, going at least six innings in seven of them. Over 50 innings, he's recorded an impressive 60 K's. The Cubs are 5-1 in Harden's six August starts, since he joined the team and 13-7 his last 20 starts overall. Of course, Oswalt is no slouch either. That said, he's just 2-6 (Astros are 3-7) his last 10 starts against the Cubs and he gave up 10 hits, at St. Louis, in his last start. Prior to that, in his previous road start, he gave up eight hits and five runs in six innings. While the Cubs haven't been a profitable team this season, they've been great as home favorites in this range. In fact, they're 14-4 (+7. when playing at home with a line ranging from -150 to -175. Behind another quality effort from Harden, I expect them to improve on those stats here. *9 Personal Favorite
Rocco Vincintore Guaranteed Selections
PREFERRED PLAYERS CLUB MONEY LINE BASEBAAL WINNER
San Diego w/Stauffer -150
NORTHCOAST
MON NITE MAGIC
2* Houston -3 -120
C-Stars Sports
1000 Units Chicago Cubs over Houston
1000 Units Top Play Houston minus THE POINTS OVER Minnesota
50 units Minnesota/Houston under the total
Jefferson Sports
ANGELS -140
OAKLAND -140
Alatex
Hou -3
Tony Salinas
26* NY Yankees (-185) over Orioles
Clear. Winds blowing in from center field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 70.
24* Marlins (-155) over Braves
Partly cloudy with a 30-percent chance of rain. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 85.
25* La Angels (-140) over Mariners
Clear. Winds blowing in from left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
Dr. Guru
12* Florida Marlins -140
EDDIE ROMAN
$10,000 NFL Preseason Oddsmakers Error Lock
Minnesota Vikings +3.5 over HOUSTON
Insider Sports Report
4* Chicago White Sox
3* Tampa Bay Rays
3* Minnesota Vikings +3.5
Wayne Root
Vegas Legend - Minnesota Twins
Millionaire - Houston Texans
Mike Neri Sports
Florida w/Johnson -153
Risk 1 Unit to make .65 Units
Oakland w/Gonzalez -142
Risk 1 Unit to make .70 Units
KB Hoops
5* Angels -141 **POD**
4* Oakland -141
3* Texas -168
1* Texans -3.5
Executive
100% Minnesota +3
250% Blue Jays +160
Kelso
5 units Houston -3