James Patrick Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Raiders vs. Cowboys
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Oakland Raiders have been the worst team in the NFL since last appearing in the Super Bowl at the conclusion of the 2002 season. In failing to win more than five games in any season since, the problems have been multi-faceted. However, after finally enjoying an off season of what seems to be strong personnel moves, perhaps this franchise is finally ready to turn the corner. HC Tom Cable was given another chance by owner Al Davis, although he no longer calls the offensive plays. That job will go to new OC Hue Jackson, the former Ravens QB coach. Dallas on quick turn around from Sunday Night win at Canton against the Bengals. Big Game James Patrick's Preseason complimentary selection is Oakland Raiders.
Matt Fargo
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Saints @ Patriots
PICK: Under 36
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
When looking at the NFL Preseason, the defenses are usually well ahead of the offenses especially when we are still in the first week of games. That being said, the posted totals reflect this as we tend to see a lot of low numbers on the board and even lower scoring games resulting from them. This week, of the 16 games on the board, 15 have posted over/unders of 34 or less with the only exception being New Orleans and New England having a number anywhere between 35 and 36 depending on the shop.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This is a massive overreaction even though the number is not that much bigger. I say that because it is only slightly higher but that is going to get a lot of square money on the ‘Over’ because of the subtle jump. During the preseason, we all know starters do not play much more than a couple series in the first couple of games with just a couple small exceptions. Looking at these two teams, there is no reason to even chance the starters in playing much.
Even when the starters are in, that does mean an edge for the offense anyway as both defenses have been extremely solid during camp thus far in drills and scrimmages. When we get into the second and third strings, we are going to see an even greater disparity favoring the defenses.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This is a Thursday game and during Tuesday and Wednesday, these teams are going to be practicing together. That gives us an even bigger edge for the defense as this early in the season, it is much easier for a defense to prepare for games like this when there is already interaction taking place between the two teams. It will mark the first time the Patriots will conduct a joint practice session since working with the New York Giants in 2001 and when they played an exhibition game right after, it resulted in a 14-0 game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The size of this total is just high enough to qualify for a great preseason totals situation as well. Play the ‘Under’ when the total is between 35.5 and 42 points in the first two weeks of the pre-season. This situation is 74-40 (64.9 percent) to the ‘Under’ over the last 10 seasons. On top of that, close to 40 percent of those 114 games covered the total by at least a touchdown. 3* Under New Orleans Saints/New England Patriots
Hollywood Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
British Columbia Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders
Prediction: British Columbia Lions
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Revenge will be on their mind as they look to rebound from their earlier season thrashing to Saskatchewan by a 37-18 score. While BC is just 1-5, four of their losses have been by five points or less. And they have covered five of their last six visits to Saskatchewan. Six-year CFL veteran Jarius Jackson (the former Notre Dame QB) will start this game and his veteran leadership will help expose a Roughriders' defense that is last in points allowed (30.5 PPG) and 7th in total yardage (437.7 YPG). To make matters worse for Saskatchewan, three defensive players are listed as questionable for this contest. QB Darius Durant still suffers from a mysterious stomach virus. And the Roughriders are primed for a hangover after falling to their Grey Cup Champion rivals in Montreal after losing to them by a 30-26 score last week. Saskatchewan does not their big favorite status well as they have failed to cover eight of their last ten games against teams with a losing record. Take the points with British Columbia.
Marc Lawrence
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Cubs @ Giants
PICK: Giants
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Giants and Cubs wrap up their three-game series when Matt Cain takes on Randy Wells at AT&T Park in San Francisco this afternoon. Cain takes the mound sporing a 7-4 mark with a 2.48 ERA in his team starts at home this season with a super 0.969 WHIP. He is also 12-2 in his last 14 team starts at home during the month of August. With that look for the Giants to improve to 5-1 at home in Cain's career against the Cubs here today. We recommend a 1-unit play on San Francisco.
Jim Feist
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Baltimore vs Cleveland
Take: Baltimore
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Changing managers has added some life into the Orioles, a team that keeps winning as a dog, a terrific run the last week. They can keep the good karma going against a bad Cleveland team, one they beat as a dog again in the opener of this series with an offensive explosion. Veteran Kevin Millwood is 4-1 against far better Cleveland offenses than this (11th in runs in the AL). Play the Orioles.
DUNKEL INDEX
New Orleans at New England
The defending champs open the preseason at New England on Thursday. The Saints are the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Patriots favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+1 1/2)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 251-252: New Orleans at New England (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 122.812; New England 123.455
Dunkel Line: New England by 1; 39
Vegas Line: New England by 1 1/2; 36
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+1 1/2); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 253-254: Carolina at Baltimore (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 120.481; Baltimore 121.431
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 32
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 34
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+1); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 255-256: Oakland at Dallas (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 118.204; Dallas 123.119
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 5; 31
Vegas Line: Dallas by 3 1/2; 34 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-3 1/2); Under
MLB
LA Dodgers at Philadelphia
The Phillies look to follow up yesterday's 2-0 win over the Dodgers and build on their 8-0 record in their last 8 games when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in the previous game. Philadelphia is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Phillies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 901-902: Colorado at NY Mets (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 14.145; NY Mets (Santana) 14.941
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-155); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-155); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 903-904: Arizona at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Lopez) 14.768; Milwaukee (Wolf) 15.413
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-155); Under
Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (3:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 13.803; San Francisco (Cain) 14.140
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-175); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at San Diego (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Duke) 13.354; San Diego (Garland) 16.356
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 3; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-200); Under
Game 909-910: Florida at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.485; Washington (Hernandez) 14.575
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 911-912: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.435; Philadelphia (Blanton) 16.348
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115); Under
Game 913-914: Boston at Toronto (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 16.732; Toronto (Mills) 15.606
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-110); Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 915-916: Baltimore at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Millwood) 15.006; Cleveland (Gomez) 15.443
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-145); Over
Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 15.664; Kansas City (Chen) 13.540
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-225); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-225); Over
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 919-920: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.018; White Sox (Floyd) 16.736
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under
WNBA
Los Angeles at Minnesota
The Sparks look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Los Angeles is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by only 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+7)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 651-652: Los Angeles at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 108.321; Minnesota 112.584
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 4 1/2; 150
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 7; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+7); Under
CFL
BC at Saskatchewan
The Roughriders look to rebound from their 30-26 loss at Montreal and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following an SU defeat. Saskatchewan is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Roughriders favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-8 1/2)
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Game 441-442: BC at Saskatchewan (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 107.691; Saskatchewan 117.870
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 10; 50
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 8 1/2; 54
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-8 1/2); Under
Sean Higgs
Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Play: Baltimore Ravens -3.5
Looking at this game, you have to see that Baltimore has the clear edge in the QB rotation. Can't see the Panthers putting much offense together. The Ravens will easily cover this number tonight
Frank Jordan
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians
Play: Baltimore Orioles
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Kevin Millwood is 2-11 on the year the Orioles are 8-1 under Buck Showalter. That only loss was when Millwood pitched last when Baltimore lost 4-2, but Millwood went 6 innings allowing just one run. Look for Millwood to build off of his outing last time out and the Orioles hot offensive play to continue and make it 9 out of 10 for Buck. Play Baltimore
Steve Merril
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Red Sox vs. Blue Jays
Play: Over 9
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Boston has found their offense in Toronto as they’ve scored 17 runs in their first two games against the Blue Jays. The two teams wrap up their series on Thursday afternoon as Toronto sends Brad Mills to the mound for the third time this season. Mills followed up a solid outing against Baltimore with a not so solid effort against Tampa Bay. He gave up five runs and five hits in four innings of work as he lost control of the strike zone. Mills walked four in that effort while striking out only two. Boston is hitting the ball well right now as they look to continue their success against the Blue Jays whom they are hitting over .290 as a team against. Toronto's bullpen has an ERA of over 4.00 at home this season. John Lackey has not been too good for the Red Sox lately. He's 1-2 with a 6.27 ERA in his last three starts taking losses to the Yankees and Indians. The righty has faced Toronto twice this season giving up 13 runs and 16 hits in 10.7 innings of work. Adam Lind (6-12), Fred Lewis (5-8), and Travis Snider (1-3) have good numbers against Lackey. Toronto has gone Over the total in three of their last four games. Boston's bullpen has an ERA approaching 5.00 on the road, and since we expect Lackey to struggle here, that makes this game more likely to be a high-scoring slugfest.
Cajun Sports
Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
Play: Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals need a win and look to right-hander Livan Hernandez who is 13-9 versus the Marlins over his career with an ERA of 3.42 in those games. That record includes an 8-3 mark for the Nationals their last eleven versus Florida with Livan on the bump. Hernandez has started twice during the month of August going 1-0 allowing only one earned run in more than seven innings in each of those outings. Washington is 16-5 in Hernandez’s last 21 starts versus teams with a losing record and 10-1 when he takes the hill at home. We will back the home puppy here as the Nationals bounce back from last night’s loss and get a win behind Livan Hernandez on Thursday night.
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Washington Nationals 3 Florida Marlins 2
Rob Vinciletti
Dodgers vs. Phillies
Play: Over 8.5
This game fits a nice totals system that hits right around 70% long term. Both teams are averaging over 5.5 runs the past week. LA has gone over 7 of 10 games on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5. Philly has gone over 9 of 12 times in home games when the total is 8 to 8.5. LA has C. Kershaw pitching tonight. In his career he has a 7.20 era vs Philly. The Phillies counter with J. Blanton. In his home starts the Phillies have gone over in 6 of the 8 games. Look for this one to play over the total tonight.
Scott Rickenbach
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Raiders @ Cowboys
PICK: Over 34
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Cowboys threw the ball often Sunday which is what we expected because they are trying to get Stephen McGee extra work at QB this pre-season after he missed most of last year’s pre-season with an injury. The emphasis on throwing the ball is also certainly in effect for the Raiders. They’ve had arguably the worst passing attack in the NFL the last two seasons combined. The Cowboys were 3-1 to the over in the preseason last year. The Raiders were a perfect 4-0 to the over in last year’s preseason! That’s a combined 7-1 mark that we will gladly test in this one on Thursday night!
EZWINNERS
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
New York Yankees -225
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Yankees send their ace CC Sabathia to the mound for this start against Kansas City. Sabathia is having a great year posting a 14-5 record with an ERA of 3.14. Sabathia shook off an early home run by Victor Martinez in his last start and matched Tampa Bay's David Price for the American League wins lead. I expect a dominate performance from Sabathia in this game against the Royals and the Yankees are 16-5 in Sabathia's last 21 starts against a team with a losing record. The Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen is off to a nice start in August after losing his previous three starts to end July. In two outings this month, Chen is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Those numbers are nice, but this is still Bruce Chen that we are talking about. Expect to see the Bruce Chen in this game that is 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA against the Yankees this season. The Yankees are 10-4 in the last fourteen meetings between these teams in Kansas City and I expect the Bronx Bombers winning ways to continue. Play on New York.
Brad Diamond
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
Play: San Francisco Giants
Hard pressed to go against RHP Wells of the Cubs, but our boy Matt Cain of SF has won the money for us fairly consistently this baseball season. Sometimes in handicapping, you get attached to the attachment of a class hurler, but here the home standing Giants are coming off a huge win and should be the real deal. The Cubs are just 1-7 last eight road outs, while the Giants are fusing at 24-10 overall. Hurler Matt Cain of the Giants has a solid 2.75 ERA in his last three starts with his club taking 2 of 3 in that stretch. In addition, Cain sports a 1.02 ERA L3 times out. Go with the Giants again on Thursday afternoon.
Gill Alexander
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
BAL -4 vs CAR
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Great example of an exploitable preseason line. No less than 11 Panthers will not be making the trip for this game, including cornerback Chris Gamble, running back Jonathan Stewart, and wide receiver Steve Smith. Starters will go for about a quarter for the Panthers. Beyond the 11 not making the trip, Head Coach John Fox has stated that he will find time for all 4 of his inexperienced QBs in this game, meaning Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, Hunter Cantwell, and Tony Pike will all see action. Juxtaposed against the trio of veterans Joe Flacco, Troy Smith, and Marc Bulger going for the Ravens, a group eager to impress their home crowd in their preseason debut, especially with huge expectations for the 2010-11 season, and this line looks tasty. Grab the Ravens.