NFL Week 1
Giants @ Lions -- Giants started 0-1 last three years; they’re lost three of last four road openers, with 12 of last 14 going over total. Detroit lost six of last seven games LY, one of which was 23-20 (-9) Week 16 debacle to Giants; Big Blue’s two TD’s were on 49-yard drive and defensive score. Lions outrushed them 148-41, still lost; that doesn’t happen a lot. Big Blue won last three series games by total of 17 points; they won last five visits to Motor City. Lions have new coaches, Giants have new offense that struggled to gel in preseason. Lions won last three home openers, scoring 36.3 ppg; they’re 7-1-1 vs spread in last nine HO’s, with last four going over total. Last three years, Giants are 11-6 as road underdogs.
Chargers @ Cardinals -- San Diego is 9-3 in last dozen series games, winning last three by 8-7-31 points; they won three of four visits here, but haven’t been in desert since ’02, before dome opened. Chargers are 8-3-1 as road underdogs last two years; they covered three of four vs. NFC LY, after being 0-8 previous two seasons. Bolts won four of last five Week 1 road openers; five of their last seven road openers went over total. Cardinals were 5-1-1 as favorites in Arians’ first year, after covering only five of previous 20 games when favored. Arizona won six of last seven home openers (5-2 vs. spread); they‘re 6-1-1 vs. spread in Week 1 last eight years. Why did these teams meet in preseason LAST WEEK?
Armadillosports.com
NFL Football: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
New York Giants at Detroit Lions
Giants' 5-0 preseason record is deceptive. Giants offense didn't look good allowing 7 sacks for 62 lost yards with Manning trying to adjust to a new West Coast flavored offensive system under new QB coach Ben McAdoo was just 20 for 41 taking snaps. On the other side of the ball, lacking a pass rush in 2013 Giants showed little improvement during warm up season giving up 7 passing TD's on an average 217.2 PYG. As for Detroit, bringing in free agent Golden Tate from Seattle (64 catches, 898 yds, 5 majors) giving QB Mathew Stafford another target complimenting what he already has in Calvin Johnson the Lions figure to remain pass-happy under new head coach Jim Caldwell and new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Laying points with Detroit at home has not been a good bet the past two seasons (4-7 ATS) but this opener against G-Men the lean is Lions knowing they're 4-1 ATS at home in week-one and that September has been a very bad month for New York backers as the team is 3-7-1 ATS last eleven during the opening month of play and sport a 1-6 ATS skid as an underdog within the current betting range.
Monday's Doubleheader
By Sportsbook.ag
N.Y. Giants (0-0) at Detroit (0-0)
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Detroit -6, Total: 47
Opening Line and Total: Detroit -4, Total 45.5
Two disappointing 2013 NFC teams look to start off the 2014 season with a confidence-building victory.
Last season, the Giants and Lions both had high expectations for themselves, but they both ended the year 7-9 SU. New York lost the first six games of the season in 2013 and that hole was too deep to dig out of. The Lions, on the other hand, were plagued by inconsistency all season and were never able to find their groove. When these teams met last year, the Giants prevailed 23-20 in Detroit. The game was decided on a field goal in overtime. Since 1992, the Giants are 4-0 SU and 4-0 ATS when playing on the road against the Lions. Since becoming the coach of the Giants, Tom Coughlin is 10-2 ATS in road games versus an NFC North opponent. For those interested in betting the total, 10 of the past 12 Monday night games that Detroit has played in have gone Under.
The Giants struggled last season, and a lot of that had to do with the poor play of their quarterback, Eli Manning. The two-time Super Bowl MVP threw for just 18 touchdowns with a career-worst 27 interceptions. New York brought in new offensive coordinator, Ben McAdoo, who will bring a similar look to what the Packers have done over the past few years. McAdoo has spent time as Aaron Rodgers’ quarterbacks coach, and the Giants are hoping that he can turn Manning back into a solid signal caller. If he is not taking care of the ball in this game, the Giants will struggle. Another player New York will rely on offensively is new RB Rashad Jennings.
The Giants signed the former Raiders rusher after a season in which he carried the football 163 times for 733 yards (4.5 YPC) and six touchdowns. Jennings is the type of no-nonsense runner that Tom Coughlin was begging for the past couple of years. His Week 1 matchup against a tough Lions front line will not be easy. The Giants defense will need to improve from last year. They allowed 223.3 passing yards per game (10th in NFL) and 108.9 rushing yards per game (14th in NFL). While those numbers don’t seem terrible, the Giants defense kept them out of many games last season. The addition of CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie should be a major boost to their secondary.
The Lions are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and it’s only a matter of time before they make themselves a threat in the NFC. The Lions brought in a new head coach in Jim Caldwell and new offensive coordinator in Joe Lombardi, who spent last season with the Saints and hopes to bring over a very similar attack. Last season, QB Matt Stafford threw for 4,650 yards with 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. If he can master the same offense that Drew Brees did, Stafford could be in for a big year. WR Calvin Johnson is fresh off a season in which he caught 84 passes for 1,492 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is also as healthy as he’s been in recent memory.
The signing of WR Golden Tate, who had 64 receptions for 898 yards and five touchdowns last year for Seattle, will allow Johnson to work with more room on the field. Against the Giants, it would be wise for this team to balance its offense with a heavy dose of RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. At times they get too predictable when forcing the ball to Calvin Johnson. They will need to open up the field to beat the Giants. Detroit has one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL. The club allowed just 99.8 yards per game on the ground (6th in NFL) last season. The Lions must, however, improve their secondary. Last season, they were allowing 246.9 yards per game through the air (23rd in NFL).
San Diego (0-0) at Arizona (0-0)
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Arizona -3, Total: 45
Opening Line and Total: Arizona -3.5, Total 44.5
Two of the more surprising 2013 teams face off Monday night in Arizona when the Cardinals host the Chargers.
Last season, both the Chargers and Cardinals flew under the radar but terrorized opposing coaches. San Diego went 9-7 SU and stole a Wild Card playoff spot in the AFC. Arizona missed the playoffs despite going 10-6 SU while even winning a road game in Seattle. These two teams rarely get the opportunity to face one another in the regular season, but when they have, it has been all San Diego. Since 1992, the Chargers are 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS when playing against the Cardinals. When the teams have met in Arizona, San Diego has gone 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS.
Since 1992, the Chargers are 23-10 ATS in dome games. Bruce Arians, however, has gone 7-0 ATS as the Cardinals coach in home games where the Total is between 42.5 and 49 points. Four of the past seven games in this series have gone Over the total. The big injury news in this contest is Arizona star RB Andre Ellington, who is questionable with a foot injury. Teammate S Tyrann Mathieu (knee) is also questionable, while the Chargers have no key players that are questionable or doubtful for this game.
The Chargers were not expected to make the playoffs in the AFC last season, but they ended up winning 27-10 against the Bengals in the Wild Card round before losing to the Broncos 24-17 in the divisional round. Philip Rivers completely turned his career around last season, throwing for 4,478 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Rivers was accurate and made plays whenever his team needed him. One of the biggest recipients of Rivers' play was rookie WR Keenan Allen who caught 71 passes for 1,046 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Chargers are hoping he can jump into the league’s elite in his sophomore campaign. If the passing game doesn’t get going for the Chargers, they’ll have a lot of trouble winning this game.
Arizona’s strength is stopping the run, so Rivers will need to make the most of his pass attempts. When he does hand the ball off, it will be to the three-person committee of RBs Ryan Mathews, Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead. San Diego had a solid rush defense last year, allowing just 107.8 yards per game on the ground (12th in NFL). However, the club will need to improve in defending the pass. The Chargers allowed 258.7 yards per game through the air (29th in NFL) last year. If they show up sluggish in Week 1, Carson Palmer could make them pay with deep balls quite often.
Arizona had a great season last year, but now it must set its sights on making small improvements to secure a spot in the postseason. Carson Palmer is back to orchestrate the offense after a year in which he threw for 4,274 yards with 24 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The Cardinals will want him to make better decisions this season as he throws to a talented group of wide receivers. Also expected to lead this team is RB Andre Ellington. The former Clemson running back rushed for 652 yards and three touchdowns on just 118 carries last season. He also caught 39 balls for 371 yards and a touchdown. Ellington has breakaway speed at the running back position, but it's not clear yet if he will be sidelined by his foot injury.
The Cardinals also bolstered the best rushing defense in the league last year, allowing just 84.4 yards per game (1st in NFL). The loss of DL Darnell Dockett (knee, IR) could set them back a little in that area, but they should still be one of the better units in the league. Their secondary has some room to improve, as they allowed 233.0 yards per game through the air (14th in NFL). CB Patrick Peterson will look to establish himself as the top shutdown corner in football this season.
Monday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Giants at Lions (-6½, 47)
New York finished the preseason unbeaten at 5-0, but that won’t exactly predict regular season success. The Giants began the 2013 campaign at 0-6, which not covering their first five games. New York heads to the Motor City for the season opener, taking on a Lions’ team searching for the magic of their playoff season in 2011, when Detroit started 5-0.
The Lions are loaded offensively with Matt Stafford, Reggie Bush, and Calvin Johnson at the skill positions, but Detroit dropped six of its final seven games to close out the 2013 season at 6-10. In that 1-6 stretch, Detroit covered only one time as Jim Schwartz is out as head coach and former Colts’ head man Jim Caldwell will run things this season for the Lions.
The Giants finished strong after the slow start by winning seven of the final 10 games last season, which included a 23-20 overtime triumph at Ford Field as 9½-point underdogs. The Lions erased a 13-3 deficit by tying the Giants at 20-20 with an interception return for a touchdown, but Josh Brown’s 45-yard field goal halfway through overtime lifted New York to the victory. The Giants have won each of the last three meetings with the Lions since 2007, which includes a pair of wins at Ford Field.
Under Tom Coughlin, the Giants have been a great ‘over’ team in road openers, going 9-1 to the ‘over’ in this situation since 2004. Last season, New York fell at Dallas in Week 1 by a 36-31 count, easily going ‘over’ the total of 48½. From a defensive standpoint, the Giants were torched in 2013 by allowing at least allowing at least 27 points five times away from Met Life Stadium, but cashed the ‘over’ in just three road contests.
Detroit hasn’t been a profitable team to back at Ford Field the last two seasons, posting a 5-10-1 ATS record, which includes a 3-5 ATS record in 2013. The Lions have won each of their past three season openers, including a 34-24 triumph over the Vikings in 2013 as four-point favorites. Detroit is playing its third Monday night game ever at Ford Field, as the Lions took care of the Bears, 24-13 in 2011 en route to a 5-0 start. Last season, the Lions lost on a last-second field goal to the Ravens as 4½-point favorites, 18-16, damaging any kind of playoff hopes in December.
Chargers at Cardinals (-3, 46½)
This situation doesn’t happen very often, when two teams play in the final preseason game then turn around and face off in the regular season opener. That’s the case in Glendale on Monday, as the Chargers won a 12-9 thriller against the Cardinals last week in a game in which no touchdowns were scored and no significant players participated.
San Diego found a way to qualify for the playoffs in 2013 with a 9-7 record thanks to four straight wins to end the season. The Chargers shocked the Bengals as six-point road underdogs in the Wild Card round, 27-10, but fell short in the divisional playoffs to the Broncos, but cashed as 7 ½-point ‘dogs. In Mike McCoy’s initial season as head coach of the Lightning Bolts, San Diego managed a 5-1-1 ATS record in the away underdog role, which included outright victories at Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Denver.
The Cardinals put together an impressive season at 10-6, but that was good for third place in the NFC West behind the Seahawks and 49ers, while missing the playoffs. Following a 3-4 start, Arizona won seven of its final nine games, as both losses in that stretch came by three points each to Philadelphia and San Francisco. Bruce Arians’ team compiled a 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS record at University of Phoenix Stadium, but the Cardinals are just 1-5 ATS in their last six home games against AFC opponents since 2011.
In the last regular season matchup between these teams, the Chargers blasted the Cardinals, 41-10 early in the 2010 season. San Diego is making its first meaningful trip to University of Phoenix Stadium, as the Bolts beat the Cardinals in their last regular season visit to Arizona in 2002 by a 23-15 count at Sun Devil Stadium.
Game of the Day: Monday Night Football Doubleheader
By Covers.com
New York Giants at Detroit Lions (-6.5, 47)
The New York Giants debut their new-look offense with hopes of avoiding a repeat of their horrific start to the 2013 campaign when they visit the Detroit Lions on Monday night in the season opener for both teams. New York put itself out of playoff contention early last year, losing its first six games thanks largely to its shoddy offensive play. The Giants led the NFL with 44 giveaways, including a league-high 27 interceptions by Eli Manning, and ranked 28th in scoring with 294 points.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride promptly retired after the season and New York brought in Ben McAdoo from Green Bay to install his version of the West Coast offense - a system with which Manning struggled during the preseason. Detroit is seeking just its third winning season in the last 15 after losing six of its last seven games in 2013 - including each of its final four. Coach Jim Schwartz took the fall for the meltdown and was replaced by Jim Caldwell, whose offensive-minded approach could do wonders for a team boasting the likes of Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush.
LINE HISTORY: The Westgate LV Superbook opened the Lions as 4-point faves, but they now have Lions -6.5. The total opened at 46 and is now 47.
INJURY REPORT: Giants - CB Prince Amukamara (Probably, groin), LB Jon Beason (Probably, foot), WR Odell Beckham (Questionable, hamstring). Lions - S James Ihedigbo (Probable, knee).
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Giants (+3) - Lions (+3.25) + home field (-3.0) - Lions (-3.25)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "After missing the playoffs the last two years, the schedule is on the side of New York as a win here could lead to a 5-0 start. The Giants are 0-7 ATS in their last seven Monday night games as underdogs of four or more points. Jim Caldwell takes over for a Detroit teams that has lost 17 of its last 24 games but it is loaded on both sides of the ball. The Lions have covered five of their last six as Monday night favorites." Covers Expert Matt Fargo.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The Giants have a completely new offensive system from last year and going up against one of the better defenses in the league they will be hard pressed to put points on the board. At the same time the Giants defense is facing a tough challenge with one of the premier offenses on the other side of the ball. We opened the Lions at -4 and took sharp action at that number and went to -4.5 and the sharp action continued forcing us to -5 at the end of August and then to -6.5 Friday where we stand now with adjustments on the juice trying to drive some Giants action. With 71 percent of the action on the Lions and a good amount of parlays and teasers tied to this game we need the Giants BIG." Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.ag.
ABOUT THE GIANTS (2013: 7-9, 7-9 ATS, 7-9 O/U, 3rd NFC East): New York will be without its 2014 first-round pick as wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will watch from the sideline with a hamstring injury that limited him throughout the preseason. Guard Geoff Schwartz will miss the first half of the season as he was placed on injured reserve/designated to return with a dislocated big toe on his right foot. To replace him, New York signed veteran offensive lineman Adam Snyder, who was released by San Francisco on Saturday.
ABOUT THE LIONS (2013: 7-9, 6-10 ATS, 8-8 O/U, 3rd NFC North): Stafford will have a second option after Johnson this season as Detroit added Golden Tate, who made a career-high 64 receptions for Super Bowl champion Seattle last season. That's good news for Johnson, who missed two games in 2013 due to a nagging knee injury and saw action in only one preseason contest in order to maintain his good health. "My body feels great," the superstar said. "This is as good as I've felt in a while." Stafford hopes the duo will help him eclipse the 4,500-yard plateau for a fourth straight season.
TRENDS:
* Road team is 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 7-0 in Lions last seven Monday games.
* Giants are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Monday games.
* Over is 6-1 in Lions last 7 games in Week 1.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 60 percent of wagers are supporting the Lions.
San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals (-3, 46.5)
The San Diego Chargers look to get off to a better start this year as they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night in the season opener for both clubs. San Diego needed to finish 2013 with a four-game winning streak in order to qualify for the playoffs, where it defeated Cincinnati in a wild-card game before falling to AFC West rival Denver in the divisional round. The Chargers rode the strong play of Philip Rivers, who completed a league-leading and career-high 69.5 percent of his passes en route to Comeback Player of the Year honors.
The Cardinals reached double digits in victories for just the second time in their 26 years in Arizona but failed to reach the postseason due to the strength of the NFC West. The club went 2-4 against division rivals in 2013, including a 23-20 loss to San Francisco in the season finale. Arizona thrived at home last season, going 6-2 while allowing an impressive 17.8 points per contest, but could be without starting running back Andre Ellington, who hurt his foot Thursday and did not practice Friday.
LINE HISTORY: The Westgate LV Superbook opened the Cards as 3-point faves in July and it's remained at that number. The total opened at 44.5 and is up to 46.5.
INJURY REPORT: Chargers - LB Manti Te'o (Probably, foot), TE Antonio Gates (Questionable, hamstring). Cardinals - S Tyrann Mathieu (Questionable, knee), RB Andre Ellington (Doubtful, foot).
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Chargers (-2) + Cardinals (+1) + home field (-3.0) = Pick
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "According to reports, the Chargers offense is clicking under new OC Frank Reich so they could be a dangerous sleeper if the defense improves. San Diego was 5-1-1 ATS last season as a road underdog. It will be tough for the Cardinals to post double-digit wins once again playing in a brutal division and a tough out of conference schedule on top of it. Arizona has covered its last four season openers. " Covers Expert Matt Fargo.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "One of the surprise teams from last year, the Cardinals look to pick up where they left off, while same can be said about the Chargers. Both these teams are in the second year with their respective coaches. We opened the Cards -3 at home and have not had to move off that number, but we have had to adjust the juice going from -3 (-120) to -3 flat and we are still struggling to see Cardinals money at that number with 66 percent of the action on the Chargers +3 (-120)." Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.ag.
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2013: 9-7, 9-6-1 ATS, 7-9 O/U, 3rd AFC West): San Diego hopes to improve upon its rank of 23rd in total defense with the return of linebacker Dwight Freeney and addition of cornerback Brandon Flowers. Freeney had his 2013 campaign abruptly ended when he tore his quadriceps in Week 4 while Flowers joins the club from division rival Kansas City, where he recorded a career-worst one interception but registered a personal-best six sacks. The Chargers were fifth in the league with an average of 393.3 total yards and could put up even better numbers with another strong effort from Rivers and a backfield that features three solid options in Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and newcomer Donald Brown.
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (2013: 10-6, 11-5 ATS, 8-8 O/U, 3rd NFC West): Carson Palmer had a strong initial season in the desert, throwing for a career-high 4,274 yards while completing 63.3 percent of his passes - his best mark since 2007 while with Cincinnati (64.9). Arizona's defense was a strong point in 2013, ranking sixth in both yards allowed (317.4) and sacks (47), but it took a major hit afterward. Karlos Dansby exited via free agency and fellow linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for the entire 2014 campaign after violating the league's substance policy a second time while defensive end Darnell Dockett suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.
TRENDS:
* Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in Cardinals last five Monday games.
* Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Under is 8-2 in Cardinals last 10 games in September.
COVERS CONSENSUS: According to Covers Consensus, 53 percent of wagers are behind the Chargers.
NY GIANTS (7 - 9) at DETROIT (7 - 9) - 9/8/2014, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games against NFC North division opponents since 1992.
DETROIT is 23-44 ATS (-25.4 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
DETROIT is 48-72 ATS (-31.2 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
DETROIT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO (10 - 8) at ARIZONA (10 - 6) - 9/8/2014, 10:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in dome games since 1992.
SAN DIEGO is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
NY GIANTS vs. DETROIT
NY Giants are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Giants last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing NY Giants
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
NY Giants at Detroit
NY Giants: 18-5 ATS away vs. NFC North opponents
Detroit: 5-14 ATS playing on artificial turf
San Diego at Arizona
San Diego: 23-10 ATS in dome stadiums
Arizona: 12-4 Under in the first half of the season