2012 NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview: Indianapolis at Washington
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Indianapolis at Washington
Current line: Washington (-3'/43.5)
Indianapolis visits FedEx Field in Landover, Md., to take on the Washington Redskins on Saturday at 4pmET. The Colts have covered both of their games though they lost to Pittsburgh 26-24 last week on the road. The Skins are coming off falling to Chicago, 33-31 last week on the road. They are 1-1 this preseason. Last year, the Skins beat Indy on the road in preseason, 16-3.
Weather: 83 degrees with a 14% chance of rain.
Indianapolis is coming off a 2-14 SU season, and they were 6-10 ATS and 7-9 Under. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Chuck Pagano in his his first year as head coach. Washington is coming off a 5-11 SU season, which included going 7-9 ATS and 7-8-1 Under. Mike Shanahan is 47-29 SU, 42-32-1 ATS and 30-38 O/U in preseason with Washington, Denver and Oakland. (All stats are before the preseason).
Outlook: Robert Griffin III makes his FedEx Field debut in Saturday's incredibly intriguing preseason encounter with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, pitting the top two selections of the 2012 NFL Draft whose careers will be forever linked together against one another.
Luck was tabbed by the Colts to begin the post-Peyton Manning phase after being taken with the No. 1 overall choice of April's draft, and the highly polished former Stanford star has certainly lived up to his lofty status through Indianapolis' first two exhibition outings. Luck has completed over 63 percent (26-of-41) of his passes over that span for a total of 363 yards and two touchdowns, and the Colts have scored points on six on the 11 possessions (5 touchdowns, 1 field goal) he's directed thus far.
The 22-year-old was intercepted twice in Indianapolis' 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday, however, with his first pick of the night returned 49 yards for a touchdown by Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.
Griffin, who edged out Luck to win the coveted Heisman Trophy during his junior season at Baylor and was taken by Washington with the second overall pick, also had a bit of a rough night this past weekend. The charismatic young quarterback managed just 49 passing yards and was sacked three times while working the first half of Saturday's 33-31 defeat at Chicago, losing a fumble on one occasion as well.
Fellow rookie Kirk Cousins had a far more productive night under center for Washington, although it came against predominantly Bears' backups. The fourth- round choice racked up 264 yards and threw for three scores in the second half, completing 18-of-23 attempts along the way.
Aldrick Robinson, attempting to make the Redskins' roster as a reserve wide receiver, helped his cause by hauling in a 49-yard touchdown pass from Cousins and finishing with 104 yards on six catches.
Cousins' performance won't be creating any serious discussion about a quarterback controversy, however, and Griffin was forced to operate against a stout Chicago defense behind an offensive line that was without three starters -- right tackle Jammal Brown (hip), left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (knee) and right guard Chris Chester (ankle).
Brown and Lichtensteiger will likely sit out the entire preseason, but Chester is slated to man his regular post during Saturday's tilt. Fullback Darrel Young, who missed Washington's first two games with a strained hamstring, is expected back this week as well.
The Redskins continue to have some health concerns at running back, with veteran Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) and 2011 leading rusher Roy Helu (Achilles) yet to see action this preseason. Both players did practice on a limited basis this week, but each remains a question mark to suit up against the Colts.
Their injuries have second-year man Evan Royster, who amassed 20 yards on his two carries in the Chicago game, the favorite to open the regular season atop the depth chart at the position.
Luck will be facing a Washington defense that will be without top pass rusher Brian Orakpo (shoulder) and strong safety Brandon Meriweather (sprained knee), both of whom were forced out of last weekend's loss. Ironman linebacker London Fletcher will play, however, after sitting out the Redskins' most recent game due to illness.
The Colts also head to FedEx Field with a few offensive losses, most notably wide receiver Austin Collie. The injury-prone fourth-year pro sustained his fourth concussion in 21 months during the Pittsburgh game and will be surely held out for at least the remainder of the preseason.
Running backs Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore seem likely to be inactive a second straight week with rib injuries, as will right guard Mike McGlynn (ankle). Rookie Vick Ballard saw extended time with Carter and Moore sidelined against the Steelers and led Indianapolis with 34 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Collie's absence could be offset by the possible return of speedy wide receiver Donnie Avery from a hip problem that's forced him to miss the first two weeks.
Indianapolis' headline injury on defense is to inside linebacker Pat Angerer, out for at least another month after fracturing his foot in the team's victory over St. Louis on Aug. 12. End Cory Redding is doubtful for Saturday's test with a mild MCL sprain suffered over the weekend.
Key Injuries: Indy: RB Mewelde Moore (ribs) is out. LB Pat Angerer (foot) is out indef. WR Austin Collie (concus) is out indef. DE Robert Mathis (shldr) is ? DE Cory Redding (knee) is out indef. RG Mike McGlynn (high ankle sprain) is out. WR Donnie Avery (hip) is dbtful. Washington: S Brandon Meriweather (knee) is dbtful. LB Brian Orakpo (shldr) is dbtful. G Kory LIchtensteiger (knee) is out indef. RB Evan Royster (knee) is out. RB Roy Helu (Achilles) is dbtful.
Preseason Trends:
Indianapolis is 27-13 Over as an underdog
Indianapolis is 14-1 Over on grass fields
Washington is 0-7 ATS at home off a combined score of 50+ points
Washington is 8-1 ATS in Week 3.
QB Rotations:
Indianapolis
Andrew Luck (R)
Drew Stanton
Chandler Harnish (R)
Washington
Robert Griffin III (R)
Rex Grossman
Kirk Cousins (R)
Jonathan Crompton
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
Indianapolis
2006 Results
at St. Louis W +5 17-19 u38’
Seattle L -2’ 17-30 o38’
at New Orleans W -3’ 27-14 u42
(at Jackson, MS)
Cincinnati L +3 3-20 u40
2007 Results
at Dallas L +5 10-23 u34
Chicago L +2 24-27 o36’
Detroit W -6’ 37-10 o40
at Cincinnati L +4’ 6-14 u40
2008 Results
Washington L +4' 16-30 o31'
(at Canton, OH)
at Carolina(OT) W +4 20-23 o35'
at Atlanta W +3 16-9 u38
BUFFALO L -5' 7-20 u37'
CINCINNATI L -3 7-27 u34'
2009 Results
MINNESOTA L +3 3-13 u36
PHILADELPHIA W +3 23-15 o36’
at Detroit L -3 17-18 u40
at Cincinnati L +3’ 7-38 o36’
2010 Results
SAN FRANCISCO L +3’ 17-37 o33
$Buffalo L +3’ 21-34 o34
at Green Bay L +4 24-59 o44’
CINCINNATI L +6’ 28-30 o36’
$-Toronto
2011 Results
at St. Louis L +7 10-33 o33’
WASHINGTON L +5 3-16 u36
GREEN BAY W +9’ 21-24 o38’
at Cincinnati W +3’ 17-13 u35’
2012 Results
St. Louis W -2 38-3 o35
at Pittsburgh W +4 24-26 o38
Washington
2006 Results
at Cincinnati L -1 3-19 u35’
NY Jets L -3’ 14-27 o33’
at New England L +3’ 0-41 o35
Baltimore L +1 10-17 u33
2007 Results
at Tennessee W +3 14-6 u35
Pittsburgh W +2’ 10-12 u33’
Baltimore (cancelled) 3Q 13-7
at Jacksonville L +3’ 14-31 o35
2008 Results
Indianapolis W -4' 30-16 o31'
(at Canton, OH)
BUFFALO L -4 17-14 u36
at NY Jets W +2' 13-10 u35
at Carolina L +3 3-47 o36'
JACK. L -3 3-24 u34
2009 Results
at Baltimore L +3 0-23 u31’
PITTSBURGH W -3 17-13 u33
NEW ENGLAND W +3’ 24-27 o37
Jacksonville L +6’ 17-24 o35
2010 Results
Buffalo W -4’ 42-17 o34
BALTIMORE L -3 3-23 u37’
at NY Jets W +6 16-11 u35
at Arizona L +4 10-20 u37
2011 Results
PITTSBURGH W -2’ 16-7 u33
at Indiananpolis W -5 16-3 u37’
at Baltimore W +6 31-34 o33’
TAMPA BAY L -7 29-24 o35’
2012 Results
at Buffalo L -2' 7-6 u34
at Chicago L +1' 31-33 o38
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2012 NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
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Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo Preview
Current Line: Pittsburgh (-2'/40')
Pittsburgh visits Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to take on the Bills at 7pmET. Pittsburgh has split their first two games, including beating Indy last week, 26-24 but not covering the 4. The Bills have lost both games but did cover their first game at home, losing to Washington 7-6 (+2.5). Last year, Pittsburgh beat Buffalo on the road, 19-16 laying 6.5 in the regular season.
Weather: 80 degrees with a 22% chance of rain.
Pittsburgh finished 12-4 SU last season, impressive considering the injuries. They were also 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under in 2011. Mike Tomlin is 16-5 SU, 26-32-6 ATS and 25-31 Under in preseason. Buffalo is coming off going 6-10 SU, 6-9-1 ATS and 11-4-1 OVER last year. They went 0-3-1 ATS last year in preseason, while Chan Gailey is 4-14 SU and 5-11-2 ATS as a coach with Buffalo and Dallas in preseason. (All stats are from before the preseason).
Outlook: The Pittsburgh Steelers opened camp with several big names on the physically unable to perform list, with running back Rashard Mendenhall, nose tackle Casey Hampton and offensive tackle Max Starks all making their way back from ACL tears and dominating outside linebacker James Harrison hobbled by a knee problem. Though Harrison remains sidelined following a recent scope, the other three have all been activated off the PUP list within the past two weeks.
Mendenhall still won't be ready for Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup at Denver on Sept. 9, with October the more realistic target date for the two-time 1,000- yard rusher. Left tackle Starks has a chance to be back in action for Saturday's contest, however, which would bolster a front line that's had to undergo quite a bit of reshuffling thus far in camp.
The Steelers may be getting a welcome return from Mike Wallace in the near future as well, with multiple reports indicating that the holdout wide receiver plans to sign his contract offer and rejoin the team as soon as this weekend.
Isaac Redman will serve as Pittsburgh's primary running back until Mendenhall is available, though the capable understudy is dealing with a nagging groin injury that kept him out of Sunday's 26-24 win over Indianapolis. Jonathan Dwyer drew the start in Redman's place and performed well, gaining a game-high 43 yards on eight carries.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception on the Steelers' opening drive, but bounced back with a 57-yard touchdown strike to wideout Antonio Brown and finished his night 5-of-9 for 81 yards.
Pittsburgh's seasoned defense picked off Colts rookie sensation Andrew Luck twice in the first half, with cornerback Ike Taylor taking his interception 49 yards for a touchdown late in the opening quarter.
The Bills will be seeking to bounce back from last week's 36-14 loss at Minnesota, though an offense that struggled to move the ball in the preseason opener did show some encouraging signs.
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a sharp 8-of-11 for 58 yards and connected with wide receiver Donald Jones for a 31-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter. Offseason addition Vince Young, vying to be Buffalo's No. 2 option under center, may have sewn up the job after going 8-for-14 for 123 yards in relief of Fitzpatrick.
Bills head coach Chan Gailey announced a winner in another key camp competition on Tuesday, declaring rookie second-round pick Cordy Glenn the starter at left tackle for the club's Sept. 9 skirmish against the New York Jets.
Buffalo also made some headlines earlier in the week by releasing former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Shawne Merriman, limited to a mere 23 games over the last four seasons due to constant injury problems, on Monday.
Key Injuries: Buffalo: CB Justin Rogers (ham), CB Terrence McGee (knee) are ? Pittsburgh: RB Isaac Redman (groin) is out. WR Mike Wallace (personal) is out. RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is out until October. LB James Harrison (knee) is out. LB Jason Worilds (knee) is out.
Preseason Trends:
Pittsburgh: 4-0 Over off a win
Buffalo: 8-2 ATS off BB games scoring 14 points or less
QB Rotations:
Pittsburgh
Ben Roethlisberger
Byron Leftwich
Charlie Batch
Jerrod Johnson
Buffalo
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Vince Young
Tyler Thigpen
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
Pittsburgh
2006 Results
at Arizona L +3’ 13-21 u35’
Minnesota L -3 10-17 u34’
at Philadelphia L +3 7-16 u35
Carolina W +3 13-15 u33’
2007 Results
New Orleans W -3 20-7 u34$
Green Bay L -6’ 9-13 u34’
at Washington L -2’ 12-10 u33’
Philadelphia W -3 27-13 o35’
at Carolina W +3’ 19-3 u34’
$-at Canton, OH
2008 Results
PHIL. W -1 16-10 u33'
Buffalo L -1 21-24 o33
(at Toronto, Canada)
at Minnesota L -3 12-10 u36'
CAROLINA L -3' 19-16 u35'
2009 Results
ARIZONA W -3 20-10 u33
at Washington L +3 13-17 u33
BUFFALO W -6 17-0 u36
at Carolina W +3 21-10 u33’
2010 Results
DETROIT W -3 23-7 u33’
at NY Giants W -6 24-17 o34
at Denver L -1 17-34 o38
CAROLINA W -6’ 19-3 u37’
2011 Results
at Washington L +2’ 7-16 u33
PHILADELPHIA W -3 24-14 o35’
ATLANTA W -3 34-16 o35’
at Carolina W +2’ 33-17 o34’
2012 Results
at Philadelphia W P 23-24 o35
Indianapolis L -4 26-24 o38
BUFFALO (AT)
2006 Results
at Carolina W +3' 13-14 u35'
CINCINNATI L -3' 31-44 o34'
CLEVELAND L -3' 17-20 o34'
at Detroit W +3 20-13 u35
2007 Results
at New Orleans W +6 13-10 u36
ATLANTA L -3 10-13 u34
TENN. L -1' 17-28 o36
at Detroit W +3 16-13 u37
2008 Results
at Washington W +4 14-17 u36
Pittsburgh W +1 24-21 o33
(at Toronto, Canada)
at Indianapolis W +5' 20-7 u37'
DETROIT L -3 6-14 u33'
2009 Results
vs Tennessee T +3 18-21 o32
(at Canton, OH)
CHICAGO W -3 27-20 o34
at Green Bay L +3 21-31 o38
at Pittsburgh L +6 0-17 u36
DETROIT L -3 6-17 u33
2010 Results
at Washington L +4’ 17-42 o34
$Indianapolis W -3’ 34-21 o34
CINCINNATI W +3 35-20 o35’
at Detroit L +4’ 23-28 o38’
$-Toronto
2011 Results
at Chicago L +3 3-10 u35’
at Denver L +7 10-24 u37
JACKSONVILLE T -3 35-32 o35’
DETROIT L +2’ 6-16 u39
2012 Results
Washington W +2' 6-7 u34
at Minnesota L +2' 14-36 u37
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2012 NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview: Detroit at Oakland
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Detroit vs. Oakland Preview
Current Line: Detroit (-3/43')
Detroit visits Oakland-Alameda Coliseum on Saturday to face the Raiders at 7pmET. Detroit split their first two games, as last week, they trounced Baltimore, 27-12 on the road. Oakland lost both games though they did cover at Arizona getting 6.5 last week (31-27). Detroit beat Oakland, 28-27 last year in Oakland in the regular season, laying 3.
Weather: 63 degrees and clear
Detroit is coming off a 10-6 SU season, and they were 7-7-2 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 4-0 ATS in the preseason. Jim Schwartz is 10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS and 5-6-1 Under in preseason. Oakland is coming off a 8-8 SU season, and they were 9-6-1 ATS and 6-10 Under. Last year, they went 0-4 ATS in the preseason. Allen is in his first year as head coach in the NFL. (All stats are from before the preseason).
Outlook: A banged-up backfield still remains a great concern for Jim Schwartz heading into the 2012 campaign, though it appears as if the fiery Detroit Lions head coach will finally have one of his top options available for the team's preseason showdown with the Oakland Raiders from the O.co Coliseum.
Mikel Leshoure is on track to make his long-awaited Lions debut following a string of troubling injuries that have sidelined the 2011 second-round draft pick all throughout his brief pro career. He spent his entire rookie year on injured reserve after rupturing his Achilles tendon last summer and sat out Detroit's initial two tests of this preseason with a strained hamstring.
Though he will miss the Lions' first two games of the upcoming regular season due to a league suspension, Leshoure's expected return is still a positive development for a Detroit squad that still doesn't know if or when it will have a healthy Jahvid Best. The playmaking back still has yet to be cleared to practice after missing most of last season with a severe concussion and seems destined to begin the year on the physically unable to perform list.
The Lions do have dependable veteran Kevin Smith to hold down the fort in the interim, and the team has gotten very good work from some lesser names thus far in the preseason. Reserves Joique Bell and Keiland Williams are both averaging well over five yards per carry through the first two games, while undrafted rookie Stephfon Green ripped off a 76-yard touchdown run to cap last week's 27-12 victory at Baltimore.
Detroit has averaged 182 rushing yards over its two preseason tilts, surpassed by only San Francisco (189.0) for the most in the NFL over that stretch.
The Lions can throw the ball as well, which the 2011 NFC playoff participants also demonstrated against the Ravens. Quarterback Matthew Stafford racked up 184 yards and two touchdowns while hitting on 12-of-17 attempts in less than a half's worth of work, while superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson burned Baltimore for 111 yards on five catches in his brief stint.
Stafford, who set a franchise record with 5,038 passing yards last season, hooked up with Johnson for an 18-yard score early in the second quarter and found Titus Young for a 24-yard touchdown shortly after.
Detroit probably won't have running back Stefan Logan active for Saturday's clash after he turned an ankle against the Ravens, while its defense will be without free safety Louis Delmas (knee surgery), end Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee) and tackle Sammie Hill (back) for a third consecutive week.
The Raiders' medical issues at the moment reside at wide receiver, where talented second-year man Denarius Moore has been out for nearly all of camp with a hamstring pull and speedster Jacoby Ford's status for the start of the regular season is in jeopardy after he sprained his left foot during last week's 31-27 loss at Arizona.
Their absences have provided an unforeseen opportunity for Rod Streater, an undrafted rookie who's caught 13 passes over Oakland's first two games. The Temple product had seven receptions totaling 43 yards against the Cardinals and will draw a start this week with both Moore and Ford inactive.
Raiders head coach Dennis Allen does hope to have backup running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring), tight end Brandon Myers (shoulder) and All-Pro punter Shane Lechler back in action after all were held out of last week's matchup. Center Stefen Wisniewski (calf) and linebacker Aaron Curry (knees) will likely miss another week, however.
Carson Palmer and Oakland's first-team offense are slated to work into the third quarter of Saturday's contest. The veteran quarterback completed 13- of-24 throws for 107 yards with an interception over the first two quarters of the Arizona game, while the Raiders' defense came up with four sacks and a safety in a losing cause.
Oakland will be attempting to avenge a 28-27 home loss to the Lions last December, in which Detroit roared back from a 13-point deficit with under five minutes to play. The Raiders have prevailed in four of their five all-time preseason meetings with the Lions, however, and dealt Detroit a 21-3 defeat at the Coliseum in 2006 in the most recent exhibition standoff between the teams.
Key Injuries: Detroit: DE Kyle Vanden Bosh (knee) is dbtful. FS Louis Delmas (knee) is out. RB/WR Stefan Logan (ankle) is dbtful. Oakland: QB Matt Leinart (finger) is ?WR Jacoby Ford (foot) is out indef. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (shldr) is ? LB Aaron Curry (knee) is out indef.
Preseason Trends:
Detroit is 7-0 ATS off a non-conference game
Oakland is 1-6 ATS after allowing 30+ points
QB Rotations:
Detroit
Matthew Stafford
Shaun Hill
Kellen Moore (R)
R.J. Archer
Oakland
Carson Palmer
Matt Leinart
Terrelle Pryor
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
DETROIT
2006 Results
Denver W +2 20-13 u37
at Cleveland L +2’ 16-20 o34
at Oakland L +3 3-21 u35
Buffalo L -3 13-20 u35
2007 Results
Cincinnati L -3 27-26 o34’
at Cleveland W +2’ 23-20 o35’
at Indianapolis L +6’ 10-37 o40
Buffalo L -3 13-16 u37
2008 Results
NY GIANTS T -3 13-10 u31’
at Cincinnati W +3’ 27-10 o36
CLEVELAND W -3 26-6 u40’
at Buffalo W +3 14-6 u34
2009 Results
ATLANTA L -3’ 27-26 o34’
at Cleveland L +3 10-27 u38’
INDIANAPOLIS W +3 18-17 u40
at Buffalo W +3 17-6 u33
2010 Results
at Pittsburgh L +3 7-23 u33’
at Denver W +3 25-20 o36
CLEVELAND W -3 35-27 o41
BUFFALO W -4’ 28-23 o38’
2011 Results
CINCINNATI W -3’ 34-3 o35
at Cleveland W +2’ 30-28 o38
NEW ENGLAND W +3’ 34-10 u44’
at Buffalo W -2’ 16-6 u39
2012 Results
Cleveland L -3 17-19 p36
at Baltimore W +2' 27-12 u40
Oakland
2006 Results
at Philadelphia W +3 16-10 u36
(at Canton, OH)
at Minnesota W +2’ 16-13 u36’
San Francisco W -3 23-7 u37
Detroit W -3 21-3 u35
at Seattle L +3 7-30 o36’
2007 Results
Arizona W -1’ 27-23 o35
at San Fran. L +3’ 21-26 o36’
St. Louis W +1 20-10 u37’
at Seattle L +3 14-19 u37’
2008 Results
SAN FRAN. W -3 18-6 u33'
at Tennessee W +4 16-17 u35
ARIZONA L -3 0-24 u38
at Seattle L +3 16-23 o36
2009 Results
DALLAS W -2 31-10 o34’
at San Francisco W +3 20-21 o34’
NEW ORLEANS L +2’ 7-45 o41’
at Seattle L +3 21-31 o36
2010 Results
at Dallas W +3 17-9 u34
at Chicago W +2’ 32-17 o33’
SAN FRANCISCO L -1’ 24-28 o37’
SEATTLE P -3 27-24 o38
2011 Results
ARIZONA L -3 18-24 o32’
at San Francisco L +2 3-17 u34’
NEW ORLEANS L +4’ 20-40 o38
at Seattle L +3’ 3-20 u37
2012 Results
Dallas L -1 0-3 u34
at Arizona W +6' 27-31 o37
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2012 NFL Preseason Week 3 Preview: Houston at New Orleans
Atssportsline.com
Houston vs. New Orleans Preview
Current Line: New Orleans (-3/44)
Houston visits the Superdome on Saturday to face the Saints at 8pmET in New Orleans. Houston won (SU/ATS) their first two games, beating Carolina and San Francisco. New Orleans has played three games and has lost 2 of 3. Last week, they fell at home to Jacksonville, 27-24. Last year, Houston beat the Saints in Week 2 of Preseason, 27-14, getting 2.5 at home.
Weather: dome
The Texans are coming off a 10-6 SU season, they were 11-5 ATS and 5-11 Under. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason. Gary Kubiak is 13-11 SU, 13-8-3 ATS and 16-7-1 Over in preseason. New Orleans is coming off a 13-3 SU season, where they also went 12-4 ATS and 9-7 O/U. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Coaching this game will be Joe Vitt, taking over for Sean Payton, who is suspended this season (All stats are from before the preseason).
Outlook: Through the first two weeks of this preseason, the Houston Texans' defense has shown no drop-off whatsoever after fielding one of the NFL's fiercest units on that side of the ball in 2011.
In its first year under the command of Wade Phillips, whose father (Bum) served as the Saints' head coach from 1981-85, the Houston defense yielded the second- fewest yards allowed in the NFL while ranking third overall against the pass, fourth versus the run and fourth in points surrendered. It's been more of the same for the Texans early on in Phillips' second year, with the team presently standing second in both total defense (208.0 ypg) and sacks (10) in preseason play.
Phillips' charges put forth another stifling effort in last Saturday's matchup with defending NFC West champion San Francisco, permitting a scant 267 total yards and limiting the 49ers to just a 3-of-13 success rate on third downs in a 17-9 Texans' victory.
Houston stood tall despite being without a pair of starters on the defensive line, end J.J. Watt (dislocated elbow) and nose tackle Shaun Cody (back strain). Neither will be in uniform as well for Saturday's challenge from a Saints squad that's expected to have Brees and the healthy members of the first-team offense out on the field for at least the entire first half.
Brees lit up the Texans for 370 yards and three touchdowns to lift New Orleans to a thrilling 40-33 victory over Houston at the Superdome during Week 3 of the 2011 regular season. The Texans allowed their highest point and total yardage (454) amounts of the year in that defeat.
Houston quarterback Matt Schaub was also on point in that game, amassing 373 yards and throwing for three scores in a losing cause. The trusty veteran was equally as good in last weekend's tune-up against the 49ers, completing 11- of-14 attempts for 128 yards and connecting with young wide receiver Lestar Jean for a nine-yard touchdown late in the first half.
The Texans' best receiver, Andre Johnson, also made an impact last week after being held out of the preseason opener with a groin strain. The five-time Pro Bowl selection hauled in a 43-yard deep strike from Schaub in the second quarter and had a six-yard catch earlier in the evening.
Drew Brees was in usual form in New Orleans' most recent outing, with the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year hitting on 10-of-13 throws for 133 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 27-24 loss to Jacksonville at Superdome. Backup Chase Daniel also delivered an extremely crisp effort, accumulating 185 yards and two scores on 16-of-21 passing.
New Orleans' defense didn't have as good a night, with Jacksonville quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Jordan Palmer combining for three touchdown passes and the Jaguars rushing for 170 yards. The Saints also lost three of their top four linebackers during the contest, with Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne and Chris Chamberlain all exiting with injuries.
Chamberlain, who was pushing veteran Scott Shanle for a starting role on the strong side, suffered a torn ACL and was placed on injured reserve Sunday. Hawthorne could miss the start of the regular season after tearing the meniscus in his left knee, while middle linebacker Lofton will sit out Saturday's test with a high ankle sprain.
New Orleans did make a move towards bolstering depth in that area, acquiring veteran LB Barrett Ruud in a trade with Seattle on Tuesday.
Brees also won't have a few targets on hand against the Texans, with dynamic running back Darren Sproles still sidelined with a minor knee injury and wide receivers Adrian Arrington (knee surgery) and Nick Toon (foot) out for another week. Arrington and Toon were to battle Courtney Roby and Joseph Morgan to be the team's No. 4 receiver in camp, with Morgan aiding his cause in the Jacksonville game by catching a 53-yard touchdown pass from Daniel and ending with a team-high 68 yards on three grabs.
The Saints were also in the news with Wednesday's announcement that offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will serve as the club's interim head coach for the first six games of the upcoming regular season. Kromer will be filling in for Joe Vitt, who'll take over for the suspended Sean Payton for the remainder of the year but was handed a punishment of his own following the NFL's investigation of New Orleans' infamous bounty program.
Key Injuries: Houston: DT Shaun Cody (back) is ? DE J.J. Watt (elbow) is out indef. New Orleans: LB David Hawthorne (knee), LB Curtis Lofton (ankle) are out indef. LB Chris Chamberlain (ACL) is out for the year. RB Darren Sproles (knee) is out. CB Jabari Greer (surgery) is out.
Preseason Trends:
Houston is 3-10 ATS off an Under
New Orleans is 6-0 Over off a non-conference game
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in Week 3.
QB Rotations:
Houston
Matt Schaub
T.J. Yates
John Beck
Case Keenum (R)
New Orleans
Drew Brees
Chase Daniel
Luke McCown
Sean Canfield
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
Houston
2006 Results
Kansas City W -2’ 24-14 o35’
at St. Louis W +3 27-20 o37’
at Denver W +5 14-17 u39’
Tampa Bay N -3 16-13 u35
2007 Results
Chicago L -2 19-20 o33
at Arizona W +3 33-20 o35’
Dallas W +2’ 28-16 o40
at Tampa Bay L +3 24-31 o37
2008 Results
DENVER N -3 19-16 o34'
New Orleans W +3 31-27 o37
at Dallas W +5 22-23 o42
T. BAY L -1 6-16 u36
2009 Results
at Kansas City W +2 16-10 u37’
NEW ORLEANS L -3 14-38 o38’
MINNESOTA L -3 10-17 o39
at Tampa Bay W +3 27-20 o33’
2010 Results
at Arizona L -2’ 16-19 o33
at New Orleans L +1’ 20-38 o41
DALLAS W -5’ 23-7 u41’
TAMPA BAY L -2’ 17-24 o36’
2011 Results
NY JETS W -2’ 20-16 o35
NEW ORLEANS W +2’ 27-14 p41
at San Francisco W -4’ 30-7 o36
at Minnesota L +3’ 0-28 u37’
2012 Results
at Carolina W +3 26-13 o35'
San Fran. W -3 20-9 u38
New Orleans
2006 Results
at Tennessee W +3 19-16 n35
Dallas L +3 7-30 o35’
(at Shreveport, LA)
Indianapolis L +3 14-27 u42
at Kansas City L -3 9-10 u36’
2007 Results
at Pittsburgh L +3 7-20 u34$
BUFFALO L -6’ 10-13 u36
at Cincinnati W +3’ 27-19 o38
at Kansas City W +2 30-7 o36’
Miami W +1 7-0 u38
$-at Canton, OH
2008 Results
at Arizona W +2' 24-10 u35
HOUSTON L -3 27-31 o37
at Cincinnati W -2' 13-0 u42
MIAMI L -1 10-14 u35
2009 Results
CINCINNATI W -3 17-7 u37
at Houston W +3 38-14 o38’
at Oakland W -2’ 45-7 o41’
MIAMI L -3 7-10 u36’
2010 Results
at New England L +1’ 24-27 o35
Houston W -1’ 38-20 o41
San Diego W -3 36-21 o44’
at Tennessee L +7’ 24-27 o41
2011 Results
SAN FRANCISCO W -2’ 24-3 u35’
at Houston L -2’ 14-27 p41
at Oakland W -4’ 40-20 o38
TENNESSEE L -1 9-32 o36
2012 Results
vs. Arizona W -3 17-6 u34
at New Engl W +4' 6-7 u37'
Jacksonville L -6 24-27 o39'
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2012 NFL Preseason Week 3: St. Louis at Dallas
Atssportsline.com
St. Louis vs. Dallas Preview
Current Line: Dallas (-5/41)
St. Louis visits Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas to take on Dallas at 8pmET. The Rams split their first two games, including beating Kansas City, 31-17 last week, getting 1. Dallas split as well, falling at San Diego last week, 28-20. Dallas beat St. Louis last year in the regular season, 34-7, giving 13.5.
Weather: retractable dome, 88 degrees, 10% chance of rain
The Rams are coming off a 2-14 SU season, they were 3-12-1 ATS and 5-9-2 Under. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason. First-year coach Jeff Fisher (Tenn.) is 32-30 SU, 32-29-3 ATS and 33-29-2 Over in preseason. The Cowboys are coming off an 8-8 SU season, they were 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Jason Garrett is 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS and 1-3 Under in preseason. (all stats are before this preseason)
Outlook: While the Dallas Cowboys continue to be beset by injuries over the course of this preseason, Sam Bradford's health doesn't seem to be much of an issue for the St. Louis Rams.
The third-year quarterback's prolonged recovery from a high ankle sprain was a huge reason why the Rams plunged back to the bottom of the NFC with a 2-14 record last season, but he's been displaying the form that earned him the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2010 through St. Louis' first two warm-up efforts under new head coach Jeff Fisher.
After going 7-of-9 for 57 yards in a loss at Indianapolis to begin the slate, Bradford helped the Rams to a 31-17 victory over in-state rival Kansas City last Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome by firing two touchdown passes in the game's first five minutes. The former No. 1 overall pick finished with 102 yards while making good on 6-of-9 attempts in just one quarter's worth of snaps.
Lance Kendricks and Danny Amendola were on the receiving end of Bradford's scoring strikes and Steven Jackson contributed 49 yards on just seven carries to an all-around good effort by the Rams. St. Louis' defense chipped in as well by recording five sacks and forcing four turnovers on the evening.
Cowboys triggerman Tony Romo also had a strong showing his last time out, with the veteran signal-caller competing 9-of-13 passes for 75 yards while playing sparingly in Dallas' 28-20 loss at San Diego this past Saturday.
Romo was operating minus several key weapons against the Chargers, with tight end Jason Witten (lacerated spleen), wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring), center Phil Costa (back) and left guard Nate Livings (hamstring) all inactive for the contest. Neither Witten nor Austin will play the remainder of the preseason, while dangerous wideout Dez Bryant is out for Saturday's clash as well after experiencing knee tendinitis in recent practices.
Livings is expected to return for Saturday's tilt, and Dallas' defense will also get back three starters who were all held out last weekend -- nose tackle Jay Ratliff (plantar fasciitis), outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (hamstring) and end Jason Hatcher (groin).
The Cowboys also faced San Diego without pass-rushing terror DeMarcus Ware, who's doubtful for this week's game because of a mild hamstring strain. The defense still fared quite well despite its depleted state, limiting the Chargers to 53 rushing yards and getting a pair of interceptions of Philip Rivers from free-agent cornerback Brandon Carr.
Dallas was also strong on that side of the ball in its opener, yielding a modest 253 total yards in a 3-0 shutout win at Oakland on Aug. 13.
Austin and Bryant's unavailability should provide extended looks for a host of candidates competing to be the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver. Cole Beasley, an undrafted rookie out of Southern Methodist, may now have a leg up on the job after amassing 104 yards on seven receptions against San Diego.
Returnees Kevin Ogletree (four catches, 64 yards) and Dwayne Harris (four catches, 42 yards, 1 TD) also stated their case with productive outings last week.
St. Louis comes into the game with fewer medical concerns, with ex-Packers center Scott Wells set to make his Rams debut this weekend after recovering from offseason knee surgery and wide receiver Brandon Gibson (hamstring) questionable to return from a one-game absence. Fellow wideout Danario Alexander (hamstring), cornerback Bradley Fletcher (rib cage) and defensive tackle Trevor Laws (knee) are not expected to participate.
Saturday's clash marks the 24th all-time preseason meeting between these teams, but the first of the exhibition variety since 2000. The Rams posted a 24-17 road decision in that bout and hold a 13-10 edge in the overall series.
Key Injuries: St. Louis: DE Eugene Sims (leg) is out. Dallas: TE Jason Witten (spleen) is out for the preseason. WR Dez Bryant (knee), C Phil Costa (back) are dbtful. OLB DeMarcus Ware (ham) is ? CB Mike Jenkins (shdr) is out. WR Miles Austin (ham) is out. NT Jay Ratliff (foot) is out.
Preseason Trends:
St. Louis is 5-1 ATS off a non-conference game
St. Louis is 4-11 ATS as the underdog.
Dallas is 12-27 ATS off an Over
QB Rotations:
St. Louis
Sam Bradford
Kellen Clemens
Tom Brandstater
Austin Davis (R)
Dallas
Tony Romo
Kyle Orton
Stephen McGee
Rudy Carpenter
NFL Preseason Logs Last 6 Years
St. Louis
2006 Results
Indianapolis L -5 19-17 u38’
Houston L -3 20-27 o37’
at Kansas City L +3’ 12-16 u39’
at Miami L +3 9-29 o35’
2007 Results
at Minnesota W +1’ 13-10 u35’
San Diego L +2’ 13-30 o38
at Oakland L -1 10-20 u37’
Kansas City W -3 10-3 u36’
2008 Results
at Tennessee L +3 13-34 o33
SAN DIEGO L -3' 7-6 u37
BALT. W -1 24-10 u34'
at Kansas City W +4' 17-21 o34
2009 Results
at NY Jets W +3 23-20 o32’
ATLANTA L +2’ 13-20 u36
at Cincinnati W +2’ 24-21 o34
KANSAS CITY W -1 17-9 u36
2010 Results
MINNESOTA L -2’ 7-28 o31’
at Cleveland W +4 19-17 o35’
at New England W +8 36-35 o38
BALTIMORE W -3 27-21 o38
2011 Results
INDIANAPOLIS W -7 33-10 o33’
TENNESSEE L -3’ 17-16 u37
at Kansas City W -2 14-10 u35
at Jacksonville W +3 24-17 o37
2012 Results
at Indianapolis L +2 3-38 o35
Kansas City W +1 31-17 o37
DALLAS (AT)
2006 Results
at Seattle W +3 13-3 u35'
at New Orleans W -3 30-7 o35'
(at Shreveport, LA)
SAN FRAN. W -7 17-7 u36
MINN. (OT) L -6 10-10 u34'
2007 Results
INDY W -5 23-10 u34
DENVER W -5 31-20 o35
at Houston L -2' 16-28 o40
at Minnesota L +2' 14-23 o36'
2008 Results
at San Diego L +3 17-31 o35'
at Denver L +2’ 13-23 u37
HOUSTON L -5 23-22 o42
MINN. W -3 16-10 u34
2009 Results
at Oakland L +2 10-31 o34’
TENNESSEE W -3 30-10 o38’
SAN FRANCISCO L -6’ 13-20 u38
at Minnesota W +3 35-31 o36
2010 Results
#Cincinnati W +3 16-7 u33’
at Canton, Ohio
OAKLAND L -3 9-17 u33’
at San Diego W +2’ 16-14 u35’
at Houston L +5’ 7-23 u41’
MIiami W +3 27-25 o37
2011 Results
DENVER L -3 24-23 o34
SAN DIEGO L -1 7-20 u37’
at Minnesota W -1 23-17 o36’
at Miami L +3’ 3-17 u36’
2012 Results
at Oakland W +1 3-0 u34
at San Diego L +3' 20-28 o39'
ATSSportsline.com has been providing winning sports picks since 1992. Want more from ATS Consultants? Free NFL Football Picks delivered directly to your inbox with no obligation!
Saturday Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Colts at Redskins (-3½, 43)
The battle of the top two picks from this past April's draft takes place in the Nation's Capital as Andrew Luck squares off against Robert Griffin III. Indianapolis owns a perfect 2-0 record against the spread, in spite of falling at Pittsburgh last Sunday night, 26-24. The Colts cashed as four-point underdogs, one week after blowing out the Rams in Luck's debut.
The Redskins put together a massive rally in their second preseason contest before falling 33-31 at Chicago. Washington overcame a 30-10 deficit with three unanswered touchdowns, but Robbie Gould's 57-yard field goal in the final minute gave Chicago the win and the cover as one-point favorites. Griffin III failed to throw a touchdown pass at Chicago after tossing a 20-yard score to Pierre Garcon at Buffalo in the preseason opener.
The Colts have always been a tough preseason team to judge simply because of the Peyton Manning factor for years. Luck has managed to hit two 'overs' through two exhibition games in spite of tossing a pair of interceptions in last week's loss to the Steelers. The Redskins are basically a coin-flip proposition at home the last three preseasons, posting a 3-3 SU record, but have covered four times.
Steelers (-2½, 40) at Bills
Pittsburgh has been involved in a pair of close-shave contests the first two weeks of the preseason, playing two games decided by a combined five points. The Steelers didn't get the cash last Sunday against the Colts, one week after squandering a 13-0 lead in a road loss at Philadelphia. The Bills are struggling offensively through two games, mustering just 20 points so far, including one touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
In Buffalo's 36-14 blowout loss at Minnesota last week, the Vikings scored their final two touchdowns on interception returns from Audie Cole. The game was pushed 'over' the total of 37, as the Vikings led the Bills, 19-14 with four minutes remaining in regulation. Buffalo's defense didn't play as poorly as the score indicated, as the Vikings kicked five field goals to go along with the two defensive touchdowns.
The Bills aren't a great preseason play from the pointspread angle, going 1-6 SU/ATS the last seven exhibition games. The Steelers haven't performed well away from Heinz Field in the preseason by compiling a 3-5-1 SU/ATS since 2008 on the road.
Lions (-3, 43½) at Raiders
Oakland is still seeking its first preseason victory following two losses by a combined seven points against Dallas and Arizona. The Raiders failed to score in the opener against the Cowboys, while putting up just one offensive touchdown in last week's 31-27 defeat to the Cardinals. Dennis Allen's team held the ball for 35 minutes last Friday, as the Raiders ended a seven-game ATS winless streak in the preseason by barely cashing as 4½-point 'dogs.
The Lions rebounded from an opening week home loss to the Browns with an impressive 27-12 trouncing of the Ravens last Friday. Detroit won outright as three-point road underdogs (+140 on the moneyline), as Matthew Stafford looked sharp with a pair of touchdown passes to Calvin Johnson and Titus Young in the second quarter. The Ravens only put up four field goals against the Lions, a stark contrast to the 48 points scored in Thursday's blowout of Jacksonville.
The Silver and Black has turned bettors Black and Blue in the preseason at home by losing five of the last six games dating back to 2009 at O.Co Coliseum. Jim Schwartz takes preseason games seriously in his tenure, while posting a 5-1 SU/ATS the previous six road exhibition contests.
Texans at Saints (-3, 44)
Houston goes for its third consecutive preseason victory after beating Carolina and San Francisco by double-digits apiece. The Saints play their second home game of the preseason after dropping a 27-24 decision to the Jaguars as six-point favorites. New Orleans had an opportunity to pick up the win, but Jacksonville connected on a touchdown in the final minute for the victory.
Matt Schaub put together an extremely efficient performance against the 49ers, completing 11 of 14 passes for 128 yards and the lone offensive touchdown of the game. Houston finished off the win with an 87-yard punt return for a score by Trindon Holliday, the second special teams touchdown from the former LSU Tiger.
Gary Kubiak's squad continues to cash for backers in the preseason with a 5-1 SU/ATS record the last six games since the start of 2011. Houston is riding a nice 'over' stretch in exhibition action by cashing in seven of the previous 10 contests, in spite of an 'under' against San Francisco. The Saints are going for their sixth consecutive SU/ATS win during the "dress rehearsal" week, even though this is the fourth game of the preseason for New Orleans after playing in the Hall of Fame Game.
Rams at Cowboys (-5½, 41)
St. Louis heads to the Lone Star State after knocking off rival Kansas City in the annual "Governor's Cup," 31-17 as one-point home underdogs. The Rams take on a Cowboys' squad that is playing their first home game of the preseason following a split in California against the Raiders and Chargers. Dallas continues to play without Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten, who is out with a spleen injury.
The Cowboys blew a 13-7 lead in last week's 28-20 loss at San Diego, as Dallas failed to cover as three-point 'dogs. Jason Garrett's defense held the Chargers to just 53 yards, but the Cowboys' offense scored only two touchdowns in spite of holding the ball for 35 minutes. Dallas is just 1-4 SU/ATS the last five home preseason games since 2009 with the lone victory coming as an underdog in the final week of 2010.
The Rams enter Saturday's action riding a 7-2 ATS run in the preseason since 2010, including a 4-1 SU/ATS mark away from the Edward Jones Dome. The lone loss in this stretch came in the opener at Indianapolis, just the second time in the previous 10 preseason contests in which the Rams scored in single-digits.
NFL: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
The Texans' defense standing tall in it's two preseason victories (2-0 ATS) surrendering 112.5 PYG (0 TD), 89.8 RYG (1 TD) face a tough one when they head into the SuperDome for a showdown with New Orleans. Saints, despite it's recent 27-24 loss vs Jaguars moving the mark to 1-2 (2-1 ATS) this August, the offense was moving in the most recent outing as Drew Brees hit 10-of-13 for 133 yds (1 TD) with backup Chase Daniel notching 16-of-21 for 185 yds (2 TD) while the ground troops racked up 100 RY on 22 carries (0 TD). Although Houston's 'D' will be tested by Saints’ high-octane offense, it won't break as the group will be primed. This is one preseason game that has meaning for the 'D', they were torched in last year’s trip to New Orleans losing 40-33 with Brees firing 3 TD's and the ground crew posting 2 TD's. As for Houston's 'O', Matt Schaub and company will have their way vs a Saint's 'D' not in sync giving up 141.3 PYG (4 TD), 136 RYG (1 TD). Take the expected 3 points, Texans' are on a 9-4 stretch as an August dog including 3-0 ATS during dress rehearsal week.