NFL Betting News and Notes Week 2

Opening Line Report - Week 2
By Marcus DiNitto
VegasInsider.com

While bettors and bookmakers alike must be careful not to overreact to what they saw in the opening week of a football season, certainly there are lessons to be learned from finally getting to watch each team in action.

John Avello, vice president of race and sports at the Wynn Las Vegas, said while “everything pretty much played to form” on Sunday, there are a few teams’ ratings that warrant adjustments based on Week 1 performances.

“The Lions are a little better than I thought, Tampa Bay’s pretty good, too,” Avello offered as examples.

He also mentioned the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and the Vikings’ Shaun Hill as quarterbacks who impressed him Sunday.

Here’s a look at early lines for Week 2 of the 2016 NFL season. Number are current as of 10 p.m. ET, with opening numbers and early movement noted as well.

Thursday, Sept. 15

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (-3 even, 42.5)

While the opening number of Bills -3 was given the slightest of adjustments in the Jets’ direction, it’s unlikely we’ll see this line stray too far from the key number ‘3’. The last eight meetings between these AFC East foes have featured point spreads of 2.5 to 3.5. “3’s the right number. That’s where it’s got to be,” said Avello.

Sunday, Sept. 18

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions (-5.5/-110, 47)

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook opened Detroit -4 and was pushed to -5, but multiple other Las Vegas bet shops posted -5.5 as their original numbers. The Lions were listed at -3.5 on the Westgate’s advanced Week 2 lines (issued last Tuesday), so, as Avello suggested, the market seems to be pleased with the Lions’ win in Indianapolis.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (-2/-115, 43.5)

The Westgate bounced between Houston -2 and -1.5 on Sunday night, as most shops were dealing -1.5. It’s hard not to like the resilience the Chiefs displayed in their come-from-behind win at home vs. the Chargers on Sunday. “They’re gonna be a tough team all year long,” Avello said of Andy Reid’s men.

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots (-4.5/-110)

The Westgate opened New England -5 and moved to -4.5 on Sunday night, while CG Technology hung -4. Other shops waited as Jimmy Garoppolo made his debut as a starter at Arizona in primetime.

Baltimore Ravens (-6/-110, 43.5) at Cleveland Browns

Bettors faded the Browns early at The Wynn, as the Ravens were bet from -4 to -6 in one flash.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5/-110)

Big revenge spot for the Bengals, who surely haven’t gone a day without thinking about blowing last season’s playoff game against their division rival. There was an even mix of 3s and 3.5s for next week’s contest, and if the number closes at a field goal plus the hook, it will be the largest in the last seven meetings between these AFC North clubs.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins (-3/even)

The Westgate remained at Washington -3.5 through the first few hours of betting Sunday night, while other shops dealt 3s. Despite taking the loss at home to the Giants, nothing we saw from rookie Dak Prescott will prompt bets against Dallas in this spot.

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants (-5/-105)

This line opened as high as -6 at CG, and it ranged from -4.5 and -5.5 around Vegas as of this writing.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-14/-110)

For the second season in a row, the schedule makers are not being kind to San Francisco. After playing the late game Monday night, they travel to the east coast for an early Sunday kickoff to face a quality team off nine days of rest. The 49ers were put in the same position last year, when they were waxed at Pittsburgh in Week 2 (43-18 as 6-point dogs) after beating Minnesota in Monday night’s second time slot.

Avello said while the unfavorable scheduling would be a bigger factor later in the season, he added of the 49ers, “The problem is they’re playing a team coming off a loss that lost just one game last year. So, no, it’s not a particularly great spot for them.”

Early bettors agree, pushing the opening line at the Westgate from Carolina -13.5 to -14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (-7/-110)

Avello is not the only one who liked what he saw from Jameis Winston and Co. The Westgate listed Tampa Bay +8.5 on its advanced Week 2 lines and reopened the Bucs +7.5 after their win in Atlanta on Sunday. There was a further adjustment to +7 as the Cardinals played the Patriots on Sunday evening.

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5/-110) at Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks squeaked out a win as 10.5-point home favorites against Miami on Sunday, and the Westgate opened them -3.5 for the Rams’ L.A. premier next week. That’s down from the -4.5 listed on the SuperBook’s advanced lines.

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6/-110, 45)

There was a significant early move from the Westgate’s opening number of -4 on this AFC clash, and based on these teams’ Week 1 showings, it’s easy to see why.

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-5.5/-110, 48)

The Westgate opened Oakland -6.5, moved to -7 about 15 minutes later, but shifted down to -5.5 as the nigh went on. The Raiders could be had for as cheap as -4.5 at the Stratosphere on Sunday night.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers (-3/-105, 48)

Bettors laid the -2.5 with the Chargers on the earliest Vegas lines, with the number settling at -3 throughout town Sunday night.

Green Bay Packers (-2/-105, 45) at Minnesota Vikings

The Westgate opened Green Bay -1.5 and moved to -2; The Wynn opened -2 and went to -2.5. Interesting to note Green Bay was -1 in a 30-13 win at Minnesota (with a healthy Teddy Bridgewater) last November. According to Avello, there won’t be an adjustment to next week’s price if Vikings coach Mike Zimmer makes the move from Shaun Hill to Sam Bradford.

“Hill played well (Sunday),” Avello said. “The Vikings played a good game, so there’s no reason for Bradford to even being playing now.”

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-3/even, 43)

The Westgate opened Chicago -2.5, moved to -2 less than 40 minutes later, before moving back up the ladder to -3, where most shops landed Sunday night. While Carson Wentz played well in his Philly debut, oddsmakers aren’t dismissing the Bears.

“The Bears had a decent game (Sunday), Avello said. “Houston isn’t an easy place to go down and win, and they did have the lead in that game. They won’t be downgraded in their rating (because of Sunday’s loss).”

NFL Week 2 Essentials
By Tony Mejia
VegasInsider.com

Entering the Week 1 Monday night dud of a doubleheader, 11 of the NFL’s first 14 games were decided by one score, which included six games settled by two points or less. It’s unlikely that this second week will be as riveting, but it doesn’t hurt to hope. Here’s the card and what you need to identify before wagering:

Tennessee at Detroit: The Titans imploded due to Game 1 turnovers, but they’ll prepare for their first road game hoping to build on a solid first half against Minnesota that featured improved play on both sides of the ball. Matt Prater’s game-winning field goal in Indy helped preserve good vibes after the Lions nearly blew a 21-3 lead, so the Lions will look to start 2-0 despite Calvin Johnson’s early retirement. Matthew Stafford’s confident play had to be reassuring, but not every secondary is going to be as vulnerable as the Colts. It also helped that he had Theo Riddick taking pressure off him out of the backfield. The Notre Dame product will have to get through concussion protocol here.

Kansas City at Houston: Star RB Jamaal Charles didn’t play and the Chargers led 24-3 at Arrowhead, but the largest comeback in franchise history saved the day for a Chiefs squad that believes Alex Smith has truly turned the corner. Charles and standout pass rusher Justin Houston will be absent again, so depth will be tested in a hostile environment as Kansas City looks to win its sixth road game in seven tries including last year’s playoff run. Don’t forget that the Chiefs ended the Texans’ season in Houston 30-0 in last year’s AFC Wild Card round, so this one will be personal for J.J. Watt and the defense, not to mention a good test of where they are with Brock Osweiler at the controls. Notre Dame product Will Fuller looks like a game-breaker of a receiver, which will only make DeAndre Hopkins even more effective.

Miami at New England: The disappointed Dolphins had to fly back cross-country knowing they let one get away in Seattle, so their resiliency will be tested immediately. Considering rookie coach Adam Gase not only has to pick up his team, but also prepare for a Bill Belichick-led group, and injury-riddled Miami faces a huge challenge here. The Patriots may not get Rob Gronkowski back from his hamstring injury and will be riding Jimmy Garoppolo for the second of four games, but their supporting cast now believes they can go 4-0 without Tom Brady after passing their toughest test in Arizona. Those guys aren’t likely to come out flat at home, but we’ll see how they handle a stingy-looking Dolphins defense with so many backup offensive linemen likely back in play. They obviously held up well in Glendale.

Baltimore at Cleveland: The seemingly cursed Robert Griffin III had fans excited in rejuvenated Cleveland, but didn’t even make it to his home debut after suffering a shoulder injury that will keep him out at least eight weeks. Josh McCown will get the call against a Ravens defense that generated huge stops to deliver a season-opening win over Buffalo. Linebackers Elvis Dumervil, CJ Mosley and Za’Darius Smith all missed practice on Wednesday, so there’s concern there. Joe Flacco looked a bit rusty after his lengthy layoff, but has more weapons to work with and is rightfully favored to get his team off to a 2-0 start. The Ravens have won six of eight in this series, but split last year, losing in OT at home last October.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: The Bengals couldn’t keep the Jets off Andy Dalton, so they’ll have to shore up some holes to keep him upright against a fast, aggressive Steelers defense. These teams are meeting for the first time since January’s memorable Wild Card game that Pittsburgh won after penalties foiled Cincinnati, so it’s certain to be spicy. Vontaze Burfict, whose violent hit in that game set up the winning field goal, is serving the second of a three-game suspension for that transgression, but the officiating will still be on alert to try and prevent a repeat. As a result, this could become a flag-fest. The Steelers rode their running game to create opportunities and control possession in their Monday night win in D.C., so you can likely expect more of the same here against a defense that gave up the fourth-most rushing yards in Week 1 when the Jets churned out 152.

Dallas at Washington: Rookie Dak Prescott proved the preseason was no fluke despite a one-point loss to the Giants. He belongs. Ezekiel Elliott proved he’s got a shot at being a force running behind the Cowboys stout offensive lineup. Despite those bright spots, Dallas again proved unable to win without Tony Romo (now 10-24, 1-12 last 13), which is obviously a problem as it hits the road for the first time. The ‘Skins will be favored despite facing a short week, which makes this a dicey game to wager when you add in the divisional rivalry angle. Washington saw Cousins take far too many checkdowns in the loss to the Steelers and may be more aggressive getting the ball downfield here as it looks to beat the Cowboys for the second straight time, something it hasn't accomplished since 2012.

New Orleans at N.Y. Giants: The same ol’ Saints showed up at the Superdome in losing to the Raiders, lighting up the scoreboard behind Drew Brees’ precision but coming up empty because the defense couldn’t get a stop. Making matters worse, top corner Delvin Breaux may have broken his fibula and is out indefinitely. New Orleans figures to be in every game so long as the line can keep Brees upright, so it’s going to be up to a New York defense that looked improved to string together some consistency. Eli Manning shook off a rough preseason and showed off the Giants impressive array of weapons. Adding rookie Sterling Shepard and seeing Victor Cruz return to health means Odell Beckham Jr. won’t command all the attention. And if he does, Manning can clean up. For the first time since the 2003 home opener, someone other than Tom Coughlin will coach the Giants in East Rutherford. Ben McAdoo will look to join each of his last four predecessors, Coughlin, Jim Fassel, Dan Reeves and Ray Handley, in winning their home debut. The last guy to fail? Bill Parcells.

San Francisco at Carolina: There will be a lot of eyes on this one given the presence of Colin Kaepernick and Cam Newton. One is making his noise off the field, while the reigning MVP is generating discussion about why he seems to be getting protected less than other quarterbacks. As expected, the books have the Panthers as the heaviest favorite of this young season, which is no surprise given their excellence at home and the 49ers being forced to fly cross-country while facing a short week after blanking L.A. on Monday night. Despite their success, this is only the fourth time since 2013 that Carolina is a double-digit home favorite. The Panthers are 3-0 in those games, but are just 1-1-1 ATS.

Tampa Bay at Arizona: An improved Jameis Winston threw for four scores and looked incredibly impressive at Atlanta, finishing as Week 1’s top rated quarterback. Carson Palmer looked off his game against New England, firing the ball away a split-second early and missing open receivers in suffering through an upset loss. Can the Bucs pull off a second straight road upset and deal the Cardinals a second consecutive home defeat? Arizona is just 1-3 in its last four dates in Glendale, with the lone win being its OT triumph over Green Bay in last year’s playoffs.

Seattle at Los Angeles: Quarterback Russell Wilson got his ankle trampled by Miami’s Ndamakong Suh and stuck it out to help the Seahawks avoid an upset with a great final drive, but no one should expect him to be 100 percent here. The Rams will have their home debut, but it remains to be seen whether the L.A. Coliseum can offer them any real advantage and the early attitude seemed to be a cross between dubious and indifferent even before Monday night’s embarrassment. To have any shot at an upset, Case Keenum either has to play over his head or Sean Mannion has to come off the bench with the game of his life. Don’t expect to see rookie Jared Goff.

Indianapolis at Denver: The returning Andrew Luck shook off a slow start and looked like his old self in nearly helping the Colts avoid a home upset against Detroit, but concerns over Indy’s offensive line and the defense are merited and not going anywhere. The Broncos could feast as a result, especially if Trevor Siemian continues to prove that he’ll be able to handle being at the controls for the entirety of this repeat bid. Denver has won five consecutive home games and will have Demariyus Thomas available after concern over a hip injury that isn’t considered serious.

Atlanta at Oakland: Head coach Jack Del Rio saw his gamble on a two-point conversion in New Orleans pay off, so his Raiders are riding a high into their home opener. A win would deliver the franchise’s first 2-0 start since 2002, which not coincidentally doubles as the last time Oakland reached the playoffs. Matt Ryan brings the Falcons cross-country after having just been on the losing end of one shootout against Tampa Bay and will likely be faced with another here against Derek Carr. His offensive line, hoping to be improved from last year, faces a stiff challenge on the road against the Khalil Mack-led group. Top receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu, both of whom suffered Week 1 ankle injuries, will be expected to play.

Jacksonville at San Diego: The Jaguars are also facing a long flight in an effort to avoid an 0-2 start, but had to feel encouraged by nearly taking down Green Bay on a day where Aaron Rodgers had it going. They couldn’t find much of a run game without Chris Ivory, who fell ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. It hasn’t been ruled out that they would get him back to split the load with T.J. Yeldon, but that isn’t likely. The Chargers probably suffered the most painful Week 1 setback since they also lost WR Keenan Allen for the season in addition to blowing a 24-3 lead, but they can heal at home here against an opponent that they’re 5-0 against since 2010, outscoring the Jags by an average margin of 33-14. Considering many were expecting the Chargers being in San Diego would be a thing of the past this time last year, it will be interesting to see how packed Qualcomm Stadium gets.

Green Bay at Minnesota: The Packers flourished after welcoming back Jordy Nelson, found weight loss agrees with Eddie Lacy and saw Rodgers flash his MVP form against Jacksonville. Now, their rejuvenated offense will really get a great test in facing a Vikings defense that single-handedly won their season-opener in Tennessee. Minnesota will need its passing game to be more productive so that teams can’t key in on Adrian Peterson, so this Sunday-nighter should be telling. Will Sam Bradford be deemed prepared enough to start so Shaun Hill can return to the backup role that better suits him? Green Bay believes that’s how its opponent will play it.

Monday, Sept. 19

Philadelphia at Chicago: Rookie Carson Wentz was among Week 1’s stars and certainly the most pleasant surprise, since few saw an impressive performance in his future after such a limited preseason. After showing great touch on his passes and poise and feel beyond his age and experience level, the 2016 Draft’s No. 2 pick ventures out on the road for the first time in his Monday night debut. The Bears had a poor second half in Houston to foil a strong start, so they’re hoping for progress in addition to their first home win since last Oct. 4, the only time they won at Soldier Field all last season.

NFL's Biggest Betting Mismatches: Week 2
By Monty Andrew
Covers.com

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants (-4.5, 52.5)

Giants’ elite receivers vs. Saints’ dreadful secondary

This game has the highest Vegas total of the week, and with good reason: when these two teams met at the Mercedes Benz Superdome last season, they combined for 101 points. Drew Brees and Eli Manning combined to throw an absurd 13 touchdown passes - and while it would be unreasonable to expect a carbon copy this weekend, don’t be surprised if the two gunslingers come close to combining for double-digit passing scores yet again.

The focus in this one will be on the Saints’ unproven secondary, which is expected to include a pair of undrafted free-agent cornerbacks in Ken Crawley and De’Vante Harris. None of New Orleans’ three CBs had played an NFL snap prior to last weekend’s 35-34 loss to visiting Oakland; Crawley, who replaced Delvin Breaux after the veteran suffered a broken leg, posted the lowest ProFootballFocus score of any defensive back in Week 1 after getting roasted for six catches and a score on seven targets.

This game should see a boatload of points, given the potency of both offenses and that New Orleans will likely find themselves in catch-up mode for the entire game. Look for Eli Manning to punish the Saints' secondary, with all of his receiving options healthy and set to contribute. Odell Beckham posted an 8-150-3 line in their previous meeting, and that was with Breaux on the field. It’s going to be ugly for fans of defense - and heaven on earth for fans who love scoring.

Daily fantasy watch: Odell Beckham Jr.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-13.5, 45.5)

Panthers’ clock control vs. 49ers’ possession struggles

There’s a lot to like about Carolina this week, even though the Panthers are giving away nearly two touchdowns to visiting San Franciso. The 49ers are facing a short week in which they’ll cross the country to play a 10 am PT game against a defending Super Bowl finalist playing on nine days’ rest. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, consider that the two teams couldn’t be further apart when it comes to ball control.

The Panthers are coming off a sensational season buoyed at least in part by terrific possession metrics. Carolina led the league in time of possession in 2015 at 32:12 per game - one second better than the runner-up and division rival Atlanta Falcons. By comparison, San Francisco ranked 31st out of 32 teams at 26:23. “But Monty!” you say. “They run a Chip Kelly offense now!” That’s true - and the Kelly-led Eagles were the only team to have the ball less (25:51). Kelly finished last in TOP in each of his three seasons in Philadelphia.

Look for the Panthers to use a stout ground game and a dynamic-enough passing approach to keep the offense on the field and wear down the 49ers defense. And despite losing Josh Norman in the offseason, the Carolina defense should be plenty good enough to choke San Francisco’s meager offense into submission. It’s difficult to score points if you don’t have the ball - and the 49ers should find that out in a big way this weekend against a team that controlled the clock like no other last season.

Daily fantasy watch: Carolina D/ST

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6, 45)

Broncos’ impressive offense vs. Colts’ dreadful D

Much has been made about how this year’s incarnation of the Broncos can’t hope to compete for the Super Bowl title with an unproven QB at the helm. And while it remains to be seen whether Trevor Siemian can lead Denver back to the title game, fans and bettors alike have to love what they saw out of the Broncos in a Week 1 win over Carolina. And the best part is, things should get a whole lot better in Week 2 against an Indianapolis defense that looked putrid in its opener.

Let’s start with the Denver base three-wide offense, which featured seven players that posted PFF grades above 75 in Week 1. Center Matt Paradis (89.6) was particularly effective, creating plenty of room for running back C.J. Anderson to roam. Contrast that to what we saw from Indianapolis against visiting Detroit - eight members of the Colts’ base defense posted PFF ratings below 50, which is difficult for a professional football team to do in any given week.

The Broncos should easily carve up the Indianapolis defense on all levels. Siemian is in for a big game here, as are Demaryius Thomas - if he plays - and Emmanuel Sanders. The star of this one, however, should be Anderson, whose offensive line has a major advantage over the Colts’ offensive unit - particularly on the right side, where he’ll encounter three players who graded lower than 41.

Daily fantasy watch: C.J. Anderson

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-4.5, 49.5)

Raiders’ undisciplined play vs. Falcons’ measured approach

“Moxie” is an under-utilized word these days, but it’s hard to find a better term to describe Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio’s decision to go for two with his Raiders trailing by a single point late in New Orleans. Yet, while the decision proved to be the right one, it masked what was an otherwise mediocre performance from a Raiders team that had better figure out how to be more disciplined. Hope for a turnaround begins at home in Week 2 against a relatively measured Falcons team.

Oakland was one of the most undisciplined units in football last season, ranking third in the league in accepted penalties (138) and sixth in accepted yards (1,102). That pattern continued with emphasis in the Raiders’ Week 1 triumph over the Saints, as they incurred 14 penalties for a whopping 141 yards - including five offensive holding calls on five different players. D.J. Hayden was the worst offender on the defense, picking up two pass interference penalties and a holding call.

The Raiders might get away with it against weaker defensive teams like New Orleans, but a continued rash of penalties could torpedo what is set up to be a solid season. The Falcons were the fifth-least penalized team in the league in 2015 (100), and that disparity could result in major field position shifts Sunday afternoon. Oakland has a shot at a playoff berth this season, but if it can’t keep the flags in the referees’ pockets, it could be in for a rude awakening.

Daily fantasy watch: Julio Jones

NFL Week 2

Titans (0-1) @ Lions (1-0) – Detroit is 8-2-2 as home favorite under Caldwell. Tennessee led Vikings 10-0 at half LW, but offense gave up two TDs in second half of demoralizing loss. Only two teams lost LY when they didn’t allow a TD on offense. Detroit blew 21-3 lead, rallied late for win in Indy; they had five TD drives of 71+ yards. Titans won last four series games, three by 5 or less points; they won last three visits to Motor City. Titans are 6-3 (7-2 vs spread) in last nine road openers; they’re 9-17 as road dogs the last four years. Lions won four of last five home openers; they’re 8-1-1 as a favorite in HOs, but just 6-10-1 in last 17 games vs AFC teams. Under is 15-4 in Titans’ last 19 road openers, 1-5 in Detroit’s last six home openers. Titans’ DC LeBeau played his whole 14-year career for the Lions.

Chiefs (1-0) @ Texans (1-0) – KC rallied back from down 24-3 with 21:00 left for OT win in its opener; Chiefs are 7-6 as road underdogs last three years, 11-6 in last 17 games with spread of 3 or less points. Houston is 8-3 as home favorites under O’Brien; they’re 14-11-1 in last 26 games with spread of 3 or less. Texans shut Chicago out in second half LW; they were 12-20 on 3rd down, ran 18 more plays, had 8-yard edge in field position. Road team won four of seven series games; KC is 3-2 here, with 27-20 win in LY’s opener. Chiefs lost six of last nine road openers but are 10-5 vs spread in last 15 AOs (under 7-4 in last 11). Texans’ DC Crennel was once HC of Chiefs (2012).

Dolphins (0-1) @ Patriots (1-0) – Interim QB Garoppolo passed his first test with flying colors in Arizona, he passed for 257 yards, Pats converted 10-16 on 3rd down and won 23-21- they’re 12-6-3 as home favorite last three years. Miami didn’t allow TD until last minute 12-10 loss at Seattle; last four years, Dolphins are 2-8 as divisional road dogs. Miami gained 222 yards LW, 2nd-least in NFL, gaining 4.8 yds/pass attempt- they lost despite 10-yard edge in field position. Home side won last seven series games; Miami lost seven in a row in Foxboro, last four by 10+ points (three of four by 28+). Patriots are 13-1 in last 14 home openers (2-5-1 vs spread in last eight); their last four HOs stayed under the total.

Ravens (1-0) @ Browns (0-1) – 37-year old McCown gets start at QB for Browns after RGII broke his shoulder; he is 2-17 as a starter last two years (Bucs/Browns). Cleveland may be 1-17 in its season openers, but they’re 8-9 in Week 2 games, 5-2 at home. Baltimore is 14-2 in last 16 series games, going 7-1 in last eight visits to their old home, but Ravens lost four of last five road openers (win was here). Browns are 1-5 vs spread in AFC North games last two years; they were outgained 403-288 LW- they lost field position by 17 yards. Ravens held Buffalo to 160 yards in 13-7 win LW; Bills averaged only 4.0 yards/pass attempt. Over is 6-2-1 in Ravens’ last nine AOs, 5-8 in Cleveland’s last 13 HOs.

Bengals (1-0) @ Steelers (1-0) – Pitt knocked Cincy out of playoffs LY with 18-16 win in Cincy. Bengals drove 55 yards in nine plays to kick GW FG with 0:54 left in its opener in Jersey Swamp. Cincy is 13-4-3 as road underdog last five years; over last seven years, they’re 30-15-2 as single-digit dog. Steelers won 12 of last 13 home openers; they are 7-3 vs spread as favorite in HOs. Last three years, Pitt is 11-6 as home favrotie- they won four of last five games vs Bengals; teams split last four here. Steelers were 9-14 on 3rd down in Monday night win- they gained 147 yards on ground, 288 thru air in a well-balanced attack with Big Ben calling plays. Four of last five series totals were 44+. Five of their last seven home openers stayed under total.

Cowboys (0-1) @ Redskins (0-1) – First road start for rookie QB Prescott (25-45/227 vs Giants last week). Dallas had one TD, two FGs in three visits to red zone; they tried FGs on four of six drives that started 75+ yards from end zone- their only TD drive was 35 yards. Teams split last eight series games; Dallas won last three in Maryland, winning 24-23/44-17/19-16. Skins had only 12 carries for 55 yards in home loss vs Steelers Monday; former Redskin RB Morris had 35 rushing yards in backup role for Dallas. Divisional underdogs were 4-0 vs spread last week. Cowboys are 18-8 vs spread in last 26 road openers, winning six of last nine SU. Washington was in Steeler territory seven times Monday, scored only one TD.

Saints (0-1) @ Giants (1-0) – Brees had 511 passing yards in 52-49 win over Giants LY; home side won nine of last ten series games, Saints losing five of last six visits here, with its one win in ’06. Saints gave up TD/2-point conversion in last minute LW, losing at home to Raiders in game New Orleans led 24-10 in 3rd quarter. Giants won first opener in six years LW, but Cowboys were 10-17 on 3rd down with rookie QB. Big Blue lost last four home openers, allowing 28.8 ppg; they’re9-7 as home favorite last three years. Saints are 7-3-1 in last 11 games as an underdog, 1-7 vs spread in last eight road openers (0-6 in last six). Seven of Saints’ last eight AOs went over total; under is 10-6 in Giants’ last 16 HOs.

49ers (1-0) @ Panthers (0-1) – Long travel on short week for 49ers, who opened Monday night at home with a shutout win; they’re 6-3 in last nine road openers, 3-8 in last 11 series games, with last meeting in ’13 playoffs. Under is 4-2-1 in last seven AOs. Carolina had extra days to prep after Thursday nite loss in Denver; they’re 2-4-1 as a favorite in home openers (under 14-6-1 in lsst 21). Panthers are 19-11-1 vs spread under Rivera coming off a loss; 49ers are 3-8 coming off a win the last two years; they pulled MNF upset at home LY, then went to Pittsburgh and lost 43-18 six days later- similar travel situation here. Carolina is 16-8-2 as a home favorite under Rivera; 49ers are 3-8 as road underdogs the last two seasons.

Bucs (1-0) @ Cardinals (1-0) – Tampa Bay averaged 8.5 yds/pass attempt LW; three of their four TDs came on plays of 23+ yards. Bucs are 10-7 as road underdogs last 2+ years- they are 5-7 vs spread off a win. Arizona lost at home to Patriots’ backup QB LW, got ripped by GM next day; Arizona was +2 in turnovers but allowed Pats to convert 10-16 on 3rd down. Cardinals are 8-3 coming off a loss under Arians, 3-6 in last nine games as a home favorite. Teams split last six series games; Tampa Bay is 3-2 in five visits here, with last one in ’10. Eight of last nine series totals were 37 or less. Non-divisional favorites were 5-7 vs spread in Week 1, 3-4 at home. Over is 19-6 in Cardinals’ last 25 home games.

Seahawks (1-0) @ Rams (0-1) – LA coaches already on hot seat after ugly Monday loss to rival 49ers. Keenum will start again at QB; doesn’t matter if Bob Waterfield plays, if they don’t block up front for him. First home game in Coliseum for Rams since 1979, against team coached by former USC coach Carroll, who also knows Coliseum well. Rams are 3-1 in last four series games; Seahawks lost last two visits to St Louis 28-26/34-31- they are 1-8 in last nine road openers (1-10 vs spread in last 11). Rams won three of last four home openers (over 5-2-1 in last eight). Under is 21-7 in Seahawks’ last 28 road openers. Seahawks didn’t score TD LW until last 0:31; Wilson has sprained ankle which appeared bad near end of Miami game, but he still led game-winning drive.

Colts (0-1) @ Broncos (1-0) – Denver had three extra days to prep after they beat Carolina in opener, in Siemian’s first NFL start; Broncos are 1-4-1 as home favorites under Kubiak. Denver had three turnovers (-2), allowed 157 yards, still upset Panthers. Colts were down 21-3 in home opener LW, rallied to lead 35-34 with 0:37 left, but gave up GW FG at end. . Indy is 7-6 as road underdogs under Pagano; 13-6 vs spread coming off a loss- they won eight of last nine series games; average total in last four, 53.8. Colts are 3-2 in last five visits here, with last win in 2010. Indy lost five of last six road openers; they’re 3-10-1 as an underdog in AOs, with eight of last 11 staying under the total. Last 5+ years, Denver is 31-21-2 vs spread coming off a win.

Falcons (0-1) @ Raiders (1-0) – Raiders won opener despite giving up 419 passing yards to Brees; Oakland ran ball for 167 yards, averaged 8.4 yards/pass. Last 8 years, Oakland is 6-13 as home favorite; they’ve been favored in just 4 of last 24 home games. Falcons are 10-6 as underdogs last two years, 5-4 on road; they gave up three TD plays of 23+ yards vs Bucs LW, scored only 16 points in four visits to red zone. Atlanta won last three series games by combined 82-20; Raiders’ last series win was in 2000. Falcons lost three of four visits here, winning 24-0 in ’08- they lost seven of last nine road openers (3-9 vs spread in last 12, under 10-2). Oakland is 3-8 in last 11 home openers; six of last nine went over.

Jaguars (0-1) @ Chargers (0-1) – Bolts blew 24-3 lead with 21:00 to play LW; they ran ball for 155 yards but KC threw for 330 against them- tough loss to bounce back from. Jaguars had ball in Packer territory in last minute with chance to win game; they held Rodgers to 5.7 yds/pass, but an ball for only 48 yards themselves. San Diego won last five series games (four by 18+); they won 31-25 (+5) at Gator Bowl LY. Jaguars lost last three visits here by 13-25-19 points. Jags lost seven of last eight road openers (1-5 vs spread in last six); under is 8-4 in last 12. Bolts won five of last six home openers- they’re 7-4 vs spread as favorite in HOs (under 11-2 in last 13). San Diego is 13-11 vs spread off a loss under coach McCoy.

Packers (1-0) @ Vikings (1-0) – Minnesota’s new dome opens here; they’re 2-10-1 in last 13 vs Green Bay- road team is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Pack won by 13-3-17 points in last three visits to Twin Cities. Bradford got first team reps in practice Wednesday; he probably gets his first Viking start here (25-37-1 career W-L record). Minnesota is 10-3 SU in last 13 regular season games, 14-2 vs spread in last 16. Last four years, Packers are 6-13 vs spread on artificial turf- they were outgained by 48 yards in win at Jacksonville LW; they averaged just 5.7 yds/pass. Minnesota is 9-3 as home dog last four years. Green Bay is 7-5 in last 12 games as a road favorite. Vikings lost five of last eight home openers, going 1-7 vs spread- under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 HOs.

Eagles (1-0) @ Bears (0-1) – Rookie QB Wentz gets first road start on national TV; LW he threw for 270 yards with no turnovers in his pro debut. Eagles are 19-12 as road underdogs the last 8 years. Bears are 14-22-3 as home favorite last 8 years; they were held scoreless in 2nd half in Houston LW, after leading 14-10 at half. Chicago won four of last six series games, losing 54-11 at Philly in last meeting three years ago. Eagles won five of last seven visits here, with last one in 2010. Philly won six of last seven road openers- they’re 5-1 as a dog in AOs– over is 5-2-1 in their last eight AOs. Chicago lost last two home openers after winning eight of nine before that; four of their last five HOs went over.

Armadillosports.com

Total Talk - Week 2
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com

Week 1 Recap

Sixteen of the first 256 games are in the books and bettors watched Week 1 produce a stalemate (8-8 ) but your record could differ depending when and where you shopped. If you bet totals on a regular basis in all sports, then you’re well aware of the close calls that occur.

For example, the ‘over’ could’ve easily went 10-6 in Week 1 if kickers for Carolina and Arizona were able to connect late. Bettors on the ‘under’ in the Vikings-Titans (40) could also have a gripe, especially with a 10-0 score at halftime but defensive touchdowns always hurt the high side and this game had two of them.

Quick Observations

The Rams were shutout on Monday Night and that’s very rare, considering we’ve only saw two bagels posted all of last season and just 29 in the last decade. I did a quick data mine for the last five seasons and teams are just 7-14 after getting shutout and the offense has averaged 16.6 points per game during this span.

We had seven teams score 30 or more points last week and a lot of people tend to overreact to those numbers. Solid efforts by Oakland and Tampa Bay last week, but I don’t expect those clubs to maintain consistent numbers.

The “Thursday Night Football” total system took a step back last season but if you believe it will rebound then take a look at the ‘over’ in Denver-Indianapolis this Sunday. The Colts defense is very banged up and that should help the Broncos and their young quarterback. Meanwhile, Indy has averaged 28.5 in four games versus Denver with Andrew Luck under center.

Nifty Fifty

The two highest closing totals in Week 1 also saw the most points posted on the scoreboard.

Oakland 35 at New Orleans 34 (Over – 50½)
Detroit 39 at Indianapolis 35 (Over 51½)

The Saints and Colts tend to have higher totals due to their offensive abilities, defensive weakness and venues but per reports, Indy had its roof opened this past Sunday.

In Week 2, we have two more games with totals listed at 50 or higher as of Friday evening.

New Orleans at N.Y. Giants: This total opened 52 and was quickly bumped up to 53½. It’s hard to argue to the low side knowing the recent history between this pair. In the last four encounters between the pair, the winning team has scored 48, 49, 52 and 52 points. Last year, the Saints nipped the Giants 52-49 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as Drew Brees (505 yards, 7 TDs) went off for New Orleans. For those looking for an ‘under’ lean, it should be noted that the Giants defense had a solid effort in Week 1 and you shouldn’t ignore the fact that the Saints only averaged 18.6 PPG on the road last season.

Tampa Bay at Arizona: I feel this number is inflated but the oddsmakers are buying Tampa Bay early and it’s no secret that Arizona has the ability to score at home. However, I’m hesitant to go high with the Buccaneers just yet. In the previous five seasons, T-Bay has had three totals listed at 50 or above and the ‘under’ cashed in all of them. This is also a back-to-back road game for the Bucs and last year they averaged 14.6 PPG in the second game, compared to 33.7 PPG in the first game. Last week they put up 31 on Atlanta. Coincidence? Since I’m sticking with tendencies, here’s one on Arizona from 2015. The Cardinals allowed 17, 18, 20 points off losses last season.

Divisional Matchups

The Bills and Jets kicked off Week 2 with a good old fashioned shootout as New York captured a 37-31 road victory. The ‘over’ (40½) cashed midway through the third quarter and was never in doubt. We have six more divisional contests remaining.

Miami at New England: This is a tough matchup to handicap due to the QB factor and because it’s hard to gauge the recent meetings. The pair usually play one meaningful game early and one late in the season where New England has rested starters because of its playoff standing. Coincidentally, the rematch this season is in Week 17 from Miami. For what it’s worth, the ‘under’ is on a 6-2 run here and Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill has been beaten up at Foxboro while the club has scored a total of 37 points (9.3 PPG) in four blowout losses.

Baltimore at Cleveland: Three of the last four in this series have gone ‘over’ and that includes a pair of shootouts (33-27, 33-30) last season. Neither team scored in Week 1 but Josh McCown is an upgrade at QB for the Browns and he torched Baltimore in 1½ games for 669 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while suffering a broken collarbone in the home loss.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: The ‘under’ is on a 3-1 run in this series and while many believe another divisional slugfest is expected, the oddsmakers have sent out a high opener (48½) based on Pittsburgh’s high-scoring ability. Since QB Andy Dalton has taken over in Cincinnati, the offense has been held to 14.6 PPG in five games from Heinz Field.

Dallas at Washington: The ‘under’ has gone 6-4 the last 10 encounters and outside of 2013, the pair have seen the total results split each season. Washington’s defense was diced up on Monday and while many believe Dallas has the similar weapons, let’s not insult Ben Roethlisberger and compare Dak Prescott to him. Make a note that the Cowboys saw the ‘under’ go 7-1 on the road last season with Tony Romo missing two of those games.

Seattle at Los Angeles: Seven of the last 10 in this series have seen the ‘under’ connect and the early line (38½) is leaning that way again. Even with a healthy Russell Wilson, Seattle’s offensive line is expected to have trouble with the defensive front of the Rams. I don’t expect Los Angeles to get shut out again, but bouncing back in a strong way is not likely (see above).

Green Bay at Minnesota: (See Below)

Under the Lights

Including the result from this past Thursday, the ‘over’ has gone 3-2 in the first five primetime games this season.

Green Bay at Minnesota: The ‘under’ is on a 3-0 run this series and the visitor has come out on top during this span as well. Both clubs saw the ‘over’ connect in their Week 1 wins but they were tight and the Vikings defense helped their cause with two scores. The total has moved from 44½ to 4½ at most books as of Friday. The Packers will be playing their second straight road game and they were exposed in the back-to-back spots last season. Green Bay went 0-3 while allowing 37, 38 and 26. Do you believe Sam Bradford, who is expected to get the nod at QB, can keep that trend rolling for Minnesota on SNF?

Philadelphia at Chicago: Very tough total to handicap on Monday because we really don’t know what we’re getting in this matchup. Chicago lost to a strong Texans team on the road while Philadelphia dominated the inexperienced Browns at home in Week 1. The best play could be a pass until you get a better pulse on both clubs but for what it’s worth, the ‘over’ has gone 3-0 in the last three meetings between the pair as they combined for 57, 54 and 65 points.

Fearless Predictions

Decent start to the season (+200) and hoping we can carry the momentum into Week 2. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!

Best Over: Green Bay-Minnesota 43½

Best Under: Miami-New England 42

Best Team Total: Over 29 Carolina

Three-Team Total Teaser (9-Point, +100)
Tampa Bay-Arizona Under 59½
New Orleans-N.Y. Giants Under 62½
Jacksonville-San Diego Under 56½

Pick Six - Week 2
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Week 1 Record: 5-1 SU, 2-4 ATS
Overall Record: 5-1 SU, 2-4 ATS

Review: The Bengals and Packers failed to cover as road favorites in victories, while the Vikings and Raiders grabbed away wins. Seattle didn’t cash in its comeback win over Miami, while the Cowboys fell short against the Giants in a one-point defeat.

Chiefs at Texans (-2½, 43½)

Kansas City
Record: 1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 18/1

The Chiefs pulled off the biggest rally in franchise history last Sunday by erasing a 21-point deficit in a 33-27 overtime triumph over the Chargers. Although Kansas City didn’t cover as 6½-point favorites, the Chiefs extended their regular season winning streak to 11. The Chiefs swept both matchups from the Texans last season at NRG Stadium, including a 30-0 shutout in the Wild Card round as three-point favorites. However, Kansas City posted a 1-4 SU/ATS record as a road underdog in 2015, while three of those games eclipsed the OVER.

Houston
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 30/1

The Texans won Brock Osweiler’s debut at quarterback in a 23-14 triumph over the Bears in Week 1 to improve to 4-1 SU/ATS against NFC opponents at home since 2014. Osweiler threw for 231 yards and a two touchdowns, while newly signed running back Lamar Miller rushed for 106 yards in the victory. Since starting last season at 2-5, Houston owns an 8-2 SU/ATS mark in its past 10 regular season contests, including a 5-1 SU/ATS ledger at home. Houston hopes to avoid a letdown (and a third straight loss to Kansas City) before traveling to New England next Thursday night to kick off Week 3.

Best Bet: Houston -2½

Bengals at Steelers (-3½, 48½)

Cincinnati
Record: 1-0 SU, 0-0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 20/1

The Bengals went back and forth with the Jets last week, but Cincinnati held off New York, 23-22 to win its third straight opener on the road. Cincinnati’s offense gained nearly 400 yards, as Andy Dalton torched the Jets’ defense for 366 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown strike to A.J. Green. The Bengals lost two of three meetings with the Steelers last season, including an 18-16 defeat in the Wild Card with Dalton sidelined. Since the start of 2015, Cincinnati has covered eight of its last nine road contests.

Pittsburgh
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 15/2

The Steelers dominated the Redskins following a slow start last Monday in a 38-16 rout as 2½-point road favorites. Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown connected on a pair of touchdowns, while DeAngelo Williams rushed for 143 yards and two scores as Pittsburgh improved to 2-4 in its past six season openers. Pittsburgh is a coin-toss proposition as a home favorite the last two seasons by amassing a 7-7 ATS mark, but the Steelers have won seven of their last nine games at Heinz Field against AFC North foes.

Best Bet: Cincinnati +3½

Cowboys at Redskins (-2½, 45½)

Dallas
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 35/1

The professional debut of Dak Prescott showed some hope for the Cowboys, but they ultimately lost to the rival Giants, 20-19 in Week 1. Prescott, who played in place of the injured Tony Romo, completed 25-of-45 passes for 227 yards, but Dallas was limited to one touchdown and four field goals. The good news for Dallas is it didn’t turn the ball over and had possession for nearly 37 minutes. The bad news is the Cowboys dropped to 1-7-1 ATS in the past nine home contests since the start of 2015. Dallas heads to Washington owning a 4-1 SU and 2-3 ATS mark in the last five trips to FedEx Field, but all three of those ATS losses came in the favorite role.

Washington
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 65/1

One of the worst performances turned in from the opening week belonged to the defending NFC East champion Redskins, who were pulverized by Pittsburgh, 38-16. Washington’s five-game winning streak as an underdog came to an end in that defeat as Jay Gruden enters Week 2 owning a 1-6 ATS mark as a home favorite in his two seasons as head coach. Last season, the Redskins put together a 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS record off a double-digit loss with all four of those victories coming at home.

Best Bet: Dallas +2½

Buccaneers at Cardinals (-6½, 50)

Tampa Bay
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 50/1

One of the most impressive efforts turned in last Sunday came from the Buccaneers, who captured their first opening day win since 2012 in a 31-24 triumph at Atlanta as 2½-point underdogs. Jameis Winston tossed four touchdown passes for Tampa Bay, as the Bucs broke the 30-point mark for the fourth time since the start of 2015. In three opportunities last season playing the second of a back-to-back road set, the Bucs compiled a 1-2 SU/ATS mark, which included double-digit losses at Houston and Indianapolis.

Arizona
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 15/1

Nine months ago, the Cardinals were one win away from making their second Super Bowl in franchise history. However, Arizona went through a rough preseason at 1-3, while dropping its season opener as nearly double-digit favorites against short-handed New England, 23-21. The Cardinals allowed 363 yards to the Patriots, while New England held the ball for 34 minutes. Dating back to the start of 2015, the Cardinals own a 3-7 ATS record in the role of a home favorite, as Arizona is hosting Tampa Bay for the first time since a 38-35 defeat to the Bucs in 2010.

Best Bet: Arizona -6½

Colts at Broncos (-6, 46)

Indianapolis
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 50/1

The Colts were able to erase a 21-3 deficit against the Lions in Week 1 to take a late 35-34 lead. Detroit kicked a field goal in the final minute then picked up two points on a safety on the last play of the game for a 39-35 triumph. Andrew Luck can’t be blamed for the Colts’ loss, as the former top pick threw for 385 yards and four touchdowns in his first start since last November against Denver. Luck has performed well against the Broncos in his career, going 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS, including that 27-24 win as a three-point home underdog.

Denver
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 13/1

The defending Super Bowl champions rallied to stun the Panthers, 21-20 in the season opener, overcoming a 17-7 hole as three-point home underdogs. Trevor Siemian won in his NFL debut in spite of being intercepted twice and throwing for 178 yards, while C.J. Anderson found the end zone twice for Denver. The Broncos limped to a 1-5-1 ATS mark as a home favorite last season, while six of their home victories came by six points or less. Denver has done an excellent job with UNDERS in the Mile High City since the start of 2015 by finishing UNDER the total in eight of the past 11 games at Sports Authority Field.

Best Bet: Indianapolis +6

Falcons at Raiders (-4½, 49½)

Atlanta
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 100/1

The Falcons travel to the Black Hole for the first time since shutting out the Raiders, 28-0 in 2008. Atlanta is in bounce-back mode following a 31-24 home setback to Tampa Bay last Sunday as the Falcons fell to 1-6 ATS as a home favorite under Dan Quinn. However, the Falcons have performed better in Quinn’s short tenure in the role of an underdog by covering in five of seven opportunities. Atlanta finished last season cashing the UNDER in 10 straight games, but easily hit the OVER in Week 1 against Tampa Bay.

Oakland
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 30/1

The most dramatic finish in Week 1 happened at the Superdome as the Raiders rallied from a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to stun the Saints, 35-34. Oakland scored a touchdown in the final minute then rolled the dice and converted the two-point conversion on a Derek Carr to Michael Crabtree connection. The Raiders return to the Coliseum where they struggled last season by posting a 2-6 ATS mark, while Oakland failed to cover in all four favorite opportunities in 2015. Oakland needs to sure up its defense at home after giving up at least 30 points in five home games last season.

Best Bet: Atlanta +4½

Essential Week 2 Betting Tidbits
By Covers.com

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-13.5, 45.5)

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite coming off, if nothing else, a solid win over Los Angeles in Week 1, it appears the Niners will be fed to the wolves in Week 2. San Francisco is playing on essentially the worst rest imagineable. After playing the late, late Monday nighter, they get to travel West to East to play early Sunday afternoon against a team looking to take their anger out on someone after a tough Week 1 loss.

Carolina didn’t lose a game until Week 16 last season, so they’re already in the unfamiliar position of trying to bounce back from a defeat. Carolina won its first 15 games a year ago and reached the Super Bowl before falling to the Broncos, who rallied in the fourth quarter for a 21-20 win in the rematch to open the 2016 campaign. Carolina picked up where it left off last season with a powerful running game against Denver, racking up 157 yards on the ground.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers don't like the situation for the Niners, opening them as the biggest underdogs of the week at +13. Since then they have moved to +13.5. As for the total, opening at 44.5 and has been bet up one point to the current number of 45.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* 49ers were 1-4 ATS in their final five road games last season.
* Panthers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings versus the 49ers.
* Under is 4-1 in the 49ers last five games dating back to last season.
* Over went 6-1 in Panthers last seven home games last season.

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (+6, 42.5)

The Ravens limited the Bills to 160 yards of offense in their 13-7 victory and were led by cornerback Shareece Wright, who tallied 11 tackles and sacked Tyrod Taylor twice. After missing the latter part of 2015 with a knee injury, Joe Flacco passed for 258 yards in his return to the lineup, including a 66-yard TD pass to newcomer Mike Wallace that proved to be the game-winner.

Just a week into the season and the Cleveland Browns' best-laid plans have gone awry after losing quarterback Robert Griffin III to a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. Griffin suffered the injury late in last week's loss to Philadelphia and was placed on injured reserve. While initial reports estimated he could return in three to four weeks, they've since been altered to eight weeks and his entire season is in jeopardy, leaving the gig to McCown, who is 2-17 as a starter over the past two seasons.

LINE HISTORY: The Ravens opened as 4.5-point road faves against the hapless Browns and bettors have pushed the line all the way Baltimore -6. The total opened at 43 and has been bet down a half point to 42.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Ravens went 4-0 ATS in their final 4 road games at the end of last season.
* Browns are 0-5 ATS in their last five versus AFC North opponents.
* Under is 6-0 in Browns' last six games dating back to last season.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions (-6, 47.5)

Newly acquired running back DeMarco Murray did not produce on the ground last week, gaining just 42 yards on 13 carries and committing a costly fumble that was returned for a touchdown, but he did catch five passes for 35 yards and a pair of scores. First-round pick Derrick Henry had an NFL debut to forget, as he rushed just five times for three yards, although he hauled in two passes for 41 yards.

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford utilized eight different receivers while going 31-of-39 for 340 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening 39-35 road triumph over the Colts. Tennessee will also have to keep a close eye on both Ameer Abdullah and Theo Reddick as they also were dangerous out of the backfield last week, with each making a touchdown catch while combining for 104 yards on 10 receptions.

LINE HISTORY: The Lions opened this matchup as 5.5-point home favorites and have been bet up a half-point to Lions -6. Meanwhile the total has been bet up a point from 46.5 to 47.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Titans went 0-4 ATS in their final four road games last season.
* Lions are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall dating back to last season.
* Over is 4-0 in Titans last four games overall dating back to last season.
* Over is 6-1 in Lions last seven home games.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (-1, 42.5)

Kansas City dug itself a 21-point hold before rallying to beat San Diego 33-27 in overtime. The Chiefs have won 11 consecutive regular-season games dating to last season. Kansas City came out of Week 1 with a number of nagging injuries to key offensive players, as quarterback Alex Smith (elbow), running back Spencer Ware (toe) and receiver Jeremy Maclin (concussion) all have been limited in practice. All are expected to play, however, and hope to duplicate last week’s impressive effort, as they rolled up 413 total yards against the Chargers.

Brock Osweiler’s Houston debut was solid, if unspectacular, as he went 22-for-35 for 231 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Miller (106 rushing yards) and Fuller (five catches, 107 yards, TD) certainly overshadowed him, as the Texans showed signs of boasting a dynamic offense.

LINE HISTORY: Houston lost twice to Kansas City twice last year and opened the Texans as slight 2-point home favorites. Since then bettors have backed K.C. moving the line to Chiefs +1. The total opened at 43.5 and has been bet down to 42.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* The road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Texans are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall dating back to last season.
* Under is 5-0 in Texans last five home games.
* Over is 6-0 in Chiefs last six games in September.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-6.5, 42.5)

Miami was held to 214 total yards and 11 first downs at Seattle, numbers that should have been much better if wideout Kenny Stills did not drop a wide-open 71-yard touchdown pass with no defender in sight. Ryan Tannehill, who threw for 186 yards and led an 86-yard touchdown drive with just over four minutes to play, should get back one of his prime targets, as second-year wide receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) practiced again after missing the opener.

No Tom Brady? No problem. At least that was the case after one game for the New England Patriots and replacement quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who led his team to a big upset win in Arizona as 9-point underdogs. Garoppolo's numbers weren't spectacular but he was poised and efficient in finishing 24-for-33 for 264 yards and a touchdown, particularly considering he was without stud tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was extremely limited in practice Thursday due to a hamstring injury.

LINE HISTORY: Garappolo and the Pats opened this AFC East clash as 5.5-point home faves and have been bet up to New England -6.5. The total has remained at the opening number of 42.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 8-0 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Dolphins are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games versus AFC East opponents.
* Under is 4-0 in Dolphins last four games overall dating back to last season.
* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants (-4.5, 54)

Drew Brees threw for 505 yards and seven touchdowns in a 52-49 track meet-style victory over the Giants on Nov. 1 last year and followed in those footsteps with 423 yards passing and four scores in a 35-34 setback to Oakland on Sunday. New Orleans amassed a league-best 507 yards of total offense, with Brandon Cooks reeling in two touchdown receptions versus the Raiders to match both his and Willie Snead's total in the last meeting with New York.

Eli Manning threw for 350 yards and a career-best six touchdowns against the Saints, but his three scores last Sunday was enough to lift the Giants to a slim 20-19 triumph over Dallas. Odell Beckham was limited to just four catches for 73 yards in that contest, but corralled three touchdown passes versus the Saints last season to go along with eight receptions for 120 yards.

LINE HISTORY: The Giants opened this NFC matchup as 5-point home home faves, but have been bet down slight to New York -4.5. The total is obviously the big ticket here. Since opening at a high 52, bettors, expecting another shootout, have hammered the Over sending it up to its current number of 54. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last six games in September.
* Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings in New York.
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Over is 6-1 in Giants last seven home games dating back to last season.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5, 48.5)

Eight months removed from their fourth-quarter meltdown against the Steelers in the postseason, the Bengals have a chance to exact a measure of revenge on Sunday afternoon when they invade Heinz Field to visit their bitter AFC North rivals. Andy Dalton, who missed last season's wild-card contest after fracturing his thumb versus Pittsburgh in Week 14, overcame seven sacks to throw for 366 yards against the Jets. Trusted target A.J. Green reeled in 12 receptions for 180 yards for a touchdown last week and has found the end zone in each of his last three meetings with Pittsburgh.

Speaking of quarterback-wide receiver tandems, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown are as potent as they come as the former threw for three touchdowns versus the Redskins and connected eight times for 126 yards and two scores with the latter. Roethlisberger owns a 19-7 record versus Cincinnati with an 87.5 quarterback rating and 34 touchdowns and Brown has reeled in 36 receptions for 498 yards and two scores in his last five encounters with the Bengals. With Le'Veon Bell serving a three-game ban, DeAngelo Williams earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors by rushing for 143 yards and two scores in Pittsburgh's 38-16 triumph over Washington on Monday.

LINE HISTORY: There hasn't been any significant movement in this heated AFC North rivalry. Pittsburgh opened this game favored by a field goal and have moved up just slightly to -3.5. The total hasn't moved off the opening number of 48.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Bengals are 9-0 ATS in their last nine road games.
* Bengals are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Under is 4-0 in Steelers last four versus AFC opponents.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington (-3, 45.5)

Rookie Dak Prescott played it close to the vest by throwing for 227 yards without an interception or sack in his debut, with Jason Witten reeling in a team-high nine receptions. The veteran tight end traditionally has been an issue for the Redskins, including 11 catches and a touchdown in last season's series. Cole Beasley added eight receptions - five of which went for first downs - for 65 yards, but the diminutive wideout dropped a potential touchdown pass from Prescott on Dallas' first drive versus New York. Fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott mustered just 51 yards on 20 carries.

Washington was 6-2 at home in 2015, but have gone 0-3 ATS since the start of last season when listed as the betting favorite. That's what they'll be when they welcome Dallas to town in an AFC East showdown. Additionally, cornerback Josh Norman has taken considerable heat this week after Washington elected to keep its prized offseason acquisition away from covering Steelers electric wideout Antonio Brown (eight catches, 126 yards, two TDs). He may or may not matchup up against Dez Bryant who was limited to one catch in Dallas' opener.

LINE HISTORY: Washington opened this NFC East matchup as 2.5-point home faves and have been bet up to -3. The total opened at 46.5. and has been bet down a point to sit at 45.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last five versus NFC East opponents.
* Under is 5-0 in Cowboys last five road games dating back to last season.
* Over is 6-0 in Redskins last 6 games overall dating back to last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (-7, 50)

Jameis Winston was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week for his 281-yard, four-TD performance in the opener, in which the Bucs upset Atlanta as 2.5-point road dogs. Winston's four touchdown passes were hauled in by four different receivers.

The Arizona Cardinals were counting on taking a big step forward this season and were not pleased about suffering a tight loss at home in Week 1. Arizona is currently favored by a touchdown, which hasn't been a good spot for the Cardinals, who are just 2-6 ATS in that situation since the start of 2015.

LINE HISTORY: There has been no movement to the line or total since hitting the board. Arizona is currently listed at -7 and the total is at an even 50. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall dating back to last season.
* Cardinals are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Buccaneers last four games overall dating back to last season.
* Under is 5-0 in Cardinals last five home games.

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams (+6, 38)

Seattle had concerns over the health of Russell Wilson, who reportedly suffered a fairly significant ankle injury in Week 1 but pronounced himself good to go. "They (the medical staff) are kind of shocked that it's doing this well, really not any swelling at all or anything like that because I got on it right away and have been hammering it right away," said Wilson, who threw for 258 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Christine Michael rushed for a team-high 66 yards against the Dolphins, but Thomas Rawls will start Sunday after rushing for 32 yards on 12 carries.

The Rams, who relocated from St. Louis in the offseason, will play their first home game in Los Angeles since 1994 when they host the NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. With No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff watching from the sideline in street clothes, Case Keenum threw for 130 yards and a pair of interceptions as Los Angeles punted 10 times and had two turnovers on its first 12 possessions. Meanwhile, star running back Todd Gurley managed only 47 yards on 17 carries for Los Angeles, which ranked dead last in the league last season with an average of 175.3 yards passing per game.

LINE HISTORY: The Rams aren't getting much love from oddsmakers in their first home game in L.A. in over 20 years, getting pegged as 7-point underdogs. They have been bet down to Rams +6. As for the total, it opened at a week low of 38.5 and bettors don't think its low enough, moving the number to 38. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.
* Seahawks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a SU win dating back to last season.
* Under is 6-1 in Seahawks last seven games overall dating back to last season.
* Under is 5-0 in Rams last five versus NFC West opponents.

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6, 47)

Indianapolis suffered a crushing defeat in Week 1, grabbing a 35-34 lead on Andrew Luck's TD pass to Jack Doyle with 37 seconds left, only to watch the Lions march down the field and kick a go-ahead field goal with four seconds to play before closing it out with a safety. The Colts have a lengthy list of injuries on a defense that gave up a huge 448 yards against the Lions.

Trevor Siemian beat out Mark Sanchez in training camp for the right to replace Manning and was solid in Week 1 with 178 passing yards and a touchdown while guiding the team back from a 10-point halftime deficit. Siemian got plenty of help from running back C.J. Anderson, who rushed for a TD and hauled in a scoring pass.

LINE HISTORY: The Broncos opened this game as 4.5-point home favorites and have been bet up a point and a half to sit at the current number of Denver -6. The total opened at 45 and has been bet up two points to 47. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last four games in September.
* Colts are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
* Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.
* Over is 5-1 in Colts last six games on grass.

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-4.5, 48)

The Falcons would prefer to avoid a shootout through the air, even though Matt Ryan threw for 334 yards and two scores last week. Favorite target Julio Jones, who made four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in the opener, was limited in practice Thursday due to an ankle injury but is expected to play against Oakland.

The Raiders are hoping to open the season with back-to-back victories for the first time since 2002, which was the last time the team qualified for the postseason. Oakland will need to shore up its defense after allowing 507 total yards - 419 passing - against New Orleans and failing to record a sack despite having a line that includes Khalil Mack, who finished second in the league last year with 15. The team was encouraged by the limited participation in Thursday's practice by center Rodney Hudson and guard Gabe Jackson, who both sat out the day before due to knee injuries.

LINE HISTORY: The Raiders opened this game favored by 5.5-points, but have been bet down to Oakland -4.5. The total has yet to move off the opening number of 48. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
* Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
* Under is 12-3-1 in Falcons last 16 road games.
* Over is 5-0 in Raiders last five games in September.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers (-3, 47.5)

Running back Chris Ivory spent last week's opener in the hospital with a non-football medical issue and is questionable for Sunday's game along with tight end Julius Thomas, who caught a touchdown pass last week. The Jaguars are hoping that Ivory can team with T.J. Yeldon to take some of the burden off Bortles, who finished tied for second in the NFL last season with 35 touchdown passes while ranking sixth in total attempts.

The Chargers' opening-day fate and perhaps that of their season changed on one play when star receiver Keenan Allen suffered a torn ACL midway through the second quarter in last week's devastating loss at Kansas City. Travis Benjamin moves up to the No. 1 receiver and Dontrelle Inman (35 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 2015) will replace Allen in three-wide receiver sets, but veteran quarterback Philip Rivers vows not to scale back his furious passing attack. Rivers has lit up the Jaguars recently, completing 74 percent of his passes for 962 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions as San Diego has beaten Jacksonville by an average of 14.3 points over past three seasons.

LINE HISTORY: The Chargers opened this game as 2.5-point home faves and have been bet up to San Diego -3. The total opened at 47 and has been bet up to 47.5. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Jaguars are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Chargers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in Chargers last four home games.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (+2, 43)

There are no issues under center for Green Bay with two-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers, who threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another in last week's 27-23 victory at Jacksonville. While Rodgers has at least two touchdown passes in 11 of the past 13 meetings against the Vikings, he couldn't beat them at home in the regular-season finale that gave Minnesota the NFC North title last season. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who missed the entire 2015 season after tearing a knee ligament, had a relatively quite debut with six catches for 32 yards. The Packers held the Jaguars to 48 yards rushing but were burned for 320 yards through the air.

The question all week for the Vikings has been who will start at quarterback, Sam Bradfor or Shaun Hill? Bradford, acquired for first- and fourth-round draft picks after Teddy Bridgewater was injured at the end of the preseason, took the majority of snaps in practice Thursday and is expected to get the nod. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, however, told reporters he will not reveal the starter and might not disclose the decision to the team until Sunday. Meanwhile on the ground, Adrian Peterson was held to 31 yards on 19 carries.

LINE HISTORY: Green Bay opened this NFC North matchup as 2-point road faves and were quickly bet up to Packers -2.5. Since then the line has returned to the opening number. The total opened aat 44.5 and has been bet down to the current number of 43. Check out the complete line history here.

TRENDS:

* Packers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
* Vikings are 15-3 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
* Under is 8-1 in Packers last nine games following a SU win.
* Under is 10-1 in Vikings last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.

SNF - Packers at Vikings
By Micah Roberts
VegasInsider.com

The Vikings have a new home and a new quarterback they get to show off Sunday night as the Packers visit as 2.5-point favorites. The $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium makes its regular season debut and Sam Bradford is expected to also debut as the starting QB, which will be the 10th different Minnesota starter Packers coach Mike McCarthy has seen over his tenure. Green Bay has gone 15-5-1 straight-up in those meetings behind him.

Minnesota's last home win against the Packers was in 2012, a 37-34 win engineered by Christian Ponder. However, the last time the two teams met the Vikings won 20-13 in Week 17 last season at Green Bay.

The key for Minnesota winning will be getting Adrian Peterson going much better than last week and more to what he's done over his 17 meetings with Green Bay over his career where he's averaged 109 yards per game. They'll also need its stellar defense to slow Aaron Rodgers and create turnovers, which is much easier said than done.

Even though Vikings coach Mike Zimmer hasn't named a starter for a supposed competitive advantage of forcing the Packers to game plan for both Bradford and Shaun Hill, Bradford took most of the snaps with the first string during practices this week. The Vikings offensive game plan is simple and its success basically stems from the quarterback being conservative and not making turnovers. Hill wasn't all that great last week, but he didn't turn the ball over.

Minnesota has covered the spread in three of the past five meetings with Green Bay with the last three staying UNDER the total. Since Week 2 of last season, the Vikings have gone an amazing 15-2 ATS.

LINE MOVEMENT

CG Technology sports books opened the number at pick 'em in April when they released spreads on all games. That was when Teddy Bridgewater was expected to play. When they re-opened the game on Sunday night the Packers were -2.5 and Tuesday it ran up the money ladder a couple times until hitting -3 (EV) where Vikings buy-back came and they're back at -2.5-flat. The total opened at 44.5 and has been bet down to 43.

"We've had really good two-way action on the Packers-Vikings, even with the uncertainty of the Vikings quarterback," said CG Technology VP of risk management Jason Simbal. "The only area we're extended on is with a couple limit plays on the UNDER."

William Hill's 105 sports books across Nevada reported that while they had 89 percent of the tickets written on the public Packers, 55 percent of the actual cash on the game was on Minnesota.

LAST WEEK

The sports books got middled last week with the Packers 27-23 win at Jacksonville. Sharp money took the Jaguars at +5, +4.5 and +4, which forced the number to -3.5 on game day and the majority of the public parlays played laid -3.5. The result was also an all-way 4-0 teaser win with both sides and both totals covering. The books took a bath on the game. Jacksonville actually won the yardage battle over Green Bay, 348-to-294.

The Vikings offense sputtered at Tennessee last week, and were down 10-0 at the half, but just like last season the defense and special teams brought them back to win 25-16 as 2.5-point favorites. Minnesota's defense scored two second-half TD's and won the turnover battle, 3-0. The offense managed to put up 301 yards of offense with Adrian Peterson gaining only 31 yards on 19 carries. The books got middled on the total as bettors drove the number down from 43 to 39.5 by kickoff.

WHERE IS THE NUMBER GOING?

The Sunday night isolated games are tricky for the sports books because they have to react a little differently with all the risk from 14 earlier games calculating up into one giant figure. They know exactly how much they're going to lose with that game that has several eight-team parlays ready to cash. The books want to book the game straight-up with line movement justified only by straight-bet action, but if some of the public games hit early in the day the risk for the popular side at a $500,000 loss makes it hard to follow basic booking policy. A bookmaker's job is to limit risk and protect the house at all times. If they don't react with some kind of maneuvering to get action on the other side, either by the spread or money-line, they're not booking, they're gambling.

With the Packers being the popular public side, if you like the Vikings, your best bet is to wait for +3 to show up on game day as some of those early results are posted and the Packers risk gets larger. Some books don't want to move to +3 and will offer extreme value on the money-line instead, so you should be able to wait for +130 or higher on that end if liking them to win straight up. If liking the Packers, bet it now laying -2.5 or with the low money-line at -130.

FUTURES

After the Seahawks lackluster Week 1 performance against the Dolphins, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook moved Green Bay from 5-to-1 odds to win the NFC down to the 3-to-1 favorite. They also dropped the Pack from 10-to-1 down to 6-to-1 to win the Super Bowl. The only team with lower odds is the Patriots (5/1). Yes, Las Vegas likes the Packers and the betting public likes them too. Minnesota is still holding steady and respected at 10-to-1 to win the NFC and 20/1 to win the Super Bowl.

NEXT UP

The Westgate posts the following weeks spreads on Tuesday and for Week 3 the Packers are 7.5-point home favorites against the Lions (Detroit won there last year). The Vikings are getting +5.5 at Carolina.

NFL: Streak, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com

Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots

Miami Dolphins continue their tough road swing to start their season travelling to Foxboro to take on division rival New Engalnd Patriots. The Dolphins couldn't pull the outright upset up in Seattle but certainly hung in there falling 12-10 while cashing as 10.5 point underdogs. As for Patriots, they not only went on the road and beat the defending NFC West champion Cardinals as 9.5 point road underdogs, they did it without Tom Brady and the leagues best tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Dolphins' certainly look like a different team under new head coach Adam Gase but outsmarting sideline genius Bill Belichick in this AFC East tilt is a whole different ball game. The Patriots have won seven consecutive meetings by an average 19.9 PPG in front of the home audience and 13-of-16 at home in the Bellichik era with a profitable 11-5 ATS record against the betting line. Considering Miami’s overall underachieving ways recently vs a division opponent (1-8 ATS), it's skid in an AFC East opponent's back yard (0-7 ATS) were recommending laying the expect 6.5 points offered at bet365.com knowing Patriots have a profitable 11-4-3 ATS record as home chalk of seven or less, 6-2-1 ATS mark as home chalk off upset win as underdogs.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers

There’s no love lost between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, a pair of AFC North rivals vying for an early leg up in the division race. Their matchup in Pittsburgh highlights the Week 2 card.

The Bengals (1-0) edged the New York Jets 23-22 on the road in their opening game, led by the duo of Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Dalton was sacked seven times and still passed for 366 yards and a score, which went to Green. Green had 12 catches for 180 yards and torched the Jets' Darrelle Revis all day long.

It's a short week for the Steelers (1-0), who routed Washington 38-16 on the road on Monday Night Football. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns – two to Antonio Brown, who had eight receptions for 126 yards. DeAngelo Williams also ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns for the Steelers.

The Steelers have won four of their last five against the Bengals overall and 15 of their last 24 at home with Cincinnati. However, the Bengals have covered the spread in 12 of their last 17 road games.

Vegas Money Moves - Week 2
By Micah Roberts
VegasInsider.com

Week 1 action gave bettors a lot to think about and the consensus from most heading into Week 2 is that they hate the Rams and Browns. CG Technology VP of risk management Jason Simbal kindly offered some of his time Friday afternoon to review games they have the biggest exposure on so far.

So let's take a look at what's been happening during the week.

CG Tech books opened Detroit as 5.5-point home favorites over Tennessee on Sunday night and were bet to -6 on Thursday. The only -5.5 remaining in the city is at Station Casinos. CG books opened the Lions -5 in April when they posted numbers on every game for the first 16 weeks. The total rose from an opener of 46.5 to 47 on Wednesday.

The Chiefs ended the Texans 2015 season with a 30-0 playoff win at NRG Stadium and they also beat them there, 27-20, in Week 1. Kansas City was favored in both games. But when Houston signed Brock Osweiler, it immediately upgraded the Chiefs rating and CG books early line in April had this Week 2 match-up as a pick 'em. On Sunday night they opened Houston as a 1.5-point home favorite.

"Respected money came in on the Texans laying -1.5, -2 and -2.5 and were watching that one carefully," said Simbal, who is still sitting at -2.5 not wanting to move to -3. The total has stayed put at 43.5 the entire week. The come into this game having covered eight of their last 10 regular season games and the two-team, side-to-total parlay tied to the UNDER has cashed six times during the run.

Prior to the Patriots big win at Arizona with Jimmy Garappolo looking very comfortable, the Patriots were opened as 4-point home favorites against Miami. When the number was re-posted on Monday, CG books hung -6.5. That's quite an endorsement for Garoppolo. When the early lines were posted in April with Tom Brady in the mix, the Patriots were -9. The total has dropped from 42.5 to 42. The home team has covered the last eight meetings and Miami has gone 1-8 ATS in its last nine against AFC East opponents. The lone cover was a critical Week 17 game for the Pats at Miami where the Dolphins won 20-10 as 10-point underdogs.

Baltimore opened Sunday night as 4-point favorites at Cleveland and as news starting filtering in about how severe Robert Griffin's injury was, the line quickly went to -5. With Griffin confirmed out and Josh McCown in, it went to -5.5 on Monday all the way up to -7 until settling back at -6.5 where it hasn't moved since. Baltimore was originally -3 in April. The total dropped from 43.5 to 42.5 on Wednesday. Cleveland has covered only two of its past 11 games, but Baltimore has gone 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 against losing teams.

The best bet of the week is that tempers will flare at Pittsburgh when the Bengals visit Sunday. They met three times last season with the Steelers winning and covering the last two -- both at Cincinnati, but the Bengals won the November match-up 16-10 at Pittsburgh. None of those spreads were higher than -2. The Steelers opened as 3.5-point home favorites on Sunday and there have been a few Bengals backers moving the number to +3.5 (-120). "We took a limit bet on the Bengals at +3.5 and we also took one on OVER 48," said Simbal, who is now at 49. "We don't want to go to -3, but no one is taking the -3.5 (EV)." Cincinnati is on a run of covering its last nine road games.

With Tony Romo expected to play, Dallas at Washington was a pick 'em game. With Dak Prescott running the Cowboys show, Washington opened -3 (-120) and some Dallas money dropped it to -3 (-105). "This is the Square versus Sharp game of the week," said Simbal. We took a limit wager on Washington -3, but have taken tons of public action on the Cowboys. It's one of our biggest parlay risks of the week so far." The total opened at 46.5 and got as low as 45.5, but was moved up to 46 on Thursday. The road team has covered the last five meetings.

The four-team parlay that would hurt Simbal's nine sports books across the city the most is Dallas, New England, Baltimore and Seattle. "They're all over any team playing the Browns and Rams," he said.

The Giants opened as 6-point home favorites against the Saints and the number has steadily dropped down the ladder to -4.5 with Saints action -- it doesn't take much action to slide through dead numbers of 5 and 5.5. "Our biggest bets this week have come on the Saints at +6, +5.5, and +5," Simbal said. The Giants -4.5 is the same number CG opened with in April. The total has gone from 51.5 to 52.5. Six Las Vegas sports books have the total at a high of 53.5. The last four meetings have gone OVER, as in waaaay OVER with the winning team almost taking care of the number themselves. The Saints won 52-49 at home last season.

Carolina was installed as a 14-point home favorite against San Francisco on Sunday night. After Chip Kelly's 49ers beat the Rams 28-0 on Monday night, CG books respected the Niners efforts and re-opened the game -13.5. The total moved from 44.5 to 45 on Tuesday.

The opening number in April had Arizona as 9-point home favorites against Tampa Bay. Before Sunday's home loss against the Patriots, Arizona was posted at -7.5. Even before the game started, bettors drove Arizona down to -6.5. When re-posting Monday morning they started at -6.5 and Arizona money has driven it back up to -7. The total moved from 50 to 50.5 on Friday.

With the uncertainty of Russell Wilson's status (ankle), most sports books didn't post a number on Seattle at Los Angeles, but CG stuck their necks out there. "We actually posted Seattle -3 before the Monday night game -- boy were we off on that one," chuckled Simbal. After the Rams MNF burial, CG posted Seattle -3.5 Tuesday and quickly raised it all the way to -6. On Friday, they went to -6.5. The total has dropped from 39.5 to 38.5. The Rams have covered six of the last eight in the series, including winning outright in both games last season.

Denver opened as 4.5-point home favorites over Indianapolis Sunday night and within 30 minutes it was up to -5.5. Monday afternoon CG moved to -6 and Thursday they went to -6.5. The total has been bet up from 45 to 46.5. The Colts have covered the past eight meetings, the last four engineered by Andrew Luck.

Oakland opened as a 6-point home favorite over Atlanta and it took only 20 minutes before Falcons money said hello and dropped the number to -5.5. On Monday bettors took some at +5.5 and on Thursday they took some +5 dropping it down to 4.5 where it sits now. The total has been bet up from 48 to 49.

San Diego opened as a 2.5-point favorite over Jacksonville and within 10 minutes, it was bet up to -3 and soon after CG attached money to the side and they currently sit -3 (-120) The total has dropped from 48 down to 47.5.

The Packers opened at pick 'em in April for this road contest at Minnesota's new stadium when Teddy Bridgewater was expected to play. When they re-opened the game on Sunday night the Packers were -2.5 and Tuesday it ran up the money ladder a couple times until hitting -3 (EV) where Vikings buy-back came and they're back at -2.5-flat. Simbal said this has been a very evenly bet game so far. The total opened at 44.5 and has been bet down to 43. Sam Bradford is expected to make his Vikings debut.

The Bears opened as a 2.5-point favorite over the Eagles in April and despite recent changes with Philly's QB situation, the Bears were opened Sunday night at basically the same number at -2.5 (-120). Within 20 minutes Bears money pushed it -3-flat and on Wednesday it moved to -3 (-120). The total of 42.5 hasn't moved all week through Friday.