NFL News and Notes Sunday 9/20

Quarterback Angles
By Carlo Campanella

No one would argue that the most important handicapping factor, when betting baseball, is the starting pitcher. Take a quick look at the Texas Rangers, who are an impressive 80-61 (.567%) this season: As a team, they have the 7th best record in baseball, however, they are a better team when their ace, Scott Feldman, is on the mound. Texas is 19-7 (.730%) in games that Feldman started. Take him out of the starting rotation and Texas would be just 61-54 (.530%) this season. You can’t argue that the Rangers win 20% more of their games and are a better team when Feldman starts.

The same importance should be placed on the starting Quarterback when betting football. While the starting Quarterbacks don’t rotate like MLB pitchers, they are more profitable in specific situations. It only makes sense that some Quarterbacks play better at home or against a team they’ve already beaten. It would be expected that some veterans could look at game film and turn the tables on a team that they lost to in the last meeting, while a rookie Quarterback might continually lose to the same defensive schemes over and over again. On the other hand, some Quarterbacks beat the teams they should, while others play to the level of their competition.

A lot of handicappers don’t like using Key Angles or betting trends from the past, as teams change every season with free agency and wagering on a Key Angle from 10 seasons ago really doesn’t make much betting sense. However, Quarterback Key Angles are based on situations from a Quarterback’s career and most players repeat their performance in particular situations. Below are the Top 5 Quarterbacks in situations you find every week in the NFL.

(Note: All records are Against-The-Spread and do not include games played this season.)

Best Quarterbacks At Home
1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore (6-2 ATS)
2. Kyle Orton, Denver (12-5 ATS)
3. Phillip Rivers, San Diego (18-9 ATS)
4. Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay (13-8 ATS)
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (24-17 ATS)

Worst Quarterbacks At Home
1. Jay Cutler, Chicago (4-14 ATS)
2. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland (2-6 ATS)
3. Jason Campbell, Washington (6-13)
4. Aaron Rogers, Green Bay (3-5 ATS)
5. Marc Bolger, St. Louis (17-27)

Best Quarterbacks vs. Division Rivals
1. Aaron Rogers, Green Bay (5-1 ATS)
2. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (20-8 ATS)
3. Phillip Rivers, San Diego (12-5 ATS)
4. Tom Brady, New England (30-14 ATS)
5. Eli Manning, NY Giants (19-11 ATS)

Worst Quarterbacks vs. Division Rivals
1. Jay Cutler, Chicago (3-10 ATS)
2. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland (2-5 ATS)
3. Tony Romo, Dallas (5-10 ATS)
4. Marc Bolger, St. Louis (13-25 ATS)
5. Jason Campbell, Washington (5-7 ATS)

Best Quarterback In Dog Role
1. Jake Delhomme, Carolina (24-9 ATS)
2. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia (28-12 ATS)
3. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (14-6 ATS)
4. Tom Brady, New England (23-11 ATS)
5. Eli Manning, NY Giants (19-12)

Worst Quarterbacks In Dog Role
1. Matt Schaub, Houston (5-9 ATS)
2. Jay Cutler, Chicago (6-9 ATS)
3. Matt Hasslebeck, Seattle (16-24 ATS)
4. Marc Bolger, St. Louis (20-29 ATS)
5. Kurt Warner, Arizona (14-17 ATS)

Best Quarterbacks After Winning Previous Game
1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore (10-3 ATS)
2. Eli Manning, NY Giants (27-16 ATS)
3. Tom Brady, New England (55-38 ATS)
4. Phillip Rivers, San Diego (21-15 ATS)
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (31-23 ATS)

Worst Quarterbacks After Winning Previous Game
1. Jay Cutler, Chicago (2-13 ATS)
2. Matt Ryan, Atlanta (4-7 ATS)
3. Jason Campbell, Washington (5-8 ATS)
4. Tony Romo, Dallas (12-17 ATS)
5. Matt Hasslebeck, Seattle (26-36 ATS)

NFL Cheat Sheet: Week 2 betting notes
By SHAWN HARTLEN

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-6.5)

Why Panthers cover: The Falcons allowed almost five yards per carry to the Dolphins last week. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams could chew up yardage and take the pressure off Jake Delhomme. Road team is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.

Why Falcons cover: Tony Gonzalez has given Matt Ryan another threat in the passing game. Both looked good in Week 1. Delhomme was terrible last week and could be pulled in favor of newly signed A.J. Feeley if he struggles. Panthers are 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 meetings in Atlanta.

Total (43): Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Atlanta.

St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins (-10)

Why Rams cover: Coach Steve Spagnuolo made a living by shutting down the Redskins as the Giants' defensive coordinator. Underdog is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings. Road team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.

Why Redskins cover: Have won six of past nine meetings. Rams' offense was non-existent against Seattle and was kept off the scoreboard. Defense should dominate a porous Rams offensive line.

Total (37): Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (-6.5)

Why Texans cover: Underdog is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings. Depleted secondary could get a much needed lift with the return on Eugene Wilson, Jacques Reeves and Dunta Robinson. Steve Slaton has rushed for over 100 yards both times he has faced Tennessee.

Why Titans cover: Have won seven of last eight meetings. Houston's offense bumbled its way through a 24-7 loss to the Jets in the opening week. Held Pittsburgh to 36 rushing yards in Week 1. Texans are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.

Total (40 1/2): Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-1)

Why Saints cover: Drew Brees threw for six scores last week as offense amassed over 500 yards. Underdog is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings. Philly will likely start Kevin Kolb in place of the injured Donovan McNabb. Kolb has looked terrible every time he steps under center.

Why Eagles cover: Have won seven of last nine meetings. Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings. Defense dominated the Panthers in Week 1 by constantly putting pressure on the quarterback.

Total (46): Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

New England Patriots at New York Jets (+3.5)

Why Patriots cover: Are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 meetings and 10-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings in New York. Have won four of last five meetings. Tom Brady showed no signs of rust in his first game back, passing for 378 yards and two TDs. Favorite is 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings. Road team is 21-7-1 ATS in their last 29 meetings.

Why Jets cover: Mark Sanchez had a stellar NFL debut, passing for 272 yards and a score. New England barely squeaked out a win against Buffalo even though they were a 10.5-point fave. Pats will be without last year's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jerod Mayo, who suffered a knee injury last week.

Total (46 1/2): Over is 4-1 in Jets' last five home games and 7-1 in Patriots' last eight games overall.

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (-3)

Why Raiders cover: Are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings in Kansas City. Out played San Diego for most of last week's game. New Raider Richard Seymour suited up Monday night and dominated the Chargers with six tackles and two sacks. Road team is 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 meetings. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Why Chiefs cover: Have won 10 of last 12 meetings. Matt Cassel could return from injury this week. If not, Brodie Croyle, who played well against Baltimore last week, would replace him. JaMarcus Russell still hasn't looked like an NFL QB, completing only 40 percent of his passes in Week 1.

Total (38 1/2): Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3)

Why Cardinals cover: Are 5-1 ATS in their last six games. Jaguars are 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games. David Garrard had a disappointing first week, completing only 50 percent of his passes for 122 yards. He could be on the hot seat if he can't turn things around. Jacksonville will be without defensive captain Reggie Hayward, who is out for the season with a broken leg.

Why Jaguars cover: Have won both previous meetings. Kurt Warner had to rely mostly on dump offs against the 49ers, as Arizona had trouble getting their vertical passing game going. The Cardinals don't play well visiting the East Coast.

Total (42 1/2): Under is 5-1 in Jaguars' last six games overall.

Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers (-9)

Why Bengals cover: Defense held Broncos offense in check for most of last week's game. Packers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games. Green Bay's offensive line had difficulty protecting Aaron Rodgers against Chicago.

Why Packers cover: Have won three of last four meetings. Bengals are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. Carson Palmer looked rusty last week after missing most of last season and this preseason with injuries.

Total (42): Under is 5-0 in Bengals' last five games and 4-1 in Packers' last five games.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (+10)

Why Vikings cover: Are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. Have won 13 of past 14 meetings. Detroit allowed over 500 yards of total offense last week. Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre should have a field day.

Why Lions cover: Calvin Johnson averaged over 80 yards and scored two TDs against Minnesota last season. Surprisingly, the Vikings struggled with the run last week. Detroit could pound the ball to control the clock and keep Minnesota's offense off the field.

Total (46 1/2): Over is 7-2 in Vikings' last nine road games and 19-7-1 in Lions., last 27 games overall.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills (-5)

Why Buccaneers cover: Have won six of last seven meetings. Offense looked good in Week 1. Newcomers Byron Leftwich and Derrick Ward played well and Cadillac Williams (97 yards, TD) showed he has recovered from another knee injury. Buffalo's tendency to blow leads late in game continued last week. Bills are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.

Why Bills cover: Buccaneers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games. Fred Jackson (140 total yards, TD) dominated New England in place of suspended Marshawn Lynch. The once-dominant Bucs defense is no more. Dallas put 462 yards against a team that obviously misses defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Total (42 1/2): Over is 9-3 in Buccaneers' last 12 road games.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-1)

Why Seahawks cover: Are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings in San Francisco. Have won nine of last 12 meetings. Defense shut out Rams last week and could stonewall Frank Gore who averaged 1.4 yards per carry against Arizona. Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Why 49ers cover: Are 8-3 with Shaun Hill as starting QB and surprised NFC champion Cardinals 20-16 last week. Seahawks will be without starting linebacker Leroy Hill who has a groin injury. Seattle receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch are both banged up.

Total (39 1/2): Under is 7-2-1 in Seahawks' last 10 games and 5-1 in 49ers' last six games.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears (+3)

Why Steelers cover: Are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Have won past three meetings. Jay Cutler looked lost throwing four interceptions against Green Bay. Passing game dominated Titans in opening week.

Why Bears cover: Steelers' defense will suffer without catalyst Troy Polamalu who is out with a knee injury. Defense could get to Ben Roethlisberger who is constantly under pressure due to bad pass protection. Pittsburgh struggled running the ball last week, averaging 1.6 yards per carry.

Total (37 1/2): Over is 5-2 in Steelers' last seven road games and 20-8 in Bears' last 28 home games.

Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos (-3)

Why Browns cover: Denver's offense only managed 11 points versus the lowly Bengals, with seven coming off fluky tipped pass to Brandon Stokley to win the game. Broncos are 7-20-1 ATS in their last 28 home games.

Why Broncos cover: Have won past eight meetings. Running game could rack up yardage against a Cleveland defense that allowed 180 yards and three TDs to Adrian Peterson last week. Browns are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven games. Jamal Lewis is dealing with a neck injury that has limited him in practice this week.

Total (37 1/2): Under is 5-1 in Broncos' last six home games.

Baltimore Ravens at San Diego Chargers (-3)

Why Ravens cover: Have won three of last four meetings. Second-year players Joe Flacco and Ray Rice continued their maturation in Week 1 and look to dominate a Chargers' defense that couldn't stop the Raiders Monday night. LaDainian Tomlinson could be out with an ankle injury.

Why Chargers cover: Usually-sound Baltimore defense struggled at times with a weak Chiefs' team. Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings. Favorite is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings. Ravens are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings in San Diego.

Total (40 1/2): Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3)

Why Giants cover: Tony Romo injured his ankle against Tampa Bay and could have a hard time evading New York's pass rush. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw could batter a Cowboys' defense that allowed 174 yards on the ground last week.

Why Cowboys cover: Have won four of past five meetings. Romo could pick apart beat up Giants secondary that could be missing up to four defensive backs. Defense has a knack for getting to Eli Manning. Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Total (43 1/2): Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in Dallas.

Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins (+3)

Why Colts cover: New blitz-heavy defensive scheme could prove too much for a Miami offense that turned the ball over four times last week. Tight end Dallas Clark could have a big day against a defense that had a hard time stopping Tony Gonzalez (73 yards, 14.6 average, TD). Road team is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

Why Dolphins cover: Have won four of past six meetings. With Marvin Harrison gone and Anthony Gonzalez injured, Indy will start an unproven wideout across from Reggie Wayne, who is sure to see multiple double teams. Colts are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings. Underdog is 8-1 ATS in their last nine meetings.

Total (42): Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Big Game Weekend
By Bodog

NFL Weekend Top Games

The weekend is almost here. Are your football bets ready to roll? Having second thoughts? We’ll make life easier for you by looking at this week’s Fantastic Five, the best football games of the litter as selected by our Blue Ribbon panel – the beer, that is. All times are Eastern; for the latest football odds, make sure to visit Bodog Sports early and often.

New England at N.Y. Jets (1:00 p.m., CBS)

The days of big chalk could be over for the Patriots. They failed to take advantage of a Buffalo Bills offense in flux, needing a muffed kick return by Leodis McKelvin to get the ball back late and steal a 25-24 win as 13-point home faves. Now they’re only laying four points at Giants Stadium against the Jets and rookie QB Mark Sanchez.

Pats QB Tom Brady should have a better second week, but the Jets defense does look very impressive under new coach Rex Ryan, and Sanchez was up to the task in New York’s 24-7 win at Houston (-4.5). The Patriots defense is definitely in question after trading DE Richard Seymour to Oakland and losing LB Jerod Mayo for about six weeks with a sprained knee.

Pittsburgh at Chicago (4:15 p.m., CBS)

Bears fans nearly choked on their kielbasa after Jay Cutler threw four interceptions in their season-opening loss at Green Bay. Then they found out LB Brian Urlacher was put on injured reserve with a broken wrist. Now the Bears are 3-point underdogs (-120) at home against the Super Bowl champions.

The Steelers needed overtime to beat the Titans 13-10, failing to cash in as 6.5-point home faves, but it was still a positive showing for the defending champs. Their special teams look a lot more special with Stefan Logan doing his best Devin Hester impersonation and picking up nearly 30 yards per kick return in Week 1. Although SS Troy Polamalu (knee) is out of action, Pittsburgh has enough talent on defense to pressure Cutler, even more so after TE Desmond Clark was put on the shelf with a cracked rib.

N.Y. Giants at Dallas (8:20 p.m., NBC)

Your Sunday Night Football must-see is an NFC East battle between the Giants and Cowboys, both victorious in Week 1 – although New York (-6.5) just failed to beat the spread in a 23-17 win over the visiting Washington Redskins. The Giants’ offensive line was a little shaky; the betting public tends to overlook this position, but it’ll be hard to ignore Eli Manning getting pounded repeatedly by a Cowboys team that led the NFL is sacks last year with 58 – 20 of them by LB DeMarcus Ware.

The Giants are now 2-4 SU and ATS in their last six games (not including the preseason), and their defense will find it hard to contain QB Tony Romo without the services of CB Aaron Ross (hamstring) and the other walking wounded in the New York secondary. Romo looked very comfortable in his new offense last week, thumping Tampa Bay 34-21 as 4.5-point road faves.

NFL Week 2 games

Raiders (0-1) @ Chiefs (0-1)-- Road team won last five series games, with the Chiefs winning eight of last ten- Silver/Black won last two visits here, 20-17 and 23-8. Average total in last six series meetings is 30.3. Oakland has to travel off tough Monday loss, when they played their hearts out but lost 24-20 to Chargers; they had 148 rushing yards, beat San Diego up physically, but could not stop Bolts on last two drives. Ravens had 32 first downs against Chiefs in 38-24 Week 1 win; first two KC TDs came on blocked punt and 6-yard drive. Since 2002, Oakland is 3-12-1 vs spread as underdog of three or less points.

Texans (0-1) @ Titans (0-1)-- Tennessee won seven of last eight series games, winning last four played here by 3-6-8-19 points; average total in the last three games here is 47. Titans have three extra days to prep for this after Thursday opener. Houston's only TD in ugly loss to Jets was scored by defense; they were outgained 462-183, had only 38 yards on 13 rushes-- Jets ran ball for 190 yards on 42 carries. Titans held Pittsburgh to 36 rushing yards, forced three turnovers, but Steelers had 11-yard edge in field position. Tennessee is 9-14 as a home favorite since '04. Houston is 25-29 as road dog in franchise history.

Patriots (1-0) @ Jets (1-0)-- Pats travelling off close call in Monday opener; they've won eight of last 10 in series, winning last eight series games played here (last five wins by 16-10-7-24-9 points). Jets are just 5-10-1 vs spread at home last two years. 3-5 as home dog last three years, 2-6 as home dog vs its division rivals since 2003, but coach/QB combo of newcomers Ryan/Sanchez has invigorated franchise- they ran ball for 190 yds last week, converted 10-18 on third down. Pats threw the ball 53 times, ran it 23 times Monday- they're 16-8-1 vs spread as single digit favorite the last three years.

Bengals (0-1) @ Packers (1-0)-- Cincinnati had brutal Week 1 loss, giving up an 87-yard TD pass on tipped ball in last minute, longest game-winning TD in last minute of 4th quarter in NFL history; Bengals threw two picks, ran ball for just 86 yards- their only TD came with 0:38 left. Green Bay got winning TD with 1:24 left to beat rival Bears- they were outgained by 66 yards, but picked Cutler off four times (+4 TO ratio). Packers are 11-7-1 vs spread as a single digit home favorite last three years. Bengals are 17-12 as road underdog since 2003, 6-4 as non-divisional road dog the last three seasons.

Vikings (1-0) @ Lions (0-1)-- Since 2001, Vikings are 0-6 vs spread when they are double digit favorite. Lions had covered 10 of 11 as double digit dog before getting drilled in Superdome last week, as Brees tossed six TD passes. Vikes are 19-3 in last 22 series games, taking four of last five played here, but three of those four wins were by five points or less. Only twice in last ten series games have Vikings beaten the Lions by more than 10 points. Minnesota ran ball for 225 yards last week, as Peterson/Turner combo wore Cleveland down, but at some point, Favre will have to do more than 14-22/85 yards thru air.

Saints (1-0) @ Eagles (1-0)-- McNabb has cracked rib, Vick isn't eligible yet, so could have Kolb getting start for Philly team that had seven takeaways and five sacks in 38-10 win at Carolina last week. Saints ran ball for 157 yards, passed for 358 vs Detroit last week, scoring 45 points despite turning ball over three times, so Eagles' new DC McDermott has his first real test after taking over for the late Jim Johnson. Philly is 4-12 as favorite of three or less points since '05, but they covered eight of last ten as a non-divisional home favorite. Saints are 5-8-2 vs spread as dog of three or less points since 2005.

Panthers (0-1) @ Falcons (1-0)-- Visitor is 6-4 in last ten series games, with Panthers winning three of last four visits here, but Carolina was awful in 38-10 home loss last week, giving up an 85-yard punt return, turning ball over seven times- they had 70-yard TD drive first time they had ball, only scored three more points. Atlanta held Miami to 259 total yards, took ball away four times in 19-7 win- they had 25-yard edge in field position, starting five of their ten drives in Delphin territory. Panthers are 8-11-1 as single digit dog the last three years; Atlanta is now 7-1-1 vs spread in last nine games as single digit favorite.

Rams (0-1) @ Redskins (0-1)-- Highlight of Rams' dismal 2-14 season LY was 19-17 upset of Redskins here in Week 6 (+13), when Skins outgained Rams 368-200, held them to 8 first downs but still lost on last second FG. St Louis got blanked 28-0 in Seattle last week, committing 10 penalties, two when the game was 0-0 and they had ball on Seattle 11-yard line. Washington looks to have shored up run defense (Giants ran ball for 31-103 last week) but gave up sack/fumble for TD and were down 17-0 before scoring first TD on a fake FG. Rams are 5-11 as road dog last 2+ years, but 4-2 when getting double digits.

Cardinals (0-1) @ Jaguars (0-1)-- Both teams lost division games last week, so much urgency on both sides here. Jaguars lost home opener three of last four years, but they're 14-8-1 as non-divisional home favorite since 2003. Arizona is 23-38-3 as road dog this decade-- they outgained 49ers by 96 yards in 20-16 loss last week, holding SF to 21 yards on ground, but Warner looked immobile as Cards averaged just 5.5 per pass attempt and converted just 4 of 14 on 3rd down. Jaguars are 13-1 in last 14 home games vs NFC teams, but they passed for just 114 yards and were outgained 365-228 at Indy. Arizona in a sandwich between last week's opener and Monday night home game vs Colts next week.

Seahawks (1-0) @ 49ers (1-0)-- Seattle won seven of last ten games vs 49ers, winning four of last five visits here, with wins by 15-2-20-21 points. Hawks are 12-19-1 vs spread on road since '05, 5-10-1 in last 16 games when spread was 3 or less points. Seattle is missing two starters on OL, but they're 8-2 vs spread in last 10 games as division favorite- they had 167 rushing yards, 279 thru air in easy win last week. Niners are 5-14-2 as dog of three or less points since '02; they went 3/out on eight of 13 drives last week, but held Redbirds to 40 yards rushing. Since '04, Niners are 4-6 vs spread as divisional home dog.

Bucs (0-1) @ Bills (0-1)-- Buffalo had 11-point lead with 4:00 left Monday, snatched defeat from jaws of victory by fumbling kickoff in bitter loss to Pats, their 12th straight loss to NE. Now they come home to face young Buc team that gave up TD passes of 43-66-80 yards to TO-less Dallas (average of 12.3 yards/pass attempt, highest in NFL). Bucs did run ball for 174 yards, which is good sign; they're 7-11-1 vs spread as road dog since 2006, 6-15-1 as road dog in non-divisional games (since '02). Bills are 18-12 vs spread as single digit fave since '04, 7-4 as non-divisional home favorite since 2005.

Browns (0-1) @ Broncos (1-0)-- Couple of ex-Belichick assistants meet here; Denver had miracle win in Cincinnati last week, holding Bengals scoreless for 59:00 before Cincy took short-lived lead with 0:38 left. Browns were riddled for 225 rushing yards by Vikings in 34-20 home loss; they're 9-6-1 as road dog in non-divisional games since '05, are 10-5 in last 15 games as single digit dog. Denver was 3-17-1 vs spread as home favorite in Shanahan's last three years; they're 8-24 vs spread as non-divisional home fave since '02. Quinn converted 3-12 on third down last week; Browns had two turnovers, allowed five sacks.

Ravens (1-0) @ Chargers (1-0)-- San Diego showed guts in last 2:00 Monday night, driving 89 yards to score winning TD and escape Oakland with a 24-20 win. Baltimore had 32 first downs in win against Chiefs last week, after KC had grabbed 14-10 lead due to blocked punt and a turnover. Ravens were 10-17 on 3rd down, ran ball for 198 yards, passed for 303 as they outgained Chiefs 501-188. Baltimore is 15-22 as single digit dog since 2003. Since 2003, Bolts are 23-12-1 vs spread as home favorite; they're 13-8 as non-divisional home fave since '04. Chargers lost two offensive line starters to injury Monday nite.

Steelers (1-0) @ Bears (0-1)-- Stat of the Week: Since 2002, Pittsburgh is 3-16 vs spread as favorite of three or less points; average total in their last four road openers is 25. Steelers are 2-7 as non-divisional road favorite since '06-- they have three extra days to prepare here, coming off Thursday's win. Cutler threw four picks in 21-15 loss at Lambeau; Bears are 5-3 as home dog since '05, 15-6 vs spread in game following last 21 losses. Chicago outgained the Pack by 126 yards, held Rodgers to 4.7 yds/pass attempt, but turnovers killed them-- they lost field position by 12 yards and went 3/out six times on their 13 drives.

Giants (1-0) @ Cowboys (1-0)-- First real game in JerryDome; home field has not been big in this rivalry (home team just 6-5 last five years). Both sides had impressive wins last week; Manning averaged 8.3 yds/pass in 23-17 win over Redskins (was 17-7 at half, only Skin TD on fake FG), but Big Blue was weak in red zone (six points, three trips), struggled running in short yardage plays. Dallas showed explosiveness (TD passes of 42-80-66 yards) in 34-21 win at Tampa; their 12.3 yds/pass attempt led NFL last week. Giants are 7-3-1 as an underdog of three or less points since '06; Dallas is 6-0 as favorite of 3 points or less the last two seasons. Cowboys gave up 174 rushing yards in Tampa.

NFL Predictions Week 2
By Ron Raymond

Oakland Raiders 38
Kansas City Chiefs -3

Rons View: Ill be honest, I didnt expect the Chiefs to scored 21 points against a Ray Lewis defense in their own stadium and was impressed with QB Brodie Coyle being able to keep the Chiefs in that game. However, its tough to build chemistry on offense when youre changing QB?s and with Cassel expected to play this week, just breaks the positive momentum the offense built last week in a tough venue like Baltimore.

ATSDatabase Tip: When OAKLAND RAIDERS team played as a +3.5 to +6.5 Underdog - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a Home loss - Coming off a lost on grass; the Raiders are 11-5-0 ATS in this spot.

Forecast: Oakland 23 KC Chiefs 14

Houston Texans 40
Tennessee Titans -6

Rons View: The Tennessee Titans will need to find a way to get their offense more vertical, as they can?t continue to run the football and throw 5 yard passes and keep hoping the receivers to collect YAC yards. (YAC = Yards After Catch). Houston laid an egg last week and it?s good for Kubiaks team to hit the road and not have the home pressure of producing points, should their offense go 3 and out. Plus, big test for Kyle Shannahan kid to get some points on the board this week or else there could be a coordinator change. My subconscious tells me its a Titans home game, so make sure you consider a safety in your prediction!

ATSDatabase Tip: When HOUSTON TEXANS team played as Road team as an Underdog - Last 3 years - Coming off a lost on grass; the Texans are 1-11 SU in this spot the L3Y.

Forecast: Tennessee 24 Houston 22

New England Patriots -4
New York Jets 45

Rons View: Never wake up a sleeping dog! Why on earth would Rex Ryan want to piss off Tom Brady and Bill Belichick? Tom Brady didnt feel comfortable in the first half vs. the Bills, but after the 3rd quarter, he was settled in and he looked like the Tom Brady of old. Ryan is putting his rookie QB in a tough spot this weekend by mouthing off.

ATSDatabase Tip: When NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS team played as a Road team - Vs Division Opponent - Last 4 years; The Patriots are 11-1 SU and ATS in this role the L4Y.

Forecast: New England 27 New York Jets 21

Cincinnati Bengals 41
Green Bay Packers -9

Rons View: Chad Johnson needs to focus more on making plays on the football field then dreaming about leaping in the end zones at Lambeau Field. I just wished Marvin Lewis would take control of this loose cannon and stop putting his team in the wrong limelight. The Bengals couldnt muster any offense vs. a Broncos defense, could be a long afternoon against this Dom Capers 3-4 Defense.

ATSDatabase Tip: When CINCINNATI BENGALS team played as Road team as a Underdog - During Week 1 to 4 - Scored 7 points or less FOR in their last game; The Bengals are 3-7-0 ATS in this role since 1983.

Forecast: Green Bay 27 Cincinnati 17

Minnesota Vikings -10
Detroit Lions 46

Rons View: Sure it was another lost for the Lions, but from the glass is half full point of view, they scored 27 points on the road against one of the better NFC teams who are expected to make the playoffs this season. If the Lions can keep Peterson to less than 100 yards, they keep this close from a point spread point of view. Keep in mind; this is a division game, so these are always tough games, because each team has more data on each other, compared to a non-division team.

Forecast: Minnesota 29 Detroit 23

New Orleans Saints 46
Philadelphia Eagles -1

Rons View: The New Orleans Saints have a great offense and they are facing a team who relies 60% of their offense on Brian Westbrook. Contain Westbrook in this game and you walk out with 2 points!

ATSDatabase Tip: When NEW ORLEANS SAINTS team played as a Road team - During the month of September - Coming off a win in dome; the Saints are 12-6-2 ATS in this role.

Forecast: New Orleans 26 Philadelphia 20

Carolina Panthers 43
Atlanta Falcons -6

Rons View: Heres one of those situations where you seen the Carolina Panthers turn the ball over 7 times and the Eagles scored 24 points off those turnovers. Carolina has a great head coach in John Fox and theyve beaten the Falcons 3 out of 4 times in the Georgia Dome in their last 4 trips to Atlanta.

ATSDatabase Tip When CAROLINA PANTHERS team played as a Road team - Vs Division Opponent - Coming off 1 game loss - Coming off a loss; The Panthers are 12-3-1 ATS in this spot.

Forecast: Carolina 23 Atlanta 20

St Louis Rams 37
Washington Redskins -10

Rons View: Rams head coach Steve Spagnuola probably didnt enjoy his first day on the job as a NFL head coach, as his team got spanked 28-0 to the Seahawks. With a big Running back like Steven Jackson, he needs to be carrying the football 20 to 25 times a game and then hit your top gun receiver in Avery. I see a touchdown game here.

Forecast: Washington 24 St.Louis 17

Arizona Cardinals 42
Jacksonville Jaguars -3

Rons View: If Im Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt , Im a bit concern about my football team who lost a home game vs. a division opponent last week, especially when you just came back from going to the Super Bowl in your last game. Jacksonville looked good last week vs. the Colts and return home where they average 26 points per game as a home favorite the last 3 years.

Forecast: Jacksonville 28 Arizona 20

Seattle Seahawks 39
San Francisco 49ers -1

Rons View: The 49ers have a new attitude and its all because of their new leader, Mike Singletary. Everybody is accountable in Singletarys environment and its showing up on the field. Seahawks could be in for a surprise here this week and might come out flat after their 28-0 win over the Rams at home last week.

ATSDatabase Tip When SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS team played as a Home team - Total is between 37 to 41 - Playing on grass surface - Coming off a 1 under; the 49ers are 14-3 SU in this role since ?83.

Forecast: San Francisco 27 Seattle 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 42
Buffalo Bills -5

Rons View: Cant believe this will be the Buccaneers first ever trip to orchard park! My NFL database goes back to 1983 to present and the Bucs and Bills have played each other 5 times in Tampa Bay only and the Bucs won 4 of the 5 games. If the Bills throw long, they will route the Bills, but its closer than you think!

ATSDatabase Tip When TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS team played as a 3.5 to 6.5 Underdog - Coming off vs National Conference opponent - Coming off 1 over; The Bucs are 9-3-0 ATS in this role.

Forecast: Buffalo 20 Tampa Bay 16

Cleveland Browns 38
Denver Broncos -3

Rons View: When you score a touchdown on the second last play of the game on a fluke play, you lost the game in my view. The Broncos escaped Cinci with a win last week, but needed some help from the Bengals DB who tipped the Football into Brandon Stokle?s hands. The Browns lost the Vikings last week, because they couldnt wrap up Adrian Peterson, but I look for them to be much better vs. the Broncos this weekend. The Broncos have not been a good ?3 point or less home favorite the last 3 years, they are 4-18-0 ATS in this role.

Forecast: Cleveland 21 Denver 20

Baltimore Ravens 40
San Diego Chargers -3

Rons View: The Ravens are one of those football teams you want to take every week, because you love their defense, but allowing 24 points at home against a back up QB on a bad football team is a red flag in my book. Chargers average 29 points at home the last 3 years and they have the X Factor on special team with Darren Sproles.

Forecast: San Diego 23 Baltimore 16

Pittsburgh Steelers -3
Chicago Bears 37?

Ro?s View: Could be a bit of pressure on Bears QB Jay Cutler who threw 4 interceptions last week in Green Bay, as he made throws where there was no receiver in site. The Steelers are just one of those teams who get the job done by committee. Here?s the thing about this spread, the Steelers are 5-5 SU, but 2-7-1 ATS as a Road Favorite after a home win as a favorite the last 3 seasons.

Forecast: Pittsburgh 23 Chicago 21

New York Giants 44
Dallas Cowboys -3

Rons View: Eli Manning is starting to be a QB you dont want to bet against as an UNDERDOG and hes got my vote this weekend. The Giants can run the football and that?s key in road division games and the Cowboys are coming off a nice road win, but it was against a questionable Buccaneers team.

ATSDatabase Tip When NEW YORK GIANTS team played as Road team as a Underdog - With 6 day off - Coming off a Home win; The Giants are 21-12-0 ATS in this spot.

Forecast: NY Giants 23 Dallas 19

Indianapolis Colts -3
Miami Dolphins 42

Rons View: The Wildcat is a good play to throw the defense off, but you cant live off the Wildcat! The Dolphins have a nice average team, but if they want to win over 10 games again this year, they will need their defense to win them a few of those games. I just don?t see the big playmaker on this Miami team, but they have a nice defense. Peyton on Monday Night Football and were only laying 3 points is good value in my books. If Im not mistaken, doesnt Peyton have a history of winning weird games on Monday Night in the state of Florida

ATSDatabase Tip When INDIANAPOLIS COLTS team played as a Road team - After a division game - Coming off a Home win as a Favorite; The Colts are 11-1 SU in this role.

Forecast: Indianapolis 23 Miami 17

NFL Props Predictions - Week 2
by Jay Horne

The opening week of the new NFL season is in the books. After exciting finishes and surprising outcomes may have dampened some of your first week football picks, we turn focus to some of the side action to considering heading into Week 2. While many of the teams may be upside down from last year, many of the same players are continuing old habits. Jake Delhomme continues to throw interceptions, Adrian Peterson dominates on the ground, and the Patriots find a way to win despite being outplayed. If opening week has you gun shy from laying some money on teams against the spread, we have some interesting betting lines begging for attention. Odds are from Bodog.

Prop Bet No. 1 Adrian Peterson total rushing yards in Week 2 vs. the Detroit Lions

Over 120.5
Under 120.5

Adrian Peterson busted open a 64-yard touchdown run last week against Cleveland to put the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter. The NFL’s best running back ended the day with 180 yards in an impressive performance to lead the Vikings to convincing 34-20 victory. Minnesota now travels to Detroit to take on the still-winless Lions.

Public bettors would probably jump on the over here and expect Peterson to rack up more than 200 yards against the weak Detroit defense. However, you can expect the exact opposite. The Lions will be extra motivated to end their winless skid when they host their first game of the season this weekend.

The Lions defense may actually play better than they are to help try and get the over the hump. Even more important is the fact that Peterson failed to rush for more than 110 yards in each meeting last season against Detroit.

Despite the Lions 0-16 record, they played the Vikings as well as any other team, losing by a combined six points in both contests. The Lions defense held the Vikings to just 16 points. on average. in those two meetings while keeping Peterson under control. Also, Peterson historically has a letdown performance after posting big numbers. The last five games Peterson has rushed for more than 150 yards he has failed to reach the century mark in the games following.

Do not get wrapped into this one based on Peterson’s dynamic perception and go with the smart play.

Pick – Under 120.5

Prop Bet No. 2 Who will throw the most interceptions in Week 2?

Jake Delhomme +160
Jay Cutler -200

Jake Delhomme collapsed last year in the playoffs, throwing five interceptions and ending the Panthers season after they tied the Giants for the best record in the NFC during the regular season at 12-4. The Panthers early exit was to be soon forgotten until Delhomme suffered another eerily similar performance in last week’s opener against the Eagles.

The Panthers quarterback threw four picks and also lost a fumble in the 38-10 loss. The Panthers picked up A.J Feeley over the week to put a more solid talent in the backup spot and to add more pressure on the shoulders of Delhomme to perform.

Chicago Bears fans also faced a similar horror this past weekend, watching their quarterback throw four picks. Jay Cutler made his much-anticipated debut, but it was an all-too-familiar scene for the Bears, who have been plagued by quarterback troubles over the years. Of course, Cutler is the better quarterback, but will be going up against the best defense in the NFL this week in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers forced 20 picks last season and that is why Cutler is projected to throw more picks in this game. Despite Cutler’s success, he has been prone to throw interceptions. The trend will likely continue if he continues to look uncomfortable behind center.

On the other hand, the pressure on Delhomme should force him to play a solid game. Actually, he must perform or the threat of losing his job will become a reality. Also, Delhomme has thrown just one interception in the last four games following performances where the Panthers quarterback threw multiple picks. Delhomme will bounce back and give the Panthers hope for at least one more week. Cutler will need more time to adapt to not only the offense, but to the receivers who contributed to some of those picks last weekend.

Pick – Cutler -200

Prop Bet No. 3 New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

Will either team score 3 straight times without the other team scoring?

Yes -175
No +145

The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys NFC East rivalry has historically been a back-and-forth affair. The last eight meetings have been split right down the middle at 4-4. Normally the first meeting of the year has been a higher-scoring offensive game while the latter game in the season has historically been controlled by the defenses. However, both teams are missing some of their biggest playmakers on offense heading into this season.

The loss of Plaxico Burress hurts the Giants big-play threat through the air while the same can be said for the Cowboys losing Terrell Owens. Eli Manning and Tony Romo are both solid quarterbacks and will make the best out of their talent at the wide out positions. However, this will not be the high-scoring affair that these early games have been in the past.

The Giants also lost running back Derrick Ward to Tampa Bay. With both teams losing so many explosive threats, points may be harder to come by. The Giants defense is among the best in the NFC and the Cowboys defense has played well since the second half of 2008.

If the defenses are to take more control like expected, then the chances for three straight scoring occurrences by one team is very unlikely. Also in the last eight games between the two teams, just one game has featured a team scoring three straight times and that was in October of 2006 when the Giants jumped out to a 12-0 lead.

Pick – No +145

Docsports.com

NFL Sunday Predictions – Week 2
by Josh Nagel

Game: Carolina Panthers (0-1, 0-1 ATS) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0, 1-0 ATS)

Spread: Falcons -6.5.

Overview: It appears each of Jake Delhomme’s four interceptions in Carolina’s disastrous 38-10 Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles gave bettors about a point in value as they head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in Week 2.

Oddsmakers have said they adjusted the spread from Atlanta -3.5 to -6.5 in response to each team’s Week 1 performance.

Delhomme’s days as the starting signal-caller in Carolina might be numbered as well. While it’s rarely appropriate to point the blame on one player for a loss, it’s fair to say Delhomme single-handedly took Carolina out of the game against the Eagles. He had a fumble returned for a touchdown and gave the Eagles a short field on many other occasions.

As a result, Carolina’s 38 points yielded and 185 rushing yards allowed were among the league’s worst Week 1 marks, and its 169 yards total offense was dead last.

Delhomme’s struggles are difficult to explain given that Carolina has one of the best one-two backfield punches in the league in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. You would think this would lead to some high-percentage play-action passes when the Panthers do choose to throw.

Instead, it’s been a high percentage of completions to the opposition. Delhomme repeated his performance of last year’s playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and you can bet coach John Fox will have little patience if his quarterback struggles early.

Delhomme is playing for his job in this game, and the Panthers already are fighting for relevancy in the NFC South.

The Falcons had a solid all-around showing in their 19-7 win over the Miami Dolphins, but this week they will be facing a desperate and determined divisional foe.

Trends: The Panthers are 8-1 ATS in their past nine following a straight-up loss, and are 6-1 ATS following a game in which they scored 15 or fewer points. The Falcons are 2-7 ATS in their last nine against NFC south opponents.

Pick: Carolina +6.5.

Game: Seattle Seahawks (1-0, 1-0 ATS) at San Francisco 49ers (1-0, 1-0 ATS)

Spread: 49ers -1 ½.

Overview: Both teams played the spoiler on the other’s turf last year, and now they will be battling to take the early upper hand in the NFC West.

Last year, each won as a significant underdog away from home; San Francisco scored a 33-30 overtime win in Week 2 as a touchdown underdog, while Seattle gave bettors the money as a five-point dog in the winning the Week 8 rematch, 38-14.

The Seahawks won the previous two meetings by a combined score of 47-3 and have generally dominated the series over this decade.

Even so, this season marks the start of a new era for each team, as coaches Jim Mora of Seattle and Mike Singletary of San Francisco enter their first full years as the top men in their organizations.

Week 1 told us more about the 49ers than it did the Seahawks. The 49ers’ 20-16 win over the defending NFC champion Cardinals showed that they have a playoff-caliber defense. It also showed they might have to rely on it heavily to win games. Opposing teams are destined to stack the line to stop Frank Gore and dare journeyman quarterback Shaun Hill and his limited targets to beat them. Hill made just enough plays, including some crucial conversions on the game-winning drive, to beat the Cardinals. Whether he can keep it up over the course of the season remains to be seen.

This much is certain: Singletary’s influence on the team is clear, as the 49ers appear more disciplined and fundamentally sound than they have in years.

On the flip side, it’s hard to judge the Seahawks from their 28-0 romp over St. Louis because it appears the Rams are again among the league’s worst teams.

But they showed a solid running game with Julius Jones and the aging Edgerrin James carrying the load, and the defense should be much improved with the addition of rookie linebacker Aaron Curry and emerging defensive end Lawrence Jackson.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck seems to be his old, erratic self, throwing for 279 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in the opener.

If the 49ers can force Hasselbeck into some turnovers, the Seahawks are likely in for a long day. But if Seattle can find a way to post another 28 points, or somewhere in the neighborhood, it’s doubtful the 49ers can keep pace.

Trends: The Seahawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against the NFC West and 4-1 ATS in their last five overall. The 49ers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six overall, and 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 against teams from the NFC.

Pick: Seattle +1.5.

Docsports.com

Patriots favored, but not by much
By Judd Hall

When you compare line movements from week to week in the NFL, there is no bigger difference than what you seen in the first two Sundays of the season.

A lot of those changes that you see for Week 1 are due to the sharps pouncing on lines that they believed were either too low or too high. Plus, gamblers have a good two months to make their decision on each game. That’s why you’ll see a line switch around like the Panthers going from being one-point home favorites to one-point pups.

Week 2 doesn’t have the benefit of that kind of downtime for bettors to make a line move. If anything, you’re going to see very few big favorites this weekend. Perfect example for us is that 10 of the 16 games have favorites of no more than 3 ½-points. That’s practically a default number for the sportsbooks to post on the “chalk.”

One line that has surprised me is New England heading to East Rutherford to square up against the Jets. The Patriots opened up as five-point road favorites on Tuesday. Now they are favored by just 3 ½-points.

Randy Scott, sportsbook manager for betED, isn’t sold on the hype for Rex Ryan’s club. “Touts from everywhere are making the Jets one of their upsets of the week. We may not necessarily agree with that, but the public seems to.”

“It seems the public is sold on the Jets after that stellar defensive performance last week in Houston. Home field advantage is also playing a big part in the odds.” Scott concludes, “If anything, the line move is an attempt to head off the Jets action and not necessarily a refection of the true odds. We are using Pats -3.5 (-105).”

VegasInsider.com’s expert handicapper Bryan Leonard has no problem with the line. “That line was listed at New England -6 1/2 until their questionable performance on Monday. The correct line is probably anywhere from 2 to 4, so I don't think this line is out of whack.”

So is there any validity to the public pushing the line down? “Not sure I understand the statement about the public affecting the line. The public doesn't bet until gameday and this move seems geared towards how each team fared in Week 1,” Leonard adds. Randy Scott gives you the betting shop’s point of view, “The public doesn't really weigh in as far as the opening line goes, but they are considered when a team is heavily popular from the public. We'll react with a line change towards that type of lop-sided action.”

Something else to keep an eye on this weekend is our two double-digit favorites. The Vikes are 10-point road faves against Detroit, while Washington is laying 10-point at home to the Rams. Is there any reason to think either of those lines will get lower before kickoff?

“I don't see those numbers shrinking below 10. Also close to double-digit number is the Green Bay line is sitting at -9.5 (even), I don't think that line should get up to -10, if anything that line should drop,” says betED’s Scott.

Scott did mention one game for us to keep an eye on. “I would say Atlanta could be a bigger favorite, maybe -9 but the market has actually dropped that line from -6.5 to -6 (we are currently at -6) so I could be way off on that one.”

vegasinsider.com

Lions play host to the Vikings
By AllStar.com

This NFC North Battle features the two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Vikings feel the addition of Brett Favre could return them to the Super Bowl for the first time in 30 years, while the Lions will try to stop the bleeding. The Lions have lost an amazing 17 straight, and 24 of their past 25 games. We say it is amazing, because the NFL prides itself on a league where anything can happen “On any given Sunday” I guess that is true, unless you live in the motor city.

QUARTERBACKS:

We won’t know until January if Favre is the missing link for the Vikes, but we do know even at 39 and coming off surgery, he is the best option at QB for Coach Brad Childress. Favre is still trying to get to know his teammates, but with Detroit expected to put 7 or 8 guys in the box, look for Favre to be more of a factor then he was in week 1.

Matthew Stafford struggled in his first NFL game throwing three interceptions, and he could be in for another long day. If Stafford is going to be successful, his o-line must give him time to throw the ball down field. With Jared Allen coming from his blind side it would not be a shock to see Stafford rush his decision making.

RUNNING BACKS:

Adrian Peterson is on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week saying “I want people to remember me as the best to ever play the game” That is a bold statement from a young player, but every time Peterson touches the ball he has the ability to take it to the house. Chester Taylor doesn’t get enough credit for his skills. As mentioned, new Lions Coach Jim Schwartz will do everything to stop the run loading up 7 or 8 guys in the box. While it may work early, Peterson will wear down the Lions D, and end with another big day

The Vikings front seven is very strong and second year back Kevin Smith could struggle. The Lions averaged a miserable 1.6yds per carry in week one, and Minnesota has a stronger run defense the New Orleans. Look for Smith to swing out as a receiver, and could be counted on to catch short passes to help Stafford get in a rhythm.

Wide Receivers:

If Favre wants to try to match the 6 TD’s Drew Brees put up against the Lions in week one, he will need better efforts from his wide outs. Rookie Percy Harvin looked good against the Browns making key catches including a touchdown, but Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice need to have better days. TE Visanthe Shiancoe is our pick to click.

Calvin Johnson of the Lions is one of the premiere WR’s in the league, it is just too bad he is on a horrible team. A matchup to watch will be Johnson against Minnesota CB Antoine Winfield. While Winfield is considered one of the league’s best, he will give up more than 8 inches in height to Johnson. Look for Stafford to go to Johnson early and often.

Defense:

The Vikings defense led by Jared Allen, Pat Williams, and Kevin Williams has to be licking their chops at the thought of a rookie quarterback. Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier knows the weapons he has, and is expected to turn them loose on Sunday. The challenge will be to keep Kevin Smith inside, and prevent him from getting around the corner.

Any hope of a turnaround this year for Lions fans was dashed by the time Drew Brees threw his fourth touchdown pass. The final two were just salt in the wound. Minnesota’s O-Line didn’t do the best job of protecting Favre, so expect a lot of blitzes, and different looks from the Lions D. Nobody likes to be embarrassed, and that is what happened last week. Look for a better effort in this, the home opener. If CB Phillip Buchanon is activated coming off a neck injury, that could help slow down Minny.

Special Teams:

Percy Harvin looks like the real deal and is expected to continue returning kicks for Minnesota with help from speedy Darius Reynaud. Steady vet Ryan Longwell handles the kicking duties.

When a team is going as bad as the Lions are, sometimes a big play on special teams can help get you out of a funk. The Detroit media has said all week to look for a trick play or two from the kicking units. We say if you are outmatched in all other aspects why not. It could also help in getting the crowd at Ford Field involved early.

Betting Trends:
Vikings are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 against the NFC North
Lions are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games
Lions are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games
The OVER is 7-2 ATS in the Vikings last 9 road games

Bolts favored over Ravens
By AllStar.com

This battle of 1-0 teams features two of the AFC’s best, and while the line may favor the home team, injuries to three starters on San Diego’s offense may allow for the upset. Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson and Center Nick Hardwick both left Monday night’s win against the Raiders with ankle sprains. Hardwick is listed as doubtful, and if Tomlinson plays he will see limited duty. Rookie Right Guard Louis Vasquez is also expected to miss the game.

Baltimore comes in to San Diego with a new look Offense. For years the Ravens have had success by running the ball, but last week against Kansas City, second year quarterback Joe Flacco tore up the Chiefs secondary by passing for 300+ yards and 3 TD’s he will face a stiffer challenge against San Diego.

QUARTERBACKS:

After losing both his Center and Right Guard during a short time span Monday night, Philip Rivers showed why he is one of the best Quarterbacks in the league. Facing an improved Raiders pass rush, and without his MVP running back, Rivers led San Diego down the field on the game winning drive. Knowing Baltimore is going to try to exploit the inexperienced O line of San Diego, look for Rivers to shorten up the passing game. Rivers will throw toDarren Sproles out of the backfield to to avoid the sack.

Joe Flacco is quietly earning the right to have his name mentioned in the discussion of best young QB’s in the league. Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh promised that the offense would expand in 2009, but not many people expected what we saw in week one. Flacco should have time in the pocket against a soft Chargers pass rush, but SD Corners Quinton Jammer and Antonio Cromartie are better then what Flacco saw against KC

RUNNING BACKS:

With Tomlinson expected to see limited action if he plays at all, look for Michael Bennett and Sproles to split time at Running Back. Norv Turner loves Sproles, but understands at 5’6 he cannot be counted on to carry the ball 20 times. Bennett was impressive during the pre-season and showed he still has speed even after 9 years in the league.

Baltimore will also split duties at running back. Ray Race and Willis McGahee are the guys. While Rice had 20 carries to McGahee’s 10 in week one, look for those numbers to balance out over the course of the year.

Wide Receivers:

San Diego is led by rising star Vincent Jackson, but with a beat up offensive line, and a tough Raven defense, it would be a surprise if Jackson had a big day. Chris Chambers was invisible against the Raiders. Look for San Diego to use a two tight end set to help protect Rivers, and Antonio Gates will again be the focal point of the passing game.

Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason each had nice games in week one, but our choice for guy to watch is super fragile Tight End Todd Heap. Oakland TE Zach Miller had an easy day against the San Diego, and if Heap doesn’t get hurt putting on his socks, he could do the same.

Defense:

For a team picked to go to the Super Bowl by many, San Diego has maybe the softest Defense in the league. DT Luis Castillo, and LB Shaun Phillipsshy away from contact, and Shawne Merriman looked very slow coming back from the knee surgery he had a year ago.

If San Diego is the softest D in the league, Baltimore may be the most physical. It helps to have tough guys Ed Reed and Ray Lewis leading the way. Look for Reed to take Gates in one of the year’s best matchups. Nose Tackle Kelly Gregg will be responsible for slowing down Sproles and Bennett.

Special Teams:

In what should be a close game, it could come down to the kickers. Nate Kaeding of San Diego is the second most accurate kicker in NFL History, and has the leg to handle FG’s of 50+ yds when needed. Second year man Steve Hauschka handles the duties for Baltimore taking over for long time Raven Matt Stover.

Betting Trends:
The Ravens are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games
The Chargers are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games
The Chargers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a FAVORITE
The OVER is 8-0 in the Chargers last 8 home games in September

Giants at Cowboys
By Brian Edwards

Jerry Jones is ready to unveil his billion-dollar baby – the new Cowboys Stadium. He’ll do so Sunday night when an NFL-record crowd is expected when the Giants arrive for an NFC East slugfest.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Dallas (1-0 straight up, 1-0 against the spread) as a 3 ½-point favorite with a total of 43 ½. As of Saturday afternoon, most books had the Cowboys favored by three (at an even-money price) with the total in the 44-45 range. The G-Men are plus-130 on the money line (risk $100 to win $130).

The Cowboys were impressive in their opener, winning 34-21 at Tampa Bay as 4 ½-point favorites. Tony Romo was clearly more comfortable without worrying about forcing the ball to a ball-hungry wide receiver, throwing for 353 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover.

Romo spread the wealth around, finding Patrick Crayton four times for 135 yards, including an 80-yard scoring strike. Jason Witten had five receptions for 71 yards, while Marion Barber produced 79 rushing yards on 14 carries.

Let’s leave the aforementioned “impressive” remark for Romo and the offense. The defense, on the other hand, was leaking like a sieve. The Bucs produced 450 yards of total offense, the most given up by the Cowboys in 36 games.

New York (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) captured a 23-17 home win over Washington in its opener. However, the Giants let down their backers by giving up a late TD pass from Jason Campbell to Chris Cooley. The Campbell-Cooley connection gave the Redskins the backdoor cover as 6 ½-point road underdogs. The late score also caused the total (37) to go ‘over’ the number.

Eli Manning completed 20-of-29 passes for 256 yards and one touchdown, a 30-yard hook-up with Mario Manningham. Steve Smith had six catches for 80 yards, but first-round pick Hakeem Nicks suffered a sprained foot that’ll cause him to miss this week’s game.

Osi Umenyiora announced his return to the lineup after missing the 2008 season. With the Giants leading 10-0 in the second quarter, Umenyiora stripped Campbell of the ball, scooped it up and raced 37 yards to paydirt. Justin Tuck earned the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week honors after sacking Campbell 1 ½ times.

Bettors who supported the Giants were hurt by Washington’s execution of a fake field goal late in the second quarter. Hunter Smith, the Redskins’ punter and holder, took the snap and beat the defense to the corner for an eight-yard touchdown run.

When these teams met at Dallas last season, the Cowboys won a 20-8 decision as three-point home favorites. When they played in the Meadowlands, the Giants thumped the ‘Boys by a 35-14 count as 8 ½-point ‘chalk.’

Tom Coughlin’s team has been incredible on the road for our purposes recently. In fact, the Giants are a lucrative 21-6 ATS in their last 27 road outings. Regardless of venue, the G-Men are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games.

New York will most likely be missing three defensive players, as safety Kenny Phillips and DT Chris Canty are “out” and cornerback Aaron Ross is listed “doubtful” with various injuries.

As a home favorite in 2008, Dallas compiled a 6-2 SU record and a 4-4 ATS mark. Meanwhile, the Giants went 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS as road underdogs last season.

Gamblers should ignore reports that Romo has a sprained ankle. He was not limited in any way at practice this week.

NBC will provide the telecast at 8:20 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--The ‘under’ has cashed in 10 of the last 14 head-to-head meetings between these teams in Dallas.

--As of Saturday night, all indications were that Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb was not going to play Sunday vs. New Orleans. On the flip side, KC’s Matt Cassel is expected to start vs. Oakland.

--I don’t do teasers very often. When I do, the only scenario in which I’ll pull the trigger is when I can get a pair of NFL home teams favored by 6-8 points, basically bumping them down to merely win outright or by just a field goal. I think the Titans and Falcons fit that mold perfectly this week. Translation: I like a Falcons-Titans teaser with both teams simply needing to win outright at home against the Panthers and Texans, respectively.

--When the ‘Skins host St. Louis, they will be looking to avenge a 19-17 home loss to the Rams from last year. The previously-winless Rams went into the nation’s capital and won outright as 13-point road underdogs in Jim Haslett’s debut as interim coach.

vegasinsider.com.

SPORTS ADVISORS

Oakland (0-1, 1-0 ATS) at Kansas City (0-1 SU and ATS)
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The Raiders, looking stronger than expected in Week 1 after a preseason full of distractions, head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs in a battle of longtime AFC West rivals.

Oakland played the Chargers close throughout the night Monday – taking a 20-17 lead late on a stunning 57-yard TD pass from JaMarcus Russell to Louis Murphy on fourth-and-14 – but couldn’t hold off an 89-yard San Diego drive in losing 24-20. However, the Raiders easily covered as a 10-point underdog. Russell (12 of 30, 208 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTS) was rather weak beyond the TD pass, but Oakland outgained San Diego 366-317 and allowed just 77 rushing yards, while piling up 148.

Kansas City was similarly surprising against Baltimore on Sunday, tying the game at 24 with 5:28 left before giving up two late TDs in losing 38-24 as a 13-point pup. QB Brodie Croyle (16 of 24, 177 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) was steady in place of the injured Matt Cassel (knee), and the Chiefs hung around despite rushing for just 29 yards, getting dominated in total yards, 501-188. K.C. also got doubled in time of possession (39:49-20:11).

New Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Cassel’s status for this week will be a game-time decision.

These rivals split last year’s meetings SU and ATS, with visitor winning and cashing in both games, as Oakland took a 23-8 September win catching 3½ points and Kansas City won 20-13 in November as a three-point ‘dog. In fact, the road team is 16-5-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings in this rivalry, and Oakland is 5-1 ATS on its last six trips to Arrowhead. The underdog has also cashed in the last four clashes.
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The Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last seven as an underdog and 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a division road pup, but they are on pointspread skids of 6-20-2 getting three points or less, 4-9 after a spread-cover and 16-35-1 against losing teams. The Chiefs, who went a dismal 2-14 SU last year (8-8 ATS), are on a 5-0 ATS roll against division opponents, but they also carry a string of negative pointspread streaks, including 3-10 at home, 0-4 as a home chalk and 2-5 after a SU loss.

The over has hit in eight of Oakland’s last nine September starts and is on a 6-1 run at home for Kansas City. However, the under is on rolls of 7-2-1 for the Raiders after a SU loss, 12-4 for the Chiefs in September, 10-1 in Week 2 for Kansas City and 17-8 for the Chiefs in division play. Finally, the total has stayed low in seven of the last eight series meetings overall.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Houston (0-1 SU and ATS) at Tennessee (0-1, 1-0 ATS)

The Titans, who went a league-best 13-3 last year, aim to regain that form when they play host to the division rival Texans at LP Field.
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Tennessee gave defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh a fight on Sept. 10 – a Thursday game that served as the NFL’s opener – falling 13-10 in overtime but covering as a 6½-point road underdog. QB Kerry Collins (22 of 35, 244 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was fair, and the Titans got another 86 yards on the ground while holding the Steelers to a meager 36 yards rushing. The defense also picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice, but it allowed the Pittsburgh QB to complete 33 of 43 passes for 363 yards and a TD.

Houston got trounced by rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the Jets, losing 24-7 as a 4½-point home favorite last Sunday, with the defense generating the Texans’ only score on a Dominique Barber 48-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter. Houston allowed Sanchez to throw for 272 yards and a TD (1 INT) and gave up 190 rushing yards in getting outgained by a whopping 462-183 total. Matt Schaub struggled (18 of 33, 166 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT), and the running game generated just 38 yards.

These teams split their 2008 meetings, with the home team winning and covering, including a 31-12 Tennessee rout last September as a 4½-point favorite. The Titans are 5-1 SU and ATS in the last six clashes, but the underdog is also on an 8-3 ATS roll in this rivalry.
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The Titans are on positive pointspread streaks of 13-5 overall, 9-0 in September, 12-3 inside the AFC South, 11-3 after a SU loss and 9-4 after an ATS setback. The Texans are on ATS upticks of 6-2 overall, 4-0 as an underdog and 4-1 in division play, but they also carry negative ATS trends of 1-4 in September, 1-5 in Week 2 and 3-8 as a pup of 3½ to 10 points.

The under for Tennessee is on stretches of 4-1 overall, 10-2 in Week 2 and 7-2 in September, and the under is 6-1 in Houston’s last seven games. However, the over has hit in six of the Titans’ last eight home games, and the over for the Texans is on rolls of 6-1 in September, 20-8 in the division, 15-6-1 with Houston a pup and 12-5-1 on the road.

Finally, in this rivalry, the total has gone high in five of the last six meetings.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE and OVER

New England (1-0, 0-1 ATS) at N.Y. Jets (1-0 SU and ATS)
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The Patriots, who barely snuck out a Week 1 victory, head to East Rutherford, N.J., for an AFC East clash with the Jets and new coach Rex Ryan.

New England needed two late TDs – the second following an extremely fortuitous forced fumble on a kickoff return – to erase a 24-13 deficit and squeak past Buffalo 25-24 Monday night, never threatening to cover as an overwhelming 13-point chalk. QB Tom Brady, in his first regular-season start since wrecking his knee in Week 1 of 2008, started slow but ended up chucking the ball 53 times, completing a franchise-best 39 for 378 yards with two TDs and one INT. Both TDs went to TE Benjamin Watson in the waning minutes, and the Pats dominated in total yards (441-276) but rushed for just 73 yards.

New York gave Ryan a victory in his coaching debut, rolling over Houston 24-7 as a 4½-point road underdog. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez was solid, going 18 of 31 for 272 yards with one TD and one INT, and RBs Thomas Jones (107 yards) and Leon Washington (60 yards) paced a rushing attack that racked up 190 yards, while the Jets’ defense allowed just 183 total yards (38 rushing).
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New England split SU and ATS with New York last year, winning 19-10 on the road as a one-point chalk in September and losing 34-31 in overtime laying three points at home in November. The Pats have cashed on 10 of their last 11 trips to the Meadowlands, and they are 9-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings overall. The road team is also 21-7-1 ATS in the last 29 matchups.

The Patriots are on a 5-12 ATS purge following a SU win, but they are on nothing but positive ATS streaks from there, including 6-1 after a non-cover, 36-15-1 on the road, 23-9 as a road chalk and 36-17-1 in division play. The Jets are on ATS runs of 4-0 as a pup and 5-2 after a SU win, but they are in pointspread ruts of 1-5 overall, 1-4 at home and 2-5 as a home ‘dog.

The over for New England is on tears of 7-1 overall (all as a favorite), 5-1 after a SU win and 5-1 against the AFC. The over has also hit in four of New York’s last five home games, but the under for the Jets is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 4-1 as a home pup and 9-4-1 following a SU win.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ENGLAND

Cincinnati (0-1 SU and ATS) at Green Bay (1-0 SU and ATS)
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The Packers remain at home for a second straight week, welcoming the Bengals to Lambeau Field for a non-conference contest.

Green Bay fended off Chicago 21-15 Sunday night, narrowly covering as a 4½-point home favorite on a 50-yard TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings, followed by a two-point conversion, with just 1:11 left in the game. Rodgers threw for 184 yards, and the Pack finished with just 226 total yards while allowing 352, but the Green Bay defense picked off Jay Cutler four times.

Cincinnati tumbled to Denver in shocking fashion in its opener Sunday, scoring a TD with 38 seconds left to take a 7-6 lead, only to lose 12-7 as a 4½-point chalk on a fluke tipped pass that Brandon Stokley turned into an 87-yard TD. Carson Palmer (21 of 33, 247 yards) generated little offense until the late TD drive and threw two INTs for the only turnovers of the game.
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These squads have met just once this decade in a meaningful game, with Cincy winning 21-14 and Green Bay cashing as a 9½-point pup in 2005.

The Packers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven starts, but they sport positive pointspread trends of 8-2 in September, 14-6 following a SU win and 15-7 after a spread-cover. On the flip side, the Bengals are on ATS slides of 5-10-1 on the road (1-4 last five), 1-4 in September and 2-5 after a SU loss. However, Cincy is 5-0 ATS in its last five as a non-conference road pup.

The under is on a 4-1 run for Green Bay, but the over for the Pack is on stretches of 10-2 after a SU win, 18-4 after a spread-cover, 13-4 with Green Bay favored and 10-4 at Lambeau. The under is on a bundle of rolls for Cincinnati, including 5-0 overall, 5-1 in September, 4-1 on the road and 10-4-1 after a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY

Minnesota (1-0 SU and ATS) at Detroit (0-1 SU and ATS)
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The Adrian Peterson-Brett Favre show remains on the road this week when the Vikings travel to Ford Field for a meeting with the Lions, who haven’t won a game since 2007.

Minnesota opened the Favre era with a 34-20 victory at Cleveland as a four-point favorite Sunday, mostly on the back of Peterson, who racked up 180 yards and three TDs on 25 carries, including a 64-yard fourth-quarter jaunt that put the game away. Favre (14 of 21, 110 yards, 1 TD) didn’t do much, but neither did he turn the ball over, while the Browns had two turnovers.

Detroit, which hasn’t won since the second-to-last week of the 2007 season, couldn’t keep up with New Orleans in a 45-27 road loss Sunday as a 14-point underdog. Rookie QB Matt Stafford (16 of 37, 205 yards) got a rude welcome to the league, with three INTs and no TDs, and the Lions were outgained 515-231 in losing their 18th consecutive game (7-11 ATS).

Detroit covered in both meetings in this rivalry last season, catching double digits both times. At home in December, Detroit gave up 10 fourth-quarter points in losing 20-16, but cashed as a 10½-point pup. Prior to last year, Minnesota had been on a 5-0-1 ATS run against the Lions.
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The Vikings are on a 7-3 ATS uptick as a chalk of 3½ to 10 points, but they are on pointspread skids of 2-10 after a SU win, 1-6 after a spread-cover, 1-6 in division play, 2-8 against the NFC and 2-5 against losing teams. Also, Favre is just 5-11 ATS in his 16 career starts in Detroit.

The Lions, who are a putrid 1-24 SU (8-17 ATS) in their last 25 starts, are on pointspread declines of 0-4 in September, 1-8 at home and 6-13 against the NFC, though they’ve cashed in their last four NFC North contests and are on a 5-1 ATS run following a non-cover. Detroit is also 11-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games catching double digits.

The under for Minnesota is on rolls of 25-9-1 after an ATS win, 4-1 against NFC foes and 5-1-1 with the Vikes a road favorite, and both of last year’s meetings with the Lions styaed low. But the over has hit in seven of Minnesota’s last nine roadies, and the over for Detroit is on tears of 19-7-1 overall, 10-1-1 against winning teams, 21-8-1 with the Lions as a ‘dog and 7-3-1 at home.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

New Orleans (1-0 SU and ATS) at Philadelphia (1-0 SU and ATS)
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The high-octane Saints march into Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Eagles, who will likely be without QB Donovan McNabb.

New Orleans rolled up 515 yards of offense in a 45-27 win over Detroit on Sunday as a 14-point home chalk. QB Drew Brees picked up where he left off in 2008, completing 26 of 34 passes for 358 yards and an eye-popping six TDs, with one INT, and RB Mike Bell rushed for 143 yards. The Saints lost two of three fumbles, but the defense made up for it by picking off Lions rookie QB Matt Stafford three times.

Philadelphia rolled Carolina 38-10 giving one point on the road Sunday, in large part due to its defense forcing six turnovers, including four INTs and a fumble (returned for a TD) from Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. McNabb suffered a cracked rib on a 3-yard TD run in the third quarter – the last score of the game for either team – and probably will sit this game out against the Saints, meaning Kevin Kolb will get the start. Michael Vick can’t play until next week, and Philly signed former Eagle Jeff Garcia this week as a backup.
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Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS (4-2 SU) in the last six clashes of this rivalry, including a 38-23 victory in December 2007 as a three-point road pup. However, the underdog has cashed in five of the last six meetings.

The Saints are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games following a SU win, but they are otherwise on pointspread upswings of 6-1-1 overall, 5-1-1 against the NFC and 11-5-1 in non-division road games. Likewise, the Eagles are on ATS rolls of 4-1 overall, 5-1 against winning teams, 4-1 in September and 4-1 at the Linc.

New Orleans is on a boatload of “over” streaks, including 19-7-1 overall, 4-0-1 in September, 21-6-1 against NFC foes and a lengthy 44-20-2 against winning teams. The over is also 24-11-1 in Philadelphia’s last 36 games against winning squads, and in this rivalry, the total has cleared the posted price in the last four meetings.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

Carolina (0-1 SU and ATS) at Atlanta (1-0 SU and ATS)
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The Panthers, coming off a dismal Week 1 showing at home, head south to face the division rival Falcons at the Georgia Dome.

Carolina got drubbed by Philadelphia 38-10 Sunday as a one-point home ‘dog, mostly due to six turnovers, including four INTs and a lost fumble from QB Jake Delhomme – with the fumble returned for a touchdown. Delhomme (7 of 17, 73 yards) led an offense that mustered just 169 total yards, and the Panthers allowed two TD drives of less than 10 yards and gave up a punt-return for a score.

Delhomme will start this week, despite committing 11 turnovers (9 INTs, 2 fumbles) in his last two meaningful starts, including five INTs and a fumble in a playoff loss to Arizona last season.
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The Falcons earned a 19-7 home win over Miami on Sunday as a four-point chalk, behind a clean game from QB Matt Ryan (22 of 36, 229 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) and a defense that produced an INT and recovered three Dolphins fumbles. In fact, Miami didn’t get on the board until late in the fourth quarter.

Carolina has split its last four meetings with Atlanta SU and ATS, though the Falcons rolled 45-28 as a one-point home favorite last November. The road team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven contests, but Atlanta is on an 8-3-2 ATS tear at the Georgia Dome in this rivalry.

The Panthers are on ATS runs of 8-1 after a SU loss, 7-2 after a pointspread setback and 5-2 in NFC South action, but they have cashed in just one of their last six road games. The Falcons are on ATS slides of 2-7 in division play and 1-4 against the NFC, but they are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 at home.
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The over has hit in four of the last five contests between these teams. In addition, the over for Carolina is on rolls of 7-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 8-1 against the NFC and 6-2 in the underdog role, and the over for Atlanta is on surges of 9-4 at home and 5-2 against NFC foes.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA and OVER

St. Louis (0-1 SU and ATS) at Washington (0-1, 1-0 ATS)

The Redskins look to get their 2009 campaign on track when they welcome the Rams to FedEx Field.
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Washington fell behind 17-0 against the Giants last Sunday and couldn’t climb all the way back, but a late TD gave the Redskins the cover as a 6½-point ‘dog in a 23-17 road loss. Jason Campbell (19 of 26, 211 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was fair, but Washington lost the time-of-possession battle by more than 12 minutes.

St. Louis was hardly competitive last Sunday in Seattle, falling 28-0 as a seven-point underdog for its 11th consecutive loss (4-7 SU). QB Marc Bulger got little return on his 36 pass attempts, completing 17 for just 191 yards, though he had no INTs. The Rams finished with just 247 total yards, while allowing 446, and they failed to take advantage of two INTs from Matt Hasselbeck.

St. Louis won only two games last season, but the first was a 19-17 road upset of Washington as a heavy 12-point pup in October. The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in this rivalry, with the underdog also 6-2 ATS in that same stretch.

The Redskins are on spread-covering slides of 2-5-2 overall, 1-5 at FedEx Field, 1-4-1 laying points and 3-12-3 against losing teams, though they’ve gone 7-3-2 ATS in their last 12 against NFC foes, and they’ve cashed in four straight September outings. The Rams, who upset Dallas a week after last season’s win over the ‘Skins but haven’t won since, are stuck in pointspread ruts of 6-14 overall, 6-21-1 in September, 6-14 as a ‘dog and 1-4 on the road.
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The under for Washington is on tears of 10-2-1 overall, 7-0 at home, 6-1 after a SU loss and 11-5-1 in September, while the under for St. Louis is on stretches of 5-1-1 overall (all as an underdog) and 9-3 in September. Finally, the under has hit in four of the last five in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON and UNDER

Arizona (0-1 SU and ATS) at Jacksonville (0-1, 1-0 ATS)

The defending NFC champion Cardinals aim to get in the win column when they make the long trip to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium to take on the Jaguars.

Arizona got off to a sluggish start last week against San Francisco, losing 20-16 as a 5½-point home chalk. QB Kurt Warner (26 of 44, 288 yards) had one TD pass offset by a pair of INTs, and the Cards ran for just 40 yards. Arizona finished with 299 yards and only allowed 203, yet came up short.
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Jacksonville hung around at Indianapolis but couldn’t convert a potential tying 2-point conversion early in the fourth quarter, and neither team scored the rest of the way as the Jags fell 14-12 as a 6½-point underdog. QB David Garrard was less than pedestrian, going 14 of 28 for just 122 yards, and Jacksonville finished with 228 total yards while allowing 365. RB Maurice Jones-Drew had a solid day, with 21 carries for 97 yards (4.6 ypc) and a TD.

These two units have met just twice since 2000, with Jacksonville winning and covering both times, most recently in a 24-17 road win as a 3½-point favorite in 2005.

The Cardinals cashed in five straight games – including the Super Bowl loss to the Steelers – before falling short in the season opener, but they are 2-6 ATS in their last eight as a road ‘dog, and they went 0-5 ATS on the East Coast last year. The Jaguars are on several ATS slides, as well, including 2-6 overall, 1-7 at home, 0-5 as a home chalk and 2-5 against losing teams.
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Arizona is on “over” streaks of 35-16 overall, 38-16 on the highway and 38-16 against losing teams. On the flip side, Jacksonville is on “under” runs of 5-1 overall, 4-0 after a SU loss and 7-3 in September.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Seattle (1-0 SU and ATS) at San Francisco (1-0 SU and ATS)

Two teams that appear poised to challenge Arizona for the NFC West title square off when the Seahawks fly down the coast to Candlestick Park to face the 49ers.

Seattle, coming off a 4-12 season, thumped St. Louis 28-0 as a seven-point home favorite last week. QB Matt Hasselbeck, back after an injury-filled 2008, was a little shaky with two INTs, but he finished 25 of 36 for 279 yards and three TDs. RB Julius Jones (117 yards, 1 TD) led a rushing attack that picked up 167 yards as the Seahawks outgained the Rams 446-247.

San Francisco knocked off defending NFC champ Arizona 20-16 getting 5½ points on the road, with Shaun Hill’s short TD pass to Frank Gore midway through the fourth quarter accounting for the winning score. Hill (18 of 31, 209 yards, 1 TD) wasn’t flashy, but he didn’t make any mistakes, and the Niners got the win despite gaining just 203 total yards, while allowing 299.
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Seattle is 3-1 SU and ATS in the last four meetings in this rivalry, including a 34-13 road rout last October as a five-point ‘dog. The Seahawks are 5-2 ATS on their last seven trips to Candlestick, and the visitor has cashed in four of the last five clashes overall.

The Seahawks are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a SU win, but they are otherwise on ATS upswings of 4-1 overall, 9-3 in division play and 15-7 in September. The 49ers are on pointspread runs of 4-1-1 overall and 4-1-1 against winning teams, but they are 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 against NFC foes and 1-5-1 ATS in their last six division tilts.

For Seattle, the under is on streaks of 7-2-1 overall, 5-1-1 against the NFC and 6-2 as a road pup, and the under has hit in five of the last six for San Francisco. However, the over for the 49ers is on rolls of 5-1 at home and 10-3 with the Niners favored. The total also went high in both of last year’s meetings between these two, after a four-game “under” run.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SEATTLE

Tampa Bay (0-1 SU and ATS) at Buffalo (0-1, 1-0 ATS)

The Bills, who fell just short of a huge upset in the season opener, return home to Ralph Wilson Stadium to take on the Buccaneers.
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Buffalo had host New England on the ropes Monday night, leading 24-13 late in the fourth quarter. But they gave up a Tom Brady TD pass with just over two minutes left, then fumbled the ensuing kick, leading to another Brady TD pass and a 25-24 loss as a huge 13-point underdog. QB Trent Edwards was an efficient 15 of 25 for 212 yards and two TDs, with no INTs, and the Bills returned a Brady INT for a score. Buffalo led almost the entire game, despite getting outgained 441-276 and losing the time-of-possession battle by more than 14 minutes.

Tampa Bay tumbled to Dallas 34-21 as a 4½-point home pup Sunday, allowing Tony Romo to throw for 353 yards and three TDs. Byron Leftwich (25 of 41, 276 yards, 1 TD) led a Bucs offense that actually put up good numbers, with Cadillac Williams (97 yards) and Derek Ward (62 yards) leading a running attack that gained 174 yards. Tampa finished with 450 yards while allowing 462, and neither team had a turnover.

These squads have met just twice in the last 10 years, with Tampa going 2-0 SU and ATS, including a 19-3 home win giving three points in 2005.
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The Bills are 2-9 SU and 4-7 ATS in their last 11 games, including 0-5 SU and ATS at home, and they are on further pointspread skids of 1-5 after a spread-cover and 1-4 as a favorite. But Buffalo also carries positive ATS streaks of 5-1 in September, 4-1 after a SU loss and 24-7-1 against losing teams. In addition, the Bills are on a 14-3 ATS firestorm following games against the Patriots.

The Bucs, meanwhile, are 6-2 ATS in their last eight September starts, but they are 0-5 SU (1-4 ATS) in their last five outings overall and are on further pointspread dips of 1-5 overall, 1-6 against losing teams, 1-4 after a SU loss and 6-19 in non-division road games.

The under is 4-1-1 in Buffalo’s last six home games, but otherwise the team is on “over” runs of 5-1 after a SU loss and 4-1 in September. The over for Tampa is on tears of 4-1 overall, 10-1 against losing teams and 9-3 on the highway.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BUFFALO

Cleveland (0-1 SU and ATS) at Denver (1-0 SU and ATS)

The Broncos, coming off a miraculous victory to open the year, play their first home game under coach Josh McDaniels when they host the Browns at Invesco Field.
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Denver beat Cincinnati 12-7 last Sunday as a 4½-point chalk, giving up a TD with 38 seconds left to fall behind 7-6, then winning when a Kyle Orton pass was deflected to Brandon Stokley, who turned it into a shocking 87-yard TD. In a game of two offensively challenged teams, Orton (17 of 28, 243 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs) was steady, while the Broncos’ defense picked off Carson Palmer twice. Matt Prater also nailed field goals of 48 and 50 yards for Denver.

Cleveland got dumped by Minnesota 34-20 as a four-point home ‘dog, giving up 24 unanswered points after taking a 13-10 lead late in the first half on a Josh Cribbs 67-yard punt return. The Browns kept Brett Favre (14 of 21, 110 yards, 1 TD) in check, but let RB Adrian Peterson run wild for 180 yards and three TDs, including a 64-yard jaunt. Cleveland QB Brady Quinn (21 of 35, 205 yards, 1 TD) threw an INT and lost a fumble as new coach Eric Mangini lost his debut.

Denver rallied for 21 fourth-quarter points behind QB Jay Cutler – now with the Bears – for a 34-30 victory at Cleveland as a three-point pup last November. In four meetings with the Browns since 2000, the Broncos are 3-1 SU and ATS.
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Denver halted an 0-3 SU and ATS skid by beating Cincinnati, but it remains one of the worst teams in the league against the number, carrying ATS slides of 11-29-1 overall, 7-20-1 at Mile High, 8-21-1 against AFC opponents and 5-16-1 against losing teams. Likewise, the Browns are on ATS purges of 0-6-1 overall, 0-5 after a SU loss, 0-4 after a non-cover and 0-4 as an underdog.

Denver is on “over” streaks of 7-1 in September and 16-7-1 against the AFC, but the under has been the play in five of its last six home games and is on further rolls of 6-0 after a SU win and 4-0 after a spread-cover. For Cleveland, the under is on streaks of 15-7-1 overall, 4-1 against the AFC and 7-3-1 on the road.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER

Baltimore (1-0 SU and ATS) at San Diego (1-0, 0-1 ATS)

The Ravens make the cross-country trek to Qualcomm Stadium to face the Chargers in a meeting of two playoff teams from 2008.
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Baltimore, which reached the AFC title game last season, struggled to shake lowly Kansas City last Sunday, needing two touchdowns in the final three minutes to claim a 38-24 victory as a hefty 13-point chalk. QB Joe Flacco (26 of 43, 307 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) had a strong effort, and the Ravens rushed for 198 yards – while allowing just 29 on the ground – en route to outgaining the Chiefs by a whopping 501-188 margin.

San Diego had an even more difficult time finishing off Oakland on Monday night, needing an 89-yard TD drive to secure a 24-20 road win, though the Chargers fell far short of covering as a 10-point favorite. QB Philip Rivers (24 of 36, 252 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was average until the last drive, and San Diego was outgained 366-317, but the defense forced three turnovers (two INTs, one fumble recovery).

The Chargers will be without RB LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle injury).
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The last meeting between these two resulted in a 32-14 victory for San Diego as a nine-point home chalk in November 2007, ending a 3-0 SU and ATS run by Baltimore in this rivalry. The host is 6-1 ATS in the last seven clashes, the favorite is on a 5-1 ATS surge, and the Ravens are 1-4 ATS on their last five visits to Qualcomm.

The Ravens, who tied for the league lead at 12-4 ATS last season, are on spread-covering sprees of 16-5 overall, 4-0 in September, 9-2 against the AFC, 4-1 on the road and 5-2 getting points. However, Baltimore is 0-4 ATS on its last four West Coast trips.

The Chargers are on ATS skids of 2-6 laying points and 2-5-1 in September, but they carry positive pointspread streaks of 12-4 at home (10-4 as a home chalk), 19-8-1 against AFC foes and 9-4-1 against winning teams. San Diego is also 10-5 ATS in its last 15 non-division home starts.

The over for Baltimore is on runs of 5-1-1 with the Ravens a ‘dog, 6-2-1 on the highway and 15-7 against the AFC, while the over for San Diego is on rolls of 5-1 overall and 8-0 in September. However, the under is 5-1-1 in the Chargers’ last seven home games, and in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in five of the last six meetings.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO

Pittsburgh (1-0, 0-1 ATS) at Chicago (0-1 SU and ATS)
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The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers, coming off an extended break, invade Soldier Field to take on the Bears in a non-conference clash.

Pittsburgh needed overtime to get past Tennessee in a Thursday night contest Sept. 10, winning 13-10 but failing to beat the 6½-point spread. Ben Roethlisberger (33 of 43, 363 yards, 1 TD) had good numbers but also threw a pair of INTs, and the Steelers’ ground game produced a measly 36 yards. Pittsburgh made up for that with an eight-minute edge in time of possession, driving for the field goal on the opening possession of OT.

QB Jay Cutler had a disastrous debut with Chicago, throwing a career-worst four INTs in a 21-15 Sunday night road loss to Green Bay. The Bears nearly cashed, though, as Green Bay needed a two-point conversion on a late TD to cover the 4½-point spread. Cutler finished 17 of 36 for 277 yards and a TD, and the Bears outgained the Packers 352-226, but they couldn’t overcome their quarterback’s turnovers.
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Pittsburgh posted a 21-9 home victory laying 6½ points against Chicago in December 2005, the only meeting between these two in the past 10 years.

The Steelers have failed to cash in four straight September starts and are on further ATS skids of 1-4 as a road favorite and 7-19-1 giving three points or less, though they’ve covered in seven of their last 10 overall, five of seven on the road and eight of 11 versus the NFC.

The Bears are on ATS upticks of 4-1 after a SU loss and 9-4 after a non-cover, but they carry negative pointspread streaks of 1-4-1 overall, 0-5 as a pup, 2-7-1 in September and 4-9-2 against winning teams.

The over for Pittsburgh is on runs of 5-2 on the road, 5-1 with the Steelers as a road chalk and 4-1 after a SU win, and the over is 20-8 in Chicago’s last 28 games at Soldier Field.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

N.Y. Giants (1-0 SU and ATS) at Dallas (1-0 SU and ATS)

For the second straight week, the Giants face an NFC East rival as they travel to take on the Cowboys, with Dallas’ glitzy new stadium featured in the Sunday night matchup.
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New York jumped out to a 17-0 lead against Washington last week and was never really threatened in a 23-17 victory, but a late Redskins TD kept the Giants from covering as a 6½-point home chalk. Eli Manning (20 of 29, 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) was steady for an offense that netted 351 yards and posted a 12-minute time-of-possession edge, while New York’s defense allowed just 272 total yards.

Dallas got it going in the second half at Tampa Bay last week, rolling to a 34-21 victory as a 4½-point favorite. Tony Romo was an efficient 16 of 27 for 353 yards and three long TDs as the Cowboys had no turnovers and racked up 462 yards of total offense. However, the Pokes also allowed 450 yards, including 174 on the ground.

The host won and covered in the two meetings last year between New York and Dallas, with the Giants rolling 35-14 as a 9½-point chalk in November and the Cowboys returning the favor in a 20-8 win giving three points in December. The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes in this rivalry.
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The Giants are 0-4 ATS in their last four division contests, but they are on nothing but positive pointspread streaks from there, including 20-7 overall, 21-6 on the highway, 9-1 as an underdog (with the lone non-cover as a ‘dog coming at Dallas) and 16-5 against winning teams. The Cowboys are on ATS rolls of 6-1 as a chalk, 7-0-1 laying three points or less, 8-2 in September and 4-1 at home, but they are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 NFC East tilts and 4-9 ATS in their last 13 against winning teams.

The under is 10-4 in the last 14 Giants-Cowboys battles in Dallas, and the under for New York is on tears of 5-2 overall, 4-1 in division play, 13-6 on the highway and 8-2 with the Giants a road pup. The over for Dallas is on upswings of 6-2 after a SU win, 19-7-2 after a spread-cover and 8-3-1 in September.
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ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS

Road Woes
BY SportsPic

Last week we cautioned Cardinals could to fall prey to the Super Bowl Runner-Up Jinks that has seen their likes destroy betting accounts to the tune of 61-95-4 (38.1%) the past ten season. Not surprising Cardinals dropped their opener 20-16 as +5.5 point favorites. So, can Whisenhunt's troops flip the switch heading into Jacksonville to take on Jaguars ? Probably not. Super Bowl Runner Ups have a strong tendency to collapse on the highway recording a 29-51 record with a 31-48-1 ATS mark at the betting window. Fortunately Cardinals are not laying points, because SB Runner Ups are a horrendous 9-22 ATS (29.0%) on the road as favorites. Still, Cardinals notoriously punch-less when traveling to the Eastern Time Zone going 0-5 last year outscored by a whopping 20 point/game, a brutal 12-25 (15-22 ATS) in September including 4-16 (9-11 ATS) on the road hardly gives them much credibility. Jaguars limiting Manning and the high scoring Colts to just 14 points should do a number on the Cardinal offense lacking the energy displayed during their playoff run. Consider Jaguars, Cardinals are a miserable 7-53 (18-40-2 ATS) on the highway scoring 21 or less points.