Five Things You Need to Know for Sun., Sept. 16
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Five Things You Need to Know in Sports
Want to start your sports day off right? Looking for some action and the most exciting matchups of the day? The NFL is on tap so let's get right to it. Here is a brief look at the top five important matchups of the day.
1)Baltimore at Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field
The Eagles struggled last week in Cleveland, winning 17-16 despite QB Michael Vick throwing four interceptions. If the Eagles’ offense struggles this week, they’ll be on the wrong side of a blowout. Baltimore played very well at home on Monday night, crushing AFC North rival Cincinnati, 44-13. Joe Flacco threw for 299 yards as the Ravens thrived in a no-huddle offense. The strength of the Eagles’ defense are their two outstanding defensive ends in Trent Cole and Jason Babin. Baltimore’s defense will have to step up to stop RB LeSean "Shady" McCoy. Baltimore is 3-1 ATS L4 in series. Philadelphia is a 2.5-point favorite and the total is 46.5. .
2)New York Jets at Pittsburgh, Heinz Field
The Jets blew out Buffalo in their opener 48-28, while the Steelers are coming off a tough loss on Sunday night, 31-19 in Denver. But the Steelers are one of the best bounce-back teams in the league. CB Darrelle Revis is out due to a concussion, which means young Kyle Wilson will have to defend either speedy Mike Wallace or Antonio Brown. The Steelers' defense doesn’t have to face Peyton Manning and a no-huddle offense that was run to perfection. Pittsburgh is 8-0 ATS off a loss. Pittsburgh is a 5-point favorite with a total of 41.5.
3)Tampa Bay at New York Giants, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J
The Giants have about 10 days to prepare for this one after losing to Dallas in their opener. Two rookie running backs could have a big impact in this game as Tampa Bay will go with Doug Martin, while the Giants backup David Wilson has the speed to cause the Bucs' matchup problems. Tampa Bay beat Carolina last week, 16-10 as a 2.5-point home dog. NY Giants are 6-1 ATS L7 overall. NY Giants are a 7-point favorite with a total of 44.
4)New Orleans at Carolina, Bank of America Stadium
These two teams started out with losses as favorite during the opening week. This now becomes a very important NFC South game. Last week, New Orleans was upset at home by Washington, 40-32, while Carolina fell as a road fave to Tampa Bay, 16-10. Last year, the Saints won both games, including the road game, 30-27, but didn't cover the 6.5. This is a matchup of QB Cam Newton against Drew Brees. New Orleans is 9-2 ATS L11 overall. The Saints are a 2-point favorite with a total of 51.5.
5)Detroit at San Francisco, Candlestick Park
It’s the return of the "handshake game". Last year, Detroit coach Jim Schwartz was unhappy that Jim Harbaugh shook his hand quickly after the game ended. The Lions lost the game last year at home, 25-19. The Lions will have a tough time going up against a very good defense led by Patrick Willis, that basically shut down Green Bay last week on the road, 30-22. The Lions can't run the ball so they have to look to WR Calvin Johnson. The 49ers will look to establish the run against the Lions’ defense. San Francisco is 6-0 ATS at home off a road game. San Francisco is a 7-point favorite with a total of 46.