NFL Week 10- The Quick Read

By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning face off in Indianapolis, and it seems to be the game on the lips of broadcasters and other media to fans and, I am sure, players, as well. The battle of the perennial favorites, one undefeated in the Colts and Manning, and the other returning to his dominant form after his injury to bring his team back into the talks of the Super Bowl-bound, that being Tom Brady and the Patriots. The other great game features the division rival Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, making for a great weekend of football coming up!

Jaguars (4-4) @ Jets (4-4) -6.5 O/U 41

The Jags are one-dimensional with only their running game to lean on. With Maurice Jones-Drew’s hands on the ball during the majority of the offensive plays for Jacksonville, anything can happen. Jets are off the bye week and are getting healthy, and I believe their defense returns to what got them off to such a great start and Mark Sanchez settles down and gets it done.

Jets win 24-13

Broncos (6-2) @ Redskins (2-6) +3.5 O/U 36.5

The Redskins’ anemic offense has a hard time scoring against anyone, and if they get a field goal in this game they will be lucky. Denver should be able to put enough points on the board to get the win and will control the clock.

Broncos win 17-3

Bengals (6-2) @ Steelers (6-2) -7 O/U 41.5

The Bengals won the first matchup 23-20 in Ohio and can almost sweep their division with a win over the stingy home Steelers, leaving only one game against Cleveland to complete it. The Steelers’ home record has been well documented, and Big Ben has been slinging. Though they are on a short week, the hometown defending Super Bowl team will get it done and take the division lead.

Steelers win 27-17

Bills (3-5) @ Titans (2-6) -7.5 O/U 41

The injury bug has infected the Bills all season and yet a return of Trent Edwards and a possible exit for this game for Terrell Owens. The surging Titans may have found what got them to the great record of last season and should stick it to this bellowing Buffalo.

Titans win 31-17

Lions (1-7) @ Vikings (7-1) -16.5 O/U 47.5

The Lions, though with a win this year, are still horrid and their division rival Vikings are on top and in cruise control. The Lions surprisingly hold big AP on the ground, which opens the door for the ever rejuvenated and youthful Farve to go through the air for big plays to Harvin and the other receivers in a blowout!

Vikings win 42-17

Saints (8-0) @ Rams (1-7) +13.5 O/U 50

Come on man! Is it worth talking about, no! Saints, Saints, Saints! Nuff said!

Saints win 45-3

Falcons (5-3) @ Panthers (3-5) +1.5 O/U 43.5

The Falcons RB Michael Turner has had big games against this division rival Carolina team. Though the Panthers looked good against the Cardinals two weeks ago and hung in with the Saints last week, albeit in a loss, they have only beat Washington, Tampa and the aforementioned Arizona Cardinals. Turner run, run, run, Gonzales TD.

Falcons win 35-24

Buccaneers (1-7) @ Dolphins (3-5) -10 O/U 43.5

Though Bucs rookie QB Josh Freeman looked good last week and surprised the Packers with Tampa’s first win, I believe the adrenaline rush will be gone as he faces a much tougher team. The Dolphins will control the clock and power their way past the poor rush defense of Tampa.

Dolphins win 24-13

Chiefs (1-7) @ Raiders (2-6) -2 O/U 36.5

A divisional game that means nothing aside from pride pretty much from here on out for both teams, unless either can go undefeated for the rest of the season, ummm no! Oakland beat KC in week two 13-10, but if anyone has improved I would have to say it’s been KC. Season series split.

Chiefs win 16-13

Seahawks (3-5) @ Cardinals -8.5 O/U 46.5

Points should be fairly abundant in this game but the majority of them should be on the home team’s scoreboard. Would the real Kurt Warner please stand up? If he does, the Cards roll. If he doesn’t, is it time to see Matt Leinart take the reins? Perhaps next year, Matty.

Cardinals win 38-21

Eagles (5-3) @ Chargers (5-3) -1 O/U 47

The Eagles have injuries, but they should get RB Brian Westbrook back. He and the other offensive weapons on this Philly team make them are dangerous. Chargers QB Phillip Rivers has a great record at home throughout his career, and they are coming off a 21-20 win against Philly’s division rival New York Giants. Lots of points and whoever scores last should win. Eagles will run it through the soft rush D of the Chargers, and their defense may even score and will stop Chargers a few times.

Eagles win 38-31

Patriots (6-2) @ Colts (8-0) -3 O/U 48

The premier matchup of the weekend will be played Sunday night in prime time at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The three big weapons of the Pats, Brady, Moss and Welker, will be trying to outdo the three bigs of the Colts with Manning, Wayne and Clark. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will be doing their best to limit Brady’s time in the pocket, where he does most of his damage. The Pats’ injuries and number of questionable players who were limited in practice makes me want to go against popular belief that the Pats are the team to take in this game. I am sticking with the home side in this one against the injured team on the road.

Colts win 28-24

Ravens (4-4) @ Browns (1-7) +10.5 O/U 39.5

This Monday night game is over pretty much before it starts in my mind. The Browns have been atrocious this season, and losing four of their last five, the Ravens have to get back to winning football games if they have any hopes of a playoff berth. Flacco should get some confidence back, and Ray Rice should rumble into the end zone a good number of times in this lopsided game.

Ravens win 37-6

Enjoy the great games this weekend and hopefully we all pull a little further ahead in our pools and perhaps make a little loot on the side!

All the Best!

 

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Falcons-Saints: Atlanta Flying into New Orleans on Injured Wing

By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

Falcons @ Saints -11.5 O/U 55.5

The New Orleans Saints, 6-0, are now one of two undefeated teams left after the Broncos fell to the Ravens. Indy, 7-0, remained unbeaten slipping past the 49ers.

The question is will the Saints remain undefeated after tonight when they host the division rival dirty birds, more commonly known as the Atlanta Falcons.

No one has really been able to slow the New Orleans offense. Surprisingly, the only two teams to hold them to under 30 points have both come from the AFC East, and those were the Bills (27) and the Jets (24). Both who have good corners and at least in the case of the Jets an overall good defense. The same I believe could be said for the Bills if they were fully healthy this season.

The Saints rank first overall in points (39.7) and total yards (427.3) per game while ranking sixth in passing yards (272.8) and third in rushing yards (154.5).

The Saints haven’t only been lighting it up on offense. They have also been limiting teams on the defensive side of the ball, which has been the knock against this team in the past.

Well, I believe the critics must be silenced somewhat by now with the Saints defense posting fairly respectable numbers and sitting in the middle of the pack at 18th in points allowed (21.2), 11th in total yards allowed (306.7), 16th in passing yards allowed (214.3), and having stuffed the rush and standing at sixth in rushing yards allowed (92.3).

The health of a team is always a factor, and though many of the Saints are banged up, most had full participation in practice and are probable aside from starters LB Scott Fujita (calf) DNP who is questionable and DT Sedrick Ellis (knee) DNP who is out.

The Atlanta Falcons, after a strong season last year (11-5) and the offseason acquisition of future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzales, were primed for another run to the playoffs, and they have continued on that path, posting a record of 4-2. Their losses have come to New England as Tom Brady found his groove and to a Dallas team just off their bye week.

Their offensive stats are all middle of the pack, and their defensive stats are all in the bottom third aside from points against, which sits at 13th overall, allowing an average of 24 points per game.

The Falcons are banged up, and contrary to the Saints’ health, most are questionable for this game and were either limited in practice or did not participate.

The New Orleans Saints’ offense with their versatile weapons will be too much for this banged up Falcons team to hang around with, though the Falcons should put some points on the board. In the end, though, the Saints will dominate and stay undefeated.

New Orleans wins 45-28.

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Week Eight NFL Lines: The Quick Read

By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

The big favourites keep covering the double digit spreads and Vegas is getting killed by them. The star quarterbacks are living up to their expectations and getting it done while the injuries pile up on every team and are always a huge component when looking at which side comes out victorious on game day.

There have never been this many undefeated teams this late in the season and some may continue down that road and some may be stopped dead in their tracks.

 

Broncos @ Ravens -3 O/U 41.5

The Broncos are one of three undefeated teams left and they are taking on a Ravens team that has not been the defensive juggernaut of the past with only their rush defence ranking in the top 10 yet all four offensive categories rank in the top 10 overall, somewhat a reversal of roles that is not faring well for this team.

They say defence wins championships, well the Bronco’s are first over points allowed and rank in the top ten in the other three categories. Earlier in the year I just couldn’t buy into this Denver team and each week they prove me wrong with their athletic defence and second half surges.

As the Ravens at 3-3 fall further behind the division leading Steelers and the surprising Bengals who both have records of 5-2, their playoff hopes begin to dwindle and must feel backed into a corner. For these two teams, health doesn’t seem to be an issue, as all injured players had full participation in practice aside from Ravens T Jared Gaither.

Baltimore may be backed into a corner, but can they fight their way out it?

Ravens Win 21-20

 

Browns @ Bears -13 O/U 40.5

After two straight road losses the Bears return to the friendly confines of Soldier field to face a Browns team that continues to head further down the wrong road no matter which way they are going. The Bears get back on track against an injured team who is just terrible.

Bears win 38-10

 

Texans @ Bills +3 O/U 41

Both these teams have won two in a row yet both face numerous injuries to their starters but the Texans seem to be the healthier team with almost all having full participation in practice while the Bills are still missing starters QB Trent Edwards, SS Donte Whitner, T Jonathan Scott, and DT Kyle Williams who are listed as out for this game.

Houston wins 24-13

 

Vikings @ Packers -3 O/U47

Brett Farve returns to the stadium he played in for most of his career and this should bring up many emotions for him, but with his 6-1 team, he is there to take care of business. Aaron Rogers the heir apparent has lead his team to a 4-2 record and would like nothing more than to beat his old mentor and his team has only given up three points in their last two wins mind you that was against the Detroit and Cleveland.

Both sides face some key injuries Vikings WR Percy Harvin (illness) will most likely be a game-time decision and CB Antoine Winfield in out, for Green Bay C Jason Spitz and S Derrick Martin are both doubtful.

Vikings win 34-24

 

49ers @ Colts -13 O/U 44.5

The Colts are another one of the undefeated teams at 6-0, with Peyton Manning making an early bid for league MVP and look to stay that way facing a 49ers team that hasn’t been great as of late.

The 49ers will be starting Alex Smith after they pulled Shaun Hill last week when down 21-0 to the Texans and as we saw Smith came in and looked great, though there was no pressure as there is when starting a game. The 49ers are in tight against a very good Colts team and will fall short of the mark.

Colts win 28- 13

 

Dolphins @ Jets -3.5 O/U 40.5

This divisional matchup pits the No. 1 and 2 rushing teams against each other with the Jets averaging 184.9 yards per game on the ground and Miami averaging 170.3 rushing yards per game. The Jets’ rush defence is ranked 22nd against the run and Miami’s D is ranked fourth.

The Dolphins are the healthier team. Neither team throws the ball exceptionally well, but if Miami’s receivers can make a few catches and their pass defence can limit the Jets’ passing yards, Miami should get the upset.

Miami win 24-20

 

Rams @ Lions -4 O/U 43.5

This game has it all, two great teams battling for top spots in each of their respective…oh wait a minute this is the Rams Lions game bahahahahaha…yeah both these teams are still horrid and as to who wins it’s anybody’s guess so I will throw it out there.

The Rams get their first win of the season against an injured Lions team, this scary because the Rams offence is terrible and Detroit’s hasn’t been that bad.

Rams win 17-13

 

Seahawks @ Cowboys -9.5 O/U 46

The Boys had a good showing last week beating a pretty good Atlanta team while the Seahawks lost at home to Arizona 27-3. The healthy Cowboys should roll against a team missing their leader on defence LB Lofa Tatupu who is out with a torn pectoral muscle.

The Cowboys defence has been getting better each week and Tony Romo is rounding into form, if wide receiver Roy Williams could be productive this Cowboys team could really go on a roll but Miles Austin has really stepped up and been great the last two games and if he can keep it up the secondary of the Seahawks may have a tough day.

Cowboys win 34-13

 

Raiders @ Chargers -16.5 O/U 41.5

The Chargers who haven’t had much success to say the least running the ball this year may turn things around on the ground against a 30th ranked rush defence of the Raiders, but with the lack of the run the Chargers have gone to the air with much prosperity ranking fourth overall in passing yards.

The Raiders’ pass defence isn’t that bad sitting 12th overall but they may not be able to put enough points on the board on the offensive side of the ball for anything else to make a difference.

Chargers win 38-10

 

Jaguars @ Titans -3 O/U 44.5

Both these teams have talent yet have been inept on both sides of the ball, the Titans are winless at 0-6 and are going to start QB Vince Young a once thought future of the franchise.

The Jaguars are 3-3 and have been very unpredictable though in the first meeting at home against this divisional rival won 37-17, if they can repeat feat who knows. The Titans coach Jeff Fisher is a never say die kind of guy and should motivate his team to get a W in the win column but if they can produce is another story.

Jaguars win 27- 24

 

Panthers @ Cardinals -10 O/U 41.5

The Cardinals 4-2 have three wins in a row and face a Panthers team that are 2-4 beating Tampa and Washington yet who lost last week at home to the Bills 20-9. With the travel across the country for the Panthers and last year’s playoff loss to this Arizona team this is a tough spot for them.

Arizona has steadily improved and should continue along that road though they are facing the number one pass defence and their bread and butter is the pass where as their rushing sits last in the league and may improve against a Carolina team that ranks 26th against the rush.

Cardinals win 23-10

 

Giants @ Eagles +1.5 O/U 44.5

This is an extremely important game within the NFC east division and could leave one standing alone atop the pile. With all the injuries the Eagles sustained last week including a key one to their main offensive weapon Brian Westbrook not to mention all the others the eagles will be in tough.

The Giants have looked horrid in the last couple weeks and should rebound this week albeit on the road where we know how good Eli Manning has been. Too many injuries for the Eagles should lead to a Giants romp.

Giants win 34-24

 

Falcons @ Saints -11 O/U 55

This Monday night game should be an offensive thriller with the high flying Saints hosting the Falcons who boast a number of weapons including future hall of fame TE Tony Gonzales.

The injuries to Falcons, which have left many of their players as game time decisions where as the injuries to the Saints who are all mostly probable leave the question of how many points do the Saints win by more or less.

Saints win 45-28

 

Should be a great weekend of football as it always is enjoy the games and all the best!

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Week Five NFL Lines: The Quick Read

Last week there were a bunch of close games, and some of those played heavy on the spreads that were, and weren’t covered. This week, as in almost every week, there are those games that are tough to cap. Looking down the games though, most people will be riding the favourites, and I am one of those.

 

Vikings at Rams +10.5 O/U 40.5

 

The Viks are coming off a big emotional win, at least for Brett Farve, and a short week. But come on we’re talking about the Rams, and the NFC North is a competitive one, and I don’t see the Viks letting up here. AP runs wild!

 

Vikings win 27-6

 

 

Cowboys at Chiefs +7.5 O/U 43.5

 

After a disappointing outing against the undefeated Bronco’s (who would have thunk it!), the Cowboys will look to get back in the win column. The spread has come down during the week, and has become a tad more favorable. Tony Romo was horrible, and so were his receivers, at least after the first quarter. Cowboys get back on the horse.

 

Cowboys win 24-13

 

 

Redskins at Panthers +4.5 O/U 37.5

 

The Redskins offense is still non-existent, and the Panthers QB, Jake Delhomme, will have to be a leader, and has a good chance here to help bring the first win of the season to his team, and should. But a lot should rest on the running of Deangelo Williams as the Redskins are 22nd against the rush, and give up 128 yards per game.

 

Panthers win 17-10

 

 

Buccaneers at Eagles -15.5 O/U 41.5

 

The Bucs have been pretty bad defensively, and with the return of Donavan McNabb, and Brian Westbrook getting healthy, the Eagles should dominate, and add to the totals against the Bucs. The Eagles had one poor showing on defense, and that was against the high scoring Saints who seem to score at will on anyone. Tampa won’t be able to run the ball as much as they would like to, which is seemingly their bread and butter, because they will be behind early. There will also be a Vick sighting…Meh!

 

Eagles win 35-13

 

 

Raiders at Giants -15.5 O/U 37.5

 

If the Giants were playing anyone else the over under would be in the mid-forties, which also tells us, yet again, how poor the Oakland offence is. The Giants should smash and bash their way with a tough running game as Eli’s foot is damaged, and may limit his mobility, so look for him to dump balls off in quick routes, and hand it off as much as possible. The Raiders are 26th against the run, giving 146.2 yards per game. The Raiders’ offence is horrid, as we all know, but its not all Jamarcus Russell’s fault, with all the fumbles in the running game, and all the dropped balls by receivers.

 

Giants win 27-10

 

 

Browns at Bills -6 O/U 41

 

Cleveland had a good showing finally, albeit in a loss against their division and state rival Bengals last week, and have now traded Braylon Edwards to the Jets, relieving them of the headaches that he brought to the team. But loosing your number one receiver can’t be good, even though he dropped almost every pass. The Bills are still banged up, but this could be the week that TO and Lee Evans breakout. Their running game will be effective with Lynch and Jackson. Cleveland is 31st against the run, and 22nd against the pass, and score only 12.2 points per game.

 

Bills win 31-17

 

 

Bengals at Ravens -9 O/U 42.5

 

The Ravens lost to the Patriots last week with some questionable calls going against them, due to Tom Brady’s crying to the referees (c’mon man!). But, they were still in the game. The Bengals had a hard time taking out the Browns? The Ravens are 23rd against the pass, but still contain when allowing passing plays, good luck running against them as they rank first against the run. The Bengals’ defense will have a hard time stopping this potent Ravens offense that ranks in the Top Six in every department.

 

Ravens win 38-14

 

 

Steelers at Lions +11 O/U 44

 

Pittsburgh was dominant last week in a win against San Diego, though a late charge by the Diego offence finalized the score at much closer than it truly was. The Lions are now missing their rookie QB due to injury, and will be starting veteran Dante Culpepper. Rashard Mendenhall ran wild last week, and he should have similar numbers against a poor Lions defense. Big Ben won his first Superbowl here!

 

Steelers win 28-10

 

 

Falcons at 49ers -2.5 O/U 40.5

 

The 49ers are looking good and have now signed rookie receiver Michael Crabtree. Whether or not he’s a factor in this game is still to be seen. The Falcons are coming off the bye week and should come out guns-a-blazing. The 49ers hung tough against Minny in Week Three, yet haven’t played anyone else who have truly challenged them. The Falcons will come out rested, and should make this a game against the inflated defensive stats of the of the 49ers.

 

Falcons win 20-17

 

 

Patriots at Broncos +3 O/U 41

 

Are the Broncos for real? Well in their weak division they are, and against a deer caught in the head lights, which was the Dallas Cowboys last week, they were as well. Brady and the Patriots are rounding into form now, and the refs are on their side as we saw last week. This should be a tough game as the Broncos defense is playing above and beyond anything that was expected of them. Yet again, a weak early schedule has helped that, and this will be a true test. Kyle Orton (c’mon man) this guy is still the poor QB he was in Chicago. Don’t be fooled!

 

Patriots win 24-17

 

 

Texans at Cardinals -6 O/U 50

 

Yes, expect a lot of scoring in this game, because both teams have talented receiving cores, no doubt! The Texans are better defensively through the air, yet give up a lot on the ground, but there in lies the weakness of the Cards, the run game. Both teams should throw the ball a lot, but if it is close, the Texans may be able to run out the clock.

 

Arizona win 28-24

 

 

Jaguars at Seahawks -2 O/U 44.5

 

Hasselbeck is back, but how healthy is he, and if he gets hit, which I believe he will, can he handle it? The Jags have broken out in the last two weeks, posting Houston and Tennessee. Maurice Jones-Drew should have a big game against the 21st ranked rush defense of the Seahawks. The Jaguars will have to defend the pass in this game against a good receiving core, and this has been a problem for the Jags, but if they can limit the scoring of a team that hasn’t really been that potent so far, they should be able to win this game.

 

Jaguars win 24-17

 

 

Colts at Titans +3.5 O/U 44.5

 

The Titans of last year are all but a wisp of smoke dissipating into the darkness, and their huge problem is stopping the pass, and facing Peyton Manning and the Colts’ emerging star Pierre Garcon, not to mention the always dangerous Reggie Wayne. When it comes down to it Tenny will run, and Indy will throw.

 

Colts win 37-24

 

Jets at Dolphins +2 O/U 36.5

 

The Dolphins took it to the Bills last week, but will have a much more difficult task while playing a healthier defense with the Jets. The Jets have acquired receiver Braylon Edwards from the Browns and will start him.

 

Jets win 24-21

 

Enjoy the games, and ALL THE BEST!

 

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NFL Lines Week 4: The Quick Read

By Louis “King of Roncesvalles” Pisano

The Manning brothers stay perfect through three weeks with a sibling rivalry driving the ever growing debate as to who is the better QB in the family. Papa Archie Manning should have his DNA stored for future cloning…just a thought.

The Ravens are quickly establishing themselves as not only a defensive juggernaut but an equally potent offensive threat.

Seemingly everyone’s pre-season pick as a powerhouse, the Green Bay Packers, don’t look as good as projected, especially in their new 3-4 defence. For now, my record is sitting at 30-18 against the spread and 36-12 straight up.

Lions @ Bears -10 O/U 40.5

Both teams defences are plagued by injury, and Cutler seems to be getting more comfortable in his new home as is his counterpart Matthew Stafford, last week breaking the goose egg (0-19) in the win column against the offensively challenged Redskins.

Both teams’ receivers should have big games. The Lions have covered five of the last six spreads, including both games in Chicago.

Bears Win 31-24

 

Buccaneers @ Redskins -7.5 O/U 37

This game isn’t worth the pixels in this sentence, really! Both teams average a meagre 13 points per game on offense, Washington should be looking to improve on those stats playing against the Bucs.

With Tampa’s injuries on offense and a completely inept defence which ranks 31st in 3 of 4 categories including giving up an average of 187.3 yards on the ground, Clinton Portis may look like the running back of old when he came over in the trade for Champ Bailey.

Redskins Win 17-6

 

Raiders @ Texans -8.5 O/U 42.5

This may look like a blowout game, but it’s a lot closer than one might think. The Texans while having a good passing attack, are challenged defensively and rank 32nd in both total yards 436.7 and in rush yards allowed at 205 per game.

The Raiders may have an answer for the passing game ranking 14th overall. Darren McFadden could have a big day and chew up valuable time off the clock. Houston lost last year in Oakland 27-16 in week 16.

Houston Wins 24-17

 

Seahawks @ Colts -10 O/U 44

Peyton Manning continues to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the league and should carve up the secondary of the Seahawks though they rank 12th against the pass giving up 246.3 yards per game. Wayne, Clark, and Garcon should get the ball quite a bit as both CB for Seattle are banged up.

Seattle will have to run the ball well with Julius Jones and Edgerrin James in his first game against his old team, and should have some success against one of the league’s worst run defences, if they hope to hand around in this game.

Colts Win 30-17

 

Titans @ Jaguars +3 O/U 41.5

In this tough divisional battle, we’ll see a clash of power football both teams run the ball and run the ball and run the ball, but one team defends the rush better and that’s the Titans.

If the Jaguars can throw the ball they may have some success against a pass susceptible Titans team, but that seems to be a problem for them ranking 19th through the air.

Kerry Collins should be able to throw the ball effectively when necessary against the worst pass defence in the league.

Titans Win 23-17

 

Ravens @ Patriots -1.5 O/U 44.5

This is one of the premiere match-ups of the week and both these teams come in playing some good football, statistically.

Baltimore has only been challenged by San Diego albeit on the road. New England’s only game against a good team was the Jets in which they lost on the road as well.

Also, they were close to a loss to division rival Buffalo, but they did beat a good team in the Falcons.

This game comes down to who wants it more, and after all the factors, Baltimore looks like the team on the rise where as the Pats seem to be on the decline.

Baltimore Wins 23-17

 

Giants @ Chiefs +8.5 O/U 42

The Giants dominance on the road should continue facing a weak Kansas City team who still lacks identity Eli Manning should be able to move the ball through the air with ease against the 20th-ranked pass defence of KC.

Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw will dominate the run defence of KC which ranks 19th. The Chiefs may put up a couple points, but not enough to make this a game.

Giants Win – 35-10

 

Bengals @ Browns -6 O/U 37.5

With both these defences injured all over the place, the Browns may actually finally score a touchdown. Eventually, the Bengals offense will score more than the Browns while Carson Palmer seems to be finding his groove again.

Ocho should have a couple celebrations ready for a crowd that may be cheering on the visitors.

Bengals Win 27-17

 

Bills @ Dolphins Pick O/U 37.5

This should be a battle of ground games with the return of Marshawn Lynch, for Buffalo, who will split carries with Fred Jackson who so far this year has been great.

The Dolphins lost QB Chad Pennington last week and QB Chad Henne will get his first start in the NFL.

He gives the Fish a new dimension with a much more powerful arm than his predecessor and may at points challenge the injury riddled CB position of the Bills.

Miami will have to defend against the pass as well, where TO and Lee Evans will try and take advantage of a weak secondary that ranks 26th against the pass.

Bills Win 20-17

 

Jets @ Saints -7 O/U 45.5

This game features two undefeated teams, but only one can stay that way. New Orleans has one of the most prolific offenses that the NFL has seen in a number of years led by Drew Brees.

The Jets defence has been great and ranks in the top 10 in every category and rookie QB Mark Sanchez hasn’t disappointed his New York fans, though he has been kept on a tight leash and has been pretty much mistake-free.

The rookie maybe overwhelmed in the Superdome, while Brees is quick enough to elude the pass rush of the Jets.

Saints Win 31-21

 

Cowboys @ Broncos +3 O/U 42.5

Denver’s statistics shouldn’t be a factor when looking at this game considering they beat Cincinnati with a last second play and two terrible teams, Oakland and Cleveland who can’t put any points on the board.

Dallas beat Tampa and Carolina, nothing to brag about, but they hung with the Giants who are one of the best teams in football and lost by two points.

This will be the Broncos’ first real challenge of the season and they should see a heavy dose of Marion Barber and Tashard Choice and a Dallas team that ranks first overall running the ball.

Two big injuries on the offensive line may hamper Denver’s ability to block the pass rush of the Cowboys.

Cowboys Wins 27-20

 

Rams @ 49ers -9.5 O/U 37.5

The 49ers will be without their star running back Frank Gore but rookie Glen Coffee an Alabama product should be able to fill the position quite nicely while facing a horrid Rams team.

The Rams are terrible and rank in the bottom of the league in almost every category aside from running the ball with Stephen Jackson who will be going up against the fourth ranked rushing defence of the 49ers.

The problem facing the 49ers is they are injured in almost every position though most participated fully in practice.

This game and Detroit in week 8 may be the only chance this team has to get a win, is St. Louis the Detroit Lions of last year?

49ers Win – 24-10

Chargers @ Steelers +6.5 O/U 42.5

We all remember the craziness of last year’s regular season meeting and the 20 minute wait to determine the final score.

Well, this game may be just as close and the Chargers must want some revenge after the Steelers knocked them out of the playoffs last year 34-24.

Pittsburgh hasn’t been the same on either side of the ball without team leader Troy Polamalu and with Willie Parker listed as doubtful the Chargers must be licking their chops there is still Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore to worry about.

Darren Sproles hasn’t been lights out but he has breakaway speed and could go off at any moment while Philip Rivers has been going to the air with quite a bit of success.

After losing to the Bengals last week and Chicago week two the Steelers are in dire need of a win.

Steelers Win 23-20

Packers @ Vikings -4 O/U 45.5

This prime time game between division rivals will be one for the ages, as it is the first game Brett Favre faces his old team the Green Bay Packers. Favre and the undefeated Vikings look to stay that way while pummelling the porous run defence of the Packers.

The Packers will have a hard time on the offensive side of the ball as well, as they face the Vikings fourth-ranked pass defence and a 12th-ranked run defence. Both teams are completely healthy so lets the sparks fly on Monday Night!

Vikings Win 38-24

Enjoy the weekend of football; good luck and all the best!

Syndicated at www.tosports.ca

 

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Dallas Cowboys Loading Their Six-Shooters; Preparing To Hunt Wounded Panthers

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will be insisting on a win from his Boys when they host the Carolina Panthers on prime time, Monday night.

The new $1.15 billion Cowboy Stadium will be rocking and surely filled to capacity in excess of 100,000 people tonight.

Though the 12th man wasn’t able to push the Boys over the top last week against their bitter rival, the New York Giants, the Boys may not need them to do anything other than cheer them on, drink beer, and buy Cowboys merchandise, while they pad their stats against the weak Panthers.

This season, the Cowboys have yet to register a sack which must be a sore spot, after recording the most in the league last year with 59. The Panthers RT Jeff Otah and LT Jordan Gross are both injured, and LB DeMarcus Ware who had 20 sacks last year, must be licking his chops.

Last year, LB Bradie James and NT Jay Ratliff combined for 15.5 sacks and will be looking to get on the board as well.

As we all know, Jake Delhomme isn’t the most mobile guy. He will surely find himself on his back a lot if he has to hang in the pocket waiting for wounded receivers, Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith, to get open.

While the ‘Boys have been unable to get to opposing QB’s, they have only allowed Tony Romo to be sacked once. Panthers DE, Julius Peppers, who had 14.5 sacks last year to lead his team, will try to reverse that trend and will need to if Carolina hopes to stop the prolific ‘Boys offense.

Cornerbacks Chris Gamble (6’1″) and Richard Marshall (5’11″) will be matched up on the outside with wide receivers Patrick Crayton (6’0″) and Roy Williams (6’2″). I would expect Gamble to cover Williams because of the height and speed mismatch were it to be reversed.

This leaves Romo’s favorite target, TE Jason Witten, who led the team in receptions last year, in position to have a big day with the absence of Carolina LB Na’il Diggs (Rib, Out).

In order for the Panthers to be able to win this game, star RB DeAngelo Williams will have to set the tone to compensate for the injured receiving corps. He will have a hard time running with injured tackles on each end, despite the fact that the ‘Boys rank 23rd against the rush, which is actually their best defensive stat.

They also rank dead last in passing yards allowed at 303 per game and in overall yards allowed at 438.5 per game.

The only true injury that may affect Dallas, is to their running back Marion Barber who was limited in practice and is nursing a sore thigh; but Dallas is still deep at this position with second year men in Tashard Choice and Felix Jones; so they shouldn’t falter in the running game.

If Carolina can fight through their injuries and put up some points, they may hang around against a fairly weak defense in this game. But the crowd and the Cowboys will to win in the prime time spotlight overseen by Jerry Jones, should overpower Carolina in the end after wearing on the nagging injuries.

Too many guns for the cats to elude in the end!

Dallas wins 31-20.

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Dallas Cowboys Loading Their Six-Shooters; Preparing To Hunt Wounded Panthers

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will be insisting on a win from his Boys when they host the Carolina Panthers on prime time, Monday night.

The new $1.15 billion Cowboy Stadium will be rocking and surely filled to capacity in excess of 100,000 people tonight.

Though the 12th man wasn’t able to push the Boys over the top last week against their bitter rival, the New York Giants, the Boys may not need them to do anything other than cheer them on, drink beer, and buy Cowboys merchandise, while they pad their stats against the weak Panthers.

This season, the Cowboys have yet to register a sack which must be a sore spot, after recording the most in the league last year with 59. The Panthers RT Jeff Otah and LT Jordan Gross are both injured, and LB DeMarcus Ware who had 20 sacks last year, must be licking his chops.

Last year, LB Bradie James and NT Jay Ratliff combined for 15.5 sacks and will be looking to get on the board as well.

As we all know, Jake Delhomme isn’t the most mobile guy. He will surely find himself on his back a lot if he has to hang in the pocket waiting for wounded receivers, Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith, to get open.

While the ‘Boys have been unable to get to opposing QB’s, they have only allowed Tony Romo to be sacked once. Panthers DE, Julius Peppers, who had 14.5 sacks last year to lead his team, will try to reverse that trend and will need to if Carolina hopes to stop the prolific ‘Boys offense.

Cornerbacks Chris Gamble (6’1″) and Richard Marshall (5’11″) will be matched up on the outside with wide receivers Patrick Crayton (6’0″) and Roy Williams (6’2″). I would expect Gamble to cover Williams because of the height and speed mismatch were it to be reversed.

This leaves Romo’s favorite target, TE Jason Witten, who led the team in receptions last year, in position to have a big day with the absence of Carolina LB Na’il Diggs (Rib, Out).

In order for the Panthers to be able to win this game, star RB DeAngelo Williams will have to set the tone to compensate for the injured receiving corps. He will have a hard time running with injured tackles on each end, despite the fact that the ‘Boys rank 23rd against the rush, which is actually their best defensive stat.

They also rank dead last in passing yards allowed at 303 per game and in overall yards allowed at 438.5 per game.

The only true injury that may affect Dallas, is to their running back Marion Barber who was limited in practice and is nursing a sore thigh; but Dallas is still deep at this position with second year men in Tashard Choice and Felix Jones; so they shouldn’t falter in the running game.

If Carolina can fight through their injuries and put up some points, they may hang around against a fairly weak defense in this game. But the crowd and the Cowboys will to win in the prime time spotlight overseen by Jerry Jones, should overpower Carolina in the end after wearing on the nagging injuries.

Too many guns for the cats to elude in the end!

Dallas wins 31-20.

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NFL Lines Week Two: The Quick Read

Some craziness last week that is the NFL knocked some out of their pools with last minute heroics obviously I am referring to the Bengals Broncos game. This week looks as though it holds some of the same scenarios that we witnessed in last weeks season openers.

I went 13-3 straight up last week and 9-7 against the spread. Here’s this weeks read.

 

Oakland @ Kansas City -3.0 O/U 38.5

Oakland’s run D looked pretty solid against San Diego in their loss and KC’s run D was ugly as hell, the running game for Oak should be able to rumble which should set up a couple deep opportunities for Heyward-Bey, while KC’s running game is seemingly one dimensional with aging Larry Johnson.

Oakland wins 20-13

 

Houston @ Tennessee -6.5 O/U 41.0

Houston’s offense was almost non-existent in their home opening loss but should come around, but I wouldn’t bet on this week, Tenny battled with the Super Bowl champs and should be rested having played last Thursday and should continue to pound the ball with its two headed running attack while Gage and rookie Kenny Brit continue to improve but the loss of Scaife will hurt.

Tennessee wins 27-17

 

New England @ New York Jets+3.5 O/U 46.0

Jets rookie QB aka the Dirty Sanchez look pretty gritty last week while the Pats D couldn’t get to Buffalo’s QB in a squeaker which saw the return of the King Tom Brady leading his team back in the fourth quarter aided by a bone-headed fumble.

This game should see some scoring though the Jets D did a pretty solid job against the outstanding receiving core of the Texans. Loss on the D and injury may vault Rookie to his second win.

Jets win 31-27

 

Cincinnati @ Green Bay -9.0 O/U 42.0

Cincy stumbled out of the gate on offense though their D looked pretty good while Green Bay’s offense came out gunning and their D made some plays causing turnovers. I don’t see this game coming down to a bizarre play.

Green Bay’s high powered attack and excellent secondary will make it tough, Cinny goes to 0-2 and Ocho may not be able to leap during it but the Pack sure will!

Green Bay wins 37-10

 

Minnesota @ Detroit +10.0 O/U 45.0

Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre look to be a deadly combination and will be too much for the Lions to handle but I expect a few points on the board from Stafford and Calvin Johnson. These teams play tight games usually being divisional foes. Favre has more wins over the Lions than any other team and throws for 35 ypg better indoors.

Minnesota wins 27-17

 

New Orleans @ Philadelphia +1.0 O/U 46.0

Donovan McNabb has cracked ribs and is I believe a game time decision, likely replaced by Kevin Kolb. Drew Brees put up sick numbers last week and the Saints offense was off the hook. The Eagles pass rush and pass D is tough and won’t allow the Saints to put up the same type of numbers.

Westbrook and Jackson could have big games against NO D if Kolb can get them the ball.

Philadelphia wins 34-27

 

Carolina @ Atlanta -6.5 O/U 42.0

The Dirty Birds D played pretty tough allowing only a late TD to the Fish last week though they have been marked as having a weak secondary. With the addition of Tony G the Falcons offense has yet another weapon.

Carolina looked terrible and Jake Delhomme has been awful in his last two starts turning the ball over like a hot potato. Cadillac will need an enormous game for the Panthers even to be a factor in this game.

Atlanta wins 27-10

 

St. Louis @ Washington -9.5 O/U 37.0

St. Louis’ offense was anaemic last week being shut out by a rejuvenated Seahawks team while Washington hung around with the G-men in a loss. The Rams offense will have a harder time scoring against the tough run D of the Redskins with newly acquired Albert Haynesworth in the middle. Is it possible for them to lose the game with minus points?

Washington wins 17-3

 

Arizona @ Jacksonville -3.0 O/U 43.0

The Jags hung tough with divisional opponent Indy last week and held them to just 14 points in the loss while Arizona had Super Bowl hangover and lost San Fran. The Cards offense looked confused and tight while their D actually played fairly well.

I look for the Cardinals to bounce back this week and get their offense clicking while limiting the Jags running game. Zona’s WRs Boldin and Breaston are injured and were limited in practice, if they’re healthy for the game Cards win if not I would go home Jags in a close one.

Arizona wins 27-13

 

Seattle @ San Francisco -1.0 O/U 39.5

Seattle romped against St. Louis and San Fran took out Arizona in a tight one. Both teams look to be on an upswing. T.J Whoseyourdaddy looked good with a healthy Hasselbeck getting him the ball. Gore looked good running the ball, this is a clash of rising teams and proves to be a good game, I know San Fran Seattle a good game, things change!

Seattle Wins 17-14

 

Tampa Bay @ Buffalo -4.5 O/U 42.0

Buffalo looked pretty good aside from a late brain fart which they’ve been defending all week. Tampa Bay was pretty much what everyone expected neither here nor there.

Buffalo may be able to exploit the secondary with their two big WR in Owens and Evens while last week Fred Jackson looked like a No. 1 back and should continue to be effective. The loss of Paul Posluszny who is a leader for the Bills D is out and could be a factor.

Buffalo wins 24-17

 

Cleveland @ Denver -3.0 O/U 39.0

Denver amazingly in the last min beat the Bengals and the Browns looked fairly inept against the Vikings in a lopsided loss. Both teams are pretty much only a threat to themselves and this game should come down to who limits mistakes in my mind. Home field for the Broncos may just be enough.

Denver wins 23-17

 

Baltimore @ San Diego -3.0 O/U 40.0

The Ravens and Joe Flacco started out the season well against KC with a 14 point win though it was a close game somewhat and their D wasn’t as effective as it has been in the past but I expect them to step up and stuff the running game which will be made easier perhaps by the injury to LT who will not play leaving Sproles as the featured back win/lose situation.

Rivers has an amazing home record rarely loosing in his house. The Raiders gave the Chargers all they could handle last week in four point win for Diego.

Baltimore wins 23-20

 

Pittsburgh @ Chicago +3.0 O/U 37.5

The loss of Troy Polamalu in the win against Tenny was a big one for the Pitty D and they will have to fill that gap the best they can. Chicago’s QB the newly acquired Jay Cutler had a very poor game against the ball-hawking secondary of the Pack, but I would look for him to rebound and not have back to back poor showings. Chicago will be in tough at home against the Super Bowl champs.

Pittsburgh wins 23-17

 

New York Giants @ Dallas -3.0 O/U 45.0

Dallas looked competent against a thrown together Tampa team last week. This will be the opening game at the new $1.5 Billion—yeah billion—stadium and owner/manager Jerry Jones will no doubt expect to win, but Dallas had a hard time stopping the run game of the Bucks and should have all they can handle with Brandon Jacobs running downhill and Eli Manning throwing the ball. I look for the G-men defence to step it up a notch on the road.

This is a tough spot for the Boys and a lot of pressure at home in this Sunday night game but the 80-plus thousand fans will be going nuts.

Giants win 27-23

 

Indianapolis @ Miami +3.0 O/U 42.0

Indy played a tough divisional game against the Jags and hung in and won though lacking some of the offensive weapons of the past, while the Fish looked as though they were scooped out of the water by the Falcons and left for dead on a beach. No one will be fooled by the wildcat anymore I think the kitty has been tamed.

Indianapolis wins 24-16

 

Ship it Send it Chalk it and Lock it! Good luck boys enjoy the weekend!

All the Best!

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Kerry Collins: Old Dog Still Has Tricks

Collins may be the third oldest starting QB in the league, but he showed that he can still compete in last nights game against the Steelers.

Though the Titans lost in OT, Collins looked just as good as the guy who led them to the best record in the NFL last season, 13-3.

Whether he was throwing it to the good looking first, first round pick out of Rutgers, Kenny Brit, TE Bo Scaife, or the Titans’ leading receiver from 2008, Justin Gage, he certainly still has accuracy and some mustard on his passes.

He was sacked only once having the veteran savvy to throw it away in the face of the pass rush if unable to dump it off, while his counter-part Roethlisberger went down four times.

He took his team down the field in only three plays to answer the late second quarter TD by Big Ben and the Steelers.

If not for a fumble by the aforementioned Scaife, and a missed field goal attempt by the usually infallible Rob Bironas, along with another attempt that was blocked by the Pittsburgh defence, Kerry Collins in all likelihood would have lead his team to an opening season win against the Super Bowl Champs.

Tennessee can keep Vince Young on the bench for another year and have Collins lead them back to another playoff berth, which seems imminent.

They might not be perfect, but Remember The Titans!

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Wanna Bet: NFL Week 1-The Early line-Opening Day

As the money comes in from the big players in Vegas and elsewhere, the lines move. Sometimes they move in a favourable direction, and then again, there are those times you wish you had got some of your loot on the early line and caught that game at 6.5 before it went to 7 or caught it at 2.5 before it jumped to 3. A push, mind you is never horrid, but it isn’t positive units in your account!

These numbers are from Bet365 sports book. I personally like to move a few lines up and down as well, changing your odds and so forth can be beneficial, teasing a few games here and there can be the difference between chalking a ticket or having to go and get your credit card and refill your account during the obvious cursing which comes with losing cash and the fact that you didn’t assess properly.

Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers -6.0 O/U 35

The Super Bowl champs are hosting a Titans team that was all the rage last year and was looking to finish the season undefeated after ripping off ten straight wins with its massive two-headed monster running attack, not to be the case. Pitt went on to take it all and will look to start off the season with a home win, where they are dominant year in and year out.

Tough test for both teams, Steele towns O-line and their QB Benny Boy are sack susceptible and I would look for the likes of Jevon Kearse, Kyle Vanden Bosch and new edition Jovan Haye to make up for the sacks the Titans lost in Albert Haynesworth, sacks don’t happen because of just one guy. The Titans had 44 and only gave up 12, those numbers may sway a tad but should be similar.

On the other side of the ball the Steel Curtain is up and as solid as ever finishing last year second against the rush and first against the pass, ranking them number one overall in total defence.

The fact that the Titans are sack happy and will look to show that they are not missing Haynesworth  may meen they come after Big Ben too much which will open up the screen to Parker which could equal big play yards. Roethlisberger is healthy physically, mentally, well who knows, but if all the off-field stuff is snuffed he should see an overall increase from last years numbers in the air and in his rating.  

The Titans last game ending their season was a 13-10 loss against the Ravens in the AFC divisional playoffs, a team Pitt beats year in and year out, though they were both squeakers last year 23-20 in Pitt and 13-9 in Maryland. The Titans did beat the Steelers last year in Tennessee 31-14 and I look for Pitt to redeem themselves.

Big Ben tore it up in the loss going 25-39 for 329 yards and 2 TDs, while on the other side Justin Gage had 104 yards and a TD, Pit was held to 73 net rushing yards while the Titans were the first team to put up 300+ yards against the Steelers in the 2008 season, another reason for revenge.

Tennessee is 4-2 SU playing in Pitt in the last six games. The total has gone over the number seven of the last eight games when playing at home against Tennessee.

Personally I’m not going to go big, first week, though people seem to, not to mention first game, but for something to add to the excitement, not that it needs it, I’m going to throw a little something something on it.

With all the running and defensive play this game is sure to see and the lack of a receiving core on the Titans team the clock should be ticking along and time should be the factor that affects the score.

Pitt wins a tight one 20-17 gaining a little redemption for last years drubbing and the score stays under 37.5. For a safe play take Pitt -2.5 and the under at 37.5 that will give you +123 on your money $100 = $123.

Ship it send it chalk it and lock it, from the King of Roncesvalles to your sports books, good luck boys. All the Best!

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