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**StarDust Bum** · 07-10-2010, 12:01 PM

Well-balanced Ravens capable of 2010 title run

The Baltimore Ravens have won three playoff games in two years under John Harbaugh, including sending the Patriots to their first home playoff loss in the Bill Belichick-era last January. In both seasons, the Ravens reached the postseason as wildcards. Now, with some key roster additions, the sky is the limit for the new favorites in the AFC North. Our 32 NFL teams in 32 days season preview series continues with a look at the 2010 Baltimore Ravens.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
2009 Record:10-8 (-1.2 ML Units), 9-8 ATS
DIVISION:AFC North
COACH:John Harbaugh, 3rd year (23-14 SU, 23-13 ATS)
STADIUM:M&T Bank Stadium
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV:15 to 1, AFC Title:8 to 1
******* Power Rating:29 (#3 of 32)
******* Outplay Factor Rating:+7.8 (#4 of 32)

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 10-8 ~ 28-25 (53%)
ATS: 9-8 ~ 26-26 (50%)
Preseason ATS: 3-1 ~ 5-7 (42%)
Home ATS: 5-3 ~ 14-10 (58%)
Road ATS: 4-5 ~ 12-16 (43%)
Division ATS: 2-3 ~ 8-10 (44%)
Conference ATS: 6-7 ~ 19-21 (48%)
Favorite ATS: 6-4 ~ 15-12 (56%)
Underdog ATS: 3-4 ~ 11-14 (44%)
Over-Under: 7-10 ~ 28-23 (55%)

2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: +8.8 (#4 of 32)
Yardage Differential: +51.9 (#8 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: +0.72 (#8 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: +4.26 (#2 of 32)
Turnover Differential: +11 (#4 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 346.3 (#14 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 294.4 (#2 of 32)

2010 SCHEDULE: Strength - 20.69 (16th toughest of 32)
DATE - OPPONENT, TIME
9/13/10 - at NY Jets, 7:00 PM
9/19/10 - at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
9/26/10 - CLEVELAND, 1:00 PM
10/3/10 - at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM
10/10/10 - DENVER, 1:00 PM
10/17/10 - at New England, 1:00 PM
10/24/10 - BUFFALO, 1:00 PM
11/7/10 - MIAMI, 1:00 PM
11/14/10 - at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
11/21/10 - at Carolina, 1:00 PM
11/28/10 - TAMPA BAY, 1:00 PM
12/5/10 - PITTSBURGH, 8:20 PM
12/13/10 - at Houston, 8:30 PM
12/19/10 - NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 PM
12/26/10 - at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
1/2/11 - CINCINNATI, 1:00 PM

Sample ******* Power Trend for 2010

Over the L2 seasons, BALTIMORE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) vs. teams with a losing record. The Average Score was BALTIMORE 31.1, OPPONENT 9.6

2010 OUTLOOK
The Ravens seem to have this wild-card thing figured out. While Pittsburgh and Cincinnati finished atop the AFC North in 2008 and ’09, respectively, Baltimore gained entry to the postseason each season and has a combined three victories. Could the Ravens’ 33-14 dismantling of the Patriots in Foxboro last January be a sign of things to come? With unflappable QB Joe Flacco entering his third season, along with head coach John Harbaugh, this team isn’t too far away. The front office made a bold offseason move, acquiring WR Anquan Boldin (Cardinals), to help achieve the goal of reaching the next step…Baltimore’s running game has ranked among the NFL’s best five in consecutive seasons and elusive Ray Rice (1,339 yards, seven touchdowns) and powerful Willis McGahee (544, 12) comprise one of the best 1-2 punches in the business. Flacco, a year after becoming the first NFL rookie signal-caller to win two playoff games, continued progress with 3,613 yards passing, and 21-12 TD-Int ratio. The addition of Boldin helps his cause and allows coordinator Cam Cameron to go deeper in the playbook. The front line is as solid as they come…Ray Lewis & Co. don’t need an introduction, but the front office felt a little reinforcement for a unit, aging in certain spots, couldn’t hurt. Sergio Kindle (2a-Texas) joins a LB corps that already included Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson, and beefy Terrence Cody (2b-Alabama) will fit right in with Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata in the trenches. In the secondary, when Ed Reed’s healthy and doing his thing, it’s hard to find a better safety in the business…While a wild-card spot would be nothing to complain about, the Ravens have bigger goals in mind. As long as the key parts stay healthy, especially on defense, the AFC North is theirs for the taking. Another double-digit win season and more January action looks like a safe bet.

Sportsbook.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 10
******* Steve's Take: As I just indicated earlier, double-digit wins seem like a safe bet for this team. The real key to how this team has gotten to the upper levels of the NFL has been the offense. Baltimore is not a one-trick pony anymore, and has a potent offense to match its intimidating defense. This is a true Super Bowl contender. I see 12-4. OVER.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-10-2010, 12:03 PM

AFC East preview

With NFL ‘EAST’ division teams leading the charge with a combined total of 13 games played in Conference title tilts this past decade, including an league high four championship game appearances games by squads playing out of the AFC EAST, it speaks to the strength of this group.

So does the division’s 29-14 ATS mark as non-division road dogs from Game Twelve out this past decade, including a sterling 14-1 ATS when facing sub. 600 opposition.

Leading the charge is Mr. Personality himself, Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots. While his persona is hardly enduring, his manhandling of AFC East division foes that are off back-to-back losses is downright sinister, going 14-3 SU and 15-2 ATS with the Pats in these affairs.

The Jets go from the hunter to the hunted. It will be interesting to see how they handle their newfound celebrity status.

Meanwhile, Miami owner Stephen Ross insists his team has Super Bowl champion written all over them. Our best guess is that happens as they bust out their 1972 throwbacks at some point during the season.

And then there’s Buffalo, ushering in a seventh different head coach this millennium. With the Bills enjoying only one winning season during this span, Chan Gailey’s troops could mildly surprise, especially with all the pressure in this loop pointed elsewhere.

Designated ‘Play On’ and ‘Play Against’ Best Bets follow each team’s preview.

BUFFALO
TEAM THEME: DRINKING THE KOOL-AID

January 8, 2000. It not only marked the start of a new millennium, it also commemorates the date this floundering franchise last appeared in a playoff game. That was under the lead of Wade Phillips. Greg Williams, Mike Mularkey and Dick Jauron have all since attempted, and failed, to secure a post-season berth for the Bills. Along with dreadful Detroit, it’s been a long time between drinks of playoff water in Buffalo. Enter Chan Gailey, former NFL retread. In his two years at the helm with the Dallas Cowboys, Gailey managed a taste of the playoffs both seasons, albeit one-and-outs. That was likely the attraction in his hire by the Buffalo brass. To compete within the ultra-tough AFC East, Gailey will hope the selection of do-everything RB C.J. Spiller with the 9th pick in the first-round pays off. He provides a huge dose of excitement to a dreadful offense that was better than only Cleveland and Oakland last year.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. New England (12/26) – *KEY if Bills .500 >

MIAMI
TEAM THEME: MARSHALL PLAN

Some things in life come as no surprise. Ben Roethlisberger looking for a little bump-and-run. The Dallas Cowboys collapsing like the London Bridge on the road in December. Bill Parcells ordering up seven defensive players with his eight picks in this year’s draft. You get the drift. First-round draft pick Jared Odrick, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Penn State, is moving from defensive tackle in a 4-3 at Penn State to defensive end in a 3-4. That’s because of a shakeup on the DL due to the loss of massive NT Jason Ferguson, suspended the first eight games of the season for repeated violations of the performance enhancing policy. The addition of home-run hitting WR Brandon Marshall should kick-start QB Chad Henne’s development while the running back tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams is as good as any in the league. All in all, a grand plan by the Tuna for getting his Fish back into playoff waters.
PLAY ON: as dog at Cincinnati (10/31)

NEW ENGLAND
TEAM THEME: 3RD AND LONG IN THE TOOTH

Don’t look now but the Pats are taking on the look of an aging rock group. WR Randy Moss turned 33 and a step slower. His partner, WR Wes Welker, caught more passes (123) than anyone in the league in 2009, but underwent off-season knee surgery for a torn ALC and MCL and as a result, 34-year old Torry Holt was signed. RB Kevin Faulk turned 34 this summer and even star QB Tom Brady lists a pair of 3’s next to his age theses days. With other aging veterans either on or currently looking to earn a roster spot (Alge Cumpler, David Patten, Sammy Morris, Shawn Springs, etc.), the crow’s feet are creeping in on the Patriots. It’s why Bill Belichick loaded up on a stockpile of quality picks (12) in this year’s draft. While there is no refuting their results (121 wins the last nine years), New England is the pre-season 3rd choice to win the AFC on 2010. An oldies concert in Foxboro this January is pending.
PLAY ON: as dog at San Diego (10/24)

NY JETS
TEAM THEME: ALL IN

Funny thing about Jets head coach Rex Ryan. He isn’t a salesman but you sure get the feeling he’s selling you something. Straight out of the World Series school of Poker Bluff, Ryan was not content playing the same hand that dealt the Jets 11 wins in 2009. Gone are G Alan Faneca, RB’s Thomas Jones and Leon Washington and CB’s Lito Sheppard and Donald Strickland. In their place he acquired CB Antonio Cromartie, LB/DE Jason Taylor, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and WR Santonio Holmes. There is no disguising the fact the Jets owned the No. 1 team defense and rushing offense (the magic hand) in the league last year. Ryan, the master of "I wasn't aware of that," when asked about being underdogs in the playoffs last year said, “To me we should be favorites. I mean in the whole tournament… I want this football team. If I had a choice to coach any team in this tournament, I would choose this one." Are you buying it?
PLAY ON: as dog at Miami (9/26)

**bigdog237** · 07-10-2010, 12:13 PM

hey bum,good stuff here from you but i believe this belongs in the all discussion thread,just don't want to see you take any heat for it.....good luck

**StarDust Bum** · 07-11-2010, 11:30 AM

Panthers have momentum heading into 2010

A repeat division champion has never happened in the 8-year history of the NFC South, meaning someone should be ready to replace New Orleans at the top in 2010. After finishing last season on a 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS surge, the Panthers might be asking, why not us? Our 32 NFL teams in 32 days season preview series continues with a look at the 2010 Carolina Panthers.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
2009 Record:8-8 (+3.1 ML Units), 9-7 ATS
DIVISION:NFC South
COACH:John Fox, 9th year (76-60 SU, 71-61 ATS)
STADIUM:Bank of America Stadium
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV:60 to 1, NFC Title:28 to 1
******* Power Rating:26 (#9 of 32)
******* Outplay Factor Rating:+2.4 (#12 of 32)

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 8-8 ~ 27-22 (55%)
ATS: 9-7 ~ 25-22 (53%)
Preseason ATS: 0-4 ~ 3-9 (25%)
Home ATS: 4-4 ~ 12-12 (50%)
Road ATS: 5-3 ~ 13-10 (57%)
Division ATS: 5-1 ~ 11-6 (65%)
Conference ATS: 8-4 ~ 20-15 (57%)
Favorite ATS: 3-3 ~ 12-10 (55%)
Underdog ATS: 6-4 ~ 13-12 (52%)
Over-Under: 6-10 ~ 20-29 (41%)

2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: +0.4 (#16 of 32)
Yardage Differential: +15.0 (#15 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: -0.01 (#18 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: -0.35 (#16 of 32)
Turnover Differential: +6 (#8 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 330.9 (#19 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 315.9 (#8 of 32)

2010 SCHEDULE: Strength - 19.38 (24th toughest of 32)
DATE - OPPONENT, TIME
9/12/10 - at NY Giants, 1:00 PM
9/19/10 - TAMPA BAY, 1:00 PM
9/26/10 - CINCINNATI, 1:00 PM
10/3/10 - at New Orleans, 1:00 PM
10/10/10 - CHICAGO, 1:00 PM
10/24/10 - SAN FRANCISCO, 1:00 PM
10/31/10 - at St Louis, 1:00 PM
11/7/10 - NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 PM
11/14/10 - at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
11/21/10 - BALTIMORE, 1:00 PM
11/28/10 - at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
12/5/10 - at Seattle, 4:15 PM
12/12/10 - ATLANTA, 1:00 PM
12/19/10 - ARIZONA, 1:00 PM
12/23/10 - at Pittsburgh, 8:20 PM
1/2/11 - at Atlanta, 1:00 PM

Sample ******* Power Trend for 2010

CAROLINA is on a 9-0 ATS (+9 Units) run at home vs. excellent offensive teams - averaging >=375 YPG The Average Score was CAROLINA 23.3, OPPONENT 16.8

2010 OUTLOOK
Despite winning their last three games in dominant fashion, the Panthers watched last season’s playoffs from home after salvaging a disappointing 8-8 campaign. Head coach John Fox is back and faced with the challenges of fixing an unbalanced offense and keeping the defense competitive in the wake of Julius Peppers’ departure. Fox has the league’s most inexperienced group of QB’s following the release of Jake Delhomme, who threw 18 interceptions in 2009. With only eight pro starts under his belt, Matt Moore brings confidence after winning four of five starts a year ago. Pushing him for a starting spot will be Jimmy Claussen (2- Notre Dame). With a dynamic duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the backfield, it’s no surprise the Panthers had more rushing touchdowns (18) than passing scores (16) and ranked third in the league in rushing offense. If Fox gets the air attack up to speed, the sky is the limit. The receiver corps is of course led by Steve Smith, but he can use help. Up front, tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah set the tone and their health is vital to the unit’s success…Most fans are salty to see Peppers go, and he leaves a void in the defense, no doubt. The jury is out whether or not the returnees can consistently pressure the quarterback. The starting tackle spots are completely up for grabs, but that could be a positive considering opposing rushers averaged 4.4 YPR. In the middle, Jon Beason is among the best in the business, and while Chris Gamble, Richard Marshall, and Sherrod Martin form perhaps the division’s best secondary…The Panthers success in 2010 hinges on QB play since the backfield provides more than its share of offensive fuel. The defense, minus Peppers, will need a few players to pick up where they left off late last season in order for Carolina to challenge for division supremacy.

Sportsbook.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 7.5
******* Steve's Take: Carolina has a very manageable schedule and has shown a penchant for being able to bounce back from non-winning seasons, improving by at least four games from one year to the next in the John Fox era. The Panthers' play down the stretch of '09 was noteworthy. I like this team's chances to reach the playoffs. OVER.

**StarDust Bum** · 07-11-2010, 10:52 PM

Chicago needs a better Cutler in 2010

For the second straight season, Chicago has made a noteworthy transaction in the offseason, only this time to the other side of the ball. After a turnover-laden first season with Jay Cutler leading the offense under center, the Bears have added DE Julius Peppers to join the likes of linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs on defense. Both units will have to improve for Chicago to challenge Green Bay and Minnesota. Read on as we continue our NFL team-by-team previews with a look at the 2010 Chicago Bears.
CHICAGO BEARS
2009 Record:7-9 (-0.8 ML Units), 6-10 ATS
DIVISION:NFC North
COACH:Lovie Smith, 7th year (54-46 SU, 46-50 ATS)
STADIUM:Soldier Field
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV:25 to 1, NFC Title:11 to 1
******* Power Rating:16 (#23 of 32)
******* Outplay Factor Rating:-3 (#22 of 32)

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 7-9 ~ 23-25 (48%)
ATS: 6-10 ~ 20-27 (43%)
Preseason ATS: 3-1 ~ 5-6 (45%)
Home ATS: 4-4 ~ 11-13 (46%)
Road ATS: 2-6 ~ 9-14 (39%)
Division ATS: 3-3 ~ 8-10 (44%)
Conference ATS: 4-8 ~ 14-21 (40%)
Favorite ATS: 4-3 ~ 12-12 (50%)
Underdog ATS: 2-7 ~ 8-14 (36%)
Over-Under: 6-10 ~ 22-26 (46%)

2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: -3 (#21 of 32)
Yardage Differential: -27.5 (#23 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: -0.12 (#20 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: -0.77 (#20 of 32)
Turnover Differential: -6 (#23 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 310.3 (#23 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 337.8 (#17 of 32)

2010 SCHEDULE: Strength - 21.56 (5th toughest of 32)
DATE - OPPONENT, TIME
9/12/10 - DETROIT, 1:00 PM
9/19/10 - at Dallas, 1:00 PM
9/27/10 - GREEN BAY, 8:30 PM
10/3/10 - at NY Giants, 8:20 PM
10/10/10 - at Carolina, 1:00 PM
10/17/10 - SEATTLE, 1:00 PM
10/24/10 - WASHINGTON, 1:00 PM
11/7/10 - at Buffalo (in Toronto), 1:00 PM
11/14/10 - MINNESOTA, 1:00 PM
11/18/10 - at Miami, 8:20 PM
11/28/10 - PHILADELPHIA, 1:00 PM
12/5/10 - at Detroit, 1:00 PM
12/12/10 - NEW ENGLAND, 1:00 PM
12/20/10 - at Minnesota, 8:30 PM
12/26/10 - NY JETS, 1:00 PM
1/2/11 - at Green Bay, 1:00 PM

Sample ******* Power Trend for 2010

CHICAGO is on a 2-16 ATS (-15.6 Units) skid after scoring 25 points or more in 2 straight games The Average Score was CHICAGO 19.2, OPPONENT 24.2

2010 OUTLOOK
Chicago fans are gushing over another prized acquisition, as DE Julius Peppers joins a unit that includes LB’s Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. It’s the second time in as many offseasons the front office put all of its eggs in one basket. Last year those eggs proved mainly rotten, with QB Jay Cutler leading the NFL in interceptions with 26 after a blockbuster trade with Denver. The Bears weren’t much of a factor in the NFC North and had the Lions, Rams and Browns to thank for four of their seven wins…A year after ranking third in the NFL in passing yards with 4,526, Cutler had never really got untracked and many of his picks came in the red zone or deep in Chicago territory. Overall, the offense ranked 23rd, up slightly from 26th, but the unit wasn’t close to meeting expectations. Little changed in personnel, but the presence of new coordinator Mike Martz and the natural progression of some younger players might turn it around. Though not big names at wide receiver, Martz thinks he has enough to get it done, and RB Matt Forte took a step back in 2009, but still totaled 1,400 yards from scrimmage. The line is in good shape…Perhaps not the team’s biggest problem, the Bears addressed some defensive concerns by investing in Peppers. HC Lovie Smith will be counting on Peppers to apply pressure in a QB-strong division, since there’s a chance the team’s starting ends, Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye, won’t be back. Of course, Urlacher’s season lasted just three quarters when he dislocated his right wrist in the opener…Expectations were high last season and the Bears didn’t come close to meeting them. Smith is on the hot seat, and a slow start could spell doom. While the addition of Peppers has created a buzz, he and Cutler need to be big for Chicago to make the playoffs.

YouWager.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 8
******* Steve's Take: Eight wins for the Chicago Bears seems very optimistic to me considering how poorly Cutler played a year ago. If you look at the road schedule, you could easily see a second straight 2-6 record with wins coming at Buffalo and Detroit. If so, this team is not making the playoffs and 7-9 or even worse is the forecast. UNDER.

**bryce** · 07-11-2010, 11:16 PM

Good stuff sdb. Keep it coming

**StarDust Bum** · 07-12-2010, 11:48 PM

Rest of AFC North takes aim at Bengals in 2010

The Cincinnati Bengals were AFC North Champions and won 10 games last season despite the fact that they failed to cover all eight of their games as a favorite. When playing as underdogs however, head coach Marvin Lewis' team was outstanding, going 6-3 SU & 7-2 ATS. Being the hunted team now, the Bengals have a whole new set of hurdles to overcome. Can they build off last season's success, or do they slip back into the clutches of the rest of the division? Our 32 NFL teams in 32 days season preview series continues with a look at the 2010 Cincinnati Bengals.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
2009 Record:10-7 (+4.4 ML Units), 7-10 ATS
DIVISION:AFC North
COACH:Marvin Lewis, 8th year (56-57-1 SU, 52-58 ATS)
STADIUM:Paul Brown Stadium
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV:30 to 1, AFC Title:15 to 1
******* Power Rating:18 (#19 of 32)
******* Outplay Factor Rating:+0.8 (#16 of 32)

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 10-7 ~ 21-27 (44%)
ATS: 7-10 ~ 20-28 (42%)
Preseason ATS: 2-2 ~ 6-6 (50%)
Home ATS: 3-6 ~ 11-14 (44%)
Road ATS: 4-4 ~ 9-14 (39%)
Division ATS: 4-2 ~ 8-10 (44%)
Conference ATS: 5-8 ~ 14-23 (38%)
Favorite ATS: 0-8 ~ 5-16 (24%)
Underdog ATS: 7-2 ~ 15-12 (56%)
Over-Under: 8-9 ~ 20-28 (42%)

2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: +0.2 (#17 of 32)
Yardage Differential: +3.1 (#16 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: -0.13 (#21 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: +0.09 (#14 of 32)
Turnover Differential: +0 (#18 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 307.5 (#24 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 304.4 (#4 of 32)

2010 SCHEDULE: Strength - 23.06 (1st toughest of 32)
DATE - OPPONENT, TIME
9/12/10 - at New England, 1:00 PM
9/19/10 - BALTIMORE, 1:00 PM
9/26/10 - at Carolina, 1:00 PM
10/3/10 - at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
10/10/10 - TAMPA BAY, 1:00 PM
10/24/10 - at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
10/31/10 - MIAMI, 1:00 PM
11/8/10 - PITTSBURGH, 8:30 PM
11/14/10 - at Indianapolis, 1:00 PM
11/21/10 - BUFFALO, 1:00 PM
11/25/10 - at NY Jets, 8:20 PM
12/5/10 - NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 PM
12/12/10 - at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM
12/19/10 - CLEVELAND, 1:00 PM
12/26/10 - SAN DIEGO, 8:20 PM
1/2/11 - at Baltimore, 1:00 PM

Sample ******* Power Trend for 2010

CINCINNATI was 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) as favorites last season. The Average Score was CINCINNATI 16.8, OPPONENT 16.8

2010 OUTLOOK
After suffering 10 losses in 2008, the Bengals cleaned up their act on and off the field and the result was a breakthrough 10-win campaign that brought the AFC North title in tow. Though the playoff loss at home to the Jets was a disappointment, the future is as bright as it’s been during the Marvin Lewis era as after going 6-0 in division play a year ago, followed by a promising offseason, repeat potential is no laughing matter…Much success can be traced to an offense led by a rejuvenated Cedric Benson at RB and a healthy Carson Palmer under center. The passing game ranked just 26th at 180.6 YPG but beginning in late October, Palmer enjoyed a nine-game stretch where he threw for 13 scores and four interceptions. The Bengals invested to make the air attack more potent, drafting TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Jordan Shipley, and signing WR Antonio Bryant. A line largely responsible for 51 sacks against in 2008 improved by leaps and bounds to trim the number to 29…Talented and unlucky are two words that come to mind to describe a stop unit that finally put it all together for Lewis and coordinator Mike Zimmer. It ranked No. 4 overall, allowing 301.4 YPG, and no worse than seventh against the run and pass, and sixth in scoring defense. Imagine what could have happened in January if right end Antwan Odom, LB Rey Maualuga, and tackle Domata Peko didn’t go down with injuries? Needless to say, there is big-time talent back on all levels of the defense for 2010…The Bengals were one of the league’s biggest surprises a year ago and may only get better on defense, making them legitimate contenders to return to the playoffs. Still, history would lead one to believe otherwise, as they’ve long struggled to string together big seasons.

Sportsbook.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 7.5
******* Steve's Take: It says a lot about what oddsmakers think of a team's chances when their regular season win prop is under .500 when coming off a season in which they won double-digit games. Considering six of the 10 wins were by a TD or less, I can see where they are coming from. This is an average team in my opinion, and 7 or 8 wins seem likely. Slight lean to UNDER.

**jcindaville** · 07-13-2010, 12:21 AM

The Bills have Brian Bromn wohoooooooooooo

Go Bills

**kbsooner21** · 07-13-2010, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by jcindaville View Post

The Bills have Brian Bromn wohoooooooooooo

Go Bills

Yep, they're in trouble

**jcindaville** · 07-13-2010, 12:28 AM

Originally posted by kbsooner21 View Post

Yep, they're in trouble

Well at least now I like the Bills

**baseballdave** · 07-13-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally posted by jcindaville View Post

Well at least now I like the Bills

call me for you bets on the bills !!!

**StarDust Bum** · 07-14-2010, 07:38 PM

City of Cleveland puts its hope back in football

We all know that Lebron James has left Cleveland for the sun & fun of South Beach, but a lot is new on the football front as well for 2010. Mike Holmgren has taken over the football operations of the Browns and made an immediate impact by acquiring Jake Delhomme as the new starter at quarterback. All this change comes to a team that won its final four games of last season outright, and its final seven against the spread. Maybe the Browns can help Cleveland fans forget about Lebron this fall. Our season preview series continues with a look at the 2010 Cleveland Browns.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2009 Record:5-11 (-2.9 ML Units), 10-6 ATS
DIVISION:AFC North
COACH:Eric Mangini, 2nd year (5-11 SU, 10-6 ATS)
STADIUM:Cleveland Stadium
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV:100 to 1, AFC Title:50 to 1
******* Power Rating:13 (#27 of 32)
******* Outplay Factor Rating:-8 (#27 of 32)

SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 5-11 ~ 19-29 (40%)
ATS: 10-6 ~ 28-19 (60%)
Preseason ATS: 2-2 ~ 5-7 (42%)
Home ATS: 5-3 ~ 14-9 (61%)
Road ATS: 5-3 ~ 14-10 (58%)
Division ATS: 4-2 ~ 10-8 (56%)
Conference ATS: 9-3 ~ 22-13 (63%)
Favorite ATS: 2-0 ~ 10-5 (67%)
Underdog ATS: 8-6 ~ 18-14 (56%)
Over-Under: 7-9 ~ 22-24 (48%)

2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: -8.1 (#27 of 32)
Yardage Differential: -129 (#32 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: -1.52 (#32 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: -0.38 (#18 of 32)
Turnover Differential: -12 (#29 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 260.2 (#32 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 389.2 (#31 of 32)

2010 SCHEDULE: Strength - 21.88 (2nd toughest of 32)
DATE - OPPONENT, TIME
9/12/10 - at Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
9/19/10 - KANSAS CITY, 1:00 PM
9/26/10 - at Baltimore, 1:00 PM
10/3/10 - CINCINNATI, 1:00 PM
10/10/10 - ATLANTA, 1:00 PM
10/17/10 - at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM
10/24/10 - at New Orleans, 1:00 PM
11/7/10 - NEW ENGLAND, 1:00 PM
11/14/10 - NY JETS, 1:00 PM
11/21/10 - at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
11/28/10 - CAROLINA, 1:00 PM
12/5/10 - at Miami, 1:00 PM
12/12/10 - at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
12/19/10 - at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM
12/26/10 - BALTIMORE, 1:00 PM
1/2/11 - PITTSBURGH, 1:00 PM

Sample ******* Power Trend for 2010

CLEVELAND is on a 8-0 UNDER the total (+8 Units) run against NFC South division opponents The Average Score was CLEVELAND 13.4, OPPONENT 16.9

2010 OUTLOOK
The writing appeared on the wall for Eric Mangini when the Browns hired Mike Holmgren as their new president, giving the win-starved organization a proven commodity to lead its front office. Surprisingly, Mangini was maintained as head coach thanks in large part to a four-game winning streak that salvaged an otherwise tumultuous 5-11 season. Holmgren has turned the page on a QB situation that grabbed plenty of negative headlines, releasing Derek Anderson and trading Brady Quinn. The Browns also let defensive leaders Kamerion Wimbley and Brodney Pool slip away. While the changes could end up being for the better, a third straight last-place finish in the AFC North will be a challenge to avoid…Cleveland ranked last in the NFL in total yards, averaging 260.2 per game, and passing yards (129.8 per game), but enjoyed some success on the ground, ranking eighth. Mangini won’t be answering QB questions this fall. Jake Delhomme starts, Seneca Wallace is the backup, and rookie Colt McCoy is the future. Rookie WR Mohamed Massaquoi showed flashes averaging 18.4 YPC, and RB James Harrison had an explosive finish (561 yards, 5 TD’s in L3 games). The group up front could be the best the Browns have fielded since returning to the league in 1999…The defensive side of the ball was a priority in trades, signings and the draft, as Holmgren did everything in his power to bolster a unit that allowed 375 points. The Browns signed LB Scott Fujita, traded for cornerback Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong, and drafted cornerback Joe Haden among others…The early schedule provides the Browns with an opportunity to pick up where they left off, but a brutal four-game stretch starting in Week 6 could derail any momentum they take into October. Look for a transition year with lots of ups and downs to result in five or six wins.

YouWager.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 5.5
******* Steve's Take: Cleveland isn't nearly as bad as most experts are projecting. However, reaching the 6-win mark is going to be tough going against the league's second-most difficult schedule. The Browns have only won six or more games twice since 2002. Slight lean UNDER.

**The Orange Chef** · 07-14-2010, 09:52 PM

Thanks for posting.

Browns playoffs this year

**bryce** · 07-14-2010, 10:07 PM

Thanks buddy browns 4-12 or 5-11....

Announcement

Bills buried at bottom of loaded AFC East

Bills buried at bottom of loaded AFC East

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