Saturday Trends and Indexes 09/08

[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Long Sheet


Week 1

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Sunday, September 9
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KANSAS CITY (9 - 8) at HOUSTON (6 - 10) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in September games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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DENVER (9 - 7) at BUFFALO (7 - 9) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 1-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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PITTSBURGH (8 - 8) at CLEVELAND (4 - 12) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 65-41 ATS (+19.9 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 4-0 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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TENNESSEE (8 - 8) at JACKSONVILLE (8 - 8) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 2-2 against the spread versus TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
JACKSONVILLE is 3-1 straight up against TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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CAROLINA (8 - 8) at ST LOUIS (8 - 8) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 1-0 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 1-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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PHILADELPHIA (11 - 7) at GREEN BAY (8 - 8) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 113-77 ATS (+28.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) against NFC North division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-0 against the spread versus GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 2-0 straight up against GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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ATLANTA (7 - 9) at MINNESOTA (6 - 10) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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MIAMI (6 - 10) at WASHINGTON (5 - 11) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 40-62 ATS (-28.2 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


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NEW ENGLAND (14 - 5) at NY JETS (10 - 7) - 9/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ENGLAND is 4-1 against the spread versus NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 4-1 straight up against NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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TAMPA BAY (4 - 12) at SEATTLE (10 - 8) - 9/9/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
SEATTLE is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
SEATTLE is 55-83 ATS (-36.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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CHICAGO (15 - 4) at SAN DIEGO (14 - 3) - 9/9/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) against AFC West division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


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DETROIT (3 - 13) at OAKLAND (2 - 14) - 9/9/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 24-45 ATS (-25.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


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NY GIANTS (8 - 9) at DALLAS (9 - 8) - 9/9/2007, 8:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 2-0 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 2-2 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Monday, September 10
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BALTIMORE (13 - 4) at CINCINNATI (8 - 8) - 9/10/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 36-56 ATS (-25.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
CINCINNATI is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 3-1 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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ARIZONA (5 - 11) at SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 9) - 9/10/2007, 10:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing on Monday night since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-0 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 1

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Sunday, September 9th

Kansas City at Houston, 1:00 ET
Kansas City: 18-7 Under vs. conference opponents
Houston: 2-8 ATS in the first two weeks of the season

Denver at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Denver: 19-8 ATS in the first two weeks of the season
Buffalo: 13-4 Over at home vs. AFC West opponents

Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
Pittsburgh: 11-4 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Cleveland: 12-4 Under in home games

Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1:00 ET
Tennessee: 10-5 Over in the first half of the season
Jacksonville: 16-6 ATS at home in September

Carolina at St. Louis, 1:00 ET
Carolina: 1-7 ATS in the first month of the season
St. Louis: 7-3 ATS as a home underdog of 3 points or less

Philadelphia at Green Bay, 1:00 ET
Philadelphia: 24-10 ATS vs. NFC North opponents
Green Bay: 1-5 ATS as a home underdog

Atlanta at Minnesota, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 12-4 Under in road games
Minnesota: 6-1 Under in the first month of the season

Miami at Washington, 1:00 ET
Miami: 1-6 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less
Washington: 19-8 Under in the first two weeks of the season

New England at NY Jets, 1:00 ET
New England: 8-2 ATS as a road favorite
NY Jets: 6-18 ATS at home in September

Tampa Bay at Seattle, 4:15 ET
Tampa Bay: 25-4 Under in the first two weeks of the season
Seattle: 11-26 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points

Chicago at San Diego, 4:15 ET
Chicago: 21-9 Under away vs. non-conference opponents
San Diego: 10-4 ATS in the first half of the season

Detroit at Oakland, 4:15 ET
Detroit: 0-6 ATS as a road underdog of 7 points or less
Oakland: 12-3 Under in home games

NY Giants at Dallas, 8:15 ET NBC
NY Giants: 8-3 ATS vs. division opponents
Dallas: 9-5 Under at home vs. NY Giants


Monday, September 10th

Baltimore at Cincinnati, 7:00 ET ESPN
Baltimore: 18-6 Under vs. conference opponents
Cincinnati: 6-0 ATS in September

Arizona at San Francisco, 10:15 ET ESPN
Arizona: 0-6 ATS in September
San Francisco: 20-7 ATS on Monday nights

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up



Week 1 - 2007 NFL season

Sunday, September 9

Chiefs @ Texans-- Two teams headed in opposite directions, as Chiefs are in disarray, with Huard winning QB derby by default, while Texans imported Schaub te replace Carr at QB, as they try and move past mistake of not drafting hometown hero Young. Houston lost last four home openers, three by 14+ points. KC is 4-2 in last six road openers, but lost couple of offensive linemen, and star RB Johnson just got into camp. Chiefs, originally called the Dallas Texans, won last two visits here, 42-14/45-17.

Broncos @ Bills-- Denver won last four series games, with totals in last three 43+; they won last two visits here, 23-20ot/28-17, but lost last three road openers, with four of last five staying under total. Old friend Travis Henry returns to Buffalo, trying to revive Bronco running game. Buffalo is 4-9 in last 13 openers, 2-4 in last six at home; six of their last eight home openers stayed under the total. Interesting to see how Cal rookie Lynch does running ball.

Steelers @ Browns-- Steelers have third coach in last 39 seasons, vs team that has major confusion at QB- they actually flipped a coin to determine starter for summer game. Pittsburgh won seven series games in row, with five of last six wins by 11+ points- they won last six visits to Lake Erie, and converted on 16 of 28 third down plays vs Browns LY, scoring six TDs on 20 drives, while the Browns had one TD on 19 drives, with seven 3/outs. They've lost seven of last eight home openers, with four of the last five losses by five or less points.

Titans @ Jaguars-- Jax outrushed Titans 380-149 LY, allowing the Titans to convert just five of 26 on third down, but they lost big game in Week 15 to Tennessee (24-17), even though Titans had only 98 total yards, and were 0 for 8 on third down. Titans lost last two visits here, 40-13/37-7, and lost six of last seven openers on road; they're 3-9 vs spread as dog in road openers, losing last two by combined score of 74-14. Jags covered last six openers at home; they covered in Week 1 the last eight years.

Panthers @ Rams-- First visit to this site for Carolina since win in OT in '03 playoffs that propelled them to NFC title; Panthers won last three series games, 15-0/20-7/29-23ot- they held Rams to just 31 rushing yards in LY's game, dominating total yards (411-111) holding St Louis to eight first downs. Rams upgraded offense by adding Bennett, McMichael; they won last four series openers, all by eight or less points. In their history, Carolina is 1-3 in Week 1 road games-- they lost their last three season openers, all as a home favorite.

Eagles @ Packers-- Philly won last five series games, with home side winning nine of last ten in series; Eagles lost three of last 4 visits to Lambeau, but haven't been here since '03. LY, Pack led
9-7 at half in Philly, but lost 31-9, as Iggles ran ball for 131 yards, and has 12-yard advantage in field position. Pack lost their last 4 home openers, covered just one of last eight, allowing 25.8 ppg in last four. Eagles are 6-2 vs spread as favorite in Week 1; under is 7-2 in their last nine road openers.

Falcons @ Vikings-- Post-Vick era begins with Harrington at QB for Atlanta. Home side lost four of last five series games, as the Falcons won last two visits here, both in OT (one of wins was in playoffs). Vikings won three of last four home openers; under is 13-5-1 in their last 19, as well as 12-6 in Falcons' last 18 openers on road. Atlanta started out 1-0 last four years, won three of last four road openers. Minnesota figures to try and run ball, with a young QB (Jackson) and solid rookie runner (Peterson).

Dolphins @ Redskins-- Cameron/Green combo used to work for Redskins, now 37-year old Green tries to revive career in Miami, after serious concussion caused him to miss half of last season in KC. Home side won last five series games, with Dolphins' last W here back in '84. Skins won four of last five home openers, with last four staying under- they're 2-6-1 vs spread last nine times as a favorite in home opener. Fish lost last three road openers; nine of their last thirteen road openers stayed under the total.

Patriots @ Jets-- New England defense has taken hits recently, as Harrison, Seymour both out for first month, but Belichick is 7-1 in last eight series games, winning last six at this site. Last season, Pats won two of three vs Jets, outrushing Gang Green 448-208. although Jets did run ball for 117 yards in game they won. Jets were 17-31 on 3rd down during season vs Pats, but only 3-11 in playoff loss. Over is 13-5-1 in last nineteen Jet home openers, and 5-2-2 in New England's last nine road openers.

Buccaneers @ Seahawks-- Seattle won six of last seven in series, with last four series totals 30 or less; Hawks won 23-7 last year in Week 17 (+3), winning 60.9% of third down plays, having 12-yard edge in field position, piling up 28 first downs and 72-49 edge in plays run. Garcia is latest QB for Bucs, who won six of last eight road openers (under is 6-0 both in Seattle home openers, and Buc road openers). Seahawks won last four home openers, allowing just 9.5 ppg, winning by 17-34-3-11 points.

Bears @ Chargers-- Norv Turner debuts as Bolts' HC, while his brother Ron calls plays for Bears. Charger LB coach Rivera was Chicago DC for last three years, was let go by Chicago after he tried to get head coaching job, so this has to be special game for him, even with hated Patriots on deck. Bears won last four games in this seldom-played series; this is their first visit here since '99. San Diego scored 24-28-40 points in last three season openers. Of late, teams that lose Super Bowl have stumbled the next year.

Lions @ Raiders-- Fine piece of scheduling, as two worst teams in '06 meet in '07 opener, guaranteeing one of them a happy start to this season. Home side won six of last eight series games, as Lions are 0-4 at this site. Raiders acquired QB McCown from the Lions in offseason; will he help Oakland defend Martz Madness? Lions expected to be more explosive in second year with Martz as OC, but Lions just 24-72 in six years under inept GM Millen; hard to have much confidence backing them on road, even against dysfunctional Raider team that cut its 3rd round pick this week.

Giants @ Cowboys-- Both offense dominated series games in '06, as teams combined to convert 56% of third down plays in teams' meetings. This was game last year where Romo replaced Bledsoe after bad INT right before half. Giants were +3 in turnovers, ran ball for 281 yards, while Dallas averaged 7.2/7.3 yards per pass attempt in two games. Giants are 10-6 in last 16 series games, 4-3 in last seven visits here. Dallas started 0-1 six of last seven years under is 13-5-1 in their last nineteen home openers. Can Jacobs be adequate replacement for backstabbing former RB Barber?

Monday, September 10

Ravens @ Bengals-- Baltimore was 11-31 on third down last year vs Bengals, scoring only one TD in seven trips to Cincinnati red zone; they hope addition of McGahee improves those numbers. Bengals won four of last five series games, with Ravens losing in last two visits here, 42-29/13-7, but Cincy OL took some hits last offseason, which could hamper formerly high-powered offense. Ravens lost five of last six road openers, with under 8-1 in last 9 road openers. Bengals won last three home openers, by 3,29,17.

Cardinals @ 49ers-- Since losing pair of OT tilts to Niners in 2005, Cardinals won last four series games, winning last two visits here 17-10/26-20; six of last seven series totals were 45+. Arizona won 64.6% of third down plays in series LY, with Niners just 2-18 on third down, but Cardinals have been awful road team, losing last five road openers by 13-point average. Arizona is 1-12 in last 13 Week 1 road games. Niners covered their last four openers, with underdog covering seven of their last nine. At age 23, 49er QB Smith is same age as Hawai'i's Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL

Sunday, September 9

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Tips and Trends
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Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are interested in seeing how this Denver team reacts to the emotional off-season losses it suffered (the death of CB Darrent Williams a few hours after the season ended and in February, Broncos RB Damien Nash died at a charity basketball game). SLIGHT EDGE: BRONCOS
Team insiders are reporting that new defensive coordinator Jim Bates says he will utilize more blitz packages: "No. 1, the top priority is you have to play well against the run," Bates said. "You have to stop the run to get the sticks in our favor where it's third down-and-long." If they are able to get penetration against Buffalo’s vanilla offensive line then Buffalo could be in for a long day. EDGE: BRONCOS
The Broncos’ first-string defense surrendered six touchdowns and three field goals in 15 possessions during the first three games of preseason when starting offenses still were seeing action. EDGE: BILLS
The Broncos are 11-5 SU and ATS in their last 16 season openers, going 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road openers.
Denver is 10-6 SU & ATS its last 16 on the road but also just 3-10 ATS its last 13 as a favorite.
Buffalo is 8-3 ATS its last 11 as a dog and has the offense to hang in here.
The OVER is 25-18 in Buffalo's last 43 games.


Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are concerned over the recent news that the Browns center LeCharles Bentley is on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first six weeks of the season. The loss of Bentley and right tackle Ryan Tucker (getting suspended the first four games of the season because of steroid use) is not good news for an aging Jamal Lewis and this vanilla Cleveland offense. BIG EDGE: STEELERS
Team insiders are reporting that Pittsburgh first-year head coach Mike Tomlin is overseeing a defensive scheme change to a 3-4 alignment with elements of the 4-3 scheme. It may take awhile for opposing offensive coordinators to figure out how to attack the new scheme. EDGE: STEELERS
The Steelers are an incredible 18-8 SU & 16-10 ATS on the road in the last three years.
The Cleveland Browns are 15-23-1 ATS as an underdog and are 0-7 SU & 1-6 ATS its last 7 against Pittsburgh.


Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are still concerned with the Philadelphia run stopping unit that slipped to 26th last season. However, that won't be a big problem here as Green Bay has an unproven running game that will be without Ahman Green for the first time in eight seasons. SLIGHT EDGE: PACKERS
The Eagles have outscored the Packers by 57 points during the past three years, although all three games were at Philadelphia. SLIGHT EDGE: EAGLES
Last season's Green Bay defense was good on paper but really struggled when stepping up against playoff teams, losing 38-10 to the Jets, 35-0 to the Patriots, 26-0 to the Bears, 34-27 to the Saints and 31-9 to these Eagles. EDGE: EAGLES
Philadelphia is an incredible 33-18 SU & 31-19 ATS on the road the last 6 years.
The Packers are a disappointing 10-15 SU and 6-18-1 ATS the last three seasons at home.


Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are concerned about the Kansas City offensive line, which has lost their two best players (Willie Roaf, Will Shields) over the last two years. The concern is exacerbated because head coach Herm Edwards prefers a conservative ground game that may have trouble opening up the lanes for running back Larry Johnson, who missed the entire preseason and is not expected to see his usual workload in the season opener. EDGE: TEXANS
Kansas City scored just 32 points in the preseason and was the only team to total less than 40. EDGE: TEXANS
Kansas City is 9-18 SU & 9-17-1 ATS its last 27 road games.


Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Team insiders are concerned about this Tennessee defense that has a lot of holes, with CB "Pac Man" Jones suspended off a defense that was dead last in the league in 2006. They allowed 144 yards rushing per game (30th) and allowed over 200 rush yards twice and over 170 yards 5 times. EDGE: JAGUARS
Team insiders believe that Jacksonville holds a fundamental matchup advantage when Tennessee is on offense. Tennessee prefers to run the football and the Jaguars are dominant up front against the run (3rd in total defense se in 2006, 5th against the run). EDGE: JAGUARS
Jacksonville team insiders are excited about new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (former Boise St and Arizona St head coach) who implemented a new, wide-open offense. Jacksonville displayed their new look all preseason and should do well against a weak Tennessee secondary. EDGE: JAGUARS
The Jags are 14-8-2 ATS in their last 24 home games and beat Tennessee here 37-7 and 40-13 the last two years.
Jacksonville is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 season openers.


Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The offseason saga surrounding the Falcons is finally over, with QB Joey Harrington finally ready to take over for Michael Vick. "I don't need to fill Michael Vick's shoes," Harrington said."I'm not trying to be Michael Vick. I'm trying to be myself. If I can play like myself, people will believe in me." Harrington is 1-6 lifetime vs. Minnesota with 8 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. EDGE: VIKINGS & UNDER
Minnesota's top concern is improving an offense that set team records for fewest touchdown passes (13) and first downs (272) last season. The play of second-year QB Tavaris Jackson (47-of-81 for 475 yards with 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 4 games last season) will be the key to the offense's revival while rookie RB Adrian Peterson should help starter Chester Taylor stay fresh coming off the biggest workload of his career. SLIGHT EDGE: FALCONS & UNDER
Atlanta is 7-0 ATS in its last 7 season openers as an underdog.
Atlanta is also 8-1 in its last 8 season openers.
Minnesota is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games.


New England Patriots at New York Jets (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Some team insiders believe that the Jets’ 10-6 mark last year was a bit misleading considering they played an easy schedule, were out-gained by 415 yards and had 23 fewer first downs than their opponents. EDGE: PATRIOTS
Jets QB Chad Pennington struggled in the preseason and the offensive line play was poor after trading away disgruntled veteran G Pete Kendall two weeks ago. This could also be tough for new RB Thomas Jones, who missed most of the preseason with a calf strain but has practiced this week and should be ready to play. EDGE: PATRIOTS
New England’s quarterback Tom Brady has an impressive 10-2 SU career mark against New York.
New England was 8-2 SU & ATS on the road last season.
New England has also dominated this series with an 8-1 ATS mark.


Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The Rams have the motivational edge looking for revenge after the Panthers held them scoreless for the first time since 1998 in a 15-0 victory last November 19th while sacking Marc Bulger seven times. EDGE: RAMS
The Panthers have a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Davidson, who has added more spice plus zone blocking by the offensive line. However, Carolina’s offense did struggle at times in the preseason as John Fox shuffled different combinations, something to keep an eye on in the opener. SLIGHT EDGE: RAMS
The St. Louis run defense has been brutal, giving up 4.9 yards per carry the last two seasons - worst in the NFL during that stretch. EDGE: PANTHERS
The Carolina Panthers are 15-9-1 ATS their last 25 road games.
The Rams are 6-10 ATS in their last 16 home games.
The OVER is 7-3-1 in the last 11 games for St. Louis along with 4-1 in the last 5 for Carolina.
Carolina is a stellar 15-2-1 ATS as an underdog.


Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins (FOX | 1 PM ET)

This will be the first game for new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron after being offensive coordinator of the Chargers in 2006. Considering Cameron was the brains behind the explosive offense in San Diego, some insiders were disappointed that Miami struggled to put points on the board for much of the preseason. SLIGHT EDGE: REDSKINS
A key for the Redskins will be the health of their offensive line, and whether or not they are able to stay together for the entire season. It is a very strong unit despite the loss of Derrick Dockery. Converted tackle Todd Wage will likely replace Dockery and has a very important job considering the team’s starting QB is a right-hander, making Wage’s position even more important as it is Jason Campell’s blindside. If Washington is able to keep Campbell on his feet, this team could go far. EDGE: REDSKINS
Miami is 18-14 ATS on the road the last four seasons.
The UNDER is 6-3 in Washington's last 9 games and 30-19 since head coach Joe Gibbs returned in 2004.


Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders (FOX | 4:15 ET)

Detroit got better offensively with WR Calvin Johnson joining Roy Williams (1,310 yards) and WR Mike Furrey (1,086 yards). Quarterback Jon Kitna will enjoy throwing downfield, though he missed the last two preseason games with back spasms. SLIGHT EDGE: LIONS
Team insider cannot believe how Lions GM Matt Millen could have actually made the 26th-ranked defense worse by trading away CB Dre Bly. The secondary was awful in preseason and will be the weak link on this team, along with a suspect offensive line. EDGE: RAIDERS
The Raiders will start former Detroit backup Josh McCown at QB, a move that should benefit them considering he went up against the Lions defense in practice everyday last season. EDGE: RAIDERS
Detroit is 2-13 SU & 6-9 ATS its last 15 road games.


Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)

The Chargers not only have a new head coach in Norv Turner, but also new offensive and defensive coordinators. Turner also has ties to the Bears as brother Ron is Chicago's offensive coordinator while San Diego LB coach Ron Rivera was the defensive coordinator of the defending NFC champs last season. EDGE: CHARGERS
Both the Bears and Chargers are coming off disappointing endings to last season with a lot left to prove this year. Chicago played last postseason without two of the team's best defensive players in safety Mike Brown and tackle Tommie Harris, both of whom should be ready to go in the season opener following injuries. The key to this game likely will be decided by the amount of pressure San Diego All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman can put on mistake-prone QB Rex Grossman. EDGE: CHARGERS
Chicago's offense is expected to be even more lethal this year with the addition of Devin Hester as a wide receiver and Bernard Berrian emerging as one of the best deep threats in the NFL. Grossman's ability to get the ball to the team's top playmakers against a suspect San Diego secondary could help the Bears pull off an upset here. EDGE: BEARS
Super Bowl losers are 1-10 ATS on the road the last 11 years in the opening game of the season.
San Diego is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 16-5-1 in Chicago's last 22 games.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)

Injuries decimated the Seahawks offense last year, as 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander missed six games with a foot injury and QB Matt Hasselbeck was out four with a sprained knee and two broken fingers. This team still managed to break a string of five straight Super Bowl losers to miss out on the postseason, losing to Chicago 27-24 in overtime of January's divisional playoffs. They have high expectations of returning to the Super Bowl and must start out strong here. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
The Seattle secondary is a weak spot, something new Bucs QB Jeff Garcia and the Tampa passing game will look to attack. Garcia is the man head coach Jon Gruden targeted to lead his offense when he was with the Raiders, and some insiders believe his best days are behind him. SLIGHT EDGE: BUCS
Seattle is 16-3 SU & 12-6 ATS at home the last two years.
Seattle is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 season openers.
The OVER was 11-6 for Seattle in 2004, 12-7 in 2005 and 10-7 last season for a combined mark of 33-20 over the last three years.


New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (NBC | 8:15 PM ET)

The Giants are a team consumed with turmoil as head coach Tom Coughlin was nearly fired at the end of last season until Tiki (I am retired) Barber bailed him out. Not many believe Brandon Jacobs is the answer to fill the massive void left by the departure, and team insiders were very surprised to see the Giants basically sit out of the free agent market. A key for New York will be how well the defense holds it together through the first half of the season, needing to improve on a 25 th-ranked unit from a year ago. EDGE: COWBOYS
The Giants got battered and bruised in the preseason while going 1-3. LB Kawika Mitchell got banged up late in August and the secondary had all kinds of problems: Cornerback Sam Madison pulled his hamstring and missed Week 4, while safety Will Demps is expected to miss another week with a dislocated right elbow. WR Michael Jennings is out for the season. EDGE: COWBOYS
The Giants are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog.
The Giants have a strong history - going 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings - and Dallas is just 1-6 SU in its last seven season openers.
Four of the last five games between these rivals have been decided by 4, 3, 7 and 3 points.

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[pm530]

Pro Basketball (Women) – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, September 8

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PHOENIX (27 - 12) at DETROIT (29 - 12) - 9/8/2007, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more this season.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

WNBA - Betting Trends

WNBA
Betting Trends

Saturday, September 8

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Betting Trends
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ATS Trends
Phoenix
Mercury are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Mercury are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Mercury are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Mercury are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Mercury are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games as an underdog.
Mercury are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games as a road underdog.
Mercury are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 Saturday games.
Mercury are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Mercury are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.

Detroit
Shock are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Shock are 22-5 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Shock are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Shock are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
Shock are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
Shock are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 games as a home favorite.
Shock are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Shock are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

OU Trends
Phoenix
Over is 5-0 in Mercury last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Over is 4-0 in Mercury last 4 overall.
Over is 5-0 in Mercury last 5 road games.
Over is 7-1 in Mercury last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 10-4 in Mercury last 14 games as an underdog.
Over is 10-4 in Mercury last 14 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 7-3 in Mercury last 10 games as a road underdog of 0.5-4.5.
Over is 9-4 in Mercury last 13 games as a road underdog.

Detroit
Over is 16-5 in Shock last 21 vs. Western Conference.
Over is 10-4 in Shock last 14 games as a home favorite.
Over is 10-4 in Shock last 14 home games.

Head to Head
Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Mercury are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

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[pm530]

Major League Soccer

MLS

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MLS Preview
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Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 (All Times Eastern)


Chicago (7-10-5) at Columbus (6-7-10), 7:30 p.m.

Columbus, OH - The Chicago Fire will travel to Columbus to take on the Crew in a Major League Soccer fixture Saturday, pitting two playoff bubble teams against each other.

The Fire are currently two points back of the Crew for the eighth and final playoff spot, but have a game in hand on their Eastern Conference rivals. Colorado and Columbus are currently tied with 28 points after 23 fixtures for the last playoff spot, putting even greater importance on Saturday's fixture.

Both teams are coming off disappointing results a week ago, with the Fire dropping a 1-0 contest at Red Bull New York and the Crew giving up a late goal at home to draw with Colorado 1-1.

The Fire lost after Juan Pablo Angel scored a late winner for New York in a defensive battle at Giants Stadium last Saturday.

"It is extremely disappointing that at the end we limited Juan (Pablo Angel) to one chance and it was a goal and we also limited (Dane) Richards to one cross the whole game. They didn't have many goal scoring opportunities so it was disappointing," Chicago coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "We know that we can play better offensively and we need to create more chances and just keep working. Hopefully, when we play them back at our place (on Sept. 15), it will be a different game."

The Crew, on the other hand, scored an early goal by Eddie Gaven before Conor Casey tied it with a header six minutes from time for the Rapids.

"It is obviously disappointing when you give up a goal late like that, that we did," Crew coach Sigi Schmid said. "We were absorbing a lot of pressure which wasn't the right thing for us to do at that point in the game, either. We weren't relieving ourselves of that. They ended up getting a point. There was one (opportunity) when you have the lead, you have to take it all the way and finish it off."

"We definitely should have had three points out of this game," Gaven said. "This isn't the first time this year we have given up late goals and it cost us points. This time of year, it is definitely tough when you are giving up points late like that and giving up goals late, and dropping points because the games really matter so much more at this time of year. It is definitely something we are going to work on this week in training and make sure that it doesn't happen any more this year."

The Crew are in desperate need of a victory after going winless in their previous five. After the Chicago fixture, the Crew have another important game against a team just in front of them - Kansas City - before winnable fixtures at Toronto FC and against Los Angeles to close out the month.

"You hesitate to call games 'must win' games but our time is running short," the Crew's Rusty Pierce said. "If we don't get wins we are not going to be in the picture at the end. We cannot rely on other teams to sneak us in the backdoor, we need to start winning some games."

The Fire are in a similar situation, but with a tougher schedule through September. After the Columbus fixture, Chicago plays New York, Dallas, D.C. United and CD Chivas USA.

"We just have to win games, keep progressing and keep believing in what we're doing," Osorio said. "We'll take one game at a time and hopefully the next two games, we can get some good results and get back in the race."



Toronto FC (5-12-5) at FC Dallas (11-8-3), 8:30 p.m.

Frisco, TX - FC Dallas will try to bounce back from an effort defender Clarence Goodson said was "complete crap" on Saturday against Toronto FC.

Dallas was blown out in its last Major League Soccer game against D.C. United, 4-0, spoiling an anticipated showdown between two of the top teams in MLS.

Dallas rebounded on Tuesday to advance to the U.S. Open Cup final, and returns to MLS play with a chance to move into the top spot in the Western Conference.

If Dallas, just three points behind Houston, could pick an MLS team to bounce back against, Toronto would be the obvious choice.

Toronto, which is last in the Eastern Conference, has been shutout in seven in a row and hasn't scored in an league record 642 minutes. Toronto is winless in eight straight overall.

TFC has been decimated by injuries and learned Friday that top scorer Danny Dichio will miss two to four weeks with a foot injury. In addition, the club lost midfielder Andy Welsh to Blackpool of England's Championship this week, taking another option away from the club.

Dallas defender Chris Gbandi warned after the D.C. loss that the team usually gets down after losses, which could set the team up for a letdown against TFC. Toronto did win the teams' previous meeting, 4-0, on June 17.

"People are probably going to get mad at me for saying this but we get too crazy after a win and get way too down after losses around here. It was a bad loss," Gbandi said. "This season is a long season and it all depends on how well we bounce back from losses. The last few times, we haven't bounced back from them very well."

Brazilian playmaker Denilson should make his first start for Dallas, which is trying to snap a two-game losing streak. Denilson made his debut last week as a substitute.

Denilson will add another weapon to Dallas' potent attack, but it could also open more chances for Toronto to snap its scoring drought. The Hoops regularly push players forward and as a results have actually allowed three more goals this season than they've scored.

Although Toronto is missing some of its best players, it has created plenty of chances in its last few games but "we just couldn't get a break," TFC coach Mo Johnston said.

"I think it's most frustrating than anything. When you do work hard and you think you deserve something and you don't get it, it's frustrating," Toronto captain Jim Brennan said. "Now, the thing is we're a good group of guys we work hard for one another, we're all sticking together and we know it's going to come - it's a matter of just when."

"We're going through a little sticky patch at the moment," said Toronto midfielder Carl Robinson, who will miss the FC Dallas match while on national team duty with Wales. "Performance-wise I think we're playing well. Goals-wise we obviously cannot score. We're throwing kitchen sinks at teams and not scoring. It's that type of luck we're having at the moment."



Real Salt Lake (4-11-7) at Houston (11-7-6), 8:30 p.m.

Houston, TX - Real Salt Lake will try to build on its modest two-game winning streak and win for the fourth time in its last six games on Saturday at Houston.

Real defeated Los Angeles last weekend to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. Real was able to rally from an early deficit because goalie Nick Rimando stopped a penalty kick and Robbie Findley and Eddie Pope scored in the second half.

"We wanted to win so badly. You could see it in everyone's faces," Pope said. "We talked about it at halftime, our attitude - 'How bad do you really want to win?' We were able to really dig in deep the second half."

Real Salt Lake started its recent surge with a 1-0 win over Houston on Aug. 4, and has since climbed out of the bottom of the Western Conference.

This time Real has to solve Houston on the road, with its prior win coming at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Real's win over Los Angeles was its first win on the road this season.

Houston is still atop the Western Conference by two points despite having just one win in its last seven games. The Dynamo have tied the first three games of a four-game homestand, most recently playing Kansas City to a 1-1 draw.

"We look at it as two points lost and a point won," Houston forward Joseph Ngwenya said. "We wanted to come out and win. We weren't fortunate enough to get the first goal. At the end of the day, we have to keep it in perspective and get three points against Salt Lake."

In the first half of the season, getting three points against Real Salt Lake wasn't that hard. But the Utah club has started to come together lately with the additions of Findley - who has goals in all of the team's victories - and Argentineans Fabian Espindola, Matias Mantilla and Javier Morales.

Findley has a team-high four goals in just nine games for Real Salt Lake. The Argentinean trio combined on two of the team's goals in a recent 3-1 win over Kansas City.

Although Houston has won just one of its last seven, its lost just two of its last 16, a stretch where its 9-2-5 overall. But the Dynamo have struggled offensively recently because of injuries, most notably to star striker Brian Ching.

Ching and Ngwenya are tied for the team lead with seven goals. In addition to Ching being doubtful to play this week, seven other Houston players are on the injury report this week.

All the injuries forced coach Dominic Kinnear to shuffle his starting lineup last week, including moving star midfielder Dwayne De Rosario to forward.

"To be honest, looking at our squad and where we're at, I tried to put the best team on the field," Kinnear said. "The only thing that I didn't like doing was to take Dwayne out of the midfield and put him up front. It wasn't ideal. We spoke about that, and I told him it was only temporary. I looked at how I thought I could get the best team on the field, and that was the reason for the moves."

Findley scored the lone goal in the teams' last meeting in the 85th minute. He took advantage of a defensive mistake by Houston to score the game-winner.

Real Salt Lake continues its three-game road trip at Toronto FC on Sept. 15. Houston visits struggling Los Angeles on Sept. 16.



Colorado (7-9-7) at Los Angeles (3-11-5), 10:30 p.m.

Carson, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy need to make a push and they need to make it now if the team is going avoid missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

L.A. welcomes a hot Colorado Rapids club to the Home Depot Center on Saturday night that has gone unbeaten in their last four games, including three wins. One of those wins was a 3-0 defeat of the Galaxy two weeks ago in Denver, and now the Rapids are looking for more of the same as they try for another win against a wounded Galaxy side.

The Southern California club has lost their last six games, which is one shy of a team record. Injuries can be partly attributed to the lack of success as a number of key players have been missing during the streak.

The Galaxy enter Saturday's game with a lengthy injury list that includes defender Chris Albright (hamstring); midfielder David Beckham (knee); midfielder Kelly Gray (calf); defender Ty Harden (hip); and defender Ante Jazic (ankle).

That group will all miss the game while midfielder Cobi Jones (hip) and defenders Quavas Kirk (foot) and Abel Xavier (knee) will be game-time decisions. The team will also be without Landon Donovan, who will be playing for the United States against Brazil in a friendly.

That group makes up most of the success that the Galaxy has had this season, and the team will have a tough time getting any more wins with all the absences it must battle through.

Despite being 14 points out of the final playoff spot, L.A. has played less games than any team in the league. If the Galaxy can find their form over their final 11 contests, they may be able to make a run at one of the top eight spots in the league, but that turnaround must start Saturday.

It is unlikely to come against a club like the Rapids, who following a 10-game winless streak seem to have turned around their season.

Colorado is tied with the Columbus Crew for the eighth and final playoff spot after earning a 1-1 draw at Crew Stadium last time out. The Rapids are two points clear of the Chicago Fire, but have played one more game, so a tight battle to clinch a spot over the final months is expected.

Striker Conor Casey has helped turn things around since being given a chance by coach Fernando Clavijo to start the last three games. Casey has tallied his first two MLS goals in his last two games, and if he can continue to find the back of the net, the Rapids should continue to pile up points.

"He scores the more difficult goal but misses the easy ones," Clavijo told the league's website. "But that's the game and you have to give all the credit to Conor because his work effort was outstanding. He was a force out there."

Casey's emergence comes at a good time because the Rapids are currently in the midst of playing four of their next five games away from home, where they have taken only nine points from a possible 33.

The injury report is a little more kind to the Rapids, who have no huge injury losses, but will have to wait and see on the fitness of a few key players. Pablo Mastroeni had to leave the game against Columbus at halftime because of an illness. He was replaced for the national team's game against Brazil, but may not be able to play for Colorado on Saturday. Midfielder Terry Cooke (groin strain), striker Omar Cummings (shoulder separation) and defender Jordan Harvey (ankle sprain) could also miss the match.

This is a game that neither team can afford to lose, but a Galaxy loss would put them in a huge hole that they will not be able to climb out of. The Galaxy must turn around right now, but that is a lot to ask of a side that has as many players on the injury list as on the field.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB

Saturday, September 8

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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants (FOX | 3:55 PM ET)

Los Angeles starter David Wells is an even 2-2 with a 4.06 ERA in eight career starts versus San Francisco. He picked up a 3-2 victory over the Giants at AT&T Park on June 26, allowing just a single run and six hits over six innings. SLIGHT EDGE: DODGERS
Wells is 3-6 with a 7.38 ERA in 12 road games this season. He’s allowed 12 earned runs and 24 hits over his last 14 innings of work away from Dodger Stadium and Petco Park. EDGE: GIANTS
San Francisco left-hander Barry Zito is 2-1 with a 4.72 ERA in four career starts versus Los Angeles. He limited the Dodgers to just a single run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings in a 4-2 road victory on August 2. SLIGHT EDGE: GIANTS
Zito has been very impressive over his last four starts, allowing four earned runs and 12 hits over 29 innings of work. The former Cy Young winner is 62-29 with a 3.30 ERA in 119 career outings after the All-Star break. BIG EDGE: GIANTS


Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers (7:05 PM ET)

Seattle’s Jeff Weaver is a dismal 1-4 with a 5.46 ERA in five career starts versus Detroit. The right-hander picked up a 11-7 defeat against the Tigers on July 15, allowing seven runs and 10 hits over five innings of work. EDGE: TIGERS
Weaver has given up eight home runs over his last four starts. This could prove problematic, since he’s allowed six long balls in just 31 1/3 innings against Detroit. EDGE: TIGERS
Tigers left-hander Nate Robertson has a winning 4-3 record and 3.26 ERA in seven career starts versus the Mariners. He was handed a 9-2 defeat on May 9 against Seattle at Comerica Park, giving up six runs and 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: TIGERS
Robertson is a disappointing 3-8 with a 6.11 ERA in 15 nighttime starts this season, which is drastically different from his 3.50 daytime ERA. EDGE: MARINERS


Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels (9:05 PM ET)

Cleveland’s C.C. Sabathia has a losing 4-5 record and 4.96 ERA in 11 career starts versus Los Angeles. The Indians ace picked up a 7-6 home victory in his second start of the year against the Angels, giving up one earned run and 10 hits over seven innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ANGELS
Sabathia posted a 2-1 record and 2.57 ERA during the month of August. He allowed just two home runs and 38 hits in 42 innings. EDGE: INDIANS
Angels right-hander Ervin Santana is a terrible 0-4 with a 9.19 ERA in four career starts versus the Indians. He’s allowed 16 earned runs and 23 hits over 15 2/3 innings against them, as the Tribe is hitting .343. BIG EDGE: INDIANS
Santana has gone 5-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 10 home starts this year. The second-year starter is an impressive 24-8 with a 3.18 ERA in 41 career outings at Angel Stadium. BIG EDGE: ANGELS

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - September 8

SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Sept. 8
Seattle at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EDT). The Mariners' Jeff Weaver (6-11) faces the Tigers' Nate Robertson (7-11) in a matchup of teams pursuing the Yankees for the AL wild card.

STARS
Friday

-Ken Griffey Jr., Reds, hit a two-run shot for his 593rd homer and added an RBI single in an 11-4 rout of Milwaukee.

-Jim Thome, White Sox, hit a three-run homer to help erase a six-run deficit in the ninth, and Chicago beat Minnesota 11-10 in 13 innings.

-Jack Wilson, Pirates, had three hits, including a two-run homer and an RBI double, to help beat the Chicago Cubs 6-1.

-Lastings Milledge, Mets, made a diving catch to help thwart a potential rally, then hit a three-run homer in an 11-3 rout of Houston.

-Frank Catalanotto, Rangers, homered, tripled and drove in three runs to help Texas beat Oakland 5-3.

-Gregg Zaun, Blue Jays, hit a three-run homer in a 7-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

MOVING ON UP

Alex Rodriguez homered for the sixth time in nine games, raising his major league-leading total to 49 in the Yankees' 3-2 win over Kansas City on Friday night. Rodriguez homered off Gil Meche in the second inning, moving past Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews with his 513th home run and taking sole possession of 17th place. He also broke his own team record for home runs by a right-handed batter.

OVERWORKED

Colorado used nine relievers after starter Elmer Dessens left with a strained left hamstring in the third inning of a 10-4 win over San Diego on Friday night. The 10 total pitchers was a National League record for a nine-inning game, and the most since Baltimore used 10 against the New York Yankees on Sept. 12, 2004. The Rockies used 10 hurlers against the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 30, 2006, in a game that went 14 innings.

20-20-20 VISION

Curtis Granderson hit his 20th home run in Detroit's 6-1 win over Seattle on Friday night, making him only the sixth major league player since 1900 with at least 20 home runs, 20 doubles and 20 triples in one season. The Tigers' outfielder leads the majors with 21 triples and has 36 doubles.

STILL GOING STRONG

John Smoltz didn't allow a hit through seven innings, leading Atlanta over Washington 7-1 Friday night. The only pitcher in baseball history with at least 200 wins and 150 saves, Smoltz (13-7) walked off to a standing ovation after allowing a leadoff single to Ronnie Belliard in the eighth. The 40-year-old struck out 10 and walked two.

SHORT OUTING

Dave Bush got just three outs in the shortest of his 99 career starts, allowing eight runs and nine hits in an 11-4 loss to Cincinnati on Friday night. It was just the third loss in nine games for the Brewers, who remained tied with the Chicago Cubs for the NL Central lead.

READY TO TUSSLE

Boston handed an angry Daniel Cabrera his 15th loss of the season, barely avoiding a brawl Friday night in a 4-0 victory over Baltimore. Both teams charged from the dugouts and bullpens in the fourth inning after Cabrera threw a fastball behind the ear of Dustin Pedroia. After a warning was issued to both teams, Cabrera waved his arms at the Red Sox, causing tempers to escalate. No punches were thrown, and Cabrera was ejected from the game.

STRONG STARTS

Dustin McGowan struck out a career-high 12 in eight innings to lead Toronto past Tampa Bay 7-2 on Friday night. McGowan (10-8) gave up two runs on four hits and a walk. He has won two straight starts, giving up just three runs in 16 innings over the stretch. ... Jon Lester allowed four hits in seven innings to win his third straight start in Boston's 4-0 victory over the Baltimore. Lester (4-0) struck out four, walked two and allowed only one runner past second base in his eighth start since returning to the majors following a bout with lymphoma.

SPEAKING

''I was just itching a spot and Nick (third-base coach Nick Leyva) thought I was putting the steal on. I'm not going to steal with Prince (Fielder) coming up. I should have seen it was a preview of what was going to come. It set the tone for the night. I looked up and saw Gabe coming and thought, 'What the heck is going on?''' - Brewers manager Ned Yost, on a pesky mosquito bite that led to Gabe Gross getting thrown out while trying to steal third in a 1-2-3 first inning. Milwaukee lost 11-4 to Cincinnati on Friday night.

SEASONS
Sept. 8

1905 - The Pittsburgh Pirates stranded 18 runners in an 8-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds to set a National League record for men left on base.

1955 - The Brooklyn Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Braves 10-2 to clinch the National League pennant with a 17-game lead.

1958 - Roberto Clemente tied a major league record by hitting three triples in a 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1965 - Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A's played all nine positions but had to leave after a ninth-inning collision with Ed Kirkpatrick of the Angels. The Angels won 5-3 in 13 innings.

1972 - Ferguson Jenkins of the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-3, for his 20th victory of the season. It marked the sixth straight year Jenkins had won 20 or more games.

1985 - Cincinnati's Pete Rose inserted himself into the lineup when the Chicago Cubs named right-hander Reggie Patterson as the starting pitcher. Rose singled in the first inning and again in the fifth inning to tie Ty Cobb with 4,191 career hits. Rose was retired in his other at-bats and the game was called because of darkness after nine innings with the score tied 5-5.

1993 - Darryl Kile pitched baseball's second no-hitter in five days, leading the Houston Astros over the New York Mets 7-1.

1996 - Todd Hundley of the New York Mets became the ninth player to hit 40 home runs this season, breaking the major league record set in 1961. Hundley's homer, in a 6-2 win over Atlanta, tied Roy Campanella's major league record for homers by a catcher.

1998 - Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris' 37-year-old home run record, lining historic No. 62 just over the wall in left field with two outs in the fourth inning. McGwire's shot off the Chicago Cubs' Steve Trachsel set off a wild celebration in Busch Stadium.

2002 - The Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight division title when second-place Philadelphia lost to the New York Mets 6-4.

Today's birthday: Gil Meche 29.

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[Kaptain]

Points of Interest

09/08/07
03:00 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Nevada's LB Ezra Butler, 2006 WAC Defensive Player of the Year, will return Saturday after serving a one-game suspension.

09/08/07
02:58 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Memphis starting RB Joseph Doss (knee sprain) will NOT be available on Saturday.

09/08/07
02:54 AM Lineups
CFB
Iowa's WR Dominique Douglas and backup Anthony Bowman (suspended indefinitely) are not expected to play Saturday.

09/08/07
02:49 AM Injuries
CFB
TCU RB Aaron Brown (knee) is doubtful and DE Tommy Blake (personal) is questionable for Saturday's game.

09/08/07
02:45 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Utah's backup QB Tommy Grady will start on Saturday.

09/08/07
02:42 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Notre Dame's freshman QB Jimmy Claussen will be the starter for Saturday's game.

09/08/07
02:40 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Georgia's RB Kregg Lumpkin (broken thumb) is OUT of Saturday's game.

09/08/07
02:38 AM Lineups
CFB
South Carolina's QB Blake Mitchell (academic suspension) is expected to start Saturday.

09/08/07
02:33 AM Injuries
CFB
Boston College's RB LV Whitworth (questionable; hamstring) has stated he "feels good enough to play" on Saturday.

09/08/07
02:29 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
North Carolina State's QB Harrison Beck will start this Saturday's game.

09/08/07
02:26 AM Injury Alert
CFB
San Jose State's starting RB Yonus Davis (ankle) will NOT play Saturday.

09/08/07
02:24 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Wake Forest's QB Brett Hodges will be making his first start on Saturday.

09/08/07
02:20 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Mariners 1B Richie Sexson (.207; hamstring) is questionable; Phillies CF Aaron Rowand (.314; hip) is questionable.

09/08/07
02:19 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Angels RF Vladimir Guerrero (.326; tricep) is doubtful; Twins C Joe Mauer (.294; hamstring) is questionable.

09/08/07
02:18 AM Injuries
MLB
Saturday: Orioles CF Corey Patterson (.269; foot) is questionable; White Sox RF Jermaine Dye (.247; quadricep) is doubtful.

09/08/07
01:56 AM Info Alert
MLB
Orioles SP Daniel Cabrera was ejected from Friday's game in the fourth inning for throwing at Dustin Pedroia.

09/08/07
01:55 AM Lineups
MLB
The Yankees believe Roger Clemens could return from the rotation to start Sept. 16th.

09/08/07
01:54 AM Injuries
MLB
The Braves will likely limit Edgar Renteria (ankle) to pinch-hitting duties this weekend.

09/08/07
01:53 AM Injury Alert
MLB
Phillies OF Aaron Rowand suffered a strained left hip during Friday's game.

09/08/07
01:52 AM Injuries
MLB
Rockies SP Elmer Dessens left Friday's game in the third inning with a strained left hamstring.

09/08/07
01:48 AM Injuries
MLB
D-Backs 2B Orlando Hudson will get a couple of days off to deal with a sore thumb.

09/08/07
01:46 AM Lineups
MLB
Tigers SP Jair Jurrjens (shoulder) is expected to come off the DL and start one of the games in the doubleheader on Tuesday.

09/08/07
01:40 AM Lineup Alert
MLB
The Phillies have changed their rotation again and will use John Ennis rather than Jamie Moyer against the Marlins on Saturday.

09/08/07
01:36 AM Info Alert
MLB
Dodgers 1B James Loney hit two home runs Friday, and now has six multi-hit games in his last nine.

09/08/07
01:32 AM News Alert
CFB
Purdue's WR Selwyn Lymon and teammates (incident at night club) have been officially charged with several misdemeanor counts.

[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers


Saturday,September 8


HOT


C.C. Sabathia (Cleveland Indians) – Sabathia has won his last two starts including his last outing when he pitched eight shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins. But the big lefty hasn’t had a lot of help from his teammates lately. Over his last nine starts, he hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any outing but collected only three wins. During that stretch, the under was 7-1-1. Books have Cleveland listed at -129 against the Angles tonight with the total set at 8 ½.

Brian Bannister (Kansas City Royals) – K.C.’s young right-hander is making a major push for Rookie of the Year. He has won his last four starts, posting a sparkling 2.12 ERA over that span. Bannister has just one loss in his last nine trips to the mound improving to 12-7 with a 3.16 ERA on the season. Intimidation could play a factor tonight, however, when the youngster faces the New York Yankees for the first time in his career. Bannister comes with a bargin price of +136 and the total is set a 9 ½.

Braden Looper (St. Louis Cardinals) – Looper has been spectacular in recent outings, giving up just four hits in each of his last five outings and no more than two earned runs in any of those starts. He will carry a 14-inning shutout streak into tonight's contest with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his last three trips to the hill, Looper is 2-0 with an unreal 0.90 ERA. Oddsmakers have St. Louis set as a -109 favorite tonight.


COLD


Daisuke Matsuzaka (Boston Red Sox) – the Japanese phenom has been anything but phenomenal recently. He has just one victory in his last five starts and his performance in that win was one of his worst outings of the year, giving up seven earned runs in 5 1/3-innings of work against the Jays on Monday. He has allowed five or more earned runs in three of his last four starts and has struck out just 18 batters during that stretch. Books have the Red Sox listed as -191 favorites against the O's today.

Nate Robertson (Detroit Tigers) – aside from a couple of respectable outings that resulted in no-decisions, Robertson has been awful over the past month and a half. He has just one victory since July 22 while posting an ugly 6.27 ERA over that period. The Tigers have lost the last four games that Robertson has started but will be looking to break that streak tonight against the Mariners. Oddsmakers have the Tigers set as –144 home favorites.

Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs) – think the Cubs are regretting giving Big Z that huge contract extension yet? The Cubs ace has been horrific, losing his last five starts while posting a pathetic 9.53 ERA during that stretch. In his last outing, he gave up eight earned runs on eight hits in just 4 1/3 innings against the Dodgers. Zambrano and the Cubs take on the Pirates tonight with Chicago set at –117.

[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Saturday, September 8


Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates (+109, 8)

The Cubs have lost four of their last five games, allowing the Milwaukee Brewers right back into the NL Central race. Today Chicago needs to bounce back against a Pirates lineup that has been hot at the plate in the last few games.

Pittsburgh shortstop Jack Wilson is leading the charge with a 14-for-20 showing over his past five games. Left Fielder Jason Bay is also swinging the bat well and is 12-for-33 with five homers in his career against today’s Cubs starter, Carlos Zambrano (14-12, 4.35).

In fact, Zambrano is 0-4 with a 6.26 ERA in five starts against the Pirates since 2006 and is 0-5 with an 8.29 ERA in his last six starts.

Pick: Pittsburgh +109


Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers (-110, 10)

The Texas Rangers have been at the bottom of the AL West since April 25, but after picking up 10 wins in their last 12 games they have put themselves in a good position to overtake the Athletics. After last night’s 5-3 win in the series opener, Texas is now just two games behind Oakland.

If the Rangers catch them, the A’s have only themselves to blame. Oakland has lost nine of its last 13 games overall and six of its last seven on the road. It has been outscored 55-26 and posted a 7.89 ERA in those seven road games.

Today the Rangers send lefty Kason Gabbard (6-1, 4.07) to the mound to lead them to the series win. They have won five of his seven starts since acquiring him from the Boston Red Sox at the end of July.

Pick: Texas -110



Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox (-109, 9)

The Twins have lost five straight games and will try to avoid their longest losing streak since August 2005 when they face the White Sox in the second of three games today. Last night, Chicago managed an 11-10 extra-innings win in the series opener.

Last season’s AL Central champions, Minnesota, has lost nine of its last 11 games – including a sweep this week against division leading Cleveland – to fall 12 games off the pace. A lack of offense has been the Twins major problem all season and their .268 average is only good enough for ninth in the AL.

That’s good news for Chicago starter Jose Contreras (8-16, 5.86) as he looks to win his third straight start. The righty is 4-3 with a 3.88 ERA in nine career outings against the Twins.

Pick: Chicago -109

[Kaptain]

NFL FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Kansas City at HOUSTON (-3; 37½)—K.C. coach Herm Edwards says the
plan will be to try to limit the number of carries for Larry Johnson, who was a
holdout out until after the second exhibition and got only 3 carries in the
preseason. Michael Bennett will spell Johnson from time to time. K.C. DE
Jared Allen (second on the team with 7½ sacks LY) is out, serving a two-game
NFL suspension. First start for new Houston QB Matt Schaub, who started two
games (losing both) during his three years as Michael Vick’s backup in
Atlanta. And first start for former Packer Ahman Green as the team’s new
feature RB.

Denver (-3; 37) at BUFFALO—Denver starting G Ben Hamilton, who has
not missed an offensive snap in the last five years, will be out at least two
weeks due to lingering effects of a concussion. And stalwart WR Rod Smith
remains out with a hip injury. New Bronco RB Travis Henry, signed as a free
agent from Tennessee in the offseason, returns to Buffalo, where he began his
career and later became upset when the team drafted Willis McGahee after
Henry had enjoyed two 1000-yard seasons. Rookie Selvin Young of Texas
has won the No. 2 RB job behind Henry; Mike Bell is being moved to FB.

Buffalo goes into the game shorthanded up front on the flanks, with DE
Anthony Hargrove suspended for the first four games, and starting OLB Keith
Ellison, backup DE Ryan Denney, and backup DE Al Wallace (season) all out
with injuries. And the Bills plan on starting three new OLmen (LG Derrick
Dockery from Washington, RG Jason Whittle from Minnesota, and RT
Langston Walker from Oakland).

Pittsburgh (-4½; 36½) at CLEVELAND—Three-year veteran Charlie Frye
has been named the starting QB for the Browns. Cleveland starting CB Leigh
Bodden is expected to play despite his arrest following a traffic stop by police.
Bodden was jailed for being combative and resisting arrest and faces possible
disciplinary action from the NFL. Veteran CB Gary Baxter (torn patellar
tendons in both knees LY) is not ready to return. The Steelers have been
working on a no-huddle spread offense much of the summer, and they
might try to employ it in this game, considering the Browns’ unsettled CB
situation, which is likely to put rookie Eric Wright in a prominent role.

Cleveland’s jumbled OL situation (suspension, injuries) remains unsettled
going into the weekend.
Tennessee at JACKSONVILLE (-7; 38)—David Garrard (5-5 SU as a
starter LY) takes over as the clear-cut No. 1 in Jacksonville with the release of
Byron Leftwich. Three of those losses came in the Jaguars last three games,
as the Jags fell to 8-8 LY and out of the AFC playoffs. The first of those defeats
was 24-17 at Tennessee.

Carolina at ST. LOUIS (-1; 42½)—Rams’ star WR Torry Holt, who has
been slow coming back from arthro knee surgery six months ago, is expected
to play. HC Scott Linehan says Holt looks near 100% to him, although
observers say Holt is not yet fully healthy and that the knee might bother him
all year. Meanwhile, St. Louis starting CB Fakhir Brown is suspended for the
first four games, with Carolina all-pro WR Steve Smith saying he’s set a goal
of becoming the first wideout to have a 2000-yard season TY. New offensive
coordinator Jeff Davidson has spent much of the offseason trying to find more
creative ways for the Panthers to get the ball to their top offensive threat.

Philadelphia (-3; 42½) at GREEN BAY—Rookie RB Brandon Jackson
(concussion; DNP in the team’s final preseason game) is expected to start for
G.B. after leading the team in rushing in the exhibitions (40 for 131 YR; 3.3
ypc). WR Donald Driver (foot) is expected to see action; WR Greg Jennings
(hamstring) has been limited in practice and is questionable.
Atlanta at MINNESOTA (-3; 35½)—RB Warrick Dunn, still recovering full
strength following back surgery prior to training camp, has been named to start
for the Falcons. Dunn, who has led the Falcons in rushing each of the past
three seasons, was limited to just 14 plays in the preseason and admits there
could be some “ragged edges” as he tries to blend in with new QB Joey
Harrington in the new offense installed by new HC Bobby Petrino from
Louisville. Penetrating DT Rod Coleman (blood drained from quad; six sacks
LY) and starting S Chris Crocker (knee) are not expected to play for Atlanta.
TE Alge Crumpler continues to battle a sore knee and has been limited in practice..

Atlanta at MINNESOTA (-3; 35½)—RB Warrick Dunn, still recovering full
strength following back surgery prior to training camp, has been named to start
for the Falcons. Dunn, who has led the Falcons in rushing each of the past
three seasons, was limited to just 14 plays in the preseason and admits there
could be some “ragged edges” as he tries to blend in with new QB Joey
Harrington in the new offense installed by new HC Bobby Petrino from
Louisville. Penetrating DT Rod Coleman (blood drained from quad; six sacks
LY) and starting S Chris Crocker (knee) are not expected to play for Atlanta.
TE Alge Crumpler continues to battle a sore knee and has been limited in
practice
Minnesota MLB E.J. Henderson (illness), a key cog in the Vikes’ No.
1 rush defense LY, has returned to practice and is probable.

Miami at WASHINGTON (-3; 34½)—Washington RB Clinton Portis, held
out of action in the preseason, is ready to go. Todd Collins, 35, has moved
ahead of Mark Brunell, soon to be 37, as the Redskins’ No. 2 QB. Miami OLB
Joey Porter, who missed all of the preseason (arthro knee surgery), is
expected to start for Miami, but is not yet 100%. Veteran Danny Spragan filled
in this summer.

New England (-6½; 40½) at NEW YORK JETS—Randy Moss (hamstring
problem in the preseason) is expected to see action, but might not play full
time. Rugged defenders SS Rodney Harrison (suspension) & DE Richard
Seymour (knee) are out. Jets’ RB Thomas Jones (calf) is probable.

Tampa Bay at SEATTLE (-5½; 41)—T.B. has signed former Philly MLB
Jeremiah Trotter in an effort to shore up its thin LB platoon. Insiders are
dubious about the move, saying the slowing Trotter will more than have his
hands fulls dealing with emerging third-year Seattle C Chris Spencer (No. 1
pick in 2005) and catching up with Shaun Alexander, now healthy after LY’s
foot problems.

Chicago at SAN DIEGO (-6; 42½)—Rookie TE Greg Olsen, the top draft
pick of the Bears, is very doubtful with a knee injury. Debut of new S.D.
coach Norv Turner, whose brother, Ron, is offensive coordinator of the
Bears! Ron Rivera, defensive coordinator of Chicago LY, is now the LB
coach with the Chargers.

Detroit at OAKLAND (-2½; 39½)—Josh McCown, who was with the Lions
LY, is expected to start at QB for the Raiders ahead of Daunte Culpepper, who
was signed just prior to the start of training camp. Rookie HC Lane Kiffin
reportedly prefers McCown (0 TDs, 0 ints. in preseason) in Game One
because McCown (22 career starts with the Cardinals between 2003-05) has
a greater grasp of the entire new Oakland offense installed by Kiffin, featuring
a faster tempo and quicker throws. And McCown is more mobile, a useful trait
behind the restructured Raider OL. Lastly, Culpepper (4 TDs, 1 int. in
exhibition play) has performed well off the bench in the preseason running a
limited amount of plays. Second-round draft pick Zach Miller of Arizona State
will start at TE. With Dominic Rhodes suspended (four games), Justin Fargas
will be the backup for starting RB LaMont Jordan. For Detroit, RB Kevin Jones
(persistent foot problems) has been upgraded to questionable, but Tatum Bell
is likely to start and split carries with T.J. Duckett. Huge DT Shaun Rogers
(knee) has returned to practice and is questionable, but didn’t appear to be
100% in limited workouts. Although the Raiders were an awful 2-14 under
Art Shell LY, their has been a rebirth of enthusiasm under Kiffin and the
game is a sellout.

New York Giants at DALLAS (-6; 44)—Dallas WR Terry Glenn, after being
cleared to return, has suffered a knee injury in practice and is out. CB
Terrence Newman (heel) has missed early practices and is doubtful. N.Y. DE
Michael Strahan (132½ career sacks; now 35 years old), who ended his
holdout a few days ago, says he feels good after initial practices and expects
to play. HC Tom Coughlin is expected to wait until Saturday before deciding
whether to use Strahan (missed all exhibitions) in Dallas. WR Plaxico
Burress, out the entire preseason (back & ankle injuries), is expected to play.

NFL FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Baltimore at CINCINNATI (-2½; 40½)—Baltimore starting LT Jonathon
Ogden (toe tendon; missed all four exhibitions) remains questionable, but has
been participating in limited practices this week. Cincy WR T.J.
Houshmandzadeh, an effective weapon in the past vs. the Ravens, is doubtful
with a knee injury. However, the Bengals are most concerned about their
depleted LB corps, with Odell Thurman still suspended, Brian Simmons lost to
N.O. in free agency, and new starting OLB Rashad Jeanty (lower leg) is not
expected to be ready for Game One.
Arizona at SAN FRANCISCO (-3; 45)—49er star RB Frank Gore (held out
of the preseason due to a hand fracture) is reportedly virtually 100%. Scouts
reports Gore has demonstrated fresh legs and has appeared very light on his
feet this week after being spared the pounding of training camp. This is the
head coaching debut of Ken Whisenhunt of Arizona, offensive coordinator of
the Steelers LY. Whisenhunt (0-4 in the preseason) will call the plays and is
promising to develop a ground game with the Cardinals, who have won the last
four meetings with S.F.
The Niners will honor their late coach Bill Walsh at the game, wearing
throwback uniforms featuring cherry-red jerseys and a version of their Walshera
pants. The players will wear “BW” patches on their helmets. And Walsh
will be
practice. Minnesota MLB E.J. Henderson (illness), a key cog in the Vikes’ No.
1 rush defense LY, has returned to practice and is probable.

Miami at WASHINGTON (-3; 34½)—Washington RB Clinton Portis, held
out of action in the preseason, is ready to go. Todd Collins, 35, has moved
ahead of Mark Brunell, soon to be 37, as the Redskins’ No. 2 QB. Miami OLB
Joey Porter, who missed all of the preseason (arthro knee surgery), is
expected to start for Miami, but is not yet 100%. Veteran Danny Spragan filled
in this summer.

New England (-6½; 40½) at NEW YORK JETS—Randy Moss (hamstring
problem in the preseason) is expected to see action, but might not play full
time. Rugged defenders SS Rodney Harrison (suspension) & DE Richard
Seymour (knee) are out. Jets’ RB Thomas Jones (calf) is probable.
Tampa Bay at SEATTLE (-5½; 41)—T.B. has signed former Philly MLB
Jeremiah Trotter in an effort to shore up its thin LB platoon. Insiders are
dubious about the move, saying the slowing Trotter will more than have his
hands fulls dealing with emerging third-year Seattle C Chris Spencer (No. 1
pick in 2005) and catching up with Shaun Alexander, now healthy after LY’s
foot problems.

Chicago at SAN DIEGO (-6; 42½)—Rookie TE Greg Olsen, the top draft
pick of the Bears, is very doubtful with a knee injury. Debut of new S.D.
coach Norv Turner, whose brother, Ron, is offensive coordinator of the
Bears! Ron Rivera, defensive coordinator of Chicago LY, is now the LB
coach with the Chargers.

Detroit at OAKLAND (-2½; 39½)—Josh McCown, who was with the Lions
LY, is expected to start at QB for the Raiders ahead of Daunte Culpepper, who
was signed just prior to the start of training camp. Rookie HC Lane Kiffin
reportedly prefers McCown (0 TDs, 0 ints. in preseason) in Game One
because McCown (22 career starts with the Cardinals between 2003-05) has
a greater grasp of the entire new Oakland offense installed by Kiffin, featuring
a faster tempo and quicker throws. And McCown is more mobile, a useful trait
behind the restructured Raider OL. Lastly, Culpepper (4 TDs, 1 int. in
exhibition play) has performed well off the bench in the preseason running a
limited amount of plays. Second-round draft pick Zach Miller of Arizona State
will start at TE. With Dominic Rhodes suspended (four games), Justin Fargas
will be the backup for starting RB LaMont Jordan. For Detroit, RB Kevin Jones
(persistent foot problems) has been upgraded to questionable, but Tatum Bell
is likely to start and split carries with T.J. Duckett. Huge DT Shaun Rogers
(knee) has returned to practice and is questionable, but didn’t appear to be
100% in limited workouts. Although the Raiders were an awful 2-14 under
Art Shell LY, their has been a rebirth of enthusiasm under Kiffin and the
game is a sellout.

New York Giants at DALLAS (-6; 44)—Dallas WR Terry Glenn, after being
cleared to return, has suffered a knee injury in practice and is out. CB
Terrence Newman (heel) has missed early practices and is doubtful. N.Y. DE
Michael Strahan (132½ career sacks; now 35 years old), who ended his
holdout a few days ago, says he feels good after initial practices and expects
to play. HC Tom Coughlin is expected to wait until Saturday before deciding
whether to use Strahan (missed all exhibitions) in Dallas. WR Plaxico
Burress, out the entire preseason (back & ankle injuries), is expected to play.
NFL FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Baltimore at CINCINNATI (-2½; 40½)—Baltimore starting LT Jonathon
Ogden (toe tendon; missed all four exhibitions) remains questionable, but has
been participating in limited practices this week. Cincy WR T.J.
Houshmandzadeh, an effective weapon in the past vs. the Ravens, is doubtful
with a knee injury. However, the Bengals are most concerned about their
depleted LB corps, with Odell Thurman still suspended, Brian Simmons lost to
N.O. in free agency, and new starting OLB Rashad Jeanty (lower leg) is not
expected to be ready for Game One.

Arizona at SAN FRANCISCO (-3; 45)—49er star RB Frank Gore (held out
of the preseason due to a hand fracture) is reportedly virtually 100%. Scouts
reports Gore has demonstrated fresh legs and has appeared very light on his
feet this week after being spared the pounding of training camp. This is the
head coaching debut of Ken Whisenhunt of Arizona, offensive coordinator of
the Steelers LY. Whisenhunt (0-4 in the preseason) will call the plays and is
promising to develop a ground game with the Cardinals, who have won the last
four meetings with S.F.
The Niners will honor their late coach Bill Walsh at the game, wearing
throwback uniforms featuring cherry-red jerseys and a version of their Walshera
pants. The players will wear “BW” patches on their helmets. And Walsh
will be added to the club’s Ring of Honor.

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


NY Yankees at Kansas City
The Yankees have dominated the Royals over the last two seasons (14-3 record), including a 7-1 mark this year after last night's 3-2 win. But the Bombers will run into a hot pitchers today in KC's Brian Bannister, who is 4-0 with a 2.12 ERA since his last loss to Toronto on August 12. Since the All-Star break, Bannister is 7-2 with a 2.50 ERA and has won AL Rookie of the Month honors twice. Those numbers make Kansas City a decent underdog pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+143). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Game 901-902: Houston at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Williams) 14.025; NY Mets (Glavine) 16.416
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-174); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-174); Over

Game 903-904: Florida at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Vanden Hurk) 14.606; Philadelphia (Ennis) 13.760
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 905-906: LA Dodgers at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Wells) 15.379; San Francisco (Zito) 16.793
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-124); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-124); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Zambrano) 14.032; Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.300
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-117); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+109); Under

Game 909-910: Washington at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Chico) 14.912; Atlanta (James) 14.262
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-168); 10
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+160); Under

Game 911-912: Milwaukee at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 15.332; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.896
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-143); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+135); Over

Game 913-914: San Diego at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Maddux) 14.891; Colorado (Francis) 15.511
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-122); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-122); Over

Game 915-916: St. Louis at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Looper) 14.903; Arizona (Owings) 15.572
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+104); Under

Game 917-918: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Garza) 13.884; White Sox (Contreras) 15.071
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-109); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-109); Over

Game 919-920: Boston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.638; Baltimore (Leicester) 14.128
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-193); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-193); Under

Game 921-922: Seattle at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Weaver) 13.686; Detroit (Robertson) 16.320
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-139); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-139); Under

Game 923-924: NY Yankees at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.201; Kansas City (Bannister) 16.437
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-153); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+145); Under

Game 925-926: Toronto at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Burnett) 17.894; Tampa Bay (Hammel) 14.898
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 3; 11
Vegas Line: Toronto (-149); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-149); Over

Game 927-928: Oakland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gaudin) 15.192; Texas (Gabbard) 16.031
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-105); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-103); Under

Game 929-930: Cleveland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sabathia) 15.183; LA Angels (Santana) 16.020
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-129); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+121); Under

[Kaptain]

COLLEGE FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
West Virginia (-24; 62) at MARSHALL—On the eve of the team’s in-state
rivalry, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez (reneged on the Alabama job
earlier TY) has signed a contract extension through 2013.
Nevada at NORTHWESTERN (-10; 52½)—Nevada (gave up 413 YR last
week at Nebraska) regains the services of all-WAC LB Ezra Butler (suspended
last week).
Nebraska (-8; 49½) at WAKE FOREST—6-1 RS frosh QB Brett Hodges (17
of 23, 1 TD, 1 int. off the bench in last week’s 38-28 loss at Boston College) is
expected to get his first start for Wake Forest. Starter Riley Skinner is very
doubtful with a shoulder injury (likely to miss 2-3 weeks). Sr. DE Matt Robinson
(high ankle sprain last week) is doubtful. Meanwhile, Nebraska HC Bill
Callahan has been given a new 5-year contract extension worth about $1.8
million per year after the Cornhuskers’ 52-10 opening-week blasting of Nevada.
Nebraska hosts Southern Cal next week.
Miami-Florida at OKLAHOMA (-10½; 43)—Emerging soph WR Sam
Shields (37 recs., 4 TDs as a frosh) returns to the fold after being suspended for
the season opener. Rookie HC Randy Shannon of Miami, which had only 81 YP
in last week’s 31-3 triumph over Marshall, says he is counting heavily on his
defense against the Sooners and plans on using four DEs along the defensive
front in some pass-rush situations. Miami a double-digit underdog for the first
time since 1999.
Miami-Ohio at MINNESOTA (-8½; 49)—
Buffalo at TEMPLE (-3½; 45½)—First time lowly Temple has been favored
in 3½ years (lost 30-14 at home to Rutgers as a 4-point favorite).
Akron at OHIO STATE (-28½; 49)—
Duke at VIRGINIA (-17½; 41)—Duke’s defense expected to be bolstered by
the return of jr. starting MLB Michael Tauitiili, the Blue Devils’ leading tackler
each of the L2Ys, who was suspended for the team’s opener (45-14 loss vs.
Connecticut). And the offense regains 6-8, 310 starting RT Fred Roland, who
missed last week’s game with a back injury and was replaced by a 250-pounder.
Last week’s shutout 23-3 shutout loss at Wyoming has increased the pressure
on Cavalier coach Al Groh following LY’s 5-7 season. Among other things a
bridge banner has been hung in Cavalier country that reads: “Groh must go.”
Alabama (-3½; 47½) at VANDERBILT—Alabama welcomes the return of 6-
3 sr. Keith Brown, the team’s second-leading receiver LY with 44, and 255-
pound starting MLB Prince Hall, both suspended for last week’s 56-3 home
blowout of Western Carolina.
Toledo at CENTRAL MICHIGAN (-3; 53)—Soph Aaron Opelt has been
named to start again this week for Toledo. In last week’s 52-24 loss vs.
Purdue, Opelt (10 of 27, 69 yds., 1 int.) and jr. Clint Cochran (9 of 14, 83 yds.,
1 int.) split time. This week, HC Tom Amstutz says Opelt will start, and he’ll
“play it by ear from there.” Opelt has the quicker delivery; Cochran tends to
read through his progressions better. Meanwhile, Toledo has lost starting RT
Jan Gewont (knee) for the rest of the season. On defense, sr. starting CB
Nigel Morris & sr. starting FS Tyrell Herbert are both doubtful.
Bowling Green at MICHIGAN STATE (-18; 57)—
Rice at BAYLOR (-7; 44)—Both of Baylor’s starting OTs (LT Jason Smith
& RT Thad Boatner) are sidelined with knee injuries.
Utah State at WYOMING (-24½; 41)—
San Jose State at KANSAS STATE (-19; 43½)—Line has been moving (KState
opened -16½) partly because San Jose (only 40 YR in last week’s 45-3
loss at Arizona State) is down to its third-string RB, with 5-7 star Yonus Davis
(1007 YR in 2006; sprained ankle last week) not expected to play, and top
backup Patrick Perry (454 YR; knee) lost for the season in camp. Starting DT
Adonis Davis (ankle) is also out. K-State starting CB Joshua Moore
(academics) is suspended indefinitely.
California (-13½; 61½) at COLORADO STATE—
Missouri (-5½; 54½) at MISSISSIPPI—Mizzou WR Danario Alexander (9
recs. in last week’s victory over Illinois) will miss about a month with a wrist
injury. Sr. wideout William Franklin (questionable) has a sore hip.
North Carolina State at BOSTON COLLEGE (-13½; 49½)—Long-time
Boston College head coach Tom O’Brien returns to Chestnut Hill as coach of
ACC Atlantic Division rival N.C. State! O’Brien has named 6-2 soph Harrison
Beck, a former four-star recruit at Nebraska, as the starting QB for the
Wolfpack. Beck played off the bench in last week’s 25-23 home loss for N.C.
State vs. UCF, hitting 17 of 28 passes for 207 yds., with 2 TDs and 1
interception. However, the Wolfpack has lost starting RB Toney Baker (688
YR in 2006) for the season with a knee injury. BC’s 340-pound sr. DT B.J. Raji
has now been suspended indefinitely (academic issues).
Ball State (-4; 44½) at EASTERN MICHIGAN—Going back to LY, Eastern
has been held without a TD for three games, scoring 6 (2 FGs), 0, and 3 points
(at Pitt last week)!
Oregon at MICHIGAN (-7½; 64½)—
Boise State (-3; 58½) at WASHINGTON—Boise goes into the game with
a 14-game winning streak.
Fresno State at TEXAS A&M (-17½; 51½)—
Uab at FLORIDA STATE (-35; 51½)—
South Carolina at GEORGIA (-3½; 45½)—South Carolina sr. QB Blake
Mitchell, out last week due to suspension, will start for the Gamecocks. For
Georgia, starting RB Kregg Lumpkin will miss 3-4 weeks following last week’s
thumb injury vs. Oklahoma State. Jr. CB Ramarcus Brown & soph CB
Donavon Baldwin are suspended.
Notre Dame at PENN STATE (-17½; 43½)—As many expected, true frosh
pocket passer Jimmy Clausen (4 of 6 as the third Irish QB in the game in last
week’s 33-3 loss vs. Georgia Tech), will get his first career start for Notre
Dame. And Nittany Lions’ players, who suffered a humbling 41-17 loss at
South Bend in LY’s second game, are planning a rowdy reception for Clausen
in this rare game under the lights at “Happy Valley.” Says one Penn State
player, “We have been looking forward to this game with Notre Dame since
last year. That’s all we’ve pointed for and talked about all summer in our
practicing. It’s a night game. It’s going to be special. And we really want this
Notre Dame game badly.” Notre Dame has lost its last three games by 20
points (44-24 at Southern Cal), 27 (41-14 to LSU in the Sugar Bowl), and 30
(last week vs. GT).
Air Force at UTAH (-7½; 47)—AF RB Kip McCarthy, the Falcons leading
rusher (22 for 129 yds.) in their 34-3 opening-week victory over South Carolina
State, who was expected to miss the game with a knee injury, has returned to
practice and says he’s ready to go! First start for 6-7 Utah sr. QB Tommy
Grady, one of the nation’s most coveted recruits when he signed with
Oklahoma out of high school, takes over for Brian Johnson, out 3-5 weeks with
a separated throwing shoulder in the Utes’ opener. HC Kyle Whittingham says
the offense will now be tailored to favor Grady’s pocket-passing skills. With
starting RB Matt Asiata (broken leg) through for the season, Whittingham says
sr. Darryl Poston, jr. Ray Stowers, and jr. Darrell Mack (was going to be
redshirted) will now be given a chance to separate themselves and earn the
starting spot.
North Carolina at EAST CAROLINA (-5; 42)—UNC took a couple of hits
on defense in its opener, with starting LB Chase Rice lost with a broken ankle,
and CB Cooter Arnold suspended indefinitely.
Byu at UCLA (-7½; 46½)—The UCLA offense (624 yards last week at
Stanford) is expected to regain the services of 240-pound soph power TB
Chane Moline, who sat out last week due to a wrist fracture in camp. Both
teams have been downplaying the fact that QB Ben Olson signed with BYU out
of high school in 2002 as a premium recruit, but then later transferred to UCLA
without ever playing a down in Provo. Olson went on a Mormon mission, and
had decided to transfer upon his return. He is from the L.A. area city of
Thousand Oaks.
Southern Mississippi at TENNESSEE (-10½; 48½)—Speedy LaMarcus
Coker, UT’s leading rusher LY (696 yds.) returns to action after sitting out last
week’s loss at Cal due to suspension.
Tcu at TEXAS (-9; 44½)—Texas players’ and coaches say they expected
to see TCU star DE Tommy Blake (7 sacks, 16½ tackles for loss) back in
action this week after he sat out the Horned Frogs’ 27-0 whitewash of Baylor
last week for undisclosed reasons. Top RB Aaron Brown (held out of early
practices) is questionable with a knee injury. First road start for TCU’s
promising RS frosh QB Andy Dalton (18 of 30 with no ints. last week).
Mississippi State (-5½; 45½) at TULANE—Debut of new Tulane HC Bob
Toledo, the former UCLA mentor who served as offensive coordinator at New
Mexico LY. St. DT Frank Morton (ankle), one of the Green Waves’ top
defenders, is unlikely to play.
Kent State at KENTUCKY (-12½; 51½)—Kentucky starting CB E.J.
Adams (wrist) is out indefinitely, and starting S Marcus McClinton (ankle) is
also not expected to play. Kent State HC Doug Martin was a backup QB at
Kentucky in the mid-1980s under Jerry Claiborne.
Utep at TEXAS TECH (-24; 63½)—UTEP starting RB Marcus Thomas
returns to action after serving a one-game suspension in the opener.
San Diego State vs. WASHINGTON STATE (-14; 50) [at Qwest Field;
Home of the NFL Seahawks]—First game of 2007 for SDS, which DNP
last week.
Hawaii (-27½; 76) at LOUISIANA TECH—
Syracuse at IOWA (-21½; 42½)—
Indiana at WESTERN MICHIGAN (Pick ‘em; 60)—Top S Louis Delmas
and all-MAC CB London Fryar are both questionable for the Broncos.
South Florida at AUBURN (-6½; 38½)—No definitive word on the status
of Auburn RB Brad Lester (suspended indefinitely; academic issues), but
Auburn has been making preparations to proceed without Lester (510 yds., 9
TDRs LY). Soph Ben Tate (23 for 82 rushing last week vs. Kansas State) is
set to start.
Virginia Tech at LSU (-11; 38½)—
New Mexico State at NEW MEXICO (-7; 55)—
Wisconsin (-26; 48½) at UNLV—Talented UW soph backup RB Lance
Smith (345 YR LY backing up star P.J. Hill) has been suspended for all five of
the Badgers’ road games. Zach Brown (4 for 13 last week), a true frosh from
Florida with an explosive dimension, takes over as No. 2. The Badgers are
always well-supported when they travel to Las Vegas, where they have a
surprisingly large fan base. And most UW fans love to make the excursion to
Vegas if they can. (And, by the way, the casinos love to have them in town.)
Considering the state of UNLV football these days, it wouldn’t be too much of
a surprise if the Badgers had the greater number of fans.
Colorado at ARIZONA STATE (-15; 52½)—CU starting RB Hugh Charles
(strained hamstring in first Q last week) is listed as day-to-day. However, the
Buffs have indicated they will not rush Charles (779 YR, 5.6 ypc LY) back into
action. RS frosh backup Demetrius Sumler was 16 for 85 rushing in last
week’s 31-28 OT victory over Colorado State. Shifty RB Keegan Herring (549
YR in 2006), who spells starter Ryan Torain, is doubtful with a neck injury.
ADDED GAMES
Louisiana-Monroe at CLEMSON (-26; 51)—
Troy at FLORIDA (-26½; 53½)—Troy’s top DE, sr. Kenny Mainor, has
been suspended.
Florida Atlantic at OKLAHOMA STATE (-24; 54)—
Ohio U. (-1½; 42½) at LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE—
Maryland (-24; 46½) at FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL—
Memphis (-3; 48) at ARKANSAS STATE—Memphis’ top RB, Joseph Doss
(910 YR in 2006; 14 for 59 in last week’s 23-21 loss vs. Ole Miss), is not
expected to play. Soph backup T.J. Pitts was 10 for 39 rushing off the bench
vs. the Rebels.
North Texas at SMU (-17½; 45½)—