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National Football League - Tips & Trends
NFL
Sunday, September 23
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Tips and Trends
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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting that the mood surrounding Houston players and coaches is extremely upbeat after their surprising 2-0 start to the season. This is a Texans team that believes they can go 3-0 as they were the last team to beat the defending champion Indianapolis Colts 27-24 as a-9 point underdog last season. The Texans are riding a 4-game winning streak (4-0 ATS) for the first time in franchise history. EDGE: TEXANS
As reported last week, despite getting the SU win, the Colts are not as dominant on natural grass or on the road. They are 6-5 SU & 4-7 ATS in their last 11 road games, but it should be noted that this game will be played indoors. SLIGHT EDGE: TEXANS
Indianapolis team insiders are again concerned about the team's rush defense that was torched for 141 yards last week against Tennessee and 4.1 yards per carry. With Houston adding some good balance to their offense, Indy cannot afford to focus solely on stopping the run. EDGE: TEXANS
Texans WR Andre Johnson (knee sprain) will miss Sunday’s game. Johnson is the team's leading receiver and one of the top young stars in the NFL. He has formed a great connection with new QB Matt Schaub and will be sorely missed, as rookie Jacoby Jones (33 total receiving yards) will start in his place. BIG EDGE: COLTS
Houston team insiders have been most impressed with the play of the Texan defensive line, which has limited Kansas City RB Larry Johnson to just 43 yards on 10 carries and then held Carolina to 66 rushing yards. EDGE: TEXANS
San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a brutal travel spot for the Chargers on their second straight long road trip after heading to New England last Sunday night and now on to Wisconsin. EDGE: PACKERS
San Diego team insiders are very concerned about the team's offense, which was forecasted to put up a lot of points this season. The average of 14 points over their first two games this season has many inside the organization believing that they need to go back to their old ways of a more conservative gameplan. Even more concerning has been the play of the defense, which allowed New England to out-gain the Chargers by a whopping 407-201 edge. EDGE: PACKERS
Packers insiders are boasting about their defensive play, which has been nothing short of sensational this season. Last season, the Packers ranked No. 10 against the run - allowing just 3.3 yards per rush - and so far this season, the defense held the Eagles to just 13 first downs and 283 yards and limited the Giants to 13 points. EDGE: PACKERS
One Green Bay team insider is “very concerned” about the Packers rushing attack. Last week against a very suspect New York run stopping unit, the Packers managed just 83 yards in 29 carries (2.9 average), which will be a huge concern when they face a team with a strong secondary. Even more concerning is that Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson might get going this week. LT averaged 113 by himself last season, but he has just 68 in two games (including 43 last Sunday) and is gaining only 1.9 yards per carry. SLIGHT EDGE: CHARGERS
San Diego is an impressive 16-9 SU & 16-7-2 ATS in its last 25 road games.
The Packers are 11-15 SU and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay is 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Chiefs won all four games last season against NFC teams (West) while Minnesota was 0-4 against the AFC East. SLIGHT EDGE: CHIEFS
One league insider believes that Kansas City may be one of the worst offensive teams in recent history, managing just 13 points over their last two games and only eight points in their four preseason games. The offense had 219 total yards in the opener (3 points and 4 turnovers) and only 281 against Chicago (10 points and 2 turnovers). After two weeks, the Chiefs are 31st in points per game, 26th in yards per play, 28th in yards per game, and 28th in first downs. EDGE: VIKINGS
This is an off-surface for the Vikings, who are far less effective on natural grass than on turf. EDGE: CHIEFS
Vikings coach Brad Childress said QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin strain) is "beat up pretty good," and backup Kelly Holcomb is expected to start. Holcomb has yet to start for the Vikings and has only still taken 50 percent of the snaps in practice this week. EDGE: CHIEFS
Minnesota is just 6-11 SU & 7-10 ATS in its last 17 road games.
Kansas City is 13-3 SU & 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games.
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX | 1 PM ET)
Detroit's defense was impressive in the opener against the run, allowing 92 yards (4.0 yards per carry) to Oakland, but allowed Minnesota 123 rush yards in Week 2. SLIGHT EDGE: LIONS
Team insiders believe that Detroit RB Kevin Jones will likely play against the Eagles. Jones is coming back from a foot injury and missed the first two games. The Lions have also been without power back T.J. Duckett, who was out because of a high ankle sprain. If the Lions get both of those players back, it will add more balance to an offense that had 415 total yards (359 passing), especially considering that Philly has a strong secondary that could give the Lions trouble. SLIGHT EDGE: LIONS
The Philadelphia offense is struggling offensively, scoring just one touchdown in eight quarters. The Eagles converted just 4 of 16 third-down attempts Monday night and will need to do a lot better if they wish to compete with this potentially lethal Detroit offense. EDGE: LIONS
Detroit is 3-13 SU & 7-9 ATS in its last 16 road games.
Philadelphia is 7-14-1 ATS as a favorite and 7-11 ATS in its last 18 at home.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (CBS | 1 PM ET)
How’s this for domination: Pittsburgh out-gained Buffalo 239-50 (including 155-9 on passing yards) in the first half! The Bills got out-gained by a whopping 470-184 to Denver in the opener but still should have won the game. That does not bode well against the top team in the NFL in Week 3. EDGE: PATRIOTS
Team insiders remained concerned about a Buffalo run stopping unit that ranked 28th against the run last season, allowing a whopping 4.7 yards per carry. Denver got 171 rush yards (5.3 yards per carry), and the Steelers had 184 rushing yards. EDGE: PATRIOTS
New England QB Tom Brady is putting up some eye-popping numbers so far this season. In two games, he’s 47-of-59 for 576 yards (79.7%) with 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception. EDGE: PATRIOTS
The Bills are 2-0 ATS the last two times they've visited New England.
Buffalo is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 as an underdog.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are beginning to get concerned about a Miami defense that has allowed 191 rushing yards to Washington and 166 to Dallas in their first two games. That could be compounded by an ailing Zach Thomas, who suffered a slight concussion last week. EDGE: JETS
Miami team insiders are also concerned with the aging Trent Green, who many believe “looks washed up” after throwing 4 interceptions last week. If Green is not able to produce, Miami will be in trouble considering that the team's ground game has been terrible this season, as RB Ronnie Brown had just 33 yards on 11 carries last Sunday. EDGE: JETS
Miami is 18-14-1 ATS on the road the last four seasons.
The Jets are 5-2 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
League insiders believe that San Francisco's 2-0 record is misleading. The 49ers beat Arizona on a last-second touchdown in the opener despite managing only 194 total yards while last week they got out-gained 392-186 in a 17-16 win at St. Louis. They also had less than half the amount of first downs as the Rams (8-20) and gave up 331 passing yards. BIG EDGE: STEELERS
This is a brutal travel spot for the 49ers, making their second straight long road trip after heading to St. Louis last weekend. EDGE: STEELERS
The 49ers are 11-5 ATS their last 16 as an underdog.
The Steelers are on an 8-2 SU & 7-2-1 ATS run since last season.
Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens (FOX | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders have been impressed with the Cardinals defense this season. Going into the season, the Cardinals were focusing on stopping the run, and they held Seattle to just 92 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in Week 2. EDGE: CARDINALS
Some league insiders believe that this matchup will be a pleasure to watch as Arizona’s Pro Bowl wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald go against one of the best secondaries in the league. SLIGHT EDGE: RAVENS
Ravens coach Brian Billick said that he fully expects QB Steve McNair (groin) to start against the Cardinals. McNair gives the Ravens more experience at the QB position, which will be needed against an opportunistic Cardinals defense. EDGE: RAVENS
Arizona is 5-28 SU & 11-22 ATS in its last 33 road games.
The OVER is 10-4-1 in Arizona's last 15 games.
The Ravens are 22-7 SU, 18-11 ATS their last 29 at home.
St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
St. Louis needs a big performance from RB Steven Jackson, who has been a major disappointment through the first two games and was challenged by head coach Scott Linehan to carry the load this week. Insiders expect Jackson to struggle again behind a patchwork offensive line and against a defense that held New Orleans RBs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in check last Sunday. EDGE: BUCS
The Rams are just 11-16 ATS in their last 27 on the road.
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU & 0-4-1 ATS its last 5 as a favorite and just 5-14 SU & 7-11-1 ATS in its last 19 games overall.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Jacksonville insiders are beginning to get concerned about this so-called “revival” of the team's offense that has managed just 23 points in two games. However, one league insder believes that Denver is an ideal opponent for the Jaguars, as the Broncos defense has allowed 312 rushing yards in two games while allowing 5 yards per rush. That definitely plays to the Jaguars' strength. EDGE: JAGUARS
One Jacksonville insider is becoming increasingly concerned about the mounting injuries to the defense. Injuries have sidelined defensive end Reggie Hayward (torn Achilles) while defensive end Paul Spicer missed much of the preseason with a back injury and then safety Gerald Sensabaugh left Sunday's game when he aggravated a shoulder injury and is also out. EDGE: BRONCOS
This is the first road game for Jacksonville. Last year the Jags were only 2-6 SU & ATS away from home. EDGE: BRONCOS
Under head coach Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville is 20-13-1 ATS as an underdog.
Denver is a miserable 1-11 ATS its last 12 home games.
The UNDER is 2-0 the last two times these teams have met, with Denver winning 20-7 in 2005 and the Jaguars winning 7-6 in 2004.
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (CBS | 4:05 PM ET)
There should be a lot of points in this contest as Seattle’s defense (which gave up over 600 yards to two weak offenses in Tampa and Arizona) goes up against one of the league's best offenses. Over the last 2 years, the Bengals have averaged 25 points per game. BIG EDGE: OVER
One Cincinnati team insider called this season's version of the Bengals defense “a joke” and went as far as saying they are worse than last season’s unit that was second worst in the NFL. Last week, they allowed 554 yards and 51 points to the Cleveland Browns a team that was 31st in total offense last season. However, other team insider disagreed by explaining that their defense had to play most of the game without starting LB Ahmad Brooks and CB Johnathan Joseph. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
The Bengals are 13-8 SU & 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Seattle's last 7 games.
The Seahawks are 17-3 SU & 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 at home.
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Terrible situational sandwich spot for the Browns playing their first road game after hosting a pair of divisional rivals and then hosting their third division rival next week. EDGE: RAIDERS
Despite last Sunday's surprising offensive performance, Cleveland insiders are still concerned about a defensive unit that gave up 531 total yards to Cincinnati and 206 rushing yards to Pittsburgh in the season opener. EDGE: RAIDERS
Cleveland is 16-24-1 ATS as an underdog and 5-19 SU & 10-14 ATS in its last 24 road games.
Oakland is 20-43 ATS in its last 63 games.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (FOX | 4:15 ET)
This could be Falcons QB Joey Harrington's last start for the team after they signed Byron Leftwich this week. Harrington has not performed well, throwing two inteceptions with no touchdowns and getting sacked 13 times - six more times than any other QB in the league. BIG EDGE: PANTHERS
Another concern for Atlanta is the kicking game, as 47-year-old Morten Andersen was signed to help put some points on the board. Starting kicker Matt Prater has made just 1-of-4 field-goal attempts this season. EDGE: PANTHERS
Carolina is 21-9-2 ATS in its last 32 road games.
The UNDER is 10-1 in Atlanta's last 11 games.
The UNDER is also 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins (FOX | 4:15 ET)
New York insiders are already venting their frustration about this Giants defense that one insider classified “as the worst in the league.” In the season opener, they gave up 478 yards in a 45-35 loss at Dallas, and last Sunday their secondary was torched for 285 passing yards by Green Bay's Brett Favre. They are last in passing yards allowed, third-down efficiency and points allowed. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
In addition to New York’s problem in the secondary, the run-stopping unit has been just as bad. The Giants defense is allowing 118 yards per game (4.1 yards per carry), which will be a huge concern against a powerful running team like Washington. EDGE: REDSKINS
Team insiders believe that the Washington offense is a lot better than early results have dictated. Despite scoring only 16 points in the opening week, the offense put up 400 yards of total offense, including 191 rush yards. Then this past Monday despite only scoring 20 points, the Redskins had 337 yards, 130 of which came on the ground. EDGE: REDSKINS
The Giants are 3-1 SU & ATS in the last four meetings with Washington.
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (NBC | 8:15 ET)
Many league insiders believe the Cowboys hold several matchup advantages over the Bears. The way to beat the Cowboys is to attack the secondary, and most team insiders do not believe that Chicago QB Rex Grossman is capable of exploiting that key weakness. EDGE: COWBOYS
One Dallas insider believes this is the first game that Chicago could suffer from the negative results of losing safety Mike Brown for the season. Dallas owns one of the best passing attacks in the league. BIG EDGE: COWBOYS
The Bears are an impressive 16-4 SU & 12-8 ATS in their last 22 home games.
Dallas is 7-4 ATS its last 11 as an underdog.
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NFL
Sunday, September 23
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Tips and Trends
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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting that the mood surrounding Houston players and coaches is extremely upbeat after their surprising 2-0 start to the season. This is a Texans team that believes they can go 3-0 as they were the last team to beat the defending champion Indianapolis Colts 27-24 as a-9 point underdog last season. The Texans are riding a 4-game winning streak (4-0 ATS) for the first time in franchise history. EDGE: TEXANS
As reported last week, despite getting the SU win, the Colts are not as dominant on natural grass or on the road. They are 6-5 SU & 4-7 ATS in their last 11 road games, but it should be noted that this game will be played indoors. SLIGHT EDGE: TEXANS
Indianapolis team insiders are again concerned about the team's rush defense that was torched for 141 yards last week against Tennessee and 4.1 yards per carry. With Houston adding some good balance to their offense, Indy cannot afford to focus solely on stopping the run. EDGE: TEXANS
Texans WR Andre Johnson (knee sprain) will miss Sunday’s game. Johnson is the team's leading receiver and one of the top young stars in the NFL. He has formed a great connection with new QB Matt Schaub and will be sorely missed, as rookie Jacoby Jones (33 total receiving yards) will start in his place. BIG EDGE: COLTS
Houston team insiders have been most impressed with the play of the Texan defensive line, which has limited Kansas City RB Larry Johnson to just 43 yards on 10 carries and then held Carolina to 66 rushing yards. EDGE: TEXANS
San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a brutal travel spot for the Chargers on their second straight long road trip after heading to New England last Sunday night and now on to Wisconsin. EDGE: PACKERS
San Diego team insiders are very concerned about the team's offense, which was forecasted to put up a lot of points this season. The average of 14 points over their first two games this season has many inside the organization believing that they need to go back to their old ways of a more conservative gameplan. Even more concerning has been the play of the defense, which allowed New England to out-gain the Chargers by a whopping 407-201 edge. EDGE: PACKERS
Packers insiders are boasting about their defensive play, which has been nothing short of sensational this season. Last season, the Packers ranked No. 10 against the run - allowing just 3.3 yards per rush - and so far this season, the defense held the Eagles to just 13 first downs and 283 yards and limited the Giants to 13 points. EDGE: PACKERS
One Green Bay team insider is “very concerned” about the Packers rushing attack. Last week against a very suspect New York run stopping unit, the Packers managed just 83 yards in 29 carries (2.9 average), which will be a huge concern when they face a team with a strong secondary. Even more concerning is that Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson might get going this week. LT averaged 113 by himself last season, but he has just 68 in two games (including 43 last Sunday) and is gaining only 1.9 yards per carry. SLIGHT EDGE: CHARGERS
San Diego is an impressive 16-9 SU & 16-7-2 ATS in its last 25 road games.
The Packers are 11-15 SU and 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay is 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Chiefs won all four games last season against NFC teams (West) while Minnesota was 0-4 against the AFC East. SLIGHT EDGE: CHIEFS
One league insider believes that Kansas City may be one of the worst offensive teams in recent history, managing just 13 points over their last two games and only eight points in their four preseason games. The offense had 219 total yards in the opener (3 points and 4 turnovers) and only 281 against Chicago (10 points and 2 turnovers). After two weeks, the Chiefs are 31st in points per game, 26th in yards per play, 28th in yards per game, and 28th in first downs. EDGE: VIKINGS
This is an off-surface for the Vikings, who are far less effective on natural grass than on turf. EDGE: CHIEFS
Vikings coach Brad Childress said QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin strain) is "beat up pretty good," and backup Kelly Holcomb is expected to start. Holcomb has yet to start for the Vikings and has only still taken 50 percent of the snaps in practice this week. EDGE: CHIEFS
Minnesota is just 6-11 SU & 7-10 ATS in its last 17 road games.
Kansas City is 13-3 SU & 12-4 ATS in its last 16 home games.
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX | 1 PM ET)
Detroit's defense was impressive in the opener against the run, allowing 92 yards (4.0 yards per carry) to Oakland, but allowed Minnesota 123 rush yards in Week 2. SLIGHT EDGE: LIONS
Team insiders believe that Detroit RB Kevin Jones will likely play against the Eagles. Jones is coming back from a foot injury and missed the first two games. The Lions have also been without power back T.J. Duckett, who was out because of a high ankle sprain. If the Lions get both of those players back, it will add more balance to an offense that had 415 total yards (359 passing), especially considering that Philly has a strong secondary that could give the Lions trouble. SLIGHT EDGE: LIONS
The Philadelphia offense is struggling offensively, scoring just one touchdown in eight quarters. The Eagles converted just 4 of 16 third-down attempts Monday night and will need to do a lot better if they wish to compete with this potentially lethal Detroit offense. EDGE: LIONS
Detroit is 3-13 SU & 7-9 ATS in its last 16 road games.
Philadelphia is 7-14-1 ATS as a favorite and 7-11 ATS in its last 18 at home.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (CBS | 1 PM ET)
How’s this for domination: Pittsburgh out-gained Buffalo 239-50 (including 155-9 on passing yards) in the first half! The Bills got out-gained by a whopping 470-184 to Denver in the opener but still should have won the game. That does not bode well against the top team in the NFL in Week 3. EDGE: PATRIOTS
Team insiders remained concerned about a Buffalo run stopping unit that ranked 28th against the run last season, allowing a whopping 4.7 yards per carry. Denver got 171 rush yards (5.3 yards per carry), and the Steelers had 184 rushing yards. EDGE: PATRIOTS
New England QB Tom Brady is putting up some eye-popping numbers so far this season. In two games, he’s 47-of-59 for 576 yards (79.7%) with 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception. EDGE: PATRIOTS
The Bills are 2-0 ATS the last two times they've visited New England.
Buffalo is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 as an underdog.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are beginning to get concerned about a Miami defense that has allowed 191 rushing yards to Washington and 166 to Dallas in their first two games. That could be compounded by an ailing Zach Thomas, who suffered a slight concussion last week. EDGE: JETS
Miami team insiders are also concerned with the aging Trent Green, who many believe “looks washed up” after throwing 4 interceptions last week. If Green is not able to produce, Miami will be in trouble considering that the team's ground game has been terrible this season, as RB Ronnie Brown had just 33 yards on 11 carries last Sunday. EDGE: JETS
Miami is 18-14-1 ATS on the road the last four seasons.
The Jets are 5-2 SU & 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings with the Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
League insiders believe that San Francisco's 2-0 record is misleading. The 49ers beat Arizona on a last-second touchdown in the opener despite managing only 194 total yards while last week they got out-gained 392-186 in a 17-16 win at St. Louis. They also had less than half the amount of first downs as the Rams (8-20) and gave up 331 passing yards. BIG EDGE: STEELERS
This is a brutal travel spot for the 49ers, making their second straight long road trip after heading to St. Louis last weekend. EDGE: STEELERS
The 49ers are 11-5 ATS their last 16 as an underdog.
The Steelers are on an 8-2 SU & 7-2-1 ATS run since last season.
Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens (FOX | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders have been impressed with the Cardinals defense this season. Going into the season, the Cardinals were focusing on stopping the run, and they held Seattle to just 92 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in Week 2. EDGE: CARDINALS
Some league insiders believe that this matchup will be a pleasure to watch as Arizona’s Pro Bowl wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald go against one of the best secondaries in the league. SLIGHT EDGE: RAVENS
Ravens coach Brian Billick said that he fully expects QB Steve McNair (groin) to start against the Cardinals. McNair gives the Ravens more experience at the QB position, which will be needed against an opportunistic Cardinals defense. EDGE: RAVENS
Arizona is 5-28 SU & 11-22 ATS in its last 33 road games.
The OVER is 10-4-1 in Arizona's last 15 games.
The Ravens are 22-7 SU, 18-11 ATS their last 29 at home.
St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
St. Louis needs a big performance from RB Steven Jackson, who has been a major disappointment through the first two games and was challenged by head coach Scott Linehan to carry the load this week. Insiders expect Jackson to struggle again behind a patchwork offensive line and against a defense that held New Orleans RBs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in check last Sunday. EDGE: BUCS
The Rams are just 11-16 ATS in their last 27 on the road.
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU & 0-4-1 ATS its last 5 as a favorite and just 5-14 SU & 7-11-1 ATS in its last 19 games overall.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Jacksonville insiders are beginning to get concerned about this so-called “revival” of the team's offense that has managed just 23 points in two games. However, one league insder believes that Denver is an ideal opponent for the Jaguars, as the Broncos defense has allowed 312 rushing yards in two games while allowing 5 yards per rush. That definitely plays to the Jaguars' strength. EDGE: JAGUARS
One Jacksonville insider is becoming increasingly concerned about the mounting injuries to the defense. Injuries have sidelined defensive end Reggie Hayward (torn Achilles) while defensive end Paul Spicer missed much of the preseason with a back injury and then safety Gerald Sensabaugh left Sunday's game when he aggravated a shoulder injury and is also out. EDGE: BRONCOS
This is the first road game for Jacksonville. Last year the Jags were only 2-6 SU & ATS away from home. EDGE: BRONCOS
Under head coach Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville is 20-13-1 ATS as an underdog.
Denver is a miserable 1-11 ATS its last 12 home games.
The UNDER is 2-0 the last two times these teams have met, with Denver winning 20-7 in 2005 and the Jaguars winning 7-6 in 2004.
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (CBS | 4:05 PM ET)
There should be a lot of points in this contest as Seattle’s defense (which gave up over 600 yards to two weak offenses in Tampa and Arizona) goes up against one of the league's best offenses. Over the last 2 years, the Bengals have averaged 25 points per game. BIG EDGE: OVER
One Cincinnati team insider called this season's version of the Bengals defense “a joke” and went as far as saying they are worse than last season’s unit that was second worst in the NFL. Last week, they allowed 554 yards and 51 points to the Cleveland Browns a team that was 31st in total offense last season. However, other team insider disagreed by explaining that their defense had to play most of the game without starting LB Ahmad Brooks and CB Johnathan Joseph. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
The Bengals are 13-8 SU & 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Seattle's last 7 games.
The Seahawks are 17-3 SU & 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 at home.
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Terrible situational sandwich spot for the Browns playing their first road game after hosting a pair of divisional rivals and then hosting their third division rival next week. EDGE: RAIDERS
Despite last Sunday's surprising offensive performance, Cleveland insiders are still concerned about a defensive unit that gave up 531 total yards to Cincinnati and 206 rushing yards to Pittsburgh in the season opener. EDGE: RAIDERS
Cleveland is 16-24-1 ATS as an underdog and 5-19 SU & 10-14 ATS in its last 24 road games.
Oakland is 20-43 ATS in its last 63 games.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (FOX | 4:15 ET)
This could be Falcons QB Joey Harrington's last start for the team after they signed Byron Leftwich this week. Harrington has not performed well, throwing two inteceptions with no touchdowns and getting sacked 13 times - six more times than any other QB in the league. BIG EDGE: PANTHERS
Another concern for Atlanta is the kicking game, as 47-year-old Morten Andersen was signed to help put some points on the board. Starting kicker Matt Prater has made just 1-of-4 field-goal attempts this season. EDGE: PANTHERS
Carolina is 21-9-2 ATS in its last 32 road games.
The UNDER is 10-1 in Atlanta's last 11 games.
The UNDER is also 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins (FOX | 4:15 ET)
New York insiders are already venting their frustration about this Giants defense that one insider classified “as the worst in the league.” In the season opener, they gave up 478 yards in a 45-35 loss at Dallas, and last Sunday their secondary was torched for 285 passing yards by Green Bay's Brett Favre. They are last in passing yards allowed, third-down efficiency and points allowed. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
In addition to New York’s problem in the secondary, the run-stopping unit has been just as bad. The Giants defense is allowing 118 yards per game (4.1 yards per carry), which will be a huge concern against a powerful running team like Washington. EDGE: REDSKINS
Team insiders believe that the Washington offense is a lot better than early results have dictated. Despite scoring only 16 points in the opening week, the offense put up 400 yards of total offense, including 191 rush yards. Then this past Monday despite only scoring 20 points, the Redskins had 337 yards, 130 of which came on the ground. EDGE: REDSKINS
The Giants are 3-1 SU & ATS in the last four meetings with Washington.
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (NBC | 8:15 ET)
Many league insiders believe the Cowboys hold several matchup advantages over the Bears. The way to beat the Cowboys is to attack the secondary, and most team insiders do not believe that Chicago QB Rex Grossman is capable of exploiting that key weakness. EDGE: COWBOYS
One Dallas insider believes this is the first game that Chicago could suffer from the negative results of losing safety Mike Brown for the season. Dallas owns one of the best passing attacks in the league. BIG EDGE: COWBOYS
The Bears are an impressive 16-4 SU & 12-8 ATS in their last 22 home games.
Dallas is 7-4 ATS its last 11 as an underdog.
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