Thursday Trends and Indexes 9/18

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Thursday September 18

Good Luck on day #262 of 2008!


FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL, SEE SEPARATE THREAD: “NCAAF Week 4 Trends and Indexes 9/17 through 9/20”


NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, September 18

Thursday night's college football action features No. 21 West Virginia vs. Colorado, with the Mountaineers pegged as small road favorites. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

West Virginia cruised to a win in their season opener, bouncing Villanova by a final score of 48-21. In their second game, though, they ran into East Carolina and fell 24-3. Mountaineers QB Pat White went just 11-of-18 for 72 yards passing in that game, while also running for 97 yards. Then at No. 8, West Virginia tumbled down the rankings.

Colorado is unbeaten so far this year, as they got past Colorado State 38-17 in their first game and Eastern Washington 31-24 last time out. The Buffaloes, though, needed to put up 17 points in the fourth quarter against Eastern Washington to pull out the win. Colorado QB Cody Hawkins went 28-of-38 for 261 yards passing and three scores.

The oddsmakers opened West Virginia as 3.5-point road favorites in this contest, but that line slipped to -3 over the past couple days. The total is pegged at 56.5 points.

Other Notable Events

The Brewers battle the Cubs again at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon, with Dave Bush (9-10, 4.24 ERA) slated to go up against Rich Harden (5-1, 1.65 ERA in the NL). Milwaukee has lost each of Bush's last three outings, and he picked up a no-decision versus the Phillies last time out. The Cubs have won each of Harden's last seven trips to the mound, and he picked up a win in his start against the Cards on September 11.

The Rays will host another contender starting Thursday, as the Twins come to town for a four-game series. Minnesota is expected to send Glen Perkins (12-4, 4.40 ERA) to the mound in the opener; Perkins gave up six earned runs in three innings against the Orioles in a no-decision last time out. Tampa Bay will counter with James Shields (13-8, 3.50 ERA), who tossed eight scoreless innings against New York last Saturday.

The Rest of the Schedule

The Rays' competition in the AL East, the Red Sox, are off on Thursday. The rest of the American League schedule: Seattle at Kansas City, the Angels at Oakland, the White Sox at the Yankees, and Baltimore at Toronto. The White Sox will send Javier Vazquez (12-13, 4.13 ERA) to the mound against the Yankees' Mike Mussina (17-9, 3.63 ERA).

Rounding out the NL slate for Thursday: the Dodgers at Pittsburgh, Houston at Florida, the Mets at Washington, St. Louis at Cincinnati, Philadelphia at Atlanta, and San Francisco at Arizona. The Giants will have ace Tim Lincecum (17-3, 2.43 ERA) on the mound in that last game, and he'll battle the D-Backs' Randy Johnson (10-9, 4.11 ERA).

Finally, the WNBA playoffs tip off on Thursday night, with Connecticut at New York, and San Antonio at Sacramento. Sun guard Lindsay Whalen has been out with a sore ankle, but is expected to play on Thursday; her team is a 1-point road underdog. The Silver Stars are 1-point road favorites to beat the Monarchs in the opener of their series.

News from the Wire

CC Sabathia was tagged with his first loss as a member of the Brewers on Tuesday night, giving up four earned runs on nine hits over seven innings versus the Cubs . . . Colts safety Bob Sanders could miss up to six weeks with a sprained ankle . . . the Lions are reportedly looking at both Shaun Alexander and Cedric Benson to help in the backfield . . . Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider was placed on waivers.

A Peek at the Future

The Cardinals and Cubs open a series in Chicago on Friday afternoon, with Adam Wainwright (9-3, 3.20 ERA) taking on Carlos Zambrano (14-5, 3.41 ERA) . . . Friday night's lone college football game is Baylor at Connecticut (-12) . . . Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards are the 9/2 Vegas co-favorites to pick up a Sprint Cup win at Dover on the weekend, with Jimmie Johnson third at 5/1 odds, and Greg Biffle next at 8/1 odds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

-- JA Happ came out of bullpen to toss six shutout innings in 6-1 win at Atlanta, keeping Phillies half-game ahead of Mets.

-- Colorado beat Padres 1-0 at Coors Wednesday, its second 1-0 home win in the last four days. Very unusual.

-- Astros are in freefall, outscored 30-4 in last four games.

-- In their last six games, Arizona starting pitchers allowed total of four earned runs in 43 innings, but their bullpen has failed them.

-- When Odalis Perez scored only run in Nationals' 1-0 win vs the Mets Tuesday, it was first time in four years a pitcher scored the only run in a 1-0 contest.

-- 36,048 witnessed the Rays' 10-3 win vs Boston, handing Boston its 8th loss in nine games at Tropicana Field this year

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Thursday's List of 13: Our college football List of 13.......

This isn't a ranking of our top 13 teams; it is 13 teams that impressed us last week.......for better or for worse.

13) Auburn-- Won 3-2 despite outgaining Mississippi State 315-116 on a nice night in Starkville; something tells me the new coordinator at Auburn and his offense might not have had a very fun week.

12) Duke-- Their uniforms look just like Colts'; unfortunately, as far as similarities go, it ends there. Cutcliffe has them playing better, though- with little luck vs Northwestern, they could be 3-0.

11) BYU-- Struggled at Washington, then totally squashed UCLA; it was 42-0 at the half. Seems odd that one of biggest football games of year in whole country could be BYU-Utah in November.

10) Buffalo-- Bulls are going to have hard time keeping Turner Gill in western New York after this season- they stole a game from Temple last week, scoring on 35-yard Hail Mary on last play of game.

9) Tulane-- Hung tough in pair of losses to Alabama/East Carolina, two unbeaten teams. ECU's first TD last week came on blocked FG attempt, then Pirates scored in last 2:00 to deny Tulane the upset.

8) Air Force-- Ran ball for 641 yards in wins vs Wyoming-Houston, when they were underdog in both; now have showdown with Utah, followed by first Commander-in-Chief game vs rebuilding Navy.

7) San Diego State-- Held Notre Dame to 105 rushing yards, but in their other two games, Cal Poly ran ball for 263, and last week, in a 35-10 loss at San Jose, Spartans ran ball for 293. How good is ND?

6) Oregon-- Lost another QB to injury, this time in OT after Ducks rallied from down 20-6 to tie game. Solid road win at Purdue, but on Saturday the Boise State Broncos come calling, which could be a very interesting game.

5) Missouri-- Averaged over 10 yards per play vs Nevada, gaining 651 yards on 65 plays, week after Wolf Pack had held Texas Tech of Big 12 to less than 50% completions in Reno the week before.

4) Kentucky-- Since UK is a basketball school, seems fitting to note that Florida coach Billy Donovan still hasn't signed the contract that he agreed to after deciding not to coach Orlando Magic last summer.

3) Vanderbilt-- 3-0 after waxing Rice, halfway to their first bid to a bowl since '82. Vandy doesn't throw it that well, but they're running it well and they play good defense. Just ask Steve Spurrier.

2) USC-- Crushed Ohio State, but think their inexperience keeps the Trojans a slot below Oklahoma. Why was Sanchez still in game late, when Trojans led 34-10? Didn't he dislocate his kneecap recently?

1) Oklahoma-- Think of how BYU struggled mightily to beat Washington in Seattle just two weeks ago; as Cougars were crushing UCLA last week, the Sooners were leading 34-0 at half against the struggling Huskies.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

WNBA – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet


Playoffs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONNECTICUT (21 - 13) at NEW YORK (19 - 15) - 9/18/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NEW YORK is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 38-19 ATS (+17.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-5 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 8-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN ANTONIO (24 - 10) at SACRAMENTO (18 - 16) - 9/18/2008, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-5 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-6 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (22 - 12) at INDIANA (17 - 17) - 9/19/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
INDIANA is 61-90 ATS (-38.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-8 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 11-5 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEATTLE (22 - 12) at LOS ANGELES (20 - 14) - 9/19/2008, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
SEATTLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 10-3 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 8-5 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

WNBA – Trends Sheet

WNBA


Playoffs

Thursday, September 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trends Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, September 18

7:00 PM CONNECTICUT vs. NEW YORK
Connecticut is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing New York
Connecticut is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home


9:00 PM SAN ANTONIO vs. SACRAMENTO
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing San Antonio



Friday, September 19

7:00 PM DETROIT vs. INDIANA
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit
Indiana is 8-16 ATS in its last 24 games


10:35 PM SEATTLE vs. LOS ANGELES

Will be updated when available


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet


Week 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WINNIPEG (3 - 7) at HAMILTON (2 - 9) - 9/19/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less since 1996.
HAMILTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
HAMILTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
HAMILTON is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HAMILTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-3 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 6-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (4 - 7) at CALGARY (7 - 4) - 9/20/2008, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 since 1996.

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH COLUMBIA (6 - 5) at SASKATCHEWAN (7 - 3) - 9/20/2008, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 73-45 ATS (+23.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-4 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 6-5 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDMONTON (7 - 4) at MONTREAL (7 - 4) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional Trends

CFL

Trends Sheet


Week 13

Friday, September 19

7:30 PM WINNIPEG vs. HAMILTON
Winnipeg is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Winnipeg is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Hamilton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
Hamilton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg



Saturday, September 20

6:30 PM TORONTO vs. CALGARY
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games at home
Calgary is 14-6-1 SU in its last 21 games at home


9:30 PM BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. SASKATCHEWAN
British Columbia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
British Columbia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Saskatchewan is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against British Columbia



Sunday, September 21

1:00 PM EDMONTON vs. MONTREAL
Edmonton is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Edmonton is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Montreal is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Edmonton
Montreal is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Edmonton

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL

Long Sheet


Week 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (0 - 2) at ATLANTA (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in September games since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (1 - 1) at BUFFALO (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (0 - 1) at TENNESSEE (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (0 - 2) at NY GIANTS (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA (2 - 0) at WASHINGTON (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.
ARIZONA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in September games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 43-67 ATS (-30.7 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (0 - 2) at NEW ENGLAND (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 68-46 ATS (+17.4 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (1 - 1) at CHICAGO (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAROLINA (2 - 0) at MINNESOTA (0 - 2) - 9/21/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 73-45 ATS (+23.5 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST LOUIS (0 - 2) at SEATTLE (0 - 2) - 9/21/2008, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 67-95 ATS (-37.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 45-70 ATS (-32.0 Units) off a division game since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (0 - 2) at SAN FRANCISCO (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW ORLEANS (1 - 1) at DENVER (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (2 - 0) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games after playing on Monday night football since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JACKSONVILLE (0 - 2) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 1) - 9/21/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a road game where the total is between 38.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (0 - 2) at BALTIMORE (1 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (2 - 0) at GREEN BAY (2 - 0) - 9/21/2008, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in September games over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY JETS (1 - 1) at SAN DIEGO (0 - 2) - 9/22/2008, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in home games off a loss against a division rival since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

National Football League – Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Week 3

Sunday, September 21st

Kansas City at Atlanta, 1:00 ET
Kansas City: 7-1 Under in September
Atlanta: 9-1 Under as a favorite

Oakland at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Oakland: 12-4 Under off an Under
Buffalo: 8-1 ATS off SU win as an underdog

Houston at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Houston: 6-0 Over vs. division
Tennessee: 11-2 ATS vs. division

Cincinnati at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
Cincinnati: 7-0 Under as an underdog
NY Giants: 11-3 ATS off ATS win

Arizona at Washington, 1:00 ET
Arizona: 6-0 ATS in September
Washington: 8-22 ATS at home 1st month of season

Miami at New England, 1:00 ET
Miami: 0-7 ATS in September
New England: 25-10 at home off BB Unders

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 6-11 ATS in road games
Chicago: 14-4 Over in home games

Carolina at Minnesota, 1:00 ET
Carolina: 6-0 Under after a win by 3 or less points
Minnesota: 15-3 Under as a home favorite of 3 points or less

St. Louis at Seattle, 4:05 ET
St. Louis: 3-11 ATS as an underdog
Seattle: 12-2 ATS after scoring and allowing 30 pts

Detroit at San Francisco, 4:05 ET
Detroit: 4-13 ATS in road games
San Francisco: 10-1 Over at home off SU division win as dog

New Orleans at Denver, 4:05 ET
New Orleans: 48-23 ATS Away off ATS loss
Denver: 6-16 ATS as a favorite

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 4:15 ET
Pittsburgh: 0-6 ATS Away off SU win
Philadelphia: 6-0 ATS off division loss

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 4:15 ET
Jacksonville: 7-0 Over as road underdog
Indianapolis: 5-1 ATS as a home favorite of 7 points or less

Cleveland at Baltimore, 4:15 ET
Cleveland: 7-0 ATS off a SU loss
Baltimore: 0-7 ATS off home game

Dallas at Green Bay, 8:15 ET NBC
Dallas: 8-2 Over off home win
Green Bay: 6-0 ATS in September


Monday, September 22nd

NY Jets at San Diego, 8:30 ET ESPN
NY Jets: 3-0 ATS at San Diego
San Diego: 11-24 ATS off road division loss

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


2008 Week 3 NFL analysis

Sunday, September 21

Chiefs (0-2) @ Falcons (1-1)-- Third different starting QB in the first three games for Chiefs; Tyler Thigpen makes first start for 0-2 Kansas City squad that was outrushed 426-127, outsacked 9-2 in its first two games- they have two TDs, nine 3/outs in 21 drives. Rookie Ryan just 22-46 passing in first two games; Falcons ran ball for 318 yards in the Week 1 win. Chiefs won five of last six series games, winning 56-10 in last meeting, at Arrowhead in '04. Falcon defense has been spunky; on six opponent drives that began in Falcon territory, they allowed just a single touchdown and three field goals.

Raiders (1-1) @ Bills (2-0)-- Buffalo beat pair of playoff teams in their 2-0 start; they averaged 7.2/7.5 yards per pass attempt first two games, as Edwards proves to be great find under center. Raiders won last week at Arrowhead, but were just 6-17/55 passing and are 8-26 on 3rd down this season. Bills allowed total of 183 yards on 48 carries, so doubtful Raiders will run for 300 yards, like they did last week. Oakland has won last four series games, but Raiders are 0-3-1 vs spread in last four road games that followed a road win the week before. Buffalo is 13-5 vs the spread in last 18 tries as a home favorite.

Texans (0-1) @ Titans (2-0)-- We learned from '06 Saints that teams do not prosper when taken out of their routine; city of Houston has been disrupted by hurricane/cleanup, so Texans already used their bye week for year. Tennessee won 10 of last 12 series games, winning last six in row, with four of last five wins by six or less points. Six of last seven series totals were 46+. Titans forced ten 3/outs, allowed just two TDs on 23 drives in their 2-0 start. Houston is 5-11 vs spread in last 16 as a road underdog. Titans are 5-12 in last 17 tries as home favorite. Texans gave up 183 rushing yards in their opening loss at Pittsburgh.

Bengals (0-2) @ Giants (2-0)-- Two teams going in different directions, as Cincy has been outrushed 406-143, scored just one TD on 23 drives, with 13 3/outs- they even gave up TD on blocked punt vs Titans last week. Bengals haven't scored a point on four drives that started in their opponents' territory. Giants outrushed first two foes 354-152, but the two opponents ae both learning new offensive systems. Giants have converted 11-23 on third down. Home side won last seven series games, with last six series totals 43+. Hard to believe team with Carson Palmer at QB would have just 216 passing yards in two games.

Cardinals (2-0) @ Redskins (1-1)-- Arizona lost 21-19 here last year, in game they outgained Redskins 364-180, but turnovers did them in. So far in 2008, Redbirds have yet to turn ball over (+5 TO ratio). Skins won six in row vs Arizona, with three of last four wins by four points or less. Warner-led Cardinal offense has six TDs, five FG tries on its 17 drives- they averaged 13 yards/pass attempt last week. Redskins were behind at half in both games so far- they tried five FGs, scored three TDs on ten drives for last week, gaining 455 yards after they gained 209 in opening loss at Meadowlands.

Dolphins (0-2) @ Patriots (2-0)-- New England will be conservative on offense with Cassel at QB; he was 16-23/156 passing last week, making lot of short throws. Patriots kicked four FGs in five trips to red zone, not recipe for covering 12-point spread, but Miami allowed 13 yards a pass attempt in desert last week- their opponents are 35-48/545 thru air so far, so interesting to see if Cassel can exploit that weakness. Miami lost six of last seven visits to Foxboro, but only two of losses were by more than 10 points. Patriots are moving chains, converting 13-27 3rd down plays. Three of last four series totals were 35 or less.

Bucs (1-1) @ Bears (1-1)-- Chicago won five of last seven series games, with four of last five series totals 30 or less. Brian Greise starts against his old team; Bucs are just 9-16 against spread in last 25 tries as dog on road. Tampa outrushed foes 310-206 so far, but are just 8-26 on third down- they've had 18 penalties for 160 yards. Chicago blew 17-3 lead at Carolina last week, or else they would have opened season with pair of road wins- they're 16-31 on third down, as Orton proves to be a better fit at QB than Grossman was. Chicago is 12-10 vs spread as favorite at home the last three seasons.

Panthers (2-0) @ Vikings (0-2)-- Gus Frerotte is Viking QB for rest of season, a reaction to Minnesota kicking five FGs without scoring TD vs Colts last week. With OT McKinnie still out this week and next, unsure if less mobile Frerotte will thrive vs Panther defense that has forced 11 3/outs on 22 drives this year. Carolina gets Steve Smith back at WR-- they trailed first two games in second half; Panthers are 7-28 on third down, a stat Smith should help. Vikings have 367 rushing yards in two games, so if Carolina gets behind here, it'll be harder to catch up. Main reason Frerotte is in: Vikes tried eight FGs, two TDs on 23 drives.

Rams (0-2) @ Seahawks (0-2)-- Desperate times for both sides; Hawks signed pair of WRs during week, and they're expected to play, sign of how banged-up Seattle's offense is. Seahawk defense allowed 67 points in first two games; on nine drives that started 80+ yards from end zone, Seattle allowed two TDs, three FGs, a terrible mark. Seattle won last six series games, with three of last four wins by five or less points. Kicker Brown was signed by Rams away from Seattle; he and punter Jones are only bright spots in hideous 0-2 start. St Louis allowed 79 points in its losses, but in fairness, they opened with two of the NFL's best

Lions (0-2) @ 49ers (1-1)-- Martz was Detroit's offensive coordinator LY, got canned for not running ball enough; guaranteed he comes out on first series and runs Gore over and over- thats just the way he is, even though Detroit allowed 11.1/8.3 ypp in first two games. Lions lost 10 of last 11 series games, losing last five, all by 6+ points- they've lost last nine visits here, with only one of the nine by less than seven pts. 49ers are 6-8 vs spread as favorite last four years. Detroit is 4-12 as road dog the last 2+ years. Lions trailed 21-0 in both of first two games- in last week's loss, they rallied to lead 25-24, then lost 48-25 to Packers.

Saints (1-1) @ Broncos (2-0)-- Denver scored 75 points in winning its first two games; letdown possible here, since first two wins were vs the AFC West, and they have third division rival on deck. Broncos are just 3-10 vs spread as home favorite the last two years. Saints scored five TDs on 23 drives; Bush could run amuck vs Denver's special teams, in same way Sproles did last week. Cutler is 52-77/640 passing so far, and Denver also has 287 rushing yards- they have ten TDs on 19 drives, but we'll see how they do as favorite. New Orleans is 16-11 as road dog the last four seasons. 14 of their 23 drives started 80+ yds from goal line.

Steelers (2-0) @ Eagles (1-1)-- Home side won 11 of last 13 intrastate rivalry games; Steelers lost last seven visits here, but they also haven't been here since '97. Eagles on short week after great game Monday nite; they've scored 75 points in first two games, but are just 7-13 vs spread in last 20 tries as home fave.. Roethlisberger has sore shoulder, but Pitt is still 2-0, scoring TDs on all six red zone drives- defense allowed just two TDs on 20 drives. Steelers are 1-3 vs spread as dog the last 2+ seasons. Pitt ran ball 70 times, passed just 37 in first two games; vs the Philly blitzes, will be interesting to see if they maintain that ratio.

Jaguars (0-2) @ Colts (1-1)-- Both sides really banged up, mostly on offensive line. Indy won 11 of last 14 series meetings, winning the first meeting the last six years. Jaguars lost six of last seven trips here, with five of six losses by 7+ points. Colts have just one takeaway, three TDs on 22 drives, very un-Colt like- they were down nine points at half in both games so far. They've run ball 34 times for 78 yards in two games, so they're struggling. Jags have two TDs, seven 3/outs on 22 drives so far, with only two FGs, two TDs in seven red zone trips- they're 7 for 25 on third down. Offensive line woes make it hard to run an offense.

Browns (0-2) @ Ravens (1-0)-- Cleveland lost four of last five visits to Baltimore, with all four losses by 10+ points; six of last eight totals in series at this site were 40+. Browns are off to dreadful start, scoring a single TD on 16 drives, with nine 3/outs- they've been outrushed in the first two games 284-144 and averaged just 4.6 ypp in both games. How long before natives start calling for Brady Quinn? Ravens unexpectedly had last Sunday off- they beat Bengals 17-10 in Week 1, running ball for 229 yards, forcing seven 3/outs on 12 drives. Baltimore won six of last nine first meetings of season in this divisional rivalry.

Cowboys (2-0) @ Packers (2-0)-- Dallas travelling on short work week after emotional home win over divisional rival Monday; home team won last 11 series games, with Cowboys losing last five visits to Lambeau. Packers scored 72 points in winning Rodgers' first two starts; they've run ball for 262 yards, passed for 502 (8.1/8.3 ypp), converted 13-26 on 3rd down, and picked off four passes. 38 of the 44 points they gave up came in second half. Dallas scored 69 points in its two wins-- they are 7-5 vs spread as road favorite last 2+ years. Packers are 3-6-1 vs spread as home underdog last 3+ years.


Monday, September 22

Jets (1-1) @ Chargers (0-2)-- Hard to remember team starting season in more agonizing fashion than San Diego, losing opener on last play, then getting hosed by bad call at end of Denver game, losing 39-38; they have allowed 874 yards in two games, 287 on ground, with two takeaways. Injuries to Tomlinson, Merriman ain't helping. Jets have three TDs and FG on six red zone drives; heard guy from NFL Films suggest on radio that Favre hasn't picked up as much of offense as you might think, and that he looks unconfortable with Jet protection schemes. Jet defense gave up three TDs on 19 drives, but this is best offense they've faced.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

National Football League – Added Trends

NFL
Additional Trends

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trends Sheet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, September 21

1:00 PM ARIZONA vs. WASHINGTON
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona


1:00 PM CAROLINA vs. MINNESOTA
Carolina is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina


1:00 PM CINCINNATI vs. NY GIANTS
Cincinnati is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
NY Giants are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Giants last 7 games at home


1:00 PM HOUSTON vs. TENNESSEE
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tennessee
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tennessee
Tennessee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games


1:00 PM KANSAS CITY vs. ATLANTA
Kansas City is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games


1:00 PM MIAMI vs. NEW ENGLAND
Miami is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New England
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New England
New England is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 6 games when playing Miami


1:00 PM OAKLAND vs. BUFFALO
Oakland is 3-17 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road
Buffalo is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
Buffalo is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games at home


1:00 PM TAMPA BAY vs. CHICAGO
Tampa Bay is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Chicago is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay


4:05 PM DETROIT vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
San Francisco is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit


4:05 PM NEW ORLEANS vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games on the road
Denver is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Denver is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home


4:05 PM ST. LOUIS vs. SEATTLE
St. Louis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against St. Louis


4:15 PM CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home


4:15 PM JACKSONVILLE vs. INDIANAPOLIS
Jacksonville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indianapolis
Jacksonville is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indianapolis
Indianapolis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Indianapolis is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games


4:15 PM PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games


8:15 PM DALLAS vs. GREEN BAY
Dallas is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Dallas is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
Green Bay is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Green Bay is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Dallas


Monday, September 22

8:30 PM NY JETS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Jets are 5-14 SU in their last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Jets last 5 games
San Diego is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Jets
San Diego is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Jets

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


Sunday, September 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings [FOX | 1 PM ET]

Panthers: The Panthers are 2-0 after two tough wins over San Diego and Chicago and now they get star receiver Steve Smith back this week. Smith was suspended two games after punching teammate Ken Lucas but the two say they have made amends and are ready to move on. Smith will join Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett to give Carolina a formidable trio of receivers. The Panthers will present a stiff challenge for young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. In the first two weeks, Carolina’s defense is only giving up 176 yards per game through the air.

Panthers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 4-0 in Carolina's last 4 road games.

Key Injuries - OT Travelle Wharton (knee) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 17

Vikings (-3.5, O/U 37): The Vikings came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations but are a disappointing 0-2, losing two games they could have easily won. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson shouldered much of the blame for Minnesota's slow start, and head coach Brad Childress has made the switch to veteran Gus Frerotte for Sunday’s game. Childress is hoping Frerotte will be able to help generate more big plays out of the passing game. This is a pivotal game for the Vikings, who don’t want to start out 0-3. As always, they have been extremely tough to run the ball on, holding the opposition to 82 yards per game on the ground.

Vikings are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Vikings are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.

Key Injuries - WR Sidney Rice (knee) is day-to-day.
OT Bryant McKinnie (suspension) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 20



Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles [CBS | 4:15 PM ET]

Steelers: The Steelers have jumped out 2-0 to start the season and with some of the conferences preseason favorites floundering, Pittsburgh is setting itself up nicely to be a major factor in the AFC. After dismantling Houston in their opener, the Steelers are coming off a hard-fought win over bitter rival Cleveland. Last week NBC reported that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a separated shoulder but the Steelers referred to the report as “nonsense.” “They know more than I do,” Coach Mike Tomlin said. “That’s good television, I guess.” As usual, defense is the name of the game in Pittsburgh. Through two weeks, the Steelers defense has allowed just 11.5 points and 221.0 yards per game.

Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
The OVER is 5-1 in Steelers last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - CB Deshea Townsend (heel) is day-to-day.
DE Brett Keisel (calf) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 20 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Eagles (-3, O/U 46): The Eagles have to recharge the batteries after a gut-wrenching 41-37 emotional loss at Dallas last Monday night. The game had a playoff feel to it but now the Eagles have to refocus and prepare to take on a tough Steelers squad. Donovan McNabb has been on fire to start the year, throwing for 642 yards and four touchdowns in the season’s first two weeks. After stifling the lowly Rams, the Eagles defense was torched by the Cowboys to the tune of 41 points and 380 yards of total offense. There is a new star emerging in the city of Brotherly Love. Rookie receiver DeSean Jackson is becoming McNabb’s go-to receiver and he’s an exceptional return man as well. Jackson just needs to make sure he holds onto the football until he crosses the goal line, something he didn’t do against Dallas.

Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 3.

Key Injuries - WR Reggie Brown (hamstring) is questionable.
OT Shawn Andrews (back) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 23



Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers [NBC | 8:15 PM ET]

Cowboys (-3, O/U 51.5): After defeating bitter rival Philadelphia in one of the most thrilling Monday night games ever, the Cowboys must now take to the road to face the 2-0 Packers. This will be a tall order for the Cowboys, who have never won a game at Lambeau Field in the franchise’s illustrious history. Led by Tony Romo, Marion Barber and Terrell Owens, the Cowboys offense has been a well-oiled machine in the first two weeks of the season, averaging 34.5 points and 433.5 yards per game. The defense struggled badly against the Eagles. If there was one bright spot it was that after allowing 30 points in the first half, the Cowboys held Philly to just one touchdown in the final two quarters.

Cowboys are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in September.
The OVER is 7-0 in Dallas' last 7 games in Week 3.

Key Injuries - S Roy Williams (forearm) is OUT.
TE Jason Witten (shoulder) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 30 (Side Play of the Day)

Packers: Fans in Green Bay have to be ecstatic with the performance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers thus far. Rodgers has thrown for 506 yards and four scores in leading the Pack to wins over division foes Minnesota and Detroit. Rodgers may need another big game through the air because running back Ryan Grant hasn’t been 100 percent healthy in the first two games. Grant continues to be bothered by a sore hamstring, which kept him out most of the preseason. His workload was scaled back in the first two games, and he wasn’t able to finish either of them. The Packers secondary allowed some big plays last week against Detroit and that area will need to be tightened up with the high-flying Cowboys offense coming to town.

Packers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
The OVER is 6-0 in Green Bay's last 6 home games.

Key Injuries - S Atari Bigby (hamstring) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Thursday, September 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball Today
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCOREBOARD

Minnesota at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EDT). In the opener of a four-game series between playoff contenders, the Twins send Glen Perkins (12-4, 4.40 ERA) to the mound against James Shields (13-8, 3.50).


STARS

Wednesday

— Prince Fielder, Brewers, hit a three-run double as Milwaukee beat the Chicago Cubs 6-2 to end a five-game losing streak.

— Carlos Beltran, Mets, homered from both sides of the plate to help New York beat Washington 9-7.

— Jose Guillen, Royals, hit a key two-run single after being sick the night before, helping the Royals to their sixth straight win with a 5-2 victory over Seattle.

— J.A. Happ, Phillies, tossed six shutout innings to lead NL East-leading Philadelphia to a 6-1 victory over Atlanta.

— Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks, tossed seven solid innings and hit a key two-run double to lead Arizona to a 7-6 win over the San Francisco Giants.

— Freddy Garcia, Tigers, pitched five innings to win in his first game since June 2007, and Detroit scored nine runs in the fifth to beat Texas 17-4 and snap a six-game losing streak.

— Adam LaRoche, Pirates, hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in Pittsburgh’s 15-8 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

— Hanley Ramirez, Marlins, homered twice before departing with an injured shoulder, helping Florida beat Houston 14-2.

— Aaron Harang, Reds, tossed a six-hitter as Cincinnati beat St. Louis 3-0 for its fourth straight win.

— Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, was 4-for-5 and hit a three-run homer—his 34th— to help Detroit beat Texas 17-4.


MILESTONE

Alex Rodriguez became the first player to hit 35 homers and drive in 100 runs in 12 seasons, surpassing Babe Ruth’s record by one. Rodriguez hit his 553rd homer in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 5-1 victory over Chicago. A-Rod also became the first player to have at least 35 in 11 consecutive seasons (1998-2008), snapping a tie with Sammy Sosa (1995-2004).


MILESTONE II

Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki matched Willie Keeler’s major league record of eight straight 200-hit seasons, beating out an infield single in the eighth inning for his third hit against Kansas City. The Japanese star came into the game three hits short of the record set by Keeler from 1894-1901. Suzuki matched Keeler in the eighth when he hit a grounder up the middle and beat shortstop Mike Aviles’ throw by a half-step.


GETTING HEALTHY

White Sox left fielder Carlos Quentin had the soft cast removed from his broken right wrist, an encouraging sign the MVP candidate could return for the postseason. Quentin, out since Sept. 2, had his surgically repaired wrist examined in Chicago while the team was in New York to play the Yankees. The club said the broken bones have lined up but it’s still not fully healed.


GETTING IT DONE

Brandon Webb pitched seven solid innings and added a key two-run double, helping Arizona beat San Francisco 7-6 and gain ground in the NL West. The Diamondbacks trimmed the Dodgers’ division lead to 3 1/2 games. Webb (21-7) allowed three runs—two earned—and eight hits. His double in Arizona’s five-run second tied it at 3.


YARDWORK

Carlos Beltran homered from both sides of the plate and Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado also went deep in the Mets’ 9-7 win at Washington. Reyes led off the game by homering off Shairon Martis (0-3), and Delgado also hit a solo shot in the first. Beltran hit a two-run drive in the third, and a solo homer in the eighth. … Andy Phillips, Jay Bruce and Paul Janish homered in the fourth inning of Cincinnati’s 3-0 victory over St. Louis. Phillips and Bruce opened the fourth with consecutive home runs and Janish added the first of his career later in the frame.


STUCK ON 22

Cleveland starter Cliff Lee failed in his first chance to become the second pitcher in 108 years to start the season 23-2. He took a 4-2 lead into the seventh before the Twins tied the game, leaving Lee with a no-decision. The Indians went on to win 6-4.


STATS

The Rays (90-60) became the sixth team in major league history to win 90 games immediately following a stretch of at least 10 consecutive losing seasons. The others are the 1912 Washington Senators, 1914 Boston Braves, 1956 Cincinnati Reds, 1979 Montreal Expos and 2006 Detroit Tigers. … Oakland’s Jack Cust struck out three times, leaving him one shy of the American League single-season record of 186 Ks set by Rob Deer of Milwaukee in 1987. … Oakland’s Joey Devine hasn’t allowed an earned run in 20 outings (19 2-3 innings) since coming off the DL on Aug. 2. … Detroit’s Curtis Granderson was 0-for-5 in the 17-4 win over Texas and is 1-for-22 the past five games.


HOME SWEET HOME

Tampa Bay beat Boston 10-3 to improve to a major league-best 55-22 at home and needs two more wins to finish with the most home victories by a team since the Yankees went 65-16 in 1998.


OUCH

Right-hander Ben Sheets left the Brewers’ 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs after only two innings with pain in his right elbow. … Hanley Ramirez homered twice before departing Florida’s 14-2 victory over Houston with a strained left shoulder. A team spokesman said he was day to day, and Ramirez was hopeful about playing Thursday.


SPEAKING

“The way this team is put together, it isn’t put together like the Yankees. It isn’t a hoard of superstars that are expected to do well. This team is built on solid pitching and unity. Nobody sticks out. To see us win a game, everybody comes in and does something. We don’t have the personalities that stand in the way of that.”—Tampa Bay rookie Fernando Perez, who homered in the AL East-leading Rays’ 10-3 victory over Boston.


SEASONS

Sept. 18

1908—Bob Rhoads of the Indians pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox for a 2-1 victory in Cleveland.

1930—New York pitcher Red Ruffing hit two home runs as the Yankees edged the St. Louis Browns 7-6 in 10 innings.

1954—The Cleveland Indians clinched the American League pennant with a 3-2 triumph over the Detroit Tigers.

1963—The New York Mets lost their last game at the Polo Grounds to the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-1, in front of a crowd of only 1,752.

1968—Ray Washburn threw a 2-0 no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park, one day after the Giants’ Gaylord Perry tossed a no-hitter against Washburn’s St. Louis Cardinals.

1984—The Detroit Tigers clinched the American League East Division with a 3-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, making the Tigers the fourth team in major league history to lead from start to finish. The other three teams were the 1923 New York Giants, 1927 New York Yankees and the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.

1987—Detroit’s Darrell Evans became the first 40-year-old player in major league history to hit 30 home runs in a season as the Tigers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6.

1996—Roger Clemens equaled his own major league record, fanning 20 batters and pitching a four-hitter to lead Boston over the Detroit Tigers 4-0.

2003—Atlanta clinched its 12th straight division title when second-place Florida was mathematically eliminated from the NL East race after a 5-4 loss to Philadelphia. The record title streak started in 1991, when the Braves won the NL West. They moved to the East Division in 1994 and trailed Montreal by six games when the strike stopped the season in August.

2005—The Texas Rangers set a major league record for home runs at home when David Dellucci, Alfonso Soriano and Rod Barajas connected against Seattle in an 8-6 victory. Barajas’ homer in the fourth gave Texas 150 homers at Ameriquest Field, one more than Colorado hit at Coors Field in 1996.

2006—Jeff Baker hit a pair of three-run homers and Garrett Atkins added six RBIs to lead Colorado to a 20-8 rout of San Francisco.

2006—The Los Angeles Dodgers hit four consecutive homers in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and Nomar Garciaparra’s two-run homer in the 10th lifted Los Angeles to an 11-10 victory over the San Diego Padres. It was the fourth time a team hit four consecutive homers and the first since May 2, 1964, when the Minnesota Twins accomplished the feat against Kansas City in the 11th inning.

Today’s birthdays: Billy Traber 29; Jody Gerut 31.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Thursday, September 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hot Pitchers
-- Dodgers won last three Kershaw starts (2-0, 3.71). Pirates are 10-4 at home when Maholm starts.
-- Cubs won last five Harden starts (4-0, 1.50). Brewers are 10-4 in last fourteen Bush starts.
-- Santana is 3-0, 1.91 in his last six starts. Washington is 9-3 in last twelve Redding home starts.
-- Arias blanked Pirates for five innings in his first start, a 3-2 win.
-- Lohse has 2.33 RA in his last three starts.
-- Hamels is 4-1, 2.45 in his last seven starts
-- Lincecum is 5-0, 1.77 in his last six starts. .

-- Bronx won six of last eight Mussina home starts.
-- Greinke is 2-1, 3.24 in his last four starts.
-- Angels are 10-4 on road when Saunders starts. Outman beat Texas in his first big league start, allowing one run in five IP.
-- Litsch is 2-1, 2.11 in his last three starts.
-- Tampa Bay is 14-2 at home when Shields starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Marlins lost six of last eight Olsen home starts.
-- Volquez has a 5.70 RA in his last five starts.
-- Braves lost last ten Reyes starts (0-7, 7.01).
-- Arizona is 3-7 in Johnson's last ten home starts.

-- Feierabend is 0-3, 9.88 in his three road starts this season.
-- Vazquez is 1-3, 4.74 in his last four starts.
-- Cabrera is 0-3, 9.14 in his last five starts.
-- Perkins has an 8.27 RA in his last four starts.

Hot Teams
-- Dodgers are 14-3 in their last seventeen games.
-- Phillies won their last six games, scoring 40 runs.
-- Reds won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Marlins won their last seven games, scoring 50 runs.
-- Cubs won five of their last six games.
-- Royals won six of their last seven games.

-- Bronx won four of its last five games.
-- Toronto won seven of its last eight home games.
-- A's won four in row, eight of their last eleven games. Angels won five of their last seven games.
-- Rays' magic number to clinch playoff spot is 4; AL East, 10.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Braves lost three of their last four games.
-- Washington lost six of last eight games. Mets lost four of their last six games.
-- Astros lost last four games, outscored 30-4.
-- Cardinals lost their last seven games, scoring 17 runs.
-- Brewers lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Arizona lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Giants lost last three games, scoring seven runs.

-- Minnesota is 4-12 in its last sixteen road games.
-- White Sox are 9-14 in their last 23 road games.
-- Orioles are 6-20 in their last 26 games.
-- Mariners lost their last nine road games.

Totals
-- Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Pittsburgh games.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Atlanta games.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Washington games.
-- Last seven Cincinnati games stayed under the total.
-- Olsen's last five home starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2 in last eight games at Wrigley Field.
-- Six of last seven Arizona games stayed under the total.

-- Last four Vazquez starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 10-3 in Minnesota's last thirteen road games.
-- Over is 10-2 in last twelve Toronto home games.
-- Under is 11-4 in last fifteen Kansas City home games.
-- Six of last eight Angel games stayed under the total.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------