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**jt4545** · 08-28-2010, 12:24 PM

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**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 12:43 PM

Eli Manning returns to action against Ravens

New York Giants (1-1) at Baltimore (2-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EDTLine: Baltimore -4, Total: 37.5
Eli Manning is expected to play after missing the last game due to suffering a cut on his forehead, which required 12 stitches. With backup Jim Sorgi also out of action in the Giants’ 24-17 loss to the Steelers, Rhett Bomar took all of the snaps, completing half of his 26 attempts for 167 yards and an INT. The G-men rushed the ball successfully, gaining 129 yards on 30 attempts (4.3 yards per carry). Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown each found the end zone.
The Ravens have allowed a total of 15 points in their two preseason wins. Joe Flacco and backup Marc Bulger have posted nearly identical stat lines. Flacco is 17-28 for 192 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT, while Bulger is 18-28 for 197 yards without a TD or INT. After uncharacteristically struggling on the ground (61 yards) in their opener, the Ravens churned out 143 yards and a pair of TD on 29 carries (4.9 yards per carry) in game two at Washington.

The Ravens are 2-0 straight up and ATS so far this preseason. FoxSheets show that this favors the Giants. Play Against - Favorites of 3.5 to 10 points (BALTIMORE) - after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread, in August games. (50-24 over the last 10 seasons.) (67.6%, +23.6 units. Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 12:45 PM

Saturday's Gridiron Battles

Week 3 of the NFL’s preseason schedule is up and running with nine games on the schedule for Saturday. We’ll open up with a battle between possible playoff teams in Baltimore. Then make our way to Houston for a Lone Star State showdown before a battle in the bay.

Giants at Ravens (-4 ½, 38) – 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Giants looked like one of the teams to beat last season after opening the year with five straight wins. That was just a mirage as they stumbled to a 3-8 mark in the final 15 games to miss out on the postseason party.

In only two preseason games, New York has mirrored the 2009 campaign. They looked sharp in its 31-16 “road” win over the Jets, following it up with a subpar performance in a 24-17 home loss to the Steelers last Saturday night. To be fair, the tilt against Pittsburgh was without both Eli Manning and Jim Sorgi.

The G-Men have also seen some bumps and bruises in the exhibitions as well. All Manning could hear was calliope music after not telling the rest of the team he was changing a play early against the Jets. That miscue caused him to lose his helmet, leading to a three-inch gash on his forehead. That forced him to miss last week’s game altogether. Same thing goes for Sorgi, who played well in the opener (8-of-15, 146 yards, 2 touchdowns). But he suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the preseason opener that will keep him out until at least the first week of the regular season.

Everything couldn’t be better for the Ravens. They improved its middle-of-the-pack receiving corp with Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. Baltimore’s new duo has accounted for five catches and 106 yards. Needless to say this has made Joe Flacco’s job a little easier.

These two teams have seen stark contrasts in how they handle the preseason for total players. New York has cashed the ‘over’ in both of its games, while the ‘under’ is 2-0 for Baltimore.

The Ravens have been a strong home team during John Harbaugh’s tenure as coach during recent preseason tilts, having gone 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread. The ‘under’ is a fantastic 5-1 in these tilts as well.

While that info might lead you to take Baltimore, there is some info to know. The recent preseason history between these two teams has seen the visitors go 5-2 SU and ATS, with the ‘over’ holding a slight 4-3 advantage.

Cowboys at Texans (-3, 40 ½) – 8:00 p.m. EDT, CBS

Expectations are high in the Lone Star State when it comes to football.

The Cowboys know that their home stadium will play host to Super Bowl XLV. The only question that remains for them is if they will be the first team to play the game on their home field. Preseason football isn’t much of a gauge, but the 2-1 record has to make fans and bettors alike happy with their chances.

Dallas hasn’t shown much in the way of its offensive gameplan during the exhibition. The ‘Boys are 29th in the preseason on the attack, averaging 251.3 yards per game. And Tony Romo has completed just 46 percent of his passes so far, tossing a pick and a touchdown in limited play. That will change on both offense and defense for the Cowboys as Wade Phillips has stated that the starters will be playing into the third quarter.

Houston finally looks like it will finally get to the playoffs after posting its first 9-7 record in 2009 under Gary Kubiak. Matt Schaub has picked up where he left off last year with his passing prowess. In limited play, Michael Vick’s former backup has gone 13-of-16 for 195 yards and a touchdown through the air. Schaub’s extended play on Saturday night will no doubt help an offense that hasn’t done much on third down in the preseason, converting just 6 of the Texans’ 22 chances.

These two teams have been on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to the totals: Dallas has seen the ‘under’ go 3-0, while the ‘over’ has hit in both preseason tests for the Texans.

One thing that bettors should keep an eye on is that the Cowboys are 2-5 SU and ATS in their seven road preseason tests under Phillips. The ‘over’ has gone 5-2 in that stretch as well.

49ers at Raiders (-1, 36) – 9:00 p.m. EDT

Is there a reason to be optimistic in the Bay Area? Still a little too soon to tell, but things are looking up.

San Francisco comes into this game having won both of its preseason tilts both SU and ATS. Although that cover as 3 ½-point home favorites last Sunday in a 15-10 win over Minnesota was a gift backers of the 49ers.

For the 49ers’ Alex Smith, he’s just happy to have Jimmy Raye running the offense. Doesn’t sound like much but this is the first time the QB from Utah has had the same offensive coordinator for two straight years. It hasn’t looked like the familiarity has helped as Smith has completed 54.5 percent of his passes for 125 yards and one pick.

One of the bigger positives of this preseason has been the play of Anthony Dixon. All the rookie out of Mississippi State has done is run for 154 yards and two scores on 41 carries.

Oakland has enjoyed the preseason with its new QB Jason Campbell, but they also found a suitable backup to him. Kyle Boller has taken advantage of injuries to Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye with the extra snaps at camp. The result has been Boller completing 19-of-30 passes for 203 yards and tosses one touchdown.

Tom Cable has had the Raiders ready and willing to help out bettors as they’re 4-3 SU and 5-2 ATS in the preseason. The ‘over’ has also gone 5-2 in these games as well.

This head-to-head battle has been decidedly tilted to the home clubs. Home teams have gone 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS. Gamblers that fancy totals should note that the ‘over’ has hit in three of the last four meetings.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 12:47 PM

Team Totals Update

As the 2010 NFL regular season approaches, we continue to see strong interest in our list of total wins for each team, which can be found on our NFL team props board at Bodog.

As is usually the case, we’ve had to adjust a number of the moneylines to account for unbalanced betting. For example, if you think the Atlanta Falcons will win more than nine games this season, you’ll have to wager $190 to win $100. If you think they’ll go under that total, you’re in luck, because a $100 bet will net you $155.

Making odds on each team’s win totals is good for the book for a number of reasons. First and foremost, our players love betting on them. But it also gives us a good idea of how bettors see each team before we start posting our regular-season NFL lines. Obviously, a lot of bettors seem to think the Falcons are a strong team – perhaps stronger than we initially believed when we set their win total at nine – so we’ll have to be careful not to underestimate them going forward, or else we’ll risk going offside on their games.

Another team that bettors have been aggressively backing is the New York Giants, for whom we set a win total of 8.5. If you like the over, you’ll have to bet $165 to win $100.

I suppose the flood of Giants money isn’t a huge surprise considering the team has such a large and loyal fan base. A lot of fans in New York probably saw 8.5 as an insult to a squad that won the Super Bowl in 2008. But remember that the Giants, who finished 8-8 last season, play in one of the toughest divisions in the league, plus they have to face teams like Indianapolis, Minnesota and Green Bay in 2010.

As for a team that bettors believe we overestimated as opposed to underestimated, I give you the Seattle Seahawks. We set the total wins for Pete Carroll’s troops at 7.5, but you’ll have to risk $195 to win $100 if you like the under.

The Seahawks are a tough team to figure out. They were terrible last year, winning just five games against 11 losses. But injuries were a huge factor, particularly to the offensive line. While injuries have once again been a factor in the preseason, Seattle has the luxury of a spot in the worst division in the NFL. Two wins over the Rams and a split with both the 49ers and Cardinals should be the expectation, after which the Seahawks have to find just more four wins out of their remaining 10 games to hit the over. Worth a $100 bet to win $155?

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 12:49 PM

Saturday's Tip Sheet

Phillies at Padres**

--Most betting shops have installed San Diego (76-50, +2996) as a minus-120 favorite with a total of eight ‘under’ (minus-120). Gamblers can take the Padres on the run line (minus 1 ½ runs) for a plus-160 return (risk $100 to win $160).

--Philadelphia (70-57, -707) had a golden opportunity to gain ground on the first-place Braves this week. However, while Atlanta was getting swept at Colorado, the Phillies were taking broom treatment at home against Houston in a four-game set. They went into Friday’s action trailing the Braves by three games in the National League East.

--San Diego has been the best story in baseball all year. For our purposes, the same can certainly be said. In fact, the Padres have produced way more profit than any other club. Going into Friday’s play, San Diego had brought home its backers nearly 30 units of profit, while the second-best money team (Cincinnati) had earned 12 less units.

--Jon Garland (13-8, 3.25) will get the starting nod in this spot. The veteran right-hander owns a 7-2 record and 2.49 ERA in 13 home assignments this year. He has won three consecutive starts, going 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA in five starts in August. However, Garland has struggled mightily against Philadelphia with a 0-4 record and 7.94 ERA in five lifetime starts.

--Charlie Manuel will give the ball to Joe Blanton, who is 5-6 with a 5.32 ERA in 2010. The righty has been awful in nine road starts, posting a 1-4 record and 6.55 ERA. For his career, Blanton is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA against the Padres.

--Philadelphia’s regulars have enjoyed roaring success against Garland. For instance, Jayson Werth has a .429 batting average with a double and two homers in just seven at-bats versus the righty. Ryan Howard is 3-for-9 (.333) off Garland with a double and a homer. Most notably, Placido Palanco is hitting .390 off Garland in 41 career at-bats, while Raul Ibanez has a .333 average with five doubles, one triple and two homers in 66 lifetime ABs. Finally, Mike Sweeney has a .293 average off Garland with three doubles and five homers in 58 at-bats.

--Before Friday’s games went final, San Diego had a commanding six-game advantage over second-place San Francisco in the NL West race.

--San Diego has cashed tickets at a 38-23 clip in its home games, while the Phillies are 30-32 on the road.

--The ‘under’ is 66-59-2 overall for the Phils. Meanwhile, the Padres have watched the ‘under’ go 60-58-8 overall. However, the ‘over’ is on a 5-1 run in San Diego’s last six games.

--Fox will have the telecast at 4:10 p.m. Eastern.

**Red Sox at Rays**

--Most books are listing Tampa Bay (78-49, +830) as a minus-125 ‘chalk’ with a total of 7 ½ ‘over’ (minus-120). Bettors can back the Rays on the run line for a generous plus-170 payout (paid $170 on $100 wagers).

--Boston (73-55, +220) went into Friday’s play trailing the Rays and Yankees, who are the AL East’s co-leaders, by 5 ½ games. The Red Sox had won four in a row before dropping a 4-2 decision to Seattle on Wednesday night.

--Matt Garza (13-7, 3.62) has been extremely sharp in the month of August, compiling a 2-2 record and 1.27 ERA with opposing batters hitting just .190 against him. For the season, Garza owns a 7-2 record and 3.42 ERA in 13 home appearances (12 starts). The right-hander has a 7-3 record and 3.62 lifetime ERA against the Red Sox.

--Clay Buchholz (15-5, 2.26) has not allowed a run in 23 1/3 consecutive innings pitched. The 26-year-old righty has won five straight decisions. Buchholz is 8-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 11 road assignments this year.

--Buchholz is 3-2 with a 1.93 career ERA against Tampa Bay.

--Tampa Bay has feasted on southpaws all year, going 30-13 in 43 games against left-handed starters.

--Tampa Bay slugger Carl Crawford was a late scratch from the lineup in Friday’s series opener. His status for Saturday is “questionable” due to flu-like symptoms. Crawford is hitting .297 with 14 homers and 68 RBIs.

--The ‘over’ is 63-57-8 overall for Boston, 30-27-5 in its road games.

--The ‘under’ is 62-60-5 overall for the Rays, 34-27-2 in their home games at The Trop.

--The first pitch from Garza is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Atlanta RHP Tim Hudson owns an 8-3 record and 3.02 ERA in 17 career starts against Florida.

--San Francisco LHP Barry Zito is 3-6 with a 4.70 ERA in 12 lifetime starts against Arizona.

--Joe Girardi will give C.C. Sabathia the starting nod Saturday against the White Sox in the Windy City. Sabathia has a 15-4 record and 3.72 ERA in 28 lifetime starts against Chicago.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 02:23 PM

Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 8/27-8/29

ST LOUIS at WASHINGTON

ST LOUIS is 2-11 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games vs. a good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 or better this season. The average score was ST LOUIS 4.1, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 3*)

CHICAGO CUBS at CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI is 21-6 (+14.9 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 6.1, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 3*)

HOUSTON at NY METS

NY METS are 20-5 UNDER (+14.5 Units) vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse this season. The average score was NY METS 3.2, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 3*)

FLORIDA at ATLANTA

FLORIDA is 17-8 (+10.3 Units) against the money line vs. poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game in the second half of this season. The average score was FLORIDA 4.4, OPPONENT 3.5 - (Rating = 1*)

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE

MILWAUKEE is 21-10 OVER (+10.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MILWAUKEE 5.9, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 1*)

LA DODGERS at COLORADO

COLORADO is 15-4 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game this season. The average score was COLORADO 6.5, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 1*)

PHILADELPHIA at SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO is 22-12 (+11.6 Units) against the money line vs. a decent bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 to 1.450 this season. The average score was SAN DIEGO 4.6, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 1*)

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO

ARIZONA is 17-8 OVER (+8.4 Units) vs. NL teams allowing 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of this season. The average score was ARIZONA 4.5, OPPONENT 5.9 - (Rating = 1*)

DETROIT at TORONTO

DETROIT is 20-30 (-16.9 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a batting average of .260 or worse in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 3.9, OPPONENT 4.7 - (Rating = 1*)

KANSAS CITY at CLEVELAND

CLEVELAND is 83-128 (-37.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CLEVELAND 4.3, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)

BOSTON at TAMPA BAY

BOSTON is 7-24 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 3.6, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 2*)

OAKLAND at TEXAS

OAKLAND is 14-5 UNDER (+8.6 Units) vs. a very good bullpen whose ERA is 3.33 or better this season. The average score was OAKLAND 3.1, OPPONENT 3.8 - (Rating = 1*)

NY YANKEES at CHI WHITE SOX

CHI WHITE SOX are 34-23 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 5.1, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

BALTIMORE at LA ANGELS

BALTIMORE is 10-30 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.1, OPPONENT 5.9 - (Rating = 1*)

MINNESOTA at SEATTLE

MINNESOTA is 44-25 (+9.4 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game this season. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.2, OPPONENT 4.0 - (Rating = 1*)

**Spark** · 08-28-2010, 02:32 PM

Good Luck Bums

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 07:13 PM

Ravens' inactives: S Ed Reed, RT Jared Gaither, DB Lardarius Webb, NT Terrence Cody, T Oniel Cousins, WR Demetrius Williams , WR Eron Riley, DB Marcus Paschal , RB Matt Lawrence, DB K.J. Gerard, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, G David Hale and C Daniel Sanders. Ravens RapidReports

**StarDust Bum** · 08-28-2010, 07:19 PM

Latest RapidReports Aug. 27, 2010 5:50 p.m. - WR Donnie Avery has a torn ACL and is out for the season, coach Steve Spagnuolo announced Friday. Teams are mandated to trim rosters from 80 to 75 by Tuesday and the Rams are deep in young WRs, so it's unlikely they will sign a replacement. Rams RapidReports
Tags: Knee injury • NFC West • Out for season • WR
1 minutes ago - Players not in uniform for the Cowboys game Saturday night include LB Keith Brooking, DE Marcus Spears, SS Gerald Sensabaugh, OT Marc Colombo, LG Kyle Kosier, WR Dez Bryant, LB Stephen Hodge and TE John Phillips. Cowboys RapidReports

2 minutes ago - Rookie WR Dez Bryant won’t play in Saturday’s game against the Texans, but did make the trip to Houston. Before the game, Bryant ran routes at full speed, something he’s yet to do so far in his rehab from the high-ankle sprain injury. Cowboys RapidReports

3 minutes ago - NT Aubrayo Franklin said his decision to skip camp was premeditated. "They had their way of handling the franchise tag, so me and my agent decided to do what we did," he said. He added that negotiations for a long-term deal were never close. 49ers RapidReports

5 minutes ago - RB Jonathan Stewart , last year's leading rushing, is dressed for Saturday night's game and looks as if he's ready to go. If he plays, it will be his first preseason action after sitting out the first two games with a bad foot. Panthers RapidReports

7 minutes ago - The Bills are counting on WR Roscoe Parrish to take over the slot role this year. After barely being used in recent seasons, Parrish has had a terrific preseason. He is excellent at creating separation in a short space, which was evident on his 12-yard TD. Bills RapidReports

10 minutes ago - Seneca Wallace has replaced Jake Delhomme at QB. Delhomme had his best outing of the preseason, going 20 for 25 for 152 yards and a TD. Browns RapidReports

12 minutes ago - CB Joe Haden has replaced WR Josh Cribbs as KR. Haden has been impressive during camp. His versatility on special teams, along with solid defensive pressure, indicates Haden will challenge for a starting spot. Browns RapidReports

13 minutes ago - RB C.J. Spiller has been explosive this offseason, but the talented rookie still has some work to do with limiting negative plays. On a run to the left side vs. the Bengals, Spiller tried to do too much and was taken back for an 11-yard loss. Bills RapidReports

15 minutes ago - S Nick Sorensen has movement in all four limbs and was responsive. He was taken to a local hospital for further observation. Browns RapidReports

16 minutes ago - WR Steve Smith is warming up on the field, but there's no word yet on whether he'll play against the Titans. Smith has practiced all week, but the Panthers may err on the side of caution. Panthers RapidReports

19 minutes ago - Expect to see more of Chris Johnson. Coach Jeff Fisher has said he'll ramp up Johnson's carries over the preseason. Johnson had four in the first game and five in the second. His longest run is for only 8 yards. Titans RapidReports

20 minutes ago - RT Cornell Green was brought in to help solidify the right side, yet he's been beaten badly on the O-line this preseason. Green was responsible for a big hit on QB Trent Edwards against Indianapolis on Aug. 19 and once again early Saturday night against the Bengals. Bills RapidReports

21 minutes ago - The Falcons waived CB Gabe Derricks and OL Mark Ortmann. Ortmann's release comes just five days after he signed with the franchise. Falcons RapidReports

22 minutes ago - RDT Rocky Bernard replaces Chris Canty in the starting lineup, and LG Guy Whimper takes the place of Rich Seubert, who moves to center to replace Shaun O'Hara. Giants RapidReports

23 minutes ago - Still looking for their starting DT tandem, don't be surprised if Tank Tyler and Derek Landri, a castoff from Jacksonville, get the start against the Titans or at least see extended playing time. Panthers RapidReports

24 minutes ago - QB Matt Moore has a rating of less than 40 as the Panthers prepare for their third preseason game Saturday night. It hasn't helped that Moore has seen two pretty good defenses in the Ravens and Jets so far. Moore will play into the second half. Panthers RapidReports

27 minutes ago - FS Tom Zbikowski replaces Ed Reed in the starting lineup. Ravens RapidReports

28 minutes ago - Saturday night's game could go a long way toward determining Carolina's No. 2 wide receiver. Still in the hunt for the job are Dwayne Jarrett , Brandon LaFell, Kenny Moore and Wallace Wright. So far, nobody has stepped up to claim it. Panthers RapidReports

29 minutes ago - QB Carson Palmer did not throw a TD in either of his first two preseason games, but it took him only five plays against the Bills to find the end zone. The Bengals operated exclusively out of the no-huddle on their first drive. Bengals RapidReports

29 minutes ago - Keep an eye on: New York's O-line. LT David Diehl is expected to take his first snap of the preseason against the Ravens. And with Shaun O'Hara (ankle tendinitis) out, Rich Seubert will start at center for the first time, shifting from left guard. Giants RapidReports

30 minutes ago - Giants who are inactives: WR Ramses Barden, QB Jim Sorgi, S Michael Johnson, DB Terrell Thomas, RB D.J. Ware, DB Aaron Ross, TE Travis Beckum, LB Chase Blackburn, C Shaun O'Hara, G Kevin Boothe, WR Sinorice Moss, DL Chris Canty and DE Jason Pierre-Paul . Giants RapidReports

32 minutes ago - Coverage on special teams has been a major concern this preseason, and the Bills got off to an awful start against Cincinnati by allowing a 51-yard kick return by Adam Jones. Bruce DeHaven, taking over for former ST coach Bobby April, has plenty of work to do. Bills RapidReports

32 minutes ago - Ravens' inactives: S Ed Reed, RT Jared Gaither, DB Lardarius Webb, NT Terrence Cody, T Oniel Cousins, WR Demetrius Williams , WR Eron Riley, DB Marcus Paschal , RB Matt Lawrence, DB K.J. Gerard, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, G David Hale and C Daniel Sanders. Ravens RapidReports

34 minutes ago - D-line red zone penalties have been costly in the first half. On Cleveland’s first offensive TD, a horse-collar tackle on DT Ndamukong Suh, negated a third-and-8 incompletion. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch jumped offiside on 2nd and 7, setting up Cleveland’s latest score. Lions RapidReports

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