Announcement

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:03 AM

NFL odds: Week 1 opening line report

The NFL -- world’s most popular league to watch and wager on -- is back Thursday. I’ll drink to that.

While the lockout was annoying, the sides reached a 10-year deal! I’ll drink to that, too.

And when I picture 17 straight weeks of watching up to 10 flat screens at once (for the 1 p.m. ET Sunday games), well, I will definitely drink to that.

Note to editor: The drinking starts after I turn in this column.

On to a stone-cold sober look at this week’s odds and pointspreads…

Not that there was ever any doubt, but Week 1 rams home the point: the NFL is a quarterback’s league.

Besides the Colts-Texans game, which some books took down due to Peyton Manning’s status, this week’s big line moves revolve around QB play, or the perception thereof.

The Cardinals opened as 3- to 5-point favorites over the Panthers. Now they’re laying 7, even 8.

“Kevin Kolb seems to have fit in well with Larry Fitzgerald, and you’ve got Carolina going with Cam Newton, a rookie quarterback,” MGM Mirage sportsbook manager Jeff Stoneback told ***********. “The public likes the Cardinals and the sharps like ‘em too.”

The Las Vegas Hilton opened the Browns as 3-point favorites over the Bengals. Now they’re laying 6.5 all over town.

“I think we have one ticket on the Bengals – I’m serious,” Hilton sportsbook manager Jay Kornegay told *********** on Saturday. “And it was for 20 dollars. The guy only risked 20, not 22.”

Cincy, of course, is force-feeding rookie Andy Dalton. Cleveland’s Colt McCoy turned in two outstanding preseason showings.

There was never any doubt about the QB situation in New England, which moved from a 4- to 7-point favorite at Miami. Kornegay said he opened the line at 4 back in April, when the Dolphins appeared to be targeting Kyle Orton or another upgrade over Chad Henne.

Kornegay said he’s written four times as many tickets on the Pats.

“They made some good moves in the offseason and they didn’t really lose too much,” Kornegay said. “And they’ve looked really good [except vs. Detroit]. These two teams definitely went in opposite directions.”

Biggest spread of the week – Vikings at Chargers (-9, 41)

San Diego finished No. 1 in total offense and total defense last season but did not make the playoffs due to comically bad special teams. Every offensive starter except Darren Sproles returns, and that has bettors believing.

“San Diego has been such a public team the last few years,” Stoneback said. “They’ve been far and away the best team in the division the last few years, even though they didn’t win it last year.”

San Diego’s season win total has risen from 10 to 10.5 and bettors are still going over, Stoneback said.

The Chargers started 2-5 SU and ATS last year. It was the fourth straight year San Diego opened 2-3 SU under Norv Turner.

Apparently that’s not enough to concern bettors, who see the Vikings as a team in transition.

Smallest spreads of the week – Lions at Buccaneers (-1.5, 41), Steelers at Ravens (-2.5, 36)

Tampa Bay opened as a 3- to 4-point favorite, but the number plummeted amid the never-ending surge of Lions’ love.

Last Dec. 19, Detroit beat the Bucs 23-20 in overtime in Tampa. The Lions were quarterbacked by third-stringer Drew Stanton – they’ll start Matthew Stafford on Sunday – and were getting 3.5 points. It was one of 12 covers Detroit produced in 2010, including five straight to end the season.

Stoneback said he can envision the Ravens’ line, which he opened at -3 (even), falling further as kickoff approaches. Baltimore hasn’t beaten a Ben Roethlisberger-led Pittsburgh team since 2006.

Biggest total of the week – Saints at Packers (-4, 47)

When MGM Mirage opened this total at 46, the sharps jumped in and bet the over. They’ll be in position to “middle” it if the total keeps rising, say to 48.5. Which is quite possible.

“It’s a Thursday night isolated game, you’ll have a lot of public money, and Monday or Thursday, the public generally bets those ‘Over,’” Stoneback said.

Added Kornegay: “They’re trying to bet it early and hopefully it goes up and they can buy it back [under] later on, or maybe they thought it was just too low for these types of offenses.”

The Packers’ Aaron Rodgers finished 2010 as the best QB in football. The Saints’ Drew Brees looked extremely sharp in preseason, like it was 2009 all over again.

“When the Saints had their starters in [during preseason],” Stoneback said, “they put up a lot of points.”

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:04 AM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 1

New Orleans at Green Bay
The Saints look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games in Week 1. The Saints are the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Packers favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+4). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Game 451-452: New Orleans at Green Bay (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 136.421; Green Bay 138.186
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 1 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 4; 47
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+4); Over

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Game 453-454: Pittsburgh at Baltimore (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 135.591; Baltimore 141.085
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 5 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 2 1/2; 36
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-2 1/2); Under

Game 455-456: Detroit at Tampa Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 134.380; Tampa Bay 133.905
Dunkel Line: Even; 43
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 41
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+1); Over

Game 457-458: Atlanta at Chicago (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 137.202; Chicago 132.597
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 39
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Under

Game 459-460: Buffalo at Kansas City (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 125.508; Kansas City 130.019
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 4 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 6 1/2; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+6 1/2); Under

Game 461-462: Indianapolis at Houston (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 129.096; Houston 136.103
Dunkel Line: Houston by 7; 49
Vegas Line: Houston by 5 1/2; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-5 1/2); Over

Game 463-464: Philadelphia at St. Louis (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 134.710; St. Louis 131.608
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3; 45
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 4 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+4 1/2); Over

Game 465-466: Cincinnati at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 125.374; Cleveland 132.442
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 7; 34
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 6 1/2; 36
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-6 1/2); Under

Game 467-468: Tennessee at Jacksonville (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 126.596; Jacksonville 132.529
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 6; 40
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (-3); Over

Game 469-470: NY Giants at Washington (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 132.738; Washington 132.034
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 1; 37
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3; 38
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Under

Game 471-472: Carolina at Arizona (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 117.611; Arizona 127.536
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 10; 42
Vegas Line: Arizona by 7; 37
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-7); Over

Game 473-474: Seattle at San Francisco (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 124.046; San Francisco 131.233
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 7; 36
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 38
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6); Under

Game 475-476: Minnesota at San Diego (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 131.720; San Diego 137.967
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 6; 44
Vegas Line: San Diego by 9; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+9); Over

Game 477-478: Dallas at NY Jets (8:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 133.972; NY Jets 136.873
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 3; 39
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 4 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2); Under

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Game 479-480: New England at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 142.880; Miami 130.760
Dunkel Line: New England by 12; 50
Vegas Line: New England by 7; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-7); Over

Game 481-482: Oakland at Denver (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 129.522; Denver 135.102
Dunkel Line: Denver by 5 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: Denver by 3; 40
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3); Under

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:04 AM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 1

Thursday, 9/8/2011

NEW ORLEANS at GREEN BAY, 8:30 PM ET NBC
NEW ORLEANS: 6-0 Over Away if total is 45.5 to 49
GREEN BAY: 24-12 ATS all games

Sunday, 9/11/2011

PITTSBURGH at BALTIMORE, 1:00 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 59-39 ATS as underdog
BALTIMORE: 5-9 ATS at home vs. Pittsburgh

DETROIT at TAMPA BAY, 1:00 PM ET
DETROIT: 10-2 ATS vs. NFC
TAMPA BAY: 3-11 ATS in home games

ATLANTA at CHICAGO, 1:00 PM ET
ATLANTA: 22-11 ATS in all games
CHICAGO: 15-4 Under as underdog

BUFFALO at KANSAS CITY, 1:00 PM ET
BUFFALO: 4-1 ATS as road dog of 3.5 to 7 pts
KANSAS CITY: 13-28 ATS vs. AFC East

INDIANAPOLIS at HOUSTON, 1:00 PM ET
INDIANAPOLIS: 12-4 Over in road games
HOUSTON: 5-10 ATS in home games

PHILADELPHIA at ST LOUIS, 1:00 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 6-0 Over in conf road games
ST LOUIS: 1-7 ATS vs. Philadelphia

CINCINNATI at CLEVELAND, 1:00 PM ET
CINCINNATI: 26-46 ATS 1st month of season
CLEVELAND: 11-5 ATS at home vs. Cincinnati

TENNESSEE at JACKSONVILLE, 1:00 PM ET
TENNESSEE: 9-2 Over if total is 35.5 to 42
JACKSONVILLE: 3-6 ATS as favorite

NY GIANTS at WASHINGTON, 4:15 PM ET
NY GIANTS: 12-3 Over Away 1st 2 wks of season
WASHINGTON: 10-24 ATS at home 1st month of season

CAROLINA at ARIZONA, 4:15 PM ET
CAROLINA: 0-6 ATS as road dog of 7pts or less
ARIZONA: 72-46 Over on turf

SEATTLE at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:15 PM ET
SEATTLE: 2-13 ATS as road underdog
SAN FRANCISCO: 13-3 Over at home if total is 35.5 to 38

MINNESOTA at SAN DIEGO, 4:15 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 1-9 ATS as an underdog
SAN DIEGO: 18-6 ATS as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points

DALLAS at NY JETS, 8:20 PM ET NBC
DALLAS: 13-3 Over in all games
NY JETS: 4-14 ATS at home 1st 2 wks of season

Monday, 9/12/2011

NEW ENGLAND at MIAMI, 7:00 PM ET ESPN
NEW ENGLAND: 12-2 Over as favorite
MIAMI: 7-0 Over at home 1st half of season

OAKLAND at DENVER, 10:15 PM ET ESPN
OAKLAND: 29-61 ATS in games where the line is +3 to -3
DENVER: 82-52 Over as a home favorite

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:05 AM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, September 8

8:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. GREEN BAY
New Orleans is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Green Bay
Green Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Green Bay's last 6 games at home

Sunday, September 11

1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games at home

1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Indianapolis's last 12 games when playing Houston
Indianapolis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Indianapolis
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Indianapolis

1:00 PM
DETROIT vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Tampa Bay is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
Atlanta is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games

1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
St. Louis is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia

1:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 12 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati

1:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Kansas City's last 9 games when playing Buffalo
Kansas City is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo

1:00 PM
TENNESSEE vs. JACKSONVILLE
Tennessee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Jacksonville's last 6 games when playing Tennessee
Jacksonville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tennessee

4:15 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Seattle is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Francisco
Seattle is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Seattle
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:15 PM
CAROLINA vs. ARIZONA
Carolina is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Arizona's last 15 games
Arizona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

4:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN DIEGO
Minnesota is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

4:15 PM
NY GIANTS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Giants are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games when playing Washington
NY Giants are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing NY Giants

8:20 PM
DALLAS vs. NY JETS
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Dallas's last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Jets last 5 games when playing Dallas
NY Jets are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home

Monday, September 12

7:00 PM
NEW ENGLAND vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New England's last 11 games
New England is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New England
Miami is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against New England

10:15 PM
OAKLAND vs. DENVER
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games at home
Denver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

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

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:30 PM

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 1

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

Thursday, September 8

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

NEW ORLEANS at GREEN BAY - 9/8/2011, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 134-99 ATS (+25.1 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

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

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

Sunday, September 11

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

PITTSBURGH at BALTIMORE - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

DETROIT at TAMPA BAY - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA at CHICAGO - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

BUFFALO at KANSAS CITY - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) against AFC East division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-0 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 1-1 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANAPOLIS at HOUSTON - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA at ST LOUIS - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 142-101 ATS (+30.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) against NFC West division opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 83-113 ATS (-41.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

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

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

CINCINNATI (4 - 12) at CLEVELAND (5 - 11) - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 99-132 ATS (-46.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
CINCINNATI is 55-79 ATS (-31.9 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
CLEVELAND is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

TENNESSEE at JACKSONVILLE - 9/11/2011, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

NY GIANTS at WASHINGTON - 9/11/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

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

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

CAROLINA at ARIZONA - 9/11/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in September games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

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

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

SEATTLE at SAN FRANCISCO - 9/11/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-2 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA at SAN DIEGO - 9/11/2011, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a home favorite of 7.5 to 10 points since 1992.

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

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

DALLAS at NY JETS - 9/11/2011, 8:20 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.

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

Monday, September 12

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

NEW ENGLAND at MIAMI - 9/12/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 90-65 ATS (+18.5 Units) in road games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 90-65 ATS (+18.5 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 136-104 ATS (+21.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games versus division opponents since 1992.

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

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

OAKLAND at DENVER - 9/12/2011, 10:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 29-61 ATS (-38.1 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

**Udog** · 09-06-2011, 10:34 PM

NFL
Write-Up

Week 1

Saints @ Packers— Last 12 Super Bowl winners also won their season opener the next season (8-2-2 vs spread). Green Bay won/covered its last four home openers, with three of the four wins by six or less points; four of their last five home openers stayed under the total. Pack is 9-5-1 as home favorite last two years. Saints are 4-8-1 as road underdogs last four years. New Orleans won five of last six season openers- they’ve covered seven of last ten as an underdog in their first road game of the season. Saints are 2-8 in Wisconsin, 1-2 at Lambeau (Pack used to play some home games in Milwaukee). Adding Sproles for Bush gives Saints big upgrade at RB. Home favorites from NFC North are 16-10-1 in non-divisional games the last two years.

Steelers @ Ravens— Last 12 Super Bowl losers are 0-12 vs spread in their season opener the next season (2-10 SU). Baltimore won its last six home openers (over 4-1-1). Just second time in last nine years Steelers opened on road; since 1988, they’re 4-4 SU in Week 1 road openers, but they did start 1-0 last four years (all at home), allowing only 13.3 ppg. Pittsburgh won two of last three visits here, with only loss in OT; they’re 6-2 in last eight series games, beating Ravens in playoffs two of last three years. Pitt covered seven of last nine as a road underdog; since ’04, they’re 11-2 vs spread as dog of 3 or less points. Baltimore covered just two of last nine as divisional home favorite. Five of last six Steeler road openers stayed under total; over is 4-1-1 in Baltimore’s last six home openers.

Lions @ Buccaneers—Road team is 24-6-2 vs spread in Bucs’ games last two years, with Tampa Bay 3-12-1 in last 16 home games (2-2-1 as favorite, 1-10 as dog). Tampa Bay is 7-3 in last ten series games, with five of last seven decided by 4 or less points; Lions are 2-3 in last five visits here, winning 23-20 in OT LY. Detroit is 12-9-2 as road underdog last three years. Bucs won three of last four home openers, allowing 14 or less points in all three wins- under is 5-2-1 in their last eight home openers. Detroit is 2-8 in last ten road openers (3-7 vs spread), with five of last six going over total. Last four years, Bucs are 11-7-1 as single digit favorite. Home favorites from NFC South are 18-10-2 vs spread in non-divisional games the last two years.

Falcons @ Bears – Atlanta lost last four road openers, scoring 7.8 ppg; they lost opener 15-9 in Pittsburgh LY even though Big Ben didn’t play for Steelers. Since 2005, Falcons are 6-2 as non-divisional road favorite. Home side won seven of last nine in series; Atlanta lost last five visits here, dropping 6-0/16-3 decisions in last two. Chicago won five of last six home openers, with three of last four staying under total. Falcons’ last win here was 1983- their last seven road openers stayed under the total. Since ’08, road favorites from AFC South are 11-8-1 in non-divisional games. Home dogs from NFC North are 9-5 in non-divisional games the last two years. Loss of veteran C Kreutz to Saints is big blow for Chicago OL.

Bills @ Chiefs— Cassel practiced Monday, is now expected to play. Chiefs are 1-5-1 as non-divisional home favorite since ’07; over last five years, NFC West home favorites (excluding San Diego) are 8-26-1 vs spread outside their division. Over last three years, AFC East road dogs are 24-14 vs spread as road underdogs in non-divisional games. Bills are 15-9 vs spread on road the last three years (11-8 as road dog), 6-2 vs spread in last nine road openers. Since 1993, under is 16-1-1 in Kansas City home openers, with last nine staying under total; Chiefs are just 4-7 SU in last 11 home openers, 2-5-1 vs spread as favorite in home openers. Buffalo won three of last four in series, losing 13-10 in OT LY; three of last four series totals were 26 or less. Teams split their last six meetings here. Six of Buffalo’s last seven road openers stayed under total.

Colts @ Texans— Looking like Manning isn't playing here, which will send spread skyward. Now or never for Gary Kubiak, with Wade Phillips expected to improve defense, and Indy crippled with either Collins/Painter trying to do the impossible and replace #18. Last two years, home favorites are 9-6 vs spread in AFC South divisional games, with Texans covering four of last six divisional home games. Since 2006, Colts are 9-3 as an underdog. Indy won nine of last 11 road openers, losing 34-24 (-1.5) here LY, just second win for Texans in 18 series games. Colts are 7-2 in nine visits here, with average total in last six, 55.2. Nine of last ten series totals were 47+. Since 1988, Colts are 1-8-1 vs spread as underdog in their road opener.

Eagles @ Rams— Philly is just 3-3 in last six season openers, with last three road openers going over total; they’re 19-13 vs spread on road last four years, 7-4 in last 11 tries as road favorite. Rams lost last four home openers, are 1-7-1 vs spread in last nine; they’re 21-34 as underdogs last four years. Since 2007, St Louis is 7-14 as non-divisional home dog, but were 3-2 LY. Eagles won three of last four series games, with average total 28.5. St Louis is running new offense with increased depth at RB; Eagles are running new defense. Interesting to see if Bradford is allowed to throw downfield more in new offense.

Bengals @ Browns— Losing Palmer at QB, replacing him with rookie Dalton is a uniquely Bengal-like move, refusing to trade the vet QB, even though a trade would help them recoup some value. Cleveland is 1-11 in home openers, losing last six (scored 14 or less points in five of those six)- they’re 0-3 vs spread as a favorite in home openers, 2-6 in last eight games as home favorite, but Browns do seem to be more harmonious with Holmgren running franchise and young QB McCoy showing promise under center. Cincinnati won last four Battles of Ohio, with three of four decided by three or less points; Bengals are 5-3 in last eight visits here, but 13-19 vs spread on road the last four years.

Titans @ Jaguars— Jacksonville is just 8-16 vs spread at home last three years, amid rumors team could be moving to LA; they’re 4-6 in last ten tries as divisional home favorite. New coach, new QB for Tennessee squad that covered last four season openers, winning three of last four road openers. Titans are 6-3 in last nine series games, winning three of last four visits here- they covered five of last six as AFC South road dog. Titans’ last four series wins were all by 7+ points. Jaguars are 10-2 vs spread in last dozen openers, 8-3 in last 11 home openers, but they’ve lost three of last four SU. Under is 10-5-1 in Jaguar home openers, 12-2 in Titans’ last 14 road openers.

Giants @ Redskins—Did any NFL team have worse offseason than Giants, who lost key players without adding anyone of substance, except former 49er C Baas? That said, Big Blue is 9-1 in last ten series games, winning last six in row, holding Redskins to 14 or less points in five of those six games. Giants won their last five visits here by average score of 29-16- they scored 30+ points in four of last five road openers, but haven’t won a Week 1 road game since ’99 in Tampa (0-3 since). Since ’88, Giants are 8-2 vs spread as Week 1 favorite- their last seven road openers went over the total. Redskins won eight of last nine home openers, winning last four; seven of last eight stayed under total (only one of eight totals went over 35).

Panthers @ Cardinals- Arizona traded for Kolb in July, Carolina has a new head coach and three suspects at QB, with rookie Newton probably the best choice, so hard to imagine lot of great offense here. Carolina is 8-3 in last 11 series games, winning last seven in regular season, including last four visits to desert. Redbirds won four of last five home openers, as new domed stadium has given them home field edge at long last, but they’re just 3-7 as home favorite last two years. Very tough to lay points in Week 1 after chaotic offseason, but coaching change of Fox to Rivera doesn’t help the Panthers at all. Four of last five Arizona home openers went over total. Panthers lost six of last eight openers, but both wins were on road.

Seahawks @ 49ers—Both teams have huge questions at QB; can Jackson be the man in Seattle, and just who is the man by the Bay? Home side won last four series games, with Seattle 11-5 in last 16 overall, despite losing last two visits here, 23-10/40-21. 49ers are 10-4-2 as home favorite since ’08; Seattle is 6-19 as road underdog since ’07. Carroll-Harbaugh rivalry figures to intensify here; Harbaugh’s Stanford team once upset Carroll’s Trojans as 42-point underdog in one of biggest college upsets ever. 49ers won five of last six home openers; they’re 6-1-1 vs spread in last eight, with four of last five staying under. Seattle lost its last four road openers, with last three losses by 24-13-17 points; they’re 0-6 vs spread in last six. Home favorites are 18-10 vs spread in NFC West divisional games the last four seasons.

Vikings @ Chargers— Would you lay 8.5 points with Norv Turner in September? Didn’t think so. Expect Minnesota to try and pound ball with Adrian Peterson, taking pressure off new QB McNabb. Vikings are 5-8-1 as road dogs last three years; since 2005, they’re 8-15-1 vs AFC teams. Since ’06, Chargers are 24-14-1 as home favorite, 12-6-1 in last 19 vs non-divisional foes; they’re 17-10-1 vs NFC teams last six years. Under is 5-2 in Minnesota’s last seven road openers, but seven of Chargers’ last eight home openers went over. Vikings lost two of three visits here, with only win 33-31 thirty years ago.

Cowboys @ Jets— Since 1992, Gang Green is 3-16 vs spread in home openers, losing four of last five SU, scoring average of 13.8 ppg in last six- they’re 2-7 in last nine tries as a favorite in home openers. Over last four years, Jets are 8-15-1 vs spread as home favorite (8-8 in non-division, 0-7-2 in divisional games). Since 2003, Cowboys are 12-18-2 vs AFC teams, but are 10-4 in last 14 games as non-divisional road dog. Dallas is 7-2 in series, winning 34-3/17-6 in last two renewals of seldom-played series; Pokes are 5-1 vs Jets here, with only loss in 1990, when they were awful. Over is 12-3 in Cowboys’ last 15 road openers. Not sure its that relevant, but Rex Ryan’s brother Rob is new defensive coordinator for Dallas.

Patriots @ Dolphins— Hard to endorse a team that got booed by its own fans during training camp practices, and I’m not talking about the Patriots. Belichick is 12-5 in last 17 series games, winning three of last four here, with all three wins by 20+ points- average total in last six series games is 52.8. Since 2004, Pats are 26-13 vs spread as a road favorite, 14-5 vs AFC East foes. Miami lost seven of last eight home openers (0-5 vs spread in last five). Miami is 6-9 vs spread as a home dog last four years. Six of Miami’s last nine home openers went over. This is first time in six years Patriots’ first road game isn’t against the Jets.

Raiders @ Broncos— Oakland hasn’t won season opener since ’02, but they won last three visits here and waxed Broncos twice LY, 59-14/39-23; since 2003, Raiders are 29-35 vs spread on road. Denver is 12-27-1 vs spread at home last five years. Fox is terrific coach, but was awful in home openers at Carolina (1-7 vs spread in last eight, 1-6 in last seven SU); Broncos are on 11-game win streak in home openers (9-3 vs spread in last 12 Week 1 home openers). Over is 9-3 in Raiders’ last dozen road openers. Over last five years, road teams are 37-22-1 vs spread in AFC West divisional games. Only game this week where both head coaches are in first game with this team.

**Udog** · 09-08-2011, 06:28 AM

NCAAF

Thursday, September 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saints at Packers: What bettors need to know
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (-4, 47)

THE STORY: A high-octane matchup between the past two Super Bowl winners kicks off the season when the New Orleans Saints visit the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to three playoff road wins en route to a Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. The Saints' hopes of repeating were dashed with a stunning playoff loss at Seattle.

TV: NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET

ABOUT GREEN BAY (2010: 10-6, 2nd, NFC North): Rodgers capped a spectacular season by throwing for nine touchdowns and rushing for two more in four postseason games. He gets two big weapons back in RB Ryan Grant and TE Jermichael Finley, who missed much of last season due to injuries. Linebacker Clay Matthews (13.5 sacks) leads a defense that ranked second in the league with 15.0 points allowed per game. Green Bay led the NFC in sacks (47) and interceptions (24) last season.

ABOUT NEW ORLEANS (2010: 11-5, 2nd NFC South): With a running game that was decimated by injuries, QB Drew Brees tossed 33 scoring passes but had a career-high 22 interceptions last season. The Saints moved to rectify that issue by drafting former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and signing San Diego's Darren Sproles to take the place of Reggie Bush. They also added a lot of mass on the other side of the ball in defensive tackles Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin.

LINE MOVES: The Packers opened as high as 5-point favorites but have been bet down to -4. The total opened around 47 and has seen slight movement as some books.

EXTRA POINTS:

* The similarities between Saints coach Sean Payton and Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy are striking. Both men are the same age (47) and are starting their sixth season with their respective clubs, with Payton (49-31) owning one more win than McCarthy (48-32). They were hired six days apart in January 2006 and each man is the 14th coach in the history of their franchises. Oh, and both have a Super Bowl ring as head coach.

* Saints defensive end Will Smith was suspended for the first two games of the season for using a banned diuretic in a weight-loss supplement. The suspension was originally levied by the NFL in 2008, but dragged through the courts for over two years.

* The teams haven't played since November 2008, when the Saints steamrolled Green Bay 51-29 behind 323 yards and four TD passes from Brees.

TRENDS:

- Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
- Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
- Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last six games in Week 1.
- Packers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games as favorites.
- Under is 9-3 in Saints last 12 games in Week 1.
- Under is 6-1 in Packers last seven games in Week 1.

PREDICTION: Packers 37, Saints 34. Rodgers and Brees will light up the scoreboard, but the home-field advantage and a stauncher defense will allow Green Bay to barely fend off New Orleans. Not to mention they have a more reliable kicker in Mason Crosby.

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

**Udog** · 09-10-2011, 10:53 PM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL total bias: AFC South no longer an easy over bet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m always a little anxious before Week 1 of the NFL season.

It’s kind of like your first day of high school. You have your safe group of buddies that you’ve known for years and that home room teacher that your parents chummed around with, but outside of that it’s a brand new world.

For me, a lot of things actually seem similar to where we left off last year, which helps.

I still feel supreme performance anxiety about my fantasy keeper league. I still fear for Jay Cutler’s life on a weekly basis as he works behind a Chicago Bears line that was reworked again in the offseason. I’m still not sold on the Patriots’ defense and not sure it’s even going to matter with that offense.

I’m still pretty certain I’ll have at least a few 0-3 weeks with my picks in this space and fear for my – ahem – handicapping integrity as I scroll through your thoughtful, Shakespearian-esque comments.

But when it comes to picking totals, the AFC South’s chaos has stripped us of our comfort blanket.

When rumors of Peyton Manning’s neck injury surfaced a few weeks ago, you could feel that something wasn’t right. When Indianapolis signed Kerry-frickin’-Collins, Colts supporters started squirming in their armchairs.

If that weren’t enough to turn the division upside down, Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio toppled the apple cart by flinging veteran quarterback David Garrard to the curb like a rotten Granny Smith in favor of Luke McCown, of all people.

What does that mean to you, the NFL total bettor? Last season the four AFC South teams combined to push the over to a 42-21-1 record – the most lopsided in the league. But now what? Can the Colts still put some points on the board without Peyton? Can Jacksonville manage any scores with McCown?

Ugh, so much for our sure-thing division. It might be a bumpy ride, but I’m happy to have you aboard.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2, 39)

The most comical thing about Jacksonville cutting Garrard was Del Rio telling the media, stone-faced, that it wasn’t a “money decision”. The guy stares right out into a sea of reporters and tries to tell everybody the eight million clams Garrard was going to take home had nothing to do with the decision.

Maybe Garrard was struggling, but if he’s a $2 million-per year veteran quarterback, he’s still taking the snaps Sunday. Instead, former third-stringer Luke McCown comes in for his eighth NFL start.

Meanwhile, the Titans have a new quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck) and a new head coach (Mike Munchak), so you know it’ll take a while to work out the kinks. Plus, running back Chris Johnson is reportedly out of shape following his holdout and won’t have fullback Ahmad Hall (suspension) blocking for him.

Doesn’t exactly sound like a shootout, does it?

Pick: Under

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-1.5, 36)

No disrespect to these two defenses, but I’m all in on the over in this one.

While I don’t give much, if any, weight to preseason play, I love what the Baltimore offense has going on right now. Joe Flacco is a quarterback who’s ready to take the next step and the club’s front office gave him exactly what he needed in the offseason: A guy to stretch the field in Lee Evans. All of a sudden, Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin become that much more dangerous underneath.

Meanwhile, all Big Ben did was throw for 3,200 yards in 12 games for the Steelers following his suspension last season. Makes you wonder what he’ll be able to do with even more receiving options and a full slate of games.

Pick: Over

Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1, 41)

The Detroit Lions’ hype machine is running on overdrive heading into Week 1 and it’s hard not to drool a bit over the team’s potential. But, for the love of Barry Sanders, let’s consider it as just that: Potential.

I like Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and a healthy Jahvid Best in the backfield as much as the next guy. The whole defensive line is insane. They finished last season by covering in nine straight games.

But I still don’t know about that secondary, which is where Josh Freeman could make the Lions pay on Sunday. For my money, Freeman’s one of the most underrated young quarterbacks in the league. The kid’s just a winner.

Pick: Over

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

**Udog** · 09-10-2011, 10:55 PM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Night Football: Cowboys at Jets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets (-5.5, 6.5)

THE STORY: The Dallas Cowboys proudly wear the moniker of America’s Team, but that won’t impress Rex Ryan, who is convinced that his New York Jets are the NFL’s superior team. Ryan has guaranteed a Super Bowl championship this season and will get a stern test in the season opener from the high-powered Cowboys.

The game features subplots galore – a prime-time matchup between Ryan and his twin brother Rob (Dallas’ new defensive coordinator), the return of Plaxico Burress to the field after nearly two years in jail and, most notably, the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11. It should be an emotional cauldron, one reason why Rex Ryan said he’s never felt more pressure coaching a game.

TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET

LINE MOVES: This spread originally opened at Jets -1.5 this summer. But with numerous injuries on both offense and defense to the Cowboys starters, football bettors have moved this spread all the way to -5.5 as of Saturday afternoon. The total opened at 41 points and has been bet down slightly to its current stand.

ABOUT THE JETS (2010: 11-5, 2nd AFC East): The Jets have gone to back-to-back AFC Championship games, and now Ryan believes they are ready to take the final step. Burress, who was released from prison in June and hasn’t played since November 2008 after accidentally shooting himself in the thigh, provides a big target for third-year QB Mark Sanchez.

Receiver Santonio Holmes will be available for a full season and veteran Derrick Mason joins an upgraded receiving corps. RB Shonn Greene needs to show he can carry the load, because the defense figures to be stellar again, particularly with bookend CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (2010: 6-10, T-3rd NFC East): The Cowboys would like to purge last season from their memories. They started 1-7 and lost QB Tony Romo to a broken collarbone in the sixth game. Jason Garrett replaced a fired Wade Phillips and led the team to a 5-3 record.

Dallas has plenty of weapons on offense with WRs Miles Austin and Dez Bryant along with TE Jason Witten. RB Felix Jones has yet to live up to his enormous potential and could find tough sledding behind an overhauled offensive line. DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks (15.5) last season and must be a presence due to a suspect secondary.

WEATHER: Thunderstorms are in the forecast for New Jersey, giving way to rain showers. There is a 36 percent chance of the wet stuff at MetLife Stadium with game-time temperatures in the high 60s. Winds will be blowing slightly, moving north (from endzone to endzone) at 4 mph.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Cowboys have an NFL-best 34-16-1 record in season openers, and their 32-19 mark in road openers also ranks No. 1 in the NFL.

2. The Jets’ defense surrendered 291.5 yards per game last season, the third-lowest mark in the league.

3. Witten has had two straight 94-catch, 1,000-yard seasons. He is the second tight end in league history to record consecutive seasons with 90 receptions. In eight career games against Dallas, Burress has 35 receptions and six touchdowns, including a career-high three in September 2007.

TRENDS:

- Cowboys are 5-0 ATS in their last five games as underdogs.
- Jets are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as home favorites of 3.5-10.0.
- Over is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games overall.
- Over is 18-6 in Jets last 24 games overall.

PREDICTION: Jets 23, Cowboys 20. The Cowboys will be able to move the ball before bogging down in the red zone. The Jets ride the emotion of the home crowd to eke out a late victory.

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

**Udog** · 09-10-2011, 10:58 PM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Numbers game: Six NFL teams that will rise or fall this season
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Green Bay Packers seemingly have nowhere to go but down.

The Packers, after getting into the playoffs as the NFC's No. 6 and final seed, made a memorable postseason run last winter that ended with them beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.

However, when the Packers' expected win-loss record from 2010 is taken into account, it appears they are headed for even better things in 2011. The Packers should have won 12.1 games and lost 3.9, but finished 10-6 last season.

Expected win-loss record is an estimate of what a team's record should have been considering their points scored and allowed in a season, working off the Pythagorean formula for baseball that was devised by noted statistician and writer Bill James. As in baseball, football teams that underperform watch their expected records usually increase in win totals the following year while teams that exceed their expected records tend to fall back.

With that in mind, and the opening of NFL season almost here, let's take a look at three teams most likely to improve and three most likely to regress.

2010 regular season records and records against the spread in parenthesis.

PRIMED FOR IMPROVEMENT

Tennessee Titans (6-10, 8-8 ATS)

The Titans finished with double-digit losses last season despite outscoring opponents. They averaged 22.1 points a game and allowed 21.1 for an expected record of 8.5-7.5. That and the fact they lost eight of their last nine games are the primary reasons why long-time coach Jeff Fisher was fired and replaced by offensive line coach Mike Munchak.

The Titans feel having more stability at quarterback will help them improve under new offensive coordinator Chris Palmer as well as take pressure off star running back Chris Johnson. Veteran Matt Hasselbeck was signed as a free agent and will serve as a mentor to rookie QB Jake Locker.

Green Bay Packers (10-6, 9-7 ATS)

The Packers underachieved in the regular season last year as they barely got into the playoffs, needing to win their last two games despite having the second-best point differential in the league at 9.2, scoring 24.2 points a game and giving up an average of 15.0. Of course, they more than made up for it in the postseason by beating the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears in the NFC playoffs then downing the Steelers 31-25 in the Super Bowl.

Part of the reason the Packers figure to be improved is better health. They won it all last season despite placing 15 players on the injured reserve list. Two of the those players, running back Ryan Grant and tight end Jermichael Finley, figure to make an offense, led by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, even stronger.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-12, 7-9 ATS)

The Bengals went from AFC North champions in 2009 to one of the worst teams in the NFL last season, losing nine games in a row at one point. The Bengals, though, weren't quite that awful as they were outscored by 4.6 points a game (24.7-20.1), which translates to 6.1-9.9 expected record.

While coach Marvin Lewis survived the four-win season, the Bengals hired Jay Gruden to replace Bob Bratkowski as offensive coordinator. Gruden has an intriguing number of young players to work with, including wide receiver A.J. Green, quarterback Andy Dalton and second-year tight end Jermaine Gresham.

PRIMED FOR A FALL

Atlanta Falcons (13-3, 11-5 ATS)

The Falcons had the best regular season record in the NFC last season then were knocked off by the Packers at home in their first playoff game. Perhaps it shouldn't have been a surprise since the Falcons' expected record was worse than the Packers at 11.2 wins and 4.8 losses. They scored 25.9 points a game and allowed 18.0.

While preseason results usually mean nothing, there were some disturbing signs in the Falcons’ 0-4 mark. The biggest concern is running back Michael Turner, who looked a step slow after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn groin muscle. High-priced cornerback Dunta Robinson was slowed by a hamstring injury after a disappointing first season with the Falcons last year.

New England Patriots (14-2, 13-3 ATS)

While doubting a Bill Belichick team is rarely a good idea, it is instructive to remember that the Patriots had the best regular season record in the NFL last year but were bounced out of the playoffs by the Jets at home. That came after the Patriots had an expected record of 12.3-3.7, allowing 32.4 points a game and giving up 19.6.

Quarterback Tom Brady had an incredible 36-to-4 touchdown/interception count last year. Those numbers are sure to suffer some natural regression and the 34 year old also showed signs of being a little less nimble in the pocket during the preseason. Meanwhile, wide receiver Chad Ochocinco had a hard time learning the offense since being signed as a free agent.

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8, 9-7 ATS)

The Jaguars were a .500 team last season but should have been worse. Their point differential of -5.1 (22.1-26.2) worked out to a 6.4-9.6 expected record.

The Jaguars want to open up their offense and throw more deep passes and quarterback David Garrard was ill-suited to making such throws, leading Jacksonville to cut him Tuesday. Rookie Blaine Gabbert is still learning the offense, so that leaves backup Luke McCown as the Week 1 starter. The running game is a question as well. Maurice Jones-Drew underwent knee surgery in the offseason and backup Rashad Jennings will miss the season with a knee injury.

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

**Udog** · 09-10-2011, 11:02 PM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)

Why Lions cover: QB Matt Stafford once again healthy. Detroit covered last five of 2010 season and has been good underdog bet, cashing four in a row in that role. Home is where ATS losses are for Buccaneers, in a 5-16 ATS slide at Raymond James. Lions 7-1 ATS in last eight of this rivalry, 4-0 ATS on last four trips to Tampa.

Why Tampa covers: Surprising development of young QB Josh Freeman, who led Bucs to 7-2-1 ATS mark in final 10 games last season. Tampa 6-2-1 ATS in last nine vs. NFC.

Total (41): Under 12-4 in Bucs’ last 16 season openers, but over 3-0-1 in Tampa’s last four at home and 9-3-1 in Lions’ last 13 overall.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-1)

Why Steelers cover: Division dominance, cashing in last six against AFC North. Defending AFC champs also a consistent cover vs. Ravens, at 5-1-1 ATS in last seven overall and 9-4-1 in last 14 visits to Baltimore. John Harbaugh’s troops just 2-6-1 ATS in last nine division starts.

Why Ravens cover: Good as a chalk and good in Week 1, covering four of last five in each spot.

Total (36): Two defensive-minded teams should make under the lean (7-2 in Steelers’ last nine season openers, 10-3 in Ravens’ last 13 Week 1 games). Yet over is 7-3-1 in last 11 of this rivalry.

Philadelphia Eagles at St. Louis Rams (+4.5)

Why Eagles cover: Coach Andy Reid played farmer during summer, harvesting a bumper crop of free-agent standouts to go with superstar QB Michael Vick. Philly 7-1-1 ATS in last nine vs. St. Louis. Rams cashed in just one of its last 11 season openers (1-9-1 ATS) and are on 15-33-1 ATS dive in September games.

Why Rams cover: QB Sam Bradford should improve in Year 2, and running back Steven Jackson is healthy. St. Louis on a 7-3 ATS uptick in its last 10 and 5-2 ATS in last seven games at home. The home team has gone 6-2-1 ATS in last nine of this rivalry.

Total (43.5): Eagles went over in last six roadies, but under is on surges of 5-1 in Philly’s last six Week 1 starts, 5-0 in Rams’ last five season openers and 4-0 in this rivalry.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-6.5)

Why Bengals cover: Despite awful 4-12 SU mark last year, squad went 4-1 ATS in final five games and has cashed in four of last five September contests. In this Ohio rivalry, the underdog has covered in seven of last eight meetings. Browns on ATS purges of 2-6 laying points, 0-4 at home, 0-4 in AFC North and 1-10-1 in Week 1.

Why Browns cover: Bengals don’t have much to offer: No Carson Palmer at QB, no Chad Ochocinco or Terrell Owens at WR, starting a rookie QB in Andy Dalton, and starting RB Cedric Benson just returned from short stint in Texas jail. Cincy in 2-5 ATS rut as road pup.

Total (35.5): Under 5-2 in last seven meetings between these two, 8-2 in Bengals’ last 10 division tilts and 4-1 in Browns’ last five overall.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1)

Why Titans cover: Have cashed in last four season openers and 11 of last 14 September outings. New coach Mike Munchak should have attention of players, who may have tuned out Jeff Fisher after 16 seasons. Jags just dumped starting QB David Garrard.

Why Jaguars cover: Have covered in 10 of last 12 Week 1 games and are 4-1 ATS in last five laying points.

Total (37.5): Jags on host of over runs, including 8-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play, but total has gone low five of last six in this rivalry. Titans on 8-2 under stretch in AFC South.

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-6)

Why Bills cover: Went 7-3-1 ATS in last 11 of 2010 campaign. Buffalo has K.C.’s number at betting window, covering last four meetings and five of last six at Arrowhead. Chiefs in pointspread ruts of 4-11-1 as chalk and 1-7 against AFC foes.

Why Chiefs cover: Favorite has gone 4-1 ATS in last five of this rivalry. Preseason rarely a great indicator, but Buffalo scored 10 or less in three of its four exhibition games.

Total (40.5): Under on tears of 8-1 in this rivalry, 7-3 overall for Buffalo, 10-3 for Bills in Week 1, 5-1 overall for K.C. and 5-1 at home for the Chiefs.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-9)

Why Colts cover: Veteran leadership of just-called-off-the-couch QB Kerry Collins? Maybe not. But Indy sports ATS streaks of 6-1 as a pup and 5-1 as a road dog. Texans 2-5 ATS in last seven at home, and breakout RB Arian Foster’s status uncertain.

Why Texans cover: No Peyton Manning. It’s looking like Manning won’t play for Colts. Indy also 2-5 ATS in its final seven games last season.

Total (43): Two of NFL’s top scoring teams last year – Indy fourth (27.2 ppg) and Houston ninth (24.4 ppg). This rivalry has featured plenty of points lately, with the over 10-2 in last 12 clashes overall and 6-0 in last six in Houston. Over also 10-1 in Colts’ last 11 on highway.

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears (+2.5)

Why Falcons cover: Road warriors have cashed last four on highway and five in a row as a road chalk. Ended last season on 7-2 ATS surge and are 10-3 ATS in last 13 Week 1 affairs.

Why Bears cover: Covered in four of last five overall and are 7-3 ATS in last 10 as a home dog.

Total (40.5): Under has cashed six straight times in this rivalry and seven in a row in Chicago’s season openers. But the over is on sprees of 8-2-2 overall for Atlanta, 4-0-1 for Falcons on road and 6-2 overall for Bears.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-5.5)

Why Seahawks cover: Pete Carroll’s troops 6-2 ATS in last eight NFC West games. Niners 4-8 ATS in last dozen games of 2010 campaign.

Why 49ers cover: Neither team has a QB worth writing home about, but Alex Smith gets the nod over Seattle’s Tarvaris Jackson, with home team 4-0 ATS in last four clashes in this rivalry. Seattle also on ATS dives of 2-6 catching points and 6-20 as a road dog.

Total (38): Seattle on over tears of 10-1 overall, 9-1 in NFC and 18-7-1 as underdog. Over went 4-1 in Niners’ last five of 2010 season and 4-1-1 in San Fran’s last six division contests.

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals (-7)

Why Panthers cover: Carolina league-worst 2-14 SU last season, but in this rivalry, Panthers cashed in five of last seven, road team is on 5-1 ATS swing and underdog has covered four of last five. Arizona on ATS slides of 2-6 overall, 2-6 in September and 0-4 as home chalk.

Why Cardinals cover: Superior edge at quarterback, with Kevin Kolb (acquired from Eagles) light years ahead of Carolina rookie Cam Newton. Panthers cashed just twice in final 10 games last year and are in further ATS ruts of 0-6 in September, 0-4 catching points and 1-5 on highway.

Total (36.5): Over 4-1-2 in Panthers’ last seven as a pup and 7-2 in Cards’ last nine at home.

New York Giants at Washington Redskins (+3)

Why Giants cover: Tom Coughlin’s troops are spread-covering demons on the highway, carrying ATS streaks of 27-12 overall, 14-5 as road chalk and 4-1 in Washington. Redskins, meanwhile, just 6-14-2 ATS in last 22 at FedEx Field.

Why Redskins cover: Finished last year on modest 3-0-1 ATS uptick. Got rid of headache Albert Haynesworth.

Total (37.5): Over 9-3 in Giants’ last dozen division tilts, but under is on runs of 6-1 overall for Redskins, 16-7 at home for Washington and 6-2 in this rivalry.

Minnesota Vikings at San Diego Chargers (-9)

Why Vikings cover: Well, they have no positive ATS trends to speak of, but they still have all-world RB Adrian Peterson. And hey, now they’ve got Donovan McNabb. He’s no Favre, and that’s a good thing.

Why Chargers cover: Bolts went 6-2-1 ATS in final nine last season and 4-1 ATS in last five at home. Vikes in ATS plunges of 3-8 overall, 3-9 in roadies and 1-9 as dogs.

Total (41.5): Under on surges of 6-2 overall for Vikings, 4-0 in Minnesota road contests and 4-0 in Chargers’ last four home starts.

Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets (-4.5)

Why Cowboys cover: Coach Jason Garrett, who took over midstream last year, helped Dallas close season on 6-2 ATS run, and Cowboys have covered five straight from the underdog role.

Why Jets cover: Rex Ryan’s confident group, which has reached last two AFC title games, has cashed in six of last seven September starts.

Total (40.5): Over is 13-3 for Dallas, 18-6 for New York, 6-1 with Cowboys as underdogs and 7-3 with Jets as favorites.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (+7)

Why Patriots cover: Tom Brady & Co. on several pointspread upswings, including 44-21-3 ATS on the highway and 22-10 as road favorites. Road team 6-2 ATS in last eight in this rivalry. Miami 17-45-1 ATS in last 63 at home.

Why Dolphins cover: Fish on an 11-3 ATS run from underdog role, and the pup has grabbed the cash in five of last seven Dolphins-Pats contests.

Total (45.5): When the Pats are playing, scoreboards tend to light up. They led the NFL at 32.4 ppg last year - nearly five ppg higher than second-place Chargers. New England carries over streaks of 16-5 overall, 6-1 in AFC East action and 11-3 in season openers. Miami on over upticks of 11-4-1 at home and 5-1 as a home dog.

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3)

Why Raiders cover: Went a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS inside the AFC West last year and have owned this rivalry lately, going 8-2 ATS in last 10 overall and cashing in their last five trips to Mile High. Denver on boatload of bad ATS streaks, including 3-8-1 at home, 8-20-2 in division and 11-25-2 at home.

Why Broncos cover: Gave boot to failed coach Josh McDaniels, brought in veteran John Fox. Also realized Tim Tebow is not yet of starting caliber, and in fact might not even be a second-stringer.

Total (40): Over has been the play in six of last eight Raiders-Broncos clashes and is 16-5 in Denver’s last 21 overall, 8-0 in Broncos’ last eight at home and 9-3 in Oakland’s last dozen AFC contests.

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

**Udog** · 09-10-2011, 11:05 PM

NFL

Week 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Week 1 weather report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You’ve covered all the bases when it comes to making your NFL betting picks for Week 1. But have you checked out the weather? Here’s a look at the games expected to face the elements this Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-1, 36)

This AFC North battle deserves the perfect setting, and nature will provided it Sunday afternoon. Showers are in the forecast for kickoff, giving way to thunderstorms in the second half. There’s a 44 percent chance of rain for M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-6.5, 34.5)

The battle of Ohio will also get dumped on, with thundershowers and a 55 percent chance of rain in the forecast for Cleveland.

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1, 37.5)

A chance of thunderstorms is called for in Jacksonville Sunday. There’s a 34 percent chance of rain and winds will get up into the mid teens, blowing ESE across EverBank Field.

Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1, 41)

One of the toughest games to handicap in Week 1 just got a bit tougher. Thunderstorms could plague Raymond James Stadium in the second half, with a 30 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-5.5, 37)

There is a chance of thundershowers for San Francisco Sunday. While there’s only a 19 percent chance of rain, winds will pick up in the second half, blowing WSW across the field.

New York Giants at Washington Redskins (+2.5, 38.5)

Landover, Maryland is expected to see thunderstorms and a 43 percent chance of rain Sunday night.

Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets (-5.5, 40.5)

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for New Jersey, giving way to rain showers. There is a 36 percent chance of the wet stuff at MetLife Stadium with game-time temperatures in the high 60s.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (+6.5, 45.5)

The first of the two Monday Night Football games could get rained on. Thunderstorms are in the forecast in South Beach, with a 50 percent chance of showers and game-time temperatures in the mid 80s.

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3, 40)

The forecast in Denver is calling for a chance of thunderstorms, but only a 10 percent chance of rain Monday. The skies will clear late in the game with game-time temperatures dipping into the 50s.

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

**Udog** · 09-12-2011, 07:55 AM

NFL

Monday, September 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patriots at Dolphins: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (+7, 45.5)

THE STORY: Bill Belichick is the master of the poker face and non-disclosure, but the coach of the New England Patriots made no secret of his strategy this offseason: He’s all in.

Following a second straight home playoff loss, Belichick brought in a bevy of high-profile veterans – most notably Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth – in a shocking pair of trades following the lockout.

Even for a franchise that has a reputation of being a halfway house for malcontent stars (see: Randy Moss and Corey Dillon), those acquisitions scream out that nothing less than another Super Bowl ring will satisfy Belichick. New England’s quest begins Monday night at AFC East rival Miami.

TV: ESPN, 7 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (2010: 7-9, 3rd, AFC East): Miami had its own share of offseason drama. QB Chad Henne remains the starter after a much-publicized failed trade for Denver’s Kyle Orton, and star WR Brandon Marshall was stabbed in the abdomen (allegedly by his wife) and later revealed that he suffers from borderline personality disorder.

The Dolphins have their own personality issues as a team, particularly a stunning inability to win at home (1-7) last season. The RB tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams was scuttled in favor of ex-Saint Reggie Bush and second-round rookie draft pick Daniel Thomas.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (2010: 14-2, 1st, AFC East): Behind unanimous MVP selection Tom Brady, New England was an offensive juggernaut last season, running up a league-high 518 points before being run out of the playoffs by the Jets.

Belichick overhauled a defense that couldn’t sniff a QB by bringing in the massive Haynesworth along with pass rushers Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter.
Ochocinco did not make much of an impression in preseason as he tries to adjust to an offense that spreads the ball around. That Patriots drafted RBs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley to back up 1,000-yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Brady won his second MVP award after throwing 36 touchdowns against only four interceptions last season. He set an NFL record with a streak of 335 completions without an interception. The last time he was picked off in the regular season was against Baltimore on Oct. 17, 2010.

2. Miami’s Cameron Wake was second in the AFC with 14 sacks last season, while new arrival Bush leads all NFL running backs with 294 receptions since 2006.

3. The Patriots swept the Dolphins in lopsided fashion last season, outscoring them 79-21.

TRENDS:

The Pats are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 games as road favorites and 44-21-3 ATS in their last 68 road games.

The Dolphins are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games when getting points but 17-45-1 ATS in their last 63 home games.

The road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings between these two teams.

LINE MOVEMENT:

The spread opened in late June with the Patriots listed as 4-point road favorites. The number has been bet up to Pats -7. The total is staying put around 45.

PREDICTION: Patriots 27, Dolphins 20. New England brings its talents to South Beach and will get a tougher-than-expected matchup from a gritty Miami defense in stifling heat.

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

**Udog** · 09-12-2011, 07:58 AM

NFL

Monday, September 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raiders at Broncos: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3, 40)

THE STORY: Most of the offseason talk surrounding the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders centered on their respective quarterbacks. No surprise there, except in both cases the quarterbacks in question are not expected to be contributors this season.

Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor will be watching from the sideline when Denver opens the season by hosting Oakland in an AFC West matchup on Monday night. Of more consequence, each team will feature new head coaches (John Fox for the Broncos and Hue Jackson for the Raiders) amid renewed optimism that both can challenge for the division crown.

TV: ESPN, 10:15 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (2010: 4-12, 4th, AFC West): Ex-Carolina Panthers coach Fox was brought in to help plug a sieve defense that allowed an NFL-high 471 points last season. Kyle Orton, the subject of major trade rumors in the offseason, returns as the starter after throwing for 3,653 yards and 20 TDs in 13 games last season. Although Brandon Lloyd led the league with 1,448 receiving yards, expect a more balanced offense with Willis McGahee joining former first-round draft pick Knowshon Moreno in the backfield. LB Von Miller was drafted No. 2 overall to bolster the defense, and the pass rush in particular.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (2010: 8-8, 3rd AFC West): Oakland ended a string of seven straight seasons with double-digits losses, but it couldn’t save head coach Tom Cable’s job. The Raiders went 6-0 against the division, helped in large part by a breakout season from RB Darren McFadden, who finally lived up to his billing as a No. 4 overall pick and was second overall in the league with 128.0 yards from scrimmage per game. With a stable of speedy, young receivers, QB Jason Campbell (2,387 yards, 13 TDs) may be asked to do more in his second season with the Raiders.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Raiders annihilated the Broncos in two meetings last season, outscoring them 98-37. That included a 59-31 thrashing in which McFadden romped for four touchdowns.

2. Denver usually starts the season well, posting an AFC-best 32-18-1 mark in season openers, including winning 16 of the last 22. The Broncos also have won 11 consecutive home games on Kickoff Weekend.

3. In their glory days under owner Al Davis, the Raiders were known as the Kings of Monday Night. Not anymore. Oakland has lost 11 straight games in prime time since beating Denver in November 2008.

TRENDS:

The Raiders are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games against AFC West opponents but 1-5 ATS in their last six Week 1 games.

The Broncos are 11-25-2 ATS in their last 38 home games and 8-26-1 in their last 35 games as favorites.

The over is 5-1 in Denver’s last six home games.

LINE MOVEMENT:

This game opened as a pick ‘em at most sportsbooks back in early August but got bet up to Broncos -3. The game is still at Denver by a field goal but the juice is starting to climb (-125 on Sunday afternoon). We could see the line close with Oakland getting 3.5 points.

The total sits at 40.5 and has been around that numbers since oddsmakers first opened the over/under line.

PREDICTION: Broncos 20, Raiders 19. One of the league’s best home-field advantages comes into play as Fox wins his debut – narrowly – and Denver avenges a pair of humbling beatings by Oakland last season.

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

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 1 (9/8 - 9/12)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 1 (9/8 - 9/12)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment