The Bum's Sept. NFL Pods-Stats-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (0-0) at Rams (0-0)

Date: September 08, 2013 4:25 PM EDT


Though Steven Jackson isn't suiting up for a St. Louis Rams season opener for the first time since 2004, that won't diminish raised expectations for a team that hasn't made the playoffs since his rookie year.

After turning 30, he would have been considered a senior citizen on the league's most youthful roster, anyway.

The Arizona Cardinals are counting on the experience of new coach Bruce Arians and veteran quarterback Carson Palmer to help key their turnaround, beginning Sunday in St. Louis.

Jackson opted out of the final year and $7 million remaining on his contract to sign with Atlanta, leaving as the Rams' all-time leading rusher with a streak of eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

His departure, while disappointing, hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of a St. Louis team that won four of its last six to finish at 7-8-1. Coach Jeff Fisher expects an even better year from the Rams, who added tight end Jared Cook and offensive tackle Jake Long to help quarterback Sam Bradford.

"One would assume that we'll just continue to get better,' Fisher said.

General manager Les Snead thinks so, too.

"Now is when you're got to learn grit,' Snead said. "They're going to know we're coming.'

St. Louis' 53-man roster has an average age of 24.98, the lowest in the NFL for the second straight season. Daryl Richardson, 23, replaces Jackson as the starting running back after averaging 4.8 yards per carry in a backup role as a rookie. He beat out last year's second-round pick Isaiah Pead, who is suspended for Week 1 after violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Add receiver Tavon Austin, the No. 8 overall pick, and the Rams boast a young, potentially explosive offense despite losing Jackson.

"I see us being so young as an advantage in some ways,' Richardson said. "We've got room to grow, room to get better. We're working hard because we really want it.'

There's no youth movement happening in Arizona, where the 60-year-old Arians received his first permanent NFL head coaching job after a successful interim stint with Indianapolis in 2012.

The Cardinals, who started 4-0 before dropping 11 of their final 12 last season, acquired the 33-year-old Palmer from Oakland to help settle a quarterback situation that has been in limbo since former Ram Kurt Warner retired.

"This is a cowboy movie,' Arians said. "With two old guys, this is our last rodeo in the desert.'

Palmer, who threw for 4,018 yards and 22 touchdowns last season, said the new offense has been tough to grasp, but he's counting on star receiver Larry Fitzgerald and others to help as everyone makes the transition.

Arizona, which finished last in the league with an average of 75.3 rushing yards per game last season, also signed Rashard Mendenhall from Pittsburgh to be its starting running back after he was plagued by injuries in 2012.

They'll all look to help improve a Cardinals offense that ranked last in the NFL with 263.1 yards per game and tied for the second-most turnovers with 34.

"We have smart football players on this offense,' Palmer said. "Combine that with athleticism and speed and experience. You look at a guy like Larry's experience and his catches and his touches in games, I'm as excited and as optimistic as ever.'

Bradford feels the same way. This is the first time since the former No. 1 overall pick isn't learning a brand new scheme, as offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer returns for a second season.

"I thought we had a really good training camp," Bradford said. "I thought we did some really good things during the preseason when we were on the field, and now it's full steam ahead getting ready for Arizona.'

The Cardinals may be adding a new wrinkle to their scheme, as cornerback and return specialist Patrick Peterson has been taking reps with the offense. Arians believes he can surprise opponents by using Peterson, who said the team has instituted roughly 60 plays for him.

"(Fitzgerald) was kidding me,' Peterson said. "He said, `Technically, you're our fifth receiver.''

The Rams' defense ranked 14th with an average of 342.6 yards allowed last season, and it will look to improve on that number with help from rookie linebacker Alec Ogletree, the club's first-round pick.

Fellow former SEC competitor Tyrann Mathieu is expected to see plenty of snaps in the Cardinals' secondary after being selected in the third round despite being kicked off the LSU team prior to last season.

St. Louis won both meetings with Arizona last season, 17-3 on Oct. 4 and 31-17 on Nov. 25.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Packers (0-0) at 49ers (0-0)

Date: September 08, 2013 4:25 PM EDT


Colin Kaepernick was an afterthought in Week 1 of the 2012 season, making it on the field for one play when the San Francisco 49ers marched into Lambeau Field and surprised the Green Bay Packers.

After gashing the Packers' defense for one big play after another four months later, he was in the NFL record books.

Kaepernick's playoff debut for the ages propelled the 49ers to their sixth Super Bowl appearance, but he'll be a marked man as his first season as a starter begins Sunday against a visiting Packers team ready for revenge.

Alex Smith led San Francisco to a 6-2 start in 2012 that included a 30-22 Week 1 win at Lambeau, with the 49ers running for 186 yards - 17 on Kaepernick's only carry - to set the tone for a team that would finish with the NFL's fourth-best rushing offense.

But San Francisco's transformation from a defense-first team with a caretaker quarterback to a dynamic, Super Bowl contender didn't take place until Kaepernick took over under center following Smith's Week 10 concussion. The 49ers averaged 26.3 points in Kaepernick's seven regular-season starts - up from 23.6 in Smith's first eight - before finding out the entirety of what their 2011 second-round pick could bring in the postseason.

Kaepernick passed for 263 yards and ran for an NFL quarterback-record 181 yards while accounting for four total touchdowns in the 49ers' 45-31 divisional dismantling of Green Bay. San Francisco piled up a franchise postseason-record 579 total yards.

"When the quarterback can run like that, that opens up the arsenal of play-calling," defensive lineman B.J. Raji told the Packers' official website after the loss. "Obviously if you can't stop the run, that's football 101."

Kaepernick averaged 10.6 yards per rush in three postseason games and 9.98 yards per pass attempt, nearly leading the 49ers back from a 22-point third-quarter deficit before they fell 34-31 to Baltimore in Super Bowl XLVII.

Frank Gore ran for more than 110 yards and a touchdown in each matchup with the Packers last season, but the 49ers were far from the only ones who had little trouble running on them. From December on, including its two playoff games, Green Bay allowed an NFL-worst 5.81 yards per carry.

Linebacker Clay Matthews signed a five-year, $66 million extension in the offseason, and along with fellow linebacker Nick Perry - whose rookie season ended in mid-October due to a wrist injury - a Packers pass rush that finished fourth in the league with 47 sacks should be in good shape.

"We had an entire offseason to focus on last year's loss, having time to kind of figure out a way to defend (Kaepernick)," Matthews said. "We obviously like to think we're better prepared to defend that type of offense and what he brings to the table."

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh's biggest concern is keeping his quarterback healthy. Harbaugh went to the league for clarity about when Kaepernick is supposed to be safe before declaring himself a runner, and says he plans to talk to the officials prior to the game.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, simply wants to keep Kaepernick in the pocket.

"The reality is, it is a new year, this is a different game, and we're prepared for a totally different outcome,' McCarthy said Wednesday. "He had a heck of a night last year.'

Even if the Packers can keep Kaepernick from escaping, their secondary could have some issues. Gone is safety Charles Woodson, while cornerback Casey Hayward missed much of training camp with a hamstring injury and is uncertain for Sunday.

Green Bay's offense will look a bit different as well. Top receiver Greg Jennings signed with Minnesota and projected starting running back DuJuan Harris is out for the year with a knee injury, as is left tackle Bryan Bulaga. That means rookie David Bakhtiari will be tasked with protecting Aaron Rodgers' blind side after the 2011 MVP was sacked a league-high 51 times in 2012.

The Packers' first-team offense failed to score a touchdown in five preseason drives, but Rodgers wasn't too concerned.

"It's preseason. We had five good drives. No three-and-outs, one sack, we lost the ball on downs, missed a field goal and had three field goals," Rodgers said. "So we had productive drives. The biggest issue is we didn't have our whole team together."

Rodgers still has plenty of useful weapons with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jermichael Finley, but he'll have a new back behind him. Second-round pick Eddie Lacy is expected to get the start in Week 1 after running for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns for national champion Alabama last season.

He'll be running into one of the league's toughest defensive fronts. San Francisco allowed 94.2 rushing yards per game last season - fourth-best in the NFL - and has given up a league-low 10 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. That unit should be even better if All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, nursing a broken right hand, plays Sunday as expected.

For as much hype as Kaepernick has gotten, he'll also have to adjust without some key weapons. Michael Crabtree (Achilles) is out until at least November and Mario Manningham (ACL) won't play until at least mid-October, leaving little-used Kyle Williams as one of the 49ers' two starters at receiver.

The other, though, figures to be rather reliable alongside star tight end Vernon Davis. Just five weeks after Anquan Boldin torched San Francisco's secondary for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl, the 49ers traded a sixth-round draft pick for the 10-year veteran.

"We do it by committee," Williams told the team's official website. "It's hard when you (don't) have a guy like Crab. He's definitely a No. 1-type of receiver. ... You could say the same thing about Anquan."

Though the pieces seem to be in place for the 49ers to contend again, they'll have to buck a major trend. No team has lost in the Super Bowl and won it the following year since the 1972 Dolphins, and none have even made it back to the Super Bowl since the 1992 Bills.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (0-0) at Cowboys (0-0)

Date: September 08, 2013 8:30 PM EDT


The New York Giants are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2012 that saw them miss the playoffs.

Three straight such years - and a big contract extension for Tony Romo - have the Dallas Cowboys feeling increasing pressure to return to the postseason.

If either of these archrivals are lacking that sense of urgency to start the season, the sight of each other should provide plenty of motivation Sunday night as the Giants try to remain unbeaten at AT&T Stadium.

New York (9-7) failed to follow up its improbable 2011 Super Bowl title, losing five of its final eight games last year. The Giants were particularly bad in lopsided losses to Atlanta and Baltimore on Dec. 16 and 23, falling by a combined 67-14 to effectively seal their fate.

The performances were indicative of defensive problems that plagued the team all season, as New York finished 31st in the NFL with 383.4 yards allowed per game. The Giants' usually powerful pass rush managed only 33 sacks, 22nd in the league.

Coach Tom Coughlin's team took steps to correct its problems against the run in the offseason, remaking the interior line, but New York's defensive success may hinge greatly on whether it can rediscover its trademark ability to get to the quarterback.

"For us it is all about staying healthy," said end Justin Tuck, one of numerous Giants defensive players looking to bounce back from subpar seasons. "We obviously know what it takes to get to the top of that mountain."

The biggest health issue facing New York on defense is Jason Pierre-Paul's back, which he had surgery on during the offseason. He's listed as questionable, with the team saying it needs a little more time to decide his status.

"It's something you just can't rush into and it's for your health," Pierre-Paul, who managed 6 1/2 sacks last season after piling up 16 1/2 in 2011, said Monday. "Right now I'm doing the smart thing and just taking it day by day.

"When I come back, I'll be fully ready to play. We have our rotations, but I'll be ready to play. It's all on the coaches, too, how they want to play me."

The Giants also lost safety Stevie Brown, tied for second in the league with eight interceptions last year, for the season with a torn ACL.

New York doesn't usually have concerns about an offense led by quarterback Eli Manning and receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, but the trio appears to have work to do to regain its 2011 form. Nicks struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness throughout last season and had trouble getting in sync with Manning during the preseason.

Cruz, coming off another 1,000-yard season and having recently signed a long-term contract, suffered a bruised heel in preseason. He's expected to be ready for Sunday.

"I think it's good to have that first game against our rival, a division game," Manning said. "It's a big game on a lot of counts. Not just because it's the first one but because it's in the division and it's Dallas and we know them well. I think it's good to kick off the season with a big game."

The Giants' running game will be led by dynamic second-year back David Wilson after the departure of veteran Ahmad Bradshaw, but the team suffered another injury blow when key backup Andre Brown broke his leg in the preseason and will miss at least the first eight games, leaving a very thin backfield.

Dallas also faces plenty of questions after a second straight 8-8 season, its third in a row in which it didn't make the postseason. The Cowboys made a major change to their coaching staff, replacing defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with Monte Kiffin, and with it came a switch from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-3.

That means bigger contributions are needed from the line, but a key member of that unit is a question mark for this game. Leading 2012 tackler Anthony Spencer, who also had 11 sacks, is trying to overcome knee surgery and other injuries. He's uncertain to play Sunday.

"Conditioning certainly is a factor," said coach Jason Garrett, who could be coaching to keep his job this season. "I would say particularly for Spence, just because he really hasn't done much during training camp and hasn't played in the preseason games."

The club will likely need a healthy Spencer and strong seasons from DeMarcus Ware - who had 11 1/2 sacks last year but is moving from linebacker to end - linebacker Sean Lee and cornerback Morris Claiborne if it wants to improve after finishing 19th in total defense with 355.4 yards a game in 2012.

No Cowboy will face more scrutiny than Romo, who signed a six-year, $108 million extension in the offseason and has been given a bigger stake in the offense. Despite throwing a career high-tying 19 interceptions last season and posting a career-low 90.5 passer rating, he'll be expected to lead Dallas back to the playoffs.

Romo will be receiving calls from offensive coordinator Bill Callahan. Garrett had called the plays since he joined the team's staff in 2007.

"There's just a way to play winning football and there's a way not to," Romo said. "And we're going to make sure we play winning football, that's everybody included. When we're not, it needs to be extremely important and I think it is."

Romo and the Cowboys need another typically strong season from tight end Jason Witten (110 catches, 1,039 yards) as well as receiver Dez Bryant, whose breakout year saw him catch 92 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Cowboys, though, were the third-most penalized team in the league last season and were eighth in turnovers with 29.

New York won for the fourth time in as many visits to Cowboys Stadium on Oct. 28 - a game in which Romo threw four interceptions and was sacked four times - since the facility opened in 2009, giving it a split of the season series. The Giants have won six of the last eight matchups overall.

[StarDust Bum]

Gridiron Angles - Week 1

September 7, 2013


NFL PLAY ON ATS TREND:

-- The Packers are 8-0 ATS since December 2006 as a dog of more than three points in a game played on grass.

NFL PLAY AGAINST TREND:

-- The Lions are 0-9-1 ATS since Sep 18, 2005 as a favorite, or not a dog of more than two points vs a divisional opponent on a Sunday in the first 16 weeks of the season.

TOP NFL PLAYER TREND:

-- Calvin Johnson is 0-10-1 ATS (-7.8 ppg) in his career when he caught at least seven passes in a loss the last time he faced this team.

NFL BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Cardinals are 0-10 OU (-10.4 ppg) since 2008 on the road when facing a divisional opponent for the first time of the season.

NCAA PLAY ON ATS TREND:

-- Toledo is 10-0 ATS since October 25, 2008 as a 3-18 point dog with less than 9 days rest in the first 11 games of the season.

NCAA PLAY AGAINST TREND:

-- Eastern Michigan is 0-16 ATS since November 11, 2006 if not 28+ point dogs, after a game where they allowed less than 25 points.

[StarDust Bum]

Week 1 Tip Sheet

September 7, 2013


Falcons at Saints (-3, 54 ½) - 1:00 PM EST

Preseason Records:
Atlanta - 0-4 SU, 1-3 ATS
New Orleans - 3-1 SU, 4-0 ATS

2012 Records:
Atlanta - 13-3 SU, 9-6-1 ATS
New Orleans - 7-9 SU, 8-8 ATS

Previous meeting results: The home team took each matchup last season, as the Saints downed the Falcons, 31-27 as one-point underdogs. The game sailed 'over' the total of 54, but the second showdown was lower-scoring as Atlanta knocked off New Orleans, 23-13 at the Georgia Dome.

2012 Week 1 results:
Atlanta routed Kansas City, 40-24 as one-point road favorites.
New Orleans lost to Washington, 40-32 as eight-point home favorites.

Bengals at Bears (-3, 42) - 1:00 PM EST

Preseason Records:
Cincinnati - 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS
Chicago - 2-2 SU, 1-2-1 ATS

2012 Records:
Cincinnati - 10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS
Chicago - 10-6 SU, 7-9 ATS

Previous meeting result: The Bengals destroyed the Bears, 45-10 at Paul Brown Stadium in 2009, as Cincinnati cashed as short underdogs. This is Cincinnati's third visit to the Windy City since 1992, as the Bengals won each of the previous two meetings at Soldier Field.

2012 Week 1 results:
Cincinnati lost at Baltimore, 44-13 as seven-point road underdogs.
Chicago dominated Indianapolis, 41-21 as 10-point home favorites.

Seahawks (-3 ½, 45) at Panthers - 1:00 PM EST

Preseason Records:
Seattle - 4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS
Carolina - 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS

2012 Records:
Seattle - 11-5 SU, 11-5 ATS
Carolina - 7-9 SU, 9-7 ATS

Previous meeting result: The Seahawks traveled cross-country last October to beat the Panthers, 16-12 as short road underdogs. Carolina's lone touchdown came on an interception return, while the Panthers were held to 190 yards of offense. Since 2004, Seattle has taken four of five meetings from Carolina.

2012 Week 1 results:
Seattle lost at Arizona, 20-16 as one-point road favorites.
Carolina fell at Tampa Bay, 16-10 as three-point road favorites.

Vikings at Lions (-5, 47) - 1:00 PM EST

Preseason Records:
Minnesota - 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
Detroit - 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS

2012 Records:
Minnesota - 10-6 SU, 8-7-1 ATS
Detroit - 4-12 SU, 6-10 ATS

Previous meeting results: The Vikings swept the season series in 2012, winning both times in the role of an underdog. Minnesota grabbed a 20-13 triumph at Ford Field as three-point 'dogs, while the Vikings topped the Lions at home five weeks later, 30-20. Four of the last five meetings at Ford Field have finished 'under' the total.

2012 Week 1 results:
Minnesota beat Jacksonville in overtime, 26-23 as 3 ½-point home favorites.
Detroit held off St. Louis, 27-23 as nine-point home favorites.

Green Bay at San Francisco (-4 ½, 49) - 4:25 PM EST

Preseason Records:
Green Bay - 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
San Francisco - 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS

2012 Records:
Green Bay - 11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS
San Francisco - 11-4-1 SU, 9-7 ATS

Previous meeting results: The 49ers grabbed both meetings from the Packers last season, beating Green Bay in Week 1 and in the second round of the playoffs. San Francisco went into Lambeau Field and topped Green Bay, 30-22 as six-point underdogs in last season's opener. The Niners completed the sweep with a dominating 45-31 performance as three-point favorites to advance to the conference championship.

2012 Week 1 results:
San Francisco beat Green Bay, 30-22 as six-point road underdogs, while the game went 'over' the total of 46 ½.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Sunday, September 8

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Sunday's NFL Week 1 betting cheat sheet
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (+9.5, 51)

The Bills are beginning a new era with first-year head coach Doug Marrone and rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel. Manuel underwent knee surgery on Aug. 18 but is ready to go for the season opener, pushing rookie free agent Jeff Tuel back to the bench.

Tom Brady lost most of his receiving corps with Aaron Hernandez in jail, Wes Welker in Denver and Brandon Lloyd off to free agency. The perennial Pro Bowler has a slew of rookies at wide receiver to go along with import Danny Amendola until Rob Gronkowski recovers from back and forearm surgeries.

LINE: Buffalo opened as a 6.5-point home underdog but has been bet up as high as +9.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Patriots (-6.0) + Bills (+6.0) – home field (-3.0) = Bills +9.0
WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid 60s, 29 percent chance of rain, winds NNE 7 mph
TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Patriots are 19-8-1 ATS in their last 28 meetings.
* Road team is 7-2 ATS in their last nine meetings.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7, 42)

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has taken the Steelers to three Super Bowls - winning two - in his nine seasons, but he missed three games to injury in 2012 and starts the year with questions in the receiving corps and running game.

Titans counterpart Jake Locker sat out five games a year ago and has yet to prove he is the answer after being drafted No. 8 overall in 2008. Both teams have major questions on defense - the Steelers allowed nearly 100 points more last season than in 2011 and Tennessee was shredded for an NFL-worst 471 points.

LINE: Pittsburgh opened a 7.5-point favorite and has moved to -7. The total has dropped from 43.5 to 42.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Tennessee (+4.5) + Pittsburgh (-2.0) + home field (-3.0) = Steelers -9.5
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, 27 percent chance of showers, winds NNW 5 mph
TRENDS:

Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-3, 54)

The Saints have dominated the series in recent years, winning 11 of the past 14 meetings, but they missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2008. With head coach Sean Payton returning after being suspended last season for his role in the team's bounty scandal, New Orleans hopes to regain its supremacy over the division.

Granted, the Saints handed the Falcons their first loss last year, a 31-27 defeat in Week 10 in New Orleans, and it did little to slow Atlanta on its way to the NFC Championship Game. The Falcons returned the favor in Week 13 in Atlanta, picking off Drew Brees five times in a 23-13 win. Atlanta upgraded its offense by signing running back Steven Jackson and also coaxed tight end Tony Gonzalez back for one more season.

LINE: New Orleans opened as a 2-point favorite and moved to -3. The total has remained steady at 54.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Atlanta (-4.5) - New Orleans (-2.5) + home field (-3.0) = Saints -5
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings in New Orleans.
* Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Underdog is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets (+3.5, 39.5)

New York coach Rex Ryan looks to exploit a Buccaneers pass defense that allowed an NFL-worst 297.4 yards per game last year with rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who earned the starting nod after Mark Sanchez injured his shoulder during the fourth quarter of a preseason game .

Bucs RB Doug Martin looks for an encore after rushing for an impressive 1,454 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns during his rookie campaign. Greg Schiano's first year with Tampa Bay also saw Josh Freeman throw for a franchise-record 4,065 yards and 27 touchdowns - although nine of his 17 interceptions came in the final three games.

LINE: New York opened as 1.5-point underdogs and moved to +3.5. Total opened at 41.5 and moved to 39.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Tampa Bay (+3.0) - New York (+6.0) + home field (-3.0) = Pick
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 70s, 15 percent chance of early showers, winds NNW 14 mph
TRENDS:

* Buccaneers are 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Buccaneers are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 road games.
* Under is 4-1 in Jets’ last five games overall.

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5, 41)

Sunday is the debut of two new head coaches, as Gus Bradley takes over in Jacksonville and Andy Reid guides the Chiefs after a long tenure in Philadelphia. It's the first meeting since 2010, when the Chiefs clobbered the Jaguars 42-20 in Kansas City, avenging a 24-21 loss in Jacksonville a year earlier.

Both did their best to address issues through the draft and free agency and have playoff hopes - however unrealistic they are. Among the key matchups will be Jacksonville's ability to establish the run and take some pressure off quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars' ability to slow down Jamaal Charles and force quarterback Alex Smith into third-and-long situations.

LINE: Jacksonville opened as a 1.5-point underdog and has moved to +4.5. The total climbed from 41 to 41.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Kansas City (+2.0) – Jacksonville (+7.5) + home field (-3.0) = Jaguars +2.5
WEATHER: Temperatures in mid 80s, partly cloudy skies, winds East 8 mph
TRENDS:

* Chiefs are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in Week 1.
* Jaguars are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games in Week 1.
* Under is 4-0 in Jaguars’ last four home games.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (+3.5, 44.5)

The Seahawks won their final five regular-season games and even notched a playoff win behind quarterback Russell Wilson and now face high expectations. Carolina finished with a flurry last season with four consecutive wins and the pressure is on third-year quarterback Cam Newton to deliver the franchise’s first playoff spot since 2008.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera needs a winning season in his third year at the helm after going 13-19 over his first two seasons. Mike Shula is the Panthers’ new offensive coordinator after Rob Chudzinski left to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

LINE: Carolina opened as a 3.5-point underdog and moved to +4.5. Total opened at 45.5 and moved to 44.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Seattle (-8.0) + Carolina (+1.5) + home field (-3.0) = Panthers +6.5
WEATHER: Temperatures in the high 80s, partly cloudy skies, winds ENE 9 mph
TRENDS:

* Seahawks are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
* Panthers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 6-2 in each Panthers and Seahawks’ last eight games overall.

Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears (-3, 41.5)

With a brand new coach and a healthy Cutler on board, the Bears begin the slow climb back to playoff contention. Replacing Lovie Smith is offensive guru Marc Trestman, who is coming off a successful coaching stint with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Bengals QB Andy Dalton and the offense faded down the stretch in 2012 and was held to 198 total yards in a first-round playoff loss to the Houston Texans.. The Bengals have won five of their last six on the road against NFC teams and are 4-1 all-time at Chicago.

LINE: Chicago opened as a 3.5-point favorite and has moved to -3. The total opened at 43.5 and moved to 41.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Cincinnati (-1.0) – Chicago (-2.0) + home field (-3.0) = Bears -4
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 70s, partly cloudy skies, winds NE 13 mph
TRENDS:

* Bengals are 1-4 ATS in their last five games in Week 1.
* Under is 7-2 in Bears last nine games in Week 1.
* Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (Pick, 41)

This game marks the debut of Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski, who spent the last two years as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator. Chudzinski and new offensive coordinator Norv Turner could rely heavily on RB Trent Richardson with top WR Josh Gordon suspended for violating the league’s drug policy.

Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw 12 touchdown passes as a rookie, though only three of those scoring aerials were to wide receivers. There will be no excuses for that this season, as the Dolphins signed former Steelers wideout Mike Wallace to generate big plays in the passing game.

LINE: Game opened pick and some books are dealing Cleveland -1.5. The total has moved from 41 to 40.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Miami (+1.5) – Cleveland (+4.0) + home field (-3.0) = Browns -0.5
WEATHER: Temperatures in the low 70s, 25 percent chance of thunderstorms, winds NNE 13 mph
TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Dolphins are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Browns are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games in Week 1.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-5, 46.5)

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has vowed to shatter the single-season rushing mark this season. Minnesota’s offense is still a major question mark. Christian Ponder, who has surpassed 300 yards only twice in 26 starts, may be on a short leash. Minnesota swept the season series a year ago, including a 20-13 victory in Detroit.

Detroit added Reggie Bush to bolster a backfield that's been non-productive for several seasons. Bush's dual-threat presence should take some of the onus off the oft-weary shoulders of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw just 20 touchdown passes last season after tossing a career-high 41 in 2011. Detroit enters the season riding an eight-game losing streak.

LINE: Detroit opened as a 3-point favorite and has moved to -5. The total has moved from 47 to 46.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Minnesota (+1.0) – Detroit (+1.0) + home field (-3.0) = Lions -3
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:

* Vikings are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
* Underdog is 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.

Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts (-10.5, 47)

The athletic but unproven Terrelle Pryor has reportedly won the Raiders QB competition with Matt Flynn and is poised to establish himself for a squad that ranked 26th in the NFL in scoring last year. Pryor threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 49 yards and a score in Week 17 last season in his only career start.

Colts QB Andrew Luck was 7-1 at home in 2012, winning the last six. Seven of the eight home contests were decided by a touchdown or less, giving Luck plenty of time to display his abilities in the clutch. Luck's favorite target again figures to be 13-year standout Reggie Wayne, who amassed 106 catches and 1,355 yards last season.

LINE: Indianapolis opened as a -8.5 favorite and moved to -10.5. The total moved from 49 to 47 points.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Oakland (+8.0) - Indianapolis (+1.0) + home field (-3.0) = Colts -10
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:

* Colts are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games.
* Raiders are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games overall.
* Under is 11-2 in Colts last 13 home games.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5, 48.5)

Green Bay fell 45-31 to San Francisco in the NFC divisional round but is in good shape heading into 2013 with QB Aaron Rodgers in his prime and a host of receiving weapons at his disposal. He'll be put to the test in Week 1 against a vaunted 49ers defense that finished second in the league in fewest points against.

The San Francisco offense belongs to quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The Green Bay defense is ready to go after the nimble QB, who racked up 181 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay in their playoff showdown.

LINE: San Francisco opened -5 and has dropped to -4.5. The total has been adjusted from 50.5 to 48.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Green Bay (-6.5) – San Francisco (-8.0) + home field (-3.0) = 49ers -4.5
WEATHER: Temperatures in low 70s, clear skies, winds WSW 6 mph
TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Packers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in San Francisco.
* Packers are 9-3-2 ATS in their last 14 meetings.

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams (-4.5, 41.5)

Longtime Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher is back for his second season with the Rams while Bruce Arians takes the reins for the Cardinals. He will be charged with reviving a team that produced an NFC-low 250 points and lost 11 of its final 12 games after bolting out to a 4-0 start last season.

St. Louis, surprisingly, had the best record within its division and looks to continue its ascent behind a youthful squad that features electrifying rookie receiver Tavon Austin. Daryl Richardson gets first crack at replacing free-agent departure RB Steven Jackson in the backfield and will run behind a beefed-up line that added former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long.

LINE: St. Louis opened as a 5-point favorite and moved to -4.5. The total has moved from 41 to 41.5 points.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Arizona (+5.0) – St. Louis (+2.5) + home field (-3.0) = Rams -5.5
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in St. Louis.
* Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
* Rams are 7-0 ATS in their last seven vs. NFC West.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5, 48.5)

The New York Giants attempt to continue their dominance at Cowboys Stadium Sunday night. New York has won all four of its games in Dallas' new stadium since it opened in 2009, including a 29-24 triumph on Oct. 28. The Giants have captured six of the last eight overall meetings between the NFC East rivals.

New York hopes to have Victor Cruz in the lineup as the wide receiver suffered a bruised heel in the second week of the preseason and just returned to practice on Monday. Dallas looks to improve upon the 19th-ranked defense in the league in 2012. In an effort to accomplish this goal, the club replaced defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with Monte Kiffin and switched to a 4-3 alignment.

LINE: Dallas opened as a 3-point favorite and has moved to -3.5. The total has moved from 49 to 48.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: New York (-3.0) - Dallas (-1.5) + home field (-3.0) = Cowboys -4.5
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:

* Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Dallas.
* Giants are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Sunday, September 8

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Sunday Night Football: Giants at Cowboys
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New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5, 50)

The New York Giants attempt to continue their dominance at AT&T Stadium when they visit the Dallas Cowboys inr the season opener for both teams Sunday night. New York has won all four of its games in Dallas' new stadium since it opened in 2009, including a 29-24 triumph on Oct. 28. The Giants have captured six of the last eight overall meetings between the NFC East rivals.

New York hopes to have Victor Cruz in the lineup as the wide receiver suffered a bruised heel in the second week of the preseason and just returned to practice on Monday. Dallas, which has missed the playoffs each of the last three seasons, looks to improve upon the 19th-ranked defense in the league in 2012. In an effort to accomplish this goal, the club replaced defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with Monte Kiffin and switched to a 4-3 alignment.

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

LINE: The Cowboys opened at -3 and have been bet up to -3.5.

WEATHER: N/A

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2012: 9-7, second NFC East): For the second straight season, running back Andre Brown was placed in the injured reserve/designated to return list - this time with a cracked bone in his left leg. Brown, who missed all of 2012 with a fractured left leg, is eligible to play on Nov. 10 against Oakland - putting plenty of pressure on David Wilson in the meantime. While Andre Brown may return at some point, safety Stevie Brown was lost for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's third preseason game.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (2012: 8-8, third NFC East): Tony Romo will be under the microscope like never before, as he was signed to a six-year, $108 million contract extension in the offseason despite tying a career high with 19 interceptions in 2012. Offensive coordinator Bill Callahan will succeed head coach Jason Garrett as the play-caller in an effort to help Romo improve upon his career-worst 90.5 passer rating from last season. Romo did, however, set franchise records in passing yards (4,903) and completions (425) last season.

TRENDS:

* The Cowboys are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 versus the NFC East.
* The Giants are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.
* The over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Dallas.
* The road team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. New York QB Eli Manning has started 135 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league. He is the only signal-caller in team history to pass for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in eight straight seasons.

2. High-scoring games have been the norm of late in the all-time series. The Giants have scored at least 20 points in seven of the last eight meetings, while the Cowboys have done the same in eight of the last nine matchups.

3. Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul is questionable for the season opener. Pierre-Paul did not play in the preseason after undergoing back surgery in June

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Sunday, September 8

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NFL betting: Week 1 injury watch list
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (+10, 51)

Patriots

- WR Danny Amendola is nursing a groin injury but is probable Sunday
- WR Aaron Dobson has a hamstring injury and is questionable Sunday
- TE Rob Gronkowski underwent surgeries on his left forearm and also on his back during the offseason but returned to practice September 1st with full pads on. He isn't expected to be ready for Sunday's game

Bills

- QB EJ Manuel was shelved midway through the preseason due to knee surgery, but will reportedly make the start for the Bills
- S Jairus Byrd is dealing with plantar fasciitis and is not expected to play

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7, 42)

Titans

- LB Akeem Ayers has an ankle injury and is probable Sunday
- WR Kendall Wright is dealing with a sprained knee but is expected to play
- T David Stewart is dealing with a calf injury but is expected to play

Steelers

- FB Will Johnson has some hamstring soreness but should play
- RB Isaac Redman is dealing with a stinger but is expected to play
- DE Brett Keisel was limited in practice Friday but is expected to play

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-3, 55)

Falcons

- CB Asante Samuel has quad injury which limited his practice time this week, but is expected to play
- LB Stephen Nicholas is also suffering from a quad injury but is expected to play
- K Matt Bryant has a back injury but expects to play

Saints

- WR Marques Colston has a foot injury but expects to play
- LB Martez Wilson is nursing an elbow injury but is expected to play

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets (+3.5, 39.5)

Bucs

- CB Darrelle Revis has reportedly recovered from a torn ACL and is expected to play
- RB Mike James has an eye injury and is questionable
- TE Tom Crabtree suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss Sunday's game

Jets

- WR Santonio Holmes is dealing with a foot injury but is expected to play
- QB Mark Sanchez suffered a right shoulder injury during preseason and is not available Sunday
- CB Antonio Cromartie has a hip injury and was limited in practice but is expected to play
- DT Kenrick Ellis is dealing with back injuries and is questionable

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5, 42.5)

Chiefs

- RB Jamaal Charles has a mild strain in his right foot but is expected to play
- TE Travis Kelce has a knee injury and is questionable
- OL Jon Asamoah did not practice due to a calf injury and is questionable
- LB Nico Johnson did not practice due to an ankle injury and is not expected to play
- DE Allen Bailey is dealing with personal issues and is questionable
- S Husain Abdullah has a foot injury and is questionable

Jaguars

- QB Blaine Gabbert has a hairline fracture in his right thumb but is expected to start
- G Will Rackley has an ankle injury and is questionable
- RB Justin Forsett was limited in practice Thursday and is questionable
- T Luke Joeckel suffered a hip flexor and is questionable
- TE Marcedes Lewis is suffering from a calf injury and did not practice this week and is reportedly ruled out
- LB Russell Allen has ankle soreness but is expected to play
- SS Johnathan Cyprien is dealing with some leg discomfort but is expected to play

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (+3.5, 45)

Seahawks

- WR Sidney Rice is dealing with a nagging knee injury but is expected to play Sunday
- WR Stephen Williams is dealing with a concussion but is expected to play Sunday
- TE Zach Miller continues to be hampered by a foot injury but is expected to be ready for Sunday
- DT Brandon Mebane has a groin injury but is expeteded to be ready
- DT Tony McDaniel was suffering from a groin injury but is expected to play
- DE Cliff Avril is dealing with an aggravated hamstring injury and is questionable
- DB Brandon Browner is questionable with a hamstring injury
- DE Chris Clemons is recovering from January 17th surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee and is expected to miss Sunday's game

Panthers

- WR Domenik Hixon is dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable to play Sunday
- WR Armanti Edwards is dealing with a hamstring injury but is expected to play Sunday
- FB Michael Tolbert has a hamstring injury but practiced fully Thursday and is expected to play Sunday
- G Amini Silatolu is dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable
- RB Kenjon Barner has an ankle injury and is doubtful
- LB Jon Beason did not practice this week due to a knee injury but is expected to play
- DT Dwan Edwards is dealing with a thigh injury and is questionable
- CB Captain Munnerlyn is questionable to play Sunday due to a hand injury
- S Mike Mitchell has a calf injury and is doubtful
- CB James Dockery is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Seahawks with a thumb injury

Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears (-3, 41.5)

Bengals

- T Andre Smith is recovering from a knee injury and is expected to play Sunday
- T Andrew Whitworth did not practice this week due to a knee injury and is doubtful to play Sunday
- G Mike Pollak has a knee injury and is not expected to play
- DE Carlos Dunlap has been recovering from a concussion but is expected to play

Bears

- WR Earl Bennett missed the entire preseason due to a concussion he sustained on August 2nd but is expected to play
- LB D.J. Williams is nursing a calf injury but is expected to play

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (Pick, 41)

Dolphins

- G Nate Garner underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery in mid-August and is questionable to play
- CB Dimitri Patterson is dealing with a leg injury and is questionable to play

Browns

- RB Trent Richardson is still dealing with nagging shin injury but is fully expected to play
- TE Jordan Cameron is dealing with some groin discomfort but is expected to play
- OL Shawn Lauvao underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle on August 9 and will be out
- DL Ahtyba Rubin is dealing with an undisclosed injury and is questionable to play
- CB Buster Skrine has a shoulder injury and is questionable
- LB Barkevious Mingo is dealing with a bruised lung and is not expected to play

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-4.5, 47)

Vikings

- T Phil Loadholt is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play
- DT Kevin Williams suffered a minor right knee injury in preseason action and is ruled out
- LB Erin Henderson is nursing a heel injury but is expected to play
- DT Letroy Guion is dealing with a finger injury but expects to play

Lions

- DE Ezekiel Ansah did not practice this week due to a concussion but is expected to play
- DE Jason Jones has a knee injury but is expected to play
- S Louis Delmas continues to rehab his surgically-repaired left knee but is expected to play

Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts (-10.5, 47)

Raiders

- QB Matt Flynn is dealing with tendinitis in his elbow and is not expected to play
- K Sebastian Janikowski did not practice Wednesday due to a right calf injury but is expected to play
- TE David Ausberry is nursing a shoulder injury and is doubtful to play
- T Menelik Watson is dealing with a knee injury and is not expected to play
- LB Sio Moore is dealing with a foot injury and is questionable to play

Colts

- WR Reggie Wayne is dealing with a personal matter but is expected to play
- RB Ahmad Bradshaw is nursing a foot injury but will play Sunday
- TE Dwayne Allen is dealing with a foot injury but expects to play Sunday
- TE Coby Fleener suffered a sprained knee during the preseason but is expected to be ready
- T Anthony Castonzo is dealing with a knee sprain but expects to play
- LB Pat Angerer was diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday and is doubtful
- DE Fili Moala is nursing an injured foot but is expected to play
- LB Kavell Conner is dealing with an ankle injury and is doubtful

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5, 49)

Packers

- WR Jordy Nelson has undergone knee surgery to clean up a lingering problem but is expected to be ready
- WR Randall Cobb is nursing a biceps injury but expects to play
- LB Brad Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable
- S Morgan Burnett has a hamstring injury and is questionable
- CB Tramon Williams is dealing with a knee injury and is questionable
- CB Casey Hayward has a hamstring injury and is expected to miss Sunday's game

49ers

- RB LaMichael James suffered a sprained MCL and will be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time
- CB Nnamdi Asomugha has a collarbone injury but is expected to play
- LB Patrick Willis underwent surgery to repair a slight fracture in his right hand and should be ready to go

Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams (-4.5, 41.5)

Cardinals

- RB Rashard Mendenhall suffered a minor knee sprain in preseason action but is expected to play
- WR Andre Roberts has a Quadricep injury and is questionable
- S Rashad Johnson is nursing a knee injury and is expected to play
- CB Javier Arenas is dealing with hip discomfort but is expected to play
- DE Calais Campbell is dealing with a bruised thigh and is questionable

Rams

- DE Chris Long is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play
- S Darian Stewart is dealing with thigh discomfort and is doubtful
- DB Quinton Pointer is dealing with thigh discomfort and is doubtful

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5, 50)

Giants

- WR Hakeem Nicks is dealing with some groin discomfort but is expected to be ready
- WR Victor Cruz suffered a heel contusion in a preseason game but has shed his walking boot and is expected to play
- FB Henry Hynoski is questionable to play in Sunday's game against the Cowboys due to an undisclosed injury
- C David Baas is suffering from a sprained left MCL and is questionable
- S Antrel Rolle suffered a sprained right ankle during a one-on-one drill in practice but is expected to play
- DE Jason Pierre-Paul has undergone back surgery and is questionable

Cowboys

- RB Lance Dunbar did not practice Wednesday due to a foot injury and is not expected to play
- G Ronald Leary suffered a knee injury during the preseason but has returned to practice and is expected to play
- DE Anthony Spencer is doubtful after undergoing surgery on his left knee
- S Danny McCray is dealing with a hamstring injury and is doubtful
- DT Ben Bass is dealing with a shoulder injury and is expected to miss two-to-four weeks

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Sunday, September 8

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NFL weather report: Sunday's forecasts
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (+10, 51)

Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 12 percent possibility of rain. Wind will blow across the field from the NE at 12 mph.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (+3, 45)

Temperatures will be in the mid-80s and skies will be clear before giving way to partly cloudy conditions as the game progresses. There is a 17 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears (-3, 41.5)

Forecasts in Chicago are calling for temperatures in the low-70s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow across the field at 13 mph.

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (Pick, 40.5)

Temperatures will be in the low-70s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from the NE towards the SW endzone at 14 mph.

Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5, 42.5)

Skies will be clear and temperatures will be in the mid-80s.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets (+3.5, 39.5)

Skies will be partly cloudy and temperatures will be in the mid-70s in New York. Wind will blow from the NW towards the SE end zone at 11 mph. There is a 25 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7, 42.5)

There is a 26 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5, 49)

Skies will be clear and temperatures will be in the mid-60s at Candlestick. Wind will blow across the field at 9 mph.

[StarDust Bum]

Where the action is: Sunday's NFL line moves

Tracking line moves during Week 1 of the NFL season is a different animal than any other week on the schedule.

Most games have had spreads available since the spring and have been influenced by a summer’s worth of stories, injuries and action.

We talk to oddsmakers about the flow of action coming in on Sunday's NFL games.

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - Open: -7, Move: -10

Not the most, shall we say, ideal offseason for the Pats. But, with all of their issues at TE and the departure of Wes Welker, action is still pouring in on the Patriots moving the line to double digits.

"Sharps and public both agree on the Patriots at the -8.5 to -9 value," an oddsmaker with BetDSI told Covers. "The current wager count shows it with a 5/1 (and growing) trend in favor of the Pats."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets - Open: +1.5, Move: +3

The issues for the Jets at QB are well documented. Rookie Geno Smith will be under center to start the season until, at the very least, Mark Sanchez makes his return. Another subplot here is that the Jets will face an old friend in CB Darrelle Revis who will no doubt look to make the Jets offense look miserable.

"Money is pretty split down the middle for this one with a bit more on Tampa Bay," Aron Black of Bet365 says. "But late money is starting to come in on the Jets forcing the move at many places to a juiced 3."

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers - Open: +3, Move: +3.5, Move: +3

The Seahawks come in to the new season with high expectations after a great 2012 campaign and are one of the faves for the Super Bowl. But the Carolina Panthers have been popular with future plays and 'over' on their season win total.

"This is one of the more solid lines since release," says Black. "It should hold, but might possibly break to 3.5 by tomorrow."

Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts - Open: -7, Move: -10

Indy fans got to watch their former leader carve up the Baltimore Ravens for seven touchdown tosses Thursday, but Peyton Manning is the past. Andrew Luck is the present and future and Colts fans, and backers, have nothing but the utmost faith in the second-year QB.

"Money so far says Oakland are to be left alone this week," says Black. "Action is large on Indy and this line will prob move towards them a bit more."

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - Open: -5, Move: -4.5

One of the two late-afternoon matchups is a rematch of the NFC Division playoff game in which 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick ran all over the Packers en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Two popular teams with two huge fan bases and action on these NFC titans is reflecting that.

"Probably the best matchup of the opening weekend is playing out exactly as expected," an oddsmaker from BetDSI says. "The Green Bay/San Fran tilt has huge volume, but completely balanced with two-way action."

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Most popular, least popular picks in the LVH Super Contest, where 1,034 contestants pick five games each week of the NFL season........

Most popular
413- Texans
374- Buccaneers
341-Bengals
297- Browns
289- Panthers
288- Colts

Least popular
36- Raiders
52- Steelers
58-Dolphins
62-Bears
63- Jets
82- Bills

[StarDust Bum]

Consensus as of 8:15 Pacific Time


NFL Consensus Picks

September 8, 2013 »

Sides (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

1:00 PM Oakland +11 1464 29.43% Indianapolis -11 3511 70.57% View View

1:00 PM Miami +1 1881 36.80% Cleveland -1 3231 63.20% View View

1:00 PM Minnesota +4 1999 40.03% Detroit -4 2995 59.97% View View

1:00 PM Atlanta +3.5 2340 45.39% New Orleans -3.5 2815 54.61% View View

4:25 PM Arizona +3.5 2373 49.13% St. Louis -3.5 2457 50.87% View View

4:25 PM Green Bay +4.5 2543 51.36% San Francisco -4.5 2408 48.64% View View

1:00 PM Tennessee +6.5 2733 53.97% Pittsburgh -6.5 2331 46.03% View View

8:30 PM N.Y. Giants +3.5 2786 55.55% Dallas -3.5 2229 44.45% View View

1:00 PM Cincinnati +3 2987 57.85% Chicago -3 2176 42.15% View View

1:00 PM Seattle -3 3584 66.83% Carolina +3 1779 33.17% View View

1:00 PM New England -10 3544 68.13% Buffalo +10 1658 31.87% View View

1:00 PM Kansas City -3.5 3504 69.34% Jacksonville +3.5 1549 30.66% View View

1:00 PM Tampa Bay -3.5 4010 74.44% N.Y. Jets +3.5 1377 25.56% View View



Totals (Over/Under)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

1:00 PM Tampa Bay 40 1181 34.91% N.Y. Jets 40 2202 65.09% View View

1:00 PM Tennessee 42 1208 35.91% Pittsburgh 42 2156 64.09% View View

1:00 PM Miami 40.5 1221 37.18% Cleveland 40.5 2063 62.82% View View

1:00 PM Kansas City 42 1306 40.15% Jacksonville 42 1947 59.85% View View

1:00 PM Oakland 46 1519 46.21% Indianapolis 46 1768 53.79% View View

4:25 PM Arizona 41.5 1631 50.12% St. Louis 41.5 1623 49.88% View View

1:00 PM New England 50.5 2036 54.75% Buffalo 50.5 1683 45.25% View View

8:30 PM N.Y. Giants 49.5 1838 55.06% Dallas 49.5 1500 44.94% View View

1:00 PM Cincinnati 42 1848 55.58% Chicago 42 1477 44.42% View View

1:00 PM Seattle 44.5 1874 55.89% Carolina 44.5 1479 44.11% View View

4:25 PM Green Bay 49 1919 56.46% San Francisco 49 1480 43.54% View View

1:00 PM Minnesota 46 2213 64.92% Detroit 46 1196 35.08% View View

1:00 PM Atlanta 54.5 2773 72.88% New Orleans 54.5 1032 27.12% View View

[StarDust Bum]

UPDATE :


NFL Consensus Picks


September 8, 2013 »

Sides (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

1:00 PM Oakland +11 1586 29.89% Indianapolis -11 3720 70.11% View View

1:00 PM Miami +1 2021 37.13% Cleveland -1 3422 62.87% View View

1:00 PM Minnesota +4 2117 39.70% Detroit -4 3216 60.30% View View

1:00 PM Atlanta +3.5 2522 45.79% New Orleans -3.5 2986 54.21% View View

4:25 PM Arizona +3.5 2504 48.72% St. Louis -3.5 2636 51.28% View View

4:25 PM Green Bay +4.5 2701 51.24% San Francisco -4.5 2570 48.76% View View

1:00 PM Tennessee +6 2883 53.35% Pittsburgh -6 2521 46.65% View View

8:30 PM N.Y. Giants +3.5 2970 55.90% Dallas -3.5 2343 44.10% View View

1:00 PM Cincinnati +3 3193 57.95% Chicago -3 2317 42.05% View View

1:00 PM Seattle -3 3787 66.25% Carolina +3 1929 33.75% View View

1:00 PM New England -9.5 3769 67.92% Buffalo +9.5 1780 32.08% View View

1:00 PM Kansas City -3.5 3718 68.95% Jacksonville +3.5 1674 31.05% View View

1:00 PM Tampa Bay -3.5 4254 74.24% N.Y. Jets +3.5 1476 25.76% View View



Totals (Over/Under)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

1:00 PM Tampa Bay 40 1260 34.78% N.Y. Jets 40 2363 65.22% View View

1:00 PM Tennessee 42 1288 35.84% Pittsburgh 42 2306 64.16% View View

1:00 PM Miami 40.5 1299 37.04% Cleveland 40.5 2208 62.96% View View

1:00 PM Kansas City 42 1384 39.94% Jacksonville 42 2081 60.06% View View

1:00 PM Oakland 46 1623 46.34% Indianapolis 46 1879 53.66% View View

4:25 PM Arizona 41.5 1759 50.96% St. Louis 41.5 1693 49.04% View View

1:00 PM New England 50.5 2184 55.10% Buffalo 50.5 1780 44.90% View View

8:30 PM N.Y. Giants 49.5 1971 55.49% Dallas 49.5 1581 44.51% View View

1:00 PM Cincinnati 42 1968 55.61% Chicago 42 1571 44.39% View View

1:00 PM Seattle 44.5 2013 56.13% Carolina 44.5 1573 43.87% View View

4:25 PM Green Bay 48 2061 56.95% San Francisco 48 1558 43.05% View View

1:00 PM Minnesota 46 2375 65.48% Detroit 46 1252 34.52% View View

1:00 PM Atlanta 54.5 2991 73.51% New Orleans 54.5 1078 26.49% View View

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, September 8

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New England - 1:00 PM ET Buffalo +10 500
Buffalo - Over 50.5 500

Tennessee - 1:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -6.5 500
Pittsburgh - Under 42 500

Atlanta - 1:00 PM ET Atlanta +3.5 500 POD # 3
New Orleans - Over 54.5 500

Tampa Bay - 1:00 PM ET N.Y. Jets +3.5 500
N.Y. Jets - Under 40 500

Kansas City - 1:00 PM ET Kansas City -3.5 500
Jacksonville - Under 42 500

Seattle - 1:00 PM ET Carolina +3 500 POD # 5
Carolina - Over 44.5 500

Cincinnati - 1:00 PM ET Cincinnati +3 500 POD # 2
Chicago - Over 42 500

Miami - 1:00 PM ET Cleveland -1 500 POD # 1
Cleveland - Under 40.5 500

Minnesota - 1:00 PM ET Minnesota +4 500 POD # 4
Detroit - Over 46 500

Oakland - 1:00 PM ET Indianapolis -11 500
Indianapolis - Under 46 500


Late Games Posted Later

[Kaptain]

gl today BUM...have ANOTHER good season my friend.........lock and load