NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 1 (Thursday, September 5 - Monday, September 9)

[Udog]

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


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[Udog]

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.


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[Udog]

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."

[Udog]

NFL betting: 25 tidbits for Kickoff Sunday

Below is a list of 25 betting tidbits around the NFL for Sunday's action.

- The Patriots averaged 44.5 points in their two games versus the Bills last year, both of which went over the total. Number is currently 51.

- Bills WR Stevie Johnson recently stated that he felt no Patriots DB could cover him. He had eight catches for 109 yards in their two meetings last season.

- The Pittsburgh Steelers have won 10-straight home openers. The Steelers are 7-point favorites against the Titans.

- The Titans like to keep the scoring to a minimum in their Week 1 games. The under is 5-1 in their last six season openers.

- The Saints have done well against the spread at home in recent history, posting a 16-5 ATS mark in New Orleans. 3-point home faves Sunday.

- The Falcons have a new face at running back with Steven Jackson. Jackson has rushed for 1,000 yards in eight-straight seasons. The Falcons didn't have a running back eclipse 1,000 last season.

- Buccaneers CB Darrelle Revis faces his old team Sunday and with Santonio Holmes unsure if he'll play, Jeremy Kerley or Stephen Hill could be lined up against the cornerback.

- Jets rookie QB Geno Smith starts against Tampa Bay. The rook, at least, gets to face the league's worst pass defense (297.4 yards per game) last season. The Jets are 3.5-point home dogs versus Tampa Bay.

- Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew recently told Jaguars.com that he mulled retirement during training camp and that he felt he "couldn't do this anymore". He's ready to roll know, however, and said he'll carry the rock "as many times as it takes" Sunday. Jags are 3.5-point home dogs versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

- There are many new faces on the Chiefs and hopefully that changes their opening week ATS record of late. The Chiefs are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Week 1 games.

- The Seattle Seahawks held the Carolina Panthers to a season-low 190 yards in a 16-12 win on Oct. 7. Seahawks are 3-point road faves in Carolina.

- Carolina closed last season out very strong, posting records of 4-0 SU and ATS to end 2012.

- The Bengals fare well on the road against NFC opponents as they have been victorious in five of the last six games. Cincy is a 3-point road dog in Chicago.

- Bears QB Jay Cutler has combined to throw for 1017 yards and six TDs in the past three season openers.

- Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill only managed three touchdowns to wide receivers last season. No excuses now that big-play threat Mike Wallace in the squad.

- The Browns are 1-7 ATS in their last eight Week 1 games. This game versus Miami is listed as a pick 'em at most books.

- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has vowed to shatter the single season rushing mark. He collected 273 yards in two games versus the Lions last season.

- The Detroit Lions closed 2012 going 0-8 SU and 2-6 ATS. They were 0-2 ATS versus Minny last season. The Lions are 4-point home faves versus the Vikes Sunday.

- The Raiders will need RB Darren McFadden to get over the 100-yard mark. The Raiders are 10-2 when he does.

- The Colts were 7-1 ATS at home last season, and finished 6-0 ATS in their final six home games. Indy is favored by 10.5 at home against the Raiders.

- The 49ers allowed an NFC-low 294.4 yards per game last season. The 9ers are 4.5-point home faves versus Green Bay.

- The Pack fare well ATS in San Fran, going 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven meetings at Candlestick.

- The under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams. Total currently 41.5 for Sunday's game at St. Lou.

- The New York Giants finished 2012 going 0-4 ATS in their last four road games. The G-Men are 3.5-point road dogs in Dallas Sunday night.

- All eyes will be on Dallas QB Tony Romo who was awarded with a massive contract extension despite tossing a career high 19 picks in 2012.

[Udog]

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 1

Monday's games
Philadelphia @ Washington—Condition of RGIII’s rehabbed knee main issue here, especially with backup Cousins (foot) also hurt; Redskins swept Philly 31-6/27-20 LY, after losing five of previous six series games. Iggles won five of last seven visits here, but were -38 in turnovers in Reid’s last two years, which is why he is in KC now. Will Vick protect ball better in Kelly’s offense, especially with WR Maclin out for year? Since ’06, Philly is 17-7 as road dog, 14-7 vs spread in last 21 divisional road games- they won last four road openers, covering eight of last 12. Washington is 9-2 in last 11 home openers (1-4-1 vs spread as favorite); since ’06, they’re just 8-17-1 as home favorites. Odd stat; over last five years, Skins were favored in only two of 15 divisional home games. Seven of Redskins’ last ten home openers stayed under total; over is 3-1-1 in Philly’s last five road openers. RGIII is expected to play and be close to 100%.

Houston @ San Diego—Before he got fired, Norv Turner made point of saying talent level of his team wasn’t very good; Chargers were 3-5 at home LY, after being 37-11 from ’06-’11- they won last three home openers, by 25-7-28 points. Last five years, San Diego is 1-3 as home dog; favorites are 9-4 vs spread in Chargers’ last 13 non-divisional home games.. Bolts are 4-0 vs Houston, winning by average score of 29-14; Texans lost 24-3/35-10 in visits here, but last one was ’07, before they were good. Last two years, Houston is 7-0-1 in games with spread of 3 or less points; they’re 11-8-1 in last 20 non-divisional road games, 11-5 SU on foreign soil last two years. Texans won five of last six road openers (2-0-1 as favorites). Health of Texans’ star RB Foster is in doubt; Tate would get his carries if he’s unable to play. Over is 7-3 in Houston’s last 10 road openers, 8-2 in Chargers’ last ten home openers.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 9

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Monday Night Football: Eagles at Redskins
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Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins (-3.5, 52)

The biggest question mark of the offseason and one of the biggest mysteries entering the season will finally be answered when the Washington Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night in a clash of NFC East rivals. Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III will take his first snap since tearing knee ligaments in a playoff loss to Seattle last season. Questions abound over what Philadelphia's offense will look like under Chip Kelly, who makes his NFL coaching debut.

Griffin, the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, was held out of the preseason by coach Mike Shanahan despite his repeated pronouncements that he was healthy and ready to go. Kelly, who presided over a fast-break offense at Oregon that piled up points at a video-game pace, also had a hot-button topic at quarterback before settling on veteran Michael Vick as his starter. Kelly had an unwelcome distraction when a video surfaced of wide receiver Riley Cooper uttering a racial slur, leading to the brief banishment from training camp for Cooper.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: The Redskins opened as 5.5-point faves and are currently 3.5-point favorites.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s and skies will be partly cloudy for this NFC East matchup. Wind will blow from the SE towards the NW endzone at 6 mph.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (2012: 4-12, fourth NFC East): How Kelly's offense translates to the NFL is the biggest question mark and the key to its success revolves around Vick, who has seen his effectiveness diminish due to a combination of injuries and repeated turnovers. Running back LeSean McCoy saw his rushing touchdowns dwindle from 20 in 2011 to five last season but he seems like an ideal fit for Kelly's schemes, as does speedy wideout DeSean Jackson, whose production also took a major dip a year ago. Team harmony was tested by the remarks of Cooper, who was involved in a practice skirmish on Thursday, while the defense is also under fire after getting torched for nearly 28 points per game in 2012.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (2012: 10-6, first NFC East): Griffin set NFL rookie quarterback records for both passer rating (102.4) and rushing yards (815) but he was not the only first-year player to make an enormous impact. Sixth-round pick Alfred Morris was second in the league with 1,613 rushing yards, including seven 100-yard games, as the Redskins amassed a league-best 169.3 yards per game on the ground. Top wideout Pierre Garcon was hobbled by a foot injury for much of the season and tight end Fred Davis missed the final nine games with a torn Achilles' tendon. The defensive front remains in flux, but an already-strong linebacking corps receives a boost with the return of Brian Orakpo, who has 29.5 sacks in 49 career games.

TRENDS:

* The Eagles are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 versus the NFC.
* The Redskins are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 versus the NFC East.
* The favorite is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
* The under is 7-3-2 in the last 12 meetings in Washington.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Griffin threw for six touchdowns in Washington's two wins over Philadelphia last season, including a perfect passer rating (158.3) in one game.

2. The Eagles lost 11 of 12 to close out last season but Vick has won his last three starts against the Redskins.

3. Washington finished last season on a seven-game win streak in its surprising run to the division title.


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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 9

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Monday Night Football: Texans at Chargers
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Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers (+3.5, 44.5)

The Houston Texans are taking the Super Bowl-or-bust approach while the San Diego Chargers are entering a rebuilding phase under first-year coach Mike McCoy. The Texans open the season against the host Chargers on the Monday night stage and believe last season’s franchise-best 12-4 record – and a playoff victory for the second straight campaign – has set the state for a deep postseason run. San Diego has missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.

Houston signed perennial Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed as a free agent to shore up the back end and he is a game-time decision after having offseason hip surgery. Defensive end J.J. Watt racked up a league-leading 20 1/2 sacks last season in a stellar performance that earned him NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Chargers cleaned house after last season’s disappointing showing by firing coach Norv Turner and general A.J. Smith and hiring McCoy and new general manager Tom Telesco.

TV: 10:20 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE: The Texans opened as 3-point road faves which has been bet up to 3.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies in San Diego. Wind will blow from the W towards the east end zone at 6 mph.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (2012: 12-4, first AFC South): Inside linebacker Brian Cushing is healthy after suffering a season-ending knee injury early last season and Houston recently rewarded him with a six-year, $55.6 million extension. The Texans allowed 225.8 passing yards per game in 2012 and the belief is that Reed’s ball-hawking presence should further bolster a unit that ranked seventh in total defense (323.3). Quarterback Matt Schaub topped 4,000 passing yards for the third time in four seasons and Andre Johnson (112 receptions for a career-best 1,598 yards) surpassed 1,500 yards for the third time in his stellar career. Running back Arian Foster (1,424 yards, 15 touchdowns) has been bothered by back and calf woes in training camp and could be spelled by Ben Tate.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2012: 7-9, second AFC West): Quarterback Philip Rivers has been turnover-prone the past two seasons with 47 miscues (35 interceptions, 12 lost fumbles) and his 3,606 passing yards last season represented his lowest output since 2007. Injury-prone Ryan Mathews (707 yards) is the prime running back and top wideout Malcom Floyd (56 receptions) missed most of the preseason with a knee injury. Safety Eric Weddle (team-high 111 tackles) is one of the best at his position and the leader of a defense that is being rebuilt. The Chargers are hoping veteran pass rusher Dwight Freeney (107.5 career sacks) has something left in the tank.

TRENDS:

* The Texans are 0-5 ATS in their last five Monday games.
* The Chargers are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
* The under is 14-6 in the Chargers last 20 home games.
* The Texans are 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. San Diego has won all four previous meetings, the most recent being a 29-23 victory in Houston in 2010.

2. The Texans were 7-0 last season when Foster rushed for 100 or more yards.

3. Rivers was sacked a league-high 49 times last season and fumbled 15 times, losing seven.


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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 9

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NFL betting: Monday night injury watch list
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Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins (-3.5, 52)

Eagles

- TE James Casey is dealing with a hamstring injury but is expected to play Monday against the Redskins
- CB Cary Williams has a hamstring injury but is expected to play Monday against the Redskins
- T Dennis Kelly is still recovering from back surgery and will miss at least the first two games of the regular season

Redskins

- QB Robert Griffin III has been recovering from reconstructive knee surgery but will be the starter for Monday's game against the Eagles
- WR Aldrick Robinson is dealing with a thigh injury but is expected to play Monday against the Eagles
- WR Leonard Hankerson is dealing with a knee injury and is questionable to play

Houston Texans at San Diego Chargers (+3.5, 44.5)

Texans

- RB Arian Foster is questionable to play Monday against the Chargers as he deals with a right calf strain
- G Wade Smith is expected to be ready for Monday's game against the Chargers
- WR DeVier Posey is recovering from a torn left Achilles' tendon but is expected to be ready
- WR DeAndre Hopkins has a concussion and is questionable to play Monday
- T David Quessenberry will undergo surgery after breaking his foot during practice and is out indefinitely
- S Ed Reed nderwent minor hip surgery in April to repair a small tear in his labrum and will be a game-time decision
- LB Darryl Sharpton has a concussion and is expected to miss Monday's game

Chargers

- WR Eddie Royal left practice on August 17th in an ambulance after suffering a bruised lung and a concussion. He is questionable to play Monday
- WR Malcom Floyd was carted from the practice field during preseason with a right knee injury but is expected to be ready to play
- LB Manti Te'o is dealing with a foot injury and will sit out Monday's game
- DE Corey Liuget is dealing with shoulder discomfort but is expected to play


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[Udog]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 1

Houston at San Diego
The Texans look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games in September. Houston is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Texans favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3 1/2). Here are all of this week's picks.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Game 479-480: Philadelphia at Washington (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 130.142; Washington 131.203
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 54
Vegas Line: Washington by 4; 51
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4); Over

Game 481-482: Houston at San Diego (10:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 133.892; San Diego 128.357
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Houston by 3 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NFL odds: Week 2 opening line report

If you’re looking for coverage or analysis on any other game but Denver at New York this week, don’t hold your breath.

The “Manning Bowl” headlines the Week 2 schedule and you won’t hear about another game, team or player until the media vultures have picked this family feud clean.

Oddsmakers opened this game at Denver -2.5 following the Broncos’ dominant performance over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football and have since suggested a push to Denver -4 following the Giants’ sloppy showing in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night.

“Just the fact that the Giants didn’t look sharp, we have to move this line because of the public perception of how each team looked in Week 1,” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service The Sports Club, tells Covers. “As good as Denver was and how the Giants looked last night, we know that will stick in the minds of bettors. So we upped it a point and a half.”

For those of you keeping score, Peyton Manning is 2-0 SU and ATS versus his brother Eli Manning for their careers. The total for Sunday’s Round 3 of the “Manning Bowl” opened at 48 points.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-3, 44.5)

Overshadowed by sibling rivalry is this NFC West war between what many consider to be the two best teams in the NFL.

The Seahawks and Niners have a good thing going, which according to those Madden 25 commercials, started when Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson were at summer camp in the 90’s. I’ll have to fact check that one.

Most online books opened Seattle -3 while Korner and his team of oddsmakers came to the table with the spread as low as a pick. They eventually sent out Seahawks -3 but said things will get tricky in Northern Nevada – Reno and Tahoe – also known as Niners Country.

“I don’t know if the people up north can put up San Francisco as a dog,” he says. “They’ll be flood with 49ers action regardless. Northern Nevada is all Bay Area up there. I feel for them on this one.”

Korner says he’s much more impressed with San Francisco’s win over Green Bay and wasn’t convinced by the Seahawks’ efforts against Carolina. He expects this spread to come down quite a bit before kickoff on Sunday night.

New York Jets at New England Patriots (-13, 44)

Some shops opened this AFC East matchup as low as New England -10 and watched wiseguys smack the hell out of the odds, driving the spread all the way to -13.

That isn’t enough points, according to Korner, who sent out the Patriots -13.5 and expects that line to keep climbing before Thursday.

“Before the Jets won and the Patriots had a hard time (versus Buffalo in Week 1), this would clearly be two touchdowns. It’s a total anti-Jet number. We don’t get swayed on results too much. This is a gift. Who’s betting the Jets? Really, who? This is a classic favorite and over for a marquee standalone game.”

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, 40.5)

Perhaps the biggest knee-jerk reaction from Week 1 revolves around the Steelers’ struggles after losing 16-9 to Tennessee. Pittsburgh didn’t perform well in the preseason and bettors are well aware of the aging core of stars keeping the Steelers intact.

Korner originally sent out Bengals -4 but admits he underestimated the market and gives credit where credit is due to those who opened Cincinnati just shy of a touchdown.

“The offshore guys had a better opening line,” he says. “I wasn’t as high on Cincinnati as others. I agree with the move to six and will be suggesting that everyone keep this one high.”