Announcement

**Udog** · 09-09-2014, 06:16 PM

NFL Opening Line Report: Oddsmakers not sold on Niners in Week 2

Week 1 of the NFL season was quite the roller-coaster ride for fans – and surely for bettors, as well. The Week 2 lineup looks to bring more of the same, and it gets going in short order on Thursday night, when the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to face the archrival Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens are at home for a second straight week, and could find themselves in a rough spot if they can’t get it done against Pittsburgh. They opened the season Sunday with a 23-16 loss as a 1-point chalk against Cincinnati, and two AFC North Division losses could be tough to recover from.

“They’re already a game behind both the Steelers and the Bengals, a loss here puts them two back of the Steelers and if the Bengals take care of business versus the Falcons, that’s two games behind them,” Michael Stewart, an oddsmakers for CarbonSports.ag tells Covers.

The Steelers, meanwhile, blew all of a 27-3 halftime lead at home against Cleveland, needing a field goal as time expired to take a 30-27 win while failing to cash as a 5.5-point favorite. Pittsburgh opened as a 2.5-point favorite against a Baltimore team that desperately needs the win.

“This has historically been a very competitive rivalry and this game should be no exception,” says Stewart. “So far, the early action is split and I believe we will see little to zero line movement in this game.”

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (-12)

The defending AFC champion Broncos jump into AFC West Division play, after holding off Indianapolis 31-24 but falling short as 8-point favorites, relinquishing almost all of a 24-7 halftime lead. The Chiefs, a playoff team last year, looked dreadful at home against Tennessee, losing 26-10 as a 3-point fave.

CarbonSports.ag opened Kansas City as a 11.5-point underdog and took immediate action on the Broncos. Stewart has a feeling the sharp bettors are trying to push this number even higher, before coming back on the Chiefs.

“Personally, I think the wiseguys are looking to get out ahead on this game and will eventually play it back +13.5 or even 14 if it gets that high, which it won’t in my opinion,” says Stewart. “This is a Chiefs team that looked awful at home versus the Titans and now travels to take on one of the best teams in the NFL. They’re surely going to struggle in this game and unless the wiseguys get involved, I can see us closing Broncos -13.”

Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers (-7)

The Bears already find themselves in a pinch after suffering the biggest upset of the day Sunday, dumping their home opener 23-20 in overtime to 7-point underdog Buffalo.

Meanwhile, San Francisco and its fans will likely be amped for the regular-season debut of the brand-spanking new Levi’s Stadium.

Not that the Niners need to be at home to draw fans. Anyone watching San Francisco’s 28-17 road trouncing of the Dallas Cowboys Sunday couldn’t help but notice the huge roars following all the big 49ers plays – particularly by the defense, which created four first-half turnovers as San Fran cashed laying 3.5 points.

However, that sloppy play from Dallas has clouded the bookmaker’s view of San Francisco, which may or may not be as good as advertised.

“Our wiseguys hammered the Cowboys in their game versus the 49ers because I believe they, like me, are convinced they’re not a good team and are an organization in turmoil,” says Stewart. “We opened this game 49ers -7 and as we expected, so far all the money is on the favorite and we’re fine with taking on that money at -7.”

Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts (-3)

Indianapolis, which rallied but fell just short at Denver as an 8-point underdog in a 31-24 loss, aims to get back on track against a Philadelphia squad that mounted a successful comeback in Week 1.

The Eagles, giving 10 points, found themselves in a 17-0 halftime hole at home to Jacksonville, then scored the game’s final 34 points in a 34-17 victory.

The Colts hit the board as low as -2.5 and climbed to -3 for the Monday Night Football Week 2 showcase. The total for this game opened at a lofty 52.5 points and jumped to 53 with early money taking the Over with these two sides loaded with offensive weapons.

**Udog** · 09-09-2014, 06:18 PM

NFL line watch: Don't wait on Broncos vs. Chiefs

Spread to bet now

Kansas City Chiefs (+12) at Denver Broncos

Already in scramble mode after a stomach-punch, 16-point loss to the Titans at home in Week 1, the Chiefs will have to avoid doubling down on bad when they travel to Denver. It’s the worst matchup at the worst time, and the hefty 12-point spread probably won’t be enough.

Kansas City will be facing the Broncos without two key players who have probably been lost for the rest of the year. Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson and starting defensive tackle Mike DeVito both suffered ruptured Achilles tendons in the devastating loss to Tennessee.

And if all that isn’t enough to cause Chiefs fans to spend time alone in a dark room, consider KC’s schedule after Denver – New England at home, then road games at San Francisco and San Diego. Things ease up after that, but by Halloween it might already be curtains for a team that won its first nine games last season.

Spread to wait on

New England Patriots at (-3) at Minnesota Vikings

The Patriots can’t be this bad. Can they?

Oddsmakers don’t think so, and the Pats give three points this week in Minnesota despite peeing all over themselves in the second half in Miami, mainly because they couldn’t stop the Dolphins’ ground game. And the Vikes just happened to run the ball down the Rams’ throats in Week 1.

Still, the NFL is a game of adjustments and no one is better at taking away a team’s strength than Bill Belichick. He is loath to stack the defensive line to stop the run and prefers to flood the secondary, but this week he may be able to afford it because Matt Cassel doesn’t figure to throw for 300 yards. Early money is on New England, which could bump the number up to 3.5 by mid week.

Total to watch

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (44)

By now, Over players should know to approach AFC North games much like they would a rattlesnake.

Coaches in the division are wary of opening up their offenses and field-goal games grow on trees. This one shouldn’t be much different than the two the teams played last season (Steelers, 19-16 and Ravens, 22-20).

Baltimore in particular won’t be in a gambling mood after its one-possession loss to Cincinnati on opening day. This game could easily remain in the 30s and the 44-point number seems at least a field goal too heavy.

**Udog** · 09-09-2014, 06:19 PM

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 2

Thursday, September 11

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PITTSBURGH (1 - 0) at BALTIMORE (0 - 1) - 9/11/2014, 8:25 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Sunday, September 14

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DETROIT (1 - 0) at CAROLINA (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 55-78 ATS (-30.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1992.
DETROIT is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MIAMI (1 - 0) at BUFFALO (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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JACKSONVILLE (0 - 1) at WASHINGTON (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 53-82 ATS (-37.2 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 72-98 ATS (-35.8 Units) in home games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 72-98 ATS (-35.8 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 72-98 ATS (-35.8 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games in September games since 1992.

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

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DALLAS (0 - 1) at TENNESSEE (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1992.
TENNESSEE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) against NFC East division opponents since 1992.
TENNESSEE is 41-21 ATS (+17.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1992.
TENNESSEE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 since 1992.

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

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ARIZONA (1 - 0) at NY GIANTS (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NEW ENGLAND (0 - 1) at MINNESOTA (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (0 - 1) at CLEVELAND (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) against AFC North division opponents since 1992.

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

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ATLANTA (1 - 0) at CINCINNATI (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ST LOUIS (0 - 1) at TAMPA BAY (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 136-172 ATS (-53.2 Units) in all games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 136-172 ATS (-53.2 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 105-137 ATS (-45.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) in September games since 1992.

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

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SEATTLE (1 - 0) at SAN DIEGO (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (1 - 0) at OAKLAND (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 37-70 ATS (-40.0 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1992.

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

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NY JETS (1 - 0) at GREEN BAY (0 - 1) - 9/14/2014, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 155-114 ATS (+29.6 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.

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

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KANSAS CITY (0 - 1) at DENVER (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) as an underdog of 10 or more points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-1 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-0 straight up against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (0 - 1) at SAN FRANCISCO (1 - 0) - 9/14/2014, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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

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Monday, September 15

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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 0) at INDIANAPOLIS (0 - 1) - 9/15/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in dome games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 09-09-2014, 06:20 PM

NFL

Week 2

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Trend Report
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Thursday, September 11

8:25 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. BALTIMORE
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Baltimore is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

Sunday, September 14

1:00 PM
DALLAS vs. TENNESSEE
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Tennessee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tennessee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BUFFALO
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

1:00 PM
NEW ENGLAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
New England is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing New England
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing New England

1:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. NY GIANTS
Arizona is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Giants are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Giants last 6 games at home

1:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. CLEVELAND
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

1:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CAROLINA
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 5-15-1 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Carolina is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
Carolina is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games at home
Cincinnati is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE vs. WASHINGTON
Jacksonville is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Jacksonville's last 8 games on the road
Washington is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games

4:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN DIEGO
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
San Diego5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games

4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. TAMPA BAY
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing St. Louis

4:25 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
Houston is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

4:25 PM
NY JETS vs. GREEN BAY
NY Jets are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Jets last 7 games
Green Bay is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Green Bay is 3-7-1 SU in its last 11 games ,

4:25 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DENVER
Kansas City is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Denver
Kansas City is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Denver's last 21 games

8:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

Monday, September 15

8:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. INDIANAPOLIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Indianapolis
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indianapolis
Indianapolis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Indianapolis is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home

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**Udog** · 09-09-2014, 06:25 PM

NFL

Week 2

Highest Week 2 total already moving upward

Bettors are well aware of the kind of offensive numbers the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts are capable of putting up, and so are bookies.

The total for the Eagles-Colts Week 2 Monday Night Football meeting opened Sunday at 52.5 - the highest total of any game on the schedule - and it's already jumped a full point to 53.5 as of Monday at offshore books.

Historic week for passers in Week 1

Time and time again we hear that the NFL is becoming a pass-first league. Week 1 of the NFL season has reaffirmed that idea with a historic week for quarterbacks.

Passes were completed at a 64.3 percent rate, which is officially the highest completion percentage in a single week in NFL history via @ESPN_Numbers.

**Udog** · 09-10-2014, 06:22 AM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 2

Thursday, Sept. 11th

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:25 ET
Pittsburgh: 27-13 ATS after gaining 300 or more passing yards in last game
Baltimore: 13-4 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite

Sunday, Sept. 14th

Detroit at Carolina, 1:00 ET
Detroit: 52-24 UNDER when they allow 15 to 21 points
Carolina: 7-0 UNDER when they commit 2 turnovers

Miami at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Miami: 6-17 ATS off an upset win over a division rival
Buffalo: 30-14 ATS after a win by 3 or less points

Jacksonville at Washington, 1:00 ET
Jacksonville: 19-8 ATS in road games after being outgained by opp by 100 or more total yards
Washngton: 36-59 ATS as a home favorite

Dallas at Tennessee, 1:00 ET
Dallas: 48-70 ATS in road games after playing a game at home
Tennessee: 41-21 ATS in non-conference games

Arizona at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
Arizona: 13-4 UNDER in the first half of the season
NY Giants: 11-3 UNDER in games where the line is +3 to -3

New England at Minnesota, 1:00 ET
New England: 10-1 ATS off a division game
Minnesota: 13-3 ATS after playing their last game on the road

New Orleans at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
New Orleans: 6-16 ATS against AFC North division opponents
Cleveland: 10-2 UNDER against NFC South division opponents

Atlanta at Cincinnati, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 31-12 ATS in road games after allowing 400 or more total yards in their previous game
Cincinnati: 8-1 ATS in home games

ST Louis at Tampa Bay, 4:05 ET
ST Louis: 0-6 ATS in road games against conference opponents
Tampa Bay: 56-36 UNDER as a home favorite of 7 points or less

Seattle at San Diego, 4:05 ET
Seattle: 70-25 OVER when they gain 6 or more total yards per play
San Diego: 28-12 UNDER in home games when they commit 2 turnovers

Houston at Oakland, 4:25 ET
Houston: 38-22 OVER in games where the line is +3 to -3
Oakland: 13-28 ATS in home games after gaining 75 or less rushing yards last game

NY Jets at Green Bay, 4:25 ET
NY Jets: 14-4 ATS off a no-cover where the team won as a favorite
Green Bay: 101-69 ATS after playing their last game on the road

Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 ET
Kansas City: 16-5 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points
Denver: 21-10 ATS as a favorite

Chicago at San Francisco, 8:35 ET
Chicago: 5-18 ATS in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points
San Francisco: 21-12 OVER in all games

Monday, Sept.15

Philadelphia at Indianapolis
Philadelphia: 40-16 ATS when they gain 400 to 450 total yards
Indianapolis: 13-49 ATS when they allow 8 or more net passing yards/attempt

**Udog** · 09-10-2014, 11:51 AM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 2

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
The Steelers head to Baltimore on Thursday night to face a Ravens team that is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 Thursday games. Pittsburgh is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Steelers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Game 101-102: Pittsburgh at Baltimore (8:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 133.605; Baltimore 132.199
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+3); Over

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Game 251-252: Detroit at Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 133.469; Carolina 137.936
Dunkel Line: Carolina by 4 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Carolina by 2 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-2 1/2); Under

Game 253-254: Miami at Buffalo (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 132.872; Buffalo 135.067
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 2; 47
Vegas Line: Miami by 1 1/2; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+1 1/2); Over

Game 255-256: Jacksonville at Washington (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 120.236; Washington 129.031
Dunkel Line: Washington by 9; 41
Vegas Line: Washington by 6; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-6); Under

Game 257-258: Dallas at Tennessee (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 131,196; Tennessee 137.200
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 6; 45
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-3); Under

Game 259-260: Arizona at NY Giants (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 131.407; NY Giants 132.978
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 1 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+2 1/2); Under

Game 261-262: New England at Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 140.237; Minnesota 130.208
Dunkel Line: New England by 10; 45
Vegas Line: New England by 3; 49
Dunkel Pick: New England (-3); Under

Game 263-264: New Orleans at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 134.607; Cleveland 131.554
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 3; 42
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 6 1/2; 47 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+6 1/2); Under

Game 265-266: Atlanta at Cincinnati (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 130.578; Cincinnati 139.007
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 8 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5); Over

Game 267-268: St. Louis at Tampa Bay (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 127.349; Tampa Bay 129.306
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 34
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 6; 37
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+6); Under

Game 269-270: Seattle at San Diego (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 136.273; San Diego 140.317
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 4; 48
Vegas Line: Seattle by 6; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+6); Over

Game 271-272: Houston at Oakland (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 128.923; Oakland 124.083
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5; 44
Vegas Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: NY Jets at Green Bay (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 126.128; Green Bay 142.855
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 16 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 8; 46
Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-8); Over

Game 275-276: Kansas City at Denver (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 129.791; Denver 140.467
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Denver by 14; 51
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+14); Under

Game 277-278: Chicago at San Francisco (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 129.149; San Francisco 143.219
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 14; 51
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Over

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Game 279-280: Philadelphia at Indianapolis (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 137.166; Indianapolis 136.175
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 56
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 3; 53 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3); Over

**Udog** · 09-10-2014, 11:51 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 2

Thursday
Steelers (1-0) @ Ravens (0-1)-- Lot of distractions for Ravens in short week with Ray Rice debacle; they lost at home to Bengals last week, allowing 77-yard bomb with 4:58 left after rallying back from down 15-0 at half to take lead. Ravens won four of last six games in this series, with last five series games decided by 3 points or less. Only once in Steelers' last six visits here was game deicded by more than four points. Pitt blew 27-3 halftime lead at home last week, won 30-27 late despite Browns gaining 387 yards, 183 on ground. Steelers lost last three road openers, all by 10+ points- they covered once in last seven road openers, with five of the seven games staying under the total.

**Udog** · 09-10-2014, 11:58 AM

NFL

Thursday, September 11

Thursday night football could see thundershowers

When the ball is kicked off at M&T Bank Stadium it may be soaring through a thunderstorm. There is a 61 percent chance that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens game will be playing with thundershowers.

The Ravens are currently a 2.5-point home fave with the total set at 44.5.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-10-2014, 06:17 PM

Pitt looks for road win

September 10, 2014

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Baltimore -3, Total: 44

Division rivals clash Thursday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens.

In Week 1 of the NFL season, both of these teams were involved in sloppy affairs. Pittsburgh came away with a victory in the opening week, but the Ravens were unable to do the same. Now these teams square off against one another in what should be an excellent game with a lot of emotion. Last season, Baltimore won at home against Pittsburgh 22-20 as three-point favorites. The Steelers won their home game against the Ravens 19-16 as 2.5-point favorites. In the past three meetings between these teams, Pittsburgh is 3-0 ATS and the two teams have gone Over the total in two of the contests.

This game has the potential to be a shootout, despite the defensive reputation of both franchises. Pittsburgh allowed Brian Hoyer to throw for 230 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, and Baltimore QB Joe Flacco is a far superior quarterback who is coming off of a contest in which he threw for 345 yards on an astounding 62 attempts. The Ravens will need to contain Pittsburgh star RB Le’Veon Bell, who rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown while also catching six passes for 88 yards against the Browns.

Two trends to consider are that Mike Tomlin is 3-12 ATS (20%) on the road in the first month of the season as the Steelers head coach, but home teams where the line is +3 to -3, coming off a loss in the first month of the season, after closing out the previous season with 2+ straight defeats, are a pitiful 28-62 ATS (31%) since 1983.

WR Lance Moore (groin) is questionable for the Steelers and CB Lardarius Webb (back) is questionable for the Ravens.

At the end of the second quarter of the season opener, Shaun Suisham kicked a 34-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 27-3 lead over the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers, however, would pretty much mail it in the rest of the game. They collectively blew a 24-point lead in almost one quarter of action. By the time there was 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, these teams were tied at 27.

The offense in the game stalled at that point, with both teams failing to score until Suisham’s game-winning field goal with no time remaining. WR Antonio Brown was unguardable all day, catching five balls for 116 yards and a touchdown. WR Markus Wheaton lived up to the hype of being a breakout player this season, catching six passes for 97 yards. This tandem of Brown and Wheaton was able to get open whenever they pleased and QB Ben Roethlisberger had no trouble finding them.

New Steelers RB LeGarrette Blount was also able to barrel his way into the end zone for a touchdown. The Steelers defense will need to be better against Baltimore on Thursday. They allowed 183 rushing yards and 230 passing yards to what really is a weak Browns offense.

The Ravens had taken a 16-15 lead with just about six minutes left in the fourth quarter after Steve Smith caught an 80-yard touchdown from Joe Flacco. The Ravens failed to get the two-point conversion and took the field to defend the Bengals on their next drive. Right away, QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green connected on a 77-yard touchdown and that put the Bengals up 21-16. They would also get their two-point conversion on a pass from Dalton to WR Mohamed Sanu. Trailing 23-16, the Ravens were unable to score the rest of the game.

The Ravens offense was able to move the ball effectively but just couldn’t finish when they needed to. WR Steve Smith caught seven passes for 118 yards and a touchdown in his Ravens debut. Dennis Pitta hauled in 10 catches for 83 yards.

On the ground, Bernard Pierce lost a fumble for Baltimore and was replaced by Justin Forsett, who really performed well. Forsett rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown while also catching five passes for 14 yards. They will need to find a way to score touchdowns against the Steelers.

Baltimore’s defense was excellent against the rush, allowing only 79 yards on the ground. Outside of the A.J. Green touchdown, they would’ve been able to live with their performance against the pass. They can’t allow big plays like that against Antonio Brown and the Steelers.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-10-2014, 06:18 PM

Week 2 Look-Ahead

September 9, 2014

Are the Miami Dolphins a real threat to win the AFC East?

Understanding one week doesn't make a season, that second-half performance against New England was an eye-opener. The defense got after Tom Brady and generally dominated. The offense looked multi-faceted. As someone pleased with the result at halftime, the Patriots' collapse appeared to be less about their ineptitude as it was Miami simply imposing its will.

Knowshon Moreno was a force, providing stability and creating balance for an offense that has lacked a reliable ground game for years. Ryan Tannehill made mostly great decisions and accurate throws. Mike Wallace, moved around in different formations, looked every bit the No. 1 the Dolphins are paying him to be. Charles Clay was the matchup problem most assumed he would be.

In the first half, a Wallace drop foiled a potentially huge play, bringing up the same old questions about him. Tannehill was picked off. The Patriots racked up 248 yards and 20 points. Given the presence of its impressive cheerleaders, Miami barely looked like the second-best team on the field, much less the division.

So, what's real? Are the Patriots really going to miss Logan Mankins this much? Can an offense that regained the services of Rob Gronkowski really look as bad as it did in accumulating just 67 yards as Brady hit the ground time and time again? That's Week 2's biggest question mark heading into this next set of games as the routine intensifies, but obviously, there are others.

New England travels to Minnesota to meet the team that posted Week 1's most lopsided result, winning at St. Louis by four touchdowns. Brady provides a significant step up from Shaun Hill and Austin Davis, but Harrison Smith offered up a reminder that he's one of the league's best emerging safeties and the cornerback tandem of Captain Munnerlyn and Xavier Rhodes could do damage under the radar for weeks until people start noticing. Up front, and this where the questions come easiest, the changing of the guard from Jared Allen and Kevin Williams to the current younger group will be worth watching over the long haul.

After being dominated and losing a pair of defensive starters for the season, including linebacker Derrick Johnson, how do the Chiefs pick up the pieces? It's safe to say Andy Reid's second season at the helm hasn't started as smoothly as last season's 9-0 run, so this will be his first dose of true adversity as Kansas City attempts to rebound on the road at Denver and Miami the next two weeks. Tamba Hali and Dontari Poe must step up as leaders or they'll be 0-3 before the next time they take the field at Arrowhead.

The Broncos answered a few questions about how they intend to overcome Wes Welker's extended absence, with plan A apparently consisting of Julius Thomas' beast mode. Emmanuel Sanders is clearly capable, too, coming up with six catches and climbing right into the role of Manning security blanket.

His old teammates survived squandering a 27-3 lead, so the Steelers will be fine without the receiver who criticized Ben Roethlisberger's leadership once in Denver. In fact, replacement Markus Wheaton made the key reception off a Big Ben audible to set up Shaun Suisham's game-winner, but it's worth wondering why they needed such heroics in the first place.

What caused Pittsburgh's defensive breakdowns? Cleveland's Terrence West is an intriguing young back, but a rookie backup making his NFL debut can't be reaching the century mark on the ground against you. The Browns got back into the game by gashing the defense, creating easy play-action opportunities that let Brian Hoyer find a rhythm. Did the huge cushion simply lead to a situation where Pittsburgh let its guard down or was the letdown a warning sign?

Joe Flacco has the receivers to hurt the Steelers and will be looking to make up for horrible decisions that cost his team against Cincinnati. With the Ray Rice situation creating distractions on a short week, it's going to be on the typically laid-back Flacco to get the team on task as they look to avoid dropping consecutive home games to start the season.

Tampa Bay is the only other team in danger of an 0-2 start at home, having lost a divisional game where Carolina's Cam Newton was limited to giving his team quality pep talks while wearing sweatpants. Doug Martin hurt a knee yet is expected to be fine for Sunday's Rams visit, but the status of both offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford and Mankins, acquired to anchor the line, will likely be unknown until the weekend.

St. Louis has its own issues to deal with after being the only team that failed to score an offensive touchdown in Week 1. Hill's strained quad could keep him out of the Tampa game, which means Austin Davis would get his first career start since Case Keenum still isn't up to speed after being scooped up when Houston acquired Ryan Mallett. Who is Davis? That's a valid question. He played in a prolific spread offense under Larry Fedora at Southern Miss, winning the job as a freshman despite originally coming in as a walk-on. He went undrafted.

Speaking of quarterback issues, a buddy asked which current NFC East starter would be most likely to be benched first. While we're probably at least a few weeks away from an answer, the early leader would probably be Philadelphia's Nick Foles considering how vital the other three are to their respective franchises.

Yep, he's the only one in the division that won in Week 1, but looked just as shaky and turnover-prone as his QB cohorts.

How did Foles manage to look so bad that Mark Sanchez appeared to be an attractive alternative? Well, in a timing-based offense that requires accuracy and quick decisions, the QB who led the entire NFL with a 119.2 passer rating was holding the ball too long and all over the place when he did let it go. Erasing a 17-point deficit isn't going to look as easy as it did against Jacksonville, which means he's got to get right and not be the weak link on an otherwise explosive offense. Foles will duel with Andrew Luck in Indianapolis on Monday night.

The other legitimate contender to find himself holding a clipboard isn't Eli Manning or Tony Romo. What's Jason Garrett going to say? Brandon Weeden, get in there? Even if Ryan Nassib has a better command of new coordinator Sean McAdoo's offense, it's more of a failure on his end that a two-time Super Bowl winner seems so uncomfortable in it. The Giants are home for Arizona, which should have Tyrann Mathieu back to strengthen a defense that performed better than expected in their first test without Darnell Dockett and Daryl Washington, both out for the season.

Washington scored six points and Robert Griffin III tripped over his own feet on a handoff, fumbling in the red zone. He doesn't look as confident as he did pre-injury. While Daniel Snyder 's interests remain invested in his long-term success, Kirk Cousins is the most highly-regarded backup in the division and may be better suited for the offense given the receivers on the roster. If Griffin can't be the dual threat he once was and can't get his weapons into the end zone, at some point, Jay Gruden will have no choice but to seek an alternative. The Jaguars visit Fed Ex Field looking to apply the type of pressure they got on Foles in the opener, so Griffin will have his hands full.

Romo should, too, since Tennessee harassed the Chiefs all day and look like a possible sleeper to reach the postseason. Can they contain Dez Bryant? If that's not possible, do they have the firepower to pile up points against Dallas' vulnerable defense?

Just how good are the Titans?

Entering Week 2, that's one of many worthwhile questions that will slowly start deciphering the answers to.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-10-2014, 06:20 PM

Inside the Stats - Week 2

September 10, 2014

It was Mark Twain who once said, “There are three kinds of lies – Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics.”

With Week One of the 2014 NFL season, and two weeks of college football action, now in the history book it’s time to examine how the games have been actually played on the field, as opposed to the scoreboard, from both an ‘ATS’ (Against The Spread) and a statistical ‘ITS’ (Inside The Stats) perspective.

Note that all results are ATS in games played this season through Monday, September 8th unless noted otherwise.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

With two games under the belt for most college football teams let’s examine the relevant offensive and defensive stats compiled season to date.

Because we like to compare apples-to-apples, these are total yardage numbers compiled with a minimum of two games played against FBS teams only. No FCS contest results are used.

Good Offenses – Yards Per Game
-- Arizona 621, Alabama 579, Auburn 554, Western Kentucky 554

Bad Offenses – Yards Per Game
-- SMU 170.5, Florida Atlantic 172.5, Vanderbilt 222.5

Ugly Offense – Points Per Game
-- SMU 3, Florida Atlantic 3.5, Vanderbilt 5

Good Defenses – Yards Per Game
-- Penn State 261.5, Texas 261.5, La Monroe 268

Bad Defenses – Yards Per Game
-- Florida Atlantic 702, Fresno State 613.5, Rice 576

Ugly Defense – Points Per Game
-- Fresno State 55.5, Florida Atlantic 48.0, Rice 48.0

Inside the Stats

Football games are won on the field and the scoreboard. The gambling public reacts more to the score than the stats inside the game.

Finding teams who outplayed they opponent in the stats but lost the game and, conversely, those who won the game but lost the stats is an added edge that can help you when it comes to handicapping the games each week.

With that, here are the teams who won ‘inside-out’ ITS (In The Stats) last week; won the game but were out-gained by 100 or more yards:

College Football: USC and Virginia

These are the teams who lost ‘inside-out’ ITS (In The Stats) last week; lost the game but out-yarded their opponent by 100 or more yards:

College Football: Miami (Ohio) and Stanford

There were no such occurrences in the NFL.

In closing, here are the games this week involving ‘double inside-out’ stat results from last week – or teams off a phony SU win but stat loss playing an opponent off a SU loss but a stat win, with the phony loser listed first:

College Football: Army-Stanford and Virginia Tech-East Carolina

NFL: San Francisco-Chicago

It’s What’s Trending

From a weekly NFL column I am writing in the USA TODAY SPORTS WEEKLY, here are the hottest trends on this week’s card supplied by my well-oiled machine, the database:

-- Baltimore is 14-1 SU at home in games off a loss, including 5-0 SU and ATS the last five.

-- Carolina is just 5-15 SU and 5-14-1 ATS in home openers since entering the league, including 0-8-1 ATS as a favorite.

-- Chicago is a mind-boggling 0-11-1 ATS in games after battling an AFC opponent, and also 0-8 SU and ATS in its last eight games in San Francisco.

-- Dallas is a dazzling 9-0 ATS as a dog in its last nine AFC tilts.

-- Miami is a meager 4-19 SU and 2-20-1 ATS in division games off a win when facing a foe off a SU underdog win.

Stat Of The Week

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is 10-0 SU and ATS in games off a loss in his NFL career.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-10-2014, 06:24 PM

Tech Trends - Week 2

September 9, 2014

Thursday, Sept. 11

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

PITTSBURGH at BALTIMORE...Last five meetings decided by 3 or fewer. Steel has covered last four meetings in close fashion, and Tomlin 6-3 as road dog since 2012. Tomlin 9-4 last 13 as dog as well. Slight to Steelers and "over," based on series trends.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

DETROIT at CAROLINA...Panthers 6-1-1 last 8 as home chalk. Carolina also "under" 7-2 last 9 as host. Lions 3-8 vs. line last 11 away. Panthers and :"under," based on team trends.

MIAMI at BUFFALO...Bills have won and covered 3 of last 4 meetings including last two at Orchard Park. Buffalo 7-2 vs. line last nine as host. If Dolphins dog note 7-2 mark in role LY. Dolphins "under" 30-17-2 since 2011, "unders" 6-1-1 last eight in series. "Under" and Bills, based on team and series trends.

JACKSONVILLE at WASHINGTON...Jags 6-15-1 as dog since late 2012. Also "over" 7-2 last nine away from home. But Skins 5-13 last 18 vs. number. Slight to "over," based on Jags "total" trends.

DALLAS at TENNESSEE...Dallas was 6-2 as dog LY and is 7-4 as road dog past two seasons. Titans 3-8-2 vs. line last 13 as host pre-Whisenhunt. Titans also "over" 7-2 last nine at home. "Over" and Cowboys, if dog, based on "totals" and team trends.

ARIZONA at NY GIANTS...If G-Men chalk note 7-2 mark last nine at role at Met Life Stadium. If dog note Coughlin 15-9 last 24 in role. If Cards dog note 6-3 mark in role LY. Cards 12-6-1 vs. line since late 2012. Slight to Cards, based on team trends.

NEW ENGLAND at MINNESOTA...Belichick 0-4 as road chalk LY but was 4-0 off SU loss in 2013. Pats "over" 21-11-1 away in reg. season since 2011. Vikes "over" 13-5 last 18 since late 2012. Also 6-1 as home dog since 2012. "Over" and Vikings, based on "totals" and team trends.

NEW ORLEANS at CLEVELAND...Browns "under" 15-9-1 since 2011. Saints 0-4 as road chalk LY, 1-7 vs. line on reg.-season road but 4-1vs. line off SU loss in 2013. "Under," based on "totals" trends.

ATLANTA at CINCINNATI...Cincy 6-15-1 as home chalk since 2009, Bengals also "over" 6-1 last seven at home LY. "Over" and Falcons, based on "totals" and team trends.

ST. LOUIS at TAMPA BAY...Rams only 2-6 as road dog LY after 7-1 mark in role in 2012. Rams won and covered last two years vs. Schiano Bucs, both "under" as well. TB 7-15-1 vs. line since mid 2012. "Under" and slight to Rams, based on team and "totals" trends.

SEATTLE at SAN DIEGO...Seahawks 25-11-1 vs. line since 2012, 10-2-1 last 13 away. Bolts 9-3-1 as dog since LY. Seahawks, based on team trends.

HOUSTON at OAKLAND...If Oakland favored note 6-17 mark at home in role since 2006. Raiders 13-23-1 vs. line since late in 2011 campaign. Texans, if dog, based on Raider home chalk woes.

NY JETS at GREEN BAY...Jets 6-3-1 as dog in 2013. Pack 20-10 as home chalk 2009-12 before 3-4 mark in role LY. Jets, based on team trends.

KANSAS CITY at DENVER...Denver has won SU last four vs. Chiefs and has covered last three. Series "under" 6-1 last seven, a departure from the many Denver "overs" past few years. Broncos "over" 24-10 at home in reg. season since late 2009. Broncos and slight to "over," based on team trends.

CHICAGO at SAN FRANCISCO...SF 15-6-1 vs. spread as reg.-season host since 2011. Bears "over" 11-4-1 in Trestman debut LY, 6-2 "over" away. 49ers and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

Monday, Sept. 15

Matchup Skinny Tech Trend

PHILADELPHIA at INDIANAPOLIS...Colts 10-4 last 14 vs. line as host. Birds "over" 7-2 last nine away. Colts and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

**Udog** · 09-11-2014, 08:18 AM

NFL

Thursday, September 11

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Thursday Night Football: Steelers at Ravens
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5, 44.5)

Preparing to play your fiercest rival on a short week is a daunting enough task, but the Baltimore Ravens are also dealing with the fallout from the Ray Rice saga as they get set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Baltimore lost at Cincinnati in its season opener and faces the prospect of falling two games behind the Steelers in the AFC North. Tight games are the norm in the rivalry, with nine of the last 10 regular-season meetings decided by three points or fewer.

Rice's contract was terminated Monday after videotape from TMZ surfaced showing the running back knocking out his then-fiancee with a punch to the head, which had led to a two-game suspension by the league. "We knew we were going to be without him anyway for the first two games, so our focus is on the Steelers and nothing else," Ravens wideout Torrey Smith said. "It’s way worse for him than it is for us. We just have to get ready for the next one.” Pittsburgh blew a 24-point halftime lead before beating Cleveland on a last-second field goal in its opener.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, CBS, NFL Network.

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Ravens as 3-point home faves and are now dealing -2.5. The total opened around 42 or 43.5 and is now up to 44 or 44.5 (depending on where you shop).

INJURY REPORT: Steelers - WR Lance Moore (Questionable, groin), RB Dri Archers (Questionable, ankle). Ravens - CB Ladarius Webb (Questionable, back).

POWER RANKINGS: Steelers (+1.0) - Ravens (+2.0) + home field advantage (-3.0) = Ravens -2.0

WEATHER REPORT: Weather forecasts are calling for 61 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow to the east endzone at 6 mph.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Pittsburgh running back Le'Veon Bell also was involved in a notable off-field transgression when he was arrested on marijuana possession and DUI charges last month, but he sparkled in the opener by rushing for 109 yards and a TD and catching six passes for 88 yards. Bell wasn't the only second-year player with a strong debut. Markus Wheaton, who did next to nothing as a rookie, had six receptions for 97 yards and provides another favorable option for Ben Roethlisberger (365 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) with a pair of huge catches on the winning drive. An aging defense was a major issue last season for the Steelers and it remains a concern after the unit was gouged repeatedly by Cleveland's no-huddle offense.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U): An already unsettled running back situation became further muddled when Bernard Pierce - Rice's replacement - was benched after a costly fumble and replaced by scat back Justin Forsett, who acquitted himself well with 70 yards and a TD on 11 carries. With rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro the only other option in the backfield, Pierce will likely remain the starter but Baltimore needs a more balanced attack. Quarterback Joe Flacco was forced to attempt 62 passes last week, finishing with 345 yards with one TD and one pick. Veteran Steve Smith had an 80-yard scoring pass in his Ravens debut while a bend-but-not-break defense allowed five first-half field goals before surrendering a 77-yard winning touchdown pass.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Steelers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Ravens are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.
* Steelers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games in September.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 60 percent of wagers are backing the Steelers.

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Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 2 (Thursday, September 11 - Monday, September 15)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 2 (Thursday, September 11 - Monday, September 15)

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