NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 2 (Thursday, September 17 - Monday, September 21)

[Udog]

Crazy NFL betting trend has you thinking twice about Patriots in Week 2

Defending Super Bowl champs have covered just 30 percent of the time in their first road game of the season since 1985.

A Super Bowl title paints a rather large target on a team’s back, which could be why reigning champs have been a bad bet in their first road game of the new season over the past 30 years of NFL action.

Since 1985, defending Super Bowl winners are just 9-21 ATS (15-15 SU, 14-15-1 O/U) when playing the role of visitors for the first time – covering just 30 percent of the time. Over the past 10 seasons, defending champs are only 2-8 ATS (5-5 SU, 5-4-1 O/U) in their opening road game of the regular season.

Last year, the Seattle Seahawks lost 30-21 to the San Diego Chargers as 4.5-point road favorites in Week 2. In 2013, the Baltimore Ravens were trucked by the Denver Broncos 49-27 as 7.5-point road underdogs in the Week 1 opener.

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, the reigning 2014 NFL champions, brace for a hostile environment at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Week 2 of the schedule, with this AFC East matchup currently installed as a pick’em following the Bills’ dominant performance against the Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 1.

This line opened with the Patriots as 1-point road favorites at CG Technology sportsbooks in Las Vegas this April and New England has been a cash cow versus Buffalo in the past, going 21-10-1 ATS in their previous 32 meetings including a 9-2 ATS mark in their last 11 games in New York. However, the Bills are coming off a huge victory against the Colts, winning 27-14 as 1-point home underdogs and have a new swagger and confidence thanks to head coach Rex Ryan.

The Pats have been against this road trend three previous times, having lost 27-17 at Carolina as 3-point favorites in 2005, but won 23-12 at Arizona as 7.5-point chalk the previous season and 44-17 at the Jets as 1-point underdogs in 2002.

Sunday’s total is set at 45 points. The Patriots and Bills have 6-2 Over/Under in their last eight head-to-head meetings.

[Udog]

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 2

Sunday September, 20

Houston at Carolina, 1:00 ET
Houston: 45-24 OVER in games where the line is +3 to -3
Carolina: 12-3 ATS after playing their last game on the road

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 210-164 UNDER in all games
New Orleans: 27-49 ATS in home games versus division opponents

San Francisco at Pittsburgh, 1:00 ET
San Francisco: 9-23 ATS in road games after allowing 9 points or less
Pittsburgh: 46-27 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points

Detroit at Minnesota, 1:00 ET
Detroit: 11-2 UNDER in road games against conference opponents
Minnesota: 7-0 UNDER in home games off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a road favorite

New England at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
New England: 85-49 ATS as an underdog
Buffalo: 14-3 UNDER in all games

Arizona at Chicago, 1:00 ET
Arizona: 18-8 ATS against conference opponents
Chicago: 0-6 ATS as a home underdog of 7 points or less

Tennessee at Cleveland, 1:00 ET
Tennessee: 2-9 ATS against conference opponents
Cleveland: 6-0 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread

San Diego at Cincinnati, 1:00 ET
San Diego: 8-0 ATS in September games
Cincinnati: 66-94 ATS in the first half of the season

St Louis at Washington, 1:00 ET
St Louis: 16-6 UNDER off an upset win as a home underdog
Washington: 159-120 UNDER against conference opponents

Atlanta at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 4-13 ATS off an upset win as a home underdog
NY Giants: 20-8 OVER in home games off a road loss against a division rival

Baltimore at Oakland, 4:05 ET
Baltimore: 41-24 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
Oakland: 6-0 OVER in home games against conference opponents

Miami at Jacksonville, 4:05 ET
Miami: 52-27 UNDER off a road win
Jacksonville: 0-9 ATS in the first month of the season

Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:25 ET
Dallas: 11-3 ATS as an underdog
Philadelphia: 6-0 ATS off a road loss

Seattle at Green Bay, 8:30 ET
Seattle: 20-9 ATS against conference opponents
Green Bay: 222-173 OVER in all games

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, September 20

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Sunday's Week 2 NFL betting cheat sheet
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The Cowboys have won the past three matchups in Philadelphia by an average of 13.3 points and are 3-0 ATS in those games.

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers (-3, 39.5)

* Houston coach Bill O'Brien benched Brian Hoyer in favor of Ryan Mallett during the Texans' 27-20 loss to Kansas City last week. O'Brien decided he will go forward with Mallett as the starter as Houston prepares for a stingy Panthers defense which throttled Jacksonville 20-9 last week.

* Cam Newton was the focal point of the offense in Week 1, passing for 175 yards and running for 35 more. Tight end Greg Olsen caught just one pass for 11 yards last week and he may not get much more involved in the passing game this week as he will bear some of the responsibility of blocking Texans star lineman J.J. Watt.


San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5, 45.5)

* 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula was particularly thrilled with what he saw from Colin Kaepernick, although the quarterback's statistics (165 yards passing, 41 rushing) don't exactly jump off the page. "I don't think we had something that was broke," Tomsula said of the 27-year-old Kaepernick. "He's a very talented athlete. He's a very talented quarterback. He's got a skill set, we just want to utilize his skill set."

* DeAngelo Williams put forth an admirable performance by rushing for 127 yards while playing in place of Le'Veon Bell, who will sit out the second contest of his two-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-10, 47)

* Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans will be a game-time decision, according to Greg Ausman of the Tampa Bay Times. "Mike Evans has been able to do more and more each day, which is a good thing," coach Lovie Smith said. "You want them to say they're ready to go, but Mike wasn't ready to go last week. He's closer this week, and we have a little bit of time before game time."

* “The defense got off the field a few times and we had some chances to go down and get significant points, and we just ended up with field goals,” quarterback Drew Brees told reporters. “Red-zone efficiency obviously (is a priority) as we look forward to the Bucs.”


Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (-2, 43)

* Detroit WR Golden Tate told reporters that he expects to be a game-time decision as he deals with a quadriceps injury.

* The Vikings have gone 6-2-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Lions in Minnesota. Furthermore, the Under has gone 5-2 in the last seven games between the two NFC North rivals in Minny.


Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears (+1.5, 46.5)

* Arizona will be without running back Andre Ellington (knee) for 2-3 weeks, meaning veteran Chris Johnson and rookie David Johnson will take on extra work in the backfield.

* Chicago stayed in the game against the Packers thanks to a huge effort from Matt Forte (141 rushing yards, TD). The Bears likely will have a tougher time running the ball against Arizona and will need Jay Cutler to improve upon last week’s 18-of-36 performance for 225 yards with a TD and an interception.


New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (+1, 44)

* Tom Brady, who said the Bills had “probably the best D-line in football,” showed no signs of any wear in his game following a summer spent defending his reputation and completed 19 passes in a row at one point en route to a 25-of-32, 288-yard, four-TD performance in the opener.

* Rex Ryan’s Jets teams always played Tom Brady tough, and he has built a similarly stacked defense with Buffalo that's led by Marcell Dareus. The defensive tackle, who signed a six-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $100 million at the end of training camp, will be making his season debut after sitting out Week 1 due to a suspension.


San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 46.5)

* The Chargers tallied a Week 1-best 483 yards on offense in their season-opening win against the Detroit Lions. One player to check for on that side of the ball is rookie running back Melvin Gordon, a player who offensive coordinator Frank Reich was impressed with in Week 1. "I thought Melvin had a good game. The thing I liked most about Melvin was, he just appeared confident, poised, the whole game. I just felt like he had a good look in his eyes."

* The Bengals have won each of their last three regular-season contests against the Chargers and are 3-0 against the spread in those three games.


Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (+2.5, 41.5)

* Titans tight end Delanie Walker was back at practice Friday and is hopeful to play after injuring his hand in Tennessee's Week 1 victory. "It felt good to be back out there running around, catching some passes,’’ Walker said. “I still have a few more days to let it heal up and then go from there.”

* According to Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel will be more prepared for Cleveland's date with Tennessee than he was the last time he started at home. "I definitely feel I’m in a lot better place now, so I guess if I thought I was prepared then, I think I’m even more prepared now,” Manziel said Friday.


Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-2.5, 51)

* The Falcons will face their second straight NFC East opponent after outlasting visiting Philadelphia 26-24 on Monday to give Dan Quinn a victory in his NFL head coaching debut. Atlanta has dropped four of the last five regular-season meetings, including a 30-20 setback at New York last season.

* New York's offense wasn't sharp in the opener, with one touchdown coming on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's fumble return and the other coming on Jennings' plunge after an interception return to the 1-yard line. Manning threw for 193 yards on 20-of-36 while Jennings rushed for 52 yards and wideout Odell Beckham had a team-high five receptions for 44 yards.


St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins (+3, 41)

* Rams quarterback Nick Foles, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, has won his last two starts against Washington, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 623 yards with three TDs and no interceptions. He is 1-1 ATS against Washington.

* Washington’s offense struggled to find the end zone in a 17-10 loss to Miami last week and will be short-handed on that side of the ball with receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring) out for 3-4 weeks and tight end Jordan Reed (quadriceps) listed as questionable after making seven catches for 63 yards and a touchdown last week.


Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars (+5.5, 41.5)

* Dolphins offseason acquisition Ndamukong Suh declared his performance as "poor" after recording two tackles in the season opener. "At the end of the day, you want to outdo whatever you did in the past," said Suh, who inked a six-year, $114 million deal in March. "That’s how I live my life, just try to and do better each and every day."

* The Jaguars have lost the last three meetings between these two Florida clubs and have posted an ATS record of 0-3 in the process.


Baltimore Ravens at Oakland Raiders (+6.5, 42.5)

* The Ravens attempt to continue their dominance in the all-time series when they visit the Raiders. Baltimore has won six of its seven meetings with Oakland and each of the last four, including a 55-20 pounding on Nov. 11, 2012. The Ravens are 5-2 ATS in those meetings.

* Raiders QB Derek Carr exited Oakland's season-opening loss to Cincinnati with a bruised right hand suffered while attempting a stiff-arm but participated in Wednesday's practice without incident. In addition to Carr, Oakland lost three defensive starters to injuries in the opener. Safety Charles Woodson separated his shoulder in the final minute of the contest and is questionable for Sunday as he participated in Wednesday's early-practice drills without equipment. Cornerback D.J. Hayden and defensive tackle Justin Ellis went down with ankle injuries, although the former practiced on Wednesday.


Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-5, 55)

* Dallas has won the past three matchups in Philadelphia by an average of 13.3 points and is 3-0 ATS in those games.

* Eagles running back DeMarco Murray will face his former teammates but said he will be taking a business-as-usual approach against Dallas, which was unwilling to match the Eagles' offer to him. "I'm not looking at it as facing the Cowboys," said Murray, who ripped off 12 100-yard games last season. "Just preparing like I always prepare for any other game."


Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-3.5, 49)

* Coach Pete Carroll reiterated that he is "disappointed" in the situation that has led safety Kam Chancellor to remove himself from the team, but is prepared to go without him on Sunday. "Nothing has changed. It really has never been a negotiation. It's been conversations. Nothing's changed though," Carroll told reporters. "...I'm just disappointed like I know he is and everybody is that it hasn't found a way to get him here. That's all."

* Green Bay may receive a much-needed boost to its defense as safety Morgan Burnett (strained calf) is in line to make his season debut after watching the team get shredded for 189 yards rushing by the Bears. "To be honest with you, one guy doesn't make a difference," Burnett told ESPN of the expectations of the defense. "It's a collective effort, a collective group, and we make each other look good, we make each other better. Honestly, one guy doesn't make a difference to me."

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[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, September 20


Ravens hopeful dominance of Raiders continues

The Baltimore Ravens attempt to continue their dominance in the all-time series when they visit the Oakland Raiders Sunday afternoon.

Baltimore has won six of its seven meetings with Oakland and each of the last four, including a 55-20 pounding on Nov. 11, 2012. The Ravens are 5-2 ATS in those meetings.

This time around, the Ravens are tabbed as 6-point road favorites.


Bucs' WR Mike Evans a game-time decision

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans will be a game-time decision for their visit to the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon.

"Mike Evans has been able to do more and more each day, which is a good thing," coach Lovie Smith said. "You want them to say they're ready to go, but Mike wasn't ready to go last week. He's closer this week, and we have a little bit of time before game time."

The Texas A&M product put forth an impressive rookie campaign with 68 catches fo 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014.


Packers RT Bulaga will miss 4-6 weeks

Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga is expected to miss four to six weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The sixth-year player underwent surgery Saturday, according to NFL Media reports. Bulaga, who also has a sprained MCL, is expected to have to sit out up to six weeks.

Bulaga departed Thursday's practice after hurting the knee. The team initially feared that Bulaga had torn his ACL.

On Friday, coach Mike McCarthy ruled Bulaga out of the Packers' home game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night. McCarthy said Bulaga was still being evaluated.

Bulaga suffered a knee sprain last year in the season opener, and he returned after missing one game. He missed all of 2013 with an ACL tear and underwent reconstructive surgery.


Rams rookie Gurley a game-time decision

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher told Sirius XM Radio on Saturday that rookie running back Todd Gurley will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.

Gurley, the No. 10 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, has been out with a knee injury. He was listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

The rookie did run with the first unit at times this week in practice. During the week, Fisher would not rule out Gurley for Sunday's game.

Tre Mason, who has been out with a hamstring injury, is expected to return. Benny Cunningham filled in as the starter in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

Gurley has been out since tearing an ACL last Nov. 12 in a game against Auburn while at Georgia.

If Gurley plays Sunday, he is expected to be eased back into the running back rotation before eventually becoming the primary ball carrier.


Titans' TE Walker hopeful to play Sunday

Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker was back at practice Friday and is hopeful to play after injuring his hand in Tennessee's Week 1 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"It felt good to be back out there running around, catching some passes,’’ Walker said. “I still have a few more days to let it heal up and then go from there.”

Walker had three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown versus the Bucs but said he'd give it another day to see how that hand feels.

“It’s really just a matter of me being able to do my job 100 percent,’’ Walker said. “If I can go out there and play like No.82 can play, then I feel good about things. We’ll give it another day, but I feel good about it.”


Jets' Ivory considered questionable for Monday night

New York Jets running back Chris Ivory took part in Saturday's practice on a limited basis and was listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Ivory suffered a groin injury earlier in the week during practice.

If Ivory is unable to play, the Jets only have two possible replacements on the roster -- offseason pickup Zac Stacy and Bilal Powell to shoulder the load. Stacy was inactive last week.

In Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Ivory scored two touchdowns in a 31-10 victory.


Houston's NRG Stadium to switch from grass to turf

According to Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle, NRG Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, will switch from grass to artificial turf.

The switch will be made in time for the Texans' home date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 27, so the Texans will play their remaining home games on the turf.

[Udog]

NFL

Sunday, September 20

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Sunday Night Football betting preview: Seahawks at Packers
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Aaron Rodgers tossed three touchdown passes - two to reacquired wideout James Jones - in Green Bay's 31-23 season-opening victory over Chicago on Sunday.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-3.5, 49)

The Green Bay Packers were nursing a 12-point lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the latter stages of the NFC Championship Game last season before the bottom fell out in horrific fashion. Eight months after the onside kick went awry and the Seahawks won in overtime, the Packers will look to exact a measure of revenge when the teams meet at Lambeau Field on Sunday night.

Aaron Rodgers tossed three touchdown passes - two to reacquired wideout James Jones - in Green Bay's 31-23 season-opening victory over Chicago on Sunday. While the reigning NFL MVP dismissed ideas of getting even with their opponent, Seattle would like to level its record after suffering a 34-31 overtime loss in St. Louis last week. Marshawn Lynch was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing play against the Rams after famously being bypassed on Russell Wilson's pivotal interception in a 28-24 loss to New England in Super Bowl XLIX. Lynch gashed the Packers, however, for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-16 triumph in Week 1 last season before amassing 157 yards in the NFC title game.

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

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Green Bay -3 but that is now -3.5. The total has held at 49.

INJURY REPORT: Seahawks - S Kam Chancellor (Holdout), CB Tharold Simon (Questionable, toe), LB Mike Morgan (Out, hamstring). Packers - S Morgan Burnett (Probable, calf), DE Datone Jones (Probable, suspension), T Bryan Bulaga (Out, knee).

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high-50s with wind blowing toward the north end zone at around five mils per hour.

POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks (-3.5) + Packers (-5) + home field (-3.0) = Packers -4.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Yea, yea, we all know about how good Aaron Rodgers is, even minus his favorite target. But the Packers D allowed Chicago to convert 11-17 on 3rd downs, and nearly blew the game late. The Seahawks finished +2 in turnovers. They had a punt return touchdown and a defensive touchdown. Yet they lost the game outright as road favorites, a very troubling sign."

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The marquee matchup of the week has resulted in interesting action. The majority of wagers, around 65 percent, have been on Green Bay but we've moved down a half point because we have a greater amount of the handle on Seattle. I predict this will move back past the key number by kickoff with everyone recognizing the Packers' revenge factor. The over has been popular with both sides of the betting spectrum."

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U): Coach Pete Carroll reiterated that he is "disappointed" in the situation that has led safety Kam Chancellor to remove himself from the team, but is prepared to go without him on Sunday. "Nothing has changed. It really has never been a negotiation. It's been conversations. Nothing's changed though," Carroll told reporters. "...I'm just disappointed like I know he is and everybody is that it hasn't found a way to get him here. That's all." Defensive back Dion Bailey, who made his NFL debut and started in Chancellor's place against the Rams, gave up the game-tying touchdown to Lance Kendricks in the waning moments of regulation.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U): Green Bay may receive a much-needed boost to its defense as safety Morgan Burnett (strained calf) is in line to make his season debut after watching the team get shredded for 189 yards rushing by the Bears. "To be honest with you, one guy doesn't make a difference," Burnett told ESPN of the expectations of the defense. "It's a collective effort, a collective group, and we make each other look good, we make each other better. Honestly, one guy doesn't make a difference to me." With respect to Burnett, the season-ending foot injury to linebacker Sam Barrington could be a difference-maker as his replacement, Nate Palmer, is still dealing with a left hand injury.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Seahawks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Green Bay.
* Seahawks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games in Week 2.
* Over is 8-1 in Packers' last nine games in September.

CONSENSUS: Sixty percent of users are backing the Packers.

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[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 21


Cowboys QB Romo breaks clavicle

PHILADELPHIA -- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo fractured his left clavicle in the third quarter of Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.

His status for the rest of the season is to be determined.

Romo lost a fumble with the Cowboys ahead 13-0 and clutched for his left shoulder while lying flat on his back. As the Dallas offense and Eagles' defense went off, Romo remained on the field.

He was driven into the ground by rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks, who forced the ball out.

Brandon Weeden is the No. 2 quarterback for the Cowboys.

Romo said before the game his back was sore entering the Week 2 NFC East showdown with the Eagles.


Bears' QB Cutler injures hamstring vs. Cardinals

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was forced to leave the game against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a hamstring injury in the second quarter.

Cutler injured himself while attempting to make a tackle on an interception thrown to Cardinals defensive back Tony Jefferson that was returned for a touchdown.

Cutler's status for Week 3's contest between the Bears and Seahawks in Seattle remains uncertain.


Cowboys' WR Bryant timeline now 10-12 weeks

Dallas Cowboys' star wideout Dez Bryant is now expected to miss 10-12 weeks with a broken foot, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapaport.

It was initially thought Bryant would miss just four-to-six weeks with his injury, but the updated injury timeline has him coming back somewhere in December.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 21


NFL roundup: Brady throws for 466 yards to beat Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Tom Brady passed for 466 yards -- the second-highest total of his career -- and three touchdowns to lead the New England Patriots in a 40-32 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Patriots (2-0) have now beaten the Bills (1-1) in 24 of their 27 meetings when Brady was the starting quarterback. New England is 10-4 against teams coached by Rex Ryan, who led the New York Jets before taking over in Buffalo during the offseason.

The teams combined for 25 penalties for 259 yards. Buffalo had 14 of those penalties for 140 yards.

Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman caught 11 passes for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and tight end Rob Gronkowski caught seven passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. New England running back Dion Lewis gained 138 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, and Stephen Gostkowski made all four of his field goal attempts.

Packers 27, Seahawks 17

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 33 passes for 249 yards with two touchdowns as Green Bay beat Seattle.

Green Bay is 2-0 -- one of just five teams in the NFC -- while the two-time defending NFC champions fell to 0-2.

With their offensive tackles struggling with Seattle's edge rushers, the Packers went to four-receiver sets, spread the field and went to a quick-hitting passing game for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Randall Cobb led the receiving corps with eight catches for 116 yards.

Browns 28, Titans 14

CLEVELAND -- Johnny Manziel threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin on Cleveland's second play and connected with his wide receiver again for a 50-yarder with 2:52 left as the defense held off quarterback Marcus Mariota in the second half.

Benjamin added a touchdown on a 78-yard punt return with 53 seconds left in the second quarter to give the Browns (1-1) a 21-0 lead halftime lead. Benjamin racked up 214 all-purpose yards in the first half.

Manziel won his Heisman Trophy matchup with Mariota, who threw two TD passes in the second half for the Titans (1-1) but took a pounding in his second game. The No. 2 overall pick was sacked seven times.

Buccaneers 26, Saints 19

NEW ORLEANS -- No. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston rebounded from a shaky NFL debut to throw for one touchdown and scramble for another to lead Tampa Bay over New Orleans.

Winston, who was picked off twice in a 42-14 loss to Tennessee last week, completed 14 of 21 passes for 207 yards. His 15-yard strike to wide receiver Vincent Jackson just before halftime put the Bucs (1-1) on top for good against the 0-2 Saints.

Winston took the Bucs 80 yards in just four plays with the second-half kickoff for a 17-7 lead. The Bucs benefitted from a 40-yard pass interference call against cornerback Brandon Browner, who was badly beaten by wide receiver Louis Murphy. Winston got the touchdown by rolling out to the left and then easily running into the end zone.

Falcons 24, Giants 20

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Julio Jones finished with 13 receptions for 135 yards, including a 37-yarder that set up the game-winning touchdown run by Davonta Freeman to give Atlanta a win over the New York Giants.

Jones, last week's NFC Offensive Player of the Week, fought through a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice two days this week for the Falcons (2-0). Jones, who connected with quarterback Matt Ryan for six receptions for 44 yards in the first quarter alone, recorded 25 of those first-quarter yards on the Falcons' second drive of the game. That drive culminated in a 7-0 lead on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Ryan to running back Tevin Coleman.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. finished with 146 yards on seven receptions and one touchdown for the Giants (0-2).

Panthers 24, Texans 17

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton threw for two touchdowns and made an acrobatic touchdown leap as Carolina defeated Houston.

Newton flipped into the end zone over the tackle attempt of Texans safety Rahim Moore for the tiebreaking points with 1:04 to play in the third quarter.

Linebacker A.J. Klein's fourth-quarter interception set up the Panthers at the Houston 36 with 9:02 left. The next play resulted in Newton's touchdown pass to receiver Philly Brown, pushing the Panthers (2-0) to a 24-10 lead. The Texans are 0-2).

Vikings 26, Lions 16

MINNEAPOLIS -- Adrian Peterson rushed for 134 yards on 29 carries as Minnesota beat Detroit.

Peterson, playing his first game at home since Dec. 1, 2013, rebounded from a sub-par performance in last week's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. In that game, he carried just 10 times for 31 yards.

Peterson had eclipsed that total by the end of the first drive on Sunday, as the Vikings (1-1) ran for 199 as a team against the Lions (0-2). He accounted for 45 of them on the game's initial drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater to tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Cardinals 48, Bears 23

CHICAGO -- Carson Palmer threw four touchdown passes, including three to Larry Fitzgerald, to lead Arizona over Chicago, whose starting quarterback Jay Cutler was forced out of the game with an injury suffered while trying to make a tackle on an interception return.

The score was tied at 14 in the second quarter when Palmer led the Cardinals (2-0) on an 80-yard, nine-play drive that ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald.

Two plays after the kickoff, Cutler, who to that point had completed all eight passes he attempted, threw behind tight end Martellus Bennett and into the receptive arms of Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson, who returned the gift 26 yards for a touchdown that put Arizona ahead 28-14. Cutler was injured as he dove to try to tackle Jefferson near the sideline. It appeared Cutler landed on his shoulder and head, but the Bears (0-2) announced the injury as a hamstring, and he did not return to the game.

Steelers 43, 49ers 18

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns, Antonio Brown had 195 receiving yards and DeAngelo Williams tied a franchise record with three touchdown runs as Pittsburgh built a 26-point halftime lead and rolled over San Francisco.

Roethlisberger completed 21 of 27 passes as the Steelers bounced back from a season-opening loss to the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots to even their record at 1-1. The 49ers are 1-1.

Brown had nine receptions, his last going for a 7-yard touchdown with 7:43 left to close the scoring. He has 18 catches for 328 yards through two games and became the fourth player in Steelers' history with 400 career receptions, joining Hines Ward, Heath Miller and John Stallworth.

Williams rushed for 77 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 2, 2 and 1 yards as he again filled in for Pro Bowl running back LeVeon Bell, who served the second game of a two-game suspension for violating the NFLs' code of conduct. Williams had 127 yards in the opener.

Bengals 24, Chargers 19

CINCINNATI -- Giovani Bernard rushed for 123 yards and Andy Dalton tossed three touchdown passes to lead Cincinnati over San Diego.

Philip Rivers passed for 241 yards and two TDs with an interception for the Chargers (1-1).

The Bengals (2-0) forced their fourth turnover of the season when defensive end Wallace Gilberry's hit on Rivers resulted in a fumble which was recovered by linebacker Chris Carter.

Redskins 24, Rams 10

LANDOVER, Md. -- Rookie running back Matt Jones rumbled for two touchdowns and 123 rushing yards to lead Washington over St. Louis.

Jones' second touchdown, a 3-yard burst with 2:43 to go, concluded a 12-play, 77-yard drive and sealed the result that evened each team's record at 1-1.

The Rams had nearly as many penalties (nine) as first downs (11), while the Redskins teamed Jones and Alfred Morris for 37 carries and 182 rushing yards to dominate time-of-possession, 37:18 to 22:16.

Jaguars 23, Dolphins 20

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jason Myers kicked a 28-yard field goal with 40 seconds left in regulation to push Jacksonville past Miami at EverBank Field.

The Jaguars put together a nine-play drive in 1:08, marching from their own 24-yard line to just inside the Dolphins 10-yard line. Blake Bortles completed three of five passes in the drive, including 18- and 19-yard completions to wide receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns, respectively.

The biggest play of the drive came following a 6-yard run by T.J. Yeldon to the Dolphins' 34. Linebacker Olivier Vernon shoved Jaguars tight end Clay Harbor to the ground after the play and was hit with a personal foul. That gave the Jaguars a first down at the 19-yard line with just under a minute left in the game.

Cowboys 20, Eagles 10

PHILADELPHIA -- Dallas won the game, but it may have lost its season after quarterback Tony Romo was knocked out of the game with a fractured left clavicle in the victory over Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

Romo, who was injured in the third quarter on a play in which he was sacked and fumbled, did not return to the game and the Cowboys said his future status will be determined at a later date. Romo missed the final 10 games of the 2010 season after fracturing his left clavicle. He was replaced for the rest of the game by Brandon Weeden.

The victory gives Dallas a two-game lead over the Eagles in the NFC East. The Cowboys held DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing last season for Dallas, to just two yards on 13 carries. And the Cowboys won despite being flagged for 19 penalties.

Raiders 37, Ravens 33

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Derek Carr threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Seth Roberts with 26 seconds left to play, lifting Oakland Raiders to a victory against Baltimore at the O.co Coliseum.

The Raiders (1-1) marched 80 yards on nine plays in 1:44 for their game-winning touchdown, giving new coach Jack Del Rio his first victory with Oakland.

Carr, who left last week's game against Cincinnati with an injury to his right thumb, threw for a career-high 351 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He completed 30 of 46 passes. Raiders rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper had seven catches for 109 yards and his first NFL touchdown.

[Udog]

NFL

Monday, September 21

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Monday Night Betting Preview: Jets at Colts
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Andrew Luck and the Colts are looking for their first win of 2015 and are 7-point faves against the visiting Jets.

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (-7, 46.5)

Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts are hoping their second matchup with an AFC East foe goes better than the first. Playing at home should provide an added lift for the Colts, who will try to rebound from a season-opening drubbing in Buffalo when they host the New York Jets on Monday night.

Touted as one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl, Indianapolis fell behind by 17 points at halftime and never recovered in a 27-14 loss to the Bills. "They beat us pretty bad," Luck said. "You don't let one game necessarily define you, but that doesn't make it any easier of a pill to swallow." The Jets turned in an impressive performance in Todd Bowles' debut as a head coach, pulling away in the second half for a decisive 31-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. New York has won the past two meetings, including a 35-9 romp in October 2012 in Luck's fifth career game.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Colts -7. O/U: 46.5

LINE HISTORY: The Colts opened favored by a converted touchdown and have remained there all week. The total has been bet down slightly from 47.0 to 46.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Jets - WR D. Smith (probable Monday, ribs), CB A. Cromartie (questionable Monday, knee), RB C. Ivory (questionable Monday, groin), LB L. Mauldin (doubtful Monday, concussion).

Colts - LB J. Newsome (probable Monday, hamstring), LB D. Jackson (probable Monday, toe), WR T. Hilton (questionable Monday, knee), LB R. Mathis (questionable Monday, Achilles), CB D. Smith (questionable Monday, undisclosed), CB G. Toler (doubtful Monday, neck), CB D. Bulter (out Monday, hip).

POWER RANKINGS: Jets (+1.5) - Colts (-2) + home field (-3) = Colts -3.5

ABOUT THE JETS (1-0, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U): New York amassed 154 yards on the ground against Cleveland but there are injury concerns over Chris Ivory (groin), who was limited in practice for a second straight day Friday after rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in Week 1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, elevated to starter when Geno Smith had his jaw broken in the preseason, threw for 179 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while Brandon Marshall had six catchesor 62 yards and a score in his Jets debut. New York's defense forced five fumbles and had three sacks but figures to receive a much more stern test from Luck than Johnny Manziel.

ABOUT THE COLTS (0-1, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U): Luck and Indianapolis' offense did next to nothing for nearly three quarters a week ago and could be without top wideout T.Y. Hilton, who has not practiced this week after suffering a bruised knee that was thought to be much more severe. A pair of veteran newcomers both had quiet debuts with the Colts - Andre Johnson had four catches for 24 yards and running back Frank Gore was limited to 31 yards on 10 carries as Indy managed only 64 yards rushing. The Colts have issues on the other side of the ball with starting cornerback Greg Toler to miss a second straight week while his backup, Darius Butler (hip), did not practice Friday.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Jets are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Indianapolis.
* Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is fairly split in this matchup, with 56 percent of wagers backing the Colts at -7.

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[Udog]

NFL
Short Sheet

Monday, September 21

NY Jets at Indianapolis, 8:30 ET
NY Jets: 5-8 ATS on road where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points
Indianapolis: 6-0 ATS after a loss by 10 or more points