Announcement

**Udog** · 09-29-2015, 09:36 PM

NFL Opening Line Report: Steelers home underdogs without Big Ben

“I've been making the home team in this rivalry a one to 3-point favorite for as long as I can remember, but without Roethlisberger, that won't be the case here." - John Avello, Wynn

A key AFC North tilt kicks off Week 4 in the NFL, with Baltimore traveling to rival Pittsburgh to play under the Thursday night lights, with both teams reeling. The Ravens still haven’t cracked the win column SU or ATS, and the Steelers lost stud quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a left knee injury Sunday.

Baltimore (0-3 SU and ATS), a 2.5-point home favorite against Cincinnati Sunday, rallied from a 14-0 deficit to take a 24-21 lead with four minutes left. But the Bengals then drove for a touchdown, handing the Ravens a 28-24 loss.

This week’s trip to Heinz Field marks Baltimore’s third road game of the season already, after the Ravens opened with losses at Denver and at Oakland in games that easily could have fallen in the Ravens’ favor.

The Steelers (2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS) escaped St. Louis with an ugly 12-6 victory Sunday as a 1.5-point road underdog, but Roethlisberger exited in the third quarter and left the stadium on crutches with an MCL sprain. He’s expected to miss four to six weeks.

John Lester, senior lines manager for Bookmaker.eu, made the Ravens a 2.5-point chalk.

“The loss of Roethlisberger is huge. He’s worth at least seven points to a spread because of the offense Pittsburgh runs and the fact that backup Michael Vick is a bottom-tier replacement,” Lester said. “If Big Ben isn’t available, and it doesn’t appear he will be, the offense will struggle. Prior to the injury, we were looking to make the home team between a six and 7-point favorite.”

Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports for Wynn Las Vegas, said he’ll be adjusting from a long-held formula.

“I've been making the home team in this rivalry a one to 3-point favorite for as long as I can remember, but without Roethlisberger, that won't be the case here,” Avello told Covers. “The Ravens haven't played that poorly, they just haven't won, and they will be the road favorite for this game.”

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (OTB)

Despite losing star wideout Jordy Nelson for the year in preseason play, the Packers (2-0 SU and ATS) didn’t miss a beat in the first two weeks. Green Bay won and cashed on the road against Chicago in Week 1, then dropped two-time defending NFC champion Seattle 27-17 in Week 2 as a 3.5-point home fave.

The Packers close out the NFL’s Week 3 slate by hosting Kansas City Monday night.

San Francisco (1-2 SU and ATS) shed its head coach and some key players between last year and the 2015 season, and is still trying to sort things out. On Sunday at Arizona, the 49ers got hammered 47-7 as a 7-point pup.

“The Niners haven't shown a whole lot to get excited about, and Colin Kaepernick looked like a rookie against the Cardinals on Sunday,” Avello said. “In the past, I would say that maybe their defense might slow Aaron Rodgers down, but then again, what defense?

With Green Bay still to play tonight, there’s no line on the game yet, but all things being equal, Lester said the Packers will probably be touchdown favorites.

“As long as no one significant gets injured for Green Bay on Monday – and I certainly hope that isn’t the case, the way quarterbacks are dropping in this league – we will look to make the Packers seven or 8-point favorites,” Lester said. “The Niners aren’t as bad as they’ve looked the last two weeks, but they are up against a juggernaut here.”

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)

With a healthy Carson Palmer at quarterback, Arizona is rolling and continues to play well in its home dome. On Sunday, the Cardinals (3-0 SU and ATS) steamrolled San Francisco 47-7 laying seven points at home. Arizona is 15-3 SU and 13-5 ATS in its last 18 at home.

St. Louis (1-2 SU and ATS) opened the season with a home upset of Seattle, winning 34-31 as a 3.5-point pup, then was inexplicably pedestrian against a much weaker foe, losing 24-10 at Washington as a 3-point fave. The offensive inadequacies continued Sunday in a 12-6 home loss to Pittsburgh as a 1.5-point fave, despite the Steelers being without Ben Roethlisberger the last 20 minutes of the game.

“As I’ve said before, the Cardinals are very underrated, especially at home,” Lester said. “St. Louis is stuck in quicksand offensively, and that’s not where you want to be against this Arizona defense. I would’ve liked to make the Cards a bit higher favorite, but if this ends up being a defensive battle, we didn’t want to expose ourselves to the sharp dog bettors.”

Said Avello: “It appears that this might be an easy one for the Cards, and I'm not taking anything away from them, because they are a very good team. But the three clubs they've beaten have a combined total of one win,” Avello said. “The Rams are very familiar with the Phoenix surroundings, and this is a division game that will be sought out by a very desperate St. Louis team.”

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (OTB)

The injury bug has bitten Dallas hard, as it lost all-world wideout Dez Bryant (broken foot) in Week 1 and standout QB Tony Romo (broken clavicle) in Week 2. The Cowboys (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) managed to win both games (1-1 ATS) and were poised to go to 3-0 when they took a 28-14 halftime lead Sunday against Atlanta. But the Cowboys didn’t score the rest of the way, losing 39-28 laying one point at home.

New Orleans’ precipitous fall continued Sunday in a 27-22 loss at Carolina as a 10-point dog. The Saints (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS) were without Drew Brees (rotator cuff), and his status isn’t yet set for the Sunday night game.

For several years, the Saints were among the stoutest teams in the league at home, but they lost their home opener this year to Tampa Bay 26-19 as a healthy 9.5-point chalk and have now dumped six in a row SU and seven in row ATS at the Superdome.

“We’re going to wait to see what the status of Brees is before putting up a number,” Lester said. “He’s not as valuable as he used to be, but he would still impact a line at minimum four to five points. If Brees is out again, two backups squaring off under center complicates things a bit. If that is the case, we will likely open the Cowboys as short chalk.”

Avello noted that with no Romo and possibly no Brees, this game has lost a ton of allure for bettors.

“I don't believe that before the season started, any of us thought we would see a Brandon Weeden/Luke McCown matchup for this prime-time contest,” Avello said. “For sure we're seeing Weeden, and there's a slight chance that Brees will return. Although team recognition is there for bettors, I may leave work early next Sunday, because the action on this one may be light.

**Udog** · 09-29-2015, 09:36 PM

NFL
Long Sheet

Thursday, October 1

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BALTIMORE (0 - 3) at PITTSBURGH (2 - 1) - 10/1/2015, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 70-48 ATS (+17.2 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 81-57 ATS (+18.3 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 53-32 ATS (+17.8 Units) in October games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
BALTIMORE is 3-2 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, October 4

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NY JETS (2 - 1) vs. MIAMI (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 9:30 AM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games versus division opponents since 1992.

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

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JACKSONVILLE (1 - 2) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (1 - 2) at ATLANTA (3 - 0) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in dome games since 1992.
ATLANTA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.

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

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CAROLINA (3 - 0) at TAMPA BAY (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 74-42 ATS (+27.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.

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

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NY GIANTS (1 - 2) at BUFFALO (2 - 1) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games against AFC East division opponents since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games off a division game since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.

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

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OAKLAND (2 - 1) at CHICAGO (0 - 3) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 37-72 ATS (-42.2 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 33-71 ATS (-45.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
CHICAGO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against AFC West division opponents since 1992.
CHICAGO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 38-58 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field 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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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 2) at WASHINGTON (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 75-105 ATS (-40.5 Units) in home games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 75-105 ATS (-40.5 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 75-105 ATS (-40.5 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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KANSAS CITY (1 - 2) at CINCINNATI (3 - 0) - 10/4/2015, 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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CLEVELAND (1 - 2) at SAN DIEGO (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 4:05 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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GREEN BAY (3 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (1 - 2) - 10/4/2015, 4:25 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MINNESOTA (2 - 1) at DENVER (3 - 0) - 10/4/2015, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
MINNESOTA is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 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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ST LOUIS (1 - 2) at ARIZONA (3 - 0) - 10/4/2015, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 144-182 ATS (-56.2 Units) in all games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 144-182 ATS (-56.2 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 74-101 ATS (-37.1 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 103-143 ATS (-54.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 22-42 ATS (-24.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
ARIZONA is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-0 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-1 straight up against ST LOUIS 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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DALLAS (2 - 1) at NEW ORLEANS (0 - 3) - 10/4/2015, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Monday, October 5

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DETROIT (0 - 3) at SEATTLE (1 - 2) - 10/5/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) in road games since 1992.
DETROIT is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
DETROIT is 57-84 ATS (-35.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1992.
DETROIT is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) in road games against NFC West division opponents since 1992.
SEATTLE is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-56 ATS (-32.6 Units) in October games since 1992.

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

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**Udog** · 09-29-2015, 09:37 PM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 4

Thursday - Oct, 1

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:25 ET
Baltimore: 8-20 ATS on road after allowing 99 or less rushing yds in 3 games
Pittsburgh: 92-62 OVER after allowing 75 or less rushing yards last game

Sunday - Oct, 4

NY Jets at Miami, 9:30 AM ET
New York: 48-29 ATS in road games versus division opponents
Miami: 0-6 ATS after allowing 375 or more total yards in 2 games

Jacksonville at at Indianapolis, 1:00 ET
Jacksonville: 0-8 ATS off 1 or more straight overs
Indianapolis: 10-1 ATS versus division opponents

Houston at Atlanta, 1:00 ET
Houston: 19-5 UNDER in road games off a non-conference game
Atlanta: 4-13 ATS in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1:00 ET
Carolina: 14-4 ATS on road after allowing 99 or less rushing yards in 3 games
Tampa Bay: 4-13 ATS in the first half of the season

NY Giants at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
New York: 12-2 ATS in road games against AFC East division opponents
Buffalo: 9-25 ATS off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival

Oakland at Chicago, 1:00 ET
Oakland: 8-1 OVER after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread
Chicago: 0-7 ATS as a home underdog of 7 points or less

Philadelphia at Washington, 1:00 ET
Philadelphia: 13-4 ATS on road after gaining 4 or less yds/play in previous game
Washington: 8-20 ATS as an underdog

Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1:00 ET
Kansas City: 10-2 ATS after allowing 30 points or more in 2 straight games
Cincinnati: 34-53 ATS in October

Cleveland at San Diego, 4:05 ET
Cleveland: 7-0 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread
San Diego: 26-44 ATS after allowing 30 points or more last game

Green Bay at San Francisco, 4:25 ET
Green Bay: 12-2 ATS in games played on a grass field
San Francisco: 6-16 ATS after allowing 30 points or more in 2 straight games

Minnesota at Denver, 4:25 ET
Minnesota: 9-2 ATS off 1 or more consecutive unders
Denver: 15-3 OVER after gaining 50 or less rushing yards last game

St Louis at Arizona, 4:25 ET
St Louis: 1-10 ATS after scoring and allowing 14 pts or less points
Arizona: 7-0 ATS after a win by 10 or more points

Dallas at New Orleans, 8:30 ET
Dallas: 25-12 ATS after allowing 35 points or more last game
New Orleans: 5-9 ATS off 2 straight losses against division rivals

Monday - Oct, 5

Detroit at Seattle, 8:30 ET
Detroit: 4-18 ATS in road games against NFC West division opponents
Seattle: 6-0 ATS after outgaining opp by 200 or more total yds in previous game

**Udog** · 09-29-2015, 09:37 PM

NFL

Week 4

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

Thursday, October 1

8:25 PM
BALTIMORE vs. PITTSBURGH
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games

Sunday, October 4

9:30 AM
NY JETS vs. MIAMI
NY Jets are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
NY Jets are 5-13 SU in their last 18 games
Miami is 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 games when playing NY Jets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games

1:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. TAMPA BAY
Carolina is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Carolina's last 11 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Carolina

1:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. CHICAGO
Oakland is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games

1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. ATLANTA
Houston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home

1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 25 games when playing on the road against Washington
Philadelphia is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Washington's last 25 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

1:00 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CINCINNATI
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Kansas City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Cincinnati is 14-4-1 ATS in its last 19 games at home

1:00 PM
NY GIANTS vs. BUFFALO
NY Giants are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Giants last 5 games
Buffalo is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing NY Giants
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Buffalo's last 7 games at home

1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE vs. INDIANAPOLIS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Jacksonville's last 8 games when playing Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Jacksonville's last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indianapolis's last 8 games when playing Jacksonville
Indianapolis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

4:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games
San Diego is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home

4:25 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing on the road against Arizona
St. Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Arizona's last 14 games when playing St. Louis
Arizona is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing St. Louis

4:25 PM
GREEN BAY vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Green Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Green Bay's last 25 games
San Francisco is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Green Bay
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Green Bay

4:25 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 2-15-1 SU in its last 18 games ,on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

8:30 PM
DALLAS vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Dallas is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas

Monday, October 5

8:30 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Detroit

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**Udog** · 09-30-2015, 07:29 AM

Football bettors must react quickly to these NFL Week 4 odds

Early money has already moved the line on the Jets and Dolphins. Football bettors may not want to wait any longer to fade the Fins.

Spread to bet now

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (+1.5)

Based on what we’ve seen of the Dolphins this season, it’s hard to believe that Miami was actually a slight favorite in this one before early action flipped the line. The Dolphins are one of several NFL dumpster fires this season, and one more mail-it-in performance – especially at home – figures to cost Joe Philbin his job.

It’s hard to see how Miami moves the ball in this one against a solid Jets defense that has given up the fewest points in the AFC through three games this season. New York is one bad quarter (21 given up to the Eagles in the second period) away from being 3-0 and the surprise team of the league.

Spread to wait on

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers (+8.5)

This one could get ugly, and the seven in 10 fans laying money on the Packers in early wagering could push this one up even more. The 49ers defense actually looked decent in winning the opener at home (against Minnesota), but that has been followed by two crushing losses in which San Francisco allowed a total of 90 points (43 to Pittsburgh, 47 to Arizona). The Niners seem incapable of coming even close to stopping any team with a half-decent offense, so it should be interesting what it can do against the Packers.

Total to watch

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (42)

The Cardinals are off and running with dominant wins over the Saints, Bears and 49ers. None of those three figure to sniff of the playoffs this season, but the Cardinals still like the way the offense is humming – even if QB Carson Palmer is a little long in the tooth and may not go the full 16 games.

Granted, the Rams are dead last in the league in offense and have only 16 total points in the last two games. But St. Louis is reportedly planning some new wrinkles on offense to kick-start what has so far been an unimaginative offense, so 42 looks easily attainable in this one.

**Udog** · 10-01-2015, 07:37 AM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 4

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh

Game 101-102
October 1, 2015 @ 8:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
132.542
Pittsburgh
128.084
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 4 1/2
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
by 2 1/2
44
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-2 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Washington

Game 263-264
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
133.239
Washington
127.895
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 5 1/2
41
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 3
45
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-3); Under

Kansas City @ Cincinnati

Game 265-266
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
132.388
Cincinnati
138.911
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 6 1/2
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
by 4
44
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-4); Over

Cleveland @ San Diego

Game 267-268
October 4, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
126.635
San Diego
131.004
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4 1/2
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 7 1/2
45
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+7 1/2); Under

Green Bay @ San Francisco

Game 269-270
October 4, 2015 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Green Bay
140.428
San Francisco
129.595
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 11
60
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 8
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(-8); Over

Minnesota @ Denver

Game 271-272
October 4, 2015 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
132.774
Denver
142.197
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 9 1/2
40
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
43
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-6 1/2); Under

NY Jets @ Miami

Game 251-252
October 4, 2015 @ 9:30 am

Dunkel Rating:
NY Jets
130.666
Miami
126.840
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Jets
by 4
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Jets
by 1 1/2
41 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Jets
(-1 1/2); Under

St. Louis @ Arizona

Game 273-274
October 4, 2015 @

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
131.055
Arizona
140.855
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 10
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 7
42 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-7); Over

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis

Game 253-254
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Jacksonville
124.926
Indianapolis
130.758
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indianapolis
by 6
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indianapolis
by 9 1/2
48
Dunkel Pick:
Jacksonville
(+9 1/2); Over

Dallas @ New Orleans

Game 275-276
October 4, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
131.113
New Orleans
127.132
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 4
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
N/A

Houston @ Atlanta

Game 255-256
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
128.693
Atlanta
129.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 9 1/2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 6
47
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-6); Under

Carolina @ Tampa Bay

Game 257-258
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Carolina
130.755
Tampa Bay
123.345
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 7 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
by 3
40
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(-3); Under

NY Giants @ Buffalo

Game 259-260
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Giants
131.522
Buffalo
143.051
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 11 1/2
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
by 5 1/2
46 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(-5 1/2); Over

Oakland @ Chicago

Game 261-262
October 4, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
125.060
Chicago
126.030
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 3
44 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+3); Over

Detroit @ Seattle

Game 277-278
October 5, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
131.650
Seattle
139.274
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 7 1/2
36
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
by 10
43
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+10); Under

**Udog** · 10-01-2015, 07:40 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 4

Thursday's game
Ravens (0-3) @ Steelers (2-1)-- Pitt is 10-8 in last 18 games without Big Ben at QB; but only 2-7 in division games. Vick has 112 NFL starts, only nine (3-6) last 2+ years; tough to adjust offenses with new QB on short week. Home side won last four in series; Ravens lost last two visits here, by 3-20 points- they're in desperate straits after starting year 0-3, losing by 6-4-4 points. Raven foes are 25-48 on 3rd down. Last two games. Pitt ran ball 47 times for only 146 yards; you figure they have to be more run-oriented on offense with backup QB playing. Over last decade, Steelers are 5-1 as home underdogs. Last 3+ years, Baltimore is 12-15 in games with spread of 3 or less points. Seven of last nine Pittsburgh home games went over the total.

Sunday's games
Jets (2-1) vs Dolphins (1-2) (@ London)-- Miami was dreadful in home opener; since '08, Fish are 23-11-1 as underdogs of 3 or less points, but they allowed 174 rushing yards last two games, forced no turnovers despite spending lot of $$$ on DL- they gave up 8.3/9.6 ypa last two weeks. Teams split last ten meetings. Jets are +8 in turnovers in two wins this year, -3 in loss. Since 2009, Jets are 10-5 as road favorites; they're 2-5 in last seven games with spread of 3 or less, 8-4 in last 12 AFC East road games. Jets outscored foes 37-7 in second half this year. Divisional underdogs are 10-4 vs spread so far this season. Starting off 1-2 when favored in all three games has natives restless in south Florida.

Jaguars (1-2) @ Colts (1-2)-- Indy pulled out 35-33 win in Nashville to avoid 0-3 start, giving up 27 straight points after taking 14-0 lead; they've won last five games vs Jaguars, with all five wins by 17+ points. Jaguars lost last two visits here, 30-0/23-3; over last 4+ years, Jax is 13-30-1 as single digit dog, they are 6-3 in last nine games as AFC South road underdog. Colts have 10 turnovers (-7) in first three games; they're 8-3-1 last 12 games as home favorite. Indy ran ball for 319 yards in two wins over Jags LY, but are averaging just 96.7 ypg on ground so far this year. Last five years, Colts are 10-4-1 in divisional home games. Over last 9+ years, under is 34-22-1 in Indianapolis home games.

Texans (1-2) @ Falcons (3-0)-- Atlanta trailed all three wins in 4th quarter, were down by double digits twice; they're 3-0 but not like they're the '72 Dolphins. Julio Jones has 34 catches, most of any player ever thru three games- they targeted him 20 times in Dallas Sunday (12 catches). Houston had 30 first downs last week, scored only 19 points; they haven't started a drive in enemy territory yet; opponents started 7 of 39 drives in Texan territory. Since '10, Texans are 8-12-3 as road dogs. Last three years, Atlanta is 7-10 as home favorite. NFC South teams are 5-3 in non-divisional games (3-1 when favored), AFC South teams are 3-6. Under is 15-10 in Houston's last 25 road games.

Panthers (3-0) @ Buccaneers (1-2)-- Trap game for 3-0 Carolina, which won last four vs Bucs, including both games LY, when backup QB Anderson played both games. Panthers won three of last four visits here, winning by 19-18-6 points. Carolina is 3-6 as road fave last 3+ years, but over last 10+ years, they're 5-2 as divisional road favorite. Tampa Bay is breaking in rookie QB; they're 9 for 40 on third down, have only three TDs on eight red zone drives. Bucs' kicker missed PAT, three FGs in Houston; only one he made was 58 yards. Last 8+ years, Tampa is 7-18-1 as home underdogs. Under is 14-10-1 in Tampa Bay home games last 3+ years. 14-19-1 in Carolina road games the last 4+ seasons.

Giants (1-2) @ Bills (2-1)-- First game in NY for Giants since 2007; visitor won four of last five series games- Big Blue won 19-17/38-21 in last two visits here. Giants had three extra days of prep for this after Thursday win over Redskins last week, Since '11, Giants are 14-10 as road underdogs; they had double-digit 4th quarter leads in all three games, but lost two of them- they've won field position by 11-9-20 yards. Buffalo scored 100 points in its first three games; running ball for 169.3 ypg; they're +5 in turnovers, outscored foes 20-0 in last 2:00 of each half. Bills are 8-12 as home favorites since 2011; since '07, dogs are 25-14-1 vs spread in Buffalo's non-division games. Thru three weeks, AFC East teams are 5-2-1 vs spread in non-divisional games.

Raiders (2-1) @ Bears (0-3)-- Chicago traded two defensive players for draft picks earlier in week; have they waved white flag already? Bears punted all 10 times they had ball last week in 26-0 loss at Seattle. Clausen is 1-11 as NFL starter. Oakland is road favorite for second time in last 8+ years; they lost 35-13 (-2) at Miami in Week 2 of '12 season. Bears won six of eight series games; Raiders are here for first time since '03. Raiders' win last week ended 11-game road losing skid; they gained 917 yards, scored 64 points in winning last two games- all three of their games went over. Last 3+ years, Chicago is 1-7 as home underdog. AFC West teams are 6-4 vs spread outside division; NFC North teams are 3-5.

Eagles (1-2) @ Redskins (1-2)-- Washington averaged 8.9/8.2 ypa in splitting pair of FG decisions with Eagles LY; Philly won six of last nine series games, with average total in last five, 53.8. Philly won four of last six visits here. Redskins had extra prep time after Thursday loss last week; Skins ran ball for 343 yards in first two games, but only 88 last week- they lost starting G Lauvao to injury, so that hurts. Philly is 12-5 under Kelly in games with spread of 3 or less; they're 7-12 as road favorites since 2010. Philly didn't score in second half last week; they passed for only 108 yards. Last 2+ years, Redskins are 4-7 as home underdogs, 5-10 in games with spread of 3 or less points. Under is 15-10 in Washington's last 25 home games.

Chiefs (1-2) @ Bengals (3-0)-- Cincy scored 85 points in fast start; last two wins were by total of nine points- they averaged 7.9+ ypa in all three games. Bengals won last three vs Kansas City by 10-7-22 points. Chiefs lost last four visits here; their last win here was in 1984. KC is travelling on short week; they're 7-4-1 as road dogs under Reid, but are 1-3 vs spread in game after last four MNF games. AFC North non-divisional favorites are 4-2 vs spread; AFC West underdogs are 3-4. Bengals are 9-4-1 in last 14 games as home favorite; they've had four TD drives of less than 50 yards. Chiefs finally got TD catch from WR; they're just 5-30 on third down, have been outscored 34-0 in last 2:00 of each half.

Browns (1-2) @ Chargers (1-2)-- San Diego lost field position by 9-16 yards in losing its last two games; opponents started 6 of 29 drives in SD territory- they've got injury issues on OL. Bolts won five of last seven games with Browns, losing last meeting 7-6 in 2012. Best QB in Cleveland might be #3 QB Davis, who played for Rams and got contract from Browns this week. Cleveland fired OL coach after domestic violence issue; they've got distractions; they're 5-2-1 as road underdogs under Pettine. Since '11, Chargers are 9-11 as home favorite; they were down 21-3 in their only win this year. AFC West non-divisional favorites are 3-0 so far this season; AFC North underdogs are 0-2-1 vs spread.

Packers (3-0) @ 49ers (1-2)-- Long trip, short week for Green Bay team averaging 32 ppg in first three wins, scoring 11 TDs on 29 drives. Packers covered six of last eight as road favorites, but allowed 33 ppg in losing last four games vs Niners (two playoff games), but those 49ers aren't these 49ers. SF was outscored 90-25 in losing last two games, allowing 13.7/9.3 ypa to Steelers/Cardinals; Kaepernick threw two pick-6's in first 6:00 at Arizona Sunday. 49ers are 3-0-1 as home dogs since '09; they won opener vs Minnesota as home dog, running for 230 yards. Green Bay has nine TDs, four FGs in 13 red zone drives, but they're 0-5 vs spread in last five games that followed a Monday night game. Average total in last seven series games, 55.1.

Vikings (2-1) @ Broncos (3-0)-- Denver is winning with defense, allowing four TDs on 32 drives this season, only three TDs on eight red zone drives- they're 17-7 as home favorite in Manning era, 11-4 in non-divisional games. Minnesota ran ball for 362 yards last couple weeks at home, after they laid egg in opener in Santa Clara, losing 20-3- they're just 11-32 on 3rd down, sign of a young QB. Denver has 10 takeaways (+6) in three games;its foes are just 6-32 on third down. Vikings are 7-6 in series (3-3 here), with five of their last six meetings decided by 4 or less points. Seven of last nine Viking road games stayed under total. AFC West non-divisional favorites are 3-0 against spread; NFC North dogs are 0-4.

Rams (1-2) @ Cardinals (3-0)-- No love lost here; Rams KO'd Arizona starting QBs both meetings LY, Cardinals are 13-4 in last 17 meetings, winning last three by 20-6-17 points- they scored pair of defensive TDs late to break open close game in Rams' visit here LY. St Loius has one TD on 21 drives in last two games, with lone TD on one-play drive woth long pass for TD- they've been in red zone once in last two games. Arizona is scoring 42 ppg; they've had three defensive TDs and KR TD in last two games; they're 9-2-1 as a home favorite under Arians. Rams were 5-9 as road dogs last two years, after going 7-1 in Fisher's first year. NFL-wide, divisional home favorites are 3-8 vs spread this season.

Cowboys (2-1) @ Saints (0-3)-- Brees (shoulder) is expected back here, but McCown was not problem in loss at Carolina last week. Saint defense gave up 9.8 ypa to Newton and hasn't held any of three foes under 8.1 ypa this season. Dallas wilted in second half last week, giving up last 25 points of game to 3-0 Falcons. Cowboys lost eight of last ten vs New Orleans, with average total in last four meetings 60.8, but that was with Romo and a healthy Brees. Cowboys ran ball for 190 yards in 38-17 hone win over Saints LY; they've lost four of last five visits here. NO covered twice in last nine games as home favorite; they've given up 28 ppg (9 TDs on 31 drives) in first three games. Dallas is 22-8 in last 30 games as a road underdog.

Monday's game
Lions (0-3) @ Seahawks (1-2)-- Detroit blew 21-3 lead in opener at San Diego, its been all downhill since; they've run ball 51 times in three games for 135 yards while dropping back to pass 134 times, a terrible ratio and Stafford is banged-up. Seattle blanked Chicago in Chancellor's first game after holdout, but opposing QB was Clausen, which helped a lot. Seahawks are 22-8 in last 30 games as home favorite; under is 10-7 in last 17 home games. Lions are 4-11 in last 15 games as a road underdog; under is 13-5 in last 18 road games. Home side won eight of last 11 series games; Lions are 1-5 in Seattle, with only win way back in 1996. NFC West non-divisional favorites are 3-1; NFC North underdogs are 0-4.

**Udog** · 10-01-2015, 07:45 AM

NFL

Thursday, October 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night Football betting preview: Ravens at Steelers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Vick will try to hold down the fort for the Steelers while Ben Roethlisberger recovers from a knee injury. He starts against rival Baltimore Thursday.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5, 44)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing a desperate team that happens to be their most bitter rival, and they'll have to do so without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger when they host the winless Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night in an AFC North matchup. Roethlisberger suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined a minimum of four weeks.

Roethlisberger's absence will put the onus on Michael Vick, who was signed late in training camp after struggling in a backup role with the New York Jets last season. "It’s definitely going to change a lot of things because the offense is really run through (Roethlisberger)," said Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who returned to the lineup last week after serving a two-game suspension to open the season. The Ravens have concerns of their own, becoming the last team in NFL history to open a season 0-3 and putting Thursday's matchup in the must-win category. "We're going to find a way out," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "We will come out of this the other way."

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, CBS, NFLN.

LINE HISTORY: The Roethlisberger-less Steelers opened as 2-point home dogs and have moved to +2.5. The total opened at 45.5 and has been bet down to 44.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Ravens (+1.5) - Steelers (+2) + home field (-3) = Steelers -2.5

INJURY REPORT:

Ravens - CB T. Walker (probable Thursday, thigh), DL C. Canty (questionable Thursday, calf), WR B. Perriman (out Thursday, knee), T E. Monroe (out Thursday, concussion), TE C. Gillmore (out Thursday, calf).

Steelers - LB J. Harrison (probable Thursday, thumb), CB C. Allen (questionable Thursday, head), LB R. Shazier (questionable Thursday, shoulder), DT D. McCuller (questionable Thursday, knee), TE M. Spaeth (doubtful Thursday, hand) QB B. Roethlisberger (out Thursday, knee).

WEATHER REPORT: It will be partly cloudy at gametime with a very slight 13 percent chance of rain in Pittsburgh. There will be a strong 10 mile per hour wind gusting towards the southern endzone.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The 0-3 Ravens find themselves in ‘must win territory’ when they invade Pittsburgh to meet the Steelers Thursday night. Oddly, with a break or two, Baltimore could be 3-0 as all three of their losses have been by six or fewer points. Pittsburgh remembers last year’s playoff loss to the Ravens but with Ben Roethlisberger’s knee injury they will forced to operate with Michael Vick behind center. Can't envision the Ravens 0-4, not with Vick 2-9 SU/ATS as a dog in his NFL career in games when his team is off a SUATS win."

ABOUT THE RAVENS (0-3, 0-3 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Baltimore has lost its three games by a combined 16 points, including a 28-24 setback to division rival Cincinnati in which it blew a pair of leads in the final seven minutes. Joe Flacco threw for 362 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Steve Smith, who may have been premature in announcing his retirement after hauling in 13 catches for 186 yards - his second straight game of at least 150 yards. Justin Forsett and the ground game have been unable to get untracked while the defense has struggled since pass-rushing linebacker Terrell Suggs suffering a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon in Week 1.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (2-1, 3-0 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Vick has been plagued by turnovers in the past few seasons, but he has the luxury of leaning on Bell and wideout Antonio Brown, who already has 29 receptions and is second in the league with 436 receiving yards. Bell, who rushed for 62 yards and a TD and caught seven passes for 70 yards in last week's 12-6 victory over St. Louis, was held in check in both regular-season matchups against the Ravens a year ago, managing only 79 yards rushing. The 35-year-old Vick, who was 5-of-6 for 38 yards in relief of Roethlisberger, had eight TD passes versus five interceptions in the last two seasons but fumbled nine times, losing four.

TRENDS:

* Ravens are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a SU loss.
* Steelers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Over is 4-1-1 in the Ravens last six games versus the AFC North.
* Over is 11-4-2 in the last 17 meetings in Pittsburgh.

CONSENSUS: The public is fading the Roethlisberger-less Steelers with 60.31 percent of wagers backing the Ravens.

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

**Udog** · 10-01-2015, 08:44 AM

NFL

Thursday, October 1

Bills' Ryan says 'doesn't look good' for Shady in Week 4

Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan told the media it "doesn't look good" for running back LeSean McCoy to play in Week 4 against the New York Giants.

McCoy will likely be held out this week while he continues to deal with a nagging hamstring injury he suffered in the preseason.

If McCoy can't go this weekend, look for rookie Karlos Williams to carry the load as the lead back. Williams 186 yards on just 24 carries and three touchdowns so far this season.

The Bills are currently 5.5-point home favorites, with the total sitting at 46.

Bears QB Cutler practices, might return this week

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- It is business as usual for the Chicago Bears heading into a Sunday home game against the Oakland Raiders, which means no one knows for certain who is playing and in many cases who is even available.

With the Bears, this is only partially due to injuries. That is just how it is with NFL teams focused on long-term development rather than the next game.

Getting back two of their biggest impact players on either side of the ball could go a long way toward making for a different on-field product.

The return of quarterback Jay Cutler from a pulled hamstring a week earlier than expected seems possible after he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

The impact would be huge considering the admitted conservative game plan the Bears stuck to last week against the Seattle Seahawks. With Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, Chicago lost 26-0.

Browns sticking with QB McCown against Chargers

BEREA, Ohio -- Head coach Mike Pettine has no plans to make another quarterback change before the Cleveland Browns head west to play the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.

Josh McCown, charged with the loss in the season opener even though the score was 0-0 when he was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the first quarter, passed for 341 yards in a 27-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 20.

McCown threw two touchdown passes but also fumbled (the Browns recovered) and threw an interception with 38 seconds left when the Browns were driving for the tying touchdown.

Johnny Manziel started at quarterback in the only game the Browns won this season, but Pettine said no thought was given to going back to Manziel to face the Chargers.

Bills' McCoy, Watkins iffy for Giants

ORCHARD PARK, N. Y. -- The Buffalo Bills are facing the prospect of not having the services of running back LeSean McCoy and/or wide receiver Sammy Watkins on Sunday.

Each player is nursing a leg injury and coach Rex Ryan seemed less than enthusiastic about either player's chance of being ready to go when the New York Giants come calling at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

McCoy has been bothered by a pulled hamstring since mid-August, when he pulled up lame during a shared training camp practice against the Cleveland Browns. He played in the first three games and rushed for 89 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Patriots.

However, last Sunday in Buffalo's 41-14 victory in Miami, McCoy managed only 16 yards on 11 carries and was clearly hampered by the nagging problem.

Watkins sustained a calf injury in the first quarter and sat out the rest of the game.

Panthers may be without Kuechly and Davis Sunday

CHARLOTTE -- After the Carolina Panthers beat the Texans in Week 2, Thomas Davis said it was “strange” playing without Luke Kuechly by his side. Heading into Week 4, the Panthers are preparing for the possibility of having neither linebacker against the Bucs.

Kuechly remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and Davis suffered a pectoral injury in Sunday's win over the Saints. Even though he was limited, he at least practiced Wednesday. Kuechly wasn't even on the field.

Head coach Ron Rivera on Monday was hopeful Kuechly would pass his final test with an independent neurologist. Two days later, Rivera was much shorter with reporters who wondered where the star linebacker was.

“I‘m not the doctor. I‘m the football coach and I‘m an optimistic guy,” Rivera said. “And I go through this procedure just like he is.

Saints give up on DT Hicks, swap for Pats TE

METARIE, La. -- Is this a sign that the New Orleans Saints miss tight end Jimmy Graham, whom they traded to the Seattle Seahawks, or a move to get something for a player whose stock dropped?

The Saints acquired tight end Michael Hoomanawanui Wednesday from the New England Patriots in exchange for New Orleans' starting left defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.

Hicks, who started 33 games since joining the Saints as a third-round draft pick in 2012, told reporters last week that he was benched in the third quarter of a Week 2 game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and last week played only in the nickel package against the Carolina Panthers.

Hicks lost some of his snaps to undrafted free agent Bobby Richardson, who impressed in training camp and was one of several rookies the Saints kept on the active roster when final cuts were made.

**Udog** · 10-01-2015, 08:44 PM

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Week 4

The Saints have dominated the football this season and will look to control the clock and tempo against a downtrodden Dallas defense.

Oakland Raiders at Chicago Bears (+3, 45)

Raiders’ TE troubles vs. Bears’ TE Martellus Bennett

It’s no secret that Oakland has been punished by opposing tight ends this season. The Silver and Black have been left black and blue by these burly pass catchers, allowing an NFL-worst 305 yards and five touchdowns on 21 catches to rival TEs through the first three games of the year. Last week, Oakland was stung by Cleveland tight end Gary Barnidge – hardly an elite TE – for 105 yards and a score on six catches.

Chicago limps into this home stand off a shutout loss to the Seahawks in Seattle last weekend. Their tight end, Martellus Bennett, had a quiet game in Week 3, with just 15 yards on four catches. However, Bennett – who stands 6-foot-6 and is cut from the similar basketball cloth as Jimmy Graham – leads Chicago in receiving with 118 yards on 13 catches, for more than nine yards per reception. Regardless of who starts under center for the Bears, Jay Cutler or Jimmy Clausen, expect the majority of throws to come Bennett’s way.

Daily fantasy watch: TE Martellus Bennett

Cleveland Browns at San Diego Chargers (-7.5, 44.5)

Browns’ punter Andy Lee vs. Chargers’ poor punt returns

The Browns don’t usually get to be No. 1 in something, at least not a positive category. But, entering Week 4, Cleveland can hang its hat on punter Andy Lee, who tops the AFC in average punt yardage. Lee, who was acquired in a deal with San Francisco this summer, is kicking the snot out of the ball for an average of 54.3 yards per punt (second in the NFL behind Falcons P Matt Bosher with 54.5 ypp). Cleveland’s punt coverage has given up an average of 6.7 yards per return – 11th lowest – which is handing opponents an average starting field position just beyond their own 29-yard line.

The Chargers, in a startling stat, have zero punt return yards through three games. San Diego has returned only two punts on the year but hasn’t been able to generate any gains, calling for a fair catch four times and fumbling one attempt. Returner Jacoby Jones has been out with an ankle injury and didn’t participate in practice this week, leaving the Bolts without a real home-run threat on special teams. The Chargers have an average starting field position of the 23.31-yard line, fourth lowest in the league, and face a lofty spread with that half-point hook on the touchdown.

Daily fantasy watch: Cleveland D/ST

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (-7, 42)

Rams’ third-down defense vs. Cardinals’ third-down offense

The Rams have leaned heavily on their defense that past three seasons, but the stop unit just hasn’t been holding that weight in 2015. St. Louis has been bullied on the ground, allowing 122.7 yards rushing per game, and hasn’t been able to get opposing offenses off the field. Heading into Week 4, the Rams defense has turned away foes just 53.19 percent of the time on third downs – fourth worst in the NFL. St. Louis watched the Steelers go 6 for 12 on third downs last Sunday. This is a far cry from the Rams’ stingy defense of 2014, which allowed opponents to convert on only 38.68 percent of their third down tries.

The Cardinals offense is blowing away the opposition, totaling 126 points through three games thanks in large part to its ability to move the chains and stay on the field. Arizona has converted on half of its third down opportunities, going 16 for 32 in those situations, and honestly hasn’t put itself in too many of those sticky situations. The Cardinals have only faced two third downs of nine or more yards. But when the sticks show that ominous No. 3, Arizona has it’s go to guy in WR Larry Fitzgerald, who has reeled in seven catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns on third down in three games, accounting for 41 percent of his total gains this season.

Daily fantasy watch: WR Larry Fitzgerald

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (-4.5, 46.5)

Cowboys’ drained defense vs. Saints’ clock-eating offense

Dallas’ defense got the benefit of a run-heavy playbook that dominated time of possession last season, keeping a shoddy stop unit from being exposed. Now that QB Tony Romo is sidelined and backup QB Brandon Weeden can’t seem to throw the ball more than five yards, the Cowboys offense is quickly handing the ball back to opponents. Dallas touched the ball for only 25:47 in the loss to the Falcons last Sunday, leaving a short-handed defense on the field for extended periods. Atlanta chipped away at the Cowboys’ D with RB Devonta Freeman and then when they were gassed, hit WR Julio Jones for big gains.

The Saints have flipped the script in the Big Easy, even with or without QB Drew Brees under center. New Orleans is being much more methodical with the football, and comes into Week 4 with an average TOP of 32:32 – sixth most in the NFL, just behind Atlanta – which is a major bump from 2014, when the Saints controlled the clock for only 29:48 per game. New Orleans defense has been burned most by big plays over top this season, allowing seven passing plays of 25 or more yards. But, with Weeden making the throws, the Saints can worry less about the deep threat and stack the box against his dumbed-down, dink-and-dunk playbook.

Daily fantasy watch: RB Mark Ingram, New Orleans D/ST

**Udog** · 10-04-2015, 06:55 AM

NFL injury report for Sunday games

CAROLINA PANTHERS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

--Out: WR Jerricho Cotchery (ankle), LB Luke Kuechly (concussion), G Amini Silatolu (ankle), T Daryl Williams (knee)

--Probable: WR Corey Brown (illness), LB Thomas Davis (chest), DT Dwan Edwards (not injury related), CB Josh Norman (not injury related), RB Jonathan Stewart (tibia), CB Charles Tillman (not injury related), RB Mike Tolbert (groin)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

--Doubtful: CB Johnthan Banks (knee), TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (shoulder), C Evan Smith (ankle), TE Luke Stocker (hip)

--Questionable: DE George Johnson (neck), RB Doug Martin (knee, quadriceps), DT Gerald McCoy (shoulder), T Donovan Smith (knee), S Major Wright (abdomen)

--Probable: S Chris Conte (hip)

CLEVELAND BROWNS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS

--Out: DE Desmond Bryant (shoulder), LB Craig Robertson (ankle), LB Scott Solomon (ankle), RB Robert Turbin (ankle), CB K'Waun Williams (concussion)

--Questionable: RB Shaun Draughn (back), S Tashaun Gipson (groin)

--Probable: WR Travis Benjamin (ribs), LB Karlos Dansby (ankle), CB Justin Gilbert (hamstring), CB Joe Haden (ribs, finger), QB Johnny Manziel (right elbow), QB Josh McCown (right hand), T Mitchell Schwartz (thumb)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

--Out: S Jahleel Addae (ankle), G Orlando Franklin (ankle), WR Jacoby Jones (ankle), CB Craig Mager (hamstring), LB Tourek Williams (foot)

--Doubtful: T King Dunlap (concussion), C Chris Watt (groin)

--Questionable: G D.J. Fluker (ankle, chest), TE Ladarius Green (concussion), CB Jason Verrett (foot)

--Probable: CB Brandon Flowers (knee), T Chris Hairston (ankle, knee)

GREEN BAY PACKERS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

--Out: T Bryan Bulaga (knee)

--Doubtful: CB Demetri Goodson (hamstring), LB Jake Ryan (hamstring)

--Questionable: WR Davante Adams (ankle), S Morgan Burnett (calf)

--Probable: WR Randall Cobb (shoulder), DE Datone Jones (head), RB Eddie Lacy (ankle), LB Mike Neal (groin), S Sean Richardson (ankle), RB Aaron Ripkowski (shoulder)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

--Doubtful: TE Vernon Davis (knee)

--Probable: CB Kenneth Acker (back), G Alex Boone (shoulder), LB Navorro Bowman (not injury related), LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), RB Reggie Bush (calf), WR Bruce Ellington (ankle), S L.J. McCray (hip), TE Vance McDonald (knee), S Eric Reid (hip)

HOUSTON TEXANS at ATLANTA FALCONS

HOUSTON TEXANS

--Out: S Lonnie Ballentine (knee), LB Akeem Dent (hamstring), RB Jonathan Grimes (knee)

--Questionable: T Duane Brown (hand), RB Arian Foster (groin)

--Probable: G Brandon Brooks (ankle), LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder), CB Johnathan Joseph (hip), QB Ryan Mallett (chest), T Derek Newton (ankle), S Eddie Pleasant (thigh), G Xavier Su'a-Filo (calf)

ATLANTA FALCONS

--Out: S Ricardo Allen (knee), RB Tevin Coleman (ribs), WR Devin Hester (toe), TE Jacob Tamme (concussion)

--Probable: RB Devonta Freeman (toe), WR Julio Jones (toe, hamstring), LB Brooks Reed (groin)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

--Out: WR Marqise Lee (hamstring), G Brandon Linder (shoulder), DT Sen'Derrick Marks (knee), RB Denard Robinson (knee), TE Julius Thomas (hand)

--Doubtful: S Sergio Brown (calf)

--Probable: G Zane Beadles (finger), DE Chris Clemons (not injury related), S Josh Evans (knee), CB Davon House (lower leg), WR Allen Hurns (thigh), DT Roy Miller (knee), G Tyler Shatley (thumb)

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

--Out: CB Gregory Toler (neck), RB Tyler Varga (concussion)

--Questionable: TE Dwayne Allen (ankle), QB Andrew Luck (right shoulder)

--Probable: CB Darius Butler (hip), LB Trent Cole (knee), CB Vontae Davis (not injury related, ankle), WR T.Y. Hilton (knee), LB D'Qwell Jackson (not injury related), WR Andre Johnson (not injury related), LB Robert Mathis (not injury related), RB Josh Robinson (back), G Hugh Thornton (knee), LB Bjoern Werner (not injury related)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

--Questionable: WR Albert Wilson (shoulder)

--Probable: WR Jason Avant (knee), WR Chris Conley (shoulder), CB Jamell Fleming (hip), LB Joshua Mauga (Achilles)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

--Doubtful: S George Iloka (ankle)

--Questionable: DT Marcus Hardison (knee), CB Adam Jones (elbow)

--Probable: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (shoulder), DT Pat Sims (hip), T Andre Smith (hip)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at DENVER BRONCOS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

--Out: WR Charles Johnson (rib), CB Jabari Price (shoulder), S Andrew Sendejo (knee), DE Justin Trattou (foot)

--Questionable: LB Audie Cole (ankle), WR Jarius Wright (hand)

--Probable: CB Xavier Rhodes (concussion, neck)

DENVER BRONCOS

--Out: T Ty Sambrailo (shoulder)

--Questionable: TE James Casey (knee), LB Todd Davis (ankle)

--Probable: DE Kenny Anunike (knee), CB Omar Bolden (foot), TE Owen Daniels (not injury related), QB Peyton Manning (not injury related), G Evan Mathis (hamstring), RB Juwan Thompson (neck), G Louis Vasquez (knee), DE Vance Walker (elbow), CB Kayvon Webster (ankle)

NEW YORK GIANTS at BUFFALO BILLS

NEW YORK GIANTS

--Out: DE Robert Ayers (hamstring), WR Victor Cruz (calf), TE Jerome Cunningham (knee), DT Markus Kuhn (knee)

--Questionable: TE Daniel Fells (ankle), T Ereck Flowers (ankle)

--Probable: RB Orleans Darkwa (knee), DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa (foot), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (concussion)

BUFFALO BILLS

--Out: WR Marquise Goodwin (ribs), RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring), G John Miller (groin), WR Sammy Watkins (calf), S Aaron Williams (neck)

--Probable: LB Preston Brown (hamstring), K Dan Carpenter (left knee), WR Percy Harvin (hip), QB Tyrod Taylor (ankle)

NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI DOLPHINS

NEW YORK JETS

--Out: G Willie Colon (knee), TE Jeff Cumberland (concussion), WR Chris Owusu (knee), LB Trevor Reilly (finger), CB Darrin Walls (hamstring)

--Questionable: WR Eric Decker (knee)

--Probable: DT T.J. Barnes (ankle), DE Stephen Bowen (knee), G James Carpenter (back), LB Quinton Coples (elbow), CB Antonio Cromartie (hip), LB David Harris (finger), RB Chris Ivory (quadriceps), S Jaiquawn Jarrett (knee), CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), WR Devin Smith (ribs)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

--Out: TE Dion Sims (concussion)

--Doubtful: T Branden Albert (hamstring)

--Questionable: TE Jordan Cameron (groin), RB Jonas Gray (calf)

--Probable: DT Earl Mitchell (back)

OAKLAND RAIDERS at CHICAGO BEARS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

--Out: DE Benson Mayowa (knee), CB Keith McGill (foot), DE C.J. Wilson (calf)

--Questionable: LB Ben Heeney (hamstring), RB Taiwan Jones (foot), S Charles Woodson (shoulder)

--Probable: DT Justin Ellis (ankle), DE Khalil Mack (hip), RB Jamize Olawale (ankle), DE Justin Tuck (knee)

CHICAGO BEARS

--Out: T Jermon Bushrod (concussion, shoulder)

--Questionable: CB Alan Ball (groin), QB Jay Cutler (hamstring), DE Ego Ferguson (knee), WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), P Pat O'Donnell (right knee), DT Jay Ratliff (ankle), DE Will Sutton (elbow)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

--Out: LB Kiko Alonso (knee), DE Taylor Hart (shoulder), DE Cedric Thornton (hand)

--Questionable: LB Mychal Kendricks (hamstring), S Chris Maragos (quadriceps), RB DeMarco Murray (hamstring), T Jason Peters (quadriceps)

--Probable: TE Trey Burton (shoulder), WR Riley Cooper (knee), WR Josh Huff (hamstring)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

--Out: CB DeAngelo Hall (toe), WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring), LB Perry Riley (calf)

--Questionable: CB Chris Culliver (knee), DE Kedric Golston (hand), C Josh LeRibeus (calf)

--Probable: C Kory Lichtensteiger (finger), QB Colt McCoy (foot), T Morgan Moses (knee, elbow)

ST. LOUIS RAMS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

ST. LOUIS RAMS

--Out: S Maurice Alexander (groin), DE Eugene Sims (knee)

--Doubtful: RB Chase Reynolds (knee)

--Probable: WR Kenny Britt (shoulder), RB Benny Cunningham (knee), LB James Laurinaitis (not injury related)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

--Out: WR J.J. Nelson (shoulder)

--Questionable: RB Andre Ellington (knee)

--Probable: WR John Brown (shoulder), G Mike Iupati (knee), LB Alex Okafor (shoulder), LB LaMarr Woodley (quadriceps)

DALLAS COWBOYS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS on Sunday night

DALLAS COWBOYS

--Out: WR Dez Bryant (foot), DE Randy Gregory (ankle)

--Probable: CB Brandon Carr (not injury related), LB Andrew Gachkar (foot), G Ronald Leary (groin), DE Jeremy Mincey (concussion), DE Ryan Russell (groin), LB Kyle Wilber (hamstring), TE Jason Witten (ankle, knee)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

--Out: G Jahri Evans (knee)

--Probable: QB Drew Brees (right shoulder), S Jairus Byrd (knee), WR Brandin Cooks (ankle), LB Dannell Ellerbe (toe), DE Cameron Jordan (back), CB Keenan Lewis (hip)

**Udog** · 10-04-2015, 07:02 AM

NFL

Sunday, October 4

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Sunday Night Football betting preview: Cowboys at Saints
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Brees has been a limited participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday after sitting out last week's 27-22 setback to NFC South rival Carolina.

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (-3.5, 48)

Drew Brees declared that he is "very confident" he'll be under center when the New Orleans Saints vie for their first victory of the season when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Nursing a bruised rotator cuff in his right shoulder, the veteran quarterback made the proclamation on Wednesday during a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Brees has been a limited participant in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday after sitting out last week's 27-22 setback to NFC South rival Carolina. The Cowboys won't shed a tear for the plight of the Saints, as quarterback Tony Romo (broken collarbone) will remain a bystander until at least Week 11 while the return of flashy wideout Dez Bryant (foot) is still up in the air. Backup Brandon Weeden fared well by completing 22-of-26 passes for 232 yards, but was unable to stretch the field as Dallas unraveled late and dropped a 39-28 decision to Atlanta. While Weeden is attempting to snap a nine-start losing streak, the Saints are hoping to avoid an 0-4 start for the third time in nine years (2007, 2012).

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

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Saints as 3.5-point home faves. The total is up to 48 from the opening 47.

INJURY REPORT:

Cowboys

G Ronald Leary (Probable, groin), LB Andrew Gachkar (Probable, foot), DE Ryan Russell (Probable, groin), LB Kyle Wilber (Probable, hamstring), DE Jeremy Mincey (Probable, concussion), TE Jason Witten (Probable, ankle), DE Randy Gregory (Late Oct, ankle), WR Dez Bryant (Late Oct, foot), LB Rolando McClain (Elig Week 5, suspension), DE Greg Hardy (Elig Week 5, suspension), QB Tony Romo (I-R, collarbone), Terrell McClain (I-R, toe), Chaz Green (I-R, hip), LB Mark Nzeocha (I-R, knee), CB Orlando Scandrick (I-R, knee).

Saints

CB Keenan Lewis (Probable, hip), S Jairus Byrd (Probable, knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (Probable, toe), QB Drew Brees (Probable, shoulder), WR Brandin Cooks (Probable, ankle), DE Cameron Jordan (Probable, back), G Jahri Evans (Out, knee), S Rafael Bush (I-R, pectoral), LB Davis Tull (I-R, shoulder), CB P.J. Williams (I-R, hamstring), LB Anthony Spencer (I-R, undisclosed).

WEATHER: N/A

POWER RANKINGS: Cowboys (+3.5) - Saints (+4) + home field (+3.0) = Saints -3.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Of Brandon Weeden'?s 22 completions, 18 went to a running back or a tight end. The only Cowboys wide receiver to catch a pass last Sunday was Cole Beasley. The betting markets viewed Luke McCown as nearly a full TD worse than Drew Brees. Will that opinion change after McCown?'s 310 yard effort at Carolina, completing 31 of 38 pass attempts?"

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We are pretty even as far as spread action but the moneyline bettors have been taking Dallas at a 3 to 1 clip. I think this stays right on the key number until kickoff. The total has escalated some and it will probably continue to rise."

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Running backs Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar enjoyed career performances last week, with the former rushing for 87 yards and three touchdowns while the latter had a personal-best 10 receptions for 100 yards. Tight end Jason Witten has 21 catches to enjoy his best three-game start to a season and looks to exploit a New Orleans' defense that has surrendered 17 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns to tight ends. "(The Panthers moved Greg Olsen) around and were able to hit on some big plays, some good throws and good catches, so you always hope you can kind of capitalize on some areas there," Witten told ESPN.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Mark Ingram has struggled to get untracked on the ground (3.3 yards per carry), but the former Heisman Trophy winner has matched Brandin Cooks for the team lead with 16 receptions. Coach Sean Payton told the team's official website that they'd like to expand the role of running back C.J. Spiller, who has been limited to four rushes for 11 yards and three receptions for 41 yards in two games since returning from knee surgery. Khiry Robinson, who leads the team with a 4.0 rushing average, amassed 105 total yards in New Orleans' 38-17 setback to Dallas in 2014.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Cowboys are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Saints are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games.
* Underdog is 9-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-nine percent of users are backing the Cowboys.

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**Udog** · 10-04-2015, 07:29 AM

NFL

Sunday, October 4

Pain not main issue with Brees' shoulder

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drees Brees told ESPN on Friday that the bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder is more of a functionality issue and less of a pain issue.

After being examined Monday by orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, Brees was encouraged by what he was able to do and could return for Sunday night's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

"Basically what the doctor told me was the cuff muscles at times will just shut down if they're inflamed," Brees said. "They're basically telling the body, 'I'm injured. I need time to heal, I'm not going to work until the inflammation goes away.' It wasn't a pain thing. I mean, it hurt, but that wasn't the issue. It was just functionality. I did strength exercises all last week. The tough part was with the balance between resting it, getting the inflammation out of it and, at the same time, strengthening it."

The Saints listed Brees on their injury report as probable.

Ravens rule out Steve Smith for Week 5

Baltimore Ravens' wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has been ruled out of the team's Week 5 game against the against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 11, coach John Harbaugh told Comcast SportsNet on Saturday.

Smith, the team's leading receiver with 29 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns, has "some small micro fractures in his back," Harbaugh said.

"I think he's going to be OK in the long run," added Harbaugh, who was interviewed at the Michigan-Maryland game where his brother Jim was coaching.

Earlier Saturday, the Ravens released a statement saying Smith's injury wouldn't require surgery, and his status was listed as week-to-week.

Packers WR Adams (ankle) downgraded to doubtful

The Green Bay Packers have downgraded wide receiver Davante Adams to doubtful for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field because of an ankle injury.

Adams (nine receptions, 92 yards this season) did not make it through the last two games.

Rookie Ty Montgomery, who caught his first career touchdown pass in Green Bay's 38-28 victory over Kansas City on Monday, is expected to receive more playing time.

The Packers also downgraded Morgan Burnett (calf) as the safety joins linebacker Jake Ryan (hamstring) and defensive back Demetri Goodson (hamstring) on the doubtful list.

Green Bay tackle Bryan Bulaga will miss his third straight game because of a knee injury.

Cardinals RB Ellington aiming for return vs Rams

Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington has been termed a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

Ellington sprained a posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the season opener and missed the past two games. He returned to practice earlier this week and was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.

Arizona coach Bruce Arians indicated that Chris Johnson will start the game even if Ellington suits up.

"Andre's not full speed enough to be a starter," Arians told reporters.

Ellington said he will wear a brace on the knee and that he expects to play against the Rams.

"I don't see why not," he said. "I'm going to be smart about it."

Ravens snag WR Givens in swap with Rams

With injuries piling up for the Baltimore Ravens, general manager Ozzie Newsome traded for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens on Saturday.

Givens was caught in a numbers game with the Rams, who will receive a conditional draft pick, likely a late-rounder.

To make room on the 53-man roster, the Ravens placed wide receiver Michael Campanaro (back) on injured reserve. Campanaro was injured Thursday night after another productive game, including a 9-yard touchdown on a reverse.

Betting the faves and Overs has been the play in NFL London games

There are a couple of trends through the first 11 games in London to bear in mind if you're going to make a wager on the Jets-Dolphins game this weekend.

The favorite covered the spread in two of the three games in England last season and is 7-2 ATS in the last nine games. Faves are 7-4 ATS in all 11 England games.

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys beat the Jags 31-17, covering as 7.5-point faves, while the Dolphins spanked the Oakland Raiders 38-14 as 4-point faves. The Lions, who were 3.5-point faves against the Atlanta Falcons, won SU 22-21, but obviously missed covering the spread.

If you're looking at totals, the over/under count is 6-5 in the 11 games and the over has cashed in five of the past six games across the Atlantic.

The total in this weekend's matchup opened is currently 42.5.

Chargers release RB Brown, sign OL Ola

The San Diego Chargers released disappointing running back Donald Brown and promoted guard/tackle Mike Ola to beef up their decimated offensive line.

San Diego could be missing as many as four offensive line starters when it plays the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Guard Orlando Franklin (ankle) will miss the contest, tackle King Dunlap (concussion) and center Chris Watt (groin) are doubtful and guard D.J. Fluker (ankle, chest) is questionable.

Brown, 28, has been inactive for each of the Chargers' first three games. He signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal prior to the 2014 season but struggled to a 2.6 average while gaining just 214 yards last season.

Ola, who started 12 games for the Chicago Bears last season, was on San Diego's practice squad.

Earlier this week, the Chargers signed center J.D. Walton - who has started 52 NFL games - and promoted tackle Tyreek Burwell from the practice squad.

Seahawks RB Lynch questionable for Lions

Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is still bothered by a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll indicated that Lynch's availability won't be determined until the hours before kickoff.

"We would go with him if he could make it," Carroll told reporters. "If he could pop out of it, then we would go with him just based on he's had other weeks where he wasn't able to practice and played very well. But we'll have to wait and see."

Lynch injured the hamstring during last Sunday's contest against the Chicago Bears. He was dealing with a calf injury entering that game.

If Lynch can't play, undrafted free agent Thomas Rawls will likely be the starter. Rawls had 104 yards on 16 carries in the victory over the Bears.

Bears sign punter Lanning

Punter Spencer Lanning was signed by the Chicago Bears on Saturday, who waived defensive tackle Brandon Dunn to make room for Lanning on the roster.

Lanning appeared in 32 games over two seasons (2013-14) with the Cleveland Browns, punting 177 times for 7,798 yards, a 44.1 gross average (38.6 net), with 53 kicks placed inside the 20.

Dunn appeared in four games for the Bears over the last two seasons, collecting six tackles and one pass break-up.

Packers add WR Abbrederis to active roster

The Green Bay Packers on Saturday signed wide receiver Jared Abbrederis to the active roster from the practice squad and released defensive tackle Bruce Gaston.

The extra wide receiver was needed with Davante Adams (ankle) having been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game in San Francisco.

Abbrederis, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound second-year player out of the University of Wisconsin, was originally drafted by the Packers with their second of two fifth-round picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent last season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in training camp.

Abbrederis was released by Green Bay on Sept. 5 and has been on the Packers' practice squad since signing on Sept. 7.

**Udog** · 10-04-2015, 11:13 AM

NFL

Sunday, October 4

Plenty of wind at FedEx Field Sunday

According to weather forecasts, there should be lots of wind and a chance of rain in Washington when the Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon.

Winds of up to 16 miles per hour are expected to blow across the field and forecasts are calling for around a 40 percent chance of rain.

Washington is presently a 3-point home underdog for this NFC East matchup, while books are offering a total of 45, which has come down from the opening 47.5.

Andrew Luck will not play versus Jaguars Sunday, Colts now -3.5

According to a tweet from ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck will not play versus the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon.
This means that the Colts will look to 40-yeard-old Matt Hasslebeck versus their AFC South rivals.
The Colts began the day as 9.5-point favorites at online shop TopBet.eu, but that has been adjusted to -3.5.

Chargers down to 5.5-point home faves

The San Diego Chargers entered the day as 6.5 or 7-point home favorites at most shops but that has come down to -5.5 with kickoff later Sunday afternoon.

The Chargers have dropped back-to-back games straight up and against the spread heading into this one, while the Browns have split their last two SU and ATS.

Cardinals crushing point spreads in 2015

The Arizona Cardinals have covered spreads with ease through three weeks this season, allowing backers to relax by covering by 10, 23 and 33 points in weeks one through three respectively.

Their margin of victory is through the roof defeating the New Orleans Saints 31-19, Chicago Bears 48-23 and San Francisco 49ers 47-7.

This week, the Cardinals host the St. Louis Rams and are presently pegged as 7-point home favorites.

Over trending in Eagles-Redskins matchups

The Over has gone 4-1 in the previous five meetings between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, including a pair of cashed over tickets in both meetings last season.

The teams had totals of 50 and 50.5 last season, finishing with combined scorelines of 51 and 71 points respectively.

The NFC East rivlas will meet up at FedEx Field Sunday afternoon and the total, which opened at 47.5, has since dropped to 44.

Buccaneers have been red-hot Under wager

The Under has gone 11-2 in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers previous 13 football games overall heading into Sunday's meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

The Bucs own a 1-2 Over/Under record through three weeks this season, but closed out 2014 on a 1-9 O/U run.

Books currently have the total at 40 for Sunday's clash with the Panthers.

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 4 (Thursday, October 1 - Monday, October 5)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 4 (Thursday, October 1 - Monday, October 5)

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