The Bum's 2016 NFL Sept. Best Bets, Opinions, Trends, News !

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Monday's Tip Sheet
September 11, 2016

Steelers (-3, 49 ½) at Redskins – 7:10 PM EST – ESPN

Pittsburgh
Preseason Record: 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
2015 Record: 10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS
Season Win Total: 10 ½ (Under -130)

Washington
Preseason Record: 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS
2015 Record: 9-7 SU, 9-7 ATS
Season Win Total: 7 ½ (Over -120)

LINE MOVEMENT

There hasn’t been much change to this line when openers were released on April 15 at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. Pittsburgh opened up as 2 ½-point road favorites, but have moved slightly up to a field goal favorite. The total has taken a bit of a drop from its opener of 51 five months ago, falling to 50 at several books and even down to 49 ½ at others.

ROAD OPENER WOES

The Steelers haven’t fared well in their opening road game of the season, losing five consecutive times in this situation. Last season, Pittsburgh lost a 28-21 decision at New England, but managed a cover as 7 ½-point underdogs thanks to a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown with two seconds left. In three of those losses in this span, the Steelers’ defense has allowed 28, 31, and 35 points in openers away from Heinz Field.

YOU LIKE THAT?

The Redskins were profitable in the underdog role in 2015, covering in nine of 14 opportunities when receiving points. Kirk Cousins stepped up late in the season for Washington by throwing 19 touchdown passes and two interceptions, while leading the ‘Skins to a 6-2 SU/ATS record in the final eight games and the NFC East title.

SILENT BELL

The Steelers will be without top running back Le’Veon Bell, who is suspended three games by the NFL for missing a drug test. Bell played in only six games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury, averaged a career-high 4.9 yards a carry. DeAngelo Williams is expected to carry the load in the Pittsburgh backfield in Bell’s absence, as the veteran running back tallied 907 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.

O FOR GRUDEN

The Redskins have yet to win a season opener under head coach Jay Gruden, losing to the Texans in 2014 and the Dolphins in 2015. In both of those interconference matchups, Washington cashed the UNDER, while scoring a total of 16 points in those losses. However, Washington has performed well at home against AFC opponents in Gruden’s tenure by posting a 3-1 SU/ATS record.

MONDAY NIGHT MIKE

Playing under the Monday night lights hasn’t fazed Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, who have won four of their last five in this situation. Pittsburgh won in its lone Monday appearance last season, rallying past San Diego on a Bell touchdown in the final seconds of a 24-20 triumph as four-point underdogs. The Steelers are 2-3 ATS in this span, with a pair of wins in the favorite role by three points apiece at Tennessee (2014) and against Kansas City at home in overtime (2012).

RECENT MEETINGS (Steelers 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS the last three matchups)

10/28/12 – Pittsburgh 27-12 vs. Washington (Pit -4 ½, 44)
11/3/08 – Pittsburgh 23-6 at Washington (Pit +1, 37 ½)
11/28/04 – Pittsburgh 17-6 vs. Washington (Wsh +10, 34 ½)

Rams (-2 ½, 42 ½) at 49ers – 10:20 PM EST - ESPN

Los Angeles
Preseason Record: 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS
2015 Record: 7-9 SU, 7-8-1 ATS
Season Win Total: 7 ½ (Under -200)

San Francisco
Preseason Record: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
2015 Record: 5-11 SU, 7-9 ATS
Season Win Total: 5 ½ (Under -130)

LINE MOVEMENT

The Rams have held steady as 2 ½ point favorites since the opening numbers were released in April. The total has seen the most movement, starting at 47 and falling all the way to 42 ½ at a majority of books.

LA LA LAND

The Rams are making their return to Los Angeles this season following a 21-year stint in St. Louis. Although the Rams won’t open the season in Southern California, they travel to the northern part of the state as part of their west coast return. Top pick Jared Goff heads back to the area where he played his college football at California, but he will not start the opener for Los Angeles, as Case Keenum will make the start for the Rams. Los Angeles has not tasted a winning season since 2003, while not qualifying for the postseason since 2004.

CHIP’S SHOT

The 49ers took a major step back following Jim Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach, as San Francisco posted a disappointing 5-11 record in Jim Tomsula’s lone season as head coach. Following Tomsula’s abrupt firing, former Eagles’ head man Chip Kelly came on to bring San Francisco’s offense around, even though the quarterback situation is unsettled. Blaine Gabbert will start Monday’s opener ahead of Colin Kaepernick, as this Niners’ offense tries to improve after scoring 20 points or less 13 times in 2015.

UNDER THUNDER

San Francisco was nearly automatic when it came to low-scoring affairs at Levi’s Stadium. In 2015, the 49ers finished UNDER the total in seven of eight home contests, while posting more than 21 points only once in Santa Clara. Both meetings against the Rams last season went UNDER, including San Francisco’s 19-16 overtime victory to close out the campaign in Week 17 on 39 total.

RAM ROUGH

The highway wasn’t friendly to the Rams last season, compiling a 2-6 SU and 2-5-1 ATS record. Coincidentally, their two road victories came at Arizona as seven-point underdogs, 24-22 and at Seattle as 11 ½-point ‘dogs, 23-17. Four of the Rams’ six away losses came to playoff squads, which included defeats at Green Bay, Washington, Minnesota, and Cincinnati. In two opportunities as a road favorites, the Rams lost each time, as Los Angeles is listed as away chalk for the fourth time since 2011.

GOLDEN NUGGETS

The 49ers haven’t been strong inside NFC West play the last two seasons, putting together a 3-9 SU and 3-8-1 ATS mark in this span. However, San Francisco has performed well in season openers recently by winning and covering five consecutive times in Week 1. The 49ers were in a similar spot last season as a home underdog on Monday night, shutting down the Vikings, 20-3 as three-point ‘dogs.

RECENT MEETINGS (49ers 4-2 SU and ATS the last six matchups)

1/3/16 – San Francisco 19-16 (OT) vs. St. Louis (SF +3, 39)
11/1/15 – St. Louis 27-6 vs. San Francisco (STL -7 ½, 41)
11/2/14 – St. Louis 13-10 at San Francisco (STL +10 ½, 44)
10/13/14 – San Francisco 31-17 at St. Louis (SF -3 ½, 44)

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SUNDAY'S BEST BETS ALL BETS BASED ON 100.00.....AS WEEKS GO BY I'LL RATE THEM WITH *****.....WITH STARS RATING EACH GAME.........GOOD LUCK !

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks.......7 - 5 - 1...........58.33%..........+150

O/U Picks.......8 - 5 - 0...........61.53%..........+200

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MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BEST BETS:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PIT at WAS 07:10 PM

WAS +2.0

O 49.0


LA at SF 10:20 PM

LA -3.0

U 43.0

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Updated NFL Best Bets:

Monday Night Results: ATS 0 - 2, O/U 2 - 0

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks.......7 - 7 - 1...........50.00%..........- 0.70

O/U Picks.......10 - 5 - 0...........66.00%.........+4.00

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NFL Capsules
September 13, 2016

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Carlos Hyde ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns and the San Francisco 49ers posted their first season-opening shutout in franchise history to spoil the Rams' first game since moving back to Los Angeles with a 28-0 victory Monday night.

Shaun Draughn also ran for a score and Blaine Gabbert threw a touchdown pass to Vance McDonald to help the 49ers win their first game under coach Chip Kelly in convincing fashion.

After Los Angeles football fans waited more than 21 years to once again be able to call a team their own, they need to wait at least another week to see that team score.

Case Keenum threw for just 130 yards with two interceptions, star running back Todd Gurley was held to 47 yards on 17 carries and the Rams barely even threatened the Niners as they made only 10 first downs all game.

San Francisco wasn't much better offensively but managed to run the ball fairly effectively early, leading to the two first-half touchdowns by Hyde and Draughn.

Steelers 38, Redskins 16

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger recovered his own fumble at a pivotal moment and didn't look back, throwing three touchdown passes to lead Pittsburgh past Washington.

Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 passes for 300 yards, including two touchdowns to All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown and another to Eli Rogers. Often playing on the opposite side from Josh Norman and tormenting cornerback Bashaud Breeland, Brown made eight catches for 126 yards.

Starting in place of the suspended Le'Veon Bell, DeAngelo Williams ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Kirk Cousins and the Redskins couldn't keep up with the Steelers. With Matt Jones and the running game grounded and tight end Jordan Reed taken out of the picture, Cousins finished 30 of 43 for 329 yards and two interceptions.

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Opening Line Report - Week 2
September 11, 2016

While bettors and Bookmakers alike must be careful not to overreact to what they saw in the opening week of a football season, certainly there are lessons to be learned from finally getting to watch each team in action.

John Avello, vice president of race and sports at the Wynn Las Vegas, said while “everything pretty much played to form” on Sunday, there are a few teams’ ratings that warrant adjustments based on Week 1 performances.

“The Lions are a little better than I thought, Tampa Bay’s pretty good, too,” Avello offered as examples.

He also mentioned the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and the Vikings’ Shaun Hill as quarterbacks who impressed him Sunday.

Here’s a look at early lines for Week 2 of the 2016 NFL season. Number are current as of 10 p.m. ET, with opening numbers and early movement noted as well.

Thursday, Sept. 15

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (-3 even, 42.5)

While the opening number of Bills -3 was given the slightest of adjustments in the Jets’ direction, it’s unlikely we’ll see this line stray too far from the key number ‘3’. The last eight meetings between these AFC East foes have featured point spreads of 2.5 to 3.5. “3’s the right number. That’s where it’s got to be,” said Avello.

Sunday, Sept. 18

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions (-5.5/-110, 47)

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook opened Detroit -4 and was pushed to -5, but multiple other Las Vegas bet shops posted -5.5 as their original numbers. The Lions were listed at -3.5 on the Westgate’s advanced Week 2 lines (issued last Tuesday), so, as Avello suggested, the market seems to be pleased with the Lions’ win in Indianapolis.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (-2/-115, 43.5)

The Westgate bounced between Houston -2 and -1.5 on Sunday night, as most shops were dealing -1.5. It’s hard not to like the resilience the Chiefs displayed in their come-from-behind win at home vs. the Chargers on Sunday. “They’re gonna be a tough team all year long,” Avello said of Andy Reid’s men.

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots (-4.5/-110)

The Westgate opened New England -5 and moved to -4.5 on Sunday night, while CG Technology hung -4. Other shops waited as Jimmy Garoppolo made his debut as a starter at Arizona in primetime.

Baltimore Ravens (-6/-110, 43.5) at Cleveland Browns

Bettors faded the Browns early at The Wynn, as the Ravens were bet from -4 to -6 in one flash.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5/-110)

Big revenge spot for the Bengals, who surely haven’t gone a day without thinking about blowing last season’s playoff game against their division rival. There was an even mix of 3s and 3.5s for next week’s contest, and if the number closes at a field goal plus the hook, it will be the largest in the last seven meetings between these AFC North clubs.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins (-3/even)

The Westgate remained at Washington -3.5 through the first few hours of betting Sunday night, while other shops dealt 3s. Despite taking the loss at home to the Giants, nothing we saw from rookie Dak Prescott will prompt bets against Dallas in this spot.

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants (-5/-105)

This line opened as high as -6 at CG, and it ranged from -4.5 and -5.5 around Vegas as of this writing.

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-14/-110)

For the second season in a row, the schedule makers are not being kind to San Francisco. After playing the late game Monday night, they travel to the east coast for an early Sunday kickoff to face a quality team off nine days of rest. The 49ers were put in the same position last year, when they were waxed at Pittsburgh in Week 2 (43-18 as 6-point dogs) after beating Minnesota in Monday night’s second time slot.

Avello said while the unfavorable scheduling would be a bigger factor later in the season, he added of the 49ers, “The problem is they’re playing a team coming off a loss that lost just one game last year. So, no, it’s not a particularly great spot for them.”

Early bettors agree, pushing the opening line at the Westgate from Carolina -13.5 to -14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals (-7/-110)

Avello is not the only one who liked what he saw from Jameis Winston and Co. The Westgate listed Tampa Bay +8.5 on its advanced Week 2 lines and reopened the Bucs +7.5 after their win in Atlanta on Sunday. There was a further adjustment to +7 as the Cardinals played the Patriots on Sunday evening.

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5/-110) at Los Angeles Rams

The Seahawks squeaked out a win as 10.5-point home favorites against Miami on Sunday, and the Westgate opened them -3.5 for the Rams’ L.A. premier next week. That’s down from the -4.5 listed on the SuperBook’s advanced lines.

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (-6/-110, 45))

There was a significant early move from the Westgate’s opening number of -4 on this AFC clash, and based on these teams’ Week 1 showings, it’s easy to see why.

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders (-5.5/-110, 48)

The Westgate opened Oakland -6.5, moved to -7 about 15 minutes later, but shifted down to -5.5 as the nigh went on. The Raiders could be had for as cheap as -4.5 at the Stratosphere on Sunday night.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers (-3/-105, 48)

Bettors laid the -2.5 with the Chargers on the earliest Vegas lines, with the number settling at -3 throughout town Sunday night.

Green Bay Packers (-2/-105, 45) at Minnesota Vikings

The Westgate opened Green Bay -1.5 and moved to -2; The Wynn opened -2 and went to -2.5. Interesting to note Green Bay was -1 in a 30-13 win at Minnesota (with a healthy Teddy Bridgewater) last November. According to Avello, there won’t be an adjustment to next week’s price if Vikings coach Mike Zimmer makes the move from Shaun Hill to Sam Bradford.

“Hill played well (Sunday),” Avello said. “The Vikings played a good game, so there’s no reason for Bradford to even being playing now.”

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-3/even, 43)

The Westgate opened Chicago -2.5, moved to -2 less than 40 minutes later, before moving back up the ladder to -3, where most shops landed Sunday night. While Carson Wentz played well in his Philly debut, oddsmakers aren’t dismissing the Bears.

“The Bears had a decent game (Sunday), Avello said. “Houston isn’t an easy place to go down and win, and they did have the lead in that game. They won’t be downgraded in their rating (because of Sunday’s loss).”

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Tuesday’s six-pack

Six interesting games on this weekend’s football slate……..

— Florida State (-2.5) @ Louisville– Big early game in the ACC.

— Oregon @ Nebraska (-3)– Huskers’ coach Riley used to work at Oregon State, the Ducks’ arch-rival.

— UCLA (-3) @ BYU– Cougars are already 2-0 against Pac-12.

— Pitt @ Oklahoma State (-6.5)– Cowboys need to bounce back.

— Ohio State (-2) @ Oklahoma– Sooners as a home dog?

— Alabama (-10.5) @ Ole Miss– Big early game in SEC.


Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……….

13) Steelers 38, Redskins 16– Washington had their chances to grab decent-sized lead in first half, but they failed in red zone, then messed up couple chances to get turnovers in Pitt territory. Steelers pulled away late as Big Ben dominated Redskin defense with his decision-making.

12) 49ers 28, Rams 0– Never thought the A’s would score more than the Rams last night. Worst-case scenario for LA, just an awful effort here; they play Seattle and Arizona in next three weeks, so it ain’t gonna get any easier. Good debut for Chip Kelly with the 49ers.

11) Oakland Raiders went for 2 points and the win at the end of their game Sunday, just like BYU did at Utah Saturday night; Raiders made it, BYU didn’t. Either way, I am adamant that this is a bad play, unless you have a great running QB. I’d much rather tie the game and keep playing.

10) Arnold Palmer turned 87 last week; the most popular golfer ever. I have one good Arnold Palmer story……..

20 years ago I used to coach Little League in a wealthy suburb; questionable move on my part, but one year, I had an assistant coach who is an avid golfer. Smart guy, great job, but he didn’t like me much, didn’t like my coaching style (very laid back), so we didn’t talk much.

Near the end of the season, Arnold Palmer came into town for a charity event; my assistant was on the committee at his country club, so he wasn’t around for a couple days. The next time he was at practice after the event, I asked him how his day with Arnold Palmer was.

Now this was a very educated, smart guy who was rarely enthusiastic about much, at least around me; he looked at me, his eyes lit up and he said, “It was the greatest day of my life.”

That’s all you need to know about Arnold Palmer’s effect on people.

9) Hey if you’re in the Miami area, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s D-League team, is having a tryout on September 25 at a high school in the Miami area. Only costs $150 to try out. Of course, if you made the team, you get to spend the winter in North Dakota, not sure that’s a good deal or not. Probably not.

8) Did you know they have fantasy camp for musicians? Saw a friend of mine post a picture on Facebook of his brother jamming with a guitarist who had been part of the Eagles. I guess if you have some musical talent, that would be a very cool thing to do.

7) Arizona State 68, Texas Tech 55– Kid on ASU, Kalen Ballage, scored 8 touchdowns Saturday night!!!! Tremendous night for him, seven on the ground, one thru the air.

Steeler WR Antonio Brown’s dad Eddie was an Arena Football star here in Albany; he scored nine TDs in a game once– that was amazing to see, but to get eight in a college game, against a real opponent on a 100-yard field, that is very special.

6) Speaking of Antonio Brown, USA Today ran an article recently where the title was “3 years ago he was a junkie. Now he’s Antonio Brown’s chef.” I’m sure the Steelers front office just loved that story.

5) If someone asks you, the NHL team that has appeared in the most shootouts in one season? The 2013-14 Washington Caps (21).

4) Golfer Dustin Johnson’s grandfather is in the U of South Carolina Hall of Fame as a basketball player.

3) All three service academies are 2-0 in football this month; last time that happened was 1996.

2) Can you imagine how bad the traffic jam was getting out of Bristol Motor Speedway after the Va Tech-Tennessee football game Saturday? 150,000 people leaving at once, of course, once they got to the highway, half went east, half went west, maybe that made the traffic a little better.

1– Miami Marlins have a strict no-beard policy, for some odd reason. Pitcher Andrew Cashner had a thick beard but had to shave it when the Padres traded him to the Fish. Cashner is a free agent after the season; he has pitched well since being traded to Miami, but has said he might not consider signing with them this winter because he wants to grow his beard back.

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Close Calls - Week 1
September 13, 2016

Glancing at the scoreboard won’t tell you the whole story in most games.

Here are some of the games that went down to the wire relative to the spread in the fourth quarter last week in the first weekend of the NFL regular season, a wild first week with several tight games down the wire.

Denver Broncos (+3) 21, Carolina Panthers 20 (40½): Carolina appeared to be in complete control in the Super Bowl rematch to open the season, leading 17-7 at the half. Both teams failed in 3rd quarter opportunities but the Broncos struck early in the fourth quarter to get within three and then after a turnover the Broncos took the lead with fewer than 10 minutes to go in the game. Denver backers were in a good position at +3 and leading by four but Carolina had a new set of downs at the Denver 23-yard line with just over five minutes to go in the game. The Panthers opted to kick the field goal to climb within one-point and the defense held for a 3-and-out to get the ball back with still three minutes to go but just one timeout. Cam Newton took some big hits that mostly went ignored by the officials and eventually had the Panthers in field goal range but a 50-yard attempt with nine seconds on the clock missed left, following up a made attempt that was negated just in time by a Denver timeout. While a successful kick would not have helped those on the Panthers, most on the ‘over’ fell just short with the missed final kick as the common total was 41½ before a late slide before kickoff.

Minnesota Vikings (-2½) 25, Tennessee Titans 16 (40): The Titans took a 10-0 lead over Minnesota at the half but by the end of the third quarter the Vikings were in front 12-10 with a pair of field goals and a 77-yard interception return touchdown, though the extra-point was missed. The Minnesota defense continued to dominate in the fourth quarter allowing the Vikings two more field goals and scoring another defensive touchdown with a 24-yard fumble return as Minnesota took command 25-10. A late Tennessee touchdown helped some on the ‘over’ though many wound up with a push at 41 as the Titans went for two on the score with 26 seconds to go and failed.

Cincinnati Bengals (-1) 23, New York Jets 22 (42½): The Jets had the early lead in this AFC clash with a 16-10 edge before the Bengals settled for a short field goal as the first half expired. Cincinnati took the lead in the third quarter completing a 92-yard drive with a touchdown to go up 20-16, just past a road favorite spread that sat at -2½ most of the week. The Jets settled for a 20-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to sit down one but after a Cincinnati drive ended with a missed field goal the Jets converted for another three points and a 22-20 advantage. Getting the ball back with just over three minutes to go the Bengals moved down the field with relative ease with the help of a facemask penalty and Mike Nugent got redemption with a successful 47-yard field goal in the final minute. A final drive for the Jets ended the game with an interception though many on the underdog walked away with winning tickets or at worst a push. The late field goal for the Bengals also put the game just ‘over’ the total as well.

Oakland Raiders (+3) 35, New Orleans Saints 34 (50½): Despite the very high scoring final the ‘over’ didn’t look that promising with a 24-13 lead for the Saints heading into the fourth quarter. It wound up being a wild final frame however as the Raiders would tie the game on a 75-yard run with about eight minutes to go, getting a successful two-point conversion to knot the score at 27-27. New Orleans only needed three plays to get back on top but six minutes remained on the clock. The Saints defense had few stops in the second half but on 4th-and-5 it looked like New Orleans sealed the win just after the two-minute warning as a rushed throw from Derek Carr flew out of bounds. The Saints were flagged for pass interference in a highly questionable call however to hand the Raiders a new set of downs. Two plays later the Raiders found the end zone and boldly went for two, successfully hitting a pass to take a 35-34 lead. This game was a ‘pick’ part of the week and the Saints were widely available at just -1 until Sunday as Drew Brees led the offense down the field in the final seconds looking for a late field goal. New Orleans didn’t get quite far enough however as a 61-yard attempt from Wil Lutz just barely fell left as the Raiders left the Superdome with an improbable win.

Kansas City Chiefs (-6½) 33, San Diego Chargers 27 (46): Those that grabbed the Chargers at +7 early in the week had to be smiling with the Chargers up 21-3 at the half in Kansas City. After nearly nine minutes of scoreless ball in the third quarter a field goal extended that lead to 24-3. The Chiefs finally got a touchdown late in the third quarter but the Chargers added another three points early in the fourth quarter to still lead by 17. The Chargers stopped the next drive for the Chiefs with an interception but then missed on a 54-yard field goal to give Kansas City good field position. Just two minutes later the Chiefs were within 10 with a touchdown strike while San Diego then punted the ball right back. The Chargers held Kansas City to a field goal with a big stop after a 12-play drive but the offense had a 3-and-out and a terrible punt gave the Chiefs the ball back in San Diego territory down seven. Four plays later the game was tied and the Chargers didn’t put up much of a threat in to score in the final minute, eventually punting to run out the clock and head to overtime. The Chiefs won the toss and went 70-yards on 10 plays to win though most on the Chargers still held on with the six-point final margin.

Baltimore Ravens (-3) 13, Buffalo Bills 7 (44½): Down 10-7 at the half the Bills missed a field goal on the opening drive of the second half. After several punts the Bills got some momentum back getting a 4th-and-1 stop near midfield but more punting followed as both defenses held up well. With just fewer than six minutes to go in the game the Ravens got past the home favorite spread with a 13-play drive resulting in a field goal, in what was the second kick on that drive for Justin Tucker as the Ravens took three points off the board with a Buffalo penalty on the first kick. Buffalo went backwards on its final possession eventually punting with four minutes to go and the Ravens did enough to run out the clock and hold on for the low-scoring win and cover.

Houston Texans (-6) 23, Chicago Bears 14: The Bears struck first in Houston leading 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and still holding a 14-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Brock Osweiler hit Will Fuller for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to give Houston its first lead of the game at 20-14, right even with the closing spread though the number fluctuated between -4½ and -6½ throughout the week. It wound up not coming into play as Houston added a field goal with six minutes to go and the defense held the Bears off the scoreboard in the entire second half with a 24-yard drive in the final minutes to just the Chicago 45-yard line being the best threat.

Green Bay Packers (-3½) 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 23 (47): The closing line was the low point for this spread that was at 4½ to 5½ most of the week and Green Bay was past that number early in the fourth quarter with a 27-20 edge after a Mason Crosby field goal. Settling for that short 20-yard kick kept ‘under’ players alive with a total that fell from 48 to 47 before kickoff. Jacksonville wound send the game ‘over’ with a 50-yard kick to trail by four which was enough to take the underdog cover as well for most. The Packers didn’t threaten to add points on their final possession but Jacksonville did threaten to pull off the upset, getting 1st-and-10 from the Green Bay 23-yard line in the final minute but eventually failing on 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 pass plays from the 14-yard line.

New York Giants (+1) 20, Dallas Cowboys 19 (48): The Giants were +1 most of the week and at the closing line but for a few hours on Sunday the number flipped to -1 and very briefly -1½ as results wound up a bit varied on this NFC East clash. Dallas hit three first half field goals with productive drives but no touchdowns under rookie Dak Prescott as the Giants scored a pair of touchdowns in the second quarter to lead 13-9 as an extra-point try was blocked. Dallas took a 16-13 lead in the third quarter as Ezekiel Elliott scored his first touchdown and that lead was extended early in the fourth quarter with a field goal. With about six minutes to go the Giants had a 54-yard touchdown drive to take a one-point lead. After forcing a punt the Giants looked like a threat to add points to make it a clear cover but the drive stalled and on 4th-and-1 the Giants opted to punt in a conservative move that looked like it might come back to haunt the team. On the punt a bad snap forced punter Brad Wing to just get the ball out for a touchback and a net of just 17 yards. Dallas picked up a pair of first downs to approach midfield and with 12 seconds left Prescott hit Terrance Williams for a solid gain but he opted to cut up field rather than get out of bounds. Dallas would have had a reasonable long field goal attempt but it was 4th down so spiking the clock wasn’t possible and there was not enough time to get another play off anyway.

New England Patriots (+9) 23, Arizona Cardinals 21 (44½): The Patriots made it clear that a heavy underdog cover was likely with a 10-0 lead early and New England went up 20-14 early in the fourth quarter with a field goal. The Cardinals would take a 21-20 lead however and those on the ‘under’ now had very little margin for error with the number sliding from an opener of 48½ down to 44½ by kickoff. New England took the lead with a field goal with under four minutes to go to put the total at 44. Arizona drove into field goal range with a great chance to steal the win facing 1st-and-10 from the 34-yard line at the two-minute warning but a holding penalty would push the Cardinals back, eventually facing 3rd-and-23. The Cardinals got enough yardage for a favorable field goal attempt but the 47-yard kick was missed as the Patriots cashed some attractive moneyline tickets and the ‘under’ held on.

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Tech Trends - Week 2
September 13, 2016

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15

NY JETS at BUFFALO (CBS/NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Bills won and covered both meetings by identical 22-17 scores last season. That's now five straight wins and covers in series for Buffalo. Rex 3-1 as home chalk LY. Jets 2-0-1 as dog last season for Bowles.
Tech Edge: Bills and slight to "under," based on team and "totals" trends.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 18

TENNESSEE at DETROIT (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Caldwell 3-0-1 as home chalk last season. Lions also "over" 8-2 last 10 as host. Mularkey 2-8 SU and vs. line since LY, Titans 8-28-2 last 38 vs. line since late 2013.
Tech Edge: Lions and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

KANSAS CITY at HOUSTON (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Chiefs won and covered twice LY, including Wild Card round romp. But Houston has covered last 3 and 8 of last 10 in regular season since late LY.
Tech Edge: Chiefs, based on team and series trends.

MIAMI at NEW ENGLAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Home team has won and covered last six meetings and is 7-0-1 vs. line last eight. Belichick has won and covered four straight at home vs. Miami, all by DD margins (win margin 23.8 ppg!). Belichick 4-1-3 as home chalk LY.
Tech Edge: Patriots, based on series home trends.

BALTIMORE at CLEVELAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Ugh! John Harbaugh 7-1 SU and vs. line last 8 at Cleveland since taking over Ravens in 2008. Browns 4-8-1 as dog LY.
Tech Edge: Ravens, based on series and team trends.

CINCINNATI at PITTSBURGH (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Road team won all three meetings LY. Bengals 13-3-1 vs. spread in 2015. Marvin Lewis also 13-3-1 as dog since 2013. Steel "over" 9-4 last 13 as Heinz Field chalk.
Tech Edge: Bengals and "over" based on team and "totals" trends.

DALLAS at WASHINGTON (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Dallas was 4-11-1 vs. line in injury-plagued 2015. Cowboys though have won last 3 SU at Washington. Jay Gruden just 1-5 as home chalk the past two seasons.
Tech Edge: Cowboys, based on series trends.

NEW ORLEANS at NY GIANTS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
These two way "over" in last two meetings (52-27 in 2012 and 52-49 LY). Saints "over" 22-12 last 34 since late 2013. Saints 7-3-1 as dog since 2014.
Tech Edge: "Over" and Saints, if dog, based on "totals" and team trends.

SAN FRANCISCO at CAROLINA (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Chip teams "over" 15-9 on road past three seasons . Niners 2-6 as road dog LY. Cam 6-2 at home LY, Panthers also "over" 6-2-1 as host LY.
Tech Edge: "Over" and Panthers, based on "totals" and team trends.

TAMPA BAY at ARIZONA (FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Arians 31-16-1 vs. line in reg season since 2013 with Cards, he was 7-2-1 as home chalk first two seasons before 3-5 mark in role a year ago.
Tech Edge: Cards, based on team trends.

SEATTLE at LOS ANGELES (FOX, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Rams beat Seahawks twice LY! Russell Wilson just 2-6 vs. line against Rams since 2012. Jeff Fisher "under" 12-4-1 since late 2014.
Tech Edge: Rams and slight to "under" based on series and "totals" trends.

INDIANAPOLIS at DENVER (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Note that Andrew Luck is 3-1 SU and 4-0 vs. line against Denver since 2013. Those games "over" 3-1. Colts 6-2 as dog LY. Kubiak 1-4-2 as home chalk LY.
Tech Edge: Colts and slight to "over," based on series and "totals" trends.

ATLANTA at OAKLAND (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Falcs now 2-11 last 13 on board since early 2015, and 1-5 last six away from home. Falcs were also "under" 13-3 last season and 23-10 since 2014. Raiders "over" 19-12-1 last two seasons but only 1-3 as favorite in 2015.
Tech Edge: Slight to Raiders, based on team trends.

JACKSONVILLE at SAN DIEGO (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Rivers has won and covered last 4 vs. Jags dating to 2010. But Bolts only 4-8 as chalk since 2014. Jags "over" 20-12 away since 2012.
Tech Edge: Rivers has won and covered last 4 vs. Jags dating to 2010. But Bolts only 4-8 as chalk since 2014. Jags "over" 20-12 away since 2012.

GREEN BAY at MINNESOTA (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Pack 4-1-1 SU but only 3-3 vs. line against Vikes since 2013. They have won three in a row SU in Minneapolis but this is first game in new US Bank Stadium.
Tech Edge: Slight to Pack, based on series trends.

MONDAY, SEPT. 19

PHILADELPHIA at CHICAGO (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Bears 1-7 vs. line at home LY.
Tech Edge: Slight to Eagles, based on Bears home negatives.

[StarDust Bum]

ATLANTA FALCONS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Jalen Collins CB April 8, 2016 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended
Devin Fuller WR August 31, 2016 shoulder IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Atlanta Falcons placed Fuller on injuredNFL Injury Report

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Justin Bethel CB September 11, 2016 foot Questionable
Mike Jenkins CB August 29, 2016 torn right ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Jenkins tore his ACL in Sunday night's third preseason game against the Houston Texans and was placed on injured reserve.
Lamar Louis LB September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Kareem Martin LB September 11, 2016 knee Out
Stepfan Taylor RB September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
reserve Wednesday and brought back fullback Will Ratelle. Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Fuller may need surgery to repair a shoulder injury. Fuller injured his shoulder in the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
Dashon Goldson S September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Akeem King CB September 3, 2016 foot IR September 3, 2017
Comments: The Falcons placed cornerback Akeem King on injured reserve due to a foot injury.
Keanu Neal S September 11, 2016 knee Out
Terron Ward RB September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Kyle Arrington CB August 29, 2016 concussion IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Ravens placed Arrington on season-ending injured reserve Monday due to a concussion.
Kenneth Dixon RB September 11, 2016 knee Out
Elvis Dumervil LB September 11, 2016 foot Out
Bronson Kaufusi DE August 30, 2016 broken ankle IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Kaufusi will miss the 2016 season after breaking his left ankle during practice Thursday.
Dennis Pitta TE September 11, 2016 finger Questionable
Jerraud Powers CB September 11, 2016 ankle Out
Lorenzo Taliaferro RB August 30, 2016 foot Placed on PUPL
John Urschel G September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Darren Waller TE July 1, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Benjamin Watson TE August 29, 2016 Achilles IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Watson's season is over before it began after he tore his right Achilles tendon on Baltimore's first offensive play against the Lions on Saturday.
Maxx Williams TE September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Shareece Wright CB September 11, 2016 foot Questionable

BUFFALO BILLS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Colt Anderson S September 11, 2016 foot Out
Marcell Dareus DT August 16, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Marcus Easley WR August 30, 2016 dislocated and fractured knee Placed on PUPL
Ryan Groy G September 11, 2016 ribs Questionable
Seantrel Henderson T September 9, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Cardale Jones QB September 11, 2016 right shoulder Questionable
Shaq Lawson DE August 30, 2016 shoulder Placed on PUPL
Kolby Listenbee WR August 30, 2016 double sports hernia/pelvic inflam. reserve/non football injury
Reggie Ragland LB August 30, 2016 torn ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Ragland needs surgery to repair a torn left knee ligament and may miss the season.
Kevon Seymour CB September 11, 2016 hamstring Out
Jonathan Williams RB September 11, 2016 ribs Questionable

CAROLINA PANTHERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Vernon Butler DT September 8, 2016 hand Questionable
Leonard Johnson CB August 30, 2016 back reserve/non football injury
A.J. Klein LB September 8, 2016 back Questionable
Dean Marlowe S September 8, 2016 hamstring Doubtful
Kevin Norwood WR September 3, 2016 left hip IR September 3, 2017
Comments: Norwood, linebacker Ben Jacobs and offensive tackle Jordan Rigsbee were placed on injured reserve.

CHICAGO BEARS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Joshua Bellamy WR September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Brandon Boykin CB August 3, 2016 undisclosed IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Chicago Bears placed Boykin on reserve/injured on Wednesday due to a pectoral injury, ending his season.
Deon Bush S September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Bryce Callahan CB September 11, 2016 groin Questionable
Kyle Fuller CB September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Hroniss Grasu C August 30, 2016 torn right ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Grasu (torn ACL) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
Paul Lasike RB September 11, 2016 wrist Questionable
Kyle Long T September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Pernell McPhee LB September 3, 2016 knee Placed on PUPL
Connor Shaw QB August 30, 2016 broken right leg IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Shaw (broken leg) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
Deonte Thompson WR September 11, 2016 knee, ankle Questionable
Cornelius Washington DE September 11, 2016 ankle, knee Questionable
Kevin White WR September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Marquess Wilson WR September 3, 2016 fractured left foot Placed on PUPL

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Andrew Billings DT August 30, 2016 knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Billings (torn meniscus) will miss the entire season.
Vontaze Burfict LB January 11, 2016 3 games (NFL Player Safety Rules) suspended
Darqueze Dennard CB September 11, 2016 ankle Doubtful
Tyler Eifert TE September 11, 2016 ankle Out
William Jackson CB September 5, 2016 torn pectoral IR November 14, 2016
Comments: Jackson will have surgery for a torn muscle in his chest but could return at some point during the season, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Thursday.
Cedric Peerman RB September 5, 2016 broken left elbow IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Peerman had his left forearm broken during Cincinnati's Sunday night preseason game against the Jaguars at Jacksonville and has been placed on IR.
Brandon Thompson DT August 30, 2016 knee Placed on PUPL

CLEVELAND BROWNS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Armonty Bryant LB March 4, 2016 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended
Desmond Bryant DE July 28, 2016 pectoral reserve/non football injury
Marcus Burley CB September 11, 2016 groin Out
Josh Gordon WR July 26, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Robert Griffin III QB September 12, 2016 fractured left coracoid bone IR November 10, 2016
Comments: Griffin broke a bone in his left shoulder and will miss at least eight games.

DALLAS COWBOYS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
James Hanna TE August 30, 2016 knee Placed on PUPL
Demarcus Lawrence DE June 30, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Ronald Leary G September 11, 2016 groin Questionable
Darren McFadden RB September 3, 2016 broken elbow reserve/non football injury
Kellen Moore QB August 30, 2016 fractured fibula IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Moore underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured right fibula on Thursday.
Mark Nzeocha LB September 11, 2016 Achilles Out
Tony Romo QB September 11, 2016 back Out
Jaylon Smith LB August 30, 2016 reserve/non football injury
Charles Tapper DE September 11, 2016 back Out
Josh Thomas CB August 29, 2016 left thumb IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Cowboys placed Thomas (thumb) on injured reserve Monday.

DENVER BRONCOS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
James Ferentz C September 8, 2016 knee Questionable
Bennie Fowler WR September 8, 2016 elbow Out
Garrett Graham TE August 30, 2016 shoulder IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Broncos have placed Graham on IR, ending his season.
Jeff Heuerman TE September 8, 2016 ankle Questionable
Shiloh Keo S August 12, 2016 2 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Ty Sambrailo T September 8, 2016 elbow Questionable
Vance Walker DE August 19, 2016 torn right ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Denver Broncos placed defensive end Vance Walker on injured reserve Friday. The 6-foot-2, 305-pound Walker is an eighth-year pro who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during practice Monday.

DETROIT LIONS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Jonathan Bostic LB September 6, 2016 foot IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Bostic (foot) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.
Eric Ebron TE September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Corey Fuller WR August 30, 2016 foot Placed on PUPL
Graham Glasgow C September 11, 2016 toe Questionable
Brandon Pettigrew TE August 30, 2016 torn ACL Placed on PUPL
Corey Robinson T September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Golden Tate WR September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Tim Wright TE May 31, 2016 torn ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Wright has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL recently.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Chris Banjo S September 11, 2016 hamstring Doubtful
Trevor Davis WR September 11, 2016 shoulder Doubtful
Jayrone Elliott LB September 11, 2016 hamstring Doubtful
Demetri Goodson CB April 8, 2016 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended
Josh Hawkins CB September 11, 2016 hamstring Out
Jeff Janis WR September 11, 2016 hand Questionable
Corey Linsley C September 3, 2016 hamstring Placed on PUPL
Justin Perillo TE September 11, 2016 knee Questionable

HOUSTON TEXANS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Duane Brown T September 11, 2016 knee Out
Brian Cushing LB September 11, 2016 torn right MCL Day-to-Day October 24, 2016
Comments: Cushing has a sprained right medial collateral ligament in his right knee and is out indefinitely.
Kurtis Drummond S August 30, 2016 leg IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Texans have placed Drummond on injured reserve with a leg injury.
Nick Martin C August 30, 2016 high-ankle sprain IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Martin (ankle) has officially been placed on injured reserve.
David Quessenberry G May 31, 2016 lymphoma reserve/non football injury

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Henry Anderson DT September 11, 2016 knee Out
Darius Butler CB September 11, 2016 ankle Out
Vontae Davis CB September 11, 2016 ankle Out
Clayton Geathers S September 11, 2016 foot Out
Joe Haeg T September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Jack Mewhort T September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Sio Moore LB September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Michael Bennett DT September 3, 2016 calf IR September 3, 2017
Comments: The Jags placed defensive tackle Michael Bennett (calf) on injured reserve.
Aaron Colvin CB April 8, 2016 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended
Chris Ivory RB September 11, 2016 calf Questionable
Jared Odrick DT September 11, 2016 jaw, concussion protocol Questionable
James Sample S August 30, 2016 shoulder IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Sample (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Jamaal Charles RB September 11, 2016 knee Doubtful
Justin Houston LB August 30, 2016 knee Placed on PUPL
Josh Mauga LB August 30, 2016 hip IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Chiefs placed Mauga on injured reserve Tuesday.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Stedman Bailey WR June 8, 2016 head reserve/non football injury
Pharoh Cooper WR September 12, 2016 shoulder Out
E.J. Gaines CB September 12, 2016 thigh Out
Bryce Hager LB September 12, 2016 concussion Questionable
Rob Havenstein T September 12, 2016 foot Questionable
Nelson Spruce WR September 12, 2016 knee Out

MIAMI DOLPHINS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Jay Ajayi RB September 11, 2016 not injury related Out
Chris Culliver CB September 3, 2016 knee Placed on PUPL
Terrence Fede DE September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Jelani Jenkins LB September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Dion Jordan DE August 30, 2016 reserve/non football injury
Earl Mitchell DT September 11, 2016 calf Questionable
DeVante Parker WR September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Isaiah Pead RB September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Mike Pouncey C September 11, 2016 hip Out
Laremy Tunsil G September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Zach Vigil LB August 30, 2016 reserve/non football injury

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Teddy Bridgewater QB August 31, 2016 torn left ACL, dislocated left knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Bridgewater has undergone surgery on his severely injured left knee, the first step toward what will undoubtedly be a long, arduous recovery. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer confirmed the operation took place Thursday, nine days after Bridgewater went down in practice while dropping back to pass during a routine non-contact drill.
Nick Easton C September 11, 2016 ankle Out
Mike Harris G August 30, 2016 reserve/non football injury
Charles Johnson WR September 11, 2016 quadriceps Questionable
Jerick McKinnon RB September 11, 2016 foot Questionable
MyCole Pruitt TE September 11, 2016 knee Out

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Tom Brady QB April 25, 2016 4 games (Conduct detrimental to league) suspended
Jonathan Cooper G September 11, 2016 foot Questionable
Trey Flowers DE September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Rob Gronkowski TE September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Chris Hogan WR September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Tre' Jackson G August 29, 2016 arthroscopic knee surgery Placed on PUPL
Dion Lewis RB August 30, 2016 Placed on PUPL
Shaq Mason C September 11, 2016 hand Questionable
Shea McClellin LB September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Malcolm Mitchell WR September 11, 2016 elbow Questionable
Rob Ninkovich DE September 2, 2016 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended
Nate Solder T September 11, 2016 hamstring Questionable
Sebastian Vollmer T August 30, 2016 Placed on PUPL
Michael Williams TE June 13, 2016 IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Williams has been placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Terron Armstead T September 11, 2016 knee, quadricep Questionable
Delvin Breaux CB September 11, 2016 broken left fibula Day-to-Day November 13, 2016
Comments: Breaux fractured his left fibula during the second half of Sunday's loss to the Raiders.
Dannell Ellerbe LB September 11, 2016 quadricep Out
Michael Hoomanawanui TE September 3, 2016 left leg IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Hoomanawanui was placed on injured reserve Saturday and is out for the season. He has been sidelined since going down with an a left leg injury in New Orleans' third preseason game.
Hau'oli Kikaha LB August 30, 2016 Placed on PUPL
Chris Manhertz TE September 11, 2016 head Questionable
Sheldon Rankins DT September 5, 2016 broken left fibula IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Rankins suffered a fractured fibula during Monday's practice, an injury that will sideline the 2016 first-round pick for the 2016 season after he was placed on IR.
Jamarca Sanford S June 18, 2016 undisclosed IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Saints have placed Sanford on injured reserve.
Damian Swann CB August 31, 2016 undisclosed IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Swann has reportedly been placed on IR by the Saints with an undisclosed injury.
Michael Thomas WR September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Kyle Wilson CB June 24, 2016 torn labrum IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Saints have placed Wilson on injured reserve.

NEW YORK GIANTS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Robert Thomas DT September 11, 2016 illness Out
J.T. Thomas III LB September 12, 2016 torn ligaments left knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Thomas suffered torn ligaments in his left knee in Sunday's opener and was placed on injured reserve Monday.
Nikita Whitlock RB August 30, 2016 foot IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Giants have placed Whitlock on injured reserve.

NEW YORK JETS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Bruce Carter LB September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Breno Giacomini T September 3, 2016 back Placed on PUPL
David Harris LB September 11, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Jordan Jenkins LB September 11, 2016 calf Doubtful
Bryce Petty QB September 11, 2016 right shoulder Out
Darryl Roberts CB September 11, 2016 foot Out
Devin Smith WR August 28, 2016 torn right ACL Placed on PUPL

OAKLAND RAIDERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Mario Edwards Jr. DE September 5, 2016 hip IR November 6, 2016
Comments: The Raiders placed Edwards on the injured reserve list with a hip injury Monday.
Austin Howard T September 11, 2016 ankle Out
Marcel Reece RB December 29, 2015 4 games (NFL Policy on PEDs) suspended

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Trey Burton TE September 11, 2016 calf Questionable
Vinny Curry DE September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Alex McCalister DE August 28, 2016 calf IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Eagles have placed McCalister on injured reserve.
Bryce Treggs WR September 11, 2016 knee Out
Joe Walker LB August 28, 2016 knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Eagles have placed Walker on injured reserve.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Le'Veon Bell RB August 19, 2016 3 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Martavis Bryant WR March 14, 2016 Indefinite (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Bud Dupree LB September 4, 2016 undisclosed IR October 23, 2016
Comments: The Pittsburgh Steelers placed Dupree on the team's reserve/injured list.
Senquez Golson CB September 12, 2016 foot Out
Bruce Gradkowski QB August 31, 2016 left hamstring IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Steelers placed Gradkowski on injured reserve with a hamstring injury Wednesday.
Ladarius Green TE August 30, 2016 ankle, headaches Placed on PUPL
Jerald Hawkins T August 28, 2016 shoulder IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Steelers have placed Hawkins on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.
Roosevelt Nix RB September 12, 2016 back Out
Cody Wallace C September 12, 2016 knee Out
Markus Wheaton WR September 12, 2016 shoulder Out

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Keenan Allen WR September 11, 2016 torn right ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Chargers placed Allen on IR on Monday, a day after he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.
Jeff Cumberland TE August 22, 2016 torn left Achilles IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Cumberland has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his left Achilles in Friday's preseason game against Arizona.
Stevie Johnson WR August 15, 2016 knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Johnson (knee) was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday.
Sean Lissemore NT August 15, 2016 shoulder IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Lissemore (shoulder) was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday.
Branden Oliver RB August 30, 2016 torn right Achilles IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Chargers have lost Oliver for the season after he tore his right Achilles tendon in an exhibition game against Minnesota on Sunday.
Damion Square DT August 24, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Arik Armstead DT September 12, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Nick Bellore LB September 12, 2016 knee Questionable
Anthony Davis T September 12, 2016 not injury related Questionable
Chris Davis CB September 12, 2016 hamstring Doubtful
Quinton Dial DT September 12, 2016 knee Questionable
Glenn Dorsey DT September 12, 2016 knee Questionable
Bruce Ellington WR August 30, 2016 hamstring IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Ellington was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season a few days after he suffered a hamstring injury in the team?s game against the Packers
Thaddeus Lewis QB August 16, 2016 torn left ACL IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Lewis will miss the upcoming season after tearing his ACL in Sunday's preseason game against Houston.
Aaron Lynch LB July 15, 2016 4 games (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Keith Reaser CB September 12, 2016 ankle Questionable
Ian Williams NT July 30, 2016 leg reserve/non football injury

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Tavaris Barnes DE August 10, 2016 undisclosed IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Barnes was waived/injured by the Seahawks on Wednesday.
Jimmy Graham TE September 11, 2016 knee Questionable
Germain Ifedi G September 11, 2016 ankle Questionable
Nick Vannett TE September 11, 2016 ankle Out

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Devante Bond LB September 11, 2016 hamstring Out
Mike James RB September 8, 2016 undisclosed IR
George Johnson DE August 5, 2016 hip IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Buccaneers placed Johnson (hip) on season-ending injured reserve Friday.
Louis Murphy WR August 30, 2016 torn ACL Placed on PUPL
Jacquies Smith DE September 12, 2016 knee IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Tampa Bay put Smith on the IR with a knee injury.
Ryan Smith CB September 11, 2016 hand Questionable
Luke Stocker TE September 11, 2016 back Questionable
J.R. Sweezy G August 30, 2016 back Placed on PUPL

TENNESSEE TITANS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Byron Bell G June 3, 2016 dislocated left ankle IR September 10, 2017
Comments: Tennessee coach Mike Mularkey says offensive lineman Byron Bell will miss the season after dislocating his left ankle on the Titans' first day of organized team activities.
Kendall Wright WR September 11, 2016 hamstring Out

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Player Pos Date Injury Status Expected Return
Derek Carrier TE August 30, 2016 torn ACL and MCL Placed on PUPL
Josh Doctson WR September 12, 2016 Achilles Questionable
Junior Galette LB July 28, 2016 Achilles reserve/non football injury
Kedric Golston NT September 12, 2016 back Questionable
Matt Jones RB September 12, 2016 shoulder Questionable
Spencer Long G September 12, 2016 ankle Questionable
Keith Marshall RB August 30, 2016 left elbow IR September 10, 2017
Comments: The Redskins have placed Marshall on injured reserve with a sprained left elbow.
Silas Redd Jr. RB April 12, 2016 Indefinite (NFL Substance Abuse Policy) suspended
Kendall Reyes DE September 12, 2016 groin Questionable

Updated Wed Sep 14 3:52 AM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Updated NFL Best Bets:

Monday Night Results: ATS 0 - 2, O/U 2 - 0

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks.......7 - 7 - 1...........50.00%..........- 0.70

O/U Picks.......10 - 5 - 0...........66.00%.........+4.00

[StarDust Bum]

Week 2 Underdogs
September 14, 2016

Week 1 saw plenty of underdogs get bettors to the window ATS as they cashed numerous bets and potentially a few more depending on the number you got.

Covering the spread wasn't all these underdogs did as opening line underdogs won six games (Denver, Tampa Bay, Oakland, Detroit, New England, San Francisco) and it if wasn't for a 2nd half collapse, the San Diego Chargers would have been added to that list.

In last week's feature on potential underdog ML bets, I touched on the Patriots and Chargers ML bets as being two of the best in terms of sizeable dogs and it was good to see that both of them had a strong chance to cash, with New England ending up getting to the window.

This week we've got another host of NFL underdogs that are +4 or higher and it's time to break down which ones have the best chance of pulling the outright upset off this week.

Sportsbook.ag: Week 2 NFL Underdogs that Qualify

Tennessee Titans (+6); ML: (+200)

Miami Dolphins (+6.5); ML: (+230)

Cleveland Browns (+6.5); ML: (+230)

San Francisco 49ers (+13.5); ML: (+575)

New Orleans Saints (+4.5); ML: (+170)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5); ML: (+230)

Los Angeles Rams (+7); ML: N/A

Indianapolis Colts (+6); ML: (+220)

Atlanta Falcons (+5); ML: (+180)

Remember, this piece is all about considering the ML option over the point spread, so there are a few squads I believe we can ignore in that facet right off the bat.

Tampa Bay, for as impressive as they looked vs. Atlanta last week, will be in very tough this week in Arizona against a frustrated Cardinals team.

Arizona has Super Bowl aspirations this season and can't afford to start the year 0-2 SU with two home losses. The Bucs might keep it within the point spread, but I wouldn't consider a ML bet here.

Cleveland (at home vs. Baltimore), San Francisco (on the road vs. Carolina), LA Rams (at home vs. Seattle) and New Orleans (on the road vs. NYG) are three other underdogs that I would avoid on the ML for various reasons, although of the four, the Saints would clearly have the best shot, especially if their defense decides to show up and stop someone.

That leaves us with a few solid options to consider, but the three I would seriously consider are Tennessee (+200), Miami (+230), and Indianapolis (+220).

All three of those teams are on the road which doesn't do them any favors, but all can ill-afford to start the year 0-2 SU after all losing in Week 1.

Tennessee is arguably the worst of the three, but they also face the weakest opponent in Detroit. The Lions escaped Indy with a victory last week, but the defense was atrocious and there are no signs of things changing soon. Tennessee showed last week that they can play some solid defense on their end and as long as they take care of the ball, they'll be in this game until the end.

Indy and Miami are interesting as they play the two teams that were in last year's AFC Championship (Denver, New England), and I think we see at least one of these two 'dogs' win outright.

Indy is probably the scarier option of the two given how rough they looked in Week 1, but Andrew Luck has had success against the Broncos in the past, and the entire Colts team would love to get their first W of the year over the defending champs.

Miami's offense couldn't get much done in Seattle last week, but they've got a big rivalry game against the Pats here and won't have to deal with Brady.

New England's big win in Arizona on SNF likely bumped up this point spread by a point or two given the Garoppolo factor, and with the home team having won the last seven meetings between these two, I understand why some would shy away here.

But either the Colts or Dolphins (at least) will win outright in Week 2 and the more work you put in over the course of this week will help you decipher which one is the better bet.

[StarDust Bum]

Rex Ryan in no mood to reflect on Jets
September 14, 2016

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The New York Jets are coming to town for an AFC East showdown Thursday night, and Rex Ryan was in no mood to reflect on old grudges.

Whatever raw emotions the Bills coach felt toward his former team during his first season in Buffalo last year have dissipated with time.

''Last year, I thought it was different because I was going back to New York, it seemed like bigger,'' said Ryan, who memorably punched the air in delight and yelled a profanity following Buffalo's 22-17 win in his first return to the Meadowlands in November. ''This is just a football game now, and I think that's kind of how everybody views it.''

Aside from a few offhand remarks regarding the success of his fantasy baseball team, and a shoutout to his son, Seth, to earn more playing time at Clemson, Ryan was all business this week, and for good reason.

He has far more pressing concerns facing a short week of practice and questions about an offense that sputtered in a season-opening 13-7 loss at Baltimore, and could be missing two key starters to injury. Receiver Sammy Watkins is questionable because of soreness is his surgically repaired left foot, and starting left tackle Cordy Glenn (ankle) is out.

That's worrisome for a Tyrod Taylor-led attack that managed just 160 yards offense on Sunday.

There's also the added weight of pressure Ryan is bearing following a year in which the Bills played below expectations, finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs for a 16th consecutive year.

In seven previous seasons as a head coach, Ryan has never opened a season 0-2.

''Gosh,'' he said, when reminded of that statistic, ''I hope that trend continues.''

There's a similar sense of urgency for the Jets, who gave up a go-ahead field goal in the final minute of a 23-22 loss to Cincinnati. Now the Jets make the trip to where their playoff hopes ended with a season-ending 22-17 loss to the Bills in January.

The memory stings especially for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who closed the game by throwing three consecutive interceptions.

''That was a tough one for me to get over,'' said Fitzpatrick, who went 20-33 as a Bills starter from 2009-2012. ''But you tend to find a way to move on, and this is a new year.''

The Jets return mostly intact on offense and improved their ground attack with the offseason addition of running back Matt Forte. New York's defensive line is one of the NFL's most disruptive, and was in on six of seven sacks last weekend.

Some things to look out for as the Jets seek to snap a five-game skid against Buffalo:

REVIS ISLAND EXPOSED?: Concerns were raised whether Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has lost a step after Bengals receiver A.J. Green had 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown last weekend. Coach Todd Bowles said he's not lost any sleep over it, and Revis says he has a short memory.

''It's not like I've never had a ball caught off me,'' Revis said. ''You bounce back and that's why we play week to week.''

WATKINS LIMPING: Revis might have an easier time defending Watkins, who had 11 catches for 136 yards in last season's finale.

Though Watkins says he's ''definitely'' playing, he complained this week of experiencing discomfort in his left foot, which was surgically repaired in April. Watkins had a team-best 43 yards receiving against the Ravens, and spent this week trying out a new, wider set of cleats to ease the pain.

NO OFFENSE: The Bills were kept in check by the Ravens, who forced five three-and-outs and limited Taylor to 48 snaps. Taylor attempted one pass beyond 20 yards and was held to 11 yards rushing, a year after setting the franchise record for quarterbacks with 568 yards rushing.

The 160 yards offense were the fewest by the Bills in a decade, and came a year after Buffalo led the league in rushing and scored 24 touchdowns of 20 yards or longer.

SACK ATTACK: Ryan refers to the Jets' defensive front as one of the most formidable in the NFL, and the line will welcome back Sheldon Richardson, who returns from a one-game suspension. The seven sacks against Cincinnati were the most since 2013, when the Ryan-coached team had eight against Buffalo. The Bills got four sacks a year after failing to get more than two in one game.

HONORING BRUCE: The Bills will retire NFL career sacks leader and Hall of Famer Bruce Smith's No. 78 during a halftime ceremony.

The game also features the regular-season debut of New Era Field after the Bills signed an agreement with Buffalo-based New Era Cap Co., to replace the previous name of Ralph Wilson Stadium.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL

Wednesday, September 14


Bills WR Sammy Watkins listed as questionable and LT Cordy Glenn ruled OUT for Thursday's game vs Jets. BUF +1

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

NFL
Dunkel

Week 2

Thursday, September 15

NY Jets @ Buffalo

Game 101-102
September 15, 2016 @ 8:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Jets
133.968
Buffalo
130.921
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Jets
by 3
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Jets
Pick
40
Dunkel Pick:
NY Jets
Over


Sunday, September 18

Tennessee @ Detroit

Game 261-262
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tennessee
125.301
Detroit
127.930
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 6
47
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee
(+6); Over

Atlanta @ Oakland

Game 283-284
September 18, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
125.034
Oakland
133.592
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 8 1/2
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 4 1/2
50
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-4 1/2); Under

Kansas City @ Houston

Game 263-264
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
137.011
Houston
133.903
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 3
43
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+3); Over

Jacksonville @ San Diego

Game 285-286
September 18, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Jacksonville
132.516
San Diego
130.356
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Jacksonville
by 2
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 3
47
Dunkel Pick:
Jacksonville
(+3); Over

Miami @ New England

Game 265-266
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
128.913
New England
139.720
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New England
by 11
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 6 1/2
41 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New England
(-6 1/2); Over

Green Bay @ Minnesota

Game 287-288
September 18, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Green Bay
134.309
Minnesota
135.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 2 1/2
44
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+2 1/2); Under

Baltimore @ Cleveland

Game 267-268
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
131.457
Cleveland
123.018
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 8 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
by 6 1/2
42 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-6 1/2); Over

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Game 269-270
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
139.575
Pittsburgh
137.389
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3 1/2
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+3 1/2); Over

Dallas @ Washington

Game 271-272
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
130.797
Washington
129.374
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1 1/2
41
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 3
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+3); Under

New Orleans @ NY Giants

Game 273-274
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
126.828
NY Giants
133.971
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Giants
by 7
60
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Giants
by 4 1/2
52 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Giants
(-4 1/2); Over

San Francisco @ Carolina

Game 275-276
September 18, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
125.352
Carolina
142.710
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 17 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
by 13
45
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(-13); Over

Tampa Bay @ Arizona

Game 277-278
September 18, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
131.811
Arizona
135.965
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 4
55
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 7
50
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+7); Over

Seattle @ Los Angeles

Game 279-280
September 18, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
136.657
Los Angeles
126.279
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 10
33
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
by 7
38 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-7); Under

Indianapolis @ Denver

Game 281-282
September 18, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indianapolis
132.260
Denver
135.399
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 3
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
46
Dunkel Pick:
Indianapolis
(+6 1/2); Under


Monday, September 19

Philadelphia @ Chicago

Game 289-290
September 19, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
131.278
Chicago
129.341
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 3
43
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+3); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 2


Thursday's Game

NJ Jets (0-1) @ Buffalo (0-1)– Buffalo ran only 48 plays for 160 yards in 13-7 loss at Baltimore; they are 15-8 vs spread in last 23 home games; they won last five series games (both 22-17 LY); home side won six of last eight series games. Jets lost last three visits here, by 19-23-5 points. Bills are 6-2 in last eight home openers (7-2 vs spread in last nine); they’re 4-1 as a favorite in HOs. Jets are 14-5 vs spread in last 19 road openers, covering last three in spite of going 1-4 SU in last five. Jets covered seven of last eight as an underdog in AO’s- since 2011, they’re 10-14-3 as road dogs. Gang Green lost last week despite seven sacks, 52 rushing yards. Bills are 13-8 in last 21 games with spread of 3 or less; Jets are 5-8-1 in last 14. Last three Buffalo home openers stayed under, as did six of Jets’ last nine road openers.