Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 09-15-2019, 12:35 PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAC at DET 01:00 PM
LAC -1.5
U 47.0

NE at MIA 01:00 PM
MIA +18.0
U 48.5

SEA at PIT 01:00 PM
SEA +4.0
U 47.0

DAL at WAS 01:00 PM
WAS +6.0

IND at TEN 01:00 PM
IND +3.0
O 43.5

JAC at HOU 01:00 PM
JAC +7.5
O 43.0

SF at CIN 01:00 PM
SF +1.0
O 46.0

MIN at GB 01:00 PM
MIN +3.0
U 43.0

BUF at NYG 01:00 PM
BUF -1.0
U 44.5

ARI at BAL 01:00 PM
ARI +13.0
U 46.0

KC at OAK 04:05 PM
OAK +7.0
O 53.5

CHI at DEN 04:25 PM
CHI -2.0
U 40.0

NO at LAR 04:25 PM
NO +2.0
O 52.5

**StarDust Bum** · 09-15-2019, 07:10 PM

SUNDAY NIGHT BEST BETS:

PHI at ATL 08:20 PM

ATL +1.0

U 52.5

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 12:46 AM

Lions 13, Chargers 10
— Chargers had ball four times in 2nd half; two turnovers, two missed FG’s.
— Rivers threw INT into double coverage in end zone with 1:03 left.
— Three drives into red zone, only seven points for the Bolts.

— This was only 5th cover for Lions in last 16 tries as a home underdog.
— Detroit beats Chargers for only 2nd time in last nine meetings.
— Total yardage was 424-339, Chargers.

Bills 28, Giants 14
— Buffalo wins the state championship of New Jersey.
— Bills are 2-0 for first time since 2014.
— Buffalo is 21-17-2 ATS in last 40 games where spread was 3 or fewer points.

— Giants scored first in both their games, were outscored 63-17 after that.
— Big Blue is 4-9 ATS in last 13 games as a home underdog.
— Barkley ran for 107 yards, but caught only three passes for 28 yards.

Ravens 23, Cardinals 17:
— Arizona threw 40 passes, ran ball 11 only times.
— In four trips to red zone, Cardinals kicked three FG’s, scored a TD.
— Murray was 25-40/349 passing, with no turnovers,

— Jackson threw for 272 yards, ran ball for 120 more.
— In first two games, Ravens ran ball for 447 yards.
— Over last decade, teams that won by 28+ points in Week 1 are 2-12 ATS in Week 2

Patriots 43, Dolphins 0:
— Brady threw a pass with 5:30 left and NE ahead 36-0; why????
— Patriots outscored first two opponents 76-3.
— New England had seven sacks, scored two defensive TD’s.

— Miami has been outscored 102-10 in two ugly home games.
— Dolphins were outgained 1,024-384 in two games.
— 2020 NFL Draft begins April 23rd in Las Vegas.

Cowboys 31, Redskins 21:
— Cowboys ran ball for 217 yards, covered 7-11 on third down.
— Dallas won eight of last ten series games, six of last seven visits here.
— Jason Witten caught a TD pass in both games this season.

— Total yardage was 474-255, Dallas.
— Redskins had 11-yard edge in field position, but ran for only 47 yards.
— Washington lost last five and seven of last eight home openers.

Seahawks 28, Steelers 26:
— Wilson completed 29-35 passes; Seahawks ran ball for 151 yards.
— Seattle is now 1-6-1 ATS in last eight tries as a dog in road openers.
— Seahawks are 11-6-1 ATS in last 18 games as a road underdog.

— Roethlisberger hurt his elbow, sat out second half.
— Total yardage was 425-261, Seattle.
— Steelers ran ball only 16 times for 81 yards; Conner led team with 33 YR.

49ers 41, Bengals 17:
— 49ers ran ball for 259 yards, averaged 12.0 yards/pass attempt.
— SF ran 68 plays, only nine of them were on third down.
— Niners have picked off four passes; they had only two INTs all of last year.

— In two games, Bengals threw 93 passes, ran ball only 33 times.
— Cincy is 0-2 for only second time since 2008.
— In six trips to red zone this year, Bengals scored one TD, kicked three FG’s.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 12:51 AM

NFL Today, Week 2
September 15, 2019
By The Associated Press

SCOREBOARD

Monday, Sept. 16

Cleveland at New York Jets, 8:15 p.m. EDT. Baker Mayfield and the Browns (0-1) take on the Jets (0-1) and Trevor Siemian, who starts at quarterback after Sam Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis during the week. The prime-time matchup is loaded with juicy angles, including Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham returning to MetLife Stadium for the first time since the Giants traded him in the offseason. Beckham also accused current Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of instructing his players to use dirty tactics - something Williams denied.

---

STARS

Passing

- Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, bounced back from the first scoreless opening quarter of his career in the regular season by throwing four touchdown passes in a nearly perfect second period and finished with 443 yards passing to lead Kansas City past Oakland 28-10.

- Russell Wilson, Seahawks, threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in Seattle's 28-26 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

- Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers, tied his career high with three touchdown passes and finished 17 of 25 for 297 yards with an interception in San Francisco's 41-17 rout of Cincinnati.

- Dak Prescott, Cowboys, was 26 of 30 passing for 269 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 69 yards in a 31-21 victory at Washington.

- Jacoby Brissett, Colts, passed for three touchdowns, including a 4-yard toss to T.Y. Hilton with 4:38 left to lead Indianapolis to a 19-17 victory over Tennessee.

- Lamar Jackson, Ravens, threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns, ran for 120 yards and helped Baltimore beat Arizona 23-17.

---

Rushing

- Dalvin Cook, Vikings, had a career-high 154 yards rushing and a touchdown on 20 carries in Minnesota's 21-16 loss at Green Bay.

- Matt Breida, 49ers, filled in for the injured Tevin Coleman and ran for 121 yards on 12 carries to help San Francisco rout Cincinnati 41-17.

- Aaron Jones, Packers, finished with 116 yards on 23 carries to help lead Green Bay past Minnesota 21-16.

- Saquon Barkley, Giants, ran for 107 yards and scored a TD in New York's 28-14 loss to Buffalo.

- Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys, rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in Dallas' 31-21 win at Washington.

---

Receiving

- Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs, had six catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns in Kansas City's 28-10 win at Oakland.

- Julio Jones, Falcons, hauled in a short pass on fourth down and took it 54 yards to the end zone with 2:10 remaining for his second TD of the game, giving Atlanta a 24-20 victory over Philadelphia.

- Kenny Golladay, Lions, caught eight passes for 117 yards and a TD to help lift Detroit past the Los Angeles Chargers 13-10.

- Mark Andrews, Ravens, had eight receptions for 112 yards and a score in Baltimore's 23-17 win over Arizona.

- Tyler Boyd, Bengals, had 10 catches for 122 yards in Cincinnati's 41-17 loss to San Francisco.

- Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos, had 11 receptions for 98 yards and a score in Denver's 16-14 loss to Chicago.

---

Special Teams

- Eddy Pineiro, Bears, kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired, giving Chicago a wild 16-14 win over Denver.

- Tony Brown, Packers, blocked an extra-point attempt in Green Bay's 21-16 win over Minnesota.

- Robbie Gould, 49ers, made two of three field-goal attempts and had five extra points to help San Francisco cruise past Cincinnati 41-17.

- Justin Tucker, Ravens, kicked three field goals and had two extra points in Baltimore's 23-17 win over Arizona.

---

Defense

- Stephon Gilmore and Jamie Collins, Patriots, each scored defensive touchdowns in New England's 43-0 rout at Miami. Gilmore returned an interception 54 yards for a score, and Collins went 69 yards for a touchdown on an INT - the first of two he had in the game.

- Desmond Trufant, Falcons, had two interceptions in Atlanta's 24-20 victory over Philadelphia.

- Whitney Mercilus, Texans, had two sacks and two forced fumbles in Houston's 13-12 win over Jacksonville.

- Stephon Tuitt, Steelers, had 2+ sacks in Pittsburgh's 26-24 loss to Seattle.

---

MILESTONES

Arizona rookie quarterback Kyler Murray became the second player in NFL history with 300 or more yards passing in each of his first two games, joining Carolina's Cam Newton (2011). ... With a touchdown reception against Washington, Dallas' Jason Witten became the fifth tight end in NFL history to reach 70 receiving touchdowns. He joins Antonio Gates (116), Tony Gonzalez (111), Rob Gronkowski (79) and Jimmy Graham (72). ... Buffalo's Josh Allen recorded his 10th career rushing TD in his 14th career game, becoming the second-fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach the mark. Only Newton, in 11 games, did it faster. ... With a TD run against Dallas, Washington's Adrian Peterson surpassed Jim Brown (106) for the fifth-most in NFL history. ... Pittsburgh's JuJu Smith-Schuster became the youngest player to reach 2,500 yards receiving, doing so at 22 years and 297 years old. Randy Moss had been the youngest at 22 years, 310 days. ... Oakland's Derek Carr has 19,196 yards passing, surpassing Ken Stabler for No. 1 on the Raiders' career list.

---

STREAKS & STATS

Detroit's Matthew Stafford threw a long pass up for grabs in the end zone early in the third quarter of the Lions' 13-10 win over the Chargers and Casey Hayward came down with it, ending the NFL's longest active streak of throws without an interception at 181. ... With a touchdown catch in New England's 43-0 rout of Miami, James White joined Chuck Foreman (23) and Brian Westbrook (23) as the only running backs to record at least 20 TD receptions in their first six seasons. ... San Francisco had 573 total yards in a 41-17 win at Cincinnati, the 49ers' highest total in seven years. They've topped 30 points in each of their first two games for the first time since 1998. The 41 points were the most allowed by the Bengals in a home opener.

---

STARTS

Seattle is 2-0 for the first time since 2013, when Russell Wilson guided the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory. ... Pittsburgh is 0-2 for just the second time in Mike Tomlin's 13-year tenure. ... New England is the fourth team since 1967 to allow three points or fewer through its first two games to start a season. The Patriots beat Miami 43-0 on Sunday after opening the season with a 33-3 win over Pittsburgh. ... San Francisco improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2012. The 49ers opened the season with back-to-back road wins for the first time since 1989, when Joe Montana's crew was coming off its second Super Bowl win over the Bengals. ... The Giants, who were undefeated in the preseason, are off to their sixth 0-2 start since 2013.

---

TOUCHDOWN, BROWN

Antonio Brown caught a 20-yard touchdown pass in his debut for New England, a 43-0 win over Miami. Brown also made an 18-yard catch on his first play for the Patriots, who signed him Monday. He finished with 56 yards on four receptions, all in the first half. The NFL allowed the four-time All-Pro receiver to play despite a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday by his former trainer accusing him of sexually assaulting her on three occasions.

---

DEJA VU

The NFC championship rematch between New Orleans and the Los Angeles Rams also contained early refereeing drama that left the Saints steamed after a 27-9 loss. New Orleans' Cameron Jordan had a long fumble return for a touchdown wiped out in the second quarter. The play initially was ruled an incomplete pass before video review determined Jared Goff had fumbled, but Jordan's long return didn't count because officials had blown the play dead. Jordan was still furious after the game, even referring to the refs as ''the Foot Locker'' and saying certain members of the officiating crew ''were maybe in their prime a decade ago.'' The Rams' 26-23 overtime win in New Orleans last January turned on the infamous uncalled pass interference late in regulation by Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman.

---

PATRICK THE PASSER

Patrick Mahomes' 278 yards passing in the second quarter of Kansas City's 28-10 win at Oakland were the most for a player in any quarter since Drew Brees had 294 in the fourth period against Atlanta on Nov. 9, 2008. Mahomes ended the quarter with a bang, with his last five pass attempts each going for at least 27 yards. The streak extended with a 28-yarder to Demarcus Robinson on the first play of the third quarter before Mahomes finally threw an incompletion.

---

ACTION JACKSON

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson passed for 272 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 120 yards in the Ravens' 23-17 win over Arizona. He became the first player with at least 250 yards passing and 120 yards rushing in a single game in NFL history. Jackson, who had 119 yards rushing in Week 11 of last season, is the fourth quarterback since 1970 with two career games of at least 115 rushing yards, joining Michael Vick (six games), Randall Cunningham (two) and Bobby Douglass (two).

---

NO JOSHIN'

Josh Allen is Buffalo's first quarterback to pass for 200 or more yards in seven straight games since Jim Kelly in 1992. He's also the first Bills player to run for a touchdown in three straight games since running back LeSean McCoy in 2016.

---

IMPRESSIVE START

Arizona rookie quarterback Kyler Murray passed for 349 yards in the Cardinals' 23-17 loss at Baltimore. Murray, who threw for 308 yards in his first career start, joined Cam Newton (2011) as the only players with at least 300 yards passing in each of their first two career games.

---

VINATIERI WATCH

Adam Vinatieri, the NFL's oldest player and career scoring leader, missed two extra points in Indianapolis' 19-17 win at Tennessee. He also missed an extra point and a pair of field goals last week in the same game for the first time in his career. With a chance to put the Colts up 14-7 midway through the second quarter against the Titans, the 46-year-old Vinatieri pulled the extra point wide left. After the go-ahead TD, Vinatieri clanked the extra point off the right upright.

---

BIG GAMBLE, PART I

Justin Reid stopped Leonard Fournette on a 2-point conversion attempt with 36 seconds left, and the Houston Texans held on to edge the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-12. Houston led by seven in the fourth quarter when Jacksonville rookie Gardner Minshew led a long drive that included an 18-yard run on fourth-and-10, and he capped it with a 4-yard TD pass to DJ Chark. Instead of trying to tie it with an extra point, Jaguars coach Doug Marrone opted to go for the potential win by having Fournette attempt to run it in for the 2-point conversion. But the big running back was stopped by Reid. The play was upheld by video review, giving the Texans the victory.

---

BIG GAMBLE, PART II

Emmanuel Sanders caught a touchdown pass with 31 seconds left and Broncos coach Vic Fangio sent out his team to line up for a 2-point conversion. But a delay of game pushed Denver back 5 yards, so Fangio sent Brandon McManus out instead for the extra point and the tie. McManus was wide right and the Bears went wild - but Buster Skrine was called for being offside and the Broncos moved up to the 1. Out came their offense again, and with an empty backfield, Joe Flacco backpedaled and hit Sanders at the goal line in front of Fuller to give Denver a 14-13 lead. It was short-lived, though, as Eddy Pineiro kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired - after officials put 1 second back on the clock following Mitchell Trubisky's completion to Allen Robinson II on fourth-and-15 - leading Chicago to a wild 16-14 win.

---

HITTING THE TURF

After being sacked six times in a loss to New Orleans last week, Houston's Deshaun Watson was sacked four times in the Texans' 13-12 win over Jacksonville - marking the eighth straight game in which he has been sacked at least four times. That ties him with Blake Bortles (2014-15) and Jeff George (1997-98) for the longest streak of games with at least four sacks since it became an official statistic in 1982.

---

SIDELINED

Ben Roethlisberger left Pittsburgh's 28-26 loss to Seattle with an unspecified right elbow injury late in the first half. The 37-year-old Roethlisberger grimaced after throwing a pair of passes on a drive late in the second quarter. Though he was under duress several times during the first half, he didn't appear to be touched on the plays that left him clutching the elbow. ...

New Orleans' Drew Brees was forced out of his NFC title game rematch against the Rams late in the first quarter of the Saints' 27-9 loss. His throwing hand collided with Aaron Donald's outstretched hand while he threw an incompletion on the Saints' second drive, and the NFL's career leader in yards passing spent the afternoon on the Coliseum sideline with his thumb heavily wrapped. Along with Brees, the Saints lost left guard Andrus Peat to an ankle injury in the second half. Linebacker A.J. Klein also went to the locker room in the second half, too.

... The Rams lost two offensive starters: right guard Austin Blythe injured his ankle in the first half, and tight end Tyler Higbee had a chest injury early in the second half. ... San Francisco left tackle Joe Staley broke the fibula in his left leg in the third quarter of his team's 41-17 rout of Cincinnati.

---

SPEAKING

''We're playing 60 minutes.'' - New England coach Bill Belichick, who was determined to play to the final gun after allowing a miracle comeback at Miami last year. Belichick had Tom Brady still throwing at the end and the Patriots beat the Dolphins 43-0.

---

''When you have time and you ain't getting no pressure, I can't cover nobody for 10 seconds. Who can cover somebody for 10 seconds? Go look at the first five seconds of the route. He's not open. If you scramble and there is no pressure getting there, what do you want me to do? I can't cover from side to side. Like, come on, bro. We've got to play football around here.'' - Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins, miffed that New York's secondary is taking the brunt of criticism for the team's 0-2 start.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 01:05 AM

NFL SEPT. OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

09/15/2019....15-11-1.........57.69%...........+14.50
09/12/2019.......1-1-0..........50.00%............-0.50
09/09/2019.......3-1-0..........75.00%............+9.50
09/08/2019.....16-10-0.........61.54%...........+25.00
09/05/2019..... 1-1-0........... 50.00%........... -0.50

Totals..............36-24-1........ 60.00%.......... +48.00

*****************************

BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS.............UNITS. ............O/U...............UNITS.............TOTALS

09/15/2019.............6 - 4............+8.00...............7 - 4..............+13.00...........+21.00
09/12/2019.............1 - 0............+5.00...............0 - 1..............-5.50...............-0.50
09/09/2019.............1 - 1.............-0.50...............2 - 0..............+10.00............+9.50
09/08/2019.............6 - 5............+2.50...............8 - 3..............+23.50...........+26.00
09/05/2019.............0 - 1.............-5.50...............1 - 0..............+5.00..............-0.50

Totals..................14 - 11............+9.50.............18 - 8 ..............+46.00.............+55.50

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 02:29 AM

Sunday’s 6-pack

Top six picks for Week 2 in Westgate Super Contest:

6) Falcons, +1.5 (729)- W

5) Rams, -2.5 (785)- W

4) Bengals, -2 (804)- L

T2) Steelers, -4 (966)- L

T2) Cowboys, -5 (966)- W

1) Browns, -2.5 (2,053)

2019 record: 6-5

Quote of the Day
“It was about the look on defense. I was actually kind of surprised that he was coming over to talk about that, but we got it all sorted out over there on the sideline. It actually wasn’t a big deal. … We’re a little animated at times. I can’t say we were yelling how much we love each other, but we definitely weren’t MF-ing each other or anything. It was talking about the look there and getting on the same page.”
Aaron Rodgers, about a conversation he had with coach Matt LaFleur

Monday’s quiz
Who was the Atlanta Falcons’ QB the first time they played in a Super Bowl?

Sunday’s quiz
Pro wrestler/actor Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson played college football at Miami.

Saturday’s quiz
OJ Simpson finished his career with the 49ers.

************************

Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……..

Colts 19, Titans 17
— Indy drove 69 yards in four plays for winning TD with 4:38 left to play.
— Total yardage was 288-242 Indy; neither team averaged 4 yards/pass attempt.
— 46-year old Viniatieri missed two more PAT’s; could the end be near?

— Titans converted only 1-10 on 3rd down; Colts were 7-14.
— Tennessee lost five of last six home openers (under 6-2 last eight).
— There were only two plays of 20+ yards in this game.

Lions 13, Chargers 10
— Chargers had ball four times in 2nd half; two turnovers, two missed FG’s.
— Rivers threw INT into double coverage in end zone with 1:03 left.
— Three drives into red zone, only seven points for the Bolts.

— This was only 5th cover for Lions in last 16 tries as a home underdog.
— Detroit beats Chargers for only 2nd time in last nine meetings.
— Total yardage was 424-339, Chargers.

Bills 28, Giants 14
— Buffalo wins the state championship of New Jersey.
— Bills are 2-0 for first time since 2014.
— Buffalo is 21-17-2 ATS in last 40 games where spread was 3 or fewer points.

— Giants scored first in both their games, were outscored 63-17 after that.
— Big Blue is 4-9 ATS in last 13 games as a home underdog.
— Barkley ran for 107 yards, but caught only three passes for 28 yards.

Ravens 23, Cardinals 17:
— Arizona threw 40 passes, ran ball 11 only times.
— In four trips to red zone, Cardinals kicked three FG’s, scored a TD.
— Murray was 25-40/349 passing, with no turnovers,

— Jackson threw for 272 yards, ran ball for 120 more.
— In first two games, Ravens ran ball for 447 yards.
— Over last decade, teams that won by 28+ points in Week 1 are 2-12 ATS in Week 2

Patriots 43, Dolphins 0:
— Brady threw a pass with 5:30 left and NE ahead 36-0; why????
— Patriots outscored first two opponents 76-3.
— New England had seven sacks, scored two defensive TD’s.

— Miami has been outscored 102-10 in two ugly home games.
— Dolphins were outgained 1,024-384 in two games.
— 2020 NFL Draft begins April 23rd in Las Vegas.

Cowboys 31, Redskins 21:
— Cowboys ran ball for 217 yards, covered 7-11 on third down.
— Dallas won eight of last ten series games, six of last seven visits here.
— Jason Witten caught a TD pass in both games this season.

— Total yardage was 474-255, Dallas.
— Redskins had 11-yard edge in field position, but ran for only 47 yards.
— Washington lost last five and seven of last eight home openers.

Texans 13, Jaguars 12:
— Jaguars scored with 0:30 left, went for two points and a win but failed.
— First eight Jacksonville drives: 37 plays, 107 yards, three points.
— Last two Jacksonville drives: 23 plays, 129 yards, nine points.
— Minshew was 23-33/213 in his first NFL start; he also ran for 56 yards.

— Houston’s one TD drive was only 11 yards long.
— Texans’ first two games were decided by total of three points.
— Houston has now won nine of last 11 series games.

Seahawks 28, Steelers 26:
— Wilson completed 29-35 passes; Seahawks ran ball for 151 yards.
— Seattle is now 1-6-1 ATS in last eight tries as a dog in road openers.
— Seahawks are 11-6-1 ATS in last 18 games as a road underdog.

— Roethlisberger hurt his elbow, sat out second half.
— Total yardage was 425-261, Seattle.
— Steelers ran ball only 16 times for 81 yards; Conner led team with 33 YR.

49ers 41, Bengals 17:
— 49ers ran ball for 259 yards, averaged 12.0 yards/pass attempt.
— SF ran 68 plays, only nine of them were on third down.
— Niners have picked off four passes; they had only two INTs all of last year.

— In two games, Bengals threw 93 passes, ran ball only 33 times.
— Cincy is 0-2 for only second time since 2008.
— In six trips to red zone this year, Bengals scored one TD, kicked three FG’s.

Packers 21, Vikings 16:
— Home side is now 13-1-1 in last 15 series games.
— Cousins threw ball only 10 times LW; he threw 32 passes here.
— Two trips to red zone; an INT and a field goal.

— Green Bay’s first three drives: 19 plays, 176 yards, 21 points.
— Green Bay’s last 11 drives: 50 plays, 154 yards, no points.
— Packers won their last seven home openers (5-2 vs spread).

Chiefs 28, Raiders 10:
— KC scored all its points in 2nd quarter, with shortest TD play 27 yards.
— Chiefs outgunned Oakland 464-307, averaged 9.4 yards/pass attempt.
— KC won nine of last ten games with their archival Raiders.

— Last 2+ years, Raiders are 1-10 ATS coming off a win.
— Since 2012, Oakland is 13-20-1 ATS as a home underdog.
— On their first two series, Raiders ran 16 plays for 139 yards, scored 10 points; rest of game, they ran 45 plays for 199 yards, but no points.

Rams 27, Saints 9:
— Brees hurt his thumb on second series; unsure how severe the injury is.
— Kamara ran ball 13 times for only 45 yards, caught only one pass.
— Total yardage was 380-244, LA. Bridgewater was ordinary at QB.

— Rams’ first six drives: 36 plays, 169 points, six points.
— Rams’ last four drives: 24 plays, 186 yards, 21 points
— Teams with more rest won five of six games this week.

Bears 16, Bears 14:
— Chicago drove 40 yards in 0:30, kicked GW 53-yard FG at the gun for a win.
— Bears scored only one TD in their first two games.
— In their first two games, Bears converted 6-26 third down plays.

— Denver’s first six drives: 41 plays, 174 yards, 3 points.
— Denver’s last three drives: 37 plays, 197 yards, 11 points.
— Total yardage: 372-273, Broncos.

Falcons 24, Eagles 20:
— Last 3+ years, Eagles are 5-10 ATS on artificial turf.
— Both teams had three turnovers; Philly had 16-yard advantage in field position.
— Eagles converted 20-35 3rd down plays in first two games.

— Atlanta averaged 7.0 yards/pass attempt, had TD plays of 34-54 yards.
— Falcons survived three Ryan INT’s, including one in the end zone.
— Under is 11-4 in the NFL so far this week.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 02:33 AM

Most books enjoy Week 2 win
September 16, 2019
By Micah Roberts

Nevada bettors couldn’t gain any traction with their popular sides in parlays during Sunday’s NFL Week 2 action and Wiseguys also took their lumps which made it a very good day for most sportsbooks.

“It’s been a decent day,” MGM resorts sportsbook director Jeff Stoneback modestly said before kickoff of the Eagles-Falcons Sunday night game. “And we don’t have a lot of risk on the late game -- Eagles and Over was the worst case but the risk isn’t too bad.”

The Falcons won 24-20 Sunday night being the best scenario for the house and helping the day be even stronger than it was after the first 13 games.

The Patriots (-18.5 at Miami), Cowboys (-6 at Washington), and Chiefs (-7 at Oakland) were popular public sides that won and covered but when they added some of their other favorites -- as they always do -- their parlays died. Fewer four-teamers cashing than usual, and certainly not a lot of 10-teamers cashing. Favorites went 7-7 ATS on the day and the 'under' was 11-3.

“We had late money come in on the Bears at -2.5 about 20 minutes before kickoff after the Chiefs-Raiders game started and ended up closing Bears -3,” said Stoneback. “It put us in a situation where we needed the Broncos for a big decision after it was kind of nothing game all week for us (outside of Bears parlay risk). It ended up being our second biggest win of the day.”

The Broncos had taken a 14-13 lead after a wild turn of events in the last minute when the Broncos decided to go for a 2-point conversion and were finally successful. Had Denver kicked the extra-point and took their chance with overtime the Bears offense may have not been so frenzied in the final seconds but Mitch Trubisky led a drive to set up the winning field goal, amid controversy with one second remaining, to win 16-14. Trubisky finished with only 120 yards passing. It was an ugly game and stayed under what was the lowest total (40.5) of the week.

Speaking of totals, William Hill’s book director Nick Bogdanovich said their success Sunday was aided by so many games staying under the total. Most public bettors automatically play the 'over' in their parlays with the side, but on Sunday 11 of the 14 games stayed under.

One of the best games of the day for a few books was the Seahawks winning, 28-26, aided by Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger missing the second half with a banged-up elbow on his throwing arm. Backup QB Mason Rudolph took over duties for the Steelers who were 4-point home favorites.

“The Seahawks win was our best game of the day,” Stoneback said. “We had a guy bet $100,000 on the Steelers at -3.5 this morning and after we went to -4 we still got mostly Steelers action for the next two hours before the game kicked off.”

By the way, Las Vegas oddsmaker Kenny White says the drop-off from Big Ben to Rudolph is 6.5-points.

The Patriots 43-0 win at Miami makes them 2-0 ATS this season with a total score of 76-3 between their first two games. Newcomer Antonio Brown scored his first TD for the Pats, but a few books were able to push the issue with the spread to attract Dolphins action.

“The Patriots were one-sided action all week and most of the parlays had them attached, but we were able to get late large Dolphins money at +19 and +18.5 to lessen the risk,” Stoneback said.

Sportsbooks now have the tough duty of rating how bad the Dolphins are. Stoneback found the wise-guy’s threshold and baited them in Week 2, but now what after two beat downs at home (59-10 loss to the Ravens last week)? Caesars Palace sportsbook director Jeff Davis opened The Cowboys as 21-point home favorites against the Dolphins for Week 3 action.

As for the Wiseguys, they got there with the Lions 13-10 win against the Chargers in a game that dropped the Chargers from 3-point road favorites to pick ‘em, but took it on the chin with the Giants (+1 in 28-14 home loss to Bills), the Steelers, Raiders (+7 in 28-10 home loss to Chiefs), the Saints (+1.5) in 27-9 road loss at the Rams) and the Bears (-3 at Denver).

Despite the Lions being a popular sharp play, Station Casinos sportsbook director Jason McCormick said they did well to the game because of heavy public parlay action on the Chargers.

The Rams (-1.5) were bet against all week by sharp and public action but came away with the home cover aided by Drew Brees missing the second half due to a hand injury. Kenny White has Brees rated the second highest in the NFL worth 7.5-points behind Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes showed up for 28 second-quarter points after the Chiefs were down 10-0. The game ended 28-10 and gave the public a win and the sharps a heavy loss.

The under the radar team after two weeks is the 49ers who won, 41-17, at Cincinnati in a pick ‘em game. The 49ers start 2-0 to start the season on the road for the first time since 1989 which ended with a 49ers Super Bowl win. The Bills have also started the season with two road wins.

Week 2 favorites, including Thursday night’s Buccaneers win, have gone 7-8 ATS heading into Monday’s Browns (-6.5) at Jets game where QB Trevor Siemian will be starting for Sam Darnold and RB Le’Veon Bell is very questionable.

I came away from Week 2 thinking I was fooled by the Raiders and also the Broncos and Titans. The Bills are the real deal and the Cowboys have that Super Bowl feel. Also, the Steelers are in trouble.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 02:38 AM

ESPN+ bringing back 'NFL PrimeTime' beginning Sunday
September 13, 2019
By The Associated Press

ESPN's 40th anniversary has become a perfect time for reunions. Only this one will last throughout the remainder of the NFL season.

ESPN+ is bringing back ''NFL PrimeTime'' with Chris Berman and Tom Jackson beginning Sunday after a 14-year absence. It will air on the streaming service on Sunday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. EDT and will be available on demand until Wednesday night.

ESPN had Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann back for ''SportsCenter'' on Sept. 6, but that was a one-night only affair.

''NFL PrimeTime'' was a staple of ESPN's coverage of the league from 1987 to 2005, when the network aired Sunday night games and it was the only outlet to get extended highlights. It went off the air in 2006 when NBC took over the rights for ''Sunday Night Football'' and ESPN started airing ''Monday Night Football.''

Berman and Jackson did a Sunday night version of highlights from 2006 to 2015 but it didn't have the same feeling or length as ''PrimeTime.''

Berman said he has been in lengthy discussions with ESPN's brass about possibly returning. Not only does it celebrate a milestone anniversary for the network, but it also comes as the NFL celebrates its 100th season.

''I know how I hear all the time from fans that they wish the show was back. They say how they miss the highlights, Tom's analysis and the music,'' Berman said during a telephone interview. ''There are many ways to get highlights now but this has the storytelling and the analysis. We'll have new viewers but will have plenty of old ones as well in a 21st Century format. That's kind of interesting when you think about it.''

ESPN+ general manager Russell Wolff said the return of one of the network's most beloved shows on a new platform is a great combination.

With the show available until Wednesday it will include highlights of the Sunday and Monday night games when they conclude.

PrimeTime marks ESPN+'s third NFL offering. Peyton Manning is doing a series called ''Peyton's Places,'' which takes a look at key moments in NFL history as the league celebrates its 100th season. Manning will also be part of the second season of ''Detail,'' which analyzes key players during the season.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 01:01 PM

MNF - Browns at Jets
Tony Mejia

Browns (-6.5/45) at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

This went from Monday night must-see to potential dud on Thursday morning with the announcement that Jets quarterback Sam Darnold had contracted mononucleosis and would be out of the lineup for the next few weeks. Trevor Siemian will start instead as the Jets look to avoid an 0-2 start despite opening the season at home.

The Adam Gase era isn’t off to a great start, crashing just before the fourth quarter of Week 1’s 17-16 loss to the Bills rolled around. Linebacker CJ Mosley looked tremendous before suffering a groin injury that forced him out with New York leading 16-3. The Bills marched down the field twice in succession, immediately taking advantage of his absence.

Between Darnold’s exit and the uncertainty regarding Mosley’s availability for this one, it’s been an uncomfortable few days for the Jets, who have ruled out their linebacker for this date with the Browns. Defensive end Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, won’t play either due to a foot injury.

Running back Le’Veon Bell is nursing a shoulder injury but should play, while left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ankle) and newly acquired receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) will probably be game-time decisions. Thomas was acquired in part because Quincy Enunwa was played on IR due to a neck injury, removing one of Jets’ most explosive offensive players from the equation. When you add in all the guys sitting out due to suspension, Gase and new coordinator Gregg Williams will have to try and hang with a very motivated Cleveland team with a host of backups set to play major roles.

Bookmakers opened with the Browns as 2.5-point favorites on the heels of an embarrassing Week 1 home loss against the Titans. The number was hanging tight at 6.5 points with a few full 7-point spreads popping up on a few online sportsbooks after the Sunday night game closed. Underdogs went 8-6 against the number on Sunday following Tampa’s upset win in Carolina on Thursday. In all, six Week 2 ‘dogs have won outright.

The Browns were blown out in their home opener due to defensive breakdowns that compounded the sloppiest game of Baker Mayfield’s short career. He was picked off three times for the third time in his 15 appearances as a pro but he threw for 376 and 397 yards in those previous two games and didn’t look as loose with the football as he did against Tennessee. It was his first three-pick game at home and sapped the excitement out of the beginning of the Odell Beckham, Jr. era in addition to spoiling Freddie Kitchens’ debut as head coach.

Running back Le’Veon Bell is nursing a shoulder injury but should play, while left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ankle) and newly acquired receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) will probably be game-time decisions. Thomas was acquired in part because Quincy Enunwa was played on IR due to a neck injury, removing one of Jets’ most explosive offensive players from the equation. When you add in all the guys sitting out due to suspension, Gase and new coordinator Gregg Williams will have to try and hang with a very motivated Cleveland team with a host of backups set to play major roles.

Bookmakers opened with the Browns as 2.5-point favorites on the heels of an embarrassing Week 1 home loss against the Titans. The number was hanging tight at 6.5 points with a few full 7-point spreads popping up on a few online sportsbooks after the Sunday night game closed. Underdogs went 8-6 against the number on Sunday following Tampa’s upset win in Carolina on Thursday. In all, six Week 2 ‘dogs have won outright.

The Browns were blown out in their home opener due to defensive breakdowns that compounded the sloppiest game of Baker Mayfield’s short career. He was picked off three times for the third time in his 15 appearances as a pro but he threw for 376 and 397 yards in those previous two games and didn’t look as loose with the football as he did against Tennessee. It was his first three-pick game at home and sapped the excitement out of the beginning of the Odell Beckham, Jr. era in addition to spoiling Freddie Kitchens’ debut as head coach.

Worse yet, the Browns were whistled for an incredible 18 penalties for 182 yards, making it their sloppiest game in 68 years. If they can’t find some discipline here, it won’t matter that the Jets won’t have Darnold to rely on. If Cleveland gives New York’s team of backups that type of help at MetLife Stadium, we’ll be getting another upset to add to the week’s collection. On that end, the Jets are paying out +240 for the outright win at Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.

Trevor Siemian will be making his first start since 2017 after nearly two full seasons of inconsistency ended after a December shoulder injury. He was with the Vikings last season but never got in a game and chose the Jets during free agency in part because Gase was so adamant about having him in place as the backup. Although the Jets will likely make some changes to what they would run under Darnold, expect to see a similar system as Siemian has stated he’s comfortable and eager to provide some continuity.

On the Browns’ end, Kitchens and Mayfield have an opportunity to respond to adversity in style if they can have some strong counters in place for when Williams comes with the house. They won’t have top guard Joel Bitonio due to an abdominal injury, so the offensive line isn’t going to be at 100 percent but has enough pieces to overcome the absence of one of the unit’s strongest links on the road. Versatile backup tackle Kendall Lamm is out with a knee injury.

Beckham, Jr. returns to MetLife Stadium as a visitor for the first time and made a pre-game impact by calling out Williams' reputation for dirty tricks as a defensive coordinator. If nothing else, he'll take some of the pressure off Mayfield while looking to make life easier for him on the field when the actual game unfolds.

Kitchens didn't hire Williams after beating him out for the head coaching gig both put their names into the ring for, so this game will be personal between these coaching staffs, which always adds a level of spice. Williams was ultimately hired by Gase and the Jets and has seen Mayfield’s bad habits up close and should have a game plan in place designed to try and confuse him and keep the mistakes coming.

While that would be easier to accomplish with Mosley in the middle calling the plays out and the explosive Williams serving as a disruptive force up front, he’s unable to count on either. Safety Jamal Adams will be the Jets’ most talented defensive player and should be at the center of whatever Williams has planned after bouncing back from hip and back soreness that kept him out of practice some this week.

Young LB Neville Hewitt will start in Mosley’s place and rookie fifth-round pick Blake Cashman should see extended time, so the Browns should be able to challenge them with a run game featuring Nick Chubb, who often gets overlooked due to Mayfield and his receivers. Tight end David Njoku scored the Browns’ only touchdown through the air and will also be able to punish the Browns if New York is too intent on keeping from Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry from getting going. The Jets’ issues at cornerback were a major theme throughout training camp as a source of frustration for Williams, who couldn’t blitz as often as he wants to due to their inability to hold up in the back.

Only two weeks in, injuries are already the largest variable in this Monday nighter since Cleveland got unexpected news that corner Demarious Randall will have to sit this one out with a concussion. Linebacker Adarius Taylor is also out for a few weeks and DT Chris Smith may not play despite returning to practice following the tragic death of his girlfriend in an auto accident this past week.

Cleveland surrendered 43 points last week, but the defense actually wasn’t the issue. They held the Titans to just 13 offensive points until just a couple minutes remained in the third quarter and Derrick Henry broke loose for a 75-yard reception off a screen on a busted coverage. Tennessee added three fourth-quarter touchdowns, but once came on a pick-six and the other two came after the Titans took over in Browns territory.

Despite Darnold being ruled out, the total has barely budged. Some books opened at 46 and trimmed it to 45. Westgate hasn’t moved the number at all. Weather should be extremely pleasant with light breeze and temperatures in the low-70’s expected.

Last season’s game, which ended up becoming a rookie summit meeting between Mayfield and Darnold once the top pick entered after Tyrod Taylor suffered a concussion, saw the Browns win 21-17. Darnold was picked off on his last two drives and RB Carlos Hyde, now with Houston, helped Cleveland rally with a pair of second-half scoring runs. The Jets had won five straight games in the series prior to the loss. The Browns last beat the Jets in East Rutherford in 2007.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 01:02 PM

Betting Recap - Week 2
Joe Williams

Overall Notes

National Football League Week 2 Results

Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 9-6
Against the Spread 6-9

Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 6-9
Against the Spread 5-10

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 3-11

National Football League Year-to-Date Results

Wager Favorites-Underdogs
Straight Up 20-10-1
Against the Spread 13-17-1

Wager Home-Away
Straight Up 14-16-1
Against the Spread 9-21-1

Wager Totals (O/U)
Over-Under 12-18

The largest underdogs to win straight up
Buccaneers (+6.5, ML +250) at Panthers, 20-14
Seahawks (+4, ML +180) at Steelers, 28-26
Colts (+3, ML +155) at Titans, 19-17

The largest favorite to cover
Patriots (-18) at Dolphins, 43-0
Chiefs (-7) at Raiders, 28-10
Cowboys (-6) at Redskins, 31-21

Mining Road Wins

-- The San Francisco 49ers (+1, ML +105) paddled the Cincinnati Bengals by a 41-17 score, posting road victories in consecutive weeks to open the regular season for the first time since 1989 when they won three straight on the road in Weeks 1-3 with QB Joe Montana at the helm. The 49ers are averaging 36.0 points per game (PPG) while allowing 17.0 PPG while covering both games at one-point underdogs. Next up will be their home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. The Steelers enter 0-2 SU/ATS, and QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) and RB James Conner (knee) might not be available.

Wounded Wings

-- The Philadelphia Eagles saw several star players leave their Sunday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons, but they held a late 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter before WR Julio Jones broke free for a 54-yard touchdown on a fourth-down play to secure victory for the home side. The Eagles lost WRs DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor to injuries, as well as QB Carson Wentz for a brief period. TE Dallas Goedert was also lost to an injury in a game which was super costly to the visitors, and they ended up losing and not covering, either.

Miami Mice

-- For the second consecutive weekend the laughingstock of the NFL was the Miami Dolphins. After opening the season with a 59-10 shellacking from the Baltimore Ravens the New England Patriots strolled into town as 18-point favorites. While the Patriots didn't get off to as quick of a start as the Ravens, they made up for lost time in the third quarter, including a pair of pick-sixes. When the dust settled, the Dolphins were on the short end of a 43-0 score, and they have been outscored 92-10 through the first two games. As such, they have opened as 21-point underdogs for their Week 3 road game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Total Recall

-- The under was 11-3 between Thursday's game and Sunday's entire slate, including the games with the top five totals on the board. Kansas City Chiefs-Oakland Raiders (53), Philadelphia Eagles-Atlanta Falcons (53), New Orleans Saints-Los Angeles Rams (52.5), New England Patriots-Miami Dolphins (48.5) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Carolina Panthers (48) each cashed the under, and a couple of the results were never in doubt. In fact, the Saints-Rams shootout never materialized, helped out in part by QB Drew Brees (hand/thumb) leaving the game, had a total of 6-3 at halftime. Hopefully you had a few 'under' tickets in your pocket this week.

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a pair of pick-sixes in their blowout loss, but even his best (or worst) efforts couldn't help the total go 'over', similiar to Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston, who had two pick-sixes in an 'under' result in Week 1 against the 49ers.

-- On the flip side, the lowest total on the board was the Chicago Bears-Denver Broncos (40.5) game. It was expected to be a defensive grind, and it was. The Bears, who totaled just three points in their opening game loss in Week 1, didn't score their first touchdown of the season until the third quarter. Through eight quarters the Bears have generated just 19 total points, including only one touchdown. It's no surprise that the 'under' is 2-0 for Chicago so far. For the Broncos, they fell at Oakland in Week 1 on Monday Night, and they're 0-2 SU/1-1 ATS and the 'under' is also 2-0.

-- The 'under' is 2-0 in the first two primetime games of Week 2, with the Monday Night Football battle between the Cleveland Browns-New York Jets (45) still pending. The 'over' is 1-5 (16.7%) during the early 2019 primetime schedule.

Officially, the 'over' finished 26-25 (51.0%) in 51 games under the lights.

In 2017, the 'over' finished 25-23-1 (52.1%) in 49 primetime games.

In 2016, the 'over' in night games went (52.9%) through 51 games.

In 2015, the 'over' finished 20-28-1 (41.7%) in 49 primetime games.

In 2014, the 'over' went 33-17 (66.0%) in primetime games, and the 'over' was 28-22 (56.0%) in 2013.

Injury Report

-- As mentioned, the Steelers lost Roethlisberger (elbow) and Conner (knee) to injuries in the first half. QB Mason Rudolph and RB Jaylen Samuels were forced to pick up the slack. Big Ben is set for an MRI on Monday.

-- Brees (hand) banged his right throwing hand on a rushing Rams DT Aaron Donald, and he was unable to return. He will remain in Southern California to see a hand specialist. QB Teddy Bridgewater finished up, and would start Week 3 if needed.

-- Cardinals RB David Johnson (wrist) missed a chunk of the game at Baltimore due to a wrist injury, but ultimately was able to return and finish up.

-- Cowboys WR Michael Gallup (knee) left the game in Washington due to a knee issue, and he'll go for an MRI.

-- As mentioned, the Eagles lost Wentz (ribs, concussion) briefly before he was cleared to return. Jackson (groin) left in the second quarter and was unable to return, Jeffery (calf) left early and didn't come back. Goedert (calf) also left in the first half and didn't return, while Agholor (concussion) was out for a couple of drives before passing tests and returning to finish.

Looking Ahead

-- The Titans and Jaguars will do battle on Thursday Night Football in Northast Florida, with the Titans installed as slight road favorites (-2.5). They're 1-4 ATS in the past five games inside the AFC South, and 16-34-3 ATS in the past 53 against losing teams. The Jaguars are 3-9-2 ATS in the past 14 games ovoerall, and 2-5-1 ATS in the past eight divisional games, so something's gotta give. In this series, Tennessee has covered four in a row, while the favorite is 6-2-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. However, the Titans are 2-5-1 ATS in the past eight trips to Duuuuuval.

-- The Jets hit the road trying to cool off the Patriots on Sunday afternoon in Foxboro. The Jets are 2-5 ATS in the past seven road games, and 1-7 ATS in the past eight against AFC East foes while going 0-5-1 ATS in the past six against winning teams. The Patriots have covered seven of the past nine divisional games, while going 40-16-2 ATS in the past 58 at Gillette Stadium, including their 33-3 win against the Steelers in Week 1. In this series, the Jets are 0-3-1 ATS in the past four trips to Foxboro, and 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings overall. The home team is 7-1-1 ATS in the past nine meetings, while the under has cashed in six in a row.

-- The Giants and Buccaneers seem to meet fairly frequently despite the fact they're not in the same division. New York has connected in seven of the past eight on the road against the spread. The Bucs are 3-0-1 ATS in the past four against teams with a losing record, and 5-2-1 ATS in the past eight vs. NFC. In this series, the G-Men are 5-0-1 ATS in the past six trips to the RayJay, while going 6-1-2 ATS in the past nine meetings overall. The under is also 5-2 in the past seven meetings in Tampa.

-- The Bears and Redskins will square off on Monday night, with the Bears installed as four-point favorites to open. The road team is 7-2 ATS in the past nine meetings in this series, although the underdog is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The Bears are also 0-5 ATS in the past five meetings with the 'Skins.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 01:04 PM

NFL Week 3 odds: Saints-Seahawks line waits for update on Brees' status
Patrick Everson

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees suffered a hand injury early in Sunday's road loss to the Rams. If Brees misses next Sunday's game at Seattle, the Saints could be 5.5-point underdogs.

NFL Week 3 might be without one of the most prolific passers in league history, in one of the key matchups. Covers checks in on the opening odds and early action for four games, with insights from John Murray, director of The SuperBook at Westgate.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks (No Line)

New Orleans could be in a world of hurt, depending on the severity of Drew Brees’ injury to his right hand. Brees exited during the second series Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Saints (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS) couldn’t get anything going offensively in a 27-9 loss as 2-point road underdogs.

Seattle had its hands full while winning as a big Week 1 chalk against Cincinnati, then nabbed an impressive road victory as a Week 2 underdog. The Seahawks (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) took the lead five minutes into the second half at Pittsburgh and went on to a 28-26 win as a 4-point pup Sunday.

Until The SuperBook has some clarity on Brees’ injury, this Sunday tilt won’t be on the board, though Murray speculated on possible lines.

“Something like Seahawks -1 to -5.5,” Murray said of the potential opening number, depending on if Brees plays.

Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns (+3)

Los Angeles is out of the gate 2-0 SU and ATS in defense of its NFC championship. The Rams, certainly benefiting from the aforementioned Brees injury, were tied at 6 with New Orleans five minutes into the third quarter. However, L.A. pulled away for an easy 27-9 win laying 2 points at home Sunday.

Cleveland still has Week 2 work to do, as it travels to face the New York Jets in the Monday nighter. The Browns were arguably the most-hyped team in the offseason, then got waxed by Tennessee 43-13 giving 5.5 points at home in Week 1.

“We decided to open it at Rams -3, knowing we will need the Browns pretty big by kickoff,” Murray said, alluding to expected heavy Cleveland action. “The line could go even higher if the Browns struggle Monday night against the Jets.”

For the moment, Cleveland is priced at -120 at +3, while L.A. is -3 (even). The Browns are in prime time two straight weeks, as this matchup is the Week 3 Sunday night game.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5)

Through two weeks, Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City look every bit a Super Bowl contender. On Sunday at Oakland, Mahomes threw four touchdown passes – giving him seven in two weeks – to lead the Chiefs (2-0 SU and ATS) to a 28-10 victory as 7-point favorites.

Baltimore is also off to a 2-0 SU start (1-1 ATS) after surviving a much-tougher-than-expected Week 2 test. The Ravens went off as 13-point home favorites against Arizona and held on for a 23-17 victory.

“It’s the first real test for the Ravens’ new offense, after facing the Dolphins and Cardinals to start the season,” Murray said. “Their defense will be tested, as well. Mahomes is the best player in the league and is firing on all cylinders.”

Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

Houston could certainly be 2-0, but could just as easily be 0-2, so it’s probably fair enough that Bill O’Brien’s squad is 1-1 SU and ATS. After nearly stealing a Week 1 game at New Orleans, the Texans scrapped to fend off Jacksonville 13-12 as 7.5-point faves. Houston clinched the win when the Jags went for 2 and failed after a last-minute TD.

Los Angeles put up 30 points in a Week 1 overtime home win against Indianapolis, but the banged-up unit barely mustered double digits on the road in Week 2. The Chargers (1-1 SU, 0-1-1 ATS) led Detroit 10-6 at halftime, then didn’t score another point in a 13-10 setback laying 1 point.

This was one game that saw early action after going up late Sunday afternoon.

“We opened it Chargers -3 (-120), and it’s been moved to -3.5 (even) off money,” Murray said. “We were between those two numbers, but decided to open it low because the Chargers are battling so many injuries.”

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 06:42 PM

MNF - Browns at Jets
September 16, 2019
By Tony Mejia

Browns (-6.5/45) at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

This went from Monday night must-see to potential dud on Thursday morning with the announcement that Jets quarterback Sam Darnold had contracted mononucleosis and would be out of the lineup for the next few weeks. Trevor Siemian will start instead as the Jets look to avoid an 0-2 start despite opening the season at home.

The Adam Gase era isn’t off to a great start, crashing just before the fourth quarter of Week 1’s 17-16 loss to the Bills rolled around. Linebacker CJ Mosley looked tremendous before suffering a groin injury that forced him out with New York leading 16-3. The Bills marched down the field twice in succession, immediately taking advantage of his absence.

Between Darnold’s exit and the uncertainty regarding Mosley’s availability for this one, it’s been an uncomfortable few days for the Jets, who have ruled out their linebacker for this date with the Browns. Defensive end Quinnen Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft, won’t play either due to a foot injury.

Running back Le’Veon Bell is nursing a shoulder injury but should play, while left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ankle) and newly acquired receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) will probably be game-time decisions. Thomas was acquired in part because Quincy Enunwa was played on IR due to a neck injury, removing one of Jets’ most explosive offensive players from the equation. When you add in all the guys sitting out due to suspension, Gase and new coordinator Gregg Williams will have to try and hang with a very motivated Cleveland team with a host of backups set to play major roles.

Bookmakers opened with the Browns as 2.5-point favorites on the heels of an embarrassing Week 1 home loss against the Titans. The number was hanging tight at 6.5 points with a few full 7-point spreads popping up on a few online sportsbooks after the Sunday night game closed. Underdogs went 8-6 against the number on Sunday following Tampa’s upset win in Carolina on Thursday. In all, six Week 2 ‘dogs have won outright.

The Browns were blown out in their home opener due to defensive breakdowns that compounded the sloppiest game of Baker Mayfield’s short career. He was picked off three times for the third time in his 15 appearances as a pro but he threw for 376 and 397 yards in those previous two games and didn’t look as loose with the football as he did against Tennessee. It was his first three-pick game at home and sapped the excitement out of the beginning of the Odell Beckham, Jr. era in addition to spoiling Freddie Kitchens’ debut as head coach.

Running back Le’Veon Bell is nursing a shoulder injury but should play, while left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ankle) and newly acquired receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) will probably be game-time decisions. Thomas was acquired in part because Quincy Enunwa was played on IR due to a neck injury, removing one of Jets’ most explosive offensive players from the equation. When you add in all the guys sitting out due to suspension, Gase and new coordinator Gregg Williams will have to try and hang with a very motivated Cleveland team with a host of backups set to play major roles.

Bookmakers opened with the Browns as 2.5-point favorites on the heels of an embarrassing Week 1 home loss against the Titans. The number was hanging tight at 6.5 points with a few full 7-point spreads popping up on a few online sportsbooks after the Sunday night game closed. Underdogs went 8-6 against the number on Sunday following Tampa’s upset win in Carolina on Thursday. In all, six Week 2 ‘dogs have won outright.

The Browns were blown out in their home opener due to defensive breakdowns that compounded the sloppiest game of Baker Mayfield’s short career. He was picked off three times for the third time in his 15 appearances as a pro but he threw for 376 and 397 yards in those previous two games and didn’t look as loose with the football as he did against Tennessee. It was his first three-pick game at home and sapped the excitement out of the beginning of the Odell Beckham, Jr. era in addition to spoiling Freddie Kitchens’ debut as head coach.

Worse yet, the Browns were whistled for an incredible 18 penalties for 182 yards, making it their sloppiest game in 68 years. If they can’t find some discipline here, it won’t matter that the Jets won’t have Darnold to rely on. If Cleveland gives New York’s team of backups that type of help at MetLife Stadium, we’ll be getting another upset to add to the week’s collection. On that end, the Jets are paying out +240 for the outright win at Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.

Trevor Siemian will be making his first start since 2017 after nearly two full seasons of inconsistency ended after a December shoulder injury. He was with the Vikings last season but never got in a game and chose the Jets during free agency in part because Gase was so adamant about having him in place as the backup. Although the Jets will likely make some changes to what they would run under Darnold, expect to see a similar system as Siemian has stated he’s comfortable and eager to provide some continuity.

On the Browns’ end, Kitchens and Mayfield have an opportunity to respond to adversity in style if they can have some strong counters in place for when Williams comes with the house. They won’t have top guard Joel Bitonio due to an abdominal injury, so the offensive line isn’t going to be at 100 percent but has enough pieces to overcome the absence of one of the unit’s strongest links on the road. Versatile backup tackle Kendall Lamm is out with a knee injury.

Beckham, Jr. returns to MetLife Stadium as a visitor for the first time and made a pre-game impact by calling out Williams' reputation for dirty tricks as a defensive coordinator. If nothing else, he'll take some of the pressure off Mayfield while looking to make life easier for him on the field when the actual game unfolds.

Kitchens didn't hire Williams after beating him out for the head coaching gig both put their names into the ring for, so this game will be personal between these coaching staffs, which always adds a level of spice. Williams was ultimately hired by Gase and the Jets and has seen Mayfield’s bad habits up close and should have a game plan in place designed to try and confuse him and keep the mistakes coming.

While that would be easier to accomplish with Mosley in the middle calling the plays out and the explosive Williams serving as a disruptive force up front, he’s unable to count on either. Safety Jamal Adams will be the Jets’ most talented defensive player and should be at the center of whatever Williams has planned after bouncing back from hip and back soreness that kept him out of practice some this week.

Young LB Neville Hewitt will start in Mosley’s place and rookie fifth-round pick Blake Cashman should see extended time, so the Browns should be able to challenge them with a run game featuring Nick Chubb, who often gets overlooked due to Mayfield and his receivers. Tight end David Njoku scored the Browns’ only touchdown through the air and will also be able to punish the Browns if New York is too intent on keeping from Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry from getting going. The Jets’ issues at cornerback were a major theme throughout training camp as a source of frustration for Williams, who couldn’t blitz as often as he wants to due to their inability to hold up in the back.

Only two weeks in, injuries are already the largest variable in this Monday nighter since Cleveland got unexpected news that corner Demarious Randall will have to sit this one out with a concussion. Linebacker Adarius Taylor is also out for a few weeks and DT Chris Smith may not play despite returning to practice following the tragic death of his girlfriend in an auto accident this past week.

Cleveland surrendered 43 points last week, but the defense actually wasn’t the issue. They held the Titans to just 13 offensive points until just a couple minutes remained in the third quarter and Derrick Henry broke loose for a 75-yard reception off a screen on a busted coverage. Tennessee added three fourth-quarter touchdowns, but once came on a pick-six and the other two came after the Titans took over in Browns territory.

Despite Darnold being ruled out, the total has barely budged. Some books opened at 46 and trimmed it to 45. Westgate hasn’t moved the number at all. Weather should be extremely pleasant with light breeze and temperatures in the low-70’s expected.

Last season’s game, which ended up becoming a rookie summit meeting between Mayfield and Darnold once the top pick entered after Tyrod Taylor suffered a concussion, saw the Browns win 21-17. Darnold was picked off on his last two drives and RB Carlos Hyde, now with Houston, helped Cleveland rally with a pair of second-half scoring runs. The Jets had won five straight games in the series prior to the loss. The Browns last beat the Jets in East Rutherford in 2007.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 06:44 PM

Hot & Not Report - Week 3
September 16, 2019
By Matt Blunt

After last week's piece shifted the focus to the collegiate game, it's back to discussing NFL action this week now that we've got essentially two full weeks under our belt. The Browns and Jets still have to do battle tonight, and some could say that Jets QB Sam Darnold and his mono diagnosis kicked off a brutal week for QB injuries. ON Sunday we saw Saints QB Drew Brees get knocked out of the game with a thumb injury that will have him on the shelf for multiple weeks, and Pittsburgh's QB Ben Roethlisberger is now lost for the year with elbow concerns.

With Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement at the end of August, it's been an ever-changing landscape at the QB position so far in the NFL, and chances are it won't end there. The Giants and Dolphins have legitimate questions to ask themselves about who will be their starter for the bulk of the season, and a team like Washington is starting to inch closer to that boat as well.

QB issues aside, Week 3 is always an interesting one as we've now come and gone through Opening Week and Overreaction Week in the betting market, and more data points are out there to use as support. Team identities are starting to get firmer – if their QB has stayed healthy – and for some, it's about potentially preventing their season from going off the rails after a rough start.

It's that notion that I've isolated for this week, as Week 3 brings some of their own interesting betting opportunities for NFL teams that have been money burners (0-2 ATS) or money earners (2-0 ATS) so far. The market has seen (or been burnt) by these teams inability to cash betting tickets, and that in itself can create market disparities in terms of the perception and reality of how good a certain team may actually be.

So it's “perfect” ATS teams in the NFL that are travelling in Week 3 that have become the focus this week. While two of the winless squads – New Orleans and Pittsburgh – have new QB's starting in Week 3 and may be taken much more lightly or even omitted from this following group, the changes at QB are likely to create an even bigger gap in terms of the perception of those squads.

But here are the situations to keep in mind as you go through the week breaking down the board:

Who's Hot

Back the Money Burners on the road

NFL teams that are 0-2 ATS and are playing on the road in Week 3 are 9-3 ATS the past three seasons
This trend seems to be a strong one over the past three years and it's done well in each individual year as well, as the record sits at 7-2 ATS the past two years, and it was 4-1 ATS in 2018. On the surface, a trend like this does make some sense in the idea that 0-2 ATS squads can be a little undervalued after being money burners (for a variety of reasons) through two weeks. Bettors maybe haven't like what they've seen from these squads, have been burned by them for a big wager, last leg of a parlay etc, and or just don't believe they are a capable or competitive team that season. This year we've got six (potentially seven) different teams fitting this role too.

The list of teams that are 0-2 ATS and on the road in Week 3 are Carolina, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Miami, the New York Giants and possibly the New York Jets should they fail against the number on MNF. All of those squads do fit different aspects of the reasons behind having yet to cover a spread, and having already discussed the situations that face New Orleans and Pittsburgh this week, I won't go more in-depth on them. But chances are both will be a little undervalued – especially compared to what they could have been with Brees and Roethlisberger under center – and may be worth a look once point spreads are established.

Miami and the Giants definitely fit the bill of being teams that aren't likely to be all that competitive this year, as they've shown nothing to have bettors believe putting their hard earned money down on them is worth the risk. The Giants are currently catching +6.5 points nearly everywhere as they head down to Tampa Bay to face a well-rested Bucs team, while Miami's going to Dallas and currently catching three TD's. I can't imagine either of those sides being all that popular as the week goes on, but points are points and they might actually be catching a few more then they should be given the overall perception of the organizations. Week 3 has proven in the past that some level of professional pride tends to kick in for these slumping squads, and I would venture a guess that at least one of the Giants or Miami ends up cashing an ATS ticket this week.

The remaining two teams that are for sure on this list are Chicago and Carolina, and each are road chalk in Washington and Arizona respectively. Laying points with these “money burners” may look tough to do for some, but it again speaks to the idea that they may actually be a little undervalued right now because of that 0-2 ATS start. The Bears and Panthers are both hovering around laying a FG against their respective opponents, and you can't help but wonder if they were 1-1 ATS already, would these spreads be a point or two higher. That's a question you should keep in mind throughout the week, as if Arizona and Washington find themselves turning into 'public home dogs', it might be best to expect the Panthers and Bears to get into that ATS winner's circle.

Who's Not

Fade the Money Earners

2-0 ATS teams that are on the road in Week 3 are 3-9 ATS the past three seasons
This run is quite the opposite idea of things when you sit down and think about it, as these perfect ATS teams that go out on the road – sometimes for the first time that year – tend to be thought too highly of in terms of either the number that exists out there and/or the perception in terms of generating a strong majority of support from the market. It's been a great two opening weeks for these teams and bettors – the majority of whom love to ride streaks – have no problem backing the hot hand because that's what's worked so far.

So whether or not these lines are actually inflated or not to the side of these perfect ATS road teams can be debated, but just because something has worked twice so far, doesn't mean it will continue to work going forward. That's such a reactive way to handicap in my opinion and being proactive - whether it's getting action down early in the week, finding more predictive numbers/stats to base opinions on etc – will tend to bring you more success.

This year, we've only got one team that fits that role, and it's the LA Rams on SNF as they travel to Cleveland to face the Browns. Depending on how Cleveland performs tonight will have plenty to do with the number that comes out – especially if Cleveland stinks up the joint again and/or loses to a Jets team without their starting QB.

But for a market who was all about backing the Saints this past week with their revenge narrative against the Rams, LA's performance in that game – even with Brees getting hurt – had to increase their stock in the eyes of many, especially those who had the Saints this weekend, and should the Browns lose tonight on MNF, without question an early flurry of Rams money is likely to flood in. That scenario would set up a situation where we'd have a 2-0 ATS Rams team visiting an 0-2 ATS Browns team, and 0-2 ATS teams at home in Week 3 are 5-3 ATS the past two seasons.

It may be then that we see all this Browns love we've seen and heard about in the market for months finally come to fruition, but regardless of what happens on MNF tonight, I'd be hesitant to pull the trigger on the defending NFC Champions next week.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 06:45 PM

QB Roethlisberger done for the season
September 16, 2019
By The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) Ben Roethlisberger likes to point out that he's played through the end of every contract he's ever signed. It's tangible proof of the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's commitment both to the game itself and the franchise he's led to a pair of Super Bowl titles.

That commitment will be tested over the coming months.

The 37-year-old's aching right elbow needs surgery. His 16th season is over just two weeks in. His future is uncertain. And the keys to the offense Roethlisberger operated so deftly for so long are now in the hands of backup Mason Rudolph, who was in elementary school when the player known universally as Big Ben became a full-fledged NFL starter in the fall of 2004.

It's an arrangement Roethlisberger stressed is temporary.

''This is shocking and heartbreaking for me, to miss this much of a season and feel like I am letting down so many people,'' Roethlisberger said in a statement Monday after being placed on injured reserve. ''I can only trust God's plan, but I am completely determined to battle through this challenge and come back stronger than ever next season.''

The end of this season arrived suddenly. The Steelers were moving down the field late in the second quarter against Seattle on Sunday when Roethlisberger twice clutched his elbow following pass attempts. Though he stayed in for the remainder of the drive - including a pair of completions with his arm in obvious pain - when the Steelers came out for the second half, their captain wore a white baseball cap and watched from the sideline as they lost 28-26 to drop to 0-2 .

Enter Rudolph, taken in the third round in the 2018 draft, who beat out Josh Dobbs for the backup job during the preseason. Now the 24-year-old is tasked with helping the Steelers emerge from an early hole without their unquestioned leader.

''It's kind of sucky circumstance with our leader and good friend going down,'' Rudolph said. ''He would want me to step up and lead to the best of my ability. That's what I've always believed in and that's what I'm going to do.''

Roethlisberger underwent an MRI late Sunday. While the nature of his injury hasn't been disclosed, team doctors decided surgery was the best course of action. Roethlisberger will undergo the procedure later this week. There is no timetable for any possible return.

''It's really surreal,'' guard David DeCastro said. ''But at the same time, you've got to have a football player mentality, next guy up and move on. But with a guy like that it's a little different. Easier said than done that's for sure.''

Roethlisberger has been Pittsburgh's starter since taking over for Tommy Maddox in Week 2 of the 2004 season as a rookie, developing a signature style for his ability to extend plays, a method dubbed ''Ben being Ben.'' Yet that style evolved over the years as he matured from raw game manager to one of the most prolific passers in league history.

His start on Sunday marked the 218th appearance of his career, second most in the history of a franchise that dates to 1932. He holds the club record in just about every major statistical passing category, including yards (56,545), touchdowns (363), attempts (7,230) and completions (4,651).

Roethlisberger didn't just put up numbers, he won. A lot, going 144-71-1 in the regular season and 13-8 in the playoffs, restoring the Steelers to glory in the process. His 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the 2008 Super Bowl against Arizona gave the Steelers their sixth title and is considered one of the seminal moments in Super Bowl history.

He entered 2019 coming off the best statistical season of his career. He captured the NFL passing title last fall after throwing for a career-high 5,129 yards. He signed an extension in April that runs through the 2021 season and would carry him to the eve of his 40th birthday. He spoke openly during training camp about his love of the game returning, a rekindling that happened to coincide with wide receiver Antonio Brown's offseason departure for Oakland following an ugly falling out with the club.

Despite that optimism, Roethlisberger's season was off to a sluggish start. He failed to get the Steelers into the end zone during a blowout loss to New England in Week 1 and was just 8 of 15 for 75 yards against Seattle, though he did complete 5 of 6 passes on the drive that marked his final plays of the season.

Roethlisberger complained of elbow pain after falling to the Patriots but played through it, a testament to the toughness that's defined his career. He'll need to rely on that tenacity as he faces a lengthy rehabilitation while weighing whether a 17th season is worth the physically demanding road it will take to get there.

''The Steelers committed three years to me this offseason and I fully intend to honor my contract and reward them with championship level play,'' Roethlisberger said. ''I will do all I can to support Mason and the team this season to help win games.''

Meanwhile, the team that Roethlisberger has served as the face of for so long will have to find a way to move forward without him. Rudolph played capably in the first meaningful snaps of his career, completing 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards, two touchdowns and an interception that came off a deflection. Rudolph won praise from his teammates for his poise, yet the Steelers know it will take all 53 of them - not just one - to fill the void left by Roethlisberger's absence.

''This is not ideal but at the end of the day, it is what it is,'' DeCastro said. ''As football players, you deal with it. Let's go see what we're made of.''

**StarDust Bum** · 09-16-2019, 06:47 PM

Saints' Brees expected to miss six weeks
September 16, 2019
By The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been diagnosed with a torn ligament near the thumb of his throwing hand that is expected to sideline him at least six weeks, said a person familiar with the situation.

Brees has elected to have surgery, but it is not yet clear when the operation will take place or who will perform it, the person said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the diagnosis has not been announced.

Brees left Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter after the thumb on his right hand hit the hand of on-rushing Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald on the follow trough of a throw.

The Saints lost the game 27-9, with backup Teddy Bridgewater going 17 for 30 passing for 165 yards during the last three-plus quarters.

Saints coach Sean Payton declined on Monday to go into detail about Brees' condition or even rule him out for this Sunday's game in Seattle.

''They're still in the midst of evaluating it,'' said Payton, adding that Brees had received one diagnosis and was in the process of getting a second opinion.

Payton also declined to address what his offense would look like without Brees under center going forward.

''I'm sorry, I'm just not going to answer hypothetical questions right now,'' Payton said. ''I'm not going to do it.''

When asked how well the Saints had built a team that could absorb playing without Brees, Payton said, ''We're getting ready to find out,'' before backtracking a bit.

''Hopefully the news is good and the length of time, if there is any that he's out, will be shorter than longer. But, again, that's part of our sport.''

While Brees, as a healthy player, has been a held out of a couple late-season games that held no postseason implications, he has missed only one start because of an injury in his previous 13 seasons with New Orleans. The Saints narrowly lost that 2015 game at Carolina, with Luke McCown at quarterback.

Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in completions with 6,621 and yards passing with 74,845. His 522 touchdowns tie him for second all-time with New England's Tom Brady, 17 behind retired former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

The Saints are practicing this week in the Seattle area before playing the Seahawks on Sunday. New Orleans' five games after they face Seattle are against Dallas, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Chicago and Arizona, followed by a Week 9 bye.

Bridgewater, a second-year Saints who returned to New Orleans this season on a one-year, $7.2 million free-agent deal, is the primary backup.

Taysom Hill, who plays a variety of skill positions on offense and also plays on special teams, is the third string QB. It remains to be seen how his playing time at various positions will be affected if he is elevated to second-string QB while Brees is out.

Bridgewater's last start was with the Saints in the final regular season game of 2018, when New Orleans had already locked up the top seed in the NFC playoffs. Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards, one TD and one interception in a 33-14 loss to Carolina.

Earlier in his career, he was 17-11 as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings before a major knee injury sidelined him for all of 2016 and nearly all of 2017.

At 1-1, the Saints are tied for first place in the NFC South. They entered the season with high expectations after advancing to the NFC title game last season, losing to the Rams in a game marred by officials' non-call of pass interference and helmet-to-helmet contact fouls committed by Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman against then-Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis.

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Da bum's 2019 nfl season's best bets- opinions-news-trends thru the superbowl !

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