Saturday Night?s all right for NFL Football

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Saturday Night?s all right for NFL Football

It is a large slate of action in Week 3 of the NFL preseason and every game has meaning to the players trying to make the team and coaches trying to be ready for the regular season. Here is a look at each game with key wagering information for each contest.

San Diego at Atlanta

This is will be the CBS game starting at 8:00 Eastern, with running back Michael Turner going against his old teammates from San Diego. Atlanta would be 2-0 if the backups had not surrendered lead late at Detroit in 27-26 loss. Quarterback Matt Ryan looks like we will avoid a sophomore slump, playing extremely well in limited action. The Falcons are 2.5-point favorites at Bookmaker.com with total of 42 and are 21-8 ATS after playing their last game on the road.

It?s been a different preseason for San Diego, as LaDainian Tomlinson has actually done something besides stand on the sidelines like in years past. L.T. isn?t being overworked mind you with eight carries and a couple of pass catches, however that is way more activity than he?s seen in recent years as he looks to rebound from injury. Even with last week?s 17-6 upset win in Arizona as 1.5-point underdogs, coach Norn Turner teams are 3-6 ATS as dogs or Pick.

Indianapolis at Detroit

Indianapolis may have rotten reputation as preseason team (6-18, 9-14-1 ATS), but Detroit is even less thought of as a team of any kind. In this NFL Network matinee, the Lions have gone from 1.5-point favorites to three-point underdogs. This is the dress rehearsal week for the regular season and the Colts are 6-1 ATS and Detroit is 2-10 SU and ATS in the next to last exhibition game.

New Orleans at Oakland

Another afternoon affair means another flip of the favorites, this time on the Left Coast. The always controversial Oakland Raiders have covered a pair of contests in sporting .500 record, however the wagering public isn?t sold this team that opened as Pick and fell to +2.5-points, is equipped to handle New Orleans who has won both contests by average of 17 points. The Saints are 23-10 ATS in August road games and 16-5 ATS in the visiting uniforms with six or less days rest.

Tennessee at Cleveland

Coach Eric Mangini will take one more look at Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn and decide who will be his starting quarterback in Cleveland, at least for game one. The Browns blew-up Detroit last week 27-10, but are 1-9 ATS after a win by 10 or more points. Tennessee played bored last Friday at Dallas, having played one more preseason contest thanks to Hall of Fame encounter. The Titans are two-point dogs, nonetheless are 11-1 ATS vs. opponent off a win and cover.

Buffalo at Pittsburgh

Buffalo is 1-2 and 1-1-1 ATS and this week have to solve turnover issues that are plaguing them, with 11 miscues already. Trent Edwards could use Terrell Owens, who is expected to miss another game with sprained toe. The Bills are six-point underdogs with total of 36, yet if they can score 15-21 points, they are 12-2 ATS on the road. Ben Roethlisberger was held out last week, but is presumed ready for action. Pittsburgh is 10-15 ATS in third preseason game and is 1-3 and 0-4 ATS since 2005.

Baltimore at Carolina

Carolina has yet to scratch in the win column in 2009, mostly due to run defense surrendering 140 yards a game. They?ll try and shore this area up this week, but it will be without linebacker Jon Beason, who strained his MCL, and who will be held out at least until regular season starts. Baltimore has been efficient 2-0 (1-1 ATS), looking like playoff contender again. Watch the total here (36) with Panthers on 6-0 OVER run and Ravens 14-4 UNDER off one or more straight Overs.

San Francisco at Dallas

For football fans, this encounter is a quick trip down memory lane of classic matchups these teams played in the 1980?s and 90?s. This won?t be the case today, with Dallas a seven-point favorite and total of 38. The 49ers named Shaun Hill as starting quarterback, but he and former No.1 pick Alex Smith might both be on the sidelines with injury. Say hello to Damon Huard and rookie Nate Davis for San Francisco who has two wins without a cover. The Cowboys played with purpose last in routing Tennessee 30-10, however is dastardly 1-9 ATS at home if opponent is off two SU wins.

Seattle at Kansas City

These former AFC division partners will meet again in Kansas City. Matt Hasselbeck looks all the way back from injured back of a year ago. Hasselbeck has the fastball back in repertoire and better accuracy on sideline routes. The Seahawks may be catching 2.5-points, however are 8-0 ATS in last eight August tries and 9-1 ATS since 2007. Kansas City has played like a team installing new offensive and defensive systems and is just the opposite of Seattle, posting 1-9 ATS mark the last three years.

N.Y. Jets vs N.Y. Giants

The Giants are the designated home team, which means they get the bigger locker room in bragging rights matchup. The G-Men have been hit hard on the defensive side of the ball with injuries, yet most Giants fans are more concerned if Eli Manning will mesh with wide receiver group quickly. The New York football Giants are 9-21 ATS in the last two weeks of the preseason. Rookie Mark Sanchez has enjoyed the bright lights of New York thus far, but now productivity will be his savior as Jets QB. Sanchez appeared a trifle overwhelmed by Baltimore?s defense last week and has to remain composed. Gang Green is 13-3-1 ATS in this Big Apple battle, on the receiving end of three points.
 

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Saturday Showdowns

Saturday Showdowns

Saturday Showdowns

There is no shortage of football for bettors to watch on Saturday with nine dress rehearsals on the slate. Two of the matchups have piqued my interest as Week 3 draws closer to the end. The Chargers take on the Falcons in a pair of playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Jets and Giants will be playing for bragging rights in the battle for the Big Apple.

San Diego at Atlanta ? 8:00 p.m. EDT, CBS

The Falcons haven?t played a match at home this preseason, but that hasn?t mattered as they?ve won and covered their first two games thus far. Yet Mike Smith is more concerned with seeing his club getting off to a fast start and if they have learned from their mistakes of a week ago.

Atlanta is coming off of a 20-13 victory against the Rams as a 2 ?-point road ?chalk.? While the final score comes off as a solid win, the stats indicate otherwise. Matt Ryan?s backup, D.J. Shockley looked pretty bad in completing five of his 12 passes for 63 yards. Shockley also got sacked and picked off twice by St. Louis.

You can?t really fault Shockley for the Falcons? body of work in Week 2. The Dirty Birds were able to convert just five of their 10 third downs against the Rams. That is definitely not an improvement on the six of 14 conversion rate they had against Detroit in the preseason opener.

One player we should expect a lot from is Michael Turner. The Falcons? top rusher has picked up 128 yards on 13 carries with a pair of scores. There are no reports stating he?ll be in for a series or two, so it would appear that he?s going to be in for at least the first half.

San Diego bounced back last Saturday with a 17-6 win against the Cardinals as a three-point road pup.

The Chargers got a nice effort out of Philip Rivers in Week 2 as he connected on five of his seven pass attempts for 116 yards against Arizona. Although, there has to be a little concern with him getting sacked four times by the Cards.


Defensively, San Diego?s defense was on its game by not giving up a touchdown last week. They also picked off two passes, one of which was turned into a score for the Bolts.

Most of the betting shops have made the Falcons slight 2 ?-point home favorites with a total of 42.

That total is awfully high for my tastes considering that Smith has proven in his short time in Atlanta that focus is on the defense during the preseason. That point is given credence by the fact that the ?under? is 4-2 during his six exhibition tilts.

The Falcons have done extremely well in dress rehearsal games, going 5-0 straight up and against the spread during the last five preseasons. The ?under? has a slight 3-2 advantage for total players.

Norv Turner has shown over his last two stops as an NFL head coach (?04-?05 Oakland, ?07-present San Diego) that he wants to win this tilt. He is 3-1 SU in the four dress rehearsals he?s recently helmed. Bettors have been able to fade him in that time as well since Raiders and Chargers failed to cover the spread in those four games.

New York Jets at New York Giants ? 8:00 p.m. EDT

I think we should all thank Kellen Clemmens for participating in the Jets? quarterback search. New York?s elder statesman (if can call a three-year player ?elder?) lost the starting gig to Southern Cal rookie Mark Sanchez after two weeks of preseason action.

The reports out of the Jets? training camp were that the race between the two signal callers was 50-50. And when Clemmens can?t do anything to discern himself from a guy fresh out of college, he?s not going to be No. 1 on the depth chart.

Sanchez showed he can overcome a bad start last Monday in New York?s 24-23 defeat as a three-point road ?dog to the Ravens. His first pass of the night was intercepted for a touchdown by Baltimore?s Haloti Ngata. Sanchez completed only one of his first five passes for eight yards. His last drive no doubt helped his cause by connecting on two of his three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.

The Giants aren?t going to be fielding their top defense on Saturday night as linebacker Antonio Pierce (foot) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) are listed as ?out.? That won?t help a defensive unit that is allowing an average of 324 yards in two exhibition games.

Eli Manning will be under center for the first half of the game, with David Carr coming on in relief. There is a battle between Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar for the third-string job. It?s safe to say that this game will dictate who gets that spot on the team.

The sportsbooks have posted the Giants as 3 ?-point home faves with the total coming in at 37. While the line is holding true for the game, you can shop around for a total as low as 36 ?.

This preseason tradition has gone in favor of the Jets as they hold a 6-2 SU record, but just 4-3-1 ATS. Tom Coughlin has done well in this rivalry as of late, going 2-1 SU and ATS in the last three games.
 

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What bettors need to know: Saturday's NFL preseason action

What bettors need to know: Saturday's NFL preseason action

What bettors need to know: Saturday's NFL preseason action

Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions (+3, 40)

The Colts (4-16 in last 20 preseason games) are expected to go with their starters until early in the third quarter Saturday. It appears that Curtis Painter will be the backup at QB. Veteran backup Jim Sorgi has returned to practice but will likely be held out until next week.

Among the other key players who aren't expected to play against the Lions are OL Ryan Lilja, DB Kelvin Hayden, DB Bob Sanders and K Adam Vinatieri.

While the starting QB spot is still open in Detroit, Daunte Culpepper (83.0 QB rating) will open the game under center against the Colts. Matthew Stafford (43.4 QB rating) will also play with first-team personnel. Each QB will play a quarter and a half.

On the injury front, RB Kevin Smith and both starting cornerbacks are questionable to play against the Colts.

New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders (+2.5, 41)

The Saints are expected to play their starters until early in the third quarter against the Raiders.

New Orleans is a little banged up in the backfield. Pierre Thomas could be out until the start of the regular season while Reggie Bush is questionable to play Saturday.

Oakland head coach Tom Cable has indicated that his starters will play the first half and, possibly, into the third quarter against the Saints. With only one series under his belt this preseason, veteran QB Jeff Garcia is set to play most of the second half Saturday.

On defense, the Raiders are still looking to finalize starting spots at linebacker and cornerback as the regular season approaches.

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 36)

Buffalo's no-huddle offense will be without Terrell Owens (toe) for the third straight game Saturday. The new offense will try to get their running game (2.9 yards per carry in preseason) on track against the Steelers.

Dick Jauron is expected to play his starters through the first half against Pittsburgh. Rookie DL Aaron Maybin is set to make his Bills debut in the contest.

After missing last week's game, Ben Roethlisberger is back in the fold for Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said that his starters will play at least the first half against Buffalo.

Roethlisberger could be missing a couple of weapons in his return to action. Running back Willie Parker and WR Santonio Holmes are questionable for the game.

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (-1, 37.5)

Tennessee will play their starters through at least the first half Saturday.

The Titans will keep a close eye on their wide receivers against the Browns after Nate Washington's hamstring injury this week. He could miss the start of the regular season.

The Browns will mirror Detroit's gameplan in regards to their quarterbacks this week. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will get equal playing time with the first-team offense against Tennessee but head coach Eric Mangini hasn't decided on a starter for Saturday's matchup.

San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 42)

San Diego head coach Norv Turner has said that his starter could play up to three quarters Saturday. However, a couple of big offensive guns could be out of the lineup.

Turner is hesitant to expose RB LaDainian Tomlinson (12 carries, 28 yards in preseason) and TE Antonio Gates to the turf field surface at the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta's Mike Smith will also have his starters on the field into the third quarter Saturday. After missing last week's game, backup QB Chris Redman will return to action this week for the Falcons.

On defense, recent first-round choice Jamaal Anderson is trying to retain his starting spot on the defensive line heading into the regular season.

Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5, 39)

The Seahawks are expected to have their first-team units on the field through at least the first half against Kansas City. The game could mark the Seattle debut of the NFL's 11th all-time leading rusher, Edgerrin James.

The offensive line is a concern after last week's injury to starting center Chris Spencer (out 4-6 weeks) and the uncertain status of Walter Jones for the regular season.

Kansas City will go with their first-team offense until at least the first series of the third quarter. While QB Matt Cassel (92.9 QB rating in preseason) made some progress last week, RB Larry Johnson (2.8 yards per carry) is trying to bust loose in exhibition action.

On defense, the Chiefs are still looking for their starting nose tackle in their 3-4 defensive formation.

New York Jets at New York Giants (-3, 36)

With a tropical storm (70 percent chance of rain) heading to the Meadowlands on Saturday, Mark Sanchez could have something else to deal with besides the elite defensive line of the Giants. On a short week, Jets head coach Rex Ryan is unlikely to send Sanchez and his other starters out beyond the first half.

The Giants had hoped to use the traditional dress rehearsal for the regular season to further develop their inexperienced wideouts but the weather may alter those plans.

The defense will be without key veterans Antonio Pierce and Aaron Ross Saturday.

Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers (-3, 34.5)

With their third game in 10 days, Baltimore (second in NFL in total offense and defense in preseason) hasn't been able to install a complete gameplan for this week's matchup.

Special teams will be a focal point Saturday, with starting spots at kicker and kick returner still up for grabs.

Without any road games until the second week of the regular season, the Panthers can unpack for awhile. Head coach John Fox has indicated that his starters are likely to play at least through the first half.

Offensive standouts Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are banged up for Carolina. Smith and Williams are in better condition to play than Stewart Saturday.

San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (-7, 38)

Shaun Hill has indicated that he is ready to go on Saturday despite suffering a back strain in practice this week.

San Francisco is expected to play their starters into the third quarter against Dallas. Veteran Damon Huard would likely start at QB, if Hill is unable to go.

The Cowboys should have their starters on the field through at least the first half. Wide receiver Roy Williams is out of action after suffering a shoulder injury in practice this week.
 

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Battle of NYC highlights NFL Preseason action

Battle of NYC highlights NFL Preseason action

Battle of NYC highlights NFL Preseason action

Week 3 of the NFL Preseason is when teams start to resemble what they?ll look like in the regular season ? and, accordingly, when football betting fans start to study teams more closely.

This weekend features a number of great matchups, including Tom Brady and the New England Patriots taking on the Washington Redskins at FedExField on Friday (8 pm ET, CBS).

NFL Football Odds at betED.com have the Patriots as 3.5-point favorites and the over/under total at 37.

The Redskins are 2-1 SU and 1-1-1 ATS in the past three meetings.

And on Saturday, the Battle of New York City takes place at Giants Stadium (8 pm ET, NBC).

Eli Manning and the Giants are 3.5-point favorites against rookie pivot Mark Sanchez and the Jets, with the over/under set at 36 in NFL Betting Odds at betED.com.

The Giants are a perfect 4-0 SU and 3-0-1 ATS in the past four meetings.

Last Monday, the Baltimore Ravens defense foiled the Jets' two-point conversion attempt with 0:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, resulting in 24-23 Ravens win.

New York covered as 3-point road underdogs and the score went over the 32.5-point total.

The Giants were defeated 17-3 by the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the preseason last week, as 3-point underdogs. The score went under the total of 35.

NBC?s Sunday Night Football returns with the Chicago Bears battling the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High (8 pm ET, NBC).

Chicago is 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in the past three meetings.

The Broncos are 2.5-point favorites and the total is 38.

In Week 2 of the NFL Preseason last week, the Bears defense stymied the New York Giants offense for a 17-3 win. The Bears covered the 3-point spread, and the score went under the total of 35.

The Broncos were defeated 27-13 by the Seattle Seahawks last week, as 3-point underdogs. The 40 points went over the total of 37.

Last season, Chicago was 9-7 SU and 6-8-2 ATS while Denver was 8-8 SU and 4-11-1 ATS.
 

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Don't look for LT in anymore preseason tilts

Don't look for LT in anymore preseason tilts

Don't look for LT in anymore preseason tilts


SAN DIEGO ? It appears the LaDainian Tomlinson preseason show has run its course, or at least will go on hiatus.

Head coach Norv Turner Thursday said he hadn't decided whether Tomlinson will play in Saturday night's nationally televised exhibition game at Atlanta. But asked whether he had concerns about Tomlinson playing on artificial turf, Turner said, ?You're reading my mind now.?

Tomlinson, who has 12 carries in two games after not playing in a preseason game for three years, would like to play against the Falcons.

?He doesn't seem every excited about it,? he said of Turner. ? ... I understand. But we've got a couple games on turf this season.?

It's also likely that tight end Antonio Gates will skip Saturday's game. Gates missed his third straight practice with what is being described as general soreness.

?I'm totally fine,? Gates said.

The Chargers installed a mini game plan and piped in crowd noise during Thursday's practice as they prepared to play in the Georgia Dome. Crowd noise over the speakers is usually saved for the regular season, and it is just the latest example of the Chargers jump-starting their preparation for the season.

Said Turner: ?The season is getting here. Every time you do something like that, the better prepared you are.?

Davis sore but OK

Third-year wide receiver Buster Davis finally missed a practice, but he expects to play Saturday.

It has been a remarkably healthy and productive training camp, which has included him catching three passes and returning five kicks in the first two exhibition games.

?It feels good,? said Davis, who sat Thursday with knee tendinitis. ?Hard work pays off.?

After missing so much time his first two seasons with various ailments, Davis has appeared confident and durable this month. It has changed his outlook on situations such as the current tendinitis.

?I could easily go in the tank,? he said. ?I could get down on myself. But I'm just going to come out and have a good game (tomorrow).?

Davis played in just 18 games his first two seasons.

Nuts 'n' Bolts

Cletis Gordon, released by the Chargers on Monday, has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, pending a physical Friday. Injuries and Dunta Robinson's holdout have thinned the Texans' cornerback corps.

The groin injury keeping rookie Vaughn Martin out is not considered serious, although he acknowledged it was serious enough he should have sat sooner. But figuring it was normal camp discomfort and not wanting to miss any playing time, he didn't say anything about it. He expects to be back next week.
 
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