Record: 0-0-1, +0.0
Rams +2.5 -105 over Oakland
Rating:
2 smiles
The Rams are coming off an abysmal and disappointing season. They began that season with a disastrous preseason, dropping all 4 contests and looking laughable in the process. One can only hope Martz has figured out that you need to start lighting the fire a bit earlier, or you just end up with a lazy team. My guess is that they come out with a bit of fire here, and having a solid backup should help, as we'll get some Bulger vs. the 2nd string time. Multiple preseason trends also favor the Rams in this spot, and will grab the short number for 2 smiles.
Jags +3 -105 over Minny
Rating: 2 smiles
Let the Tice circus begin. He just makes me laugh, that goofy look on the sidelines. Sure, both of these teams would like to get off to a good start, with the Vikes trying to erase memories of last year's debacle and the Jags' Del Rio wanting to fire out of the gate with some enthusiasm. I rate the edge to the Jags here, who will look to put their "heat problems" behind them and will have a chance to do so tonight. I also feel Garrard will be looking to impress, as he wants to make a solid impression as a possible successor to Brunell. Multiple preseason trends also favor Jags here. Grab another short number for 2 smiles.
Cincy +4 -105 over Jets
Rating: 2 smiles
While the Jets are backed by 2 preseason systems, including allowing 30 the previous preseason game (50-36-1 since '90) and as favs of 5.5 or less off a >10 loss (42-24 since '84), I still side with the Bungles here, who are backed by multiple preseason trends as well, including the "Gap" theory seen on "another good site". Throw in long travel for the Jets, a poor performance in the last game, and the chance for Marvin Lewis to instill some confidence in the organization and fans, the Bungles came out as the play.
Pack +3 even over Falcons
Rating: 1 smile
Teams off the Hall of Fame game are 26-12-3 since 1980, and the Pack fit that bill. Still, that 's not the best reason to play them. I think they will want to rebound from a pathetic showing last week, and I think these points are generous and will allow them to do so. The Falcons will be working out the kinks as well. Not a huge play here, just 1 smile.
Cle +2.5 -105 over Titans
Rating: 1 smile
Multiple preseason trends favor the Clowns here. More encouraging, however, is the quartback controversy that is brewing. With both participants capable and wanting to make a solid impression, I think they will have a nice chance up against a veteran Titan team coming off a successful 2002 campaign. 1 smile for the Browns.
(Sorry for the short write ups, heading out of town)
Good luck.
Rams +2.5 -105 over Oakland
Rating:
2 smilesThe Rams are coming off an abysmal and disappointing season. They began that season with a disastrous preseason, dropping all 4 contests and looking laughable in the process. One can only hope Martz has figured out that you need to start lighting the fire a bit earlier, or you just end up with a lazy team. My guess is that they come out with a bit of fire here, and having a solid backup should help, as we'll get some Bulger vs. the 2nd string time. Multiple preseason trends also favor the Rams in this spot, and will grab the short number for 2 smiles.
Jags +3 -105 over Minny
Rating:
2 smilesLet the Tice circus begin. He just makes me laugh, that goofy look on the sidelines. Sure, both of these teams would like to get off to a good start, with the Vikes trying to erase memories of last year's debacle and the Jags' Del Rio wanting to fire out of the gate with some enthusiasm. I rate the edge to the Jags here, who will look to put their "heat problems" behind them and will have a chance to do so tonight. I also feel Garrard will be looking to impress, as he wants to make a solid impression as a possible successor to Brunell. Multiple preseason trends also favor Jags here. Grab another short number for 2 smiles.
Cincy +4 -105 over Jets
Rating:
2 smilesWhile the Jets are backed by 2 preseason systems, including allowing 30 the previous preseason game (50-36-1 since '90) and as favs of 5.5 or less off a >10 loss (42-24 since '84), I still side with the Bungles here, who are backed by multiple preseason trends as well, including the "Gap" theory seen on "another good site". Throw in long travel for the Jets, a poor performance in the last game, and the chance for Marvin Lewis to instill some confidence in the organization and fans, the Bungles came out as the play.
Pack +3 even over Falcons
Rating:
1 smileTeams off the Hall of Fame game are 26-12-3 since 1980, and the Pack fit that bill. Still, that 's not the best reason to play them. I think they will want to rebound from a pathetic showing last week, and I think these points are generous and will allow them to do so. The Falcons will be working out the kinks as well. Not a huge play here, just 1 smile.
Cle +2.5 -105 over Titans
Rating:
1 smileMultiple preseason trends favor the Clowns here. More encouraging, however, is the quartback controversy that is brewing. With both participants capable and wanting to make a solid impression, I think they will have a nice chance up against a veteran Titan team coming off a successful 2002 campaign. 1 smile for the Browns.
(Sorry for the short write ups, heading out of town)
Good luck.
