1:00 PM NFL [258] NY JETS +1-110
4:25 PM NFL [274] ARI CARDINALS -10-105
3:15 PM MLB [914] Saint Louis Cardinals -210 ( R Vogelsong - R / A Wainwright)
3:05 PM MLB [915] Baltimore Orioles -137 ( K Gausman - R / L Cessa - R )
3:10 PM MLB [926] Chicago White Sox -1.5 -125 ( J Berrios - R / C Sale)
3:10 PM MLB [929] Detroit Tigers -148 ( J Verlander - R / J Teheran)
1 unit bet pays 27 ....betdsi line
MLB parlays: 17-168, -32.12 units (risk 1 unit each pick)... winner #1 posted here......winner #2 posted here....winner #3 and nice winner #4... and small reduced winner #5, winner #6 paid 5.07 units...winner #7...and here is winner #8...and then winner #9....after long dry spell, hit four teamer on July 4th.....and another long dry spell, hit five teamer on July 23rd....yet another long dry spell, hit four teamer on Aug 17...hit nice daytime five teamer on Aug 18....won small daytime three teamer on Aug 24.....won daytime and evening parlays on Sept 7...and this 5 teamer, due to rain-shortened game became a 4 teamer on Sept 29.
Goood luck everyone!! :firing: :toast:
:0074 Goooooood Luck ALLLL!!!!
ripped, cut and pasted, otherwise written by others, from across the internets:
Cubs -1.5 -145
I'll take the Cubs on the run line in Sunday's regular season finale against the Reds. I know Chicago has everything wrapped up, but I think this team is going to want something positive to build on going into the postseason. They certainly have the starter on the mound to not only win, but win big. The Cubs will hand the ball to Cy Young favorite Kyle Hendricks, who has been absolutely sensational this season. Hendricks is 16-8 with a 1.97 ERA in 29 starts and has only got better as the season has went along. He comes in with a 1.35 ERA and 0.800 WHIP in his last 3 starts and has allowed 2 or less earned runs in 10 straight starts. While he keeps the Reds offense in check, Chicago's offense should be able to put up a big number here against Cincinnati starter Robert Stephenson, who has an ugly 6.27 ERA and 1.545 ERA in 7 starts this season. Not to mention he's averaging just 4.7 innings per start and the Reds have a team bullpen ERA of 5.08.
Jets +1
A must-win in week #4? It might be for the New York Jets. The Flyboys were miserable last week turning it over EIGHT TIMES at Arrowhead as the somewhat normally-accurate Ryan Fitzpatrick was horrible with six picks. But we like the situation for the Jets considering this is their only home game in a five week stretch and are on the road against playoff contenders Pittsburgh and Arizona on deck. I tend to like teams off embarrassing efforts especially if they are returning home and have a top-caliber team in town. Until last week Seattle was struggling offensively and the Hawks are nothing special on the road losing their first encounter in LA 9-3. Now a cross-country start and an early kickoff for a west coach team on the east coast. The Jets should have the edge in the trenches and Seattle is gimpy with their banged-up offensive line plus Russell Wilson?s ankle. While the Jets are 8-2 ATS as a home underdog in their last 10 tries, Seattle is 1-8 ATS on the AFC road following a home game. Coach Bowles is 6-1 ATS when taking points so far as the Jets? boss. The Jets only allowed KC one offensive touchdown last week. Plus it should be noted the Jets are 9-1 ATS as a one-point or higher underdog coming off a game in which they scored eight points or less. Hold your nose and bet the Jets! New York receivers Eric Decker is out while Brandon Marshall has a sore knee but will play. That prevents any shot of a major.
Browns / Redskins Over 45.5
Well both teams found the offense last week...Redskins fought back in a big game Vs. Giants and pulled out a win...Browns played tough, but they discovered they can pass the ball a little bit...I look for both teams to light it up through the air...Both teams on defense are deplorable and the passing attack will come through for us...Passing defense for both teams are in the bottom 10 in the league...Wash ranks 26th and Cleveland ranks 24th....Browns haven't faced elite passing teams, but the Redskins got some talent on the outside with the WR's and TE spots...I think Washington flirts with 30+ in this game...The big key for the Browns is moving the chains on 3rd down....Well the skins 3rd down defense isn't great by any means..I'm sure it will improve in this game, but overall I don't trust the the Skins pass defense rankings 26th and stopping even the Browns on 3rd down...
Cleveland QB Kessler got it going last week..he threw for about 250 yards and he will be throwing again..Don't be shocked if he great success here, but he will commit some a few INT's as well...i can see him going to the well here and getting picked off a few times...Skins run game is always a threat and this game will produce enough points from all angles..even the special teams might get involved....I still have images burned into my brain watching the Redskins special teams chasing guys all over the place on kickoff and punt returns..Don;t be shocked if one or the other breaks a few big returns to help us out here....Weather calls for some drying out in Washington for Sunday...31-23 area.
Detroit / Chicago Over 46
I absolutely like the 'over' in this matchup and I think the Bears are going to be a dead 'over' team for several weeks. Chicago's defense is a travesty and their secondary is probably the worst in football. That's bad news against a Lions passing game that has three legit weapons and a running game built on big plays in the second level. These two teams played a 37-34 shootout last October and they have gone 'over' in four of the last six meetings with a total of 45.0 or higher. Detroit's defense is not much better. They just got lit up for 34 points by the Packers last week and allowed 35 points to the Colts in Week 1. I thought the Bears offense looked more potent with Brian Hoyer under center as he is far less erratic than loser Jay Cutler. The Bears are allowing nearly 30 points per game this season (27.3 PPG) and the Lions check in 28.3 points allowed each outing. I think that both teams make it into the 20s, and this one will push over late.
Chiefs at Steelers
Play: Under 47.5
The Kansas City Chiefs come to Pittsburgh for Sunday Night Football fresh off their great defensive effort against what was supposed to be a high flying NY Jet offense. The Chiefs intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick 6 times and forced another 2 fumbles for a unbelievable 8 turnover day for the Jets. Alex Smith and the Chiefs offense did exactly what they always have done under Andy Reid. They manage the game and capitalize on the other teams mistakes which worked to perfection last Sunday. As for the Steelers they had one of those performances they would like to put behind them, in a 34 -3 blowout loss to the Eagles. We see them coming back to Steeler football in Pittsburgh tonight. For us this means some good defense and running the football. The Steelers have just what the doctor ordered to do just that, as Le?Veon Bell is back and he will help a running game that only had 29 yards last week in Philadelphia. With the Under being 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the clubs the oddsmaker has set the line at the time of this writing at 47 1/2, we believe this is only because of it being Sunday night and Buster Sports has this 2 points lower at 45 1/2. We will be on the UNDER here. Also backing our selection is the fact that the UNDER is 16-5 in the Steelers last 21 games in October and the fact that the Under is 6-1 in Chiefs last 7 games in October. These two clubs play a lot of UNDERS in October.
Raiders (2-1) at Ravens (3-0)
No question that this year?s Ravens are better than the injury riddled squad that was forced to march onto the field each week last season. But don?t be fooled by Baltimore?s 3-0 start. These birds have had a lot go right for them this season, creating fortunate wins including last week?s two-point victory at shoddy 0-3 Jacksonville. Add victories against Buffalo and Cleveland and Baltimore?s unblemished mark has been attained against teams that are a combined 1-8 in this early going. Baltimore?s ground game continues to be in a drought, unable to gain 85 yards in any contest thus far. If that forces an aerial battle between Joe Flacco and Oakland?s Derek Carr, we?ll gladly go with the latter especially since we have more weaponry and we?re receiving points to boot. The Raiders have been giving up too much yardage but shootouts with the Saints and Falcons tend to pad those stats, corrected against the Titans last week. Baltimore has just one cover in past nine as home fave. Ravens have their work cut out for them here. TAKING: RAIDERS +3?
Colts (1-2) vs. Jaguars (0-3) at London, England
Plaxico Burress should be on the Jaguars. After all, no team shoots itself more in the foot than Jacksonville. If not for some late blunders, the Jags could have had wins against both Green Bay and more recently, Baltimore. While we aren?t fond of slotting this bungling Jacksonville team in our Best Bets, we have no choice when we believe that we have the better team taking points on a neutral field. Heck, it may not be that neutral as this game is being played in London, England where fans have seen the Jaguars before and where most Brits have never heard of Indianapolis. For Indy, flying over the pond for the first time lends some challenges as does familiarizing with Wembley?s porous grass surface. The Colts have a decent quarterback and reasonable receivers but after that, there is very little. Jacksonville quietly has an 8th ranked defense and some playmakers on offence. It is more than capable of handling this overrated divisional foe. TAKING: JAGUARS +2?
Saints (0-3) at Chargers (1-2)
The Saints surrender an awful lot of yards, 448 per game to be exact, ranking only ahead of Oakland. But they have the ability to stay in games as two final second losses will attest to before untimely turnovers did them in last week. This is a good spot for a bounce back. The Chargers may be favored here but that might be unjust. You can mask inefficiencies when playing AFC South teams as the Bolts have these past two weeks (Indianapolis and Jacksonville). But now they?ll face a high powered offence that they?ll need to outscore and by a margin to earn a cover. It will have to be done without San Diego?s best receiver Keenan Allen, multi-purpose RB Danny Woodhead, linebacker and defensive co-captain Manti Te?o while CB Brandon Flowers is under concussion protocol. Ouch! Sean Payton?s Saints are best when taking points, covering 9 of previous 13 when offered some. Conversely, the Chargers have just three covers in past 10 as home faves. TAKING: SAINTS +4
THE REST
Browns (0-3) at Redskins (1-2)
Seems the oddsmakers missed the boat with this one after Washington opened as a 10-point favorite before bettors flocked to the window to buy some Cleveland at an outrageous price. What??? That?s like lining up to get canned Spam simply because it?s on sale. We?ll side with bookies on this one. Somehow the Brownies were able to compete with the Dolphins last week despite having to trot out a ?B? roster after several front liners were sidelined. Maybe the Fish took these guys too lightly but you can bet that the Redskins won?t fall prey to that after observing tape and after getting back in NFC East race with much needed win last week. Bumbling Browns competing on road in consecutive weeks? Not happening. TAKING: REDSKINS ?7?
Seahawks (2-1) at Jets (1-2)
Unless you?re the Patriots, it?s difficult to sustain greatness for an extended period of time in this league. The Seahawks are still formidable but they aren?t what they were these past few seasons nor are they feared the same way. Right now, Seattle?s defense is a decent unit but its offence is plagued by a poor front line and that won?t help hobbled QB Russell Wilson in this one. The Jets flat lined in Kansas City last week but we expect them to revive here. While the Seahawks are tinkering with their O-Line, the Jets should be able to wreak havoc up front with their daunting front seven. Reputation has the ?Hawks favored but current conditions say the home town Jets should be. TAKING: JETS +2?
Panthers (1-2) at Falcons (2-1)
Not feeling all warm and fuzzy about this year?s Panthers. Maybe Cam Newton read too many of his headlines? Or is it the dreaded Super Bowl loser syndrome? Whatever the case, Carolina has lost two of three and now must play an Atlanta team that not only handed this NFC South foe its only regular season loss last year on this field but who happens to have a restored confidence after consecutive wins. Atlanta may not have defensive personnel to pressure Cam the same way Denver and Minnesota did but the blue print appears to be in place for others to follow. The Falcons can rattle Newton while their high octane offence puts enough points on the board to keep this one interesting. TAKING: FALCONS +3
Lions (1-2) at Bears (0-3)
Difficult to side with a beat up Bears team that has just one victory in past 12 games as hosts and is averaging just 15 points per game this season. It appears that journeyman QB Brian Hoyer will start again for the injured Jay Cutler and that too doesn?t evoke supportive behavior. The Lions are averaging more than 400 yards of offence per game and it?s not like this Chicago defense can prevent similar results as the Bears are void of a pass rush with only four sacks in first three games, suiting Matthew Stafford just fine. The Leos have dominated this series lately, winning six straight and if there is reason that such a streak is halted on this day, we simply aren?t seeing it. TAKING: LIONS ?2?
Titans (1-2) at Texans (2-1)
The Titans have hung tough in all their games so far and they certainly won?t lack motivation here as a victory over host Texans would have Tennessee tied atop the shabby AFC South. Titans should be sick of being pushed around by this foe, having lost seven of previous eight including both last year that saw Tennessee score just six points per game. Houston relies on defense to win games but its best player and team leader, J.J. Watt has gone down with a back injury. That will put extra pressure on an offence averaging just 14 points per game this season to up its game. That might be easier said than done against an improved Titans defense. Expect a low scoring, closely fought contest. TAKING: TITANS +5
Broncos (3-0) at Buccaneers (1-2)
No hangover here, folks. Denver continues to manhandle all comers and today?s opponent appears to be a pushover. However, this is the NFL which commonly stands for No Free Lunch. And this one has a bad stench to it. These Broncos have won eight straight games dating back to last year, including playoffs and Super Bowl. Denver?s defense is ferocious and if last week was any indication, the offence is catching up. The Bucs scare no one. Young QB Jameis Winston keeps taking steps forward only to be followed by same amount back. While facing the Orange?s strong defense is invaluable experience, expecting Winston to outsmart it is a reach. Still, oddsmakers are rarely fooled and the short price is almost irresistible bait. We?re not going to bite. TAKING: BUCCANEERS +3
Cowboys (2-1) at 49ers (1-2)
Niners happy to be home after playing at Carolina and Seattle the past two weeks. Still, not anxious to side with a Blaine Gabbert led team against a Cowboys squad that has proven to be a tough out. Dallas? only loss was by a single point vs. rival Giants. QB Dak Prescott has shown surprising poise and maturity for a rookie and has not thrown a pick yet. He?s getting plenty of support from rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott who clearly got over his Week 1 jitters. Elliott?s 274 rushing yards has him tied for second in league while 71 carries places him third overall. Dallas will be without star WR Dez Bryant but still possess enough on both sides of ball to handle this host. TAKING: DALLAS ?2
Rams (2-1) at Cardinals (1-2)
After being shutout in their opener, the Rams reeled off a pair of wins. Things are suddenly looking up. LA finds itself atop the unexpectedly mediocre NFC West, with a chance to open up some room on this division rival. Yeah, right. We?ll give the Cards a mulligan in last week?s dud at Buffalo. You can bet coach Bruce Arians will not be granting anything close. His team has too much talent and too much at stake right now to let this one slip through the cracks. The Rams bring an offence that is void of talent other than RB Todd Gurley. Expect Arizona to put eight in the box and allow dreadful QB Case Keenum to try and beat them. That?s not going to materialize. TAKING: CARDINALS ?7?
Chiefs (2-1) at Steelers (2-1)
Seems to be feast or famine for Steelers in this young season after a pair of decisive wins before being thumped at Philadelphia last week. But the last game is what concerns us most. We knew Pittsburgh?s secondary was a suspect group and rookie Carson Wentz exposed it for all to see after going 23 of 31 for 301 yards, 2 TD?s, 0 interceptions. While KC pivot Alex Smith isn?t exactly your gun slinging QB, he?s savvy enough to find the same holes that Wentz did against the Steelers 27th ranked pass defense, allowing an alarming 332 yards per game. It won?t help Pitt that LB Ryan Shazier (knee) is unlikely to play. Happy to take any points with better defensive team against what might be overhyped home side. TAKING: CHIEFS +4?
Giants (2-1) at Vikings (3-0)
This is only the second time in Minnesota?s previous 20 games that they are being asked to give away four or more points. The first time was on a Sunday night this past December when spotting 7-points to none other than these Giants. That game ended in a 49-17 drubbing of the G-Men, the Vikes dominating throughout. Even though Minny has not lost a regular season game since, the line here has been reduced. What gives? Are the Giants that much better? They slipped by the winless Saints two weeks ago, scoring just 16 points against New Orleans? putrid defense before losing to the then winless Redskins last Sunday. Meanwhile, Minny 16-2 versus spread past 18 but the marketplace continues to undervalue this very good team. That?s fine, we?ll just keep cashing tickets. TAKING: VIKINGS ?5
Arizona Cardinals -7.5
The advance line on this game was Arizona -10.5. But after the Cardinals played terrible in an 18-33 road loss to the Bills, and the Rams beat the Bucs 37-32 on the road, this line has now been bet down to 7.5. It's a classic overreaction from last week's results.
The Cardinals are still one of the best teams in the NFL. They gave the game away last week against the Bills by committing five turnovers. They actually outgained the Bills 348 to 296 for the game.
I really liked what I saw from the Cardinals in Week 2 when they were bouncing back from a 21-23 loss to the Patriots. They came back and throttled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a final of 40-7 at home. I look for them to take out their frustrations on the Rams this week as well.
Yes, the Rams scored 37 points against the Bucs last week, but their offense isn't fixed. They only managed 3120 total yards against the Bucs, which usually wouldn't equate to 37 points. Remember, they had scored a combined nine points in their first two games without scoring a touchdown.
The Rams still have the worst offense in the NFL. They are averaging 15.3 points and a league-low 262.7 yards pr game on the season. They simply do not have the firepower to keep up with the Cardinals, who are putting up 26.3 points and 369 yards per game.
This Rams defense isn't all that special either as it is allowing 366 yards per game. The Cardinals still have a great defense as they are giving up only 322 yards per game and 5.0 per play. The Rams are getting outgained by 103.3 yards per game on the season, which is the worst mark in the NFL.
Plays against road teams (LA RAMS) - off two or more consecutive upset wins as an underdog, with a winning record on the season are 61-30 (67%) ATS since 1983. Los Angeles is clearly overvalued due to back-to-back wins over the Seahawks and Bucs. It's time to sell high on the Rams.
The Cardinals are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games following an ATS loss. Arizona is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Los Angeles.
4:25 PM NFL [274] ARI CARDINALS -10-105
3:15 PM MLB [914] Saint Louis Cardinals -210 ( R Vogelsong - R / A Wainwright)
3:05 PM MLB [915] Baltimore Orioles -137 ( K Gausman - R / L Cessa - R )
3:10 PM MLB [926] Chicago White Sox -1.5 -125 ( J Berrios - R / C Sale)
3:10 PM MLB [929] Detroit Tigers -148 ( J Verlander - R / J Teheran)
1 unit bet pays 27 ....betdsi line
MLB parlays: 17-168, -32.12 units (risk 1 unit each pick)... winner #1 posted here......winner #2 posted here....winner #3 and nice winner #4... and small reduced winner #5, winner #6 paid 5.07 units...winner #7...and here is winner #8...and then winner #9....after long dry spell, hit four teamer on July 4th.....and another long dry spell, hit five teamer on July 23rd....yet another long dry spell, hit four teamer on Aug 17...hit nice daytime five teamer on Aug 18....won small daytime three teamer on Aug 24.....won daytime and evening parlays on Sept 7...and this 5 teamer, due to rain-shortened game became a 4 teamer on Sept 29.
Goood luck everyone!! :firing: :toast:
ripped, cut and pasted, otherwise written by others, from across the internets:
Cubs -1.5 -145
I'll take the Cubs on the run line in Sunday's regular season finale against the Reds. I know Chicago has everything wrapped up, but I think this team is going to want something positive to build on going into the postseason. They certainly have the starter on the mound to not only win, but win big. The Cubs will hand the ball to Cy Young favorite Kyle Hendricks, who has been absolutely sensational this season. Hendricks is 16-8 with a 1.97 ERA in 29 starts and has only got better as the season has went along. He comes in with a 1.35 ERA and 0.800 WHIP in his last 3 starts and has allowed 2 or less earned runs in 10 straight starts. While he keeps the Reds offense in check, Chicago's offense should be able to put up a big number here against Cincinnati starter Robert Stephenson, who has an ugly 6.27 ERA and 1.545 ERA in 7 starts this season. Not to mention he's averaging just 4.7 innings per start and the Reds have a team bullpen ERA of 5.08.
Jets +1
A must-win in week #4? It might be for the New York Jets. The Flyboys were miserable last week turning it over EIGHT TIMES at Arrowhead as the somewhat normally-accurate Ryan Fitzpatrick was horrible with six picks. But we like the situation for the Jets considering this is their only home game in a five week stretch and are on the road against playoff contenders Pittsburgh and Arizona on deck. I tend to like teams off embarrassing efforts especially if they are returning home and have a top-caliber team in town. Until last week Seattle was struggling offensively and the Hawks are nothing special on the road losing their first encounter in LA 9-3. Now a cross-country start and an early kickoff for a west coach team on the east coast. The Jets should have the edge in the trenches and Seattle is gimpy with their banged-up offensive line plus Russell Wilson?s ankle. While the Jets are 8-2 ATS as a home underdog in their last 10 tries, Seattle is 1-8 ATS on the AFC road following a home game. Coach Bowles is 6-1 ATS when taking points so far as the Jets? boss. The Jets only allowed KC one offensive touchdown last week. Plus it should be noted the Jets are 9-1 ATS as a one-point or higher underdog coming off a game in which they scored eight points or less. Hold your nose and bet the Jets! New York receivers Eric Decker is out while Brandon Marshall has a sore knee but will play. That prevents any shot of a major.
Browns / Redskins Over 45.5
Well both teams found the offense last week...Redskins fought back in a big game Vs. Giants and pulled out a win...Browns played tough, but they discovered they can pass the ball a little bit...I look for both teams to light it up through the air...Both teams on defense are deplorable and the passing attack will come through for us...Passing defense for both teams are in the bottom 10 in the league...Wash ranks 26th and Cleveland ranks 24th....Browns haven't faced elite passing teams, but the Redskins got some talent on the outside with the WR's and TE spots...I think Washington flirts with 30+ in this game...The big key for the Browns is moving the chains on 3rd down....Well the skins 3rd down defense isn't great by any means..I'm sure it will improve in this game, but overall I don't trust the the Skins pass defense rankings 26th and stopping even the Browns on 3rd down...
Cleveland QB Kessler got it going last week..he threw for about 250 yards and he will be throwing again..Don't be shocked if he great success here, but he will commit some a few INT's as well...i can see him going to the well here and getting picked off a few times...Skins run game is always a threat and this game will produce enough points from all angles..even the special teams might get involved....I still have images burned into my brain watching the Redskins special teams chasing guys all over the place on kickoff and punt returns..Don;t be shocked if one or the other breaks a few big returns to help us out here....Weather calls for some drying out in Washington for Sunday...31-23 area.
Detroit / Chicago Over 46
I absolutely like the 'over' in this matchup and I think the Bears are going to be a dead 'over' team for several weeks. Chicago's defense is a travesty and their secondary is probably the worst in football. That's bad news against a Lions passing game that has three legit weapons and a running game built on big plays in the second level. These two teams played a 37-34 shootout last October and they have gone 'over' in four of the last six meetings with a total of 45.0 or higher. Detroit's defense is not much better. They just got lit up for 34 points by the Packers last week and allowed 35 points to the Colts in Week 1. I thought the Bears offense looked more potent with Brian Hoyer under center as he is far less erratic than loser Jay Cutler. The Bears are allowing nearly 30 points per game this season (27.3 PPG) and the Lions check in 28.3 points allowed each outing. I think that both teams make it into the 20s, and this one will push over late.
Chiefs at Steelers
Play: Under 47.5
The Kansas City Chiefs come to Pittsburgh for Sunday Night Football fresh off their great defensive effort against what was supposed to be a high flying NY Jet offense. The Chiefs intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick 6 times and forced another 2 fumbles for a unbelievable 8 turnover day for the Jets. Alex Smith and the Chiefs offense did exactly what they always have done under Andy Reid. They manage the game and capitalize on the other teams mistakes which worked to perfection last Sunday. As for the Steelers they had one of those performances they would like to put behind them, in a 34 -3 blowout loss to the Eagles. We see them coming back to Steeler football in Pittsburgh tonight. For us this means some good defense and running the football. The Steelers have just what the doctor ordered to do just that, as Le?Veon Bell is back and he will help a running game that only had 29 yards last week in Philadelphia. With the Under being 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between the clubs the oddsmaker has set the line at the time of this writing at 47 1/2, we believe this is only because of it being Sunday night and Buster Sports has this 2 points lower at 45 1/2. We will be on the UNDER here. Also backing our selection is the fact that the UNDER is 16-5 in the Steelers last 21 games in October and the fact that the Under is 6-1 in Chiefs last 7 games in October. These two clubs play a lot of UNDERS in October.
Raiders (2-1) at Ravens (3-0)
No question that this year?s Ravens are better than the injury riddled squad that was forced to march onto the field each week last season. But don?t be fooled by Baltimore?s 3-0 start. These birds have had a lot go right for them this season, creating fortunate wins including last week?s two-point victory at shoddy 0-3 Jacksonville. Add victories against Buffalo and Cleveland and Baltimore?s unblemished mark has been attained against teams that are a combined 1-8 in this early going. Baltimore?s ground game continues to be in a drought, unable to gain 85 yards in any contest thus far. If that forces an aerial battle between Joe Flacco and Oakland?s Derek Carr, we?ll gladly go with the latter especially since we have more weaponry and we?re receiving points to boot. The Raiders have been giving up too much yardage but shootouts with the Saints and Falcons tend to pad those stats, corrected against the Titans last week. Baltimore has just one cover in past nine as home fave. Ravens have their work cut out for them here. TAKING: RAIDERS +3?
Colts (1-2) vs. Jaguars (0-3) at London, England
Plaxico Burress should be on the Jaguars. After all, no team shoots itself more in the foot than Jacksonville. If not for some late blunders, the Jags could have had wins against both Green Bay and more recently, Baltimore. While we aren?t fond of slotting this bungling Jacksonville team in our Best Bets, we have no choice when we believe that we have the better team taking points on a neutral field. Heck, it may not be that neutral as this game is being played in London, England where fans have seen the Jaguars before and where most Brits have never heard of Indianapolis. For Indy, flying over the pond for the first time lends some challenges as does familiarizing with Wembley?s porous grass surface. The Colts have a decent quarterback and reasonable receivers but after that, there is very little. Jacksonville quietly has an 8th ranked defense and some playmakers on offence. It is more than capable of handling this overrated divisional foe. TAKING: JAGUARS +2?
Saints (0-3) at Chargers (1-2)
The Saints surrender an awful lot of yards, 448 per game to be exact, ranking only ahead of Oakland. But they have the ability to stay in games as two final second losses will attest to before untimely turnovers did them in last week. This is a good spot for a bounce back. The Chargers may be favored here but that might be unjust. You can mask inefficiencies when playing AFC South teams as the Bolts have these past two weeks (Indianapolis and Jacksonville). But now they?ll face a high powered offence that they?ll need to outscore and by a margin to earn a cover. It will have to be done without San Diego?s best receiver Keenan Allen, multi-purpose RB Danny Woodhead, linebacker and defensive co-captain Manti Te?o while CB Brandon Flowers is under concussion protocol. Ouch! Sean Payton?s Saints are best when taking points, covering 9 of previous 13 when offered some. Conversely, the Chargers have just three covers in past 10 as home faves. TAKING: SAINTS +4
THE REST
Browns (0-3) at Redskins (1-2)
Seems the oddsmakers missed the boat with this one after Washington opened as a 10-point favorite before bettors flocked to the window to buy some Cleveland at an outrageous price. What??? That?s like lining up to get canned Spam simply because it?s on sale. We?ll side with bookies on this one. Somehow the Brownies were able to compete with the Dolphins last week despite having to trot out a ?B? roster after several front liners were sidelined. Maybe the Fish took these guys too lightly but you can bet that the Redskins won?t fall prey to that after observing tape and after getting back in NFC East race with much needed win last week. Bumbling Browns competing on road in consecutive weeks? Not happening. TAKING: REDSKINS ?7?
Seahawks (2-1) at Jets (1-2)
Unless you?re the Patriots, it?s difficult to sustain greatness for an extended period of time in this league. The Seahawks are still formidable but they aren?t what they were these past few seasons nor are they feared the same way. Right now, Seattle?s defense is a decent unit but its offence is plagued by a poor front line and that won?t help hobbled QB Russell Wilson in this one. The Jets flat lined in Kansas City last week but we expect them to revive here. While the Seahawks are tinkering with their O-Line, the Jets should be able to wreak havoc up front with their daunting front seven. Reputation has the ?Hawks favored but current conditions say the home town Jets should be. TAKING: JETS +2?
Panthers (1-2) at Falcons (2-1)
Not feeling all warm and fuzzy about this year?s Panthers. Maybe Cam Newton read too many of his headlines? Or is it the dreaded Super Bowl loser syndrome? Whatever the case, Carolina has lost two of three and now must play an Atlanta team that not only handed this NFC South foe its only regular season loss last year on this field but who happens to have a restored confidence after consecutive wins. Atlanta may not have defensive personnel to pressure Cam the same way Denver and Minnesota did but the blue print appears to be in place for others to follow. The Falcons can rattle Newton while their high octane offence puts enough points on the board to keep this one interesting. TAKING: FALCONS +3
Lions (1-2) at Bears (0-3)
Difficult to side with a beat up Bears team that has just one victory in past 12 games as hosts and is averaging just 15 points per game this season. It appears that journeyman QB Brian Hoyer will start again for the injured Jay Cutler and that too doesn?t evoke supportive behavior. The Lions are averaging more than 400 yards of offence per game and it?s not like this Chicago defense can prevent similar results as the Bears are void of a pass rush with only four sacks in first three games, suiting Matthew Stafford just fine. The Leos have dominated this series lately, winning six straight and if there is reason that such a streak is halted on this day, we simply aren?t seeing it. TAKING: LIONS ?2?
Titans (1-2) at Texans (2-1)
The Titans have hung tough in all their games so far and they certainly won?t lack motivation here as a victory over host Texans would have Tennessee tied atop the shabby AFC South. Titans should be sick of being pushed around by this foe, having lost seven of previous eight including both last year that saw Tennessee score just six points per game. Houston relies on defense to win games but its best player and team leader, J.J. Watt has gone down with a back injury. That will put extra pressure on an offence averaging just 14 points per game this season to up its game. That might be easier said than done against an improved Titans defense. Expect a low scoring, closely fought contest. TAKING: TITANS +5
Broncos (3-0) at Buccaneers (1-2)
No hangover here, folks. Denver continues to manhandle all comers and today?s opponent appears to be a pushover. However, this is the NFL which commonly stands for No Free Lunch. And this one has a bad stench to it. These Broncos have won eight straight games dating back to last year, including playoffs and Super Bowl. Denver?s defense is ferocious and if last week was any indication, the offence is catching up. The Bucs scare no one. Young QB Jameis Winston keeps taking steps forward only to be followed by same amount back. While facing the Orange?s strong defense is invaluable experience, expecting Winston to outsmart it is a reach. Still, oddsmakers are rarely fooled and the short price is almost irresistible bait. We?re not going to bite. TAKING: BUCCANEERS +3
Cowboys (2-1) at 49ers (1-2)
Niners happy to be home after playing at Carolina and Seattle the past two weeks. Still, not anxious to side with a Blaine Gabbert led team against a Cowboys squad that has proven to be a tough out. Dallas? only loss was by a single point vs. rival Giants. QB Dak Prescott has shown surprising poise and maturity for a rookie and has not thrown a pick yet. He?s getting plenty of support from rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott who clearly got over his Week 1 jitters. Elliott?s 274 rushing yards has him tied for second in league while 71 carries places him third overall. Dallas will be without star WR Dez Bryant but still possess enough on both sides of ball to handle this host. TAKING: DALLAS ?2
Rams (2-1) at Cardinals (1-2)
After being shutout in their opener, the Rams reeled off a pair of wins. Things are suddenly looking up. LA finds itself atop the unexpectedly mediocre NFC West, with a chance to open up some room on this division rival. Yeah, right. We?ll give the Cards a mulligan in last week?s dud at Buffalo. You can bet coach Bruce Arians will not be granting anything close. His team has too much talent and too much at stake right now to let this one slip through the cracks. The Rams bring an offence that is void of talent other than RB Todd Gurley. Expect Arizona to put eight in the box and allow dreadful QB Case Keenum to try and beat them. That?s not going to materialize. TAKING: CARDINALS ?7?
Chiefs (2-1) at Steelers (2-1)
Seems to be feast or famine for Steelers in this young season after a pair of decisive wins before being thumped at Philadelphia last week. But the last game is what concerns us most. We knew Pittsburgh?s secondary was a suspect group and rookie Carson Wentz exposed it for all to see after going 23 of 31 for 301 yards, 2 TD?s, 0 interceptions. While KC pivot Alex Smith isn?t exactly your gun slinging QB, he?s savvy enough to find the same holes that Wentz did against the Steelers 27th ranked pass defense, allowing an alarming 332 yards per game. It won?t help Pitt that LB Ryan Shazier (knee) is unlikely to play. Happy to take any points with better defensive team against what might be overhyped home side. TAKING: CHIEFS +4?
Giants (2-1) at Vikings (3-0)
This is only the second time in Minnesota?s previous 20 games that they are being asked to give away four or more points. The first time was on a Sunday night this past December when spotting 7-points to none other than these Giants. That game ended in a 49-17 drubbing of the G-Men, the Vikes dominating throughout. Even though Minny has not lost a regular season game since, the line here has been reduced. What gives? Are the Giants that much better? They slipped by the winless Saints two weeks ago, scoring just 16 points against New Orleans? putrid defense before losing to the then winless Redskins last Sunday. Meanwhile, Minny 16-2 versus spread past 18 but the marketplace continues to undervalue this very good team. That?s fine, we?ll just keep cashing tickets. TAKING: VIKINGS ?5
Arizona Cardinals -7.5
The advance line on this game was Arizona -10.5. But after the Cardinals played terrible in an 18-33 road loss to the Bills, and the Rams beat the Bucs 37-32 on the road, this line has now been bet down to 7.5. It's a classic overreaction from last week's results.
The Cardinals are still one of the best teams in the NFL. They gave the game away last week against the Bills by committing five turnovers. They actually outgained the Bills 348 to 296 for the game.
I really liked what I saw from the Cardinals in Week 2 when they were bouncing back from a 21-23 loss to the Patriots. They came back and throttled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a final of 40-7 at home. I look for them to take out their frustrations on the Rams this week as well.
Yes, the Rams scored 37 points against the Bucs last week, but their offense isn't fixed. They only managed 3120 total yards against the Bucs, which usually wouldn't equate to 37 points. Remember, they had scored a combined nine points in their first two games without scoring a touchdown.
The Rams still have the worst offense in the NFL. They are averaging 15.3 points and a league-low 262.7 yards pr game on the season. They simply do not have the firepower to keep up with the Cardinals, who are putting up 26.3 points and 369 yards per game.
This Rams defense isn't all that special either as it is allowing 366 yards per game. The Cardinals still have a great defense as they are giving up only 322 yards per game and 5.0 per play. The Rams are getting outgained by 103.3 yards per game on the season, which is the worst mark in the NFL.
Plays against road teams (LA RAMS) - off two or more consecutive upset wins as an underdog, with a winning record on the season are 61-30 (67%) ATS since 1983. Los Angeles is clearly overvalued due to back-to-back wins over the Seahawks and Bucs. It's time to sell high on the Rams.
The Cardinals are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games following an ATS loss. Arizona is 4-1 SU & 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Los Angeles.
