Line up at the pig trough and dig in boys, because there are a couple of totals that look way too low. I'm getting down on these plays early before the lines move a point or two against us:
DENVER / BALTIMORE UNDER 38.5
Broncos offense has looked sluggish for three straight weeks and now faces what is arguably the best defensive test yet. Ravens defense uncharacteristically gave up lots of yardage and points last week -- which isn't likely to happen again at home versus a team that looked confused much of the game versus Minnesota last week. I was wrong about backup QB Beurlein's ability to make plays. His lack of mobility cost the Broncos last week. That game was played in a dome under ideal conditions. Add outdoor grass and some more crowd noise and the Broncos offense should continue to struggle. Broncos offensive line also had some major problems dealing with stunts -- which I expect the defensive-minded Billick to exploit in this game. The Ravens remain very much a running team, despite QB Boller's best day as a pro last week (300 yards passing). Broncos defese played pretty well last week although Moss was the main difference in the game. Ravens lack the deep threat which should bring the Ravens back into the teens point-wise. This is a game where the running backs will each get 25-30 carries, which should keep the clock ticking. The expected close game based on the line also indicates that both teams maybe playing for field position. the last thing this looks to be is an offensive shootout. The total should probably be 37 or less. I love picking up the key numbers 37 and 38 (31-7, 31-6, 30-7, 27-10, 28-10, 24-14- 24-13, 23-14, 23-13, 21-17, 21-16, 20-17, etc. all gives is a win on the UNDER). Get this before it moves down to 38 or perhaps 37.5
ST. LOUIS / PITTSBURGH UNDER 46
I don't trust the Rams outdoors. It may be easy to put up big numbers at home in the dome on carpet but I expect a different story when this team takes the field against what will be a very hungry Steelers team. Issac Bruce and Co. ran wild against the Packers last week, but that same speed won't be on display this week outdoors on grass (anyone remember the last time Bruce put up big numbers on a gras field?). Steelers offense has looked awful in recent weeks as doubts are lingering about QB Maddox. But the real problem is the Steelers offensive line, which has been mauled by defenses in recent weeeks. Pittsburgh isn't scoring points and to see this total up way into the 40s is ridiculous. If either of the offenses struggles -- which is likley, this total should fall under the total.
More plays to be posted later in the week.
Good luck.
Nolan Dalla
DENVER / BALTIMORE UNDER 38.5
Broncos offense has looked sluggish for three straight weeks and now faces what is arguably the best defensive test yet. Ravens defense uncharacteristically gave up lots of yardage and points last week -- which isn't likely to happen again at home versus a team that looked confused much of the game versus Minnesota last week. I was wrong about backup QB Beurlein's ability to make plays. His lack of mobility cost the Broncos last week. That game was played in a dome under ideal conditions. Add outdoor grass and some more crowd noise and the Broncos offense should continue to struggle. Broncos offensive line also had some major problems dealing with stunts -- which I expect the defensive-minded Billick to exploit in this game. The Ravens remain very much a running team, despite QB Boller's best day as a pro last week (300 yards passing). Broncos defese played pretty well last week although Moss was the main difference in the game. Ravens lack the deep threat which should bring the Ravens back into the teens point-wise. This is a game where the running backs will each get 25-30 carries, which should keep the clock ticking. The expected close game based on the line also indicates that both teams maybe playing for field position. the last thing this looks to be is an offensive shootout. The total should probably be 37 or less. I love picking up the key numbers 37 and 38 (31-7, 31-6, 30-7, 27-10, 28-10, 24-14- 24-13, 23-14, 23-13, 21-17, 21-16, 20-17, etc. all gives is a win on the UNDER). Get this before it moves down to 38 or perhaps 37.5
ST. LOUIS / PITTSBURGH UNDER 46
I don't trust the Rams outdoors. It may be easy to put up big numbers at home in the dome on carpet but I expect a different story when this team takes the field against what will be a very hungry Steelers team. Issac Bruce and Co. ran wild against the Packers last week, but that same speed won't be on display this week outdoors on grass (anyone remember the last time Bruce put up big numbers on a gras field?). Steelers offense has looked awful in recent weeks as doubts are lingering about QB Maddox. But the real problem is the Steelers offensive line, which has been mauled by defenses in recent weeeks. Pittsburgh isn't scoring points and to see this total up way into the 40s is ridiculous. If either of the offenses struggles -- which is likley, this total should fall under the total.
More plays to be posted later in the week.
Good luck.
Nolan Dalla