Cnotes 2017 NFL Trends/Stats/News/Picks Thru The Super Bowl

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Armadillo's Write-Up


Week 2



Texans (0-1) @ Bengals (0-1)— Watson gets his first NFL start after playing 2nd half LW; he led Houston’s only TD drive. Texan QB’s were sacked 10 times LW and had 94 penalty yards in a cruddy opener. Under O’Brien, Texans are 12-5-1 vs spread off a loss; they’re 7-11-1 as a road underdog. Bengals lost 20-0 at home to Ravens LW, turning ball over five times on 11 drives; they had ball in red zone three times, came up empty. Houston won seven of last nine series games, winning 10-6/12-10 over Bengals last two years. Texans won last three visits here, by 11-1-4 points. Houston lost last two road openers 24-17/27-0; under is 4-0 in their last six AO’s. Last four years, Bengals are 14-8 vs spread coming off a loss.


Titans (0-1) @ Jaguars (1-0)— Hurricane Irma disrupted life in Jacksonville this week. Home side won last six series games; teams have split series last 8 years. Titans lost last three visits here, by 8-6-21 points. Tennessee won its last four road openers SU, all as an underdog, allowing 12 pts/game- under is 16-3 in their last 19 AO’s. Home side won last six series games; Titans lost last three visits here, by 8-6-21 points. Average total in last three series games, 64.7. Jaguars lost last five home openers, losing 4 of 5 games by 11+ points. Under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 HO’s. Jax is 5-4 as a home underdog the last two years- since 2011, they’re 7-14 vs spread coming off a win. Last three years, Titans are 0-2-1 as a road favorite.


Browns (0-1) @ Ravens (1-0)— Since 2012, Baltimore is 13-18-1 as a home favorite; last there years, they’re 11-11 coming off a win. Ravens forced five turnovers (+4), allowed only 221 yards in 20-0 win at Cincy LW. Browns are 1-15 SU on road, 6-10 as road underdogs last two years; they lost home opener 21-18 to Pitt- they were 3-17 on 3rd down, had punt blocked for TD. Cleveland lost its last five road openers, is 1-10 in its last 11; over is 8-4 in their last 12 AO’s. Ravens are 10-2 in last 12 home openers; three of last four stayed under. Ravens won five of last six series games; Browns lost 8 of last 9 visits here. Baltimore swept series 25-20/28-7 LY. Over is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. First road tilt for rookie QB Kiser, who was sacked 7 times by Steelers LW.


Bills (1-0) @ Panthers (1-0)— Buffalo ran ball for 190 yards in 21-12 win over Jets LW; they were 8-17 on 3rd down, had 8 plays of 20+ yards, TD drives of 77-64-80 yards. Bills are 9-6 vs spread in last 15 road openers, 3-5 SU in last eight. Over is 4-2 in their last six AO’s. Carolina won its opener easily at SF; red flag is their two TD drives were just 42-28 yards- they held 49ers to 217 yards, started three drives in SF territory. Panthers won four of last five home openers, covered five of last six; under is 3-1 in their last four. Buffalo is 5-1 in this seldom-played series, winning both visits here, 30-14/20-9. Carolina’s only series win was in 2005. Last three years, NFC South home teams are 17-25-2 vs spread as a non-divisional home favorite.


Patriots (0-1) @ Saints (0-1)— Last three times New England lost in Week 1, they won Super Bowl that year- they went 2-1 in Week 2 those years. Last four years, NE is 10-2 vs spread coming off a loss; they were 6-1 as a road favorite LY, after being 4-12 from 2013-15. Short week for Saints coming off 29-19 loss in Minnesota; NO drove to red zone five time in eight drives Monday, but had only one TD, kicked four goals- they miss WR Snead (suspended) in red zone. Patriots won five of last six road openers; they were underdog in last two. Patriots are 9-4 in series, winning four of five visits to Bourbon Street- they lost last visit here, 38-17 in 2009. Saints are 2-3 in last five home openers; under is 5-2 in last seven.


Cardinals (0-1) @ Colts (0-1)— Indy has severe QB issues until Luck returns; he is out here. They haven’t said if Tolzien/Brissett will start; to me, Brissett is better choice. Colts offense was outscored 16-9 by LA’s defense LW. Colts are 8-2 as home underdog under Pagano. Arizona is 10-5 as a road favorite under Arians; they turned ball over four times (-3) in Detroit LW, ran ball for only 45 yards, scored only 16 points in 4 red zone drives. Arians returns to Indy, where he was interim coach for Colts when Pagano was ill a few years back. Indy won four of last five series games, losing last matchup 40-11 in desert in ’13. Redbirds lost last three visits here; their last win in Indy was in 1984. Colts are 0-3 in last three home openers; over is 7-5 in their last 12— they lost last four Week 2 games.

Eagles (1-0) @ Chiefs (1-0)—
Andy Reid hosts his old team here. Last 15 years, NFL teams coming off the Week 1 Thursday game are 17-13 vs spread in Week 2; Chiefs rang up 537 yards on Patriots in Foxboro; five of their six TD drives were 75+ yards. KC is 6-10 as a home favorite the last two years; they lost S Berry for year (achilles) in Foxboro. Eagles are 11-10 as road dogs the last four years; they’re 10-2 vs spread vs AFC teams, 14-20 coming off a win. Wentz is 2-7 as a road starter; their road drives last week were 56-39 yards. Philly is 4-3 in series where road team won five of seven games- they’re 3-1 in four visits to Arrowhead. Chiefs are 3-6 in last nine HO’s (over 4-2 in last six)- last six years, they’re 1-5 in Week 2.


Vikings (1-0) @ Steelers (1-0)— Short week off a win for Viking squad that gained 470 yards with no turnovers in 29-19 home win Monday nite; they had 10 plays of 20+ yards. Under Zimmer, they’re 15-6 vs spread coming off a win, 11-6 as road dogs. Last five years, Steelers are 19-12 as home faves, 28-17-1 coming off a win- they had 7 sacks LW. Pitt won three of last four series games; Vikings won last meeting 34-27 in London 4 years ago. Vikes lost last two visits here, 21-16/27-17. Minnesota is 4-9 in last 13 road openers; under is 5-2 in last seven. Steelers are 13-1 in last 14 home openers, 9-3 vs spread in last 12— under is 6-2 in their last eight. Big Ben was 11-11/182 targeting Brown LW; he was 12-25/73 with all his other passes. Vikings will try and take Brown away.


Bears (0-1) @ Buccaneers (0-0)— Hurricane Irma disrupted things in Bay Area, but game will go on as scheduled. Bucs didn’t play LW; they’re 2-8 vs spread as a home favorite last three years, 1-2 under Koetter. Chicago is 7-7-1 as a road underdog under Fox; they’re 9-11-1 coming off a loss. Bears had chance to win opener- they had ball on 10-yard line down 23-17 in last 30 seconds. Tampa Bay (+2.5) waxed the Bears 36-10 here LY, ending 3-game skid vs Chicago. Teams split last six series games played here. Chicago is 2-4 in last six road openers; under is 11-2 in their last 13. Tampa Bay is 3-8 in last 11 openers; they lost last four home openers, and were favored in last three. Under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 HO’s.

Dolphins (0-0) @ Chargers (0-1)—
Dolphins practiced in Oxnard all week after re-gathering after their makeshift bye week; Fish are 3-1 in last four season openers. Miami is 15-17 SU on road last four years, 7-10 as road underdog since ’14. Short week for Chargers after their late rally in Denver fell just short Monday nite. LA ran ball for just 64 yards; 2 of their 3 TD drives started in Denver territory. Home opener for Bolts in their new, smaller temporary home venue. Miami won three of last four series games; they lost three of last four visits to San Diego. Home side won six of last seven series games. Miami is 3-9 in last 12 road openers; under is 13-2 in their last 15. Bolts are 6-1 in last seven HO’s, covering last five, but this is a new home for them.


Jets (0-1) @ Raiders (1-0)— Jets are 2-5-2 as road underdogs under Bowles; they ran ball for only 38 yards, were outgained 408-214 LW in 21-12 loss at Buffalo. Last 2+ years, Gang Green is 12-16 vs spread coming off a loss. Raiders gained 359 yards, didn’t turn ball over in 26-16 win at Tennessee LW. Oakland is 4-5 as home favorite under Del Rio- this is first time since ‘03 they’ve been a double digit favorite. Home side won last four series games; Jets lost last three visits to Oakland, by 3-10-14 points. Jets’ last win in Oakland was in ’03. Raiders won last two home openers; they’re 7-2-1 vs spread in last ten. Over is 12-5-1 in their last 18 HO’s. Since 2010, Jets are 3-1-1 against the spread as a double digit underdog.


Redskins (0-1) @ Rams (1-0)— Sean McVay worked for Washington the last six years, so lot of familiarity here. Redskins allowed 298 PY to Eagles LW, were outgained 356-264 as Philly was 8-14 on 3rd down. Skins are 11-11 as road underdogs under Gruden, 9-4 coming off a loss the last two years. Rams threw for 310 yards LW, held Colts to 0-10 on 3rd down, but that was vs backup QB’s. Since 2013, LA is 7-6 as a home favorite; they’re 10-14 vs spread coming off a win. Teams split last six meetings; 5 of last 7 series totals were 36 or less. Washington is 2-7 in last nine road openers; over is 6-2 in their last eight. Rams had a 13-yard edge in field position last week- their TD drives were 69-58-57 yards.


Cowboys (1-0) @ Broncos (1-0)— Dallas held Giants to 233 yards, 3 points in opening win LW; Cowboys are 7-3 as road favorite the last three years- they’re 16-7-1 in last 24 games vs AFC foes. Dallas had only one TD, kicked four FG’s last week, a red flag. Short week for Broncos after they held on for 24-21 win after almost blowing 24-7 lead; Denver is 3-1 as a home underdog the last four years- they’re 14-6 vs spread in last 20 games vs NFC teams. Denver won last five series games, winning last one 51-48 in 2013, but that was with now-retired Manning at QB. Cowboys lost four of last five visits here, with last Mile High win in 1992. Dallas covered its last six road openers (4-2 SU); four of last five stayed under total.


49ers (0-1) @ Seahawks (0-1)— Under Carroll, Seattle is 25-14-1 vs spread coming off a loss, 26-15 as a home favorite- last three years, they’re 8-3 as a double digit favorite. Seahawks’ D held Rodgers to 17 points LW; one of the two TD’s was a 6-yard drive. 49ers gained only 217 yards, had 73 penalty yards in 23-3 home loss to Carolina; Niners are 5-10 as road underdogs the last two years. Seattle won its last eight home openers (7-1 vs spread); under is 13-2-1 in their last 16. Seahawks won last seven series games; 49ers lost last last six visits here, with four of six losses by 16+ points. Seattle is 10-1-1 vs spread in last 12 series games. 49ers lost three of last four road openers; over is 8-5-1 in their last 14. 49ers are 1-5 as a double digit underdog the last two years.


Packers (1-0) @ Falcons (1-0)— New dome opens in Atlanta. Falcons beat Green Bay twice LY, 33-32, 44-21, both in GeorgiaDome— home side won last four series games. Falcons threw for 392 yards in the 44-21 playoff win. Green Bay held Seattle to 225 yards LW; the last four years they’re 3-8 as a road underdog. Last three years, Pack is 17-12-1 vs spread coming off a win. Atlanta held on at end to win its opener in Chicago; they’re 6-16 as home favorites the last four years, 3-10 under Quinn. Average total in last three series games is 70. Packers won last two road openers (31-23/27-23); over is 9-2 in their last 11. Falcons won/covered 8 of last 9 home openers, but this is a new home for them.


Lions (1-0) @ Giants (0-1)— How much of Giants’ anemic offense LW was Dallas’ defense; how much was absence of Beckham? Big Blue was 3-1-1 coming off a loss LY- they’re 12-10 in last 22 games as a home favorite. Giants are 2-9-1 vs spread the week after playing Dallas. Detroit is 7-11 as a road dog under Caldwell; 11-13-2, coming off a win. Giants won four of last five series games; Detroit lost its last two visits here, 28-20/17-6- their last series win here was in 2004. Detroit is 4-2 vs spread in last six Monday night games. Giants covered five of last six Monday nite home games. Detroit is 2-7 in last nine road openers; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12. Giants are 1-4 in last five home openers, scoring 18 pts/game (under 4-1). Giants didn’t force any 3/outs LW; they lost field position by 13 yards.


2017 week-by-week results


Home Favorites Totals O/U AFC-NFC


1) 8-6-1 7-7-1 4-11


T) 8-6-1 7-7-1 4-11
 

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First Coach Fired in 2017
September 13, 2017

With Week 1 of the NFL season in the books, the seat underneath the backside of a few head coaches got much warmer.


BetDSI.eu has opened updated odds on who will be the first head coach fired during the 2017 regular season. Todd Bowles remains the favorite, but Chuck Pagano has closed the gap. Marvin Lewis and Bill O’Brien saw the biggest drops in odds after embarrassing opening losses at home.

You can find opening odds below, and current odds here.


First NFL Head Coach Fired - per BetDSI.eu



Todd Bowles (NYJ) +300
Chuck Pagano (IND) +350
Hue Jackson (CLE) +675
Marvin Lewis (CIN) +700
Bill O'Brien (HOU) +800
John Fox (CHI) +800
Jim Caldwell (DET) +1200
Ben McAdoo (NYG) +1200
Sean Payton (NO) +1400
Adam Gase (MIA) +1500
Jay Gruden (WAS) +1800
Mike Mularkey (TEN) +2300
Mike Zimmer (MIN) +2500
Doug Marrone (JAX) +3000
Dan Quinn (ATL) +3300
Mike McCarthy (GB) +3300
Ron Rivera (CAR) +3300
Dirk Koetter (TB) +3300
Sean McDermott (BUF) +3500
Doug Pederson (PHI) +3500
Sean McVay (LAR) +4500
Jason Garrett (DAL) +4500
Vance Joseph (DEN) +5000
Anthony Lynn (LAC) +5500
Bruce Arians (ARZ) +5500
Jack Del Rio (OAK) +6000
John Harbaugh (BAL) +6000
Mike Tomlin (PIT) +6000
Kyle Shanahan (SF) +7500
Andy Reid (KC) +10000
Pete Carroll (SEA) +15000
Bill Belichick (NE) +50000

Odds Subject to Change
 

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'Dogs to Watch - Week 2
September 13, 2017



NFL Week 2 Underdogs to Watch


Week 1 of this year's NFL season is officially in the books and it was a successful one for this weekly underdog piece once again. Of the five teams that were getting +4 or better on the point spread, only one of them won outright – although they did go 4-1 ATS – the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags were the team I had isolated as the best bet of the bunch, and even if some of you had put a small flyer on the Jets, you still came out ahead with the Jags odds at +220.


Week 2 sees many more NFL teams getting 4 points or more on the spread, meaning that there are more matchups to wade through, but at the same time, more possibilities to cash in on upsets. There are two games were teams are getting about two TD's on the spread (NYJ, San Francisco), and many more in that 6.5 to 7-point range. So let's get right to this week's list and try to cash another outright winner or two.


Underdogs that Qualify


Cleveland Browns (+9); ML (+315)


Buffalo Bills (+7); ML (+270)


New Orleans Saints (+6.5); ML (+245)


Indianapolis Colts (+7); ML (+275)


Philadelphia Eagles (+6); ML (+220)


Minnesota Vikings (+5.5); ML (+205)


Chicago Bears (+7); ML (+260)


Miami Dolphins (+4); ML (+175)


New York Jets (+14); ML (+700)


San Francisco 49ers (+14); ML (+650)



With a list this big it's important to eliminate some teams right off the bat. San Francisco and the New York Jets aren't close to being considered for an outright ML play with road games in Seattle and Oakland respectively. If it happens, it happens, and fans of those two teams who are basically blindly betting their team each week will have a solid weekend.


After that I'm eliminating our frequent flyer team the Cleveland Browns, as rookie NFL QB's in their first ever road game is a situational spot I look to avoid each and every year. Against a division rival (Baltimore) that is coming off a shutout win over another AFC North foe makes even taking the +9 points on the spread a wager I'm not looking to take.


Buffalo, Indianapolis, and Chicago are the final three teams I'm flat out ignoring this week. The Bills looked like nothing special against the hapless Jets in Week 1, and this week they are on the road in Carolina. That's not a spot I'd consider bypassing the points if you are considering a Buffalo play this week.


Indianapolis will get no investment from me SU or ATS likely until Andrew Luck returns, or at the very least I see some capable play from whomever is in their at QB. Tolzien had his shot a week ago, and playing a guy like Brissett who's only had a few weeks in the organization is tough. As touchdown home underdogs, grabbing the points is a little tempting, especially when you consider that Arizona could be extremely deflated in this spot after losing their #1 RB (and arguably best player) for the bulk of this season.


Now that I've narrowed this list down, it leaves us with the Saints (+245), Eagles (+220), Vikings (+205), and Dolphins (+175).


Beginning with Miami as they've got the lowest spread, they travel cross country to play the Chargers on a short week. Miami has been itching for this season to get started after their Week 1 game was postponed, and while rest is clearly on their side here, rust could also be a significant issue for them as well. L.A. tried their best to comeback and beat Denver on MNF, and while they came up short, Philip Rivers and company showed signs that they'll be a much improved team from their 5-11 SU record a year ago. It's a hard pass on Miami ML here.


Minnesota is another team on a short week in Week 2 and for as impressive as they looked in blowing out the Saints, going out on the road to face Pittsburgh this week is tough. The Vikings have already seen significant support on the spread as their number opened up as high as +6.5 at most shops, but in my eyes all that support smells like a gross over-reaction to Week 1's results. Remember, Pittsburgh was the favorite to win the AFC this year if you take the Patriots out of the equation, and I believe the Steelers put their best foot forward in Week 2 and blow out this Minnesota team.


Which leaves us with the Saints (+245) and Eagles (+220) at the best candidates on this list to pull off outright upsets, and they are somewhat connected.


New Orleans did not look good for the bulk of their MNF game and this week they are at home and hosting a angry New England Patriots team that got blown out themselves. Many bettors (casual and sharp) will have no problem buying into the narrative of New England coming out and blowing the doors of the Saints this week in an attempt for redemption, but I wouldn't be so quick to buy in.


For one, the Patriots defense looked atrocious (as they did all preseason), and it might not matter how well Brady and the Pats offense plays, you give Drew Brees and Sean Payton a game where they can attack an atrocious defense and they'll make you pay. The total for this game is already in the 56 range, and when plenty of points are expected, that means that the underdog – no matter how big the spread – is likely “live” to a degree. The Saints at home have always been a tough out, and while there aren't many out there who can fathom the Patriots starting 0-2 SU, it really is quite possible this week.


Philadelphia is in Kansas City to take on the same Chiefs team that lit up that New England team a week ago, and has likely spent their extra time off reading plenty of press clippings about themselves and how great they looked up in Foxborough. That KC win will give them solid backing from bettors this week, but the Eagles didn't look too bad themselves in Week 1, and they'd love to do their part in popping this bubble of greatness the Chiefs have surrounding them over the past 10 days.


The loss of Eric Berry on the back end is a huge blow to KC as well, and while it didn't seem to hurt them for the rest of that Pats game, it's often that first game after an key injury where a team really feels the loss. The Eagles are more than capable of pulling off this outright upset, and with KC having a division road game on deck (at L.A. Chargers), Philly could steal one this week.
 

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Bengals, Lewis in trouble
September 13, 2017

Fire Lewis! Free Andy Dalton!


Back during the offseason, BetOnline.ag posted odds for the first coach to be fired in 2017. Marvin Lewis was +550 in this market and I pontificated that it was silly to think that he’d be fired this year after he’d failed to do anything since being hired. After getting blanked by a division rival at home in Week 1, it’s probably a good time to revisit this.


One of the elements that makes working in the NFL so difficult is the fragility of the infrastructure. Owners, fans and pundits can be far too impatient with waiting for a team to grow. An inability to let a promising situation play out leads to coaches getting fired or quarterbacks being dropped faster than they deserve.


There are instances where this is good, but if you get in the habit of refurbishing the living room too often you end with a management situation like the San Francisco 49ers or a quarterback situation like that in Cleveland or Houston. It just feels never ending.


So something has to be said about permanence in the NFL. It’s not that common. Bill Belichik was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots back in 2000 and remains the longest tenured coach in the league. Marvin Lewis is second having been hired in 2003. While we’re at it…


LONGEST TENURED COACHES IN NFL
Bill Belichik (New England Patriots, 2000)
Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals, 2003)
Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers, 2006)
Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints, 2006)
Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2007)
Jim Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens, 2008)



Do you notice what all of those guys have in common except for Marvin Lewis? All of them have won a Super Bowl for their franchises. That’s a big reason why they’ve gained so much loyalty with their owners. In a “What have you done for me lately” league, that is the ultimate rebuttal.


Winning a Super Bowl isn’t easy but it can save a man and his staff their damn jobs. So maybe Marvin has done something else to retain his position in Cincinnati? Well that’s not the case, and he certainly won’t take this group to win this year’s Super Bowl as +2800 longshots either.


Lewis has gone 118-103 during his longstanding tenure with the Bengals. That includes seven playoff appearances and zero playoff victories. That record also gives him a .533 winning percentage, which is the lowest of any active head coach that had been hired prior to 2014.


At some point, we’ve seen what we’ve seen from Marvin Lewis. A lot of people are making the mistake of tying Andy Dalton to Marvin Lewis, and discerning which one of these guys is the problem is a chicken-egg argument. The difference is that talent wins out in the NFL from a broad sense unless you have a bulletproof coach in the ranks. The Bengals do not.


Dalton is in his 7th season and at just 29 years old, he’s still young for a quarterback. And the problem might not be a Dalton, a player who has proven that he can light up the scoreboard and stabilize his team. To his credit, Dalton has missed just three games in his career, and all of them were in 2013.


Of course, it’s impossible to make a positive case for Dalton because he’s only ranked in the top-10 for passing yards once and that was back in 2014 when he threw for a career high 4,293 yards and 33 touchdowns against 20 picks.


Asking whether or not Dalton is capable of being “the man on a championship team” is impossible to answer because we’ve never seen him play out of the looming shadow of Marvin Lewis. He’s undersized at 6-foot-2 but he’s an obvious starter in the league. Yes, it’s a sad state of affairs when your case for whether a guy deserves to start is “he’s better than half the league” but that’s the exact argument for Dalton.


Plus, Andy Dalton doesn’t cost you diddly! He signed a six-year extension worth $96 million which will pay him just $13.1 million this year before he can be cut. This is as pivotal a season for Dalton as it is for Marvin Lewis.


The point is that there’s hope for Andy Dalton. There’s no hope for Marvin Lewis. He is what he is, and the two don’t have to be inextricably tied together just because they’ve been on the same team for seven seasons.


In other words, free Andy Dalton! I think? We won’t know until the Bengals cut ties with Marvin Lewis first.
 

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Texans LB Cushing suspended 10 games
September 13, 2017

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended 10 games without pay for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Wednesday.


Cushing's second career suspension begins immediately, although he was already ruled out of Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) after sustaining a concussion in last weekend's season-opening 29-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.


The 30-year-old Cushing will be eligible to return to the roster on Nov. 28, one day after Houston (0-1) faces the Baltimore Ravens.


Cushing is due a $6.756 million base salary this season. He will forfeit 10 game checks at a cost of $3.97 million, with a per week loss of $397,411.


Cushing's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, said in a statement to ESPN that the linebacker "is aware of the negative impact he has had on his team and most important his fans. It is with the deepest remorse that he humbly apologizes to his fans, teammates and coaches."


Cushing will not appeal, according to Steinberg.


The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Cushing previously was suspended four games by the league in 2010 for testing positive for a fertility drug that was on the NFL's banned substances list. He said in a statement at the time that he tested positive for a non-steroidal banned substance, but his appeal proved unsuccessful.


Cushing, who had 65 tackles in 13 starts last season, underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason. He has collected 652 tackles, 13.0 sacks and eight interceptions in 100 career games since being selected by Houston with the 15th overall pick of the 2009 draft.
 

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NFL notebook: Texans' Cushing suspended 10 games
September 13, 2017



Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended 10 games without pay for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Wednesday.


Cushing's suspension begins immediately, although he was already ruled out of Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) after sustaining a concussion in last weekend's season-opening 29-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.


The 30-year-old Cushing will be eligible to return to the roster on Nov. 28, one day after Houston (0-1) faces the Baltimore Ravens.


Cushing is due a $6.756 million base salary this season. He will forfeit 10 game checks at a cost of $3.97 million, with a per week loss of $397,411.


The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Cushing previously was suspended four games by the league in 2010 for testing positive for a fertility drug that was on the NFL's banned substances list.


--Left tackle Donald Penn is "closing in" on a two-year contract extension with the Oakland Raiders, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.


The deal, which Rapoport reported could be finalized before the end of the week, would keep Penn with the Raiders through the 2019 season.


Penn ended his 26-day holdout and returned to practice last Wednesday. The 34-year-old is playing the final season of a two-year, $11.9 million contract he signed in March 2016.


--The Green Bay Packers released defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois, the team announced.


Jean Francois played all of six snaps in Sunday's 17-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks after signing a one-year, $2 million contract in free agency this summer. He also received a $250,000 signing bonus.


The 30-year-old is eligible for termination pay as the Packers would owe him the remainder of his $1.25 million base salary because he was cut after Week 1. Green Bay would not have owed Jean Francois anything had it released him before the season opener.


--The San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Elijah Lee from the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad to a two-year deal to add depth at the position.


Rookie linebacker Reuben Foster is expected to miss about a month with a high ankle sprain suffered in Sunday's 23-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers.


To make room on the roster, the 49ers waived offensive lineman John Theus.


--The Indianapolis Colts placed tackle/guard Denzelle Good on the injured reserve list with an undisclosed injury and signed free agent inside linebacker Sean Spence.


The 6-foot-5, 345-pound Good played in 19 career games (15 starts) along the offensive line in three seasons with Indianapolis (2015-17).


--Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford were named offensive players of the week in their respective conferences for Week 1 to kick off the NFL season.

Jacksonville Jaguars
defensive end Calais Campbell took the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor, and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson earned the NFC defensive award.


The AFC Special Teams Player of the Week went to Oakland Raiders kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, and Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.


--Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross pledged $1 million to the immediate and long-term rebuilding efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Irma, the team announced.


The Category 4 storm left significant damage throughout Florida earlier this week, resulting in at least 23 reported deaths. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long said on Tuesday that as many as 65 percent of homes in the Florida Keys sustained major damage as a result of the hurricane.


The Dolphins have partnered with AARP Foundation on a matching funds grant campaign, with all contributions going directly to the community.
 

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2018 NFL Mock Draft: QBs for Jets, Bills, 49ers, Jags in top 10
September 13, 2017



The 2017 NFL and NCAA seasons just began, but already NFLDraftScout.com is peeking ahead to the spring and to the incoming crop of rookies.


After all, on Tuesday the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 108 preliminary, modern era nominees for the Class of 2018, so it is time to find potential future NFL stars -- as the beat goes on.


A year ago it was obvious that an exciting new era of running backs was barreling towards the NFL. Fortunately for clubs needing help at quarterback, this year's crop of passers is the big story this year in college football with Southern Cal's Sam Darnold, UCLA's Josh Rosen, Louisville's Lamar Jackson and Wyoming's Josh Allen - all underclassmen - currently projected to earn early first round selections.


Don't like the projected selection order? Don't blame NFLDraftScout.com. The order listed below is based off current Super Bowl odds from a Las Vegas Super Book.


*denotes underclassmen


--1. NEW YORK JETS: Sam Darnold, QB, Southern Cal*: Given the caliber of quarterback play for the Jets in recent years, perhaps the odds-makers are being kind with the club "only" a 1,000-to-one longest of longshots to win the Super Bowl. Darnold, prototypically-built and poised beyond his years, would go a long way to re-establishing this franchise.


--2. BUFFALO BILLS: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville*: Veteran Tyrod Taylor will get his opportunity to convince new Bills head coach Sean McDermott to look towards a different position but if the Bills finish this poorly, change is coming. Jackson, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, offers an upside Taylor (and few others) can match.


--3. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Derwin James, SS, Florida State*: James is a physical specimen, with experience at safety, linebacker, cornerback and even defensive end. With former first round pick Joe Haden sent packing, the Browns could be in the market for another playmaking defender and James is the early favorite to be the first one of them drafted in 2018.


--4. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*: Kyle Shanahan was brought in to spark the 49ers' offense and he will be looking for an opportunity to land a young quarterback. Rosen may just be the most gifted passer in the country, though his brash personality could turn off some decision-makers.


--5. CHICAGO BEARS: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama*


The bold trade up for Mitchell Trubisky last season only works if the Bears are just as aggressive in filling the club's other shortcomings, including on the defensive side of the ball. Instinctive, physical and versatile, Fitzpatrick could be the answer in the deep patrol Chicago has been missing for years.


--6. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*: The Blake Bortles experiment has not worked as hoped, leaving Tom Coughlin and the Jaguars likely to roll the dice on a new young passer this spring. Allen is undeniably raw as a passer but he possesses the natural tools to develop in the downfield, play-action offense Doug Marrone is attempting to build in Jacksonville.


--7. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama*: Perhaps with Jay Cutler heaving passes, 2015 first round pick DeVante Parker lives up to his billing in his third season. If not, adding a polished receiver with game-breaking speed like Ridley could be Miami's plan to make this offense more dynamic.


--8. LOS ANGELES RAMS: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson*: If the Rams can sign superstar Aaron Donald to a long-term deal, they may be able to focus on a leaky offensive line with this selection. Wilkins has the initial quickness and tenacity to be a perfect complement (or potential replacement) to Donald as a potential consolation prize.


--9. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*: Only the fact that so many clubs found star running backs in last year's draft could allow a talent like Barkley to slip this far down the board. If Washington is indeed forced to replace Kirk Cousins next year as some believe, adding a big-time talent on offense will be the club's top priority.


--10. DETROIT LIONS: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU*: With all due respect to Leonard Fournette, Guice was LSU's most impressive runner in 2016. With another big season (including improved ball security), he'll earn first round consideration, perhaps for a Detroit club in need of a bell-cow.


--11. INDIANPOLIS COLTS: Arden Key, DE/OLB, LSU*: New general manager Chris Ballard did a nice job in his first draft but this defense still lacks speed in the front seven. Key has an explosive initial burst and terrific flexibility off the corner, making him arguably this year's most dangerous edge rusher.


--12. CINCINNATI BENGALS: DaRon Payne, DT, Alabama*: Unless Andy Dalton suddenly picks up his play, the Bengals may have no choice but to look at quarterbacks. Given the team's adherence to the "best player available" strategy under Mike Brown, however, adding a powerful player still just scratching the surface like Payne may be the more likely move.


--13. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Vita Vea, DT, Washington*: Adding a potentially dominator inside to a defensive line already boasting plenty of talent and the Chargers might finally be able to "light up" opposing quarterbacks.


--14. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College: With all due respect to veteran Terrell Suggs, the Ravens will be looking at younger options at pass rusher soon. Landry plays with the relentless motor that Suggs and general manager Ozzie Newsome will appreciate.


--15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M*: Adding young weapons for Carson Wentz should be a top priority and Kirk has the juice to be a difference-maker as a receiver and returner, as well.


--16. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from HOUSTON TEXANS): Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist*: Unless journeyman Kenny Britt picks things up considerably, the Browns could be forced to look to the draft for the long-term replacement for Josh Gordon and Terrelle Pryor as the club's featured split end. The 6-foot-3, 218 pound Sutton has the size and playmaking ability Hue Jackson prioritizes.


--17. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Connor Williams, OT, Texas: Jameis Winston is a talented passer but he is hardly fleet of foot. As such, the Bucs will likely always be on the lookout for tackles like Williams, an athletic pass blocker with good size (listed at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and the toughness to switch to the right side, if needed.


--18. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma*: As long as Mike Zimmer is coaching the team, size and physicality will be a premium for future Vikings. That fits this 6-foot-7, 360-pound Sooner - the son of late standout NFL tackle Orlando "Zeus" Brown - perfectly.


--19. DENVER BRONCOS: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama*: The Broncos lost an intimidating hitter by letting T.J. Ward go but could find a cheaper, younger alternative on draft day in Harrison, a force near the line of scrimmage and in the deep patrol.


--20. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Nick Fitzgerald, QB, Mississippi State*: The Cardinals talked a lot about finding Carson Palmer's replacement prior to the 2017 draft but ultimately didn't select a quarterback. Fitzgerald is undeniably raw with little over one full season as the Bulldogs' starter. However, he showed grit in replacing Dak Prescott and possesses the raw traits to make a huge jump up draft boards this fall.


--21. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State*: On the surface, defensive line may not appear be Carolina's top need but after trading away Kony Ealy, the Panthers need help. While perhaps not as athletic as former teammate Joey Bosa, Hubbard plays with a similar style and intensity.


--22. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson*: The Saints have consistently gambled on upside with their first round picks and this selection of the 6-foot-5, 265 pound redshirt sophomore, Ferrell, would be no different. Overshadowed, at times, at Clemson, Ferrell led the club in QB pressures in his first full season of action and may be just scratching the surface of his potential.


--23. BUFFALO BILLS (from KANSAS CITY CHIEFS): James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State: Even if second round pick Zay Jones lives up to expectations, the Bills will want to continue adding playmakers. Washington lacks preferred size but he is a big play waiting to happen.


--24. TENNESSEE TITANS: DaShawn Hand, DE, Alabama: In two drafts, general manager Jon Robinson has transformed the Titans roster into one of the tougher, more physical groups in the league. Pardon the pun, but Hand would fit like a glove in that type of environment.


--25. ATLANTA FALCONS: Billy Price, OG, Ohio State: Protecting Matt Ryan is priority No. 1 in Atlanta. Price, a returning All-American and four-year starter, could be a plug and play option at guard.


--26. NEW YORK GIANTS: Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State: Few teams reload along the defensive line as consistently as Big Blue and Chubb, a pro-ready tough guy who recorded 10.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, is too talented to slip any further.


--27. DALLAS COWBOYS: Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan: Injuries and suspensions have robbed the Cowboys of some of their more talented defensive linemen, leaving coach Rod Marinelli little to work with. The 6-foot-2, 280 pound Hurst may lack ideal size but his quickness, tenacity and versatility suggest NFL success.


--28. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan: Teammate Taylor Moton received most of the attention in 2016 - and for good reason, the 64th overall pick of the draft may very well wind up starting for the Carolina Panthers as a rookie. At 6-5, 333 pounds Okorafor is bigger and has lighter feet than his former teammate, among the reasons he was the Broncos' left tackle while Moton manned the right side.


--29. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame: The Seahawks believe in their young offensive line but it just looked like more of the same in a Week One loss on the road in Green Bay. The Seahawks would value McGlinchey's size (6-foot-7, 312 pounds), toughness and versatility.


--30. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Malik Jackson, LB, Texas: The Raiders boast one of the league's elite pass rush tandems in Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin but could use steadier play on the inside. Jackson is an athletic and physical presence with a knack for making big plays - qualities that might appeal to Jack Del Rio.


--31. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson*: Few reload along the offensive line as consistently as Ted Thompson but with injuries to linemen seemingly an annual problem in Green Bay, adding an athletic pass blocker like Hyatt would certainly make sense.


--32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah: The younger brother of Carolina's Star is not quite as big at "just" 6-2, 310 pounds but he is also very difficult to move off the line of scrimmage, projecting as a plug and play and longtime starting nose guard in the NFL. That sort of value will appeal to Bill Belichick.
 

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Thursday's Best Bet
September 13, 2017



Thursday NFL Best Bet


Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals


HeritageSports.eu Odds: Houston (+6.5) vs. Cincinnati (-6.5); Total set at 38

The first “official” TNF game of the year pits two teams that looked absolutely awful in Week 1 against one another with the Houston Texans in Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. It's definitely not how the league wanted to showcase their first TNF game on the network this year, but their really is nowhere to go but up for both organizations after their showing in Week 1.


Cincinnati was shutout 20-0 by Baltimore a week ago as five turnovers by QB Andy Dalton (4 INT's and 1 fumble) sealed the Bengals fate rather early. Many out there were expecting Dalton to have a great year now that all his weapons are healthy, but his start couldn't have been any worse. Bettors should expect a highly improved Dalton in this game as he looks to redeem himself, but how much better he'll be is still the question.


Houston's defense is still quite good on paper – although they didn't look it at times a week ago – and the Texans have a history of frustrating Dalton and the Bengals. Houston is 5-1 SU in six games during the Dalton era in Cincinnati and the Bengals have only scored 20+ points in one of those games.


On the flip side, Houston didn't look much better in a 29-7 loss to Jacksonville last week as brutal play by their own starting QB (Tom Savage) prompted HC Bill O'Brien to quickly abandon everything he stated all preseason and give rookie QB Deshaun Watson his chance.


Watson definitely brought a spark to the Texans offense and going forward I believe he is the right choice under center for Houston this year. There will likely be some “growing pains” at times with Watson this season, and this game could very well be one of them as it's his first career NFL road game. But this was a guy that was known to make plenty of big plays in college and once he gets a bit of experience under his belt, I'm sure those big plays by Watson will start to show up in the NFL as well.


Regarding this point spread, fading a rookie NFL QB in his first road game is a solid angle to take, but quite frankly I don't know how you can trust Dalton and the Bengals to win by more than a TD here. Cincinnati's history against the Texans is another red flag for laying that chalk, but it's not like there can be a whole lot of trust in grabbing the points with the Texans either.


Which leads me to the total and at 38, it's likely going to be one of the lowest TNF totals we see all year. A combined 7 points by these two teams in Week 1 has to make many like the low side of this total, especially when the Bengals are on a 1-8 O/U run in their last nine games overall. Week 1 saw the majority of NFL games cash 'under' tickets as well, and bettors that got burned by those results may flip in fear of not wanting to get burned again. However, with nowhere to go but 'up' for both offenses, maybe going a little contrarian and expecting a relatively high-scoring game in this one.


For one, Watson getting the nod gives the Texans that offensive spark right from the get-go. He and the rest of that unit are going to want to make a “splash” after their performance last week, and I believe the rookie won't disappoint. Yet, he's still a rookie on the road and mistakes are likely to happen. What that means is Cincy is likely to force a turnover or two and hopefully give their own QB a short field to work with.


Andy Dalton was all about the turnovers in Week 1 and while he should be much better in that regard, that's not to say he won't cough it up a couple of times again. Yet, the spark Houston got and will get with Watson starting, Cincinnati could get as well with WR John Ross expected to make his debut.


Ross is an absolute speedster who broke the 40-yard-dash time at the NFL combine this spring and he's there to take the top off opposing defenses. Even just the threat of his speed should give Dalton more room to work underneath to guys like A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, meaning that run of sub-20 point performances against Houston is likely in jeopardy.


These two teams may have a history of playing 'unders,' but with the Texans on a 4-1 O/U run on TNF and the Bengals being 20-7 O/U after scoring less than 15 points in their last outing, we should see both teams threaten the 20-point barrier on a total lined like this. Add in a 5-2 O/U run for the Bengals after suffering a double-digit defeat at home, and the headlines after this game could very well be how well both offenses bounced back after disastrous Week 1 efforts.

HeritageSports.eu Best Bet: Over (38)
 

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Texans-Bengals Capsule
September 13, 2017



HOUSTON (0-1) at CINCINNATI (0-1)


Thursday, 8:25 p.m. EDT, NFL Network


OPENING LINE - Bengals by 3


RECORD VS. SPREAD - Houston 0-1, Cincinnati 0-1


SERIES RECORD - Texans lead 7-4


LAST MEETING - Texans beat Bengals 12-10, Dec. 24, 2016


LAST WEEK - Texans lost to Jaguars 29-7; Bengals lost to Ravens 20-0


AP PRO32 RANKING - Texans No. 24, Bengals No. 27


TEXANS OFFENSE - OVERALL (30), RUSH (13), PASS (30)


TEXANS DEFENSE - OVERALL (12), RUSH (27), PASS (3)


BENGALS OFFENSE - OVERALL (27), RUSH (17), PASS (26)


BENGALS DEFENSE - OVERALL (11), RUSH (28), PASS (2)


STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Texans' series edge includes playoff wins in 2011 and 2012. Texans won last game at Paul Brown Stadium, 10-6 in 2015, ending Cincinnati's 8-0 start. ... Houston's last 0-2 start was 2015. Bengals went 0-2 in 2008. ... Tom Savage started Texans opener, went 7 of 13 for 62 yards, lost two fumbles and was replaced at halftime. Rookie Deshaun Watson was 12 of 23 for 102 yards with TD, INT and fumble. Bengals expect first-round pick to start Thursday. He's ninth QB to play for Houston in past five seasons. ... Texans allowed 10 sacks vs. Jaguars without LT Duane Brown, who is holding out. C Nick Martin played first game after missing rookie season with injury. ... Five Texans missed practice during week with concussions: TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE Stephen Anderson, TE Ryan Griffin, LB Brian Cushing, WR Bruce Ellington. Cushing also has been suspended for 10 games for violating NFL performance enhancers policy. ... Bengals' Andy Dalton tied career high with four INTs and lost fumble in loss to Ravens, first time Bengals were blanked in home opener. His 28.4 passer rating was second worst in career. ... Dalton, from Houston suburb of Katy, is 1-5 career vs. Texans (0-2 postseason) with three TDs, seven INTs. ... Dalton had longest completion of career in Houston last season, 86-yard TD to Brandon LaFell. ... Bengals have been blanked in back-to-back games only once, during 2000 season. Coach Bruce Coslet resigned after second shutout. Two members of 2000 team - C Rich Braham and LB Takeo Spikes - among former Bengals stars to be honored at halftime Thursday. ... Fantasy Tip: Some of J.J. Watt's biggest games were vs. Bengals. Limited to one tackle and one QB hit in opener, he'll be determined to make his mark vs Bengals' inexperienced line, which gave up five sacks vs. Ravens. But Watt also has injured finger.
 

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NFL


Thursday, September 14



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday Night Football Betting Preview and Odds: Texans at Bengals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, 38)


The Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals were among a glut of teams who put forth feeble offensive performances in their respective season openers. Coming off lopsided losses - each at home - to division opponents, the Bengals and Texans have a short week to solve their offensive woes when they square off in Cincinnati on Thursday night.


Awful quarterback performances low-lighted the Week 1 efforts for each team and there could be a change under center for Houston, which benched starter Tom Savage at halftime in favor of rookie first-round pick Deshaun Watson. "We’re going to do what’s best for the team," said Texans coach Bill O'Brien of the potential quarterback controversy after dealing with the failed Brock Osweiler fiasco last year. "We always try to do what’s best for the team, and try to go from there.” Cincinnati was shut out (20-0 by Baltimore) at home for the first time since 2001 as quarterback Andy Dalton matched a career worst with four interceptions and committed five turnovers. “I have to put this one behind us,” acknowledged Dalton. “I know the type of player that I am and I can be. I can’t let this affect the next one.”

TV:
8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network.

LINE HISTORY:
The Bengals opened as three-point home favorites but by Thursday morning that number was all of the way up to -6.5. The total hit the betting boards at 38 and remains on that opening number.

POWER RANKINGS:
Texans (+0.5) - Bengals (0) + home field (-3) = Bengals -2.5

INJURY REPORT:



Texans - DE J. Watt (Probable, Finger), QB D. Watson (Probable, Ankle), DE J. Clowney (Probable, Foot), S A. Hal (Probable, Hip), C N. Martin (Probable, Ankle), RB A. Blue (Questionable, Ankle), CB K. Johnson (Question, Knee), LB B. McKinney (Questionable, Knee), G J. Allen (Doubful, Ankle), TE R. Griffin (Out, Concussion), LB B. Cushing (Out, Concussion), WR B. Ellington (Out, Concussion), TE S. Anderson (Out, Concussion), WR W. Fuller (Out, Collarbone), T D. Brown (Out, Holdout), TE C. Fiedorowicz (Out, Concussion), T D. Newton (I-R, Knee), WR D. Gray (I-R, Knee).


Bengals - WR J. Ross (Probable, Knee), TE C. Uzomah (Probable, Leg), S S. Williams (Probable, Elbow), CB D. Kirkpatrick (Probable, Foot), CB J. Shaw (Probable, Ankle), DE M. Johnson (Doubtful, Concussion), G T. Hopkins (Out, Knee), LB V. Burfict (Out, Suspension), QB J. Driskel (Out, Thumb), HB T. Carson (I-R, Ankle), TE M. Schreck (I-R, Knee), HB C. Peerman (I-R, Shoulder), WR J. Kumerow (I-R, Leg).

ABOUT THE TEXANS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U):
Reports out of Houston indicate that Watson, who guided Clemson to the national championship in January, will be under center for Thursday's matchup if he is not hindered by an ankle injury during Tuesday's practice. Watson was 12 of 23 for 102 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he and Savage absorbed a combined 10 sacks behind a line that is still missing left tackle Duane Brown (contract holdout) and will be without guard Jeff Allen. Perhaps an even bigger issue facing the Texans is a lengthy injury list that features five players in the NFL's concussion protocol, including the team's top three tight ends. Despite the return of start defensive end J.J. Watt, limited to three games last season due to back surgery, Houston allowed 155 yards rushing in the 29-7 loss to Jacksonville.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 0-1 O/U):
Lost in the abysmal performance by Dalton, who tossed three of his interceptions in the first half, was the sturdy play of Cincinnati's defense, which surrendered a total of 268 yards (157 rushing) to the Ravens. Dalton, who is already halfway to last season's interception total of eight, compiled a wretched 28.4 passer rating after completing 16 of 31 for 170 yards, with star wideout A.J. Green leading the way with five catches for 74 yards. The Bengals need to sort out their running game -- Giovani Bernard, less than 10 months removed from knee surgery, rushed for 40 yards on seven carries but highly touted rookie Joe Mixon managed only nine yards on eight rushes. Rookie wideout John Ross, the ninth overall pick who was clocked in 4.22 in the 40 at the NFL combine, is expected to make his NFL debut.

TRENDS:



* Texans are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
* Bengals are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Under is 7-1 in Texans last 8 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 9-2 in Bengals last 11 vs. a team with a losing record.
* Texans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Cincinnati.

CONSENSUS:
The public is siding with the road underdog Texans at a rate of 56 percent and the Under is picking up 55 percent of the totals action.
 

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TNF - Texans at Bengals
September 14, 2017



Houston at Cincinnati (-6.5, 37.5), 8:30 pm ET, NFLN

One of these teams will leave the field 0-2, having dropped a second straight contest against a conference foe. Considering each entered the season with realistic playoff aspirations, the loser will be digging themselves a major hole since both teams are on the road next week as heavy underdogs against Super Bowl contenders.


The Bengals are still looking for their first points of the season after a wasteful effort against the Ravens. Andy Dalton drove the offense into the red zone on multiple occasions only to turn the ball over, throwing an awful interception in the end zone while also fumbling after being sacked once he missed an open receiver who probably would've scored. It was a forgettable effort for Dalton (16-for-31, 170 yards, 4 INTs), but he at least got to finish the game.


Texans starter Tom Savage lasted one half after the Jaguars built a 19-0 lead through the first two quarters in Houston on Sunday. He lasted just 31 plays, completing 7 of 13 passes for 62 yards before being benched in favor of rookie Desean Watson.


Savage's agent, Neil Schwartz, told NBC Sports he didn't understand the move and pointed out that 12 of his client's 13 passes hit receivers in the hands. Because Jaelen Strong was suspended and Will Fuller is out with a broken collarbone, the Texans have continuity issues at receiver behind No. 1 targer DeAndre Hopkins, though they'll get Strong back from suspension and are expected to have Braxton Miller closer to 100 percent after an ankle sprain.


Watson will get his first NFL start on his 22nd birthday, getting his feet wet in the second half of the loss to Jacksonville by throwing a TD pass to Hopkins and also tossing his first pro interception. He's the ninth starting quarterback of head coach Bill O'Brien's tenure, the most any team has employed in that span (since 2014). His mobility figures to give the Texans a fighting chance given their aforementioned issues at receiver and an offensive line that got abused by the Jaguars' front seven and remains without top tackle Duane Brown, who is holding out for a pay raise he certainly deserves given the state of affairs up front.


Although Dalton's five turnovers were the major culprit in Cincinnati's Week 1 woes, his offensive line did him no favors either. The Bengals are also utilizing a running back by committee approach that didn't allow anyone to get comfortable. Jeremy Hill started, rookie Joe Mixon got the most carries and the versatile Giovani Bernard also got time, so we'll see how Lewis juggles his backs in this one. Dalton is just 1-5 against the Texans in his career and probably isn't excited at the prospect of having to bounce back from one of his worst games ever by facing a J.J. Watt-led defense.


The Texans lost the first three meetings between these franchises but have won seven of eight over the past decade, including three in Cincinnati. Two of those victories came in the wild card round of the playoffs, though both of those wins came under O'Brien's predecessor, Gary Kubiak. O'Brien himself is 2-1 with Houston against Marvin Lewis' Bengals and has one more playoff win than his counterpart, who is in his 15th season at the helm but has come up empty in seven postseason games.


The Texans have covered only one of their last six games and are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. They're 7-2 ATS against Cincinnati, which has covered four of its last six after a brutal run to start last season. The UNDER has prevailed in five consecutive Bengals games and is 6-3 in Houston's last nine.


Houston Texans
Season win total: 8.5 (Over +100, Under -120)
Odds to win AFC South: 9/4 to 7/2
Odds to win AFC: 30/1 to 50/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 60/1 to 100/1


Cincinnati Bengals
Season win total: 8.5 (Over +120, Under -140)
Odds to win AFC North: 7/2 to 7/1
Odds to win AFC: 25/1 to 50/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 50/1 to 100/1


LINE MOVEMENT



The Titans (6/5) and Jaguars (2/1) have climbed over the Texans and Colts as the favorites in the AFC South following Week 1, while Cincinnati's lopsided loss to Baltimore currently has them ahead of only Cleveland (60/1) in the latest WestgateLV odds update for the AFC North. Pittsburgh (4/9) is now a heavier favorite than it was to open the season.


Both teams are now availabale at 50-to-1 to win the AFC and have had 100-to-1 odds placed on them if you like either to shock the world and win the Super Bowl. Since they put up two of the ugliest performaces in Week 1. it's no surprise that oddsmakers quickly turned on them.


As far as this matchup is concerned, the Bengals opened the week as a 3.5-point favorite and have seen the number top out at 6.5 as of Thursday morning. The total opened at 38.5 and hasn't moved much, although it's most widely available at 37.5 and could close as the lowest total on the young season, surpassing the Texans-Jaguars (38) number from Week 1.


Cincinnati opened as a -180 money line favorite but is now near 3-to-1 (-300) as kickoff approaches.


INJURY CONCERNS


Houston announced that all three of its tight ends are in concussion protocol, with starter C.J. Fiedorowicz landing on IR after his second in less than a month's time. Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson won't play either, joining RB Alfred Blue and receivers Fuller and Bruce Ellington on the sidelines. Guard Jeff Allen is out for the Texans too, so with Brown still holding out, Watson will have to think on his feet in his first career road game.


Linebacker Brian Cushing is concussed too but is beginning a 10-game suspension for using PEDs. It's his second career suspension for performance enhancers and leaves Houston without one of its best tacklers.


Cincinnati is without its best linebacker, Vontaze Burfict, who is serving the second of a three-game suspension after an illegal hit in the preseason. Adam Jones will return from his suspension for getting into trouble off the field, while safety Shawn Williams is expected to debut after missing the opener due to an elbow injury. With CB Dre Kirkpatrick also set to play through a foot issue, the Bengals will have their secondary intact but will be without defensive end Michael Johnson due to a concussion.


Top draft pick John Ross, Cincinnati's fastest player, could debut after missing Week 1 with a knee issue, while tight end C.J. Uzomah (knee) is also likely to play. Guard Trey Hopkins is out.


RECENT MEETINGS (Houston 4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS last five; UNDER 4-1)


12/24/16 Houston 20-12 vs. Cincinnati (HOU -3, 41)
11/16/15 Houston 10-6 at Cincinnati (CIN -10, 47)
11/23/14 Cincinnati 22-13 at Houston (HOU -2, 44)
1/5/13 Houston 19-13 vs. Cincinnati (HOU -4, 43)
1/7/12 Houston 31-10 vs. Cincinnati (HOU -3, 38)


PROPS


Of the props available below at BetOnline.ag, I'd ride that the first score here is a field goal for even money.


Team to score first: (Texans +125, Bengals -145)
First score: (Touchdown -130, FG/Safety +100)
Total FGs made by both teams: (3.5, Over +110, Under -130)
Will there be overtime: (Yes +1000, No -1500)


TEXANS AS A ROAD UNDERDOG


Houston was last in this spot back in January, falling 34-16 as a 16.5-point underdog at New England in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. They were 2-6 SU/ATS as an away 'dog in 2016, falling 27-0 against the Patriots in last year's road opener.


BENGALS AS A HOME FAVORITE


Cincinnati hasn't been favored at home since Dec. 4, 2016, defeating Philadelphia 32-14. The Bengals were 3-2-1 straight up (3-3 ATS) in this role last season, and were only favored by more points than they are tonight twice, beating both the Dolphins and Browns by a combined score of 53-24, covering both times.


NEXT WEEK'S NUMBERS POSTED


The Westgate opens its advance lines for the following week on Tuesdays and Week 3 has the Texans as a 12-point underdog at the Patriots. The Bengals are a 9-point underdog at Green Bay.
 

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Bengals rookie WR Ross expected to play vs. Texans
September 14, 2017



Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver John Ross is expected to make his NFL debut against the Houston Texans on Thursday, multiple outlets reported.


Ross, 21, missed the Bengals' season-opening 20-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday after spraining his knee in the preseason finale on Aug. 31.


The ninth overall pick of the draft, Ross was a full participant in Cincinnati's light practices this week.


Ross showed his speed during the NFL combine, registering a record for the fastest 40-yard dash time. His 4.22-second time topped the previous best of 4.24, set by now-Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson.


In 2016 at the University of Washington, Ross had 81 catches for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns.
 

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NFL Record For Sept......


09/11/2017.............2-1-1..............66.67%...........+450


09/10/2017.............14-10-0...........58.33%..........+1500


09/07/2017.............2-0-0..............100.00%.........+1000




Totals...................18 - 11 - 1...........62.06%.........+2950


Best Bets or POD....Will be Denoted as *****


None


Good Luck !





THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


HOU at CIN 08:25 PM

CIN -6.0********


O 38.0********
 

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NFL notebook: Lions fan banned after racist message
September 14, 2017



A Detroit Lions fan who posted a racist message on social media has lost his season tickets, according to a newspaper report.


The team banned the unidentified fan from Ford Field in the wake of an incident during Detroit's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.


The fan posted a photo on Snapchat of two African Americans who remained seated during the national anthem and added a caption: "Ignorant (expletives)," according to the Detroit News.


The fan initially denied the posting, which ended up on Facebook and was sent to multiple media outlets. It's unclear if the season-ticket ban is for just this season or permanent.


--Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel is attempting to jump-start his floundering career north of the border.


Manziel activated a 10-day window to force the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League to either sign him, release his rights or trade them to another CFL team, multiple media outlets reported.


The former Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M had a tryout with Hamilton at the end of August, which decided not to sign him at the time, citing "too many red flags," according to TSN.

--Oakland Raiders
running back Marshawn Lynch was fined $12,000 by the NFL for a gesture he made during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, ESPN reported.


TV cameras caught Lynch flipping the middle finger on both hands in the fourth quarter.


He rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries on Sunday in his first game with the Raiders.


--The Carolina Panthers claimed offensive tackle John Theus off waivers and placed cornerback Cole Luke (ankle) on injured reserve.


The team also signed rookie kicker Harrison Butker to the practice squad and terminated the contract of defensive tackle Eric Crume. Butker, a seventh-round draft pick of the Panthers, was waived the previous day.


The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Theus was waived by the 49ers on Wednesday.


--Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga was sent home from practice for the second straight day due to illness.


The illness has prevented Bulaga from testing his injured ankle, which caused him to miss Green Bay's 17-9 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.


--The Baltimore Ravens placed running back Danny Woodhead on injured reserve and signed running back Jeremy Langford off their practice squad.


Woodhead sustained a hamstring injury in Baltimore's 20-0 season-opening victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He caught three passes for 33 yards and rushed once for 4 yards before exiting.


--Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams missed his second consecutive practice, according to multiple outlets.


Williams injured his ankle early in Sunday's 19-3 victory over the New York Giants before returning to finish with six catches for 68 yards.


The 27-year-old has not missed a game during his NFL career.
 

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Birthday boy Watson living out his prime-time dreams
September 15, 2017


CINCINNATI -- As a young boy growing up in government-run housing in Gainesville, Ga., Deshaun Watson not only dreamed of playing in the NFL, he felt he had no other option.

"I told everyone I wanted to be an NFL player," Watson said. "They asked me what my backup plan was, and I never had one. I figured that was the only way out."

Watson played well enough in his NFL debut last week to earn the start over veteran Tom Savage for Thursday night's nationally televised game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Thursday just happened to be Watson's 22nd birthday, too.

"Being able to have my first start on my birthday was pretty emotional," Watson said. "Away game, Thursday night, prime-time."

Watson might be new to the NFL, but he's accustomed to playing on the big stage. At Clemson, Watson played in back-to-back national championship games, winning one. He was the 12th-overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.

"I don't really get nervous," Watson said. "Football's football. It's what I've been doing my whole life."

Watson was steady throughout Thursday's game, going 15 of 24 for 125 yards. He was sacked three times and had a 75.9 rating, but did not throw an interception.

In the second quarter, Watson made a play reminiscent of his days at Clemson when he scrambled away from pressure on third-and-15, broke a couple tackles, then raced 49 yards for a touchdown, the only touchdown scored in Thursday's game.

"I was just trying to make a play," he said. "I broke away, found a hole. My receivers and everyone that was downfield did a good job of blocking for me."

Watson also engineered a 66-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that consumed more than six minutes off the clock for a field goal to cap a 13-9 victory.

It's uncertain what the future holds for Watson. Texans coach Bill O'Brien said his decision on the starting quarterback will be made with the best interests of the team in mind.

Houston (1-1) plays at the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in 10 days.

"I'm young in this league," Watson said. "I've only seen so much. To get to the top where I want to be, is going to take time. My reads, timing with the receivers, I'm still learning. It's a work in progress."
 

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NFL
Dunkel


Week 2



Thursday, September 14

Houston @ Cincinnati


Game 101-102
September 14, 2017 @ 8:25 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Houston
124.616
Cincinnati
133.823
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 9
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
by 6
37 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-6); Over




Sunday, September 17

Tennessee @ Jacksonville


Game 261-262
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Tennessee
134.551
Jacksonville
131.128
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee
by 3 1/2
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tennessee
by 1 1/2
43
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee
(-1 1/2); Over


Cleveland @ Baltimore



Game 263-264
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
124.819
Baltimore
137.436
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 12 1/2
33
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
by 8
39 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-8); Under


Buffalo @ Carolina



Game 265-266
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
127.877
Carolina
136.912
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 9
39
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
by 7
43
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(-7); Under


New England @ New Orleans



Game 267-268
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
New England
137.668
New Orleans
138.965
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 1 1/2
64
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 7
56
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+7); Over


Arizona @ Indianapolis



Game 269-270
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
130.992
Indianapolis
131.949
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indianapolis
by 1
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 7 1/2
44
Dunkel Pick:
Indianapolis
(+7 1/2); Over


Philadelphia @ Kansas City



Game 271-272
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
136.822
Kansas City
146.062
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 9
43
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
by 5
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-5); Under


Minnesota @ Pittsburgh



Game 273-274
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
131.299
Pittsburgh
138.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 7 1/2
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 5
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-5); Under


Chicago @ Tampa Bay



Game 275-276
September 17, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
129.982
Tampa Bay
131.146
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
by 7
43
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+7); Over


Miami @ LA Chargers



Game 277-278
September 17, 2017 @ 4:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Miami
128.850
LA Chargers
130.330
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Chargers
by 1 1/2
49
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Chargers
by 5
45
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+5); Over


NY Jets @ Oakland



Game 279-280
September 17, 2017 @ 4:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
NY Jets
121.976
Oakland
134.062
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 12
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 14
43 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Jets
(+14); Over


Washington @ LA Rams



Game 281-282
September 17, 2017 @ 4:25 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Washington
129.706
LA Rams
123.494
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 6
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Rams
by 3
45
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+3); Over


Dallas @ Denver



Game 283-284
September 17, 2017 @ 4:25 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
141.062
Denver
131.552
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 9 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 2
43
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(-2); Under


San Francisco @ Seattle



Game 285-286
September 17, 2017 @ 4:25 pm


Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
119.481
Seattle
135.373
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 16
35
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
by 13 1/2
42 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-13 1/2); Under


Green Bay @ Atlanta



Game 287-288
September 17, 2017 @ 8:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Green Bay
141.513
Atlanta
140.672
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 1
51
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 3
54
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(+3); Under





Monday, September 18

Detroit @ NY Giants


Game 289-290
September 18, 2017 @ 8:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
131.363
NY Giants
132.362
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Giants
by 1
32
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Giants
by 3 1/2
43 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+3 1/2); Under
 

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NFL Record For Sept......Based on 5 units




09/14/2017.............0-2-0...............0.00%............-11.00


09/11/2017.............2-1-1..............66.67%...........+450


09/10/2017.............14-10-0...........58.33%..........+1500


09/07/2017.............2-0-0..............100.00%.........+1000




Totals...................18 - 13 - 1...........58.06%.........+18.50




Best Bets:


Date...........................ATS......................O/U..................TOTAL


09/14/2017.................0 - 1.....................0 - 1................- 11.00
 

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Buccaneers ready to start season
September 14, 2017



TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Jameis Winston concedes it felt a little strange watching the rest of the NFL begin the season while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were scattered around the country for an unscheduled bye imposed by Hurricane Irma.


When the young quarterback finally takes the field Sunday in the team's delayed opener, Winston will not have taken a snap in a game in three weeks.


Other key players, including receivers DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Kwon Alexander, will line up against the Chicago Bears without having played since Aug. 17.


''I went through a tough time watching, but I really wasn't thinking about myself,'' Winston, who left town to wait out the storm with family in Alabama, said.


''I was thinking about what we were going through - what the people in Florida were going through, what the people in Houston went through because at the end of the day everything is bigger than football,'' the third-year pro added.


''Obviously I want to be out there on the field, and I definitely wanted to be playing, but sometimes you've got to take that back seat and let things happen.''


Well, it's time to play.


And rusty or not, the Bucs say they have no excuse to not play well against the Bears (0-1), who dropped their debut with Winston's former backup, Mike Glennon, at quarterback 23-17 to the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons.


Tampa Bay's scheduled opener at Miami was moved to Nov. 19, meaning the Bucs will play 16 consecutive weeks to close the regular season.


''At the end of the day, nobody really cares about us playing 16 games or our starters not playing (preseason) games,'' Winston said. ''Our job is to come in here and play football, and that's all.''


Some things to know about the Bears and Buccaneers:


HEIGHTENED EXPECTATIONS:
The Bucs haven't made the playoffs since 2007, but are coming off a 9-7 record in Winston's second season. The young quarterback has thrown for more than 4,000 yards each of the past two years and is the fifth player in NFL history to toss 50-plus touchdown passes through his two seasons.


WELCOME BACK: Glennon finally gets a chance to play again in Tampa Bay, something he rarely did behind Winston the past two years.


Glennon signed with the Bears after four years and 21 games with the Bucs, replacing Jay Cutler as the starting QB. He has another highly touted prospect behind him in No. 2 overall draft pick Mitchell Trubisky.


But for now, the starting job is his.


Glennon threw for 213 yards and a touchdown in a 23-17 loss to Atlanta last week. All but 50 of those yards came in the fourth quarter, however the Bears failed to score on four tries from the Falcons 5-yard line near the end of the game.


''I'm excited for him. I am happy that he gets to come to Tampa and play,'' Winston said. ''Hopefully he does well, but not well enough to beat us.''


CATCHING UP: Already thin at receiver, the Bears took another big hit with Kevin White going on injured reserve for the third time in as many seasons this week.


It's fair to wonder if White will ever develop into a productive player let alone a star after he broke his shoulder in the fourth quarter against Atlanta. The Bears were banking on big things when they drafted him seventh overall in 2015 and made him their first pick under general manager Ryan Pace.


But leg injuries limited him to four games through his first two seasons. Now, the shoulder is injured.


The Bears had already lost last season's leading receiver Cameron Meredith to a torn ACL in his left knee in the preseason. With White out, the Bears promoted Tanner Gentry from the practice squad.


Chicago is also down a key player on defense with linebacker Jerrell Freeman going on injured reserve this week. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle against Atlanta.


FILLING IN: With RB Doug Martin out until the fourth game while serving the remainder of a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, Tampa Bay figures to spread carries among Jacquizz Rodgers, Charles Sims and Peyton Barber.


FOLLOWING UP: Chicago's Tarik Cohen figures he won't be catching the Bucs off guard. Not after last week.


Cohen made quite an impression in his debut, with 66 yards rushing and 47 receiving. He reversed field on a 46-yard run and had a 19-yard touchdown catch.


''I feel like I just proved that I'm a player, a football player, no matter my size, no matter where I've come from as far as my college and that I'm just a football player and I can make plays for this team,'' said Cohen, a fourth-round pick from North Carolina A&T.
 

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Total Talk - Week 2
September 16, 2017

Total bettors leaning to the low side had a very profitable Week 1 as the ‘under’ posted a 10-5 (67%) mark and most of the results were never in doubt. To be truthful there was some ugly football being played and it’s fair to say that the defensive units looked a step ahead of the offense. From a statistical perspective, there were 119 scores in Week 1 and only 65 of them were touchdowns. As you all know, settling for field goals is never great for ‘over’ wagers and we had 54 last weekend. Notable teams to kick away FGs last week included the Cowboys, Saints and Raiders with four a piece while eight others chipped in with three field goals.

Line Moves



Listed below are the largest line moves as of Saturday morning based off the Week 2 openers posted last Sunday at BookMaker.eu.

Tennessee at Jacksonville: 43 ½ to 41 ½
Cleveland at Baltimore: 41 to 38 ½
New England at New Orleans: 54 ½ to 56 ½
San Francisco at Seattle: 43 ½ to 42
Detroit at N.Y. Giants: 43 to 41 ½



We asked Scott Cooley of BookMaker.eu if bettors are reacting to more ‘under’ wagers after the inordinate amount of low-scoring games in Week 1.


He answered, “With the public, possibly, because the perception after one week is that the defenses are ahead of the offenses at this point. Sharps are usually leaning toward the under and that hasn’t changed.”


“Our biggest total liability right now is the Titans-Jaguars game. The wiseguys bet the under in both Jacksonville and Tennessee games Sunday, and they aren’t backing off in Week 2.”


The matchup between Patriots and Saints is one of the few totals that is rising and Cooley offered his thoughts on the inflated numbers on this game and the Packers-Falcons contest on Sunday night.


“We take into account the perceived “offensive” teams by the public when setting a total. And certainly with these two matchups, that was a big factor,” said Cooley.


AFC vs. NFC


There was only one non-conference game in Week 1 and it saw the highest scoring effort as the Rams blasted the Colts 46-9 at the Los Angeles Coliseum but that outcome was helped with 16 points from the L.A. defense.


Week 2 has five AFC-NFC matchups and here are some quick notes to keep an eye on.


Buffalo at Carolina: The Bills went 4-0 in their four games against the NFC last season and they racked up 408 yards last week but left points off the board with an interception and missed field goal. The Panthers defense looked dominating in Week 1’s 23-3 albeit against San Francisco.


New England at New Orleans: The Saints allowed 30.3 points per game vs. AFC opponents last season and made Minnesota look like a juggernaut last Monday. The Patriots defense was also humbled in Week 1 and that appears to be their weakness right night. Make a note that New England rebounded with 33 and 30 points following its only two losses last season.


Philadelphia at Kansas City: The Eagles defense allowed 27 and 32 points in two road games vs. the AFC last season compared to just a total of 13 in the two home tilts. The Chiefs defense (16 PPG) was great at home last season. Since head coach Andy Reid arrived in KC, the club has gone 5-2 SU at Arrowhead Stadium versus NFC foes and the ‘under’ is 6-1 in those games behind a great defensive effort (15.4 PPG). However, the loss of safety Eric Berry (Achilles) won’t be easy to overcome for the Chiefs.


Minnesota at Pittsburgh: The Steelers have had a knack of scoring at home in non-conference games lately, posting 30.8 PPG in their last five encounters from Heinz Field. Minnesota’s offense was sharp last Monday (470 yards, 29 points) and they dropped 25 points twice in two road games against AFC opponents last season.

Dallas at Denver:
Tough total to handicap here knowing Dallas posted 35 at the Steelers and Browns last season, yet the ‘under’ has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games against the AFC. Also, Denver is on an 8-1-1 run to the ‘under’ in its last 10 non-conference matchups.


Divisional Action


These matchups went 6-1 to the ‘under’ last week and the lone ‘over’ barely connected in the late-night tilt on Monday between the Chargers and Broncos.


Tennessee at Jacksonville: Even though the professional bettors are banging the ‘under’ on this game, we have seen the ‘over’ cash in the last three meetings between the pair as they combined for 55, 58 and 81 points during this run. However, we must also note that Jacksonville is only averaging 19.8 PPG after a win over the last three seasons and Tennessee hasn’t been able to muster up a lot off offense in divisional road games (16.6 PPG) the last two seasons.


Cleveland at Baltimore: As of Saturday morning, this is the lowest total (38 ½) posted on the board for Week 2. The ‘over’ has gone 4-2 in this series the last three seasons and Baltimore has posted decent offensive numbers (26.5 PPG) against Cleveland. Defensively, the Browns looked good against the run last week but the offense wasn’t sharp and they were helped by the Steelers defense, who were tagged with 144 penalty yards. Tough spot for rookie QB DeShone Kizer on the road against a solid defense and the total dropping seems justified.


San Francisco at Seattle: The ‘over’ is on a 3-0 run but that streak was preceded by six straight ‘under’ tickets. Neither of the two clubs looked sharp offensively in Week 1 and I’d be surprised to see San Francisco having much luck at this venue. The number has dropped two points and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the number dip below 40 come Sunday.


Under the Lights


The highest-scoring game of Week 1 was also the first one as Kansas City and New England combined for 69 points last Thursday. Including that result, the ‘over’ went 3-1 in the primetime matchups and you can argue that the two outcomes on Monday were fortunate to go high. This past Thursday, the Texans and Bengals cashed an easy ‘under’ ticket and it’s hard to imagine that trend bucking for either club.


Green Bay at Atlanta: The last three meetings in this series have all gone ‘over’ the number as the pair have combined to score 80, 65 and 65 points. In last year’s NFC Championship, Atlanta blasted Green Bay 44-21 and the total in that game was 59 ½. This week’s number (55 ½) is a tad lower and some skeptics are questioning Atlanta’s offense after its Week 1 effort (23-17) at Chicago. I do believe the Falcons defense is underrated and you can say the same thing about Green Bay’s unit. VI expert Micah Roberts points out the crazy ‘over’ runs for Atlanta at home in his preview, plus Green Bay’s run to the high side on the road last season was nuts too.


Detroit at N.Y. Giants: The number is coming down on this total and deservingly so. The Giants have been held under 20 points in seven straight games going back to last season and the ‘under’ is 13-4 in their last 17 regular season contests. Detroit struggled offensively on the road (19.6 PPG) last season and the Giants stifled the Lions 17-6 from Met-Life Stadium last December. New York WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) has been practicing and has been upgraded to ‘probable’ for Monday.

Fearless Predictions



If it wasn't for Cincinnati posting a bagel in Week 1, we could've pulled off the sweep. That effort cost us the teaser but the other plays cashed and that has us ahead ($200) going into Week 2. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!


Best Over: Miami-L.A. Chargers 45 ½
Best Under: Washington-L.A. Rams 45 ½
Best Team Total: Over Oakland 29


Three-Team Total Teaser (8.5-Point, +100)
Over 36 Minnesota-Pittsburgh
Under 50 ½ Dallas-Denver
Under 64 Green Bay-Atlanta
 

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Pick Six - Week 2
September 15, 2017



Week 1 Record: 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS


Overall Record: 2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS



Patriots (-6 ½, 55 ½) at Saints – 1:00 PM EST


New England
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 9/2



The defending champion Patriots hung their Super Bowl banner last Thursday but were chased out of their home stadium by the upstart Chiefs. New England fell to Kansas City, 42-27 as eight-point favorites to suffer only their second opening week loss since 2004. The good news for the Patriots is they dominated as a road favorite last season by going 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS, while not losing a game away from Foxboro in nine tries. Since 2013, the Pats have covered in six of eight opportunities against NFC opponents on the road, while visiting New Orleans for the first time since 2009, when New England was blasted, 38-17.


New Orleans
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1



The Saints return home after dropping a 29-19 decision at Minnesota on Monday night. New Orleans has fared well as a home underdog the last two seasons by posting a 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS record, including victories over Carolina and Seattle last season. This will be the only home contest for the Saints until Week 6 against Detroit as New Orleans heads to Carolina next week before facing the Dolphins in London. The Saints have lost their first two games in four of the last five seasons, while owning a 1-5 record in its past six games at the Superdome in interconference play.


Best Bet: Saints +6 ½


Eagles at Chiefs (-5 ½, 47 ½) – 1:00 PM EST


Philadelphia
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 33/1


In Carson Wentz’s rookie season, the Eagles won their road opener at Chicago, but failed to record a victory away from Lincoln Financial Field in their final seven attempts. Philadelphia hopes that trend doesn’t continue in 2017 as the Eagles knocked off the Redskins in D.C. in Week 1 by a 30-17 count as one-point favorites. Wentz threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns to avenge a pair of losses to Washington last season, while the Eagles’ defense limited the Redskins to 264 yards of offense. The Eagles dropped four road games in 2016 by five points or less, while making their first trip to Arrowhead Stadium since 2005 when Philadelphia outlasted Kansas City, 37-31.


Kansas City
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 16/1



The Chiefs pulled off the biggest stunner in Week 1 by upsetting the Patriots, 42-27. Alex Smith connected on a pair of 70+ yard touchdown passes, while Kansas City racked up 21 points in the final quarter to pick up their seventh consecutive road cover since last October. The Chiefs suffered a huge blow in the secondary as cornerback Eric Berry tore his Achilles tendon and is out for the season. Kansas City has not fared well for bettors as a home favorite the last two seasons by posting a 5-11 ATS mark, including three non-covers last season in wins of six points or fewer.

Best Bet: Eagles +5 ½


Vikings at Steelers (-5 ½, 45 ½) – 1:00 PM EST


Minnesota
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 20/1



The Vikings won their season opener for the third time in Mike Zimmer’s four seasons as head coach by cruising past the Saints on Monday night, 29-19 as three-point favorites. Sam Bradford put together one of the finest games of his career by completing 27-of-32 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns, while rookie Dalvin Cook rushed for 127 yards for the Vikings. Minnesota thrived as a road underdog in 2015 by cashing in all six tries, but reverted back to a 1-3 ATS mark in 2016, with the only victory coming in Week 3 at Carolina.


Pittsburgh
Record: 1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 UNDER
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1



The Steelers were one of two teams to pick up a victory and fail to cover as a favorite in Week 1 as Pittsburgh edged Cleveland, 21-18 as 10-point chalk. Although Le’Veon Bell was unimpressive in the opener by racking up only 32 yards on the ground, Antonio Brown lit up the Cleveland secondary for 182 yards on 11 receptions to help Pittsburgh beat Cleveland for the ninth time in the past 11 meetings. The Steelers have won nine of 10 home openers under Mike Tomlin, while going 6-3 in its past nine games against NFC opponents.


Best Bet: Steelers -5 ½


Dolphins at Chargers (-4, 45) – 4:05 PM EST


Miami
Record: 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 66/1



The Dolphins will finally hit the field after Hurricane Irma wiped out their season opener against the Buccaneers. Coming off a successful 10-6 campaign in Adam Gase’s first season as head coach, Miami will try to duplicate that feat and look for consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2000-01. Jay Cutler gets the start at quarterback following Ryan Tannehill’s ACL injury in training camp as the Dolphins covered all three games on the west coast last season, including as four-point underdogs in a 31-24 victory over the Chargers.


Los Angeles
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 OVER
Super Bowl Odds: 80/1



The Chargers make their home debut in L.A. after dropping a three-point decision at Denver, 24-21 last Monday. New city, same old story for the Lightning Bolts, who suffered their eighth loss of seven points or less since the start of 2016, while falling to 1-12 in their past 13 divisional matchups. Luckily, the Chargers go outside the AFC West on Sunday, as they have won nine of their past 15 home games against non-divisional opponents since 2014. However, the Dolphins’ defense intercepted Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers four times in last November’s seven-point victory, capped off by Kiko Alonso’s pick-six in the final minute.

Best Bet: Dolphins +4


Cowboys (-2 ½, 42 ½) at Broncos – 4:25 PM EST


Dallas
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1



The Cowboys received great news that running back Ezekiel Elliott would play in Week 1 against the Giants. Elliott rushed for 104 yards in a 19-3 triumph as six-point favorites as Dallas avenged a pair of losses to New York from 2016. Dallas won its first six road contests last season before losing the final two to the Giants and Eagles, while scoring 35 points in each of its two road victories against AFC opponents. Dallas and Denver meet for the first time since an epic contest in 2013 as the Broncos outlasted the Cowboys, 51-48, but Dallas cashed as 7 ½-point home underdogs.


Denver
Record: 1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 25/1



The Broncos missed the playoffs last season following a Super Bowl victory in 2015. However, the Vance Joseph era is off to a good start after Denver squeezed past Los Angeles, 24-21 to win its sixth consecutive season opener. Denver hasn’t been listed as a home underdog many times over the years, but the Broncos have cashed tickets in four of their past five opportunities in this role, including a 21-20 win in last season’s opener over Carolina.


Best Bet: Cowboys -2 ½


49ers at Seahawks (-14, 42 ½) – 4:25 PM EST


San Francisco
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 250/1



The 49ers are in complete rebuilding mode and it showed in a 23-3 home defeat to the Panthers in Week 1. San Francisco could only muster 217 yards of offense, while losing its 18th straight game to a team not named the Rams since 2015. The Niners have dropped seven consecutive meetings with the Seahawks since the 2013 NFC championship, while losing each of its five visits to Seattle by double-digits. San Francisco hasn’t been worth a look as a road underdog since Jim Harbaugh departed the 49ers after the 2014 season as the team owns a 4-10-1 ATS record in this role the last two seasons.


Seattle
Record: 0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS
Super Bowl Odds: 10/1



The Seahawks’ offense was nowhere to be found at Lambeau Field in Week 1 as Seattle lost at Green Bay, 17-9. Seattle didn’t reach the end zone, while the Seahawks put up 225 yards to fall to 3-9 ATS in its past 12 road games since 2015. The Seahawks should get a boost returning home, where they have won 20 of their past 24 games at CenturyLink Field, while going 7-3 ATS in their last 10 opportunities as a double-digit home favorite. In the last five home victories over the 49ers, Seattle has topped the 29-point four times, including last season’s 37-18 blowout in Week 3.


Best Bet: Seattle -14
 

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