Cnotes preseason thread with stats-trends- qb rotation- picks etc. !!

[CNOTES]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 3

Oakland at Green Bay
The Packers split their first two preseason contests on the road, losing at Tennessee (20-16) in the opener and winning at St. Louis (21-7) last week.. Tonight, Green Bay returns home to Lambeau Field to host the Oakland Raiders. Green Bay is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Packers favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7). Here are all of this week's NFL preseason picks

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Game 253-254: Jacksonville at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 119.913; Detroit 119.628
Dunkel Line: Even; 40
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+3); Under

Game 255-256: Carolina at New England (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 120.647; New England 127.834
Dunkel Line: New England by 7; 41
Vegas Line: New England by 5 1/2; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-5 1/2); Under

Game 257-258: NY Giants at NY Jets (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 123.112; NY Jets 120.310
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 3; 38
Vegas Line: Pick; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants; Under

Game 259-260: Oakland at Green Bay (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 117.593; Green Bay 127.752
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 10; 39
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 7; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7); Under

Game 261-262: Chicago at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 123.063; Seattle 114.292
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 4; 49
Vegas Line: Seattle by 7; 45
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Over


SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 263-264: Tampa Bay at Buffalo (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 117.388; Buffalo 117.265
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+3); Under

Game 265-266: Dallas at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.629; Miami 122.375
Dunkel Line: Miami by 5 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Miami by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3); Under

Game 267-268: Tennessee at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 117.683; Atlanta 123.237
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 3; 44
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-3). Under

Game 269-270: Washington at Baltimore (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 129.374; Baltimore 128.615
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 48
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Over

Game 271-272: New Orleans at Indianapolis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.133; Indianapolis 120.404
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+2 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: Minnesota at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 119.372; Kansas City 123.744
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 4 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 3; 45
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-3); Over

Game 275-276: St. Louis at Cleveland (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 120.388; Cleveland 119.025
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 39
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 3; 42 1/2;
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+3); Under

Game 277-278: Houston at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 122.281; Denver 133.029
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10; 50
Vegas Line: Denver by 7; 46
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7); Over


SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 279-280: San Diego at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 115.806; San Francisco 124.394
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 8 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 42
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Under

Game 281-282: Cincinnati at Arizona (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 121.517; Arizona 120.477
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+2); Under




NFLX

Friday, August 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's Week 3 NFL preseason primer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the NFL preseason officially past the halfway mark, many teams will be giving their first-team offenses one final practice run before using the final game to evaluate existing positional battles. Here's a look at Friday's slate of games:

Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots (-5.5, 44.5)

* Expect to see Panthers quarterback Cam Newton look for Kelvin Benjamin plenty against the Patriots, after the rookie wide receiver had two catches for 41 yards last week against Kansas City and nearly hauled in a long pass for a touchdown. Head coach Ron Rivera is reportedly expected to play the starters less than he did against the Chiefs.

* Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn't share Rivera's view on playing time heading into the third game of the preseaon; he's expected to give Tom Brady and the rest of the starters at least one half of action, and likely more. Keep an eye on running back Steven Ridley, who fumbled last week and is on a short leash due to problems hanging on to the ball last season.

New York Giants at New York Jets (EVEN, 42.5)

* The Giants are a mess at left tackle going into the game, with starter Will Beatty expected to see just 20 snaps in his recovery from a broken leg and backups Charles Brown and James Brewer both expected to miss the game. It's just the latest in a series of concerns for the Giants' fledgling first-team offense, which has looked dreadful through the first three exhibition games.

* Word out of New York is that the quarterback competition between incumbent Geno Smith and newcomer Michael Vick remains close, meaning either player could make a convincing case for the starting job with a strong showing Friday. The Jets own a 24-20-1 advantage in the all-time preseason series between the teams, including a 24-21 overtime triumph a year ago.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions (-3, 44.5)

* The quarterback situation in Jacksonville remains up in the air; rookie Blake Bortles has only had to face opponents' second- and third-team defenses but will finally see some first-team action in Detroit. The center position remains a major concern for the team, with Mike Brewster struggling and no one on the roster stepping up amid his stumbles.

* Superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson will finally make his preseason debut for the Lions after completing his recovery from offseason knee and finger surgeries. Detroit will also welcome back defensive end Ziggy Ansah, whose return from a shoulder injury should bolster a defensive line that has managed just one sack through the first two games.

Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers (-7, 43.5)

* Friday's game marks the return to Green Bay of big-play receiver James Jones, who joined the Raiders in the offseason following seven seasons with the Packers. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson anticipates Matt Schaub and the rest of the first-team offense getting extensive work in Green Bay, playing at least the entire first half and likely a good portion of the third quarter.

* Green Bay's first-team offense has been sensational through the first two preseason games, gaining 230 yards and 12 first downs while scoring 17 points in just 32 plays. Aaron Rodgers and Co. should feast on Oakland's suspect first-team defense, which has allowed opposing quarterbacks to go 14-for-16 for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (-7, 45)

* The Bears are expected to show off new wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who signed with the team last weekend; it isn't clear whether he'll line up with the first-team offense or get his reps in the second half. Chris Williams will return to kick return duties after missing last week's game against Jacksonville; a good showing Friday could land him the starting role for Week 1.

* The Seahawks are hoping to get a more extensive look at wide receiver Percy Harvin, who played just one snap in the first preseason game but had four catches on five targets for 31 yards against San Diego last week. Safety Kam Chancellor is still recovering from offseason hip surgery, but is said to be close to 100 percent and may see action Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday, August 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Jacksonville - 7:30 PM ET Detroit -3 500

Detroit - Over 44.5 500


Carolina - 7:30 PM ET Carolina +6 500

New England - Under 45.5 500


N.Y. Giants - 7:30 PM ET N.Y. Giants +1 500

N.Y. Jets - Under 43.5 500


Oakland - 8:00 PM ET Green Bay -7 500

Green Bay - Under 43.5 500


Chicago - 10:00 PM ET Seattle -7 500

Seattle - Over 45 500

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 3

Oakland at Green Bay
The Packers split their first two preseason contests on the road, losing at Tennessee (20-16) in the opener and winning at St. Louis (21-7) last week.. Tonight, Green Bay returns home to Lambeau Field to host the Oakland Raiders. Green Bay is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Packers favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7). Here are all of this week's NFL preseason picks

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Game 253-254: Jacksonville at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 119.913; Detroit 119.628
Dunkel Line: Even; 40
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+3); Under

Game 255-256: Carolina at New England (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 120.647; New England 127.834
Dunkel Line: New England by 7; 41
Vegas Line: New England by 5 1/2; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-5 1/2); Under

Game 257-258: NY Giants at NY Jets (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 123.112; NY Jets 120.310
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 3; 38
Vegas Line: Pick; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants; Under

Game 259-260: Oakland at Green Bay (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 117.593; Green Bay 127.752
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 10; 39
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 7; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7); Under

Game 261-262: Chicago at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 123.063; Seattle 114.292
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 4; 49
Vegas Line: Seattle by 7; 45
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Over


SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 263-264: Tampa Bay at Buffalo (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 117.388; Buffalo 117.265
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+3); Under

Game 265-266: Dallas at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.629; Miami 122.375
Dunkel Line: Miami by 5 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Miami by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3); Under

Game 267-268: Tennessee at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 117.683; Atlanta 123.237
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 3; 44
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-3). Under

Game 269-270: Washington at Baltimore (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 129.374; Baltimore 128.615
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 48
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Over

Game 271-272: New Orleans at Indianapolis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.133; Indianapolis 120.404
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+2 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: Minnesota at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 119.372; Kansas City 123.744
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 4 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 3; 45
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-3); Over

Game 275-276: St. Louis at Cleveland (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 120.388; Cleveland 119.025
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 39
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 3; 42 1/2;
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+3); Under

Game 277-278: Houston at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 122.281; Denver 133.029
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10; 50
Vegas Line: Denver by 7; 46
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7); Over


SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 279-280: San Diego at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 115.806; San Francisco 124.394
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 8 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 42
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Under

Game 281-282: Cincinnati at Arizona (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 121.517; Arizona 120.477
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+2); Under




NFLX

Friday, August 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's Week 3 NFL preseason primer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the NFL preseason officially past the halfway mark, many teams will be giving their first-team offenses one final practice run before using the final game to evaluate existing positional battles. Here's a look at Friday's slate of games:

Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots (-5.5, 44.5)

* Expect to see Panthers quarterback Cam Newton look for Kelvin Benjamin plenty against the Patriots, after the rookie wide receiver had two catches for 41 yards last week against Kansas City and nearly hauled in a long pass for a touchdown. Head coach Ron Rivera is reportedly expected to play the starters less than he did against the Chiefs.

* Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn't share Rivera's view on playing time heading into the third game of the preseaon; he's expected to give Tom Brady and the rest of the starters at least one half of action, and likely more. Keep an eye on running back Steven Ridley, who fumbled last week and is on a short leash due to problems hanging on to the ball last season.

New York Giants at New York Jets (EVEN, 42.5)

* The Giants are a mess at left tackle going into the game, with starter Will Beatty expected to see just 20 snaps in his recovery from a broken leg and backups Charles Brown and James Brewer both expected to miss the game. It's just the latest in a series of concerns for the Giants' fledgling first-team offense, which has looked dreadful through the first three exhibition games.

* Word out of New York is that the quarterback competition between incumbent Geno Smith and newcomer Michael Vick remains close, meaning either player could make a convincing case for the starting job with a strong showing Friday. The Jets own a 24-20-1 advantage in the all-time preseason series between the teams, including a 24-21 overtime triumph a year ago.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions (-3, 44.5)

* The quarterback situation in Jacksonville remains up in the air; rookie Blake Bortles has only had to face opponents' second- and third-team defenses but will finally see some first-team action in Detroit. The center position remains a major concern for the team, with Mike Brewster struggling and no one on the roster stepping up amid his stumbles.

* Superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson will finally make his preseason debut for the Lions after completing his recovery from offseason knee and finger surgeries. Detroit will also welcome back defensive end Ziggy Ansah, whose return from a shoulder injury should bolster a defensive line that has managed just one sack through the first two games.

Oakland Raiders at Green Bay Packers (-7, 43.5)

* Friday's game marks the return to Green Bay of big-play receiver James Jones, who joined the Raiders in the offseason following seven seasons with the Packers. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson anticipates Matt Schaub and the rest of the first-team offense getting extensive work in Green Bay, playing at least the entire first half and likely a good portion of the third quarter.

* Green Bay's first-team offense has been sensational through the first two preseason games, gaining 230 yards and 12 first downs while scoring 17 points in just 32 plays. Aaron Rodgers and Co. should feast on Oakland's suspect first-team defense, which has allowed opposing quarterbacks to go 14-for-16 for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (-7, 45)

* The Bears are expected to show off new wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who signed with the team last weekend; it isn't clear whether he'll line up with the first-team offense or get his reps in the second half. Chris Williams will return to kick return duties after missing last week's game against Jacksonville; a good showing Friday could land him the starting role for Week 1.

* The Seahawks are hoping to get a more extensive look at wide receiver Percy Harvin, who played just one snap in the first preseason game but had four catches on five targets for 31 yards against San Diego last week. Safety Kam Chancellor is still recovering from offseason hip surgery, but is said to be close to 100 percent and may see action Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 3

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 263-264: Tampa Bay at Buffalo (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 117.388; Buffalo 117.265
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+3); Under

Game 265-266: Dallas at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.629; Miami 122.375
Dunkel Line: Miami by 5 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Miami by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3); Under

Game 267-268: Tennessee at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 117.683; Atlanta 123.237
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 3; 44
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-3). Under

Game 269-270: Washington at Baltimore (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 129.374; Baltimore 128.615
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 48
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Over

Game 271-272: New Orleans at Indianapolis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.133; Indianapolis 120.404
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 52
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+2 1/2); Over

Game 273-274: Minnesota at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 119.372; Kansas City 123.744
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 4 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 3; 45
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-3); Over

Game 275-276: St. Louis at Cleveland (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 120.388; Cleveland 119.025
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 39
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 3; 42 1/2;
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+3); Under

Game 277-278: Houston at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 122.281; Denver 133.029
Dunkel Line: Denver by 10; 50
Vegas Line: Denver by 7; 46
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7); Over


SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 279-280: San Diego at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 115.806; San Francisco 124.394
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 8 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 42
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Under

Game 281-282: Cincinnati at Arizona (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 121.517; Arizona 120.477
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Preseason Tips

August 22, 2014

Buccaneers at Bills (-3, 41 ½) – 4:30 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
TB: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS
BUF: 1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS

Preseason review: Tampa Bay’s offense has been nearly non-existent in two preseason losses to Jacksonville and Miami, scoring just 24 points. The Bucs have lost six of their past seven exhibition contests, while tallying 17 points or fewer six times in this stretch. The Bills are finally playing at home following three games away from Western New York, including last week’s 19-16 defeat at Pittsburgh as a short underdog. Buffalo’s defense has looked solid, allowing 19 points or less in each contest.

Previous preseason meeting: First preseason matchup

Cowboys at Dolphins (-3 ½, 46 ½) – 7:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
DAL: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS
MIA: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS

Preseason review: The Dolphins fell short in their preseason opener at Atlanta, 16-10, but bounced back last week with an impressive 20-14 triumph at Tampa Bay as a 2 ½-point underdog. The Cowboys continue to have their issues defensively after giving up 37 points in last week’s seven-point home defeat to the Ravens. Dallas has dropped five of its past six preseason contests, while scoring seven points or fewer in three of the last five exhibition games.

Previous preseason meeting: Cowboys defeated Dolphins, 30-13 as 2 ½-point home favorites in 2012.

Titans at Falcons (-3 ½, 44) – 7:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
TEN: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS
ATL: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS

Preseason review: One week after holding off Green Bay in a driving rainstorm, the Titans fell at New Orleans, 31-24 as three-point underdogs. Tennessee has seen the ‘over’ hit in four of the past six exhibition games, while posting an 0-3 SU/ATS record in its last three preseason road tilts. The Falcons were destroyed at Houston last week, 32-7 while getting outscored 19-0 in the second half. Atlanta has struggled in the preseason the last few years, posting a 2-12 SU and 4-10 ATS record since 2011.

Previous preseason meeting: Titans beat Falcons, 27-16 as three-point home favorites in 2013.

Redskins at Ravens (-2 ½, 43 ½) – 7:30 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
WSH: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS
BAL: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS

Preseason review: The Redskins benefited from a Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play of Monday’s 24-23 victory over the Browns as two-point home favorites, while the ‘over’ of 41 ½ cashed. The Ravens cruised past the 49ers in the preseason opener, 23-3, then outlasted the Cowboys in Dallas last week, 37-30. Baltimore built a 27-10 lead over Dallas before the Cowboys got as close as four points in the final five minutes of regulation.

Previous preseason meeting: Ravens beat Redskins, 34-31 as four-point home favorites in 2011.

Saints at Colts (-2 ½, 47) – 8:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
NO: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS
IND: 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS

Preseason review: The Colts have gone 0-for-New York in two preseason contests, losing to the Jets and Giants. Last week’s defeat to the Giants was an epic meltdown, blowing a 26-0 advantage before allowing 27 unanswered points in the fourth quarter of a 27-26 loss as one-point home favorites. The Saints have looked solid through two victories over the Rams and Titans, while each game easily went ‘over’ the total. New Orleans has covered eight consecutive preseason games, as the Saints own a 5-1 straight-up record in their past six exhibition contests.

Previous preseason meeting: Colts beat Saints, 27-14 as 3 ½-point road favorites in 2006.

Vikings at Chiefs (-4, 45) – 8:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
MIN: 2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS
KC: 1-1 SU, 0-1-1 ATS

Preseason review: The Vikings have squeezed out two home wins over the Raiders and Cardinals, as rookie Teddy Bridgewater led Minnesota on the game-winning touchdown drive against Arizona in a 30-28 victory last week. The Chiefs outlasted the Bengals in the preseason opener, 41-39 at home, but followed up with a clunker at Carolina, falling to the Panthers as three-point road underdogs, 28-16.

Previous preseason meeting: Vikings beat Chiefs, 17-13 as three-point home favorites in 2009.

Rams at Browns (-2 ½, 43 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
STL: 0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS
CLE: 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS

Preseason review: The Browns have failed to win a preseason game, while rookie Johnny Manziel has not taken control of the quarterback position for Cleveland. Manziel is 14-of-27 passing in a pair of one-point defeats to the Lions and Redskins, while Cleveland covered in Monday’s 24-23 loss at Washington in the final seconds. The Rams have lost each of their first two home contests to the Saints and Packers, as St. Louis owns a 1-5 SU/ATS in its previous six preseason games.

Previous preseason meeting: Browns beat Rams, 27-19 as 3 ½-point home favorites in 2013.

Texans at Broncos (-7, 46) – 9:00 PM EST

2014 Preseason Records:
HOU: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS
DEN: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS

Preseason review: The Broncos knocked off the top two teams in the NFC, the Seahawks and 49ers to begin the preseason at 2-0. Denver opened up San Francisco’s new stadium with a 34-0 shutout of the 49ers to easily cash as four-point road underdogs. The Texans have been involved in a pair of blowouts, getting blanked at Arizona, 32-0, but followed that embarrassment up with a 32-7 rout of the Falcons at home.

Previous preseason meeting: Texans beat Broncos, 19-16 as three-point home favorites in 2008.

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX

Saturday, August 23

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's Week 3 NFL preseason primer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bulk of the NFL's Week 3 preseason action takes place Saturday night, highlighted by a showdown of top-tier quarterbacks in Indianapolis and the defending AFC champions at home to last year's worst team. Here's a look at betting notes for Saturday's eight-game schedule:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills (-3, 41.5)

* The Buccaneers went with a predominantly no-huddle attack with the first-team offense last week in a loss to the Miami Dolphins and offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford is expected to do the same Saturday versus Buffalo. The defense has been tasked with learning a version of the Tampa 2 defense - one designed to create turnovers - but has forced just one so far and is expected to ratchet up the pressure Saturday.

* Buffalo's first-team offense has moved the ball remarkably well through the first two preseason games - four of the team's five drives went for at least nine plays - but the Bills are a woeful 0-for-5 in the red zone and will look to break the goose-egg against Tampa Bay. It's unclear whether Buffalo will have wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who is nursing a rib injury and may sit out as a precaution.

Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins (-3, 46.5)

* Unlike most teams, who comfortably play their starters into the third quarter of the third preseason game, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett plans to limit quarterback Tony Romo - making his return from offseason back surgery - to no more than two quarters against the Dolphins. Romo took 14 snaps in last week's game against Baltimore, his first action of the preseason, and Garrett predicts Romo may get around the same Saturday.

* The Miami running back situation should be a little clearer after Saturday's game, with Knowshon Moreno returning from a knee injury and expected to see significant action as he looks to usurp Lamar Miller as the team's feature back. A groin injury to Caleb Sturgis has opened the door for backup kicker John Potter, who nailed a pair of long field goals last week and is in position to challenge for the starting role.

Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 44)

* The starting running back job appears to be Shonn Greene's to lose - at least heading into Week 1 - as rookie Bishop Sankey continues to struggle with a fumbling problem that has plagued him since the beginning of training camp. Both should see plenty of action Saturday. A finger injury to backup QB Charlie Whitehurst will likely result in rookie Zach Mettenberger playing nearly the entire second half in relief of Jake Locker.

* Atlanta's first-team units will look to bounce back after a dreadful showing against the Houston Texans last week, one in which the starting offense ended each of its four drives with punts and the defense allowed a lengthy touchdown drive. Rookie Jake Matthews will make his debut as the starting left tackle and will be looking to hang onto the job after struggling for most of the preseason.

Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5, 43.5)

* The focus on offense will be on the performance of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, who has moved the ball effectively through the exhibition season but has struggled mightily in the red zone and is still working on not taking big hits when he carries it himself. Pass rusher Jason Hatcher will make his debut with Washington after being limited throughout the preseason in his recovery from knee surgery.

* The Ravens are expected to give running back Bernard Pierce an extended look Saturday in hopes of preparing him for the lead role he'll assume while regular starter Ray Rice serves a season-opening two-game suspension. With Baltimore's top three defensive backs out with injuries, Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks will be asked to step up against one of the more formidable receiving corps in football.

New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts (-2.5, 47)

* It's unclear how the Saints plan to employ their three-headed rushing attack against Indianapolis as Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson are all expected to get a fair share of work as head coach Sean Payton figures out how to split the carries during the season. Drew Brees and the first-team offense played a whopping 37 snaps in the third preseason game in 2013, and will likely wind up with a similar total Saturday.

* Running back Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to see his first action since suffering a season-ending neck injury last September, and has a golden chance to cut into Trent Richardson's hold on the starting role as the incumbent is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry in the preseason. The Indianapolis defense has forced six punts on nine possessions in games against the Jets and Giants, but will find the going a lot tougher against the powerhouse Saints.

St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns (-2.5, 43.5)

* Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is expected to play the majority of his starters on offense and defense, though linebacker James Laurinaitis remains a question mark with an ankle injury and may be rested as a precaution. Four other key players - defensive tackle Michael Brockers (ankle), left tackle Jake Long (knee), guard Roger Saffold (neck) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins (hamstring) - will make their preseason debuts against the Browns.

* Now that the quarterback pecking order is set, Cleveland fans know exactly what to expect Saturday night - anointed starter Brian Hoyer will likely play the entire first half and at least the opening series of the third quarter, while rookies Johnny Manziel and Connor Shaw will likely handle the remainder of the snaps. Starting running back Ben Tate has looked solid in camp, and can create some separation atop the depth chart with a strong showing.

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5, 45)

* It likely won't come as a surprise to anyone, but the Vikings will rest starting running back Adrian Peterson for the third straight preseason game; Peterson hasn't started an exhibition contest since 2011, and is virtually guaranteed to miss the preseason finale, as well. Four players for the Vikings will miss the game, including cornerback Jabari Price (arm) and linebacker Brandon Watts (lower leg).

* The Kansas City defense will look to return to a more disciplined style of play Saturday night after racking up 13 penalties for 131 yards against Carolina last weekend; the Chiefs had just four penalties for 32 yards in the opener against Carolina. Kansas City offensive tackle Donald Stephenson is expected to remain in the lineup, but he has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (-7, 46)

* All eyes will be on second-year Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has improved dramatically in training camp and could see an increased workload alongside No. 1 wideout Andre Johnson. Reserve running back Jonathan Grimes began training camp well back on the depth chart, but has excelled to the point where he is now the unquestioned No. 2 behind Arian Foster and can strengthen his hold on the role Saturday.

* The Broncos are expected to get stronger on both sides of the ball Saturday, with a pair of key players making their preseason debuts against the Texans. Linebacker Von Miller will likely see significant action in his first appearance since suffering an ACL tear in his right knee against Houston last December, while running back Montee Ball makes his return after undergoing an appendectomy earlier this month.

 

[CNOTES]

NFL

Saturday, August 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Tampa Bay 24 2nd end Tampa Bay +3 500


Buffalo 0 Under 41.5 50


Tennessee - 7:00 PM ET Tennessee +3 500

Atlanta - Under 44 500


Dallas - 7:00 PM ET Miami -3 500

Miami - Over 46.5 500


Washington - 7:30 PM ET Washington +2.5 500

Baltimore - Under 43.5 500


St. Louis - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis +2.5 500

Cleveland - Over 43.5 500


New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans +2.5 500

Indianapolis - Over 47 500


Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota +3 500

Kansas City - Over 45 500


Houston - 9:00 PM ET Denver -7 500

Denver - Over 46 500

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 3

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 279-280: San Diego at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 115.806; San Francisco 124.394
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 8 1/2; 37
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 42
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-6 1/2); Under

Game 281-282: Cincinnati at Arizona (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 121.517; Arizona 120.477
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX

Sunday, August 24


Underdog the star in preseason Saturday

The underdog went 7-1 against the spread in the eight preseason NFL games Saturday, good enough for a winning percentage of 87.5.

The lone favorite to cover the spread Saturday was the Baltimore Ravens, who defeated the Washington Redskins 23-17 and covered as 2.5-point home favorites.

The big day at the betting window improved the underdog's record to 25-21-1 thus far in the preseason.

There are a pair of games on the board Sunday, with the San Diego Chargers currently 6-point road faves at the San Francisco 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals traveling to face the Arizona Cardinals as 2.5-point road dogs.

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday's Tip Sheet

August 24, 2014

Week 3 of the NFL preseason comes to a close on Sunday with a pair of televised matchups. These games are often called the “dress rehearsal” matchups for both teams as coaches play their starters for the majority of the first-half and sometimes into the final two quarters as well.

Oddsmakers have made both home teams favorites and that shouldn’t be surprising considering the trend in this year’s preseason. Through the first 36 games, the home team has produced a 31-15 record and that number could be even better but the visitors showed some fight on Saturday with a 6-2 mark.

According to our database, favorites have gone 29-18 straight up but the underdogs have prevailed to a 25-21-1 record against the spread. The extra result includes the Hall of Fame Game. Total bettors have seen a few more ‘over’ winners recently but the ‘under’ holds a 28-18-1 advantage thus far.

San Diego at San Francisco (FOX, 4:00 p.m. ET)

2014 Preseason Records:
Chargers (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U)
49ers (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS, 0-2 O/U)

Preseason Notes:
-- The Chargers pasted the Cowboys 27-7 as 3 ½-point home favorites in Week 1 of the preseason but were blasted 41-14 by the Seahawks in Week 2 as six-point road underdogs.

-- The 49ers have been humbled twice in the preseason, losing 23-3 at Baltimore in Week 1 before getting trounced last Sunday at home to Denver, 34-0.

Betting Odds:
San Francisco opened as a six-point home favorite and the number has held steady all week. The total is hovering between 41 ½ and 42 points.

Preseason Tips:

Tony Stoffo - San Francisco has seen the UNDER be the right play on both of their first two preseason games the past two years – while just the opposite is true as in their dress rehearsal game and final preseason game the OVER was the winning play. Making for a solid 8-0 run for us to look forward to this year.

Bruce Marshall – Head coach Jim Harbaugh is 4-0 both SU and ATS vs. line in games 3 & 4 past two years. Some urgency to get offense moving and lots more of Kaepernick this week. Although issues remain on right side of OL, they face a Chargers rush defense that has been absolutely woeful thus far (5.6 ypc). And Bolts running dangerously short of healthy D-linemen. Even though both were played in Week 4 of the preseason, the 49ers have beaten Bolts combined 71-9 in preseason games past two years.

Cincinnati at Arizona (NBC, 8:00 p.m. ET)

2014 Preseason Records:
Bengals (0-2 SU, 0-1-1 ATS, 2-0 O/U)
Cardinals (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS, 1-1 O/U)

Preseason Notes:
-- The Bengals have come up short in both of their preseason games this August, losing at the Chiefs 41-39 in Week 1 on the road and 25-17 to the N.Y. Jets at home last Saturday.

-- The Cardinals are coming off a 30-28 setback to the Vikings last Saturday as 4 ½-point road underdogs. In Week 1, the defense played much better at home as Arizona posted a 32-0 shutout over Houston.

Betting Odds:
Arizona opened as a two-point favorite and it’s now laying 2 ½-points at most betting shops. The total is listed at 43.

Preseason Tips:

James Manos - This game has all the feeling of a low-scoring defensive battle. Both of these teams sport quality defenses and face offenses that will encounter matchup problems. Cincinnati has been getting good QB play from Andy Dalton but they've had some issues at the WR position and will be facing perhaps the 2nd most talented secondary in the NFL. Arizona has been getting mediocre QB play and Carson Palmer is a living statue in the pocket, he'll be facing a good Bengals pass rush. Starters are projected to play into the 3rd quarter for both clubs and when the backups come in neither backup QB scares me.

The Gold Sheet – Head coach Bruce Arians of Arizona seems to like the preseason, with his teams now 5-1 vs. the spread in exhibition play in his first two years. I expect that Arizona QB Carson Palmer wants to perform well against his longtime previous team, Cincinnati.

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday, August 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount


San Diego - 4:00 PM ET San Diego +5.5 500

San Francisco - Over 41.5 500


Cincinnati - 8:00 PM ET Arizona -2.5 500

Arizona - Under 42.5 500

 

[CNOTES]

2014 NFC Season Preview

August 25, 2014


2014 NFC Season Preview

The Times Are A Changing

The NFC has long been the stepchild conference in the NFL … until lately.

Looking back, since 1990 the AFC holds a 757-712-3 SU and 722-698-52 ATS edge over the NFC in head-to-head non-conference competition. Over the last three years, however, the NFC is closing ground – fast.

That’s confirmed by a flip-flopped 87-108 SU and 90-97-8 ATS mark by the AFC over the NFC in these contests over the last three seasons.

Initial thought was a lot of the recent numbers correlate to the recent uprising of the NFC West. Not true. The NFC South has actually held the upper hand the past three seasons in these non-conference clashes, sporting a division best 30-18 SU and 26-21-1 mark.

The NFC West is right behind the South at 30-20 SU and 28-19-3 ATS. Meanwhile, the slowly deteriorating NFC East brings up the rear at 22-27 SU and 21-27-1 ATS in these matchups.

Over Blown

Speaking of non-conference tilts, the high-scoring NFL last season set a benchmark record in these games in the Over/Under totals.

Games involving these two opposite conference foes went 50-15 ‘OVER’ the in head-to-head competition.

Games in which the Over/Under total was set at 41 or fewer points flew ‘OVER’ 14 of the 16 times.

Quick Outs

-- Since the American Professional Football Association became the National Football League in 1922, the Chicago Bears are the only team not to change its name or city.

-- The Dallas Cowboys haven’t played in Dallas since 1971.

-- The St. Louis Rams were the first team in the league to use logos on their helmets.

NFC East Division

DALLAS

TEAM THEME: TICK, TICK, TICK…
This much we know for sure about Jerry Jones. If he didn't have a strong ticker, he would be sitting alongside Tom Landry watching Cowboys games from afar. It wasn't bad enough for Jones to endure three consecutive 8-win seasons in which 15 of the 24 losses came by a touchdown or less – including an astonishing five losses by a field goal or less last year. JJ was also forced to live through the discomfiture of knowing a win in any of the last three season finales would have resulted in a playoff berth. Talk about taxing the heart. The question begs: how long will he keep head coach Jason Garrett on the sidelines? Dallas' woes are certainly not the fault of the offense. It's the defense that keeps Jones up at night popping nitroglycerin. Ranked dead-last in the league in 2013, crippling news came on the first day of the OTA's this spring when LB Sean Lee, the leader of the defense, injured his knee. Coupled with the departure of Pro Bowl DE Demarcus Ware to Denver, a cardiologist is standing by. With reliable TE Jason Witten back as one of Tony Romo's favorite targets, the QB's full recovery from surgery on a herniated disk is imperative. As bad as Romo's injury was, it's clearly better than the triple bypass Jones has avoided the last few years.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Cowboys are 2-12 SU and 3-11 ATS in Game Sixteen since 2000, the worst in the NFL.

NEW YORK GIANTS

TEAM THEME: 39 STEPS
When your season starts atop a banana peel, there is little else one can do other than to prepare for the fall. And fall they did. Mightily. A 0-6 start for the first time since 1976 put the Giants in a hole from which they were never able to recover. So how is it, you ask, that a team who improved its defense 50 YPG on the season missed out on the playoffs? Just ask QB Eli Manning, who endured a career-high 39 sacks last year, requiring ankle surgery in the off-season. Consequently, he tossed a league-high 27 INT’s while finishing the season with a career-low 69.4 QB Rating. The results were an offense that slipped 48 YPG. To help shore things up on the attack side, New York selected WR Odell Beckham (LSU) with its 1st-round pick in this year's draft. He'll certainly push Victor Cruz and recently re-acquired Mario Manningham for starting honors. On the defensive front, Tom Coughlin picked up Walter Thurmond from the Super Bowl champs and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Denver, but will need a return to form from Jason Pierre-Paul (16.5 sacks in 2011). Rest assured, Eli was busy viewing plenty of film in the off-season. For what it's worth, don't offer up a viewing of Alfred Hitchcock's classic, ‘The 39 Steps’ to Manning anytime soon. He'll likely run for cover.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Giants are 1-6 ATS all-time as favorites vs. the AFC South.

PHILADELPHIA

TEAM THEME: SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE AIR
As promised, the Eagles came with everything they had en route to winning 10 games in Chip Kelly’s NFL debut last season. Aside from setting franchise records on offense for points, TD’s and total yards, Philadelphia's questionable defense also managed to hold two foes (Chicago and Detroit) to season-low yards late in the season. Imagine what happens if continued improvement is met on both sides of the ball this year? First-round pick DE Marcus Smith was an outstanding pass rusher at Louisville, and should make the transition to LB in Kelly's 3-4 defense. The offense brings in WR’s Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff (former Kelly pupil from Oregon), high picks in this year's draft for emerging QB Nick Foles – who lit up the airwaves with the top QB Rating in the league last year (119.2) on 29 TD’s and 2 INT’s. Along with the return of Jeremy Maclin, who missed all of 2013 with a torn ACL after posting three straight seasons of over 800 yards receiving, DeSean Jackson's departure should prove to be a moot point by season's end. Add in dynamic Darren Sproles for a change of pace in the backfield with superstar LeSean McCoy, and Kelly's offense should be more prolific than ever. When it comes to preparing a game plan, no coach in the league is more thorough than the frenetic Kelly. The man never tires.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Chip Kelly is 20-1 SU away versus either college conference or NFL division foes in his career.

WASHINGTON

TEAM THEME: RG YEAR III
Like the Browns, the Redskins cycle through head coaches like Lance Armstrong manufactures lies, with Jay Gruden the 9th new Washington coach since 1999. It's what happens when you've had only three winning seasons post 1999. And it's what happened to Mike Shanahan after going 24-40 in his tenure with Dan Snyder. Last year's drop-off (from 10 wins to 3) was dramatic, yet understandable. RGIII hit the sophomore wall before bowing out with another knee injury after 13 games – while the team coughed up 34 turnovers as opposed to 16 in 2012. A season-ending 8-game losing streak was the topper, especially given the fact they actually outgained foes 22 YPG in the process. No one works harder than Griffin, the 2012 Rookie Of The Year, who poured in many hours during the offseason to fine-tune his game. If Griffin is right, Gruden can expect the passing game to be back on track with newly acquired DeSean Jackson lining up opposite Pierre Garcon, and the return from injury of emerging TE Jordan Reed. The defense is led by Brian Orakpo at OLB, while Jason Hatcher comes over from Dallas to join Barry Cofield on the defensive line after recording 11 sacks last season for the Cowboys. Should it all come together, look for the Hogs to be sneaky-good in a tough-as-nails division in 2014.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Redskins last division title was in 1999.

NFC North Division

CHICAGO

TEAM THEME: AFTER THE LOVIN'
With sophomore head coach Marc Trestman now firmly entrenched in the Windy City, he'll be hoping to do exactly what his predecessor, Lovie Smith, did in his 2nd year on the job – take his team to the playoffs. Anything less will be a disappointment for a team that has averaged more than 9.5 wins per season the last nine years. To do so, the Bears will need to do a better job down the stretch as they’re just 6-12 SU and 5-12-1 ATS during the final six games of the season the last three years. It all starts with the defense, one that slipped dramatically last season (-80 YPG). As a result, out goes Julius Peppers; in comes DE Jared Allen from Minnesota and LB D.J. Williams from Denver. On the other side of the ball, the offense improved 72 YPG and welcomes back the entire OL that started all 16 games last year. The pieces are in place, should they stay healthy. And speaking of which, what to do should oft-injured QB Jay Cutler become sidelined once again? Watch David Fales from San Jose State, Chicago's 6th round choice in this year's draft. The word is QB guru-coach Terry Shea insists Fales has all the tools and is the real deal. Remember, you read it here.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Bears are 14-6 SU in their first four games of the season since 2009.

DETROIT

TEAM THEME: THE SAME OLD SONG
For the second-year in a row, the Lions managed to dominate in the stats, yet end the season on the losing side of the ledger. Despite the statistical anomaly, Jim Schwartz was dispatched (now DC at Buffalo) in favor of Jim Caldwell, former Colts boss. Caldwell is widely recognized as a quarterback guru, having worked with Peyton Manning and Joe Flacco among others. Lions QB Matthew Stafford figures to benefit from Caldwell's tutoring. And with Detroit having slowly built a competitive team by developing its No.1 draft choices over the years, this outfit could well be a sleeper. Looking back, the Lions have stockpiled the likes of WR Calvin Johnson in 2007, Stafford and TE Brandon Pettigrew in 2009, along with defensive linemen Ndamakong Suh, Nick Fairley and Ziggy Ansah in three of the previous four drafts – not to mention stud LT Riley Reiff in 2012. Add in this year's top pick TE Eric Ebron from North Carolina, who could be a major contributor almost immediately in the Lions' two-tight end sets, and the talent is there. Toss in an offensive line that returns intact, along with a healthy RB in Reggie Bush, and just like that this could be the year of the Lion in the NFC North. Then again, this song has been sung over and over in recent years.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Lions will host only one team this season that owned a winning record last year.

GREEN BAY

TEAM THEME: ON THE MEND
Quick. Fill in the blank: Aaron Rodgers is to the Packers is what [blank] was to the Colts. Whether you answered Peyton Manning or Johnny Unitas, you get the picture. Much like Indianapolis' massive descent in 2011 when they went from a 12-time playoff squad to a 2-win team when Manning was injured and forced to miss the season, Green Bay got a taste of the same thing last season when Rodgers broke his collarbone in Game Eight of the campaign. After a 2-5-1 SU and 1-7 ATS slide, Rodgers returned to lead his troops to a season-ending, playoff clinching victory… keeping a 4-year playoff streak intact. Rodgers returns and with it, the Packers become the favorite to capture NFC North honors this season. Also returning from the injury list, on the other side of the ball, is stud LB Clay Matthews. Joining Matthews this year is perennial Pro Bowler Julius Peppers. Along with top draft pick FS Ha Ha Clinton Dix (can't wait to hear Marv Albert call that one…), Green Bay is making a concentrated effort to shore up its stop troops, knowing full well that 'defense' is a considered a foreign language inside this division. In other words, he who plays it best will likely capture the division crown.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: From 1939-2001 the Packers were 13-0 SU at home in playoff games. They've gone 2-5 since.

MINNESOTA

TEAM THEME: ZIM AND VIGOR
When the Vikings showed Leslie Frazier the door and inked former Cincinnati DC Mike Zimmer as their new boss, little did the spirited coach realize what he was biting off. Inheriting the worst scoring defense in the league (30.0 PPG) and a team that coughed up more than 400 yards on ten different occasions last year, Zimmer sees the cup as half-full. His blunt demeanor – he called Bobby Petrino a “gutless bastard” – was called out on HBO's 'Hard Knocks' during his stay with the Bengals. He lives by a great quote from Vince Lombardi, who said, “'If you grab your players' hearts, they'll follow you anywhere.” To which Zimmer says, "That's what I want to do. I want to grab these players' hearts and get them to follow me." Leading the charge will be star RB Adrian Peterson, who appears to be back in top form after suffering a myriad of injuries last year. He spearheads an offense that has seen its stats improve steadily each of the last three years. The biggest question mark is who will be behind center? It appears that Matt Cassel will get the nod at QB – at least to start the season – as Christian Ponder seems to have worn out his welcome, with rookie Teddy Bridgewater awaiting his turn. Meanwhile, the defense has a new look after losing stud DL Jared Allen.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Vikings will face only three teams that owned a winning record last season.

NFC South Division

ATLANTA

TEAM THEME: BIRDS IN FLIGHT
What a difference a year makes, especially to an injury-riddled NFL squad. QB Matt Ryan will have his full contingent of wideouts in place to start 2014, as Julio Jones returns from a foot injury that limited him to just five games last year. Meanwhile, Harry Douglas had a breakout season in his place, and the pair will join veteran Roddy White for the Falcons' receiving corps. The missing piece, of course, is TE Tony Gonzalez, who will now be in the CBS studio post-retirement. Steven Jackson was also limited by injuries last season, rushing for just 543 yards in 12 games, and could be pushed at some point by rookie Devonta Freeman out of Florida State. After picking up Osi Umenyiora from the Giants before last season, Mike Smith added to his defensive line during this offseason by grabbing free agents Paul Soliai from Miami and Tyson Jackson from KC before nabbing DT Ra'shede Hageman in the draft. But the biggest addition for the Dirty Birds might have been 1st-rounder Jake Matthews, who should step into the starting lineup immediately at RT. With seven losses coming by 7 or less points last season, and both Matty Ice and head coach Mike Smith in off their first-ever losing season since pairing up six years ago, the Falcons have the look of a mission team ready to fly. And to help matters, a soft non-conference slate features only two foes with winning records last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Falcons are 19-6 ATS at home with revenge under Mike Smith.

CAROLINA

TEAM THEME: CAM-O-FLAGE
Coming off a successful 12-4 campaign, you would expect most of last year's look to be the same, but you would be wrong. Sure, the offensive backfield will have a familiar feel, with QB Cam Newton back after off-season surgery, and some combination of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert toting the football. But while Greg Olson is back at TE, the rest of the offensive line is in complete flux, and Ron Rivera may have to employ LSU rookie G Trai Turner in the starting lineup. That's not to mention the Greg Hardy domestic mess turning into a PR disaster. Newton's receiving corps will be made up of free agents Jericho Cotchery and Jason Avant replacing Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell, plus FSU rookie Kelvin Benjamin working into the mix at some point. Defensively, Luke Kuechly is all over the field and is now one of the very best in the game. But who knows if Hardy (aka The Kraken) can settle his legal issues before the season gets underway? Rest assured, these Cats will look to rely on a stop-unit that ranked No. 2 in scoring defense (15.1 PPG) last year. Will it be enough to put them in back-to-back playoff years for the first time ever in franchise history? We think not.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: No team has ever repeated as division champion since the inception of the NFC South in 2002.

NEW ORLEANS

TEAM THEME: THE BEIGNETS ARE BACK
This is one of those teams that looks virtually the same as last year, and if you're a Saints fan that's a good thing. While rebounding from seven wins in 2012 to twelve victories last season, New Orleans made a dramatic reversal of fortune where it counted the most – on defense. New DC Rob Ryan's schemes met with a startling 139 YPG improvement. And to illustrate the impact Ryan had, the Saints' defense allowed ZERO opponents to gain season-high (or 2nd high) yardage last year, as opposed to coughing up the same number 11 times in 2012. To top it off, free agent DB Champ Bailey and 3-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd from the Bills have been added to shore up Ryan's secondary. On the flip side, 35-year old Drew Brees is getting longer in the tooth these days but instead of age, we see a savvy, experienced veteran primed to make a super run in 2014. An improved offensive line and a new toy in 1st-round pick WR Brandin Cooks (led the nation with 133 YPG at Oregon State last year) will help Brees forget about counting candles on his cake. With a schedule that finds none of their first seven opponents sporting a winning record last year, and only one of their eight road games against a winning opponent, look for the Saints to make a big push for conference honors this season.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Teams are 4-22 SUATS between the threes (+3 to -3) in games after facing the Saints since 2010.

TAMPA BAY

TEAM THEME: LOVIN' IT
When last season ended, the Bucs gave the boot to HC Greg Schiano and brought in Lovie Smith. And with him comes a new recipe for success. That's because, after a 5-11 season in his first season with Chicago in 2004, Lovie's Bears averaged almost 10 wins per season thereafter. Coming over with Smith is former Chicago backup QB Josh McCown, whose 13 TD's and 1 INT last season earned him a sparkling QB Rating of 109.0. He'll look to spark an offense that gained the fewest amount of yards in the league (2,820) last season. Also back is RB Doug Martin who, after a monster rookie campaign in 2012, will attempt to make a comeback from a torn labrum that ended his season last year after just six games. The receiving corps should be large and in charge, as 6'5” draft choices Mike Evans (Texas A&M) and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Washington) join veteran Vincent Jackson in the aerial attack. New DC Leslie Frazier loses CB Darrelle Revis but welcomes back LB Lavonte David, who has become one of the NFL's top defensive players with 219 solo tackles in his first two seasons. A soft schedule featuring only three opponents with winning records last year paves the way for a new love-in by the Bay beginning this year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Teams who finished last, or tied for last, have won the NFC South 11 years in a row the following season.

NFC West Division

ARIZONA

TEAM THEME: HEADED TO THE PROMISED LAND
After surprising the league with 10 wins in his first season with the Cardinals last year, Bruce Arians will be looking to buck a bit of history in 2014. That's because the last three times the Arizona managed to avoid a sub .500 season, they reverted back to their losing ways each year thereafter – going 5-11, 4-12 and 6-10. So what's in the cards for the Cards this season, you ask? It all starts with Arians, a starting QB at Virginia Tech and former offensive coordinator with both Alabama and the 2008 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, who infused life into a lethargic offense and is promising even more 2014. Not finished there, he immediately went to work in the offseason repairing the secondary with 1st-round SS Deone Bucannon and free-agent signee Antonio Cromartie. Playing alongside Patrick Peterson instantly upgrades the defense. If dangerous Tyrann Mathieu can also return from the serious knee injury that ended his breakout rookie season, the secondary will be a source of pride. Coincidentally, Zona's new-look offense improved 83 YPG, cracking the 400-yard plateau for the first time since 2009 (four times). Along with a defense that was 21 YPG better last year than in 2012, we say move over Seattle and San Fran, there's a new guy in the neighborhood and in these parts they call him the Boss. B-R-U-C-E…

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: Arians is 16-3 SU and 15-2-2 ATS as an NFL head coach versus sub .600 opponents.

ST. LOUIS

TEAM THEME: A NEW LISTING
After taking over a team in 2012 that averaged three wins a season the previous five years, Jeff Fisher has clearly brought the Rams back to respectability, despite residing in the challenging NFC West. However, respectable doesn't cut it in the Fisher household. Not for a coach that has suffered only seven losing seasons in 18 full years as a head coach in the NFL. After winning the NFC West in 2012, St. Louis tumbled to 1-5 in the division last year. With that, Fisher went to work, putting together a huge draft this spring. Two 1st-rounders should start immediately as Greg Robinson will bookend the offensive line opposite Jake Long, while Aaron Donald should jump right in at defensive tackle. In addition, two other selections should contribute sooner rather than later in CB LaMarcus Joyner from FSU and RB Tre Mason from Auburn. QB Sam Bradford is out for the year and while the receiving contingent is small, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis and Tavon Austin are lightning-quick and can certainly stretch the field. The biggest hurdle this year will be taking on the 3rd toughest strength of schedule in the league, with no less than 10 games against foes that finished with a winning record last season. It's what comes from living in the high-priced neighborhood they do.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Rams are 1-31 SU and 7-25 ATS as division home dogs of 3 or more points.

SAN FRANCISCO

TEAM THEME: GOLD DIGGERS
Okay, before we begin here's another of our famous bar bets guaranteed to have your designated-driver working overtime: name the only two teams in the NFL that ran more plays than they passed last year. If you guessed San Francisco and… Seattle… you're a winner! Of course, a good part of the answer lies in the legs of each team's quarterback, Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson, who are scramblers supreme. Once again, Kaepernick has a wealth of veteran talent to work with as Stevie Johnson (Buffalo) and Brandon Lloyd (New England) join standout receivers Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. And that doesn’t even include star TE Vernon Davis – nor did we mention rookie WR Bruce Ellington. Same story at RB where the 1-2 punch of Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter has been entrenched for several seasons, but could be challenged by 2014 2nd-round draft choice Carlos Hyde and the possible return to health of Marcus Lattimore, who sat out last season with the knee injury he suffered in his last year at South Carolina. Star LB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith headline a defense that's been Top 10 every year since Jim Harbaugh's arrival. Yes, there sure is a lot to like about the Niners as, according to Aldon Smith, this team is loaded… in more ways than one.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The last time San Francisco won a Super Bowl was 20 years ago.

SEATTLE

TEAM THEME: TAG, YOU'RE IT
It can be said that Super Bowl champions are often built by giving up future luxuries in order to win right now… such is the case with the Seahawks. Their first draft pick in this year's draft was #45 after trading down, and they had just three of the first 108 selections. Will it affect this year’s talent-laden roster? Hardly, as there are not many weak links to be found. It's hard to feel sorry for a defense that has three Pro Bowlers returning in the secondary, and an offensive attack that adds a playmaker to the full-time lineup in perennial Pro Bowler Percy Harvin, who missed most of the season. The 12th man should be ready to raise some hell once again, especially after winning 17 of 18 home games the past two seasons. But before he prepares to lose his voice, it should be noted that Super Bowl winners have had a tough row to hoe the following year – just ask the Ravens and Giants the past two seasons – as they become the top priority game on each opponent's schedule. Then there's a murderous slate to tackle, the 7th toughest Strength of Schedule in the league against foes .556 overall and .575 away, including six road foes that won 10 or more games in 2013. Let's see what happens in 2014 to a team that led the league in net TO's (+27) last year.

STAT YOU WILL LIKE: The Seahawks are 1-23 SU away vs. .666 or greater AFC West opponents, including 18 losses in a row.

 

[CNOTES]

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 4

Carolina at Pittsburgh
The Steelers wrap up their preseason at home against a Carolina team that lost at New England (30-7) last week. Pittsburgh is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Steelers favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-5 1/2). Here are all of this week's NFL preseason picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

Game 101-102: Atlanta at Jacksonville (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.478; Jacksonville 118.770
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 1 1/2; 35
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 4; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4); Under

Game 103-104: Detroit at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 116.771; Buffalo 123.728
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 7; 46
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 4 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-4 1/2); Over

Game 105-106: Indianapolis at Cincinnati (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 121.526; Cincinnati 120.363
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 1; 38
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 3; 42
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (+3); Under

Game 107-108: St. Louis at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 117.113; Miami 122.084
Dunkel Line: Miami by 5; 44
Vegas Line: Miami by 3; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3); Over

Game 109-110: NY Jets at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 117.967; Philadelphia 123.029
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 5; 48
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-2 1/2); Over

Game 111-112: Kansas City at Green Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 1120.586; Green Bay 120.458
Dunkel Line: Even; 36
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 3; 42
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+3); Under

Game 113-114: New England at NY Giants (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 121.281; NY Giants 126.654
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 5 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (-3 1/2); Under

Game 115-116: Washington at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 126.972; Tampa Bay 121.924
Dunkel Line: Washington by 5; 35
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 39
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Under

Game 117-118: Carolina at Pittsburgh (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 115.199; Pittsburgh 123.116
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 8; 34
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 5 1/2; 38
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-5 1/2); Under

Game 119-120:Minnesota at Tennessee (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 124.531; Tennessee 123.442
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 38
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 2; 42
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+2); Under

Game 121-122: San Francisco at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 121.486; Houston 122.352
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 43
Vegas Line: Houston by 3 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+3 1/2); Over

Game 123-124: Chicago at Cleveland (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 116.434; Cleveland 123.300
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 7; 39
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 5; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-5); Under

Game 125-126: Baltimore at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 123.717; New Orleans 129.012
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3 1/2); Over

Game 127-128: Denver at Dallas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 120.958; Dallas 122.920
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 2; 37
Vegas Line: Denver by 2 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+2 1/2); Under

Game 129-130: Seattle at Oakland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 127.320; Oakland 124.286
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 3; 33
Vegas Line: Seattle by 5 1/2; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+5 1/2); Under

Game 131-132: Arizona at San Diego (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 118.631; San Diego 123.715
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 5; 45
Vegas Line: San Diego by 3; 39
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-3); Over




NFLX
Short Sheet

Week 4

Thursday, August 28

Atlanta at Jacksonville, 6:00 ET
Atlanta: 24-9 Under off a SU loss
Jacksonville: 9-1 ATS after back-to-back ATS wins

Detroit at Buffalo, 7:00 ET
Detroit: 7-0 Under away vs teams gaining <4.75 yards/play
Buffalo: 4-14 ATS at home off an ATS loss

Indianapolis at Cincinnati, 7:00 ET
Indianapolis: 12-3 Over away off an Under game
Cincinnati: 1-7 ATS off a win by 6 or less points

St Louis at Miami, 7:00 ET
St Louis: 7-0 Over vs AFC teams
Miami: 1-8 ATS vs NFC teams

NY Jets at Philadelphia, 7:00 ET
NY Jets: 19-5 ATS away vs NFC teams
Philadelphia: 3-13 ATS at home vs AFC East teams

Kansas City at Green Bay, 7:00 ET
Kansas City: 6-18 ATS after 2 or more ATS losses
Green Bay: 26-11 Over as home favorites

New England at NY Giants, 7:30 ET
New England: 6-1 ATS after gaining 400 or more yards
NY Giants: 12-27 ATS after going Over in previous game

Washington at Tampa Bay, 7:30 ET
Washington: 33-18 Under when line is +3 to -3 points
Tampa Bay: 30-15 Under as favorites

Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 ET
Carolina: 5-1 ATS after playing an AFC team
Pittsburgh: 0-6 ATS vs NFC teams

Minnesota at Tennessee, 8:00 ET
Minnesota: 4-0 Over after playing an Under game
Tennessee: 11-3 Over after winning 2 of last 3 games

San Francisco at Houston, 8:00 ET
San Francisco: 5-1 ATS after playing an AFC team
Houston: N/A

Chicago at Cleveland, 8:00 ET
Chicago: 15-5 Over away after playing an Under game
Cleveland: 5-1 ATS after gaining 200 or less yards

Baltimore at New Orleans, 8:00 ET
Baltimore: 8-0 Under away off win by 6 or less points
New Orleans: 7-0 ATS last 7 games

Denver at Dallas, 8:00 ET
Denver: 17-2 ATS off a SU loss as a favorite
Dallas: 12-30 ATS after playing an Over game

Seattle at Oakland, 10:00 ET
Seattle: 8-0 ATS after a win by 21 or more points
Oakland: 9-23 ATS vs NFC West teams

Arizona at San Diego, 10:00 ET
Arizona: 1-4 ATS vs AFC West teams
San Diego: 25-8 Over after playing an Under game

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday, August 28

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Atlanta - 6:00 PM ET Atlanta +4.5 500

Jacksonville - Over 38.5 500


Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Buffalo -4 500

Buffalo - Under 41 500 *****


Indianapolis - 7:00 PM ET Cincinnati -2.5 500

Cincinnati - Over 41.5 500 *****


St. Louis - 7:00 PM ET Miami -3 500 *****

Miami - Under 39.5 500 *****


N.Y. Jets - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia -2.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Philadelphia - Under 43.5 500 *****


Kansas City - 7:00 PM ET Kansas City +3.5 500

Green Bay - Over 42.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


New England - 7:30 PM ET N.Y. Giants -3 500

N.Y. Giants - Under 41 500

Carolina - 7:30 PM ET Pittsburgh -4.5 500

Pittsburgh - Under 37.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Washington - 7:30 PM ET Washington +3 500 *****

Tampa Bay - Over 39 500


Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Chicago +4 500

Cleveland - Under 42.5 500


Denver - 8:00 PM ET Dallas +2 500

Dallas - Under 43.5 500


Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota +2 500

Tennessee - Under 42 500 *****


Baltimore - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans -3 500 DOUBLE PLAY

New Orleans - Over 43.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


San Francisco - 8:00 PM ET Houston -3 500

Houston - Under 39 500 *****


Seattle - 10:00 PM ET Seattle -5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Oakland - Under 39 500


Arizona - 10:00 PM ET Arizona +3 500

San Diego - Under 38.5 500