St Bernadines Sports
ABATS Computer Plays
7-3 Run Last 3 days
College football season is coming closer. And we're getting excited. We're having a similar situation that we had last year when running Beta sims for opening day for college football. For those of you who may remember last year prior to opening day for college Wake Forrest was consistently scoring above an 8 rating in our beta Sims. We pounced on Wake heavy opening day, and Wake Forrest covered. So it was a nice way to start the season. Once again we have one team rating extremely high in the beta sims we're running. SC/NCST. NCST is consistently rating in the 8's. We started running it with a spread of -3, the line has moved to -4 and it is still rating an 8. Thought I would let you all know now.
Top 3 MLB ratings for Sat
LAD -1.5 rating 6.4
Fl -140 rating 6.0
Pitt/Mill under 8 5.7
Atlanta has the fourth highest rating
so it is not a recommended play.
But for the price +170, may be a team to throw in
an some small parlays with the top 3****
NFL-Pre-Season
These are our top pre season ratings for week 3. 3rd pre season game is more apt to run truer to form. Last pre season game of the year we don't even bother running the sims for because who knows what the coaches will play and do.
NO -2.5 rating 4.9
Tenn +1.5 rating 3.8
Sea +3 rating 3.7
Det +3 rating 3.7
<!-- / message --> <!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --> <!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --> <!-- sig --> __________________7-3 Run Last 3 days
College football season is coming closer. And we're getting excited. We're having a similar situation that we had last year when running Beta sims for opening day for college football. For those of you who may remember last year prior to opening day for college Wake Forrest was consistently scoring above an 8 rating in our beta Sims. We pounced on Wake heavy opening day, and Wake Forrest covered. So it was a nice way to start the season. Once again we have one team rating extremely high in the beta sims we're running. SC/NCST. NCST is consistently rating in the 8's. We started running it with a spread of -3, the line has moved to -4 and it is still rating an 8. Thought I would let you all know now.
Top 3 MLB ratings for Sat
LAD -1.5 rating 6.4
Fl -140 rating 6.0
Pitt/Mill under 8 5.7
Atlanta has the fourth highest rating
so it is not a recommended play.
But for the price +170, may be a team to throw in
an some small parlays with the top 3****
These are our top pre season ratings for week 3. 3rd pre season game is more apt to run truer to form. Last pre season game of the year we don't even bother running the sims for because who knows what the coaches will play and do.
NO -2.5 rating 4.9
Tenn +1.5 rating 3.8
Sea +3 rating 3.7
Det +3 rating 3.7
American sports handicapping network
PLAY ON SAN FRANCISCO +7 over Dallas
Dallas comes in at 1-1 this preseason off a blowout 20 point win over Tennessee, while San Francisco comes in at 2-0 SU but 0-2 ATS with one point wins in both games at home. San Francisco’s running game has been superb in their two games thus far as they are averaging 206 rushing yards per game. Oakland already ran for 176 yards against Dallas earlier this preseason, and I fully expect San Francisco to have success in that area as well. On the flipside, don’t expect Dallas’ quarterbacks to complete 76% of their passes like they did against Tennessee here. That was a true anomaly, and I expect them to be back to reality here today. San Francisco also qualifies in two very good preseason systems that are 38-20 ATS and 13-2 ATS since 1993 regardless of the spread situation they are in, and also qualify in 14-0 ATS, 14-1 ATS, 12-1 ATS, and a 18-4 ATS pre-season bettings as long as they remain +7 or more.
PLAY ON SAN FRANCISCO +7 over Dallas
Dallas comes in at 1-1 this preseason off a blowout 20 point win over Tennessee, while San Francisco comes in at 2-0 SU but 0-2 ATS with one point wins in both games at home. San Francisco’s running game has been superb in their two games thus far as they are averaging 206 rushing yards per game. Oakland already ran for 176 yards against Dallas earlier this preseason, and I fully expect San Francisco to have success in that area as well. On the flipside, don’t expect Dallas’ quarterbacks to complete 76% of their passes like they did against Tennessee here. That was a true anomaly, and I expect them to be back to reality here today. San Francisco also qualifies in two very good preseason systems that are 38-20 ATS and 13-2 ATS since 1993 regardless of the spread situation they are in, and also qualify in 14-0 ATS, 14-1 ATS, 12-1 ATS, and a 18-4 ATS pre-season bettings as long as they remain +7 or more.
Craig Davis
Saturday's Lineup
75 DIME ---- PHILLIES (With Lee) -1 1/2 RUN LINE over BRAVES (With Lowe)
10 DIME ---- RAVENS MONEYLINE
PHILLIES (with Lee) -1 1/2 runs over BRAVES (with Lowe) --- Look, I'm going to get right to the point. This selection is 100% about Cliff Lee. Not only what he's done since coming to Philly (5-0, 0.68 ERA), but what he's been doing since early July when he was still with Cleveland. There are so many things that impress me about Lee, but I think the biggest thing that has caught my eye was the fact that this guy was coming off a career year, everyone predicted he'd come back to earth, he starts the season and looks atrocious, but didn't let it get to him and now has become one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Lee hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a game since July 26th and he's only done that once since the first week in July. Five times since July 16th he's allowed only one earned run and he hasn't surrendered a single earned run in his last two starts (16 IP).
Lee has been so good since early July that he's won 8 consecutive starts, and seven of those weren't really even close. When you can throw a guy like Lee out there and know he's going to limit the opponent to two runs or less, you realize that all you have to do is scratch a few runs across yourself to get the team another win. Think about where the pressure goes... to the opponent. The Philly bats have given Lee plenty of run support since he's come over from the American League, scoring 6, 8, 6, 3, and 5 runs in his five Philly starts, and you'll also like to know that none of those games was a one-run win. Each Lee start with Philly has resulted in a win of two runs or more which is exactly what we need tonight. Lee also gives the bullpen a rest and puts my mind at ease (don't want to see Lidge), going nine full innings two times in five starts with Philadelphia and four times since mid-July. When you can get a guy to go that long on a consistent basis and pitch as well as Lee has pitched, it gives the rest of the team an unbelieveable confidence. Lee has seen the Braves just once in his career, tossing seven innings of 6-hit ball, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 7 and walking none. Needless to say, he won and I expect the same today.
The Braves will send out Derek Lowe (12-8, 4.48 ERA), and although he has had some success vs. the Phillies in his career, you can't help but notice his numbers of late... 1-1, 7.47 ERA over his last three starts. Granted, one really bad outing vs. the Mets inflated that ERA a little, but color me unimpressed with his pitching mechanics lately, not to mention the fact he's been lucky to get past the 6th inning. The Braves have dropped 6 of their last 8 road games when Lowe starts on the bump, and just 1-4 in his last 5 road starts when the total is below 8.5. Philly, on the other hand, is 5-0 in Lee's five starts as a Philly and 11-2 in their last 13 during Game 2 of a series. The writing is on the wall, and after scoring just four runs last night I expect the Phils to bring out the whoopin' sticks at home this evening. Philly wins by at least 4 tonight.
BALTIMORE RAVENS MONEYLINE --- The Panthers may very well win the NFC South again this year, but right now this team is in shambles and I doubt they score more than 14 points vs. the Ravens defense tonight. The Panthers have some injury concerns on the offensive line, Jonathan Stewart won't play because of an Achilles injury, DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith are both questionable and will likely be game-time decisions. Meanwhile, the defense hasn't been as good as expected through two games, allowing 24 and 27 points, respectively. Now they're going to be asked to play their best game of the pre-season because it's quite possible the offense is held out of the end zone... at least in the first half. Baltimore has won both of their pre-season games, including an opening week shutout of Washington, 23-0, followed by a decimation of the NY Jets last week. Granted, the scoreboard might show just a one-point win, but anyone who saw the game knows the Ravens dominated the first three quarters. A 21-7 lead ended as a 24-23 win, but the writing was on the wall. With the starters from both teams expected to play till at least halftime, I believe the Ravens are healthier and their first unit is more talented on both sides of the ball. Ravens win the game straight up.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------------GL GUYS
Saturday's Lineup
75 DIME ---- PHILLIES (With Lee) -1 1/2 RUN LINE over BRAVES (With Lowe)
10 DIME ---- RAVENS MONEYLINE
PHILLIES (with Lee) -1 1/2 runs over BRAVES (with Lowe) --- Look, I'm going to get right to the point. This selection is 100% about Cliff Lee. Not only what he's done since coming to Philly (5-0, 0.68 ERA), but what he's been doing since early July when he was still with Cleveland. There are so many things that impress me about Lee, but I think the biggest thing that has caught my eye was the fact that this guy was coming off a career year, everyone predicted he'd come back to earth, he starts the season and looks atrocious, but didn't let it get to him and now has become one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Lee hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a game since July 26th and he's only done that once since the first week in July. Five times since July 16th he's allowed only one earned run and he hasn't surrendered a single earned run in his last two starts (16 IP).
Lee has been so good since early July that he's won 8 consecutive starts, and seven of those weren't really even close. When you can throw a guy like Lee out there and know he's going to limit the opponent to two runs or less, you realize that all you have to do is scratch a few runs across yourself to get the team another win. Think about where the pressure goes... to the opponent. The Philly bats have given Lee plenty of run support since he's come over from the American League, scoring 6, 8, 6, 3, and 5 runs in his five Philly starts, and you'll also like to know that none of those games was a one-run win. Each Lee start with Philly has resulted in a win of two runs or more which is exactly what we need tonight. Lee also gives the bullpen a rest and puts my mind at ease (don't want to see Lidge), going nine full innings two times in five starts with Philadelphia and four times since mid-July. When you can get a guy to go that long on a consistent basis and pitch as well as Lee has pitched, it gives the rest of the team an unbelieveable confidence. Lee has seen the Braves just once in his career, tossing seven innings of 6-hit ball, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 7 and walking none. Needless to say, he won and I expect the same today.
The Braves will send out Derek Lowe (12-8, 4.48 ERA), and although he has had some success vs. the Phillies in his career, you can't help but notice his numbers of late... 1-1, 7.47 ERA over his last three starts. Granted, one really bad outing vs. the Mets inflated that ERA a little, but color me unimpressed with his pitching mechanics lately, not to mention the fact he's been lucky to get past the 6th inning. The Braves have dropped 6 of their last 8 road games when Lowe starts on the bump, and just 1-4 in his last 5 road starts when the total is below 8.5. Philly, on the other hand, is 5-0 in Lee's five starts as a Philly and 11-2 in their last 13 during Game 2 of a series. The writing is on the wall, and after scoring just four runs last night I expect the Phils to bring out the whoopin' sticks at home this evening. Philly wins by at least 4 tonight.
BALTIMORE RAVENS MONEYLINE --- The Panthers may very well win the NFC South again this year, but right now this team is in shambles and I doubt they score more than 14 points vs. the Ravens defense tonight. The Panthers have some injury concerns on the offensive line, Jonathan Stewart won't play because of an Achilles injury, DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith are both questionable and will likely be game-time decisions. Meanwhile, the defense hasn't been as good as expected through two games, allowing 24 and 27 points, respectively. Now they're going to be asked to play their best game of the pre-season because it's quite possible the offense is held out of the end zone... at least in the first half. Baltimore has won both of their pre-season games, including an opening week shutout of Washington, 23-0, followed by a decimation of the NY Jets last week. Granted, the scoreboard might show just a one-point win, but anyone who saw the game knows the Ravens dominated the first three quarters. A 21-7 lead ended as a 24-23 win, but the writing was on the wall. With the starters from both teams expected to play till at least halftime, I believe the Ravens are healthier and their first unit is more talented on both sides of the ball. Ravens win the game straight up.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------------GL GUYS
Doc Sports
1 Unit Play. #263 Take New Orleans -2 over Oakland (Saturday 4:00 pm NFL Network) Have to admit that we are kicking ourselves for getting off of the Saints last week after we used them for our top play in Week 1. After trailing a solid Texans team last week 7-0, New Orleans dominated outscoring them 38-7. If they can do that to the Texans in Houston, they can certainly win on the road in Oakland to go 3-0. There strategy for success is simple, a new defense coordinator that likes to blitz and a solid rotation of quarterbacks.
Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, and Joey Harrington all of significant starting experience and the latter two should be able to pick apart a weak Raiders squad. The Raiders are still a mess and with their coaching issues yet to be resolved, expect them to struggle yet again in 2009. JaMarcus Russell has yet to impress me much and with him likely playing into the third quarter in this game, the Saints will win this game with ease.
1 Unit Play. #263 Take New Orleans -2 over Oakland (Saturday 4:00 pm NFL Network) Have to admit that we are kicking ourselves for getting off of the Saints last week after we used them for our top play in Week 1. After trailing a solid Texans team last week 7-0, New Orleans dominated outscoring them 38-7. If they can do that to the Texans in Houston, they can certainly win on the road in Oakland to go 3-0. There strategy for success is simple, a new defense coordinator that likes to blitz and a solid rotation of quarterbacks.
Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, and Joey Harrington all of significant starting experience and the latter two should be able to pick apart a weak Raiders squad. The Raiders are still a mess and with their coaching issues yet to be resolved, expect them to struggle yet again in 2009. JaMarcus Russell has yet to impress me much and with him likely playing into the third quarter in this game, the Saints will win this game with ease.
I just paid for it and it says...........
PRESEASON LOCK OF THE YEAR - SAT., AUG. 29TH Subscription Expires
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" bgColor=white><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"> </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" id=ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgSpecials border=0 cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=white width="100%">PRESEASON LOCK OF THE YEAR - SAT., AUG. 29TH Subscription Expires: 8/29/2009</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
8/29/2009
20 Units on Atlanta (-2) over San Diego, 8:00pmET
PRESEASON LOCK OF THE YEAR - SAT., AUG. 29TH Subscription Expires
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" bgColor=white><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"> </TD></TR><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" id=ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgSpecials border=0 cellSpacing=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: top" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=white width="100%">PRESEASON LOCK OF THE YEAR - SAT., AUG. 29TH Subscription Expires: 8/29/2009</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
8/29/2009
20 Units on Atlanta (-2) over San Diego, 8:00pmET
i love the way ats does that make someone pay for a 20 then they tone it down to a 12............hno:
Dominic Fazzini
Saturday's plays 10 Dime -- Rangers (Feldman) over TWINS (Pavano)
5 Dime -- Titans (plus the points vs. BROWNS)
RANGERS
NOTE: List only Feldman as Texas' starting pitcher
Scott Feldman (13-4, 3.87 ERA) has really stepped up in the heat of the playoff race for the Rangers.
The right-hander allowed four hits with a career-high 11 strikeouts Sunday in seven scoreless innings against Tampa Bay. He also has been solid on the road, with wins in five straight starts away from Arlington.
Feldman has a 1.87 ERA in those five outings, and is 9-1 with a 2.97 ERA in 11 road starts this season. He is 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts overall this month.
Carl Pavano (11-9, 5.20) has been up and down since the Twins acquired him from Cleveland on Aug. 7. He allowed two runs and eight hits in seven innings Sunday at Kansas City, which makes me think he's due for a poor outing today.
The right-hander was ripped at Texas on Aug. 18, giving up five runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings of a no-decision. Pavano is 0-1 with a 25.20 ERA in two career starts vs. the Rangers, allowing 14 runs in five innings.
Texas has lost 10 of 14 games at the Metrodome since 2007, but I think Feldman gives the team a great chance to buck that trend tonight. Go with the Rangers.
TITANS
Tennessee, with three exhibition games already under its belt, has things pretty well figured out for the regular season at this point. Cleveland, however, has plenty of question marks remaining, including who its starting quarterback is going to be.
Titans QB Kerry Collins and the first-team offense is expected to play into the third quarter tonight. With LenDale White and Chris Johnson tearing up yardage on the ground, Tennessee should take command of this game in the first half.
The Browns scored 27 points last week against Detroit, but neither Derek Anderson nor Brady Quinn threw a touchdown pass, and one of Cleveland's TDs came on an 84-yard punt return by Josh Cribbs. Tennessee's defense is pretty tough, so I can't imagine the Browns putting up many points tonight.
If the game is close going into the final quarter, I give the edge to the Titans, who have Vince Young and Patrick Ramsey relieving Collins at QB. Meanwhile, the inexperienced Brett Ratliff or Richard Bartel will finish up for the Browns.
Before last week's win, Cleveland was 0-5 straight-up and against the spread, including 0-3 SU and ATS at home. Tennessee, while it has failed to cover in three straight exhibition games, is 8-3 SU in its last 11 preseason contests. Take the Titans to cover the points, if not win outright, in this one.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED--------------GL GUYS
Saturday's plays 10 Dime -- Rangers (Feldman) over TWINS (Pavano)
5 Dime -- Titans (plus the points vs. BROWNS)
RANGERS
NOTE: List only Feldman as Texas' starting pitcher
Scott Feldman (13-4, 3.87 ERA) has really stepped up in the heat of the playoff race for the Rangers.
The right-hander allowed four hits with a career-high 11 strikeouts Sunday in seven scoreless innings against Tampa Bay. He also has been solid on the road, with wins in five straight starts away from Arlington.
Feldman has a 1.87 ERA in those five outings, and is 9-1 with a 2.97 ERA in 11 road starts this season. He is 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts overall this month.
Carl Pavano (11-9, 5.20) has been up and down since the Twins acquired him from Cleveland on Aug. 7. He allowed two runs and eight hits in seven innings Sunday at Kansas City, which makes me think he's due for a poor outing today.
The right-hander was ripped at Texas on Aug. 18, giving up five runs on seven hits and three walks in four innings of a no-decision. Pavano is 0-1 with a 25.20 ERA in two career starts vs. the Rangers, allowing 14 runs in five innings.
Texas has lost 10 of 14 games at the Metrodome since 2007, but I think Feldman gives the team a great chance to buck that trend tonight. Go with the Rangers.
TITANS
Tennessee, with three exhibition games already under its belt, has things pretty well figured out for the regular season at this point. Cleveland, however, has plenty of question marks remaining, including who its starting quarterback is going to be.
Titans QB Kerry Collins and the first-team offense is expected to play into the third quarter tonight. With LenDale White and Chris Johnson tearing up yardage on the ground, Tennessee should take command of this game in the first half.
The Browns scored 27 points last week against Detroit, but neither Derek Anderson nor Brady Quinn threw a touchdown pass, and one of Cleveland's TDs came on an 84-yard punt return by Josh Cribbs. Tennessee's defense is pretty tough, so I can't imagine the Browns putting up many points tonight.
If the game is close going into the final quarter, I give the edge to the Titans, who have Vince Young and Patrick Ramsey relieving Collins at QB. Meanwhile, the inexperienced Brett Ratliff or Richard Bartel will finish up for the Browns.
Before last week's win, Cleveland was 0-5 straight-up and against the spread, including 0-3 SU and ATS at home. Tennessee, while it has failed to cover in three straight exhibition games, is 8-3 SU in its last 11 preseason contests. Take the Titans to cover the points, if not win outright, in this one.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED--------------GL GUYS
Ben Burns
***VERY EARLY*** NFL AFTERNOON ANNIHILATOR!
DETROIT LIONS (+3) over Indianapolis Colts
Reason: I'm taking the points with DETROIT. As you know, the third game of the preseason typically sees the most playing time from the starters. With that being the case, the natural reaction is to assume that the Colts, who have been much better than the Lions for years, will have the advantage. However, I see things differently. Regardless of which week of the preseason, I believe that "motivation" plays a huge role in predicting pointspread winners. In this case, I believe that the Lions will prove to be the "hungrier" team. Yes, the Colts' starters will see their most playing time. Manning and co. still aren't likely to see much (if any) action in the second half though. That means that it will be Curtis Painter and/or Jim Sorgi running the show. While Sorgi is Manning's backup, he's missed the last two games. As for the Lions, they've got a QB battle on their hands with veteran Daunte Culpepper and No. 1 overall draft choice Matthew Stafford both attempting to win the starting job. Regardless of which one starts, I expect both to get plenty of time with the starting offense. In other words, I expect the Detroit starters to see more playing time than the Colts' starters. While both teams are 1-1 this preseason, the Colts are just 3-8 SU their last 11 preseason games, while the Lions are 7-3 SU during the same stretch. Note that the Lions also hold a 12-7-1 edge in their all-time preseason series with the Colts. I watched the Lions preseason opener vs. the Falcons, a game which was played here at Detroit. While the Lions failed to cover the spread in that game, they did play very hard and they did go all out for the victory, eventually earning a 27-26 decision. Back in front of the home fans and looking to provide them with some hope, I expect another highly motivated and hard fought effort from the Lions this afternoon. This time, I expect it to be enough to earn (at least) the cover. *7 Annihilator
***VERY EARLY*** NFL AFTERNOON ANNIHILATOR!
DETROIT LIONS (+3) over Indianapolis Colts
Reason: I'm taking the points with DETROIT. As you know, the third game of the preseason typically sees the most playing time from the starters. With that being the case, the natural reaction is to assume that the Colts, who have been much better than the Lions for years, will have the advantage. However, I see things differently. Regardless of which week of the preseason, I believe that "motivation" plays a huge role in predicting pointspread winners. In this case, I believe that the Lions will prove to be the "hungrier" team. Yes, the Colts' starters will see their most playing time. Manning and co. still aren't likely to see much (if any) action in the second half though. That means that it will be Curtis Painter and/or Jim Sorgi running the show. While Sorgi is Manning's backup, he's missed the last two games. As for the Lions, they've got a QB battle on their hands with veteran Daunte Culpepper and No. 1 overall draft choice Matthew Stafford both attempting to win the starting job. Regardless of which one starts, I expect both to get plenty of time with the starting offense. In other words, I expect the Detroit starters to see more playing time than the Colts' starters. While both teams are 1-1 this preseason, the Colts are just 3-8 SU their last 11 preseason games, while the Lions are 7-3 SU during the same stretch. Note that the Lions also hold a 12-7-1 edge in their all-time preseason series with the Colts. I watched the Lions preseason opener vs. the Falcons, a game which was played here at Detroit. While the Lions failed to cover the spread in that game, they did play very hard and they did go all out for the victory, eventually earning a 27-26 decision. Back in front of the home fans and looking to provide them with some hope, I expect another highly motivated and hard fought effort from the Lions this afternoon. This time, I expect it to be enough to earn (at least) the cover. *7 Annihilator
Jeff Benton
Saturday's NFL winners ...
20 DIME: CHARGERS (plus the points vs. Cardinals) ... NOTE: Do whatever it takes to grab +3 with San Diego in this game. At the very least, if you can only find 2 1/2, buy the half point and take 3 if at all possible. Do NOT get beat buy the hook in this contest!
5 DIME: Jets-Giants UNDER the total
5 DIME: SEAHAWKS (plus the points vs. Chiefs) ... NOTE: Do whatever it takes to grab +3 with Seattle in this game. At the very least, if you can only find 2 1/2, buy the half point take 3 if at all possible. Do NOT get beat by the hook in this contest!
Chargers
Although San Diego is coming off a 17-6 victory at Arizona, the Chargers didn’t exactly look all that good. The first-string offense produced just one touchdown in a half of action, and QB Philip Rivers was planted on his backside four times. All in all, the performance – particular that of the offensive line – could not have pleased Norv Turner and the rest of the coaches. That’s why I fully expect San Diego’s starters to get an extensive look in Atlanta tonight, just as they normally do in Week 3 of the preseason.
More than that, though, I expect the Chargers, who have played things very close to the vest to this point in terms of play-calling on both sides of the ball, to do some actual game-planning and run some of the stuff that they’re going to run in the regular season. As it is, Turner has said his starters, including Rivers, should be prepared to play three full quarters. I doubt that will end up being the case, but if they play for into the latter stages of the third, I really like our chances.
After all, Atlanta coach Mike Smith committed his starters only for one half tonight, saying that “maybe” they’ll start the third quarter. If Smith is true to his word, then there’s the potential for the Chargers’ first-string units to get nearly a full quarter against the Falcons’ backups. As it is, you have to think Smith won’t expose QB Matt Ryan very long, simply because Ryan has looked fantastic through two preseason games, completing 80 percent of his throws with one TD and no INTs. Of course, Ryan did that against two pretty weak defenses (St. Louis and Detroit); tonight, he’ll be facing a physical, attacking defense that’s vastly superior to what Ryan saw the last two weeks.
By the same token, the Falcons’ defense is in for a rude awakening tonight. After facing QBs named Matthew Stafford, Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton, Kyle Boller, Brock Berlin and Keith Null, Atlanta will face a much tougher stable of passers in this one. It starts with Rivers, who was the NFL’s top-rated passer in 2008. And once Rivers leaves, longtime veteran backup Billy Volek will take over, and all Volek has done in two games against scrub defenses is complete 73.7 percent of his passes, average 9.9 yards per pass attempt and post a passer rating of 122.3! Even San Diego’s third-string QB (Charlie Whitehurst) has been with the team for four years.
What about the Falcons’ backup QBs behind Ryan? Well, there’s veterans D.J. Shockley and Chris Redman and rookie John Parker Wilson, who have passed for a total of 178 yards with no TDs and two INTs.
Finally, with last week’s win in Arizona, the Chargers are now on a 4-1 SU and ATS run on the road in preseason play. They’ve also won both of their Week 3 exhibition contests since Turner took over as coach. Throw in the fact we’re getting some points here – and underdogs have been killing it so far in Week 3 – and I’ll back San Diego with complete confidence.
Jets-Giants UNDER the total
Let’s start with the fact a nasty storm, one with a ton of wind, hit the Meadowlands yesterday, and it’s a storm that’s expected to linger throughout this game. So far this preseason, there have been two games played in rainy weather, both in Florida. In Week 1, the Dolphins hosted the Jaguars and won 12-9. Then on Thursday, Miami went to Tampa Bay and sloshed its way to a 10-6 victory. Obviously, both games stayed WAY under the total.
It’s easy to see why wet weather leads to low-scoring games, particularly in the preseason: The last thing a coach wants is to see a star player slip and pull a muscle or tear a hamstring and end up being sidelined for a long period of time. So you can be sure that with a wet field tonight, both Tom Coughlin and Rex Ryan will be very conservative with their play-calling, and don’t be surprised if both yank their starters earlier than they’d want to.
So now that we’ve established that we’ve got a weather advantage in this contest, let’s look at the main reason I love this play so much: These rivals meet every single summer, almost always in Week 3, and over the last eight preseasons – going back to Aug. 25, 2001 – the Jets-Giants exhibition battle has stayed under the total … eight straight times! That’s not a misprint: The under is on an 8-0 run in this preseason rivalry. Here are the final scores in those eight contests, beginning with the 2001 clash: 17-14, 28-7, 15-14, 17-10, 15-14, 13-7, 20-12, 10-7. Not one of those games hit tonight’s posted total, which sits at around 36.
Not only have the last eight meetings between these teams gone under, but the Giants have played to the under in nine of their last 14 preseason contests overall, including a 17-3 dud in Chicago last week. Guys, if the weather forest holds, we’re going to see a lot of straight-ahead running by both offenses and very little passing. As a result we seriously could be looking at a game in which the first one to 14 wins – if that! Play this one UNDER the total.
Seahawks
Think that 8-0 “under” trend in the Giants-Jets preseason series is impressive? It’s nothing compared to this: By winning their first two games of the preseason in pretty convincing fashion – 20-14 at the Chargers in Week 1 and 27-13 over Denver at home in Week 2 – the Seattle Seahawks have now covered the pointspread in eight consecutive preseason games. With the upset win in San Diego, Seattle has also won eight of its last 11 preseason road contests, going 9-2 ATS, and it is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 when catching points in August.
That’s not all. The Seahawks have been a strong bet-on team in the all-important Week 3 dress rehearsal, going 5-1 SU and ATS the last six summers.
On the flip side of the coin are the Chiefs. Going back to 2004, they’ve lost 17 of their last 22 preseason games, going 4-18 ATS – that’s right: 4-18 versus the number. Kansas City has failed to cover in five straight preseason home games (losing four of them outright), and it was favored in each of those contests at Arrowhead Stadium. And when it comes to Week 3 with the Chiefs, I’ve got one word for you: UGLY! While the Seahawks have won and covered five of their last six in Week 3, Kansas City has gone 1-5 SU and ATS in Week 3 preseason action. Two summers ago, the Chiefs hosted the Saints in Week 3 and lost 30-7. Last year, they went to Miami and got walloped 24-0. I’ll do the math for you – that’s two defeats by a combined 54-7 score.
Now, maybe I’d be reluctant to make this play if Seattle looked sluggish in the first two weeks of this preseason and/or if Kansas City was clearly making strides in new coach Todd Haley’s offensive system. But, uh, neither has been the case. The Seahawks have scored 47 points in their two wins (with top QBs Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace combining to complete more than 65 percent of their passes with four TDs and no INTs). On the other hand, the Chiefs have managed just 23 points in losses to the Texans and Vikings, and new QB Matt Cassel has been mediocre at best. In fact, word out of Kansas City is that backup QB Brodie Croyle has had the best training camp of the four Chiefs passers on the roster, but guess what? Croyle almost certainly will sit this game out, as Cassel is slated to be replaced by Matt Gutierrez and Tyler Thigpen.
Simply put, I like what the Seahawks have done since the end of last season, and with Hasselbeck looking like he’s back to 100 percent healthy, I think Seattle is a big-time sleeper team this season. On the other hand, this is going to be a loooong rebuilding year for the Chiefs (1-13 in their last 14 games, including the 0-2 start to this preseason). Throw in the fact that two of the Seahawks’ recent Week 3 preseason wins have come at the expense of the Chiefs (by a combined score of 17 points), and I’m all over Seattle plus the points in this one.
Bought and confirmed by me! Anyone want to help with the others?
Saturday's NFL winners ...
20 DIME: CHARGERS (plus the points vs. Cardinals) ... NOTE: Do whatever it takes to grab +3 with San Diego in this game. At the very least, if you can only find 2 1/2, buy the half point and take 3 if at all possible. Do NOT get beat buy the hook in this contest!
5 DIME: Jets-Giants UNDER the total
5 DIME: SEAHAWKS (plus the points vs. Chiefs) ... NOTE: Do whatever it takes to grab +3 with Seattle in this game. At the very least, if you can only find 2 1/2, buy the half point take 3 if at all possible. Do NOT get beat by the hook in this contest!
Chargers
Although San Diego is coming off a 17-6 victory at Arizona, the Chargers didn’t exactly look all that good. The first-string offense produced just one touchdown in a half of action, and QB Philip Rivers was planted on his backside four times. All in all, the performance – particular that of the offensive line – could not have pleased Norv Turner and the rest of the coaches. That’s why I fully expect San Diego’s starters to get an extensive look in Atlanta tonight, just as they normally do in Week 3 of the preseason.
More than that, though, I expect the Chargers, who have played things very close to the vest to this point in terms of play-calling on both sides of the ball, to do some actual game-planning and run some of the stuff that they’re going to run in the regular season. As it is, Turner has said his starters, including Rivers, should be prepared to play three full quarters. I doubt that will end up being the case, but if they play for into the latter stages of the third, I really like our chances.
After all, Atlanta coach Mike Smith committed his starters only for one half tonight, saying that “maybe” they’ll start the third quarter. If Smith is true to his word, then there’s the potential for the Chargers’ first-string units to get nearly a full quarter against the Falcons’ backups. As it is, you have to think Smith won’t expose QB Matt Ryan very long, simply because Ryan has looked fantastic through two preseason games, completing 80 percent of his throws with one TD and no INTs. Of course, Ryan did that against two pretty weak defenses (St. Louis and Detroit); tonight, he’ll be facing a physical, attacking defense that’s vastly superior to what Ryan saw the last two weeks.
By the same token, the Falcons’ defense is in for a rude awakening tonight. After facing QBs named Matthew Stafford, Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton, Kyle Boller, Brock Berlin and Keith Null, Atlanta will face a much tougher stable of passers in this one. It starts with Rivers, who was the NFL’s top-rated passer in 2008. And once Rivers leaves, longtime veteran backup Billy Volek will take over, and all Volek has done in two games against scrub defenses is complete 73.7 percent of his passes, average 9.9 yards per pass attempt and post a passer rating of 122.3! Even San Diego’s third-string QB (Charlie Whitehurst) has been with the team for four years.
What about the Falcons’ backup QBs behind Ryan? Well, there’s veterans D.J. Shockley and Chris Redman and rookie John Parker Wilson, who have passed for a total of 178 yards with no TDs and two INTs.
Finally, with last week’s win in Arizona, the Chargers are now on a 4-1 SU and ATS run on the road in preseason play. They’ve also won both of their Week 3 exhibition contests since Turner took over as coach. Throw in the fact we’re getting some points here – and underdogs have been killing it so far in Week 3 – and I’ll back San Diego with complete confidence.
Jets-Giants UNDER the total
Let’s start with the fact a nasty storm, one with a ton of wind, hit the Meadowlands yesterday, and it’s a storm that’s expected to linger throughout this game. So far this preseason, there have been two games played in rainy weather, both in Florida. In Week 1, the Dolphins hosted the Jaguars and won 12-9. Then on Thursday, Miami went to Tampa Bay and sloshed its way to a 10-6 victory. Obviously, both games stayed WAY under the total.
It’s easy to see why wet weather leads to low-scoring games, particularly in the preseason: The last thing a coach wants is to see a star player slip and pull a muscle or tear a hamstring and end up being sidelined for a long period of time. So you can be sure that with a wet field tonight, both Tom Coughlin and Rex Ryan will be very conservative with their play-calling, and don’t be surprised if both yank their starters earlier than they’d want to.
So now that we’ve established that we’ve got a weather advantage in this contest, let’s look at the main reason I love this play so much: These rivals meet every single summer, almost always in Week 3, and over the last eight preseasons – going back to Aug. 25, 2001 – the Jets-Giants exhibition battle has stayed under the total … eight straight times! That’s not a misprint: The under is on an 8-0 run in this preseason rivalry. Here are the final scores in those eight contests, beginning with the 2001 clash: 17-14, 28-7, 15-14, 17-10, 15-14, 13-7, 20-12, 10-7. Not one of those games hit tonight’s posted total, which sits at around 36.
Not only have the last eight meetings between these teams gone under, but the Giants have played to the under in nine of their last 14 preseason contests overall, including a 17-3 dud in Chicago last week. Guys, if the weather forest holds, we’re going to see a lot of straight-ahead running by both offenses and very little passing. As a result we seriously could be looking at a game in which the first one to 14 wins – if that! Play this one UNDER the total.
Seahawks
Think that 8-0 “under” trend in the Giants-Jets preseason series is impressive? It’s nothing compared to this: By winning their first two games of the preseason in pretty convincing fashion – 20-14 at the Chargers in Week 1 and 27-13 over Denver at home in Week 2 – the Seattle Seahawks have now covered the pointspread in eight consecutive preseason games. With the upset win in San Diego, Seattle has also won eight of its last 11 preseason road contests, going 9-2 ATS, and it is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 when catching points in August.
That’s not all. The Seahawks have been a strong bet-on team in the all-important Week 3 dress rehearsal, going 5-1 SU and ATS the last six summers.
On the flip side of the coin are the Chiefs. Going back to 2004, they’ve lost 17 of their last 22 preseason games, going 4-18 ATS – that’s right: 4-18 versus the number. Kansas City has failed to cover in five straight preseason home games (losing four of them outright), and it was favored in each of those contests at Arrowhead Stadium. And when it comes to Week 3 with the Chiefs, I’ve got one word for you: UGLY! While the Seahawks have won and covered five of their last six in Week 3, Kansas City has gone 1-5 SU and ATS in Week 3 preseason action. Two summers ago, the Chiefs hosted the Saints in Week 3 and lost 30-7. Last year, they went to Miami and got walloped 24-0. I’ll do the math for you – that’s two defeats by a combined 54-7 score.
Now, maybe I’d be reluctant to make this play if Seattle looked sluggish in the first two weeks of this preseason and/or if Kansas City was clearly making strides in new coach Todd Haley’s offensive system. But, uh, neither has been the case. The Seahawks have scored 47 points in their two wins (with top QBs Matt Hasselbeck and Seneca Wallace combining to complete more than 65 percent of their passes with four TDs and no INTs). On the other hand, the Chiefs have managed just 23 points in losses to the Texans and Vikings, and new QB Matt Cassel has been mediocre at best. In fact, word out of Kansas City is that backup QB Brodie Croyle has had the best training camp of the four Chiefs passers on the roster, but guess what? Croyle almost certainly will sit this game out, as Cassel is slated to be replaced by Matt Gutierrez and Tyler Thigpen.
Simply put, I like what the Seahawks have done since the end of last season, and with Hasselbeck looking like he’s back to 100 percent healthy, I think Seattle is a big-time sleeper team this season. On the other hand, this is going to be a loooong rebuilding year for the Chiefs (1-13 in their last 14 games, including the 0-2 start to this preseason). Throw in the fact that two of the Seahawks’ recent Week 3 preseason wins have come at the expense of the Chiefs (by a combined score of 17 points), and I’m all over Seattle plus the points in this one.
Bought and confirmed by me! Anyone want to help with the others?
Dave Cokin's NFL Pre-Season Game of the Year!
08/29 05:00 PM NFL (277) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (278) ATLANTA FALCONS
Take: 10 Stars (278) ATLANTA FALCONS
Reason: Great spot for the Falcons and I expect them to respond with a big effort. It's Atlanta's home opener, and excitement about this year's team is at a peak right now. Head coach Mike Smith has announced that he is game planning for this contest as though it's a regular season game. The regulars will play through the first half and perhaps well into the third quarter. The Chargers are very talented and I was impressed with the businesslike attitude of this team during my visit to training camp last week. But the offensive line has been very shaky and I don't see their prep for this game being quite at the same level as the Falcons. Don't minimize the coast to coast travel factor, either, as that was huge last year in the NFL. It's all systems go for the Falcons in this game and they're the choice as my NFL Pre-Season Game of the Year!
08/29 05:00 PM NFL (277) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (278) ATLANTA FALCONS
Take: 10 Stars (278) ATLANTA FALCONS
Reason: Great spot for the Falcons and I expect them to respond with a big effort. It's Atlanta's home opener, and excitement about this year's team is at a peak right now. Head coach Mike Smith has announced that he is game planning for this contest as though it's a regular season game. The regulars will play through the first half and perhaps well into the third quarter. The Chargers are very talented and I was impressed with the businesslike attitude of this team during my visit to training camp last week. But the offensive line has been very shaky and I don't see their prep for this game being quite at the same level as the Falcons. Don't minimize the coast to coast travel factor, either, as that was huge last year in the NFL. It's all systems go for the Falcons in this game and they're the choice as my NFL Pre-Season Game of the Year!
Michael Cannon
Saturday's Plays...
20 Dime –
ROCKIES (With Marquis as listed pitcher)
Take the Rockies for the road win over the Giants.
Colorado needs a win.
Bad.
The Rockies have dropped three straight and their wild card lead is shrinking as a result.
The good news is they will send Jason Marquis to the mound tonight. The right-hander is one win behind C. C. Sabathia and Adam Wainwright for the league lead in wins.
Marquis is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in his last three starts and has been very effective in six career starts at San Francisco, going 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA.
The Giants will counter with Barry Zito who has pitched well but can’t buy any run support from his teammates. The left-hander has received just one run of support in his last three starts and has received just four runs in four starts against Colorado in San Francisco.
The Rockies bounce back with a much-needed win tonight.
Take Colorado for the road win.
10 Dime –
TITANS
Take the Titans plus the small number over the Browns tonight.
Tennessee got crushed at Dallas last week and I expect Jeff Fisher to have his troops ready for tonight. This is the last real dress rehearsal for the first-team and that’s where Tennessee is going to make its mark tonight.
The Browns are still trying to decide on a quarterback and the Titans are just going to pound the ball offensively while pressuring both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn defensively.
Basic football is what Tennessee plays and it’s always successful against poor defensive teams like Cleveland.
Coach Jeff Fisher stated that his starters would play a little bit more than last week, and that means they will be out on the field for the start of the second half.
That’s enough for me to like the Titans here.
Grab the points with Tennessee as they get it done over Cleveland.
5 Dime –
GIANTS 1ST HALF
Take the Giants minus the number for the first-half over the Jets.
I’m not sold on the Giants depth but I am sold on their first-team units on both sides of the ball and that’s why I like them for the first half bet.
The Giants offensive line is incredible and will give Brandon Jacobs and company plenty of room to run. I know the Jets brought in some good defensive players and Rex Ryan is a good defensive mind, but the guys in the trenches are the ones that make it happen and nobody has a better unit than the Giants.
Plus you have rookie Mark Sanchez being named the starter and he’s scheduled to play the first half.
I don’t trust rookie quarterbacks whether it’s preseason or not and you saw how befuddled Sanchez was going against the Ravens defense last week.
The Giants can bring the heat on defense and that’s going to make it tough for the rookie to accomplish anything tonight.
Take the Giants for the first half over the Jets.
Saturday's Plays...
20 Dime –
ROCKIES (With Marquis as listed pitcher)
Take the Rockies for the road win over the Giants.
Colorado needs a win.
Bad.
The Rockies have dropped three straight and their wild card lead is shrinking as a result.
The good news is they will send Jason Marquis to the mound tonight. The right-hander is one win behind C. C. Sabathia and Adam Wainwright for the league lead in wins.
Marquis is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in his last three starts and has been very effective in six career starts at San Francisco, going 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA.
The Giants will counter with Barry Zito who has pitched well but can’t buy any run support from his teammates. The left-hander has received just one run of support in his last three starts and has received just four runs in four starts against Colorado in San Francisco.
The Rockies bounce back with a much-needed win tonight.
Take Colorado for the road win.
10 Dime –
TITANS
Take the Titans plus the small number over the Browns tonight.
Tennessee got crushed at Dallas last week and I expect Jeff Fisher to have his troops ready for tonight. This is the last real dress rehearsal for the first-team and that’s where Tennessee is going to make its mark tonight.
The Browns are still trying to decide on a quarterback and the Titans are just going to pound the ball offensively while pressuring both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn defensively.
Basic football is what Tennessee plays and it’s always successful against poor defensive teams like Cleveland.
Coach Jeff Fisher stated that his starters would play a little bit more than last week, and that means they will be out on the field for the start of the second half.
That’s enough for me to like the Titans here.
Grab the points with Tennessee as they get it done over Cleveland.
5 Dime –
GIANTS 1ST HALF
Take the Giants minus the number for the first-half over the Jets.
I’m not sold on the Giants depth but I am sold on their first-team units on both sides of the ball and that’s why I like them for the first half bet.
The Giants offensive line is incredible and will give Brandon Jacobs and company plenty of room to run. I know the Jets brought in some good defensive players and Rex Ryan is a good defensive mind, but the guys in the trenches are the ones that make it happen and nobody has a better unit than the Giants.
Plus you have rookie Mark Sanchez being named the starter and he’s scheduled to play the first half.
I don’t trust rookie quarterbacks whether it’s preseason or not and you saw how befuddled Sanchez was going against the Ravens defense last week.
The Giants can bring the heat on defense and that’s going to make it tough for the rookie to accomplish anything tonight.
Take the Giants for the first half over the Jets.
Tony Weston
SATURDAY'S PLAYS 30 Dime Saints
10 Dime Cowboys
Saints at Raiders
SAINTS - So far in the preseason no team has looked as good as the New Orleans Saints. After beating up on Cincinnati in the preseason opener, winning 17-7 as a 3-point favorite, the Saints destroyed the Texans in Houston 38-14 as a 3-point underdog.
Today, the Saints are on the road once again where they’re laying 2 1/2 points at the Raiders and will cruise to an easy victory.
New Orleans comes into this game having gone a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS in road games in August and is a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS in preseason Week 3 games. Over the last two seasons the Saints have outscored their opponents in Week 3 by a combined 43-7.
Now they battle a Raiders team that has won and covered in only 2 of their last 6 Week 3 preseason games. Oakland is also just 2-4 ATS its last 6 preseason games when installed as an underdog.
Things won’t get any better today as the Saints cruise to an easy win in Oakland.
49ers at Cowboys
COWBOYS - You want to talk about dominance? Then you want to talk about the Dallas Cowboys playing at home in the preseason.
Over their last 12 home preseason games since 2003, the Cowboys are 11-0-1 SU and 9-3 ATS. Under current coach Wade Phillips, Dallas has gone a perfect 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS.
Tonight, they’ll cash in once again against the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
Dallas enters the game laying about 7 points, depending on where you’re playing this, but it won’t matter.
San Francisco comes into this game having failed to cover in each of its last three preseason games and is a horrible 1-10 SU and 4-7 ATS its last 11 preseason games on the road.
This will be the Niners’ first roadie of this preseason and despite being 2-0 SU the team is 0-2 ATS.
Dallas is coming off an impressive 30-10 victory last week at home against the Titans as a 3 1/2 point favorite and will dominate once again tonight. Lay the points and take the Cowboys at home.
bought,paid and confirmed----------------gl guys
SATURDAY'S PLAYS 30 Dime Saints
10 Dime Cowboys
Saints at Raiders
SAINTS - So far in the preseason no team has looked as good as the New Orleans Saints. After beating up on Cincinnati in the preseason opener, winning 17-7 as a 3-point favorite, the Saints destroyed the Texans in Houston 38-14 as a 3-point underdog.
Today, the Saints are on the road once again where they’re laying 2 1/2 points at the Raiders and will cruise to an easy victory.
New Orleans comes into this game having gone a perfect 5-0 SU and ATS in road games in August and is a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS in preseason Week 3 games. Over the last two seasons the Saints have outscored their opponents in Week 3 by a combined 43-7.
Now they battle a Raiders team that has won and covered in only 2 of their last 6 Week 3 preseason games. Oakland is also just 2-4 ATS its last 6 preseason games when installed as an underdog.
Things won’t get any better today as the Saints cruise to an easy win in Oakland.
49ers at Cowboys
COWBOYS - You want to talk about dominance? Then you want to talk about the Dallas Cowboys playing at home in the preseason.
Over their last 12 home preseason games since 2003, the Cowboys are 11-0-1 SU and 9-3 ATS. Under current coach Wade Phillips, Dallas has gone a perfect 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS.
Tonight, they’ll cash in once again against the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
Dallas enters the game laying about 7 points, depending on where you’re playing this, but it won’t matter.
San Francisco comes into this game having failed to cover in each of its last three preseason games and is a horrible 1-10 SU and 4-7 ATS its last 11 preseason games on the road.
This will be the Niners’ first roadie of this preseason and despite being 2-0 SU the team is 0-2 ATS.
Dallas is coming off an impressive 30-10 victory last week at home against the Titans as a 3 1/2 point favorite and will dominate once again tonight. Lay the points and take the Cowboys at home.
bought,paid and confirmed----------------gl guys
Scott Spreitzer's 2009 NFL-X **GAME OF THE YEAR!**
I'm playing the Tennessee Titans, my Preseason Game of the Year. Tennessee plans on playing their healthy starters into the second half, the typical week-three approach. That means we'll see Kerry Collins in his most extensive duty of the preseason. It also means we'll see the Titans' ground game at their very best for the first time. That ground game, along with the direction of Collins, will attack a Cleveland defense that is less than healthy. We all knew about Tennessee's "Smash & Dash" backfield (LenDale White & Chris Johnson), but did you know the Titans now have a "Ringer" in the backfield? That would be rookie-RB Javon Ringer, who has all but won the third-back position over veterans Chris Henry and Quinton Ganther. The plethora of quality RBs means the Titans can keep pounding the ball right at the Browns throughout the second half, shortening the game after building a lead with the starters. It should be "Smash Mouth" football at its best. The ground game will also make things easier on Vince Young and Patrick Ramsey. And one could argue that Tennessee's second and third string QBs are better equipped to handle NFL defenses than either QB fighting for the Browns' starting job. As far as I'm concerned, you can have Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Neither has established himself as a true NFL starting QB. And one thing we definitely know about the Browns; the players are definitely not seeing eye-to-eye with new HC Eric Mangini and staff. I had the Browns last week and cashed in a 27-10 win. But this is a much different situation, obviously, in week-three. We also have the Titans off a poorly played, 30-10 defeat in Dallas. I had the Cowboys in that one. Again, in a completely different situation. Now, with the starters butting heads, I'll side with the much more talented squad, that has nothing but respect for their coaching staff, over the dysfunctional Browns. I'm playing the Tennessee Titans, my 2009 NFL-X Game of the Year. Thanks! GL! Scott.
I'm playing the Tennessee Titans, my Preseason Game of the Year. Tennessee plans on playing their healthy starters into the second half, the typical week-three approach. That means we'll see Kerry Collins in his most extensive duty of the preseason. It also means we'll see the Titans' ground game at their very best for the first time. That ground game, along with the direction of Collins, will attack a Cleveland defense that is less than healthy. We all knew about Tennessee's "Smash & Dash" backfield (LenDale White & Chris Johnson), but did you know the Titans now have a "Ringer" in the backfield? That would be rookie-RB Javon Ringer, who has all but won the third-back position over veterans Chris Henry and Quinton Ganther. The plethora of quality RBs means the Titans can keep pounding the ball right at the Browns throughout the second half, shortening the game after building a lead with the starters. It should be "Smash Mouth" football at its best. The ground game will also make things easier on Vince Young and Patrick Ramsey. And one could argue that Tennessee's second and third string QBs are better equipped to handle NFL defenses than either QB fighting for the Browns' starting job. As far as I'm concerned, you can have Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Neither has established himself as a true NFL starting QB. And one thing we definitely know about the Browns; the players are definitely not seeing eye-to-eye with new HC Eric Mangini and staff. I had the Browns last week and cashed in a 27-10 win. But this is a much different situation, obviously, in week-three. We also have the Titans off a poorly played, 30-10 defeat in Dallas. I had the Cowboys in that one. Again, in a completely different situation. Now, with the starters butting heads, I'll side with the much more talented squad, that has nothing but respect for their coaching staff, over the dysfunctional Browns. I'm playing the Tennessee Titans, my 2009 NFL-X Game of the Year. Thanks! GL! Scott.
