Dominic Fazzini
Saturday's play 30 Dime -- Steelers (minus points vs. CHIEFS)
STEELERS
Pittsburgh's offense had been on a roll before last week's 18-12 loss to Cincinnati, scoring at least 27 points for five straight games. But after not reaching the end zone against the Bengals, I think the Steelers should have no problem putting up points against Kansas City, which has given up an average of 30 points and 443.3 yards in its last three games at home.
The Chiefs also suck on offense, averaging just 15.8 points and 266.6 yards per game for the season. And now K.C. is without leading rusher Larry Johnson, who was released for his off-the-field behavior, and leading receiver Dwayne Bowe, who was suspended for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
That said, I can't imagine the Chiefs putting up many points against a Pittsburgh defense that allows just 17.4 points and 277.4 yards per game. The Steelers hold opponents to just 69.3 yards rushing per game and have allowed a league-low 11 touchdowns all season.
Kansas City is 0-4 straight up at Arrowhead Stadium this year, and 1-4 ATS in its last five home games. Look for Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall to have big days as the Pittsburgh offense rolls up more than 27 points, and the Steelers' defense holds the Chiefs under 10 points. Take Pittsburgh to roll in this one.
5 Dime -- RAIDERS (plus points vs. Bengals)
RAIDERS
Has we seen the last of JaMarcus Russell in Oakland's starting lineup? Probably not, although you never know. One thing I know, however, is that the Raiders seem inspired to have Bruce Gradkowski taking snaps for today's game.
Now Gradkowski is not Tom Brady in waiting, not by any means. But the Oakland players had lost faith in Russell, and it showed in the team's performance. But I expect the Raiders to play an inspired game today in an attempt to try and turn their season around with a new leader on offense.
The Bengals are due for a bit of a letdown after beating the rival Steelers for the second time this season, and find themselves in the role of a road favorite, which is not a position they have seemed comfortable in in the past.
Cincinnati is 1-6 ATS overall as a favorite, 1-6 ATS as a road favorite, 1-10 ATS as a favorite of 3 1/2 to 10 points, and 5-11 ATS against losing teams. I'm not saying the Raiders are going to win this game. I just think they're going to scare the hell out of the Bengals. Take Oakland to cover the points at home.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-----GL GUYS
Saturday's play 30 Dime -- Steelers (minus points vs. CHIEFS)
STEELERS
Pittsburgh's offense had been on a roll before last week's 18-12 loss to Cincinnati, scoring at least 27 points for five straight games. But after not reaching the end zone against the Bengals, I think the Steelers should have no problem putting up points against Kansas City, which has given up an average of 30 points and 443.3 yards in its last three games at home.
The Chiefs also suck on offense, averaging just 15.8 points and 266.6 yards per game for the season. And now K.C. is without leading rusher Larry Johnson, who was released for his off-the-field behavior, and leading receiver Dwayne Bowe, who was suspended for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
That said, I can't imagine the Chiefs putting up many points against a Pittsburgh defense that allows just 17.4 points and 277.4 yards per game. The Steelers hold opponents to just 69.3 yards rushing per game and have allowed a league-low 11 touchdowns all season.
Kansas City is 0-4 straight up at Arrowhead Stadium this year, and 1-4 ATS in its last five home games. Look for Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall to have big days as the Pittsburgh offense rolls up more than 27 points, and the Steelers' defense holds the Chiefs under 10 points. Take Pittsburgh to roll in this one.
5 Dime -- RAIDERS (plus points vs. Bengals)
RAIDERS
Has we seen the last of JaMarcus Russell in Oakland's starting lineup? Probably not, although you never know. One thing I know, however, is that the Raiders seem inspired to have Bruce Gradkowski taking snaps for today's game.
Now Gradkowski is not Tom Brady in waiting, not by any means. But the Oakland players had lost faith in Russell, and it showed in the team's performance. But I expect the Raiders to play an inspired game today in an attempt to try and turn their season around with a new leader on offense.
The Bengals are due for a bit of a letdown after beating the rival Steelers for the second time this season, and find themselves in the role of a road favorite, which is not a position they have seemed comfortable in in the past.
Cincinnati is 1-6 ATS overall as a favorite, 1-6 ATS as a road favorite, 1-10 ATS as a favorite of 3 1/2 to 10 points, and 5-11 ATS against losing teams. I'm not saying the Raiders are going to win this game. I just think they're going to scare the hell out of the Bengals. Take Oakland to cover the points at home.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-----GL GUYS
