Sunday 10/2/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Russell Wilson has never missed a start in his NFL career and he is fully intent on keeping that streak going.

The Seattle quarterback is dealing with a sprained left knee but vows to be on the field when the Seahawks visit the New York Jets on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Wilson suffered damage to the medial collateral ligament while being tackled by San Francisco linebacker Eli Harold in last Sunday's victory over the 49ers. He began rehabbing the knee almost immediately and was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Wilson has started 77 consecutive games (67 regular season, 10 postseason) since entering the NFL and Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Wilson is "pretty determined" to play against the Jets.

"He's upbeat and feeling good and he's worked really, really hard to do everything to be right and he's going to go," Carroll said.

The knee injury is the second ailment to bother Wilson this season. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins and played the following Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

The latest injury was much more of a concern as Wilson's left leg was in an awkward position under Harold's body as the tackle was completed.

"I was fortunate," Wilson said. "I don't think it was as severe as it looked, thank God. I think I'll be all right."

While Seattle (2-1) is concerned about Wilson's health, the Jets (1-2) are concerned about the psyche of their starting quarterback.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is coming off the worst performance of his career. He threw a career-worst six interceptions and also lost two fumbles in last Sunday's 24-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

"We lost that game because of my performance," Fitzpatrick said. "We don't really need to pin it or try to put it on anything else. I think that was pretty evident."

The debacle leaves the Jets in a tough position as the home game against the Seahawks is followed by back-to-back road tests against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.

New York is already two games behind the first-place New England Patriots in the AFC East, but receiver Brandon Marshall doesn't see any signs of panic.

"It sucks losing, but it feels good to see the reaction -- that coaches and players are angry and you're looking at each other and you're holding each other accountable," Marshall said. "Like, 'what's the problem?' We need to fix it. That's what I love about this locker room."

Marshall won't have sidekick Eric Decker on the field with him Sunday after an MRI exam revealed that Decker has a partially torn rotator cuff. New York coach Todd Bowles termed Decker's status as "week-to-week."

The loss of Decker, Fitzpatrick's turnover issues and a Seattle pass defense (ranked second at 162.7 yards per game) led by cornerback Richard Sherman could mean even more work for running back Matt Forte.

The 30-year-old Forte ranks sixth in the NFL with 261 rushing yards. The veteran who signed with the Jets in the offseason has handled the ball 76 times (67 rushes, nine receptions) through three games.

The Seahawks are allowing a league-low 250.3 yards per game as they continue to use a formula that has seen the club go 48-19 in the regular season since Wilson became quarterback.

Marshawn Lynch is in retirement and starting running back Thomas Rawls suffered a fibula injury, but third-year back Christine Michael has a 5.2 average and is displaying signs that he's ready for the starting role. Michael had a career-best 106 yards and scored two touchdowns against San Francisco.

"We always knew that he had it in him," Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said. "Sometimes you just have to evolve with the offense and evolve with yourself as you get older."

Baldwin is off to a strong start with 20 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He had a touchdown catch among eight receptions for a career-best 164 yards against the 49ers.

The Jets are allowing 355.7 yards per game and receiving strong play from emerging second-year defensive tackle Leonard Williams, who has three sacks.

This is only the second meeting in the past 12 seasons between the clubs and the first in New Jersey since 2004. Seattle holds a 10-8 series edge.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Buffalo Bills (1-2) at New England Patriots (3-0)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Rex Ryan didn't wait long before turning his attention directly from his team's first win towards Buffalo's next opponent.

"Hey, you know, I can sit back and say I don't care who plays quarterback because I know (Tom) Brady ain't," Ryan said Monday, looking ahead at Sunday's road game against the New England Patriots.

"I don't care who plays quarterback. (Former Patriot) Steve Grogan can play quarterback. If (Bill) Belichick's playing quarterback, we're coming after him. I promise you that."

And asked on a conference call with the Buffalo media what he thinks of Ryan's antics regarding him, Belichick said, "We're really focused on Buffalo's football team and their coaching staff and what we're going to have to play against and prepare for on Sunday."

If you haven't been keeping up with the Patriots, you don't know Brady is serving his four-game Deflategate suspension. Jimmy Garoppolo took over as the starter and was almost six quarters into that new role when he hurt his right shoulder. Enter rookie Jacoby Brissett, who finished the second game of the season and then won his starting debut in Week 3, a shutout against the Houston Texans. But Brissett hurt his thumb in the game.

Garoppolo and Brissett both played well, and the Patriots have gone 3-0 heading into this game against the 1-2 Bills.

While all this was going on, slot receiver Julian Edelman, a quarterback in college, was the emergency guy -- and was seen as the starter this week if neither young player could make it.

But Garoppolo and Brissett were back at practice Tuesday. Both were listed as having "limited participation" on Wednesday's injury report.

As far as facing the possibility of Edelman playing, Ryan said, "I know how difficult it is to defend against a running quarterback. We have to be ready in case Edelman is at quarterback, right? I have a funny feeling he isn't going to be Brady back there."

Garoppolo and Brissett might not be Brady, either. But clever game plans by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made it seems like Brady, who returns for Game 5 at Cleveland, wasn't even missing.

"I think the process we've gone through is really the same," McDaniels said Monday. "I know the variables change, but I don't think anybody here ever considers anything adversity."

Last week against the Houston Texans, McDaniels took some of the pressure off Brissett by calling an option (13 yards) and a bootleg (a 27-yard touchdown run) for the rookie. The Patriots also called three handoffs to Edelman and a tight end reverse by Martellus Bennett.

The Bills lost to the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets before, with new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, surprising the Cardinals 33-18.

"I think the Arizona game really highlights how good they are, how tough it's going to be and how much work we have ahead of us," said Belichick.

Ryan and his defensive coordinator brother, Rob, changed up their defense, bringing more pressure on Carson Palmer than they had brought on Ryan Fitzpatrick the previous game. It worked well - and you have to think they'll bring it again this week.

The Patriots have won 28 of the last 32 games against the Bills and are 72-21 against other AFC East teams in the regular season since 2001. Buffalo has won only once at Gillette Stadium, and that was the final game of the 2014 regular season, with the Patriots resting players for the playoffs.

LeGarrette Blount has been dynamic running the ball for the Patriots, who have also had to survive with a rebuilt offensive line. On the other side of the ball, they've been without Chandler Jones (traded), Rob Ninkovich (suspended, one more game) and Dont'a Hightower (knee). Hightower was listed as having limited participation Wednesday.

Blount has run for 298 yards and four touchdowns (at least one in each game), turning in the team's first back-to-back 100-yard games since 2012.

The Patriots, lit up for almost 400 yards over the last three quarters by Ryan Tannehill, was near perfect against Houston, and the special teams produced two fumbles that led to touchdowns.

New England has seven takeaways in the last two games.

Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor, dangerous with his legs, is 47 of 77 for 527 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions but also ripped off a 49-yard run and another for 20 and a touchdown last week. LeSean McCoy has run for 227 yards and three touchdowns.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who missed the Arizona game with a foot injury, was still not back at practice Wednesday. But the Bills might get massive left tackle Cordy Glenn back. He was limited Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tennessee Titans (1-2) at Houston Texans (2-1)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- There was need to sugarcoat the harsh reality of what moving forward without All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt will mean for the Texans, both in the short term with their first AFC South game on tap and from the extended view of maintaining their status as a postseason hopeful buoyed by their stout defense.

The Texans (2-1) placed Watt on injured reserve Wednesday, a move necessitated by Watt reaggravating the back injury that resulted in surgery in July and his missing the entire preseason. Watt returned in time for the season opener against the Chicago Bears, but with three relatively modest performances (eight tackles, five quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks) came the stark reality that Watt just wasn't himself.

"Going on IR will give J.J. all the time that he needs to make sure he's 100 percent healthy and back to being himself the next time he steps on the football field," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "This decision made by the organization is in the best interest of J.J.'s long-term health and that's what is most important to us, this organization and this team, is obviously the health of the player."

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is the fulcrum of the defense. But the Texans have done a fine job cultivating pass-rushing talent to complement Watt, with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Whitney Mercilus having combined for three sacks and seven quarterback hits. The Texans are tied for third in the NFL in sacks (10), first in net passing yards allowed (151.3), third in opponent's third-down conversion rate (26.8) and fifth in net yards allowed (277).

The Texans have produced these impressive numbers without Watt resembling the dominant form of seasons past, so it bodes well that even without the best defensive player in the league, a collapse isn't imminent. The initial challenge facing the Texans is simply adjusting to not having Watt available for the first time ever.

"When you have that kind of ability and that kind of playmaking, it's hard to replace with one guy," Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said. "So we're going to ask all the guys on defense to pick it up, to put a little bit extra in it and see if we can gain some of those plays that J.J. used to make. That's what we have to do.

"I think that, defensively, we always talk to the guys about being a team, being a unit. It's not just one guy, it's everybody doing their job and fitting, and that makes the defense really good. Then when you have a player like J.J., that also makes the defense really good. We're going to try to ask everybody else to tighten their belts and then go play the best game that they've played."

The Texans were coy about the potential return of inside linebacker Brian Cushing, who suffered a knee injury on the first series of the opener yet was back at practice. Cushing didn't commit to playing against the Titans (1-2) on Sunday, but a healthy Cushing would to a slight degree offset the absence of Watt, at least the initial shock.

The Titans were careful not to overplay how a Watt-less Texans defense influences their preparation.

Tennessee has scuffled offensively, particularly in the passing game, ranking 24th in yards at 229.3 per game. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has thrown four interceptions and has fumbled three times. And while the Titans have been sound running the ball behind DeMarco Murray (245 yards on just 41 attempts), they haven't struck the balance necessary to reach full throttle.

Tennessee appears poised to welcome back receiver Kendall Wright, who has yet to play in the preseason or regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp. Wright offers the promise of another viable target for Mariota, should the Titans offer Mariota the protection required to revive the modest passing attack.

How effectively the Texans pressure Mariota without Watt is a mystery. There was no topic more pressing as both teams discussed what lay ahead.

"To lose someone like that of his caliber, it's tough for them," Mariota said. "You never want to see anybody go down. Truly you just wish the best for him. For us, we've just got to continue to game plan, focus on what we can control and do our best to execute whatever is asked of us."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Carolina Panthers (1-2) at Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Falcons are feeling pretty good about the start to their season, but defensive shortcomings are a concern.

That could be just the tonic for a strangely sluggish offense for the Carolina Panthers.

The teams meet Sunday afternoon at the Georgia Dome, with the Falcons anticipating an agitated opponent.

"Plenty of us to shine a light on to improve on," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said despite back-to-back victories. "We're building toward that. We have a lot of work to do."

The Falcons rank first in the NFL in offense by scoring 34.7 points and gaining 448 yards per game. It has been a good blend of rushing and passing, with quarterback Matt Ryan completing more than 70 percent of his passes to go along with seven touchdowns with only one interception.

"Every time we go against them, they're physical," Ryan said of the matchup with the Panthers. "We're going to have to play our best football."

Carolina is coming off a 22-10 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. They enter the game in Atlanta having not scored for more than 50 minutes.

"It just can't happen," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said of the inconsistencies. "We have to hone in and be more thorough."

Carolina receiver Kelvin Benjamin went without a reception and had only one ball throw his way against the Vikings after a two-touchdown outing the previous game, and quarterback Cam Newton vowed to have Benjamin more involved.

"There's one thing I've learned, if Cam says he's going to do something he's sure going to try to do it," Rivera said after learning of his quarterback's midweek comments.

Games in his hometown of Atlanta naturally take on more significance to him, Newton said, and his team's early struggles are bringing on added frustration.

"They don't care about Carolina," he said of the Falcons. "We're 1-2. We just can't get into the rhythm of winning. It is frustrating. ... We have to take that personal challenge that we have to be better."

The Panthers were so out of sync on the offensive line that Newton was sacked eight times by the Vikings.

"It's tough seeing him go down anytime," Panthers offensive guard Trai Turner said. "You never want to see your quarterback go down."

Newton wasn't going to blame his offensive line and brushed off the problem while turning the focus ahead.

"Just pressure recognition and get the ball out of my hand," Newton said. "Ready to take on the challenge from Atlanta."

But if the Falcons have shown shortcomings the past couple of weeks it has come in their pass defense. Plus, Atlanta's defense has notched only three sacks all season and that might account for why the Falcons have given up a fair share of big plays through the air.

"The explosive passes, that has to come down," Quinn said. "A couple of cases they were mental (mistakes)."

The Panthers, though, have various ways to move the ball on the ground and that's why they rank third in the NFL with an average of 146 rushing yards.

"This is a tough outfit," Quinn said of the Panthers. "It really (starts) off their run game. They have a number of packages they feature, and their quarterback is involved."

The Falcons had so many contributors in defeating New Orleans 45-32 on Monday night that Quinn is calling for a carryover of that type of team work.

"As a coach, that's what pumps you up," Quinn said. "You play as a whole group, a whole unit. You're pulling for one another. When you play team ball like that, that's what fires me up."

Adding to the efficiency, Atlanta wasn't called for an offensive penalty.

The Panthers brought back defensive tackle Kyle Love, who had started two games last year, this week to add to the interior pressure. While that gives Carolina another pass rusher, it's also something for the Falcons to consider.

"They're a very aggressive front, so every chance we get we're going to have to attack," Quinn said.

It will be the third matchup against a NFC South foe this season for the Falcons, who lost their only previous home game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quinn said the early schedule of divisional opponents heightened the importance of these games.

"Another chance for us (now) at home with our crowd here," he said.

It suddenly looks like a crucial game for the Panthers, who've lost three of their last five regular-season games dating to last season. Carolina had its perfect season halted last December in Atlanta after winning its first 14 games on the way to winning the NFC championship.

"I'm trying to get to 2-2," Newton said. "Last year is over with."

The Falcons also aren't putting much emphasis on what happened almost nine months ago.

"Each week and each season to me is new," Quinn said. "The important part of us is that we recognize this as a division game."

For Carolina, the Falcons are its most-played opponent, with Atlanta leading the series 25-17. This season's rematch won't come until Christmas Eve.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Detroit Lions (1-2) at Chicago Bears (0-3)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Rookie running back Jordan Howard knew he would get an opportunity to carry the ball for the Chicago Bears if he stayed patient and worked hard.

However, Howard never imagined that his moment would arrive so soon. The Bears' fifth-round draft pick out of Indiana is expected to make his first start Sunday against the Detroit Lions because of injuries to teammates Jeremy Langford and Ka'Deem Carey.

"It definitely is kind of weird," Howard told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I wasn't expecting injuries like this. I've just got to take it in stride and lead the way Jeremy and Ka'Deem would."

The Bears (0-3) could use a burst of energy from their rookie running back -- or anyone, for that matter. Chicago is one of only four teams without a victory, joining Cleveland, Jacksonville and New Orleans.

Then again, the Lions (1-2) have not fared much better. But whereas all three of Detroit's games have been decided by seven points or fewer, the Bears have been outscored by a whopping margin of 83-45.

Throw in Detroit's recent dominance against division rival Chicago, and it's easy to see why Jim Caldwell's club is favored by about a field goal on the road. The Lions have won six consecutive games against the Bears and have not lost at Soldier Field since Oct. 22, 2012.

Meanwhile, the Bears have lost 11 of their past 12 home games dating to the end of the 2014 season.

A sprained thumb could force Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler to miss his second consecutive game Sunday. If Cutler is sidelined, as expected, veteran Brian Hoyer will try once again to breathe life into a quiet offense. The Bears rank third-to-last in the league with an average of 15 points per game.

Howard hopes to help as the primary option in the backfield. He has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in limited action (12 carries for 67 yards). He also has caught six passes for 56 yards.

In the Bears' passing game, Alshon Jeffery has averaged 19.4 yards per reception but still is searching for his first touchdown. Kevin White, Eddie Royal and Zach Miller also have notched double-digit receptions.

As the Bears' offense has struggled, so has the Lions' defense. Detroit has allowed 28.3 points per game, which is 27th in the league.

Lions safety Glover Quin said he and his teammates needed to play faster and stop thinking so much.

"We've got to come out and just play," Quin told the Detroit Free Press. "We've got to fly around, attack and just play. And when you play fast, a lot of times, playing fast with great effort can cover up some mistakes. Sometimes guys may have mistakes, but if you're playing fast, sometimes you can cover it up.

"So that's what we've got to do. Play fast, stop second-guessing ourselves or trying to play perfect or whatever it may be and just fly around and be aggressive and let the chips fall where they may."

The Lions' offense has encountered no such difficulties in finding its rhythm. Thanks largely to the efficiency of quarterback Matthew Stafford, Detroit is fifth in the league in scoring with 27.0 points per game.

Lions running back Theo Riddick has emerged as a dual-purpose threat. He is tied for second among running backs with 16 receptions, and his 130 receiving yards rank seventh among players at the position.

Some predicted the abrupt retirement of Calvin Johnson to derail the Lions' passing game. Yet Marvin Jones has filled in perfectly in his first three games with Detroit. The former Cincinnati Bengal has caught 18 passes for 408 yards, which leads the league.

Chicago's defense could be in trouble if Stafford has time to feel comfortable in the pocket. The Bears have managed only four sacks in their first three games, and they expect to be without nose tackle Eddie Goldman for a second straight game because of an ankle injury. The Bears are No. 10 in passing defense but No. 30 in rushing defense, allowing an average of 142.7 yards per game on the ground.

Perhaps a former Lions player can help the Bears snap the six-game skid against their NFC North rivals. Earlier this week, Chicago signed running back Joique Bell to add depth behind Howard.

Bell played for the Lions from 2012 to 2015. He said his first week in Chicago was a whirlwind.

"Right now, I think they're trying to feed my brain," Bell told the Sun-Times.

How quickly could he become comfortable in a new offense?

"We're about to find out," he said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Denver Broncos (3-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)

Date: October 02, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. -- After two losses, first-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter wants to change the culture of a team that hasn't won a playoff game in 13 years. He'll have a good model of what he's seeking on the other sideline when the defending Super Bowl champions come to Raymond James Stadium.

"When I'm talking about the culture ... I'm talking about the 53 players, the 10 practice-squad guys and however many coaches we have," Koetter said. "The best teams that I've been on beat with one heart, and they count on the guy next to them to do their job every time, and they win and lose together."

The Buccaneers (1-2) have dropped two straight games, a lopsided 40-7 loss at Arizona and a 37-32 setback on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams that included a 70-minute lightning delay with two minutes left in the game. Tampa Bay moved into scoring position at the Rams' 15-yard line and had five shots at a game-winning touchdown in the final minute but came up short.

Denver is off to a 3-0 start despite starting an unknown commodity in second-year pro Trevor Siemian at quarterback. The former Northwestern player had a coming-out party in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals with four touchdown passes.

"He's obviously very young, and this will be his fourth time as a pro," Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Wednesday. "He's handled himself really well. ... I think the good thing is he knows he's on a good football team and tries to stay within himself and do his job. We've got a long way to go, but he continues to work at his trade each and every day."

In throwing four touchdown passes Sunday, Siemien was just the ninth player in the last 40 years to do so in one of his first five NFL games. The last one? Tennessee's Marcus Mariota against the Buccaneers in last year's season opener.

The Buccaneers brought in defensive coordinator Mike Smith, but the results have actually gotten worse. Tampa Bay is giving up 33.7 points per game, the most in the NFL and the most ever for a Buccaneers team after three games in the 41-year history of the franchise.

"You have to realize that of whatever the number is, 101 points or whatever it is, our offense has contributed way, way too much for that," Koetter said. "We moved up one spot in turnover margin, from 32nd to 31st."

Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston typifies the highs and lows of a young Tampa Bay team -- he leads the NFL with eight touchdown passes but is also one interception off the league high as well with six, to go with two costly fumbles he has lost as well.

In Sunday's loss to the Rams, Winston reset his career high with 405 passing yards but saw a fumble returned 77 yards for a touchdown and his only interception of the game set up another Los Angeles touchdown. There is small progress -- the Tampa Bay defense, held without a takeaway in the first two games, came up with two Sunday, including Kwon Alexander's interception return for a touchdown.

The Bucs have a daunting two weeks ahead, facing both teams from last year's Super Bowl, first the Broncos and then a Monday night game at Carolina, which has owned them in recent years. Tampa Bay will need a major upset to avoid going into its Week 6 bye with a disappointing 1-4 record.

The Broncos are in a very different place from the Buccaneers, trying to sustain a high level of success despite a lack of proven experience at quarterback. There are higher expectations when a franchise has won multiple Super Bowls, and Kubiak understands the challenge of repeating a team's success over time.

"This is a tough league," he said. "You've got 32 organization. Everybody puts in the work and grinds at this thing. It's a very, very difficult league. I think what you're always looking for is consistency -- consistency in your preparation, consistency in your approach from the top down. I think that's what you're looking for as an organization."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

Date: October 02, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

The start of the 2016 season looked promising for the San Francisco 49ers as they opened up at Levi's Stadium with a huge win over a NFC West opponent, the Los Angeles Rams. The Dallas Cowboys entered the season missing their leader on offense, quarterback Tony Romo, and started two rookies in the offensive backfield. Then Dallas lost to NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, at home in the season opener.

How quickly momentum shifts in the NFL. Entering Week 4, the Cowboys head to the Bay area on a high to take on the 49ers in a late afternoon start. The Cowboys are riding a two-game win streak while the 49ers fortunes haven't been as good. San Francisco enters this contest on a two-game losing streak and issues at the quarterback position. The 49ers are 30th in passing yards per game (175.3) and only 16 of 46 on third downs, which equates to 34.8 percent.

Said 49ers head coach Chip Kelly, "I characterize the offense as OK. We need to convert. We had eight shots at third-and-five or less that we need to convert on third down so we can stay on the field and continue to keep drives alive.

"Three of those (eight) were runs. You've got to be able to pick it up when it's third-and-two and third-and-three and be able to run the football to be successful in this league, and we're not doing it on a consistent basis right now."

Fans and media of the 49ers are wondering why, with current starter Blaine Gabbert's issues at quarterback, quarterback Colin Kaepernick isn't getting a chance to play.

"Everyone wants to know why Kap isn't our No. 1," Kelly said. "I don't think Kap is 100 percent right now; that's what I'm saying. I don't think he's ready to go full time. Kap will be the first to tell you. His playing weight has been around 225 (pounds), and he's not at that right now. So he's going out there and continuing to work, continuing to get better."

The Cowboys put the 2016 offense in the hands of rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott. There was tons of uncertainty heading into the season on if the youngsters could handle the load. But both players had the trust of the Cowboys front office and coaching staff. Confidence in that move has paid off tenfold for head coach Jason Garrett.

Said Garrett, "We haven't just put the handcuffs on him (Prescott), if you will. We just let him play, and he's done a good job handling that work. He's seen a lot of different fronts, a lot of different covers, a lot of different pressures. The guys who can process that and see what they need to see and go through the progressions and make good decisions are the ones who play best regardless of how old you are and how many games you've played."

Prescott continues to grow as a player and a leader. The Mississippi State product has not thrown an interception in any of his first three starts. That stat line reads 99 passes to zero interceptions. Only fellow rookie signal-caller for the Philadelphia Eagles, Carson Wentz, has a longer streak at 102. The fourth-round rookie quarterback has passed for 767 yards, completing 66.7 percent of his passes.

Elliott hasn't had the hot start most fans thought he might, but the Ohio State Buckeye product has rushed for 274 yards and two touchdowns. His pass blocking and blitz pickup has been impressive though. That blocking will need to stay sharp as the Cowboys enter the 49ers game without starting left guard La'el Collins. The second-year pro has a torn ligament in his big right toe and is out an extended period of time.

A positive for the banged-up Dallas offensive line is the return of left tackle Tyron Smith. The Pro-Bowl player missed the win over the Chicago Bears with a back issue. His return will lessen the loss of Collins. The Cowboys will need Smith to play at a high level because he will be matched up at times against outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

Brooks took over third place on the 49ers' all-time sack list when he raised his career total to 47.5 with a sack against the Seahawks. Brooks still trails defensive tackle Bryant Young (89.5) and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Charles Haley (66.5).

While the rookies for the Cowboys have shined, wide receiver Dez Bryant only has 11 catches for 150 yards. Those numbers may stay the same for a while. Reports out of Dallas are that the Pro Bowl player has a hairline fracture in his right knee. His status against the 49ers is uncertain.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oakland Raiders (2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-0)

Date: October 02, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

The undefeated Baltimore Ravens face their biggest test so far Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders and their high-powered offense.

Baltimore, however, already got a significant boost to its lineup heading into the game.

Linebacker Elvis Dumervil returned to practice and is expected to make his season debut Sunday. The Ravens will need the extra help to contain Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who torched their secondary for a career-high 351 yards and three touchdowns in their matchup last season. Oakland (2-1) has already won twice on the road.

"He had a breakout game against us, probably in some ways, last year," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said about Carr. "They still have built the offense for him in the same way they built it last year. They're going to get the ball off quick. They're going to protect him. They're going to keep him clean. He hasn't been sacked very much and hasn't had a lot of turnovers -- very few fumbles that he's caused. That's a formula for success on offense. They've done a good job of that, and we're going to have to figure out how to counter that."

The Ravens are 3-0 for the third time in franchise history (2006 and 2009). Those wins have come by a combined 13 points and against teams that are now a cumulative 1-8. Baltimore has managed just four touchdowns over that stretch.

"I'm not really too worried about it," Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said. "I feel like we know what is going on. We feel good about a lot of the things we are doing. We feel like we are ready to burst onto the scene. We have a lot of moving parts, a lot of guys catching passes. I think if we get our run game going a little bit and clean up the little things like penalties, some drops and a couple missed throws -- stuff like that -- I think we will be going."

While the offense has struggled, the Ravens' defense has come up big each game. Baltimore is allowing just 254.3 yards per game, second only to Seattle (250.3). The is a big improvement from last season when the Ravens failed to make key stops in the fourth quarter.

"It's a good group, well coached (with) a lot of talent on the defense," Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said in a conference call with reporters. "They mix their coverages. They're physical up front. It's a very good football team."

Oakland, meanwhile, has the second-best offense in the NFL, averaging 436 yards and 26.7 points per game. Carr has thrown for 867 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. In last season's matchup, Carr threw the game-winning score to Seth Roberts with 26 second left.

The game also marks a homecoming for former Ravens' offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, who signed with Oakland in the offseason for a five-year, $58.5 million deal. Osemele is looking forward to matching up with his former teammates.

"It's going to be great," Osemele said. "I got to practice against these guys for so long and played against these guys for so long that it's going to be exciting playing them on Sunday. There's a few guys, obviously, that it's going to be fun to finish through and play against them in a game. You couldn't really finish through and pancake your own teammates (in practice). Just to go out there and talk a little trash and get to compete against those guys is going to be fun."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: New Orleans Saints (0-3) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)

Date: October 02, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

NEW ORLEANS -- It's hard to believe, but the last time New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees stepped inside Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to participate in an NFL football game, he had a lightning bolt on his helmet and was buried under a pile, his throwing shoulder in tatters and his career hanging in the balance.

It was the end of an otherwise forgettable 2005 season. Brees, the Chargers' starting quarterback and one-time Pro Bowler, was sacked by Denver Broncos safety John Lynch and sustained a torn right labrum, which made it much easier and even logical for the Chargers to officially usher in the Philip Rivers era.

On Sunday, Brees, now 37, will return to San Diego with the 0-3 Saints to face the 1-2 Chargers in San Diego for the first time since his career-altering injury. That's eight Pro Bowls, six NFL-leading passing seasons and one Lombardi Trophy ago.

"I have great memories there," said Brees, one of the few bright spots during the Saints' second consecutive 0-3 start. "I had a chance to play with a lot of great players and with a lot of great coaches who impacted my career. They've been mentors for me and just great people.

"It's kind of weird that this is the first time we're going back there in 11 seasons. That's pretty wild. It's the only place we have not been to yet as a Saints team since I've ben here. The bottom line is I'm trying to get all that stuff out of the way, the sentimental stuff, so that when game day comes, it's all about what we have to do to win the game."

Rivers, who assumed the quarterback reins from Brees in 2006, said the two remain good friends despite their fiery competition as NFL newbies. Brees was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft and Rivers, now 34, was selected in the first round in 2004.

"It's crazy to think that he and I are still playing, and we were both on the same team and we've done a lot of great things," Rivers said. "As that season was winding down in '05, I knew one of us was not going to be here. I didn't think I could handle watching a whole other year. (He suffered) a terrible injury, but he fought back in Drew Brees fashion with the toughness he showed."

The Chargers came within a minute of being 2-1 last week, but they allowed a 63-yard touchdown pass to T.Y. Hilton to lose 26-22 at Indianapolis. The Saints, who lost their first two games to Oakland and the New York Giants by a combined total of four points, allowed five consecutive touchdown drives in falling at home to the Atlanta Falcons 45-32 on Monday night.

Both teams have been ravaged by injuries. For San Diego, wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Danny Woodhead each suffered season-ending ACL injuries, and linebacker Manti Te'o was placed on IR this week after tearing his Achilles against the Colts.

"It's not just us," San Diego coach Mike McCoy said. "Look at the entire league with injuries. I wish I had an answer. We do everything -- strength and conditioning, preventative (measures). Every team does. Because you have a certain number of injuries this year, well, if you had the same program last year that all these guys went through, and then all of a sudden something happens this year, are you doing something wrong? Who's to say?"

The Saints were down four defensive starters last week against the Falcons, but linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (quad) and Kenny Vaccaro (ankle) might return for San Diego.

"One of the tricks is managing the roster right now," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "Ultimately, when you start working with moving parts, where you have some backups playing more, there is an attrition that can happen."

Brees has beaten the Chargers three times -- once in London and twice in New Orleans -- and he is looking for his third consecutive passing game of 400 yards and three touchdown passes against an AFC opponent. Brees leads the NFL with 1,062 passing yards and is tied for the NFL lead with eight touchdown passes.

Rivers, meanwhile, has thrown for 695 yards and five touchdowns in two career starts against the Saints.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Los Angeles Rams (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

Date: October 02, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

While it's true that four teams that started out with a losing record last season after three games managed to recover and advance to the postseason, Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians never expected to see his team with a 1-2 record entering Sunday's game against the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

Then again, a handful of teams viewed as Super Bowl contenders have hit their share of pot holes already in 2016. The Cardinals, who reached the NFC Championship last season, are just one of them.

"Yeah, it's been that way for a long time," Arians said. "You better show up every Sunday with your A game and a lot of passion and pride, or if the other team is, they're going to beat you. There's nobody that can't be beat and nobody that you can't beat. That's the way you have to look at every week."

Though the Rams are 2-1 and are in sole possession of first place in the NFC West, they've had their share of problems, too. Yes, they've won back-to-back games, but they didn't score their first touchdown until last week and they've had two players ejected from games the last two weeks.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer knows Arizona will have its hands full trying to put points up against the Rams' defense, which is anchored by disruptive defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

"There's always a little bit of a difference, but personnel-wise, it's as good as you'll find," Palmer said. "They're coached extremely well. The defensive coordinator is one of the best in the league. It's a great, great group."

Arizona has won six of the last nine meetings at home, but the Cardinals have looked incredibly shaky in their two losses, especially last Sunday's 33-18 fiasco at Buffalo. Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he's fully expecting a different Arians-led team to show up this weekend.

"Bruce is outstanding and he'll have them ready," Fisher said. "It's a veteran team and we expect to see them at their best. It's always a great matchup and he'll have them ready. You know, those things happen. It happened to us in Week 1. You move on. You put it behind you and you move on."

The Cardinals' explosive offense from a year ago, however, has been a dud so far. It ranks 14th in total yards, 16th in third-down conversion percentage and it has yet to score a point in the first quarter of play. Against the Bills, the Cardinals' first five series were all three-and-out clunkers.

"Hey, Buffalo made some plays," Fisher said. "They were in a must-win situation and they made some plays. Sometimes, that's how games go. Look around the league. No one would have expected Pittsburgh to go through the experience they went through (losing to the Eagles, 34-3). Three and outs are a part of the game.

"They are talented. I mean, hey, it took us to Week 3 to score a touchdown."

Arians, though, hasn't been happy since the regular season began. In addition to slow starts to begin games, his Cardinals haven't responded to halftime adjustments when coming out of the locker room to start the third quarter. There also continues to be far too many communication problems on offense, be it among the offensive line or with Palmer and his receivers.

That was rarely the case last season when Arizona set multiple franchise records on offense on its way to a 13-3 regular-season record.

"Every year is different. When you get everybody back, you expect to be as good or better," Arians said. "But, other things change. Again, our performance is not acceptable so far."

Rams running back Todd Gurley, meanwhile, is still trying to find his way three games into the season. He ranks 18th in rushing yards (183) and is only averaging 2.9 yards per carry.

"People say he's not off to a great start, but I think you could say that about our offense as a whole; it has nothing to do with Todd," Fisher said. "Todd's 16-yard run (against Tampa Bay) down inside the 1-yard line, I think, is one of the best runs I've ever seen here recently. So, it kind of shows you what he's capable of doing."

Rams fans are still waiting to see what No.1 overall draft pick, quarterback Jared Goff, is capable of doing. Especially when considering what rookie quarterbacks like Philadelphia's Carson Wentz and Dallas' Dak Prescott have managed to do thus far.

Fisher said it was never the plan to keep his rookie QB on the sideline for a full season, watching and waiting behind starter Case Keenum.

"No, the plan is to play him when he's ready," Fisher said. "I never came out and said ... I've not given a timetable. As I've mentioned numerous times over the past couple of weeks, had there not been injuries, we would not have had four rookie quarterbacks starting last weekend. They'd all be sitting. But injuries are part of the game, so it creates different opportunities and different situations for different teams and different players.

"But our plan with Jared is to bring him along. Case was our starter, he finished up strong last year and he comes back and right now he's won two games back-to-back and he's making plays for us. The experience for Jared has been tremendous. He's getting better every day. The whole experience in itself, just watching and preparing to play, knowing that you're a play away from playing, I think, is additional added experience for him."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

Date: October 02, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their worst loss in 27 years while the Kansas City Chiefs are rolling into Heinz Field on Sunday (8:30 p.m. ET) on a turnover-caused high.

The Steelers were smashed on the road following a 34-3 setback in Philadelphia last Sunday. The Chiefs hammered the New York Jets 24-3, in a game in which the defense and special teams caused eight turnovers.

Both teams enter this contest with a 2-1 mark but with a different feel and attitude. The Steelers seemingly could do nothing right last Sunday while the Chiefs had everything working in their favor. Well, unless you ask Kansas City head coach Andy Reid.

"It's important we enjoy this today and then get ourselves ready for the Steelers. We have a ton of room to improve - absolutely. We have a lot of things we can take out of this and we'll do that work," Reid said after the win on Sunday.

The one major advantage the Chiefs have on the Steelers is turnover ratio. Kansas City is plus-5 in that department, while the Steelers are minus-1. The Steelers' defense has not been producing enough turnovers and the offense has coughed the football up too much.

Running backs seem to have the Steelers' number. In Week 2, Cincinnati Bengals running back Gio Bernard had 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. Last week, Eagles running back Darren Sproles had six receptions for 128 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown.

"There is room for improvement all around, whether it's the pass rush, not tackling well, not rallying to screens better, not winning third downs. We got our (butts) kicked. I'll simply say it like that. I got my (butt) kicked. We all got our (butts) kicked. We're going to learn from it," defensive end Cam Heyward said.

One positive way the Steelers can look at the lopsided defeat is the Chiefs run virtually the same offensive system as Philadelphia. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson brought the offensive scheme to Philadelphia from Kansas City, where he was the offensive coordinator during Andy Reid's tenure. This should allow the young secondary for the Steelers to study the mistakes they made and correct them going up against a similar styled opponent.

"Until you stop stuff like that," Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats said, "it's a copycat league. They're going to see we have to tackle better against the screen. We're totally expecting that, but we put that out there, and it's going to be on us to rectify that situation,"

Those comments were directed toward players like rookie cornerbacks Artie Burns and Sean Davis. Both missed numerous tackles in Philadelphia. Veterans Ross Cockrell and Mike Mitchell both need to be held more accountable as well in stopping the opponent's passing attack.

The Steelers' secondary has not been productive at all and has allowed over 300 yards passing in all three of the games played this season.

A secondary member that has been playing lights out this season for the Chiefs is second-year cornerback Marcus Peters. The 2015 first-round selection already has an NFL-best four interceptions on the season and has tackled well in space.

The matchup versus Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown will be one to watch on Sunday night. Brown is fourth in the NFL with 305 receiving yards on 24 receptions, though half of those catches were versus the Eagles in the blowout loss. Brown can stretch the field and Peters loves to play physical, so this will be a highlighted battle in Week 4.

This game also marks the return of Pittsburgh running back Le'Veon Bell from his three-game suspension for violating the league drug policy. Most seasons this would be the opening headline but Bell's replacement, DeAngelo Williams, has played solid in his stead. Williams is seventh in the NFL in rushing with 258 yards.

This two-headed attack will be looking to have even better success versus a Chiefs rushing defense that is average. Kansas City gives up 123 yards a game on the ground. The Steelers need to attack the interior of the Chiefs defense behind center Maurkice Pouncey and guard David DeCastro, both former first-round selections for the Steelers.

The Chiefs have been without the Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles for the first three game, as he recovers from knee surgery. But the running back-by-committee approach of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West has been solid for Kansas City. Neither runner has the skill set of Charles, but the Chiefs average 4.2 yards a rush with three runs over 20 yards.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SNF - Chiefs at Steelers
By Micah Roberts

After two sluggish performances to start the season the Chiefs played to their expected abilities last week against the Jets in a 24-3 win. Sunday night we'll get to witness who the real Chiefs are as they visit Heinz Field for match against the Steelers who are listed a 5-point favorites with a total set at 47.

Pittsburgh comes with a 2016 story completely opposite of the Chiefs. After winning and covering its their first two games, the were buried 34-3 last week at Philadelphia as 3.5-point road favorites. No TD's for Ben Roethlisberger and one interception. The Steelers offense, considered by many to be the best in the NFL, only gained 251 yards with the running game only producing 29 yards.

The Steelers rush attack should get a boost Sunday as Le'Veon Bell returns from a three game suspension. Las Vegas oddsmaker Kenny White says Bell is worth a half-point to the number.

So what's it going to be Sunday night? Will the Chiefs go on a run similar to last season when they figured things out after a 1-5 start to win their final 10 regular season games? Will the Steelers bounce back at home and completely forget about last weeks disaster? Or did the Eagles lay down a blue print for all other teams to follow on how to slow the Steelers offense?

LINE MOVEMENT

The Westgate SuperBook opened Pittsburgh 5.5-point favorites on last Sunday night and Monday morning they pushed the number to -6. However, on Tuesday there was some respected money taking +6, and then Wednesday they found takers at the dead number of +5.5 and then on Thursday morning, they moved to -4.5. The total has dropped from 47.5 to 47.

TURNOVERS IMPORTANT?

You can't adjust ratings too much on turnovers, but when a pattern starts it's hard to ignore. The Steelers have a -1 turnover ratio and the Chiefs are +5. Of course, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a lot to do with that disparity at Kansas City last week with his offense giving away 8 balls, but still, the number resonates. The Chiefs were doing something right, and this is supposed to be a possible AFC representative to make a Super Bowl visit. Whatever happened the previous week last shouldn't weigh too much into a wagering decision, but the Steelers looked awful last week. By the way, the Eagles 3-0 start has been aided by a +6 turnover margin, which is second behind the Vikings (+8).

PROPER RATINGS?

I haven't lowered the Steelers in their rating this season despite last weeks result, but the Chiefs were lowered a half-point after their come-from-behind win against the Chargers in Week 1. It really was a good finish, but they were lousy in the first-half. KC's rating has remained intact the last two weeks, even though the Chiefs looked really good last week against a quality team in the Jets. My line says the Chiefs shouldn't be getting +5 or more, and that's with including Le'Veon Bell to Pittsburgh's equation.

TRENDS

-- Kansas City is 5-2 ATS in last seven road games.
-- Kansas City has failed to cover its last four following an ATS win.
-- Kansas City has gone Under total in five of last seven games.

-- Pittsburgh is 7-2 ATS in last nine games following a loss.
-- Pittsburgh has gone Under in six of its past seven games.

RECENT MEETINGS

The home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings, and the Chiefs have covered four of the past five. The last four meetings have stayed Under, including last October when the Chiefs won 23-13 as 3.5-point home favorites. Bell rushed for 121 yards and Antonio Brown caught eight passes for 124 yards, but Landry Jones was starting QB with Roethlisberger injured. The Big Ben effect was huge as Pittsburgh converted only 2 of 10 third downs.

DIVISION ODDS

The Chiefs came into the season 8/5 to win the AFC East as the second choice behind Denver at 3-to-2. The gap has widened with Denver looking so spectacular with its 3-0 start. They are now 4/5 and the Chiefs are 9/4. The Raiders are 9/2 and the Chargers are 12/1.

Pittsburgh has gone from EVEN to 5/7 after three weeks of play. Baltimore is 9/4, Cincinnati is 7/2 and Cleveland is 300/1.

SUPER BOWL ODDS

Because of the Patriots (7/2) winning without Tom Brady and Denver (12/1) doing well, their Super Bowl odds dropping has changed the complexion of the rest of the AFC. Pittsburgh has gone from 8/1 up to 10/1 and Chiefs from 20/1 to 25/1.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Giants, Vikings square off

NFL Week 4 Monday Night Football Betting Preview

New York Giants (2-1 SU; 1-2 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (3-0 SU; 3-0 ATS)

Odds: Minnesota (-5.5); Total set at 43.5

Monday Night Football for Week 4 gives us an interesting matchup between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota will be playing their second game in their new home after christening it with a 17-14 win over Green Bay two weeks ago, and would love to add another win to that record this week.

They've been one of the most surprising teams in the league at 3-0 SU, not because they are undefeated, but because they have remained perfect without QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Adrian Peterson.

They've got quality wins over the Packers and Panthers, and have become darlings of the betting world with a perfect ATS mark as well. Early money on this game has been all over the Vikings, pushing the spread up to its current number after opening at -3.5, but is there a point where teams like this become too overvalued?

When you beat the Packers and the defending NFC champion Panthers in consecutive weeks like the Vikings have, bettors will take notice. Minnesota's defensive front has been ambushing QB's, and making Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton uncomfortable back there led to those Minnesota victories.

Now that front gets to go after Eli Manning and his propensity to turn the ball over and early bettors see a clear edge with Minnesota there. Manning's poor INT's late in last week's game cost the Giants a win and it's tough to put your money on a guy like that next time out.

In fact, the Giants are 31st in the NFL with a -6 turnover differential and a stat like that has almost everyone favoring the opportunistic Vikings defense.

But the Giants have managed to overcome those mistakes to be 2-1 SU, and you could easily argue that they'd be 3-0 SU if you took that last turnover away. It makes for an interesting dynamic in handicapping this game as to what you weigh more heavily.

Clearly the majority of early money sides with Minnesota in that regard, hoping that those short fields gained from possible turnovers turn into quick points. When they played the Giants last year, Minnesota won the turnover battle 3-0 and that turned into a dominant 49-17 blowout win.

Don't think the Giants have forgotten about that game as they were in the midst of a playoff chase at the time. Yes, Minnesota's offense doesn't need to be spectacular when the defense only allows 13.3 points per game, but you've got to wonder if that Vikings offense can put up 24+ if they need to here.

As long as Eli Manning takes care of the ball in this game, the Giants offense should have success and put points on the board.

They are on a 7-3-1 ATS run on the road, and the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games between these two. New York also has the “revenge angle” on their side and could very well put the first wrinkle in Minnesota's Super Bowl plans this season with an outright win.

This line isn't likely to go much higher, and 5.5 points for a banged up, but solid Minnesota team, seems like a bit of an overreaction to what they did in Carolina last week.

Take New York +5.5 points

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Giants, Vikings square off

NFL Week 4 Monday Night Football Betting Preview

New York Giants (2-1 SU; 1-2 ATS) vs. Minnesota Vikings (3-0 SU; 3-0 ATS)

Odds: Minnesota (-5.5); Total set at 43.5

Monday Night Football for Week 4 gives us an interesting matchup between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota will be playing their second game in their new home after christening it with a 17-14 win over Green Bay two weeks ago, and would love to add another win to that record this week.

They've been one of the most surprising teams in the league at 3-0 SU, not because they are undefeated, but because they have remained perfect without QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Adrian Peterson.

They've got quality wins over the Packers and Panthers, and have become darlings of the betting world with a perfect ATS mark as well. Early money on this game has been all over the Vikings, pushing the spread up to its current number after opening at -3.5, but is there a point where teams like this become too overvalued?

When you beat the Packers and the defending NFC champion Panthers in consecutive weeks like the Vikings have, bettors will take notice. Minnesota's defensive front has been ambushing QB's, and making Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton uncomfortable back there led to those Minnesota victories.

Now that front gets to go after Eli Manning and his propensity to turn the ball over and early bettors see a clear edge with Minnesota there. Manning's poor INT's late in last week's game cost the Giants a win and it's tough to put your money on a guy like that next time out.

In fact, the Giants are 31st in the NFL with a -6 turnover differential and a stat like that has almost everyone favoring the opportunistic Vikings defense.

But the Giants have managed to overcome those mistakes to be 2-1 SU, and you could easily argue that they'd be 3-0 SU if you took that last turnover away. It makes for an interesting dynamic in handicapping this game as to what you weigh more heavily.

Clearly the majority of early money sides with Minnesota in that regard, hoping that those short fields gained from possible turnovers turn into quick points. When they played the Giants last year, Minnesota won the turnover battle 3-0 and that turned into a dominant 49-17 blowout win.

Don't think the Giants have forgotten about that game as they were in the midst of a playoff chase at the time. Yes, Minnesota's offense doesn't need to be spectacular when the defense only allows 13.3 points per game, but you've got to wonder if that Vikings offense can put up 24+ if they need to here.

As long as Eli Manning takes care of the ball in this game, the Giants offense should have success and put points on the board.

They are on a 7-3-1 ATS run on the road, and the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games between these two. New York also has the “revenge angle” on their side and could very well put the first wrinkle in Minnesota's Super Bowl plans this season with an outright win.

This line isn't likely to go much higher, and 5.5 points for a banged up, but solid Minnesota team, seems like a bit of an overreaction to what they did in Carolina last week.

Take New York +5.5 points

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chiefs, Steelers clash

NFL Week 4 Sunday Night Football Betting Preview

Kansas City Chiefs (2-1 SU; 1-2 ATS) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1 SU; 2-1 ATS)

Odds: Pittsburgh (-5.5); Total set at 47.5

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to bounce back from an awful performance in Philly last week, as the vaunted Steelers offense only put up 251 total yards, turned the ball over twice, managing only 3 points.

It was one of those games where the Steelers coaching staff likely burned the film and moved on to this week in the Sunday Night showcase. Can they cover this number?

For as bad as the Steelers looks last week, don't expect that to be the norm. This team can put up points in a hurry and they get RB Le'Veon Bell back this week.

Bell is just another dynamic player with the ball in his hands and his return should open things up a bit more for Pittsburgh's aerial attack. Kansas City's defense is tough with back-to-back games of allowing less than 20 points, but they still give up plenty of yards – 348 per game.

Last week the Jets were killed by multiple turnovers and made Kansas City's defensive numbers a little better than they should have been. I don't expect Ben Roethlisberger and company to be so careless with the ball, so look for the “good” Steelers offense to show up in this one.

It was those forced turnovers by KC's defense last week that ultimately made their offensive numbers look a bit better as well, as they had short fields to work with on numerous occasions.

Yet, despite those eight turnovers the Chiefs benefited from, they only managed 24 points on 293 total yards. 14 of those points didn't even come from the offense, as the Chiefs defense turned two turnovers directly into touchdowns.

While all that was great last week, those numbers don't paint a pretty picture of success for Kansas City's offense this week as this game could get ugly in a hurry.

Pittsburgh is still one of those teams that has a strong home field advantage in this league and they know they can't be giving away these tough, but very winnable home contests.

There is no worry about looking ahead here to a division rivalry game or anything like that either. Pittsburgh is 7-2 ATS when coming off a straight up defeat and will respond strongly under the bright Sunday night lights.

Some may not want to believe in the Steelers after what they saw from them last week, but the home team is 6-1 ATS the last seven times these teams have met and Pittsburgh should add to that streak this week.

We could very easily see this line go to -6 or even -7 by the time kickoff rolls around, so laying those 5.5 points sooner than later with the much better team at home is the way to attack this contest.

Take Pittsburgh -5.5 points

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Garoppolo expected to start Sunday
By The Sports Xchange

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of the New England Patriots is expected to return from a shoulder injury in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.
According to WEEI, Garoppolo will get the start when New England (3-0) hosts Buffalo (1-2) at Gillette Stadium.
Garoppolo missed Week 3 because of a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder suffered during the Patriots' 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Garoppolo was limited in practice all week and officially listed as questionable. Last week, he was listed as doubtful.
Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett started against the Houston Texans in Week 3 but sustained an injury of his own -- to his throwing thumb -- in the 27-0 win. Brissett was limited all week and listed as questionable.

--Fullback Glenn Gronkowski, younger brother of New England tight end Rob Gronkowski, was signed to the Patriots' practice squad.
Glenn Gronkowski signed in April with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent from Kansas State. He made the Bills' initial 53-man roster and played eight snaps in the season-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens but was waived on Sept. 12.
This is the second time the Patriots signed one of Rob Gronkowski's brothers. In 2011, tight end Dan Gronkowski played five games for New England.
The Patriots also added fourth-year veteran tight end Greg Scruggs to their 53-man roster.

--The New York Giants will be short-handed in the secondary against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night as safeties Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson have been ruled out for the game.
In addition to the absences of Berhe (concussion) and Thompson (foot), rookie Eli Apple is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury and fellow cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is questionable with a groin injury.
Giants running back Rashad Jennings is listed as questionable to return following a one-game absence due to a thumb injury.
The Vikings are relatively healthy and do not have a player listed on their injury report aside from defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and backup tight end David Morgan. Floyd had arthroscopic surgery last week and is expected to miss a couple of games after being limited to just a few snaps in the season opener. Morgan is nursing a knee injury and did not participate in practice this week.

--Wide receiver Doug Baldwin of the Seattle Seahawks told "60 Minutes Sports" that his comments calling for a review of police training tactics have brought death threats.
"A couple of people told me to watch my back," Baldwin said. "If something was to happen to me, I think that would just further prove my point that there are issues in our culture, in our society that need to be changed."
Baldwin called for law enforcement to emphasis de-escalation and crisis management as opposed to militaristic tactics during comments to the media last month.
The sixth-year wide receiver from Stanford is one of several players joining a movement that began when quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers did not stand for the national anthem during a preseason game.

--Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck does not have any major issues with his right shoulder, according to team owner Jim Irsay.
Irsay emphasized that his franchise quarterback's shoulder is just fine while attending an NFL pep rally in London leading up to Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I can tell you Andrew's shoulder is not a serious issue," Irsay said Saturday. "It is just something along the way that we're monitoring and making sure we practice him and do the right sort of things just until it starts feeling completely 100 percent every day. But it's not something that concerns us at all. He can throw it 70 yards. He's ready to play."
Luck took the Colts to the playoffs each of his first three seasons with a regular-season record of 11-5 each time but played in only seven games in 2015 because of injuries.
The 27-year-old Luck has thrown for 913 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions this season for the Colts.

--The Colts promoted offensive tackle Jeremy Vujnovich from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Vujnovich has spent the entire season on the Colts' practice squad. He participated in the offseason program and training camp before being waived during final cuts on Sept. 3.

--The Chicago Bears waived defensive lineman CJ Wilson and elevated tight end Ben Braunecker from the practice squad.
Wilson, 29, signed with the team on Tuesday after being cut by the New Orleans Saints at the end of training camp. He appeared in 78 games (19 starts) with the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions, recording 111 tackles in the regular season and 17 more in the playoffs.
Braunecker, 22, is an undrafted rookie from Harvard. He was waived by Chicago in training camp before being signed to the practice squad.

--Tight end Je'Ron Hamm of the San Francisco 49ers was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. To make room on the roster, running back DuJuan Harris was released.
Hamm joined the 49ers when he was claimed on waivers from the Washington Redskins on Dec. 30, 2015. He was released on Sept. 3, but signed to the practice squad the following day.

--The Cleveland Browns shuffled their linebacker corps, signing Cam Johnson off Arizona's practice squad after placing Nate Orchard on injured reserve.
Orchard, a second-round draft pick in 2015, injured his ankle in a loss at Miami last week and heads to IR with four tackles this season.
Johnson is familiar to Cleveland after playing for the Browns in one game last season and spending an additional 13 weeks on the practice squad.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'AFC South Showdown'

Tennesse Titans at Houston Texans October 2, 1:00 EST

Houston Texans' opened 6.5-point favorites in their Week 4 matchup versus AFC South rival Tennessee Titans but have since been bet down to -4.5 to -5.0 points thanks to J.J.Watts re-injuring his back. Both teams have a chip on their shoulder. Texans' are reeling from a 27-0 thumping up in Foxboro, the Titans from a controversial end zone non-interferance call with 12 seconds remaining in a 17-10 home loss to Raiders.

A slew of negative betting trends going against Tennessee in this spot. Titans are a money-burning 4-12 against the betting line, 1-14-2 against the spread vs the AFC South including 2-9 ATS handed 4.5 or less points by a division rival. Additionally, Titans enter 2-11-2 ATS vs a division opponent off a loss, 1-5 ATS last six as visitor in the series.

However, a key to NFL handicapping is to search for hidden gems among a sea of football betting tips. Those doing so will be quick to point out, Houston's devistating loss last week serves as an alarm. Texans have not responded in front of the home audience following a 20 or more point spanking its previous game. In the past five such situations the result has been a 1-5 record against the betting line. Matching that, Texans have struggled at home during Pumpkin month going 2-6-1 ATS.

Despite negative trends lean is Titans facing a Houston squad missing Watts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Sunday, Oct. 2

INDIANAPOLIS vs. JACKSONVILLE from London (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
After losing six in a row SU vs. Colts, Jags won 51-16 last December. Colts "over" 7-3 last 10 away, Jags "over" 13-7 last 19.
Tech Edge: "Over," based on "totals" trends.

CLEVELAND at WASHINGTON (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Browns have covered last two but 4-9-1 last 14 on board. Skins 0-3 as chalk since LY and also 11-21 vs. line for Jay Gruden save the last four games of 2105 reg season when Skins surged late. Skins now "over" last eight since late 2015.
Tech Edge: "Over," based on "totals" trends.

BUFFALO at NEW ENGLAND (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Rex Ryan 0-1-1 vs. line against Belichick LY, but was 5-1 vs. spread against Pats in previous six with Jets. Bills no covers first two TY while Belichick has covered first three. Belichick 36-16 "over" at home since 2010.
Tech Edge: Slight to "over" and Patriots, based on "totals" and team trends.

SEATTLE at NY JETS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Seattle "under" 5-1-1 "under" last seven reg season. Jets 10-6-2 vs. line for Bowles since LY.
Tech Edge: "Under," based on recent "totals" trends.

CAROLINA at ATLANTA (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Falcs dealt Panthers their only reg.-season loss of 2015 at Georgia Dome LY. But that has been Atlanta's only cover last seven at home (1-6). Carolina 6-2 vs. line last eight meetings. Last six meetings "under" as well.
Tech Edge: Panthers and "under," based on series trends.

DETROIT at CHICAGO (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bears are 1-8 SU and vs. line at home since LY for Fox. Chicago 1-7 last eight on board since late 2015. Lions on 8-3 spread uptick since mid 2015 and have won last three SU at Soldier Field.
Tech Edge: Lions, based on team trends.

TENNESSEE at HOUSTON (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Titans only 9-29-3 vs. line since late 2013. Houston has owned this series with five covers in a row and 9-1 last ten. O'Brien 6-1 as home chalk since 2015, also "under" 7-2 last nine at NRG and "under" 7-1 last eight since late 2015.
Tech Edge: Texans and "under," based on series and "totals" trends.

OAKLAND at BALTIMORE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Raiders have covered five straight on road. Tempted to toss Ravens 2015 numbers when injured and 1-6-1 at home vs. line, already 1-0 in 2016 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tech Edge: Raiders, based on team trends.

DENVER at TAMPA BAY (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Kubiak was 7-1-2 vs. line away since LY and 4-1-1 as road chalk. Bucs only 3-6 vs. line as host since LY and on 1-6 spread slide since late 2015.
Tech Edge: Broncos, based on team trends.

DALLAS at SAN FRANCISCO (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Niners "under" 9-1 last ten at Santa Clara, Dallas "under" 12-8 last 20.
Tech Edge: "Under," based on "totals" trends.

NEW ORLEANS at SAN DIEGO (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Bolts only 3-11 vs. line last 14 at home though did clock the Jags in 2016 Qualcomm opener. Brees however 8-3-1 last 12 as dog.
Tech Edge: Saints, based on Brees dog marks.

LOS ANGELES at ARIZONA (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Arians 5-1 vs. line against Fisher since 2013, though game he lost came at home LY. Rams under" 14-5-1 last 20 since late 2014, also 3-7-1 last 11 away vs. points.
Tech Edge: Cards and "under," based on team and "totals" trends.

KANSAS CITY at PITTSBURGH (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Chiefs only 1-5 as dog since 2015. Steel 8-2-1 vs. spread at home last 10 in reg season.
Tech Edge: Steelers, based on team trends.


Monday, Oct. 3

NY GIANTS at MINNESOTA (ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
G-Men 2-6-1 vs. line since late 2015. Zimmer 17-3 vs. line since 2015!
Tech Edge: Vikings, based on team trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

Runhappy, Flintshire, Beholder, X Y Jet and Klimt all tasted defeat on Saturday at short prices, but chalk players can always depend on California Chrome to get the job done, and he did it in a big way.

The 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner won for the sixth time in as many starts in 2016, disposing of Dortmund rather easily and winning the Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita by 2 ¼ lengths geared down.

The Art Sherman trainee was already the heavy favorite at +140 in early Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) wagering at +140. When we see new prices posted expect to see that price go south.

With blinkers added I thought jockey Rafael Bejarano aboard Dortmund might be able to get the lead, but California Chrome was just too quick.

I also thought Beholder would turn the tables on Stellar Wind in the $300,000 Zenyatta (G1), and the duo fought all the way to the wire with Stellar Wind prevailing again.

One horse racing writer and handicapper I respect brought up the point he thought one of the reasons Beholder lost for the third time in a row was that her jockey, Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens just does not have as much finish as he did in his younger days.

Stevens has had numerous issues with his knees and had knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago.

I think Beholder is better when she has a target to run at and she likely gets it in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Seeing those two rivals meet up with Songbird and Cavorting will be one of the highlights of the two-day championship.

Take a good look today’s $200,000 Miss Grillo (G3) at Belmont Park. The race is a major prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) and trainer Chad Brown has three promising looking fillies entered.


Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $62,500 (1:30 ET)
#6 Jetsam Six 8-5
#5 Epic Lady 6-1
#2 Yorkiepoo Princess 2-1
#7 Matinee Babe 8-1

Analysis: Jetsam Six stalked the early pace and made a mild late bid to finish fourth last out going long on turf at the Spa versus maiden special weight company. The filly earned the top last out speed fig and now drops in for a tag for the first time here for the Rice barn that is 22% winners (with a +ROI) dropping runners from maiden special to maiden claiming. A bit on the weak side pedigree wise but catches a pretty weak group.

Epic Lady was bumped coming out of the gate, made a good middle move and did not have enough punch left late in a fourth place finish at Monmouth Park going a mile on turf. The Hennig barn usually does not have them fully cranked first out and she likely moves forward off that effort.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 5,6 / 2,5,6,7
TRI: 5,6 / 2,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 5 Miss Grillo G3 (3:36 ET)
#7 Create a Dream 2-1
#2 Coasted 5-2
#5 Rymska 10-1
#6 New Money Honey 8-1

Analysis: Create a Dream is one of three in here sent out by the Chad Brown barn that has won this race four times. The filly broke her maiden at Ascot in her debut and then ran fourth in the Albany Stakes (G3), beaten a length over good to soft ground. Those starts came under the care of the Wesley Ward barn and now returns off a three-month break for the new barn. Brown hits at a 27% clip with runners coming back off a 61-180-day layoff.

Coasted was bumped coming out of the gate, raced near the back of the pack and came with a good late rally to get up late and win the P.G> Johnson last out in her first start against winners. She was close to the pace two back in her maiden score in her turf debut and should be closer here with a better trip. She is out of the stakes winner Malibu Pier ($486,200).

Rymska is one of three in here making their U.S. debut. The filly broke her maiden at Deaville in France and then won the Prix Etalons la Cauviniere at Craon going a mile in her last outing. She is proven over ground with some give to it and a positive to see Geroux in to ride this filly.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 2,7 / 2,5,6,7
TRI: 2,7 / 2,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Santa Anita:

SA Race 6 The John Henry Turf Championship G2 (3:00 PT)
#8 Messi 4-1
#9 Twentytwentyvision 6-1
#6 Ashleyluvssugar 3-1
#7 Metaboss 7-2

Analysis: Messi prompted the early pace and finished strongly to win the Sky Classic (G2) last out at Woodbine going this distance. The runner up Are You Kidding Me came back to win the Durham Cup (G3) at Woodbine in his next outing. The Motion trainee makes his third start of his current form cycle and the 4-1 morning line looks fair in this spot.

Twentytwentyvision came off a three-month break to win the Rolling Green at Golden gate Fields going 1 1/16 miles. he ran a good third in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) two back behind a next out winners and gets the distance test here. He has landed in the exacta in 7 of 8 trips on turf and reunites with Prat. Decent value if he goes off near his 6-1 morning line.

Wagering
WIN: #8 t win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 8,9 / 6,7,8,9
TRI: 8,9 / 6,7,8,9 / 4,6,7,8,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #7 matinee Babe 8-1
R3: #3 Calculated Risker 8-1
R5: #5 Rymska 10-1
R5: #6 New Money Honey 8-1
R6: #9 Code Red 8-1
R6: #12 Paz the Bourbon 8-1
R7: #4 Frenchman Bay 8-1
R7: #1 Driving Me Crazy 10-1
R8: #4 Doyouknowsomething 10-1
R9: #8 Pocket Player 15-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Leamington Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 10 - Post: 4:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 69 - Purse:$2800 - CLAIMING $6000
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 BIG IS BETTER 4/1
# 1 JEANNES FAITH 6/1
# 5 MACH OF THE TOWN 2/1

BIG IS BETTER is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the consortium. Can't pass over based on TrackMaster speed figs which have been terrific (71 avg) most recently. A nice class horse shouldn't be be overlooked. With an average class rating of 71 all signs point to yes. JEANNES FAITH - You have to favor a horse that wins regularly, very impressive win percentage. Hands down the best position at Leamington Raceway is the 1. The win percentage is exemplary. MACH OF THE TOWN - Robinson knows this nice horse well. Stellar in the money results when starting together.