Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Sunday 1:00 PM NFL
(265) ATLANTA FALCONS at (266) CINCINNATI BENGALS
Take: (266) CINCINNATI BENGALS -5.5
The Falcons overcame an early deficit to pull out a thrilling overtime win against the Saints in Week One. That’s a terrific way to start the season for a team looking to put 2013 as far into the rear view mirror as possible. But I see Atlanta being up against it this week as they hit the road to take on the Bengals.
First off, while I won’t call a Week Two game a letdown spot, I’m still not a big fan of backing a team off a win like the ones the Falcons had when it also happened to take place against its most heated rival. It’s definitely a situation where a bounce would not be at all shocking.
I’m also still not at all enamored with the Atlanta defense. I have that unit as well below average, and that opinion wasn’t altered to any extent with what I saw last Sunday.
I also can see the Falcons having an offensive line issue. This team lost left tackle Sam Baker for the season when he blew out his patellar tendon in a pre-season game. That necessitated moving highly touted rookie Jake Matthews into Baker’s spot. But now Matthews is also injured, which in effect means Atlanta will now be down to its third option at this very crucial position. Skill position players get more attention from the betting public when they’re out, but underestimating the significance of injuries in the trenches can be a big mistake.
The Bengals are also off a very exciting rivalry win, as they finally managed to go into Baltimore and come away with a win. But I don’t see as much chance of a decline off that win for Cincinnati. It’s their home opener, and while they won that opener, no one on the offense seemed particularly overjoyed with the fact the Bengals had to settle for five field goals in the first half, while never denting the end zone. They did get the one big play they really needed to notch the win, but fixing the inefficiency of the offense has been a major point of emphasis in practice this week.
I don’t see this as a greta matchup to begin with from the Falcons standpoint. I don’t see the offense being anywhere near as potent as it was last week, and I believe the Bengals are going to successfully exploit the vulnerability at left tackle. The points are substantial enough to at least give pause, but in the end I expect Cincinnati to win by at least one TD. I’ll therefore side with the Bengals minus the points in this one.
Bonus Play Sunday 1:00 PM NFL
(265) ATLANTA FALCONS at (266) CINCINNATI BENGALS
Take: (266) CINCINNATI BENGALS -5.5
The Falcons overcame an early deficit to pull out a thrilling overtime win against the Saints in Week One. That’s a terrific way to start the season for a team looking to put 2013 as far into the rear view mirror as possible. But I see Atlanta being up against it this week as they hit the road to take on the Bengals.
First off, while I won’t call a Week Two game a letdown spot, I’m still not a big fan of backing a team off a win like the ones the Falcons had when it also happened to take place against its most heated rival. It’s definitely a situation where a bounce would not be at all shocking.
I’m also still not at all enamored with the Atlanta defense. I have that unit as well below average, and that opinion wasn’t altered to any extent with what I saw last Sunday.
I also can see the Falcons having an offensive line issue. This team lost left tackle Sam Baker for the season when he blew out his patellar tendon in a pre-season game. That necessitated moving highly touted rookie Jake Matthews into Baker’s spot. But now Matthews is also injured, which in effect means Atlanta will now be down to its third option at this very crucial position. Skill position players get more attention from the betting public when they’re out, but underestimating the significance of injuries in the trenches can be a big mistake.
The Bengals are also off a very exciting rivalry win, as they finally managed to go into Baltimore and come away with a win. But I don’t see as much chance of a decline off that win for Cincinnati. It’s their home opener, and while they won that opener, no one on the offense seemed particularly overjoyed with the fact the Bengals had to settle for five field goals in the first half, while never denting the end zone. They did get the one big play they really needed to notch the win, but fixing the inefficiency of the offense has been a major point of emphasis in practice this week.
I don’t see this as a greta matchup to begin with from the Falcons standpoint. I don’t see the offense being anywhere near as potent as it was last week, and I believe the Bengals are going to successfully exploit the vulnerability at left tackle. The points are substantial enough to at least give pause, but in the end I expect Cincinnati to win by at least one TD. I’ll therefore side with the Bengals minus the points in this one.
Jim Feist
Comp NFL Pick for Sunday, September 14, 2014: 4:25 PM ET
(273) NEW YORK JETS VS (274) GREEN BAY PACKERS
Take: Over
Reason: Your free pick for Sunday, September 14th, 2014 comes in the NFL as the Jets head to Lambeau Field to face the Packers. The Jets had that great defensive game last week, but the over is 20-9 in the Jets last 29 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. They won't be able to play conservative this week as the Packers can strike quickly and get out to leads. The over is 15-5 in the Jets last 20 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Green Bay has great balanced on offense, top 10 in rushing AND passing a year ago, and has had extra time to prepare a game plan after a loss at Seattle in the opener. The over is 22-9 in the Packers last 31 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Play the NY Jets/Packers Over the total!
Comp NFL Pick for Sunday, September 14, 2014: 4:25 PM ET
(273) NEW YORK JETS VS (274) GREEN BAY PACKERS
Take: Over
Reason: Your free pick for Sunday, September 14th, 2014 comes in the NFL as the Jets head to Lambeau Field to face the Packers. The Jets had that great defensive game last week, but the over is 20-9 in the Jets last 29 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. They won't be able to play conservative this week as the Packers can strike quickly and get out to leads. The over is 15-5 in the Jets last 20 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game. Green Bay has great balanced on offense, top 10 in rushing AND passing a year ago, and has had extra time to prepare a game plan after a loss at Seattle in the opener. The over is 22-9 in the Packers last 31 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Play the NY Jets/Packers Over the total!
'Pack bounce back!'
The Packers look to improve upon a disappointing offensive showing in Week-1 in which the squad managed a lowly 255 total yards in a 36-16 loss at Seattle. Rodgers getting sacked three times ended the day 23 of 33 for 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int. Green Bay ground out just 80 rushing yards in the loss. Meanwhile, Jets look to stay undefeated after their opening 19-14 victory over Oakland racking up 402 total yards in the win. Geno Smith was 23 of 28 for 221 yards, 1 TD, 1 Pick while RB's Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson pounded out 170 of Jets' 212 rushing yards in recording 1 major. Jets stifling defense allowed Raiders just 158 total yards. You bet against Green Bay at some risk. Packers have shown immediate resolve after dropping each of its last two season openers, outscoring Week 2 opponents by an average 15.5 points/game with Rodgers completing 56-of-74 attempts (75.6%) for 5 TD's. The most compelling numbers in the Green Bay's favor are the figures compiled by the Pack in season home opener's. The squad is currently ridding a 6-1 SU/ATS streak. Finally, it also helps that Packers have had extra time to sort things out. Backing Packers returning home after a Thursday night road game has paid dividends as the team is 3-1 ATS the past four situations.
The Packers look to improve upon a disappointing offensive showing in Week-1 in which the squad managed a lowly 255 total yards in a 36-16 loss at Seattle. Rodgers getting sacked three times ended the day 23 of 33 for 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int. Green Bay ground out just 80 rushing yards in the loss. Meanwhile, Jets look to stay undefeated after their opening 19-14 victory over Oakland racking up 402 total yards in the win. Geno Smith was 23 of 28 for 221 yards, 1 TD, 1 Pick while RB's Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson pounded out 170 of Jets' 212 rushing yards in recording 1 major. Jets stifling defense allowed Raiders just 158 total yards. You bet against Green Bay at some risk. Packers have shown immediate resolve after dropping each of its last two season openers, outscoring Week 2 opponents by an average 15.5 points/game with Rodgers completing 56-of-74 attempts (75.6%) for 5 TD's. The most compelling numbers in the Green Bay's favor are the figures compiled by the Pack in season home opener's. The squad is currently ridding a 6-1 SU/ATS streak. Finally, it also helps that Packers have had extra time to sort things out. Backing Packers returning home after a Thursday night road game has paid dividends as the team is 3-1 ATS the past four situations.
Art Aronson
Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals
1* Bonus Play on the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals took care of business in Week 1 against a divisional foe on the road and I think they can once again deliver the goods in Week 2 at home. The visiting Atlanta Falcons (1-0) started off their season on a high point with a thrilling 37-35 overtime win over divisional foe New Orleans. Matt Ryan had one of his best performances of his career, throwing three TDs while completing 31 for 43 passes for 448 yards. Julio Jones was Ryan’s favorite target with nine catches for 116 yards while newcomer Devin Hester was very effective as a pass catcher with 99 yards on five receptions. It was hardly a perfect performance though as the Falcons did give up 472 yards of total offense, making up for it by posting 568 yards of their own. Cincinnati (1-0) gave away a 15 point lead but managed to hold on for a 23-16 win against the Ravens. Andy Dalton went 25 of 38 for 301 yards to help the Bengals end a four-game losing streak in Baltimore. A.J Green caught a 77 yard TD pass to seal the deal in the closing moments. A win is a win is a win and there is no question that Cinncy will take it on the road against the division rival. Note though that the Bengals were lights out at home last year with a perfect 8-0 SU and ATS record during the regular season. This sets up as a classic letdown spot for Atlanta and I think that the book is still out on a team that lost 12 games last season. In fact, the Falcons themselves know they have a long way to go: "It's a good start,” Ryan assessed afterwards. "But it's a long season." The fact that that Atlanta gave up 34 points in its first game has me worried as well; remember, the defense was brutal in allowing 27.7 points last season and early signs show that the unit hasn’t gotten any better. Conversely, Cincinnati was the fifth best scoring defense in the NFL last year, allowing just 19.1 points per game and showed its adroitness on that side of the ball last week. Note that Atlanta is just 1-3 ATS in its last four trips to Cincinnati, all signs point to another tough one today; consider a second look at the BENGALS in this one.
AAA Sports
Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals
1* Bonus Play on the Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals took care of business in Week 1 against a divisional foe on the road and I think they can once again deliver the goods in Week 2 at home. The visiting Atlanta Falcons (1-0) started off their season on a high point with a thrilling 37-35 overtime win over divisional foe New Orleans. Matt Ryan had one of his best performances of his career, throwing three TDs while completing 31 for 43 passes for 448 yards. Julio Jones was Ryan’s favorite target with nine catches for 116 yards while newcomer Devin Hester was very effective as a pass catcher with 99 yards on five receptions. It was hardly a perfect performance though as the Falcons did give up 472 yards of total offense, making up for it by posting 568 yards of their own. Cincinnati (1-0) gave away a 15 point lead but managed to hold on for a 23-16 win against the Ravens. Andy Dalton went 25 of 38 for 301 yards to help the Bengals end a four-game losing streak in Baltimore. A.J Green caught a 77 yard TD pass to seal the deal in the closing moments. A win is a win is a win and there is no question that Cinncy will take it on the road against the division rival. Note though that the Bengals were lights out at home last year with a perfect 8-0 SU and ATS record during the regular season. This sets up as a classic letdown spot for Atlanta and I think that the book is still out on a team that lost 12 games last season. In fact, the Falcons themselves know they have a long way to go: "It's a good start,” Ryan assessed afterwards. "But it's a long season." The fact that that Atlanta gave up 34 points in its first game has me worried as well; remember, the defense was brutal in allowing 27.7 points last season and early signs show that the unit hasn’t gotten any better. Conversely, Cincinnati was the fifth best scoring defense in the NFL last year, allowing just 19.1 points per game and showed its adroitness on that side of the ball last week. Note that Atlanta is just 1-3 ATS in its last four trips to Cincinnati, all signs point to another tough one today; consider a second look at the BENGALS in this one.
AAA Sports
Ben Burns
Atlanta Braves vs. Texas Rangers
Bonus Play Atlanta Braves
The Braves lost to the Rangers again Saturday. Both losses in this series have come by one run. Competing in a tough Wild Card race in the National League, I cannot see them losing to the worst team in the American League for a third straight time. I'll call for Atlanta to avoid the sweep.
Ever since having his scheduled turn in the rotation skipped in early August, Mike Minor has been a different pitcher. Sunday's starter for the Braves has a 2.31 ERA his last five starts and has allowed three runs or less in six straight turns. He's been a victim of poor run support the last two times we've seen him, but I have to believe another quality outing will be enough for Atlanta today.
Texas has allowed more runs than any team in baseball with their starters also owning the highest ERA. So, the Braves should be doing more at the plate. Don't be surprised to see them snap out of their slump today against Rangers starter Colby Lewis, who has struggled at home all year with a 6.75 ERA and 1.605 WHIP. The Rangers are 3-11 in his 14 home starts thus far.
The Rangers haven't pulled off a 3-game sweep since late April. They came into this series on a 1-11 losing streak. The better team wins here. 1* Bonus Play.
Atlanta Braves vs. Texas Rangers
Bonus Play Atlanta Braves
The Braves lost to the Rangers again Saturday. Both losses in this series have come by one run. Competing in a tough Wild Card race in the National League, I cannot see them losing to the worst team in the American League for a third straight time. I'll call for Atlanta to avoid the sweep.
Ever since having his scheduled turn in the rotation skipped in early August, Mike Minor has been a different pitcher. Sunday's starter for the Braves has a 2.31 ERA his last five starts and has allowed three runs or less in six straight turns. He's been a victim of poor run support the last two times we've seen him, but I have to believe another quality outing will be enough for Atlanta today.
Texas has allowed more runs than any team in baseball with their starters also owning the highest ERA. So, the Braves should be doing more at the plate. Don't be surprised to see them snap out of their slump today against Rangers starter Colby Lewis, who has struggled at home all year with a 6.75 ERA and 1.605 WHIP. The Rangers are 3-11 in his 14 home starts thus far.
The Rangers haven't pulled off a 3-game sweep since late April. They came into this series on a 1-11 losing streak. The better team wins here. 1* Bonus Play.
Brandon Shively
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers
Bonus Play #278 San Francisco 49ers
You won't find me laying more than a field goal often in the NFL, but this Sunday night I feel the 49ers have a big advantage, and I am calling for a B-L-O-W-O-U-T For beginners, San Fran is 8-0 ATS the last 8 home meetings vs. the Bears. The last time they met was in 2012 when the 49ers won 32-7 on a Monday Night Football game when Kaepernick made his first career start. I will note that Jason Cambell was the quarterback for the Bears and that's some of the reason they only scored 7 points. Sure, I think the Bears score 17-20 points in this game, but it won't be easy and it will not be enough.
Jay Cutler proved last week vs. the Bills that he is still interception prone by throwing 2 INT's. The guy is a 'gun slinger', but sometimes he just throws it up for grabs. He figures to be under pressure this Sunday night as the Bears are expected to miss their starting center and left guard. Also the Bears two big explosive wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey are listed as questionable. Jeffrey is nursing a hamstring injury while Marshall didn't practice on Friday but did participate in the walk-through portion. While both guys might play, I have to question how effective they will be if not 100%. The Bears are already without their two reserve wide receivers, Josh Morgan and Marquess Wilson and now the offense is lacking serious depth for this game.
The 49ers were able to rest and take it easy in Week 1 as they had a comfortable lead on the Cowboys at half. I will say they are the much fresher team for this game as the Bears had to go toe-to-toe with Buffalo, only to lose in overtime which in turns gives them no momentum for tonight's game. It should also be noted that the Bears are only 2-16 ATS on the road when the total is set at 45 or more points.
While San Fran's secondary is also banged up, I do think that they can win the battle at the line of scrimmage, put pressure on Cutler, and hold their own against the Bears injury riddled wide receivers. I will also note that Buffalo ran for 193 on the bears last week and HC Harbaugh will utilize Frank Gore and the rookie Carlos Hyde who is a bruiser that is great in short yard situations. (He averaged 7 yards a carry last week). I also look for the 49ers to run some read-option with Kaepernick and against a poor Chicago defensive line. The Bears went out and got Jared Allen in the off season, but he looked last week like he is running on fumes. When it's all said and done with, the 49ers offense and defense will control the line of scrimmage and win this game easily. I am looking for a final in the 31-17 range.
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers
Bonus Play #278 San Francisco 49ers
You won't find me laying more than a field goal often in the NFL, but this Sunday night I feel the 49ers have a big advantage, and I am calling for a B-L-O-W-O-U-T For beginners, San Fran is 8-0 ATS the last 8 home meetings vs. the Bears. The last time they met was in 2012 when the 49ers won 32-7 on a Monday Night Football game when Kaepernick made his first career start. I will note that Jason Cambell was the quarterback for the Bears and that's some of the reason they only scored 7 points. Sure, I think the Bears score 17-20 points in this game, but it won't be easy and it will not be enough.
Jay Cutler proved last week vs. the Bills that he is still interception prone by throwing 2 INT's. The guy is a 'gun slinger', but sometimes he just throws it up for grabs. He figures to be under pressure this Sunday night as the Bears are expected to miss their starting center and left guard. Also the Bears two big explosive wide receivers, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey are listed as questionable. Jeffrey is nursing a hamstring injury while Marshall didn't practice on Friday but did participate in the walk-through portion. While both guys might play, I have to question how effective they will be if not 100%. The Bears are already without their two reserve wide receivers, Josh Morgan and Marquess Wilson and now the offense is lacking serious depth for this game.
The 49ers were able to rest and take it easy in Week 1 as they had a comfortable lead on the Cowboys at half. I will say they are the much fresher team for this game as the Bears had to go toe-to-toe with Buffalo, only to lose in overtime which in turns gives them no momentum for tonight's game. It should also be noted that the Bears are only 2-16 ATS on the road when the total is set at 45 or more points.
While San Fran's secondary is also banged up, I do think that they can win the battle at the line of scrimmage, put pressure on Cutler, and hold their own against the Bears injury riddled wide receivers. I will also note that Buffalo ran for 193 on the bears last week and HC Harbaugh will utilize Frank Gore and the rookie Carlos Hyde who is a bruiser that is great in short yard situations. (He averaged 7 yards a carry last week). I also look for the 49ers to run some read-option with Kaepernick and against a poor Chicago defensive line. The Bears went out and got Jared Allen in the off season, but he looked last week like he is running on fumes. When it's all said and done with, the 49ers offense and defense will control the line of scrimmage and win this game easily. I am looking for a final in the 31-17 range.
Michael Alexander
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans
1 Unit NFL Free Pick Dallas Cowboys
The Titans turned a 3-0 deficit into a 23-3 lead, versus KC, sacked Smith 4 times, and picked him off 3 times. Tennessee QB 22-of-33 with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Cowboys out statted San Francisco but couldn't overcome a 28-3 first half deficit. Romo had just 1 touchdown with 3 interceptions but RB Murray had 118 rushing yards. Dallas has give up 30.5 points per game in their last 10 but did hold San Francisco scoreless in 2nd half. The Cowboys are 9-0 ATS as an underdog versus the AFC while the underdog is 40-15 ATS in Dallas games.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans
1 Unit NFL Free Pick Dallas Cowboys
The Titans turned a 3-0 deficit into a 23-3 lead, versus KC, sacked Smith 4 times, and picked him off 3 times. Tennessee QB 22-of-33 with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Cowboys out statted San Francisco but couldn't overcome a 28-3 first half deficit. Romo had just 1 touchdown with 3 interceptions but RB Murray had 118 rushing yards. Dallas has give up 30.5 points per game in their last 10 but did hold San Francisco scoreless in 2nd half. The Cowboys are 9-0 ATS as an underdog versus the AFC while the underdog is 40-15 ATS in Dallas games.
