Sunday 9/20/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: San Francisco at Pittsburgh

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to put their season-opening setback in their rearview mirror when they welcome the San Francisco 49ers to Heinz Field on Sunday. Antonio Brown picked up where he left off last season as the All-Pro wideout reeled in nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 28-21 setback to New England on Sept. 10.

DeAngelo Williams put forth an admirable performance by rushing for 127 yards while playing in place of Le'Veon Bell, who will sit out the second contest of his two-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Williams' impressive effort was bested by Carlos Hyde, who rolled up an NFL-leading 168 rushing yards and two touchdowns in San Francisco's 20-3 triumph over Minnesota on Monday. The victory was the first for 49ers coach Jim Tomsula, who will receive a homecoming of sorts when the native of West Homestead (Pa.) pays a visit to Pittsburgh.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Steelers -5.5. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-0): Tomsula was particularly thrilled with what he saw from Colin Kaepernick, although the quarterback's statistics (165 yards passing, 41 rushing) don't exactly jump off the page. "I don't think we had something that was broke," Tomsula said of the 27-year-old Kaepernick. "He's a very talented athlete. He's a very talented quarterback. He's got a skill set, we just want to utilize his skill set." Vernon Davis, who reeled in three receptions for 47 yards, will look to exploit a Pittsburgh defense that was gashed for three touchdowns by fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski of the Patriots.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (0-1): Despite missing receiver Martavis Bryant (suspension) and Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (lower leg injury), Ben Roethlisberger threw for 351 yards and found Brown for an 11-yard touchdown in the waning moments of the season-opening loss. Although Brown has collected at least five receptions for 50 yards in an NFL-record 33 consecutive games (34 including playoffs), he wasn't too pleased with the team's inability to convert in the red zone. "Numbers are great, but it's all about winning," Brown said.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Pittsburgh is 12-2 in its last 14 season openers at Heinz Field, with coach Mike Tomlin winning seven of the last eight.

2. San Francisco RB Reggie Bush (strained calf) has not practiced this week, putting his availability for Sunday's tilt in jeopardy.

3. The Steelers' 464 total yards of offense were second only to San Diego in Week 1.

PREDICTION: Steelers 31, 49ers 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tampa Bay at New Orleans

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Jameis Winston’s NFL career got off to an inauspicious start in Week 1, but the No. 1 overall draft pick is trying to put that debut behind him as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move forward. Winston could see more holes in the defense when the Buccaneers visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Winston threw a pick-six on his first NFL pass attempt and finished 16-of-33 for 210 yards as Tampa Bay suffered a 42-14 home loss to Tennessee in Week 1. “I stayed up until probably about 2 o’clock (in the morning), just trying to see what went wrong,” Winston told reporters. “I was trying to get every excuse just to put that one behind me, but it hurt.” The Saints can empathize with Winston after an opening performance that frequently left defensive coordinator Rob Ryan shaking his head on the sideline during the 31-19 loss at Arizona. “It wasn’t good enough,” coach Sean Payton bluntly responded to reporters when asked about a pass rush that resulted in no sacks against the Cardinals.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Saints -10. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (0-1): Tampa Bay's coaching staff was searching for positives after the Week 1 debacle and singled out running back Doug Martin, who is expected to have a big season after being limited to a total of 17 games over the previous two campaigns. “(Martin) is a hard runner and he can make you miss in the open field, (he) can catch the ball out of the backfield,” coach Lovie Smith told reporters. “So early on, of course when you’re in a situation where you can run it, it looked good at times.” Martin is averaging 99 rushing yards and 108.7 from scrimmage in his last three games against New Orleans.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (0-1): The defense, which underwent a personnel overhaul in the offseason after finishing 31st in the league in total defense in 2014, could use a little help from an offense that struggled in the red zone in the opener. “The defense got off the field a few times and we had some chances to go down and get significant points, and we just ended up with field goals,” quarterback Drew Brees told reporters. “Red-zone efficiency obviously (is a priority) as we look forward to the Bucs.” Brees presided over a pair of wins over Tampa Bay last season but totaled six interceptions and three touchdown passes in those contests.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Saints lost their final five home games in 2014.

2. Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans and CB Mike Jenkins both sat out the opener with hamstring injuries but returned to practice on a limited basis this week.

3. Brees needs three TD passes to join Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Dan Marino as the only players in NFL history with at least 400.

PREDICTION: Saints 38, Buccaneers 24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Detroit at Minnesota

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Teddy Bridgewater struggled to find any consistency in the season opener while Adrian Peterson barely broke a sweat with his limited workload. The two will look for better performances as the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a battle of NFC North rivals.

A promising finish to his rookie season only heightened expectations for Bridgewater, who was sacked five times in a 20-3 setback to San Francisco on Monday. The 22-year-old also struggled in both meetings with Detroit in 2014, getting sacked eight times in a 17-3 loss in October while tossing five interceptions total in both defeats. Matthew Stafford threw for just 185 and 153 yards, respectively, in those victories over Minnesota, while going 19-for-30 with two touchdowns and as many interceptions in a 33-28 season-opening setback to San Diego on Sunday. Stafford was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and dismissed any hint of an upper right arm injury by telling reporters: "I'm OK, ready to go."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -3. O/U: 43

ABOUT THE LIONS (0-1): Calvin Johnson was held in check last Sunday with just two catches for 39 yards, but could break out in a big way against Minnesota. The veteran wideout recorded an amazing 207-yard performance versus the Vikings in 2012 and has four touchdowns in his last five meetings. Rookie Ameer Abdullah rushed for a 24-yard touchdown on his first carry against the Chargers and looks to take advantage of a Vikings defense that was torched for 168 yards by 49ers running back Carlos Hyde.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (0-1): Labeling his team's performance as "embarrassing," Peterson rushed for 31 yards on only 10 carries in his first game since missing more than a year while dealing with child abuse allegations. Minnesota defensive end Everson Griffen provided bulletin-board material with his proclamation on Wednesday. "We're going to beat Detroit," Griffen told reporters. "I'm very angry right now, as you can see, because we prepared way too hard (to lose on Monday). But we're going to go out there and get 'em."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Detroit WR Golden Tate told reporters that he expects to be a game-time decision as he deals with a quadriceps injury.

2. Minnesota WR Charles Johnson had just two catches for 27 yards on Monday after serving as Bridgewater's go-to receiver during the preseason.

3. The Lions have won three of their last four meetings with the Vikings.

PREDICTION: Lions 20, Vikings 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Arizona at Chicago

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois


The Arizona Cardinals made the playoffs last season despite being without Carson Palmer for 10 games, and they’re hopeful the veteran quarterback can stay healthy for a deeper run this year. Arizona will try to move to 2-0 for the second consecutive year when it visits the Chicago Bears on Sunday.



Palmer and the Cardinals lit up a suspect secondary in a 31-19 win over New Orleans in Week 1 but will face an improved Bears secondary. Arizona will be without running back Andre Ellington (knee) for 2-3 weeks, meaning veteran Chris Johnson and rookie David Johnson will take on extra work in the backfield. The Bears will attempt to deliver the first victory of new coach John Fox’s tenure after giving up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 31-23 loss to rival Green Bay last week. The Bears have won four of the last five meetings, including a 28-13 road victory in the most recent clash in 2012.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cardinals -2. O/U: 46



ABOUT THE CARDINALS (1-0): Arizona came away from Week 1 with some concerns about the secondary, as New Orleans' Drew Brees rolled up 355 passing yards. The Cardinals might force the Bears to beat them through the air, however, as they boast the league’s best run defense through one week after holding New Orleans to 54 yards on 20 carries. Palmer completed passes to eight receivers last week, with second-year receiver John Brown (four receptions, 46 yards) and tight end Darren Fells (four, 82) making touchdown catches.

ABOUT THE BEARS (0-1): Chicago stayed in the game against the Packers thanks to a huge effort from Matt Forte (141 rushing yards, TD). The Bears likely will have a tougher time running the ball against Arizona and will need Jay Cutler to improve upon last week’s 18-of-36 performance for 225 yards with a TD and an interception. Chicago’s defense did a solid job against the pass, limiting Aaron Rodgers to 189 yards, but surrendered touchdowns on four of Green Bay’s five trips to the red zone.



EXTRA POINTS

1. Palmer has won 14 of his last 16 starts, including seven straight.

2. Chicago DE Jared Allen has registered 9 1/2 sacks in six career games versus Arizona, recording at least two in each of the last three meetings.

3. Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald (six catches, 87 yards last week) has a reception in 171 consecutive games - including the postseason - and has topped 100 yards receiving in both of his previous meetings with Chicago.



PREDICTION: Cardinals 27, Bears 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: New England at Buffalo

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Rex Ryan had no trouble talking about the New England Patriots when he was with the New York Jets, and nothing has changed since taking over the coaching duties for the Buffalo Bills. Ryan will get another crack at the defending champions when the Bills host the Patriots on Sunday.

“I'll say this: I respect (New England) probably as much as any team in the league, but I don't fear them, I can tell you that much,” Ryan told reporters. “We don't fear anybody. In fact, we're looking forward to it.” Ryan’s Jets teams always played Tom Brady tough, and he has built a similarly stacked defense with Buffalo that's led by Marcell Dareus. The defensive tackle, who signed a six-year contract extension reportedly worth more than $100 million at the end of training camp, will be making his season debut after sitting out Week 1 due to a suspension. While the line will be stacked upon Dareus’ return, the Bills still need to find a way to cover Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who caught three touchdown passes in New England’s season-opening 28-21 win over Pittsburgh.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -1. O/U: 45

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (1-0): Quarterback Tom Brady is used to hearing Ryan talk in the week leading up to games and takes the jabs in stride. "The games are won by what you do over the course of the week and how you go about your preparation so that you can be prepared for the game on Sunday," Brady told reporters. "He's a great coach. He's obviously got them confident.” Brady, who said the Bills had “probably the best D-line in football,” showed no signs of any wear in his game following a summer spent defending his reputation and completed 19 passes in a row at one point en route to a 25-of-32, 288-yard, four-TD performance in the opener.

ABOUT THE BILLS (1-0): Ryan has reason to be confident after Buffalo manhandled the other AFC finalists from a season ago, the Indianapolis Colts, in a 27-14 victory in Week 1. The defense was a big part of that success, but the offense was firing on all cylinders as well behind Tyrod Taylor, who went 14-of-19 for 195 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 yards on the ground after winning the starting quarterback job in camp. “Each week is going to be a challenge, and I’m confident in my guys to go out there and take the challenge head on,” Taylor told reporters. “We’re confident as a team and we’re just going to go out there and play ball.”

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Patriots reportedly acquired WR Keshawn Martin from Houston on Wednesday.

2. Buffalo RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring) was removed from the injury report after being limited in Week 1.

3. New England has taken 21 of the last 23 meetings.

PREDICTION: Patriots 21, Bills 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: San Diego at Cincinnati

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Philip Rivers looks to become San Diego's all-time leader in touchdown passes when the Chargers visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Rivers threw for a pair of scores in San Diego's season-opening comeback victory over Detroit to give him 254 career TD tosses, tying him with Dan Fouts for first place on the franchise list.

Not having suspended tight end Antonio Gates as a target did not deter the veteran quarterback, as Keenan Allen stepped in and matched Kellen Winslow's club record by making 15 catches. San Diego hopes to avoid the need to rally from an 18-point deficit when it takes on the Bengals, who rolled to a 20-point triumph at Oakland last Sunday. Cincinnati, which looks to begin at 2-0 for the second straight season, could be without safeties Reggie Nelson and George Iloka due to groin and foot injuries, respectively, as both missed Wednesday's practice. The Chargers also could be shorthanded as offensive lineman D.J. Fluker is questionable with a high ankle sprain.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -3.5. O/U: 46.5

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (1-0): Rivers also set a team record Sunday by completing his final 20 passes of the game. He made his 146th consecutive start, the second-longest active streak among quarterbacks. Linebacker Kyle Emanuel had a strong showing in his NFL debut last week as he registered a sack and made an interception versus Cincinnati.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (1-0): Tyler Eifert enjoyed his best day as a pro last week, catching nine passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old tight end, who hadn't played since the 2014 season opener due to an elbow injury, had two TD receptions in his first 16 career games. The touchdown passes by Andy Dalton raised his career total to 101 as he joined Ken Anderson (197), Boomer Esiason (187) and Carson Palmer (154) as the only Bengals to reach the century mark.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bengals have won each of their last three regular-season contests against the Chargers.

2. San Diego is seeking its first 2-0 start since 2012, when it finished 7-9 for its only losing season since 2003.

3. Cincinnati CB Pacman Jones was fined $35,000 by the league for a personal foul on Oakland WR Amari Cooper last week.

PREDICTION: Bengals 33, Chargers 24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tennessee at Cleveland

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

A pair of flamboyant, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks could take center stage when the Cleveland Browns host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Johnny Manziel appeared in line to start for the Browns in place of Josh McCown, who suffered a concussion last week, while rookie Marcus Mariota guides the Titans after an eye-popping debut against Tampa Bay a week ago.

Manziel practiced with the first unit during the week while the Browns awaited word on the status of McCown, who took a crack to the helmet at the goal line in the season-opening 31-10 loss to the New York Jets. However, coach Mike Pettine said McCown will get the nod if he is medically cleared and able to practice Friday. Meanwhile, Mariota, the second overall pick in the draft, threw four touchdowns in a 42-14 victory against the Buccaneers, tying Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton’s 1961 mark for most in NFL history by a rookie quarterback in his pro debut. Mariota completed 13-of-16 attempts with a perfect passing rating of 158.3.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Titans -1. O/U: 41.5.

ABOUT THE TITANS (1-0): The Titans finished last season with a 10-game losing streak, a skid that included a loss to the Browns where they blew a 25-point lead at home in a 29-28 setback. Tennessee raced out to a 35-7 halftime bulge last week as Mariota threw scoring passes to four different receivers, including Kendall Wright, who caught four passes for 101 yards. The Titans took their foot off the gas after that and got 74 yards rushing and a score from Bishop Sankey but they could be without star tight end Delanie Walker, who scored a touchdown last week but is questionable with a wrist injury.

ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-1): After taking a 7-0 lead, Cleveland fell flat on its face in its opener, turning the ball over five times to lose its 11th straight season opener. Manziel was 13-for-24 passing with a touchdown but was picked off once and lost two fumbles as he again looked uncomfortable against the blitzing Jets' defense. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin was a bright light, grabbing three passes for 89 yards and a 54-yard score. He'll most likely be the top target again this week as counterpart Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) is still questionable.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Titans won their season opener last year and finished 2-14.

2. Manziel committed to Oregon as part of the same recruiting class as Mariota.

3. The Browns went 4-4 at home last season and finished 7-9 overall after beginning the campaign with a 6-3 mark.

PREDICTION: Browns 23, Titans 21

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Atlanta at N.Y. Giants

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The New York Giants attempt to put a crushing last-second loss behind them when they square off with the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in their home opener. New York was on the verge of an impressive season-opening win at Dallas before some head-scratching clock management paved the way for the Cowboys to squeeze out a stunning 27-26 victory.

The Giants made an inexplicable decision to throw the ball at the goal line and not run out the clock, a gaffe that was further exacerbated when running back Rashad Jennings admitted to reporters that quarterback Eli Manning told him not to score. "It was bad clock management," Manning said. "That's 100 percent on me." The Falcons will face their second straight NFC East opponent after outlasting visiting Philadelphia 26-24 on Monday to give Dan Quinn a victory in his NFL head coaching debut. Atlanta has dropped four of the last five regular-season meetings, including a 30-20 setback at New York last season.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Giants -2.5. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE FALCONS (1-0): Atlanta's Julio Jones put on a show in the season opener by hauling in nine catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns while fellow wideout Roddy White had four receptions for 84 yards. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 298 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions while rookie running back Tevin Coleman provided balance to the offense by rushing for 80 yards on 20 carries in his NFL debut. The Falcons surrendered 336 passing yards to Philadelphia after ranking last in the NFL last season with an average of 279.9 yards allowed.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (0-1): New York's offense wasn't sharp in the opener, with one touchdown coming on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's fumble return and the other coming on Jennings' plunge after an interception return to the 1-yard line. Manning threw for 193 yards on 20-of-36 while Jennings rushed for 52 yards and wideout Odell Beckham had a team-high five receptions for 44 yards. With star defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul recuperating from a fireworks accident, the Giants allowed Dallas to convert fourth-quarter touchdown drives of 76 and 72 yards that took 2:53 and 1:27.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Since 2012, Ryan has 31 TDs versus 12 interceptions with a 102.2 passer rating in 13 September games.

2. Manning has made 168 consecutive starts, the longest active streak in the league.

3. Jones has 41 receptions for 754 yards and four TDs in his last five games.

PREDICTION: Giants 23, Falcons 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: St. Louis at Washington

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland


The St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins made a big splash before the 2012 NFL Draft with a blockbuster trade that allowed the latter to move up and select quarterback Robert Griffin III. The one-time star will be on the bench Sunday, when the Rams travel to the nation’s capital with the hope of improving to 2-0.



St. Louis used the haul from the trade to rebuild its roster and is beginning to see the fruits of that labor. The Rams were one of the big surprises of Week 1, rallying for a 34-31 overtime win over defending NFC champion Seattle. The Redskins have trended in the other direction since the trade, winning the NFC East title during Griffin’s outstanding rookie season but going 7-25 over the last two campaigns. Washington’s offense struggled to find the end zone in a 17-10 loss to Miami last week and will be short-handed on that side of the ball with receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring) out for 3-4 weeks and tight end Jordan Reed (quadriceps) listed as questionable after making seven catches for 63 yards and a touchdown last week.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Rams -3.5. O/U: 41



ABOUT THE RAMS (1-0): Quarterback Nick Foles was solid in his St. Louis debut last week, going 18-of-27 for 297 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. Foles has found a comfortable target in tight end Jared Cook, who hauled in five passes for 85 yards last week and made a pair of TD catches against Washington last year. The Rams’ defense gave up 343 yards against Seattle but also recorded six sacks and came up with a huge fourth-down stop in overtime to seal the victory.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (0-1): Quarterback Kirk Cousins was less than stellar against Miami, going 21-of-31 for 196 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Expect Washington to continue to lean on running back Alfred Morris, who racked up 121 yards on 25 carries last week but has scored only one touchdown in his last six contests. The defense was excellent in Week 1, holding the Dolphins to 256 total yards, but a special-teams failure – Jarvis Landry’s 69-yard punt return for a TD – capped Miami’s fourth-quarter comeback.



EXTRA POINTS

1. Foles has won his last two starts against Washington, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 623 yards with three TDs and no interceptions.

2. Washington recorded 161 rushing yards last week and is trying to top 150 in the first two games of a season for only the second time since 1952.

3. The Rams have won three of the last four meetings, including a 24-0 road victory in Week 14 last season.



PREDICTION: Rams 23, Redskins 17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Miami at Jacksonville

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

The Miami Dolphins look to take advantage of an apparent favorable early-season schedule when they visit the Sunshine State rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. After limping past 2014 NFC East cellar-dwelling Washington in the season opener, Miami will face a Jaguars team that finished 3-13 last season before beginning a stretch of four AFC East showdowns in its next six contests.

Jarvis Landry earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his 69-yard punt return for a touchdown lifted the Dolphins to a 17-10 victory over the Redskins on Sunday. Landry has also gotten it done from his more traditional role as a wide receiver, reeling in eight catches to extend his streak of at least five receptions to 10 games dating to last season. While Miami was able to overcome a sluggish offensive performance to win its opener, Jacksonville wasn't as fortunate. Blake Bortles was intercepted twice in a 20-9 loss to Carolina on Sunday and also picked off on two occasions - with both being returned for touchdowns - in a 27-13 setback to the Dolphins on Oct. 26.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Dolphins -6. O/U: 41.5

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (1-0): Signed to a $96 million contract extension in the summer, Ryan Tannehill completed 22-of-34 passes for 226 yards and a score versus Washington but was held to just 196 in last season's meeting with Jacksonville. Speaking of sizable deals, offseason acquisition Ndamukong Suh declared his performance as "poor" after recording two tackles in the season opener. "At the end of the day, you want to outdo whatever you did in the past," said Suh, who inked a six-year, $114 million deal in March. "That’s how I live my life, just try to and do better each and every day."

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (0-1): Second-year wideout Allen Robinson was limited to one reception for 27 yards last week, but reeled in a 48-yard touchdown reception in his prior meeting against Miami. Denard Robinson amassed 108 yards rushing versus the Dolphins, but had just five carries last week as Jacksonville has turned to second-round pick T.J. Yeldon (12 carries, 51 yards) as its primary back. The Jaguars will look to exploit a Dolphins defense that was gashed for 161 yards on the ground by Washington.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami RB Lamar Miller was held in check with just 53 yards last week after rushing for a career-high 1,099 in 2014.

2. Jacksonville slot WR Marqise Lee could make his season debut after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury.

3. The Dolphins have won the last three meetings between the clubs.

PREDICTION: Dolphins 20, Jaguars 14

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Baltimore at Oakland

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Baltimore Ravens attempt to continue their dominance in the all-time series when they visit the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Baltimore has won six of its seven meetings with Oakland and each of the last four, including a 55-20 pounding on Nov. 11, 2012.

The Ravens will attempt to extend the winning streak without linebacker Terrell Suggs, who suffered a torn Achilles in the season-opening loss to Denver and is done for the campaign. Baltimore is hoping to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2005 as it faces a Raiders team whose quarterback likely will not be a full strength. Derek Carr exited Oakland's season-opening loss to Cincinnati with a bruised right hand suffered while attempting a stiff-arm but participated in Wednesday's practice without incident. The Raiders were beaten 33-13 by the Bengals as backup Matt McGloin threw a pair of touchdown passes to fullback Marcel Reece in the fourth quarter, which Oakland entered trailing 33-0.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -6. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAVENS (0-1): Without Suggs, more will be expected from fellow linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who recorded a franchise-record 17 sacks last season. To attempt to fill the hole created by the injury to the six-time Pro Bowler, Baltimore signed Jason Babin on Wednesday. The veteran linebacker spent last season with the New York Jets, registering two sacks in 16 games. Baltimore's offense was woeful against Denver, gaining a league-low 173 yards while failing to produce a touchdown.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (0-1): In addition to Carr, Oakland lost three defensive starters to injuries in the opener. Safety Charles Woodson separated his shoulder in the final minute of the contest and is questionable for Sunday as he participated in Wednesday's early-practice drills without equipment. Cornerback D.J. Hayden and defensive tackle Justin Ellis went down with ankle injuries, although the former practiced on Wednesday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ravens T Eugene Monroe is questionable after leaving the season opener with a concussion.

2. Woodson has 60 career interceptions, two shy of Dick LeBeau and Dave Brown for ninth place on the all-time list.

3. Baltimore WR Steve Smith is four receptions away from passing Torry Holt (920) for 17th all-time.

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Raiders 20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dallas at Philadelphia

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reigning league rushing champion DeMarco Murray gets a crack at his former team when he leads the Philadelphia Eagles into Sunday's matchup against the visiting Dallas Cowboys in an early-season showdown between bitter NFC East rivals. Murray carried the Cowboys to the division title last season by rushing for 1,845 yards, but he signed with Philadelphia in the offseason.

Murray said he will be taking a business-as-usual approach against Dallas, which was unwilling to match the Eagles' offer to him. "I'm not looking at it as facing the Cowboys," said Murray, who ripped off 12 100-yard games last season. "Just preparing like I always prepare for any other game." Philadelphia will be looking to rebound from a 26-24 loss at the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener after a belated comeback from a 20-3 halftime deficit fell short. Dallas rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the New York Giants 27-26 on Tony Romo's touchdown pass with seven seconds to play, but lost star wideout Dez Bryant to a broken foot.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -5. O/U: 55

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (1-0): Dallas will be hard-pressed to replace the production of Bryant, who has at least 88 catches and 1,200 yards in each of the past three seasons and led the league with 41 touchdown receptions in that span. Romo threw for 356 yards with three TDs and two interceptions last week, connecting on eight passes apiece to veteran tight end Jason Witten and running back Lance Dunbar, part of a three-man committee in the backfield. Joseph Randle received the bulk of work in place of Murray, rushing for 65 yards on 16 carries while adding three catches for 42 yards.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (0-1): Murray never had fewer than 19 carries in a game with Dallas last season, but he rushed only eight times for nine yards in the loss to the Falcons, although he scored a pair of touchdowns. Quarterback Sam Bradford overcame a shaky first half in his Philadelphia debut to finish 36 of 52 for 336 yards with one TD and two picks while second-year wide receiver Jordan Matthews was his top target with 10 receptions for 102 yards. Cornerback Byron Maxwell, who signed a six-year, $63 million free-agent deal, struggled badly while matched up against Julio Jones.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Dallas has won the past three matchups in Philadelphia by an average of 13.3 points.

2. Witten has five career 100-yard games against the Eagles.

3. The Cowboys haven't won their first two games since 2008 while the Eagles haven't opened 0-2 since 2007.

PREDICTION: Eagles 27, Cowboys 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seattle at Green Bay

When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, September 20, 2015
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers were nursing a 12-point lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the latter stages of the NFC Championship Game last season before the bottom fell out in horrific fashion. Eight months after the onside kick went awry and the Seahawks won in overtime, the Packers will look to exact a measure of revenge when the teams meet at Lambeau Field on Sunday night.

Aaron Rodgers tossed three touchdown passes - two to reacquired wideout James Jones - in Green Bay's 31-23 season-opening victory over Chicago on Sunday. While the reigning NFL MVP dismissed ideas of getting even with their opponent, Seattle would like to level its record after suffering a 34-31 overtime loss in St. Louis last week. Marshawn Lynch was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing play against the Rams after famously being bypassed on Russell Wilson's pivotal interception in a 28-24 loss to New England in Super Bowl XLIX. Lynch gashed the Packers, however, for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-16 triumph in Week 1 last season before amassing 157 yards in the NFC title game.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Packers -3.5. O/U: 49

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (0-1): Coach Pete Carroll reiterated that he is "disappointed" in the situation that has led safety Kam Chancellor to remove himself from the team, but is prepared to go without him on Sunday. "Nothing has changed. It really has never been a negotiation. It's been conversations. Nothing's changed though," Carroll told reporters. "...I'm just disappointed like I know he is and everybody is that it hasn't found a way to get him here. That's all." Defensive back Dion Bailey, who made his NFL debut and started in Chancellor's place against the Rams, gave up the game-tying touchdown to Lance Kendricks in the waning moments of regulation.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-0): Green Bay may receive a much-needed boost to its defense as safety Morgan Burnett (strained calf) is in line to make his season debut after watching the team get shredded for 189 yards rushing by the Bears. "To be honest with you, one guy doesn't make a difference," Burnett told ESPN of the expectations of the defense. "It's a collective effort, a collective group, and we make each other look good, we make each other better. Honestly, one guy doesn't make a difference to me." With respect to Burnett, the season-ending foot injury to linebacker Sam Barrington could be a difference-maker as his replacement, Nate Palmer, is still dealing with a left hand injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Seattle's offseason acquisition TE Jimmy Graham reeled in a touchdown catch among his six receptions last week.

2. Packers RB Eddie Lacy rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, but was limited to 34 yards in the 2014 season opener versus the Seahawks and 73 in the NFC title game.

3. Seattle WR Jermaine Kearse, who had eight catches for 76 yards last week, reeled in the game-ending 35-yard TD pass in the team's 28-22 win in the NFC Championship.

PREDICTION: Packers 31, Seahawks 28

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 13
By David Schwab

The back-end of three home-and-home series dominated the CFL schedule in Week 12 with two of the three teams gaining their revenge by earning a split. Hamilton was the only team to pull-off the sweep with its 35-27 victory against Toronto as a five-point road favorite last Friday night.

In the first of two Saturday games, Winnipeg turned the tables on Saskatchewan with a 22-7 victory as a slight 1 ½-point home underdog. Later in the day, Edmonton pulled-off a huge 27-16 win over Calgary as a one-point favorite at home to keep the West Division title race tight. Week 12 in the CFL closed things out on Sunday with Ottawa stunning British Columbia 31-18 as a four-point road underdog.

Sunday, Sept. 20

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-7 SU, 4-6-1 ATS) vs. Montreal Alouettes (4-6 SU, 5-4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Montreal -10
Total: 42

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers did wonders for their playoff chances with last week’s win to remain a half-game in back of BC for third place in the West. Quarterback Matt Nichols, who started the season with Edmonton, completed 21-of-30 passes for 283 yards and a score in that game. He also carried the ball seven times for 36 yards as Winnipeg rolled-up 117 yards on the ground.

Montreal is coming off a bye week after losing to BC 25-16 in Week 11 as a 4.5-point home favorite. It is now 2-4 SU in its last six games and 3-3 ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in its last four games and in nine of 10 games on the year. The Alouettes are only averaging 20.7 points a game, but they have one of the top defenses in the CFL in points allowed (19.6).

Betting Trends

Winnipeg has covered in six of its last seven road games against Montreal and it is 5-1 SU in its last six games on the road in this series. The Blue Bombers won the first meeting this season 25-23 on July 10 as two-point home favorites. The total stayed UNDER the 53 ½-point closing line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

EPL Best Bets - Week 6
By Chris David

Week 5 Recap

Last week’s results were very chalky as both favorites and home teams produced a 7-2 record over the three days of action.

Everton (+285) was one of the two underdogs to win in Week 5 and while the result wasn’t that surprising over a struggling Chelsea squad, the outcome (3-1) at Goodison Park certianly opened up eyes again for backers on the Blues. The other upset took place at Vicarage Road Stadium when newcomer Watford (+170) earned its first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

A scoreless draw between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion helped the ‘under’ go 6-4. Through five weeks of EPL action, favorites are 21-14 with 15 draws and the ‘under’ is 26-23-1.

Champions-Europa Recap

The UEFA Champions League and Europa tournaments began this week and the EPL had six clubs in action.

It wasn’t a good start in the Champions League for the Premier League clubs as Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal all suffered 2-1 losses. Ironically, Chelsea had its best effort of the season with a 4-0 shutout win at home albeit against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Liverpool earned a 1-1 road draw in Europa group play while Tottenham posted a 3-1 win victory at home over Azerbaijan’s Qarabag.

Both events continue in two weeks.

Future Update

Manchester City barely stayed perfect last week but it’s now managed to secure 15 points in five games. Sportsbooks have pushed City to an overwhelming 1/3 favorite (Bet $100 to win $33) to capture the Premier League this season. Arsenal (9/2), Manchester United (10/1) and Chelsea (12/1) are the only other three clubs given a chance to catch them and the returns look generous.

Manchester United at Southampton (Sunday, NBCSN, 11:00 a.m.)

United (+140) suffered a 2-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in CL play on Tuesday but the bigger loss was the injury to Luke Shaw, who suffered a gruesome setback to his leg. The left-back is considered one of the best at his position and his experience helped the defense give up only three goals in five EPL games this season.

Defensively, United leads the league in shots allowed (7.6) and Southampton (9.2) is ranked fourth in that category. The total is sitting at 2 goals and it’s hard to imagine the winner netting more than that here, especially with the lack of attempts given.

Southampton (+210) has secured four points (1-1-0) in two home games this season and has three draws overall. Bettors expecting another Draw (+225) on Sunday can double their returns.

The visitor won both matchups last year and in the 2013-14 season, the pair played to a pair of 1-1 draws. The ‘under’ is on a 3-1 run during this span.

Southampton has scored five goals in five games this season and only conceded five, which makes you believe another low-scoring affair will take place.

Fearless Predictions

We got back in the black last with three units ($300) and the two wins were easy while the parlay never had a shot. Overall, the bankroll is still in the red ($980) after five weeks. This weekend, my strongest plays goes Sunday morning and I'm banking on the Spurs to get at least two goals on the board.

Straight – Tottenham (-105) over Crystal Palace – 2 Units

Straight – Over Tottenham-Crystal Palace 2.5 (-110) – 2 Units

Straight – Under Watford-New Castle United 2.5 (-135) – 1 Unit

3-Team Parlay - 1 Unit
Over Arsenal-Chelsea (2.5)
Under West Ham-Man City (3.5)
Tottenham (-105)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coutinho back for Liverpool Sunday
Andrew Avery

Liverpool will have the services of playmaker Phillippe Coutinho in the mix when the Reds host Norwich in Premier League action Sunday.

The Brazilian, who missed out in Liverpool's 3-1 loss to Manchester United through suspension, has one Premier League to his name thus far, despite taking 4.5 shots per game.

Liverpool is -167 on the moneyline and +110 (-1) in spread markets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Spurs midfield could be depleted for Palace clash
Andrew Avery

Tottenham Hotspur could be without a few key members of the midfield when they welcome Crystal Palace to White Hart Lane Sunday.

Playmaker Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele are likely to miss out while recent knocks to last week's hero Ryan Mason and defensive midfielder Eric Dier could force the English pair to miss out. Nabil Bentaleb will most certainly miss out in Sunday's fixture. That could mean a start for youngster Dele Alli and Tom Carroll.

Spurs are currently priced at -105. The Draw is +260 and Palace are +320.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Manchester United begins life without Luke Shaw
Andrew Avery

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will now adapt to life without Luke Shaw after the left-back suffered a double fracture to his right leg in United's 2-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in Champions League action midweek.

"We built up a left wing with Memphis and Luke Shaw. We have to start filling it again and it is not easy," van Gaal said. "It is not a problem, but Shaw is the line-up player and it is very difficult to replace him when he is in such a good shape In Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young, we have good replacements."

The Red Devils visit Southampton in Premier League action Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chicagoland 400
By Micah Roberts

How in the world is anyone going to stop Joe Gibbs Racing in the Chase?

Ever since the low down force aero package at Kentucky Speedway was introduced in July, they've been on an amazing tear winning eight of the past 11 races as NASCAR's playoffs begin at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday.

Chicagoland will incorporate the same 1.5-mile package that we saw to start the season, tracks where Jimmie Johnson won three of the first four. However, Johnson has kind of struggled ever since the aero-package change at Kentucky. His last win came at Dover May 31, but he still is tied with a series-high four wins on the season. He's 10/1 to win his record-tying seventh Sprint Cup title.

There are 16 drivers that qualified for this years Chase and Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch open as the 4/1 co-favorites to be the last man standing at Homestead in late November. Harvick won at Homestead last season to win his first career championship, while Busch has never fared very well in the Chase.

The thing that makes the Chase very interesting is that drivers are rewarded for consistency, as well as wins. Last season we saw Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman advance -- with Harvick -- to the championship game without winning during the 'Eliminator Round'. Newman didn't win a race all season.

There are three stages of three races and drivers that finis in the bottom four each stage will be eliminated, unless they win a race in that round. Four drivers will race head-to-head at Homestead in the final race of the season on equal terms. Best finish wins the title.

Who will be this seasons Hamlin or Newman? Could it be Jamie McMurray? How about Paul Menard? Maybe Hamlin and Newman duplicate their run based on experience and give themselves a chance to win the title again.

Hamlin is part of the red hot JGR squad, even though he's been the only driver to not win a race in the stable during their recent hot run. Hamlin's only win this season came at Martinsville. But Hamlin gets a bunch of bonus points for being in these situations many times. He has the mentality to absorb pressure well. Hamlin is 10/1 to win the title, same as teammate Carl Edwards.

This is seventh race on a 1.5-mile track this season and there will be four more over the course of the Chase which gives cause to look at what happened on the first six 1.5-mile tracks. However, it's been a tale of two seasons. The first half was dominated by Harvick, Martin Truex Jr and Johnson. And then all of a sudden JGR and Penske Racing came to life, and Truex and Johnson went to sleep. It was the craziest dropoff ever seen and it all seems to correlate with the low down force aero-package changes at Kentucky. That's the race Kyle Busch began a three race win streak with. Johnson hasn't won since then, neither has Harvick. Kenseth has won three of the past six and Logano has won two of the past five.

As great as JGR has been, you have to be extremely impressed with the way the two Penske cars have come on since the major power shift at Kentucky. The aero-package that the season started with will be in play throughout the Chase, but it's within the low down force package that JGR and Penske found some things that helped them with the regular package. Keselowski has a run of nine straight top-10s going as he begins the Chase and Logano has finished in the top-five in 10 of his past 13 starts.

Even though Harvick hasn't won a race since March at Phoenix, I'm going to roll with the Champ to repeat. He's got 18 top-five finishes in 26 starts. That is some crazy consistency. He's always in the mix and I'd be surprised if he didn't win two races in the Chase, especially at Phoenix again where he's won the past four races ina row. That Phoenix race is the gateway to Homestead and no one is better than Harvick there.

This will be the 15th race ever held at Chicagoland. Tony Stewart leads the way with three wins, while Harvick and Keselowski each have two. It's one of four tracks that Johnson has never won at. Brad Keselowski kicked off the Chase last season with a win there and also did it in 2012 when he went on to win the championship. Let's look for Keselowski to get it started again witha bang, and then to be Harvick's top competition during the Chase. Kenseth will be tough over the next 10 races, Hamlin and Newman will point well and McMurray might surprise like Newman did last year.

Top-5 Chicago Finish Prediction:

1) #2 Brad Keselowski (6/1)
2) #4 Kevin Harvick (6/1)
3) #20 Matt Kenseth (8/1)
4) #22 Joey Logano (7/1)
5) #48 Jimmie Johnson (12/1)

Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook Odds to Win
2015 Sprint Cup Championship

Jimmie Johnson 10/1
Kevin Harvick 4/1
Jeff Gordon 30/1
Brad Keselowski 8/1
Joey Logano 6/1
Matt Kenseth 6/1
Kyle Busch 4/1
Carl Edwards 10/1
Denny Hamilin 10/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 20/1
Kurt Busch 12/1
Ryan Newman 100/1
Clint Bowyer 100/1
Jamie McMurray 100/1
Paul Menard 200/1
Martin Truex Jr. 12/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Drivers to Watch - Chicago

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
MyAFibRisk.com 400
Sunday, September 20th – 3:00 p.m. EDT
Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL

Sunday’s MyAFibRisk.com 400 will be the first chance for the Sprint Cup drivers to guarantee themselves a spot in the championship race. Now that the regular season is over, drivers will have three chances to prevent themselves from being eliminated. Winning one of the next three races guarantees a spot in the championship race, so all of the drivers will be extremely aggressive on Sunday.

Chicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile, tri-oval speedway and it is the seventh track of this length this season. The track features 18 degree banking on the turns, 11 degree banking on the frontstretch and 15 degree banking on the backstretch.

Tony Stewart has the most career wins on this track with three. Kevin Harvick is tied with Stewart for the most career top fives on this track with eight and Jimmie Johnson is tied with Stewart with the most career top 10s on this track with 10. Johnson has won two poles in Joliet as well.

With the most exciting part of the Sprint Cup season upon us, let’s take a look at who might be coming away with a victory on Sunday:

Drivers to Watch

Kevin Harvick (9/2) - Kevin Harvick is the favorite to win this race and it’s definitely deserved. Harvick has dominated at Chicagoland Speedway in his career, winning two Sprint Cup races here and picking up another three victories in the XFINITY series as well. As mentioned earlier, Harvick is tied with Tony Stewart for the most career top five finishes at this course. He is as safe of a pick as there is to be competing for a victory in the final laps of this event and he is a very good play at 9/2 this weekend.

Kyle Busch (6/1) - Kyle Busch had one of the best runs in recent memory when he returned from an injury in the middle of the season. Busch had a stretch where he finished first in four of five races and, while he has not won since then, he has been racing well heading into this one. Busch finished second at the Federated Auto Parts 400 and he should be set up for a chance to win here. He thrives on 1.5-mile courses and at 6/1 is a good pick to come away with a victory on Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson (10/1) - Like Harvick, Jimmie Johnson has also done extremely well at Chicagoland Speedway in his career. Johnson has taken two poles at this track and is tied for the most top 10 finishes here with 10. Johnson was the winner in three of the first four races on 1.5-mile tracks this season and is coming off of a 9th at the Federated Auto Parts 400. He’ll be gunning for a top finish on Sunday and is receiving incredible odds at 10/1 for a driver with his history of success.

Tony Stewart (100/1) - Tony Stewart has not been at his best this season, but he’s returning to a track where he flat out knows how to win. He is the all-time best driver at Chicagoland and is going to be a threat to win as long as he doesn’t wreck on Sunday. He finished in the top-15 two races ago and will be looking to pick up his first victory of the season here. At 100/1, it’s too good of odds to not at least think about putting a unit on Stewart.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (500/1) - Stenhouse Jr. has not won a race all season, but he’s a very solid driver and 500/1 is tough to pass on. Every driver will be extra motivated to take home a first place finish on Sunday and Stenhouse Jr. looked good at the Federated Auto Parts 400 last race. He finished in 16th and is trending in the right direction heading into this one.

Odds to win MyAFibRisk.com 400

Kevin Harvick 9/2
Brad Keselowski 6/1
Kyle Busch 6/1
Matt Kenseth 6/1
Joey Logano 7/1
Kurt Busch 8/1
Carl Edwards 10/1
Jimmie Johnson 10/1
Denny Hamlin 12/1
Martin Truex Jr 12/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr 25/1
Jeff Gordon 30/1
Kyle Larson 30/1
Jamie McMurray 40/1
Kasey Kahne 50/1
Ryan Newman 60/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Clint Bowyer 100/1
Paul Menard 100/1
Ryan Blaney 100/1
Tony Stewart 100/1
David Ragan 200/1
Greg Biffle 200/1
Aric Almirola 300/1
AJ Allmendinger 500/1
Casey Mears 500/1
Danica Patrick 500/1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr 500/1
Trevor Bayne 500/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 500/1