Thursday was a delicious bacon-wrapped filet appetizer, with the first main course coming Sunday in the NFL. Miami at Atlanta is among the early games that please, as should Jacksonville at Indianapolis, with their new head coach. NFL bettors made Philadelphia into a road favorite at Carolina after starting as underdog. The late afternoon has the NFC Super Bowl representative Arizona hosting division opponent and a team that won the Super Bowl the year prior, New York, is also embroiled in early division dogfight. Enjoy my sports wagering friend.Miami at Atlanta 1:00E CBS
Miami and Atlanta will try to build on playoff seasons when they open the 2009 campaign in one the two inter-conference games scheduled for Week 1. Miami (11-6, 8-9 ATS) was the league’s biggest surprise in 2008, improving by 10-wins from ‘07. Oddsmakers don’t expect it to continue though, dropping the Dolphins’ regular season wins prop bet to 7.5 this fall. Perhaps that has something to due with the fact that the Fish had the best turnover ratio in the NFL. Head coach Tony Sparano’s team was 3-1 SU, but 0-4 ATS vs. the NFC last year.
Keys to the Game-
Miami’s Ronnie Brown has looked sharp in the preseason and if the Dolphins linemen can make a few creases, Brown could be productive. On defense, Fins coaches have kept LB Joey Porter on the weakside and moved Jason Taylor over to strong side of D-Line. They believe this gives them better combination for pass rush. Cornerback Sean Smith will likely have to go it alone with Michael Jenkins, which could determine Miami’s 1-7-2 ATS record in recent September’s.
Atlanta better run Michael Turner early in the season, since those 376 carries from a year ago are bound to affect him. Last year, Matt Ryan threw less than 10 percent of all pass attempts to tight ends, with Tony Gonzalez that will change as of the first quarter. Look for coach Mike Smith to use zone combinations to hide corners, the weakest part of the Falcons defense. The Birds are 9-2 ATS in season openers.
3DW Power Rating – Atlanta by 5
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Atlanta -4, 44
Philadelphia at Carolina 1:00E FOX
Top contenders in the NFC go head-to-head Sunday when Philadelphia visits Carolina. The Panthers opened as one-point favorites, but have been flipped to 2.5-point underdogs at most wagering outlets. Carolina (12-5, 8-7 ATS) is hoping to get off to a fast start and erase the memory of January’s embarrassing playoff loss. They rolled to a 12-4 regular season mark but were beaten 33-13 as a 10-point favorite vs. Arizona in the divisional round.
Philadelphia (11-7-1, 12-7 ATS) also lost to the Cardinals a week later in the NFC title game, but has made several well received changes since in the offseason. The Eagles are 8-1 ATS as a road underdog over the last two seasons, and 33-15 ATS in that role under head coach Andy Reid. They have won two straight series, but haven’t visited Carolina since ’03. The Panthers were 5-3 ATS at home in ’08, their first winning mark since ‘02.
Keys to the Game-
Philadelphia’s defense for the first time in years won’t look over and see DC Jim Johnson, who lost battle to cancer. They will have to be strong in the A and B gaps to prevent Carolina running backs from dominating game. The Eagles blitzes could affect Delhomme, who doesn’t handle pressure well on consistent basis, however they must get to him, since DB’s are often on an island. Philly runners will have to soften up vulnerable Panthers run defense. If they don’t, they fall 1-8-1 ATS as road favorites of a field goal or less.
The best way to defeat the Eagles pressure is run the ball right at them. Carolina is certainly capable of this and DeAngelo Williams is great bouncing runs to the outside. Coach John Fox has a defensive quandary; his club must be stout up the gut, yet maintain balance and not let talented Eagles perimeter players expose them. This figures to be close NFC battle, which means Carolina must maintain focus and not turn the ball over. Its bad enough they are 0-6 ATS before playing rival Atlanta.
3DW Power Rating – Carolina by 1
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Philadelphia -2.5, 43.5
Top contenders in the NFC go head-to-head Sunday when Philadelphia visits Carolina. The Panthers opened as one-point favorites, but have been flipped to 2.5-point underdogs at most wagering outlets. Carolina (12-5, 8-7 ATS) is hoping to get off to a fast start and erase the memory of January’s embarrassing playoff loss. They rolled to a 12-4 regular season mark but were beaten 33-13 as a 10-point favorite vs. Arizona in the divisional round.
Philadelphia (11-7-1, 12-7 ATS) also lost to the Cardinals a week later in the NFC title game, but has made several well received changes since in the offseason. The Eagles are 8-1 ATS as a road underdog over the last two seasons, and 33-15 ATS in that role under head coach Andy Reid. They have won two straight series, but haven’t visited Carolina since ’03. The Panthers were 5-3 ATS at home in ’08, their first winning mark since ‘02.
Keys to the Game-
Philadelphia’s defense for the first time in years won’t look over and see DC Jim Johnson, who lost battle to cancer. They will have to be strong in the A and B gaps to prevent Carolina running backs from dominating game. The Eagles blitzes could affect Delhomme, who doesn’t handle pressure well on consistent basis, however they must get to him, since DB’s are often on an island. Philly runners will have to soften up vulnerable Panthers run defense. If they don’t, they fall 1-8-1 ATS as road favorites of a field goal or less.
The best way to defeat the Eagles pressure is run the ball right at them. Carolina is certainly capable of this and DeAngelo Williams is great bouncing runs to the outside. Coach John Fox has a defensive quandary; his club must be stout up the gut, yet maintain balance and not let talented Eagles perimeter players expose them. This figures to be close NFC battle, which means Carolina must maintain focus and not turn the ball over. Its bad enough they are 0-6 ATS before playing rival Atlanta.
3DW Power Rating – Carolina by 1
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Philadelphia -2.5, 43.5
Jacksonville at Indianapolis 1:00E CBS
There are seven divisional games scheduled for opening week in the NFL, perhaps none bigger than that in the AFC South between Indianapolis and Jacksonville. The AFC South is expected to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, and both the Colts and Jaguars boast playoff expectations.
This has been a back-and-forth series as well, with road teams owning a 6-4 SU & 7-2-1 ATS record in the last 10 meetings. The last three games have been decided by seven or less points. Ironically, the pointspread for Sunday opened at Colts -7. The Colts were just 3-8 ATS last year as favorites despite winning 12 games. Indy will begin a new era under Jim Caldwell, the former quarterback coach. The Jaguars are hoping to forget ‘08 after losing six of the last seven games, both SU & ATS.
Keys to the Game-
Indianapolis begins the post Tony Dungy-era looking for 10th win in last 11 openers (7-2-1 ATS). Though a new coach means some changes, keeping Manning upright is always the first concern. This is critical year for Joseph Addai, who must come thru or rookie Donald Brown will start taking away his carries. Manning has always been at his best with a good running game. The Colts are only 3-7 ATS in last 10 home games and most expose new Jaguars linemen and punish Garrard.
Jacksonville is going to have to run the ball successfully to stay out of third and long and is starting two rookie offensive tackles against Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. This sets up play-action passing for Garrard and saves his hide. Indy doesn’t have a lot of size in the middle, thus the Jags could wear down the Colts with Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jaguars have also been early money-makers with 8-2 ATS record in Week 1 and they’ll need to change up defenses frequently to cloud Manning’s judgment.
3DW Power Rating – Indianapolis by 7
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Indianapolis -6.5, 44.5
There are seven divisional games scheduled for opening week in the NFL, perhaps none bigger than that in the AFC South between Indianapolis and Jacksonville. The AFC South is expected to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, and both the Colts and Jaguars boast playoff expectations.
This has been a back-and-forth series as well, with road teams owning a 6-4 SU & 7-2-1 ATS record in the last 10 meetings. The last three games have been decided by seven or less points. Ironically, the pointspread for Sunday opened at Colts -7. The Colts were just 3-8 ATS last year as favorites despite winning 12 games. Indy will begin a new era under Jim Caldwell, the former quarterback coach. The Jaguars are hoping to forget ‘08 after losing six of the last seven games, both SU & ATS.
Keys to the Game-
Indianapolis begins the post Tony Dungy-era looking for 10th win in last 11 openers (7-2-1 ATS). Though a new coach means some changes, keeping Manning upright is always the first concern. This is critical year for Joseph Addai, who must come thru or rookie Donald Brown will start taking away his carries. Manning has always been at his best with a good running game. The Colts are only 3-7 ATS in last 10 home games and most expose new Jaguars linemen and punish Garrard.
Jacksonville is going to have to run the ball successfully to stay out of third and long and is starting two rookie offensive tackles against Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. This sets up play-action passing for Garrard and saves his hide. Indy doesn’t have a lot of size in the middle, thus the Jags could wear down the Colts with Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jaguars have also been early money-makers with 8-2 ATS record in Week 1 and they’ll need to change up defenses frequently to cloud Manning’s judgment.
3DW Power Rating – Indianapolis by 7
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Indianapolis -6.5, 44.5
San Francisco at Arizona 4:15E FOX
The defending NFC champs start another run at it on Sunday when they host division-rival San Francisco. Arizona (12-8, 13-7 ATS) was a pleasant postseason surprise, turning a 9-7 regular season mark into a Super Bowl berth. In 2009, the Cardinals will have the target on their backs and be fighting the dogged record of the Super Bowl loser in the follow-up year. One of the main reasons for the success last year was their record in divisional play, 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS.
San Francisco (7-9, 7-8-1 ATS) has dreams of its own in the NFC West after winning five of its final seven games, riding the momentum of head coach Mike Singletary taking over. This has been a very trendy head-to-head series, as the last five games have gone OVER the total, and the road team boasts a 5-3 SU & 8-0 ATS record in the last eight.
Keys to the Game –
This will be a common theme all year for San Francisco, they can’t allow opponent to get off to fast starts since offense isn’t built to overcome big leads. Frank Gore must be moving the chains and Shaun Hill has to be effective in hitting targets and making good reads. Time of possession means everything to the Niners. Kurt Warner isn’t getting younger and mobility is further decreased with bad hip. Try and cover receivers tight and make him hold the ball to create pressure. San Fran is 4-1 ATS as dog in 3.5-10 point range.
Arizona doesn’t figure to have a number of offensive issues as long as they keep LB Patrick Willis relatively blocked. Willis is among the best inside backers in the NFL, thus one-back sets keep him from being as active in opposing teams backfield. Frank Gore has punished the Cards defense; he must be contained and cut off yards after initial contact. The 49ers receivers are mostly possession types except for TE Vernon Davis, who can be home run hitter. He must he watched closely for club that is 6-2 ATS as home chalk.
3DW Power Rating – Arizona by 7
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Arizona -6, 46
The defending NFC champs start another run at it on Sunday when they host division-rival San Francisco. Arizona (12-8, 13-7 ATS) was a pleasant postseason surprise, turning a 9-7 regular season mark into a Super Bowl berth. In 2009, the Cardinals will have the target on their backs and be fighting the dogged record of the Super Bowl loser in the follow-up year. One of the main reasons for the success last year was their record in divisional play, 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS.
San Francisco (7-9, 7-8-1 ATS) has dreams of its own in the NFC West after winning five of its final seven games, riding the momentum of head coach Mike Singletary taking over. This has been a very trendy head-to-head series, as the last five games have gone OVER the total, and the road team boasts a 5-3 SU & 8-0 ATS record in the last eight.
Keys to the Game –
This will be a common theme all year for San Francisco, they can’t allow opponent to get off to fast starts since offense isn’t built to overcome big leads. Frank Gore must be moving the chains and Shaun Hill has to be effective in hitting targets and making good reads. Time of possession means everything to the Niners. Kurt Warner isn’t getting younger and mobility is further decreased with bad hip. Try and cover receivers tight and make him hold the ball to create pressure. San Fran is 4-1 ATS as dog in 3.5-10 point range.
Arizona doesn’t figure to have a number of offensive issues as long as they keep LB Patrick Willis relatively blocked. Willis is among the best inside backers in the NFL, thus one-back sets keep him from being as active in opposing teams backfield. Frank Gore has punished the Cards defense; he must be contained and cut off yards after initial contact. The 49ers receivers are mostly possession types except for TE Vernon Davis, who can be home run hitter. He must he watched closely for club that is 6-2 ATS as home chalk.
3DW Power Rating – Arizona by 7
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Arizona -6, 46
Washington at N.Y. Giants 4:15E FOX
The Giants weren’t at their best when it mattered most last year and failed to defend their Super Bowl championship, but they proved too much for the Redskins to handle in a pair of NFC East showdowns. New York (12-5 SU & ATS) outscored Washington 39-14 on the way to sweeping the season series for the second time in three years.
The rivalry renews in Week 1 at the Meadowlands, where the top-seeded Giants lost only once during the regular season (6-2 ATS) but then suffered a divisional round playoff loss to Philadelphia. The Redskins (8-8, 6-8-2 ATS) watched the playoffs from home following an ugly second half that saw them drop six of eight to finish .500, which placed them last in what many experts believe will again be the best division in football.
Keys to the Game-
Quarterback Jason Campbell answered the challenge in the preseason and now has to establish himself as the leader in Redskins locker room. He’ll have to make intelligent decisions in the face of ferocious Giants pass rush and make plays. Clinton Portis is slowing down, but will have to should the load if Washington is to pull the upset. This is perfect game why Albert Haynesworth was showed with cash, he needs to help contain Giants running game for Skins squad that is15-6-1 ATS as NFC East visitor.
When New York has problems with Washington, it usually revolves around failure of pass defense giving up big plays. Contain the Redskins deep ball and make them go long distances by moving the chains. The Giants linemen have to keep Haynesworth from being disruptive force and maintain manageable third down sequences. A healthy Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora should spell trouble for Jim Zorn’s offense and the blue-clad Giants are 8-3 ATS as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
3DW Power Rating – New York by 9
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – New York -6.5, 37
The Giants weren’t at their best when it mattered most last year and failed to defend their Super Bowl championship, but they proved too much for the Redskins to handle in a pair of NFC East showdowns. New York (12-5 SU & ATS) outscored Washington 39-14 on the way to sweeping the season series for the second time in three years.
The rivalry renews in Week 1 at the Meadowlands, where the top-seeded Giants lost only once during the regular season (6-2 ATS) but then suffered a divisional round playoff loss to Philadelphia. The Redskins (8-8, 6-8-2 ATS) watched the playoffs from home following an ugly second half that saw them drop six of eight to finish .500, which placed them last in what many experts believe will again be the best division in football.
Keys to the Game-
Quarterback Jason Campbell answered the challenge in the preseason and now has to establish himself as the leader in Redskins locker room. He’ll have to make intelligent decisions in the face of ferocious Giants pass rush and make plays. Clinton Portis is slowing down, but will have to should the load if Washington is to pull the upset. This is perfect game why Albert Haynesworth was showed with cash, he needs to help contain Giants running game for Skins squad that is15-6-1 ATS as NFC East visitor.
When New York has problems with Washington, it usually revolves around failure of pass defense giving up big plays. Contain the Redskins deep ball and make them go long distances by moving the chains. The Giants linemen have to keep Haynesworth from being disruptive force and maintain manageable third down sequences. A healthy Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora should spell trouble for Jim Zorn’s offense and the blue-clad Giants are 8-3 ATS as a favorite of 3.5-10.0.
3DW Power Rating – New York by 9
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – New York -6.5, 37
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