The second week of the NFL season brings into play a number of fascinating wagering viewpoints. The Jets are talking smack, are they ready to back it up at home against New England. No quarterback is hotter than Drew Brees, look for him to see the full Philly blitz package. First place is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco, plus two other unbeaten teams will collide in San Diego, when Baltimore pays the Chargers a visit. Pittsburgh and Chicago could easily have had different results in season opener. Look for serious helmet-paint trading in the Windy City.New England at N.Y. Jets 1:00E CBS
The Patriots-Jets rivalry has been one of the fiercest in the NFL in recent years, and there was always no love lost between the teams in the Eric Mangini era in New York. Perhaps that could have something to do with the fact that the Patriots have won 10 straight games against the spread (9-1 SU) at the Meadowlands. New Jets head man Rex Ryan is stoking the fires in his own way by saying in a radio interview he didn't come to New York "to kiss Bill Belichick's rings." Ryan is looking to restore some home field advantage as they begin their home slate for the third straight year against their arch rivals. New York was a horrendous 1-7-1 ATS in home games vs. divisional foes under Mangini and needs this game to take command of the AFC East. New England has become well known for its divisional success, 12-1 SU & ATS in its last 13 away from home vs. its division counterparts.
Keys to the Game-
New England was lucky last Monday to win and they know. Tom Brady was understandably rusty and started to find a rhythm in the second half, just not being able to score touchdowns. Expect the Patriots to play at quicker pace to force New York to play in base defense. Though New England out-gained Buffalo by 165 total yards, the defense allowed 4.7 yards per carry, which won’t stop the Jets. The Pats are 19-7 ATS as a favorite of 3.5-10.0 points and needs to pressure rookie Mark Sanchez into poor decisions.
The Jets have seen the tape, New England did a poor job stopping the run and off a 190-yard performance last week, OC Brian Schottenheimer will challenge Belichick’s defense man on man. Sanchez showed good poise in keeping plays alive and finding right receiver in his first start. He made a few miscues, however they were as much about being too excited, as physical errors. He must be calm and try and not force the action when the Pats pressure him, with the Jets expected to roll him out and shorten his field of vision for safer passes. Corner Darrelle Ravis took away Andre Johnson last week, if he can blanket Randy Moss, he’ll slow down Patriots offense.
Despite all the good feelings with new situation, the Flyboys are 2-13 ATS in home games in the first two weeks of the season and have to be like a boxer and knock New England out.
3DWLine – New England by 4
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – New England -3.5, 45
New Orleans at Philadelphia 1:00E FOX
Philadelphia takes on a second straight NFC South foe when it hosts New Orleans. Expectations are high in Philly this year and the Eagles are off to a fast start, having routed Carolina 38-10 in Week 1. Perhaps minus QB Donovan McNabb (last report was doubtful), they’ll look to build on that win at home, where they were 6-2 SU & ATS in 2008. They also boast that same straight up mark (7-1 ATS) in their eight meetings with the Saints. However, head coach Andy Reid has not gotten his team’s best effort in home openers, just 4-5 SU & 4-4-1 ATS since 2000. Sean Payton’s team was expected to win and did at home versus the Lions last Sunday, but this week’s test will be much tougher. The Saints have won just two of last nine (3-5-1 ATS) true road games, allowing 26.3 points per game in that span. They are also on a 4-8 ATS slide as underdogs.
Keys to the Game-
It looks like Kevin Kolb will be the guy for the Eagles, which means three-five step drops and Kolb releasing the ball quickly. On film, New Orleans tackled poorly, thus getting the pigskin in the hands of receivers DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis is the best route to go, since both are excellent after the catch. Brian Westbook’s values goes up even higher this week, trying to carry a greater load for club that is 5-1 ATS against winning teams. Philly has dilemma how to attack this red-hot Saints offense.
Though August football doesn’t count for much, it helped establish who’s the best quarterback in the NFL right today, Drew Brees. He’s been uncanny with his full compliment of receivers and has been unflustered by what he’s seen on defense. If New Orleans can continue to run the ball they’ll move to 9-3 ATS in road openers. Safety Darren Sharper doesn’t have the range he used to, but is still a ball-hawk (two picks last week) and he’ll try and confuse Kolb on pre-snap reads that could lead to mistakes.
3DWLine – Philadelphia by 11 (based on McNabb playing)
Bookmaker.com Line – New Orleans -1.5, 45.5
It looks like Kevin Kolb will be the guy for the Eagles, which means three-five step drops and Kolb releasing the ball quickly. On film, New Orleans tackled poorly, thus getting the pigskin in the hands of receivers DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis is the best route to go, since both are excellent after the catch. Brian Westbook’s values goes up even higher this week, trying to carry a greater load for club that is 5-1 ATS against winning teams. Philly has dilemma how to attack this red-hot Saints offense.
Though August football doesn’t count for much, it helped establish who’s the best quarterback in the NFL right today, Drew Brees. He’s been uncanny with his full compliment of receivers and has been unflustered by what he’s seen on defense. If New Orleans can continue to run the ball they’ll move to 9-3 ATS in road openers. Safety Darren Sharper doesn’t have the range he used to, but is still a ball-hawk (two picks last week) and he’ll try and confuse Kolb on pre-snap reads that could lead to mistakes.
3DWLine – Philadelphia by 11 (based on McNabb playing)
Bookmaker.com Line – New Orleans -1.5, 45.5
Seattle at San Francisco 4:05E FOX
Seattle and San Francisco were the big winners in last week’s NFC West duals, each winning on the road. Now, with the early lead in the standings at stake, the teams will go head-to-head on Sunday. The 49ers are a slight favorite after being outgained by Arizona on Sunday 299-203, averaging less than a yard in its 25 carries. Meanwhile, the Seahawks dominated St. Louis, winning on the scoreboard 28-0, and on the yardage total, 446-247. Seattle has been the better of these two teams in recent confrontations, going 5-2 SU & ATS in its last seven trips to San Francisco, and 8-3 SU & 7-4 ATS in last 11 games overall. Head coach Jim Mora’s team also boasts a 9-4 ATS record mark since 2007 in NFC West matchups. However, the Seahawks are just 1-9 ATS coming off a win by 10 points or more. The 49ers are unsavory 1-6 ATS as divisional hosts. This is only the second time San Francisco has been favored in this series since 2003.
Keys to the Game-
Niners QB Shaun Hill looked unglued by Arizona’s pass rush most of the game, which means Seattle will be dialing up the pressure. This could be big edge for Seahawks since Hill lacks the ability to keep a play alive when under duress. San Fran’s corners did yeomen work in containing Cardinals receivers; however TE John Carlson presents extra effort with is speed and pass catching abilities. Seattle’s defense will also try and confuse San Francisco blockers and if successful, moves to 10-0 ATS in September on the road off a division task.
San Francisco offensive coaches have to be smarter this week. They stubbornly ran between the tackles against Arizona’s run blitzes, leading to second and third and long. Spice up the game plan to include play action on early downs. The offensive line hopefully had a good week of practice, since they were slow at the snap last week. Hill and Frank Gore need some help. Matt Hasselbeck is at his best when he can throw to primary receiver. The 49ers need package that creates doubt like last week, which leads to pressure. Make Hasselbeck’s healed back sore and the Seahawks fall to 1-13 ATS off a blowout win by 21 points or more over a division rival.
3DWLine – Seattle by 1
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – San Francisco -1, 39.5
Seattle and San Francisco were the big winners in last week’s NFC West duals, each winning on the road. Now, with the early lead in the standings at stake, the teams will go head-to-head on Sunday. The 49ers are a slight favorite after being outgained by Arizona on Sunday 299-203, averaging less than a yard in its 25 carries. Meanwhile, the Seahawks dominated St. Louis, winning on the scoreboard 28-0, and on the yardage total, 446-247. Seattle has been the better of these two teams in recent confrontations, going 5-2 SU & ATS in its last seven trips to San Francisco, and 8-3 SU & 7-4 ATS in last 11 games overall. Head coach Jim Mora’s team also boasts a 9-4 ATS record mark since 2007 in NFC West matchups. However, the Seahawks are just 1-9 ATS coming off a win by 10 points or more. The 49ers are unsavory 1-6 ATS as divisional hosts. This is only the second time San Francisco has been favored in this series since 2003.
Keys to the Game-
Niners QB Shaun Hill looked unglued by Arizona’s pass rush most of the game, which means Seattle will be dialing up the pressure. This could be big edge for Seahawks since Hill lacks the ability to keep a play alive when under duress. San Fran’s corners did yeomen work in containing Cardinals receivers; however TE John Carlson presents extra effort with is speed and pass catching abilities. Seattle’s defense will also try and confuse San Francisco blockers and if successful, moves to 10-0 ATS in September on the road off a division task.
San Francisco offensive coaches have to be smarter this week. They stubbornly ran between the tackles against Arizona’s run blitzes, leading to second and third and long. Spice up the game plan to include play action on early downs. The offensive line hopefully had a good week of practice, since they were slow at the snap last week. Hill and Frank Gore need some help. Matt Hasselbeck is at his best when he can throw to primary receiver. The 49ers need package that creates doubt like last week, which leads to pressure. Make Hasselbeck’s healed back sore and the Seahawks fall to 1-13 ATS off a blowout win by 21 points or more over a division rival.
3DWLine – Seattle by 1
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – San Francisco -1, 39.5
Baltimore at San Diego 4:15E CBS
Don’t be fooled by Baltimore’s tight contest for period of time with Kansas City, nor the fact that the Chiefs produced 24 points; the game wasn’t nearly that competitive. The Ravens outgained the Chiefs 501-188 in total yards. They’ll look to be just as dominant this week to have a shot at beating San Diego, who will be playing its home opener after weathering the storm in Oakland 24-20. Head coach John Harbaugh’s team was 8-3 ATS on the road in 2008, but could be looking to offset a crazy trend that finds them 0-7 SU & ATS in away games where the total is 38.5-42. They are also just 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS in road openers since 2001. The Chargers are just 2-4 SU & ATS in their last six home season kickoffs, but 13-5 ATS as hosts over the past two seasons. Speaking of home teams, the hosts have dominated this series, going 5-1 SU & ATS.
Keys to the Game –
Baltimore’s Joe Flacco showed a great deal of progression as a field general last week. He was able to spot receivers down the field expertly and checked off properly when plays broke down. This opens up Ravens playbook and they should look to confuse San Diego defense that was pushed around by the Raiders. The Chargers are big, but not especially fast in front seven, keep them moving. LaDainian Tomlinson is likely out, which means Darren Sproles. Baltimore outside linebackers has to keep him inside the tackles. The Ravens are 6-0 ATS after outgaining opponent by 100 or more total yards.
San Diego could be down two starters in the offensive line, thus look for Philip Rivers to throw underneath a lot to big physical receivers. They will occupy safety Ed Reed with Antonio Gates, clearing space. If Reed starts walking up as the eighth man in the box, watch Rivers check down to Gates on 10-15 yard sideline fades. Coach Norv Turner will use two-tight ends to help with pass protection throughout the contest. Sproles is a unique weapon, utilize him in space and run plays to see how Ravens react to where he goes on pass routes for later usage. The defense has to play with greater urgency, never really taking command of limited Oakland’s offense. They better attack Flacco if they expect to move to 12-3 ATS in home games against AFC opponents over the last three seasons.
3DWLine – SanDiego .3.5
Bookmaker.com Line – San Diego -3, 40.5
Don’t be fooled by Baltimore’s tight contest for period of time with Kansas City, nor the fact that the Chiefs produced 24 points; the game wasn’t nearly that competitive. The Ravens outgained the Chiefs 501-188 in total yards. They’ll look to be just as dominant this week to have a shot at beating San Diego, who will be playing its home opener after weathering the storm in Oakland 24-20. Head coach John Harbaugh’s team was 8-3 ATS on the road in 2008, but could be looking to offset a crazy trend that finds them 0-7 SU & ATS in away games where the total is 38.5-42. They are also just 1-7 SU & 2-6 ATS in road openers since 2001. The Chargers are just 2-4 SU & ATS in their last six home season kickoffs, but 13-5 ATS as hosts over the past two seasons. Speaking of home teams, the hosts have dominated this series, going 5-1 SU & ATS.
Keys to the Game –
Baltimore’s Joe Flacco showed a great deal of progression as a field general last week. He was able to spot receivers down the field expertly and checked off properly when plays broke down. This opens up Ravens playbook and they should look to confuse San Diego defense that was pushed around by the Raiders. The Chargers are big, but not especially fast in front seven, keep them moving. LaDainian Tomlinson is likely out, which means Darren Sproles. Baltimore outside linebackers has to keep him inside the tackles. The Ravens are 6-0 ATS after outgaining opponent by 100 or more total yards.
San Diego could be down two starters in the offensive line, thus look for Philip Rivers to throw underneath a lot to big physical receivers. They will occupy safety Ed Reed with Antonio Gates, clearing space. If Reed starts walking up as the eighth man in the box, watch Rivers check down to Gates on 10-15 yard sideline fades. Coach Norv Turner will use two-tight ends to help with pass protection throughout the contest. Sproles is a unique weapon, utilize him in space and run plays to see how Ravens react to where he goes on pass routes for later usage. The defense has to play with greater urgency, never really taking command of limited Oakland’s offense. They better attack Flacco if they expect to move to 12-3 ATS in home games against AFC opponents over the last three seasons.
3DWLine – SanDiego .3.5
Bookmaker.com Line – San Diego -3, 40.5
Pittsburgh at Chicago 4:15E CBS
Pittsburgh was battered and bruised in its season opener vs. Tennessee but managed to prevail in overtime 13-10. However, the Steelers face the prospects of moving on without defensive stud safety Troy Polamalu (MCL sprain) as they head to Chicago. They are just 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS in road openers over the last eight seasons and on an extended three-year slid of going just 10-15 ATS on the road. Pittsburgh allowed 320 yards of offense to the Titans in the opener, more than they did in all but two games last season, so there are already reasons for concern. The Bears hope to bounce back from their defeat at Green Bay, and slow a trend that has seen them go just 2-5 ATS in openers at Soldier Field. Chicago is 6-0 ATS off a loss against a division rival over the last two campaigns.
Keys to the Game-
For Chicago it’s a full plate. Hopefully a full week of practice has Jay Cutler and his receivers having a better understanding of what to do when a play breaks down. Whether it was Cutler’s fault or OC Ron Turner’s blame, Matt Forte never caught a pass in the opener, after averaging over four per game in his rookie season. Get him the ball! The Bears defensive line ate up Green Bay. Pressure Ben Roethlisberger up the gut and have hard-charging defensive ends wrap him up. Follow these principles and the Bears send home fans home happy and they move to 10-4 ATS after failing to cover the spread.
Pittsburgh is going nowhere in 2009 without establishing a better ground game, which averaged 1.6 yards per carry against Tennessee. Steelers O-linemen must sustain blocks against good Chicago D-Line, with openings more readily available without Brian Urlacher in the middle. Confusing Cutler doesn’t seem to be a real task presently (his receivers do that enough). The Steelers just need to do their usual outstanding work disguising defenses and Bears fans will be calling for Bob Avellini. The Steelers cannot let Devin Hester be a factor of any sort or they might fall to 6-18 ATS as a road favorite of three points or less.
3DWLine – Pittsburgh by 3.5
Pittsburgh was battered and bruised in its season opener vs. Tennessee but managed to prevail in overtime 13-10. However, the Steelers face the prospects of moving on without defensive stud safety Troy Polamalu (MCL sprain) as they head to Chicago. They are just 3-5 SU & 2-6 ATS in road openers over the last eight seasons and on an extended three-year slid of going just 10-15 ATS on the road. Pittsburgh allowed 320 yards of offense to the Titans in the opener, more than they did in all but two games last season, so there are already reasons for concern. The Bears hope to bounce back from their defeat at Green Bay, and slow a trend that has seen them go just 2-5 ATS in openers at Soldier Field. Chicago is 6-0 ATS off a loss against a division rival over the last two campaigns.
Keys to the Game-
For Chicago it’s a full plate. Hopefully a full week of practice has Jay Cutler and his receivers having a better understanding of what to do when a play breaks down. Whether it was Cutler’s fault or OC Ron Turner’s blame, Matt Forte never caught a pass in the opener, after averaging over four per game in his rookie season. Get him the ball! The Bears defensive line ate up Green Bay. Pressure Ben Roethlisberger up the gut and have hard-charging defensive ends wrap him up. Follow these principles and the Bears send home fans home happy and they move to 10-4 ATS after failing to cover the spread.
Pittsburgh is going nowhere in 2009 without establishing a better ground game, which averaged 1.6 yards per carry against Tennessee. Steelers O-linemen must sustain blocks against good Chicago D-Line, with openings more readily available without Brian Urlacher in the middle. Confusing Cutler doesn’t seem to be a real task presently (his receivers do that enough). The Steelers just need to do their usual outstanding work disguising defenses and Bears fans will be calling for Bob Avellini. The Steelers cannot let Devin Hester be a factor of any sort or they might fall to 6-18 ATS as a road favorite of three points or less.
3DWLine – Pittsburgh by 3.5
DiamondSportsbook.com Line – Pittsburgh -3, 37.5
Steve Makinen of The Platinum Sheet contributed to this article.
Steve Makinen of The Platinum Sheet contributed to this article.
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