There is no shortage of football for bettors to watch on Saturday with nine dress rehearsals on the slate. Two of the matchups have piqued my interest as Week 3 draws closer to the end. The Chargers take on the Falcons in a pair of playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Jets and Giants will be playing for bragging rights in the battle for the Big Apple.
San Diego at Atlanta – 8:00 p.m. EDT, CBS
The Falcons haven’t played a match at home this preseason, but that hasn’t mattered as they’ve won and covered their first two games thus far. Yet Mike Smith is more concerned with seeing his club getting off to a fast start and if they have learned from their mistakes of a week ago.
Atlanta is coming off of a 20-13 victory against the Rams as a 2 ½-point road “chalk.” While the final score comes off as a solid win, the stats indicate otherwise. Matt Ryan’s backup, D.J. Shockley looked pretty bad in completing five of his 12 passes for 63 yards. Shockley also got sacked and picked off twice by St. Louis.
You can’t really fault Shockley for the Falcons’ body of work in Week 2. The Dirty Birds were able to convert just five of their 10 third downs against the Rams. That is definitely not an improvement on the six of 14 conversion rate they had against Detroit in the preseason opener.
One player we should expect a lot from is Michael Turner. The Falcons’ top rusher has picked up 128 yards on 13 carries with a pair of scores. There are no reports stating he’ll be in for a series or two, so it would appear that he’s going to be in for at least the first half.
San Diego bounced back last Saturday with a 17-6 win against the Cardinals as a three-point road pup.
The Chargers got a nice effort out of Philip Rivers in Week 2 as he connected on five of his seven pass attempts for 116 yards against Arizona. Although, there has to be a little concern with him getting sacked four times by the Cards.
Defensively, San Diego’s defense was on its game by not giving up a touchdown last week. They also picked off two passes, one of which was turned into a score for the Bolts.
Most of the betting shops have made the Falcons slight 2 ½-point home favorites with a total of 42.
That total is awfully high for my tastes considering that Smith has proven in his short time in Atlanta that focus is on the defense during the preseason. That point is given credence by the fact that the ‘under’ is 4-2 during his six exhibition tilts.
The Falcons have done extremely well in dress rehearsal games, going 5-0 straight up and against the spread during the last five preseasons. The ‘under’ has a slight 3-2 advantage for total players.
Norv Turner has shown over his last two stops as an NFL head coach (’04-’05 Oakland, ’07-present San Diego) that he wants to win this tilt. He is 3-1 SU in the four dress rehearsals he’s recently helmed. Bettors have been able to fade him in that time as well since Raiders and Chargers failed to cover the spread in those four games.
New York Jets at New York Giants – 8:00 p.m. EDT
I think we should all thank Kellen Clemmens for participating in the Jets’ quarterback search. New York’s elder statesman (if can call a three-year player “elder”) lost the starting gig to Southern Cal rookie Mark Sanchez after two weeks of preseason action.
The reports out of the Jets’ training camp were that the race between the two signal callers was 50-50. And when Clemmens can’t do anything to discern himself from a guy fresh out of college, he’s not going to be No. 1 on the depth chart.
Sanchez showed he can overcome a bad start last Monday in New York’s 24-23 defeat as a three-point road ‘dog to the Ravens. His first pass of the night was intercepted for a touchdown by Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata. Sanchez completed only one of his first five passes for eight yards. His last drive no doubt helped his cause by connecting on two of his three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown.
The Giants aren’t going to be fielding their top defense on Saturday night as linebacker Antonio Pierce (foot) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) are listed as “out.” That won’t help a defensive unit that is allowing an average of 324 yards in two exhibition games.
Eli Manning will be under center for the first half of the game, with David Carr coming on in relief. There is a battle between Andre Woodson and Rhett Bomar for the third-string job. It’s safe to say that this game will dictate who gets that spot on the team.
The sportsbooks have posted the Giants as 3 ½-point home faves with the total coming in at 37. While the line is holding true for the game, you can shop around for a total as low as 36 ½.
This preseason tradition has gone in favor of the Jets as they hold a 6-2 SU record, but just 4-3-1 ATS. Tom Coughlin has done well in this rivalry as of late, going 2-1 SU and ATS in the last three games.
What bettors need to know: Saturday's NFL preseason action
By DAVID JONES
Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions (+3, 40)
The Colts (4-16 in last 20 preseason games) are expected to go with their starters until early in the third quarter Saturday. It appears that Curtis Painter will be the backup at QB. Veteran backup Jim Sorgi has returned to practice but will likely be held out until next week.
Among the other key players who aren't expected to play against the Lions are OL Ryan Lilja, DB Kelvin Hayden, DB Bob Sanders and K Adam Vinatieri.
While the starting QB spot is still open in Detroit, Daunte Culpepper (83.0 QB rating) will open the game under center against the Colts. Matthew Stafford (43.4 QB rating) will also play with first-team personnel. Each QB will play a quarter and a half.
On the injury front, RB Kevin Smith and both starting cornerbacks are questionable to play against the Colts.
New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders (+2.5, 41)
The Saints are expected to play their starters until early in the third quarter against the Raiders.
New Orleans is a little banged up in the backfield. Pierre Thomas could be out until the start of the regular season while Reggie Bush is questionable to play Saturday.
Oakland head coach Tom Cable has indicated that his starters will play the first half and, possibly, into the third quarter against the Saints. With only one series under his belt this preseason, veteran QB Jeff Garcia is set to play most of the second half Saturday.
On defense, the Raiders are still looking to finalize starting spots at linebacker and cornerback as the regular season approaches.
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 36)
Buffalo's no-huddle offense will be without Terrell Owens (toe) for the third straight game Saturday. The new offense will try to get their running game (2.9 yards per carry in preseason) on track against the Steelers.
Dick Jauron is expected to play his starters through the first half against Pittsburgh. Rookie DL Aaron Maybin is set to make his Bills debut in the contest.
After missing last week's game, Ben Roethlisberger is back in the fold for Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said that his starters will play at least the first half against Buffalo.
Roethlisberger could be missing a couple of weapons in his return to action. Running back Willie Parker and WR Santonio Holmes are questionable for the game.
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (-1, 37.5)
Tennessee will play their starters through at least the first half Saturday.
The Titans will keep a close eye on their wide receivers against the Browns after Nate Washington's hamstring injury this week. He could miss the start of the regular season.
The Browns will mirror Detroit's gameplan in regards to their quarterbacks this week. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will get equal playing time with the first-team offense against Tennessee but head coach Eric Mangini hasn't decided on a starter for Saturday's matchup.
San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 42)
San Diego head coach Norv Turner has said that his starter could play up to three quarters Saturday. However, a couple of big offensive guns could be out of the lineup.
Turner is hesitant to expose RB LaDainian Tomlinson (12 carries, 28 yards in preseason) and TE Antonio Gates to the turf field surface at the Georgia Dome.
Atlanta's Mike Smith will also have his starters on the field into the third quarter Saturday. After missing last week's game, backup QB Chris Redman will return to action this week for the Falcons.
On defense, recent first-round choice Jamaal Anderson is trying to retain his starting spot on the defensive line heading into the regular season.
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5, 39)
The Seahawks are expected to have their first-team units on the field through at least the first half against Kansas City. The game could mark the Seattle debut of the NFL's 11th all-time leading rusher, Edgerrin James.
The offensive line is a concern after last week's injury to starting center Chris Spencer (out 4-6 weeks) and the uncertain status of Walter Jones for the regular season.
Kansas City will go with their first-team offense until at least the first series of the third quarter. While QB Matt Cassel (92.9 QB rating in preseason) made some progress last week, RB Larry Johnson (2.8 yards per carry) is trying to bust loose in exhibition action.
On defense, the Chiefs are still looking for their starting nose tackle in their 3-4 defensive formation.
New York Jets at New York Giants (-3, 36)
With a tropical storm (70 percent chance of rain) heading to the Meadowlands on Saturday, Mark Sanchez could have something else to deal with besides the elite defensive line of the Giants. On a short week, Jets head coach Rex Ryan is unlikely to send Sanchez and his other starters out beyond the first half.
The Giants had hoped to use the traditional dress rehearsal for the regular season to further develop their inexperienced wideouts but the weather may alter those plans.
The defense will be without key veterans Antonio Pierce and Aaron Ross Saturday.
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers (-3, 34.5)
With their third game in 10 days, Baltimore (second in NFL in total offense and defense in preseason) hasn't been able to install a complete gameplan for this week's matchup.
Special teams will be a focal point Saturday, with starting spots at kicker and kick returner still up for grabs.
Without any road games until the second week of the regular season, the Panthers can unpack for awhile. Head coach John Fox has indicated that his starters are likely to play at least through the first half.
Offensive standouts Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are banged up for Carolina. Smith and Williams are in better condition to play than Stewart Saturday.
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (-7, 38)
Shaun Hill has indicated that he is ready to go on Saturday despite suffering a back strain in practice this week.
San Francisco is expected to play their starters into the third quarter against Dallas. Veteran Damon Huard would likely start at QB, if Hill is unable to go.
The Cowboys should have their starters on the field through at least the first half. Wide receiver Roy Williams is out of action after suffering a shoulder injury in practice this week.
INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 1) at DETROIT (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS (2 - 0) at OAKLAND (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games in August games since 1993.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
TENNESSEE (2 - 1) at CLEVELAND (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
BUFFALO (1 - 2) at PITTSBURGH (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 1-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
BALTIMORE (2 - 0) at CAROLINA (0 - 2) - 8/29/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
NY JETS (0 - 2) at NY GIANTS (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY JETS is 1-0 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
NY JETS is 2-0 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE (2 - 0) at KANSAS CITY (0 - 2) - 8/29/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) against AFC West division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in August games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in August games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 0) at DALLAS (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 12-33 ATS (-24.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1993.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
SAN DIEGO (1 - 1) at ATLANTA (1 - 1) - 8/29/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
ATLANTA is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in dome games since 1993.
ATLANTA is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in games played on turf since 1993.
SAN DIEGO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
Game 261-262: Indianapolis at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 122.994; Detroit 117.984
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 5; 45
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 3; 40
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3); Over
Game 263-264: New Orleans at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 126.474; Oakland 122.037
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2; 41
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-1 1/2); Under
Game 265-266: Tennessee at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 119.141; Cleveland 121.381
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 2; 42
Vegas Line: Pick; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland; Over
Game 267-268: Buffalo at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 119.360; Pittsburgh 126.251
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7; 30
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2; 37
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-4 1/2); Under
Game 269-270: Baltimore at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 117.003; Carolina 123.106
Dunkel Line: Carolina by 6; 35
Vegas Line: Carolina by 3; 34
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-3); Over
Game 271-272: NY Jets at NY Giants
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 120.141; NY Giants 124.337
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 4; 30 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3 1/2; 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (-3 1/2); Under
Game 273-274: Seattle at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 122.677; Kansas City 119.745
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 3; 37
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 2 1/2; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+2 1/2); Under
Game 275-276: San Francisco at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 114.533; Dallas 124.867
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 10 1/2; 40 1/2
Vegas Line: Dallas by 7; 40
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-7); Over
Game 277-278: San Diego at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 122.668; Atlanta 122.587
Dunkel Line: Even; 43
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 42
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+2 1/2); Over
Brandon Marshall’s behavior at training camp Wednesday was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
The Denver Broncos' troubled receiver was suspended by the team Friday for unspecified "detrimental" conduct. Sources are reporting the suspension will be for the remainder of the preseason and that Marshall will not play in this weekend’s preseason tilt with the Chicago Bears.
The suspension follows the release of video of Marshall in practice walking through drills, kicking away balls and batting down passes in receiving drills. Denver’s first-year head coach Josh McDaniels met with his WR Friday morning and told Marshall of the team’s decision.
Marshall admitted to ESPN that his actions at camp were “an error in judgment” and that he never tried to force a trade after Denver declined to restructure his contract earlier this summer.
"I'm not out there trying to be a distraction to the team," Marshall told reporters. "Unfortunately, yesterday I kind of let my frustration get the best of me."
The outspoken Marshall, who caught 104 balls for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns in 2008, has been vocal about his desires to be traded this offseason. He recently was acquitted of battery charges and was limited in camp due to injuries. He was held out of last week’s preseason game against Seattle after admitting he didn’t know the playbook.
The Broncos are a 2.5-point home favorites hosting former quarterback Jay Cutler and the Bears Sunday. Denver’s regular-season win total is set at 7.
The NFL's most competitive division will be up in the air once again in 2009. The Giants claimed the NFC East crown in 2008, but made a quick exit in the playoffs, falling at home to the Eagles. Philadelphia was coming apart at the seams after a 5-5-1 start last season, but Donovan McNabb reignited his Eagles squad, propelling them to the NFC Championship game.
The two teams that were left out of the postseason each finished the 2008 campaign on disappointing notes. The Cowboys won eight of their first 12 games, but dropped three of their final four to miss the playoffs. The Redskins were 6-2 through the first two months of the season, before losing six of their final eight contests.
Here are the season win totals for the NFC East, according to Sportsbook.com
NY Giants Over 9 ½ (-150) Under 9 ½ (+120)
Philadelphia Over 9 ½ (-160) Under 9 ½ (+130)
Dallas Over 9 (-130) Under 9 (Even)
Washington Over 8 (-120) Under 8 (Even)
The panel of experts at VI has plenty of differing opinions on the NFC East, as all four teams have the potential to make the postseason, while it's likely that Washington is the one team that probably won't win this division.
Chris David is high on the Redskins' chances to finish 'over' the posted win total this season. David says despite Jim Zorn's offense averaging 16 ppg last season, Washington has a chance to pick it up this season, "If the offense improves in Zorn's second year, most would expect a jump in the win column. Four of the losses last year were by four points or less and people forget that Washington started 4-1 in 2008." David also points to Washington's advantageous schedule, "This year's opening schedule sets up nicely again with four of the first six at FedEx Field. The additions of Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo should only make the Redskins' defense better in 2009."
Brian Edwards sees the Eagles as the best 'over' play in the NFC East. Edwards comments, "I really love this play although the 'chalky' price certainly makes it less attractive. Nevertheless, it's a winner. I have Philadelphia winning the NFC. The offense is loaded with speed and McNabb has the most weapons during his time with the Eagles, which, by the way, includes a 5-for-10 batting average in making the NFL's version of the Final Four."
I am in agreement with Edwards on the Eagles, not only on the McNabb point, but also on the addition of Michael Vick. Granted, Vick is out the first four games of the season, but the Eagles should be at least 3-1 when Vick joins the club. The Eagles had a multitude of problems the first three months of last season, but got on a great hot streak which almost sent Philadelphia to the Super Bowl.
Judd Hall is high on the team that won the Super Bowl two seasons ago, the New York Giants. Despite the loss of top receiver Plaxico Burress, Hall believes the Giants should still thrive offensively. Hall says, "New York has a pair of more than capable wideouts in Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon for Eli Manning to target. That's not even including Brandon Jacobs taking over the rushing duties full-time this season, which will wear down opposing defenses. Hall points to a somewhat rough schedule for the Giants, "The league didn't do them any favors as the G-men play back-to-back home games just twice this season. This team should be able to win at least six of its eight home games and no fewer than four on the road. This should be an easy 'over' for us."
David disagrees with Edwards and I on the Eagles, as David is steadfast on the 'under.' "The Eagles have been catching a lot of buzz this summer as a team to watch, but for the wrong reasons in my opinion. Philadelphia has some serious offensive talent on paper and if Vick can stay healthy, the attack can be dangerous. The defensive unit lost arguably their best player safety Brian Dawkins to free agency and more importantly, their defensive coordinator Jim Johnson to cancer," David notes. "Andy Reid is a great coach but he's only put up one 10-win season in the last four years. I don't see happening again this year either," David points out.
Both Edwards and Hall don't see the Redskins making noise inside the division this season. Hall says, "Washington made a great move in getting Haynesworth for its defense. But what did they do to help out on offense? Not a whole hell of a lot." Edwards questions the offense in D.C., "Coaching and QB play are big factors for me and I'm not a big believer in Zorn. To a lesser extent, I'm not that high on Jason Campbell, although I'll stop short of completely throwing him under the bus. Clinton Portis isn't getting any younger and this division is brutal.
I selected the Giants as my best 'under' bet, simply because this team was clicking so well until the Burress incident last season, and then failed to regain that offensive mojo. Throwing in the loss of Derrick Ward to Tampa Bay, it's hard for me to see Manning and the Giants winning more than nine games.
Cowboys fans, we didn't forget about you. But, Vegas probably landed right on the correct number of wins for Tony Romo's club. It will be interesting to see if Terrell Owens will truly be missed, or if Roy Williams can step up and become an elite receiver in Dallas. And to see how many punts will be knocked off the scoreboard at new Cowboys Stadium.
The NFC South continues to be the most unpredictable division in all of football, after the Panthers captured the division crown last season. Since 2002, there has not been a repeat division champion inside the NFC South, while the cycle of last-place teams finishing first the next season ended at four with Atlanta failing to win the title. Granted, the Falcons still made the playoffs following a miserable 4-12 campaign in 2007.
Atlanta was the biggest story in the South, despite not winning the division. Following the Bobby Petrino fallout during the '07 season, the Falcons regrouped with new head coach Mike Smith, and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Atlanta won 11 games, the most since 2004, when Michael Vick led the Falcons to the NFC South title.
One of the league's seven new head coaches takes over in Tampa Bay, as Raheem Morris replaces Jon Gruden as head man of the Bucs. Tampa Bay was on the cusp of the postseason, before dropping its last four games in 2008, and finishing shy of the playoffs at 9-7.
New Orleans improved its record from the year before, but finished in last place in 2008 at 8-8. Drew Brees and the Saints couldn't get over the hump last season, as New Orleans ended its second straight campaign without a postseason appearance.
Here are the season win totals for the NFC South, according to Sportsbook.com
New Orleans Saints Over 9 (-125) Under 9 (-105)
Atlanta Falcons Over 8 ½ (-130) Under 8 ½ (Even)
Carolina Panthers Over 8 ½ (Even) Under (-130)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Over 6 ½ (+140) Under 6 ½ (-170)
The experts at Vegas Insider weighed in with their thoughts on this wide-open division, and there are plenty of varying opinions on the NFC South. All four teams have an argument for the 'over,' according to our panel.
Chris David has chosen the Saints to finish 'over' the posted total of 9, looking to regain the magic of the 2006 season that propelled New Orleans to the NFC Title Game. David says if a couple of breaks went the Saints way last year, things could have been different. "Breaking down the eight losses last year, five were by five points or less." David looks ahead to the tough teams on New Orleans' slate this season, "Catching the Giants, Patriots and Cowboys in Louisiana also helps, plus opening the season against the Lions should only build confidence. If the defense can improve in the slightest way, a 10-win season should be the worse case scenario."
Brian Edwards believes the Falcons can continue their momentum into Ryan's second season. "We're bucking history here as the Falcons have never posted back-to-back winning seasons. But with the acquisition of TE Tony Gonzalez, the presence of Michael Turner and the promise of rapidly developing Ryan, Atlanta appears poised for a return trip to the playoffs," Edwards proclaims.
Judd Hall sees the Bucs as the team that can turn some heads in the NFC South. Tampa Bay is coming off consecutive winning seasons, as Hall thinks the defense will step it up. Hall says, "Tampa Bay should do quite nice on defense, especially on the front line. That strong stopping unit will help out an offense that needs a boost. I also think that either Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich can lead this team to respectability. I really believe this club will sneak just over the total and go 7-9."
I'm still high on the Carolina Panthers to be successful once again in this division, and finish 'over' the total of 8 ½. John Fox's team has been a bit inconsistent following a double-digit season, going 7-9 in '04 after an 11-5 season in their Super Bowl year of '03. Carolina ended 2006 at 8-8 following an 11-5 campaign in 2005. However, I don't think it's asking much for this team to win nine games with one of the top backfields (DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart), a top-tier receiver (Steve Smith), and All-Pro defensive end (Julius Peppers).
On the 'under' side, Hall sees the Panthers finishing below their listed total. "Carolina has a very real chance of starting the season with three straight losses. Plus, you can't forget this club gets to play a first-place schedule this season. An 8-8 campaign is in the cards for the Panthers," Hall comments.
David believes the Falcons fall back to Earth following their playoff appearance last season. David says, "Everything went right for the Falcons last year and they do have a great core to build around in the future. However, I believe they set the bar too high and the oddsmakers know it too. Going 7-1 at home and 4-4 on the road in 2008 was impressive but only three wins came against playoff teams." David remarks that the schedule may do Atlanta in, "This season, they match up with the NFC and AFC East, arguably two of the best divisions in the league. An 8-8 season seems very likely in my opinion and catching plus-odds is a bonus."
Edwards and I are in agreement on the Bucs having plenty of struggles this season. Edwards isn't crazy about laying the price, but it may be worth it, "This franchise appears to have broken things down to ground zero and I expect to see those sorts of results. The QB position and the head coach appear to be major question marks and that's not a good sign in this tough division with three playoff contenders."
Here is the complete breakdown of our best 'over' and 'under' bets for the NFC North.
Nfl 8/29
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