Saturday, September 8, 2012

NFL Week 1 Betting Preview/Picks


Game: Atlanta -2.5 at KC, O/U 43.5, 1pm 9-9-12

Analysis:  Both of these teams are defensively strong at the other team's strength, so KC with a good pass D and Atlanta a strong run D.  KC is a tough place to go on the road and come out with a win and Matt Ryan will be under duress all game if Michael Turner cannot keep the Chiefs on their heels.  Matt Cassel is a terrible QB, but KC will be able to run the ball this year with Charles and Hillis one of the best speed and strength tandems in the league.  Brandon Flowers is banged up and the best cover guy on the Chiefs, so between Roddy White and Julio Jones on the outside Atlanta should be able to move the ball. 

Line Movement: Atlanta started -1 and has moved as high as -3; 66% of Public Betting Atlanta; Recent "Steam" on Atlanta

Bet Trends:  Falcons are 10-4 ATS last 14 Week 1 games but 1-4 ATS to start the season on the road.  The Chiefs are 9-2 ATS last 11 games as an underdog.  The Under is 12-2 in the Chiefs last 14 home games as well. 

The Pick:  Atlanta -2.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Atlanta 20 / Kansas City 13 (Under 43.5)

Game: Philadelphia -9.5 at Cleveland, O/U 43, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  Browns come into this game with a rookie QB in Weeden, although elderly, and RB Trent Richardson coming off a preseason injury, also lacking many weapons on the outside.  The Eagles will have Vick back and with Maclin/Jackson/McCoy are likely going to be too much for the Browns D to deal with even though Cleveland was 5th in PPG allowed last season.  The Eagles D-Line looks stellar coming into this season as well and could make for a long day for the Browns. 

Line Movement: Cleveland has spent most of the past week as 9 point dogs with public betting 62% on Philly;

Bet Trends: Eagles are 4-1 ATS last 5 on the road and Browns are 1-11-1 last 13 Week 1 games and 2-8-2 last 12 ATS at home. 

The Pick:  Eagles -9.5 @ 3 Units

Predicted Score: Philly 34 / Browns 13 (Over 43)

Game: Washington +7.5 at New Orleans, O/U 50.5, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  Saints should have a big home field advantage here with all of the offseason ongoing and now the suspension of 3 of its defensive players lifted.  I am a big RG3 fan but this is quite a task in his debut.  I like what the Skins did in the offseason with the addition of Garcon, but the RB position remains a mess.  Saints have most of its core remaining and plenty of weapons, and do not see anyone that can matchup with Jimmy Graham. 

Line Movement:  Active Line, New Orleans Opened -8.5, as Low as -7, and now some books at -9 after suspension lifted; 59% of Public Bets Saints

Bet Trends:  Saints are 12-1 ATS last 13 home games.  Redskins are 1-3-1 last 5 ATS on the road.

The Pick:  Saints -7.5 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score: New Orleans 34 / Washington 20 (Over 50.5)

Game: St. Louis +7.5 at Detroit, O/U 45, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  The Rams come in with a new coach, and a good one in Jeff Fisher, but a tough early road test.  Sam Bradford is looking to bounce back after a Sophomore Slump and faces a Lions D that is aggressive, but also vulnerable to both the run and pass.  Defensively the Rams actually were 7th against the pass last season, and that is the Lions strength that they will rely on with Best on IR, Kevin Smith hobbled and LeShoure suspended.  The Lions will be without Delams and Houston in its secondary so Bradford should be due for a big game.

Line Movement: Detroit started -9 and then down to -7 and settling near -8 with some "Smart Money" on the Rams;  74% of the Public are Betting the Lions

Bet Trends:  Rams are 5-15-1 ATS last 21 overall and 1-10-1 last 12 week 1 games. Rams are also 1-9 ATS last 10 on the road.  Lions are 11-5 ATS last 16 at home but 1-5-1 ATS last 7 overall. 

The Pick:  Rams +7.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Detroit 27 / St. Louis 24

Game: New England -5.5 at Tenn., O/U 47, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  The Titans made a lot of changes in the offseason and now have Jake Locker starting at QB, who can make all the throws and also exploit defenses scrambling, while Britt's suspension has rookie WR Kendall Wright starting.  The Titans added Wimbley on the D-Line who should keep Tom Brady unsteady all day with the Pats beat-up and susceptible O-Line.  Pats have Hernandez and Gronkowski that make for a tough matchup for any team (though Titans LB's are very athletic) and now a real RB in Ridley, while also made a bunch of moves to try and improve last year's 31st ranked defense in passing yards allowed.  Chris Johnson should also dice up the Pats D.  Titans should provide a good game early, but in the end I would expect Brady to pull this one out.

Line Movement: Tenn. started 7 point dogs and pushed down to 5.5 by some heavy bettors; Public Betting New England 26% (Squares?)

Bet Trends:  The Over has won 12 of 16 in season openers for the Pats.  New England is 9-2-1 last 12 ATS on the road.  Titans are 2-5 ATS last 7 at home. 

The Pick:  Pats -5.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Pats 30 / Titans 20 (Over 47)

Game: Miami +12 at Houston, O/U 42.5, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis: Miami has looked terrible in preseason and on Hard Knocks with a new coach and rookie QB, and no WR's of any value, and have to face a playoff capable Texans team with one of the NFL''s best defenses and a core of Schaub/Johnson/Foster on offense that is as good as any threesome, so this one is a complete mismatch.  Miami also traded its top CB to the Colts for a draft pick.

Line Movement: Houston Line Moved to -12 from -6.5; 74% of Public Bets Houston

Bet Trends:  Dolphins are 9-1 ATS last 10 overall and 22-8-1 ATS last 31 on the road.  Texans are 8-2-2 ATS last 12 overall and 6-2-2 ATS last 10 at home. 

The Pick:  Texans -12 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Houston 38 / Miami 13 (Over 42.5)

Game: Buffalo +3 at NY Jets, O/U 38.5, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  The Jets have won 5 straight against Buffalo but come into this one with a lot of questions.  Offensively Sanchez looked terrible in the preseason and lacks weapons with Holmes/Hill starting at WR.  Buffalo brings in a revamped defense featuring Mario Williams and should cause a few turnovers by the Jets.  The Bills D was dreadful last season, while the Jets D was 5th against the pass, so look for Buffalo to focus on Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller.

Line Movement: Jets have fallen from -6 back in May to -3; Public Betting 58% Buffalo

Bet Trends:  Bills are 1-5-1 ATS last 7 road games and Jets are 2-6 ATS last 8 overall and 1-5 ATS last 6 home games against Buffalo.

The Pick:  Buffalo +3 @ 3 Units - Feels a Bit of a Trap with So Much Attention on Jets Struggles, but Matchup Favors the Bills

Predicted Score: Buffalo 17 / Jets 13 (Under 38.5)

Game: Jacksonville +3.5 at Minnesota, O/U 39.5, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  This is a tricky one with the Jags looking to be the more talented team, but on the road in a loud dome for a raw QB, and starting RB to be Jennings with MJD just returning from his holdout, although I expect him to get a lot of touches as the game progresses.  The Vikings also shaky at RB with Peterson's health not fully known, while Ponder is also a young QB and will look to Harvin and Rudolph.  The Vikings were 26th against the pass last season and did little to improve, so expect rookie Blackmon to kick off his NFL career with 100+ yards.  The Jags actually has a Top 10 D last season and should limit Minnesota offensively.    

Line Movement: Minn. Favorites -4.5 Pushed Down to -3.5; Public is 50/50 in this Game and Does Appear to be the Most Difficult of the Week to Pick

Bet Trends:  Jags are 11-2 ATS last 13 week 1 games, but 3-7 ATS last 10 games on the road and Vikings 7-3 ATS last 10 Week 1 games, but 0-4 ATS last 4 at home. 

The Pick:  Jags +3.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Jaguars 24 / Vikings 20 (over 39.5)

Game: Indianapolis +10 at Chicago, O/U 43.5, 1pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  It is a bit surprising to see the public 50/50 in this game.  The Bears made a lot of important offseason moves with Bush, Marshall and Jeffery added to the fold and the key will be the O-line holding up.  Andrew Luck, a guy many say is the best rookie QB to come into the league in 10 years, will face last year's 28th ranked pass D, but I have my doubts on his abilities.  The Colts were 29th against the run last year, so Forte/Bush should control this game, but a ground attack calls for a closer game and potential cover.  Indy lacks much of a ground game so the Bears can come after Luck all day and welcome him to the NFL, and not many playmakers outside with Wayne aging, Collie injury-prone, and Fleener a rookie. 

Line Movement: Range of -9.5 to -11; Public is 50/50 in this Game

Bet Trends:  Colts are 4-1 ATS last 5 games, but 4-8 ATS last 12.  Chicago is 1-4-1 ATS last 6 games. 

The Pick:  Bears -10 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score: Bears 30 / Colts 17 (Over 43.5)

Game: Carolina -2.5 at Tampa Bay, O/U 47, 4:25pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  Tampa Bay is going to be a sneaky good team this year, although took a blow in the preseason losing All Pro lineman Davin Joseph.  Expect Josh Freeman to bounce back this season with the addition of Vincent Jackson on the outside and rookie RB Dougie Martin.  Defensively is the issue, last in the league in PPG allowed last year and Cam Newton comes to town.  Steve Smith has been hobbled but should be good to go on game day.  Carolina's D was not very good either last year in the bottom 8, but made some key additions, especially rookie LB Kuechly.  Rain is in the forecast.

Line Movement: Shop Around on the Line, Offered Anywhere from -1 to -3; Public Betting Carolina 70%; Tampa Bay as Drawn a Ton of Size Bets

Bet Trends:  Panthers are 3-7 ATS last 10 games versus AFC South.  Bucs are 6-21 ATS last 27 at home and 0-6 ATS last 6 overall. 

The Pick:  Carolina -2.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Carolina 31 / Tampa Bay 24 (Over 47)

Game: Seattle -3 at Arizona, O/U 40.5, 4:25pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  Seattle has received a lot of attention in the pre-season for its strong showing but does have a late round rookie QB that is starting his first ever game on the road.  Arizona is starting Skeleton at QB, a good thing, but still not a great option against what should be a ball-hawking D in Seattle that could get 3-4 takeaways.  Both team's starting backs are questionable with Beanie Wells and Marshawn Lynch, and although expecting both to play, Arizona has the better backup with Ryan Williams.  Patrick Peterson returning kicks can also make or break this game.

Line Movement: Arizona was -1 late August, and Now +2.5 to +3; Public Betting Seattle 67%;  Arizona Drawing Smart Money Bets

Bet Trends:  Seahawks 8-3 ATS last 11 vs. NFC and 9-4-1 ATS last 14 overall.  Cardinals are 7-3 ATS last 10 overall and 4-1 ATS last 5 at home.

The Pick:  Arizona +3 @ 1 Unit - Rookie QB on the Road as a Favorite, I Will Take the Points

Predicted Score: Seattle 20 / Arizona 17 (Under 40.5)

Game: San Francisco +5 at Green Bay, O/U 47, 4:25pm 9-9-12
Analysis:  This is the game of the week with the high-powered Packers offense against the stout 49ers D that ranked 4th in total yards, but was 16th against the pass which is GB's specialty.  The Packers D was 32nd against the pass, but Alex Smith tends to struggle in road games and must not turn the ball over if the 49ers have a chance, and unreliable WR's in Crabtree and Moss does not help.  Vernon Davis will be the key to the 49ers success this week with his favorable matchup. 

Line Movement: Moving Down from -7 to -5 Over 2 Months; Public Betting 53% with Packers

Bet Trends:  49ers are 11-3-1 last 15 ATS vs. NFC opponents and 14-4-1 ATS overall last 19.  Packers are 18-7-1 ATS last 26 at home and 15-6 ATS last 21 overall.  Packers have won 14 of its last 15 home games.

The Pick:  Packers -5 @ 1 Unit - Alex Smith on the road in Green Bay, I'll Side with the Packers

Predicted Score: Packers 27 / 49ers 20

Game: Pittsburgh +2 at Denver, O/U 44.5, 8:20pm 9-9-12
Analysis: This game has a bit more meaning with last year's Steeler season ending in Denver, but come into this one to face the new look Peyton Manning led Broncos and without key defensive players Harrison and Clark.  Pittsburgh also has a shaky running game for the first time in years and Mike Wallace will likely show some rust, so it could be a long day for Big Ben with Von Miller patrolling.  The Broncos are very over-rated to start the year with people picking them to win it all, and likely to see even more talk after this one, although they are not facing a healthy team, and these are not the usual Steelers.  Denver's D seemed better last year but finished ranked 20th in total yards and the Steelers were #1 again.  

Line Movement: Steady Line with 55% Public Betting Denver

Bet Trends:  Steelers are 1-4 ATS last 5 overall and 0-4 ATS on the road.  Broncos are 15-34-2 ATS last 51 at home (surprising) and 1-5 ATS last 6 overall. 

The Pick:  Denver -2 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Denver 27 / Pittsburgh 21 (Over 44.5)

Game: Cincinnati +7 at Baltimore, O/U 41, 7pm 9-10-12
Analysis:  Baltimore's D gets all the attention but the Bengals D may be better, ranked 7th last season and improving, while Ravens were 3rd but without Suggs this year, a huge loss and not getting any younger.  The Bengals have Dalton who will attempt to avoid a sophomore slump with AJ Green as well, and biggest weakness is at the 2nd WR spot that could see AJ draw double coverage.  Baltimore has Torrey Smith in his second year at WR and due for a big season, and is pretty solid all around.  This should be a tight back and forth game.

Line Movement: Moving Towards Baltimore from -5 to -7;  Public Betting 67% on Baltimore

Bet Trends:  Bengals are 1-6-2 ATS last 9 overall and 0-4-1 ATS last 5 in its division.  Ravens are 5-2 ATS on Monday games but 1-4-1 ATS last 6 at home.  Bengals are 4-1-1 ATS last 6 versus Baltimore. 

The Pick:  Bengals +7 at 3 Unit

Predicted Score: Baltimore 23 / Bengals 17 (Under 41)

Game: San Diego +1 at Oakland, O/U 46.5, 10:15pm 9-10-12
Analysis:  The Chargers come into this game without starting RB Matthews and WR Brown and lost Vincent Jackson in the offseason.  Antonio Gates has been contained by the Raiders safety's recently and will be their focal point to shut him down and new Defensive minded coach Dennis Allen has a lot of new schemes in place, and will be much more aggressive blitzing which Rivers struggles against.  The Raiders offensively have the most explosive weapons in the NFL and McFadden should post a huge game, while Denarius Moore is practicing and would be a huge boost to a banged up WR core.  The main issue here is Carson Palmer and his tendency to force the ball and throw interceptions.  The other Raider weakness is returning kicks with Jacoby Ford injured and major struggles in this area pre-season so field position could have a major impact.  However, Oakland's front 7 should dominate this game and take pressure of the Raider's shaky secondary, although one that struggles against tall WR's like Malcolm Floyd.

Line Movement: Oakland from +1.5 to -1 with a Steam Move; 55% of Public Betting Chargers

Bet Trends: Chargers are 4-1 ATS last 5 overall but 0-4 ATS in September.  Raiders are 4-0 ATS last 4 in September and 10-3 ATS last 13 in its division, but just 2-7 ATS on Monday Night games.  Chargers are 1-5 ATS last 6 against the Raiders.

The Pick:  Oakland -1 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Oakland 31 / San Diego 27

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