Saturday, September 29, 2012

NFL Week 4 Betting Preview/Picks


Game: Patriots -3.5 at Buffalo Bills, O/U 50.5, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Pats have lost two straight and now have to head to Buffalo which has won two straight.  Statistically the Pats tends to respond very well after losing 2 in a row with average winning margins of 20 points.  Offensively the Bills need Fitzpatrick to not turn the ball over to have a chance, and surprisingly Spiller is practicing and may play, and the Bills rushing attack has been great this season.  The keys for the Bills will be controlling the clock and getting a pass rush on Tom Brady.  The Bills were burnt by a much less talented Jets team through the air in Week 1 so that is a major liability into this game but they do have safeties that are ball hawks.  The Bills will be eying this game as the key to their season and to gain some respect, and I think it is a team coming together that will be ready for the challenge.

Line Movement: Opened near -5 on 9/24 and pushed down despite 83% of Public on the Pats, so the Smart $ on Buffalo Bills and confirmed at multiple books. 

Bet Trends:  Pats are 8-3 ATS last 11 vs. AFC East teams and 51-24-3 ATS last 78 road games.  Bills are 1-5 ATS last 6 AFC East games and 1-6-1 ATS last 8 following an ATS win.  Pats are 7-1 ATS last 8 vs. the Bills and road team is 10-4 ATS last 14 matchups. 

The Pick: Bills +4.5 (Offered at Bovada) @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  Pats 30 / Bills 27


Game: 49ers -4 at NY Jets, O/U 41.5, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis: The 49ers were upset in Minnesota last weekend and now have to make a trip to the East Coast to play a similarly structured team.  The Jets are 2-1 but they are far from being good, no established run game and Sanchez still making boneheaded mistakes.   The defense has been unable to stop the run and now without Revis for the season on pass D.  The 49ers were exposed last week and look for the Jets to utilize a similar game plan.  The 49ers need to establish Gore early and often and defensively should be able to contain the Jets.  This sets up to be a smash mouth game and one where a lot of red zone opportunities turn into FG's, so taking the home dog makes a lot of sense. 

Line Movement: Opened 3.5 and Steady at 4 with 79% of Public Betting the 49ers yet Jets seeing more Sharp $ than any team this week.

Bet Trends: 49ers are 14-4-3 ATS last 21 after an ATS loss and 18-6-2 ATS last 26 after a loss.  Jets are 2-8 ATS last 10 after allowing 150 rushing yards in previous game.  The underdog is 4-0 ATS last 4 meetings between these two teams.

The Pick:  Jets+4.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  49ers 23 / Jets 20


Game: Seahawks -3 at St. Louis Rams, O/U 39, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis:  The Rams played their poorest game of the season last week but return home where they are 1-0.  Seattle is coming off of a short-week in one of the league's most controversial games in history, so the light rest and distraction factors play a role.  Seattle plays defense as good as any team in the league with a pass rush and secondary of star players, but I am not sold on the offense and Wilson struggled his first game on the road and teams can focus on stopping Lynch.  Expect both teams to struggle equally offensively and comes down to which team makes mistakes, and a rookie QB in Wilson likely is the one to make the mistakes especially with Finnegan lurking in the Rams secondary and Jenkins.  However, Bradford was sacked 6 times last week and now faces a team that had a ton of sacks last week.  Steven Jackson should be healthier this week and take some pressure off of Bradford who still lacks weapons on the outside.
Line Movement: Opened at 1 and Pushed to 3 Although Smart $ Indicates Money on Rams Spread Moving Towards Seahawks with 66% of Public Action.

Bet Trends:  Seahawks are 11-5-1 ATS last 17 overall but 17-36-2 ATS last 55 road games.  Rams are 4-12 ATS last 16 games vs. NFC opponents.  Seahawks are 9-1 ATS last 10 meetings and the favorite is 7-3 ATS last 10 meetings. 

The Pick:  Rams +3 @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score:  Rams 16 / Seahawks 13


Game: Panthers +7.5 at Falcons, O/U 48.5, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis:  The Panthers were able to have some extra time to prepare for this game after a dismal effort Thursday night against the Giants, a team under-achieving to start the season but maybe Steve Smith lit a fire under Cam Newton.  They head on the road to face arguably the best team in the NFL, definitely the most efficient offense and a defense that is much improved.  The Falcons traveled to San Diego and whipped the Chargers only allowing Rivers to get 3 points.  The one advantage here is that Carolina can run the football and the Falcons are ranked poor in yards per carry against.  The Panthers secondary was exposed by Ramses Barden last week, so Jones/White should be set for big games.  Cam Newton will really have to be Superman in this one for the Panthers to have any chance, and I do not see it happening in Atlanta. 

Line Movement: Opened -9.5 and Pushed Down to 8 and 7.5 at Some Books with Carolina Drawing Sharp $ Action with 72% of Public Betting Falcons

Bet Trends:  Panthers are 4-10 ATS last 14 vs. teams with winning records, but 5-2 ATS last after an ATS loss.  Falcons are 4-1 ATS last 5 overall but 1-5 ATS last 6 after a win of 14 or more points.  Home Team 6-2 ATS last 8 meetings and favorite is 4-0.

The Pick: Atlanta -7.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Atlanta 34 / Carolina 24


Game: Vikings +4 at Lions, O/U 47.5, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis:  The Vikings are coming off a great upset of the 49ers and head on the road for the second time this season, losing its first trip at Indy.  Minnesota is an efficient football team that plays strong defense and moves the ball with a well-balanced pass/run attack, and Ponder is really getting into a zone and Harvin and Rudolph are nice weapons.  The Lions have not looked any good this season, tending to get down early, but have shown the ability to fight back.  The defense is a liability and Stafford does not look like an elite QB at all with some throws that make me wonder if he should even be in the league.  Detroit found a running game with Leshoure and Calvin Johnson is the best WR in the league but teams finding ways to shut him down.  The Vikings are a team that fights hard for a full 60 minutes and as a 4 point underdog to a team that often plays uninspired I like their chances.

Line Movement: Opened -5.5 and Down to 4 with 57% Public Betting Lions, Limited Smart $ Action.
Bet Trends: Vikings are 3-7-1 ATS last 11 overall and 2-8-1 ATS last 11 vs. NFC North.  Lions are 2-5 ATS last 7 at home and 1-10 ATS last 11 vs. NFC opponents.  Vikings 3-1-2 ATS last 6 meetings and the Favorite is 3-1-2 ATS. 

The Pick: Vikings +4 @ 3 Units

Predicted Score:  Vikings 27 / Lions 23


Game: Chargers -1.5 at KC Chiefs, O/U 44, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Chargers looked terrible against the Falcons last week, granted a great team, but a lot of questions remain with this team, a lack of threats on offense and Rivers tendency to force balls and make mistakes.  The Chiefs are looking to carry last week's thrilling win momentum as they return home to Arrowhead and really have the running game going with Hillis/Charles proving a lethal combo, although San Diego only giving up 67 yards a game rushing.  The defense has been very disappointing so far this season, but starting to get healthy and should see a better effort this week in a rivalry game.  The Chargers WR height is a mismatch against the Chiefs small secondary, but Justin Houston is playing great for the Chiefs and should take away time from Rivers. 

Line Movement: KC Opened +1 and is seeing a ton of Sharp $ Action; 70% of Public Betting the Chargers

Bet Trends: Chargers are 6-0 ATS last 6 vs. the AFC but 3-7-1 ATS last 11 games following a loss.  Chiefs are 2-6 ATS last 8 vs. the AFC but 4-1 ATS last 5 games vs. winning teams.  Home Team 4-1 ATS last 5 meetings and Chargers are 4-10-1 ATS last 15 games in KC. 

The Pick: Chiefs +1.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  Chiefs 27 / Chargers 24


Game: Titans +12 at Texans, O/U 44.5, 1pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Texans will try to remain undefeated after winning two on the road and have really had their way with opponents so far this season, a balanced attack offensively and a D led by superstar DE JJ Watt.  The Titans have been disappointing but pulled out a win last week, mostly due to turnovers and do not expect the Texans to be so charitable.  The Titans have no running game and Locker is raw with talent, but not yet showing a great connection with his receivers.   Houston should get control in this one early and barring a late back-door cover they should win easily.

Line Movement: Opened -13 and Steady at -12; Only 63% of Public Bets Texans, Surprising; 1 Smart Book Bets Titans

Bet Trends: Titans are 1-5-1 ATS last 7 overall.  Texans are 5-0-1 ATS last 6 after scoring 30+ points in prior game and 13-3-2 ATS last 18 vs. the AFC and 15-5-2 ATS last 22 overall.  Underdog is 11-5-1 ATS last 17 meetings between these teams. 

The Pick:  Texans -12 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  Texans 34 / Titans 17


Game: Bengals -1.5 at Jaguars, O/U 43.5, 4pm on 9-30

Analysis: After starting the season with a blowout loss to the Ravens the Bengals have won 2 straight, although not in dominating fashion and against the Browns and Redskins.  Dalton and AJ Green are a great tandem and the Bengals have a lot of young talent on offense making plays early in the season.  The Jags pulled out their first win last week and MJD is the heart and sole of this team with Gabbert too inconsistent.  The Bengals run defense is 31st in the league, so Jags should be able to move the ball effectively. 
  
Line Movement: Steady Line with 84% of Public Betting Bengals; JAX is Seeing the Sharp $ Action at Multiple Books

Bet Trends: Bengals are 9-3 ATS last 12 games following a win but 2-7-3 ATS last 12 overall and 0-7-2 ATS last 9 games vs. AFC opponents. Jaguars are 4-1 ATS last 5 overall and 5-2 ATS last 7 after accumulating 150 rushing yards in the prior game.  Favorite is 11-5-1 ATS last 17 meetings and Bengals just 2-5-1 ATS last 8 in Jacksonville. 

The Pick:  Jags +3 @ 2 Units (Offered Only at Bovada)

Predicted Score: Bengals 21 / Jaguars 20


Game: Raiders +7 at Broncos, O/U 48.5, 4pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Broncos at home for a divisional showdown and after losing 2 straight, although to the two best teams in the NFL.  The Broncos run game has some injury concerns and Manning's lack of arm strength a concern, but the Raiders secondary is extremely beat up missing 3 of its 4 starters so Manning should have no problem picking them apart.  The Raiders hope lies in its D-Line that has all the talent in the world but has not shown much of a pass rush to this point in the season.  On the other side of the ball the Raiders are without 2 of their 3 top WR's and could struggle to throw the ball in this one, needing to establish McFadden early and often and likely resort to some trickery.   All of the trend statistics point to the Raiders covering, but this is not a favorable matchup on the road with much of the team injured. 

Line Movement: 65% of Public Betting Broncos, Line Opened -6 and Moved to -7 Over Time, Zero Smart $ Activity

Bet Trends: Raiders are 7-2 ATS last 9 after scoring 30+ points in prior game and 10-4 ATS last 14 vs. AFC West teams, also 7-3 ATS last 10 road games.  Broncos are 3-7 ATS last 10 games following a loss, 2-7 ATS last 9 overall, and 3-10 ATS last 13 after allowing 150 yards rushing in prior game.  Raiders are 6-0 ATS last 6 games in Denver, Underdog is 4-1 ATS last 5, and Road team is 7-1 ATS last 8 meetings.

The Pick: Denver -6.5 ( No Play at Current 7 Line) @ 1 Unit

Predicted Score:  Denver 34 / Oakland 20


Game: Dolphins +5.5 at Cardinals, O/U 39, 4pm on 9-30

Analysis:  The Dolphins lost last week due to a Kicker, a tough one to swallow and actually playing some good football, but may be without Bush this week.  The Cardinals are 3-0 and playing great defense, somehow ranked 29th in passing and 26th in rushing offense and still undefeated.  Arizona is a good team at home and Kolb starting to develop chemistry with Fitzgerald and the Dolphins secondary is not very good.  Ryan Williams is also coming along in the running game and expect the Cards to win this one and make a tough day for the Dolphins rookie QB.

Line Movement: Opened -7 and Moving Down to -5.5; 77% of Public Betting Cardinals with Very Little Sharp $ Action on Either Side

Bet Trends: Dolphins are 7-0 ATS vs. winning record teams, 6-1 ATS following a loss, and 10-3 ATS last 13 overall.  Cardinals are 6-1 ATS last 7 at home and 7-3 ATS following a win. 

The Pick:  Cardinals -5.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Cardinals 27 / Dolphins 13


Game: Redskins +1.5 at Buccaneers, O/U 47.5, 4:25pm on 9-30

Analysis:  The Skins have dropped two straight and are back on the road this week with the defense really struggling to stop anyone with a few key injuries.  Offensively RG3 is coming back to Earth quickly and missing his top threat in Garcon while a few of the RB's are banged up.  The Bucs could easily be 3-0 and the new coach has changed the atmosphere with that team.  Freeman has a new weapon in Jackson and the D held the Cowboys to 16 points last weekend despite bade field position. 

Line Movement: Opened at -3 and Redskin Public $ Pushed Down with 65% Betting Skins

Bet Trends: Redskins are 2-9 ATS last 11 games on grass and 2-6 ATS last 8 following an ATS loss.  Bucs are 4-9 ATS last 13 overall and 7-21 ATS last 28 home games.  Underdog is 3-1-2 ATS last 6 meetings between these teams.

The Pick:  Bucs -1.5 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score: Bucs 20 / Skins 17


Game: Saints +7.5 at Packers, O/U 53, 4:25pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Packers return home and looking for some revenge after being robbed last weekend.  The Saints are looking to avoid an 0-4 start and thus far are 0-3 versus some of the NFL's lowest ranked teams.  The Saints cannot stop anyone defensively so Rodgers is going to have a big day and the Packers D is opportunistic enough to run away with this one.   

Line Movement: Steady but Ranging from 7 to 9 Across Books; 53% of Public Bets Packers

Bet Trends: Saints are 17-8 ATS last 25 after a loss but 0-4 ATS last 4 overall.  Packers are 6-0 ATS after a loss, 18-7-1 ATS last 26 at home and 23-11 ATS last 34 overall.  The Over is 6-0 last 6 meetings and the favorite is 4-0 ATS, also home team is 4-1 ATS last 5. 

The Pick: Packers -7.5 @ 4 Units

Predicted Score: Packers 34 / Saints 24


Game: Giants +2 at Eagles, O/U 47.5, 8:20pm on 9-30

Analysis: The Giants were dominant last week and had extra time to prepare for this game, but likely missing Nicks again.  The Eagles have looked terrible this season and unable to protect Vick against teams with less fierce pass rushed than the Giants, so that is likely to play a major role in this game.  The Eagles secondary has struggled in coverage as well and Eli Manning is lights out right now.  The Giants are clearly the better team and will look to make a statement in this game with constant pressure on Vick, and win the turnover battle.

Line Movement: Steady but -1 to -2.5 Range at Books; 76% of Public Bets Road Giants; Majority of Sharp $ on Eagles at -1

Bet Trends: Giants are 6-1 ATS last 7 following a win and 7-2 ATS last 9 overall, also 36-15 ATS last 51 on the road.  Eagles are 5-0 ATS last 5 vs. NFC East teams, but 3-9 ATS last 12 at home.  Road Team is 8-2 ATS last 10 meetings and Underdog is 13-3 ATS last 16 meetings, while Giants are 1-7 ATS last 8 meetings.

The Pick: Giants +2 @ 2 Units

Predicted Score:  Giants 30 / Eagles 24


Game: Bears +3.5 at Cowboys, O/U 41.5, 8:30am on 10-1

Analysis: The Cowboys have been hot and cold this season, the story of Romo's career.  They opened the season with a win at the Giants, and then lost badly to Seattle and looked inept against the Bucs.  The Bears are 2-1 but wins versus the Colts and Rams hardly qualify as quality wins, and were dismantled by the Packers.  Chicago's D matches up well and as long as Cutler does not make mistakes to ruin field position the Bears have an advantage.  Cutler is sure to see a lot of pressure from the NFL's top pass rusher in Ware with struggling left tackler J'Marcus Webb. 

Line Movement: Steady with Public 50/50 Split

Bet Trends: Bears are 4-1 ATS last 5 MNF games and 5-2 ATS following a win.  Cowboys are 2-9 ATS last 11 vs. the NFC and 1-6 ATS last 7 on MNF. 

The Pick:  Bears +3.5 @ 3 Units

Predicted Score: Bears 23 / Dallas 17


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