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Thursday's game
East Carolina gave up 370 yards passing in 52-38 win over ODU in its opener; Pirates are 16-10 as home favorites since 2006, 6-4 under Ruffin. ECU has junior QB (13 starts) and experienced OL (88 starts). Florida Atlantic lost its best return guy to grades; they're 7-1 as road dogs after covering in 34-6 (+31) loss at Miami last week (TY 250-503). Owls' QB has only two starts, its OL only 28- they gave up 303 yards rushing at Miami. ECU better not look ahead to Virginia Tech game next week.
NFL
Baltimore @ Denver 7.5 48 09/05 8:30pm et
Baltimore Super Bowl champions have steadily moved away from the running game as they’ve gone more no-huddle the past two seasons. A part of Denver's QB Peyton Manning’s offense, features a lot of pre-snap adjustments and more quick hitters. They’ll go to a three-receiver base with WR Wes Welker coming in, and the former Patriots star will likely take over as Manning’s No. 1 target. Replacing the Raven's Lewis and Ellerbe will be ILBs Daryl Smith and Josh Bynes, who has outplayed rookie Arthur Brown in training camp. Newcomers DE/LB Elvis Dumervil, DL Chris Canty and DB Michael Huff will all help fill these gaping holes.
The total has moved from opening 49 to 48 at William Hill books in Nevada, Stations and the MGM have it at 49. The no-huddle offense that both teams use is a under the total bettors nightmare. The clock can't move fast enough. I know for a fact and not many teams stop Manning's offense so he should get his 3 td's + a couple of FG's even with the upgraded defense the Ravens will put on the field. What a way to start the season playing defense at mile-high and no time to pull up their pants between plays. Most will be looking for that extra breath of air. While Manning goes up and down the field. QB Flacco will also go up against in my opinoin a not so great defense. The Ravens still do have an offense and to good for many teams to keep them from scoring less than 3 td's.
Play Against - Road teams vs. the money line (BALTIMORE) terrible defense from last season - allowed 360 or more total yards/game
36-13 over the last 5 seasons. ( 73.5% 0.0 units )
NFL BALTIMORE at DENVER
Play Under - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 poor passing defense from last season - allowed 230 or more passing yards/game, in conference games
56-25 over the last 10 seasons. ( 69.1% 28.5 units )
The defending champion Ravens visit a Broncos team favored to win this year's championship. In last year's playoffs, Baltimore QB Joe Flacco threw a game-tying, 70-yard TD pass to Jacoby Jones with 31 seconds left in regulation in a 38-35 double-overtime win. Flacco is back to lead his team that parted ways with several starters, including retired LB Ray Lewis, but signed Denver DE Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos inked WR Wes Welker to give QB Peyton Manning another weapon, but star LB Von Miller is suspended and starting CBs Champ Bailey (foot) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) are both questionable.
FORECASTER: Denver 27, Ravens 20
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