9-15-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ALLEN EASTMAN

6-Unit Play. Take #198 Baltimore (-6.5) over Cleveland (1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
This is my Game of the Month.
I really like Baltimore here. The Ravens were blown out in their opener against Denver. But now they are back home. This team was angry about having to play its first game on the road. But now they are in front of the home crowd and the Ravens are one of the best home teams in the NFL. This is the first time that the Super Bowl champions have played in front of their fans since winning the title. It will be an emotional game. Cleveland lost by two scores at home last week. That was a big disappointment for a team after a good preseason. Baltimore is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. Most of these wins have been blowouts. The Ravens have also gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after giving up over 30 points. They will correct the issues on defense. And now they have a chance to beat up a division rival. Lay the points and look for a big win here.

3-Unit Play. Take #202 Indianapolis (-2.5) over Miami (1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
The Colts just know how to win games. They came from behind to beat the Raiders last week and the Colts are 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games. Indianapolis beat the Dolphins last season here and I think that the Colts are even better now. The Dolphins are playing their second straight road game. They won at Cleveland last week and own and now are back on the road. But Miami is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games and just 6-15-3 ATS when they play in September. The Colts are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games and I had this number at 4.5. I will put my money behind Andrew Luck and this winning Colts team. They will find a way to get it done again and maybe soon they will get some respect!

4-Unit Play. Take #213 New Orleans (-3) over Tampa Bay (4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
The Saints are a new team this year. Sean Payton is back on the sideline. That has given this team a big list. The Saints also have new coordinator Rob Ryan on the sideline. He has brought a new toughness to the defense. The Saints defense held the high-scoring Atlanta offense to just 17 points last week. The Saints have dominated this series and they are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 games against the Buccaneers. New Orleans is also 4-1 ATS in its last five trips to Tampa. The Saints beat the Bucs twice last year. They won by a touchdown down in Tampa and they won 41-0 at home last year. The Saints also won the last game in 2011 by 11 points. I think that this one will be another blowout. Tampa Bay lost an ugly game to the Jets last week. I think they will lose an even uglier one this week. Take the Saints.

4-Unit Play. Take #221 San Francisco (+3) over Seattle (8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
This is a big rivalry game for these two teams. I give the edge to the visitors. I grade out the matchups for every team on offense and defense. And my grades for the 49ers are higher than the grades for the Seahawks. San Francisco has revenge for getting blown out in Seattle last December. The Seahawks are also dealing with some injury problems and some suspensions that have weakened their team. San Francisco has won four of the last five meetings in this series. They won in Seattle in 2011. And the 49ers are 26-12-1 ATS in their last 39 games overall and they are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games. San Francisco is 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games in Week 2. The Seahawks have a big home field advantage. But I think that this will be a close game that the 49ers will win. Take the points here.

3-Unit Play. Take #224 Cincinnati (-6.5) over Pittsburgh (8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16)
This is a big opportunity for the Bengals. Cincinnati is playing on Monday Night Football against their rivals the Steelers. The Bengals lost in Chicago last week. They had an 11-point lead and they let that game get away. But they have to win this game to keep from going 0-2. The Steelers are coming off a bad home loss. They lost to the Titans and right now Pittsburgh has lost eight of its last nine games including this preseason. The Steelers are just 1-8 ATS in those nine games. The Steelers offense is having trouble and this team was hit hard by injuries in the first game. The Bengals have made the playoffs the last two years. They are trying to take another step. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings. The Bengals and the home crowd will give them a big edge on Monday night. I think that this is a big revenge game for Cincinnati after getting beaten up by the Steelers for years.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL Weather Report Sunday's Forecasts

Find out how weather will impact your NFL bets for Sunday's matchups:

Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills (+3, 45.5)

Temperatures will be in the mid-60s and skies will be partly cloudy over Ralph Wilson Stadium. Wind will blow from SW across the field at 11 mph.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (-5.5, 42)

There is a 90 percent chance of rain in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the mid-60s.

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-6.5, 43.5)

Skies will be clear and temperatures will be in the low-70s. Wind will blow across the field at 5 mph.

Washington Redskins at Green Bay Packers (-9, 50)

There is a 72 percent chance of rain in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-60s and wind will blow from the north toward the south end zone at 6 mph.

Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs (-3, 46.5)

Temperatures will be in the high-70s and there is currently a 47 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow from SW across the field at 9 mph.

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3, 47.5)

There is a 45 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-90s and wind will blow from the south toward the north end zone at 5 mph.

Denver Broncos at New York Giants (+4, 55)

Skies will be clear over MetLife Stadium and temperatures will be in the mid-70s. Wind will blow from SW across the field at 7 mph.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders (-5.5, 39.5)

Temperatures will be in the high-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow from the west at 9 mph.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-3, 44)

There is a 58 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-70s and wind will blow from SW at 13 mph.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cappers Access

Bears -6.5
Buccaneers +4
Seahawks -2.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

STRIKE POINT SPORTS

6-Unit Play. Take #206 Atlanta (-6.5) over St. Louis (1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
Note: This is our NFL Game of the Month.
Both of these teams are solid NFC squads. Yet, Atlanta and St. Louis are coming into this contest off different outcomes. The Rams came from behind to beat the Cardinals in their opening game while the Falcons couldn't get the job done late in the fourth quarter to beat the Saints in New Orleans. I see the Falcons coming out big and fast in front of their home crowd and coming off a loss. Atlanta has been a solid bounce back squad at the books as they are 22-9 ATS in their last 31 games following a S.U. loss.

Yes, this St. Louis squad is dangerous as they have upgraded their offense with new weapons and a defense that can create turnovers. The Falcons however, have one of the best offenses in the NFL and the backing of a frenzied crowd looking for a home-opening victory. Another week will give Roddy White time to heal a bit more, and even if White is limited Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, and Tony Gonzalez should be able to have a field day versus a defense that gave up nearly 330 passing yards to Carson Palmer.

Even more significant is Steven Jackson. SJax is going to want to make a statement. Jackson and the Rams did part ways on good terms but he is going to want to show St. Louis that he still has it. SJax will continue to be an integral part of the Falcons offense and he will be chomping at the bit to show the Atlanta fans that he can get the job done. He may have a few butterflies as this is his first home, regular season game for Atlanta, but those will fly-by-the-wayside soon enough as he scampers all over the Rams.

There are two big trends that back the Falcons in this one and they just make me like this game even more. The Favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings between the two teams and the home squad is 5-2 ATS in the last seven. This game has a 31-17 type feel for me as the Falcons coast in the Georgia Dome.

4-Unit Play. Take #216 Arizona (+1.5) over Detroit (4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
I know it is early in the season, but I have a good feel for this Lions squad. We loved them in Week 1 versus Minnesota, in front of their home crowd, and now we love Arizona as the Lions head cross country to play a Cardinals team hungry for a win. Arizona is a team that is better than most people are giving them credit for, and they will prove it by beating a Lions team that many have pegged for the playoffs.

Detroit is just not a team that I would wager on when they are on the road, and especially when they are laying points on the road. The Lions are just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 road games and 0-5 ATS in their last five games in Arizona. Even worse for Detroit they are just 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games versus the NFC.

The Cardinals offense looked much improved with Carson Palmer at the helm, especially Larry Fitzgerald. Palmer will get more and more comfortable with this squad with each passing weekend, and the rowdy home crowd will give him extra motivation. Arizona has to go on the road for their next two games and they will be extra focused to get a home win coming off that tough loss in St. Louis last weekend.

Yes, Detroit is a sexy team, and yes, the public is all over the Lions, but no, they are not the sharp play. The Cardinals at home, versus a poor road team like the Lions, especially laying points, is the way to go. Take the home squad getting the points as the Cardinals pull out a close one 24-20.

3-Unit Play. Take #213 New Orleans (-3) over Tampa Bay (4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15)
This is not my typical type of play. I am not normally a fan of playing a small road favorite coming off a big game, but I just can't resist. Tampa Bay is just not that good a squad and New Orleans is just going to get better and better. Even if the Saints don't play well they still cover this small line. Tampa threw everything they could at a Saints team that was undermanned and without their coach and they still lost 35-28 in Tampa last season. Now Sean Payton is back and the Saints defense looked better than expected versus the Falcons last weekend. These two factors spell trouble for the Bucs, regardless of where this game is being played.

The Saints are a great team coming off both an ATS win and a S.U. win. New Orleans is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games following an S.U. win and 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games after an ATS win. An even better trend, or trends, are the fact that New Orleans is 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games versus the NFC and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 versus the NFC South. This is taking into account their struggles last year without Payton. Now that he is back the ship has been righted in my humble opinion.

Tampa Bay was shell shocked last weekend versus the Jets, and now they have the pressure of trying to steal one from the Saints? Not happening. Tampa Bay is just 9-25-1 ATS in their last 35 home games and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 versus New Orleans. The road team is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings between the two teams. Like I said, this isn't typically the type of play that I release, but it is just too good to pass up. Take the small road favorite in this one as New Orleans wins 28-17.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Norm Hitzges - picks of the pole

All Single Plays

Houston -9 vs Tennessee
Carolina -3 vs Buffalo
Minnesota +6 vs Chicago
New Orleans -3 vs Tampa Bay
Seattle -3 vs San Francisco
NY Giants +4.5 vs Denver
Cincy -7 vs Pittsburgh
St Louis/Atlanta Under 47.5
Denver/NY Giants Over 54.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHAD MATTHEWS

3 Unit Play. ROT# 213 New Orleans Saints (-3) over the Tampa Bay Bucaneers (Sunday Sept 15, 1PM ET)
In Week one Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Bucaneers looked lost against a lowly New York Jets squad squandering a small lead in the final minutes to lose the game outright against a Jets team that has no true talent on both sides of the ball. The New Orleans Saints on the other hand were put to the test going against one of the elite teams in the league beating the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener. Quarterback Drew Brees was on point completing 74 percent of his passes and throwing for 357 yards and two touchdowns. This does not fair well for a Bucaneers team that has no pass rush defense whatsoever. Last season when these two teams last met the Saints tore apart the Bucs in blowout fashion winning 41-0. The Saints are 7-3 ATS the past ten matchups. Expect Brees and the Saints offense to pick apart the disoriented Bucs defensive line. Take the Saints and lay the points at -3

4 Unit Play. ROT # 212 Chicago Bears (-5.5) over the Minnesota Vikings (Sunday Sept 15, 1PM ET)
The Chicago Bears have won 11 out of their last 12 meetings against the Vikings at Soldier Field and have won the last three meetings by an average of 21 points. With Christian Ponder at the Quarterback spot for the Vikings I just do not see Minnesota hanging around long in this one. The Bears have one of toughest defenses in the league and I expect them to get to Ponder quite often in this one. Ponder always has trouble protecting the ball on offense and is prone to turning the ball over as he was intercepted three times last week against a Detroit Lions team thats defense is not as stingy as the Bears defensive line is. Plain and simple the Bears have the Vikings number, I expect the Bears to come out early and put the Vikings away with ease. Take the Bears and the points at -5.5.

4 Unit Play. ROT # 208 Take OVER 49 in Washington Redskins@Green Bay Packers (Sunday Sept 15,1PM ET)
This matchup will feature two of the NFL most elite offenses. In week one the Packers managed to put up 28 points against a great San Francisco 49ers defense on the road where the Redskins even though got off to a very slow start offensively was able to throw 27 points on the board against a high offensive tempo Philadelphia Eagles. Expect the Packers to play similar to the way the Eagles played the Redskins last week with a fast tempo no huddle offense. Expect Aaron Rodgers to put an aerial assault on the Redskins. Robert Griffin III did not participate in preseason activities and had quite a bit of rust in week one but I expect him to step up his game this weekend. I see a high scoring affair as these two offenses are going to spark. Take the OVER 49 points here

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFLBettingPicks
Kevin

2 UNIT = Dallas Cowboys @ Kansas City Chiefs - CHIEFS -3 (-102)
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 1.96 units)

It was an impressive season opener for the Chiefs, even if it was against the Jaguars. Kansas City went into Jacksonville on Sunday with a new head coach, new quarterback and new attitude after two straight losing seasons and beat the Jaguars 28-2 as 3.5 point favorites. The Chiefs led the NFL allowing just 178 yards against on defense last week, and their offense was efficient with Alex Smith going 21 for 34 for 173 yards with 2 TDs and adding 120 yards on the ground. The Cowboys also enjoyed a Week 1 victory in a wild 36-31 victory over the Giants. The Giants had six turnovers in that game, and what should worry Dallas fans a little bit is that they still won by less than a touchdown. Manning was able to throw for 450 yards and 4 TDs to go with his 3 INTs, even with the Cowboys knowing that he was going to be throwing for the most part of the second half (only 14 rush attempts the entire game). Tony Romo looked good and the Cowboys established a running game, but this week they will go into Kansas City for the Chiefs home opener in what should be a crazy atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium. When the Chiefs are a good football team they have one of the best home field advantages (in their last winning season in 2010 where they were 10-6 on the year they were 7-1 at home). The Cowboys have a trend of playing poorly after a win going 4-14 ATS in their last 18 games following a straight up victory. This is a much improved Kansas City team and I'll lay the 3 points with them at home this week as they look to start 2-0.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sunday's MLB American League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Sunday's American League games:

Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays (+106, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Blue Jays left-hander Mark Buehrle is coming off his shortest outing of the season, charged with eight runs on 12 hits over four innings in a 12-6 loss to the Angels.

Hot batting stat: Orioles OF Nick Markakis is a .412 career hitter with two home runs and five RBIs in 34 at-bats against Buehrle.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: Toronto has won nine of Buehrle's last 11 home starts


Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-210, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Detroit right-hander Max Scherzer is 0-2 in his previous three starts, allowing 13 runs over 16 innings in that span.

Hot batting stat: Tigers 1B Prince Fielder is 8-for-19 with a homer against Royals right-hander Jeremy Guthrie.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with a 70 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow in from right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-0-1 in Guthrie's last seven road starts.


Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox (-120, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: White Sox left-hander Chris Sale is 7-5 with a 2.45 ERA, 113 strikeouts and three complete games in 14 home starts.

Hot batting stat: Indians OF Ryan Raburn has homered twice in 16 at-bats versus Sale.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 90 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow in from right field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: The Indians are 5-0 in Zach McAllister's last five starts against teams with losing records.


Tampa Bay Rays at Minnesota Twins (+197, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays left-hander David Price has surrendered just one home run over his last eight starts.

Cold batting stat: Twins OF Josh Willingham is 1-for-7 lifetime against Price.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: Tampa Bay is 7-1 in Price's last eight road starts against teams with losing records.


Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros (+138, 9.5)

Cold pitching stat: Angels right-hander Jerome Williams is 1-4 in seven career starts against the Astros, though he has a respectable 3.92 ERA.

Cold batting stat: Astros OF Chris Carter is 1-for-7 with five strikeouts against Williams.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1 in Williams' last six road starts.


Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers (-108, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Athletics right-hander Jarrod Parker is 5-0 with a 2.90 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break.

Cold batting stat: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is batting .190 with five strikeouts in 21 at-bats versus Parker.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right-center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Texas is 7-0 in starter Martin Perez's last seven starts against division foes.


New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-165, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz was sensational in his return from the disabled list, tossing five shutout innings in a 2-0 win over Tampa Bay.

Hot batting stat: Yankees 2B Robinson Cano has 12 hits, including four doubles and a homer, in 29 at-bats against Buchholz.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Yankees are 7-1 in starter Ivan Nova's last eight outings.


** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 10:41 p.m. ET Saturday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sunday's MLB National League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Sunday's National League games:

Miami Marlins at New York Mets (-163, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Mets right-hander Dillon Gee struggled in his last start against the Marlins, allowing four runs on nine hits over five innings but earning the victory.

Cold batting stat: Marlins 3B Placido Polanco has just two hits - both singles - in 12 career at-bats against Gee.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 12-3 in Gee's last 15 home starts.


San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves (-209, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Braves right-hander Julio Teheran is 7-3 with a 2.62 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 14 home starts this season.

Hot batting stat: Padres OF Will Venable has only faced Teheran twice, but has hit a three-run homer against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Atlanta is 7-1 in Teheran's last eight starts against teams with losing records.


Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals (-199, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann had a strong outing in his previous start against Philadelphia, allowing two runs on seven hits over seven innings of a 3-2 victory.

Cold batting stat: Philadelphia SS Jimmy Rollins is 4-for-21 lifetime versus Zimmermann.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 9-3 in Washington's last 12 Sunday games.


Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates (-185, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano has been one of the best home pitchers in baseball, going 8-1 with a 1.21 ERA in nine starts there.

Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh OF Andrew McCutchen has just one hit in 16 career at-bats against Cubs starter Travis Wood.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 18-6-3 in Wood's last 27 starts.


Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (+111, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo fared well in his prior meeting with the Brewers, limiting them to three runs on seven hits over seven innings of a 6-3 win.

Hot batting stat: Cincinnati OF Jay Bruce is 13-for-37 with three doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs all-time against Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with showers expected all afternoon. Wind will blow in from center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Milwaukee has won seven of Gallardo's last nine Sunday starts.


San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers (-140, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Edinson Volquez is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts and one relief appearance since joining the club from San Diego.

Cold batting stat: Giants OF Hunter Pence is 5-for-31 with 15 strikeouts against Volquez.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-0 in Vogelsong's last six starts as a road underdog.


Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks (-120, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin is 4-4 with a 2.43 ERA and just five home runs allowed in 70 innings since the All-Star break.

Cold batting stat: Diamondbacks veterans Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra are a combined 3-for-39 against Chacin.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 3 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 8-3 in Chacin's previous 11 starts against Arizona.


Interleague

Seattle Mariners at St. Louis Cardinals (-199, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Shelby Miller is 8-3 with a 1.83 ERA in 14 home starts.

Cold batting stat: Entering Saturday night, St. Louis OF Carlos Beltran had just four home runs in 175 second-half at-bats.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: St. Louis has won nine of Miller's last 12 home starts.


** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 9:55 p.m. ET Saturday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

HSW Early Phones 4* NO

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bookiemonsters

145-97-2 run

21-14-3 run last 38 plays

pod browns game under 44.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Philly Godfather

•NFL [210] KC CHIEFS -1-110 100


Added Seattle -2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Hot pitchers
-- Gee is 2-1, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Zimmerman is 3-1, 3.29 in his last four starts.
-- Wood is 2-1, 2.14 in his last three starts. Liriano is 4-2, 3.16 in his last seven starts.
-- Teheran is 3-1, 2.88 in his last four starts.
-- Gallardo is 2-0, 1.29 in his last three starts. Arroyo is 5-1, 3.65 in his last seven starts.
-- Chacin is 2-1, 2.57 in his last four starts.

-- Ramirez is 1-0, 2.50 in his last three starts.

-- Guthrie is 2-0, 3.00 in his last four starts.
-- Buehrle is 6-1, 3.12 in his last ten starts. Gonzalez is 1-0, 2.77 in his last two.
-- Sale is 2-0, 1.93 in his last three starts.
-- Parker is 3-0, 2.50 in his last five starts. Perez is 6-1, 3.23 in his last seven.
-- Buchholz is 3-1, 1.89 in his last six starts. Nova is 4-0, 2.87 in his last eight.

Cold pitchers
-- Koehler is 0-2, 7.36 in his last three starts.
-- Cloyd is 0-2, 7.80 in his last three starts.
-- Smith is 0-2, 12.41 in four starts this season.
-- Delgado is 0-3, 5.34 in his last five starts.
-- Vogelsong is 0-1, 6.89 in his last three starts. Volquez is 0-1, 6.30 in two starts for the Dodgers.

-- Miller is 2-2, 4.11 in his last six starts.

-- Scherzer is 0-2, 7.31 in his last three starts.
-- Price is 0-3, 4.91 in his last three starts. Hernandez is 1-1, 4.50 in his last four starts.
-- McCallister is 0-2, 8.78 in his last three starts.
-- Williams is 2-3, 5.77 in last seven starts, but Angels won last three, scoring 24 runs. Clemens is 0-0, 4.66 in two starts this season.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Koehler 7-20; Gee 6-29
-- Cloyd 4-8; Zimmerman 5-29
-- Wood 5-29; Liriano 5-23 (1 of last 6)
-- Smith 2-4; Teheran 9-27
-- Arroyo 5-29; Gallardo 6-28
-- Chaciin 2-28 (0 of last 23); Delgado 6-16
-- Vogelsong 6-16 (1 of last 6); Volquez 11-29 (4 of last 6)

-- Ramirez 5-10; Miller 7-27

-- Guthrie 9-30 (3 of last 6); Scherzer 6-29
-- Gonzalez 6-25 (1 of last 12); Buehrle 7-30 (1 of last 7)
-- Price 6-23 (1 of last 10); Hernandez 2-9
-- McCallister 5-21 (0 of last 9); Sale 8-28 (0 of last 5)
-- Williams 6-22 (1 of last 8); Clemens 0-2
-- Parker 8-29 (0 of last 8); Perez 7-16
-- Nova 5-17 (1 of last 9); Buchholz 1-13

Totals
-- Six of last eight Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Ten of last fourteen Washington games went over.
-- Nine of last ten Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of Mets' last five games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven Milwaukee games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Colorado games.
-- 12 of last 16 San Francisco games stayed under.

-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven St Louis games.

-- Seven of last ten White Sox games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last ten Detroit home games went over.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Baltimore games.
-- Over is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Bronx games.
-- Six of last nine Texas games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Angel games.
-- Nine of last thirteen Minnesota games went over total.

Hot teams
-- Pirates won five of their last six games.
-- Washington won nine of its last eleven games. Phillies won six of their last eight games.
-- Braves won four of their last six games.
-- Cincinnati won six of its last nine games.
-- Giants won five of their last six games.

-- Cardinals won six of their last eight games.

-- Indians won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Red Sox won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Kansas City won five of its last seven games. Detroit won three of last four.
-- A's won seven of their last eight games.
-- Houston won four of its last five games. Angels won seven of last ten.

Cold teams
-- Cubs are 11-21 in their last 32 games.
-- Miami lost seven of their last nine games; Mets lost seven of last ten.
-- San Diego lost three of its last four games.
-- Milwaukee lost seven of its last nine home games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last eleven games. Arizona lost four of last six.
-- Dodgers lost seven of their last nine games.

-- Mariners lost five of their last six games.

-- White Sox lost 14 of their last 16 games overall, 11 in row vs Cleveland.
-- Toronto lost five of their last six home games. Orioles lost five of their last seven games overall.
-- Tampa Bay lost five of its last eight games. Twins lost eight of last ten.
-- Texas lost eight of its last nine games.
-- Bronx lost five of its last six games against Boston.

Umpires
-- Cin-Mil-- Sevne of last eight Carapazza games went over total.
-- Mia-NY-- Two of three HGibson (sub ump) games stayed under.
-- Phil-Wsh-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Nelson games.
-- Chi-Pitt-- Under is 9-1-2 in last dozen Estabrook games.
-- SD-Atl-- Nine of last ten Cuzzi games stayed under total.
-- Col-Az-- Five of last six Randazzo games went over total.
-- SF-LA-- Underdogs won eight of last 12 Carlson games.

-- Sea-StL-- Underdogs won seven of last eight BWelke games.

-- Blt-Tor-- Four of last five Scott games went over the total.
-- NY-Bos-- Seven of last nine Kulpa games stayed under total.
-- A's-Tex-- Last three Holbrook games went over the total.
-- KC-Det-- Seven of last eight Hoye games stayed under total.
-- Cle-Chi-- Eight of last eleven Fairchild games went over total.
-- LA-Hst-- Seven of last eight Timmons games went over total.
-- TB-Min-- Underdogs won four of last six Porter games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Where the action is: NFL Week 2's biggest line moves

Manning Bowl III headlines Week 2 of the NFL schedule. Peyton Manning is 2-0 versus his little brother but they last met almost three years ago when the Colts defeated the Giants 38-14 on Sept. 19, 2010.

We talk to oddsmakers about the flow of action coming in on some of Sunday's NFL games.

Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills - Open: +3

Action on this matchup has sharps and the betting public divided. The Bills are coming off a reasonably strong performance against the Patriots in Week 1, but succumbed to a 23-21 defeat. The Panthers hung around with the Seahawks in a 12-7 loss despite QB Cam Newton not performing at his best.

"Sharp and public money are not seeing eye-to-eye on one of the worst match ups of the weekend," an oddsmaker with BetDSI told Covers. "Sharps are backing Buffalo at +3 (-115) and the the public is all over Carolina at -3 (+100)."

St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons - Open: 47, Move: 47.5, Move: 47

This one has the sharps and public divided as well. The Rams posted a 27-24 Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals while the Falcons were dropped 23-17 by their NFC South rivals the New Orleans Saints.

"There is also a sharp versus public contrast on the St. Louis versus Atlanta match up with public coin backing the Over 47 and sharps coin backing the Under 47.5," an oddsmaker from BetDSI said.

Denver Broncos at New York Giants - Open: +6, Move: +5.5, Move: +4

The third edition of the Manning Bowl is set for Sunday afternoon and sharps are backing Eli as the home dog. The younger Manning finished 27-of-42 for 450 yards in New York's Week 1 loss to the Cowboys.

"Denver opened -6 and Tuesday got sharp play on the dog, so moved to 5.5," Mike Perry of Sportsbook.com told Covers. "Another wiseguy played the Giants +5.5 so moved to current number of 4."

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Open: +3

One matchup from this weekends schedule which sharps and the public can agree on is the Saints at the Bucs. Drew Brees and the Saints are coming off a big win at home versus the Falcons, and after a particularly dreadful performance against the Jets, nobody is giving the Bucs any love at all.

"Sharps hit the Saints -3 (-105) and the moneyline at -155 and the public is on the Saints too," says BetDSI.com. "There has been close to zero buy back on Tampa as of yet."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's MLB Picks

NY Yankees at Boston

The Red Sox look to build on their 17-4 record in their last 21 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Boston is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST

Game 951-952: Miami at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Koehler) 14.810; NY Mets (Gee) 13.735 Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 9 Vegas Line: NY Mets (-170); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Miami (+150); Over

Game 953-954: Philadelphia at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Cloyd) 15.215; Washington (Zimmermann) 16.888 Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Washington (-200); 8 Dunkel Pick: Washington (-200); Under

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wood) 15.816; Pittsburgh (Liriano) 14.838 Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-185); 7 Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+165); Over

Game 957-958: San Diego at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Smith); 14.646; Atlanta (Teheran) 16.051 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Atlanta (-210); 8 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-210); Under

Game 959-960: Cincinnati at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo); 16.616; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.987 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-125); 8 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-125); Over

Game 961-962: Colorado at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 15.835; Arizona (Delgado) 14.954 Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Arizona (-125); 9 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+105); Under

Game 963-964: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (9:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 15.635; LA Dodgers (Volquez) 14.262 Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 8 Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+120); Under

Game 965-966: Kansas City at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.216; Detroit (Scherzer) 16.794 Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 10 Vegas Line: Detroit (-220); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-220); Over

Game 967-968: Baltimore at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 16.504; Toronto (Buehrle) 15.043 Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Baltimore (-120); 9 Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-120); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 13.932; Minnesota (Hernandez) 14.378 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-220); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+185); Over

Game 971-972: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (McAllister) 16.230; White Sox (Sale) 13.618 Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 2 1/2; 6 Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+100); Under

Game 973-974: LA Angels at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Williams) 16.804; Houston (Clemens) 15.229 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 10 Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-150); Over

Game 975-976: Oakland at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 16.386; Texas (Perez) 14.331 Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 8 Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 9 Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-105); Under

Game 977-978: NY Yankees at Boston (8:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Nova) 15.195; Boston (Buchholz) 17.299 Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 10 Vegas Line: Boston (-170); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170); Over

Game 979-980: Seattle at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Ramirez) 14.202; St. Louis (Miller) 15.767 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-200); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-200); Over