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Sunday's NFL Week 4 betting cheat sheet: Early action
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (+3, 44.5)
After a disastrous season-opening shellacking, the Baltimore Ravens are making strides toward resembling the team that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy earlier this calendar year. The Ravens look to build off a pair of dominating defensive efforts on Sunday when they visit western New York to face the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills' backfield survived a scare as talented rusher C.J. Spiller has been a full participant in practice despite tweaking his quad in last week's 27-20 loss to the New York Jets. To add insult to injury, the Bills were unable to capitalize on 20 penalties en route to suffering their second loss to an AFC East rival.
LINE: Baltimore opened as a 3-point road fave. The total opened at 44 and is now up to 44.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Baltimore (-1.5) + Buffalo (+6.0) + home field (-3.0) = Buffalo +4.5
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s. Wind will blow across the field at 9 mph.
TRENDS:
* Bills are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in Week 4.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1, 40)
Larry Fitzgerald found the going tough last weekend - and he may be in for an even rougher ride against Tampa Bay. The veteran WR fought through a hamstring injury to haul in five passes for 64 yards against the Saints, but had just six targets on the afternoon as QB Carson Palmer struggled with the revamped New Orleans pass defense. Fitzgerald says he's close to 100 percent - and he'll need to be against Buccaneers defensive back Darrelle Revis.
Rookie Mike Glennon will line up under center Sunday afternoon as the winless Buccaneers shake things up against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Greg Schiano made the decision to switch quarterbacks after Josh Freeman struggled for a third consecutive week in a 23-3 defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots.
LINE: The Bucs opened -2.5 but are currently -1. The total opened at 40.5 and is now 40.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Arizona (+4.5) - Tampa Bay (+4.5) + home field (-3.0) = Buccaneers -3.0
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s. Wind will blow across the field at 6 mph.
TRENDS:
* Under is 7-0 in Buccaneers last seven games overall.
* Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a S.U. loss.
* Under is 7-2 in Cardinals last nine games in September.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings (+3, 41.5)
Ben Roethlisberger put the game on his shoulders last week against Chicago and ended up throwing two interceptions and losing a pair of fumbles in the 40-23 loss. Roethlisberger caused a minor stir with comments on his radio show about rookie running back Le’Veon Bell’s toughness but quickly backtracked and is hoping Bell (foot) can add another dimension to the offense when he makes his expected NFL debut.
Quarterback Christian Ponder struggled to take advantage of defenses crowding the line to stop RB Adrian Peterson and a fractured rib suffered last week opened the door for Matt Cassel to start in his place.
LINE: The Vikings opened as 1-point dogs and are now +3. The total is 41.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Steelers (+4.5) - Vikings (+5.0) = Steelers -0.5
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with overcast skies.
TRENDS:
* Steelers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Steelers last five games overall.
* Vikings are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games in Week 4.
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs (-4, 43.5)
Eli Manning has tossed a league-high eight interceptions - although a patchwork offensive line contributed in his getting sacked an alarming seven times last week. The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback's troubles fell on deaf ears as wideout Hakeem Nicks bristled that "(he) can't throw it to myself" after seeing just one pass attempt sail in his direction last week.
The Kansas City Chiefs have made themselves at home at the expense of the NFC East. The undefeated Chiefs vie for their third consecutive victory against a representative from that division on Sunday when they host the winless New York Giants. After edging Dallas in Week 2, coach Andy Reid's club cruised to a convincing 26-16 triumph over his former one in Philadelphia on Sept. 19.
LINE: KC opened as a 4-point home fave. The total opened at 44 and is down to 43.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Giants (+4.0) + Chiefs (-1.0) + home field (-3.0) = Chiefs -8.0
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the high-60s.
TRENDS:
* Giants are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
* Under is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (+9.5, 42.5)
The Colts suddenly have one of the top backfield duos in the league with Ahmad Bradshaw (186 rushing yards) and Trent Richardson, who scored a touchdown in his first carry for Indianapolis last week. The defense was solid, if unspectacular, in the first two games but flexed its muscles against San Francisco, allowing only 254 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
Jacksonville will have Blaine Gabbert back under center after missing two games with a cut on his throwing hand. "The last couple of weeks have kind of been a blessing in disguise, to let my hand heal," Gabbert told reporters. "It gave me a different point of view and an opportunity to watch things from a different perspective."
LINE: The line opened with the Jags +9.5. The total is 42.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Colts (-1.0) + Jags (+9.0) + home field (-3.0) = Jags +7.0
WEATHER: There is a 20 percent chance of rain and wind will blow toward the south endzone at 11 mph.
TRENDS:
* Jaguars are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Colts last four road games.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans (+1, 41.5)
Seattle is riding a top-notch defense that leads the NFL in scoring defense (9.0) and total defense (241.7 yards) and also has forced 10 turnovers. Quarterback Russell Wilson tied his career high with four touchdown passes in a romp over Jacksonville and has six overall while completing 64.4 percent of his passes.
Houston’s 21-point loss to Baltimore included a franchise-record 14 penalties, zero offensive touchdowns scored and allowing the Ravens to record one defensive and one punt-return touchdown. Quarterback Matt Schaub has thrown for 838 yards and six touchdowns but running back Arian Foster (190 yards, one score) has yet to hit his stride.
LINE: Houston opened as a 3-point home dog and is now +1. The total opened at 44 and is now 41.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks (-8.0) - Texans (-4.0) + home field (-3.0) = Texans +1.0
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:
* Seahawks are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Texans are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games in Week 4.
* Under is 8-1 in Seahawks last nine games in September.
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (+3.5, 42.5)
Cincinnati's defense, which hasn't allowed a 300-yard passer in the past 17 games, frustrated Aaron Rodgers last week. The Bengals limited Rodgers to 244 yards passing and picked him off twice but they still surrendered 30 straight points in the bizarre contest.
Making just his second career start in his fifth NFL season, Brian Hoyer threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns to tight end Jordan Cameron as the Browns rallied past the Vikings a week ago. Josh Gordon was brilliant in his return from a two-game suspension, catching 10 passes for 146 yards, but Willis McGahee provided little help on the ground in rushing for nine yards on eight carries.
LINE: The Bengals opened as 5-point road faves but are now +3.5. The total opened at 41 and is now 42.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Bengals (-2.5) + Browns (+4.5) + home field (-3.0) = Browns +4.0
WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 30 percent chance of rain.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Cleveland.
* Underdog is 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings
* Bengals are 6-1 ATS in their last seven vs. AFC.
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (-3, 47.5)
The Chicago Bears can seize early control of the NFC North Division when they carry an unbeaten record into Detroit on Sunday. With a win, Chicago would have a two-game lead in the division at the quarter pole of the season. The Bears enter with loads of momentum after a 40-23 rout at Pittsburgh on Sunday night in their first road contest of the season.
Lion RB Reggie Bush told reporters this week that he expects to be ready to play Sunday after missing Week 3 with a sprained left knee. Without Bush in the fold, Joique Bell ran 20 times for just 63 yards for the league's 26th-ranked rushing attack, but he did haul in four catches for 69 yards.
LINE: The Lions opened as 2.5-point home faves and are now -3. The total opened at 48 and is down to 47.5.
COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Bears (-3.0) + Lions (0.0) + home field (-3.0) = Pick
WEATHER: N/A
TRENDS:
* Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. NFC North.
* Over is 5-0 in Bears last five games overall.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings. -
NFL Prop Shop: Week 4's best player prop bets
By SEAN MURPHY
Don’t limit your NFL wagering to just sides and totals. Covers Expert Sean Murphy opens the doors to the NFL Prop Shop, giving you his favorite player prop picks for Week 4.
Most passing yards
Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) vs. E.J. Manuel (Buffalo Bills)
I'm not one bit sold on the Bills defense, particularly against the pass. Their starting secondary has spent more time in the trainer's room than on the field this season, and things won't get any easier against Joe Flacco and a Ravens offense that has a lot to prove this week.
We've yet to see Flacco get truly acclimated with his current set of targets. We all knew this Baltimore passing game would be a work-in-progress in the early going this season and that has proven to be the case. With that being said, this looks like an ideal breakout spot. We should hear plenty of Ravens WR Torrey Smith on Sunday afternoon.
Take: Flacco
Geno Smith (New York Jets) vs. Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans)
Geno Smith threw for a career-high 331 yards last week, but that performance came against the Bills. He'll be taking a step up in class against an emerging Titans defense on Sunday and I don't expect him to turn in a similar effort.
The Titans are finally getting some mileage out of Jake Locker this season as he's thrown for just shy of 600 yards, three touchdowns, and more importantly no interceptions through three games. The Jets defense will pose a stiff challenge, but I don't expect Tennessee to hold anything back with Locker as they aim to improve to 3-1.
Take: Locker
Most rushing yards
Trent Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Last week's game in San Francisco represented nothing more than a dress rehearsal for Trent Richardson in the Colts offense. While he did run for a touchdown, he gained just 35 yards on 13 carries. Expect to see a more explosive performance from Richardson against a weary Jaguars defense on Sunday.
Maurice Jones-Drew has looked like a shell of his former self for the Jags so far this season, but that's had a lot to do with the anemic offense around him. While the Colts are vulnerable on the defensive side of the football, their biggest weakness is against the pass. They'll do everything they can to eliminate Jones-Drew from the equation on Sunday.
Take: Richardson
Most pass receptions
Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears) vs. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)
The common line of thinking is that Megatron will find the going much tougher without his running mate, WR Nate Burleson. I feel that the Lions will do even more to force the ball to Johnson in Burleson's absence, resulting in increased targets and in turn catches on Sunday against Chicago.
Bears QB Jay Cutler has been spreading the ball around nicely this season, with Brandon Marshall grabbing no more than eight catches in any of the first three games. It's not difficult to figure out who the Lions defense will key on in this matchup, with Marshall getting plenty of attention. I'm expecting a heavy dose of RB Matt Forte from Chicago, limiting Marshall's potential for a monster game.
Take: JohnsonComment
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Where the action is: Sharps, public like Denver/Philly over
Week 4 of the NFL schedule features a slew of home dogs and some tiny point spreads, which is in contrast to the mammoth spreads we saw in a couple of games last weekend.
We talk to an oddsmaker from BetDSI about the betting patterns, sharp and public money, and where they see the lines ending up come kickoff Sunday.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars - Open: +7, Move +8
The Colts are seeing a ton of money in this game against the lowly Jaguars. But, according to an oddsmaker at BetDSI, there's no sharp pressure involved as it's all money coming in from the betting public.
"This game is currently in a "no recovery zone" with a 10-to-1 wager count and a 6-to-1 money wagered advantage for the Colts. Indianapolis teasers are overwhelming this week with so many short spreads. Bettors are leaning to them and New Orleans for spread betting support."
Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans - Open: +3, Move: +1.5
Texans S Ed Reed recently called this a potential Super Bowl matchup. Fairly brash prediction considering the Texans are one week removed from an humiliating 30-9 defeat courtesy of the defending champion Baltimore Ravens.
"Sharps on both sides of this match up laying the -2 1/2 on Seattle and +3 -105 on Houston. The current bet count is at 3-to-1 with the help of the public betting faction, but the money wagered is currently a dead on even split."
Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers - Open: +2.5, Move: +2
Books opened with this line anywhere from a pick to the Chargers +2.5. The result has been divided action among sharp bettors and the public. "America's Team" is seeing three times the bets, but cash is just about even.
"There is a sharp versus public split on this game with sharps backing the Bolts at the +2.5 value and the public backing Dallas through the current 2 value. Current bet count is about 3-to-1 in favor of the Cowboys, but money wagered is pretty even right now."
New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs - Open: -5, Move: -4
Eli Manning and the New York Giants had some friends among sharp bettors at that opening line. The G-Men have gotten off to rocky start as the younger Manning leads the NFL with eight interceptions through his first three games.
"Sharp money is backing Eli and the slumping Giants at the +5 value through the +4.5 position. When the number hit KC -4, sharps started backing that value creating even money wagered and wager count splits and pretty balanced books for us in-house on this tilt."
Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos - Open: 56.5, Move: 57
The NFL's two most potent offenses square off in a late afternoon matchup. Obviously not quite the astronomical total we saw posted in the Cal/Oregon game in NCAA football, but certainly a high total nonetheless. Not high enough to scare off bettors backing the over, however.
"Oddly enough in an NFL game with a College Football-like total, Sharp money is backing the over 56.5 here pushing the staggering total value to its current 57. The public isn't helping matters here and are continuing to push the over creating close to 6-to-1 bet counts and 5-to-1 money wagered counts on this total."Comment
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Four NFL teams letting down bettors in the second half
Football is a tale of two halves. And luckily for NFL bettors, most books offer first and second half lines.
Some teams have been very "Jekyll and Hyde" this season, looking sharp through two quarters and then running out of steam in the final 30 minutes. Here are four teams playing two very different halves so far this year:
Atlanta Falcons (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS)
The Falcons have been fast and furious in the opening two frames, averaging 15.7 points while allowing just 8.7. But when half time hits, all the air is let out of Atlanta. It’s getting outscored 16-8 in the second half this season, which has come back to bite the Falcons in their two losses. Atlanta is a 1-point home favorite hosting New England Sunday night.
Green Bay Packers (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS)
The Packers have a week off this Sunday and hopefully Mike McCarthy can come up with a killer halftime speech to keep the juices flowing in the final two quarters. The Cheese has gone bad in the championship rounds, getting outscored 20-14 in the second half after out-dueling opponents 18-9.3 in the opening two frames. Green Bay is on a bye week and takes on Detroit in Week 5.
San Diego Chargers (1-2 SU, 2-0-1 ATS)
The Bolts blew a big first-half lead against the Texans on Monday Night Football in Week 1, setting the tone for the rest of the season. San Diego, which has outscored foes 14.7-9 in the first half, is getting rolled 18-11.3 in the last two quarters. The Chargers host Dallas – another two-faced team – as 1-point pups this weekend.
New England Patriots (3-0 SU, 1-2 ATS)
Football bettors are wise to the fact that the Patriots’ 3-0 mark is about as soft as the New England morning snow. But, New England isn’t as nearly as split as those teams mentioned above. The Pats’ biggest culprit is it’s stumbling offense, which is outscoring rivals 15.7-6.7 in the first half but getting edged 4.7-4 in the second. New England is up against the bipolar Falcons as a rare road dog Sunday night.Comment
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Essential betting tidbits for Week 4 of the NFL
We dug up these vital betting tidbits for some of Sunday's NFL action that will help you make the right call before kickoff.
- The Baltimore Ravens rank fourth-last in the league averaging 308.3 yards per game thus far. The ground game has been anemic but could be bolstered by the potential return of Ray Rice, who is reportedly a game-time decision.
- If Rice is indeed in the backfield, the Ravens will be licking their chops. They face the Buffalo Bills who have allowed two 100-yard rushing performances (Shane Vereen and Bilal Powell) through their first three games. The Ravens are 3-point road dogs Sunday.
- Rookie QB Mike Glennon gets the start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they host the Arizona Cardinals. Bucs are 1-point home faves.
- The Steelers are currently 3-point faves as they face the Minnesota Vikings in London, England. The favorite has covered in the last four games in the UK.
- Chiefs LB Justin Houston was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Houston sacked Michael Vick 3.5 times last week and he and the Chiefs defense could be in for more as they host the Giants. Giants QB Eli Manning was sacked seven times in last week's loss to Carolina.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South battle Sunday. The Jags and Colts have played under the total in four straight matchups. Total for Sunday is 42.5.
- Texans star-WR Andre Johnson will get the start against the Seahawks. The last time the teams met (2009), Johnson had 11 grabs for 193 yards and a pair of TDs in a 34-7 Texans victory.
- The Seahawks are one of four teams that own perfect 3-0 ATS records so far this season. Seattle is a 1-point road fave in Houston Sunday.
- A new chapter will be written in the Bengals/Browns rivalry. The underdog is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings between these AFC North teams. The Browns are 3.5-point home dogs.
- The New York Jets are flagged with an NFL-leading 11.3 penalties per game and are punished to the tune of 93 yards per game.
- The Tennessee Titans have yet to give the ball away through the first three games of the season.
- Bears QB Jay Cutler is 7-1 against the Lions since joining Chicago in 2009, throwing 12 TDs and just one INT in that span.
- The Washington Redskins have allowed 1,464 yards on defense. That total is the most in the history of the league through the opening three games of the season.
- Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of Monday's 37-21 loss to the Broncos and is questionable to play against the Redskins. Backup QB Matt Flynn has been practicing with the first team this week.
- The Denver Broncos have won 14-straight regular-season games - longest active streak in the league.
- Speaking of Denver; Peyton could be in for yet another big game. Philly ranks dead last in opponent completions per game (29.3). Broncos are 11-point faves and the total is 58.5.
- Cowboys WR Miles Austin has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers with a hamstring injury.
- The Chargers are hosting the Cowboys Sunday. San Diego is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games. The Chargers are 1-point home dogs.
- The Atlanta Falcons host the New England Patriots at the Georgia Dome in the Sunday nighter. The Falcons are 1-point home faves but are 0-3 ATS in their last three versus the Pats - two of which were in Georgia.
- Keep an eye on the status of Pats TE Rob Gronkowski. Gronk is listed as questionable, but the Boston Herald believes he is healthy enough to play.Comment
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Riders at Alouettes: What bettors need to know
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Montreal Alouettes (+3.5, 53)
The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes are hurting their respective playoff positions with their three-game losing skids. One of those streaks will come to an end on Sunday when the Roughriders visit Montreal. Saskatchewan defeated the Alouettes 24-21 at home in Week 8, but has played most of its last two games without league-leading running back Kory Sheets (ankle), who assured Roughriders fans that his return will be soon.
Montreal is less fortunate with its injury situation, as running back Brandon Whitaker and quarterback Anthony Calvillo will remain out for the duration of the regular season while backup quarterback Tanner Marsh joins them with a thumb injury. The Alouettes did see linebacker Kyries Hebert return last week against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but their offense remains inconsistent under the leadership of young pivot Josh Neiswander and backup running back Jerome Messam. Neiswander threw for nearly 300 yards in the loss to Hamilton.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, TSN
ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (8-4): Quarterback Darian Durant fumbled the ball twice against the BC Lions last week, and those turnovers resulted in a crucial 10 points en route to a 24-22 decision. The fumbles overshadowed a 326-yard, two-touchdown passing performance by Durant, but Saskatchewan was limited to 39 rushing yards without Sheets. Defensive end Ricky Foley and linebacker Craig Butler stepped up in the absence of linebacker Renauld Williams, who led the team in tackles (42) and sacks (seven) before being placed on the nine-game injured list. Foley has six sacks, while Butler has tied Williams with 42 tackles and added three sacks and one interception.
ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (4-8): Linebacker Chip Cox was named defensive player of the week after recording eight tackles, two sacks and one interception against the Tiger-Cats. Cox leads the league with 86 tackles and is the centerpiece of Montreal’s elite linebacker corps. Hebert led the team with seven sacks before he was injured, while linebacker Marc-Olivier Brouillette has five sacks and four fumble recoveries. Quarterback Troy Smith saw his first CFL action last week, scoring a rushing touchdown. The former Heisman Trophy winner will be backup to Neiswander while he learns the Alouettes’ playbook.
TRENDS:
* Roughriders are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Alouettes are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games.
* Under is 14-2-1 in the last 17 meetings in Montreal.
* Under is 5-0 in Roughriders last five games in Week 14.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Saskatchewan LB Weldon Brown and DB Dwight Anderson each have three interceptions. Montreal has thrown 19 interceptions as a team.
2. The Roughriders are 5-2 against East Division opponents. After visiting Montreal, their final five games are all against West Division foes.
3. The Alouettes have not lost four straight games in one season since a six-game skid in 2006.Comment
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English Breakfast: Premier League betting cheat sheet
Only a pair of games on the board Sunday after a fairly wild and wacky Saturday that saw both Manchester clubs fail to collect points against vastly inferior opponents.
We talk to Aron Black at Bet365 to find where action is on a big home game for Stoke City.
Stoke v Norwich (-105, +250, +350)
Why bet Stoke: Stoke played Arsenal reasonably well one week ago, but a pair of set-piece goals saw to their demise in a 3-1 loss. The Potters will always be a tough club and the culture is undergoing a gradual change under new boss Mark Hughes. This isn't the Stoke that scores from Rory Delap 30-yard throw ins anymore. The side tries to keep possession and goes for it more in open play than they previously had done under Tony Pulis.
Key players out/doubtful: Glenn Whelan, Marc Muniesa, Jamie Ness
Why bet Norwich: The Canaries are in the midst of some poor form and haven't scored in their previous two matches. The players the club brought in during the transfer window were celebrated, but have yet to form a cohesive unit. One such player is striker Gary Hooper, who should be approaching full health and could feature for the Canaries who are desperate for somebody to score.
Key players out/doubtful: Sébastien Bassong, Elliott Bennett
2012-13 fixture result: Stoke 1, Norwich 0
Key betting note: The five previous meetings between these two clubs have produced fewer than three goals in total.
Where the action is: "Money so far sides with Stoke to take the three points, and it's most likely that Stoke are a shorter price come kickoff. Norwich are largely being swerved with some action on the Draw."
Sunderland v Liverpool (+450, +280, -138)
Why bet Sunderland: Well, Paolo Di Canio is out as manager as the Black Cats were humiliated by West Brom last week and sent the Italian packing. Di Canio just couldn't get this team to play cohesive football so perhaps this match is a rallying point to turn the season around before it's too late.
Key players out/doubtful: Phillip Bardsley, Wes Brown
Why bet Liverpool: A hiccup last week in a 1-0 defeat to surging Southampton after the Reds got off to a blistering start to the season. Liverpool has been fueled by goals from Daniel Sturridge and incredible play from new-keeper Simon Mignolet (formerly of Sunderland). But it will be the return of talisman Luis Suarez after a 10-match ban (dating back to last season) that could have the Reds flying high once again.
Key players out/doubtful: Philippe Coutinho, Aly Cissokho, Sebastián Coates, Glen Johnson
2012-13 fixture result: Sunderland 1, Liverpool 1
Key betting note: Liverpool have played over the 2.5 goal total in 13 of their last 15 away matches.Comment
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Sunday's MLB American League betting cheat sheets
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Sunday's American League games:
Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays
Hot pitching stat: Rays left-hander Matt Moore is 3-1 with a 2.97 ERA in six career starts versus the Blue Jays.
Cold batting stat: Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes and 3B Brett Lawrie are hitless in 11 combined at-bats against Moore.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with scattered clouds. Wind will blow out to center field at 10 mph.
Key betting note: Tampa Bay is 14-2 in Moore's last 16 road starts.
Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles
Hot pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman is 8-3 with a 3.88 ERA and .227 opposition batting average in 17 home starts.
Hot batting stat: Baltimore 1B Chris Davis is a .367 career hitter with three home runs in 30 at-bats against Red Sox starter John Lackey.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s under clear skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 12-3-1 in Lackey's previous 16 starts against teams with winning records.
New York Yankees at Houston Astros
Cold pitching stat: Astros lefty Erik Bedard has lost back-to-back starts, surrendering 10 runs over nine innings in that span.
Hot batting stat: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez is hitting .370 with two homers and six RBIs in 27 at-bats against Bedard.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 50 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to center field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 5-1-1 in Bedard's last seven home starts.
Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins
Hot pitching stat: Indians right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez is 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA and 38 strikeouts in five September starts.
Hot/Cold batting stat: Members of the Twins roster are batting a collective .209 with 18 strikeouts in 67 at-bats versus Jimenenz.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: Cleveland is 11-2 in its last 13 Sunday games.
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox
Hot pitching stat: Royals left-hander Bruce Chen is limiting right-handed hitters to a .225 average and six home runs this season.
Cold batting stat: Kansas City OF Alex Gordon has just three hits in 20 lifetime at-bats against White Sox starter Jose Quintana.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 8 mph.
Key betting note: Kansas City has won nine of its last 11 games against left-handed starters.
Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers
Hot pitching stat: Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish is 6-1 with a 3.83 ERA and 71 strikeouts in nine career starts against the Angels.
Hot batting stat: Los Angeles OF Mike Trout is 8-for-26 with three home runs and five RBIs against Darvish.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 13-3-1 in Darvish's last 17 home starts.
Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners
Cold pitching stat: Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts and two relief appearances on the road.
Cold batting stat: Oakland hitters have just five hits while striking out 13 times in 40 combined at-bats versus Mariners starter Erasmo Ramirez.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with showers expected throughout the day. Wind will blow out to left field at 20 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 6-1 in umpire Marvin Hudson's last seven Sunday games behind home plate.
** Stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 9:59 p.m. ET Saturday.Comment
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Sunday's MLB National League betting cheat sheets
Check out our quick-hitting betting notes for Sunday's National League games:
Milwaukee Brewers at New York Mets
Cold pitching stat: Brewers right-hander Marco Estrada is 0-1 with a 14.54 ERA in five career relief appearances versus the Mets.
Hot batting stat: Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez is 4-for-14 with a homer in his career against Mets starter Jonathon Niese.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Milwaukee is 9-2 in Estrada's previous 11 starts on five days' rest.
Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Hot pitching stat: Pirates starter Brandon Cumpton was excellent in his last start going seven innings allowing just three hits in a 6-0 win over the Cards back on July 30..
Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh slugger Pedro Alvarez has just three homers in September..
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 40 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow from right to left field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: The Pirates are 1-6 in their last 7 Sunday games.
Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves
Hot pitching stat: Braves right-hander Julio Teheran is 7-4 with a 2.82 ERA in 15 home starts.
Hot batting stat: Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins has four hits, including a home run, in six at-bats versus Teheran.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 4 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 14-3 in Teheran's last 17 starts against teams with losing records.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
Cold pitching stat: The Cubs are just 1-3 in Jeff Samardzija's four September starts..
Hot batting stat: St. Louis C Yadier Molina has nine hits in 17 all-time at-bats against Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 6 mph.
Key betting note: Chicago is 2-8 in Samardzija's last 10 starts with five days' rest.
San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants
Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Tyson Ross struck out all five San Francisco batters he faced in their previous encounter.
Cold batting stat: San Diego hitters are a combined 4-for-22 with six strikeouts against Giants starter Guillermo Moscoso.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 10-2 in Ross' last 12 starts.
Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers
Cold pitching stat: Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in seven afternoon starts, compared to an 11-5, 2.67 mark at night.
Cold batting stat: Members of the Colorado roster are a collective 3-for-19 with 10 strikeouts against Ryu.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s under sunny skies. Wind will be calm.
Key betting note: Los Angeles is 11-1 in Ryu's previous 12 starts against teams with losing records.
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks
Cold pitching stat: Diamondbacks right-hander Wade Miley has just one victory in his last nine starts.
Hot/Cold batting stat: Nationals OF Scott Hairston is 5-for-9 with a homer and eight RBIs lifetime against Miley.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s under clear skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 5 mph.
Key betting note: The under is 5-1 in Miley's last six Sunday outings.
Interleague
Detroit Tigers at Miami Marlins
Cold pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is 3-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 13 starts since the All-Star break.
Cold batting stat: Detroit batters have just three hits in 22 combined at-bats against Miami starter Henderson Alvarez.
Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with a 20 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.
Key betting note: Detroit is 22-5 in Verlander's last 27 Sunday starts.
** Stats, weather forecasts and probable pitchers as of 10:07 p.m. ET Saturday.Comment
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Cappers Access
Lions -2.5
Giants +4.5
Chargers +2.5
Falcons -2.5Comment
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Mighty Quinn
Mighty missed with Connecticut on Saturday and likes the Redskins on Sunday.
The deficit is 1531 sirignanos.Comment
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Today's NFL Picks
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Time Posted: 8:00 p.m. EST (9/25)Game 199-200: Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 129.046; Minnesota 125.186
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4; 38
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 42
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1 1/2); UnderGame 201-202: Baltimore at Buffalo (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 133.136; Buffalo 133.522
Dunkel Line: Even; 40
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3 1/2); UnderGame 203-204: Cincinnati at Cleveland (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 135.652; Cleveland 127.172
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 8 1/2; 45
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 4; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-4); OverGame 205-206: Indianapolis at Jacksonville (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 134.551; Jacksonville 117.807
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 17; 39
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 7 1/2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-7 1/2); UnderGame 207-208: Seattle at Houston (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 136.172; Houston 138.588
Dunkel Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Seattle by 3; 41 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3); OverGame 209-210: Arizona at Tampa Bay (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 128.499; Tampa Bay 127.670
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 37
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+3); UnderGame 211-212: Chicago at Detroit (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 131.060; Detroit 136.676
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-2 1/2); OverGame 213-214: NY Giants at Kansas City (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 132.611; Kansas City 128.558
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 4; 47
Vegas Line: Kansas City by 4 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+4 1/2); OverGame 215-216: NY Jets at Tennessee (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 127.351; Tennessee 133.411
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 6; 35
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-3 1/2); UnderGame 217-218: Dallas at San Diego (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 131.385; San Diego 134.289
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 3; 49
Vegas Line: Dallas by 2; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+2); OverGame 219-220: Washington at Oakland (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 131.843; Oakland 126.441
Dunkel Line: Washington by 5 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Washington by 3; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-3); UnderGame 221-222: Philadelphia at Denver (4:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 135.533; Denver 143.830
Dunkel Line: Denver by 8 1/2; 61
Vegas Line: Denver by 11; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+11); OverGame 223-224: New England at Atlanta (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 137.093; Atlanta 140.950
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 4; 46
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 2; 50
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2); UnderComment
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Today's CFL Picks
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST (9/26) Game 297-298: Saskatchewan at Montreal (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 112.776; Montreal 107.384
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 5 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 3 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (-3 1/2); OverComment
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Football Jesus Text : TEXANS + points , 14-4 now, 3-0 on NFL podcast free picksComment
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