Sunday 10-7-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Belmont Park

10/07/18, BEL, Race 2, 2.04 ET
1 1/16M [Inner Turf] 1.38.04 STARTER ALLOWANCE. Purse $55,000.
INNER TURF (UP TO $9,570 NYSBFOA) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $50,000 OR LESS AND WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN OR CLAIMING
Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (2-4) - Pick 4 (.50) Races (2-5), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 26.98, $1 ROI 0.94, For Race Category Non-Maiden Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Free Kitty 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Rice Linda JL
099.8424 7 Sunshine Gal 15-1 Lezcano J Gargan Danny FW
099.6655 3 Amazing Audrey 5/2 Castellano J Gargan Danny
099.1377 2 My Girl Annie 4-1 Rider TBA Levine Bruce N.
097.1331 9 Naples Legacy 12-1 Davis D Maker Michael J. C
096.3665 5 Muchacha Uno 4-1 Franco M Abreu Jorge R.
095.9350 4 Hera 8-1 Rosario J Kimmel John C. E
095.5295 8 Lemon Zip 15-1 Rose J Saville Niall
095.4500 11 Codrington 10-1 Alvarado J Maker Michael J. S
094.5824 10 Classic Lady 6-1 Cohen D Rubley Kelly
093.3222 6 Miss Jen 8-1 Cancel E Ryerson James T.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 26.05, $1 ROI 0.80, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Free Kitty 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Rice Linda L
099.1258 3 Amazing Audrey 5/2 Castellano J Gargan Danny JF
098.4938 11 Codrington 10-1 Alvarado J Maker Michael J. S
097.6803 7 Sunshine Gal 15-1 Lezcano J Gargan Danny W
097.3884 9 Naples Legacy 12-1 Davis D Maker Michael J. C
097.3391 2 My Girl Annie 4-1 Rider TBA Levine Bruce N.
097.0150 5 Muchacha Uno 4-1 Franco M Abreu Jorge R.
096.2222 4 Hera 8-1 Rosario J Kimmel John C. E
095.9607 10 Classic Lady 6-1 Cohen D Rubley Kelly
094.3781 6 Miss Jen 8-1 Cancel E Ryerson James T.
092.4423 8 Lemon Zip 15-1 Rose J Saville Niall

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Allowance - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 74

FOR NATIVE FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 116 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 PINTORELLA 2/1

# 3 VIVIANA'S EMPRESS 3/1

# 5 VENTURITA 5/1

I've got to go with PINTORELLA. She is worth a look given that the handler wins 31 percent of his races with two-year olds, which is clearly among the best in the race. Her earnings per start in dirt sprint events alone makes you take a look at her. Has very good Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a wager for this event. VIVIANA'S EMPRESS - Looks to beat this field if you believe at all in pedigree - big sire progeny edge having Sudden Thunder as this filly's father. Must be in good condition if the handler is bringing her back so quickly.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fort Erie
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $12960 Class Rating: 82

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 7 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 7 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250, IF FOR $6,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (COLTS AND


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 1 HOOCHIECOOCHIE SAM 15/1

# 7 MARRIAGE COUNSELOR 3/1

# 2 UNO CHAMP 5/2

HOOCHIECOOCHIE SAM looks like the bet in here especially at a such a nice price. His 76 average has this gelding with among the top Speed Figures for this event. This gelding is a definite contender based on his earnings per start in turf route events. Has been running in the most competitive company of the group as of late. MARRIAGE COUNSELOR - Maker has a sound 17 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. Ran a solid last race. UNO CHAMP - Could best this field based on the speed figure - 76 - of his last outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park West - Race #2 - Post: 1:43pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $17,000 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 MR SHEEN (ML=6/1)
#3 SPIRIT LOVE (ML=9/5)


MR SHEEN - Hunt brings him back again. I advocate you stay with this live gelding. Good return on investment for this jock and handler duo. Look at this pattern of improvement. 70/79/81 are the last 3 speed figs. This gelding should be in top form, this far into his form cycle. SPIRIT LOVE - Looking at today's class rating, this racer is meeting an easier field than last time out at Gulfstream Park. You have to really like that most recent race speed rating, 87, which is the highest most recent race fig of this group. Recent Equibase speed figs show powerful pattern of improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 SHIM (ML=3/1), #7 STRAIGHTAWAY MAY (ML=4/1), #2 QUINIENTOS (ML=6/1),

SHIM - If he goes off anywhere near the M/L odds of 3/1, I'll have to pass. STRAIGHTAWAY MAY - Could be tough for this thoroughbred to beat this bunch off of that last speed rating. Not probable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underlays list. QUINIENTOS - In any contest of 6 furlongs, I like to wager on a contender that has been on the board in short distance races recently.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #1 MR SHEEN to win if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Mountaineer Park
Mountaineer Park - Race 4

First Half $2 Mid Daily Double (Races 4 -5) $.50 Trifecta $1 Exacta Box ($.20) Superfecta


Claiming $4,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 73 • Purse: $6,300 • Post: 8:06P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 7, 2017. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 (W V A BRED RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. MAXINE is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MAXINE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest av erage Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. SAVE THE PARK: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
2
MAXINE
1/2

2/1
8
SAVE THE PARK
6/1

4/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
MAXINE
2

1/2
Stalker
75

82

73.2

71.4

68.9
8
SAVE THE PARK
8

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
98

100

55.6

57.7

51.7
3
LOVEYOU LIKETHAT
3

10/1
Trailer
70

57

39.6

65.8

56.3
4
BAKIN' WITH CINDY
4

12/1
Alternator/Trailer
67

57

50.2

50.2

43.7
6
RED LITE NITE
6

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

59

54.2

49.6

42.6
5
MY ANGEL MY SAINT
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

54

35.6

45.6

33.6
1
DAISY N PARADISE
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
65

52

31.6

47.7

35.7
7
LOOKOUTBOYS
7

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

51

24.8

49.6

34.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows - Race 6

Win, Place &Show (17% Takeout), Exacta, Quinella .10 Superfecta (20% Takeout), .50 Trifecta (23% Takeout) .50 Pick 3 (19% Takeout)


Claiming $7,500 • 300 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 80 • Purse: $8,500 • Post: 3:10P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 125 LBS.; OLDER, 127 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500, IF FOR $5,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. IOWA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * HOT SHOT: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. GO STREAK LIGHTNING: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. PAINT ME A RUNAWAY: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. SFS MISS MAESTRO: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. FAST EDDYS EYEYINYOU: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
4
HOT SHOT
2/1

9/2
2
GO STREAK LIGHTNING
8/1

6/1
3
PAINT ME A RUNAWAY
3/1

9/1
5
SFS MISS MAESTRO
4/1

9/1
1
FAST EDDYS EYEYINYOU
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
FAST EDDYS EYEYINYOU
1

7/2
Average
78

68

4.0

0.0

0.0
2
GO STREAK LIGHTNING
2

8/1
Average
82

79

4.5

0.0

0.0
3
PAINT ME A RUNAWAY
3

3/1
Average
74

71

4.5

0.0

0.0
4
HOT SHOT
4

2/1
Slow
87

77

6.4

0.0

0.0
5
SFS MISS MAESTRO
5

4/1
Fast
78

71

1.4

0.0

0.0
6
JJSIR JAMES
6

10/1
Slow
67

77

6.4

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 3:10pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 83

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 HONORABLE SERVICE (ML=8/1)
#6 ROSSIE VAL (ML=20/1)
#1A GREED IS GOOD (ML=3/1)


HONORABLE SERVICE - The September 25th affair at Parx Racing was at a class level of (92). Dropping to a lower class rank significantly, so he should be in a good spot. Forgive the outside the top 3 finish on the off track in the last race. On a fast track, has a good chance right here. ROSSIE VAL - He has the highest earnings per race. Take a long look at this thoroughbred. I really like sprinters that make a quick turnaround. Dropping 5 pounds from last race. Could be a deciding factor today. GREED IS GOOD - This gelding is sent through the entry box right back into a race in less than 10 days; this is a positive sign. This gelding is in good physical condition, having run a strong race on September 29th, finishing third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 AIMED (ML=3/2), #2X ACT OF MADNESS (ML=3/2), #1 AVALANCHE ROCK (ML=3/1),

AIMED - Improbable that the speed rating he earned on August 25th will hold up in this contest. ACT OF MADNESS - This thoroughbred just hasn't looked sharp lately. AVALANCHE ROCK - Hard to play a horse that cannot even win one time in his last ten races. This gelding hasn't been showing me anything in the last couple of efforts. Current form is somewhat in question after the addition of wraps in the September 8th event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #4 HONORABLE SERVICE on the nose if you can get odds of 4/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Santa Anita Park

10/07/18, SA, Race 8, 4.15 PT
6F [Dirt] 1.07.00 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $30,000.
Claiming Price $50,000, For Each $5,000 To $40,000 1 lb. FOR CALIFORNIA BRED OR CALIFORNIA SIRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD
$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double - $0.50 Rolling Pick Three (Races 8-9-10) - $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.) / $1 Rolling Super High 5
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 71.43, $1 ROI 1.81, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 7 Concord Jet 8-1 Fuentes L A Koriner Brian J. T
098.5763 1 Poppy's C Note 8-1 Roman E A Miyadi Steven FEC
097.7427 5 Stay in Yo Lane 5/2 Delgadillo A O'Neill Doug F.
097.3466 6 Starring John Wain(b+) 4-1 Espinoza A Hollendorfer Jerry
095.1054 9 Forestation 20-1 Franco G Kruljac J. Eric J
095.0310 8 S On My Chest 8-1 Conner T Carava Jack
095.0184 3 Unplayable(b+) 12-1 Maldonado E A Machowsky Michael W
094.2740 2 Calder Vale 8-1 Vergara. Jr. O Zamora Ricardo
094.0728 4 I Belong to Becky 3-1 Pereira T J Palma Hector O. L

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 4th October 2018 by Gracenote
Titans vs. Bills Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/04/2018

The Tennessee Titans play nothing but close games, and they're getting pretty good at coming out on the winning side. The Titans will try to avoid a letdown after knocking off the defending Super Bowl champions in overtime last week when they visit the inconsistent Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Tennessee dropped the opener 27-20 at Miami but picked up three-point wins over Houston, Jacksonville and Philadelphia in the next three, with quarterback Marcus Mariota putting together one of the best games of his young career in the 26-23 overtime triumph over the Eagles, and the team is trying to keep that momentum going. "When you have a group of veterans like this team has, we should be fine," linebacker Brian Orakpo told reporters. "We are going to carry ourselves as professionals, get ready for the Bills - it's a new challenge, so erase the Philly game. We don't want to worry about the "trap game" and all that other noise that comes with it." The Bills are trying to erase the negative momentum after getting shut out at Green Bay last week, when they looked like a different team from the one that earned a 27-6 victory at Minnesota the previous week. "(The) offense wasn't good enough at all," Buffalo coach Sean McDermott told reporters. "Bottom line. Not good enough. Running game, passing game, hits on the quarterback."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Titans -5. O/U: 39

ABOUT THE TITANS (3-1): Mariota was named the AFC's offensive player of the week after passing for 344 yards and two TDs and adding a rushing score against the Eagles. Mariota, who has been dealing with an elbow injury since the opener, is trying to be smart about when he leaves the pocket on a rushing attempt. "I just play within myself," Mariota told reporters. "I think when you start to think about it, it becomes unnatural and you tend to not play like yourself. I just play instinctively. I've just kind of trusted what I've done my entire career. Being able to move around in the pocket, or attack and get some yards down the field, it's also being smart and getting down. But, those things to me are very instinctive."



ABOUT THE BILLS (1-3): Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy is having a tough time on and off the field, with news breaking on Wednesday that he is the subject of a lawsuit claiming domestic violence against an ex-girlfriend, in addition to his struggles running the ball. McCoy battled nagging rib and hand injuries through the first four weeks while totaling 85 yards on 21 carries and getting him more involved in the offense is a priority. "The coaches know," McCoy told reporters. "They know when to get the ball to every player. We're just trying to figure it out. It's hard to get the ball a lot. I mean, it's hard considering that the defense comes in to play Buffalo offense, the main guy you want to stop is McCoy."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Titans S Kenny Vaccaro (elbow) was ruled out for Sunday and could miss "a few weeks," according to coach Mike Vrabel.

2. Buffalo QB Josh Allen has been sacked an NFL-high 18 times and is completing 53.4 percent of his passes - 33rd in the league.

3. Tennessee WR Corey Davis recorded career highs of nine catches and 161 yards while hauling in his first TD last week.

PREDICTION: Titans 17, Bills 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 4th October 2018 by Gracenote
Broncos vs. Jets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/04/2018

The New York Jets put up 48 points in a Week 1 win but totaled 41 points in dropping their last three contests as rookie quarterback Sam Darnold goes through some growing pains. Darnold and the Jets will try to find some consistency on offense and get back into the win column when they host the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Darnold completed 50 percent of his passes and averaged a season-low 4.91 yards per attempt in a 31-12 loss at Jacksonville last week but believes he is close to turning the corner. "Obviously, it's not the outcome we wanted, but I'm feeling more and more confident as a quarterback in the NFL," Darnold told reporters. "It was very assuring to watch the game film and see how much I've grown, but also all the stuff that I need to work on." The Broncos have plenty to work on as well after squandering a lead at home to the rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday - their second consecutive loss after two wins to open the season - but they are not discouraged. "This team's just better - period -from a year ago," Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. told reporters. "We're mentally tough. Every game's been a dogfight. We've been right there. Just a couple plays, a couple little minor details, things that we can fix, and we're going to be all right."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Even. O/U: 42.5.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (2-2): Denver is second in the league in rushing at an average of 148.3 yards but struggled to run the ball late on Monday, when it needed to run down the play clock. The Broncos managed just six yards on the ground in the fourth quarter after totaling 153 in the first three periods. "I thought we had great plans, but the bottom line in these tough games, we have to be our best as coaches," head coach Vance Joseph told reporters. "You can call a great game for three and a half quarters, but for half a quarter, when the game is on the line, we've got to be our best. That's my job to help our players pull these games out, because our players are playing hard."




ABOUT THE JETS (1-3): Darnold and the offense are getting most of the questions, but the defense is looking for improvement as well after allowing the Jaguars 503 yards of total offense. New York is tied for third in the NFL with 10 forced turnovers but believes it can be better and is instituting weekly players-only meetings for the defense. "I think that's something that is very subtle but it's key and it's something that we need to do, just to understand what the other guys are thinking on the defense to where we can be on the same page and to where we're clicking on all cylinders," safety Jamal Adams said during a radio appearance on WFAN. "So, every Friday, starting this Friday, there will be a meeting just to get on the same page, man, so we can go out there and fly around and win ballgames."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Broncos RT Jared Veldheer (knee) and P Marquette King (thigh) are questionable.

2. Jets RB Isaiah Crowell was held to zero yards on four carries last week after rushing for a pair of scores in Week 3.

3. Denver shut out New York 23-0 at home last December - its third straight win in the series.

PREDICTION: Broncos 24, Jets 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
Falcons vs. Steelers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/05/2018

A pair of teams that entered the season with high hopes find themselves in desperate need of a victory when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. It's a matchup of two of the NFL's most prolific passing games - and two of the league's softest pass defenses.

The Steelers seemingly have been plagued by something different each week - six turnovers in a season-opening tie at Cleveland, a suspect secondary in a Week 2 loss to Kansas City and a punchless offense in last week's 26-14 setback against Baltimore. "It's been a number of things, and that's what we are searching for. We are searching for a winning level of consistency across all areas," Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. "That's what is required to win in this league on a consistent basis." Each of Atlanta's four games has been decided by seven points or fewer, and the three losses have come by a total of 13. The Falcons have allowed the tying or winning score in the final three minutes of regulation in each of their defeats.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Steelers -3. O/U: 58

ABOUT THE FALCONS (1-3): Atlanta's ground game should get a boost from the return of running back Devonta Freeman, who has been sidelined since the first half of the season opener with a knee injury. The offense isn't the side of the ball where the Falcons need help, though, as Matt Ryan has passed for 1,316 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions while taking advantage of a dynamic receiving corps led by Julio Jones. The defense has been decimated by injuries, with three starters on injured reserve, and faces another tough test against Pittsburgh's passing attack.



ABOUT THE STEELERS (1-2-1): Ben Roethlisberger leads the league with 1,414 passing yards, but the bad news for the Steelers is it's due in large part to the defense's shortcomings. Pittsburgh has found itself playing catch-up too often, and the offense also has leaned on the pass a bit more with star running back Le'Veon Bell holding out for a new contract. The defense has been torched for an average of 451 total yards over the last three games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jones will be playing in his 100th career game and already has more receiving yards (9,556) and 100-yard performances (41) than any NFL player has recorded through 100 contests.

2. Pittsburgh WR JuJu Smith-Schuster has topped 100 receiving yards in four of his last five games dating to last season.

3. Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has six touchdown receptions - the most in NFL history for a rookie in his first four games.

PREDICTION: Steelers 30, Falcons 28

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
Jaguars vs. Chiefs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/05/2018

Two teams trying to shake up the status quo in the AFC tangle Sunday, when the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs host the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chiefs are the only remaining unbeaten team in the AFC, while the Jaguars already have an impressive win over New England to their credit and could further solidify themselves as a Super Bowl contender with a victory at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs have emerged as one of the league's most exciting teams thanks to second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has thrown 14 touchdown passes without an interception to begin his first season as a starter and led a fourth-quarter comeback in Monday night's 27-23 victory at Denver. "Right now, he is playing better than any quarterback has ever played. He is an MVP quarterback," Jaguars coach Doug Marrone told reporters. "The question is what he can't do. I don't know. I don't think words can really put in perspective how great he is playing. That is really all there is to it." While Kansas City is built around an explosive offense, Jacksonville possesses the NFL's top defense and has allowed a league-low 657 passing yards in four games. "They have a great scheme. They do a lot of things really well," Mahomes told reporters. "They do a lot of the same stuff, but they do it at a very high, pristine (level). They have a ton of talent over there. We have to utilize our offense and our weapons and try to do what we can to attack them."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chiefs -3. O/U: 49

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (3-1): Jacksonville's defense is nasty, holding opponents to 259.3 total yards and 14 points per game - both league-best marks. The pass defense has been especially stingy, with outspoken cornerback Jalen Ramsey anchoring a secondary that hasn't allowed more than 220 yards through the air this season. Blake Bortles has developed into a capable quarterback, but the Jaguars have to take better care of the ball - they have committed seven turnovers in four games - to graduate to Super Bowl favorite status.



ABOUT THE CHIEFS (4-0): Mahomes has stolen the spotlight, but he's surrounded by talent on the NFL's top-ranked offense. Kareem Hunt quietly has put together another strong start to the season while speedster Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce are producing big numbers in the passing game. The Chiefs rank last in the league in total defense and 25th in scoring defense, but they've improved each week on that side of the ball and are close to getting back safety Eric Berry from an Achilles injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette (hamstring) will not play Sunday.

2. Mahomes is the sixth quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 300 yards without an interception in three consecutive games.

3. Jacksonville has been penalized 35 times for 354 yards, second-most in the NFL.

PREDICTION: Chiefs 27, Jaguars 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
Packers vs. Lions Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/05/2018

Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy insist they are on the same page as the Green Bay Packers visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a matchup of NFC North rivals. Rodgers took some not-so-subtle shots at McCarthy's offensive game plan following last weekend's 22-0 victory over Buffalo.

Rodgers questioned the play-calling and the use of playmakers after a contest in which Green Bay outgained Buffalo 423-145. "It starts with good communication and being honest with each other, and then hugging it out afterwards," Rodgers told reporters regarding his frank assessment of the offense. "There's frustration in this business, and that's what Mike always says, conflict is good. You've got to keep the conversation going, we have to find ways to be more efficient on offense." The Lions are allowing an average of 28.5 points, with a stellar 26-10 victory over New England representing their lone stingy defensive effort. Stopping the run was the problem in last weekend's 26-24 loss to Dallas as Ezekiel Elliott gained 152 of his team's 183 rushing yards.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -1. O/U: 51

ABOUT THE PACKERS (2-1-1): Rodgers has passed for 1,130 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception, but he may be missing his top three receivers against the Lions as Davante Adams (calf), Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion) are battling injuries. "It's about those guys taking advantage of their opportunity," McCarthy told reporters of rookies Marquez Valdes-Scantling, J'Mon Moore and Equanimeous St. Brown. "They're getting better. You're seeing it in practice. ... It's not about learning the plays of the game plan, but it's also about progressing with the opportunity to compete." The defense is allowing 20.8 points per game and cornerback Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is tied for the NFL lead with three interceptions.




ABOUT THE LIONS (1-3): Detroit is averaging 23.5 points behind Matthew Stafford (1,202 yards, eight touchdowns, five interceptions) while coach Matt Patricia is declining to give more work to impressive rookie running back Kerryon Johnson (216 yards, 5.7 average). "I think we have a lot of really good running backs, and I think we try to use them appropriately," Patricia told reporters. "I think Kerryon played a significant amount of the game. He played 20 snaps (of 53 plays), that's a good amount." Linebacker Devon Kennard is leading the defensive charge with four sacks while defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) could return after a three-game absence.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Lions won both meetings last season by a cumulative 65-28 score, with Rodgers missing both contests.

2. Detroit CB Quandre Diggs is wearing a cast on the left hand he injured against Dallas but is hopeful of being cleared to play.

3. Green Bay LB Kyler Fackrell recorded a career-best three sacks against Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Packers 30, Lions 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview and Predictions 10-07-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 4th October 2018 by Gracenote
Dolphins vs. Bengals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/04/2018

The Cincinnati Bengals haven't been shy about putting points on the scoreboard en route to winning three of their first four games, while the Miami Dolphins failed to generate any semblance of an offense in their last outing to fall for the first time in four contests. The Bengals and Dolphins bid to improve to 4-1 at the other's expense on Sunday when the teams meet at Paul Brown Stadium.

Cincinnati has erupted for an NFL fourth-best 126 points under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who held the same position with Miami before joining the Bengals as a quarterbacks coach in 2016. Andy Dalton, who has thrown for an NFL second-best 11 touchdowns, connected on a last-second 13-yard scoring strike to A.J. Green in a thrilling 37-36 victory over Atlanta last Sunday. There was nothing thrilling about Miami's last outing, as the Dolphins followed up single-digit wins in their first three games with a 38-7 clunker versus New England. "We didn't sugarcoat a whole bunch," coach Adam Gase said about the team's film review. "Nothing went right. Nothing we did was good. It just was not a good game."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -5.5. O/U: 48.5

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (3-1): Quarterback Ryan Tannehill fell on top of the proverbial grenade by telling reporters that "as the leader of this offense, we go as I go, so I've got to be better." The 30-year-old was right as he fell to 10-2 in his last 12 starts after throwing for just 100 passing yards with an interception and a fumble versus the Patriots. An injury-riddled interior of the offensive line is a sore spot, as top free-agent guard Josh Sitton, center Daniel Kilgore and reserve Jake Brendel are all on injured reserve already. Former New York Jets center Wesley Johnson was signed following a tryout this week while Ted Larsen has struggled in a bid to replace Sitton over the last few weeks.




ABOUT THE BENGALS (3-1): While Green has an NFL second-best five touchdown receptions, fellow wideout Tyler Boyd leads the team in catches (26), targets (36) and receiving yards (349) after grabbing a career-high 11 balls versus the Falcons. "The guy's a football player, he's a playmaker, he's smart, he has great abilities physically, which is obviously showing up and what showed up Sunday," Lazor said. Cincinnati hopes to see the return of Joe Mixon in the backfield, as the second-year running back has been practicing 2 1/2 weeks removed from arthroscopic knee surgery. Fellow running back Gio Bernard has flourished in the last two games, rolling up 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns to go along with nine catches for 52 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami RB Frank Gore, who caught Tannehill's lone touchdown pass last week, gashed Cincinnati for 101 scrimmage yards (82 rushing, 19 receiving) in last year's encounter with Indianapolis.

2. Bengals DT Geno Atkins has recorded a sack in each of his last three games and has 3.5 in his past three meetings with the Dolphins.

3. Miami LB Kiko Alonso has recorded 12 or more tackles in three straight games.

PREDICTION: Bengals 28, Dolphins 17