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Preview: Baltimore at Pittsburgh

When: 8:25 PM ET, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing a desperate team that happens to be their most bitter rival, and they'll have to do so without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger when they host the winless Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night in an AFC North matchup. Roethlisberger suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined a minimum of four weeks.

Roethlisberger's absence will put the onus on Michael Vick, who was signed late in training camp after struggling in a backup role with the New York Jets last season. "It’s definitely going to change a lot of things because the offense is really run through (Roethlisberger)," said Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who returned to the lineup last week after serving a two-game suspension to open the season. The Ravens have concerns of their own, becoming the last team in NFL history to open a season 0-3 and putting Thursday's matchup in the must-win category. "We're going to find a way out," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "We will come out of this the other way."

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, CBS, NFLN. LINE: Ravens -2.5. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAVENS (0-3): Baltimore has lost its three games by a combined 16 points, including a 28-24 setback to division rival Cincinnati in which it blew a pair of leads in the final seven minutes. Joe Flacco threw for 362 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Steve Smith, who may have been premature in announcing his retirement after hauling in 13 catches for 186 yards - his second straight game of at least 150 yards. Justin Forsett and the ground game have been unable to get untracked while the defense has struggled since pass-rushing linebacker Terrell Suggs suffering a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon in Week 1.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (2-1): Vick has been plagued by turnovers in the past few seasons, but he has the luxury of leaning on Bell and wideout Antonio Brown, who already has 29 receptions and is second in the league with 436 receiving yards. Bell, who rushed for 62 yards and a TD and caught seven passes for 70 yards in last week's 12-6 victory over St. Louis, was held in check in both regular-season matchups against the Ravens a year ago, managing only 79 yards rushing. The 35-year-old Vick, who was 5-of-6 for 38 yards in relief of Roethlisberger, had eight TD passes versus five interceptions in the last two seasons but fumbled nine times, losing four.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brown has at least five catches and 50 yards receiving in 35 straight games and at least seven receptions in 14 consecutive contests - the longest streak in history.

2. Flacco has thrown for 1,194 yards with seven TDs and one interception in the last five meetings with the Steelers, including playoffs.

3. The teams traded 20-point victories last season, ending a string of five straight matchups that were decided by three points or fewer.

PREDICTION: Ravens 24, Steelers 23

Preview: Miami at Cincinnati

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, October 1, 2015
Where: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Miami (Fla.) will find out a lot about itself over the next five games, beginning Thursday night when the Hurricanes visit offensively-gifted Cincinnati. Sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya, who has led Miami to its second 3-0 start since 2005, is sure to be tested on trips to Florida State and Duke along with home games against Clemson and Virginia Tech after facing the Bearcats.

The Hurricanes cannot look past Cincinnati, which has won 27 straight games against non-conference opponents at Nippert Stadium and is averaging 40.3 points overall in 2015. Miami has the advantage of coming in off a bye week and boasts seven interceptions in three games while the Bearcats have suffered nine picks and lost five fumbles. Cincinnati is expected to go with Hayden Moore at quarterback after he threw for a school-record 557 yards in the 53-46 loss at Memphis last week in relief of injured Gunner Kiel (neck, shoulder). “He’s going to be a special player for us,” Bearcats coach Tommy Tuberville told reporters of Moore. “I like his temperament. His attitude is great.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Miami -6.5

ABOUT MIAMI (3-0): Kaaya has been efficient while throwing only four interceptions (one in 2015) in his last 303 attempts, dating back to last season. Joseph Yearby, averaging 7.6 yards per carry, and Mark Walton (four TDs) provide Kaaya (839 passing yards) good support on the ground, and Rashawn Scott leads the receiving corps (18 catches, 273 yards). The Hurricanes' defense, led by linebacker Raphael Kirby (23 tackles), must rebound after giving up 23 points in the fourth quarter of the 36-33 overtime win over Nebraska on Sept. 19.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2-2): Kiel, who has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 868 yards might not be available at all for the Bearcats after taking a big hit against Memphis. Moore came on to connect on 31-of-53 attempts (four TDs, two interceptions) and has six receivers who have gained at least 165 yards, keyed by Shaq Washington (26 catches, 286 yards). Running back Mike Boone (220 yards rushing, 9.6 per carry, three TDs) continues to be limited with an ankle injury for an offense that ranks third in the nation at 622.5 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Hurricanes have won the last 11 meetings, including 55-34 at home last year, after losing the first matchup in 1947.

2. Miami CB Artie Burns is the first Hurricane with an interception in three straight games since Sean Taylor in 2003.

3. Washington has caught a pass in 30 straight games for the Bearcats and has three or more receptions in 17 consecutive contests.

PREDICTION: Miami 38, Cincinnati 24

CFL Betting Notes - Week 15
By David Schwab

The CFL is closing in on the start of this year’s playoffs heading into Week 15 of the regular season as teams continue to jockey for position in their quest to win this season’s Grey Cup title. Defending champion Calgary strengthened its grip on the West Division title with last Friday’s 25-23 squeaker over Winnipeg, but it came nowhere close to covering against the spread as an 8 ½-point road favorite.

Saturday’s CFL slate featured a double-header of action starting with Edmonton getting by British Columbia 29-23, but the Eskimos could not cover as 12-point favorites at home. The upsets continued with Toronto carving-out a key 35-26 victory against Ottawa as a 2 ½-point road underdog. Week 14 closed things out with Saskatchewan doubling-up its straight-up wins for the year with a 33-21 victory against Montreal as a 2 ½-point home underdog.

Thursday, Oct. 1

Montreal Alouettes (5-7 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (7-5 SU, 8-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Ottawa -3
Total: 47 ½

Game Overview

Montreal has sunk to the bottom of the East Division with last week’s loss, but it still has the edge for a playoff spot as a possible crossover team. Quarterback play is becoming an issue with the Alouettes after an ineffective Jonathan Crompton was replaced in the second of Sunday’s loss by Rakeem Cato. Both players tossed multiple interceptions to hurt their team’s cause.

The RedBlacks’ three-game SU winning streak (four games ATS) came to an end with the loss to Toronto, but they are still is very good shape to make the playoffs in just their second season as an expansion team. Veteran quarterback Henry Burris continues to put up some big passing numbers from week-to-week and after throwing for 313 yards and two scores in a Week 14 losing cause, he now leads the CFL in total passing yards this season with 3,611.

Betting Trends

Ottawa has won two previous meetings this season both SU and ATS with the total evenly split at 1-1. Last season, Montreal swept the series 3-0 SU (2-0-1 ATS) with the total staying UNDER in all three games.

ACC Report - Week 5
By Joe Williams

2015 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 3-1 0-1 1-2-1 1-3
Clemson 3-0 1-0 2-1 1-2
Duke 3-1 1-0 3-1 0-4
Florida State 3-0 1-0 2-1 1-2
Georgia Tech 2-2 0-1 2-2 2-2
Louisville 1-3 0-1 3-1 1-2-1
Miami (Fla.) 3-0 0-0 2-1 2-1
North Carolina 3-1 0-0 2-2 1-3
North Carolina State 4-0 0-0 4-0 2-2
Pittsburgh 2-1 0-0 2-1 2-1
Syracuse 3-1 1-0 3-1 4-0
Virginia 1-3 0-0 1-2-1 3-1
Virginia Tech 2-2 0-0 2-2 4-0
Wake Forest 2-2 0-1 1-3 2-1-1


Miami-Florida at Cincinnati (Thursday - ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)
The unbeaten Hurricanes hit the road for Cincinnati, and they'll be tested in the cool fair weather along the banks of the Ohio River. The Hurricanes have managed to cover just three of their past 12 road games, and they're 1-4 ATS in their past five on fieldturf. Cincinnati hasn't been much better, however, going 1-4-1 ATS in their past six overall and 0-6 ATS in their past six non-conference tilts. Cincinnati did pick up their first cover in four games by a half-point last week at Memphis, but bettors should be worried about Miami's team speed. The Bearcats have allowed 33 or more points in each of their past three games, and the over has hit in all four games for UC. Miami has scored 36 or more points in each of their three games, and they have allowed 26.5 PPG in two meetings against FBS teams. Miami will again be without WR Stacy Coley (hamstring), but they get speedy WR Braxton Berrios (knee) back from injury.

Miami at Cincinnati
By Joe Nelson

Cincinnati returns to the Thursday night primetime slot this week hosting Miami in non-conference action. Last week, the Bearcats lost narrowly on Thursday night at Memphis in a very exciting game that featured 99 points. Here is a look at this week’s intriguing battle in the spotlight to start off college football in the month of October.

Match-up: Miami, FL Hurricanes at Cincinnati Bearcats
Venue: Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
Time/TV: Thursday, October 1, 7:30 PM ET – ESPN
Line: Miami, FL -6, Over/Under 68
Last Meeting: 2014, at Miami, FL (-16½) 55-34

Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel was knocked out of his second straight game last week. After struggling with turnovers in his first live action in the narrow win over Miami (OH), freshman back-up Hayden Moore had a monster game on national TV last week, passing for 557 yards. Cincinnati posted 38 first downs and 752 yards, but wound up losing a fourth quarter lead with Memphis scoring a touchdown in the final minute to win.

Cincinnati is third nationally in total offense posting 622 yards per game including being the second most prolific passing offense, but the Bearcats are second-worst in the nation with 14 turnovers while featuring the nation’s worst turnover margin at -10. As a result a team that has scored 161 points in four games is just 2-2. Both losses came in conference play and even in the new division format in the AAC, an 0-2 start will be tough to overcome for one of last season’s three co-champions in the league. Cincinnati has not lost more than two conference games in any of the last four seasons and they will need to win out in league play to likely even have a chance at making the first AAC championship game.

Cincinnati is playing out of conference in its next two games with this home date with Miami, an off week next week and then a game at BYU in mid-October. A program that has won at least nine games in each of the last of the last four seasons will have a challenging time getting there this season unless they can hold serve at home in this marquee non-conference game that is also a revenge game.

Last season, Cincinnati also started 2-2 and Miami made it a 2-3 start for the Bearcats with a 55-34 win in Coral Gables. Cincinnati scored three fourth quarter touchdowns to make the score more respectable as the Hurricanes led by 28 heading into the fourth quarter. Cincinnati put up 422 yards in the game, but they allowed 621 yards with more than half of that total coming on the ground with the Hurricanes averaging 9.6 yards per rush. Miami actually had 13 penalties for 155 yards as the result might have been even more lopsided.

In a season with grounded expectations coming off a 6-7 season, Miami is quietly off to a 3-0 start. The Hurricanes had a comfortable win over Bethune-Cookman in the opening week and then labored in an eventual 44-20 win at Florida Atlantic in the second week in a game that was tied several minutes into the second half before the Hurricanes pulled away. In the first marquee game of the season, Miami jumped out to a 27-3 lead early in the second half against Nebraska. The Hurricanes led by 23 well into the fourth quarter, but Nebraska rallied to force overtime in a wild finish. Miami escaped with the win and has had nearly two weeks to prepare for this game. Next on the schedule is a season-making opportunity in Tallahassee.

After an erratic freshman season, quarterback Brad Kaaya has played well for Miami with just one interception though he has completed just 61 percent of his passes against less than impressive competition. Replacing 1,600-yard rusher Duke Johnson at running back has been a committee approach this season with sophomore Joseph Yearby and freshman Mark Walton combining for 461 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

With a win this week, the Hurricanes could crack into the top 25 after receiving some votes the past two weeks before heading into next week’s huge game at Florida State. The schedule the rest of the season is difficult with all eight ACC games packed into eight straight weeks with tough road games and a difficult Atlantic draw with both the Seminoles and Clemson on schedule. It is thought by many that Al Golden in his fifth season leading the Hurricanes could be in trouble after four mostly unremarkable seasons and no postseason wins and October will be a big month in determining the future for Golden and the future of the program.

Miami has had great balance on offense, but they will need to keep pace with a Cincinnati offense that seems likely to put up big numbers on everyone. While turnovers have burned Cincinnati this season, the Miami defense is +8 in turnover margin for the second best rate in the nation as the Miami offense has only committed two turnovers while picking up three fumbles and seven interceptions in three games.

Historical Trends: Miami is on a 10-5 ATS run as a road favorite going back to 2009, but the program is on a 37-51-1 run as a favorite overall since 2005. Miami is 3-5-1 in the last eight games as a single-digit favorite while going 3-7 ATS in the last 10 road games. Cincinnati is 7-2 in the last nine games as a home underdog going back to 2006, but the Bearcats have only been a home underdog twice in the past two seasons. Cincinnati is 30-9 S/U at home but just 17-21 ATS in that span, covering in just four of the last 12 home games.

Game of the Day: Miami at Cincinnati

Miami Hurricanes at Cincinnati Bearcats (+6.5, 68)

Miami (Fla.) will find out a lot about itself over the next five games, beginning Thursday night when the Hurricanes visit offensively-gifted Cincinnati. Sophomore quarterback Brad Kaaya, who has led Miami to its second 3-0 start since 2005, is sure to be tested on trips to Florida State and Duke along with home games against Clemson and Virginia Tech after facing the Bearcats.

The Hurricanes cannot look past Cincinnati, which has won 27 straight games against non-conference opponents at Nippert Stadium and is averaging 40.3 points overall in 2015. Miami has the advantage of coming in off a bye week and boasts seven interceptions in three games while the Bearcats have suffered nine picks and lost five fumbles. Cincinnati is expected to go with Hayden Moore at quarterback after he threw for a school-record 557 yards in the 53-46 loss at Memphis last week in relief of injured Gunner Kiel (neck, shoulder). “He’s going to be a special player for us,” Bearcats coach Tommy Tuberville told reporters of Moore. “I like his temperament. His attitude is great.”

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Miami opened as 4.5-point road favorites and have been gradually bet to -6.5. The total has been bet up from its opening number of 66 to 68.

INJURY REPORT:

Miami - LB J. Grace (probable Thursday, undisclosed), WR B. Berrios (questionable Thursday, knee), DB R. Mayes (questionable Thursday, hamstring), LB M. Gayot (out Thursday, neck), WR S. Coley (out Thursday, hamstring).

Cincinnati - WR C. Moore (questionable Thursday, leg), WR J. Holton (questionable Thursday, leg), RB M. Boone (questionable Thursday, ankle), QB G. Kiel (doubtful Thursday, head).

WEATHER REPORT: It will be slightly cloudy at gametime, with a very slight 14 percent chance of rain. There will be a strong 13 mile per hour wind gusting towards the southwest endzone.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We've got some liability with Miami as about two-thirds of our spread handle has come in on the Hurricanes. I would say there's been an overreaction to the Cincinnati quarterback situation but our clients are educated and they know the backup Moore is just as serviceable. The total has ballooned up to 69 and almost 75 percent of the action has been on that side of the total. We would welcome a low-scoring Bearcats victory." - John Lester.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Miami comes into this game with extra rest as the Hurricanes last played back on September 19th. Miami is the fresher team, and that could be a problem for Cincinnati since the Hurricanes have speed that the Bearcats can’t match. Cincinnati’s defense is terrible; they’ve allowed 33 points or more in three consecutive games to teams that have offenses less skillful than Miami's." - Steve Merril.

ABOUT MIAMI (3-0, 2-1 ATS, 2-1 O/U): Kaaya has been efficient while throwing only four interceptions (one in 2015) in his last 303 attempts, dating back to last season. Joseph Yearby, averaging 7.6 yards per carry, and Mark Walton (four TDs) provide Kaaya (839 passing yards) good support on the ground, and Rashawn Scott leads the receiving corps (18 catches, 273 yards). The Hurricanes' defense, led by linebacker Raphael Kirby (23 tackles), must rebound after giving up 23 points in the fourth quarter of the 36-33 overtime win over Nebraska on Sept. 19.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (2-2, 1-3 ATS, 4-0 O/U): Kiel, who has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 868 yards might not be available at all for the Bearcats after taking a big hit against Memphis. Moore came on to connect on 31-of-53 attempts (four TDs, two interceptions) and has six receivers who have gained at least 165 yards, keyed by Shaq Washington (26 catches, 286 yards). Running back Mike Boone (220 yards rushing, 9.6 per carry, three TDs) continues to be limited with an ankle injury for an offense that ranks third in the nation at 622.5 yards per game.

TRENDS:

* Miami is 5-2 ATS in their last seven Thursday night games.
* Cincinnati is 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games.
* Under is 4-1 in Miami's last five road games.
* Over is 6-0 in Cincinnati's last six games overall.

CONSENSUS: The public likes Miami in this matchup, with 59.27 percent of wagers backing the Hurricanes.

Tech Trends - Week 5
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Oct. 1
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

MIAMI, FL at CINCINNATI
Canes only 3-9 last 12 vs. spread away from Sun Life Stadium.

Slight to Cincy, based on Miami road woes.

NCAAF

Thursday's games

Cincinnati backup QB Moore set school record for passing yards when he relieved injured starter Kiel LW; he gets first start here, vs Hurricanes squad that whacked Bearcats 55-34 (-16) in Miami LY, running ball for 335 yards. Cincy scored 46 points but lost last week; since '06, they're 7-2 vs spread as home underdogs. Miami plays at Florida State in next game; they're 6-3 as road favorites under Golden. 'canes blew huge lead in last game, before beating Nebraska in OT at home.

NFL Week 4 Essentials
By Tony Mejia

Hey, look, it’s a new month. If your team is on the wrong side of .500, it’s officially time to panic. In honor of the late, great Yogi Berra, this is your reminder that “it gets late early out there.” Here's what's in store in Week 4:

Thursday, Oct. 1

Baltimore at Pittsburgh: The 0-3 Ravens would’ve really been in trouble if Ben Roethlisberger hadn’t sprained his MCL in St. Louis, but they’re still in for quite the challenge as they look to break through with a much-needed win against backup Michael Vick. As long as he can throw the deep ball and keep plays alive with his feet, the Steelers still pose a significant threat offensively given their arsenal of weapons. The Ravens face a must-win for the second week in a row, so yep, there’s pressure. No team has made the playoffs after an 0-4 start. Only five have survived 0-3 starts in reaching the postseason, but it doesn’t sound like Baltimore will have the services of rookie WR Breshad Perriman, who re-aggravated a knee injury in warmups on Sunday.

Ravens head to Pittsburgh

BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-3) at PITTSBURGH STELERS (2-1)

Line: Baltimore -3, Total: 44

Bitter rivals kick off Week 4 on Thursday night when the winless Ravens visit the Steelers minus star QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Baltimore has had a horrible start to its 2015 campaign, losing all three games (SU and ATS) for the first time in franchise history. The club has fallen by six points or less, and losing two key defenders for the season in LB Terrell Suggs (Achilles) and S Matt Elam (bicep). But Pittsburgh has also been short-handed this season with All-Pro C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) out, star RB Le'Veon Bell (suspension) missing the first two games, and now QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee) expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks. Backup QB Michael Vick now takes over in this AFC North rivalry game where the home team had won four straight meetings until the Ravens pulled off the 30-17 upset at Heinz Field in the playoffs.

While the Steelers hold a commanding 15-8 SU advantage at home in this series since 1992, they are only 11-10-2 ATS in this timeframe. Baltimore is 21-8 ATS following a game with 50+ total points under head coach John Harbaugh, and 14-4 ATS since 1992 when coming off an upset loss as a home favorite. But Pittsburgh also has a pair of telling coaching trends with a 15-5 ATS record in a home game where the total is between 42.5 to 49 points, and 11-3 at home versus mistake-prone teams (60+ penalty YPG) under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Each team could also have some defensive absences, as the Ravens have CB Tray Walker (thigh) and DE Chris Canty (calf) both questionable, and the Steelers have three defenders questionable in LB Ryan Shazier (shoulder), CB Cortez Allen (knee) and DT Daniel McCullers (knee).

Baltimore has held the football for only 27:41 this season due largely to an anemic ground game averaging only 73 YPG on 3.3 YPC. Don't expect this number to spike on Thursday, as the Ravens are averaging a dreadful 65 rushing YPG on 2.8 YPC in their past three trips to Pittsburgh. Top RB Justin Forsett is coming off a 1,266-yard season with 5.4 YPC, but has been held to 124 yards on 3.2 YPC in 2015. He didn't do much against the Steelers last year either (45 rush YPG on 4.1 YPC), which keeps the pressure on veteran QB Joe Flacco. In the past two weeks, Flacco has thrown for a hefty 746 yards and 4 TD, thanks in large part to 36-year-old WR Steve Smith Sr., who has 23 catches for 336 yards and 2 TD in these two contests. He went for 186 in the Week 3 loss to Cincinnati and none of his teammates even reached 50 yards.

Flacco is only 8-9 SU in his career versus the Steelers, but has been efficient with 213 passing YPG (6.4 YPA), and twice as many TD throws (20) as interceptions (10). Flacco had two great games at Heinz Field last year, combining for 562 passing yards, 4 TD and only 1 INT. The Baltimore defense has been solid in stopping the run (84 YPG, 3.4 YPC), but has allowed more than 350 passing yards in each of the past two games. Per usual, turnovers will be a key, as the Ravens generated three takeaways in both wins against the Steelers last season.

Pittsburgh's offense was certainly affected with the loss of Ben Roethlisberger, as it finished the 12-6 win at St. Louis with only 259 total yards. Backup QB Michael Vick did a nice job of keeping the lead and not turning the ball over, completing 5-of-6 passes for 38 yards (6.3 YPA). The 35-year-old Vick has had a career marred by injury and off-field troubles, but he's still completed 56% of his passes for 22,131 yards, 131 TD and 87 INT in his career. Vick also has one of the best receivers on the planet in WR Antonio Brown who has caught 29-of-35 targets this season, producing at least nine receptions in all three games. In three meetings with Baltimore last season, Brown racked up 27 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers also benefit from star RB Le'Veon Bell who made his season debut last week and totaled 132 yards and a touchdown. The third-year pro amassed 165 total yards in two games versus the Ravens last season and he will touch the ball at least 20 times on Thursday night. Pittsburgh's defense has done a nice job in stuffing the run this season, holding opponents to 87 YPG on 3.6 YPC, but it has also allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 72% of their passes for 255 YPG on 7.2 YPA. But the Steelers were much better last week in holding the Rams to six points and 187 passing yards on 6.4 YPA. This franchise has always been great at causing turnovers, but has only two takeaways so far this season.

Trends to Watch - October
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB playoffs underway, and the NBA set to start at the end of the month, October is a great month for sports fans alike. But nothing surpasses the excitement of the NFL and College Football during the month of October.

That being said, listed below are the best and worst trends for NFL teams during the month of October.

We’ll be back next month with the best and the worst that November has to offer. Enjoy!

HOME TEAMS

Good: Pittsburgh is 31-15 ATS as home favorites this month, but its difficult to back them against Baltimore (10/1) and Arizona (10/18) without Ben Roethlisberger under center.

Keep an eye on (Good): Who knows who the quarterback will be for Cleveland by the time Oct.18th rolls around, but we do know the Browns are 19-10 ATS this month at home and they will be underdogs when Denver arrives.

After a poor opening month, San Diego will have three shots to improve 25-16 ATS record in their building against Cleveland (10/4), Pittsburgh (10/12) and Oakland (10/25).

Keep an eye on (Bad): There is seldom much good to say about Jacksonville and this is yet another example. The Jaguars are 14-22 ATS in north Florida and only Houston will visit on the 18th, having sent the other home game to London.

AWAY TEAMS

Keep an eye on (Good): Carolina makes football bettors a lot of money on the road as evidenced by 24-15 ATS mark. In October, they have division game at Tampa Bay (10/4) and long trip to Seattle two weeks later.

Another squad which has been road warriors in the New York football Giants, who are 28-16 ATS and chances are they will not mind trips to Buffalo (10/4) or Philadelphia on the third Monday of the month.

Bad: Arizona has through the years struggled in Eastern Time zones and overall in the second month of the season they are desultory 13-26 ATS. If Carson Palmer stays healthy, the Cardinals can break away from their past at Detroit (10/11) and at Pittsburgh in consecutive weeks.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Even when San Francisco has been a very good team, October roadies always gave them fits and they are 18-35 ATS. Off two wicked September away beatdowns, just one road contest in New Jersey versus the Giants (10/11).

Waiting for Tampa Bay to playing consistently, well, it is like waiting for a blood moon… it just doesn't happen very often. The Buccaneers are 15-27 ATS as visitors and have only one stop, in Washington on the 25th.

FAVORITES

Good: Note - Cleveland is 11-5 ATS, but cannot forecast this role for them.

Keep an eye on (Good): St. Louis has generally improved in the second month of the season, at least against the oddsmakers and is 20-11 ATS in this role. On the last Sunday of the month, the Browns pay a visit to the nearby Arch, with the Rams seeking to improve record. (Note: San Francisco is 39-23, but do not look here as favorites in October)

Bad: This will be a telling month for Cincinnati after hot start. The Bengals will be shorter home favorites versus Kansas City and Seattle to get things going, but are Halloween scary 9-23 ATS handing points. Trick or Treat?

Keep an eye on (Bad): With the almost Super Bowl champions Seattle off to a sluggish start in 2015, they need to win to build quick momentum. Being favored against Detroit (10/5) and Carolina (10/18) at home and a quick trip top Frisco four days later should help, but can you trust a team with 14-26 ATS record in this role?

Tampa Bay's already a favorite this year at home and failed miserably against Tennessee. With Sunshine State partner Jacksonville visiting on the 11th, will the Bucs be better than 15-26 ATS mark?

UNDERDOGS

Good: The Steelers are sterling 21-8 ATS catching points in Rocktober (think classic rock FM radio), yet as mentioned above, Mike Vick for Big Ben is not a good trade and Pittsburgh will be an underdog in at least three contests.

Keep an eye on (Good): As stated previously, the New York football Giants are excellent on the road, which makes them worth looking at as underdogs as 28-16 ATS.

Bad: The Niners drain bankrolls as dogs at 11-22 ATS and with matchups against the Packers, at Giants, Ravens and Seahawks, backing them might require a visit to ATM.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Maybe Minnesota's improving defense will make them better as pooches at Denver (10/4) and likely Detroit (10/25). The Vikings ship has mostly sunk catching points at 14-26 ATS.

Seattle is 21-32 ATS as underdogs this month and they should catch a small number in Cincy on the 11th.

DIVISION

Keep an eye on (Good): At 21-11 ATS, Atlanta pays a visit to the bayou on third Thursday of the month.

Not easy to imagine Chicago makes 21-12 ATS record better in the Motor City on the 18th. Same goes for San Fran when the Seahawks make annual visit on the 22rd. The 49ers are 21-13 ATS.

Pittsburgh has Baltimore on the first day of the month and will need their defense and running game to make 25-14 ATS record better.

Bad: New Orleans has the Dirty Birds in town in the middle of the month and shorter sportsbook figure gives them an opportunity to improve on 12-24 ATS mark.

Keep an eye on (Bad): Possibly Seattle will be such a large division road favorite in the Bay Area, they will not have chance to beat 15-27 ATS record.

Ravens TE Gillmore, LT Monroe out vs. Steelers
The Sports Xchange

The Baltimore Ravens officially ruled tight end Crockett Gillmore (calf) and left tackle Eugene Monroe (concussion) out for Thursday night's game at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gillmore was injured during last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, while Monroe will be replaced by James Hurst for the second consecutive game.

Rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who has yet to play this season due to a lingering knee injury, and defensive end Chris Canty (calf) will also miss the game.

For the Steelers, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) was ruled out along with defensive tackle Daniel McCullers (knee), tight end Matt Spaeth (hand) and linebacker Ryan Shazier (shoulder).

Cornerback Cortez Allen (knee) is questionable, while linebacker James Harrison (thumb) and center Cody Wallace (illness) are probable.

Tech Trends - Week 4
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Sept. 27

BALTIMORE at PITTSBURGH (CBS/NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
After years of taut battles, last year's three meetings (including playoffs) all decided by DD margins. Ravens won the rubber match in postseason. Flacco has won 4 of last 6 SU at Heinz Field. Steel "over" 11-3 last 14 at home.
Tech Edge: "Over," based on recent Steel "totals" trends.