Service Plays Friday 8/16/13

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[h=1]Today's NFL Picks[/h] [h=2]Tampa Bay at New England[/h] The Patriots look to follow up their 31-22 win over the Eagles in the preseason opener as they host Tampa Bay on Friday night. New England is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Patriots favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: New England (-3). Here are all of this week's picks.

[h=1]Today's CFL Picks[/h] [h=2]Hamilton at Winnipeg[/h] The Tiger-Cats look to take advantage of a Winnipeg team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 home games. Hamilton is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Tiger-Cats favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-3). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

Joe Wiz NFL Friday

Bonus Play Buffalo/Minnesota Under 44

CFL Rankings: Week 8
By Sean Murphy

The Riders fell from the ranks of the unbeaten last week, and from top spot in the rankings in the process. Here's how I see the CFL shaking down entering Week 8 action. Best of luck in all your wagers this weekend.

Last week's ranking in parentheses.

1. Calgary Stampeders (2) If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, as the Stampeders did just that in impressive fashion against the Riders last week at McMahon Stadium. Now comes perhaps an even tougher matchup as Calgary hits the road to face a hungry Lions squad at B.C. Place on Saturday. The Stamps have been the best 'over' bet in the league so far this season, recording a 5-1 o/u mark.

2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1) The Riders weren't going to run the table this season, so last week's loss shouldn't be all that discouraging. In fact, I came away impressed by the fight they showed after falling behind big at halftime. Even with last week's poor defensive performance, the Riders have still allowed fewer points than any other team in the league (129).

3. Toronto Argonauts (4) It took some time, but the Argos appear to be over their Grey Cup hangover. It's been their defense that has fueled their turnaround. This is a young group that has put its early season struggles behind it and will have another opportunity to pad its stats against a reeling Eskimos squad this Sunday. The Argos already own a two-game advantage atop the East Division and could stretch that margin this week.

4. B.C. Lions (3) I don't like dropping teams coming off a bye week but the Argos strong play forced my hand, moving the Lions down a spot this week. They'll get a chance to make a major statement against the Stamps on Saturday night. I'm looking for QB Travis Lulay to really take control of the offense and turn in his best game of the season. We've yet to see him really shine, but it's coming.

5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6) The bye week came at a good time for the banged-up Ti-Cats. They'll have a good opportunity to make a move over the next couple of weeks with back-to-back winnable games against the struggling Blue Bombers. Andy Fantuz's return can't come soon enough as Hamilton has scored just 129 points through six contests this season. He's unlikely to suit up again this week in Winnipeg.

6. Montreal Alouettes (5) Even though they sit in a second place tie in the East Division, it's getting close to desperation time for Jim Popp's Alouettes. The post-Dan Hawkins era didn't exactly get off to a positive start last week with the Als getting smoked by the Argos at McGill Stadium. Things won't get any easier this week as they travel to Regina to face the Riders.

7. Edmonton Eskimos (7) The Eskimos received a major blow this week with the news that LB J.C. Sherritt will be sidelined for an indefinite period of time after suffering a broken thumb on August 2nd. This is a deep defense, but losing last year's Most Outstanding Defensive Player certainly stings. That means the Esks will need even more from a much-maligned offense that has yet to get rolling this year.

8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8) Another week, another QB move in Winnipeg as Max Hall will take over the reins against Hamilton this week. I don't think I'm alone in thinking that the Bombers didn't give Justin Goltz long enough to gel with the offense. He had shown plenty of positive signs, but apparently not enough for Winnipeg management. We'll see if the move pays off, but I'm guessing Buck Pierce's turn in the QB carousel is right around the corner.

Best over/under bets of NFL preseason Week 2

If you’re tackling totals this NFL preseason this week, take a look at which teams lean towards the over or the under during Week 2 of the exhibition schedule.

Records as of 1995.

Best NFL preseason Week 2 over bets

Green Bay Packers (12-5 SU, 13-4 O/U in Week 2)

The Pack finished just 1-3 O/U in the 2012 preseason, but their lone 'over' result was Week 2. Green Bay was shutout 17-0 by the Arizona Cardinals in their disappointing preseason opener a week ago. Needless to say, the Pack had issues offensively, especially running the ball. QB Aaron Rodgers was effective in his one series, an 11-play, 86 yard drive. But it ended in futility after failing to punch the ball in the end zone on fourth-and-goal. The Packers have played over the total in seven-straight Week 2 preseason games. They will travel to St. Louis to face the Rams Saturday. The total is currently 40.5.

Oakland Raiders (5-11 SU, 11-5 O/U in Week 2)

The Raiders are already 1-0 O/U after a 19-17 victory (total of 35.5) over the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason opener. Matt Flynn is on track to be the starting QB to begin the season, but Terrelle Pryor looked good against the Cowboys and gives the offense some different options when he is under center. The Raiders are in New Orleans to battle the Saints Friday. The total is currently 40. 5.

*The Raiders did not have a game in Week 2 in the 1999 preseason.

Best NFL preseason Week 2 under bets

Miami Dolphins (10-7 SU, 6-11 O/U in Week 2)

After a 24-20 loss in the Hall of Fame Game, a result that went 'over' the total, the Dolphins kept the scoreline under the total with a 27-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. QB Ryan Tannehill looked good (5-for-9, 75 yards, one TD) but there is some concern as to why he didn't throw to new WR Mike Wallace - something they may look to remedy. Miami will face the Houston Texans in a Week 2 matchup Saturday. The total is 40.5.

Kansas City Chiefs (5-12 SU, 7-10 O/U in Week 2)

The Chiefs and New Orleans Saints played 'under' the 36.5-point total in Week 1 in a 17-13 Saints victory. The Chiefs offense looked promising going 80 yards on 14 plays in the opening drive. Alex Smith looked great completing 7-for-8 passes for 68 yards in his lone drive. The Chiefs host the San Francisco 49ers Friday. The total is currently listed at 40.

CFL

Week 8

Hamilton (2-4) @ Winnipeg (1-5)—Bombers used their bye week to clean house in front office; doubt that will help right away on field. TiCats (-5.5) beat Winnipeg 25-20 at home in first meeting five weeks ago, averaging 11.3 yards/pass attempt- Bombers outrushed them 144-65. Home side won last five series games; Hamilton lost its last four visits here, by 3-16-7-22 points. TiCats have zero takeaways the last three weeks (-5) and only two for season (-6). Bombers are minus-9 in turnovers, coughing ball up 16 times already- they’re 0-3 at home, allowing 36.7 ppg in losses by 5-16-13 points. Hamilton hung on for upset win at Edmonton last game, outrushing Eskimos 156-71. Eight of last eleven series games stayed under total, as have four of last five Hamilton games this year.

Ti-Cats at Bombers: What bettors need to know

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+3.5, 51.5)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats needed a bye week after edging the Edmonton Eskimos for their second victory. Hamilton - the most injury-riddled team in the league - hopes to be a little healthier when it visits the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday for the first game of a home-and-home set. Tiger-Cats quarterback Henry Burris leads the league in passing yards with 1,803 despite a depleted receiving corps, which should soon receive a boost when wide receiver Andy Fantuz returns.

The struggling Blue Bombers used their bye week to fire general manager Joe Mack and replace team CEO Garth Buchko with Wade Miller after a rough start put the team at the bottom of the East Division. Coach Tim Burke announced that third-string quarterback Max Hall will make his first career start Friday in an attempt to shake up Winnipeg’s aimless offense, which has scored more than 20 points once since Week 1. The one strength of the Blue Bombers remains their defense, which leads the league with 24 sacks.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (2-4): Along with wide receivers Fantuz and Ed Gant, defensive back Evan McCollough and linebacker Brandon Isaac are close to returning. Wide receiver Bakari Grant has been Burris’ favorite target in Fantuz’s absence, leading Hamilton with 408 receiving yards, but Grant has yet to catch a touchdown after recording five last year and could miss Friday’s game. First-year wide receiver Greg Ellingson has 395 yards and three touchdowns. Hamilton’s defense has not recorded an interception and is tied for last in the league with 11 sacks, part of the reason it has allowed a league-worst 187 points.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-5): Hall will replace quarterback Justin Goltz, who completed 32-of-63 passes with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the last two games after taking over for injured starter Buck Pierce. Goltz told the media he was not given an explanation for the change, adding “everyone’s trying to search for a fast-fix and I don’t necessarily think one person is going to come in here and turn around our offense.” Defensive end Alex Hall has a league-leading eight sacks, but Winnipeg is struggling to defend the passing game, allowing eight passing touchdowns over its last three games.

TRENDS:

* The Tiger-Cats are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
* The Blue Bombers are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
* The over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Winnipeg.
* The Tiger-Cats are 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Blue Bombers, who are on a four-game losing streak, are 0-3 at Investors Group Field - their new home.

2. Burris leads the Tiger-Cats with 139 rushing yards on 25 carries.

3. Hamilton defeated the Blue Bombers 25-20 at home with Pierce as Winnipeg’s quarterback in Week 3.

NFL preseason primer: Friday game betting breakdown
By BRYAN POWER

A game-by-game look from the bettor's perspective of all of Friday's NFL preseason games.

Minnesota at Buffalo (-3.5, 43)

Forced to throw rookie QB EJ Manuel to the wolves in their preseason opener, the Bills could not have asked for a better result last Sunday than what they got in a 44-20 road win over the Colts. Thanks to Kevin Kolb slipping on a mat (can't make it up!) and injuring himself, Manuel played the entire first half vs. Indianapolis & had a stellar debut, completing 16 of 21 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown. Kolb is slated to start Friday, the Bills announced Thursday. Behind Manuel, another rookie, Jeff Tuel also played well completing 19 of 23 passes for 200+ yards and two scores. It remains to be seen how Buffalo can adjust to the short week (Sunday to Friday), but this is 1st year head coach Doug Marrone's home debut.

Minnesota is a clear candidate to regress in 2013 from where I sit. We saw little of Christian Ponder in the team's 27-13 loss last week to Houston as he was in for all of one series and threw an INT. The Vikings are 7-3 SU all-time vs. the Bills in the preseason.

Tampa Bay at New England (-3, 40.5)

These two teams experienced very different results in their respective preseason openers. The Bucs got blown out at home by the Super Bowl Champion Ravens 44-16 while the Patriots went into Philadelphia and rolled the Eagles 31-22. Despite missing his six top pass catchers from a year ago, Tom Brady did not miss a beat as the Patriots QB completed seven of eight passes for 65 yards and a TD. On the team's first drive, Brady handed the ball off six straight times and the offense went 80 yards for a touchdown. Running back LeGarrette Blount ran for 101 yards (on only 11 carries!) in his Patriots debut. Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett got injured, leaving Tim Tebow to stink up the joint down the stretch.

In Tampa Bay, all eyes are still on QB Josh Freeman, who has been very inconsistent in his three seasons in the NFL. He was in for two possessions in the opener. Rookie Mike Glennon threw for 169 yards, but the bulk of that came on two completions.

Oakland at New Orleans (-6.5, 42)

The first thing that jumps out at me here is that this a pretty high line for a preseason game. But we all know how effective the Saints typically are at home. Last week, they beat another bad AFC West team, the Chiefs, 17-13. In head coach Sean Payton's return to the sidelines, the game plan was pretty vanilla on offense for New Orleans. On defense, things did not look good early for a unit that allowed an NFL record 7,042 yards last season. But against the Kansas City backups, they allowed just 135 total yards. Rob Ryan is the new defensive coordinator here.

Oakland also won its preseason opener, at home, in low-scoring fashion. They beat Dallas 19-17. Three projected starters along the defensive line sat out the game for the Raiders and they failed to put any kind of pressure on the Cowboys quarterbacks. On offense, free agent acquisition Matt Flynn didn't do much other than fumble. Terelle Pryor saw significant time and while he looked good at certain points, he also threw an interception in the end zone.

San Francisco at Kansas City (-1.5, 40)

Spirits should be high here as Alex Smith meets his former team. Neither team looked very good last week. San Francisco turned the ball over four times in its 10-6 loss to Denver last Thursday. QB Colin Kaepernick did complete all four of his passes and was in for only one drive, which resulted in a field goal. From there, the Niners did almost nothing. New kicker Phil Dawson was two of three on attempts. Reports are that last year's 1st round draft choice WR AJ Jenkins is treading on thin ice and may be in danger of not making the team.

Smith completed seven of eight pass attempts in leading the starters to a touchdown on the opening drive, but from there Kansas City did little, if anything. The special teams was promising with two big returns, one on a kickoff, the other on a punt. Starting running back Jamal Charles is out after straining his foot in practice. He is expected to be fine.

Three Friday hitters who thrive against their weekend rivals

Friday marks a busy night of divisional matchups in Major League Baseball. With pennant races starting to heat up, the focus will be on hitters who have thrived against their division rivals.

Here are three batters with terrific numbers against their weekend opponents.


David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (.327, 23 HR, 75 RBI)

Ortiz has feasted on the Yankees so far in 2013, batting 8-for-22 with a homer and four walks in six games. The gargantuan slugger was even more dominant last season, posting an absurd .619 average and .714 on-base percentage in six meetings with the Bronx Bombers.

Boston hosts the rival Yankees in a pivotal three-game series beginning Friday.


Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals (.330, 8 HR, 54 RBI)

Molina was activated from the disabled list earlier this week - just in time to face the Chicago Cubs, against whom he has had tremendous success. The 31-year-old catcher is hitting a sizzling .429 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 10 games against the Cubs this season.

The Cardinals visit the Cubs for a three-game set beginning Friday.


Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners (.285, 17 HR, 54 RBI)

Seager's surprise breakout season has come largely at the expense of the rival Rangers. The 25-year-old third baseman is batting .418 in 55 at-bats against Texas, with 10 doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs.

The Mariners travel to Texas and face the Rangers in a three-game series beginning Friday.

Friday's National League betting cheat sheet

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

St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (+128, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Jake Westbrook has been dreadful away from St. Louis, going 2-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 10 road starts.

Hot batting stat: Cardinals C Yadier Molina is hitting .429 in 10 games against the Cubs this season, while OF Matt Holiday is batting .412.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 19-7 in Westbrook's last 26 starts on grass.


Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates (-145, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole has surrendered a home run in four consecutive starts, going 1-2 with a no-decision in that span.

Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh slugger Pedro Alvarez is hitless with four strikeouts in eight at-bats against the Diamondbacks.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left-center field at 3 mph.

Key betting note: The Pirates are 22-6 in their last 28 games as a home favorite.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies (+100, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke has surrendered more than two earned runs just once in his past seven starts.

Hot batting stat: Phillies OF Domonic Brown has four home runs and 11 RBIs in 13 games since the All-Star break.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won eight consecutive games against the National League East.


San Francisco Giants at Miami Marlins (-101, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Giants right-hander Chad Gaudin limited Miami to two hits over 4 1/3 scoreless innings in their previous encounter June 20, and has allowed one run or fewer in seven of his last eight outings.

Cold batting stat: San Francisco C Buster Posey hasn't homered since July 20, and has just two RBIs since.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low 80s, but with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms at Marlins Park, the roof may be closed. Wind will blow out toward left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 42-20-2 in the Giants' last 64 games as a road favorite.


Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves (-165, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Braves left-hander Alex Wood is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA over his last three starts, striking out 17 while walking just four.

Hot batting stat: Atlanta OF Jason Heyward has recorded multi-hit efforts in six of his past seven games.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: Atlanta is 41-13 in its last 54 games against a right-handed starter.


Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (+124, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Cincinnati right-hander Mike Leake dominated the Brewers in their last encounter, limiting them to a pair of runs on four hits over 8 1/3 innings en route to a 6-2 victory.

Hot batting stat: Reds OF Jay Bruce is batting .343 with three homers and nine RBIs in nine games against Milwaukee this season.

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

Key betting note: The under is 20-6-2 in Leake's last 28 appearances in the second game of a series.


New York Mets at San Diego Padres (-142, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy is 4-0 with a 3.45 ERA in five career starts versus the Mets.

Cold batting stat: Only one Mets player has more than one home run so far in August (Juan Lagares, 2).

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 14-3 in the Padres' last 17 games against the National League East.


** Odds, stats, probable starters and weather forecast as of 10:43 p.m. ET.

Friday's American League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Friday's American League games:

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, Game 1 (-159, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander was tagged for six runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in his previous encounter with the Royals, a 6-5 defeat back on July 20.

Hot batting stat: Royals 1B/DH Billy Butler is hitting .345 in 29 at-bats against the Tigers this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The over is 19-7-1 in the Royals' last 27 opening games of a doubleheader.


Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, Game 2

Cold pitching stat: Royals starter James Shields is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in three starts versus the Tigers this season..

Cold batting stat: Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera, who leads the American League in batting, is hitting just .259 in 27 at-bats versus Kansas City.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 23-4 in the Tigers' last 27 closing games of a doubleheader.


New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-174, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte is winless in his last five starts, a streak that kicked off with a 4-2 loss to Boston in which he surrendered a pair of home runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Cold batting stat: Yankees OFs Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting just .219 apiece against Red Sox pitching, with only one homer between them.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow toward left-center field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 17-4-1 in the Yankees' last 22 road games against a left-handed starter.


Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays (-137, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Despite his season-long struggles, Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has fared well against Tampa Bay - going 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 29 innings.

Cold batting stat: Blue Jays 1B/DH Adam Lind has just four RBIs in 85 at-bats since the All-Star break, after driving in 37 runs in the first half.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: The Blue Jays are 5-0 in Dickey's previous five starts as an underdog.


Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers (-164, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Seattle right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma is one of only six qualified major-league starters with a WHIP of 1.00 or below, joining Clayton Kershaw, Matt Harvey, Max Scherzer, Madison Bumgarner and Yu Darvish.

Hot batting stat: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is hitting .396 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 13 games in August.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Rangers are 37-14 in their last 51 games against American League West opponents.


Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins (-125, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Minnesota right-hander Kevin Correia is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 20 2/3 innings versus the White Sox in 2013, and threw seven shutout innings against them in their last encounter Sunday afternoon.

Hot batting stat: Twins C Joe Mauer has tormented Chicago this season, batting 17-for-44 and posting a .509 on-base percentage in 12 meetings prior to Thursday's game.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s under clear skies. Wind will blow toward left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 33-15-3 the last 51 times Chicago has played the second game of a series.


Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels (-164, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Astros right-hander Brad Peacock has surrendered 11 home runs in just 42 innings, including one to the Angels in a 1 1/3-inning stint back on June 2.

Cold batting stat: Angels OF J.B. Shuck has just five hits in 36 at-bats against the Astros this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Astros are 12-50 in their last 62 road games against a team with a losing home record.


Cleveland Indians at Oakland Athletics (-127, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Indians right-hander Justin Masterson has struggled mightily against Oakland in his career, going 2-5 with a 7.42 ERA and eight home runs against in 43 2/3 innings.

Hot batting stat: Cleveland OF Michael Brantley hit 6-for-14 and stole a pair of bases in a series against the Athletics earlier in the season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: Oakland is 23-9 in its last 32 Friday games.


Interleague

Colorado Rockies at Baltimore Orioles (-180, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Orioles lefty Wei-Yin Chen hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 1 against the Seattle Mariners.

Hot batting stat: Baltimore 1B/DH Chris Davis has eight home runs and 15 RBIs in 17 games against National League opponents in 2013.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out toward left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 21-7-1 in Baltimore's last 29 interleague games against a team with a losing record.


** Odds, stats, probable starters and weather forecast as of 10:35 p.m. ET.

The Factsman

MLB Friday Video Pick

LA Dodgers ML-112
(Z. Greinke -R vs C. Lee -L)

Stephen Nover | NFL Total - Friday, Aug 16 2013 8:00PM
413 OAK / 414 NOS OVER 42.0 Hilton triple-dime bet

Analysis:
There were 11 overs and five unders (69 percent) during last week's first full preseason slate. One of the few unders was the Saints edging the Chiefs, 17-13.

I don't see the Saints having a second straight low scoring game at home especially going against a weak defense such as Oakland's.

New Orleans has no more home preseason games after this one. So I fully expect Saints coach Sean Payton to let his offense fire away in this matchup. The Saints, especially with Payton back, have the capability to put up big points against any foe whether it's preseason or not. An indoor setting, like this, certainly is a plus for the over, too.

The Saints have a good veteran battle going on for second-string behind DrewBrees between Seneca Wallace and LukeMcCown, who was 18 for 26 for 216 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs.

The Raiders will be operating against a New Orleans defense that surrendered the most yards in NFL history last year. Rob Ryan, one of the more overrated defensive coordinators, has been brought in to fix things. So the Saints defense is in transition.

Oakland quarterback Matt Flynn was one of the best August quarterback for years when he backed up Aaron Rodgers. He's backed up by Terrelle Pryor, who can cause pro ‚blems with his legs to non-conference foes like the Saints who haven't seen him, nor have specifically game-planned for him.

Wunderdog Sports Free NFLx Pick

Game: Minnesota at Buffalo (Friday 8/16 7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Minnesota +3.5 (-110)

The Buffalo Bills scored 44 points in their NFL preseason opener, which is obviously highly unusual. When you look at how they got most of it, the picture is clear. Buffalo scored on a 107-yard kickoff return, a 72-yard fumble recovery and a 17-yard interception return for a touchdown. This was a 21-20 game otherwise. No one likes losing even in these preseason games. Minnesota starts 0-1 with a 27-13 loss against Houston thanks in part to a decisive -2 in turnover margin. I expect a more spirited effort here for this one with a focus on taking care of the football. I think Doug Marrone wanted his team to get a win to take some of the potential heat off in his first game on the sidelines. While he said that the Bills were going to work on the running game, they came out passing. With that big win under his belt, the pressure is off and I expect them to revert back to experimentation in this one. This game is getting a spike in the line due to the 44-point Bills uprising in Game 1, combined with the Minnesota loss. Losers usually shine when facing winners in Week 2, so take the points and play on Minnesota here.

Cappers Access

Bills -3.5
Chiefs -1.5

Cubs +150

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Cardinals on Thursday and likes the Red Sox on Friday.

The deficit is 1370 sirignanos.

[h=1]Today's MLB Picks[/h] [h=2]Cleveland at Oakland[/h] The A's look to build on their 11-2 record in A.J. Griffin's last 13 home starts against teams with a winning record. Oakland is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130). Here are all of today's picks.