I've been high on this Rams team from the get go this season.  So, this game is being played in London and you have to give the Rams a huge edge there for the simple fact they traveled across the pond last season and are familiar with this situation.  The Cardinals are getting a lot of respect because of Petersen and what he did last weekend which was impressive.  I don't think with the Cardinals bad OL and Rams great DL that he will have a great game.  Therefore, I don't trust Palmer in this game as we have seen him hit a wall in his career.  Rams are the real deal

Give me Notre Dame as I think they are one of the best teams in the country.  I'm not sure why USC is still taking money here.  Notre Dame is also coming off their bye week here and their QB Wimbush is probable to go.  USC was lucky to escape with a victory last week vs Utah as nearly two touchdown favorites.  The Irish only loss this season was to the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs by just 1 point.  

I did have LSU last week in a crazy come back against Auburn and they ended up winning the game outright after being down 20-0.  This isn't the role here where LSU will be successful coming off that big win and let's not over look the fact they have Alabama on deck.  Ole Miss and their QB Patterson is starting to rise here and he will be a factor.  A large part of Ole Miss early struggles were because they played 3 consecutive road games against Alabama, Auburn, and Cal. 

Really like Michigan St here as I don't think Vegas is pricing them right.  I was lucky last week to cover with Minnesota as Sparty went to their house and dominated.  So it was a little misleading there and Indiana was misleading as well as they came back to take it to OT vs Michigan.  were 7 point dogs to them on their home field and now 7 on the road to a team that won @ Michgian?  Vegas is still pricing Michigan better than Michigan St.  I think Indiana is deflated here as last week and Michigan St controls this game start to finish 

I will take Northwestern here as I think they should be favored here in this game.  They have the better defense and offense.  Iowa has been a part of some very misleading games like the Penn St game where they were out gained by over 300 yards and it came down to the last play of the game.  Illinois is by far the worst team in the Big 10 and Iowa need a late 89 pick six in the 3rd to stretch this lead out or else Illinois takes the lead there.  NW got their offense going last week racking up over 530 yards @ Maryland.  To much of this line is being played into Iowa coming off their bye week

Let's go with Texas Tech here as I think they respond in a big way here.  Last week they should have won the game @ West Virginia up 35-17 as a touchdown dog and couldn't get the cover.  Now Iowa St is getting a lot of respect because they went into Norman as 31 point underdogs an won SU, then followed up by pounding Kansas last week.  Texas Tech has big time revenge in mind also after getting embarrassed in Ames last year.

Alright I will take one more shot here with the Suns as I don't obviously think they are as bad as that first game.  I do like them catching the Lakers off their first game last night vs the Clippers since the Lakers team is so young it could be a little difficult for them here not because they are tired but just for the fact they won't be as interested here tonight and plus the Suns will be out for blood after their awful performance.

Love the Bucks here tonight for their home opener against their division rival in the Cavs.  I wasn't very impressed with the Cavs at all on opening night as we all know what the Celtics had to over come and go through and they still had a chance at the end of the game.  The Bucks are a team in the East to look out for as we saw first hand with how they handled Boston @ Boston.  The Greek Freak is a machine and the Cavs have no one including LeBron that can stop him.  

I think it's going to take a while now for the Celtics to find their rhythm here as we all know they are dealing with the loss of Hayward.  It wouldn't be as big of an issue to me if they had more experience, but its 2nd year player Brown and rookie Tatum asked to step up.  While, I do love both of them I think right now isn't the right time.  This Sixers team was right in the game @ Washington and they are a team to keep your eye on especially healthy.  Sixers actually have the better matchups here also  

Suns probably aren't a playoff team yet, but they have some great young pieces in place to make a run in the next few years.  Portland has two good guards in Lillard and McCollum but the Suns match up well with them here.  However, McCollum will be out for this game serving a suspension.  The Suns have the edge here with that

This might be a sucker bet right out of the gate, but who let's be honest who doesn't think the T Wolves will be very good with everything they have done this off season.  The additions of Butler and Teague to go along with Towns and Wiggins.  The main reason here for me is the fact Parker and Leonard are both out for the Spurs tonight.

Like the Mavs here tonight as I think this team could be a major sleeper with the loaded western conference.  When the Mavs drafted Dennis Smith I thought he was the biggest steal of the draft.   The Hawks on the other hand I think will really struggle this year as quite simply they don't have any scoring options outside of Schroeder.  

No team made a bigger splash this off season IMO than the Celtics as far as adding value to their team.  The trade in getting Kyrie was huge, plus the addition of Hayward.  Not to mention they drafted the best offensive player in Jayson Tatum.  This Celtics team can really defend the ball here.  Another major point in this game is that Thomas is out for the Cavs for a while.  It's going to be a major adjustment I think for them.  Yes they Wade now, but his minutes will be limited.  Celtics will want to prove something here I think they win here tonight

We are hearing all week now how there is something wrong with the Steelers locker room so on an so forth.  While, some of that might be true I think they respond in a big way.  Big Ben is simply too good here to have another bad game.  The offense will be able to move the ball as the Chiefs are banged up pretty good in the secondary.  I think this is a gift catching 5 considering two weeks ago this line is probably a PK.  

I'm not very high at all on this Lions team and think they are extremely over rated.  I faded them last week hosting Carolina in a win.  They have had the benefit of the turnovers so far.  As I have mentioned before those will equal out.

Detroit beat the Cardinals after they lost Johnson during that game, they beat the win less Giants and were lucky at Minnesota to face back up QB and Vikings lost their RB Cook during that game to a torn ACL.

THe Saints have responded nicely after dropping their first two games of the season.  The win over the Panthers at their place stands out big time holding that offense to 13 points.  Now the Saints are coming off a bye and I think they expose the Lions D

Love the Vikings here in this spot catching more than a FG.  Since the Packers were able to make a major comeback last week @ the Cowboys after being down 21-6 and scoring with 10 seconds the betting public loves that and will jump on board with them.  

Let's look at this so last week the Packers are underdogs @ Dallas by 2 points.  Now this week on the road again against a division rival and a better team than Dallas and are favored by more than a field goal?  Especially considering how much better the Vikings defense is.  This makes no sense to me at all. 

Yes, the Browns are terrible again surprise surprise.  I do know they have only covered one game as well.  If they can't cover in this spot I will be done with this team.  So we clearly know who the better team is in the Texans.  

One thing from last week was a change at QB in Hogan who actually provided a spark for the Browns.  Another key for me is that Watt and Mercilus are both out which is huge for this defense.  We all know Watt is probably the most important defensive player as far as spreads go in Vegas eyes.  

The Browns haven't been playing awful it was just that Kizer had turned the ball over way too many times and cost them.

I'm not sure where the 49ers hearts will be here after a hard fought loss last week @ the Colts and now this will be their 3rd straight road game with further travel here.  The Redskins are fresh here as they are coming off their bye week.  I think this Redskins team is pretty good actually.  Their only 2 losses are to the undefeated Chiefs and the Eagles who are now 5-1.  How impressive do their two wins look beating a healthy Raider team and winning @ the Rams looks very good right now.  Redskins have no problem blowing the 49ers out

I really like the value here we are getting with Arizona St given this spot for them.  When you look back at the Sun Devils their losses don't actually look that bad as they had a close loss to SDSU and Texas Tech both teams have proven them selves this year.  The Sun Devils beat Oregon SU as a 15 point underdog and followed that up by covering at Stanford losing by 10 as 17 point dogs.  Now, they are coming off a bye and have highly rated Washington coming to town which they will be ready for 

The limelight is now off PJ Fleck for a while as they have dropped two straight games to Purdue and Maryalnd.  I think Fleck will have his guys ready here as they are catching Michigan St at the right time with them coming off their huge win over rival Michigan.  The main reason for Sparty winning last week is pretty simple.  It was because Michigan had 5 turnovers to Sparty's 0.  Sparty does have some injuries here at RB and might start their 3rd stringer and this is important because of ground and pound style they play.  

This will be the divide of the Pros vs Joes.  The betting public will be all over Auburn here as they continue to climb in the rankings.  I was all over LSU early last week grabbing them at +3 at Florida and they went off as two point favorites.  

Auburn is just getting a lot of respect because of their close loss @ Clemson, but that was early in the season and the game was a little misleading as Auburn should have lost by a lot more considering they barely had above 100 total yards. 

This is a huge game here for LSU with two road games looming here and one of those is Bama.  With Auburn coming off back to back blowouts over both at home I think they will be challenged big time here as LSU does have a defense.  

Really love Tennessee here this week coming off their bye week and this is gut check time.  They were just embarrassed at home last time out vs Georgia.  Now, Jones job is on the line he knows it and I think we see a big response here

I just think this South Carolina team is very overrated especially now coming off a blowout win over Arkansas who appears to have thrown it in for the season.  That was a misleading score as South Carolina scored 21 from their defense. This is a South Carolina team that trailed 16-0 at home vs La Tech and came back to win by 1. 

I realize many have gave up on Tennessee as they haven't looked great so far.  However, I do love this spot/situation for them here and let's not forget they did beat Georgia Tech and that is their only loss of the season.  With Alabama on deck Jones can't afford a loss here 

Well the number has simply gone to high to pass up here on Cal.  Wazzu is getting to much love for me after they are coming off wins over USC and a injured Oregon team.  Remind you last week Wazzu were dogs at Oregon and now based on results they jump to over 2 touch down favorites.  

Cal was 17 point dog at Oregon two weeks ago and mind you that was a healthy Oregon team then.  So on a neutral field Wazzu should only be favored by 14 two weeks ago.  Now 16 on the road it's definitely inflated. 

This Cal team gave USC all they wanted as 17 point dogs only losing by 10 and had 6 turnovers in that game.  Give me Cal to keep it close tonight 

To me the Astros will win it all this year.  I don't think they get the credit they deserve simply because of the market they are in.  

Dallas Keuchel is just outstanding and will get the job done here tonight at home.  He is 7-3 on the year at home with a 2.21 ERA.  He also owns the Yankees for his career with a impressive 1.24 ERA.  

I also dont trust Tanaka on the road as he was terrible this year with a 6.48 ERA and just a 4-7 record.  He also has never beat the Astros with a 0-3 record and a terrible 8.86 ERA.  

I think we are seeing a superstar in merge before our eyes in Watson.  He is taking this Texans team to a whole different level.  This is a big time game for them to make a statement and I believe they do here.  

Everyone is talking here about the Chiefs being the best team in football right now which gives extra motivation here to the Texans.  The public will no doubt be on the Chiefs here as they are the only undefeated team in the league and have covered every game so far.  

I'm throwing week 1 out for the Texans as they didnt start Watson and were behind the eight ball right from the get go because of the turnovers.  They should have won at New England and believe their defense is elite and will keep them in it and come away with a win

This is a great situation here with the Cowboys to have a bounce back game after losing to the Rams last weekend.  I think the motivation here for Dallas plays a huge factor since they lost to the Packers last year at home in the playoffs.  I know the main concern in the Cowboys secondary, but I think the Packers have huge OL issues so Dallas can put enough pressure on Rodgers where they won't get beat bad in the secondary.  

I want no part of the Seahawks right now as they aren't a good team by any means.  Seattle has the worst OL in all of football as we see week in and week out.  Rams have one of the best DL in all of football.

Rams are finding life with Goff right now and I see him continuing to grow here.  Their win last week at Dallas shows what this team is capable off.  They have a lethal offense right now and Gurley is showing he is an elite RB in the league.  

Seahawks only two wins came against the Niners and Colts.  Wilson is just 6-10 SU as a road dog for his career

NFL GAME OF THE WEEK!

Love the Bengals here only laying 3 as the perception is the Bengals are a terrible team and the Bills are a team on the rise.  

The Bills are in a difficult spot coming off a huge win @ Falcons beating an undefeated team.  The Bills were outgained by a total of 283 yard combined their last 3  games and still won 2 of those.  That's not the sign of a 3-1 team.  The main reason they are is because of the TO differential which will likely balance itself out.  

The Bengals are being underrated because of their 1-3 start but this team hasn't lost hope as they should have won @ Green Bay in week 3.  They did come through last vs scoring 31 points.  They will provide a huge effort here wanting to gain momentum heading into their bye week which I believe they do

I'm not a believer at all in these Detroit Lions.  They have benefited big time as they have the best turnover differential in the NFL.  That will likely come to a hault as the season goes on.  

Carolina I feel is quietly 3-1 on the season and believe they show up with another big performance following that huge win last week against the Patriots.  

The Lions have no running game at all only averaging 3.3 yards per rush.  Carolina only give up 4.2 yards per rush.  I think they will be in the back field all day long against the Lions an create big problems for Stafford.  

From what we have seen from Stanford so far this season they simply don't deserve to be this big of favorites here on the road.  They are getting way to much love because of Love teir RB who is putting together a Heisman run.  What people are missing is that this Utah team has an outstanding defense and can keep him in check.  Utah is a perfect 4-0 ATS this season and oddsmakers haven't caught on.  This is a statement game for them here.  I also think the fact that Stanford has Oregon on deck is a look ahead here.

Really like the Longhorns here in a night game as I believe Herman will have this team ready knowing if they want to make a bowl game.  K St has only played two hard teams and that was Vandy which they lost 14-7 and Baylor last week who has been a major disappointment and they beat them by 13.  They were actually outgained in that game by Baylor.

Texas is a team that is vastly improving since game 1 vs Maryland.  I'm not counting that game as a huge loss because this Maryland team has been a very nice surprise so far even with all the injuries.  They had a great game @ USC in which they should have won SU as 16.5 point underdogs.  They were in a tough situation @ Iowa St on a Thursday night game and held them to 7 points for a team that was scoring over 38 a game.  

What Texas does best is stop the run what K St does best is run the ball.  You definitely have to give the edge here to Texas to stop them here since it is at home.  Everyone loves Snyder as an underdog but I'm not buying it 

No one wants any part of LSU right now after losing as 21 point favorites to Troy last week.  I think this is now a perfect bounce back spot here for them against Florida who I haven't been impressed with this year.  

I just think this Florida team is very overrated in the fact they barely beat a very bad Tennessee team and should have lost @ Kentucky.  They will also be without their best player and play maker in Callaway as he is suspended.

LSU will return their best player here in Guice which will give them a huge upgrade here on the offensive side of the ball.  

I really like this spot here for Virginia coming off a bye week after a huge 20 point road win as a 14 point underdog @ Boise St.   I  think the momentum here really carries over with that extra time off.  Duke is a team I think they have over achieved so far.  They are coming off a very hard fought game vs Miami and now have a huge look ahead with Florida St on deck.  The spot/ situation here screams to take Virginia.  Let's lay the short price here 

I really like this Georgia team a lot going forward as they are clearly the 2nd best team in the SEC and its not even close.  However now we are seeing a huge over reaction in the line here based on Georgia's results.  Let's just look at last week's results when Georgia went into Tennessee and destroyed them, but remind you they were only favored by 7.5 in that game.  Now, they have another road game here against a better team and are favored by 18?  This is a huge overreaction here to me.  Vandy is limited on offense I realize, but this is simply way to many points

Really like the Wolfpack here to make a statement on the big stage tonight.  Yes, this team has been a disappointing in terms of covering games, but they shouldn't be a dog here as this should be a PK.  I really question how good or bad this Louisville team is as they have played a bunch of cup cakes so far outside of Clemson.  The only other power 5 team was Purdue and they struggled against them.  NC ST has a very good defense here and I think they can keep Jackson in check.  I expect this line to drop throughout the day here take all the points you can grab now 

Really like the Broncos here in this match up against their rival the Raiders.  I'm not sold at all on the Raiders defense here.  They were exposed big time last Sunday vs the Redskins.  I also think tis is a great spot to back Denver after they suffered a ugly loss @ Buffalo last weekend.  The Broncos as we all know have one of the leagues best defenses and especially at home they are a tough out.  Denver gets the job done 

Little surprised this number hasn't came down.  The Giants are a team that is very very desperate right now in need of their first win.  Going 0-4 in the NFL means your season is over in a hurry.  I think they rally here and get the job done.  They did find some life on offense last week in the 4th against the Eagles in getting OBJ the ball.  I think that will carry over here.  

LOVE the Vikings here on Sunday against a division rival.  I'm not a believer in this Lions team at all and don't let the 2-1 record fool ya here as their wins were against the Lions and Cardinals.  The Vikings are playing with a ton of confidence as they might have the best defense in the NFL right now.  I think this is a huge discount especially since Bradford is out.  This line would be 6 or more.  Stafford on the road against a quality team I don't want any part of 

I think to many people were making the dolphins win over the Chargers somethin.  We now see how bad they actually are loosing to the Jets.

now the Saints went on the road and upset division rival in the Panthers last week.  Sure they were desperate but their losses were to the Vikings and Patriots, you can't fault them for that.  

Another key worth pointing out here is that Miami has had an absolutely brutal travel schedule dealing with hurricane stayed in LA longer then to New York now London?  How much actually be left in the tank? 

I also don't trust the Dolphins offense here at all.  I do like the fact the saints return WR Snead from suspension who Brees will definitely target

I think we are getting a huge discount here on the Aggies that have just found their stride after beating Arkansas in OT last week.

I'm not high on this South Carolina team at all as they were extremely lucky last to beat Louisiana Tech as they are down 13-0 going into the 4th.  They have been extremely fortunate beating NC St earlier this season despite being out gained by 258 yards.  They were also out gained by a terrible Missouri team.  They then lost to Kentucky at home. Now they have lost their best play maker in Deebo Samuel. 

Texas Am is a team yes, that hasn't looked very impressive but still have won 3 straight and could easily be 4-0 if it wasn't for that crazy come back from UCLA in week 1.  They have now found a new QB in Fond who threw for over 200 and ran for over 100 last week vs Arkansas.   

Will take the 10 points here with Miss St as they were just destroyed in a tough spot @ Georgia, following a huge blowout win over LSU as 8.5 point dogs.  I won't take anything away from them for losing last week as Georgia to me is the 2nd best team in the SEC.  

Now Auburn is a team that I feel is extremely overrated.  Yes they blew out Missouri last weekend and that team is in shambles.  They are still getting credit for playing Clemson tough even though they barely managed above 100 total yards for the game.  

This is a perfect bounce back as I feel Miss St does have a very solid defense and are also in a perfect bounce back spot.  

I like Akron here to get the job done against what looks like the worst team in the MAC right now in Bowling Green.  BG in 4 games this season have not only been out gained every game but only one of those were under 200 yards.  They have just been dominated in every aspect.  

Akron just has the better play makers here granted they are only 1-4 but they have played a lot tougher competition so far.  They were shut out against Penn St which is nothing to be ashamed off, Iowa St is much improved this season.  Akron last week were 17 point underdogs at Troy and nearly did pull the upset.  

I'm gonna go ahead and grab this one early do my write up for it.  There isn't a more deflating loss than what the Hawkeyes suffered over the weekend.  They had Penn St on the ropes as it came down to the final play of the game and Penn St needed a TD.  This Penn St team is for real.  They actually dominated the game out gaining Iowa by over 300 total yards it was a very misleading final score.  Sparty was on the hand of a bad beat here and misleading they actually out gained Notre Dame by 149 yards and lost by 10.  Figure that one out.  The main difference here was because of the turnovers as Sparty had 3 and ND had 0.  I think Michigan St bounces back here as the Hawkeyes struggle to recover from that game 

Not many probably watched the Maryland game last week but they are now down to their 3rd string QB this week.  So now we clearly aren't getting the same Maryland team that won at Texas in week 1.  While the Gophers aren't exactly the flashy team I think coach Fleck has done wonders making this team believe.  They are also coming off their bye week so they won't be over looking this game for their big ten opener.  I realize the Gophers haven't played a tough schedule but the defense has showed up so far only allowing 24 points on the season 

It's hard to figure out this Duke team this year thats for sure.  While I know the week day games home underdog are popular plays I just think they haven't seen a team like this.  The Hurricanes continue to go under the radar IMO.  They are a fresh after 2 weeks off because of the Hurricane that happened.  I know this isn't a great spot because now they do have Florida St on deck.  I think Richt will have his team read here and he knows this is a nice statement go on National TV on a Friday night. 

Really like the Cyclones here and yes both teams coming off a bye week.  Thursday night in Ames is a scary time and this team is vastly improved.

I'm not sold on Texas right now either as most are going to remember their recent game @USC in which they should have won.  With that being said most have now forgot how bad they were against Maryland in week 1 as 18 point favorites.  

I'm not sold on this Texas defense at all and really believe Iowa St will be able to move the ball here.  They have a more balanced attack than the past here.  Texas will have their hands full here  

Let's take the Brewers here tonight as they have a ton to play for here only 1.5 behind for the final playoff spot.  The Reds have called it quits for their season here as they have now lost 6 straight.  They will send out McGuire making his debut.  The Brewers counter with the veteran Davies who has been good with a 17-9 record this season with a 3.94 ERA.  In Davies 3 previous starts against the Reds this season he went a total of 15 innings only giving up 4 earned runs and striking out 14

Well gonna have a late add here.  I'm not sure how "good" the Cowboys actually are.  Their defense has taken a step back as you can throw the Giants came out the window because they are terrible. The Cardinals as we watched all weekend are a despe team and this will also be their first home game of the season which are huge positives

Give me the Titans here as the Seahawks continue to struggle on offense with no good signs going forward.  The Titans have a better defense that what most think here.  I'm also not going to fault them for losing week 1 in which they are also a 3 point favorite over the Raiders who right now is a top 5 team in the league.  Seattle ranks 26th on offense right now and just 15 on defense.  I think it's very alarming that couldn't do anything against Green Bay  and we saw ow bad that defense still is Sunday night.  Titans should be able to really control the game here on offense here as they do have the 6th ranked in the league

Really like the Browns here this week to get their first win of the season.  I'm not going to fault the Browns for being 0-2 as they have faced the Steelers and the Ravens as you could make a case that they are both in the top 5 for AFC teams.  The Browns lost by 14 last week despite out gaining the Ravens by 49 yards a large part of that was because of 5 turnovers.  The Colts don't have anywhere near a defense like that to be worries about.  The Colts had business even being in last week's game vs the Cardinals.  They were outgained by 123 yards.  I also think it's hard for them to bounce back here losing in OT the way they did.  Also the Browns have a huge edge in the trenches as well .

This might be the worst spot of any team this week in the NFL.  Everyone saw last week how bad the Broncos blew out the Cowboys.  Of course they will be jumping back on board here as just a 3.5 point favorite.  The Broncos have played their first two games at home and were lucky to escape with a win over the Chargers.  The Bills actually have a solid defense as well and it's not like the Broncos are stellar on offense.  The Broncos also have the Raiders on deck here in a huge division rivalry.  

Love Stanford here in this spot.  So they are playing their first home game of the season against a rival in UCLA and coming off back to back losses.  I dont believe motivation will be a problem here.  Stanford losing to SDSU last week isn't a big deal to me as simply turnovers cost them and they are also in a sandwich spot coming off of USC and having UCLA on deck here.  UCLA barely beat Texas Am week 1 and it looks like they are a bottom 5 team in the SEC.  Their defense ranks 123rd in the country and there are major problems here.  They give up 6.2 yards per play while Stanford average 7.5 yards per run.  I think the Bruins defense get worn out as Stanford can have some big long drives by controlling the ball.  

I had Miss St last week as my game of the week and that cashed easily with a huge win over LSU.  Now they seem to be getting a lot of credit and I consider Georgia the 2nd best team in the SEC.  Georgia backup Jake Fromm went into a very tough place one of the hardest in college football in Notre Dame and came away with the win.  Maybe Miss St is the real deal and I do like Fitzgerald their QB, but I will need to see how they handle a big win before I can back them again in another tough SEC game. 

This is one of those game that will go under the radar here.  I think Cuse will be able to move the ball as LSU is dealing with some injuries right now.  Also take into fact that LSU got blown out last weekend at Miss St which I had as my top play.  I believe this is a flat spot here.  Cus offense can generate points.  I'm not sure where LSU heads are right now.  

If this game was played 2 weeks ago Michigan would be favored by 20+ points.  Now that Purdue has had a little bit of success everyone seems to be jumping on board but I'm not buying into it quite yet.  The fact that Michigan didnt cover the last two weeks after beating Florida shouldn't be surprise.  They were in a major let down spot vs Cincinnati after that game and had to play an option team in Air Force that are hard to adjust to.  I think now that Purdue is on fire they will have Michigan's eye.  The talent level is greater on Michigan and yes they still have Harbaugh as their coach.  

I really think is the perfect spot to back Nebraska here as people are selling them.  While, this team may not be very good you have to remember they are playing Rutgers.  Last week they had two early pick sixes which dug them a hole they couldn't get out of.  I think this week calls for desperate measures here and we will see the Cornhuskers respond.   

Make this pretty short and sweet here.  It's pretty hard to pass up on a pitcher who is 13-1 at home this season with a 2.33 ERA.  The D Backs had a nice day off after struggling with the Padres.  I think they bounce back here big time as they are 48-27 at home which is just crazy.  Miami has been playing well, but that was against the Mets.  Greinke has owned Miami with a 5-0 record and 2.85 ERA.

Cardinals bats broke out last night destroying the Reds.  The same should hold true here with the Cards ace on the mound in Carlos Martinez.  His overall numbers doesn't actually reflect how good he has pitched this year.  Reds counter with Bailey who is just 1-5 at home with a 7.78 ERA.  

Give me the D Backs here after dropping game 1 yesterday of this series.  The D Backs still have a ton to play for trying to get that wild card spot on lock down.  They also have a big advantage on the mound tonight in Godley.  He brings in a 3.00 ERA on the season and a 2.97 ERA on the road.  He enters in great form with a 1.29 ERA his last 3 starts.  

I like the Giants here to redeem themselves on another national spotlight game.  Yes they struggled Week 1 on offense but I think they figure it out Week 2 even if OBJ doesn't play.  I don't trust Stanford in this situation as they were very lucky Week 1.  It's also a big time spotlight and we all know how he folds in this games

I might be on the wrong side of this game because it begs you to take the Packers.  I just think they will want revenge here in a big way after losing last here to go to the Super Bowl.  Also the Falcons are in a new stadium and do we actually know how big of advantage that will be?  I was very impressed with the Packers defense in week 1 vs the Seahawks.  They may not win outright but getting a field goal given the circumstances I will gladly take 

I had the Rams last week as a Top Play winner.  I will gladly back them again here this week.  I think the general public won't give them enough credit because Luck was out.  I just think this Rams team is so much improved all the way around including the coaching which is huge.  The Redskins are going to prove to be the worst team in the NFC East and probably one of the most disappointing in the league this season.  I could see this line climbing big time get on the Rams here.  

The betting public will be in love with the Cowboys here especially coming off a sunday night national TV victory over the Giants.  I'm not sure the Cowboys deserve to be favored in this situation given the fact the Giants were missing their best player in OBJ.  Also, the Broncos defense is no joke here either and I think Dak will struggle against it.  

I know the Patriots are probably the best team ever to back after a loss let alone getting embarrassed on their home field.  However, at this line we could care less if they win the game but shouldn't be favored by 7.  I think their defense has major problems and Brees who I will give a pass to because I think the Vikings are a legit top 5 defense in the league.  It's no secret Brady is missing weapons as well.  While I know the Saints defense isn't anything to write home about I don't think they were any worse than what we saw from New England.  

We all know the Chiefs had the most impressive performance of week 1.  The question is can they follow it up.  I do think this Chiefs team is good but to me they are getting way to much respect to another top 10 team in the NFL.  I am very high on the Eagles this season and I had them last week vs the Redskins.  Their defense is very impressive and Wentz will take a huge step forward this year.  It's not easy for teams to come off a national stage like that especially against the Patriots and be able to back it up.  

I think this is a game here that will be under the radar.  This Miami Oh team I believe can play for the MAC title this year by winning the eastern side of their conference.  This team is 0-2 ATS and should have won and covered easily in week 1 against Marshall as it ended as a very misleading final score.  I'm not very high at all on the Cincy team and since they did cover the number against Michigan I think we are getting the benefit of the doubt here.  They were never in that game being outgained by 214 yards.  Miami only lost by 7 last year at Cincy being 14.5 points dogs.  Miami is way more of a veteran group here and I believe they respond in a big way

Huge rivalry game here at night with the home team wanting revenge.  Everyone seems to be jumping on the Clemson wagon again wand while I do like this team I think it's a big overreaction from last week as I'm not buying into Auburn at all.  If you remember lat year in Death Valley Louisville should have won that game and I believe they do get the job tonight as they have the biggest difference maker in the game and that is Lamar Jackson.  

This is one of those weird games that you see a ranked team on the road as a short favorite, but do they really deserve to be favored here?  Both teams have played pretty easy opponents, but if I had to be picky Vandy has played the hardest in Mid Tenn St.  This Vandy team returned a lot of key starters from last year.  I'm not that high on Snyder and his Wildcats even though he will have them ready.  I think there are some issues on defense here giving up 4.1 yards per play given their weak competition.  This is also a night game here for Vandy and I think they will respond. 

I will back the Bulldogs here as I feel this line is just a huge over reaction based on team name alone in LSU.  They have played absolutely no one in their first two game and neither has Miss St but that shouldn't make LSU a TD road favorite in a very hostile environment here.  The Bulldogs granted haven't played anyone extremely tough but scoring 57 and 49 is taking care of business.  Both defenses have been rock solid so far and I just really like what I have seen from Nick Fitzgerald at QB.  I expect this line to drop throughout the week

Oklahoma couldn't be in a worse spot here coming off the biggest win of the year so far in football upsetting Ohio St at the Horseshoe.  Now they have to play a gritty Tulane team that run the option.  While Oklahoma is obviously the more talented team, playing against the Option is never easy and often not prepared much for.  The OU lineman will be chopped all day and quite frankly I see the coaches playing a lot of their backups here so no one gets hurt.  There is also zero, I mean zero motivation here for the Sooners to blow them out and not to mention they start conference next week with Baylor and will be looking forward to that

The Cyclones were my free pick last week at +3 vs their rival the Iowa Hawkeyes.  They ended up losing a heart breaker in OT after blowing lead late in that game.  Most will think they could come out flat, but I think this team is very much improved under the 2nd year coach in Campbell.  Akron is a average team in the MAC with no home field advantage at all.  Iowa St will be a surprise team come conference play and they simply aren't getting enough credit here.  

Give me the Rockies here in a blowout win tonight over the Padres.  They split the 4 game series with the D Backs, but now playing against a bottom feeder they need to jump all over them as they are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Chatwood is coming off back to back starts where he hasn't allowed a run.  Richard has been torched by the Rockies both times he has faced them this year.  I think the Rockies blow them out tonight

Really think the Cardinals respond here this afternoon after dropping last night's game 6-0.  THey have a huge advantage on the mound with Weaver.  He has been a bright spot with a 5-1 record and 2.45 ERA. in 6 starts.  I dont trust Garrett at all who is 3-7 in 12 starts with a 7.39 ERA.  He is in bad form also with a 7.36 ERA his last 3 starts. 

I plan on the D Backs bouncing back here after dropping the first two games of this series.  They will send out lefty Corbin who has pitched very well at home with a 8-4 record and 3.31 ERA.  He owns a very good 6-3 record against the Rockies.  Marquez has a nice future ahead of him but he hasnt been able to figure out the D Backs yet as he hasn't recorded a win against them.  

As the day goes on I think we will see this line start to climb.  Yes, the Saints have made some big moves and they brought in a huge name in Peterson the former Viking.  They do have Drew Brees still but losing Cooks and Snead is suspended I think those two he will miss on the outside.  Also the Vikings have one the best defenses in the league along with one of toughest stadiums to play in.  I don't trust the Saints defense at all as it has been a major problem 

To many people are making a big deal out of this Zeke situation and I believe he will respond in a big way.  The Giants have also been doing a lot of talking lately and I dont think that will serve well for them.  There is also this over reaction about the Giants owning the Cowboys and I just simply don't believe that will be the case!  

This Rams team did the best thing in the world in letting Jeff Fisher go.  He IMO was the worst NFL coach and cost them team a ton last year.  I think this team will be refreshed and Gurley will be used in a useful way this year.  Now the Colts are a team I am down on even with Luck.  Now they have to worst starter in the league in Scott Tolzein under the helmet.  The Rams have a very good defense and will eat him alive

NFL GAME OF THE WEEK!

I love the Titans here week 1 against the Raiders.  This Raiders are being overrated here coming of last season.  They simply had everything go their way as they were tied with the Chiefs in turnover differential which as most know that will balance out.  They were also a perfect 6-0 in close games last season.  I think the Titans have something to prove here and they should be able to control the ball on the ground with Murray and Henry as they had the 3rd best rushing attack last year.  The better defense here is the Titans.  I also think we see a very improved Marriota as well 

I'm very high on this Eagles team this year as I love the addition of Alshon Jeffrey at WR.  Carson Wentz did have a good rookie season and I think he has a huge season this year.  To me the Eagles have the best defense in this division.  I also think the Redskins are simply overrated this season as they lost key play makers in Jackson and Garcon.  I also dont trust what is going on in their organization with Cousins.  

Not very high on this Boise St team team this year and I think Wazzu will want revenge from last year.  Luke Falk is a QB to keep your eye on this season with their pass happy offense and I dont think this Boise St team is made for high scoring affairs anymore.  Boise simply doesn't have the talent level there anymore.  

While Missouri does worry me a little bit on the defensive side of the ball I think they will step up here against a below average offense.  South Carolina's points were fraud last week only having 12 first downs for the whole game.  They were also very fortunate to run the opening kick back for a TD.  NC St really picked them a part and Drew Lock is not a QB that you want to give time in the pocket.  I believe Lock lights their secondary up and the only reason this line isn't higher is because SC did come away with the win

Auburn seems to be everyone's flavor this week for an underdog.  I think people are under estimating how tough an environment Death Valley is to play in.  Is Clemson as good as they were last year obviously not, but they still have enough pieces here and I trust Dabo here to get the job done.  Auburn has a lot of hype coming into this season and maybe they are legit, but I will need them to prove me wrong before I back them in a game like this  

Really like the Wolfpack here against Marshall.  Both teams had very misleading scores last week.  NC St dominated South Carolina out gaining them by 258 yards and the fact they lost shows the bad luck they had.  South Carolina only had 12 first downs for the game and they ran the opening kick back for a TD.  Marshall on the other hand should have lost easily as they returned 2 kicks for TD and even a pick six in the 3rd quarter.  I think Marshall will have their hands full big time here getting stops.  NC St pours it on them

The price is right here to back Sparty especially given this situation.  Michigan St is on the bounce back this year and a horrible season.  I know people will say Sparty has Notre Dame next, but that's before a bye week so they won't be looking ahead IMO.  Western Michigan is getting a lot of love because they played USC tough.  Well now we have a big travel issue here that I always look for early.  Western Michigan has success on the ground vs the Trojans, but that plays right into Sparty's hands as they only gave up 67 on the ground.  Lay the number!

Cubs should be pissed and look for revenge here tonight after getting blown out 12-0 yesterday.  Hendricks is back to rock solid form undefeated in his last 3 starts with a 2.75 ERA.  Cubs do have the division lead, but it's not that big so they will want to even this series here tonight.  Pirates counter with Brault from the bullpen which I think will be a rough move for him. He is simply outmatched here tonight 

I think the wrong team is favored here in this game.  There are 3 teams to me this year in the MAC to keep an eye on and that is Miami Oh Toledo and Northern Illinois.  I have this Miami Oh team winning the MAC East here this year with 16 returning starters.  They won 6 games last year after starting the season 0-6.  3 of those were very close losses.  I really like their QB in Ragland here as well.  

Marshall is a team that is projected to be nothing special by any means in Conference USA.  They only won 3 games last year and were 2-6 in the conference.  They also only return 11 total starters from that bad team which doesn't bold well.  

The Trojans only return 4 on offense but the main piece is their QB Sam Darnold who most consider the best QB in college football.  I love how they finished the season winning 9 straight after starting 1-3.  They also return 6 on defense that had the 3rd best defense in the Pac 12.  

This is mostly a play against Western Michigan a team I will look to fade this season as we all know they lost their coach in PJ Fleck to Minnesota.  They lost their stud WR Corey Davis #5 overall pick in the NFL Draft.  They also lost their QB Zach Terrell who was very good himself.  When small schools lose that much and don't have top notch recruiting classes to fill their shoes.  

If most of you listened to my win season total podcast I am very high on Notre Dame this year.  Last year simply everything went wrong they lost every close game and Brian Kelley is on the hot seat where I expect him to bounce back.  Notre Dame returns 8 on offense and 7 on defense and will be out for blood this season.

Temple is a team that simply careered it last year winning 10 games going 7-1 in conference.  Well after that great season being covering machines also, they lost their coach to Baylor and lost a ton of talent as they only return 4 starters a piece on each side of the ball.  I think their defense especially up front will get man handled and wore down as game goes on

Talk about one of the most experienced teams in the country returning 16 starters.  What I really like is that they have everyone back on both lines expect one guy!  They NC St team should have beat Clemson last year losing in OT, only lost to Florida St by 4.  Finley is more than a capable QB now that he is an upperclassmen.  

I simply don't trust South Carolina for the fact I don't trust their overrated head coach in Will Muschamp.  Sure he does return a lot but this team beat absolutely no one last season.  Their offense was 2nd worst in the SEC.  The value lies with the Wolfpack because this game is being played on a neutral field here.  I expect sharp some to drive this up

I just think we are getting very good value because of the way Texas played last season.  There is a new guy and in town now and Tom Herman is very highly regarded coming over from Houston.  What he did with that program was extremely impressive.  He gets a ton of talent on Texas especially returning 10 on defense.  They also return their stud QB who was only a true freshman last year in Shane Buechele.  

Maryland comes to town with 2nd year coach in Durkin who did win 6 games last year but they beat Howard FIU UCF Rutgers Purdue and Michigan St.  None of those teams were any good.  They only return 6 from the 2nd worst defense in the Big Ten last year.  I believe they simply get torched as Herman will want to make a statement 

This is a huge year for the Sun Devils and Todd Graham.  He is easily one of the top 5 coaches on the heat seat this year following a 5-7 season.  The major problem was their defense last year as they got in shootouts and couldn't stop anyone.  That was a key for them this off season and expect them to be a lot better on that side of the ball.  They won't have any problem scoring here tonight against a New Mexico St who gave up 47.9 points per game on the road last season and lost every single road game.  This has a major blowout written all over it tonight.

Really good value with the Cubs on the RL here tonight.  They just destroyed the Pirates sweeping them and winning the series 27-5.  They have won 4 of 5 and with their bats coming around they should have no problem especially with Hendricks on the mound here tonight.  He brings in a solid 2.37 ERA his last 3 starts. 

I like the Dodgers to respond here with a win after dropping the game yesterday and being shutout.  They should have no problem scoring runs today against Jimmy Nelson who has a 9.00 ERA his last 3 starts.  Darvish has been pretty good since the trade and comes into this game with a 2.50 ERA his last 3 starts.  

Cubs really have a chance to start running away with the division, and I expect a huge effort here to avoid a 3 game losing skid.  Hendricks is at the top of his game right now with a 2.16 ERA his last 3 starts.  

Give me the Yankees here on the RL with Gray and a bounce back spot for them after losing yesterday.  Gray has been rock solid since joining the Yankees and I see that continuing.  Gray has a 3.37 ERA on the season while Gallardo has a 6.28 ERA on the year.  

D Backs return home after 9 games away.  After getting swept by the Twins they just took 3 of 4 against the Mets.  They send their ace out tonight in Greinke who has just been dominant at home with a 11-1 record and a 2.34 ERA.  He has also owned the Giants for his career with a 9-2 record and a 2.55 ERA.

Really great value here with the Marlins on the RL who are playing their best baseball right now.  They have won 4 of their last 5 and 6 of their last 8.  I think they easily get the job done tonight with Conley on the mound who is coming of two good starts in a row.  I don't trust Wood on the road with a 8.10 ERA.  

The Twins dropped yesterday's game but I expect them to get even here today with Berrios on the mound.  He is coming off a great start vs the D Backs in which he went 7 innings gave up 0 runs and struck out 7.  He has also owned the White Sox so far with a 2-0 record and 2.08 ERA.  In his only start against them this year he went 8 innings only giving up 2 runs and striking out 8.  Holland I want no part of as he enters the game with a 14.80 ERA his last 3 starts.