At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Houston Texans (256) minus the points versus the Detroit Lions (255). Houston (4-3) looks to bounce-back from a 22-9 loss at Denver for Monday Night Football as a 9-point underdog. We had the Broncos in that game while expecting Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to have the insider knowledge as to how to stymie Texans’ quarterback Brock Osweiler. BEST ARGUMENT: Expect Osweiler and this Houston team to rebound back at home. The Texans are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games after both a straight-up defeat as well as a point spread loss. Additionally, this franchise is 39-19-1 ATS in their last 59 games after  failing to score at least 15 points in their last game. Returning home should help where Houston is 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games. Facing a suspect Lions’ defense missing one of their best players in linebacker DeAndre Levy will also be a boon for Osweiler in this contest. Additionally, while the Texans allowed the Broncos to rush for 190 yards in that game, they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 150 yards in their last contest.

Detroit (4-3) has won three games in a row with their 20-17 win over Washington last week. The Lions now go on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home. QB Matthew Stafford has been a nice story for this team — but with seemingly every major sports news outlet mentioning him as a dark horse candidate for league MVP, he may be due for a rude awakening. Injuries at running back have left the team relying on Justin Forsett who they picked up off the scrap heap after he was cut by Baltimore. Detroit is averaging only 89 rushing YPG. Stopping the run has also been an issue as they are allowing 112 rushing YPG while seeing their opponents average a robust 4.9 YPC. Furthermore, the Lions’ pass defense has surrendered 18 passing TDs this season. Lastly, Detroit has failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 13 games when playing on grass which is different than the field turf they are used on at home at Ford Field. 25* NFL Game of the Month with the Houston Texans (256) minus the points versus the Detroit Lions (255). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Tennessee Titans (102) minus the points versus the Jacksonville Jaguars (101). Tennessee (3-4) saw their two-game winning streak snapped last week with a 34-26 upset loss to Indianapolis last week. Despite the setback, the Titans are playing solid football for head coach Mike Mularkey. Two of Tennessee’s losses have been decided by one score possession. BEST ARGUMENT: In fact, both of these teams come off upset losses as favorites. It is gut check time for both teams having to play each other on a short week. The Jaguars are proving themselves mentally and physically soft under head coach Gus Bradley as they continue to fail to rise up to even the also-ran portion of the league. Malarkey is trying to build his team around toughness with a good offensive line complemented by a host of solid running backs. Except the Titans to wear down the Jaguars. They sport a nice defense that ranks 10th in the NFL by holding teams to use 338.0 total YPG. In the second year of Mularkey and quarterback Marcus Mariota, this team seems to be moving in the right direction. The fact that they are scoring 28 PPG over their last three games provides very good evidence to that statement.

Jacksonville (2-4) seems to be moving in the opposite direction despite having won two of their last three games. The Jaguars do come off a 33-16 loss to Oakland last week as a 2-point favorite. Jacksonville is 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a point spread loss. Jacksonville is also 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.  Talk is now beginning to swirl that QB Blake Bortles will be benched for backup Chad Henne. Head coach Gus Bradley is on the proverbial hot seat. The Jags have scored more than 17 points only once in their last five games. Expect this “soft” Jacksonville team to get out-muscled by the Titans that are feeling much better about themselves. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Game of the Month with the Tennessee Titans (102) minus the points versus the Jacksonville Jaguars (101). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:05 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the San Francisco 49ers (472) plus the points versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (471). Tampa Bay (2-3) looks to build off their 17-14 upset victory at Carolina on Monday Night Football last week as a 6-point underdog. Now this team faces a difficult situation in traveling out west on a short week. A letdown is likely. Not only have the Buccaneers failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Bucs surrendered 414 yards to the injury-plagued Panthers — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last contest. A +4 net turnover margin made the winning difference for Tampa Bay in that contest. This team has not been good on the road as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a losing record at home.

San Francisco (1-5) has lost five games in a row after their 45-16 loss at Buffalo last week. With five straight point spread losses and coming off a 29-point loss, we might have to hold our nose to take this 49ers’ team. But expect a spirited effort from Chip Kelly’s team as they find themselves in a great opportunity to win their second game of the season. Colin Kaepernick should be better with another week of practice under his belt in the up-tempo Kelly offense. He did rush for 66 yards against the Bills which is an encouraging sign. San Francisco is suffering from plenty of injuries but so are the Buccaneers which will make this contest a battle of wills. Bet against the Buccaneers. Teams coming off an upset victory over a divisional rival as an underdog getting at least points have then failed to cover the point spread in 26 of the last 32 situations (81%) where these conditions applied. 25* NFL NFC Game of the Month with the San Francisco 49ers (472) plus the points versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (471). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:05 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Kansas City Chiefs (269) minus the points versus the Oakland Raiders (270). Kansas City (2-2) looks to rebound from their rough 43-14 loss at Pittsburgh back on October 2nd. The Chiefs have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games after a loss on the road by at least two touchdowns. KC has also covered the point spread in 8 straight games after failing to score at least 15 points in their last game. Furthermore, while the Chiefs’ defense allowed 436 yards in that contest to the Steelers, they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last contest. Head coach Andy Reid has been outstanding with his teams over the years when coming off byes where he has led his teams to win fifteen of seventeen contests. Furthermore, Kansas City has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games when playing in Oakland. Despite the 2-2 start this season, quarterback Alex Smith has won thirteen of his last sixteen starts.

Oakland (4-1) enters this game coming off their 34-31 win over San Diego last week. All four of their wins have been decided by one score — and considering that the Raiders won three of those games by a combined 5 points, this is a group that could easily be 1-4 entering this game. Oakland is just 7-16-1 ATS in their last 24 games after a straight-up win. And while QB Derek Carr passed for 317 yards in that game, the Raiders have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after passing for at least 250 yards in their last game. Defense is an issue for this team as they are the only team in the NFL that is allowing more than 7.0 Yards-Per-Play. Oakland has allowed 423 and 412 yards in their last two games — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 19 games after surrendering at least 375 yards in two straight games. This team is also ravaged with injuries with the most pressing concerns being the absence of running back Latavius Murray along with two offensive linemen in Menelik Watson and Vadal Alexander. Moving forward, the Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games in October. Lastly, Oakland has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games at home. 25* NFL AFC West Blowout Game of the Month with the Kansas City Chiefs (269) minus the points versus the Oakland Raiders (270). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:25 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the San Diego Chargers (469) plus the points versus the Oakland Raiders (470). San Diego (1-3) looks to bounce-back from their 35-34 loss to New Orleans last week as a 3.5-point favorite. The Chargers have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss — and they have rebounded to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a loss. Despite their record, San Diego is third in the NFL by scoring 30.2 PPG — and all three of their losses were by 6 points or less. This franchise does play well against their AFC West rivals as they have won six of their last nine versus the Raiders. The Chargers have covered the point spread in 4 straight games against AFC West rivals. San Diego has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games on the road which includes four straight against teams with a winning record at home.

Oakland (3-1) looks to build off their 28-27 win at Baltimore last week as a 3.5-point underdog. The Raiders are just 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 games after a point spread win. Defense has been an issue for this team as they are last in the NFL by allowing 460.0 total YPG. That helps explain why Oakland has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games against teams with a losing record. Retaining a significant home field advantage has also been an issue for this team. The Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. 25* NFL AFC West Game of the Month with the San Diego Chargers (469) plus the points versus the Oakland Raiders (470). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Carolina Panthers (263) minus the points versus the Atlanta Falcons (264). Carolina (1-2) looks to bounce-back from a 22-10 loss to Minnesota last week as a 6-point favorite. Three interceptions from Cam Newton doomed this team in that game. Frankly, regression was expected from this team after their 15-1 mark last year. But there is no shame in losing to the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos on the road before falling to this gritty Vikings’ team that feels that a deep run in the NFC Playoffs last year was stolen by them by the Seahawks. The Panthers have rebounded to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games after a point spread setback. Now this Carolina team can get back to winning the battle at the line of scrimmage against this Atlanta team that is certainly not strong on either side of the ball at the line. The Panthers devastated the Falcons last year by A 38-0 score before losing in a rematch two weeks later in a game that meant much more to Dan Quinn and the Atlanta brain trust than it did the Panthers already clinched with home field advantage. Carolina has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games in the month of October.

Atlanta (2-1) comes off a dominant 45-32 win over New Orleans on the road for Monday Night Football. The Falcons have a tough task playing on the short week — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win. And while Atlanta allowed 464 yards in that game, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Now after two straight underdog victories on the road, this Falcons team may be due for a letdown. Home field has not been much of an advantage either with Atlanta failing to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games at home. Together, these team trends produce our specific 50-14-1 combined angle for this situation. 25* NFL NFC South Game of the Year with the Carolina Panthers (263) minus the points versus the Atlanta Falcons (264). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 AM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Jacksonville Jaguars (252) plus the points versus the Indianapolis Colts (251). Jacksonville (0-3) remained winless last week with a 19-17 loss to Baltimore as a 2.5-point underdog. The Jaguars have suffered two losses this season by a combined 6 points — and they are actually outgaining their opponents by +6.0 net YPG. The problem for this team has not been on the defensive side of the football as they are only allowing a mere 311.3 YPG after limiting the Ravens to just 283 yards. QB Blake Bortles has to play better. A trip to London to play in Wembley Stadium may be just the thing head coach Gus Bradley needs to get his team focused on this challenging business trip. If there is one thing the Jaguars know, it is traveling to play in London with this being their fourth straight season where they have sacrificed a home game for a game at Wembley. The Jags are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games against fellow AFC opponents — and that includes being 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games against AFC South rivals.



Indianapolis (1-2) earned their first win of the season last week with their 26-22 win over San Diego. The Colts were carried by Andrew Luck who completed 24 of 37 passes for 331 yards. Unfortunately for Indy, Luck is about the only thing going for this team with an aging roster that has been mishandled. Defense has been the biggest issue for this team as they are allowing 31.7 PPG. They are also being outgained by -30.3 net YPG this season. They surrendered 356 yards to a Chargers team without their top wide receiver Keenan Allen who suffered a season-ending injury — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. This will be this Indianapolis’ franchise first contest played in London which offers the Jaguars a significant experience edge in handling and adapting to this challenging trip. 25* NFL London Game of the Month with the Jacksonville Jaguars (252) plus the points versus the Indianapolis Colts (251). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Cincinnati Bengals (102) minus the points versus the Miami Dolphins (101). Cincinnati (1-2) has lost two straight games after their 29-17 loss to Denver last Sunday. The Bengals were likely to regress this season after many coaches and veterans were all-in on a Super Bowl run last year. But this remains a talented football team — and there should not be too much shame in losing to the defending Super Bowl Champions along with a powerful Steelers team last week. Cincinnati should bounce-back with a big effort. Not only have the Bengals rebounded to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after a straight-up loss, but they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a double-digit loss at home. Furthermore, while the Bengals’ defense surrendered 303 passing yards last week, they have then covered the point spread in 17 of their last 23 home games after gaining at least 300 yards in their last game. Moving forward, Cincy has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a losing record. And in their last 22 games in the month of September under head coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals are 15-5-2 ATS.

Miami (1-2) won their first game of the season against the lowly Browns last Sunday — but they needed overtime to do it in a 30-24 victory as a double-digit favorite. The Dolphins have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss. Cleveland might very well be one of the worst rosters we have seen in a long time with the front office embracing Moneyball and dumping solid veterans for thirteen rookies with their lower salaries. Yet Miami was actually outgained in yardage by this group on their home field. Now the Dolphins go on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games. Miami has also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games when playing with six days or less of rest. Admittedly, Ryan Tannehill completed 25 of 39 passes for 319 yards in that game — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after passing for at least 300 yards in their last game. Furthermore, the Dolphins have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after scoring at least 50 points in their last game. And in their last 18 games against AFC opponents, Miami has failed to cover the point spread 15 times. 25* NFL Game of the Month with the Cincinnati Bengals (102) minus the points versus the Miami Dolphins (101). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Washington Redskins (471) plus the points versus the New York Giants (472). Washington (0-2) finds themselves in desperate straits having started this season 0-2 and a very difficult schedule looming in November and December. That makes this game in the Meadowlands against an undefeated divisional rival extremely important. After laying an egg at home against the Steelers in their opening game of the season, the Skins did play better last week but lost a close one to the Cowboys by a 27-23 score. Washington did outgain Dallas by +52 yards in that loss which is an encouraging sign for them this afternoon. The Skins are getting healthy with left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver DeSean Jackson both being upgraded to probable. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also has something to prove after two subpar efforts to begin the season. But lets remember that this Washington team was very confident in the offseason after making the playoffs last year. They have to leave it on the field today.

New York (2-0) looked very good on the defensive side of the football in their 16-13 win over New Orleans. The Giants held the Saints' offense to just 288 total yards in that contest. This team has been unreliable at home as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight home games against teams with a losing record on the road. Expect a very close game which this desperate Washington team can leave with a victory. 25* NFL NFC East Game of the Month with the Washington Redskins (471) plus the points versus the New York Giants (472). Best of luck for us -- Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the Chicago Bears (290) minus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (289). Chicago (0-1) looks to bounce-back from a 23-14 loss in Houston to begin their season last Sunday. This team has some issues -- particularly on their offensive line -- but it would be foolish to count out a good head coach like John Fox that is rebuilding this team in his image. Quarterback Jay Cutler will have something to prove in this contest as well after completing just 16 of 29 passes for 216 yards against the Texans defense. Expect a big effort from this team in prime time. As it is, the Bears have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games played on Monday Night Football.

Philadelphia (1-0) won their opening game of this season last Sunday with a 29-10 win over Cleveland. This team has then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing 14 or fewer points in their last game. Now they go on the road for the first time in head in the Doug Pederson era -- and this will also be the first true road game for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. Despite the hype in Philly this week after the rookie completed 22 of 37 passes for 278 yards and two touchdown passes. But after being out for most of the preseason with an injury in which he missed critical time as he attempts to make the jump from FCS level college football to the NFL, Wentz is in for a rude awakening playing in a hostile environment tonight on national television. This Browns team looks headed to be a historically bad team as they embrace Moneyball to turn around their franchise fortunes. This team will also be without their top cornerback in Leodis McKelvin who is dealing with a hamstring. Philadelphia has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against NFC opponents. And in their last 18 games in the month of September, the Eagles are 5-12-1 ATS. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Game of the Month with the Chicago Bears (290) minus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (289). Best of luck for us -- Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Baltimore Ravens (267) minus the points versus the Cleveland Browns (268). Baltimore (1-0) looks to build off their 13-7 win over Buffalo last Sunday -- and the Ravens have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up win. Now John Harbaugh's team goes on the road where they closed out last season covering the point spread in 4 straight games. Baltimore is also 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games against AFC North opponents. We expect a bounce-back year out of these Ravens who were devastated by injuries on both sides of the football. But Harbaugh had his team play hard every week -- and now this team benefits from the improved depth from the players forced into action last year as well as the improved drafting position which put general manager into a better position to bring in more talent. Furthermore, the entire team will be playing with heavy hearts with the unfortunate death this week to their veteran defensive coach Clarence Brooks. Expect a spirited effort from this group in honor of their fallen colleague.

Cleveland (0-1) looks to be the worst team in the NFL after a 28-10 loss at Philadelphia. What makes this loss so troubling is that the Browns lost to an Eagles team using Carson Wentz who missed most of the preseason after playing his college ball against FCS competition. Cleveland allowed Philly to control the clock for 39:20 of this contest. The Browns have not only failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a straight-up loss but they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread setback. And in their last 10 games after a loss by at least 14 points, Cleveland has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of these games. Furthermore, the Browns have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home. Robert Griffin III suffered a season-ending injury against the Eagles in that game so the team will turn to the journeyman Josh McCown under center. Frankly, that may be an upgrade -- but Cleveland has still failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. 25* NFL AFC Central Game of the Month with the Baltimore Ravens (267) minus the points versus the Cleveland Browns (268). Best of luck for us -- Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the San Diego Chargers (463) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (464). San Diego (0-0) is flying completely under the radar this season after their 4-12 mark which included their being winless in eight games against teams with a winning record. But the Chargers were snakebite with five net close losses of eight points or less -- and they actually outgained their opponents by +9.9 net YPG last year. This is a team that was 9-7 just two seasons ago -- and they still have the quality franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers who can single-handedly keep his team in the game. This San Diego team was winless in AFC West play so this game has been circled for many reasons for this entire franchise to start things off on a better foot. The Chargers have covered the point spread in 4 straight opening weeks of a new season. San Diego is also 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games in the month of September. And in their last 6 games on the road, the Chargers have covered the point spread in all 6 games.

Kansas City (0-0) enters this season highly touted after closing out last season with ten straight wins before losing in the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs to New England. But this team enters this game a bit depleted with running back Jamal Charles out with a knee and superstar Justin Houston on the PUP list with his knee injuries. While the team gets dependable play out of QB Alex Smith, the edge at that position still goes to the Chargers with Rivers. Lastly, the road team has covered the point spread in 5 of the last 6 meetings between these two teams. Expect a close game between these divisional rivals. 25* NFL AFC West Underdog of the Month with the San Diego Chargers (463) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (464). Best of luck for us -- Frank.