Week 4: Miami at New Orleans

Keys to the Game:

Miami: The Dolphins couldn’t stop the Falcons moving the ball between the 20s last week but stiffened in the red zone forcing 4 field goal attempts. They will need more of the same here.

New Orleans: The Dolphins can have issues stopping TEs and if they don’t find a way to keep Jimmy Graham quiet it could be a long night.

Verdict: Miami rookie kicker Caleb Sturgis is yet to miss this season (6 from 6) with a long of 54 yards. A buy of Miami’s field goal yardage at 63 should yield a good profit.

Prediction: New Orleans by 7

Suggested Bet: 5 points BUY Miami Field Goal Yardage at 63.

Week 4: Miami at New Orleans

Keys to the Game:

Miami: The Dolphins couldn’t stop the Falcons moving the ball between the 20s last week but stiffened in the red zone forcing 4 field goal attempts. They will need more of the same here.

New Orleans: The Dolphins can have issues stopping TEs and if they don’t find a way to keep Jimmy Graham quiet it could be a long night.

Verdict: Miami will be relying on a bend but don’t break defense to keep this close. The Saints should have too many offensive weapons for the Dolphins to cope. The Saints defense has looked much improved but probably not really tested as of yet and Miami will look to get Wallace involved after a quiet week. The handicap of New Orleans -7 seems about right, The total points feels a bit high but probably a game to avoid.

Prediction: New Orleans by 7

Suggested Bet: No bet

Week 3: Oakland at Denver

Keys to the Game:

Oakland: Converting on 3rd down. The Raiders were just 4/14 on 3rd downs against Jacksonville and that isn’t going to cut it in Denver. Sustained drives to keep Peyton on the sideline are crucial.

Denver: What can you say? They can run the ball. They have 3 excellent WRs and an emerging beast of a TE.

Verdict: Knowshon Moreno had a big week last week for the Broncos but was barely a factor in week 1. McFadden is a huge part of the Oakland offense and should be able to gain more yards over the course of the game.

Prediction: Denver by 14

Suggested Bet: 3 points SELL K Moreno / D MacFadden Rush & Rec yards at -5

Week 3: Oakland at Denver

Keys to the Game:

Oakland: Converting on 3rd down. The Raiders were just 4/14 on 3rd downs against Jacksonville and that isn’t going to cut it in Denver. Sustained drives to keep Peyton on the sideline are crucial.

Denver: What can you say? They can run the ball. They have 3 excellent WRs and an emerging beast of a TE.

Verdict: The Raiders defense has been better than advertised so far but they will need to play out of their skins to keep this close. That said, I don’t want to back Denver with more than a 2 touchdown deficit – with the total points set as high as 49, going under is the call.

Prediction: Denver by 14

Suggested Bet: 2 points under 49 points at 10/11

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Keys to the Game:

Pittsburgh: If they can’t run the ball they can’t win.

Cincinnati: Discipline. They lost a game in Chicago they should have won because of turnovers and penalties.

Verdict: Pittsburgh has no running game, huge problems on the offensive line and no depth in the receiving game. The Bengals should establish themselves as the team to beat in the AFC North and embarrass the Steelers in front of a national audience.

Prediction: Cincinnati by 14

Suggested Bet: 3 points BUY Cincinnati TD yardage at 56

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Keys to the Game:

Pittsburgh: If they can’t run the ball they can’t win.

Cincinnati: Discipline. They lost a game in Chicago they should have won because of turnovers and penalties.

Verdict: Pittsburgh has no running game, huge problems on the offensive line and no depth in the receiving game. The Bengals should establish themselves as the team to beat in the AFC North and embarrass the Steelers in front of a national audience.

Prediction: Cincinnati by 14

Suggested Bet: 4 points Cincinnati -6 to beat Pittsburgh

Philadelphia at Washington

Keys to the Game:

Philadelphia: Vick has 24 interceptions and 7 fumbles in his last 23 games. He needs a turnover free game.

Washington: RGIII needs to show he can win from the pocket as Kaepernick did yesterday.

Verdict: Both offenses look likely to put up points here but the Redskins are far less likely to turn the ball over. The Eagles defense looks very much like a work in progress and the Redskins should win with a little to spare.

Prediction: Washington by 8

Suggested Bet: 2 points Sell A Morris/L McCoy Rush & Rec yards at 0

Houston at San Diego

Keys to the Game:

Houston: To win the big games they need to be more explosive and have more big plays. They shouldn’t require that today.

San Diego: Philip Rivers had 15 interceptions and a ridiculous 13 fumbles last season. They need to be able to run the ball.

Verdict: It’s hard to make a case for the Chargers to win as they don’t have an identity on offense. The Texans can win this game in 2nd gear in what should be a relatively low scoring affair.

Prediction: Houston by 10

Suggested Bet: 2 points Houston -4 at 10/11, 2 points under 44.5 points at 10/11