NFL BETTING PREVIEWS WEEK 3

New Orleans (1-1-0) at Minnesota (0-2-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Turf of Metrodome
Minnesota are 3.5 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 45. set at 35.
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The winless Minnesota Vikings will be looking to taste victory for the first time this season on Sunday when they host the New Orleans Saints. Minnesota brings an 0-2 overall mark (0-0 in the division) into this game versus a New Orleans team carrying a 1-1 record. Oddsmakers like the Vikings in this one, opening the line at 3.5 in favor of Minnesota. They are 0-2 ATS this season, while the Saints are 1-1. The total, which is 1-1 to the OVER in Vikings games and 0-2 to the OVER in Saints games, has been set at 45. Jim Haslett's team was busy last game losing to New York 27-10 as 3.5-point underdogs. The 37 points sent that game under the total of 43.5. The Vikings lost to Cincinnati 37-8 as 3-point underdogs. That contest went under the closing total. You can't expect much in the way of offensive fireworks from Minnesota. Saddled with the 30th-ranked offence and averaging just 10.5 PPG, the Vikings' offense needs to give its defensive unit some help Sunday in order to have a chance against the Saints.

Some trends to consider:
New Orleans are 1-4-0 SU in their last 5 games after scoring 10 to 20 points
New Orleans are 2-4-0 ATS in their last 6 games against Minnesota
Minnesota is 7-1-0 SU in their last 8 games after being .5 to 3 point underdogs
Minnesota is 6-1-0 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring less than 10 points

Cincinnati (2-0-0) at Chicago (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Soldier Field
Chicago are 3 point underdogs. The total for this game has been set at 40.
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Chicago looks to follow up last game's win over Detroit with another Sunday at home versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are favored slightly by the bookmakers, who opened the game at -3. They are 2-0 ATS on the season, while their hosts bring a 2-0 ATS mark to the table. The total has been set at 40. Last time out, the Bengals defeated Minnesota 37-8 as 3-point favorites. That contest went under the closing total. Chicago won at home last game as a 1.5-point underdog against Detroit, winning 38-6. The total sailed over. Chicago could have its hands full slowing down the passing game of the Bengals, who bring #3 passing stats to this game.

Some trends to consider:
Cincinnati is 8-18-0 SU in their last 26 games after being .5 to 3 point favorites
Cincinnati is 8-17-0 ATS in their last 25 games after being .5 to 3 point favorites
Chicago is 18-8-0 SU in their last 26 games after scoring 31 to 40 points
Chicago is 4-2-0 OU in their last 6 at home

Tampa Bay (2-0-0) at Green Bay (0-2-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Lambeau Field
Green Bay are 2.5 point underdogs. The total for this game has been set at 38.5.
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The 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers go into Green Bay as slight 2.5-point favorites to come away with a win versus the 0-2 Packers Sunday. The Buccaneers will look to improve on their 2-0 ATS mark. The Packers, 0-2 ATS, will try to bite big as a home dog. Totals bettors see the line opened at 38.5. Jon Gruden's troops hosted Buffalo last game and came away with a 19-3 win, a game that went under 34. Oddsmakers had them as 3-point favorites in that one. The Packers lost to Cleveland 26-24 as 6-point favorites. That contest went over the closing total. Green Bay knows that beating the Buccaneers depends on stopping the run. Tampa Bay will hit them with a ground game that has averaged 168.5 yards per game this season, #2 in the league.

Some trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 1-5-0 ATS in their last 6 away games
Tampa Bay is 1-5-0 OU in their last 6 games against Green Bay
Green Bay is 15-3-0 SU in their last 18 games after scoring 21 to 30 points
Green Bay is 7-2-0 SU in their last 9 games after being 3.5 to 7 point favorites

Cleveland (1-1-0) at Indianapolis (2-0-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Turf of RCA Dome
Indianapolis are 14 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 46.
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The Colts will be looking to push their winning streak to three games on Sunday by punishing Cleveland in Week 3 action. Cleveland takes its 1-1 mark to Indianapolis to tackle the 2-0 Colts. The Colts are favored, opening as 14-point chalk, with an opening total of 46. They are 1-1 ATS this season and 1-1 OU. The Browns are 1-1 ATS and are 1-1 OU. Romeo Crennel's team was busy last game winning against Green Bay 26-24 as 6-point underdogs. The 50 points sent that game over the total of 41. Indianapolis's late rally took them to a 10-3 win over Jacksonville last game. Expect momentum from that contest, when they rallied as an 8.5-point favorite, to carry over to this week. Indianapolis could have its hands full slowing down the passing game of the Browns, who bring #2 passing stats to this game.

Some trends to consider:
Cleveland is 1-4-0 OU in their last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-4-0 SU in their last 5 games after being 3.5 to 7 point underdogs
Indianapolis are 5-0-0 SU in their last 5 games after being 7.5 to 10 point favorites
Indianapolis are 5-1-0 ATS in their last 6 games after being 7.5 to 10 point favorites

Carolina (1-1-0) at Miami (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Dolphins Stadium
Miami are 3 point underdogs. The total for this game has been set at 37.5.
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Carolina looks to follow up last game's win at home with another Sunday when they visit the Dolphins. Carolina takes its 1-1 mark to Miami to tackle the 1-1 Dolphins. The Panthers know Miami will be looking to prove oddsmakers, who made them 3-point home underdogs, made a mistake in this one. Miami is 1-1 ATS, while the Panthers are 1-1 ATS. The total opened at 37.5. Last time out, at Bank of America Stadium against New England, the Panthers as underdogs defeated New England 27-17. The game was a Carolina cover and an over play. Nick Saban's troops were at New York last game and came away with a 17-7 loss, a game that went under 37. Oddsmakers had them as 5.5-point underdogs in that one.

Some trends to consider:
Carolina is 2-5-0 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring 21 to 30 points
Carolina is 8-18-0 SU in their last 26 games after scoring 21 to 30 points
Miami is 5-1-0 OU in their last 6 at home
Miami is 10-3-0 OU in their last 13 games

Jacksonville (1-1-0) at NY Jets (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Turf of Giants Stadium
No line yet available on this game. No total yet available on this game.
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If revenge is for suckers, the Jaguars will be looking to suck it up against the Jets, who beat them 13-10 in their last meeting. New York brings a 1-1 overall mark (1-0 in the division) into this game versus a Jacksonville team carrying a 1-1 record. Check back later for this game's line and total, as oddsmakers wait on the latest update on Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich. After losing last week, Jack Del Rio's team looks to bounce back with a solid showing on the road Sunday in New York. They were 8.5 point underdogs in that game, which went under the total of 48. The Jets defeated Miami 17-7 as 5.5-point favorites. That contest went under the closing total.

Some trends to consider:
Jacksonville is 1-4-1 OU in their last 6 games against New York
Jacksonville is 1-4-0 OU in their last 5 away
New York are 5-1-0 SU in their last 6 games after scoring 10 to 20 points
New York are 4-1-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring 10 to 20 points

Oakland (0-2-0) at Philadelphia (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia are 8.5 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 47.
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Coming off a disappointing 23-17 loss last time out, Oakland hits the road with a chance to get on the winning track Sunday at Philadelphia. Sporting an 0-2 overall record and an 0-1 mark within the division, the Raiders aim to knock the Eagles (0-0 in the division) for a loss. Oddsmakers like the Eagles in this one, opening the line at 8.5 in favor of Philadelphia. They are 1-1 ATS this season, while the Raiders are 0-2. The total, which is 2-0 to the OVER in Eagles games and 1-1 to the OVER in Raiders games, has been set at 47. Norv Turner's team was busy last game losing to Kansas City 23-17 as 1-point underdogs. The 40 points sent that game under the total of 54. Philadelphia erupted for 42 points last game against San Francisco and Sunday's opening total of 47 will be easily passed if their offense remains hot. They were favorites in that game. Oakland better work their passing defense this week in practice, as Philadelphia will hit them with an aerial assault that has averaged 346.5 yards per game this season.

Some trends to consider:
Oakland is 1-5-0 ATS in their last 6 games after being .5 to 3 point underdogs
Oakland is 1-4-0 SU in their last 5 games after being .5 to 3 point underdogs
Philadelphia is 4-1-0 ATS in their last 5 home games
Philadelphia is 4-1-0 ATS in their last 5 games

Tennessee (1-1-0) at St. Louis (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 1:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Turf of Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis are 6.5 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 45.
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The Rams can build on last week's win against Arizona Sunday when they host the Titans at the Edward Jones Dome. Tennessee brings a 1-1 overall mark (0-0 in the division) into this game versus a St. Louis team carrying a 1-1 record. Oddsmakers like the Rams in this one, opening the line at 6.5 in favor of St. Louis. They are 1-1 ATS this season, while the Titans are 1-1. The total, which is 1-1 to the OVER in Rams games and 1-1 to the OVER in Titans games, has been set at 45. Jeff Fisher's troops hosted Baltimore last game and came away with a 25-10 win, a game that went under 36.5. Oddsmakers had them as 3.5-point underdogs in that one. Mike Martz's team was busy last game winning against Arizona 17-12 as 1.5-point underdogs. The 29 points sent that game under the total of 44.

Some trends to consider:
Tennessee is 1-6-0 ATS in their last 7 games after scoring 21 to 30 points
Tennessee is 1-5-0 ATS in their last 6 away games
St. Louis are 4-2-0 ATS in their last 6 home games
St. Louis are 4-2-0 ATS in their last 6 games

Dallas (1-1-0) at San Francisco (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 4:05:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Monster Park
San Francisco are 6.5 point underdogs. The total for this game has been set at 41.5.
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They say revenge is best served cold. The Cowboys can put payback on the menu Sunday, recalling their 31-27 loss back on December 8, 2002, when they face the 49ers at Monster Park. Dallas brings a 1-1 overall mark (0-1 in the division) into this game versus a San Francisco team carrying a 1-1 record. The Cowboys are road favorites, opening as 6.5-point chalk, with an opening total of 41.5. They are 1-1 ATS this season and 1-1 OU. The 49ers are 1-1 ATS and are 1-1 OU. Bill Parcells' team was busy last game losing to Washington 14-13 as 5.5-point favorites. The 27 points sent that game under the total of 35. It was an ugly offensive display last game by San Francisco, who managed just 3 points against Philadelphia. The 49ers vow a better showing on the offensive side of the ball Sunday, after they lost as 13-point underdogs. San Francisco has struggled with its ground game, averaging just 46.0 yards per game on the season, 31st in the league. They need more production from their backfield, plain and simple.

Some trends to consider:
Dallas are 2-7-0 ATS in their last 9 away games against San Francisco
Dallas are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games against San Francisco
San Francisco is 5-0-0 OU in their last 5 at home
San Francisco is 5-1-0 OU in their last 6 games

Arizona (0-2-0) at Seattle (1-1-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 4:05:00 PM EDT
Field - Turf of Qwest Field
Seattle are 6.5 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 43.
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Coming off a disappointing 17-12 loss last time out, Arizona hits the road with a chance to get on the winning track Sunday at Seattle. Both teams have a chance to improve their showing within the NFC West division. Seattle is 1-1 (0-0 in the division), while the Cardinals sit at 0-2 (0-1 in the division). The Seahawks are favored, opening as 6.5-point chalk, with an opening total of 43. They are 1-1 ATS this season and 0-2 OU. The Cardinals are 0-2 ATS and are 1-1 OU. After losing last week, Dennis Green's team looks to bounce back with a solid showing on the road Sunday in Seattle. They were 1.5 point favorites in that game, which went under the total of 44. Seattle won at home last game as a 1.5-point favorite against Atlanta, winning 21-18. The total sailed under.

Some trends to consider:
Arizona is 2-7-0 SU in their last 9 games after being .5 to 3 point favorites
Arizona is 4-14-0 ATS in their last 18 away games
Seattle is 7-1-0 SU in their last 8 games after being .5 to 3 point favorites
Seattle is 7-2-0 OU in their last 9 at home

New England (1-1-0) at Pittsburgh (2-0-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 4:15:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Heinz Field
Pittsburgh are 3 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 41.
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If revenge is for suckers, the Steelers will be looking to suck it up against the Patriots, who beat them 41-27 in their last meeting. New England brings a 1-1 overall mark (0-0 in the division) into this game against a Pittsburgh team carrying a 2-0 record. The Patriots come in as a slight 3-point road underdog and look to improve on their 1-1 ATS mark. The Steelers, 2-0 ATS, will try to cover the 3 points at home. Totals bettors see the line opened at 41. Bill Belichick's team was busy last game losing to Carolina 27-17 as 3-point favorites. The 44 points sent that game over the total of 43.5. Bill Cowher's troops were at Houston last game and came away with a 27-7 win, a game that went under 37.5. Oddsmakers had them as 4.5-point favorites in that one. This game is likely to come down to the Steelers' execution on offense. They rank third in the league in scoring and look to sustain their 30.5 PPG average against the Patriots' #22-rated defensive unit.

Some trends to consider:
New England is 4-2-0 OU in their last 6 games away against Pittsburgh
New England is 9-4-0 ATS in their last 13 away games
Pittsburgh is 5-0-0 SU in their last 5 games after scoring 21 to 30 points
Pittsburgh is 5-0-0 SU in their last 5 games after being 3.5 to 7 point favorites

NY Giants (2-0-0) at San Diego (0-2-0)
Sunday, September 25, 2005 8:30:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego are 6.5 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 42.5.
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The San Diego Chargers will be looking to rebound from a 20-17 loss to Denver last week when they host the New York Giants on Sunday. Sporting an 0-2 overall record and an 0-1 mark within the division, the Chargers aim to knock the Giants (0-0 in the division) for a loss. The Chargers are favored, opening as 6.5-point chalk, with an opening total of 42.5. They are 0-1-1 ATS this season and 2-0 OU. The Giants are 2-0 ATS and are 1-1 OU. New York picked up a win against New Orleans last game as 3.5-point favorites, tallying a score of 27-10. The total sailed under. Marty Schottenheimer's team blew a lead in the fourth quarter last game and look to bounce back with stronger play down the stretch in front of the home fans. They lost 20-17 versus Denver in a game that saw anyone betting under win their wager. The Giants have an aggressive defence rated third in the league in forcing turnovers. San Diego knows it and will be looking to protect the ball.

Some trends to consider:
New York are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games after being 3.5 to 7 point favorites
New York are 2-6-0 OU in their last 8 away
San Diego is 4-1-0 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring 10 to 20 points
San Diego is 12-2-2 ATS in their last 16 games

Kansas City (2-0-0) at Denver (1-1-0)
Monday, September 26, 2005 9:00:00 PM EDT
Field - Grass of INVESCO Field at Mile High
Denver are 3 point favorites. The total for this game has been set at 49.
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If familiarity breeds contempt, there should be animosity aplenty when the Chiefs visit division rival Denver at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Monday night. Both teams have a chance to improve their showing within the AFC West division. Denver is 1-1 (1-0 in the division), while the Chiefs sit at 2-0 (1-0 in the division). Kansas City comes in as a small road dog, as the line opened at 3 in favor of the host Broncos, who are 0-1-1 ATS this season. The Chiefs are 2-0. The OVER/UNDER has been set at 49. Kansas City won at Oakland against the Raiders last game as 1-point favorites, tallying a score of 23-17. The total sailed under. Denver came back from a 14-10 score after three quarters to beat San Diego last game. That rally, as 3-point favorites, gives them confidence heading into Monday's game. Fans can expect Kansas City to try to force the ball down the throats of the Broncos' run defense. They come in with the league's #3 rushing attack, averaging 161.5 yards per contest.

Some trends to consider:
Kansas City is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games against Denver
Kansas City is 1-4-0 ATS in their last 5 away games against Denver
Denver is 6-0-1 OU in their last 7 games against Kansas City
Denver is 5-1-0 OU in their last 6 games