NFL Tidbits, Tips, and Talk... WEEK 2

[Meestermike]

NFL sports betting news and notes for Sunday, September 16

Jets-Ravens
Jets quarterback Chad Pennington says he will prepare as if he is starting Sunday. The Jets have been tight lipped about his injured right ankle, not even confirming if he had an MRI. If he does not play, second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens will get his first start. “Clemens is the classic looks like a Hall of Famer in the preseason, but many such quarterbacks have flopped when given a chance in the regular season,” says Mike Godsey of GodsTips.com, widely considered the top NFL handicapping expert on earth. Keep an eye on the injury status of Baltimore quarterback Steve McNair. The team website is calling him a game time decision. If he can’t go, disappointment Kyle Boller would get the start. Baltimore went 7-1 at home last year allowing just 12 points per game. Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden is doubtful with a toe injury. Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is considered a game time decision with an arm injury that limited him Monday night.

Chiefs-Bears
The Bears lost starting safety Mike Brown and starting defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek for the year in their 14-3 loss to San Diego. Danieal Manning, who started 14 games as a rookie, will replace Brown. Darwin Walker starts for Dvoracek. The two injured starters were key reasons why the Bears stymied Charger running back LaDainian Tomlinson to 25 yards on 17 carries. Now they face Chiefs Pro-Bowler Larry Johnson. Johnson was rusty after being a holdout most of the preseason. He had just 43 yards rushing at Houston last week. New quarterback Damon Huard struggled more, passing for just 168 yards, throwing two interceptions.

Cowboys-Dolphins
Dallas lost nose tackle Jason Ferguson with torn biceps. Cornerback starter Terence Newman could be available, but has not practiced in three weeks previous, so we will keep a close eye on his status. He did not practice Wednesday. Dallas gave up 35 points in their opening win to the NY Giants. Pokes starting wide receiver Terry Glenn is definitely out this week. Stevie Vincent, one of the OffshoreInsiders.com experts believes Dallas will not be able to sustain their offensive productivity without Glenn.

Seahawks-Cardinals
Stat of the week: Arizona actually had a better divisional record than Seattle last year. Zona was 4-2 inside the division but 1-9 outside. The teams split the head-to-head last year. Seattle will be without starting wideout D.J. Hackett.

Chargers-Patriots
For those who handicap “intangibles” this game has plenty of subplots. New England will have the distraction (or rally cry) of the burgeoning spy scandal. Also this is revenge for San Diego as New England eliminated them from the postseason last year. Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson accused New England of showing up the Chargers in the post game celebration. Chargers all-universe tight end Antonio Gates missed practice Wednesday and the Chargers are very mum as to why. Reports say it was a sore back and he will return to practice Thursday.

Bengals-Browns
Last week’s Browns starting quarterback Charlie Frye was traded to Seattle. This elevates Derek Anderson to starter and most agree he’s only keeping the seat warm for rookie Brady Quinn. Anderson was 0-3 last year as a starter while filling in for an injured Frye. Bengals starting wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury, but is expected to start. Cincinnati expects their offensive line to be healthier than they were Monday night.

Saints-Buccaneers
Keep a close eye on Tampa running back Carnell Williams. He was very limited in practice Wednesday with sore ribs. Backup Michael Pittman would go in his absence.

Packers-Giants
Giants starting quarterback Eli Manning was originally reported to be out for a month with a shoulder injury, now he is considered “day to day”. Manning has started 42 straight games including the postseason. If he is not able to start, the Pillsbury Throw Boy Jared Lorenzen gets the start. Our sources say Lorenzen looks like the likely starter as Manning did only some light throwing on Wednesday but did not practice. Starting running back Brandon Jacobs is out with Derrick Ward getting the start. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora did not practice Wednesday but worked out on a stationary bike. His status for Sunday is uncertain.

Buffalo-Pittsburgh
The Bills are probably leading the league in key injuries. Tight end Kevin Everett and safety Ko Simpson are out for the year following injuries suffered in their last-second loss to Denver. They join linebacker Keith Ellison, his replacement Coy Wire, and cornerback Jason Webster as out. Also defensive end Anthony Hargrove will serve the second game of a four-game suspension. Despite the low scoring game, Buffalo gave up 470 yards last Sunday and faces a Pittsburgh team that just scored 37 points. Cy McCormick of MasterLockLine.com assures us that Pittsburgh’s offensive explosion last week was no aberration. “They will be much more wide open than in the Cowher era.”

49ers-Rams
St. Louis will be without seven time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace, who is out for the year with a shoulder injury.

Texans-Panthers
Home field advantage? Carolina has not won a home opener since 2003 and went only 4-4 overall straight up at home last year.

Vikings-Lions
Lions starting running back Kevin Jones has been limited with a foot injury. We expect capable backup Tatum Bell to get the start as he did last week. Likewise Minnesota running back Chester Taylor is questionable to doubtful. However Jeff Warnick of BettorsAdvice.com believes this could be a blessing in disguise. “His backup Adrian Peterson is the NFL’s next star”. Histoy says don’t get too excited about Detroit’s win as they’ve won their opener four of the last five years, yet finished 3-13 last year for their sixth straight losing season. Minnesota has won all five of their games at Ford Field, where Detroit was just 2-6 last year.

Raiders-Broncos
Raiders shaky starting quarterback Josh McCown did not practice Wednesday because of a broken finger. It isn’t likely to shake up the line much, but look for Dante Culpepper to get the nod.