CBSSpor Calvin Pace will be si again.

The Jets outside linebacker will have surgery Monday in North Carolina to repair his broken right foot, and will miss New Yorks season opener against Baltimore on Sept. 13.

More on Jets Ryan confirms interest in Thomas How is Taylor still playing? Pasquarelli: Turning to Taylor?

“Hopefully, itll be a somewhat speedy recovery,” Pace said Sunday. “I probably definitely will miss the first game, thats safe to say, but beyond that, I dont really have an idea.”

The Jets top pass rusher had to sit out the first four games of last season after being suspended by the league for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances. He still led New Yorks top-ranked defense with a career-high eight sacks.

“Im still upbeat, I really am,” Pace said. “Stuff happens in football. Ill say this: Its better to get injured playing rather than have to sit out four games because of a silly mistake as far as a supplement. It happens and Im going to stay upbeat and cheer the guys on.”

The procedure will be performed in Charlotte, N.C., by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, who has treated several NFL players including Plaxico Burress, Brady Quinn, Felix Jones, Leonard Little, Ahmad Bradshaw and Aaron Ross.

“Well know more about the extent of the injury, obviously, after the surgery,” said coach Rex Ryan, declining to put a timetable on Paces retur of New Yorks preseason loss to Washington on Friday night. He said Redskins tackle Stephon Heyer tried to cut block him.

“I tried to block him away,” Pace said, “but I guess his helmet hit the side of my foot.”

X-rays in the locker room revealed a fracture, and Pace refused to call it a dirty play.

“Nah, thats football,” he said. “It happens. I guess I shouldve gotten my foot out of the way a little quicker.”

Jason Taylor, the NFLs active career sacks leader, and Vernon Gholston are expected to handle the bulk of plays at Paces spot in his absence. But Ryan also acknowledged having spoken to former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, a favorite of his when he was an assistant there.

“I would say it would be a possibility,” Ryan said. “Im not going to rule that out.”

Ryan said there were no plans to bring Thomas in for a physical as of Sunday afternoon, but said if the team were to make the move to sign him, hed prefer it to be soon.

“Theres still some other things involved, other factors involved,” Ryan said. “Sometimes what really makes sense might not make sense to the organization, so well see.”

The team needs to evaluate where Thomas would fit on the roster, and who would have to be let go before it signed him. Thomas, who was mostly disappointing the last three seasons with New England, was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Ravens.

“I dont want to bring A.D. up here not to have a roster spot for him if he plays the way we expect him to play,” Ryan said. “Right now, I cant say specifically that he would be on our team, so I dont want to bring him in until I know that if he plays to expectations that there would be room for him. Thats something were looking into.”

Ryan is also unfazed by the prospect of not having his top pass rusher and shutdown cornerback in Darrelle Revis, whose holdout reached 29 days, in Week 1.

“Weve got enough depth here, enough good football players that offenses need to be worried about our defense,” Ryan said. “Were definitely not worried about it.”

NOTES: Ryan said the established starters on offense and defense will not play at all in the Jets preseason finale at Philadelphia on Thursday so he can “keep them fresh.” … QB Mark Sanchez fell hard on his right shoulder against Washington, but Ryan said he was fine and had “no limitations whatsoever” Sunday.

Posted on August 30th, 2010 by admin
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CBSSports.com San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin ended his lengthy holdout Saturday by signing a $7.003 million franchise tag tender.

Franklin passed a physical and officially signed the deal before the Niners played the Oakland Raiders in an exhibition game Saturday night. Franklin was going to watch that game before rejoining his teammates for practice next week.

He has a little more than two weeks to get ready for the season opener Sept. 12 against Seattle. Franklin said he wants to play the exhibition finale next Thursday against San Diego.

“Im anxious to go out there, see what I did this offseason, see whats going to help me out on the field,” he said. “Im anxious to go back out there with the guys, build on what we started on last year. I think another year with all of us together we can do a whole lot better this year on the defensive side and as a team.”

Franklin spent the offseason working with a personal trainer in Atlanta and believes hes in better shape than when he arrived at camp last year. He did boxing workouts with his trainer, boxing for a minute and then taking 30 seconds off to replicate playing in a game.

“We just tried to make it mimic plays like an average game, maybe like 64 plays, so I tried to do the same things with boxing,” he said.

Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky said this week that while Franklin had fallen behind his teammates by missing camp, he believed the nose tackle could get up to speed for the opener by playing one exhibition game. Manusky said the biggest issue for Franklin will be “getting his wind back.”

“Even though some of the starters are only playing 15 plays or 16 plays, at least theyre back in the rhythm and get their groove back,” Manusky said. “You cant really replicate that out here. But, hell be fine.”

Franklin emerged as one of the top nose tackles in the league last season with 36 tackles, two sacks and an interception.

The 30-year-old Franklin has recorded 291 tackles, four sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles in his seven-year career. He originally was a fifth-round pick by Baltimore in 2003 and joined the Niners as a free agent before the 2007 season.

The Niners placed the franchise tag tender on him in February and had hopes of agreeing to a long-term deal. But that did not happen by the July 15 deadline and Franklin chose not to report to training camp.

“The 49ers had their way with exercising the franchise tag,” Franklin said. “Me and my agent decided to do what we did because it was best for us.”

Of the six players who received franchise tag tenders this offseason, Franklin was the only one to miss training camp. New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and Green Bay defensive tackle Ryan Pickett signed long-term deals, and Oakland defensive lineman Richard Seymour, Seattle kicker Olindo Mare and Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed signed their tenders before camp started.

Second-year player Ricky Jean Francois, a seventh-round pick out of LSU last year, stepped up in Franklins absence, giving the Niners more depth on the line for the season.

Posted on August 29th, 2010 by admin
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CBSSports.com w Kansas City rookie linebacker Cameron Sheffield has been released from the hospital after hurting his neck while making a tackle in a preseason game against Philadelphia.

The Chiefs said in a statement Saturday that Sheffield has movement in all his extremities.

He was hurt Friday night when his helmet made contact with Mike Bells helmet as he took down the Eagles running back near the Chiefs sideline.

Trainers and coaches tended to Sheffield for several minutes before securing his body and lifting him into a cart. Sheffield was conscious and talking to team officials as he was removed.

He was drafted in the fifth round out of Troy and is competing for a job as a backup.

Posted on August 29th, 2010 by admin
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CBSSport Sam Bradford will finish the preseason as the St. Louis Rams starting quarterback, at least partly because veteran A.J. Feeley might not be ready to play.

Bradford had a big game in his first start, going 15 of 22 for 189 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 36-35 victory at New England on Thursday night. The overall No. 1 draft pick from Oklahoma played the first half and completed his first six passes, earning another start on merit.

“Sam Bradford was leading the charge,” running back Steven Jackson said.

Bradford showed off his arm with a couple of long passes, showed good mobility rolling out, and looked comfortable and in charge. It was a big step forward from the first two preseason games when he was 12 of 27 for only 81 yards and appeared a bit tentative.

“He was excellent,” coach Steve Spagnuolo said Friday. “He said it best I think after the game when he said he felt in rhythm. Anytime your quarterback can get in rhythm, thats a good thing.”

Spagnuolo said its unlikely that Feeley, who has a sprained thumb on his throwing hand, will be ready in time for the preseason finale on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Feeley was named the starter before training camp, although its long been anticipated that Bradford will soon be the Rams No. 1 quarterback regardless of Feeleys health.

In six possessions, Bradford produced two touchdowns and two field goals, giving a team that went 1-15 last season a boost while getting its second win this preseason.

“A.J. probably wont make it to the Baltimore game anyway,” Spagnuolo said. “Thats not a definite, but its going to look like a push, so certainly Sam will start.”

Most teams hold most of their starters out of the final preseason game. The Rams (2-1) figure to be an exception and might give Jackson some playing time, too, to give Bradford another game with the teams top offensive threat.

Jackson played the first series Thursday and had 22 yards on five carries.

“He got some good quality time,” Spagnuolo said. “Ill bet hed be eager to get another drive or two, but well see where were at.”

Spagnuolo said he hadnt decided how long Bradford would play in the finale.

“We would like to see Sam put back-to-back games together and well make a decision shortly after that game which direction were going to go with the quarterback,” he said.

Spagnuolo wouldnt say what other signs he needed to see before anointing Bradford as the starter.

“I know you guys keep pushing for an answer,” he told reporters. “Im just not ready to make it. Id love to see him do exactly what he did last night.”

The Rams lost their top returning wide receiver perhaps for the season, adding to Bradfords challenge. Deep threat Donnie Avery, who led the team with 47 receptions last season, tore ligaments in his right knee late in the first half on the landing after an attempt at a leaping catch.

Avery fell and clutched his knee as the pass from Bradford dropped incomplete. He was carted off the field. Spagnuolo said Avery, who caught two passes for 48 yards in the game, would undergo surgery after swelling in the knee subsides.

“It looks like well lose him for the season, which is very unfortunate,” Spagnuolo said. “He was having a terrific game. Donnies a quality guy and a character guy and well miss him.”

The Rams were already thin at wide receiver, and signed former Missouri star Danario Alexander last week.

Competition to be Jacksons backup intensified just a bit when Kenneth Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya and rookie Keith Toston all played well against the Patriots. Toston had 41 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown, Darby had 35 yards on 13 carries and Ogbonnaya had 25 yards on eight attempts.

Spagnuolo said Darby and Ogbonnaya were “neck and neck” and said Toston “did some things effectively” at the end of the game.

“I grew up competing,” Darby said. “I cant control what I have no control over, the only thing I can control is my attitude.”

Posted on August 28th, 2010 by admin
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CBSSports.c A person with knowledge of the results has told the Associated Press that Colts linebacker Gary Brackett is not expected to miss significant time after X-rays on his injured right hand were negative.

The person spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity because the team has not disclosed a diagnosis.

Brackett was injured during Thursday nights loss at Green Bay when he appeared to hit his hand on the helmet of teammate Philip Wheeler. He is the Colts defensive captain and signed a five-year, $33 million contract in March.

Brackett is not likely to play next Thursday against the Bengals because the Colts traditionally bench most of their starters in the preseason finale.

Posted on August 28th, 2010 by admin
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The Pittsburgh Steelers come into Invesco Field undefeated on this preseason, having defeated the Detroit Lions and the short handed New York Giants. While the victories may not seem impressive, given the competition, the Steelers are hungry to get back to the postseason, two years removed from a Super Bowl title. The Broncos are struggling to find an identity, having lost numerous key players over the offseason, as well as NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil to a training camp injury. Both teams have some things to sort out as they face off in the preseasons third week.

NFL Betting: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos
Online betting odds: Steelers -1

Why To Bet On The Steelers

Big Ben Roethlisberger took the field for Pittsburgh for the first time this season in Week 2, though he did throw an interception. I do expect him to get some more work with the first team, though he does have to face a sixgame suspension to start the season. Regardless, the rushing attack looked good, as Rashard Mendenhall looks to solidify his place as the starter. Dennis Dixon, trying to push Byron Leftwich to start the season at quarterback, and he absolutely tore up the Giants in his work in the second half. Perhaps Mike Tomlin will give Dixon some time against the Broncos first team to better judge where he is it. Regardless, Pittsburgh has three serviceable quarterbacks, which usually spells trouble for the opposing team in the postseason.

Why To Bet on the Broncos

The Broncos fell to 0-2 with a loss to the Lions in the second preseason game. The first team offense struggled until the second quarter, when they found a groove and scored two touchdowns. Regardless, being outscored by the Lions first team is not an encouraging sign. The Broncos are going to need to play ball control to keep this game close and have a chance to win it near the end. While Kyle Orton may be happy about his contract extension, he will need to prove hes worth it on the field.

How the Game Will Play Out

In a way, I am shocked that Pittsburgh is not laying more than the one point. I have this game handicapped as an easy Steelers win, with their quarterbacks being more than enough to put up consistent points on the Denver defense. Take the Steelers, and if you get it at the one point line, Id make this my play of the week.

Steelers Broncos Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

Posted on August 27th, 2010 by admin
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Its the battle of California in the third week of the NFL preseason as the 49ers travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders in their most important tune up in the NFL preseason. The 49ers have looked good in the preseason, stomping the Colts in the first week, and following that up with a 15-10 win over the Vikings. Oakland was able to defeat Dallas then followed it up with a decisive 32-17 win over the Bears. With both teams at 2-0, one will not remain undefeated.

NFL Betting: San Francisco 49ers @ Oakland Raiders
Online betting odds: Raiders -1

Why To Bet On The 49ers

Defense has been the name of the game for the Niners, led by linebacker Patrick Willis. While Peyton Manning was able to succeed in two drives in the first game, the Niners first team was able to shut down Brett Favre and Tarvaris Jackson in Week 2 against Minnesota. On offense, quarterback Alex Smith has looked decent in short duty and will see more action in this one. The running game is the key as Frank Gore will look to get going and gain steam headed into the regular season. The Niners reserves have looked perhaps the best in the entire NFL in the first two games. As the Niners continue on, it is safe to say if the game is close, that their reserves can out do Oaklands.

Why To Bet on the Raiders

The Raiders season hinges on the performance of new quarterback Jason Campbell, as they try to forget the JaMarcus Russell era. Campbell looked good in the last game against Chicago, rushing for a touchdown and adding 174 first half yards. Darren McFadden is not expected to play again, which could hurt the Raiders, though 10-year veteran Michael Bennett had a good game against Chicago. If the defense can keep San Francisco in check, the Raiders will have an opportunity to put their offense out there, and try and succeed against what could end up being one of the NFLs best defenses come the regular season.

How the Game Will Play Out

As with most third week preseason games, this is a tough one to call. Im going to go with San Francisco based on the strength of their reserves. I am expecting a close, low scoring game while both starting units are in the game. However, San Frans reserves have dominated the competition, and I see no reason why they should not be able to do so again.

49ers Raiders Betting Pick: San Francisco 49ers

Posted on August 27th, 2010 by admin
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By Larry Holder
Special to Look through his Madison Ave. smile and his St. Charles Ave. charm. Swim through the Super Bowl XLIV confetti and the “Awwww!” moments with his son Baylen on the podium waiting to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

None of that may have happened if the San Diego Chargers had banked on and believed Drew Brees was their guy.

It still eats at him, to an extent, that the Chargers doubted him even though he led the charge to the New Orleans Saints first world championship ever in February.

Drew Brees Super Bowl moment with his son became instant classic material. (Getty Images) “Its not necessarily holding a grudge. … Do I feel like maybe things were a little unfair at times or that I got a little bit of a raw deal? I dont know,” Brees said in an interview with CBSSports.com leading up to Fridays preseason game against San Diego. “You can probably say that in some instances. But Ive also learned from this game that man, this is a business.

“Theres decisions that are made. Sometimes theres guys that like you and believe in you. Sometimes there not, for whatever reason. Sometimes things just seem to be out of your control. You do your best and you hope things work out. But sometimes, youre calling is to go somewhere else. Life takes you in a different direction.”

The doubting began when then-Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer benched Brees in 2003 in favor of then-42-year-old Doug Flutie. The hesitation from the front office couldnt have been more obvious when the Chargers drafted Eli Manning and traded for Philip Rivers. Two slaps in the face in about an hours time during the 2004 draft.

Physics then gave the Chargers a way out. No way was any quarterbacks arm going to come away unscathed the way then-Broncos defensive lineman Gerard Warren landed on Brees right shoulder in the final week of the 2005 season.

That was the beginning of the Rivers era.

“San Diegos drafted well,” Brees said. “Theyve drafted some talented players, and hes one of them. Obviously, they drafted him as the quarterback of the future. I had a different idea about that and held on as long as I could. The injury kind of took me out of that running.”

A completely torn labrum. A partially torn rotator cuff. Months of rehab. Maybe hed play again. Unlikely hed ever play at the level that sent him to a Pro Bowl one season earlier in 2004.

And in retrospect, it was the best thing to ever happen in his professional life.

“Its funny because when I hurt my shoulder, that was pretty devastating and I was thinking that this was the worst thing to ever happen to me,” Brees said. “Now I look back on it and I can say its the best thing. Did I want it to come in the form of a major injury? No. But now you just say theres no other way I would have ended up in New Orleans if it wasnt for that. Look what the opportunity Ive been given here. Not only that, but raising a family in New Orleans, its been a blessing.”

Judging by the numbers, the Chargers wouldve gotten it right with either player.

Brees has completed 66.8 percent of his passes during the last four seasons for 18,298 yards with 122 touchdowns and 57 interceptions. The Saints went 38-26 through those four years and won two division crowns.

Rivers completed 63.2 percent of his passes during his four seasons as the starter in San Diego for 14,803 yards with 106 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. The Chargers went 46-18 through the time period and they are riding a wave of four consecutive AFC West division titles.

Brees admits he and Rivers arent on everyday speaking terms despite spending the majority of two seasons standing side by side at practice and in the film room. Brees said he may randomly text message Rivers or chat with the Chargers quarterback if they happen to be at the same event.

Its not to knock Rivers by any means, though.

“Ive got a lot of respect for Philip,” Brees said. “I think hes a very good player. Hes had some good years there thus far. I know theyre kind of right on the cusp and have been now on the last few years now. I think its fun to play a good team at anytime, but especially hey, its your old team and its a guy that you know and respect and is a good quarterback on the other side of the ball. Thats all good.”

Yet we all know what happened five years later for Brees after reconstructive shoulder surgery. In 2005, Brees was still in a sling. In 2010, Brees slung three touchdown passes to propel the Saints past the Colts in Sun Life Stadium.

Bumped aside for Philip Rivers, Brees exit from San Diego was messy. (Getty Images) After sweeping Brees out of Cali, the Chargers now find themselves trying to live up their decision. Brees is the Super Bowl MVP. The Saints are the current world champions. The Chargers are still waiting to reach the Super Bowl with Rivers at the helm, and time is seemingly running out down in San Diego.

Brees is the ultimate competitor. During the summer when fullback Heath Evans held a charity softball tournament, Brees was convinced hed win the home run derby leading up to the game. It wasnt even close. He ripped bombs left and right batting left-handed. Midway through his at-bat, he jumped to the other side of the batters box and did the same thing right-handed. He did it without a smile and was locked and loaded.

And this was just softball against his Saints teammates.

So imagine the satisfaction Brees must have felt that after being discarded by the Chargers that he helped guide a team known more for being down in the dumps and nearly washed away by Hurricane Katrina to a historic world championship before his old team ever made it to the Super Bowl without him.

Brees broke out the humble card when asked if he had added joy in one-upping his old team in winning the Super Bowl before it had: “I always believed that Id win a Super Bowl, be a champion. Hopefully weve got a few more of those left in us too. I believe we can. I guess theres a little satisfaction. But thats not what drives me though.”

Brees said everything that went down in San Diego seems like another life ago, and yet it still sits in his mind, especially when facing the Chargers whether its preseason or the regular season.

“All that stuff that happened in San Diego seems like so long ago,” Brees said. “Listen, I had five great years there and I learned a lot. I learned a lot about myself as a player and as a person. I felt like I grew and developed a lot in all those ways. There were a Marty Sc a lot of the mentors I met and stay in touch with outside of the building there in San Diego.

“So, I dont know. I guess we all have those times in our life where you go and you get your bumps and bruises. You take your licks and you just got to keep getting up. The whole idea is that adversity makes you stronger. You find a way to come back stronger from anything that you face. Im appreciative of my time there and I think its all worked out the way it was supposed to.”

The Chargers may beg to differ on the “way it was supposed to part” as Brees made it happen elsewhere, while Rivers hasnt made it happen yet.

Posted on August 27th, 2010 by admin
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CBSSports.com w Matt Leinart has been benched after just two preseason games, this after the Arizona Cardinals gave him the starting job following Kurt Warners retir or maybe not.

“Well, I dont think weve played really well enough offensively to make any determination other than we need to get better,” Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said Thursday. “Were looking at different combinations of people.”

What Leinart will be looking at is Derek Anderson, signed to be his backup, starting Saturday night in Chicago against the Bears.

Whisenhunts expectations arent that high, he would just like to see a few first downs.

“Id like to see us operate a little better early in the game,” Whisenhunt said. “Thats not necessarily the first quarter, thats the first quarter, the second quarter. Seems like last week we went three three-and-outs, and then we had a drive going.

“Id like to see us perform a little better earlier in the game.”

Leinart hasnt be able to get it done.

The 10th overall pick in the 2006 draft started for Arizona in a 24-10 loss to Tennessee on Monday night and lasted all of nine plays. He couldnt produce a first down or any points. Leinart was a pedestrian 4 of 6 for 28 yards against the Titans, and is 10 of 13 for 77 yards in Arizonas first two preseason games.

His longest pass of the preseason has been 16 yards, and he has been sacked twice.

Whisenhunt was asked if he explained the change to Leinart on why Anderson worked with the first-team offense Thursday in the teams lone chance to prep for Chicago.

“Im sure that nobody on this team wants to be in that situation. Once again, I think its not anything against Matt or the quarterback position. Its were looking at different people and trying to find out whats the best combination for our team right now,” Whisenhunt said.

Anderson, who spent his first five NFL seasons in Cleveland, is the quarterback with the most completions (24), throws (41) and yards (193) on the roster. His longest completion went for 37 yards.

He came in on the Cardinals first drive of the second quarter and moved them 62 yards in eight plays, giving Arizona a first-and-goal at the Tennessee 6 before misfiring on two passes into the end zone.

Whisenhunt said Anderson will play approximately the first quarter in a flip of how they played the quarterbacks against Tennessee. The coach said it was an opportunity to see players in different roles as they also switch up at linebacker, cornerback and on the offensive line to evaluate personnel.

Anderson was told on Thursday morning that he would be working with the first-team offense.

“I dont know where well go from here, but continue to work and get better every single day and see what happens,” Anderson said after the Cardinals finished practicing at Vanderbilt University.

This already had been an unusual week for the Cardinals (1-1). They broke camp last Saturday and have been in Nashville since flying into town Sunday. They played the Titans and stuck around Nashville to avoid the long flight back to Arizona before hitting the road again to play Chicago (0-2).

Anderson said he thought practice Thursday was good after the Cardinals practiced with the Titans on Wednesday.

“Threw it well and just continue to try to get the ball in the right spots,” he said.

No matter whos been at quarterback, it hasnt been easy with all the injuries at receiver. Larry Fitzgerald sprained his right knee in the 19-16 preseason opening loss to Houston, and Early Doucet missed the Tennessee game with an abdominal strain. Now Darren Mougey broke his hand Wednesday, and Andre Roberts hurt his shoulder Monday night.

Fitzgerald increased his work Thursday, but the Cardinals goal is having the Pro Bowl receiver ready for the season opener Sept. 12 at St. Louis. Doucet returned to practice Thursday and may play at Chicago.

NOTES: The Cardinals had plenty of visitors as several of the Vanderbilt Commodores came out to watch the NFL visitors work out on their practice fields. The Cardinals have been working out at the universitys weight room this week before the team flies to Chicago on Friday.

Posted on August 27th, 2010 by admin
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Cincinnatis online betting odds for the upcoming season should have a lot of players intrigued, with an offense loaded with explosive players, and a very underrated defense which may be better in 2010. The Bengals have been up and down during the preseason, but theyll flex their muscles in Buffalo this weekend.

What: NFL betting
When: Saturday, August 28th, 6:30 PM ET
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals -2.5

Whats On The Line

The Bengals had a disjointed performance in a 22-9 win over Philadelphia at home, as they were inconsistent on both sides of the ball. The Bills put in a great performance in a 34-21 win over Indianapolis in Toronto, and if they can play half that well this season, theyll at least be a competitive team, which is all they can ask for in the tough AFC East.

Offensive Matchups: Bengals Bills Betting

The Bengals controlled the clock and gained 345 yards of offense, and Carson Palmer was 15-of-23 for 169 yards, but he also threw two of the Bengals three picks on the day. Palmer, his younger brother Jordan, and J.T. OSullivan all did a good job of spreading the ball around to Cincinnatis arsenal of weapons, but they have to be more careful with the ball, especially Palmer, who can have a massive year in 2010.

Trent Edwards was 5-of-8 for 93 yards and a score in his limited action, while Brian Brohm was 14-of-21 for 125 yards and did a good job of moving the ball down the field. C.J. Spiller gave Buffalo fans a glimpse of what may be their lone bright spot of the season with 10 carries for 54 yards, including a 31-yard jaunt that saw him break three tackles along the way. Spiller is easily the best weapon Buffalo has, but can the team around him improve?

Free sports picks: Bengals

Defensive Matchups: Bengals Bills Betting

Cincinnati aided their turnover-prone offense by forcing five of their own, including four picks. Linebacker Brandon Jones had six tackles and a sack to lead the way, while rookie end Carlos Dunlap added four tackles and a sack for the Bengals. Dunlap is being counted on to boost the Cincinnati pass rush, which was the weakest spot of the defense last season, and even though he had some discipline problems at Florida, Dunlap is a monster coming off the end.

The Bills forced four turnovers from Indy, and Terrance McGee ran back a Peyton Manning interception 78 yards to the house. Arthur Moats had six tackles, and the rookie has done a solid job of adjusting to the league after playing end in college, and then switching to inside linebacker. But it wasnt all good for the Bills, who allowed the Colts to score on both of their red-zone chances, and Indy averaged 4.7 yards on the ground.

Free sport pick: Bengals

Notable Injuries: Bengals Bills Betting

Fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder) is a question mark for this game, as are offensive linemen Anthony Collins (foot) and Andrew Mitchell (knee).

Safety Jairus Byrd (groin) dealt with this injury last year, and it doesnt look good for the Bills interception leader, who could miss the start of the regular season. Running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) may be able to see some time, though.

Betting picks: Bengals

Outlook and Pick: Bengals Bills Betting

The Bengals are 2.5-point favorites on the road according to NFL betting odds, and they should be able to earn a comfortable win. The Cincinnati first-team offense has too many weapons for the Bills, and without Byrd at the back end, they could go off in the first half. Spiller is going up against a tough Cincinnati defense, and he doesnt have any help, which sports betting players will see as a theme in Buffalo this season.

Stans Pick: Cincinnati Bengals -2.5

Posted on August 26th, 2010 by admin
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