NFL Preview for the week
Sunday September 17th, 2006
Regular Season Week 2
Buffalo at Miami
Daunte Culpepper and the Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in an early season AFC East Division matchup on September 17th.
Culpepper has looked very solid in his past few outings, and appears ready to lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
With Ricky Williams out with an injury, running back Ronnie Brown will be the workhorse in the Dolphins’ backfield.
Many sportsbooks have the Bills as favorites to finish last in the division, and Miami is always tough playing at Dolphin Stadium, so look for the Dolphins to be favorites in this matchup.
Carolina at Minnesota
Two of the NFL’s leading defenses will do battle in the Metrodome as the Carolina Panthers come to town to play the Minnesota Vikings.
Carolina’s defense was near the top of the NFL last season, and Minnesota underwent a major overhaul to their defense via free agency and the draft.
Carolina is the sportsbook odd-on favorite to win the NFC South division, while the Vikings are many sports betting fans’ favorites to win the NFC North.
Even though they are playing on the road, the Panthers should be favorites over the Vikings.
Cleveland at Cincinnati
The Battle for Ohio takes place in Week 2 of the NFL season, as the Cleveland Browns travel to Paul Brown Stadium to face Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Palmer is still recovering from offseason knee surgery, so look for the Browns defense to come out and pressure Palmer from the opening snap.
Many sportsbooks have Cincinnati as the favorites to challenge Pittsburgh for the AFC North title, while Cleveland is projected to finish last in the division.
The odds will favor the Bengals at home.
Detroit at Chicago
One of the most historic rivalries in the NFL is between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, and they will face each other at Soldier Field on Sunday September 17th. Chicago is many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC North Division, but they have a little controversy on offense, as backup QB Brian Griese has outplayed starting QB Rex Grossman so far this season.
Even with their troubles on offense, Chicago’s stout defense will be too much for Detroit to handle.
Look for Chicago to be solid favorites to win this game.
Houston at Indianapolis
David Carr and the Houston Texans travel to Indianapolis on Sunday September 17th to face Peyton Manning and the Colts.
Manning and WR Marvin Harrison are back to lead the vaunted Colts passing attack, but their running game is up in the air, as Edgerrin James left town for Arizona.
Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai are battling to replace James in the Colts backfield and they need to produce to balance out the Colts offensive attack.
The Colts will be favorites to win this game at the RCA Dome.
New Orleans at Green Bay
Reggie Bush will get his first taste of playing at legendary Lambeau Field on Sunday September 17th as the Saints play the Packers.
Bush has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few games, and the Packers defense will need to keep their eyes open for him at all times.
Packer QB Brett Favre has played better than he did in 2005, but he is still searching for a #1 receiver to take over for the departed Javon Walker.
Look for the Packers to be installed as favorites to win this game at home.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia
Eli Manning leads the New York Giants into Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday September 17th to face Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s a sure bet that this early season NFC East matchup will be vital for both squad’s efforts to win the division, as all four division teams have a shot at the division title.
The Giants are looking for Manning to be more consistent this year in running the offense, while the Eagles are hoping McNabb has put his feud with Terrell Owens behind him.
The Eagles should be favorites to beat the Giants at home.
Oakland at Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens and new starting QB Steve McNair host Randy Moss and the Oakland Raiders in week 2 of the NFL season.
The Ravens are hoping that McNair can energize the Ravens passing attack, while Jamal Lewis, and Mike Anderson lead the rushing attack.
The Raiders are hoping new QB Aaron Brooks can provide the deep balls that Randy Moss has been missing the past few years.
Many sportsbooks have the Raiders pegged to finish last in the AFC West, so the sportsbook odds should favor the Ravens playing at home at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber lead the NFL’s leading defense into the Georgia Dome on Sunday September 17th to try and stop Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons.
With their lead-leading defense, and the emergence of Chris Sims as a solid starting QB, many sportsbooks have the Buccaneers one of the favorites to win the NFC South division.
The Falcons are still trying to come up with an offensive scheme that fits the special skills of Vick.
Because they are playing at home, look for the Falcons to be slight favorites over the Bucs.
Arizona at Seattle
Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James and the high-flying Arizona Cardinals travel to Qwest Field on Sunday September 17th to face the defending AFC champion Seattle Seahawks.
With the addition of James to their backfield, the Cardinals now have a legitimate running back to complement their vaunted passing game, led by Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
The Cardinals defense will have a difficult time stopping Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander and QB Matt Hasselbeck.
The Seahawks are many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC West division, and they will be favorites to beat the Cardinals in this game.
St. Louis at San Francisco
Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and the St. Louis Rams travel to Monster Park to face the San Francisco 49ers in week 2 of the NFL season.
With Marshall Faulk out with a knee injury, Jackson has become the go-to guy in the Rams backfield, while young WR Kevin Curtis is emerging as a new deep threat for the Rams passing attack.
49ers QB Alex Smith has played much better so far this year than his rookie campaign of 2005, and will need to continue improving is the 49ers are to be successful.
The 49ers are sportsbook favorites to finish last in the NFC West division, and they will be underdogs to the Rams in this game.
Kansas City at Denver
AFC West division rivals Kansas City and Denver will square off in Week 2 of the NFL season, as the Chiefs travel to Invesco Field.
With both teams featuring powerful offenses, this game could be won by the team that has the ball last.
Sportsbooks have both Kansas City and Denver as the favorites to challenge for the AFC West division title, and this should be a great early-season game.
Look for the Broncos to be slight favorites at home.
New England at N.Y. Jets
Chad Pennington and the New York Jets play host to their AFC East division rivals, the New England Patriots, on Sunday September 17th at Giants Stadium.
Jets QB Chad Pennington is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, and the Jets are anxious to see if Pennington has fully recovered.
The Patriots are led by All-Pro QB Tom Brady on offense and LB Tedy Bruschi on defense, and should have their way with the Jets.
New England will be the favorites to beat the Jets on the road.
Tennessee at San Diego
The San Diego Chargers will host the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium in a week 2 matchup.
New Chargers starting QB Philip Rivers is still learning the ropes as a starter, but should be just fine if he can keep handing the ball off to RB Ladanian Tomlinson.
Tennessee is hoping that QB Billy Volek can make the transition from perennial backup to starter, and do it quickly.
Tennessee is many sportsbooks' favorites to finish last in the AFC South division, and they will be underdogs in this matchup with the Chargers.
Washington at Dallas
One of the classic rivalries of the NFL will be featured in week 2 of the NFL season, as the Washington Redskins travel to Texas Stadium to square off with the Dallas Cowboys. Everybody in the sports world is talking about how new WR Terrell Owens and head coach Bill Parcells are getting along, and many sports betting fans are wondering if and when the relationship will implode.
With a healthy T.O. in the lineup, the Cowboys are many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC East division.
Dallas should be favorites to beat the Redskins at home.
Monday September 18th, 2006
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
The defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Alltel Stadium to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night, September 18th.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger appears to be fully recovered from his off-season motorcycle accident, and will be tested early and often by a tough Jaguars defense.
Byron Leftwich and the Jaguars are sportsbook favorites to challenge for the AFC South division, and they are always tough to play at home.
Look for the Steelers to be slight favorites on the road in Jacksonville.
John
Wager Web Football
.
Sunday September 17th, 2006
Regular Season Week 2
Buffalo at Miami
Daunte Culpepper and the Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in an early season AFC East Division matchup on September 17th.
Culpepper has looked very solid in his past few outings, and appears ready to lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
With Ricky Williams out with an injury, running back Ronnie Brown will be the workhorse in the Dolphins’ backfield.
Many sportsbooks have the Bills as favorites to finish last in the division, and Miami is always tough playing at Dolphin Stadium, so look for the Dolphins to be favorites in this matchup.
Carolina at Minnesota
Two of the NFL’s leading defenses will do battle in the Metrodome as the Carolina Panthers come to town to play the Minnesota Vikings.
Carolina’s defense was near the top of the NFL last season, and Minnesota underwent a major overhaul to their defense via free agency and the draft.
Carolina is the sportsbook odd-on favorite to win the NFC South division, while the Vikings are many sports betting fans’ favorites to win the NFC North.
Even though they are playing on the road, the Panthers should be favorites over the Vikings.
Cleveland at Cincinnati
The Battle for Ohio takes place in Week 2 of the NFL season, as the Cleveland Browns travel to Paul Brown Stadium to face Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Palmer is still recovering from offseason knee surgery, so look for the Browns defense to come out and pressure Palmer from the opening snap.
Many sportsbooks have Cincinnati as the favorites to challenge Pittsburgh for the AFC North title, while Cleveland is projected to finish last in the division.
The odds will favor the Bengals at home.
Detroit at Chicago
One of the most historic rivalries in the NFL is between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, and they will face each other at Soldier Field on Sunday September 17th. Chicago is many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC North Division, but they have a little controversy on offense, as backup QB Brian Griese has outplayed starting QB Rex Grossman so far this season.
Even with their troubles on offense, Chicago’s stout defense will be too much for Detroit to handle.
Look for Chicago to be solid favorites to win this game.
Houston at Indianapolis
David Carr and the Houston Texans travel to Indianapolis on Sunday September 17th to face Peyton Manning and the Colts.
Manning and WR Marvin Harrison are back to lead the vaunted Colts passing attack, but their running game is up in the air, as Edgerrin James left town for Arizona.
Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai are battling to replace James in the Colts backfield and they need to produce to balance out the Colts offensive attack.
The Colts will be favorites to win this game at the RCA Dome.
New Orleans at Green Bay
Reggie Bush will get his first taste of playing at legendary Lambeau Field on Sunday September 17th as the Saints play the Packers.
Bush has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few games, and the Packers defense will need to keep their eyes open for him at all times.
Packer QB Brett Favre has played better than he did in 2005, but he is still searching for a #1 receiver to take over for the departed Javon Walker.
Look for the Packers to be installed as favorites to win this game at home.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia
Eli Manning leads the New York Giants into Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday September 17th to face Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s a sure bet that this early season NFC East matchup will be vital for both squad’s efforts to win the division, as all four division teams have a shot at the division title.
The Giants are looking for Manning to be more consistent this year in running the offense, while the Eagles are hoping McNabb has put his feud with Terrell Owens behind him.
The Eagles should be favorites to beat the Giants at home.
Oakland at Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens and new starting QB Steve McNair host Randy Moss and the Oakland Raiders in week 2 of the NFL season.
The Ravens are hoping that McNair can energize the Ravens passing attack, while Jamal Lewis, and Mike Anderson lead the rushing attack.
The Raiders are hoping new QB Aaron Brooks can provide the deep balls that Randy Moss has been missing the past few years.
Many sportsbooks have the Raiders pegged to finish last in the AFC West, so the sportsbook odds should favor the Ravens playing at home at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber lead the NFL’s leading defense into the Georgia Dome on Sunday September 17th to try and stop Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons.
With their lead-leading defense, and the emergence of Chris Sims as a solid starting QB, many sportsbooks have the Buccaneers one of the favorites to win the NFC South division.
The Falcons are still trying to come up with an offensive scheme that fits the special skills of Vick.
Because they are playing at home, look for the Falcons to be slight favorites over the Bucs.
Arizona at Seattle
Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James and the high-flying Arizona Cardinals travel to Qwest Field on Sunday September 17th to face the defending AFC champion Seattle Seahawks.
With the addition of James to their backfield, the Cardinals now have a legitimate running back to complement their vaunted passing game, led by Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
The Cardinals defense will have a difficult time stopping Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander and QB Matt Hasselbeck.
The Seahawks are many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC West division, and they will be favorites to beat the Cardinals in this game.
St. Louis at San Francisco
Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson and the St. Louis Rams travel to Monster Park to face the San Francisco 49ers in week 2 of the NFL season.
With Marshall Faulk out with a knee injury, Jackson has become the go-to guy in the Rams backfield, while young WR Kevin Curtis is emerging as a new deep threat for the Rams passing attack.
49ers QB Alex Smith has played much better so far this year than his rookie campaign of 2005, and will need to continue improving is the 49ers are to be successful.
The 49ers are sportsbook favorites to finish last in the NFC West division, and they will be underdogs to the Rams in this game.
Kansas City at Denver
AFC West division rivals Kansas City and Denver will square off in Week 2 of the NFL season, as the Chiefs travel to Invesco Field.
With both teams featuring powerful offenses, this game could be won by the team that has the ball last.
Sportsbooks have both Kansas City and Denver as the favorites to challenge for the AFC West division title, and this should be a great early-season game.
Look for the Broncos to be slight favorites at home.
New England at N.Y. Jets
Chad Pennington and the New York Jets play host to their AFC East division rivals, the New England Patriots, on Sunday September 17th at Giants Stadium.
Jets QB Chad Pennington is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, and the Jets are anxious to see if Pennington has fully recovered.
The Patriots are led by All-Pro QB Tom Brady on offense and LB Tedy Bruschi on defense, and should have their way with the Jets.
New England will be the favorites to beat the Jets on the road.
Tennessee at San Diego
The San Diego Chargers will host the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium in a week 2 matchup.
New Chargers starting QB Philip Rivers is still learning the ropes as a starter, but should be just fine if he can keep handing the ball off to RB Ladanian Tomlinson.
Tennessee is hoping that QB Billy Volek can make the transition from perennial backup to starter, and do it quickly.
Tennessee is many sportsbooks' favorites to finish last in the AFC South division, and they will be underdogs in this matchup with the Chargers.
Washington at Dallas
One of the classic rivalries of the NFL will be featured in week 2 of the NFL season, as the Washington Redskins travel to Texas Stadium to square off with the Dallas Cowboys. Everybody in the sports world is talking about how new WR Terrell Owens and head coach Bill Parcells are getting along, and many sports betting fans are wondering if and when the relationship will implode.
With a healthy T.O. in the lineup, the Cowboys are many sportsbooks’ favorites to win the NFC East division.
Dallas should be favorites to beat the Redskins at home.
Monday September 18th, 2006
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
The defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Alltel Stadium to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night, September 18th.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger appears to be fully recovered from his off-season motorcycle accident, and will be tested early and often by a tough Jaguars defense.
Byron Leftwich and the Jaguars are sportsbook favorites to challenge for the AFC South division, and they are always tough to play at home.
Look for the Steelers to be slight favorites on the road in Jacksonville.
John
Wager Web Football
.