Sports Betting

NFL Football Strategies
1. Get to know your teams
Study the teams, learn their strengths and weaknesses, know their home and road records, and evaluate them objectively. Pay attention to changes in the quality of a team from one season to the next as players get older and changes occur in personnel and coaching staffs. Salary caps and free agency make it more difficult for teams to stay at the top for long periods of time, so major improvement or decline from season to season is common place in professional sports.
2. Bet on motivated teams
Sometimes a team doesn't play up to its potential, but at other times may play well above what is indicated by their overall record - especially in critical games. Determine how important a game is to a team. If the team has already clinched a playoff spot, they may be more focused on the post-season than the present game. Conversely, a team facing a must-win situation to make the playoffs may be highly motivated. A team out to avenge a defeat earlier in the season may also be very motivated.
3. Don't chase your losses
When you do run into the inevitable losing streak, don't panic and make the common mistake of betting larger amounts in an attempt to recoup your losses. Instead, examine your handicapping methods and reduce your betting amounts until you start winning again. Remember - chasing your losses is the single biggest mistake a gambler can make. Once you start winning again, increase your bets slightly, but don't go overboard. Unfortunately, like losing streaks, winning streaks also come to an end.
4. Bet with your head, not your heart
Make an honest assessment of a team's chances, not one based on emotions. Don't bet on a team simply because it's your favorite without considering the real odds. Be selective and remember that you will only find value betting situations in a small number of games. Betting the entire NCAA or NFL schedule every week is a risky proposition at best.
5. Value betting - find low risk high reward action
Successful football betting requires getting value on your bets. Basically this means getting better than the "true" odds on your picks. For instance, if your objective prediction for a game suggests that the Raiders should be receiving 5 points but are in fact receiving 8, then this is a value-betting proposition. In this case, the risk to reward ratio is very much in your favor, making Oakland a strong play.
6. Bet against public opinion
Certain teams always have a strong public following. For years, the Dallas Cowboys were one such team, having captured the public's admiration during the Aikman-Irvin years. High-value bets can often be found by betting against these teams because the odds makers adjust the line to reflect the expected amount of public money. Thus, the underdog is often listed with better odds or a larger point spread than they realistically deserve.
7. Stay abreast of injuries
Watch the injuries, but don't overreact to them. Judge the importance of an injured player and the quality of his back up. Remember that second-string players are often highly qualified and are especially motivated when replacing a starter, so it often pays to bet on a team missing its best player. The public normally overreacts to injuries so you may find good value in this situation. However, beware of situations where there is more than one injured stud or there is an injury to the team's captain or inspirational leader.
8. Keep accurate records
Accurate records of your wagering activity are essential for increasing your winning percentage. For example, do you tend to bet your home team or your favorite team?
9. Don't bet just for the sake of betting
There is no shame in passing up a bet. Remember that there are sports betting opportunities almost every day of the year. Don't bet simply for the sake of gambling - be patient and wait for good value betting opportunities.
10. Practice smart money management
Good money management is just as important as picking winners. Increase your betting amount only when showing an overall profit and reduce your betting amount when you are losing. Try to set a maximum percentage of your betting capital that will be placed on any one bet in order to minimize your exposure. Many professional handicappers suggest that no more than five percent of your wagering capital be at risk on any one bet, no matter how strongly you feel about the game.
Most players start the season with absolutely no clue as to how much capital it takes to withstand the ups and downs of a typical football season. You should give yourself enough money to have a chance all year. Sports’ betting is nearly always full of streaks. Even with great handicapping, you're still going to lose 40 percent of your bets, so be prepared.
Here is the important part. Never risk more than 25 percent to 30 percent of your bankroll on any week. In other words, if you like 5 pro games you will bet 6 percent of your bankroll on each game. On the best plays you will bet 8 percent and maybe 2 to 3 times a year you will find a game that's worth 10 percent of your bankroll. If you love a lot of action, simply drop your bet size (2 percent to 3 percent), but never risk more than 33 percent of your bankroll in one day. If you win one week, your bankroll is larger so you'll automatically increase your bets as you win and conversely decrease your bets as you lose. The purpose of the reserve is to recapitulate one of your bankrolls if the season starts out cold and you hit an early losing streak. In a typical year you should be cautious weeks 1 - 4, be bold weeks 5 - 12, and then revert to caution until the play-offs and bowl games.
This is a simple money management scheme and there are more sophisticated methods of money management available, but for most people this method should work just fine. We keep track of our hypothetical bankrolls using this method.
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Sports Betting

SATURDAY'S GAMES 8/27/05 Tampa Bay Bucs - QB Rotation: Brian Griese (first half), Chris Simms (3rd Q), Luke McCown (4th Q). Most of the starters are expected to play longer, likely the entire first half, against the Dolphins. But with several position battles on offense too close to call and the first round of cuts coming Aug. 30, there could be a lot of substitutions early on. Jon Gruden criticized Chris Simms Sunday for his questionable decision-making during Tampa's 20-17 loss against Jacksonville. He also said Simms took too much time to get into rhythm. Simms has gone 14-of-21 for 105 yards, one touchdown, one interception and has been sacked three times. He's also the only Buc QB to march the offense to a pair of touchdown drives in both games. Gruden said, "We hope to play some of the regulars maybe a little bit longer." Offensive line thin. The Bucs have had to scramble to put together a first and second unit for team drills. Though LT Derrick Deese (foot sprain) and Jeb Terry (knee sprain) will likely remain sidelined, LT Anthony Davis and LG Matt Stinchcomb are close to returning. "We need to get our starters back," Jon Gruden said. "I'd like to see our starting offensive line, whoever they are." Miami Dolphins - QB Rotation: Gus Frerotte (first half and into the 3rd Q), A.J. Feeley (3rd Q), Sage Rosenfels, Brock Berlin. The starters are expected to play into the third quarter. The Dolphins will prepare a more detailed plan for winning Saturday's home opener against Tampa Bay. "We'll put more preparation for this particular team," Nick Saban said. "I don't know how that will affect our ability to perform in the game. It will be interesting to see how we respond and play." Although plans have not been cemented, Saban has said he would likely let some starters play into the third quarter. An intriguing development is the Dolphins use of a spread formation lineup featuring both RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Both Williams and Brown either worked at a receiver spot or did receiving drills, the strongest indication that the Dolphins plan to put both players on the field at the same time. If the Dolphins plan to run much of that formation, expect a fair dose of it Saturday against the Buccaneers. Since the Dolphins will face the Buccaneers once more during the regular season Oct. 16, they still won't empty the playbook as if it was an actual game. So even though Saban was pleased to enter his regular-season schedule Tuesday, don't expect everything to look quite like it will on opening day. "I don't think we're going to do a lot of stuff," Saban said. "We haven't done much the whole pre-season. But we want to go through a preparation so the players get an idea of what we're doing and the kind of adjustments they have to make." Offensive line thin. "We've had three games now, and we need to knock a hole in there more consistently so we have space to run the ball," Nick Saban said. "And we need to protect the quarterback more consistently." The Dolphins began the process of fixing the offensive line by putting former starter Damion McIntosh back at left tackle, switching Vernon Carey from left to right tackle and removing Stockar McDougle from the first unit. RB Ronnie Brown will play against Tampa Bay on Saturday. Defensively, Miami has changed from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Houston Texans - QB Rotation: David Carr (first half), Tony Banks (3rd Q), Dave Ragone, B.J. Symons, Preston Parsons (see below). The Texans' starters will play more than they did in the loss to Denver or the victory over Oakland. "We've been looking at a lot of young players in our first two games, but in this game, we're going to play the starters a little longer and do more game-week preparation," coach Dom Capers said Sunday. QB David Carr is taking shorter drops and quicker releases. The goal on offense is to keep Carr from becoming the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL for the third time in four years. WRs thin: With WR Jabar Gaffney (shoulder) and Derick Armstrong (foot) sidelined because of injuries, the coaches got to look at Sloan Thomas, Reggie Swinton and Jerome Mathis. The Texans are looking for a receiver to take the heat off WR Andre Johnson. Gaffney is doubtful for Saturday's game in Dallas, but is expected to play against Tampa Bay in the preseason finale Sept. 1. Offensive line changes: Milford Brown is the latest offensive lineman to step in at right guard. Seth Wand, who started at right guard against the Raiders, was playing right tackle behind Victor Riley. Brown will probably start Saturday's game at Dallas. Houston wants to improve its running game. In preseason games, they want to see RBs rookie Vernand Morency and Tony Hollings as much as possible. The Houston defense has three new starters at linebacker this season (Morlon Greenwood and Kailee Wong inside and Antwan Peek outside), and new starters at CB (Phillip Buchanon) and strong safety (C.C. Brown). Dallas Cowboys - QB Rotation: Drew Bledsoe (first half), Drew Henson, Tony Romo. QB Drew Bledsoe will start. QBs Tony Romo and Drew Henson are still battling for the backup quarterback job. Bill Parcells wanted to make a decision by the third preseason game, which is Saturday. But he said Henson and Romo have not shown him enough to make a decision. Issues in the secondary: Parcells said he's not even close to deciding who will start at free safety. For now, Lynn Scott and Keith Davis are rotating at the position. CB Lance Frazier (sprained left ankle) is also ailing. The defense is still adjusting to their new 3-4 defense. Putting pressure on the quarterback, however, is a problem. Parcells blamed it partly on the inability of rookie DE Demarcus Ware and the outside LBs to make the transition from run stopper to pass rusher. Indianapolis Colts - QB Rotation: Peyton Manning (first half), Jim Sorgi (3rd Q), Tom Arth (4th Q). Peyton Manning will start and is expected to play into the third quarter before giving way to Sorgi. Tom Arth might see action against the Broncos, and likely will be on the field a lot in the Sept. 2 preseason finale at Cincinnati. Veteran Travis Brown (elbow) will miss the regular season. The offensive starters have produced 115 total yards, and the Colts are averaging a minuscule 1.2 yards per carry in three weeks. Peyton Manning has thrown two touchdowns, the Colts have one TD rushing, nine fumbles and the top four receivers have combined for eight receptions. Tony Dungy plans to give the starters their most extensive playing time this weekend against Denver. Secondary is thin, and young. Indianapolis Colts free safety Bob Sanders strained a leg muscle Saturday. Colts coach Tony Dungy said that Sanders, the hard-hitting heart and soul of his secondary, will miss "a little bit of time." The Colts are already without starting strong safety Mike Doss, who has missed most of camp with a groin injury. Joe Jefferson has moved from cornerback to safety to replace Doss. Second-year man Bob Sanders is the other safety. Rookie Marlin Jackson (hip) will miss this game. Denver Broncos - QB Rotation: Jake Plummer, Bradlee Van Pelt, Matt Mauck, Danny Kanell. RB Quentin Griffin will get his first preseason test Saturday. No. 1 RB Mike Anderson will rotate with Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne through the first 2 1/2 quarters, with Griffin likely to enter midway through the third. Secondary thin. Champ Bailey will miss the team's final two preseason games. Safety Chris Young will miss the season (knee injury), CB Roc Alexander (hamstring) is ailing, along with S John Lynch (soreness) and rookie Darrent Williams (knee). The Broncos signed CB Rod Babers and told Curome Cox he would be moving to safety. The offensive line, whose depth already had been depleted by the offseason injury to P.J. Alexander and retirement of backup center Josh Sewell, may need another preseason game or two before discovering its renowned run-blocking rhythms. Seattle Seahawks - QB Rotation: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, rookie David Greene, Gilbran Hamdan. Running backs thin: RB Maurice Morris had his sore hamstring tighten on him in the second half, and he was pulled from the game. RB Dante Brown (injured right shoulder) will miss 6-8 weeks. The most high-profile position battle in the exhibition season has been wide receiver, but no one vying for one of three open roster spots stood out the last game. WRs Jerheme Urban, D.J. Hackett and Jason Willis all made mistakes. Urban dropped a sure touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Willis also dropped a pass, and Hackett was called for two penalties, one for holding and one for pass interference. K.C. Chiefs - QB Rotation: Trent Green (will start and play into the 3rd Q), rookie James Kilian (will follow), Jonathan Quinn. Coach Dick Vermeil said the first units probably will play into the second half in Saturday’s game against Seattle. The goal against the Seahawks will be to find some production from the starting offense, which has only one touchdown to show for two games. Quarterbacks thin: Damon Huard got a concussion, making him unlikely to play Saturday. Backup QB Todd Collins is still out with a fractured passing hand. The Chiefs were planning to sign veteran QB Jonathan Quinn, who may see some time Saturday. The Chiefs expect to get back several injured veterans, including TE Tony Gonzalez, OL Will Shields, Jason Dunn, LB Kendrell Bell, Carlos Hall, Jerome Woods and Eric Warfield. Wide receivers thin. Offensive line in transition: KC has a new starter at right tackle, though HC Vermeil is more confident that situation will resolve itself. The Chiefs are happy with Kevin Sampson, who will probably win the job over Jordan Black. MONDAY'S GAME 8/29/05 St. Louis Rams - QB Rotation: Marc Bulger, Jamie Martin, Jeff Smoker, rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick. With QB Jamie Martin slowed by a nagging groin injury last week, coach Mike Martz decided to rest him against the Chargers and give Jeff Smoker some work as the team's No. 2 quarterback. Smoker was unimpressive, completing one of three passes for 17 yards. Martz said Martin will play this weekend in Detroit. Secondary thin. Adam Archuleta is back at strong safety. Martz said, "Adam's probably better down inside than back - particularly in our nickel package. He's such an instinctive and quick read guy in the running game. We miss him being up there." Offensive line is still a work in progress. Sunday marked rookie OT Alex Barron's debut in a Rams uniform. He played the entire second half, but coach Mike Martz was underwhelmed with Barron's play. "He didn't do very well," Martz said. Detroit Lions - QB Rotation: Joey Harrington (first half), Jeff Garcia (3rd Q), rookie Dan Orlovsky. The starters will stay in the game a lot longer this week. Joey Harrington's performance in the first two exhibition games has removed any doubt that he is the starting quarterback. Jeff Garcia will remain the No. 2 quarterback. The design work and strategic planning of the Lions' offense is still on the drawing board, and don't expect to see a wide-open attack over the next two preseason games. Even in Monday night's dress rehearsal against the St. Louis Rams, an exhibition game that will come closest to being like the regular season, the offense will be a stripped-down version. The Lions are saving the tricks and gadgets for the regular season. The Lions have failed to gain a first down on only two possessions in the first two games with Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia at QB. Harrington cemented his position as the starting QB by completing 14 of 15 passes, but he has yet to lead the offense to a touchdown. There hasn't been a touchdown in the red zone with anyone at quarterback. Fullback Cory Schlesinger is out six to eight weeks with a fractured fibula. Ted Tollner is the new offensive coordinator
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FRIDAY'S GAMES 8/26/05 Cincinnati Bengals - QB Rotation: Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Casey Bramlet, Craig Krenzel. Marvin Lewis isn't saying who is in the lead for the No. 3 quarterback spot between Craig Krenzel and Casey Bramlet with two weeks left in their battle. Both have had the opportunity to be the third quarterback into a game this preseason and a chance to be the last one. Bramlet was with the Bengals as No. 3 last season and played in Europe. Krenzel started five games for the Bears as a rookie. Wide receivers thin. Marvin Lewis said LB David Pollack would not start, though he will play and Pollack said he expects to play a great deal. Turnovers are still key: The Bengals were plus-2 in turnover differential against Washington (three takeaways vs. one giveaway) and won, 24-17. They were minus-1 against New England (a 23-13 loss). In the two regular seasons under Lewis, the Bengals are 9-1 with a plus-differential and 4-2 when the differential is even. Secondary thin: CB Myles didn't play in the second half last week because of a groin injury, and CB Rashad Bauman (stinger) left the game injured and didn't return. Philadelphia Eagles - QB Rotation: Donovan McNabb (first half), Mike McMahon (3rd Q), Andy Hall (4th Q). If coach Andy Reid sticks to form, this probably will be the final exhibition tune-up for the majority of the starters. There's a good chance that Terrell Owens will see his first preseason game action Friday. Head coach Andy Reid said that as long as Owens' injured groin holds up to the rigors of practice he'll get playing time against Cincinnati. With Owens out of the lineup, the Eagles' have a trio of young receivers getting to play in Greg Lewis, rookie Reggie Brown and Billy McMullen. Brown has not been overwhelmed by Andy Reid's complicated offensive system and appears to have a lock on the No. 3 WR job. Sean Landeta, 43, has joined the Eagles. Dirk Johnson, the Eagles' punter last year, has missed all of training camp following surgery to repair a sports hernia. "I don't like seeing him run during preseason," Andy Reid said when asked about Donovan McNabb's big run the last game. San Diego Chargers - QB Rotation: Drew Brees (1st Q), Philip Rivers (2nd Q), Cleo Lemon (3rd Q), Craig Ochs. With this game at Minnesota coming just five days after Sunday's victory over St. Louis, coach Marty Schottenheimer decided he will play the starters only in the first quarter, perhaps slightly longer. But nowhere near the entire half they played against the Rams. RB LaDainian Tomlinson won't play at all. QB Philip Rivers completed 7-of-8 for 35 yards last week, another impressive showing. All-Pro TE Antonio Gates agreed to a six-year contract with the Chargers. The Chargers are the only team in the NFL that returns all 22 starters on offense and defense, plus their punter, kicker and long snapper. Minnesota Vikings - QB Rotation: Daunte Culpepper, Brad Johnson, Shaun Hill. CB Fred Smoot (right knee) should be ready to make his first preseason appearance Friday. Running backs thin: Rookie RB Ciatrick Fason will miss two to three weeks, and RB Michael Bennett "dinged up his neck." RB Mewelde Moore will get the start this game. Neither RB Michael Bennett nor center Matt Birk will play. Mike Tice said Travis Dorsch will get a chance to do some punting Friday and indicated that neither RB Michael Bennett nor center Matt Birk will play against the Buccaneers -- Bennett because of a sprained neck and Birk because of continued problems with his midsection that eventually will require surgery. The Pro Bowl center's condition also was a factor in personnel changes. Mike Tice wants to ensure he has a veteran backup center behind presumptive starter Cory Withrow. With reserve Anthony Herrera out (serious staph infection in his right leg), the Vikings demoted left guard Adam Goldberg and made him the top backup at center and both guard positions. Chris Liwienski returned to left guard, while rookie Marcus Johnson took over at right guard. Barring injury, Tice said Liwienski, Johnson and Withrow will start against the Buccaneers in the opener. Buffalo Bills - QB Rotation: J.P. Losman (first half), Kelly Holcomb (3rd Q), Shane Matthews (4th Q), Tory Woodbury, Kevin Thompson. HC Mike Mularkey said some of his starters will play into the third quarter against the Bears. Offensive line thin: Guards Lawrence Smith and Ben Sobieski were ruled out for the year. Tight end depth is thin. Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray has been blitzing often. Gray looks at the depth chart and likes what he sees. In this pass-happy era of the NFL you can never have enough good cornerbacks, and the Bills have plenty of them. Starters Nate Clements and Terrence McGee played in the Pro Bowl last season. Chicago Bears - QB Rotation: Chad Hutchinson (first half), rookie Kyle Orton (3rd Q), Kurt Kittner, Jeff Blake. The starters are expected to play at least through the first half, and RB Thomas Jones ought to play. Rookie QB Kyle Orton, who went 6 for 10 for 60 yards in Indianapolis but also fumbled twice, is the most interesting candidate to displace Hutchinson as the starter. Recently signed veteran Jeff Blake also has a chance to win the quarterback job. Coach Lovie Smith made it clear Hutchinson must perform well Friday, or the Bears will consider going to their third quarterback before the regular season begins. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner will install a game plan for Friday's exhibition against Buffalo with the hope that the specific scheme, along with another week to settle into his role, will help QB Chad Hutchinson be more productive. Hutchinson's overall numbers in the preseason fall short of Orton's. Hutchinson is 17-for-28 for 178 yards with the two interceptions and a 49.4 passer rating. The Bears lost starting QB Rex Grossman (ankle) for 3-4 months. The Bears' depth on defense has taken a hit. Coach Lovie Smith said safeties Bobby Gray and Cameron Worrell and LB Marcus Reese all will undergo season-ending surgery. Starting CB Jerry Azumah is still out, he could return to practice soon but won't play in the final exhibition game Sept. 1 against Cleveland. The Bears have a new offensive coordinator in Ron Turner. He is bringing in his version of the West Coast offense. His offense is geared toward receivers as opposed to backs and tight ends in the passing game. Turner said, "We definitely are going to continue to be aggressive." Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger (first half), Tommy Maddox (3rd Q), Charlie Batch (4th Q), Brian St. Pierre. The first teams will play the entire first half. Bill Cowher is looking for some production from his No. 1 offense. "They haven't even put the ball in the end zone yet," he said. "I think we certainly have a ways to go to be where we want to be by opening day." Tommy Maddox will open the second half at quarterback and "we'll see how it unfolds and how much Charlie and Brian St. Pierre play." Five players were ruled out of the preseason game with the Redskins. Porter, Staley, DBs Vontez Duff (shoulder) and Chidi Iwuoma (shoulder) and DE Travis Kirschke (back). Bill Cowher added that he'd like to get No. 2 QB Tommy Maddox into Friday's game after he didn't to play against Miami last Saturday. Staley and Joey Porter are hoping to be ready for the season opener Sept. 11 against Tennessee. The Steelers' first-team defense has looked solid in the first two preseason games, but the offense is another story. QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has yet to produce a touchdown, is 8 of 15 for 64 yards with an interception. Also, Jerome Bettis, who is starting in place of Duce Staley, has 18 yards on five carries. Washington Redskins - QB Rotation: Patrick Ramsey (1st Q+), Mark Brunell (2nd Q+), rookie Jason Campbell (3rd Q+). Coach Joe Gibbs said he intends to split the snaps evenly among his top three quarterbacks Friday against Pittsburgh. Gibbs said, "Our game plan would be roughly a third, a third and a third." QB Mark Brunnel led the Redskins to a failed field-goal attempt, then a TD, before sitting. For the night, he was 11 of 19 for 121 yards. His QB rating of 76.9 dwarfed those of Ramsey and rookie Jason Campbell. RB Clinton Portis has only one carry this preseason, but is expected to get considerable playing time Friday against Pittsburgh. The Redskins are short on cornerbacks. CB Walt Harris (quadriceps) and WR Taylor Jacobs (toe) are unlikely to play Friday. Punter Tom Tupa remains out with a back sprain, leaving Andy Groom to handle those duties for the second straight game. New England Patriots - QB Rotation: Tom Brady (first half), Doug Flutie (3rd Q), Rohan Davey (4th Q), rookie Matt Cassel (see below). Bill Belichick is treating the Green Bay game as close to a regular-season contest as possible, with a more specific game plan and a game-like approach to substitutions, meaning the starters will play a more significant role. "Every player that dresses for the game, I've told them to be ready to go for 60 minutes, just like it's a regular-season game," Belichick said. "As a coaching staff we'll try to manage the game as we think is best, given all of the things that we're trying to get done in this game." QB Rohan Davey is expected to play Friday after sitting out last week against New Orleans. Davey started against Cincinnati in the exhibition opener and statistically did not fare as well as Doug Flutie, his chief competition for the No. 2 job, did against the Saints. A number of players who missed last week's game against New Orleans, including DL Ty Warren, RB Cedric Cobbs, CB Randall Gay, and safety Guss Scott, likely will play at Green Bay. The Pats have allowed 303 rushing yards in two games this preseason, including 196 yards in the first half last week when the starters and primary backups were on the field. They've experimented liberally with different personnel groupings. But when Saints backups run down your throats, flags go up. Prize free agent LB Chad Brown got stiff-armed to the ground and allowed long gains twice in the first quarter. As replacements for Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson, Brown and fellow free agent Monty Beisel have yet to instill confidence. Green Bay Packers - QB Rotation: Brett Favre, rookie Aaron Rodgers, Craig Nall, J.T. O'Sullivan. Craign Nall and J.T. O'Sullivan are locked in a battle for the third and final quarterback berth behind Favre and Rodgers. The team wants to see a little more of what Nall can do. In two preseason games as the first quarterback to enter the game behind Favre, Rodgers has completed 6-of-15 passes for 28 yards. Secondary thin. Even if TE Ben Steele's back/neck injury isn't serious, the Packers face problems without starter Bubba Franks in camp. Steele has been inconsistent and the Packers desperately need a receiving weapon at TE to make their offense work the way they want. Their other receiving TE David Martin has been sidelined by a groin injury and remains mired by inconsistency. Without Franks, Martin and Steele, the Packers were limited Saturday. "We have to get David Martin right now," OC Tom Rossley said. Defense not 100%: Cletidus Hunt’s return date is up in the air because he still has swelling in his knee. Rookie LB Kurt Campbell was scheduled to have surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament this week. Safety Mark Roman (hamstring), LB Na’il Diggs (knee) and DT Kenny Peterson (elbow) are ailing. Diggs is sidelined with a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee and might not be 100% for the opener against. Because of injuries, Donnell Washington and James Lee are expected to start at the defensive tackles, while Ahmad Carroll and Mike Hawkins are likely to start at the cornerbacks. Jim Bates is the Packers new Defensive Coordinator, their third new one in three years. The defense is running more coverages than the basic two-deep scheme of a year ago. Baltimore Ravens - QB Rotation: Kyle Boller, Anthony Wright, rookie Derek Anderson. RB Jamal Lewis will miss this preseason game because of a bone spur in his left foot. Chester Taylor, who started the first two preseason games, will replace Lewis again. TE Todd Heap practiced but is not expected to play Friday against the Saints. Defense missing two key players: LB Peter Boulware is expected to return to practice this week but not play against the Saints. CB Samari Rolle did not practice, and his status for the game is in doubt. Rolle injured his knee against the Philadelphia Eagles. From last week's practice: "You can see it in coach Brian Billick's face at times. Three times QB Kyle Boller threw long TD passes, and twice he was intercepted for TDs. One of the interceptions was on a slant-in pass to Clarence Moore, a replay of the interception Boller threw against the Falcons. A lot of times Billick just shakes his head in approval or disappointment." New Orleans Saints - QB Rotation: Aaron Brooks, Todd Bouman, Kliff Kingsbury, rookie Adrian McPherson. Less than an hour-and-a-half before the New Orleans Saints normally open the locker room to reporters for player interviews, a team spokesman sent out an e-mail Tuesday explaining that the day's practice would be closed and that there would be no player or coach availability. Although HC Haslett has appeared more irritable than usual in meetings with reporters this week, team spokesman Greg Bensel said the unusual decision to close practice had nothing to do with the coach being annoyed with the media. Offensive line thin: The Saints are thin at tackle with backups Jon Stinchcomb and Spencer Folau injured, so guard/center Jamar Nesbit was asked to give right tackle a shot when the team returned to practice this week. Defensive line thin: Starting strongside LB James Allen has missed most of camp with a bruised bone in his knee. Starting defensive tackle Brian Young left the Patriots game with a strained MCL in his knee. NY Giants - QB Rotation: Tim Hasselbeck (1st-3rd Qs), Jesse Palmer (4th Q), Jared Lorenzen. The starters will play into the third quarter against the Jets. Jesse Palmer will quarterback the second team. Tom Coughlin wasn't sure if there would be enough time to get Jared Lorenzen into the game. QB Eli Manning (elbow) will miss Friday's game. Manning says he's fine with a little soreness but he'll return in preseason finale' for a final tune up. The annual Giants-Jets preseason game usually is the most spirited of the summer, with starters on the field for three quarters and tempers often rising hotter than usual. Revenge game? These teams scrimmaged two weeks ago and a lot of fierce words were said after the Jets hit harder than normal in a scrimmage that was scheduled to be light hitting. "Talk is cheap. Tell the Giants to 'bring it,'" said Jets FB B.J. Askew, who body-slammed Giants LB Carlos Emmons. So what happened? Giants QB Eli Manning accused Jets DC Donnie Henderson of using complex blitzing schemes in what was scheduled to be a very vanilla scrimmage. Giants RB Tiki Barber called Henderson a "maniac." The Jets did practice a bit more physical against the Giants. Several days later, Henderson called Tom Coughlin to clear the air. They believe Gang Green came to Albany intent on causing trouble 2 1/2 weeks ago. NY Jets - QB Rotation: Chad Pennington, Jay Fiedler, Brooks Bollinger. New HC Mike Heimerdinger is known as an aggressive coach, and wants to create an attacking mentality. He's having the Jets breaking the huddle as quickly as possible, among other things. Coach Herman Edwards said Ty Law will definitely play Friday against the Giants. The Jets secondary is suddenly looking like a team strength with the addition of Ty Law, rookie CB Justin Miller, rookie safeties Kerry Rhodes and Andre Maddox and the emergence of first-year S Oliver Celestin. Second-year man Eric Coleman, a starter last season, and Celestin are the starters at safety. Celestin can also play some cornerback/nickel back. Mike Heimerdinger, the former offensive coordinator with the Titans, is the new offensive coordinator. Carolina Panthers - QB Rotation: Jake Delhomme, Chris Weinke, Rod Rutherford, rookie Stephan LeFlors. Coach John Fox plans a similar QB rotation to last week. "The plan is we'll play the starters into the second quarter or maybe the whole second quarter, depending how the game goes," Fox said. "That goes for Game 3 and then we back off in the fourth one." Chris Weinke is the No. 2 QB. He's light years ahead of rookie Stefan LeFors and Rod Rutherford, who are competing for No. 3. RB Stephen Davis worked for the first time in a full padded practice outside Tuesday. He showed a good burst of speed, as well as an ability to make cuts on his surgically repaired knee. Defensive shuffle: The Panthers face questions at linebacker and safety. Mike Minter started camp at free safety, shifted back to strong safety -- his position in recent seasons -- and returned to free safety again this week. The Panthers ten straight exhibition wins came to an end last week. Cleveland Browns - QB Rotation: Trent Dilfer (will start), rookie Charlie Frye, Doug Johnson, Josh Harris, rookie Lang Campbell (see below). HC Romeo Crennel said QB Trent Dilfer will start. Crennel has not decided who will go second, Doug Johnson or Charlie Frye. Johnson returned to action this week after missing the Lions game with a sore shoulder and said he feels better. Frye has looked good in his first two outings. "I'll reserve my decision until game time," Crennel said. Friday's game will "have a major impact" on the backup quarterback job," Crennel added. Cleveland's secondary took another hit when CB Gary Baxter left last week's game with a concussion. Cleveland started the game with three defensive backs inactive: Daylon McCutcheon (migraine headaches), Brodney Pool (concussion) and Michael Lehan (leg injury). The Browns signed Ray Mickens to a one-year deal Thursday, and he played against Detroit. HC Romeo Crennel said the biggest accomplishment in his camp was installing the 3-4 defensive system and seeing evidence that it will be effective. The biggest issues left, he said, are seeing how the defense tackles over four quarters at regular-season speed, and how the team reacts to the inevitable adversity a typical season presents. "It's still a honeymoon," the coach said. The new defense features not only a new scheme and coordinator, but six new starters in nose tackle Jason Fisk, RDE Alvin McKinley, LB Matt Stewart, RCB Gary Baxter and safeties Sean Jones and Brian Russell. The biggest disappointment of camp is the prospect of RB Lee Suggs starting a third straight season with an injury. Suggs' ankle injury probably means a committee approach to the backfield unless Reuben Droughns or William Green establishes himself. With Suggs out, Droughns is expected to get the start Friday against Carolina. Arizona Cardinals - QB Rotation: Kurt Warner (1st-3rd Qs), Josh McCown (4th Q), John Navarre, Chris Lewis. HC Dennis Green said the starters will play into the third quarter Friday at Oakland. It will be their longest time on the field this preseason as they prepare for the regular season. Green has made it clear that rookie RB J.J. Arrington is the starter, and Marcel Shipp is the backup. In Arrington, Green thinks he has added a big-play dimension to the offense. Arrington is quick and fast. That's why Shipp will be the backup, no matter how well he plays this preseason. Offensive line thin: Starting center Alex Stepanovich will be out for the rest of the month. Injuries to right tackle Oliver Ross (knee) forced Nick Leckey, a center, and Ian Allen to play on the front line. And Cardinals coach Dennis Green is giving rookie Elton Brown every chance to win the starting job at right guard. Rookie guard Elton Brown's debut was rough. He was part of a line that couldn't adjust to the blitz. Dennis Green said he was "absolutely" concerned about the offensive line's health and performance. The Cardinals are down to their fourth different starting center since the first weekend of training camp. The team also signed center Shawn Lynch this week. Oakland Raiders - QB Rotation: Kerry Collins (first half), Marques Tuiasosopo (3rd Q), David Rivers (4th Q). QB Kerry Collins will play through the first half, Norv Turner said, with Marques Tuiasosopo and possibly David Rivers taking snaps in the second half. QB Andrew Walter will not play because of a groin injury. Coach Norv Turner expects to use WR Ron Curry in 15 to 18 plays Friday. WR Jerry Porter (hamstring) and second-year pro WR Carlos Francis won't play. With P Shane Lechler likely unavailable the next couple of weeks, the Raiders have signed free-agent punter Bryce Benekos. He will back Gary Cook. Lineup changes: The Raiders showed a 4-3 defensive front in their official starting lineup, with Bobby Hamilton and Tommy Kelly at the ends, but came out in the nickel. They quickly reverted back to a 4-3, with Derrick Burgess and Ed Jasper moving in and out of the starting base defense. Tennessee Titans - QB Rotation: Steve McNair (first half), Billy Volek (3rd Q), Chris Redman, Shane Boyd (see below). Jeff Fisher said he plans on playing the starters to halftime. It will be their most extensive preseason work. QB Steve McNair will be followed by Billy Volek at quarterback, while Chris Redman and Shane Boyd are also expected to play. RB Travis Henry (turf toe) isn't expected to play at San Francisco. Offensive line changes: With LT Brad Hopkins (knee damage) out and also scheduled to serve a one-game suspension when the Titans play their regular season opener on Sept. 11 in Pittsburgh, the offensive line will get some extra valuable experience Friday. Rookie Michael Roos will fill in for Hopkins, with Jacob Bell, David Stewart or Todd Williams in line to fill in at right tackle, the spot Roos is expected to occupy when Hopkins is on the field. The changes for the offensive could be especially tough because Pittsburgh has a 3-4 front, which is far less common than the 4-3 most teams run. Jeff Fisher reduced the number of two-a-days and limited the contact. The Titans made it through camp without any devastating injuries, something they weren't able to say this time last year. Norm Chow is the new offensive coordinator. San Fran 49ers - QB Rotation: Tim Rattay (first half and into the 3rd Q), Alex Smith (3rd Q), Ken Dorsey, Cody Pickett (see below). The 49ers suffered a tragedy Saturday when rookie LB Thomas Herrion died after collapsing in the locker room after Saturday's game against the Broncos. San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan announced that Tim Rattay will be the Niners starting QB entering this season. Rattay will start this game, with Smith following. HC Mike Nolan said he will play his starters for the first half and the first series of the second half against Tennessee, but for only the first two drives in the last exhibition game, Sept. 1 at San Diego. That makes this game the most important of the preseason. Offensive line thin: G David Baas (pulled hamstring) might miss training camp. C Jeremy Newberry (knee) is recovering from offseason surgery. LT Jonas Jennings (finger) and Justin Smiley (bruised left calf) are ailing. Baas' injury has the most impact. The second-rounder was expected to compete for a starting spot. Secondary thin: CB Randee Drew has a stress fracture in his foot and is out indefinitely, CB Shawntae Spencer (hamstring) is ailing. Mike Nolan is the new 49ers head coach (former defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens).
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Sports Betting

THURSDAY'S GAME 8/25/05 Atlanta Falcons - QB Rotation: Michael Vick (1st Q), Ty Detmer, Matt Schaub.
Note: Rosters must be trimmed to 65 by next Tuesday (August 30th) afternoon. Most Falcons veterans will be used sparingly in the preseason, coach Jim Mora said. Vick took just 27 snaps all last preseason and just three in the 2004 exhibition opener. Mora indicated he'd probably follow last season's strategy of limiting Vick. Defensively, the Falcons were easy pickings through the air and on third down last week. Five defensive starters were out, which was a factor. But 31 first downs allowed the Titans to dominate the time of possession — 43 minutes to 17. Offensively, the passing game — including protection (three sacks allowed) — remains an area of concern. Though coach Jim Mora said he expects flanker WR Peerless Price to be ready to play Thursday at Jacksonville (bruised ribs and a concussion), it could be too early to know if he'll be healthy enough to suit up. An emphasis on protection for QB Vick: The coaches have tweaked the offensive line schemes a bit after surrendering 50 sacks last season, but it still needs work. The Falcons have shown no signs of learning from their penalty woes, racking up 10 against the Titans to give them 30 penalties in three games for a total of 220 yards. Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Rotation: Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Quinn Gray, Nate Hybl. "We'll see a lot more of the first units when Atlanta visits Thursday and look longer at both groups offense and defense," said Coach Jack Del Rio. RB Fred Taylor is expected to make his first start of the preseason here. David Richardson, out with a knee injury since the first preseason scrimmage, worked out and may play. Also due to see more action are LB Jorge Cordova and OL Mike Pearson, both still coming back after major injuries last year. QB Byron Leftwich completed his first eight passes, and then nine of 10 on a second-quarter drive and finished 14 of 21 for 125 yards. More importantly, Leftwich wasn't sacked as the offensive line was more solid than last week when he was sacked four times in four series. The Jaguars also may have discovered a budding star in sixth round draft choice Chad Owens. Owens started as the third receiver ahead of veteran Troy Edwards and first round pick Matt Jones. Jones, relegated mostly to second-half duty with the reserves the past two games, has been practicing with the first-team offense as the No.3 receiver this week and is expected to do the same against the Falcons. Secondary thin: CB David Richardson (ankle) missed last week's game. Rookie Scott Starks has been starting along with second-year pro Chris Thompson. Veteran free agent CB Kenny Wright has also been seeing time. "We're going to continue to shuffle those guys through and make it competitive," Del Rio said. "We just want to get a good, thorough evaluation before we make any decisions." Carl Smith is the new offensive coordinator. He is a proponent of play action, something you will see a lot with his QBs in preseason. Smith said, "We're going to use the whole field this season."
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Sports Betting

San Diego Chargers Last Year's Results:12-4 (1st in AFC West)27.9 PPG scored (3rd in NFL)19.6 PPG allowed (11th in NFL) Head Coach: Marty Schottenheimer Superbowl odds 15/1AFC championship odds 7/1The Chargers engineered a worst-to-first turnaround in the AFC West last season, and a lot of the credit for that success goes to Philip Rivers. Rivers' early-season holdout forced the team to keep Drew Brees as their starting quarterback, and Brees had an exceptional season that carried the team into the playoffs. The question now is whether Rivers has a future in San Diego; if Brees performs this season like he did last year, Rivers could be sent packing to another city. Behind Brees, the Chargers' offense was dominant last season, and with the main contributors all returning to the fold the firestorm should continue. LaDainian Tomlinson solidified his reputation as one of the best backs in the league, and Antonio Gates stepped up as Brees' go-to guy. The Chargers had two first-round picks in the draft, and used both of them to upgrade their defense. Maryland OL Shawne Merriman is a bruiser who can also line up at defensive end, while Northwestern DL Luis Castillo is a powerful lineman with some baggage. Castillo admitted to using Andro, which is banned by the NFL. The Chargers won't sneak up on anyone this season, and they need their offense to click like it did last year if they hope to mirror or improve on their success. Marty Schottenheimer got more than anyone could have hoped for out of the team in his first year as head coach in San Diego; time will tell if that result was an indicator of things to come, or a fluke.


Oakland RaidersLast Year's Results:5-11 (4th in AFC West)20.0 PPG scored (18th in NFL)27.6 PPG allowed (31st in NFL) Head Coach: Norv Turner Superbowl odds 25/1AFC championship odds 10/1The silver and black continued their downward spiral last season, ending up in the AFC West basement. The Raiders were second-last in points allowed, while QB Kerry Collins tied for the league-lead in interceptions. Despite last year's dreadful showing, however, things are looking up in Raider nation after an offseason trade brought WR Randy Moss to the team. Moss is one of the best receivers in the league, and he changes the game just by being on the field. He'll join Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry to form a potent receiving corps that should help bring Kerry Collins' interception total down. In the backfield the Raiders have nowhere to go but up after rushing for a league-low 1295 yards last season. Tyrone Wheatley was handed his walking papers, so Amos Zereoue, Zack Crockett, and newcomer LaMont Warren will battle for rushing duties. The Raiders' defense was an embarrassment last season. The addition of Warren Sapp did nothing for the defensive line, as the Raiders finished second-last in the league in sacks. The secondary wasn't much better, with only nine interceptions all season and poor play at times from corner Charles Woodson. Woodson should have a new face lining up with him at corner this season, as the Raiders used their first two picks in this year's draft to select cornerbacks; Fabian Washington of Nebraska and Stanford Routt of Houston. Washington appears to have a leg up on the starter's job, as the Raiders traded up in the draft to grab the speedster. The Raiders should be improved from last year, but just how improved they are is the question. This team should be able to score in bunches with their talented tandem of receivers, but the lack of a running game and a questionable defense could keep them out of the playoff hunt.

Denver BroncosLast Year's Results:10-6 (2nd in AFC West)23.8 PPG scored (9th in NFL)19.0 PPG allowed (9th in NFL) Head Coach: Mike Shanahan Superbowl odds 25/1AFC championship odds 12/1Another offseason, another successful running back traded from the Broncos. A year after dealing away top rusher Clinton Portis, the Broncos parted ways with running back Reuben Droughns. The torch has now been passed to Quentin Griffin, who missed 10 games with injuries last season. A good year for Griffin (who is still recovering from knee surgery) and he too could get shipped out of town. The Broncos were busy in the offseason trying to find the right pieces to get back to the top of the AFC West. RB Ron Dayne was brought on board to back up Griffin, while future Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice (if he doesn't retire) will try to recapture some of his old brilliance alongside Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Jake Plummer returns as quarterback, after taking every snap during the regular season last year. The Broncos' defense will have a new look this year, as they pilfered the Cleveland Browns' defensive line. The oft-injured Courtney Brown (who is injured again) was brought in to replace sack leader Reggie Haywood, who left for Jacksonville. Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers were acquired in the Droughns trade, and along with Brown will share the line with Luther Ellis and Marco Colemen. The secondary could also have a few new faces after the Broncos used their first three picks in the draft to select cornerbacks. Champ Bailey is a given in one of the corner slots, but Oklahoma State's Darrent Williams, Washington State's Karl Paymah, and Maryland's Dominique Foxworth will battle in the preseason to see who will join him in the starting lineup. Denver's offseason maneuverings made them a much older team. If their age starts to catch up to them this season, the roster's lack of depth could pose a problem. An injury-free year, however, could see the Broncos again battling for a spot in the playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs Last Year's Results:7-9 (3rd in AFC West)30.2 PPG scored (2nd in NFL)27.2 PPG allowed (29th in NFL) Head Coach: Dick Vermeil Superbowl odds17/1AFC championship odds 8/1A year after finishing 13-3, the Chiefs crashed to 7-9 last season. The high-powered offense was still there, but the defense never showed up for work. The Chiefs played eight games without RB Priest Holmes last year, but that didn't slow down an offense that was second in the league at 30.2 points-per-game scored. This year, the offense has all of its big guns returning, with Trent Green behind center and a healthy Holmes in the backfield. The receiving corps features TE Tony Gonzalez as the go-to guy ahead of Eddie Kennison, with newly-acquired Freddie Mitchell also in the mix for catches. The elusive Dante Hall didn't return a punt for a touchdown for the first time in three seasons last year, but he's still dangerous every time he touches the ball. No one in Kansas City is worried about the offense though; how far the Chiefs go this year will depend on their defense. The secondary should show a lot of improvement with the addition of FS Sammy Knight and CB Patrick Surtain. Kendrell Bell was signed to shore up the linebacking corps. The Chiefs also got some help from the draft. With their first-round pick they snagged LB Derrick Johnson from Texas, who is expected to compete for the starting outside linebacker job with last year's starter, Shawn Barber. Barber, however, is coming off knee surgery and his recovery time is in question. On paper the defense looks substantially better than last season, but the games are played on the field. With an overload of linebackers and secondary players who are used to starting there should be a few battles for jobs in training camp. Don't be surprised if the regular season starters aren't selected until Dick Vermeil gets a good look at his new-look defense in the preseason.
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Sports Betting

The main object of sports betting is to beat the 'Oddsmakers' or the 'Odds Compilers' and win some money. Additionally, placing a bet on your favorite sport event makes the game exciting and more enjoyable.
Betting is done through Sportsbooks (US) or Bookmakers (UK) entities that accept bets. You can bet on the outcome of several sporting events, such as; Baseball, Basketball, Football, Tennis, Hockey, Snooker and Soccer games.
To place a sports bet, you go to a sportsbook, physical or online. You could also bet over the phone with many sportsbooks. Note that a sports book or sportsbook is not the same as an oddsmaker. The sportsbook simply accepts sports bets. An oddsmaker is a person who sets the betting odds.
You need to state what you are betting on by making a selection, the type of bet and the amount you are wagering. Your selection will obviously depend on the odds offered, so you will want to examine the range of odds available before you make a decision.
There are many types of bets you can place. Some sportsbooks may offer more betting varieties and combinations than others. Below is a list of the more common types of bets.
Straight bet or Single. This is the simplest and most common bet. You bet on a winner at given odds.
Point Spread. This bet lets you bet on a winner from two selections who have been made equal by allocating appropriate points to the underdog team. The Point Spread is the number of points allocated and is shown with a + sign for the favorite and a - sign for the underdog. The favorite has to win by more than the Point Spread for you to win, otherwise you lose your bet even if the team wins. Inversely, if you bet for the underdog, that team has to lose by less than the Point Spread for you to win. If the favorite wins by the exact Point Spread, then it is a push or a tie. You get your bet back. To eliminate a tie result, the oddsmakers sometimes include a half point spread. Since scores use full numbers only, one team has to win outright.
Buy Points. Also, to buy Key Points. Move the Point Spread favorably at a price.
The Moneyline. This establishes the odds for each team but inversely proportional to what would have been a Point Spread, and is indicated by a + for the underdog and a - sign for the favorite. Say team A is favorite and quoted at -180 and B is the underdog at + 120. The bets offered would be 10:18 odds-on for the favorite, and 12:10 for the underdog. For every $180 you bet on A you would win $100 or lose $180, but for every $100 you bet on B you would win $120 or lose $100.
Total. A bet for the number of points scored in the game by both teams combined, including points scored in overtime.
Over/Under. A bet that the combined number of points scored by the two teams in the game will be Over or Under the total set by the oddsmaker.
Parlay or Accumulator. A multiple bet. A kind of 'let-it-ride' bet. Making simultaneous selections on two or more games with the intent of pressing the winnings of the first win on the bet of the following game selected, and so on. All the selections made must win for you to win the parlay. If a game is a tie, postponed or cancelled, your parlay is automatically reduced by one selection; a double parlay becomes a straight bet, a triple parlay becomes a double. A parlay bet can yield huge dividends if won.
Teaser. It is like a parlay, but with the option to add or subtract points (called 'moving the line') from one or more Spread bets. When betting a teaser additional points are either added to the underdog or subtracted from the favorite. The odds vary according to the number of points the spread is moved and the number of teams combined to form the teaser. As in the parlay, all selections must win for the teaser to win. Teasers odds are usually worse than the parlays.
If-wager. A bet that allows the bettor to make a second wager, up to an equal amount, pending a win on the first selection.
Open Wager. Open wagers allow the bettor to play teasers or parlays making a selection at different times and even different days.
Future. A bet on a future event. At the start of each season, the sportsbooks give out odds for teams to win a certain championship. The odds change as the game date approaches and in most cases get shorter, but if you win you get paid at the original odds that you took. This is possibly one of the most profitable bets if you have considerable knowledge of the sport that you are betting on including the players, and a good sense of judgement.
Exotic Bets. Betting on unusual events. Some sportsbooks post odds and take bets on a wide variety of other sports related events and activities. A few others will take bets on just about anything you can think of.
Proposition Bet or Prop Bet. An offer of bets at odds and conditions chosen by the sportsbook, usually on 'Exotic' bets.
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Sports Betting

NFC Feature: The Detroit Lions
Out of the NFC Central come rumblings of greatness out of Detroit, and many experts out there are making the prediction that the Detroit Lions can win this division over the Packers, where it could be Brett Farve's last year, the Vikings without Randy Moss, and the up surging but once again injury depleted Bears. The Black and Blue division of football I call it, and all eyes will be on QB Joey Harrington to see if he can lead a high octane offense led in the West Coast style by head coach Steve Mariucci in 2005. Lets break down this team and weigh their chances.
OFFENSE: There is no doubt about the potential on offense, and an insurance policy of sorts in QB Jeff Garcia was picked up in free agency this summer, from the Browns, whom he started for last season. This adds some depth and experience at the QB position, and of course Garcia was Mariucci's boy when he was at San Francisco. An intense training camp battle is in place, but I feel Harrington is going to win it, he has mobility and a great arm, and a serious triple threat at WR in Charles Rodgers, rookie Mike Williams, and Roy Williams. These three amigo's are all 1st rounders with speed, size and talent like none other in this division, and maybe all of football, but experience is lacking for a full season, so it will be trial and error. This passing attack, with either Harrington or Garcia will be a big play threat, especially on the turf in the dome on a fast track. Running back Kevin Jones, a newcomer last year, managed 117 yards per game his last 7 games, and if that continues behind veteran fullback Cory Schlesinger, this offense could be dangerous and potent with any balance to it at all. The tight end position is also solid and deep with Pollard, Alexander and FitzSimmons. The skill positions are loaded and deep. This offense ranked 24 th in the NFL last year, I expect them to be a Top 10 offense in 2005.
The offensive line is above average led by all world Jeff Backus at left tackle, but they have some questions on the right side. Look for center Dominic Raiola to come out of his shell this year and be a key player on the line. All in all, with some time to gel, and an experienced QB waiting in the wings if Harrington becomes inconsistent, this offense could put up 27 ppg or more this year.
DEFENSE: No matter how much you can score, if you cannot stop the opponent, you cannot win the big one, just ask the Colts about that scenario. The good news is the front four is young and talented and will be better in 2005, led by Shawn Rodgers at tackle. The rush ends have improved and can move around quickly and shift to inside stunts in their schemes with ease. They rotate 3 guys in here, and Cory Redding, James Hall and Kalimba Edwards are a formidable force in pass rush situations. The linebackers are young and fast, and look for Teddy Lehman to step up on the weakside as Boss Bailey off an injury last year to step in the middle. This unit is also excellent in zone pass coverage. The secondary is rock solid with Holt at safety and Dry Bly and Fernando Bryant at cover corners, and they are also deep here with numerous speedsters in the wings. These guys have no trouble in man-to-man coverage and in a 2 deep cover, they are excellent. All players are big time hitters and have no fear in playing guys straight up. This defense has the potential to be the best in the division, and a Top 12 in the NFL this year.
INTANGIBLES: The special teams are awesome with all world returner Eddie Drummond wreaking havoc all over the place, veteran Jason Hanson at kicker and Nick Harris at punter, who was 2nd in the NFL at dropping it inside the 20 yard line last year. This unit is solid and Hanson rarely misses a field goal inside of 45 yards.
If you look at Steve Mariucci, Dick Jauron (defense) and Ted Tollner (offense) as the top 3 coaches, you have 55 years of NFL experience at the helm, and with a young team, that is a big advantage in motivation and expertise. Add in the skill position players and the solid foundations on the lines and this team is poised to win this division, and make a possible run at the playoffs, and a wildcard is well within reason. Opening with Green Bay and closing at Pittsburgh this year, there is no doubt that the Lions will have to put up points this season to compete at a high level, and if it clicks on offense, with the depth they have, the Lions are my pick to win the NFC Central and make the playoffs this season. Mark my words, they open with a win at home against Green Bay in Week 1 of the NFL regular season, and that is crucial is setting the tone for the season.
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