A battle of second-rate 0-3 squads pits Ohio’s worst in a matchup of division cellar-dwellers. The Bengals came oh-so-close before falling in overtime to the NY Giants. That sets the table for this contest as teams off a loss of 3 or fewer points against the defending Super Bowl champions are 1-7 ATS when hosting a division foe the following week. Couple that with the fact that winless teams at home in Game Four of the season are 1-11 SU and ATS when facing an opponent off a loss of more than 7 points. With a strong possibility of a ‘Quinn sighting’ in the offing and the Black Cats a putrid 2-16 SU and ATS in Game Four of the season, look for Romeo to come calling today.
Texans Plus over JAGUARS
Questionable play-calling by Gary Kubiak denied the Texans a chance to take Tennessee down while a fortuitous 51-yard field goal at the buzzer lifted the Jags past the Colts in diverse results for both of these teams last week. As a result the Texans are in quest of their first win of the campaign with a defense that’s allowed 31 and 38 points in its two losses. We mention that because teams in Game Three that have allowed more than 30 points in each game to open the season are 4-1 SU and ATS when taking on an opponent off a SU and ATS win. Jack Del Rio’s 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS mark as a favorite against division opponents off a loss is disturbing. No surprise here to see Jax fall to 0-6 ATS as home chalk against a foe off an away game. Take Tex.
Falcons Plus over PANTHERS
Panthers let us down in a major way last week when, after jumping out to a 10-0 lead at Minnesota, they then no-showed the final 40 minutes of the game. With that we have no choice but to fade them in their non-desirable role aschalk. That’s confi rmed by John Fox’s 3-9 ATS record as a division home favorite, including 1-5 when laying more than 6 points. In somewhat of a surprise, the rebuilding Falcons will look to improve to 3-1 (or better) through the first four games of the season for the 4th time in the last five years with a win here today. Averaging 55 yards more than they allow per game against an opponent that surrenders 23 YPG more than it gains, another 3-1 start is a distinct possibility. You know what to do.
Last Week: 2-1 Season: 4-3