College Football Picks: Who Wins the Mac?

Much more anticipated than Bilderberg Films Wide Open are the picks from Shea Matthews. Not only is he the top fantasy football draft advice expert and NFL draft guide guru, but he knows college football betting picks as well.

The little conferences in college football betting need love too, don’t they? It took a while, but the bigger sportsbooks now have odds up for the non-major conferences. We’ll start by previewing the Mid-American (MAC).

OHIO (4 to 1)

Ohio made a strong showing last year, going 9-5 and dominating within the MAC with a 7-1 record. The Bobcats were 11th in the conference in rushing last year but they’re strong almost everywhere else. Boo Jackson is back at quarterback after missing almost all of last season and the defense is a ballhawk group; it tied Texas for the national lead with 37 takeaways in 2009. Since seven starters return to that “D,” we can assume Ohio will be one of the MAC’s better teams again this season.

TEMPLE (9 to 2)

I’m almost surprised that the sports betting oddsmakers didn’t put Temple above Ohio. The Owls also went 9-5 last season and may have the conference’s top offensive player in Bernard Pierce. He ran for over 1,300 yards and 16 scores as a freshman last season. To get the most out of their star back, Temple needs quarterback Chester Stewart to step it up and its defense to keep up the good work.

NOTHERN ILLINOIS (5 to 1)

Watch out for Northern Illinois as the sneaky sportsbook play. It’s really about offense in this case. Chad Spann really makes things happen out of the backfield and Chandler Harnish is high on experience under center.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN (11 to 2)

Sorry, Central Michigan. You had a nice run but Dan LeFevour was just too, er, central to your success. I’m not touching you until you prove that you don’t have a black hole at quarterback now.

BALL STATE (6 to 1)

If you value experience, Ball State could be a team to consider on a flier. Its defense is just so-so but it has a good playmaker in MiQuale Lewis.

BUFFALO (6 to 1)

It’s too bad Buffalo doesn’t pay at better than six to 1, as it could’ve been an interesting sleeper. New coach Jeff Quinn was Cincinnati’s offensive co-ordinator under Brian Kelly. He’ll try and find a true starting quarterback and lean on his O-line and running game for success.

If you believe in experience at quarterback, Northern Illinois could be your sneaky pick. But I lean toward depth. Aside from the quarterback question mark, Temple is strong everywhere else. It runs the ball well, stops the run well and even rushes the passer well. I think it can repeat its nine-win season and win the MAC.

NFL Preview for August 21, 2010: New York Jets (-1) @ Carolina Panthers

Sports betting people like to get behind a winner, and for years the Panthers were a winning team. Head coach John Fox always looked like he had the team just on the verge of going back to the Super Bowl. In the one Super Bowl the Panthers played in, they came so very close to beating the New England Patriots, but were done in by a fourth quarter field goal.

Now the Panthers are struggling to gain back respectability, and their first move was to let struggling quarterback Jake Delhomme go. It is hard to lay the blame on one player, but Delhomme’s decision-making and passing were so bad that the Panthers had no choice. To replace Delhomme, the Panthers took quarterback Jimmy Clausen in the draft. Clausen had a lot to do with the NCAA football betting results in Notre Dame during his playing days. The question remains as to whether or not he can do the same in the pros.

The Jets are coming off a season where they were the toast of the NFL betting world. When the Jets were underdogs, they would win. Against the spread in 2009 the Jets were 9-7. This year head coach Rex Ryan hopes to take his team back to the AFC championship game and push all the way to the Super Bowl. The Jets have a good team this year, but they still lack that offensive power that they need to get to the next level.

On the Panthers depth chart Jimmy Clausen is listed as the back-up to starter Matt Moore. Moore will probably start the season, but if the Panthers get off to a slow start then look for Clausen to step in and take over. In theory, that would be a great thing to watch. But after his performance in the first preseason game last week, Clausen still needs some work.

Against the Ravens and their pressure defense, Clausen went 8 for 15 and threw the game’s only pick. He looked hesitant, almost scared in the pocket. He made bad decisions and threw poor passes. That is why he will probably play a lot more in this preseason. Clausen has the tools, but he is not comfortable in the pro game. That is to be expected from a first-year rookie, and the way to get over that is more play in the preseason.

The NFL football betting lines have the Jets as one point favorites in this game, and there is a good chance that this game will be that close. The Jets need to keep getting quarterback Mark Sanchez reps in a game situation, and they need to figure out who is going to start at linebacker when the season begins. It isn’t that the Jets do not have enough people to play linebacker, it is just the opposite. The Jets are loaded at linebacker and cutting someone while putting others on the second or third string will be difficult decisions.

Pick: New York Jets 14-10

Official Betting Intel on Eagles vs. Bengals NFLX Line

NFL preseason football continues Friday as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are now -2.5 -115 at BetUs Sportsbook but -3 at Just Bet Sportsbook. The total ranges from 37-38 depending on which sportsbook is used.

Here is the famed preseason primer for the Bengals-Eagles:

Because they opened up the season against the Dallas Cowboys on the Hall-of-Fame Game, Cincinnati does have an extra contest under their belt.

Much to the disappointment of professional gamblers, the NFL specialists at GodsTips, the best and hottest football service, is passing on tonight’s game.

Grandmaster sports handicapper Joe Duffy explains why. “On one hand, Cincinnati does have an extra game under their belt,” said the betting expert.

“On the other hand, as Cincinnati showed last week, the biggest improvement is between the first and second game,” which of course would be in the Eagles column.

Duffy adds that furthermore, the Eagles are young, talented, but raw. This means “their upside from one game to the next is huge.”

Top expert pick on this game: The remarkable The Great One Stevie Vincent has hit 15-of-20 selections overall. Going back even further, he has hit 11 straight, yes 11 straight Level 5 plays. Tonight the best bet is a sizzling Level 4 over/under on Philadelphia/Cincinnati NFLX.   Make it 16-5 overall with Stevie Vincent

The Eagles starters will play the entire first half. The first unit is looking for their initial offensive touchdown.

However, finishing off plays was the Birds nemesis in the opener. They got 324 yards in the first half, but scored only 16 points.

Philadelphia will be without key offensive linemen Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans as well as DE Victor Abiamiri and CB David Pender.

Cincinnati is also expected to play their starters the entire first half. J.T. O’Sullivan will take over at QB for Carson Palmer and play the third quarter while Jordan Palmer finishes.

O’Sullivan was 7-of-11 in the third quarter last week.

Likewise for the Green Birds, Mike Vick and the second team will play the third quarter. Mike Kafka and the third team take over in the fourth.

Brandon Lang, Matt Rivers Head to Greener Pastures; Rivers Free Pick

Sports betting and fantasy football information that’s hotter than Karissa Shannon is all we have.

Just like those who play ESPN Fantasy Football consider Shea Matthews’ fantasy football rankings and NFL draft guide to be the bible, the free pick section of OffshoreInsiders.com led by Matt Rivers, is where so many gamblers turn.

His MLB pick Friday is on the Orioles. Yes there are many picks for the NFL preseason Bengals and Eagles, but MLB is a big windfall for bettors.

I really do have to give CJ Wilson a ton of credit because the former closer has really been very very good if not great at times and may be just that today at Camden Yards. But it’s still a bit too large of a price for Ron Washington’s Rangers to be laying on the road.

I’m not saying that Wilson isn’t better than young Jake Arrieta or that Texas is not the better team on the field today but Buck Showalter’s club has been playing a ton more competitive and better and can win this game. At such a steep price like this one just has to give it a go, even if for a small amount.

Texas certainly can bash the ball all around the park with Hamilton, Young, Vlad, Andrus and others but they have been slowing down a bit of late and the O’s have been picking things up of late with quality ballplayers in Roberts, Jones, Scott, Wieters and Pie. Backing a home dog is never the worst thing in the world and that certainly applies here.

Arrieta isn’t going to hurl a complete game shutout but the kid is has been improving and starting to go fairly deep into games of late. I could see another six or so innings and hold his own allowing two or three runs. If that’s not enough then so be it but at this home dog price I’ll take my chances on Buck’s boys.

For more information: There’s been a ton of winning of late and nothing at all changed yesterday. The 200,000* White Sox plus 140 won by a billion and the 300,000* Nationals plus right around $2 turned the trick 6-2 in another perfect 2-0 sweep of the board. It’s now six of eight winning days and the profits are aplenty.

A pair of winners today and both from the same evening game involving a first 5 inning play and the full game play. One game, two more winners, that’s how I roll! Click now to purchase

Eagles vs. Bengals Preseason Week 2 Odds Alert

This week’s NFL schedule features a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL predictions experts at Sportsbook have posted the odds on this game at Philadelphia -3.

The most beneficial line on the favorites is at BetUs online sportsbook where the Eagles are laying three but getting back 105.

The Bengals have an extra game under their belt because of the Hall-of-Fame Game. Cincinnati is 1-1 straight up, the Eagles 1-0 in the preseason. Philadelphia will be without three key offensive linemen. Philadelphia is 5-4 outright in the preseason series.

For those who prefer the underdog Bodog Sportsbook has the Bengals +3 -105.

Professional gamblers, who use power ratings, have the NFL power line at Philadelphia -2.5, giving an edge slightly to Cincinnati.

Betting picks and predictions: Super profits from superstars. The pro bettors at ScoresOddsPicks are now 12-6 in NFLX. Make it 13-6 with the Bengals vs. Eagles side. Click now to purchase

This game is being broadcast on Fox. For game tickets or to listen to the satellite radio broadcast, check out the OffshoreInsiders.com store. Live streaming TV of the contest is also available.

Fantasy Football Rankings 2010

Shea Matthews fantasy football rankings are the envy of the industry. The expert better, part of the professional gamblers at ScoresOddsPicks, will be giving his expert advice all year long, including NFL prop bets.

But he has his complete list including NFL fantasy football breakout players. Matthews also takes a look at the fantasy football busts, the top sleepers in the fantasy football draft preview, fantasy football wide receivers, the top fantasy sports running backs and the marquee position, the top rotisserie football and fantasy quarterbacks

NFL Fantasy Football Breakouts

What is a breakout in fantasy football?

It’s not a dominant rookie. It’s not a veteran like Brett Favre who squeezes out one last good season. It’s a guy who has been around for a while and finally tears down whatever obstacle was holding him back.

Maybe he gets a new coach; maybe he gets into better shape; maybe changes teams; maybe he finally gets a starting job. Most commonly, he was already on the path to stardom and it’s just time to take the next step. For many different reasons, sports betting sharps see guys explode ever year.

Here are my top 10 fantasy breakout picks for 2010.

10. Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts

Everybody loves this guy. Garcon is tough, fast, and a good route runner. He’s already drawn comparisons to Hines Ward and he’s established himself as Peyton Manning’s No. 2 target. The last guy to lock down an unquestioned No. 2 role with the Colts: Reggie Wayne.

9. Arian Foster, RB, Texans

A week ago, Foster was more sleeper than breakout guy. But his role has rapidly expanded in Houston now that Ben Tate landed on injured reserve. Foster could touch the ball 15-plus times a game and be a good RB2 at worst.

8. Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Cardinals

Tim Hightower’s presence on passing downs keeps Wells lower on my breakout list but the Cardinals are committed to running the ball more with Kurt Warner gone. Arizona’s NFL futures aren’t appealing but Beanie Wells is.

7. Johnny Knox, WR, Bears

Mad Mike Martz’s crazy passing attack benefits guys who can get vertical in a hurry. Johnny Knox fits the bill and reports from Bears camp say Jay Cutler locks onto him more than he does any other receiver. That’ screams breakout to me.

6. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos

With Brandon Marshall gone, Josh McDaniels will shift Denver’s focus to the running game. Moreno is a versatile back who can play every down. He flirted with 1,000 yards last year and should eclipse that number this year. You’ll hear his name pop up in many a sports betting podcast.

5. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers

Looking at Finley’s second-half numbers last year, he technically already broke out. He performed at an Antonio Gates-like clip down the stretch, establishing himself as Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target. Because his numbers reflect only a half-season of dominance, you may get him cheap one last time this year.

4. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens

Flacco’s development looks like a nice, steady curve. He improved in his second season, did a good job protecting the ball and topped 20 touchdowns. He has a great offensive co-ordinator in Cam Cameron and exciting new receivers in Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. A 4,000-yard, 25-touchdown season is possible or maybe even probable.

3. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers

Remember – breakouts can sometimes be obvious. NFL betting experts and fantasy players are so certain of Mendenhall’s success as a 20-carry back this year that he’s creeping into the first round of almost every fantasy draft. He’s the real deal.

2. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets

Mendenhall has less competition for carries but New York’s Shonn Greene has higher upside. He can’t catch a pass to save his life but he’s an explosive, angry runner who could bulldoze his way to huge touchdown totals. He could be the next Larry Johnson or Michael Turner type.

1. Kevin Kolb, QB, Eagles

Breakout picks are often polarizing and Kevin Kolb is just that. Some people think it’s ridiculous to see Kolb ranked around the top eight quarterbacks on so many draft boards when you can count his NFL starts on one hand. But if you believe in the system, as I do, you believe Andy Reid can make a good (not even great) quarterback into a fantasy star. Kolb will make mistakes but he will throw. And throw. And throw. I think he can explode into QB1 status.

Bills Host Colts Point Spread Line

Sensational sportsbook Bodog previews the Buffalo Bills-Indianapolis Colts.

Listen to the broadcast of this contest on SIRIUS NFL Radio…Every Game, Every Week, Every Where or for last minute tickets, it’s US StubHub.com – The Safe Way to Buy & Sell Tickets Online

Expect Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts’ starters to play the full first quarter tonight as they visit the Buffalo Bills in Toronto for the teams’ second preseason game. Proving that this is indeed the preseason, Buffalo is actually a 3.5-point favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.

A few Indy regulars won’t play. Center Jeff Saturday remains out following surgery while left tackle Charlie Johnson won’t play due to an ankle injury. Receiver Pierre Garcon and tight end Dallas Clark also are nursing minor injuries and won’t play. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said oft-injured safety Bob Sanders will play but did not specify how long.

The Colts lost their preseason opener, 37-17, to the 49ers last weekend, but Indy led 10-0 after the first quarter and the first-team Colts defense limited the 49ers to 11 yards on their first two possessions. The No. 1 defense has a goal of not allowing a score this preseason. One big negative from that game was backup QB Curtis Painter, who had three picks and botched a handoff.

Of course the Bills have been playing a regular-season game in Toronto the past few years, with that city just 102 miles from Buffalo. Here’s a stunning stat: The last time the Bills’ first-string offense scored a touchdown in a preseason game was the last time they played the Colts on Aug. 24, 2008. And that offense will be missing injured running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch tonight.

Buffalo’s starters on offense and defense are expected to see slightly more time than they did in the first preseason game, so they could play as much as a half. Expected to see the most work is top draft pick C.J. Spiller with Jackson and Lynch out. Brian Brohm will get the majority of time at No. 2 QB ahead of Ryan Fitzpatrick; Brohm didn’t play in the 42-17 loss to Washington. Thus Fitzpatrick probably won’t play tonight. For sure out is second-year safety Jairus Byrd, who has a groin injury and is likely out for the preseason.

Bet on Bills and Colts futures at Bodog

Top expert pick on this game: The professional bettors at ScoresOddsPicks are making a mockery of the bookmakers. At 12-4 in NFLX so far, it’s about to get bettor (or worse if you are a bookmaker). Get both sides including Fox Preseason Best Bet of the Year among both sides Thursday. Click now to purchase

NFL Live Streaming Video: Falcons-Pats, Bills-Colts

It’s a big night in NFL odds as the Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots Live streaming TV of the games on online.

Courtesy of OddsShark.com: Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Patriots look to stay perfect in NFL preseason action, while the Twins host the ChiSox, and the PGA Tour hits the links in Greensboro.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The NFL kicks off the second week of its preseason schedule with two games on Thursday night: Indianapolis at Buffalo, and New England at Atlanta. The Colts and Bills both lost their exhibition openers, with Indy falling 37-17 to San Francisco and Buffalo losing 42-17 to Washington. The Bills are pegged as 3.5-point favorites for Thursday’s game, which will be played in Canada at Toronto’s Rogers Centre. The Patriots and Falcons both won last week, as New England topped New Orleans 27-24 and Atlanta got past Kansas City 20-10. The Falcons are pegged as 2.5-point favorites for Thursday.

As well, the Canadian Football League has one game on tap for Thursday, with Winnipeg at Montreal. The Blue Bombers (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS) have lost three straight games heading into Thursday night, while the Alouettes (5-2 SU, 3-4 ATS) are coming off a 37-22 loss to Toronto. The Alouettes are big 11-point home favorites for Thursday at SBG Global

Top expert picks on today’s card…

GodsTips is the top service ever. To say the least, we have great information on tonight’s games. But when we say we have great info we tell you exactly what it is when you buy the winners. Already on a 5-1 preseason tear, get both NFL sides including a Wise Guy on the Colts-Bills plus a Major on the Patriots-Falcons. Oh last night the NL Game of the Month was easy on the Phillies.

Get two night MLB including a Wise Guy.

While the NFL Specialists have both sides, the biggest total is from The Great One Stevie Vincent was a little worried he’d get screwed in extra innings, but it was actually extra winnings. The Mets under makes is 8-0 with Level 5 plays. Get a Level 5 on the Falcons/Patriots NFLX over/under plus a pro baseball side and a pro baseball over/under. That will make it 11 straight winners with Level 5s.

On pro baseball winners is at 2:20 EST or WGN, the other at night. Click now to purchase

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Thursday has Detroit at the Yankees, Texas at Baltimore, the Angels at Boston, Cleveland at Kansas City, Tampa Bay at Oakland, and the White Sox at Minnesota. Mark Buehrle (11-9, 4.05 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago on Thursday, while Carl Pavano (15-7, 3.27 ERA) takes the hill for Minnesota. Lefthander Buehrle is coming off a win over the Tigers in which he gave up three runs on five hits over 6 1-3 innings. Righthander Pavano has won two straight starts, holding the Athletics to two runs over 6 1-3 innings last time out. Pavano fanned four in that victory.

Over in the National League on Thursday it’s then Washington at Atlanta, Florida at Pittsburgh, San Francisco at Philadelphia, the Mets at Houston, Cincinnati at Arizona, Colorado at the Dodgers, and San Diego at the Cubs. Mat Latos (12-5, 2.32 ERA) is set to take on Carlos Zambrano (4-6, 5.27 ERA) in that Padres/Cubs matchup. Righthander Latos is coming off a no-decision against the Giants in which he gave up one run on five hits over six innings of work, and fanned nine. Righthander Zambrano found some of his old form in his last start, beating the Cards by giving up just two runs over 5 2-3 innings.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The PGA Tour hits the links at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro on Thursday for the Wyndham Championship, with golfers getting their last chance to qualify for the FedExCup playoffs. Carl Pettersson and defending champion Ryan Moore are the 20/1 Vegas co-favorites to win this week’s event, with Lucas Glover at 25/1, and both Brandt Snedeker and Anthony Kim at 30/1. Justin Leonard is listed at 35/1 to win the tourney.

Finally, there is one game on the WNBA’s schedule for Thursday, with Tulsa at New York. The Shock (5-27 SU, 10-22 ATS) have lost five straight games as they close out their regular season with a whimper; Tulsa was thumped 90-62 in Connecticut last time out. The Liberty (20-11 SU, 17-13-1 ATS) ride a nine-game winning streak into Thursday’s matchup, beating Indiana 78-57 at home in their most recent contest. Leilani Mitchell scored 19 points for New York that day, while Cappie Pondexter had 13 points.

Fox Sports NFL Odds

ScoresOddsPicks.com has released a Las Vegas odds bulletin on the New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

The best value on betting on the Patriots is at SBG Global where they are getting 2.5.

NFL odds are most beneficial for wagering on the Falcons is at 5 Dimes where they are laying 1.5 -125.

Each team is 1-0 straight up in the preseason. Atlanta’s starters will play 18-20 snaps. Atlanta leads the all-time preseason series 6-5 straight up.

Top expert pick on this game: On the Power of 620 sports services behind every selection, the MasterLockLine, the top industry side and total on this game are up. An attorney/law professor/pro bettor turned pro bettor/professional handicapper out of Tri Cities, TN is best known for being the greatest SEC handicapper of all-time. However, he is also the top NFLX totals handicapper, based on all-time units won. Supreme Selections are his highest rated plays. He’s has four Supreme Selection of NFLX.  The first was Saints over. Jaguars/Eagles over made it 2-0, the one Saturday, August 14, it was Cleveland over and Houston over. Monday Night Football, August 16 NY Giants/NY Jets over to make it 5-0! Yes 5-0. Atlanta/New England over/under at OffshoreInsiders.com

To bet the over, offshore sportsbook line shopping says the best value is at BetUs where the total is 33.

The best bookmaker odds for the under are at SportsBook where it’s 33 +105.

NFL power rankings and ratings has the line at Atlanta -1, which gives some value to the Patriots.

This game is being broadcast on Fox. For game tickets or to listen to the satellite radio broadcast, check out the OffshoreInsiders.com store. Live streaming TV of the contest is also available.