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Key Player Info For NFL Exhibition Games Thursday

It’s time that our handicappers take a look at the Thursday card with news and notes from the standpoint of the sports bettor. We have quarterback rotations as well as the same for key players.  

Steelers-Bills

This “home” game for Buffalo is being played across the border in Toronto and has not generated the interest that promoters expected. Though there is very likely be more Bills fans, sports handicappers should evaluate the game more as being on a neutral field.

Key backup QB Charlie Batch is out for Pittsburgh leaving Dennis Dixon and Mike Potts, two rookies as Ben Roethlisberger’s backups. The Steelers signed veteran Byron Leftwich who despite not knowing the playbook much, will probably get some time in this game.

Roethlisberger and the first time offense will likely play at least the first quarter. Even bigger news is that each of these games is a side selection from the football specialists at GodsTips. Already in with winning weeks both weeks in football so far, start out the windfall with Wise Guy plays on both sides. Click now to purchase

Motivation? Bills starting quarterback Trent Edwards has a precarious hold on the No. 1 spot ahead of former starter J.P. Losman, who outplayed him last week. Edwards should have plenty of motivation and some pressure tonight.

Buffalo is ravaged on the offensive line and the remaining starters on offense are not expected to see more than the nine snaps they got against Washington though head coach Dick Jauron said they may play “a little more.”

Panthers-Eagles

The Panthers will play their starters into the second quarter. Jake Delhomme, the Cats starting quarterback will get most if not all of the snaps with the first team. Carolina is minus only four starters for the game, a pretty small number for the err on the side of caution approach of the preseason. However it includes starting DBs Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas.

The two biggest surprises of camp for Carolina are skilled position players Jason Carter and Chad Upshaw. Motivation: the Eagles are off a loss and Carolina a win.

The Eagles may play their starters the entire first half.  Kevin Kolb will get most of the second half snaps at QB for the Birds. Stevie Vincent says hitting 100 percent never gets old. That’s what we’ve done in pro football so far. Get both over/under burials tonight in pro football at OffshoreInsiders.com

Cardinals-Marlins Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Dolphin Stadium.
The Cardinals will give the ball to starter Braden Looper in this one. Righthander Looper is 10-9 this season with a 4.20 ERA.
The Marlins will counter Looper with Ricky Nolasco. Righthander Nolasco has a 4.07 ERA to go along with a 11-7 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Hanley Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and that was enough as the Marlins beat the Cardinals 4-3 on Tuesday.
The Marlins were winners as -107 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went UNDER the day’s posted total (9).
Ryan Ludwick batted in all three runs for the Cards in that loss.
Team records:
St. Louis: 66-56 SU
Florida: 63-57 SU
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Florida are 7-3
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Florida most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing St. Louis are 4-6
After playing St. Louis are 4-6
After a win are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis’s last 9 games when playing Florida
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Florida
St. Louis is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Florida’s last 9 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida’s last 11 games
Next up:
Florida home to St. Louis, Thursday, August 14

 

Reds-Pirates Preview

The Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at PNC Park.
Righthander Josh Fogg will take the mound for the Reds to start this game. Fogg is 2-4 this season with a 8.67 ERA.
Fogg’s opponent in this one will be Paul Maholm. The Pirates lefthander has a 3.76 ERA to go along with a 7-7 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Pirates listed as 165-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Brandon Phillips homered and drove in two runs to lead the Reds to a 5-1 win over the Pirates on Tuesday night.
The Reds were listed at -104 on the road in that contest, while the combined score played UNDER the day’s posted total (8.5).
Reds first baseman Javier Valentin went deep as well in that win, while outfielder Corey Patterson had two hits and two RBI.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 53-67 SU
Pittsburgh: 54-65 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Pittsburgh are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Cincinnati are 5-5
After playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh’s last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Cincinnati, Thursday, August 14

 

Blue Jays-Tigers Pointspread Pointers

The Toronto Blue Jays will be trying to extend a winning streak on Wednesday when they take on the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
The Blue Jays will trot David Purcey out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Purcey has a 1-3 record and a 7.40 ERA this season.
The Tigers will counter Purcey with Kenny Rogers. Lefthander Rogers has a 4.98 ERA to go along with a 8-9 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Blue Jays, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Blue Jays scored four runs in the seventh inning on Tuesday and went on to steal a comeback win over the Tigers 6-4 at Comerica Park.
The Jays were winners as +113 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day’s posted total (8.5).
Gary Sheffield hit two solo homers in that game, while Magglio Ordonez had a solo shot of his own for Detroit.
Adam Lind had a home run and batted in two runs for the Jays.
Current streak:
Toronto has won 2 straight games.
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Toronto: 61-59 SU
Detroit: 58-61 SU
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a win are 6-4

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit’s last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit’s last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
Detroit is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto
Next up:
Detroit home to Toronto, Thursday, August 14

 

Orioles-Indians Preview

The Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Indians will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Progressive Field.
The Orioles will pin their hopes on the pitching of ace righthander Jeremy Guthrie in this game. Guthrie has a 9-8 record and a 3.26 ERA this season.
It’ll be Anthony Reyes toeing the rubber for the Indians in this contest. Righthander Reyes is 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA so far this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Orioles listed as 123-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Asdrubal Cabrera had three hits and scored twice as the Indians defeated the Orioles 7-5 on Tuesday.
The Indians were winners as -137 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day’s posted total (10.5).
Rafael Perez picked up the win after Jeremy Sowers started for the Tribe in that game. Perez went 1 2-3 innings, allowing no runs and adding two strikeouts.
Current streak:
Baltimore has lost 3 straight games.
Cleveland has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Baltimore: 56-62 SU
Cleveland: 54-64 SU
Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Baltimore are 6-4
After playing Baltimore are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Baltimore’s last 14 games
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Next up:
Cleveland home to Baltimore, Thursday, August 14

 

Rangers-Red Sox Pointers

The Boston Red Sox will be trying to extend a winning streak on Wednesday when they take on the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park.
Luis Mendoza will be the starting pitcher for the Rangers on this day. Righthander Mendoza is 2-5 this season with a 8.78 ERA.
Starting this game for the Red Sox will be Jon Lester. The lefthander has a 3.23 ERA to go along with a 10-4 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 240-moneyline favorites versus the Rangers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Red Sox took a 10-run first inning lead, trailed late, and stormed back to beat the Rangers 19-17 on Tuesday night.
The Red Sox were winners as -146 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went way OVER the day’s posted total (11).
David Ortiz homered twice in the first inning for Boston on Tuesday, and Kevin Youkilis drove in five runs in the victory.
Ian Kinsler powered the Rangers’ attack with a home run and four RBI.
Current streak:
Boston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Texas: 61-59 SU
Boston: 69-51 SU
Texas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Texas are 7-3
After playing Texas are 8-2
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas’s last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Texas’s last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas’s last 6 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games when playing Texas
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Boston home to Texas, Thursday, August 14

 

Yankees-Twins Who Will Cover?

The New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at The Metrodome.
Righthander Darrell Rasner will take the mound for the Yankees to start this game. Rasner is 5-8 this season with a 5.23 ERA.
The Twins will counter Rasner with Kevin Slowey. Righthander Slowey has a 4.07 ERA to go along with a 8-8 record this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 119-moneyline favorites versus the Yankees, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Home runs from Alex Rodriguez and Xavier Nady in the 12th inning pushed the Yankees to a 9-6 win over the Twins on Tuesday.
The Yankees were winners as -132 road favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day’s posted total (8.5).
Johnny Damon had a home run, while Nady batted in four runs for the Yankees in that win.
Delmon Young had a homer and three RBI for the Twins in a losing cause.
Team records:
New York: 64-56 SU
Minnesota: 66-53 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Kansas City are 7-3
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing NY Yankees are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 13 of NY Yankees’s last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota’s last 9 games
Minnesota is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Next up:
NY Yankees home to Kansas City, Friday, August 15
Minnesota home to Seattle, Friday, August 15

 

Cubs-Braves Vegas Betting Odds

The fans at Turner Field will be treated to a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves when they take their seats on Wednesday.
The Cubs will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Jason Marquis in this game. Marquis has a 7-7 record and a 4.73 ERA this season.
It’ll be Charlie Morton toeing the rubber for the Braves in this contest. Righthander Morton is 3-5 with a 5.70 ERA so far this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Cubs defeated St. Louis 6-2 as a -160 favorite on Sunday. The eight runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (7.5).
Mark DeRosa and Ronny Cedeno each drove in two runs fir the Cubs, while Ryan Dempster earned the win after allowing two runs on six hits in six 2-3 innings.
The Braves lost to Arizona 6-1 as a +175 underdog on Sunday. The seven runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (8.5).
Omar Infante was 2-3 with an RBI for Atlanta, while Mike Hampton gave up six runs on four innings to take the loss.
Team records:
Chicago: 71-47 SU
Atlanta: 55-63 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Chi Cubs are 4-6
After playing Arizona are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs’s last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta’s last 11 games at home
Atlanta is 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Atlanta home to Chi Cubs, Wednesday, August 13

 

Phillies-Dodgers Pointers

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Dodger Stadium.
Ace Cole Hamels will be the starting pitcher for the Phillies on this day. Lefthander Hamels is 9-8 this season with a 3.35 ERA.
It’ll be Clayton Kershaw toeing the rubber for the Dodgers in this contest. Lefthander Kershaw is 2-3 with a 3.71 ERA so far this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Dodgers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
James Loney homered and drove in three runs on Monday night as the Dodgers topped the Phillies by a score of 8-6.
The Dodgers got the win as -120 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the day’s posted total (8).
Manny Ramirez also homered in that win for Los Angeles. Chase Utley doubled twice and drove in two runs in a losing cause for Philadelphia.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 64-54 SU
Los Angeles: 59-59 SU
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia’s last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia’s last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers’s last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
LA Dodgers are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Dodgers’s last 11 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
LA Dodgers home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, August 13

 

Brewers-Padres Who Will Cover?

The Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at PETCO Park.
The Brewers will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Jeff Suppan in this game. Suppan has a 7-7 record and a 4.70 ERA this season.
It’ll be Cha Seung Baek toeing the rubber for the Padres in this contest. Righthander Baek is 3-6 with a 4.89 ERA so far this season.
NewBodog oddsmakers currently have the Brewers listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart both homered on Monday afternoon to lead the Brewers to a 7-1 win over the Nationals.
The Brewers got the victory as -230 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score was a PUSH against the posted total (8).
The Padres defeated Colorado 16-7 as a -105 favorite on Sunday. The 23 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (10.5).
Brian Giles was 4-6 with a home run and six RBI for San Diego, while Luke Carlin homered and drive in four runs in the win.
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 6 straight games.
San Diego has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Milwaukee: 68-51 SU
San Diego: 46-72 SU
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing San Diego are 3-7
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After playing Colorado are 5-5
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee’s last 10 games on the road
Milwaukee is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee’s last 10 games
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego’s last 5 games at home
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego’s last 6 games
Next up:
San Diego home to Milwaukee, Wednesday, August 13