The Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Wrigley Field. The Phillies will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Pedro Martinez in this game. Martinez has a 0-0 record and a 0.00 ERA this season. Meanwhile, it’ll be Jeff Samardzija who starts for the Cubs. Righthander Samardzija is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Cubs, while the game’s total has not yet been posted. Ben Francisco’s dinger in the top of the 12th inning lifted the Phillies past the Cubs 4-3 on Tuesday night. Philadelphia won as +105 road underdogs as the game played UNDER the 7.5-run total listed by sportsbooks. Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run blast for the Phillies, while Scott Eyre picked up the win after coming into the game for starter J.A. Happ for Philadelphia. Jake Fox was 2-for-5 with a run batted in for Chicago, as Kevin Gregg was hit with the loss after allowing the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th inning. Current streak: Chicago has lost 3 straight games. Team records: Philadelphia: 62-48 SU Chicago: 58-53 SU Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 5-5 Before playing Chi Cubs are 6-4 After playing Chi Cubs are 6-4 After a win are 5-5 Chicago most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 7-3 Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After playing Philadelphia are 5-5 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games Next up: Chi Cubs home to Philadelphia, Thursday, August 13

True tonight’s sports service baseball picks highlighted by GodsTips American League Game of the Year is of most immediate concern, but are you ready to bet football? GodsTips is widely accepted as the nation’s top sports betting service.

The nation’s best football handicappers are working around the clock for quarterback rotations, news and notes and more to beat the NFL preseason spread. Remember to check Lines-Maker.com up until gametime for the latest breaking information. But this is the latest information for NFL bettors.

Thursday, August 13

Arizona-Pittsburgh

Arizona prized rookie Chris “Beanie” Wells is doubtful though he is getting close to full activity in practice. This is of course the Super Bowl rematch. The Cardinals will also be extra careful with WR Anquan Boldin and will likely not play because of minor swelling in his knees.

Redskins-Ravens

Second year WRs Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly have been slowed by nagging injuries, but both “have to play. They’ve got some distance to come,” head coach Jim Zorn said of the last year’s second round picks. They are competing for the No. 2 job behind Santana Moss, also slowed by minor injuries. If both youngsters are healthy for Thursday, each will likely get long looks.

Patriots-Eagles

Eagles backup QB Kevin Kolb and former Pro Bowl DE Trent Cole will both miss Thursday’s game. The Eagles already lost starting MLB Stewart Bradley and rookie TE Cornelius Ingram for the year. Kolb likely was counted on for a lot of snaps Thursday.

Philadelphia will likely be without their best OL Shawn Andrews who has missed a lot of practice time because of a bad back.

Though Pats head coach Bill Belichick has been his usual secretive self, starting QB Tom Brady believes he will get more than “a guest appearance.” Recovering from a season ending injury, Brady has not missed any practice time.

Friday, August 14

Broncos-49ers

Top draft WR Michael Crabtree is a holdout for the Niners. Denver head coach Josh McDaniels is making his debut and will be breaking in a new offense with the departure of disgruntled signal caller Jay Cutler.

San Francisco has a major QB battle between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith. Head coach Mike Singletary may not announce until Thursday who starts, but both will get ample playing time.

Bob Warner of NFL betting blog Lines-Maker.com said that reports are that Smith has matured and relaxed. “Look for his coming out party Thursday night,” the betting guru promises.

Denver‘s defensive coordinator Mike Nolan was the Niners head coach until he was fired late last year.

Minnesota-Indianapolis

The Vikings have a major QB battle as Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson, two mistake prone signal callers will contend.

Colts head coach Jim Caldwell will be making his debut. Indianapolis LT Tony Ugoh should have a chip on his shoulder. He started 23 games the last two years, but lost his starting job.

Indianapolis starting QB Peyton Manning will get little playing time, backup Jim Sorgi is out meaning rookie QB Curtis Painter will see significant playing time. Head coach Caldwell said he has not decided on how long front line players will play.

Rams-Jets

Two coaches are making their debut: Rex Ryan for the Jets and Steve Spagnuolo for the Rams.

The Jets will be without four starters: CB Darrelle Revis, NT Kris Jenkins, C Nick Mangold and RT Damien Woody. FB Tony Richardson is questionable. The Rams No. 1 WR Donnie Avery is out. He caught 53 passes as a rookie last year. They have very little proven talent at WR. They have nine receivers battling for spots behind Avery. Combined, they caught 43 passes for 524 years last year.

The Rams are also installing the West Coast offense under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, so the injury to Avery is a major one. Check out the Covers Experts picks.

Saturday, August 15

Bears-Bills

Buffalo has one game under their belt. Bears three-time Pro Bowler Tommie Harris is doubtful with knee and hamstring troubles. He was second on Chicago in sacks last year.

Browns-Packers

Many NFL gamblers like betting on teams with major quarterback battles in the preseason. Not is more intense than in Cleveland where Derek Anderson is clashing with Brady Quinn. Head coach Eric Mangini said there will be no rotating in the regular season, so a clear-cut No. 1 job is up for grabs. Quinn has the early lead according to all reports.

Magini is making his Browns debut but of course has head coaching experience. Cleveland has a lot of question marks at WR behind No. 1 wideout Braylon Edwards.

Falcons-Lions

Detroit‘s Jim Schwartz will be making his coaching debut. Add to that the Lions are coming off an 0-16 season, many would argue if any team desperately needs preseason wins to change the culture, it’s the Lions.

Pro Bowler Roddy White finally ended his holdout and starting practicing Monday. White says he wants to play in this game, and Atlanta could use him. Up-and-coming receiver Harry Douglas is out for the year. Atlanta‘s three best receivers behind White are Michael Jenkins, Eric Weems who has one career catch, and Brian Finneran, who hasn’t started a game since 2005.

Head coach Mike Smith said he will monitor White’s progress before deciding on his status for the preseason opener.

Lions DE Jared DeVries, who started 29 games the last three years, is out for the year. Star wide receiver Calvin Johnson is questionable with a jammed thumb.

Seahawks-Chargers

Jim Mora Jr. will be in his first game as head coach for the Seahawks, but he was assistant head coach for Mike Holmgrem and was previously the head man in Atlanta, so the “new coach theory” may not apply so much here.

Chargers superstar LaDainian Tomlinson said he will play more this preseason then in the past, but he will only get minimal action if any against Seattle.

Buccaneers-Titans

Tennessee will have a game under their belts as they play in the Hall-of-Fame game. It marks the debut for Tampa head man Raheem Morris.

Tampa‘s Antonio Bryant, who caught 83 passes last year, is out.

Sunday, August 16

Panthers-Giants

Four time Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith is out for Carolina.

For more information: Last minute NFL injury reports up until kickoff plus free NFL spread picks are all part of the Offshore Insiders Network.

The fans at Wrigley Field will be treated to a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs when they take their seats on Tuesday. The Phillies will trot JA Happ out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Happ has a 6-2 record and a 2.80 ERA this season. Starting this game for the Cubs will be Rich Harden. The righthander has a 4.50 ERA to go along with a 7-7 record this season. Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Phillies lost to Florida 12-3 as a +100 underdog on Sunday. The 15 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (9). Pedro Feliz hit a two-run home run for Philadelphia and Jamie Moyer allowed three runs on 11 hits in five innings. Geovany Soto had a solo shot and two RBIs for Chicago in its 11-5 loss to Colorado on Monday night. Colorado cashed as -150 home favorites as the game played OVER the 9.5-run total set by oddsmakers. Current streak: Philadelphia has lost 3 straight games. Chicago has lost 2 straight games. Team records: Philadelphia: 61-48 SU Chicago: 58-52 SU Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Chi Cubs are 6-4 After playing Florida are 7-3 After a loss are 5-5 Chicago most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5 After playing Colorado are 5-5 After a loss are 7-3 A few trends to consider: Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 8 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Philadelphia’s last 17 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chi Cubs’s last 17 games when playing at home against Philadelphia The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Chi Cubs are 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing at home against Philadelphia Next up: Chi Cubs home to Philadelphia, Wednesday, August 12

The fans at Chase Field will be treated to a game between the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks when they take their seats on Tuesday. Righthander Livan Hernandez will take the mound for the Mets to start this game. Hernandez is 7-6 this season with a 5.09 ERA. Hernandez‘s opponent in this one will be Max Scherzer. The Diamondbacks righthander has a 4.03 ERA to go along with a 6-6 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 200-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted. Miguel Montero was 3-for-4 with two runs batted in, as the Diamondbacks dumped the Mets 7-4 on Monday night. Arizona cashed as -165 home favorites as the game played OVER the 9-run total listed by oddsmakers. Chad Tracy went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs for the Diamondbacks, while winning pitcher Doug Davis allowed two runs over seven innings for Arizona. Fernando Tatis knocked in two runs for New York, as Mike Pelfrey was handed the loss after giving up five runs over six innings for the Mets. Team records: New York: 51-61 SU Arizona: 51-62 SU New York most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Arizona are 4-6 After playing Arizona are 4-6 After a loss are 4-6 Arizona most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 3-7 Before playing NY Mets are 5-5 After playing NY Mets are 6-4 After a win are 6-4 A few trends to consider: NY Mets are 15-3 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Arizona NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home Arizona is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games Arizona is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against NY Mets Next up: Arizona home to NY Mets, Wednesday, August 12

The Seattle Mariners will be trying to extend a winning streak on Tuesday when they take on the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. John Danks will be the starting pitcher for the White Sox on this day. Lefthander Danks is 9-8 this season with a 4.23 ERA. It’ll be Doug Fister toeing the rubber for the Mariners in this contest. Righthander Fister is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season. Oddsmakers currently have the White Sox listed as 145-moneyline favorites versus the Mariners, while the game’s total has not yet been posted. Ken Griffey Jr. went 2-for-4 with two runs batted in, as the Mariners upended the White Sox 6-4 on Monday night. Seattle cashed as +110 home underdogs as the game played OVER the 8.5-run total listed by oddsmakers. Kenji Johjima hit a two-run jack for the Mariners, while Sean White picked up the win in relief of starter Luke French for Seattle. Carlos Quentin and Ramon Castro both went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for Chicago, as losing pitcher Gavin Floyd was tagged for five runs over 5 2-3 innings for the White Sox. Current streak: Chicago has lost 2 straight games. Seattle has won 2 straight games. Team records: Chicago: 57-56 SU Seattle: 59-53 SU Chicago most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 3-7 Before playing Seattle are 7-3 After playing Seattle are 6-4 After a loss are 4-6 Seattle most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing Chi White Sox are 2-8 After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Seattle Chi White Sox are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Seattle Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games Chi White Sox are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games on the road Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home Seattle is 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games Seattle is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox Next up: Seattle home to Chi White Sox, Wednesday, August 12

A winning streak will be on the line for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday when they battle the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. John Lannan will be the starting pitcher for the Nationals on this day. Lefthander Lannan is 8-8 this season with a 3.39 ERA. The Braves will counter Lannan with Tommy Hanson. Righthander Hanson has a 3.22 ERA to go along with a 6-2 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 190-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted. The Nationals defeated Arizona 9-2 as a +100 underdog on Sunday. The 11 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (9.5). Elijah Dukes drove in three runs for Washington and Ryan Zimmerman was 3-5 with three runs scored in the win. The Braves defeated the Dodgers 8-2 as a -130 favorite on Sunday. The 10 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8). Matt Diaz was 3-4 with a home run and two RBI for Atlanta, while Javier Vazquez allowed one run on five hits over eight innings. Current streak: Washington has won 8 straight games. Atlanta has won 3 straight games. Team records: Washington: 40-72 SU Atlanta: 58-54 SU Washington most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 3-7 Before playing Atlanta are 4-6 After playing Arizona are 5-5 After a win are 9-1 Atlanta most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing Washington are 5-5 After playing LA Dodgers are 6-4 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington’s last 8 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games when playing Washington The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games when playing at home against Washington Next up: Atlanta home to Washington, Wednesday, August 12

The Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Yankee Stadium. The Blue Jays will trot Scott Richmond out to the mound in this one. Righthander Richmond has a 6-5 record and a 3.97 ERA this season. Richmond‘s opponent in this one will be Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees righthander has a 3.73 ERA to go along with a 8-2 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 230-moneyline favorites versus the Blue Jays, while the game’s total has not yet been posted. Lyle Overbay was 2-for-3 with a solo dinger to lead the Blue Jays past the Yankees 5-4 on Monday night. Toronto won as +140 road underdogs as the game played UNDER the 10.5-run total set by sportsbooks. Aaron Hill went 2-for-4 with a big fly for the Blue Jays, while Shawn Camp picked up the win in relief of starter Marc Rzepczynski for Toronto. Derek Jeter was 3-for-5 with a homer for New York, as losing pitcher Sergio Mitre allowed three earned runs over five innings for the Yankees. Current streak: Toronto has won 3 straight games. Team records: Toronto: 54-57 SU New York: 69-43 SU Toronto most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 5-5 Before playing NY Yankees are 5-5 After playing NY Yankees are 3-7 After a win are 5-5 New York most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing Toronto are 8-2 After playing Toronto are 9-1 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto’s last 9 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto’s last 6 games when playing NY Yankees Toronto is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees NY Yankees are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games NY Yankees are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees’s last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees’s last 5 games Next up: NY Yankees home to Toronto, Wednesday, August 12