Rory Gold

The Dolphins (0-3) are spiraling out of control, and this week’s news that their starting quarterback is done for the year all but kills their playoff hopes. Buffalo (1-2), meanwhile, is fighting off the injury bug on defense while sportsbook fans await an eruption from Mt. T.O.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Sunday, October 4 at 4:05 p.m. ET

NFL Week 4 betting odds: Bills -1

Miami’s nightmarish season just keeps getting worse. Last week’s 23-13 loss to San Diego dropped the Dolphins to 0-3, and quarterback Chad Pennington was likely lost for the season due to a shoulder injury. His replacement, second-year quarterback Chad Henne, had a rough go after taking over, going 10-19 for 92 yards and an interception that got returned for a touchdown. The team’s emphasis must shift even more to Ronnie Brown and the running game, although it will likely see numerous eight-man fronts.

The defense, while bending against the Chargers, never broke. San Diego made six trips to the red zone but scored just one touchdown. Still, Miami has just five sacks this season, and that lack of pressure is a major reason why the team has yet to record an interception. This is hardly an elite unit, and it might not be better than an average one.

So much for the Terrell Owens experiment. The explosive wide receiver was held catchless in last week’s 27-7 loss to the Saints, pushing him a few inches closer to exploding. The passing game is completely useless so, like Miami, the Bills must turn to a heavy dose of running the ball. Fred Jackson has been very effective this season, averaging 141 yards from scrimmage per game, while Marshawn Lynch returns from a suspension.

Injuries are quickly piling up on the Bills “D”, making it tough for the team to have a fighting chance. Paul Posluszny was already lost indefinitely with a broken arm; this week it was learned defensive backs Donte Whitner and Leodis McKelvin will both sit out with injuries. We’re betting management is relieved the timing at least has Buffalo facing a rookie quarterback this week.

Both teams are hurting right now and both are in similar situations. Miami has the unenviable position of thrusting a raw quarterback into the lineup, however. Buffalo, though depleted, will cram the box and force Henne to beat it. The Bills will pound the ball down Miami’s throat and grind out an ugly victory. Take the Bills on your NFL picks this week.

There’s plenty of good NFL Week 3 betting matchups so let’s get to some NFL predictions for Week 3:

Tennessee Titans @ New York Jets

The Tennessee Titans are 0-2 and could be 0-3 this week. They are set to face the New York Jets, who not only are the most confident team in the NFL right now but could actually be among the best. The Jets defense has been outstanding to start the season and hasn’t even allowed an offensive touchdown in the first two contests.

On one hand, you might think that that stat means the Jets have played the Detroit Lions twice, but that has been far from the case. The Jets shutdown the Houston Texans in Week 1 – the same Texans that racked up 34 points against the Tennessee Titans last week – and then the Jets shutdown the New England Patriots, who are supposed to be the NFL’s most prolific offense.

As Tennessee visits, the Jets game plan is going to be very simple: shut down Titans running back Chris Johnson. For Tennessee, the passing game hasn’t been improved even with the additions of Nate Washington, Kenny Britt and Jared Cook in the offseason, and Kerry Collins is still holding this team back. That means the Jets are going to focus on the Titans running game and really aim to shut down the Titans lone weapon. If Johnson isn’t running hard, the Titans are going to have problems scoring points. Beyond that, they won’t win the game.

NFL Betting Picks: Jets -3

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots

While the New England Patriots have not been themselves to start the season, there is plenty of time for them to turn it around. Their first step will be to dismantle the visiting Atlanta Falcons this week. The Falcons have looked quite good in the first two weeks but they have been at home for both contests against mistake-prone teams. They are an indoor team that is traveling outdoors, which is going to be a problem for them (even though the weather won’t be freezing).

Look for the Patriots to key in on Michael Turner and really shut down the Falcons rushing attack. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has a history of confusing young quarterbacks and although Matt Ryan is a good one, there is a very good chance that he’s baited into a few mistakes this week.

Online Racebook Picks: Patriots -4

Falcons Patriots betting odds: Patriots -4

The New England Patriots were supposed to be the undisputed Super Bowl favorites throughout the entire year but after two weeks, there is plenty to dispute. The Patriots lost last week to the New York Jets and now they have been knocked off their perch in the AFC East. On top of that, when you look back to how they won in Week 1, the Patriots needed a miracle to get past the Buffalo Bills, which means that technically, the Patriots could be 0-2 right now.

Nonetheless, the reality is the Pats are 1-1 with a chance to get back above .500 when the Atlanta Falcons come to visit on Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons are an indoor team heading outdoors, which is never a good sign. Also, for the first time this season, they are heading out on the road, which is going to make a big difference.

The Falcons have looked strong in wins against the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers but the Patriots are a step up in competition. Look for New England to shutdown Michael Turner and really force the Falcons to win the game through the air.

The Pats have looked off in the first two weeks but they’ll bounce back in Week 3 with a big win.

Racebook Picks: Patriots -4

Saints Bills sportsbook odds: Saints -4.5

The New Orleans Saints head to Buffalo for the second of back-to-back road games and right now, it doesn’t look like anything can stop their explosive offense. The Saints have scored 93 points in the first two weeks of the season and they are 21-4 in the Sean Payton era when scoring 28 or more.

The Buffalo Bills defense probably won’t contain them and the main question in this contest will be whether the Bills can match points with the Saints. The Bills offense has been up-and-down in the first couple of games but they clearly have the weapons to score. The Bills have the most inexperienced offensively in the league, so that’s going to be an issue.

The Saints defense has improved over last year and they figure to be very aggressive in this game. The Saints are on the road again, so don’t expect 40+ points again on a long road trip but you can expect them to still get the win.

NFL predictions: Saints -4.5

NFL Betting: Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers

Line: Packers -9

The Chicago Bears were supposed to be one of the teams to look out for in the NFC North but after just one week, the Green Bay Packers have overtaken that label. The Packers shutdown the Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 1 and since then, the Bears lost their heart and soul on defense, linebacker Brian Urlacher, to a season-ending wrist injury.

For the Packers, their biggest concerns were supposed to be the sluggish defense, which really let them down last year. Their defense looked fine in Week 1 and now that the Bengals are in town, their offense should also start to take form.

Bengals wideout Chad Ochocinco has already been trashtalking, suggesting that he’s going to do the Lambeau Leap if he scores a touchdown. Now that he’s said that, the Packers are going to take extra measures to make sure that he isn’t going to find his way into the end zone.

This is an easy matchup for the Packers. It’s a potential letdown game for them but they are too good to let the Bengals beat them on their own home turf.

NFL Picks: Packers

NFL Week 2 betting Matchups: Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Line: Vikings -10

The Minnesota Vikings are a 10-point favorite on the road this week, which is quite a big spread considering they aren’t playing at home.

Lions rookie quarterback Matt Stafford will be making his home debut but the bigger storyline will be Adrian Peterson, and how the Detroit Lions defense plans to stop him. Peterson carved up the Cleveland Browns defense last week and he figures to do the same to Detroit.

The Lions had a decent offensive game against the New Orleans Saints but you have to figure that the Vikings will do a better job of shutting them down. With the Pat and Kevin Williams on the defense line with Jared Allen on the edge, the Vikings are going to tee off on Stafford. Look for the Lions to keep it close for a little while but with Favre running the show – and not Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte – the Lions won’t give the Vikings the same type of scare that they had last year.

Online Racebook Picks: Vikings

Online betting fans were treated to a hectic and crazy Week 1 – can Week 2 possibly top it? In Week 1, we saw the New England Patriots dip into the miracle well to outlast the Buffalo Bills, we saw a fluky touchdown by Denver to give them the win and we saw Jay Cutler throw a career-high four interceptions in his debut with the Chicago Bears. NFL betting fans are jacked for the Week 2 matchups so let’s get to some sports picks:

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons

Line: Falcons -6

So, how’s that five-year, $42 million extension looking for Jake Delhomme right about now? Delhomme crapped his pants for a second consecutive game. After turning the ball over six times in the Panthers playoff game last year, he coughed it up five more times against the Philadelphia Eagles in the regular season opener. The Panthers were crippled by his performance and the truth of the matter is that they simply won’t be going to the playoffs – or even winning games – if he keeps playing like this.

Another bad sign for the Panthers was that their run defense was pitiful in Week 1. The Eagles, who are typically more of a passing team than a running team, rushed for a 186 yards on 32 carries. Now the Panthers have to face Michael Turner, which could lead to some more problems.

Look for the Falcons to roll in this contest. They are significantly better and Delhomme can’t be trusted right now.

NFL Picks: Falcons -6

Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins

Line: Colts -3

The Indianapolis Colts did get the win in Week 1 but some of the concerns from last year are still lingering. The Colts will now be without starting wideout Anthony Gonzalez for two-to-six weeks, which means they’ll need some other receiver to step up and distract defensive attention away from Reggie Wayen. Also, the Colts running game is still struggling.

For the Dolphins, their offensive line was a disaster in Week 1 but if they can rebound in Week 2, they Dolphins will have a chance to win. That’s supposed to be an area of strength for the Dolphins so you should expect them to be stronger. If that’s the case, look for Ronnie Brown to have a good game and for Chad Pennington to be more efficient with the ball.

The Dolphins turned the ball over four times in Week 1 after turning it over just 13 times all of last year. They’ll take better care in Week 2.

Pick: Dolphins +3

This Saturday’s sportsbook USC vs Ohio State odds may be the hottest play of the weekend, as the No.3 Trojans heads to Columbus to face the No.8 Buckeyes, who are out to avenge last year’s 35-3 whipping in Los Angeles.

USC vs Ohio State Betting – Saturday, September 12, 8:00 PM ET

The Trojans cruised to a 56-3 throttling over San Jose State in Matt Barkley’s debut, and the freshman did a great job managing the game as he went 15-of-19 for 233 yards and a touchdown. He also learned that he doesn’t have to do it on his own, as the Trojans may have the deepest backfield in the country. USC ran for 342 yards, led by Joe McKnight’s 145 yards and two scores. The defense held San Jose State to 121 yards, including a paltry nine on the ground. With their ground game and defense, look for many online betting players to favor the Trojans throughout the year.

The Buckeyes nearly avoid a major upset in a 31-27 win over Navy, as they needed a pick from Brian Rolle on a two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Terrelle Pyror was 14-of-21 for 174 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while running for 30 yards and another score. The defense forced three turnovers, but allowing 186 yards on the ground must have USC’s running backs salivating.

USC is a 7-point favorite on the road on Saturday night in the week’s biggest matchup, and coach Pete Carroll is a master of these sort of games. The Trojans have won seven straight road openers against non-conference foes under Carroll, and he’s done it with four different pivots under center. The Trojans will instead focus on the running game until Ohio State proves they can stop it. USC ran for 164 yards in Los Angeles last year, and this year’s Ohio State defense isn’t as good as the 2008 unit. This will be a closer game than last year’s beating, but the Trojans’ running backs, with a couple of possible NFL picks leading the way, should have enough in the tank to cover the road spread. Go with the Trojans in your gambling software.

The NFL week 1 matchups are going to take some attention away from a great opening weekend of college football but NFL betting fans can’t slow down the water cooler debates regarding Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford.

On Saturday night, the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners season flashed before their eyes as Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford took a big hit and sprained the AC joint in his shoulder. The result meant that the No. 20 BYU Cougars were able to scrape out a signature win for head coach Bronco Mendenhall and the Sooners were left reeling. The injury occurred just before halftime and the Sooners were forced to start the talented but raw Landry Jones in the second half.

With Jones in the lineup, the Sooners were unable to get anything done on offense, including a series where they had seven shots to score from inside the red zone, but were stuffed by the Cougars. A lot of people making their sports picks did not see that one coming.

So where does this leave the Sooners now that they know that their star quarterback will be out for about four weeks? The Sooners have a cupcake matchup with Idaho next week, so playing without Bradford probably won’t be a big deal in that contest. Beyond that, they have a meeting with Tulsa, which might be a bit tricky but again, probably not an issue and after that they have a bye week. At this point, it looks like Bradford might be good to go for when the Sooners travel to Miami to face the Hurricanes.

It’s not the end of the world for the Sooners right now. They do have one loss already and with Texas and Oklahoma State on the schedule, that’s not a good start. But realistically, if the Sooners run the table, they’ll be in the National Championship Game.

The problem for the Sooners isn’t just that Bradford is out. There was more than just one sports betting blog talking about the fact that the Sooners offense didn’t look quite right in the first half – even with Bradford. It could have been just some early season rust but the Sooners didn’t have much of a push with their offensive line, which was a concern.

It’s a bad omen for Oklahoma to start the season the way they did. Everyone knows that to win a BCS Championship, everything has to be perfect and the Sooners are clearly off on the wrong foot.

For the most part, it has been a fairly normal week for US Open Betting enthusiasts, which is a great sign as we narrow the field and move into the second week of action. There have been some upsets, but for the most part, all of the big dogs are still around, which means the sportsbook will have its work cut out for them as the matchups get tighter.

Hopefully everyone’s sports picks have been right this week and if you’re playing a sports betting system, then you’ve probably just been betting Roger Federer the entire way. Nonetheless, here is a recap of some of the main points from the first week.

No. 11 Ana Ivanovic Again Exits Early

Once again, Ana Ivanovic is going home early. It’s been a fairly regular site for tennis betting fans as Ivanovic has done nothing since winning the 2008 French Open. She appeared to have so much potential after that victory, which made her the World No. 1, but she hasn’t been able to keep it together since.

No. 4 Elena Dementieva Upset

Elena Dementieva is used to being the bride’s maid at the tennis Grand Slams but she won’t be that at the US Open this year. She’s typically good to make a semifinals or finals appearance before bowing out to someone elite but that wasn’t the case at Flushing Meadows. Early this week, the No. 4 seeded Russian lost to American youngster Melanie Oudin in a surprisng defeat. Oudin appears to be an up-and-comer on the Tour and was happy to pull the stunner in front of her home fans.

No. 1 Dinara Safina Struggling

While Ivanovic and Dementieva are out, No. 1 seed Dinara Safina has been very close behind them. She nearly lost in the opening round to the No. 167 player in the world. She was down 0-3 in the third set and had to claw her way back. Again, in the second round, Safina found herself down a set only to battle back. Sports betting blog writers are talking about the fact that she might not be healthy but at this point, she’s not worth betting until she regains her form.

No. 1 Roger Federer On Cruise Control

Roger Federer has now won 36 straight matches at Flushing Meadows and it doesn’t look like anything is going to stop the FedExpress in the coming rounds. He easily disposed of his first two opponents and will take on Australian Lleyton Hewitt in the third round. Hewitt has had a good year but it’s unlikely he’ll be able to do much against Federer.