NFL Betting – Week 1 Recap
Here’s a follow-up to our last post previewing the first week of the NFL action… (Courtesy of the team at BetOnline.com – compare popular online sportsbooks for American and Canadian sports bettors)
NFL betting fans have a lot to digest after a busy Week 1 of action. There weren’t many upsets, but there was certainly enough surprises to keep bettors on their toes moving forward. Here’s a brief recap of each game, with key news and notes, to get you up to speed for NFL Week 2 betting.
Steelers 13 Titans 10 (OT)
The Steelers won, but they suffered a big blow after losing safety Troy Polamalu to a knee injury. Pittsburgh also struggled to run the ball and could rely on the pass more heavily this year. The Titans looked fine without Albert Haynesworth on defense, and they may have solved their receiver problems with Justin Gage and Kenny Britt, who combined for 163 yards and a score.
Falcons 19 Dolphins 7
Many speculated the Dolphins would crash with a new, much-tougher schedule this season; looks like they were right as Miami’s offense struggled (four turnovers). Tony Gonzalez (73 yards, one touchdown) looks like a great addition for quarterback Matt Ryan, who showed no signs of a sophomore slump.
Broncos 12 Bengals 7
If you subtract Kyle Orton’s fluky, last-second bomb to Brandon Stokley, Denver’s offense did nothing (215 yards). Unless the running game picks up or Brandon Marshall turns things up fast, this is going to be a pitiful unit. Some minor Bengals preseason hype is quickly erased after Carson Palmer tossed two interceptions. Stay away from Cincy against the Packers this week.
Vikings 34 Browns 20
Brett Favre didn’t show much in his Vikings debut, and he won’t have to if Adrian Peterson keeps this up (180 yards, three scores). Minny defense stood strong, forcing two turnovers. On Cleveland’s side, Brady Quinn did little to solidify his position as the team’s starting quarterback. Back-up Derek Anderson is lurking.
Indianapolis 14 Jacksonville 12
David Garrard is looking more and more like a one-year wonder (14/28, 122 yards, no touchdowns). The Jacksonville defense needs to create more pressure after hitting Peyton Manning just twice all day. Speaking of Manning, another day, another 300-yard passing effort. Anthony Gonzalez was lost to a knee injury, though. Expect more action in Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne’s corners.
Saints 45 Lions 27
Six touchdown passes for Drew Brees; let the MVP talks begin. Mike Bell look great as the starting back (143 yards) and could steal some more carries when Pierre Thomas returns. Rookie Matt Stafford was erratic for Detroit, completing less than half his passes and tossing three picks. Stay away from the Lions.
Cowboys 34 Buccaneers 21
Obviously Tony Romo isn’t worried about losing Terrell Owens after throwing for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Oddly, no sacks or turnovers for the Dallas D—don’t expect that to become a trend. Tampa Bay got a great day from its running backs (174 yards, 5.6 average, two touchdowns) and will need a lot more of that to stay competitive this season.
Eagles 38 Panthers 10
Jake Delhomme looks finished; he’s turned it over 11 times in his last two starts. That’s bad news for the Panthers because they have no one else to turn to. Donovan McNabb broke his ribs on a touchdown run, so either Kevin Kolb or recently signed Jeff Garcia will likely start this week.
Ravens 38 Chiefs 24
Joe Flacco looked great, throwing for 307 yards and three touchdowns. The Baltimore running game also dominated, racking up 198 yards and a pair of scores. Brodie Croyle played decently in place of injured Matt Cassel, but the running game (29 yards) and defense (501 yards) were awful—two trends you can expect this season.
Jets 24 Texans 7
Sleeper hype for the Texans might have been premature. Houston had no answers for a swarming Jets defense, which Rex Ryan had operating at full bore. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez was solid if unspectacular in his New York debut.
Giants 23 Redskins 17
New York’s defense held Washington to just 272 yards while creating two turnovers and a touchdown. The Giants offense will have to be a little sharper against the Cowboys next week, though. ‘Skins quarterback Jason Campbell didn’t look particularly confident, and seven of Washington’s points came off special teams.
49ers 20 Cardinals 16
Mike Singletary has turned this defense around, holding the prolific Cardinals to just 299 yards and 16 points. Offensively San Fran must bring more to the table to stay competitive, and that begins with Frank Gore (22 carries, 30 yards). Kurt Warner looked out of synch for Arizona and, surprise, the Cards couldn’t run the football.
Seahawks 28 Rams 0
Matt Hasselbeck and tight end Jon Carlson made some sweet music together, hooking up for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Even Julius Jones had it going with 117 yards and a score. Marc Bulger got beat up again, taking three sacks and numerous hits.
Packers 21 Bears 15
In a much-anticipated quarterback duel, defense was the key to the game. Jay Cutler looked impatient and awful in his Bears debut, throwing a career-high four interceptions. Aaron Rodgers tossed a late game-winning touchdown for Green Bay, but he was harassed mercilessly by the Bears’ defensive line (four sacks). Both teams have room for improvement in Week 2.
Patriots 25 Bills 24
Horrific meltdown for the Bills. The much-talked about hurry-up offense produced just 276 yards, although Fred Jackson looked impressive in the loss (140 total yards and a score). Tom Brady struggled with accuracy and didn’t go downfield much, but he still finished with 378 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Sportsbook fans take note: he’s back.
Chargers 24 Raiders 20
Oakland was surprisingly feisty. The running game was solid, though JaMarcus Russell struggled (two picks). Richard Seymour was brilliant in his Raider debut, though, registering six tackles and two sacks. The Chargers gutted their way through this one. LaDainian Tomlinson is obviously going to lose playing time to Darren Sproles (14 touches each), and the former didn’t show the same burst he had a few years ago.
Add comment September 15th, 2009