Betting NFL Football – The Game Plans
Betting NFL Football – The Game Plans
For serious football bettors, here is breakdown of what to look for from key NFL football games and what these teams will be attempting to accomplish.
(207) WASHINGTON at (208) GREEN BAY FOX
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 / 1:00 E
Redskins Game Plan: Washington coaches are convinced Robert Griffin III shook off the rust in the second half and is ready to advance. The Redskins will still be a run-first team and will try and work the edges against Green Bay. Washington’s pass defense still looked meager versus the Eagles, which is bad news facing the Packers at Lambeau.
Packers Game Plan: The Packers prepared for the read option last week and Colin Kaepernick abused their secondary. The defense has to do a better job in coverage and after watching the film on Washington, DC Dom Capers will likely bring pressure on RG3. The Redskins defense was having a hard time with Philadelphia playing so fast, thus it would behoove Aaron Rodgers and the Pack to keep the pressure on by going no-huddle.
Key number: Green Bay is 6-0 ATS after a road game where both teams scored 24 or more points.
(209) DALLAS at (210) KANSAS CITY FOX
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15 / 1:00 E
Cowboys Game Plan: After running just 21 times in 70 plays, Dallas will seek to balance the offense this week, having greater confidence behind an improved offensive line. The Cowboys are not going to create six turnovers every week (2 for scores) and have to do a better job in limiting big plays after the Giants had seven passes of 20+ yards. Containing Jamaal Charles forces Kansas City to throw.
Chiefs Game Plan: Because of how inept Jacksonville played, Kansas City did not need to show all their cards and played pretty conservative. This week will be a different matter and Alex Smith will have to make plays with his arm. Coach Andy Reid will want to establish Charles, which sets up play-action passing, where Smith excels. The Chiefs have a solid secondary, but it will be tested by Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten.
Key number: Dallas is 7-2 ATS vs. the AFC under coach Jason Garrett.
(219) DENVER at (220) N.Y. GIANTS CBS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15 / 4:25 E
Broncos Game Plan: It’s the battle of the Direct TV bad boys. The Denver defensive game plan against Baltimore was to take away the run and they did so expertly and chances are they will want to make the Giants equally one dimensional. Despite not having their best two pass rushers from a year ago, John Fox’s defense was creative in blitzing and the secondary held up. Peyton Manning has to so excited after viewing the Giants defense on tape.
Giants Game Plan: It goes without saying New York cannot repeat a six turnover performance and have any belief in winning. (OK we did say it) The Giants defense has to find ways to disrupt the older Manning’s rhythm, because if he finds the groove, events like last week occur. Disguising coverage’s and salty pass rush would help. Eli Manning has numerous down field targets to attack the Broncos with, but still have to be able to stay on par with down and distance and not be forced to throw all afternoon long.
Key number: Denver is 11-2 ATS as a favorite the last two seasons.
(221) SAN FRANCISCO at (222) SEATTLE NBC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 / 5:30 E
49ers Game Plan: San Francisco was able to take advantage of the Packers being so concerned about the run and abused their secondary. Seattle will not as kind, which means the Niners have to be able to run and pass the pigskin with equally aplomb. For whatever reason, the 49ers defense has seldom been able to contain Marshawn Lynch, who had over 100 yards rushing in both games last year. Russell Wilson is a nightmare when he escapes the pocket and San Fran defenders have to stay in their lanes and have their hands up to block passes.
Seahawks Game Plan: Anquan Boldin destroyed the Packers in the opener, but Seattle strongly believes its bigger and stronger defensive backs can fight for the ball and win those battles. This is predicated first on stifling Frank Gore and the 49ers run game and keeping Kaepernick from running wild. The Seahawks offensive line will attempt to get push up front, to make holes for Lynch to slam into. Seattle’s offensive coaches are convinced plays are available down the field against the San Fran last line of defense.
Key number: Seattle is 13-3 ATS at rockin’ Century Link Field.
(223) PITTSBURGH at (224) CINCINNATI ESPN
MONDAY, SEPT. 16 / 8:40 E
Steelers Game Plan: With the O-Line in tatters and no explosive running backs on the roster, Pittsburgh will have to go with the quick passing game to take the heat off Ben Roethlisberger. On defense, the Steelers will try to get after Andy Dalton after just one sack in the first week. Pitt defenders have to limit RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis, setting up Dalton for third and longs.
Bengals Game Plan: The Cincinnati offense showed some good balance but struggled with the run game in the second half at Chicago. If the Bengals utilize two tight end sets, they could have some favorable matchups against the Pittsburgh linebackers. Cincy has to dial up the heat on Big Ben, behind his wafer thin offensive line and force him to make quick and hopefully poor decisions. Expect the Bengals defensive line to use twists to confuse the Steelers up front and delayed blitzes could also be an effective tool.
Key number: Cincinnati is 10-22 ATS in September home games.
