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.
(397) HOUSTON at (398) BALTIMORE CBS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 / 1:00 E
Texans Game Plan: Baltimore is not complicated offensively, thus Houston believes if they take away the Ravens 23rd ranked running game, they can get a solid pass rush on Joe Flacco, who is a pocket passer. Look for the Texans to double cover Torrey Smith in obvious passing downs. Offensively, Gary Kubiak’s club has to be ready from the opening whistle, instead of suffering through the dull periods and playing great late to eke out wins.
Ravens Game Plan: With Ray Rice questionable, the Baltimore game plan changes to a quick passing attack with Flacco and Bernard Pierce running between the tackles. This places a premium on blocking J.J. Watt and LB Brian
Cushing, as both are very disruptive players. Defensively, the Ravens have to wise, knowing they can’t overemphasize stopping running backs Arian Foster or Ben Tate because quarterback Matt Schaub can get into a passing rhythm with Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins and tight end Owen Daniels.
Key number: Houston has grown to a 2.5-point road favorite and is 8-0 ATS when the line is +3 to -3 the last two seasons.
(403) DETROIT at (404) WASHINGTON FOX
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 / 1:00 E
Lions Game Plan: Win the game. Detroit is 0-21(including playoffs) playing against the Redskins in Washington all-time, so any win is a good win. The Washington defense has been horrendous; easily the worst in the NFL and the Lions cannot be as conservative as they were last week in Arizona. With or without Reggie Bush, the Lions have to attack down the field with Calvin Johnson and others. On defense, keep Robert Griffin III in the pocket and make him beat you throwing the ball.
Redskins Game Plan: Whether Washington will admit it or not, they have erred in rushing RG3 back with no preseason work and not using RB Alfred Morris more in August. Both have not been the same players this season to date, though Morris appeared to be more in a groove against Green Bay as the game wore on. The Redskins have to establish Morris first to set up play-action passing for Griffin against fair Lions defense. No real mysteries on defense, the players have to play better and the coaches have to place them in the right spots.
Key number: Washington is 11-25 ATS in September home games the last 20 years.
(405) GREEN BAY at (406) CINCINNATI FOX
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 / 1:00 E
Packers Game Plan: The Green Bay secondary has been the weak link thus far of the defense. For this matchup with Cincinnati, this means pass rushers like Clay Mathews have to get in Andy Dalton’s grill to force errant throws. The Packers offense always works best when they can run effectively and James Starks has to feel confident after rushing for personal-best 132 rushing yards last week. Look for coach Mike McCarthy to move Aaron Rodgers out of the pocket to slow the Bengals often solid pass rush.
Bengals Game Plan: Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was pass-happy with Dalton in the first half and it did not work. Once Cincinnati balanced the offense with the run, Dalton was more accurate and found more open pass catchers. Look for a Bengals to test Green Bay with the run setting up their two-tight end sets for passes over the middle and third levels shots to A. J. Green. DC Mike Zimmer is fortunate his front four can bother the passer and drop seven into coverage. Watch the Cincy back seven try and lay the wood on Packers receivers, attempting to make them wary.
Key number: Cincinnati is 7-0 UNDER after allowing 14 points or less in last game.
(411) INDIANAPOLIS at (412) SAN FRANCISCO NBC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 / 4:25 E
Colts Game Plan: The acquisition of Trent Richardson was wise move for a team which expects to be back in the playoffs. Indianapolis has been hit hard by injuries all over the offense and will likely have to resort to moving pocket with Andrew Luck to move the ball with consistency versus the 49ers defense. The Colts defense needs the mindset of playing four solid quarters, something it has failed to do thus far.
49ers Game Plan: The 49ers have to get back to basics a week after being embarrassed on the road at Seattle. After being one of the top running teams the last several seasons, either San Francisco has gotten away from what they did best or opposing teams are making a huge effort to take this away from them. Whatever the reason, the Niners have to be more physical in this aspect of their game with Frank Gore and the offensive line.
Key number: San Francisco is 6-0 ATS after gaining 150 or less passing yards in their last contest.
(417) CHICAGO at (418) PITTSBURGH NBC
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 / 8:25 E
Bears Game Plan: After two come from behind home triumphs, Chicago is on the road for the first time this season. Jay Cutler clearly likes this Marc Trestman’s offense, especially the use of the tight end, namely Martellus Bennett. Since Bennett will be matched against a very good Steelers secondary, Cutler may have to look for towards Earl Bennett or Alshon Jeffery if the tight end and Brandon Marshall are covered. The Bears defense can certainly bottle up the Pittsburgh offense.
Steelers Game Plan: The Steelers need Felix Jones to raise his level of play and man up, giving them a running attack. The offense line is underachieving (or overrated) even with the injuries and the wide receivers have to fight more for the ball when Ben Roethlisberger tosses it their way. The Pittsburgh defense has played well yet has not forced a turnover and needs a desperate performance or the Steelers will be 0-3.
Key number: Chicago is 18-33 ATS after scoring 30 points or more in last game.
