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08/04/2010 - Toronto, Canada (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Argonauts' 3-1 start had their fans talking about not only the playoffs, but the potential of making a good run at first in the east. That level of support got shot down in a huge way, courtesy of a 47-10 beat-down by the Montreal Alouettes.
Regardless of how talented Montreal is as a team compared with the rest of the division, Toronto shared its loss with every other East rival, meaning making the playoffs is still a dream worth keeping alive.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
It's the kind of performance Montreal fans have been dying to see, a complete game in all three areas and for four quarters. And no better time to do it than against the Als' biggest threat in their division.
Anthony Calvillo was nearly flawless, going 30-for-36 for 394 yards and two touchdowns. The real story on offense, however, was Avon Cobourne, who compiled over 100 yards rushing and receiving.
Aside from a Cobourne fumble, the Als as a team were almost perfect. The Toronto defense is not a pushover, but Montreal sure looked like a bully, adding to its lead with points scored throughout the eventual blowout.
The game solidifies Montreal's status at this stage of the year as the best in not only the east, but the entire league. What better way to confirm that distinction than in an upcoming home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders?
Offensive key to the next game: Their last meeting with the Roughriders saw a combined total of 105 points scored. Montreal will not have as much wiggle room this time around, but Saskatchewan's defense has not improved to the same level as Montreal's since week one. Perhaps more importantly, the Riders' weakness, its special teams, has proven to be a major one. Maintaining better field position through special teams will be crucial. If Calvillo and Cobourne can find the end zone as easily as they did against Toronto, the Alouettes will get their revenge for giving away the game in Week 1.
Defensive key to the next game: Darian Durant's game has slipped into bad Henry Burris territory, with Durant throwing away interceptions as if they were candy.
The Riders' quarterback will look to bounce back and hit his spots this week, and Montreal has to be prepared for the potential gun show that saw Durant pass out nearly 500 yards in the first week of the season.
Look ahead: If they hold out for a win against the Riders, the Als will be on the verge of virtually locking up their third straight East title. Montreal travels to Toronto in Week 7 before heading back home to face off against the struggling Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Going 3-0 over that span is highly probable.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
There are not a lot of positive things to say about Toronto's effort in Week 5.
Allowing a touchdown on Montreal's opening drive is hardly the way to send the message of being an eastern contender, though admittedly getting that TD back with one of its own the following possession is a terrific response.
Unfortunately for the Argos, that touchdown may be that one positive thing that transpired in what was supposed to be a battle of the best in the East.
The game was the perfect example of what critics believed would happen for Toronto - quarterback Cleo Lemon struggled mightily to connect with his receivers and the o-line failed to provide Lemon with the time he needs to execute.
Perhaps the biggest message to come out of the contest was that the Argonauts will suffer if running back Cory Boyd is stifled.
Toronto has done well to fight for its 3-2 record, though with Winnipeg not too far behind and a Hamilton team likely to eventually find its footing, the Argonauts' hold on second place is so much more precarious all of a sudden.
Offensive key to the next game: Fortunately for the Argos, they travel to Edmonton next to face an out-of-sorts Eskimos side. Yes, Edmonton finally picked up its first win, but it sure wasn't pretty. Boyd will have a better game in Week 6 and likely will carry the Toronto side once again. Having said that, it's now time for Lemon to step out of the shoes of being a serviceable quarterback to one that can put together long drives on his own.
Defensive key to the next game: The Eskimos' greatest problem offensively this season has been a case of the age-old football disease of butterfingers. Edmonton receivers did better last week to finally hold onto some catches, but can that continue? Toronto's defense, in particular its defensive line, may prove to be the story of this game if it can get to Ricky Ray and force the quarterback to throw difficult passes to a struggling receiving corps.
Look ahead: Toronto has the opportunity to make up for its lackluster performance last week when they meet up with Montreal again in Week 8. This time they will be hosts, and so they better hope that advantage will be enough to kick-start the rest of their game. More than likely, Montreal comes in and leaves another reminder of what it means to be top dog.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Almost as surprising as the winning start to Toronto's season has been the less-than-inspiring play of the Ti-Cats. Stumbling out of the gate with a 1-4 record was hardly foreseeable for a team many thought would at least compete with the Als for top billing in the East.
Instead, Hamilton has found new ways to blow it every week. Last week, a terrible third quarter in which it allowed 13 points and scored none proved to be the difference in a 37-24 loss to Saskatchewan. Losing to the Roughriders is hardly something to lose sleep over, but when one of your receivers hits the record books with 16 catches for 272 yards, it's a little harder to feel ok with your game.
Arland Bruce was a machine amongst men, picking up extra yardage as easy as a kid running around trees in a park. Everybody looked like they were standing still.
As strange as Hamilton's season has been, it's about to get even weirder when it faces Winnipeg for the third time.
Offensive key to the next game: The Ti-Cats' only win of the season came against Winnipeg in a solid 28-7 win. Defense won the game, but Glenn's zero interceptions looked even better against his three touchdown passes. Keep the errors to a minimum and another victory is in sight.
Defensive key to the next game: Here is where things get strange. In the first meeting with the Blue Bombers, Hamilton allowed 49 points in an epic 20- point loss. In their second meeting, Winnipeg scored just seven points. So what team shows up in Week 6? Hard to say, but Hamilton would do well to make Steve Jyles scramble. The inexperienced quarterback hasn't quite figured out how to make something out of nothing, which plays right into the Ti-Cats hands'. Or paws, as it were.
Look ahead: Hamilton and Winnipeg will be sick of each other soon, as they square off two weeks in a row. Incredibly crucial games for both sides, with each wanting more than to settle for a split in the home-and-home series. The good news for the Ti-Cats? They get to face Toronto instead of Montreal in Week 8.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
There's no doubt the Blue Bombers have a bright future.
The combination of Buck Pierce and Jyles can be a good one, provided Pierce stays healthy and Jyles learns how to use his talents.
Fred Reid is a dynamic running back whose best playing days are ahead of him, while Terence Jeffers-Harris is a 22-year-old receiver with plenty of potential.
The problem with this small sample is that all of the above players are struggling to find consistency. The Peg's offense has been one part awesome, two parts not-so-much. Last week was a dose of the not-so-much, with the attack scoring just twenty points against Calgary in a game that was there for the taking if they could have found that offensive punch.
Offensive key to the next game: Winnipeg was at its worst offensively the last time it faced Hamilton, scoring just seven points. At least there's little place to go but up. The key for Winnipeg to catch up to Toronto in the standings is largely in the hands of veteran receiver Terrence Edwards.
The rule of thumb is that a receiver is only as good as his quarterback. For the league leader in receiving yards, such an excuse is not good enough as he must be a leader on the field to help out a maturing Jyles.
Defensive key to the next game: The Ti-Cats have some talented receivers. David Stala has been solid all year, while Arland Bruce is coming off one of the best games for a receiver in CFL history. With Kevin Glenn's ability to do some damage in the air, the potential for Hamilton to put up some big points is huge. Cut off the air game and force struggling DeAndra Cobb to try and pick up his team on the ground.
Look ahead: With three straight games against eastern opponents, the time is here for Winnipeg to make a move. A road game against Montreal in week eight is hardly the way you want to go into a bye the following week, making its home- and-home series against the Ti-Cats all the more important. Aim for two wins over the next three.
<< Eskimos seek second straight win in bout with Argonauts
Edmonton, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Fresh off their first win of the 2010
campaign, the Edmonton Eskimos hope to carry over some of that momentum when
they host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
Edmonton, which finis
<< First vs. worst in the West, as Stampeders tangle with Lions
Vancouver, BC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - As the only team in the league still without
a home win in 2010, the British Columbia Lions give it another shot this
weekend as they host the Calgary Stampeders at Empire Field in Vancouver on
Saturday night.
<< Familiar foes do battle as Winnipeg visits Hamilton
Hamilton, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Winless on the road in three tries so far this
season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats try their luck at home this weekend as they
entertain the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Despite losing two in a row
<< Alouettes host Roughriders in clash of 4-1 teams
Montreal, QC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A rematch of the season opener and last year's
Grey Cup title game takes center stage this week, as the Montreal Alouettes
entertain the Saskatchewan Roughriders at McGill Stadium on Friday night.
Saskatchewan
Rangers try to bounce back in Seattle >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Not even the return of batting leader Josh Hamilton could
pull the Texas Rangers to victory last night in the series opener against the
AL West-rival Seattle Mariners.
Maybe Vladimir Guerrero returning to the lineup follow
Blackhawks sign Cullimore, four others >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Chicago Blackhawks have signed defenseman
Jassen Cullimore to a one-year contract.
In addition, the Stanley Cup champs also inked goaltender Hannu Toivonen and
forwards Evan Brophey, Nathan Davis and Hu
Olsen takes over D.C. as interim coach; Onalfo dismissed >>
Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - D.C. United announced on Wednesday that
the club has named Ben Olsen as interim head coach following the dismissal of
Curt Onalfo.
D.C. United's technical director, Chad Ashton, will serve as interim a
Five-a-Side: Stephen F. Austin QB Jeremy Moses >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Welcome to Five-a-Side - five questions,
five answers. This is a Q&A feature with an influential person in the FCS, and
will run at the beginning of each month.
If Stephen F. Austin senior quarterback
BILLS (+10) at Steelers SPORTSBOOK LINES
It's impossible to gauge how a team will react after something like the Steve Everett situation, and it probably doesn't matter. That being said, the Bills are going to lose several games this year where they keep things close but fall short in the end to superior teams. Ben Roethlisberger and company could have a field day against Buffalo's decimated defense, but I like the Bills to cover.
BENGALS (-7) at Browns SPORTSBOOK LINES
All you can ask out of your NFL team is that it has a plan. You may not always agree with it as a fan, but as long as it appears the organization is going in some sort of direction, you have to go with it. Which brings us to the Cleveland Browns. You flip a coin to determine whether Chuck Frye or Derek Anderson should start the preseason opener. You start Frye in Week 1, but pull him in the first half. And then you deal him to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick? Hmm... the Bengals could get six turnovers again this week.
COLTS (-7) at Titans SPORTSBOOK LINES
Tennessee signed ex-Colts cornerback Nick Harper in the offseason so that should help slow down Peyton Manning. Just ask Jason David and the Saints. Oh wait... One of these weeks, I'm going to learn to not pick against Tennessee, which has won seven of its last eight games. But it's not happening against Indy.
TEXANS (+6.5) at Panthers SPORTSBOOK LINES
Houston's Mario Williams, the first pick in the '06 draft, has more touchdowns than Reggie Bush after one week. Somehow I don't see that lasting. Meanwhile, Carolina bottled up what was expected to be a pretty high-octane offense in St. Louis in Week 1. Could this be the Panthers' defense everyone expected last year? Maybe. This feels like a 20-16 Carolina win.
RAMS (-3) vs. 49ers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Absolutely love this game. Everyone's favorite pick for this year's surprise team -- the 49ers -- laid an egg on Monday night (not that anyone was watching with the game ending in the middle of the night for those of us on the East Coast). St. Louis wasn't much better, delivering a lackluster effort against the Panthers that included two Steven Jackson fumbles and panic from his fantasy owners. Jackson rebounds this week, and the Rams get their first win.
PACKERS (+1.5) at Giants SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Do you really trust this guy to win an NFL game if Eli Manning can't go? I say no. I'd feel alot better about this Packers team if it had any semblance of a running game, but I still think Green Bay's defense is good enough to give it a 2-0 start.
JAGUARS (-10) vs. Falcons SPORTSBOOKS LINES
Does it scare me to pick Jacksonville to cover a double-digit spread after it scored just 10 points last week against the Titans? Absolutely. But can I bring myself to pick Atlanta under any circumstances? No. Check out this poll on ajc.com. It asks what Atlanta's most urgent deficiency is: offense, defense, specials teams or all of the above. "All of the above" has 57 percent of the votes. Ouch.
SAINTS (-3) at Buccaneers SPORTSBOOKS LINES
I'm picking way too many road teams this week. Oh well. New Orleans has had some time to reflect on its lackluster showing in the opener, and the Buccanneers just aren't a very good football team. Anyone else surprised Tampa Bay hasn't made a move to sign Byron Leftwich? I thought that's what they do.
VIKINGS (+3) at Lions SPORTS BETTING LINES
Run the ball and stop the run. Minnesota can do both, and that will keep them in a lot of games this season. Even though it was only one week, Adrian Peterson looks like he was a steal at No. 7 in last year's draft. Not only will he produce, but Peterson delivers excitement to what otherwise would be one of the league's most boring teams.
DOLPHINS (+3.5) vs. Cowboys SPORTS BETTING LINES
Lost in the Tony Romo lovefest is just how bad the Cowboys' defense was last week. I know they're banged up, but Dallas' 'D' allowed 438 yards to the Giants' offense, and backup running back Derrick Ward averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cam Cameron's decision to split carries between Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman sounds about as can't-miss as Larry David's plan to show up to Marty Funkhouser's party a night late. Still, gotta go with Miami to cover at home.
SEAHAWKS (-2.5) at Cardinals SPORTS BETTING LINES
I'm probably missing something, but this game seems too easy. Arizona blew Monday night's game against the 49ers in typical Cardinals fashion, and the Seahawks beat Tampa Bay by two touchdowns. Love Seattle in this one.
BRONCOS (-9.5) vs. Raiders SPORTS BETTING LINES
Special teams was a major story line in Week 1. Take a look at the Broncos. They had to rush on to the field to get a Jason Elam field goal as time expired against the Bills. Denver drove into Buffalo territory on eight of 10 drives but came away with just a pair of field goals and a touchdown. Look for more scoring from the Broncos this week against an Oakland defense that gave up 36 points to Detroit in Week 1.
BEARS (-12) vs. Chiefs SPORTS BETTING LINES
Everyone talks about Rex Grossman when dissecting the Bears' offense, but Chicago's quarterback got no help in last week's loss to the Chargers. Meanwhile, Kansas City confirmed what we all thought while watching Hard Knocks: The Chiefs are going to stink this year. It could be a rough first month for Larry Johnson fantasy owners. Kansas City's RB was limited to 43 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, and the Chiefs face the Bears, Vikings and Chargers the next three weeks, all formidable run defenses.
RAVENS (-10) vs. Jets SPORTS BETTING LINES
A big dose of Willis McGahee and a usual sound defensive effort will give the Ravens their first win. According to Football Outsiders, no team in the NFL rushed only three defenders on pass plays last year more than the Jets. And according to my special Jets correspondent Ben Stauber, New York did the same in Week 1. Whoever starts at quarterback for the Ravens should have all day to throw.
PATRIOTS (-3) vs. Chargers
Friends and I were discussing how Bill Belichick goes about paying his $500,000 fine for cheating. Does he just write one check to the NFL? Do you need some sort of clearance to make such a monstrous financial transaction? I guess I shouldn't complain about the security deposit I have to put down on my new apartment. Anyway, two of the league's best teams square off in what should be a good one Sunday night. The Patriots always respond well just when you think they're in trouble. And their offensive attack was the story in Week 1.
Note: Monday night game will be picked Monday. Lines used are from football betting.
MySportsbook.com refunds all bets on Oakland, Green Bay and Tampa Bay from NFL week one.
(September 14) – Week one of NFL action saw three teams go scoreless for the first time since 1977. Another four were unable to get a touchdown and almost half of the underdogs covered the spread. Those three teams saved bettors at MySportsbook.com from losing out completely, thanks to the company’s unique NFL Shutout Rule -- which ensures that if the team you backed goes scoreless, your wager is refunded.
Sportsbook refunded tens of thousands of dollars to customers who bet on Oakland, Green Bay and Tampa Bay, the three teams that stunk up the field so badly that their fans and backers never had a chance to get up from their couches and cheer. In the spirit of the low scoring start to the season, odds makers at the world’s largest online sportsbook and casino have set odds on how many total shutouts there will be this season.
MySportsbook.com has posted updated sports betting lines for week two of the season. Ben Roethlisberger’s health status is still questionable, so Willie Parker will try to lead Pittsburgh again as they travel to Jacksonville as a one point favorite. After beating up on his little brother last week, Peyton Manning will look to lead the Colts to victory against Houston. Indianapolis is a whopping 13.5 favorite in the match-up.
Seattle, last year’s highest scoring team, showed the power of their defense with their gritty 9-6 win in Motown over the ravenous Lions. They take their act back home to the comforts of Qwest Field where they will face the resurgent Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks are favored by a touchdown.
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