Tag: NFL football

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 15

[8:20 p.m. EST] Under 52.5 – Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes from the total on the Eagles-Falcons game on Sunday night. We’re taking the over, considering both teams have prolific offensive attacks that’ll get us where we need to go — over the total.

Both teams got off to slow starts in Week 1, but only the Eagles were able to catch themselves before falling on their faces. The Eagles overcame a 17-0 deficit and won by the score of 32-27 over the Redskins. Meanwhile, the Falcons fell behind 28-0 to the Vikings, and eventually lost 28-12, with their two touchdowns basically meaning nothing.

Carson Wentz shook off an early slow start to rebound 313 yards and three touchdowns. That shaky open made sense, though, considering he didn’t play any snaps during the preseason. Once things got going, Wentz was able to connect with WR DeSean Jackson for eight catches, 154 yards and two touchdowns.

The Eagles had a very balanced running attack with the three RBs each toting the rock. Miles Sanders led the way with 11 carries but only notched 25 yards in the process; Darren Sproles (nine carries for 47 yards) and Jordan Howard (six carries for 44 yards) were far more successful on the ground. Running backs typically give the Falcons a ton of issues, so having this talented trio of backs certainly bodes well for them moving the chains.

In reality, both the passing and running games can do a lot here, so that balanced-offense should give over-bettors plenty of optimism in this matchup.

It took Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense a while to finally get some points on the board, but they did eventually in the fourth quarter. With Case Keenum posting 380 passing yards and three touchdowns, expect Atlanta’s offense to have that same type of success. Especially with more dangerous receiving options like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, this should be a great spectacle of moving the ball through the air. Not to mention, Matty Ice has been much better historically at home in Atlanta.

In terms of running the ball, that’s probably not to be an effective way to move up and down the field. Last week, despite leading for more than half the game, the Redskins had 13 carries for 28 yards. Against the Vikings, the Falcons’ running backs didn’t have much success either, toting the rock for 49 yards on 15 carries.

Given how both teams will be moving the ball through the air, it’s only right to take the over in this one. We should have a lot more faith in Matty Ice when he’s playing at home, and that’ll have Wentz leading the Eagles down the field to match him. This should be a fun game to wrap up Sunday’s slate, and the whole country will be able to see it.

* Final Score Prediction * Philadelphia Eagles: 30 – Atlanta Falcons: 27

 

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh

You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Monday, September 9

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:00 p.m. EST] Over 52.5 – Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Saints-Texans game that kicks off Monday Night Football’s doubleheader. We like the total going over in this one, considering we’ve got two of the most potent offenses in football going head to head.

This will be the first time New Orleans takes the field since last season’s blown-call in the NFC Championship that prohibited them from reaching the Super Bowl. It’ll be interesting to see how they rebound from that debacle, and if it could possibly affect them in a negative way.

There are plenty of expectations for the Texans in 2019, and most of it comes from the offensive side of the ball. Houston made some exciting moves right before the regular season started, getting offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills from Miami. That move for Tunsil, in particular, was a major upgrade for an O-line that allowed quarterback Deshaun Watson to get sacked over 60 times last season.

The Saints haven’t won a Week-1 game since 2013. For whatever reason, it’s usually the defense that prohibits them from victory, and they’ll have another heavy test on their hands in this one. New Orleans will be without two of its best interior pass rushers, Sheldon Rankins (injury) and David Onyematta (suspension),

Not to mention, there’s a huge mismatch between the Texans’ wide receivers and Saints’ secondary. New Orleans ranked 22nd in DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) against the pass last season. Marcus Lattimore was toasted by marquee wide receivers last season while, more recently, Patrick Robinson had a horrendous preseason.

In the Saints last four home openers, they have allowed 48 (TB), 36 (NE), 35 (OAK) and 26 (TB) points.

Luckily, quarterback Drew Brees, running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas are still around to put points on the scoreboard. It’s not like the Saints will get blown out, but these guys always have a chance to be in games with that trio of talent moving the ball. Since 2006, the Saints have averaged 30.1 points per game at home.

* Final Score Prediction * New Orleans Saints: 30 – Houston Texans: 27

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 8

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

[4:25 p.m. EST] San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the 49ers-Buccaneers game. We like the total going over, considering these are two high-powered offenses with coaches that like to sling the rock going up against defenses with plenty of uncertainty. That’s a big reason why the total opened at 48.5 and currently sits at 50.5.

This will be a game with great storylines as we’ll see the return of Bucs head coach Bruce Arians and 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jimmy G is ready to lead the 49ers after missing nearly all of 2018 with a torn ACL. He didn’t play particularly well in the preseason, but that’s exactly what it is – preseason. Not to mention, his main target, tight end George Kittle didn’t play one snap during the preseason.

However, the Bucs’ pass defense was absolutely horrendous last season, and that’s why Todd Bowles was brought in to run things. That unit can only improve, but they do have to learn a new 3-4 system and that can certainly take them a few games.

Last season, the Bucs’ passing attack was No. 1 in the NFL and that should continue to improve with a great wealth of weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard – not to mention, a coach that wants to air it out as well. The 49ers ranked dead-last in coverage grades, according to Pro Football Focus, so all of Tampa’s studs will certainly take advantage of that weakness.

We’ve outlined the struggles of these defenses coming into this season, and that’s our basis for going over the total. Not to mention, both of these teams want to throw the ball – and they will. Look for plenty of points and if you’ve got fantasy players going in this game, your outlook is very bright.

* Final Score Prediction * Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 31 – San Francisco 49ers: 27