There are a few games that stand out as the linemakers posted their initial offers after Sundays game, but the one that really puzzled me was the line on Philly/Detroit set before the Eagles took the field last night.
Im not sure if there is a more overrated 2-0 team than the Detroit Lions. Coming into this season, all the talk was about their solid draft and the young, explosive offensive weapons this team has. The media hype and bandwagon are taking off as Ive seen more Lions jerseys and hats on 'fans' in the first two weeks, than Ive seen in the last three years. Mariucci has done a fine job and at 2-0 has created some line value for bettors in week #3.
For those aggressive enough to bet the Eagles before MNF, a generous line of -3 was available. Now its -4 and climbing in most places and for good reason.
Lets take a look at those Detroit Lions.
1. On the season they have accumulated a whopping 528 yards of offense in two games. (264/ypg) ranking them 25th in the league.
Also 25th in the league is Detroit's defense, surrendering 364/ypg.
2. No surprises here, Detroit has given up 42 first downs in two games while converting just 31 themselves.
3. Lions are +5 in turnovers making them tied for the league lead with the undefeated Jets and 1-1 Giants (whom would be 0-2 without that margin)
4. Those young, explosive players are hurting. Rogers is done for the year and Jones has 97 RY on 27 carries. Williams, however, does look good.
Detroit has gone up against Grossman and Carr (who looked horrible for a 300yd performance) and without their pro-bowl CB Bly will be in trouble against Philly. McNabb simply does not make the mistakes those young QB's do.
Kevin Jones will have to show me something and the Lions must use the running game in a ball-control style to stay close in this one. He will have to come close to the numbers he's put up in two games against the Eagles for Detroit to have a chance. Philly shut down Onterrio Smith and Tiki Barber save for his long garbage time gainer.
Detroit could have easily lost both their first two games from my perspective. An 0-2 Lions team hosting the Eagles would clearly be catching 7 to 8 points on Sunday. Id certainly be leery of laying that number in a flat spot against a winless team, but thats not the case.
Lets face it, the Eagles are in a different class than some of these other 2-0 teams and last nights game was a reflection of their statement as the best team in the NFC. Without looking it up, Im sure that laying more than a FG, on the road, after a MNF game is not sound situational handicapping. In fact, over the long haul that will lose you money.
First and foremost I trust numbers and fundamentals. Those aspects clearly show a wider gap in talent, coaching, and execution than the current -4 Vegas odds. After watching all four games these teams have played - the number should be around 6 or even 6'. Gametime on Sunday might have that posted IMO. Recommendation on playing this one early in the week.
Philly -4***
Im not sure if there is a more overrated 2-0 team than the Detroit Lions. Coming into this season, all the talk was about their solid draft and the young, explosive offensive weapons this team has. The media hype and bandwagon are taking off as Ive seen more Lions jerseys and hats on 'fans' in the first two weeks, than Ive seen in the last three years. Mariucci has done a fine job and at 2-0 has created some line value for bettors in week #3.
For those aggressive enough to bet the Eagles before MNF, a generous line of -3 was available. Now its -4 and climbing in most places and for good reason.
Lets take a look at those Detroit Lions.
1. On the season they have accumulated a whopping 528 yards of offense in two games. (264/ypg) ranking them 25th in the league.
Also 25th in the league is Detroit's defense, surrendering 364/ypg.
2. No surprises here, Detroit has given up 42 first downs in two games while converting just 31 themselves.
3. Lions are +5 in turnovers making them tied for the league lead with the undefeated Jets and 1-1 Giants (whom would be 0-2 without that margin)
4. Those young, explosive players are hurting. Rogers is done for the year and Jones has 97 RY on 27 carries. Williams, however, does look good.
Detroit has gone up against Grossman and Carr (who looked horrible for a 300yd performance) and without their pro-bowl CB Bly will be in trouble against Philly. McNabb simply does not make the mistakes those young QB's do.
Kevin Jones will have to show me something and the Lions must use the running game in a ball-control style to stay close in this one. He will have to come close to the numbers he's put up in two games against the Eagles for Detroit to have a chance. Philly shut down Onterrio Smith and Tiki Barber save for his long garbage time gainer.
Detroit could have easily lost both their first two games from my perspective. An 0-2 Lions team hosting the Eagles would clearly be catching 7 to 8 points on Sunday. Id certainly be leery of laying that number in a flat spot against a winless team, but thats not the case.
Lets face it, the Eagles are in a different class than some of these other 2-0 teams and last nights game was a reflection of their statement as the best team in the NFC. Without looking it up, Im sure that laying more than a FG, on the road, after a MNF game is not sound situational handicapping. In fact, over the long haul that will lose you money.
First and foremost I trust numbers and fundamentals. Those aspects clearly show a wider gap in talent, coaching, and execution than the current -4 Vegas odds. After watching all four games these teams have played - the number should be around 6 or even 6'. Gametime on Sunday might have that posted IMO. Recommendation on playing this one early in the week.
Philly -4***
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