On September 9th, which is this coming Thursday Night, the NFL Season kicks off in earnest.  The preseason is over now and it is time to get down to business.  The anticipation for these gridiron warriors is growing.  Dreams of carrying a Lombardi Trophy push each individual towards a destiny shared by a team.  However, only one team will reign supreme in February 2011 and first step in pursuit of that goal begins this Thursday.

On Thursday night the Minnesota Vikings travel to New Orleans to take on the World Champion Saints.  Viking QB Farve made Minnesota hold their breath until the last minute again before agreeing to play one more year, his 20th in the league.  The Vikings still look as good as last year when they won the NFC Central.  The Saints have high expectations to repeat on last years performance.  The Saints are favored by 5.5 points but I smell upset in the air.

On Sunday the New York Giants are favored by 7 over the Carolina Panthers.  Carolina has a double trouble running attack and a defense that will make waves this season.  The Giants have QB Eli Manning and they will be opening the season at home in their new stadium.  Look for the Panthers to upset the Giants in this one.

Many eyes are on Pittsburgh this Sunday as the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons.  The Steelers have been counted out by many for having an old defense and Big Ben being suspended for the first 4 games.  QB Dennis Dixon will start this weekend.  The Falcons are favored by 2.5 but the Steelers will surprise here showing that they are not one dimensional.  They will run the ball well and the defense will prevail.

To wrap up some other big games the Patriots are favored by 4.5 and should make the spread.  The Green Bay Packers are only favored by 3 over the Philadelphia Eagles.  Assuming that this is a typo I am telling you the Packers will win by much more.  The Cowboys travel to the nations capitol on Sunday night to take on their arch rival Redskins.  This game is even right now but I think the Cowboys will prevail.

Monday night the darlings for many sports writers, the Baltimore Ravens fly into New Jersey to take on the Jets.  The Jets are favored by 2.5.  The Jets are the self proclaimed team to beat this year and the Ravens are once again picked most likely to succeed in the AFC North.  The Jets got Revis to sign and they will win this one at home.  My surprise upsets of the week:  The St Louis Rams over the Arizona Cardinals and the Browns over Tampa Bay.  Until we meet again, may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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Tonight the NCAA Football season kicks off around the country.  There are plenty of good games on tap so let’s not waste anytime previewing them.  The Ohio State Buckeyes finished last year 11-2.  They enter the season ranked #2 in the nation.  They host the Marshal Thundering Herd 7-6 last year.  The Buckeyes are 28.5 point favorites and rightfully so.  This one should not be close.

The South Carolina Gamecocks were 7-6 last season and are still 14 point favorites over the visiting Southern Miss Golden Eagles who were 7-6 last year as well.  You can feel comfortable betting on this one as well.

The University of Southern California is without Coach Pete Carrol this year but are still favored by 2 touchdowns in this one against the Hawaii Warriors who were 6-7 last season.  USC ended last season at 9-4 and come into this season ranked #14.  USC will win this one easily.

The Pittsburgh Panthers roll into Utah tonight ranked #15.  The Panthers were 10-3 last year, while the Utah Utes were 10-3 as well.  Both teams are starting the year with injuries but the Panthers are favored by 3 here early on.  This will be a dandy of a game, you can bet on that.

The NCAA Football season is here and tonight the emotions will run high and the excitement in the pit of your stomach low.  The NCAA Football season is back and someone is going to become a new star, you can bet on that.  Until we meet again, may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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The U.S. Open Tennis Tournament is under way at Flushing Meadows and Roger Federer and Andy Roddick are marching on to their next opponent.  The number one seed Rafael Nadal starts him march tonight.

Roger Federer began his journey towards his 7th consecutive trip to the U.S. Open Finals by defeating 96th ranked Brian Dabul of Argentina 6-1, 6-4, and 6-2 respectively.  A trick shot by Federer drew a standing ovation when he returned a lob by hitting it from between his legs and having it fall in for a point.  It was the second time that Federer has made such a shot.

Happy Birthday to Andy Roddick who turned 28 yesterday as he ran past Frenchman Stephane Robert 6-3, 6-2, and 6-2.  Roddick, an American, is the 9th seed.  Roddick won the U.S. Open Title in 2003.

The 5th seeded Swede Robin Soderling also managed to get by 214th ranked Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 5-7, and 6-4.  The 23 year old challenger put up quite a fight and hit 26 more aces than Soderling.  However, Soderling fought back and squeezed by to the next round.

The matches at the U.S. Open are only going to get better; you can bet on that.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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Rafael Nadal is the number one ranked tennis player in the world.  Although this young lad of only 24 years of age has 8 majors notched on his tennis racket he has yet to win the eluded U.S. Open.  He has won 5 French Opens, 2 Wimbledon’s, and 1 Australian Open.  However, over the past few years he has not made it through the semifinals at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal has faced off with number 2 ranked Roger Federer in 21 events in years past but they have never faced each other at the U.S. Open, which Federer has won.  However, Federer has a lot of respect for Nadal.  He made it very clear that if he can get to the semifinals; he can get to the finals.

The U.S. Open begins today at Flushing Meadows in New York.  Federer will get his feet wet today but Nadal does not start until tomorrow.  Federer has reached the championship match ever since 2004 but why can’t Nadal do the same?

Nadal says that the U.S. Open falls towards the end of a long season.  Because he plays so hard by the time he gets to the U.S. Open he is normally spent.  He also says the hard surfaced courts there are very hard on the body as well.  In addition, Nadal said they used different tennis balls at the U.S. Open then say at the French Open and therefore, the topspin he is so famous for is often eluded.

Finally, Nadal says that Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is the largest for major events, is always quite windy.  Today Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, and Robin Soderling are all picked to win easily as they begin the journey towards a U.S. Open Title.  Tomorrow Nadal will join them in the hunt and I would not count the number one seed out just yet.  Until we meet again, may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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The third week of the preseason kicks off tomorrow night with 2 games on the schedule.  If last week taught us anything it is that there are future stars on the horizon, some rookies may not be making the grade, and some veterans are not happy.  Let’s look at the Game Burners for this week.

Tomorrow night the St. Louis Rams travel to New England to take on the Patriots.  The Rams are 1-1 and the Pats 2-0 in the preseason.  Rookie QB Sam Bradford is looking to play a full half in this game because he may have to take over this team sooner than expected.  Tom Brady is looking a little unhappy in this last year of his contract, which has yet to be extended.  The Pats are favored by 7.5 in this one.

The other game tomorrow night pits the Indianapolis Colts 0-2 in the preseason against the Green Bay Packers 1-1.  Don’t let the preseason records fool you these two teams plan to be in the thick of things when the smoke from the regular season clears.  Colts QB Peyton Manning got his big contract and has set the standard for all that follow.  The Packers could not get past the Vikings and former QB Brett Farve last year but are anxious for another chance.  The Pack is favored by 3.5 in this one.

On Friday night the San Diego Chargers charge to New Orleans to take on the World Champion Saints.  Both teams are 1-1 in the preseason.  The Chargers are still poised to win the AFC West again but the Denver Broncos may beg to differ.  The Saints are riding high and feel like they can repeat as Super Bowl Champs.  The Saints are favored by 3.

On Saturday the New York Giants 1-1 skip down to Baltimore to take on the Ravens 2-0.  Giant QB Eli Manning took a nasty hit in game 1 on a broken play, which called for a stitched up head and missing game 2.  Baltimore, always predicted to win the AFC North but rarely doing so, are once again predicted to win it by many.  I wouldn’t bet on that just yet.

Also on Saturday night the San Francisco 49ers 2-0 take on the Oakland Raiders 2-0 in the battle of the Bay.  I believe this is the 49ers year to really improve and they should win the the NFC West.  They are playing with heart and fire and they will compete.  The Oakland Raiders picked up former Redskin QB Jason Campbell in the off season and he has brought them hope.  The Raiders are favored by 1.

On Sunday night the Pittsburgh Steelers 2-0 travel to the Rockies to take on the Denver Broncos 0-2.  Don’t let the Broncos record fool you.  They will be contenders in the AFC West.  The Steelers are trying to get in the groove before they begin the season without Big Ben for at least 4 games.  The Steelers defense is aging some but so is the Baltimore Ravens.  It is going to be a race in the AFC North.  As for this Sunday the Steelers are a 1 point favorite.

Every football fan knows that some coaches want to win in the preseason and some really don’t care.  The priority for the preseason is to get your teams ready for the regular season.  Never the less, the preseason competition has still been invigorating.  This week will be no different and you can bet on that.  Until we meet again, may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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The NFL Preseason is in full swing.  The veterans are getting back into the groove and the rookies are getting a taste of the gridiron NFL style.  Tonight 7 games kickoff on a rocking Saturday night.  Let’s explore these games and look at the season a head for these teams.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Miami Dolphins.  The Dolphins are favored by 4.  The Bucs finished a dismal 3-13 last season and it does not look much better for 2010.  The Fins on the other hand went 7-9 but showed some spark.  They acquired Brandon Marshal from the Broncos, which should improve that offense.

The Detroit Lions take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Big Ben’s first home game since his troubles last spring.  The Steelers are favored by 3.  Detroit finished with a pitiful year again last season only winning 2 games.  The Steelers finished 9-7.  Look for the Lions to improve this year.  QB Matthew Stafford will only get better and they are building something up there.  The Steelers, winners of 6 Super Bowl rings, have taken a lot of slack.  If they stay healthy they will surprise the NFL again and be in the thick of things; even with Roethlisbergers 4 game suspension.

The Houston Texans travel to meet the Arizona Cardinals.  Texans are favored by 1.5. The Texans finished 9-7 last year and they are getting better.  The Cardinals finished 10-6 but then QB Kurt Warner retired and WR Boldin bolted to the Ravens.  Matt Lienart takes over at QB and the Cardinals will not repeat as division champs.

The Minnesota Vikings face the St. Louis Rams.  The Vikings were a game away from the Super Bowl last season.  They were 12-4 regular season.  The Rams on the other hand finished 1-15.  Right now the Rams are favored by 2.5.  Why?  Because once again QB Brett Farve has not decided to play or retire.  Therefore, no Farve tonight and the Rams will have their amazing rookie QB Sam Bradford at the helm.  The Viking season hinges on Farve and the Rams will show some improvement.

The Cleveland Browns travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers.  The Pack is favored by 2.5.  The Browns finished 5-11 last year and don’t look for much improvement this year.  Former Panthers QB Jake Delhomme starts for the Browns, with hopeful rookie Matt McCoy sitting eagerly on the bench.  The Pack finished behind the Vikings last year at 11-5.  Many think they will win the division this year and they will if Farve retires.

The Chicago Bears take on the San Diego Chargers.  The Chargers are favored by 3. The Bears struggled to 7-9 last year but picked up some defensive help in Panther Julius Peppers.  The Chargers are rebuilding some as well.  The Chargers may repeat as divisions champs because they have no real competition in the AFC West unless the Broncos learn to sustain a season.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans take on the Seattle Seahawks.  Neither of these teams are going to make waves this season.  The Seahawks are favored by 4 tonight.  The Titans finished 2009 at 8-8 while the Seahawks only 5-11.  The Titans are still looking for unity and the Seahawks with new Head Coach Pete Carrol will be looking for a new identity.

It will be fun tonight to see who plays their heart out trying to make the roster in the NFL.  We may see glimmers of things to be; traces of future NFL superstars.  Perhaps the preseason does not mean anything to many; but tell that to the rookie with a sparkle in his eye and fire in his heart.  Tell it to the veteran who is hoping for one more change to prove their worth on the gridiron.  There will be fireworks; you can bet on that.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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For the first time in years it is going to be very difficult to predict who will win the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.  Tiger Woods has had one of those years you just want to sweep under the rug and forget about.  His career worse performance at Firestone provided a 298 over 72 holes.  The PGA Championship will be the last major of the year and we can’t even predict that Tiger will make the cut.

Lefty Phil Michelson has not played well as of late either.  Tiger’s downfall left the door wide open for Phil to take over the number one spot in the world; and he has yet to capitalize on it.  He tied for 46th at Firestone.  What has happened to these seasoned professionals that once graced the course with their every swing?

So, who did win the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone?  A 28 year old, 7 year pro named Hunter Mahan.  He finished 12 under par and took home a hefty $1,400,000 check for his efforts.  Back in February he also took home over $1,000,000 for his 16 under par performance at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Right now Hunter Mahan looks as good as anyone cruising into Whistling Straits.  Let’s face it; anything could happen.  It is the never knowing for sure; that makes predicting and betting so fun and challenging.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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Last night the UFC Middleweight Champion of the World got beaten half to death for 22 minutes of a 25 minutes fight until his miracle move saved him.  Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva hardly looked like the pound for pound best UFC fighter most writers hype him up to be.  Chael Sonnen spent the first 4 rounds reminding us all of  “Rocky” but in the end Silva looked like “Kid Galahad”; when within 110 seconds of losing his title; a convenient submission ended the Rocky theme.  It was a fight to behold.

I cannot tell you enough how happy I am the NFL preseason begins tonight.  The Cincinnati Bengals take on the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.  Although it is only preseason and all is for not; it will be good to see the players take the field again.  The actual football season kicks off in around 4 weeks but there is going to be plenty of preseason pigskin action to entice us until then.

Tonight Terrel Owens fans should catch a glimpse of him in his new Bengal uniform.  Preseason or not; he would love to catch one against his former Cowboy team.  The Bengals think Owens is the missing piece to their puzzle.  After all, he was the missing piece in Philly, Dallas, and Buffalo too, or was he?

The Cowboys want the Super Bowl this year because it is being played in Dallas.  They have been building for years; maybe this one will be it.  Needless to say it will be interesting to see if these two teams live up to their own expectations as well as those of their fans.  One thing for sure it is going to be a great season and that is something you can bet on.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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On Saturday August 7th, Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen will face off in the main event of UFC 117.  Silva has been terrorizing the UFC Middleweight ranks for years now.  His mixed martial arts record is 26-4 but he is 11-0 in the UFC.

Anderson Silva has been blasted by UFC President Dana White for not performing like a true Champion in his last few fights.  If this has phased Silva; he has not displayed it.  Of course Silva has someone else badgering him right now; his challenger on Saturday night.

Chael Sonnen has a mixed martial arts record of 24-10-1 and is 4-3 in UFC match ups but you would not believe that by the hype he is delivering.  Sonnen has belittled the Champ at every turn.  He has even threatened to beat Silva so badly he will force him into retirement.

Sonnen claims that Silva has been ducking him for years but says on Saturday night he will have no where to run.  I am not a huge Silva fan, although he no doubt a very talented athlete.  However, if you are going to batter the Champ; you better be prepared to back it up in the octagon.

Anderson Silva has not joined Sonnen in the hype game.  The champ says the fight will be decided in the octagon.  Silva cannot afford to dance around the ring in this fight and settle for a decision.  The UFC is built around entertainment.  The competition is real but only as exciting as the fighters allow it to be.

Sonnen is typically the type of fighter who will not let you dance around for long.  He usually applies constant pressure until he gets to you or you get to him.  I applaud Sonnen for talking a big game but I am not sure it is to build his own confidence or if he really thinks he can get into the Champs head.  I don’t see Silva losing the Championship on Saturday night but stranger things have happened.  It should be a good fight and that is something you can bet upon.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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I have to admit; I am totally a sports infatuated guy.  I love to watch the competition.  Although I will watch just about any sport; there is something special about the NFL.  I, like most NFL addicts, attempt to find balance from the end of the NFL season until the next one begins.  We find some solace in the NFL Draft and through news from mini-camps, but we are not totally back in the groove until the preseason begins with the Hall of Fame game.

Recently we looked at the AFC at a glance for 2010.  Today, we will explore the NFC.  The NFC East there is a minimal amount of competition.  The Dallas Cowboys won the division last year with a defense that allowed the least points (250) in the NFC and only second in the NFL to the New York Jets who allowed only (236).  The Super Bowl will be played in Dallas at the end of the 2010 season and the Cowboys should make a run for it.  The Redskins will get better under Mike Shanahan. The Giants could be competitive and we will have to see how QB Kolb does in Philadelphia.

The NFC North comes down to two teams.  The Vikings won the division last year with the Packers hot on their heels.  The Lions are building and the Bears are in the twilight zone.  Many sports experts are picking the Packers to win the NFC.  They claim the Farve will not perform as well in his 20th season.  I disagree.  As I said last year; the Vikings don’t need Farve to throw 30 touchdown passes.  All he has to do is control the game.  The Vikings will win the North again.

The NFC South was terrorized last year by the New Orleans Saints and they are the team to beat there again this year.  Look for the Atlanta Falcons to compete well down the stretch.  The Panthers could do some growling but don’t count on much from the Buccaneers.

The NFC West may be the most puzzling division in the NFC.  I can tell you this; the Cardinals will not win the division again this year.  The San Francisco 49er’s have been building and I think this may be their year.  The Seahawks hired Pete Carrol to coach but it will take a while.  The Rams drafted a great QB in Sam Bradford but he will have to grow.

Of course injuries could alter any of the predictions I have made.  It is way to early to make an intelligent prediction but it sure is fun to do.  What I have gathered about the NFL over the years is that we writers can make all the predictions we want before the season starts; but nothing is guaranteed.  There will be surprises and under dogs will prevail.  I have to hand it too many of these expert writers.  They have been saying the Baltimore Ravens will win the AFC North every year for years.  Eventually it will have to happen.  Until we meet again; may your betting be better and remember to always be a good sport.

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