Kansas City at Indianapolis (odds -1) Start Time 1:00 PM EST: These 2 are a combined 1-7 SU after each won their division last year. It’s another vote for NFL parity. The KC offense was improved last week vs. Minny. QB Cassell was 18/29/0 for 247 PY. But they were still badly outrushed. Such was also the case with the winless Colts behind QB Painter. They squeezed under the number for us despite being outrushed 192-62. Free NFL Pick: Weakest of votes for the home team to get their 1st victory.
Arizona at Minnesota (odds -2-) Start Time 1:00 PM EST: This yet another matchup of teams with a combined record of 1-7. The Cards again proved last week that they haven’t learned how to win when they blew a 27-17 home field lead to the Giants. This came despite the surprising stat that they outrushed the Giants 156-54. Each of these teams features a poor pass defense. That factor clearly favors the better pass game of Arizona as the Vikings behind QB McNabb are averaging a meager 5.6 OYPA. The vote from this bureau, however, remains with Minnesota to get their first victory based on the far superior ground game which finds them outrushing opponents 156/5.6 to 76/3.3. Arizona has lost 9 consecutive road games. That doesn’t change today.
Oakland at Houston (odds -6) Start Time1:00 PM EST: If Oakland can avoid the dreaded west to east scenario forcing them to play this in late morning body time, they are fully capable of pulling this upset. Shocking stats from last week’s expected loss to New England showed the Raiders outpassing the Patriots 344-226 while New England outrushed the Raiders 183-160. It’s another example of why they don’t play these games on paper. Houston’s victory over Pittsburgh was a microcosm of the Steelers season rather than a tribute to the Houston OL. The Steelers weak OL allowed 5 sacks and allowed the Steelers to be outrushed 180-118. It was yet another over-the-hump win for the Texans who are 3-1 SU, ATS with a +26 AFP. The combination of the anticipated letdown from that victory and the loss of WR Johnson to injury makes them vulnerable in this spot as a favorite. Oakland’s 500 yard output against defensively porous New England keys a strong situation for them in this role of road dog. The Raider running game is for real behind RB McFadden. It rambles for 179/5.6. That is good enough for them to overcome the travel scenario and take advantage of the Texans negative situation for a potential outright victory.
Free Picks - Cardinals at Vikings Betting
What NFL bettors need to know about Cardinals at Vikings (Sunday, October 9, 2011) from Pregame.com - Including predictions from Bryan Leonard and analysis from host Vegas Runner.