Friday's Picks and Predictions

ALL PICKS, INCLUDING MY PLAY OF THE DAY WILL BE POSTED HERE THROUGHOUT THE DAY!

MLB
BALTIMORE +135
BALTIMORE UNDER 10
HOUSTON +120
SAN FRAN -110
KANSAS CITY +110
TORONTO +115

NFLx

NEW ORLEANS VS. CINCY

This is the 3^rd consecutive preseason these two open up against each other and the Saints went 3-0 SU in those meetings including a 13-0 win last year. The Saints, however, find themselves opening up at home this season which is something that hasn’t happened since 2005. The New Orleans offense is expected to have little trouble moving the chains again this year but the main storyline for the Saints will be on the defensive side of the ball where their new coordinator will look to improve a unit that was flat out horrible last year! For the Bengals they are looking at a healthy Carson Palmer to lead them back from the basement after he missed 12 games last season with an elbow injury. Look for Brees and Company to be very effective in their limited action and for backups Brunnell and Harrington to guide their units to success. It is worth noting the Bengals are just 1-3 in their L4 preseason road openers.

PREDICTION: NEW ORLEANS 31 CINCY 17

(NEW ORELANS -3)

SAN FRAN VS. DENVER ***PLAY OF THE DAY***

Both of these teams had to deal with a little drama towards the ends of last year and in the offseason, however, both feel confident they are making progress and can be more competitive this season. For San Fran Singletary has created a bit of QB controversy by forcing Smith and Hill to compete for the starting role and this type of situation can lead to opportunity in preseason. However, the Broncos find themselves with a new coach who comes from the Bill Belichek school of coaching. Coaches who come from great systems usually stick with their formulas of success and this includes doing well in preseason. I believe Kyle Orton is a good pick up for the Broncos and he is surrounded with something he didn’t have much of in Chicago – talent! Look for Orton to be effective in his limited action and for the deep and talented group of RBs to carry the load the rest of the way. Keep in mind the Broncos are a solid 9-1 SU/ATS in their L10 against the 9ers.

PREDICTION: DENVER 23 SAN FRAN 13

(DENVER +3)