Saturday's Picks and Predictions

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

NASCAR
Bristol: Preview and Predictions

MLB
NY-METS +200
BALTIMORE +185
SAN DIEGO +180

NFLX

WASHINGTON VS. PITTSBURGH

The Redskins return home after a horrible preseason debut at Baltimore. In that 23-0 loss the Skins looked terrible in all phases of the game. The offense was inept and defense gave up over 500 total yards! Meanwhile, the Steelers looked solid in their preseason opener beating the Cardinals 20-10 in a rematch of last year’s Superbowl. Starters for both sides are expected to see extended action and perhaps will play the entire first half. During preseason we look for teams that will be extra motivated and tonight it should be the Redskins looking to dramatically improve over last week’s performance. Meanwhile, it has been profitable to go against veteran teams on the heels of their first preseason win, especially when starters looked crisp – complacency has a tendency to set in (see Patriots from Thursday Night).

PREDICTION: WASHINGTON 20 PITTSBURGH 13

(WASHINGTON -3 ***PLAY OF THE DAY***)

MIAMI VS. CAROLINA

Carolina heads on the road again after a week 1 loss to the Giants. In that game Delhomme was 5 for 9 for 38 yards before giving way to his backups. Delhomme and Company will see extended action today and will look to be more effective. Meanwhile, the Dolphins won their preseason debut, an ugly 12-9 win over in-state rival Jacksonville. In that game it was backup QB Henne that delivered the game’s only TD for the Fish, a 33-yard to Wilford. Look for Coach Fox to get after his boys tonight and to have them extra focused, especially after watching his offense cough up the ball 5 times last week. I like their depth at the running back position and believe they will ultimately wear the Fins down. It is worth noting that Carolina falls into a very strong system that involves backing certain week 2 preseason dogs on the road – these teams have covered 67% over the long haul.

PREDICTION: CAROLINA 23 MIAMI 13

(CAROLINA +3)

CLEVELAND VS. DETROIT

The Browns return home off a 17-0 shutout loss to the Packers. Meanwhile, the Lions head on the road after winning, 27-26, at home over the Falcons. Both teams are caught up in QB controversies and should give extended looks to both respective QBs as a result. I give the edge to the Browns though as both Anderson and Quinn should be extra focused and motivated to improve on their performances from last week. Anderson is expected to start before giving way to Quinn. I also expect the Lions to come out flat after winning last week, their first win in 17 games, and perhaps feeling a sense of satisfaction as a result.

PREDICTION: CLEVELAND 27 DETROIT 17

ARIZONA VS. SAN DIEGO

The Cardinals return home after their week 1 Superbowl re-match with the Steelers, a 20-10 loss, in which their offense was not at full strength. Meanwhile, the Chargers are also coming off a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, a game that saw their offense turn over the ball 3 times. Despite the turnovers it is worth noting Chargers QBs combined for almost 330 yards of passing in that loss. Both teams starters will see extended action tonight but it is the Chargers that should get the first win. The Chargers are deeper and better at the skill positions and I look for them to seek redemption for their sloppiness last week. It is worth noting that a very strong system is in play that involves backing certain week 2 preseason dogs on the road – these teams have covered 67% over the long haul.

PREDICTION: SAN DIEGO 24 ARIZONA 13

(SAN DIEGO +3 -120)

SEATTLE VS. DENVER

Denver heads West again this week and will try to rebound from last week’s loss to the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Seahawks return home off their week 1 road opener, a 20-14 win at San Diego. Kyle Orton made his debut for the Broncos and it wasn’t a very good one and making matters worse was the fact that his backup, Chris Simms, had an outstanding day throwing for 11 of 17, 142 yards and 2 TDs. Orton is expected to be the starter for this Broncos team but he needs to step up today and redeem himself for last week’s performance. Meanwhile, the real story for the Hawks will be LB Aaron Curry who makes his home debut. Curry is expected to help improve a unit that really struggled last season. Give the edge to the Broncos today as Orton will be extra focused and motivated to have a better performance. I also give the edge to the Broncos QB rotation and a clear edge in RB rotation. It is worth noting that a very strong system is in play that involves backing certain week 2 preseason dogs on the road – these teams have covered 67% over the long haul.

PREDICTION: DENVER 20 SEATTLE 17

(DENVER +3)

SAN FRANCISCO VS. OAKLAND

The Raiders take their show on the road after an impressive 31-10 week 1 home win over the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the 49ers are also coming off a win of their own, a 17-16 triumph when the Broncos failed to convert on a 2-point conversion in the game’s final moments. The Raiders offense looked surprising good and the defense also put forth a solid effort. For the 49ers the big story remains the QB battle between Smith and Hill. It is fair to say that both played well last week and will get extended time this week to give coaches a better look. I give the edge in QB rotation to the Raiders and they should also benefit from their depth at RB. I like the Raiders to carry over their momentum from last week. It is worth noting the Raiders qualify for a very strong system that involves certain preseason road dogs off a poor prior season playing an opponent that was good or average the previous season – this system has covered 75% of the time historically.

PREDICTION: OAKLAND 23 SAN FRAN 17

(OAKLAND +3)

more coming shortly.......


MARK FRANCO NFLx

Saints at Texans OVER 39

No question this is one of the higher totals we’ll see in preseason but for good reason. Both teams should work on their strength, which is offensive and both have play makers. They have had joint practices over the last few days and that could help both offensives.

When looking at trends the Texans and Coach Gary Kubiak have played to the over in 7 of 9 games in preseason.

SMOOTH AND FRANCO TALK NFL FUTURES AND FRANCO REVEALS HIS SURPRISE PICK TO WIN SUPERBOWL - LISTEN NOW