Sports News

While NCAA football odds will grab some bettors’ attention this week, NFL fans want to get their last preseason picks in to tune up for the regular season. Here’s a parlay to consider during Thursday night’s heavy schedule if you like to sports bet online.

Baltimore Ravens +3 to beat Atlanta Falcons

Both teams have high expectations for 2009 and both teams will likely rest their starting players. Offensively, the Ravens have a few backups who could surprise in Atlanta on Thursday. Former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith isn’t ready to be a starting NFL quarterback and may never be, but he’s capable enough that he could make a few plays against Atlanta backups. The Ravens are also very deep at running back, meaning third-stringer Willis McGahee could get a decent amount of work. He should have no problem running through the Falcons’ B-squad.

New Orleans Saints -3 to beat Miami Dolphins

Few offenses exploded like the Saints’ group this preseason and that includes the backups. Mark Brunell has been a throwback to his old Jacksonville glory days, picking defenses apart and hooking up with fellow second-stringer Robert Meachem for big plays. No. 3 running back Mike Bell has run with purpose all preseason and should do the same as the Saints romp at home on Thursday. I’m betting management is careful with both Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, so Bell could see a heavy workload.

Arizona Cardinals -3.5 to beat Denver Broncos

The nightmare just keeps getting worse for the Broncos and the latest humiliation could be a beating on their home turf in the preseason finale. Arizona’s Matt Leinart has flashed his old Heisman Trophy-winning form over the last few weeks. On Aug. 28, Leinart threw for 360 yards and three scores…in two quarters. He threw a ridiculous 38 passes in that one half of football and completed 63.2 per cent of them. It’s scary to think about what he could do this week against Denver backups as he spells Kurt Warner again. I like Arizona’s chances to win as much as I like its NFL week 1 odds to beat San Francisco.

Video: Bradley Speaks On Holding A Lead

at 8:36 PM Labels: US Soccer

USMNT Studio 90: September 2

at 8:36 PM Labels: US Soccer

*Donovan eyes another record Saturday

*Another center back may be out for the United States

Heath Pearce signs in Turkey

at 8:24 PM Labels: Bursaspor, Heath Pearce

*Under-20 forward Vincenzo Bernardo now also has Dutch and German clubs showing interest.

*Diskerud Up For World Cup

*Jermaine Jones Training w/Schalke, US Paperwork “On FIFA’s Desk”

*Castillo moves closer to USMNT

*Cervi to make Celtic debut in Toronto

*Heath Pearce lands in Turkey

Pearce signs in Turkey

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Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Odds & Predictions

at 9:45 PM 9/01/2009 |

The Baltimore Ravens and the Atlanta Falcons will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Georgia Dome.

Oddsmakers Bodog Sportsbook currently have the Falcons listed as 3-point favorites versus the Ravens, while the game's total is sitting at 35½.

The Ravens got out to an early lead and held on for a 17-13 win over the Panthers in Week 3 of the preseason, as 3-point underdogs. The 30 points went UNDER the posted total of 36.

Chris Redman threw for a touchdown and ran for another in the fourth quarter last time out as the Falcons defeated the Chargers 27-24. The Falcons failed to cover the 3-point spread, but the 51 points made it OVER the posted total of 42.5.

Team records:
Baltimore: 11-5 SU, 12-4 ATS

Atlanta: 11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS

Next up:
Baltimore home to Kansas City, Sunday, September 13

Atlanta home to Miami, Sunday, September 13