Strikeforce Betting – Carano out to Prove she’s more than a Pretty Face

Strikeforce odds for this Saturday’s card in San Jose features a little bit of history for MMA players: this will be the first time in history that a card will be headlined by women. Gina Carano and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos will battle it out for the womens’ championship belt at 145 pounds, and Carano is looking to keep her perfect record intact.

Strikeforce Odds – Saturday, August 15, 10:30 PM ET

Carano (7-0) is more known for being a cover girl, as she’s been in Maxim, and she’s also a former American Gladiator. But Carano, who is from Dallas, is trained at Xtreme Couture, which is run by the legendary Randy Couture, so she knows her way around the octagon. This is shown by a perfect record, and she’s a very well-rounded fighter. Three of her wins have come by knockout, and despite having only one submission win, her ground technique is very good. Finally, she has stamina: three of her fights have gone the distance.

“Cyborg” (7-1) lost her first fight, and has rolled over the competition since then, knocking out five of her foes. She’s a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist who fights out of Chute Boxe Academy, which has housed such greats as Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva and “Shogun” Rua. There may be a concern about her stamina, as four of her fights have ended in the first round, but she answered those as her last two fights have gone into the third round.

Santos is a -175 favorite in this betting online matchup, and this will be a very interesting contrast in styles, despite both being well-versed in Muay Thai. Santos is a pure power puncher who goes for the home-run blow, while Carano wears her opponent down, then pounces. Carano can lull her opponents to sleep by thinking that she’ll be easy pickings because she’s pretty, but if Santos isn’t careful, Carano will be a problem. People aren’t giving Carano enough credit, and she’ll use that as motivation to be the first womens’ champion in a major MMA promotion. One thing is for sure: this exciting fight will be well worth the price per head for ticketholders.

Sports picks: Gina Carano (+145)

NFL Preseason Betting - Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

The Minnesota Vikings and the Indianapolis Colts will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Lucas Oil Stadium in preseason action.

The Minnesota Vikings are - 1.5, Total 35 for the 2009 NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds.

2009 team records:
Minnesota: 10-6 SU, 6-10 ATS

Indianapolis: 12-4 SU, 7-9 ATS

Next up:
Minnesota home to Kansas City, Friday, August 21

Indianapolis home to Philadelphia, Thursday, August 20

NFL Betting – Lack of Offensive depth will hurt Pats in Philly

New England is back as the NFL betting favorites with Tom Brady at the helm, but the 2007 MVP won’t have a very big say in Thursday’s preseason game against Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field. Instead, it’ll be the backups, and they’re nowhere near as good as the first team.

Patriots vs Eagles Odds – Thursday, 7:30 PM ET

Yes, the Pats have Brady back, but coming off a serious knee injury, how long do you really expect him to be on the field on Friday? You shouldn’t need a sports betting system to figure out that he’ll play one series and be done. Matt Cassel is no longer in town, which means Kevin O’Connell will get the majority of the snaps. The second-year pivot has all the tools to be a solid player, and he’ll get to learn from the best in Brady, but he’s still learning. The Patriots are also bare at wide receiver outside of Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway, but they do have a wealth of running backs, which should aid their odds in the regular season when you’re betting online.

The Eagles were stunned by the death of longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and they lost starting linebacker Stewart Bradley to a knee injury, so the defense will either be lacking or inspired. I’m going with inspired, especially in front of the Philly faithful, who are some of the craziest fans in the country. The Eagles will also get their first game action out of rookie LeSean McCoy, a Pennsylvania native who went to Pitt and was drafted to back up Brian Westbrook, who is often injured but plays through it. Hopefully, he can make it through the game unscathed because he’ll be crucial to the Eagles’ sportsbook odds.

The Eagles are favored by 2.5 points at home, and your sports betting software should recommend them to protect their homefield advantage. The Patriots have never really taken these preseason games series, while the Eagles will fired up, especially the defense. Brady won’t be on the field long, but don’t expect much as he may be a bit rusty. It doesn’t really mean much in the long run, but on Thursday, make Philadelphia one of your NFL picks.

Golf Betting – PGA Championship Preview

How do you spice up betting on the PGA Championship, which some golf fans consider the ugly duckling of the four majors? How about making the host course, Hazeltine, longer than any track in major championship history? With three 600-plus yard holes and a 518-yard par four, Hazeltine clocks in at a mammoth 7,678 yards. Who are the top names to consider at your sportsbook this week?

TIGER WOODS (+150)

BOOM: There’s oh-so-much to like about Tiger’s golf odds this week. Not only has he won two straight tournaments, he’s done so on courses that favor long hitters. Hazeltine is thus a perfect fit for him.

BUST: There’s no reason to avoid Tiger unless you’re bored with the limited return he gives you on your money.

PHIL MICKELSON (+2000)

BOOM: An aggressive player like Lefty Mickelson could flourish at Hazeltine. Mickelson has the length off the tee and won’t be punished for mistakes the way shorter hitters will. If he hits an errant drive on a 600-yard hole, he can still get on in regulation.

BUST: After his hiatus, he really sputtered on the weekend at last week’s Bridgestone and was clearly fatigued. It’s hard to imagine him being back up to speed just a week later.

STEVE STRICKER: (+3300)

BOOM: Stricker always cracks sleeper lists because of his superb putting, accurate ball striking and solid course management. 2009 could be his year, as he already has two wins this season.

BUST: He’s a popgun off the tea and, worse yet, he crumbles against strong fields. Most of his wins come from bullying the competition in no-name events.

ANTHONY KIM (+3300)

BOOM: You have to love Kim’s skill set for this tournament. He’s a big hitter and he makes the kind of bigtime shots that make fans pay per head. He’s a good putter and that helps him convert birdies more often than just about anyone on Tour.

BUST: Youth is on his side in everyday life, but it hurts his chances on the course in a major. He’s likely to be jittery if he’s leading this Sunday.

ANGEL CABRERA (+5000)

BOOM: He’s probably my favorite sleeper this week. He’s a big bopper off the tee who doesn’t get fazed in pressure situations, as he showed in winning the 2007 U.S. Open by a stroke and 2009 Masters in a playoff.

BUST: Accuracy could trip him up. He looked good last week but he’s generally very erratic. While Hazeltine still gives any long hitter a hope regardless of accuracy, you still have to put some shots in the fairway to win.

Best sports pick: Tiger Woods. He’s peaking at the right time and you don’t want to go against Tiger when he’s hot.

Knowshon Moreno Came to an agreement with Denver

The Denver Broncos signed their first Draft selection of the past, the Latino corridor Knowshon Moreno for $ 23 million.

Moreno received $ 13 million guaranteed in the agreement to last for the next 5 years.

Moeno, who ran for 2.734 yards and 30 touchdowns during his two seasons at the University of Georgia Campaign, was the # 12 overall selection and the first corridor selected in the NFL draft in April.

Moreno does not have to worry about missing 12 practices in training camp and a set of practices organized in INVESCO Field.

The head coach of the Broncos rookie Josh McDaniels said that there's no need to worry about, and that the teammates were excited to Moreno for his arrival.

Moreno help an offensive devalued since the Pro Bowl quarterback, Jay Cutler was changed to the Chicago Bears and receiver Brandon Marshall hurt his leg at the start of training camp.

"I understand how this game," McDaniels said when they arranged the final details of the Moreno. "His representatives are doing what they believe is best for him ... and we're both doing what we consider best for

Knowshon to have him here as quickly as possible. "

Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox Betting Odds & Picks

The fans at Fenway Park will be treated to a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox when they take their seats on Monday.

Edwin Jackson will be the starting pitcher for the Tigers on this day. Righthander Jackson is 8-5 this season with a 2.62 ERA.

The Red Sox will counter Jackson with Brad Penny. Righthander Penny has a 5.20 ERA to go along with a 7-6 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Red Sox, while the game's total is sitting at 9½.

The Tigers defeated Minnesota 8-7 as a -125 favorite on Sunday. The 15 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8).

Miguel Cabrera homered and drove in a pair of runs for Detroit, while Marcus Thames hit a solo home run in the win.

The Red Sox lost to the Yankees 5-2 as a -105 favorite on Sunday. The seven runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (9.5).

Victor Martinez hit a two-run home run for Cleveland and Jon Lester allowed one run on five hits in seven innings.

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston

Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 17 games on the road

Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home

Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

Next up:
Boston home to Detroit, Tuesday, August 11

Nadal takes Return with Patience: "Number 1 is not my goal"

The Spanish Rafael Nadal is to specify hours of his return to tennis after more than two months of absence due to injury. But before his debut in Montreal is clear that their best ally in his return will be calm and not anxiety.

"My goal is not to regain the number one right now. The feeling is always the same, I am calm," said today the second favorite, who last played the circuit in the May 31, when he lost to Swedish Robin Soderling, in the final round of Roland Garros.

Tendinitis in his knees left him out of Wimbledon and could do nothing to prevent the Swiss Roger Federer recovered his sixth title at the All England Tennis Club's world number one.

"I have five years on the circuit. I have more qualifications and more experience, and I am more calm. If I train hard and do things as well as I did in the past and continue to work hard, things go well for me," said Nadal to the press in Montreal.

"I do not know if that will take me three weeks, two weeks or a month. All I want is to be ready to be competitive and win things."

Nadal, like the eight major Canadian Masters favorite, enjoy a first round bye and will debut only in the second.

The Mallorcan successfully defended the title at the Canadian Masters a year ago, but do not want to add extra pressure. "My only goal now is to train hard and play well here in Montreal."

Is so worried about returning to his best physical shape that Nadal will also play doubles in Canada as a way of adding cement on shooting and especially to break his long inactivity in official matches. "I need more rhythm, I need a game before the first singles match," he argued.

Nadal said the August 31, arraque date of the next U.S. Open, is well beyond its current framework.

"I can not think about the Open. You talk about winning the Open, I'm talking about being back in shape and back to one hundred percent of my injury," responded to the news warrants.

"When that happens and I feel confident the court, with several matches on my shoulders and playing much better, then think in a better position in my contest the U.S. Open," he added.

And he repeated: "My only goal is to train hard and play well here in Montreal. I know it will be almost impossible (to win on Canadian soil). I come without pressure."

NFL Betting – Hall of Fame Game Preview

After the UFC 101 odds culminate in a title fight this Saturday night, the warriors of the gridiron take center stage Sunday night. The NFL kicks off its preseason with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton. This year’s participants are the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, with the Titans favored by three points.

Before you start betting online on the Titans, you should stop and think about the context of a preseason game. Will each team field its full NFL Week 1 regular-season roster for the entire game? Of course not. So, at that point, you have to ask yourself why you think the Titans will win. If they’re not fielding most of their AFC South-winning lineup from last season, what advantage do they have over the Bills? They may not have any after all, and Hall of Fame Game history suggests as much. Three of the last five victors didn’t even make the playoffs the year they won. In other words, you shouldn’t pay attention to a team’s actual season hopes when you make your NFL predictions for Canton.

Offensively, the Bills seem more likely to put points on the board. Traditionally, teams give their second or third-string halfbacks the bulk of carries in preseason games. Buffalo’s third-string runner is hardly a third-string talent. Dominic Rhodes has succeed in short bursts of duty as a No. 1 back in his career, so he should carve up a Titans front seven featuring backups for most of the game. Meanwhile, Tennessee won’t use Chris Johnson or LenDale White too much, so they’ll hand the rock to the unproven Quinton Ganther. Big advantage for the Bills there, no?

The Titans will also probably rest aging quarterback Kerry Collins for most of the Hall of Fame Game. That means they may thaw out Vince Young. While some handicapping software would predict a big showing from him, he could just as easily be uber-rusty. If Young doesn’t get the ball, it’s up to the shell-shocked Patrick Ramsey. Needless to say, the Titans will be offensively challenged on Sunday.

If the Bills use backups in their passing game, they at least have the adequate Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing to bench players like Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy, who aren’t horrible. Also, Buffalo may give the first-team offense a bit of extra work to accelerate Terrell Owens’ rapport with Trent Edwards.

Tennessee is a better team in the regular season, but the Bills should field a stronger line up this Sunday. Go with Buffalo to win the Hall of Fame Game.

Beckham Contemplates buy MLS Team

David Beckham said that the possibility of buying an MLS team when his contract expires with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Driving English remaining two years of the agreement he signed for five seasons in 2007 when he signed with the Galaxy. Beckham said that his contract gives him the right to purchase a franchise or to create a new one.

When asked on Friday about its next steps, Beckham said that is definitely interested in becoming an owner of the MLS club in U.S.. He said he does not know if you play with the team.

Beckham met 36 years in 2011.

Leo Messi Signed Without any Problem its Contract

Leo is very comfortable for FC Barcelona and sign the proposals to make the boat to improve its contract, said Thursday his father, Jorge Messi, to a Catalan radio.

Leo is very comfortable in Barcelona and is the team feels, "said the father of the Argentine crack in statements to Com Radio, while your child is with the rest of the United States team in preparation for next season .

Improving the player's contract with Barcelona and increasing its termination clause will be signed "without problems", when the team returns from his U.S. tour, said Jorge Messi, father and representative of the Barcelona striker.

Messi, who returned from their holidays in Argentina one week earlier than scheduled, participate with their peers in the preseason and scored two goals yesterday against Seattle, which the team Pep Guardiola Golea 4-0.

Leo is "with luck" and is preparing the best possible "for a very difficult year full of parties," added the father of the front of the Albiceleste.

When asked about the expectations that your child has this season for the Golden Ball and the FIFA World Player, "the father said he believed the crack that he could win, but warned that" awards will depend on the decision of other persons. "

However, Jorge Messi said that the awards are "attractive" but that "to Leo, the important thing is to pay with the team and to win things with them.