Oakland Raiders (0-0) ATS 0-0, O/U 0-0 at Tennessee Titans (0-0) ATS 0-0, O/U 0-0, Week One NFL, September 12, 2010 LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee 1:00 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Oak +6.5/Ten +6.5
Over/Under: 40.5
If you like stepping up to the window at the Las Vegas Hilton Sports Book or logging on to your favorite online casino then perhaps youll feel more comfortable wagering on the Oakland Raiders minus one JaMarcus Russell.
Lets face it; JaMarcus Russell literally killed the Raiders every time he stepped onto the field last season. This year the Raiders are going with QB Jason Campbell, despite some bumps and bruises Campbell feels he will be ready to go. Will Campbell be the answer the Raider faithful are seeking? With a supporting cast including RB Darren McFadden and injured Michael Bush (thumb) along with speedy receivers they just may string together a better than .500 season- maybe!
Oaklands defense also struggled last year mainly because the offense left them hangin. They finished 26th in total team defense while 29th versus the run. On a positive note, the defense did rank 7th against the pass by pressuring and knocking down opposing QBs 37 times. New additions Lamarr Houston, Rolando McClain, and Kamerion Wimbley should provide well needed spark to the Raiders D.
The Titans missed the playoffs last season and now they look forward to a fresh start. QB Vince Young was keeping part of the bench warm at the start of last season but this year he has earned the starting role again for the Titans. Young is far from being a polished, confident veteran NFL QB but he definitely knows how to compete and win football contests. We must remember that Young, well, is young, and he still has fundamental issues that will only improve by seeing some action (thanks Mr. Obvious!).
Tennessee and Young will benefit by having one of the best RBs in the league in Chris Johnson who has and still is capable of rushing for 2000 yards or more. Johnson will be an immediate test for the Raiders run defense. WR Kenny Britt is likely Youngs first option but he might have trouble getting off the coverage in this matchup.
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The Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last five contests versus the AFC and just 1-4 ATS in their previous five opening games. However, Oakland has covered the spread in five of the previous six meetings with the Titans.
Tennessee is 6-2 ATS in their last eight opening contests and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games versus an AFC opponent. The Titans are 11-25 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992. Five out of ten games in this series have gone over the total since 1992.
Most sportsbooks have the Titans at -6.5 with the O/U at 40.5. Given the improvement to both teams during the off season this game might be a good one to watch especially if the Raiders run defense can contain Johnson and force a battle through the air.
The Raiders have a lot to overcome after a down season but they do have some new blood and a positive outlook. The Titans will be disappointed if they dont make the playoffs- bottom line for Tennessee is simple; playoffs or bust. .
Wilsons Pick to Cover the Spread: I believe we’ll see a close game throughout with the Titans winning the game straight up, but the Raiders getting the money. Take the Raiders to cover. Luck to ya.
