Frank Sawyer of Hollywood Sports Reviewed

FRANK’S CUTTING ROOM FLOOR FOR SUNDAY, 9/24:

My “Cutting Room Floor” plays are the situations I considered the closest to being worthy of investment but did not make the “final cut” for my official plays today for subscribers. The last play I cut for Sunday night is with the Los Angeles Dodgers with the money-line versus the San Francisco Giants listing both starting pitchers Lance Lynn and Ryan Walker. Los Angeles (95-59) has won seven of their last nine games after their 7-0 victory against the Giants on Saturday. The Dodgers have won 37 of their last 52 games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. They have also won 27 of their last 37 home games when listed in the -125 to -175 price range. San Francisco (77-78) has lost four of their last five games — and they have lost 20 of their last 29 games after losing four or five of their last six games. And while the Giants managed only two base hits yesterday, they have then lost 6 straight games on the road after not getting three or more hits in their last game. Take the Los Angeles Dodgers with the money-line listing both starting pitchers. Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer’s Hollywood Sports is on an 8 of 12 (67%) football run with their highest-rated 25* plays after DELIVERING their 25* NFL Game of the Month with New England this afternoon! Frank is now on a 117 of 189 (62%) NFL run with featured 25*/20*/10* plays — and he furthers his 89 of 133 (67%) NFL Prime Time mark with his 25* NFL Sunday Night Football Game of the Month with the Pittsburgh-Las Vegas ATS winner on NBC-TV at 8:20 PM ET!

Frank Sawyer is on a 26 of 39 (67%) NFL TOTALS TEAR with featured 25*/20*/10* plays after losing the Denver-Miami Under earlier but still maintain a 60 of 92 (66%) NFL Totals featured plays mark! Frank has 23 NFL PRIME TIME SWEEPS since last fall — now he furthers his 89 of 133 (67%) NFL Prime Time mark with tonight’s Pittsburgh-Las Vegas O/U winner! CA$H-IN Frank’s Sunday Night Discounted Deal — IT’S A STEAL!

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (475) and the Las Vegas Raiders (476). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (1-1) looks to build off their 26-22 upset win at home against Cleveland as a 2-point underdog on Monday. Las Vegas (1-1) comes off a 38-10 loss at Buffalo as a  7.5-point underdog on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Pittsburgh scored two defensive touchdowns last week to get to 26 points — but they managed only 255 yards on offense. That side of the ball has been anemic with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett struggling and offensive coordinator Matt Canada under intense fire for his play-calling and schemes. Injuries have played a role with wide receiver Dionte Johnson on the injured list with a hamstring. The Steelers' defense gave up 198 rushing yards last week — but they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after alloying 175 or more rushing yards in their last contest. Tightening things up in the ground game was high on the list of priorities after they also gave up 188 rushing yards to the 49ers. The Steelers miss the injured Cam Heyward — but they should be better this week after allowing the Browns to gain 408 yards against them. Pittsburgh has played 34 of their last 54 games Under the Total after allowing 400 or more yards including six of those last eight circumstances. They have played 3 straight Unders when playing on a short week after playing on Monday Night Football. Additionally, the Steelers have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total in the first month of the season. Las Vegas only managed 240 total yards last week against the Bills. They opened their season by beating Denver — but they only scored 17 points in the win. Some of Las Vegas' troubles start with their rushing attack which is averaging only 58 rushing Yards-Per-Game. Josh Jacobs is only generating 1.6 Yards-Per-Carry. The Raiders may only have one quality offensive lineman in left tackle Kolton Miller — everyone else may be just replacement-level guys. Las Vegas has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a loss by 14 or more points. And while they got outrushed by -128 net yards, they have played 4 straight Unders after getting outrushed by -100 or more yards. Furthermore, while the Bills generated 450 yards against them, the Raiders have then played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after allowing 400 or more yards in their last contest.

FINAL TAKE: Pittsburgh has played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total in expected close games when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and Las Vegas has played 12 of their last 18 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range. 10* NFL Sunday Night Discounted O/U Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (475) and the Las Vegas Raiders (476). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Pittsburgh Steelers (475) plus the points versus the Las Vegas Raiders (476). THE SITUATION: Pittsburgh (1-1) looks to build off their 26-22 upset win at home against Cleveland as a 2-point underdog on Monday. Las Vegas (1-1) comes off a 38-10 loss at Buffalo as a  7.5-point underdog on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE STEELERS PLUS THE POINTS: Pittsburgh may have gutted out the win against AFC North rival on Monday after their defense scored two touchdowns — but head coach Mike Tomlin should have had an attentive audience this week after his team got outgained by -153 net yards. The offense has been anemic with second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett struggling and offensive coordinator Matt Canada under intense fire for his play-calling and schemes. But the Steelers have faced two tough defenses in San Francisco and Cleveland who may both have top-five defenses this season. Getting to play against the Raiders should help Pickett have his best game of the season. Las Vegas is only producing pressure on the quarterback on 10.5% of their dropbacks — and opposing quarterbacks are completing 81.7% of their passes. The Steelers defense gave up 198 rushing yards last week — but they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after alloying 175 or more rushing yards in their last contest. Tightening things up in the ground game was high on the list of priorities after they also gave up 188 rushing yards to the 49ers — and Pittsburgh has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after allowing 150 or more rushing yards in two straight contests. The Steelers miss the injured Cam Heyward — but they should be better this week. After playing their first two games at home, they go on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 44 of their last 71 games after a two-game home stand with three covers in their last four games under those circumstances. They have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games on the road as an underdog of up to three points. Las Vegas opened their season by beating a now 0-3 Denver team that just gave up 70 points this afternoon — but they only scored 17 points in the win. The Raiders may have been exposed last week against the Bills — and a bounce back may not be in the cards as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss by 14 or more points. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 32 games after a loss by 21 or more points. Some of Las Vegas' troubles start with their rushing attack which is averaging only 58 rushing Yards-Per-Game. Josh Jacobs is only generating 1.6 Yards-Per-Carry. The Raiders may only have one quality offensive lineman in left tackle Kolton Miller — everyone else may be just replacement-level guys. Is second-year general manager Dave Ziegler simply continuing the mismanagement of talent evaluation that was endemic in the Jon Gruden residency in Vegas with general manager Mike Mayock (plucked away from the television booth)? Ziegler has continued an approach in the NFL draft that appears to be based on only watching nationally televised games in the 3:30 PM ET and prime-time windows. Signing linebacker Chandler Jones as a free agent last season seemed ill-advised — and it has been a disaster with the 33-year-old now away from the team due to personal issues. Mayock buried this roster through years of over-drafting Clemson and Alabama players that were busts on and off the field. And this team is favored? The Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games when favored.

FINAL TAKE: Pittsburgh has won nine of their last 12 games with T.J. Watt healthy and on the field. They have also won four of their five prime-time games with Pickett at quarterback. The Raiders have lost all three of their prime-time games under head coach Josh McDaniels. 25* NFL Sunday Night Football Game of the Month with the Pittsburgh Steelers (475) plus the points versus the Las Vegas Raiders (476). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Houston Texans (455) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (456). THE SITUATION: Houston (0-2) has lost their opening two games of the season after their 31-20 upset loss to Indianapolis as a 1-point favorite last Sunday. Jacksonville (1-1) took their first loss of the season in a 17-9 setback at home to Kansas City as a 3-point underdog on Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Texans have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss at home. And while that game finished Over the 40.5-point Total, they have played 8 of their last 13 games Under the Total after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Houston will be without starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil who is dealing with an injury. With rookie C.J. Stroud nursing an injured right shoulder, look for offensive coordinator Bobby Slowick to dial back the passing game to protect their franchise quarterback. The Texans go back on the road where they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total. Jacksonville has played 15 of their last 22 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 14 of their last 21 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. They have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. They stay at home where they have played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: The Jaguars have played 9 of their last 13 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 42.5-49 point range — and the Texans have played 10 of their last 13 road games Under the Total with the Total set in the 42.5-49 point range. 8* NFL Sunday Afternoon Discounted O/U Deal with  Under the Total in the game between the Houston Texans (455) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (456). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Indianapolis Colts (467) plus the points versus the Baltimore Ravens (468). THE SITUATION: Indianapolis (1-1) evened their record this season with their 31-20 upset victory at Houston as a 1-point underdog last Sunday. Baltimore (2-0) comes off a 27-24 upset win in Cincinnati as a 3-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COLTS PLUS THE POINTS: Indianapolis has covered the point spread in 32 of their last 46 games after a double-digit win. While they will be without rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for this game, they are in good hands with the veteran Gardner Minshew who has a career 63.0% completion percentage with 57 touchdown passes and only 24 interceptions. The Colts averaged 6.95 Yards-Per-Play last week with Minshew playing most of the game — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after generating at least 6.0 YPP in their last game. Remember that Minshew played under Indianapolis rookie head coach Shane Steichen last year when they were both with Philadelphia — so he is very familiar with his schemes. Baltimore is dealing with a bevy of injuries. Offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum are out on offense. The defense will be without safety Marcus Williams and cornerback Marlon Humphrey along with outside linebacker Ode Owen and safety Ar’Darius Washington. The Ravens have failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after an upset victory — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a point spread win. Additionally, Baltimore has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning two or more games in a row.

FINAL TAKE: The Ravens have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 home games favored by up to seven points — and the Colts have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 road games as an underdog. 8* NFL Big Dog Surprise with the Indianapolis Colts (467) plus the points versus the Baltimore Ravens (468). Best of luck for us — Frank.   

FRANK’S CUTTING ROOM FLOOR FOR SUNDAY, 9/24:

My “Cutting Room Floor” plays are the situations I considered the closest to being worthy of investment but did not make the “final cut” for my official plays today for subscribers. The last play I cut for Sunday is with the Dallas Cowboys minus the points versus the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas (2-0) is unbeaten so far this season after their 30-10 win against the New York Jets as an 8-point favorite last Sunday. The Cowboys have forced seven turnovers in their first two games while being one of three teams that has yet to have a giveaway. They have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 17 games in the first half of the season. They have also covered the point spread in 20 of their last 29 games when favored. Arizona (0-2) followed up their 20-16 loss in the opening week of the season at Washington with a 31-28 loss at home to the New York Giants. The Cardinals have lost 11 of their last 15 games after suffering two straight losses by six points or less. And while they blew a 20-point halftime lead to the Giants last week, they have then lost 4 games in a row after leading by 14 or more points at halftime of their last game. Take Dallas minus the points. Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer’s Hollywood Sports is on a 7 of 10 (70%) football run with their highest-rated 25* plays after their tough loss with Clemson yesterday afternoon! Frank is on a 116 of 187 (62%) NFL run with featured 25*/20*/10* plays after his 1-1 Thursday split — and now he furthers his 7 of 11 (64%) NFL Game of the Month/Year mark with his 25* NFL Game of the Month this afternoon!

Frank is on a 27 of 39 (69%) NFL TOTALS TEAR with featured plays after CA$HING the NY Giants-San Francisco Under on Thursday -- and he furthers his 61 of 92 (66%) NFL Totals featured plays mark with his 25* AFC Total of the Month this afternoon! DO NOT MISS OUT!

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Broncos (461) and the Miami Dolphins (462). THE SITUATION: Denver (0-2) has lost their opening two games after their 35-33 upset loss to Washington as a 3.5-point favorite last Sunday. Miami (2-0) has won their first two games after their 24-17 win at New England as a 1-point favorite last Sunday night.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Broncos have played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a loss at home. Denver has not covered the point spread yet under new head coach Sean Payton — and they have played 12 of their last 19 games Under the Total after not covering the point spread in their last game. They have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after not covering the point spread in two straight games. They did average 7.25 Yards-Per-Play last week — but they have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in their last game. Quarterback Russell Wilson is getting sacked once in every eight dropbacks. With the challenge of playing in the South Beach heat against this potent Dolphins offense, look for Payton to try to shorten this game with his rushing attack behind running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. The defense will be without Justin Simmons and Frank Harris this afternoon, but this remains a good group that is allowing only 324.5 total Yards-Per-Game this season. Denver ranked seventh in the NFL last year by holding their opponents to 320.0 YPG. They go back on the road where they have played 11 of their last 16 games Under the Total. The Broncos have also played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total as an underdog — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total as a road dog. Additionally, Denver has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total in September. Miami has played 19 of their last 25 games Under the Toal at home after beating an AFC East rival on the road in their last game. And while they outgained the Patriots by +101 net yards last week, they have then played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after outgaining their last opponent by +100 or more yards. They return home where they have played 11 of their last 17 games at Hard Rock Stadium. They have also played 12 of their last 18 games Under the Total when favored — and they have played 5 of their last 7 home games Under the Total when favored by seven or fewer points. Additionally, Miami has played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total in September. Head coach Mike McDaniel will be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle who is out with a concussion. Without his deep threat, the dynamo of the offense changes — and Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph can either double-team Tyreek Hill or rely on shutdown cornerback Pat Surtain II to cover him.

FINAL TAKE: Denver has played 12 of their last 18 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 42.5-49 point range — and the Dolphins have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total at home with the Total set in the 42.5-49 point range. 25* AFC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Broncos (461) and the Miami Dolphins (462). Best of luck for us — Frank. 

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the New England Patriots (457) minus the points versus the New York Jets (458). THE SITUATION: New England (0-2) has lost their opening two games after their 24-17 loss at home to Miami on Sunday night as a 1-point underdog. New York (1-1) comes off a 30-10 loss at Dallas as an 8-point underdog last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PATRIOTS MINUS THE POINTS: New England will be playing with desperation this afternoon as they look to avoid starting the season 0-3 which will all but ruin their postseason aspirations — especially with two of the losses being against divisional rivals. It is fashionable to dump on head coach Bill Belichick because he has not been as successful as Tom Brady after their split in 2020 — but his teams have not gone worse than 7-9 in the three seasons since (despite being ravaged with roster attrition in that 2020 COVID season). The Patriots reached the playoffs in the 2021 season even with a rookie at quarterback — an achievement that would deserve Coach of the Year accolades if the individual was an “offensive” coach who once sat at the lunch table with Sean McVay. Belichick can still coach — he just has a different mentality that the en vogue methods of the young crop of offensive play-caller/head coaches. The defensive mentality coming from Belichick raises the floor of minimum expectations (like Mike Tomlin) — and that is why his teams have not bottomed out like McVay’s Rams did last season. So let’s keep some perspective: the Patriots lost by one scoring possession to both the NFC representatives in the Super Bowl (Philadelphia) and an AFC playoff team last week. This remains a team that outscored their opponents last season despite an 8-9 record. Belichick’s Patriots have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a loss at home. They were outgained by -101 net yards last week with the Dolphins averaging 6.48 Yards-Per-Play — but New England has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after getting outgained by -100 or more yards. They also have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after allowing 6 or more YPP. The Patriots ranked eighth in the NFL last year by holding their opponents to just 322.0 YPG - and they are only giving up 320 YPG this season despite playing the potent Eagles and Dolphins offenses. The other side of the ball is in much better hands under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien after the Matt Patricia/Joe Judge coordinator experiments of last season. Quarterback Mac Jones has a better relationship with O’Brien — and he does lead the NFL in completions this season. He gives the Patriots a big edge this afternoon when compared to the Jets’ Zach Wilson. The third-year pro has been eaten alive by Belichick’s defenses in his career — in his four games starting against New England, Wilson has posted a 50.8 Passer Rating with only two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Jets lost all four games while scoring less than 10 PPG. This is a volatile situation with Wilson their best option under center after the Aaron Rodgers injury — and further failures against the dreaded Patriots today may quickly pick the scab of his unpopularity inside the locker room and with the Jets’ fans. In his 23 career starts, Wilson has 22 interceptions — and he is last in the NFL so far this season in Passer Rating and completion percentage. In theory, New York has a robust rushing attack to help him out — but they only ran for 64 yards last week against the Cowboys. The Jets’ offensive line is a mess with the underachieving Mekhi Bechton at right tackle — and now left tackle Duane Brown is out for this game with a shoulder and hip issues. New York has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after failing to rush for more than 75 yards in their last game. They also have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games in September.

FINAL TAKE: With Tropical Rainstorm Ophelia impacting the Meadowlands, rain and wind are expected for this game. The last time the Patriots started 0-3 was in 2000 — so the Belichick approach of being patient and waiting for the other guy to start making mistakes will likely be the prudent approach under these weather conditions. As it is, New England has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games when favored by seven points or less — and the Jets have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as a home underdog of seven points or less. 25* NFL Game of the Month with the New England Patriots (457) minus the points versus the New York Jets (458). Best of luck for us — Frank.