Will Rogers Handicapping Review & Free Picks Page

The Steelers looked better than the Raiders last week. They were at home for the second straight week though. The Raiders were playing a road game against one of the best team's in the NFL, their second straight on the road. This time, it's the Raiders who will benefit from being at home. The Raiders are 4-1 ATS the past five instances where they were home favorites of three or less. During that time, the Steelers are 2-3 ATS when off a divisional win. Off their win over the Browns and playing on a short week (Remember, Pittsburgh's last game was on MNF.) the Steelers will struggle. They won a close on against the Raiders at Pittsburgh last meeting but the Raiders are still 5-1 ATS the past six meetings. They'll be fired up for the home opener and will come away with the win and cover. *NFL GOW

These clubs are undoubtedly more capable of scoring than the ones we discussed (Fulham and Crystal Palace) yesterday. However, that's reflected in a much higher total. Too high. The last three matches between these teams had final scores of 1-0, 1-0 and 2-1, all in favor of Liverpool. Remember, Liverpool has only conceded four goals in five league matches. Only Manchester City, which has allowed three, has given up less. West Ham has conceded a respectable 1.4 gpg, seven through its five games. With neither team easy to score against, just as the three previous meetings did, this one finishes with three or less. *golden boot

With an 0-2 record, Payton's team is going to be extremely focused. Perhaps more so than the Dolphins. Miami is off a divisional victory and has a big showdown at Buffalo on deck. The Dolphins' two wins have come by an average of 4.5. The Broncos' two losses have come by an average of 1.5. In a game that will likely also be close, I recommend grabbing the points with the visiting Broncos.

It's not a secret that the Falcons are going to feature a lot of running plays. They did so last year and they're doing so again this season. Running the ball with regularity keeps the clock moving. While the Falcons rank in the top 5 in rushing attempts per game, the Lions rank in the Top 10. Atlanta is running 35.5 times per game. Detroit is doing so 30.5 times. So, it's safe to assume that this game is going to see a lot of rushing. The Lions are off a high-scoring game. That reminded many of their previously poor defense and helped in providing a high total. Remember, that the Lions' opener saw them hold KC to only 20 points, a 21-20 final. This is actually a much improved defense from last year. The Falcons defense is playing well. Atlanta has allowed an average of only 17 ppg. Since last year, the Falcons have allowed 24 or fewer points in nine straight games. None of their last eight games have reached the 50 point mark and six of those finished with less than 40. This game will be low-scoring. *Sept. Total Of The Month