Get in the Game - with Nigel Ridgway of bet365 *US Edition*
Nigel Ridgway
NFL
CIN Bengals @ CLE Browns
Live betting - Su Oct 17 - 1:00 pm EST/17:00 GMT
The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking for revenge when they travel across the state to take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in a battle of AFC North rivals. It is a game that neither team can afford to lose, even at this early stage of the season At home, on the last week of the 2003 season, the Bengals had their play-off hopes ended by the Browns, 22-14. This was a disappointing end to an otherwise positive season, in which they reached .500 for the first time since 1996. This season they have failed to build on that success, losing three of their first four, including both road games. However, despite this rough start they can gain encouragement in the fact that last year's club opened up 0-3, and dropped four of their first five before getting on a roll. The key to that second-half surge was a powerful passing attack that ranked 12th in the league. This season, franchise QB Carlson Palmer has been far too inconsistent, showing only glimpses of his potential, so the Bengals may rely more heavily on running back Rudi Johnson, who had a pair of touchdowns in the season-ending loss last year. Before the bye week, Johnson put in his finest performance of the season so far - rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh. Another big game from the running back and life would become far easier for the Palmer. Although Cleveland have won both home games, the positives have been few and far between - Jeff Garcia has looked ill at ease in an unfamiliar offensive scheme - while the prospects for an improved defensive display isn't helped with the news that their secondary is riddled with injuries - strong safety Rogers Beckett and cornerback Rashad Bauman are both out, while safeties Kim Herring and Kevin Kaesviharn are both questionable. The Bengals have won three of the last five at Cleveland, and coming off a bye week are fancied to get their season back on track here. Pick: Bengals (+3.0) @ 5/6.
bet365 Game Lines:
Point Spread: Bengals (+3.0) @ 5/6, Browns (-3.0) @ Evens.
Totals: 41.0 @ 10/11.
Money: Bengals @ 13/10, Browns @ 2/3.
DEN Broncos @ OAK Raiders
Live betting - Su Oct 17 - 4:15 pm EST/20:15 GMT
In Sunday's other live game, Denver Coach Mike Shanaghan will be hoping to continue his success against his former team when the Broncos visit the Oakland Raiders in a battle of AFC West rivals - the 88th regular season meeting between the two original AFL teams. The Raiders lead the series (55-33-2), but a sweep of last year's season series lifted Shanahan's record to 14-4 against the Raiders. The key to the game could be whether Denver can establish an effective ground game without the services of their starting running back, Quentin Griffith? Griffith started the year as the Broncos' feature back and rushed for 156 yards in the season-opening win over Kansas City, but struggled the next three games and missed last week's contest with a sprained ankle, giving fifth-year back Reuben Droughns an opportunity. Droughns, was most impressive last week against Carolina, rushing for nearly 200 yards on 30 carries, and now faces a Raiders defence which has been torn apart for 312 rushing yards and 65 points the past two weeks in losses to Houston and Indianapolis. The Raiders will be happy to return home after extending their road losing streak to 12 games, as will QB Kerry Collins who has struggled badly on the road in recent weeks. Opposing defences have pressurised the former Giant into far too many game turning errors, something that cannot continue if the Raiders are to have a serious chance of upsetting the division leaders. Denver will play a very tough game on the road, and can come out on top in what could be a low scoring bruising affair. A win would also see them take a strong hold on the AFC West title and, with a great schedule ahead, look interesting contenders for the Super Bowl at this stage. Pick: Denver (-2.0) @ 10/11/Under 43.0 Points @ 10/11.
bet365 Game Lines:
Point Spread: Denver (-2.0) @ 10/11, Raiders (+2.0) @ 10/11.
Totals: 43.0 @ 10/11.
Money: Denver @ 10/13, Raiders @ 11/10.
Join us for live betting on both the above games, when our markets will include: Point Spread; Game Total; Team To Make Next Score; and Next Score Of The Game.
bet365 Super Bowl prices... Patriots 15/4, Eagles 9/2, Colts 11/2, Seahawks 8/1, Vikings 14/1, Broncos 16/1, others on bet365 website. Win Only.
NCAAF
Notre Dame vs Navy
Sa Oct 16 - 12:00 pm EST (CBS)/16:00 GMT
The big 4-O, that's the number of times the Irish have defeated the Midshipmen, a NCAA record for consecutive wins over one opponent. The last time was way back in 1963, although they did go close last year, eventually losing to a heartbreaking last second field goal by D.J. Fitzpatrick to seal a 27-24 Notre Dame victory. Navy will still be seething after coming so close to ending the streak and, after an open week to prepare, will be fired up for the game played in East Rutherford, N.J. They are 5-0 on the year, which is their best start since the 1979 team began 6-0, and their confidence will be sky high. With experience on both sides of the ball and a favorable schedule, they could be looking at an undefeated season - if only they can get past the Irish. There is no doubt that Navy are more talented than last year, but the same problem remains; the defensive line is made up of line-backer sized players that will wear down against the powerful Notre Dame ground attack. Last week against Stanford, Notre Dame welcomed RB Ryan Grant back from injury, and he responded with 67 yards, 2 TD's and two key 3rd-and-1 conversions. Coupled with freshman Darius Walker (82 yards vs. Stanford), a strong Irish running game will only enhance a burgeoning aerial attack. QB Brady Quinn, who threw 432 yards against Purdue (a Notre Dame Stadium record), is a probable for Saturday, and his main target will Rhema Knight, who leads ND with 24 receptions and 366 yards. Navy will break the streak sooner or later, but Grant's return, and the Irish's passing attack will be too much for the Midshipmen to overcome this weekend. Pick: Notre Dame (-6.5) @ 10/11.
bet365 Game Lines:
Point Spread: Notre Dame (-6.5) @ 10/11, Navy (+6.5) @ 10/11.
Totals: 45.5 @ 10/11.
Money: Notre Dame @ 10/27, Navy 11/5.
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MLB NL Championship Series
STL Cardinals @ HOU Astros (Games 3 & 4)
Live betting - Sa Oct 16 - 4:00 pm EST (FOX)/20:00 GMT
Live betting - Su Oct 17 - 4:00 pm EST (FOX)/20:00 GMT
St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to break a 4-4 tie with the Houston Astros during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Busch Stadium on Thursday night - his fourth home run of this postseason, and a new Cardinals franchise record for one playoff year. The Cards went on to win the game 6-4, to go ahead 2-0 in the series, and now just need two wins in the final five games to advance to their first World Series since 1987. Heading home the Astros simply cannot afford to lose until sometime early next week, but will be liking their chances with their two best pitchers due to make their first LCS appearances - Roger Clemens starts Saturday and Roy Oswalt on Sunday. With these two on the mound in back-to-back days, the Astros must have a great chance of keeping the Cardinals in the ballpark, limiting them to singles and doubles, and giving themselves the best possible opportunity to win the game. The Astros have two more chances to do so this weekend at Minute Maid Park. Game 3 Pick: Astros (-1.5) @ 6/5.
Join us here at bet365 for live betting on both this weekend's games, where our markets will include: Game Total; Run Line; A Score In The Innings; Most Hits In The Innings; and Total Hits Next Innings.
bet365 Game 3 Lines:
Money: Cardinals @ 71/50, Astros @ 50/81.
Totals: Over 9.5 @ 20/23/Under 9.5 @ 20/21.
Run Line: Cardinals (+1.5) @ 5/7, Astros (-1.5) 6/5.
bet365 Series prices:
To Win Outright: Astros 19/4, Cardinals 2/13.
When Will Series Finish: Game 4 7/2, Game 5 11/5, Game 6 7/4, Game 7 10/3.
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series - UAWGM Quality 500
Sa Oct 16 - 7:00 pm EST (NBC)/23:00 GMT
With just 6 races left in the Race for the Nextel Cup Championship, it is Las Vegan Kurt Busch who leads the way, a modest 29 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in second place. He is now in the position to play the points game like we used to see in the past with drivers who were leading in points at the half way mark of the season. He can afford to care less about winning the race, more about winning the marathon. Besides, Busch never fares extremely well at Charlotte, unlike his team mate Matt Kenseth, who won his first Cup race at Charlotte in 2000 and since has piled on two 2nd place finishes and a 3rd earlier this year in the Coca-Cola. Currently in 7th place in points, 180 behind Busch, this could be a good opportunity for him to make some ground up this week. Despite falling out of the Championship race of late there are strong reasons for supporting Jimmie Johnson this week. The high banked track at Charlotte seems to bring out the best in his car, winning two of the last three races there, including this years Coca-Cola, and posting three other top seven finishes in six career starts. Now that the Championship is out of his reach, he could well bounce back this week. Jamie McMurray has been the hottest driver around of late, with seven top-10 finishes in his last eight races to date accumulating the 3rd most points over the last six races. Winner of this race in 2002, after he stood in for the injured Sterling Marvin (his only career win to date), he may represent the best overall value in our outright market.
Nigel's Checkered Flag... Jimmie Johnson @ 13/2, Jamie McMurray @ 18/1 (each way)!
bet365 UAWGM Quality 500 selected prices... Jimmie Johnson 13/2, Jeff Gordon, Tony Steewart 7/1, Ryan Newman 9/1, Kasey Kahne 10/1, Matt Kenseth 12/1, Jamie Mc Murray 18/1, others on bet365 website. Each-way 1/5 1.2.3.
Get in the game and be lucky!
Nigel.
Please be aware that prices are subject to change. All times are subject to change. Check local listings for TV coverage on these events
NIGEL RIDGWAY, an experienced punter and betting shop owner of many years, believes that "The key to successful gambling is getting value for money." Nigel was once forced by local bookmakers, to stop writing a tipping column in a UK newspaper, because he was costing them a fortune. Find out what offers and lines are hot at bet365.com
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