Charlie Batch, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bruce Gradkowski Continue to Cover Spread

This past weekend three veteran quarterbacks got their first starts of the season:  Charlie Batch, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bruce Gradkowski. Each of these three signal callers had previously made starts for their current teams and all fared reasonably well in those games combing for a 9-7 record. More importantly, they compiled a 10-5-1 ATS record in those starts.

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Sportsbook.com bettors that had faith in these three vets profited this past Sunday as all three QB’s helped their teams cover the spread. All three quarterbacks are expected to start again in week four, providing further opportunity to cash in on this angle.

Making his first start for Pittsburgh since 2007, Charlie Batch improved to 4-1 both ATS and SU in five starts as a Steeler. Batch did more than just manage the game for the Steelers, throwing three first half TD passes en route to a dominating 38-13 win over previously unbeaten Tampa Bay. This week, Sportsbook.com has Pittsburgh (3-0 ATS, 3-0 SU) as a 1.5 point favorite at home against division rival Baltimore (1-2 ATS, 2-1 SU). The Steelers have beaten the Ravens in Pittsburgh each of the last four seasons and is 2-1-1 ATS in those games.

An interesting betting trend points out that Pittsburgh is a solid 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) in October games since 1992. The average score was PITTSBURGH 22.6, OPPONENT 15.8 - (Rating = 1*).

After going 5-2-1 ATS and 4-4 SU in eight starts for Buffalo a year ago, Ryan Fitzpatrick kept things close for the Bills in New England last weekend as the Bills beat the spread for the first time this season in a 38-30 loss. Fitzpatrick completed 20 of 28 pass attempts for 247 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT. Despite the two costly picks, the front office must have been encouraged as they released opening day starter Trent Edwards on Monday. Fitzpatrick and the Bills return home to face the New York Jets after two weeks on the road. Buffalo played well in its home opener, allowing just one TD in a 15-10 loss to Miami. The Bills are a 5-point home underdog to the Jets.

Play On - Home underdogs or pick (Buffalo) - after failing to cover the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games, a terrible team (<=25%) playing a team with a winning record. (104-52 since 1983.) (66.7%, +46.8 units. Rating = 3*).

Getting his first start of the season, Bruce Gradkowski appeared to have led Oakland to a straight up win as a 5.5-point underdog in Arizona. However, Sebastian Janikowski’s 32-yard FG attempt sailed wide left on the final play of the Raiders’ 24-23 loss to the Cardinals. Gradkowski’s numbers were okay, 17-34, 255, 1 TD and a pick, but he once again showed that the Raiders are more competitive over the last two seasons with him under center. Oakland was a .500 team ATS with or without Gradkowski a year ago, but was 2-2 SU in Gradkowski’s four starts compared to 3-9 SU when he did not start. Oakland is getting a field goal at home against Houston this Sunday. Home underdogs have performed well so far this season, going 13-7-1 ATS, while winning 11 of the 21 contests outright.

Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter