Week 1 of the NFL saw Underdogs cover at a rate of 8-4 ATS, a far cry from last years trends where favorites ate up the books and pro cappers alike, BUT it was week 1. The play of the Quarterbacks was key to many underdog covers this weekend, let us highlight a few of them.

Jake Plummer looked lethargic and undecided in the pocket all day long against a mediocre St. Louis team who could not stop the run in the preseason. The key to beating Denver is to force Jake the Snake out of the pocket and get him throwing on the run, and he did it yesterday and Denver turned the ball over 4 times in the process and on the road in the NFL, that is doom. St. Louis’s defense showed it was better than advertised and Leonard Little had a huge day. What did we learn here? The defense of St. Louis shut down a high octane offense, food for thought.

Brett Farve and the Packers look horrible on Sunday and it looks like a long season and potential future starter Aaron Rodgers may get the helm before seasons end. Although Ahman Green went for over 100 yards, Green Bay never scored, and Rex Grossman for Chicago looked very at ease in his role as a starter. Interceptions are the rule with Brett Farve, and although I love him playing and watching him, he will have many interceptions this year, simply because the Packers will be playing from behind in most games and Farve will force it down field to make plays. It is a case where Green Bay is NOT a good team, BUT Chicago is a great team who will be better than last year. Take note of that.

Dallas starter Drew Bledsoe threw 3 key interceptions and Dallas blew a lead against a very good Jacksonville team. Many had the Cowboys in the upset role here as an underdog, but Jacksonville proved they are not a one hit wonder and Jack Del Rio, for those of you living under a rock, is a great NFL coach. Unlike most Parcells teams, the Cowboys repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and 9 penalties for 99 yards, versus just 2 penalties for Jags. What did we learn? Jacksonville is going to be a contender and Dallas has a long way to go to prove they will be a force in a very tough NFC East division, and Bledsoe, as in the past, is either great or he simply costs his team the game with interceptions. Dallas was in the red zone twice and came up empty, and the ground game was weak at best.

One QB I thought has a great day, in a low profile game was Drew Brees, not from a huge numbers perspective, but from leadership standpoint, as he threw for just 176 yards and 1 TD and a pick, but he spread it around, and managed the offense well. The offensive line played better than expected, and Reggie Bush showed everyone that he is for real and will contend for rookie of the year without question. This is a team that will compete in every game and the RB scenario with Deuce McCalister and Reggie Bush is a strong tandem, and with excellent WR’s and a defense that showed some moxy on Sunday, the Saints may have a .500 year here folks. Cleveland on the hand with Charlie Frye at QB, are a work in progress, and it will take some time for the Browns to gel, a go against team till they find their stride.