The NFL preseason football action is set to officially get under way Thursday as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Over the next few weeks we will continue to evaluate the team’s talent levels and what to expect for this year’s football season. However, teams will not completely show everything they have until the first week of the season in mid September. Until that point in time, you can find all kinds of preseason betting odds at sports books like BetUS Sportsbook (100% Bonus When Using This Link). There are tons of betting lines from individual odds, win totals, division finishes, playoff odds, and more. We take a look at all the preseason betting activity and encourage you to take advantage of all these betting opportunities as well. Take a look at some free prop bet picks for the upcoming weeks prior to the start of the 2009 NFL season.

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Prop Bet #1 – Total Touchdown Passes (Brees vs. Roethlisberger)

Drew Brees -7 ½ (-120)
Ben Roethlisberger +7 ½ (-120)

The odds on this particular prop bet are surprisingly profitable. Drew Brees led the NFL in touchdown passes in 2008 with 34 scores. Ben Roethlisberger was able to put up 17 touchdowns for the Super Bowl Champions. In retrospect, both quarterbacks had solid seasons behind center. Roethlisberger is not going to put up 30 plus touchdowns given the Steelers old school style of football and that is why he has a 7 ½ touchdown cushion for this match-up. Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints on the other hand have a lethal passing offense that rarely runs the ball for success. The Saints should be another big threat in the NFL this season on offense and Brees is certain to put up solid numbers again. However, don’t expect Roethlisberger to be able to contend despite the 7 ½ cushion. Outside of the breakout year in 2007, Roethlisberger has failed to put up over 20 touchdowns since coming into the league in 2004. The Steelers have too much faith in their defense to become a pass happy offense and that is the reason that Drew Brees will easily cover this match-up.

Pick: Drew Brees -7 ½

Prop Bet #2 – Dallas Cowboys Team Total Sacks in 2009

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At the Bottom of this Post is the List of Odds to Win the 2009 PGA Championship

The PGA Tour will make their stop at Hazeltine National Golf Club this Thursday for the final major golf event of the year at the PGA Championship. Located in Chaska, Minnesota, Hazeltine has hosted prior major golfing events including the 2002 PGA Championship. Rich Beem took home the title in that event in his only major victory holding off a strong charge from Tiger Woods in the final round. Hazeltine Golf Course will have a different look when the best players in the world roll back into town. The course which was already monstrous in length has been stretched out even more since 2002 and has also added plenty more bunkers making the course more challenging. The course will play at an insane 7,674 yards for this year’s PGA Championship making it the longest major in PGA history. The course’s tremendous length will include 3 different Par 5 holes over 600 yards. The course will not only be extremely long, but it also has very narrow fairways making it very difficult for competitors. Hazeltine will put every golfer to the extreme test demanding length and accuracy. To compete for the win at this year’s PGA Championship, players must be at the best in every aspect of their game.

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Of course everybody’s favorite to nearly every golf event is Tiger Woods. However, Woods has yet to score a major victory this year. If Woods does not win this week, it would be the first time since 2004 that Woods did not score a major championship during the year. Golf’s biggest superstar has played superb leading up to the majors this year winning an event two weeks before each of the 4 majors this season. Woods latest accomplishment come by victory at the Buick Open and is also in contention this weekend again at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. However, the question is will Woods be able to carry that momentum to Hazeltine? Despite not contending at the previous majors this year, Woods is always a threat any time he tees it up and will enter the event as a +200 favorite to win the PGA Championship. Other notable contenders that many will have their eyes on are last year’s PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington. Harrington actually leads the Bridgestone Invitational heading into the final round and his golf swing has been slowly coming around since the swing change. At one time this season, Harrington had missed 4 out of 5 straight cuts including the U.S Open. However, this week’s performance will have bring a lot of attention back to the defending champion as he stands at a +3000 long shot.

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Phil Mickelson had to take some time off and missed out on the British Open due to his wife battling breast cancer. Mickelson has returned to action, but his game seems to show the time off as his has not been at his best. Mickelson normally would be one of the favorites considering his ability to hit the long ball and premier accuracy. However considering how much “lefty” has had on his plate over the past few weeks, I don’t see the sentimental favorite doing much good this week. Mickelson will enter the event at +1500 odds to win at Hazeltine. Stewart Cink captured his first major tournament title by defeating the legendary Tom Watson in a 5 holes playoff at the British Open. Cink has played very well over the last few weeks finishing in the top 30 in 6 of his last 7 outings. Eyes will be on Cink to see if he can continue his impressive play and show that the British Open was not just a one hit wonder. Cink will be tremendous underdog receiving +5000 odds to win the tournament.

The longer hitters who are able to keep it in the fairway will definitely have an advantage will they tee it up at Hazeltine. Some of those long hitters to keep on your radar include Anthony Kim, Paul Casey, and even Sergio Garcia. Garcia has long waited for his first major championship and this could be a course that suits him well. The Spaniard earned a top 10 finish at the U.S Open and has played solid all season. Garcia is one of the longer hitters on tour despite struggling with accuracy issues over the past few years. Garcia enters as a +2500 odds to win. Anthony Kim is a youngster who is destined for success in the near future. After going heel to heel with Tiger Woods at the AT&T Invitational, Kim has continued to play well with a 3rd place finish at the Canadian Open. Kim who is another strong hitter should do very well this coming week. Kim will hold as a +3000 underdog to win. Paul Casey has been a guy we have kept our eyes on all year. Casey has played solid, but has yet to capture the breakout win we have expected. Casey will look to change that this week as he is another +3000 underdog.

One of the biggest names that you may not hear in the days leading up to the PGA Championship is David Toms, but he is a person who we think has a terrific shot this coming week. Toms is our dark horse pick considering he leads the PGA Tour in driving accuracy and can also has plenty of length with the package as well. Toms has not posted any wins in 2009, but has resulted in 3 different runner-up finishes. Toms who is an experienced former major champion has all the tools to make a run at this year’s PGA Championship at wonder +5000 odds to consider. What holds in store over the next few days? Well time will only tell, but we may be on the verge of another great story in golf. Will elder veterans make a run at the PGA Championship similar to how Tom Watson defied age at the British Open or will it be a new young face to take home the crown? One thing that is for sure is there will be plenty of hungry competitors ready to step their way into the spot light at Hazeltine National Golf Club as we anticipate the start of the 2009 PGA Championship.

Current 2009 PGA Championship Odds From BetUS Sortsbook:
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The NASCAR version of the regular season is winding down as only 5 races remain before the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. A lot of well known faces find themselves on the border of the top 12 in the point’s standings who will qualify for NASCAR’s version of the playoffs. Names like Kyle Busch are on the outside looking in while drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya are sitting nicely inside the top 12. However, everything can change over the next few weeks of racing. We take a look at the hottest drivers in NASCAR and rank the best to bet on for the 2009 Sprint Cup Championship.

#1 Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson became only the 2nd person in NASCAR history last season to win 3 consecutive championships. Johnson could become the first person to win 4 straight this season and has looked very strong thus far this season. Johnson has won 3 races this season including a big victory at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis just two weeks ago. However, Johnson impressiveness comes with his consistency. Crew chief Chad Knaus is the best in the business and many wonder how good the #48 team would be without his presence. With Johnson at the wheel and Knaus calling the shots, the team will again be the favorite to win the championship. It is quite impressive to see any type of dominance as competitive as the sport is today. However, Johnson has proven that he is the best and will be chasing an historic 4th consecutive title.

Odds to Win Championship = +300

#2. Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart surprised most the racing world last year when he announced his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing where he had won 2 Championships. The decision to take over as owner of an unproven franchise raised even more questions. However, Stewart has flourished since taken over at Stewart-Haas Racing. The driver of the #14 Old Spice Chevrolet has captured wins on the biggest stages this season including making a big statement by capturing checkers at the All-Star Race in May. Stewart leads all drivers with 12 top 5 finishes on the season and also leads the points. Stewart is destined to make some noise in the race for the championship in his first season as owner giving a scary omen of what could come over the next few years.

Odds to Win Championship = +350

#3. Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon has really turned things around after struggling most of 2008. Gordon got off to a great start earlier this season earning 5 different top 5 finishes in his first 7 races. The driver of the #24 Dupont machine also led the points for a good portion of the early season before surrendering the lead to Tony Stewart. Gordon’s strong finishes tapered off during the beginning of the summer months. However, in the last few weeks Gordon has posted top 10 finishes in 7 of the last 8 races. Gordon dominated NASCAR in the late 90’s resulting in 4 championships even though he has not had equal success over the past few years. However, given notice to the way the savvy veteran has been running this season it makes the possibility for a 5th title more tangible.

Odds to Win Championship = +600

#4. Mark Martin

Mark Martin was a retired 50 year old at this time last year. However, when Martin was given the opportunity to drive the #5 Chevy for the best team in racing at Hendrick Motorsports the offer was too good to pass up. Martin entered this season with hopes of winning races, but most never imagined that he would lead all drivers with 4 victories at this point in the season. If the success were to continue, Martin may finally be able to capture the elusive championship that has avoided him his entire career. Without a doubt, Martin is the best driver to never win a Cup Championship. Martin is only ranked 10th in the standings despite the 4 wins. However, most of the trouble came early in the year from mechanical failures. Not only should Martin be one of the drivers in the Chase, but he would lead the points when the Chase begin due to his number of victories meaning he would be a big threat for his much younger competitors.

Odds to Win Championship = +400

#5. Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch is another driver who has really turned things around this season. Busch who is a former champion found himself 18th in the point standings at the end of last year well outside the top 12 fighting for the championship. However, Busch and the Penske Racing Team have fought back in 2009 recording 11 top 10 finishes and a win at Atlanta. Busch has been very consistent all year and has had very little trouble besides a few run ins with Jimmie Johnson. However, the big question is if anyone will be able to challenge the Hendrick Cars who have been so strong this year and rank 1-4 if you include Tony Stewart who is running Hendrick engines. The most coincidental headline of 2009 is if you were to guess that one of the Busch brothers would be in the hunt for a championship it definitely would not have been Kurt.

Odds to Win Championship = +1500

#6. Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards posted the most wins in the Sprint Cup Series in 2008 with an extremely impressive 9 victories. However, Edwards has yet to find victory lane this season despite running up front for most of the season. Edwards has consistently run around edge of the top 10 this season which is a big drop from where he was last year when the #99 Aflac Ford machine was contending for wins every week. In fact, the entire Rousch Racing stable has been down in terms of performance as the Chevrolet manufactured cars continue to shine. However even with the cars that may not be the strongest in the field, Edwards is one of the most talented young drivers in the sports and gets the most out of his race car. Edwards may not be in the position to legitimately make a run at the championship, but he will likely find a way to finish towards the top of the standings.

Odds to Win Championship = +800

#7. Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya is definitely the biggest surprise of the drivers who are currently in the top 12 in points. There were many who doubted the former open wheel driver would be able to continue his strong runs of the past few races. However, Monday’s rain postponed showing at Pocono likely locked him into the Chase despite any major collapse. Montoya has really shined over the last few weeks on some of the flat race tracks. If he can continue to show that kind of strength at the high banks, lookout for an underdog story in the making.

Odds to Win Championship = +3500

#8. Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin pulled of an emotional win at Pocono this past Monday. Hamlin who had stated he should not be racing at is at home with family after the passing of his grandmother, drove the best race of the season to win the Pennsylvania 500. The showing displayed Hamlin picking up a ton of spots in the final laps of the race including coming from 6th to 1st in the final restart to capture the victory. If you follow racing, it may have surprised you to see Hamlin drive the car so aggressively to the front. While it was possibly one of the best performances behind the wheel of his career, it should be little surprise as Hamlin is a very gifted driver. Hopefully, the win could spark the fire to get the #11 FedEx Toyota rolling. If Hamlin gives similar type of effort in the Chase, more wins are to come.

Odds to Win Championship = +1200

#9. Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne has perhaps made the least noise of any driver in the top 12 in the standings this season. However, Kahne comfortably sits in the number 7 position in the points. The driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge captured his only victory on the road course in Sonoma, California back in June. Kahne could build on his recent momentum this coming week as the NASCAR circuit takes on another road course at Watkins Glenn. Despite capturing top 10 finishes in 5 of the last 6 races, Kahne must find a way to capture more wins in the final 10 races to make a run at a championship. However, Kahne is known for performing better in the hotter summer months of the season and that has definitely been the case over the past few weeks.

Odds to Win Championship = +1200

#10. Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman was the lone ranger to travel over and team up with Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing this season. However, the change in teams for Newman has worked out for the best just like it has for Tony Stewart. Newman has failed to compete over the past few seasons with Penske Racing. However, Newman has been able to run up front for the majority of the season. Despite a few poor finishes, the #39 team is definitely on the upswing. Even though the team maybe a year or two away from being their best, Newman and company still have all the resources to capture a few wins before the season ends.

Odds to Win Championship = +1800

Complete NASCAR odds to win the 2009 Sprint Cup From BetUS (as of 8/6/09)
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*Baseball Records & Team Rankings are as of 7/26/2009
(Our Next Major League Baseball Power Ratings Update: 8/10/2009)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (62-35) – The Dodgers continue to play red-hot baseball, leading their division by a full week of games. Los Angeles has used the right arm of Chad Billingsley to lead the way. Billingsley is 10-5 with a 3.72 earned run average for Los Angeles. Offensively Andre Either, Matt Kemp, Orlando Hudson and Juan Pierre are aiding Manny Ramirez in the middle of the lineup. The Dodgers had won seven of ten games, before Sunday’s affair with Florida. The Dodgers will head west, and play a ESPN game Monday evening in St. Louis, in part of a four game set with the Cardinals, and then travel to Atlanta for three games over the weekend with the Braves. The Dodgers could really put a damper on both Colorado and San Francisco in August, as they travel to both cities for three game sets during the month.

2. New York Yankees (60-38) – The Yankees defeated the Athletics on Sunday and finished a 3-1 set, and have now won 9 of their last 10 games overall. Derek Jeter has led the way offensively, upping his team leading batting average to .319.  Mark Teixeria is making a run for the AL MVP with his 25 homeruns and 71 runs batted in. Off-season acquisition C.C. Sabathia leads the team in wins, with 10, and also earned run average with a 3.67. New York currently leads second place Boston by 2.5 games, while the Rays lurk at 6.5 back. New York is an AL best 35-17 at the new Yankee Stadium. The Yankees will start a road trip on Monday, at Tampa Bay, and then head to Chicago for three games, starting Friday with the White Sox.

3. Anaheim Angels (58-38) – Sunday’s blowout loss to the Minnesota Twins snapped Anaheim’s eight game winning streak. After sweeping a road series at Kansas City, the Angels had won the first two against Minnesota. Hard throwing Jered Weaver has led the pitching staff with 10 wins, to just 3 losses, also compiling a 3.57 earned run average. Chone Figgins has been a spark plug for the offense, leading the team in runs scored (78) and stolen bases (31). Anaheim will continue their home stand on Monday, as the Cleveland Indians visit. After the series with Cleveland, the Angels will fly to Minnesota to play a three game series with the Twins.

4. Philadelphia Phillies (56-40) – After the red hot streak, the Phillies were stopped Friday night by the new look St. Louis Cardinals. Philadelphia rebounded well, picking up 23 runs in two games, to beat the Cardinals in both games. J.A. Happ took his first loss of the season, but the rookie sits at 7-1 on the season. Shane Victorino leads the high powered Phily offense with a .318 batting average, as slugger Ryan Howard has pounded in 72 runs. The Phillies lead the second place Atlanta Braves by 6.5 games in the National League East. The Phillies will now take the road, starting Monday with a three game series at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Following the trip to Arizona, Philadelphia will play four with the Giants, in San Francisco. The Phillies are still in talks with the Blue Jays for their ace Roy Halladay.

5. Boston Red Sox (57-40) – The Red Sox could not finish a three game sweep on Sunday over Baltimore, and fell to 2.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East standings. Boston has got 11 wins from ace Josh Beckett, as he has also compiled a 3.42 earned run average. Dustin Pedroia the 2008 AL MVP is batting .304 for Boston, which leads the team. New comer Jason Bay leads the team in both homeruns and runs batted in, with 20 and 72 respectively. Boston traded disgruntled former shortstop Julio Lugo to St. Louis earlier in the week, also picking up Adam LaRoche from Pittsburgh.  Boston will continue their seven game home stand on Monday, when the Oakland Athletics visit Fenway. After the series with Oakland, Boston will make the trip to Baltimore for a three game weekend set with the Baltimore Orioles.

6. Tampa Bay Rays (54-45) – Toronto used a Scott Rolen three run homerun to avoid the sweep of the Rays on Sunday. Tampa Bay has climbed to within 6.5 games of the front running Yankees. It was an adventurous week for the Rays, who were held to no base runners in the Mark Buerhle perfect game, they next night they turned around and beat Roy Halladay, and then down eight runs to Toronto, Tampa bounced back and beat the Jays 10-9. Jason Bartlett leads the team in batting with a .341 mark, while Carlos Pena leads in homeruns (25) and runs scored (65). Tampa Bay will begin a very important three game set with the first place Yankees on Monday at home. Following the Yankees, the Kansas City Royals will visit Tampa for a three game set over the weekend.

7. Texas Rangers (54-42) – Texas took advantage of a weak Kansas City bullpen on Sunday to gain a little ground on first place Anaheim. The Rangers picked up the 7-2 win, which led to a 2-1 series win. The Rangers got bad news when starting pitcher Kevin Millwood left the game with tightness in his left gluteus.  This came a few days after right hander Vicente Padilla was scratched with flu like symptoms, which was later diagnosed as the Swine Flu. Texas has got great offense from Michael Young, with a .313 batting average, and also Ian Kinsler, who leads the team with 23 homeruns, 59 runs batted in, and 68 runs scored. The Rangers start a seven game home stand on Monday with Detroit and Seattle coming to town for three and four respectively.

8. Colorado Rockies (54-44) – The Rockies got seven sharp innings from Aaron Cook to win the final game of a three game series over the Giants. The win for Colorado pushed their wildcard lead to two games over San Francisco. Colorado is getting excellent production from Brad Hawpe (.322 batting average, and 61 runs batted in), Troy Tulowitzki (18 homeruns, and 56 runs scored) and Dexter Fowler, who has stolen 23 bases. Staff ace Jason Marquis leads the National League with 12 wins. The Rockies start a seven game series on Monday with the New York Mets, for four and then Colorado will travel to Cincinnati for a three game set over the weekend.

9. San Francisco Giants (52-46) – The Giants have struggled of late, losing seven of their last ten, falling to third in the NL West, and two games behind second place, and wildcard leading Colorado. Colorado, after falling in the first game of the series, came back with two straight wins, allowing the Giants just two runs in both games. Pablo Sandoval leads the team in most offensive categories including batting average (.324), homeruns (15) and runs batted in (58). Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain have been an excellent 1-2 punch at the start of the rotation, Lincecum with a 10-3, and 2.45 earned run average, and Cain leading the team with 12 wins. The Giants will start a home stand on Monday when the Pittsburgh Pirates come in for three. Following Pittsburgh, the Giants will then face the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies for a four game set.

10. Seattle Mariners (51-46) – Seattle fell to 7.5 games behind Anaheim after being swept on Sunday by the Cleveland Indians. Seattle was outscored 31-6 in the three games at home. Ichiro Suzuki is the leading hitter for the Mariners with a .358 batting average, while the resurging Russell Branyan has hit 24 homeruns and knocked in 55 runs. Seattle will play a three game home series starting on Monday with the Toronto Blue Jays, before heading to Texas for a four game series with the Rangers.

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11. Detroit Tigers (52-44) – The Detroit Tigers came into Sunday Nights game winners of three straight over second place Chicago. The Tigers won both games of a doubleheader on Friday 5-1 and 4-3, and repeated the 4-3 game on Saturday to move to three games ahead. Miguel Cabrera is making a strong case for AL MVP with a .328 batting average, while Brandon Inge has hit 21 homeruns and knocked in 58 runs. Justin Verlander leads the team with 11 wins, while Fernando Rodney has converted 21 saves on the year. Detroit will start a three game series at Texas on Monday, take Thursday off, and battle the Cleveland Indians on the road on Friday.

12. St. Louis Cardinals (53-48) – After acquiring Julio Lugo and Matt Holliday, the Cardinals picked up a 8-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. The win was the first time Phillies pitcher J.A. Happ lost a game. After that, the Cardinals pitching could not get anyone out, allowing 23 runs in two games. The losses for St. Louis dropped them to second place, ½ game behind divisional rival Chicago. Albert Pujols continues to lead the team in all offensive categories, including a .325 batting average, 34 homeruns, 91 runs batted in, 79 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. Adam Wainwright leads the staff in wins with 10. St. Louis will start a four game series Monday night at home with the West leading Dodgers. Following Los Angeles, the Cardinals will host the Houston Astros, who just swept the Cardinals in Houston last week.

13. Chicago Cubs (51-45) – The Cubs picked up their fourth straight win to place them into first place in the NL Central for the first time since April 21^st. Ryan Theriot leads the team in batting, despite hitting just under .300 for the season. Derrick Lee leads the team in homeruns and runs batted in, with 19 and 63 respectively. Ted Lilly leads the starting staff with 9 wins, but was placed on the disabled list recently with left shoulder inflammation. Ryan Dempster is also on the disabled list with a fractured big toe. The Cubs and Astros will start a four game set at Wrigley on Monday, before Chicago heads to Miami for a weekend set with the Marlins.

14. Chicago White Sox (50-48) – After the historic win for the White Sox and left hander Mark Buerhle, the White Sox fell in three straight games to the Tigers. Chicago will look to snap the losing streak, and salvage a game Sunday night on ESPN. The White Sox are three games behind the Tigers, in the division. Chicago is 27-23 when playing at home, and 23-25 on the road. After finishing Sunday’s game at Detroit, the White Sox will head north to Minneapolis to take on the third place Twins. On Thursday, the White Sox and the Yankees will begin a four game set at US Cellular Field.

15. Houston Astros (50-48) – After sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals at the start of the week, and knocking Johan Santana off on Friday, the Astros were not able to complete the huge week, by dropping two straight against the Mets. The Astros are in the running in the NL Central, just two games behind the Cubs at the top. Houston has won 28 of 53 at home this season, and 22 of 45 on the road.  The Astros placed outfielder Lance Berkman on the disabled list on July 24^th with a strained left calf muscle. Miguel Tejada continues to hit well, batting .326 to lead the team. Carlos Lee continues to make a move towards 100 runs batted in, as he leads the team with 59. Wandy Rodriguez leads the team in wins with 10, and also has a solid earned run average of 2.72. The Astros will face a huge week ahead of them, as they start a four game series at Chicago against the Cubs on Monday, and in St. Louis against the Cardinals over the weekend.

16. Florida Marlins (51-48) – The Marlins continue to remain within striking distance in both the NL East (6.5 games back) and the NL Wildcard (3.5 games back). Florida is 25-24 at home this season, and 26-24 when playing on the road. Hanley Ramirez leads the team, and the entire National League in batting, with a .346 mark, and also runs batted in (62) and runs scored (58). The Marlins are confident following two out of three wins over the NL leading Los Angeles Dodgers on the road. Florida’s closer Matt Lindstrom has been on the disabled list since June 24^th with a right elbow strain, but that has not seemed to dimmer the Marlins hopes’. Florida will host the Atlanta Braves, starting on Tuesday, and then host the Chicago Cubs over the weekend.

17. Atlanta Braves (51-48) – Atlanta is another team that continues to remain within striking distance. Atlanta, at 51-48, remains in a second place tie with the Florida Marlins, 6.5 games behind Philadelphia. The Braves just completed a two of three weekend at Milwaukee in which they were blanked in the middle game, but scored 19 in the other two. Yunel Escobar leads the Braves in batting average, with a .309 batting average, and also runs batted in, with 57, while Chipper Jones leads in homeruns (12) and runs scored (52). Atlanta and Florida will start a three game series in Miami on Tuesday, and then the Braves will host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

18. Milwaukee Brewers (49-49) – The Brewers fell back to .500 on Sunday with a loss to the Atlanta Braves. Milwaukee is continuing to attempt to find ways to become a more consistent team, as they continue to hang around. Milwaukee is just three games behind the front running Chicago Cubs. Ryan Braun leads the team with a .310 batting average, and 67 runs scored, while homerun derby winner Prince Fielder leads in homeruns (24) and runs batted in (86). Seth McClung was the latest Brewer to find the disabled list with a right elbow strain. Milwaukee will hope to get back on track on Monday, as they start a four game series with the Washington Nationals. After the series with Washington, Milwaukee will head west and take on the San Diego Padres for a weekend series.

19. Minnesota Twins (49-50) – The Twins have moved to within one game of .500, despite winning just four of their last ten games. Minnesota sits just 4.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers at the top of the American League Central. Minnesota has won 28 of 48 at home, while losing 30 of 51 on the road. Joe Mauer leads the entire American League in batting with a .366 mark, while Justin Morneau is providing the power, with 24 homeruns, 79 runs batted in, and 67 runs scored. Kevin Slowey, the Twins leader in wins with 10, continues to be sidelined with  a strained right wrist. Minnesota will host second place Chicago on Monday for a three game set, followed by three at home over the weekend with Anaheim.

20. Toronto Blue Jays (48-51) – Have the Blue Jays seen the last of Roy Halladay in their uniform? Halladay pitched Friday against Tampa Bay, and have been rumored as being traded for some time now. As the trade deadline approaches, Philadelphia has made the most noise, in an effort to grab one of the best pitchers in the game. Toronto is in fourth place in the AL East, 12.5  games behind the front running New York Yankees. Scott Rolen leads the team in batting with a .316 batting average, while Aaron Hill is putting up excellent numbers, with 24 homeruns and 67 runs batted in. Toronto will start a road trip on Monday at Seattle, take Thursday off, and play three at Oakland, starting on Friday.

21. New York Mets (46-51) – The Mets are at a break point, with just over 60 games to play, they trail the Phillies by 10.5 games, and the wildcard leading Rockies by 7.5 games. New York bounced back from losing the opener to Houston, by winning the final two games at Minute Maid Park. David Wright has been the lone bright spot offensively for the Mets, leading the team in batting average (.317), runs batted in (46), runs scored (60), and stolen bases (21). Gary Sheffield leads the team in homeruns, with just 10. Johan Santana is 11-8 with a 3.12 earned run average to lead the Mets starting pitching staff. The Mets will look  to keep their winning streak going, and make up some ground on Colorado on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at home. After Colorado leaves town, the Mets will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three game set.

22. Cincinnati Reds (44-53) – The Reds lost their sixth straight game on Sunday, and fell to 7.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati scored just 10 runs in the three games, allowing 18. Brandon Phillips leads the anemic Reds offense, with just a .271 batting average, along with 63 runs batted in and 47 runs scored. Bronson Arroyo leads the pitching staff in wins, with 10. The Reds and San Diego Padres will hook up on Monday to start a four game series. On Friday, Cincinnati will host the wildcard leading Colorado Rockies for a three game series.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates (43-55) – The Pirates were blanked for the second straight day by the Arizona Diamondbacks. This came after chasing Arizona ace Dan Haren on Friday evening. Pittsburgh with the loss, dropped to nine games behind the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs. The Pirates are 26-19 at home, but just 17-36 on the road. Pittsburgh traded their top power hitter Andy LaRoche this week to the Boston Red Sox. LaRoche had led the team in homeruns (12), runs batted in (40), and runs scored (46). The Pirates will continue their west coast road trip on Monday at San Francisco, before taking Thursday off, and then coming back home to host the Washington Nationals.

24. Baltimore Orioles (42-55) – The Orioles avoided a three game sweep, and snapped their losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Red Sox on Sunday. Baltimore used three runs batted in from Nick Markakis, and an excellent start from pitcher David Hernandez. The win for the Orioles broke an 11 game losing streak at Fenway Park. Adam Jones leads Baltimore in batting with a .302 mark, while Markakis leads in runs batted in, with 63. Baltimore will head home, starting on Monday and host the Kansas City Royals for four games. After that series, the Orioles will seek revenge against the Boston Red Sox Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

25. Cleveland Indians (40-58) – The Indians have won four straight games, to move ahead of the Kansas City Royals. Cleveland is 12.5 games behind the division leading Detroit Tigers. After finishing the final game of the series with a win over Toronto, the Indians swept the Seattle Mariners in a road series, in which saw them out score the Mariners 31-6. Victor Martinez, who is subject to recent trade rumors leads the team in homeruns, with 14, runs batted in, with 64, and runs scored (55). Cliff Lee, the Indians top starting pitcher is also being discussed in trades, he leads the team in earned run average (3.17) and innings pitched (145). The Indians start a three game series in Anaheim on Monday, and then come home and take on the Detroit Tigers Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

26. Oakland Athletics (41-56) – The Athletics made the move that had been discussed for months, by dealing outfielder Matt Holliday. Holliday was sent to St. Louis for three prospects, including Brett Wallace. The Athletics are in fourth place in the AL West, and trail the Angels by 17 games. Oakland just finished half of their eight game road trip, winning just one of four at the new Yankee Stadium. The second half of their road trip is at historic Fenway Park, where the Athletics and the Red Sox will play four games. Following the trip to Boston, Oakland will fly back home and host the Toronto Blue Jays starting on Friday.

27. Arizona Diamondbacks (42-56) – Arizona just completed a three out of four series win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the final two games, Arizona shut out the Pirates, 7-0 and 9-0. Dan Haren leads the team with 10 wins, and also in earned run average, with a 2.14. Mark Reynolds has been the Diamondbacks top offensive star, with 25 homeruns, 63 runs batted in, and 63 runs scored. The Diamondbacks are in fourth place in the NL West, 20.5 games behind the Dodgers. Arizona will start a three game series with the Phillies on Monday, then take Thursday off, before traveling to New York for a weekend series with the Mets.

28. San Diego Padres (38-61) – The Padres have fallen in eight of their last ten games, and slid below the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West. San Diego trails the front running Dodgers by 25 games, which ranks second worst in all of baseball, just ahead of Washington. The Padres have struggled on the road, winning just 14 of 49 games. San Diego’s leading homerun hitter and run producer Adrian Gonzalez has been rumored in trade requests, but it appears no team will give up what San Diego wants for his services. Gonzalez has hit 25 homeruns and drove in 55 runs. The Padres will continue their eight game road trip on Monday at Cincinnati, and then come home on Friday, and start a weekend series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

29. Kansas City Royals (38-59) – The Royals snapped their nine game losing streak on Saturday with a 6-3 win over the Texas Rangers. Kansas City was not able to win two in a row, as the Rangers downed Kansas City 7-2. The Royals have fallen to last place in the American League Central, and now trail Detroit by 14.5 games. While struggling as of late, Zack Greinke is still a bright spot for Kansas City with a 10-6 record and a 2.04 earned run average. The Royals will head out to the East and take on the Baltimore Orioles for a four game series starting Monday. After the trip to Baltimore, Kansas City will travel to Tampa Bay for a three game weekend set.

30. Washington Nationals (30-68) – Despite having the worst record in all of baseball, the Nationals are beginning to at least make head way towards Kansas City and San Diego. Washington just completed a two of out three series win over the Padres. Despite their recent wins, the Nationals find themselves 27 games out of first place, the largest margin in of all baseball. Adam Dunn has led the Nationals in power numbers with 25 homeruns and 70 runs batted in, while Nick Johnson leads in batting, with a 3.02 mark. John Lannan has been the best thing towards a staff ace, with just a 7-7 mark on the season. Washington will start a four game series in Milwaukee on Monday, and then travel to Pittsburgh over the weekend.

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College football today is composed of countless teams using spread offenses and relying on passing games to rack up a load of points against opponents. Far from the old roots of football that was led by ground and pound rushing attacks. Today’s game is based mostly around teams that spread the field with 4 and 5 wide receivers and try to stretch out defenses before picking them apart. However, look at any championship caliber team and you can bet they have a strong running game. The rushing game will always be the best offense when used effectively because it allows a team to take control of the clock along with taking control of field position in tight games. Even though the hard core rushing offenses seem to have vanished in today’s game, there are still a load of players who have the ability to rack up big chunks of yards on every play. These players give their teams an edge that most do not possess; the ability to not only break big plays, but keep opposing offenses off the field. Keep your eyes on these guys for the upcoming football season as we break down the best running backs in the nation.

#1 Jahvid Best (California)

Jahvid Best is not only the best running back in college football, but he also has the best chance to be a big name at the next level. Best has a raw combination of quickness and immeasurable strength giving him the ability to run through defenses. Best was extremely impressive in his first full season as starter for the Golden Bears rushing for 1,580 yards to go along with 15 touchdowns as a sophomore. Best averaged a lucrative 8.1 yards per carry and broke California’s single game rushing record against Washington bulldozing his way to 311 yards. If it was not for Heisman winners Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford returning, Best would be right in the middle of the talk for winning the Heisman Trophy this season. Expect nothing less than a huge year from the Golden Bears running back as California makes a run at a Pac-10 title.

#2 Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State)

Kendall Hunter had a big season in 2008 rushing for 1,555 yards and 16 scores making numerous big plays. Hunter who resides in the pass happy region of the college football world, led the Big 12 in rushing yards. Add to the fact, Hunter will be a part of one of the most explosive offenses in the nation this season and things are looking very promising. Hunter probably has the quickest cutback of any tailback on our board and can bust plays open quickly. Expect Hunter to be a big reason, the Cowboys have a lot of success in 2009 and just maybe come up with a big upset or two.

# 3 Jonathon Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

The option style offense the Yellow Jackets turned to last season may have been a nightmare if they did not have the talented Jonathon Dwyer in the backfield. Dwyer took over 200 carries cashing in for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets entire offense was based around the running game and defenses knew it making Dwyer’s numbers a bit more impressive. During the time that defenses keyed in on the running game, Dwyer’s numbers actually picked up during the latter part of the season giving promising hope to 2009. Dwyer who has a knack for shaking off tacklers led the ACC in rushing in 2008. Anticipating how many carries he is likely to get in 2009, it looks to be another big season for the Yellow Jackets star player.

# 4 Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)

So who here remembers the Beavers upset over the USC Trojans last season? If you do then you probably remember a small freshman sensation by the name of Jacquizz Rodgers slicing through the best defense in the country. Rodgers had a big season in his freshman campaign rushing for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns. Possibly the best sophomore in the country heading into this season, Rodgers averaged 114 yards per game in his first year at Oregon State. Expect the 5’7 little guy to improve on those numbers this season and become one of the best tailbacks in the Pac 10.

# 5 Evan Royster (Penn State)

Evan Royster was a big part to the Nittany Lions success in 2009 that had them in National Title contention for the majority of the year. Royster exploded onto the scene racking up 6.5 yards per carry in route to a plus 1,200 yard season. The Nittany Lions offense was a well balanced machine last year with Royster in the back field and Daryll Clark delivering the air assault. However, Penn State lost big time receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams. The big losses at wide out means the Nittany Lions will give Royster a big increase in carries and we expect no less than 1,500 yards from the best back in the Big Ten.

#6 MiQuale Lewis (Ball State)

MiQuale Lewis is probably the least known name on our board, but surprisingly one of the best on the board as well. Lewis ranked 3rd individually last season tallying up 1,736 yards on the season. Lewis put up those impressive numbers as a junior and there will be big expectations for him again in 2009. The Cardinals running back already led the nation last year with 22 touchdowns. Imagine if those numbers were to improve. Some may argue that Lewis is in a weak defensive conference, but it’s hard to match those numbers regardless of who you are playing.

#7 DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma)

DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown make up the best running back duo in the nation for Oklahoma. Murray received less hand offs in 2008 due to missing the last two games of the season with injury, but both backs averaged a strong 5.6 yards per carry. Murray was also able to post a 1,000 yard season despite missing those few games. If not for sharing carries with an equally talented Chris Brown, Murray could easily be one of the top rushers in the nation. However, the Sooners ability to rotate between the two may be more effective from a team’s standpoint. It is just amazing the numbers that the Sooners running backs are able to produce considering they are such an elite passing team.

#8 Noel Devine (West Virginia)

Noel Devine burst onto the scene at the beginning of 2008 as one of the hottest tailbacks in the nation. Devine averaged over 120 yards during the first 8 games of the season before fading a bit down the stretch. However, his numbers were very impressive considering running threat of Pat White accompanied him in the back field. Devine posted a 6.1 yards per carry average in 2008 despite the Mountaineers taking a step back as a team. However, Devine will be the best returning back in the Big East this season and will try to be the main guy in helping restore the explosiveness on the Mountaineers’ offense.

#9 Chris Brown (Oklahoma)

Another very impressive tailback that comes out of the Oklahoma stable, Brown was able to rush for 1,220 yards last season. Brown ranked 4th among running backs in college football producing 20 scores for the year. The senior tailback will enter 2009 with the expectations for another 1,000 yard plus performance. If not for sharing time with Murray, Brown could be one of the single best rushers in America. However, sharing carries in the back field may actually limit his chances of putting up ridiculous numbers.

#10 C.J Spiller (Clemson)

C.J Spiller perhaps is one of the most under rated backs in college football. However, those are not because he has put up any huge numbers. In fact, Spiller has never eclipsed the 1,000 yard barrier in his previous 3 seasons with the Tigers. Spiller has fell victim of an offense that simply has not allowed him to showcase his skills. One of the quickest backs on our board, Spiller has also had to share time with James Davis over the last 3 years. However, Spiller will be the lone back for the Tigers this season and there is no way he should not rack up well over 1,000 yards against the ACC defenses.

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