Two teams worth a look in over/under play

Wednesday, July 21, 2004 | 9:52 a.m.

Jeff Haney

HIGH-ROLLER: A gambler who routinely bets large amounts of money.

SOFT LINE: A betting line that appears easy to beat, for any of a number of reasons. For example, a lazy bookmaker who does not adjust his numbers in response to the latest news might have "soft lines."

Betting lines on how many games each National Football League team will win in the 2004-05 season are widely available in Las Vegas this summer, with many local casinos posting over/under numbers on that wagering proposition.

Las Vegas sports handicapper Patrick Bartucci has recommended several plays in NFL total wins, including two we'll examine here:

1. Arizona Cardinals, over 5 1/2 wins:

Bartucci said he bet the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl at odds of 160-1 in a local sports book a few months ago, and although that juicy price is likely long gone, he does like Arizona to go over 5 1/2 wins for the season.

"They came on late in the season last year, and their schedule is not that tough," Bartucci said.

"They hired a proven winner in (head coach) Dennis Green, and drafting (wide receiver) Larry Fitzgerald was huge.

"I like the move of starting Emmitt Smith (at running back). It sends a message that even though he's a veteran, he's a guy we need to win now.

"I would not be surprised if this team made the playoffs."

At the Las Vegas Hilton, the price on Arizona over 5 1/2 is minus 140 (bettors lay $1.40 for each $1 they're trying to win); the takeback on the under is plus 110.

2. Miami Dolphins, under 9 or 9 1/2 wins:

Bartucci's assessment of Dave Wannstedt as a poor head coach was crucial in his play against Miami.

"I think the Dolphins have the worst coach in football," Bartucci said. "It's a case where he's a good (defensive) coordinator, but a bad head coach.

Miami's quarterback situation is volatile, Bartucci pointed out, with A.J. Feeley evidently brought in to challenge Jay Fiedler for the No. 1 slot.

The offseason turmoil that has plagued the Dolphins is a bad sign as well, Bartucci said: Tight end Randy McMichael was arrested for allegedly hitting his pregnant wife; running back Ricky Williams reportedly failed a drug test; and linebacker Junior Seau came under fire for using an anti-gay slur at a team banquet.

Bartucci also hates the team's acquisition of former All-Pro wide receiver David Boston from the San Diego Chargers. Former teammates have been critical of Boston, claiming he has a lackluster work ethic, Bartucci noted.

"Adding David Boston is like adding cancer to a team," Bartucci said.

At the Las Vegas Hilton, the price on Miami under 9 1/2 is minus 140; the over is plus 110.