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There is, even in the midst of the dog days of summer, some interesting moves on the Week 1 NFL lines. The Cincinnati Bengal’s opened as one point picks against the visiting Denver Broncos. I saw an opportunity with that line, with Carson Palmer healthy and the insufferable Kyle Orton taking over in Denver, a mere point is a gift. The line has already been bumped to 3. I’m also invested in the Houston Texans, minus 4, at home against the New York Jets. With the Jets apparently committed to starting Mark Sanchez it is easy to envision the maligned Texan defense gearing up for a huge effort. The Texans need to make a statement early (hey, I’m speaking in sports clichés!) and a rookie QB provides an opportunity for a meaningful statement. Surely we won’t, a la 2008, see another round of brilliant rookie starters? Last year had to be an aberration, right? Well, it’s the way I’m going to bet. Another move saw the Carolina Panthers at home shaved from 2.5 to a single point against the Philadelphia Eagles. Apparently many have not forgiven Jake Delhomme for his appalling performance in last year’s playoffs…the largest lines of opening week have the New Orleans Saints offering 11.5 to the visiting Detroit Lions, likely lead by Mathew Stafford, and the New England Patriots gifting 10 to the visiting Buffalo Bills. The Pats-Bills game is on the Monday night and should score huge ratings. No, not for Terrell Owens, but rather for the return of ladies magnet Tom Brady…the New York Giants go into camp without their two top receivers from last year, Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, and also minus running back Derrick Ward. The Sporting News is tipping the Giants as a team to watch in 2009, despite the losses, due to the depth and talent on the defensive and offensive lines…not the addition long suffering Dallas Cowboy fans were hoping for; John Kitna will wear the silver star this year, backing up Tony Romo…gracious Dany Heatley has indicated that if the Ottawa Senators are unsuccessful in their attempts to trade him he will, nonetheless, report to camp and play on as a Senator. Facing an onslaught of negative publicity, including a condemnation on the editorial pages of the Globe and Mail, one can’t help but think Heatley has his tail between his legs. Senator’s owner Eugene Melnyk indicated he is willing to move forward with both Heatley and Kovalev in the line-up…Sergei Zubov has played his last game as a Dallas Star. The brilliant defenseman is committed to moving elsewhere with both Columbus and the New York Rangers interested…nice guy goalie Kevin Weekes remains unsigned. Weekes played well in New Jersey last year but the Devils signed Yann Danis to back-up Martin Brodeur this season…looks like Marian Hossa will play on the second line for the Chicago Blackhawk’s. The top line of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp is bursting with such potential and potency that Marian will likely reside one down with Dave Bolland and Andrew Ladd…try longshot Points of Grace in the Dance Smartly Stakes from Woodbine this afternoon. The lightly raced daughter of Point Given comes off a nice even run in the Nassau and should improve off a steady diet of interim works. Tough competitive field ensures value…Super Child should be able to dominate a maiden claimer in the fourth from Belmont…Showtime has a great fight on tap, tonight 9pm, Vic Darchinyan against Joseph Agbeko for a bantamweight title. Those of us north of the border will rely on out good friends at Justin.TV to pull in the signal…Gil Clancy offers a novel view of Roberto Duran’s infamous “no mas” performance against Sugar Ray Leonard. Weigh-ins were held the day of the fight at that time and, by all accounts, a ravenous Duran gorged himself after hitting 147. The bloated Duran, after his exertions in the first seven rounds was, according to Clancy, about to crap himself. In the ring. Hmmm, makes me glad he opted to leave when he did…