posted March 14, 2008 at 20:47 in Other Articles

ESPN's Monday Night telecast features two big name owners, as John Elway's (1-0) Colorado Crush and Jerry Jones' (2-0) Dallas Desperados hook up. Colorado was on their bye in Week 2, while Dallas is coming off of a 46-36 home win and cover over the Columbus Destroyers. In Week 1, Colorado took on those same Destroyers, posting a 50-47 victory.

The key for the Crush in 2008 is to find a replacement for departed WR Damian Harrell, who is 2nd in the AFL all-time in TD receptions. Ben Nelson filled in admirably in his first game for the Crush, posting 9 grabs for 98 yards and 3 TDs. Though QB John Dutton looked good in Week 1, he's still thrown 9 INTs in his L/6 games, which won't get it done in this league.

In their nationally televised game two weeks ago, Desperados QB Clint Dolezel was heard telling his backup Chris Sanders, "Have a great season!" Dolezel isn't out for the year, but he'll still be sidelined for another month. In Sanders' first start for Dallas last week, he went a very respectable 21-of-34 for 268 yards with 5 TDs, but most importantly, no INTs. The team around him is simply fabulous, as WR’s Marcus Nash, Will Pettis, and Josh Bush make up perhaps the best receiving trio in the league. If Dallas can continue their consistent play on defense, they should be in prime position to make another run at the ArenaBowl even if Dolezel is out longer than expected.

Despite Dolezel's absence, the oddsmakers hung Dallas as an 8 point favorite, which has since been as high as 10.5, and has settled at 10. The opening 'total' of 91 is the lowest of the season, but has gone up to 96 quickly. You can get action at these numbers right now at BetUS.com! Dallas has won 14 straight regular season home games, but they’ve only managed a 4-6 ATS in their L/10 at home. Colorado is 3-7 ATS in their L/10 road games and only 7-11-1 ATS for their bettors since the start of the 2007 season.

In this battle of unbeaten teams, will it be the Desperados that continue their march towards ArenaBowl XXII, or will the Crush come into American Airlines Arena and steal one from the hosts? Tune your HDTV sets to ESPN2 at 8:00 ET on Monday to find out.

Go to the BetUS.com online sportsbook today to bet on Arena Football. We have the most current Arena Football odds and lines. Join BetUS.com to experience the best in online sports betting action available!