[Willie Bee]

Colts, Cowboys Under 34½ in Big D

Game Time: 08/09/2007 08:00 PM -
By: Mike Rose | who2beton.com

The Indianapolis Colts aren't expected to play their first-team offense more than 15 snaps. Meanwhile the Dallas Cowboys, their fans in preseason frenzy, will also keep it close to the vest.

The reigning champs get to play under the lights Thursday night in the first FOX televised NFL game of the season. This certainly would be a primetime matchup if it were the regular season, but I think I’d rather sit back and watch some ESPN coverage of the ’07 World Series of Poker.

This one’s going to be a snoozer. The Colts' first team offense will get their 10-15 plays at most, and then the backups will mop-up for the duration of the game. The final score has always been the least of head coach Tony Dungy’s concerns when it comes to preseason football, and I expect that notion to hold true here once again. The last thing he needs is to see his roster get decimated by any more injuries than he’s already having to deal with.

'Big D' will have a much different look this season with the 'Big Tuna' out and Wade Phillips in. Dallas performed very well under Bill Parcells in the preseason, but that doesn’t mean the team will play the same way under the new guy's regime. In fact, word is that Dallas plans on doing a bunch of blitzing in this contest and throughout the preseason. The Cowboys were a read-and-react defensive scheme under Parcells, but Phillips and new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart bring in more of an attacking, disruptive philosophy. They also want defensive players to take third-down conversions personally, so expect the Cowboys to be mentally prepared on defense regardless of what string’s in and what quarter it’s in.

If you’re heading into this one expecting to see fireworks, you’re going to be disappointed. There won’t be any long bombs to Terrell Owens from Tony Romo, or slant routes turned into 70 yard touchdowns by Marvin Harrison. Hit the Under now before you lose any more value!

Free Pick: Colts-Cowboys Under 34½

[Willie Bee]

Detroit Lions -3 vs Bengals

Game Time: 08/09/2007 07:30 PM -
By: Jimmy the Moose | sportspic.com

The Lions will be out tonight looking to set a winning tone for their upcoming season while the Bengals will be merely going through the motions. Get it down on Detroit at home vs Cincinnati.

The Bengals are a very solid team but being that this is the first preseason game don't expect to see too much of Carson Palmer, TJ Houshmandzadeh and the Johnson's, Rudi and Chad. Cincy will go through the motions, get a little feel and then the starters will rest.

The Detroit Lions are a team used to losing but expect them to put up a fight in the preseason and change that attitude. Jon Kitna has already come out and said that this team can win 10 games and maybe he's included the preseason schedule in that prediction. The Lions will have a good offense and expect their second and third units to compete hard. With Kevin Jones hurting look for Tatum Bell and TJ Duckett to really show that they can play.

A lot of jobs are up for grabs on the Detroit defense and look for a big game from the unit. At home in a game that doesn't mean anything to a Super Bowl contender means I'll take the mighty Detroit Lions.

Free Pick: Lions -3 (even)

[bigboydan]

I'm leaning towards the Lions in that game myself Mr.Moose