ATLANTA (2 - 2) at DETROIT (4 - 0) - 8/15/2009, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CHICAGO (1 - 3) at BUFFALO (2 - 2) - 8/15/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
TAMPA BAY (3 - 1) at TENNESSEE (3 - 1) - 8/15/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
HOUSTON (2 - 2) at KANSAS CITY (2 - 2) - 8/15/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
CLEVELAND (0 - 4) at GREEN BAY (1 - 3) - 8/15/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
SEATTLE (3 - 1) at SAN DIEGO (3 - 1) - 8/15/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday since 1993.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 1-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
I know that the preseason in the NFL is essentially a glorified practice, but it’s still a lot of fun to wager on. Saturday offers up the biggest slate of exhibition tilts so far with six on the board. Will the Lions get to taste victory for the first time in almost a year? Was Jay Cutler worth trading for? Are the Seahawks ready to rebound from a lame 2008? Let’s take a look at the nationally televised games now.
Falcons at Lions – 4:00 p.m. EDT, NFL Network
Atlanta was the feel good story of last year as they got out of the Bobby Petrino/Michael Vick debacle of 2007. Now the Falcons enter 2009 with expectations of going deeper into the playoffs.
Mike Smith is going to head into this game with Matt Ryan starting under center and playing for about half of the first quarter. After that it will be Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley and rookie slinger from Alabama, John Parker Wilson. There has been some recent reports showing that Wilson has been way off target on passes and having issues even handling snaps. It makes you wonder if you’ll be sweating out a win if Wilson botches a snap in the fourth quarter.
While the Falcons were the feel good story, Detroit was the car wreck that we slowly stop to watch on the interstate. At least they know that they can only go up from an 0-16 campaign.
The Lions are going into this contest with Daunte Culpepper getting the starting nod for the preseason opener. No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford will get onto the field sometime in the second quarter, Drew Stanton will then get his time somewhere in the second half of play.
Regardless of who the quarterback will be, they might be without wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Dennis Northcutt. They have been running routes recently, but are both suffering from hand injuries. The duo is currently listed as game-time decisions.
Most sportsbooks have installed the Lions as three-point home favorites with a total of 34 ½.
Your best play in this game would have to be the ‘under.’ Before taking over the Falcons, Smith was running Jacksonville’s defense. That mindset helped Atlanta hit the ‘under’ in three of its four exhibition matches last year. Take that information with Detroit being helmed by former Titans DC Jim Schwartz and a low score seems guaranteed.
Bears at Bills – 7:00 p.m. EDT, NFL Network
Chicago has wanted a franchise quarterback for a while now…hell, I’d almost say that they’ve never really had one. Well they traded for one (they hope, at least) in Jay Cutler.
Bettors shouldn’t expect much out of Cutler on Saturday night as he’s expected to be a part of five to 10 plays. After him, we’re going to see Caleb Hanie and Brett Basanez take over thereafter.
The Bears appear to be ahead of the curve on defense right now. Cornerback Nate Vasher has been a beast in the secondary during practice. And Lance Briggs is looking like he’s in midseason form already. Will that transition to solid play in an actual game?
Buffalo will be looking to improve on prolonging drives for this week’s tilt. The Bills converted just three of their 11 third downs in the Hall of Fame Game against Tennessee. We probably won’t see too much of Trent Edwards on Saturday. He was so-so against the Titans, completing three of his four passes for 13 yards and one interception. I guess you could look at that as four completions if you want to be a smartass.
The remainder of the Bills’ QB rotation goes like this: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Baker and Gibran Hamdan. Fitzpatrick and Hamdan performed well last Sunday, completing 70 percent of their passes for 150 yards.
None of the signal callers will make a pass to Terrell Owens. He's sitting out with a banged up toe, but should be fine for next week.
Most betting shops have made Buffalo a three-point home “chalk” with a total of 33.
Tony Stoffo mentioned in his preseason profit report that the Bills are 7-0-1 when listed as underdogs over the last three years. What about when listed as favorites? Buffalo is your best fade when favored as they’re 0-5 straight up and against the spread in the last three preseasons.
Seahawks at Chargers – 10:00 p.m. EDT, NFL Network
Most teams going into a preseason with a new head coach has no real idea what they’re getting into. Sure, they have spent time together in camp, but still have yet to know their in-game style. The Seahawks won’t have that problem this year with Jim Mora. That’s because Mora has been the assistant head coach/secondary coach over the last two years under Mike Holmgren.
Things certainly look like they’ll be better for Seattle this preseason with Matt Hasselbeck at full strength for the first time in what seems like ages. The ‘Hawks will follow Hasselbeck up with longtime backup Seneca Wallace, Jeff Rowe and Mike Teel.
The Seahawks will have some problems up front for this contest with left tackle Walter Jones (back), guard Mansfield Wrotto (leg) and guard Grey Ruegamer (elbow) all “out.” That could put a major crimp in any offensive attack Seattle might want to use.
San Diego head coach Norv Turner has said that his squad has not had any major injuries that would cause people not to be ready for the regular season. That’s great news for fans and bettors alike for now and the future.
Philip Rivers is set to go as the starter for the Chargers’ preseason opener. Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst will split the rest of the game up.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have listed San Diego as a three-point home favorite with the total coming in at 36.
If you’d want to take the Chargers here, I wouldn’t blame you. They’ve posted a solid 3-1 SU record at home during Turner’s tenure with the team. As far as playing the spread, you’re flipping a coin since they’re 2-2 ATS.
Seattle has been a great team to back during road preseason games. They’re 5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS since 2005. The Seahawks seem to play in shootouts for these matches as the ‘over’ is 6-2.
Saturday's NFL preseason betting previews
By DAVID JONES
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions (-3, 35 )
Starter/Injury Report
The Falcons’ main focus will be on their defensive personnel Saturday. Four starting positions appear to be up for grabs including two spots on the defensive line.
On offense, veteran Chris Redman will try to hold off D.J. Shockley and rookie John Parker Wilson for the backup quarterback spot behind starter Matt Ryan. Each QB will get a quarter of playing time against Detroit.
The long-suffering Lions fans will get their first glance at top draft choice Matthew Stafford. The offense will not have the services of top receivers Calvin Johnson and Bryant Johnson due to some minor injuries.
Line Movement
The matchup opened as a pick with a total of 35. While the total has held up, the Lions have been moved up to a field goal favorite in the matchup.
Trends
Mike Smith went 2-2 (3-1 ATS) as a rookie head coach in 2008 and covered in the Falcons preseason opener. The Lions were the only undefeated club in last year's preseason.
Weather
Dome
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills (-3, 32.5)
Starter/Injury Report
The Chicago faithful will get their first look at Jay Cutler in this matchup. The Bears finally have an elite No.1 at QB but Chicago will also have a new backup quarterback in 2009. Youngsters Brett Basanez and Caleb Hanie should get extensive looks Saturday.
Defensive lineman Tommie Harris will miss the game while recovering from a knee injury.
The Bills’ no-huddle offense yielded 32 pass attempts with just 21 running plays in last week's 21-18 defeat to the Titans. Terrell Owens grabbed a couple of passes in his Bills debut but will be held out against the Bears due to a sore toe.
Buffalo is still without the services of unsigned top draft choice Aaron Maybin, the defensive end from Penn State.
Line Movement
The Bills opened as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 32.5. Buffalo is now a 3-point choice in the contest.
Trends
Lovie Smith is 11-10 (8-11-2 ATS) during the preseason with the Bears. Chicago is 2-2-1 ATS in their last five preseason openers. The Bears are 6-2 to the over during the last two preseasons. Dick Jauron is 6-7 (6-6-1 ATS) in exhibition contests with the Bills. Buffalo is 1-6 in its last seven home preseason games.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 84 degrees in Orchard Park, New York.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans (-4, 34.5)
Starter/Injury Report
In a heated quarterback battle, Luke McCown will start against the Titans while veteran newcomer Byron Leftwich will garner the starting duties next week against Jacksonville.
The evaluations will be a little more difficult Saturday as top receivers Antonio Bryant and Mark Clayton will be held out of the game. The Bucs will also be without their first-team kicker and punter against Tennessee.
The Titans’ first-team offense was quite sharp in last week's win over Buffalo. Head coach Jeff Fisher indicated that the playing rotations would be similar to the Bills game with the starters seeing a little more action.
Patrick Ramsey (7-for-10 passing vs. Bills) will continue in his bid to unseat Vince Young as the No.2 QB against Tampa.
Line Movement
The Titans opened as 3.5-point favorites with the total set around 34.5. A few books have bumped Tennessee up to a 4-point favorite.
Trends
Since the franchise became known as the Titans in 1999, Fisher is 25-16 (22-18-1 ATS) in the preseason. Tennessee is 13-7 at LP Field in exhibition action.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 91 degrees in Nashville.
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (-2, 37.5)
Starter/Injury Report
Houston will go with their first team unit for about 12-15 snaps Saturday, according to head coach Gary Kubiak. The second unit, including No.2 QB Dan Orlovsky, will take over for the next two quarters. Former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman and the third-string units are pegged to play in the fourth quarter.
The defense will be without first round draft choice Brian Cushing due to a knee sprain.
The game will mark the Chiefs debut for quarterback Matt Cassel. New head coach Todd Haley will take a close look at holdover quarterbacks Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen to determine who the backup will be.
Line Movement
Kansas City opened as a 2-point favorite with a total of 35. The total has moved up to 37.5 at most books.
Trends
Kubiak is 7-5 (7-3-2 ATS) in the preseason at Houston with a 1-1-1 ATS mark in preseason openers. The Texans are 7-1 to the over in the last two preseasons.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 86 degrees with a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms in Kansas City.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (-3, 34.5)
Starter/Injury Report
Former Jets head coach Eric Mangini is running a tough camp as the Browns’ new sideline leader. Most fans will once again be focused on the QB battle between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.
While he is unlikely to move above his current status as the No.3 QB, former Utah Utes signal-caller Brett Ratliff could be a factor in the second half based on his impressive training camp performance.
Green Bay doesn't have the drama that surrounded last year's training camp. With QB Aaron Rodgers coming off of a strong campaign in his first year as a starter, the Packers figure to give second-year reserves Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn plenty of snaps against Cleveland.
The Packers will unveil their 3-4 defense under new coordinator Dom Capers but first round draft choice B.J. Raji will not suit up against the Browns after inking his contract earlier in the week.
Line Movement
The Packers opened as 3-point favorites with the total set around 34.5. The opening odds have basically held up for this game.
Trends
Mangini went 7-5 (6-5-1 ATS) in the preseason with the Jets while going 2-1 ATS in preseason openers. The Browns were winless in the 2008 preseason. Mike McCarthy is 4-8 (5-7 ATS) in the preseason with Green Bay and is 1-2 ATS in preseason openers. The Packers were 4-0 to the over in their 2008 exhibition contests.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 87 degrees with winds at 10 to 20 mph in Green Bay.
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers (-3.5, 36)
Starter/Injury Report
Seattle fans will be eager to see the return of Matt Hasselbeck but new head coach Jim Mora has indicated that he will play just a series or two against the Chargers. In addition to No.2 QB Seneca Wallace, the Seahawks are likely to give Jeff Rowe and rookie Mike Teel some snaps against San Diego.
Standout offensive linemen Walter Jones will be held out of the game due to back spasms.
LaDainian Tomlinson said he is "95 percent sure" that he could see his first preseason action since 2005 in the 2009 exhibition opener. San Diego reserve quarterbacks Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst figure to garner most of the playing time on Saturday behind starter Phillip Rivers.
Line Movement
San Diego opened as a 4-point favorite with a total of 36. The Chargers are now at -3/-3.5 at most books.
Trends
Mora went 8-5 (7-5-1 ATS) in the preseason from 2004-06 in Atlanta while posting a 1-1-1 ATS mark in preseason openers. Norv Turner is 6-2 (5-3 ATS) in the preseason with the Chargers while going 1-1 ATS in exhibition debuts.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 69 degrees in San Diego.
Ask the oddsmaker: Bettors get ready for some football
Daniel (Michigan): The PGA Championship started this week. How has the action been on the final major of the year and who, besides Tigers, is the public pounding?
Not surprisingly, we are getting a lot of action on Phil Mickelson. We also got a lot of money on Sergio Garcia.
Randy (Arizona): The long MLB season seems to be taking its toll on teams. Which pitchers or teams should baseball bettors be careful of during the final month and a half of the schedule?
Avoid teams that are out of playoff contention. The Pirates look like a team to fade, as they had their annual fire sale and unloaded most of their talent.
Foster (Ohio): How much action does preseason football really take in for you guys? Do you limit the amount of bets due to the unpredictable nature of these games?
For preseason NFL, we get a little less than half of the volume that we typically get for a regular season game.
Yes, we have smaller limits on preseason games because of what you mentioned - the unpredictability of exactly how much playing time starters will play.
Chuck (Florida): College football is very close. How is the futures action on the BCS title? Are there any teams getting more action than expected?
We can’t wait for college foots buddy. The BCS futures are getting some great action, as this promises to be one of the more exciting seasons in recent memory.
Florida is the most popular team for the BCS Championship and easily have the lowest odds to win it all at +200. We were getting pretty decent action on Virginia Tech at +2500.
However, the Hokies suffered a setback when sophomore running back Darren Evans (over 1200 yards last year) tore his ACL this week and is out for the year.
Biggest win of the week
B.J. Penn over Kenny Florian at UFC 101. After Penn got schooled by Georges St-Pierre, skeptics thought that Penn could be in trouble against Florian. But Penn dominated the 2-1 underdog Florian and we cleaned up as a result.
Biggest loss of the week
Over in the Hall of Fame football game. Pretty low number at 31.5 (Titans won 21-18) and almost 75 percent of our players were on the over.
Toughest line to set of the week
Indianapolis at Minnesota. Now that Jim Sorgi is out due to a hamstring injury, the Colts find themselves in a tough spot. The only players they had at QB besides Sorgi, were Peyton Manning and Curtis Painter.
The Colts just signed rookie Chris Crane from Boston College. This line has gone from Indianapolis -1.5 to Minnesota -1. How much more will it move?
Excitement around Vick signing spreads to sportsbooks
The most hated quarterback in the NFL has found in an unlikely home in a place notorious for hating quarterbacks.
News broke Thursday night that former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $1.6 million and has an option for a second year worth $5.2 million.
"I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem," Vick told the media, adding, "I know playing in the NFL is a privilege and not a right. I have to keep pushing forward and do more good than bad."
Vick was conditionally reinstated by the NFL earlier this summer after serving 23 months in prison and at home for dog fighting charges laid back in 2007. He is able to immediately participate in training camp and play in the Eagles’ final two preseason contests.
Vick should be eligible to return to regular season action by Week 6 of the schedule, according to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
The addition of Vick has prompted football bettors to pile on Philadelphia’s futures odds.
Earlier reports from sportsbooks noted no movement on the futures front. But as news of Vick’s signing became more public, books were flooded with action on the Eagles.
“Bettors are thrilled with the move and we've seen a lot of money show on all our futures because of the Vick signing,” says Logans.com oddsmaker Blake Edwards.
Since the news broke Thursday night, Philadelphia moved from +1200 to +900 to win the Super Bowl and jumped from +500 to +400 to claim the NFC Championship.
While Vick will be playing behind starter Donovan McNabb and backup Kevin Kolb, he does bring other skill sets to the field. In his career, the crazy-legged pivot has passed for 11,505 yards but has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards and is currently third among NFL quarterbacks in total rushing yards.
“I think we'll see plenty of Vick in some wildcat formations as well at wide receiver,” says Edwards. “Andy Reid loves passing the ball and loves creating different schemes to keep defenses off balance.”
Philadelphia lost its preseason opener, 27-25 as 3-point favorites, to the New England Patriots Thursday night. The Eagles’ next warm-up tilt is scheduled for Thursday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Nfl 8/15
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