The NFL preseason has kicked off with the New Orleans Saints defeating the Arizona Cardinals (which we predicted) to win the traditional Hall of Fame Game.
The preseason proper begins tomorrow with 6 matches being played. Taking into consideration the things you need to know before you bet on the NFL preseason we will be picking the best bets for tomorrow’s games.
Washington Redskins vs Buffalo Bills
Washington fans will get their first glimpses of Robert Griffin III who they hope will be their franchise quarterback for the next decade. The Redskins preseason will be all about building around Griffin and he is likely to see a majority of the action.
Buffalo Bills will be focusing on the defensive side of the ball, with the team adding several new faces in the offseason. The Bills will be easing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick into this season and with his position sewn up he probably won’t see much game time.
The Redskins have more to play for in this game. A strong preseason performance from the team will give Griffin confidence; so it is likely their team will start full-strength. The Bills clearly don’t have as much to play for.
Best Bet: Washington Redskins on the money-line at -125 ($1.80) at SBG Global.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Pittsburg Steelers
The sad passing of coach Andy Reid’s son Garrett means that football is the last thing on the mind of the Eagles organization at the moment. It has been reported that Reid will be in attendance for the game but the make-up of the Eagles side is unknown at this point.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach announced during the week that his starters will only get two series. This does not bode well for a Steelers victory. However, Tomlin does have a strong preseason going 16-5 in the last five seasons.
With tragedy hanging over the Eagles there is far too much uncertainty around this game.
Best Bet: Don’t Bet
Denver Broncos vs Chicago Bears
Peyton Manning will make his debut for the Denver Broncos at Chicago tomorrow. However, don’t expect to see much of Manning with the Broncos only going to play him for a single series. Rookie Brock Osweiler and 3rd string Adam Webber will see most of the game time.
Chicago Bears have finally given Jay Cutler somebody to throw to by signing Brandon Marshall in the off-season. Alongside running back Matt Forte the Bear now have one of the best offensive cores in the league. These three will probably only play for a quarter tonight but that is significantly more than Manning. The Bears also have strong competition for positions at left tackle, right cornerback and nose tackle.
The Bears will have a strong squad, especially on defense, playing the majority of the game. Denver will take no chances with Peyton Manning or their offensive line which gives the Bears a clear advantage.
Best Bet: Chicago Bears to beat the spread of 2 and a half at -120 ($1.80) at SBG Global.
Green Bay Packers vs San Diego Chargers
Under head coach Mike McCarthy the Packers are unlikely to play their starters for more than a series or two. McCarthy has a 12-12 preseason record but with his offense basically set in stone there is little reason for the Packers to risk their starters this preseason.
On the other hand San Diego has it all to play for this preseason. Their coach, Norv Turner, very nearly lost his job last season and if his side doesn’t start the season well his head will be on the chopping block again. The side will use this preseason to test out their revamped defense and show their fans what happened in 2011 was an aberration.
The Chargers have far more to play for in this game and their starters will see far more action.
Best Bet: San Diego Chargers on the money-line at -125 ($1.80) at SBG Global
Baltimore Ravens vs Atlanta Falcons
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has impressed in training camp last week and he will be looking to take this form into the preseason. The Ravens will probably focus on their passing game and with positional battles at receiver, tight end, left guard, cornerback and kicker a number of players in their squad have a lot to play for this preseason.
The Falcons have not added much to their squad in the offseason with the starting side likely to be very similar to last season. It is therefore difficult to see Atlanta coach Mike Smith giving his starters any more than a series or two. Their rookies will get their chance to shine and try to push their way into the starting squad.
The positional battles in the Ravens organization should make them a very competitive side this preseason. Flacco should get significant game time and lead the Ravens to a preseason victory.
Best Bet: Baltimore Ravens on the money-line at +110 ($2.10) at SBG Global.
