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NFL odds: Thursday's preseason rundown
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
From this weekend until the first week in February, there will be football every weekend! That’s just music to my ears. Here’s a rundown of the first true night of exhibition play. Smart bettors can win money on games that don’t matter a lick.
Giants at Lions, 7 p.m.: The G-Men get back on the field for the first time since that historic Super Bowl upset. This might be a bit of a letdown! Plaxico Burress is among a few Giants receivers who won’t play. The Lions have some defensive stalwarts, including Ernie Sims, who won’t play. But Kevin Smith and Tatum Bell will be battling for the No. 1 running back spot. WagerWeb.com line: Lions -3. Pick: Lions.
Jets at Browns, 7:30 p.m.: The Jets clearly have more to play for in this game, at least at quarterback. Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens will both be motivated to show they deserve to be the starter for the season. Still, are either of those two better than Cleveland’s Brady Quinn, who could play as much as a half? WagerWeb.com line: Browns -3. Pick: Browns.
Ravens at Patriots, 7:30 p.m.: Kyle Boller starts at quarterback for Baltimore, but Troy Smith will see plenty of action, and Joe Flacco will get some reps. Ravens running back Willis McGahee is unlikely to play, meaning Rutgers rookie Ray Rice will see plenty of carries. Pass-rusher Terrell Suggs is still nowhere near Ravens’ camp. As for New England, well, does any team have less to prove in the preseason than the Pats? Expect the regulars – except for Tom Brady, who likely won’t play - for maybe a series. WagerWeb.com line: Pats -3.5. Pick: Ravens.
Chiefs at Bears, 8 p.m.: The main news from this game is that Kansas City running back Larry Johnson will play some, but Chiefs No. 5 overall pick Glenn Dorsey, a defensive tackle from LSU, will not. Look for Brodie Croyle to get a decent amount of work for KC, but for new backup Tyler Thigpen to receive much of the playing time. On the Bears’ side, Kyle Orton starts at quarterback, but he and Rex Grossman will play about the same amount of time. Bears top pick Chris Williams won’t play, but look for second-round pick RB Matt Forte to get plenty of carries. WagerWeb.com line: Bears -3. Pick: Bears.
Saints at Cardinals, 8 p.m.: This game seems the easiest play on the board, as nearly every New Orleans star player is likely to sit. Here are just a few: RB Deuce McAllister, WR Marques Colston, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Devery Henderson, LB Jonathan Vilma, S Josh Bullocks. Arizona will be without top wideout Anquan Boldin. WagerWeb.com odds: Cardinals -2.5. Pick: Cardinals.
