NFL Friday Night Primer – The Free Picks

[Shame About Ray]

Tennessee Titans (2-0) vs. Atlanta Falcons (0-2)
Friday, August 22nd --- Georgia Dome, Atlanta --- 7:30pm EST
NFL Betting Line: Atlanta -3 (35.5)

The Titans continue to roll through the pre-season, while the Atlanta Falcons are proving that this season is going to be one of growing pains. Vince Young and the Titans outlasted the Oakland Raiders in a tight 17-16, and pounded the St. Louis Rams two weeks ago for a 34-13 win.

My problem with Vince are well founded. He went 4-for-13 against Oakland, totaling 37 yards and failing to notch a score. His yards-per-pass average was 2.8. That’s ridiculously bad. On top of that he only accumulated 4 yards on the ground. LenDale White and Chris Johnson are going to be busy tonight, especially against an Atlanta defense that is not very strong.

NFL Free Pick: Tennessee +3 (UNDER)

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) vs. New England Patriots (0-2)
Friday, August 22nd --- Gillette Stadium, Foxboro --- 7:30pm EST
NFL Betting Line: New England 2.5 (37)

Philadelphia has a lot to learn about itself in the coming weeks, while New England could care less about the pre-season. They know what they’re capable of and don’t want to risk Brady’s foot, lest the rest of their NFL betting season.

With the Eagles needing to get reps for their receivers, they’ll unleash against a depleted secondary that gone blown to bits by Tampa last week. Kolb and McNabb have been a fine tandem recently, posting 247 passing yards last week against Carolina.

New England has nothing to prove and you have nothing to gain by siding with them tonight. Bet Eagles.

NFL Free Pick: Philadelphia +2.5 (UNDER)

Houston Texans (2-0) vs. Dallas Cowboys (0-2)
Friday, August 22nd --- Texas Stadium, Dallas --- 8:00pm EST
NFL Betting Line: Dallas -5.5 (42.5)

While Dallas knows it’s the favorite for our NFC futures to win the conference, they too have little to gain by getting involved in pre-season. Houston needs to find out if Ahman Green or Chris Brown is worthy of a starting position. While Dallas will start with their viscous front seven, I don’t expect them to be on the field that long.

Houston may be playing for a win just to generate some morale, while Dallas could care less.

NFL Free Pick: Houston +5.5 (UNDER)

Green Bay Packers (0-2) vs. Denver Broncos (1-1)
Friday, August 22nd --- INVESCO Field, Denver --- 9:00pm EST
NFL Betting Line: Denver -3 (38)

Denver needs to keep getting Jay Cutler reps with his receiving corps. Brandon Stockley has stepped up in to a starting roll with 3 catches for 34 yards last weekend. Brandon Marshall, who had 6 catches for 59 yards and a score, is a beast and will be tested by a very strong Green Bay secondary.

After Green Bay’s 34-6 debacle against the Niners last weekend, I have little to no faith in their desire to thrive in the pre-season. I suggest you keep your betting investments away for now.

NFL Free Pick: Denver -3 (OVER)

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