NFL Preseason Week Two Previews
As we head into week two of the 2009 NFL preseason there are some interesting position battles heating up, especially at quarterback. There are a couple of rookies trying to fight their way into the starting lineup and some veterans who will need to step it up just to keep their jobs.
Let’s take a look at some of the more intriguing match ups where a solid performance this week would go a long way toward which QB gets the start on opening day.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) Current over/under 36
Friday, August 21st
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 8:00 P.M.
This off season, Kansas City went out and traded draft picks to New England for QB Matt Cassell after he had an outstanding season when Tom Brady was lost for the year with a knee injury. While Cassell will be the starter, it was backup QB Brodie Croyle who looked the best in rain soaked, sloppy loss to the Texans. Cassell will certainly see more playing time against the Vikings, as Kansas City’s first team offense will try and gauge how far along they are in head coach Todd Haley’s new system. While all the talk in Minnesota was how impressive QB Sage Rosenfels looked against the Colts last week, head coach Brad Childress was obviously still undecided on whether Rosenfels or Travaris Jackson would be his starter so he went out a signed Brett Favre to two year deal. Jackson was supposed to get the start in this game and will now have to play lights out just to give himself a chance to hold onto the number two spot. Minnesota should win this game, not because of Favre getting the start, but because both Rosenfels and Jackson will be looking to put up as many points as possible since they are now each playing for their professional lives.
Free Pick: Go with the Vikings -3.5 and the over.
Detroit Lions @ Cleveland Browns (-3) Current over/under 37.5
Saturday, August 22nd
Cleveland Browns Stadium 7:30 P.M.
Given that these where two of the worse teams in the league last year, both will be looking for any bright spots they can find in this game. Detroit actually looked pretty good last week in a win against Atlanta, but the real story here is at quarterback where veteran Daunte Culpepper is trying to salvage his career, while the number one pick in the draft, Matthew Stafford is trying to get his off the ground. Culpepper will get the start, but first year head coach, Jim Schwartz is hoping one of these two stands out, making his decision on a starter a bit easier for when the games count. Cleveland looked dreadful against the Packers in week one, getting shut out 17-0. At quarterback, neither Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson created any separation for head coach, Eric Mangini to declare one ahead of the other for the starting spot. This is a great chance for Detroit to go 2-0 in the preseason as the Browns look in complete disarray.
Free Pick: I would take the Lions and 3, but play the under as both team’s offense will most likely struggle to put that many points on the board.
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens (-3) Current over/under 32.5
Monday, August 24th
M&T Bank Stadium 8:00 P.M.
The city of New York and the Jets faithful are all a buzz over 1st round pick, QB Mark Sanchez. In his first NFL play last week he completed a 48 yards pass to David Clowney. Head coach Rex Ryan seems committed to giving Sanchez every chance to win the starting spot over Kellen Clemens, but has maintained that the race is far from over. Sanchez will get the start in Baltimore and this will be a golden opportunity to show what he can do against the Raven’s first team defense. Baltimore looked very solid in a methodical beating of the Redskins in week one. The Ravens took to the air in that game amassing almost 400 passing yards and will most likely try and do the same against the Jets. This one could turn into a shootout as both teams will look to air it out.
Free Pick: I like the Ravens to cover the 3 because they are a better all around team, but go with the over as points are going to fly.
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