Thursday NFL Preseason Picks
As a warmup before Saturday’s UFC 102 fight card, let’s bet on some preseason NFL action for Thursday. Among the matchups this week is what could be Michael Vick’s return to pro football.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles (-7)
Thursday, August 27, 7:00 p.m. ET
The Eagles have almost everything on their side in this matchup – home field advantage, superior depth and the potential emotional boost of sending Michael Vick onto the field (though he could easily get jeered instead of cheered).
Offensively, the Eagles have plenty of weapons even if they sit their starters. LeSean McCoy has been one of the most dynamic rookies of the preseason, Jeremy Maclin will be eager to conquer his fumbling woes and A.J. Feeley has been a poised, comfy backup behind center.
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After David Garrard, Torry Holt and Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jags don’t have much depth and their offensive line is questionable right now. Their run defense has also been atrocious. It’s pretty obvious whom to choose in your NFL picks, isn’t it?
Pick: Eagles -7
St. Louis Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)
Thursday, August 27, 7:30 p.m. ET
There’s reason for optimism in Cincy this season. Carson Palmer should be healthy in Week 1 and his primary receiving options, Chad Johnson, Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry, have looked dangerous. However, Cincy may be in trouble at home this week. Palmer will likely sit as a precaution thanks to his high ankle sprain, so the Bengals’ offense could stall.
Under Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams are working hard to improve defensively. Many of their future cogs are rookies, so high draft picks like Adam Carriker and James Laurinatis are eager to showcase their talents. They should pressure whichever shaky backup gets the reins for the Bengals. Betting services recommend the Rams, believe it or not.
Pick: Rams +2.5
Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
Thursday, August 27, 8:00 p.m. ET
Weren’t opposing defenses supposed to “see the wildcat coming” this year? The Panthers didn’t get the memo last week, as the wildcat helped Miami look dangerous on the ground and through the air. While the Dolphins don’t have amazing depth, the Bucs are a mess right now. They have no Antonio Bryant and all their potential starting quarterbacks are on the block (excluding rookie Josh Freeman, of course.
Since Tampa is missing several defensive playmakers too, the Dolphins’ offense could hammer them the same way I think Thiago Sylva will hammer Keith Jardine in this weekend’s UFC 102 odds.
Pick: Dolphins +2.5
One reply on “NFL Football Preseason Predictions / Odds”
Jaguars to cover, not win, Cincinnati to win, and Miami to win.
The Eagles have looked a bit iffy on defense and are still missing some starters on the offensive line. The big excitement here is the debut of Michael Vick, but the game will still be close.