NFL Betting – Preseason Week 1 Preview, part 3
As we head into the first full week of the 2010 NFL preseason there are some interesting position battles heating up on all 32 NFL teams.
Our preseason Week 1 preview continues with a handful of Saturday games…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins
Saturday, August 14, 7:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Dolphins -3
This Florida preseason opener should showcase a battle of receivers on both teams. Tampa Bay believes it has its No. 1 receiving job nailed down, with promising rookie Mike Williams now listed atop the depth chart. But Fellow rook Arrelious Benn still needs to battle Michael Clayton, Reggie Brown and Maurice Stovall for the other job.
The Dolphins’ have their top wideout locked determined in Brandon Marshall but the likes of Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Greg Camarillo are still competing for reps. Don’t be surprised if backups Josh Johnson and Tyler Thigpen try to air it out for their respective teams.
Detroit Lions @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Saturday, August 14, 7:30 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Steelers -3
Here’s a game you’ll probably want to catch, as it will showcase plenty of ex-college stars in action. The Lions will be careful with the injury-prone Jahvid Best but they’re also dying to know what they have with him, so he should get a handful of carries. Pittsburgh won’t waste Rashard Mendenhall’s energy too much, so big Jonathan Dwyer should see some touches.
Dennis Dixon, who impressed in a spot start last year, should play plenty at quarterback for the Steelers.
All that and we haven’t even touched on No. 2 overall pick Ndamukong Suh. The big defensive tackle has reportedly been “dominant” and “unblockable” at Lions camp so far.
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals
Saturday, August 14, 8:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Texans -1
Ken Whisenhunt claims that Matt Leinart is Arizona’s clear-cut starting quarterback. But Derek Anderson probably doesn’t want to believe that. He should take the majority of the snaps in the Cards’ preseason debut and he’ll have extra motivation to put on a big performance.
The Houston Texans have a stable of running backs to sort through. Who will get the lion’s share of the carries once the regular season starts: Steve Slaton, Arian Foster or Ben Tate? Foster reportedly has the edge but you can bet all three backs will get extended looks on Saturday.
Minnesota Vikings @ St. Louis Rams
Saturday, August 14, 8:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Rams -1.5
The Rams favored? Is that a sign that the books are confident in Sam Bradford? The No. 1 overall pick has drawn major praise at camp and he’s taking about half the first-team reps. He’s expected to play the entire second quarter of Saturday’s matchup against Minnesota.
Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson need to get their reps in at quarterback for the Vikings against St. Louis. If Brett Favre doesn’t return, one of these two guys will start. They need to develop a rapport with the receiving corps in a hurry – but that won’t be easy since Sidney Rice (hip) and Percy Harvin (migraines) both probably won’t play.
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