NFL betting is finally back! We have one more week of preseason games on the schedule and thus one more opportunity to work our NFL prognosticating muscles back into shape. Let’s have a look at Friday’s games and make a few picks, shall we?
Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Friday, September 4, 7:00 p.m. ET
Favorite: Buccaneers -3
A good question to ask in preseason football is “What do these guys have to play for?†In Houston’s case, the answer is “not much.†All their offensive skill players are locked into their starting roles with little to no competition and the Texans will almost certainly sit their top guys to keep them fresh for NFL week 1 betting.
The Bucs, however, have a bit of motivation. After Byron Leftwich “won†the starting quarterback job, both Luke McCown and Josh Freeman will want to show that they’re the better choice to start at pivot. Running back Cadillac Williams is third on Tampa’s depth chart but there’s been talk of a committee and he could use Friday’s game to audition for a role in it. Pick the hungrier Bucs.
Betting services recommend: Buccaneers
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Friday, September 4, 8:00 p.m. ET
Favorite: Vikings -3
The Cowboys’ situation is similar to Houston’s. Do you really think anyone will unseat Tony Romo, Marion Barber, Jason Witten and DeMarcus Ware at their positions? Of course not. The star players have no threats to their jobs and won’t play, so the Cowboys will field a team of subs with little motivation to win. In addition to home field, the Vikings have a least a couple players with extra motivation. Sage Rosenfels wouldn’t mind lighting up the Cowboys to show up Brett Favre, the man who stole his job. Meanwhile, super backup running back Chester Taylor could earn himself a bigger role in the offense if he impresses. Bet on Minnesota.
Betting services recommend: Vikings
San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers (-3.5)
Friday, September 4, 10:00 p.m. ET
Forget drinkin’ the Kool-Aid; everyone’s drinkin’ the coffee – Glen Coffee – this preseason. The explosive back leads the NFL in rushing over the first three weeks and should see extensive time Friday filling in for starter Frank Gore. The Chargers have little to prove and their second-string skill players are nothing special, so the 49ers could surprise and outscore the home team. Take a flier on San Fran in your NFL picks.
Betting services recommend: 49ers
