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Friday's NFL Week 1 preseason betting primer and odds
Robert Griffin III makes his Browns debut Friday in their preseason opener vs. the Packers, but will do so without two of his top receiving targets.
Week 1 of the NFL preseason continues Friday, with five more games on the schedule for you to sink your teeth in. We break down the best betting tidbits from each game to help you 'cap the preseason like a pro.
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants (-2.5, 36.5)
* According to reports, the Dolphins haven't worked on their run game much during training camp, so look for the 'Phins that to change in their preseason opener versus the Giants. Newly signed Arian Foster won't suit up, (essentially just to keep the injury prone back fresh), so expect second-year runner Jay Ajayi to get a healthy amount of touches Friday.
* Expect fourth year quarterback Ryan Nassib to get most of the snaps when the Giants host the Dolphins Friday night. That has been the norm since being drafted by the G-Men. In three preseasons, Nassib completed 105 of 196 passes (53.6 percent) for 1,313 yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 86.5.
Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 34.5)
* If quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Marvin Jones both suit up for Friday's game, look for the new battery mates to work on their chemistry early in this contest. Reports out of camp are that Jones has emerged as Stafford's "go-to guy" since coming over as a free agent from Cincinnati this offseason, especially in joint practices with the Steelers this week. That's exactly what the Lions need with Calvin Johnson retiring.
* Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Wednesday, that most of his key starters will not play in Friday's preseason opener. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Antonio Brown, running backs Le'Veon Bell and center Maurkice Pouncey are all expected to sit out the game. Expect backup Landry Jones to play into the second half.
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 35)
* The Vikings will have a fairly healthy and in attendance lineup for this road game to open their preseason schedule. Most of their offensive starters will get some first quarter time. They will, however, be missing starting corner Terence Newman, linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive tackle Sharif Floyd. As with most teams in preseason Week 1, Teddy Bridgewater and the starting offense will play a series or two before putting their helmets away.
* Not many in the media are giving the Bengals much respect for this upcoming season, despite the fact that they've won 52 games over the past five years and made the playoffs in each of those five. Perhaps it has something to do with the way they exited the postseason back in January - respect is something that may have to be earned back. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will play a series or two and A.J. McCarron will take over for the rest of the opening half.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (-3.5, 34.5)
* Two Browns wide receivers will miss Friday's game versus the Packers due to hamstring injuries, including their first round pick. Both Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins will be sidelined after failing to get on the practice field this week. Look for newly named starter Robert Griffin III to build some chemistry with former quarterback, now receiver Terrelle Pryor, but head coach Hue Jackson has not said how long his starters will stay in the game.
* As was the case heading into the Hall of Fame Game, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not expected to suit up for the Packers preseason opener against the Browns. The problem is, it's looking like backup Brett Hundley may also be sidelined for the game with an ankle injury.
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5, 37.5)
* Latavious Murray is expected to be the Raiders bell cow running back this season, so that probably means you won't see too much of him Friday. However, the job as his top backup is up for grabs. Look for fifth round draft pick DeAndré Washington to get plenty of carries with fellow rookie Jalen Richard's status unknown after missing practice Wednesday.
* Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin will be calling plays in three of four preseason games, including Friday night's preseason opener against the Raiders. Head coach Bruce Arians calls the plays during the regular season and should the same in the third preseason game when starters play the most minutes. The main piece of advice Arians has given Goodwin when it comes to play-calling has been "take more shots."
Robert Griffin III makes his Browns debut Friday in their preseason opener vs. the Packers, but will do so without two of his top receiving targets.
Week 1 of the NFL preseason continues Friday, with five more games on the schedule for you to sink your teeth in. We break down the best betting tidbits from each game to help you 'cap the preseason like a pro.
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants (-2.5, 36.5)
* According to reports, the Dolphins haven't worked on their run game much during training camp, so look for the 'Phins that to change in their preseason opener versus the Giants. Newly signed Arian Foster won't suit up, (essentially just to keep the injury prone back fresh), so expect second-year runner Jay Ajayi to get a healthy amount of touches Friday.
* Expect fourth year quarterback Ryan Nassib to get most of the snaps when the Giants host the Dolphins Friday night. That has been the norm since being drafted by the G-Men. In three preseasons, Nassib completed 105 of 196 passes (53.6 percent) for 1,313 yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 86.5.
Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 34.5)
* If quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Marvin Jones both suit up for Friday's game, look for the new battery mates to work on their chemistry early in this contest. Reports out of camp are that Jones has emerged as Stafford's "go-to guy" since coming over as a free agent from Cincinnati this offseason, especially in joint practices with the Steelers this week. That's exactly what the Lions need with Calvin Johnson retiring.
* Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Wednesday, that most of his key starters will not play in Friday's preseason opener. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Antonio Brown, running backs Le'Veon Bell and center Maurkice Pouncey are all expected to sit out the game. Expect backup Landry Jones to play into the second half.
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5, 35)
* The Vikings will have a fairly healthy and in attendance lineup for this road game to open their preseason schedule. Most of their offensive starters will get some first quarter time. They will, however, be missing starting corner Terence Newman, linebacker Eric Kendricks and defensive tackle Sharif Floyd. As with most teams in preseason Week 1, Teddy Bridgewater and the starting offense will play a series or two before putting their helmets away.
* Not many in the media are giving the Bengals much respect for this upcoming season, despite the fact that they've won 52 games over the past five years and made the playoffs in each of those five. Perhaps it has something to do with the way they exited the postseason back in January - respect is something that may have to be earned back. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will play a series or two and A.J. McCarron will take over for the rest of the opening half.
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers (-3.5, 34.5)
* Two Browns wide receivers will miss Friday's game versus the Packers due to hamstring injuries, including their first round pick. Both Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins will be sidelined after failing to get on the practice field this week. Look for newly named starter Robert Griffin III to build some chemistry with former quarterback, now receiver Terrelle Pryor, but head coach Hue Jackson has not said how long his starters will stay in the game.
* As was the case heading into the Hall of Fame Game, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not expected to suit up for the Packers preseason opener against the Browns. The problem is, it's looking like backup Brett Hundley may also be sidelined for the game with an ankle injury.
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5, 37.5)
* Latavious Murray is expected to be the Raiders bell cow running back this season, so that probably means you won't see too much of him Friday. However, the job as his top backup is up for grabs. Look for fifth round draft pick DeAndré Washington to get plenty of carries with fellow rookie Jalen Richard's status unknown after missing practice Wednesday.
* Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin will be calling plays in three of four preseason games, including Friday night's preseason opener against the Raiders. Head coach Bruce Arians calls the plays during the regular season and should the same in the third preseason game when starters play the most minutes. The main piece of advice Arians has given Goodwin when it comes to play-calling has been "take more shots."
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