Friday 8/24 Preaseason Essentials

[Udog]

Friday's Tip Sheet
Kevin Rogers

Giants at Jets (-2.5, 42) - 7:30 PM EST

N.Y. Giants
Head Coach: Pat Shurmur (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Eli Manning, Davis Webb, Alex Tanney, Klye Lauletta (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Ralph Vacchiano

The Giants look to beat the Jets in the preseason for the third consecutive year as Big Blue has beaten its cross-stadium rival by one point in each of the past two exhibition matchups. The G-Men bounced back from an opening week loss to the Browns by dominating Detroit last week, 30-17 as three-point underdogs. Although both Eli Manning and Saquon Barkley didn't play, the Giants scored three touchdowns on the ground and backup quarterback Davis Webb threw for 140 yards and a score. Four of the past five preseason meetings between the Giants and Jets have sailed OVER the total, including last season's 32-31 win by Big Blue.

N.Y. Jets
Head Coach: Todd Bowles (7-7 SU, 8-6 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Josh McCown, Sam Darnold (Rookie), Teddy Bridgewater
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rich Cimini

The Jets have posted 30 points in two preseason games, but have not allowed a touchdown so far. New York erased a 12-3 deficit at Washington last Thursday to take a late 13-12 lead before falling on last-second field goal, 15-13. Rookie Sam Darnold finished with 62 yards passing and an interception, but Teddy Bridgewater led the Jets to their only touchdown, while throwing for 127 yards. Dating back to Week 3 of the 2016 preseason, the Jets have seen the UNDER hit in seven of the last eight exhibition games, while allowing 16 points or less six times.


Broncos at Redskins (-3, 43.5) - 7:30 PM EST

Denver
Head Coach: Vance Joseph (4-2 SU, 3-2-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Case Keenum, Chad Kelly, Paxton Lynch
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Kyle Fredrickson

It's been a tough start for the Broncos through two weeks, who are 0-2 in spite of scoring 51 points. The only problem is, Denver has allowed 66 points in losses to Minnesota and Chicago. The Broncos grabbed a 20-7 lead over the Bears last week only to get outscored in the second half, 14-3 of a 24-23 setback. The three-headed monster of Case Keenum, Chad Kelly, and Paxton Lynch combined to throw for 192 yards as Denver's passing attack has failed to bust the 200-yard mark in two weeks. Denver is hitting the road for the first time in the preseason as the Broncos won each game away from Mile High Stadium last season at Chicago and San Francisco in the underdog role.

Washington
Head Coach: Jay Gruden (12-6 SU, 11-7 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Alex Smith, Colt McCoy, Kevin Hogan
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Les Carpenter

The Redskins have not scored a touchdown in the last six quarters, as they were held scoreless in the second half of a loss to New England, followed by a five field goal effort against the Jets last week. Three of the field goals came from 28 yards or closer, as Washington had plenty of opportunities in the red zone but couldn't cash them in for touchdowns. Washington improved to 13-2 in its previous 15 home preseason games, while the Redskins have finished UNDER the total in seven of the past eight exhibition contests since 2016.


Patriots at Panthers (-1.5, 46) - 7:30 PM EST

New England
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (52-43 SU, 46-42-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Danny Etling (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Ben Volin

Even though it won't technically count as a "revenge spot," the Patriots drilled the Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch last week, 37-20. Tom Brady threw a pair of touchdown passes as New England has won more games this preseason than in 2017, when it finished 1-3. The Patriots also extended their preseason OVER streak to six games, as New England faces Carolina in the preseason for the first time since beating the Panthers, 19-17 as three-point underdogs in Week 3 of the 2016 exhibition campaign.

Carolina
Head Coach: Ron Rivera (17-13 SU, 16-13-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Cam Newton, Garrett Gilbert, Taylor Heinicke
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Joe Person

The Panthers are facing their third consecutive AFC East opponent in the preseason after beating the Bills and Dolphins. Carolina's ground game got going early against Miami as Christian McCaffrey busted out for a 71-yard touchdown run less than five minutes in, helping the Panthers rack up 226 rushing yards. The Panthers have started 2-0 in the preseason for the frist time since 2015, while seeking its first 3-0 start in exhibition play for the first time since 2006. Carolina is riding a strong OVER run in the preseason by going 5-1 to the OVER since the start of 2016.


Lions at Buccaneers (-3, 45.5) - 8:00 PM EST

Detroit
Head Coach: Matt Patricia (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Matt Stafford, Matt Cassell, Jake Rudock
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Dave Birkett

The Lions have not been able to get their offense going through two preseason losses by scoring a total of 27 points in setbacks to the Raiders and Giants. Detroit has reached the end zone in the first half once through two games, while picking up a garbage-time touchdown in the final minute of last week's 30-17 defeat to New York. Although this is Patricia's first season as head coach, the Lions are winless in their last two "dress rehearsal" games, as Detroit allowed 30 points in each of those losses. Interesingly enough, this is the first time ever the Lions and Buccaneers are meeting in the preseason.

Tampa Bay
Head Coach: Dirk Koetter (5-5 SU, 5-5 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jameis Winston, Ryan Griffin
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rick Stroud

The Buccaneers return home following a pair of road victories at Miami and Tennessee, while cashing the OVER each time. Tampa Bay cruised past Tennessee last week, 30-14 as three-point underdogs, led by Jameis Winston's 226 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Bucs struggling in both home preseason games last season by losing to Cleveland and Washington, while scoring a total of 19 points in those contests. In the last six preseason games as a favorite since 2015, Tampa Bay has covered only twice, while losing four times outright at Raymond James Stadium.


Seahawks at Vikings (-3.5, 39.5) - 8:00 PM EST

Seattle
Head Coach: Pete Carroll (32-19 SU, 34-16-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Russell Wilson, Austin Davis, Alex McGough (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Mike Vorel

The Seahawks are off to their first 0-2 start in the preseason since 2015 after falling to the Colts and Chargers. The offense hasn't clicked so far (31 points), while the defense allowed over 21 points in an exhibition game for the first time since the 2015 opener in last Saturday's setback at Los Angeles. Seattle looks for a better peformance this week as the Seahawks are riding a perfect 6-0 SU/ATS run in its last six "dress rehersal" contests since 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings in Week 2 of the 2017 preseason, while falling to Minnesota two years ago with both games finishing UNDER the total.

Minnesota
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer (14-4 SU, 13-6 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Kirk Cousins, Trevor Siemann, Kyle Sloter
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Andrew Krammer

The Vikings were preseason gold for three seasons from 2014-16 by compiling an incredible 12-1 mark. However, Minnesota has taken a step back the last preseason and a half by posting an average of 3-3 record, while coming off a 14-10 home defeat to Jacksonville last Saturday. Newly acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins has attempted only 12 passes through two games, while Minnesota held the ball for less than 24 minutes in last week's loss. Minnesota cruised to an impressive 11-1 ATS record from 2014 through the 2017 preseason opener, but the Vikings have stumbled to a 1-4 ATS mark in their last five exhibition contests.


Packers at Raiders (-7, 41) - 10:30 PM EST

Green Bay
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (28-22 SU, 28-21-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Brett Hundley, DeShone Kizer, Tim Boyle (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rob Demovsky

This line skyrocketed on Tuesday from 3 to 7 as the assumption is Aaron Rodgers will likely sit out for Green Bay. The Packers dropped 51 on the Steelers in last week's 17-point blowout over the Steelers to improve to 2-0 in the preseason. Rodgers connected with tight end Jimmy Graham for an 8-yard touchdown early in the first quarter, while DeShone Kizer tossed a pair of touchdown passes for Green Bay. The Packers have won eight of their last 10 exhibition contests since 2016, as Green Bay last faced Oakland in the preseason two seasons ago and won, 20-12.

Oakland
Head Coach: Jon Gruden (31-17 SU, 26-20-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Derek Carr, Connor Cook, E.J. Manuel
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Vic Tafur

Through two games in the second Jon Gruden era with the Raiders, the Silver and Black have totaled 31 points. After edging Detroit in the opener, the Raiders fell behind the Rams last week, 16-0 before losing, 19-15. Derek Carr didn't suit up against Los Angeles, as the Raiders' starting quarterback looks for more action this week. Oakland is riding a four-game UNDER streak in the preseason dating back to 2017, but the Raiders own a dreadful 1-8 SU/ATS record in their last nine exhibition contests.

[Udog]

Total bettors banking on Brady, and today's NFL preseason odds & analysis

There are half a dozen NFL preseason games for Friday's Week 3 exhibtion slate, and we've got the best betting notes for cashing in on those NFL odds. Find the angles and edges you need to blindside your bookie tonight:

Brady, Newton in fine form

Tom Brady played the entire first half against Philadelphia last week and was in regular-season form, going 19 of 26 for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Brady is expected to start again on Friday and should have his way with a Carolina secondary that got shredded by Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler last week (combined 24 for 30, 168 yards).

Carolina’s offense is also in rhythm, putting up 55 points through two games. Second-year running back Christian McCaffrey looks ready to have a huge season as he lit up Miami for 92 yards and a touchdown on five rushes while also catching four balls for 28 yards. Cam Newton also looked sharp, going 9 of 12 for 89 yards and a touchdown. The total is set high at 45.5, but the Over shouldn’t be an issue for these two offenses.


Washington hurting on offense

Denver (+3) is expected to play its starters for at least the first half, with coach Vance Joseph not ruling out the possibility of having his first stringers play into the third quarter. Joseph will be looking for consistency from new QB Case Keenum (8 for 13 in preseason Week 2; 1 for 4 in preseason Week 1) and a big improvement from a defense that has given up 66 points over the past two weeks.

Washington made headlines this week by signing veteran running back Adrian Peterson to fill the void caused by rookie Derrius Guice’s season-ending injury. It’s unclear whether he’ll play, though he’s unlikely to affect the game even if he does. Running backs Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson are out, as is starting tight end Jordan Reed. Denver’s starting defense should be able to rebound against a banged-up Washington offense, making the Under 43.5 a decent play.
Jets have issues on the o-line

All eyes are on the Jets’ quarterback battle between 39-year-old Josh McCown, former Vikings starter Teddy Bridgewater, and 2018 third-overall pick Sam Darnold. But bettors should focus on the Jets offensive line and how bad it looked last week as Bridgewater and Darnold were sacked four times in a 15-13 loss to Washington.

The Giants (+2.5) are simply the better team and, while it’s not a home game, they’re playing in their home stadium. Eli Manning is expected to be back under center for most of the first half after sitting out last week’s 30-17 win over Detroit. Stud rookie running back Saquon Barkley is not expected to suit up, but the Giants can still get the win. Take the G Men and the plus points.


Cook returns

The Seahawks are struggling mightily so far in the preseason. They surprisingly played their starters for most of the half last week and were outscored 14-6 in the opening two quarters against the Chargers. The offensive line looked terrible as Russell Wilson was constantly chased out of the pocket. The defense wasn't any better as Philip Rivers went 6 for 7 in two drives, one of which ended in a Melvin Gordon touchdown.

Kirk Cousins is running the Minnesota offense this season and will likely see significant snaps in the first half as he tries to improve on last week when he went 3 of 8 for 12 yards. The Vikings are also expected to start exciting running back Dalvin Cook. The 2017 second-round pick looked like a Pro Bowler in his rookie season before tearing his ACL in Week 4. Minnesota should handle the Seattle easily and cover the 3.5-point spread.


Winston lighting up reserves

Tampa Bay is in a unique situation as its starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, isn’t eligible to play until Week 4 due to suspension. This means that backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will play most of the first half with the starters as the Buccaneers prepare for the first three weeks of the regular season. Winston will follow Fitzpatrick and get to play against backups, a role he thrived in last week as he went 13 for 18 for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

Detroit is desperate to develop a running game and add balance to its offense after averaging just 45 attempts per game last season - fourth-last in the league. There’s a good chance the starting offense will focus on the running game in the first half of its dress rehearsal. The Under could be a solid first-half play but also look for Tampa Bay to cover the second-half spread as Winston plays against Detroit’s defensive reserves.


Rodgers, other starters out

This game opened at Oakland -2.5 but rocketed to -6 after Green Bay announced that Aaron Rodgers and other offensive starters will sit. Raiders coach Jon Gruden, on the other hand, has said most of his starters will play into the second quarter.

Anything over three points is big in the preseason, but there’s a feeling that Gruden is going to coach this one to win. He’ll want to see a lot out of starting QB Derek Carr after sitting him last week against the Rams. Gruden himself needs to get into game shape as well — he hasn’t coached a real game since 2008. Swallow the points the take the Raiders -6.