Thursday, August 13
Thursday's NFL preseason betting previews
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 31.5)
Who's in, who's out
Prized free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will not make his Redskins debut in the preseason opener. Star running back Clinton Portis will also be held out against the Ravens.
While Jason Campbell is locked in as the starting QB, head coach Jim Zorn is evaluating his options for the backup spot. Veteran Todd Collins, second-year signal-caller Colt Brennan and rookie Chase Daniel will get most of the snaps Thursday.
For the Ravens, standout linebacker Terrell Suggs and No. 2 wide receiver Mark Clayton will miss the game due to injuries. Top receiver Derek Mason and No.3 wideout Demeterius Williams are also banged up but could play.
Baltimore also has some open competition for its backup quarterback spot behind starter Joe Flacco. Troy Smith will try to hold off former Dolphins quarterback John Beck for the No. 2 role.
In a battle to replace longtime kicker Matt Stover, Steven Hauschka will handle the kicking duties in the first half against the Redskins while Florida State rookie Graham Gano will take over as the kicker in the second half.
Line movement
The Ravens opened as 3-point favorites with the total set around 31. These numbers have basically held up although there are a few books that have moved the total up to 31.5.
Trends
Zorn went 3-2 (2-3 ATS) in the preseason a year ago while covering in his debut contest at the Hall of Fame Game against the Colts. John Harbaugh won and covered in his first preseason contest in 2008 before his squad dropped their final three exhibition contests.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 82 degrees with a 30 percent chance of rain in Baltimore.
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 33)
Who's in, who's out
There will be plenty of eyes on this contest with the expected return of Tom Brady. In a gathering with reporters on Tuesday, Brady provided a hint that the Patriots won't be going through the motions Thursday.
"It’s been a different training camp this year,’’ said Brady. "I don’t know what he’s (head coach Bill Belichick) got in store. From his tone and the message he’s been sending to the team, it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be a (standard) first preseason game for us. I don’t think it’s like a guest appearance or anything like that. I think we’re going out there to play.’’
Reserve quarterbacks Kevin O'Connell, Andrew Walter, and Brain Hoyer will be closely evaluated in the preseason with the departure of Matt Cassel. Belichick is taking over the offensive play calling duties this year after the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
The Eagles have been hard hit by injuries heading into their preseason debut. Last week, starting linebacker Stewart Bradley was lost for the year with an ACL knee injury. Other recent camp casualties have included QB Kevin Kolb, DE Trent Cole and starting OG Todd Herreamns. All three will miss Thursday's game but should be ready to go by the start of the regular season.
Head coach Andy Reid has indicated that his starters will play until about midway through the second quarter. With Kolb out, A. J. Feely will see most of the action at reserve quarterback although just re-signed rookie Adam DiMichele could play in the fourth quarter. Standout runner Brian Westbrook is unlikely to play much in the preseason after some offseason surgeries.
Line movement
The Eagles opened as 2.5-point favorites with the total set at 35. Philadelphia has moved up to a field goal favorite with the total down to 33.
Trends
Belichick is 20-17 (19-15-3 ATS) in the preseason with the Patriots. He went 5-0-2 ATS in his first seven preseason openers but has dropped the last two. The last time New England entered a preseason after missing the playoffs was in 2003. In that year, the Pats went a perfect 4-0 (4-0 ATS) and went on to capture the Super Bowl title. Reid is 14-26 (19-21 ATS) in his preseason career in Philadelphia. The Eagles are 0-5 (0-5 ATS) in their last five preseason openers.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 79 degrees in with a 30 percent chance of showers in Philadelphia.
Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 33.5)
Who's in, who's out
The Cardinals are fairly healthy heading into their preseason opener and Super Bowl rematch. The only notable player who could miss Thursday's contest is first-round draft choice Beanie Wells (ankle sprain).
Like Belichick, Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt is taking over his club's play calling duties after losing his coordinator (Todd Haley) to a head coaching job.
Despite a renewed offseason that included some intense MMA physical training, former top draft pick Matt Leinart is in a real battle to hold off Brian St. Pierre for the backup QB spot behind starter Kurt Warner. Former Pitt Panthers signal-caller Tyler Palko is also trying to land a place on the roster for the Cardinals.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that his starters will only play "a couple of series" against the Cardinals. Pittsburgh has also been able to avoid getting too banged up so far.
After Ben Roethlisberger makes his cameo appearance against Arizona, veteran Charlie Batch will vie for quarterback snaps along with youngsters Dennis Dixon and Mike Reilly.
Line Movement
The Steelers opened as 3-point favorites with the total set around 34. The total has made a slight drop down to 33.5.
Trends
Whisenhunt is 2-6 (3-5 ATS) in his preseason career and has failed to cover in his prior two preseason openers. Tomlin is 7-2 (4-5 ATS) in the preseason with the Steelers with a pair of covers in his preseason openers.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 82 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain in Pittsburgh.
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders (-2, 34.5)
Who's in, who's out
Dallas is thin in its defensive secondary heading into their preseason debut. Cornerbacks Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins and Michael Hawkins will not play against the Raiders.
With the addition of veteran Jon Kitna to serve as the backup quarterback to starter Tony Romo, the matchup against the Raiders will enable the Cowboys to get a good look at rookie-signal callers Rudy Carpenter and Stephen McGee.
Tom Cable is set to make his preseason debut after serving as the Raiders interim head coach to conclude the 2008 campaign.
Top draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey could be on the sidelines Thursday. The wide receiver is battling a toe injury. A calf strain could keep backup QB Jeff Garcia out of the contest as well.
Cable has stated that Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski will see significant action against the Cowboys in their battle for the No.3 quarterback position.
Line Movement
Dallas opened in the rare position as a 1.5-point preseason road favorite with a total of 34.5. While the total has held, the Cowboys are now the underdog.
Trends
Phillips is 4-4 (3-5 ATS) in the preseason with the Cowboys. Dallas hasn't won a road preseason game since 2006.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 80 degrees with winds at 10 to 20 mph in Oakland.
