Waiting for the regular season to start up to rekindle that gambling addiction you had last year is really tough. So why not bet on a bunch of un-drafted rookies and backup quarters battling it out for a third string job in the NFL. Betting on these otherwise meaningless games gives you a thrill you couldn’t get any other way. Just remember when the guy from Utah St. drops the ball in the end zone to clutch the over don’t get too mad he’s probably not making the team anyways.
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins and Ravens are set to play on Thursday night on the NFL network with the Dolphins favored by 3 and the over at 38. Jay Cutler is presumably making his first appearance in a Dolphins uniform so the chances of a pick six are high. What better night could you ask for seeing the faces of the Dolphins fans as they watch their new QB get beat up by the waiver wire. I do see Cutler playing at least three possessions and netting one or two scores, which should be enough for the Ravens to pick up the rest of the over.
I am also going to be looking for Ryan Mallet to lead the Ravens for a touchdown or two at the beginning and I like Thad Lewis ending the game and closing out the win for the Ravens. The Dolphins are favored in this game -3 but i would be taking the Ravens with the spread.
My Pick: Over 38. Ravens +3
Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers
The Broncos and the 49ers are two perfect examples of teams with a quarter back crisis. The Broncos need to make a decision on either Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian (Not Great Options). While the 49ers have Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley (Much Worse Options). The game opens up with the 49ers as the favorite at -2.5 with the total points being 40.
This game is tricky because I think that both top two quarterbacks on the depth chart for both teams are going to get some good time in. I want to see if Denver can get chemistry between one of their quarterbacks and rookie Jake Butt (TE), who im looking to have a big game. I think the game will be close but with Denver sneaking out the win in a low scoring game.
My Pick: Under 40. Denver +2.5
New England Patriots @ Houston Texans:
For some reason the Patriots are the underdog in this one at a measly +1.5 with total points at 41. The Houston Texans get there second chance against Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots but this time Jimmy Garoppolo will also be making an appearance. Last year in the regular season with Tom Brady suspended and Garoppolo injured Brissett beat down the Texans 27-0, and I have a feeling that Jacoby is going to do the same thing on Saturday night.
This is going to be one of the more fun games of the week to watch with Deshaun Watson and Jacoby Brissett going at it for the majority of the game. This is going to be extremely high scoring if the Patriots defense played anything like they did against the Jaguars. I like the patriots winning in a big way but with Deshaun Watson scoring both through the air and on the ground.
My Pick: Over 41. New England +1.5
NY Giants @ Cleveland Browns:
Easily the least appealing game of the week the Browns open up at -1 favorites and the total being 39. Probably the most intriguing thing about this game is how long will they leave Brock Osweiler in and how long will rookie DeShone Kizer play. I have been a huge fan of Kizer since his time at Notre Dame and can’t wait to see him outplay Geno Smith in every way imaginable.
The Browns better get wins under the belt before the regular season starts because they won’t see many of them (if any). I expect to see big things from the Browns defense with rookie’s Jabrill Peppers and #1 overall pick Myles Garrett, and I think the defense will carry them to a gritty win.
My Pick: Under 39. Browns -1
Carolina Panthers @ Tennessee Titans:
The Tennessee Titans open up as the favorites in this contest at -3 and 41 total points scored. While this game may be lacking interesting back up quarterbacks it makes up for it in explosive offensive rookies. The Carolina Panthers rookie running back from Stanford Christian McCaffrey and the Titans first round pick wide receiver Corey Davis are where everyones eyes will be. I think this game could come down to what rookie has a better game.
Christian McCaffrey has been an infatuation of mine since his amazing college career and believe he will have a huge impact on the Panthers in their first year. Â I have him being the difference in this game with at least one touchdown, so make sure you grab him if your doing daily fantasy this week. I think the Panthers get the win behind their rookie by around 10.
My Pick: Over 41. Panthers +3
Pre-Season week two actually has a few intriguing storylines to follow and some money to be made, So have fun and remember the real season will start soon enough but for now might as well feed the beast that is your gambling addiction.
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Cover Photo by USA Sports