7* NFLX Game of the Year on Texans -3

The Key: After getting embarrassed 32-0 in his first game as head coach, Bill O'Brien will make sure his team performs much better in their preseason home opener.  Atlanta won its preseason opener but don't expect an encore performance.  Head coach Mike Smith places no emphasis on winning in the preseason.  He is 8-17 all-time in exhibition season, including 2-11 since the beginning of the 2011 season.  He is also 1-5 all-time in the second week of the preseason.  The Falcons don't have much after Matt Ryan in T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree, who combined to complete only 13 of 31 pass last week. Houston's QB stable of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum and Tom Savage has the edge.  This game means way more to Houston, which will be looking to gain some momentum under a new regime.  Lay the points.

7* NFLX *HEAVY HITTER* on Raiders -2.5

The Key: This is a tough spot for Detroit, which hits the road with one fewer day to prepare than Oakland.  I expect the Raiders to be the more motivated side after a disappointing performance in their preseason opener.  Big improvement is expected in Oakland with the addition of some big-name veterans and a nice group of rookies.  I expect a solid game from Matt Schaub, who has looked great in camp but underwhelmed versus Minnesota.  He'll be looking to prove himself in front of the home fans.  The Raiders are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three preseason home games versus the Lions, winning these by 11.7 points on average.  Also, you want to play preseason favorites after a game in which they didn't force any turnovers.  Doing so has produced a 27-9 ATS mark the last five seasons.  These teams were favored by 3.3 points on average and won by an average of 8.2.

7* NFLX *HEAVY HITTER* on Jaguars +4

The Key: The Bears are getting too much respect here.  They are a contender with fewer starting spots up for grabs.  Their focus is on roster evaluation.  The Jaguars have a lot of young guys that are vying for playing time.  Their QB competition especially plays in our favor.  Chad Henne is expected to play the entire first half, and I look for him to be focused knowing he needs to perform well to keep the Blake Bortles talk at a minimum.  Bortles has everything to gain from another strong performance.  I'm not big on Jordan Palmer or Jimmy Clausen, who will continue their battle to be Jay Cutler's backup.  The Jags are 17-5 ATS all-time in preseason road games played on a grass field.  Take the points.

7* NFLX *HEAVY HITTER* on Titans -1

The Key: Head coach Ken Whisenhunt and the Titans enter the preseason with something to prove.  Tennessee is off yet another disappointing season and Whisenhunt is out to prove he's the guy that led Arizona to the Super Bowl, not the guy that couldn't get it done without Kurt Warner.  Mike McCarthy places very little emphasis on winning in the first and last weeks of the preseason, reserving the first week for evaluating those vying for backup roles.  In fact, he is 4-12 in the first and last week of the preseason as Packers head man.  Green Bay is 0-4 SU and ATS in its last four preseason openers.  The Titans are 6-1 in their last seven preseason matchups with Green Bay, including 4-0 in their last four.  Take Tennessee.