Off wins in Week One of the NFLX, the Saints face the Chargers on Sunday.  Both teams had fine offensive numbers in their first games.  The Chargers put up 34 points vs the Rams, including a surprising 200 yards from the run game.  We didn't see any of Justin Herbert and likely won't this week. Stick played well last week and is expected to have the bulk of the time. Rookie Duggan will see time as well.

The Saints managed 26 points vs the Chiefs. Look for Carr and first line receivers to possibly get extra playing time to familiarize Carr with the Saints offense.  New Orleans also allowed 24 points to the Chiefs rookies and hopefuls.    Look for a focus on the New Orleans pass offense,  for Stick and Duggan to duke it out while attempting to prove themselves, and for a continued attempt by the Chargers to establish their run game.  The best bet for this game?  Take the Chargers and Saints to go over the total.

It sounds as if the game between the Bucs and Colts could be a real tune-up with most starters including Brady and Ryan involved. The Colts' starters are projected to play at least a half, while Tampa Bay's plans are a little less certain.  Will we see much of Brady or more of Trask? Trask did not impress last week, but he did put up some yards in week one. We will see the starting Buccaneers' running backs on Saturday.  
We can expect to see more of Ryan than Brady on Saturday.  He likely needs a game situation to fine-tune his new offense.The Colts are at home, and it is understandable that he and the Colt's offense will want to impress, preseason or no.  The Colts' offense has been competitive even with their 2nd and third string quarterbacks to date.  Defense against the run was lacking last week, and they will face a tough Bucs running game.
While neither team has won in preseason, we've seen higher totals than Saturday's number in 3 of 4 games.  I expect an offense-driven game on Saturday, and am wagering on the total to go over.

The Cowboy aren't usually competitive in the preseason, and likely won't play their starters today but are at home.  That rare preseason win  last week featured a pair of TDs from special teams.  The Seahawks are taking the preseason seriously, but haven't looked sharp.  With Lock returning from Covid protocols, the expected QB duel for starter will take place, so the Seahawks will be all out on offense today.  They have not looked good on defense, so I also expect the Cowboys to make some headway in this game.  The Total is lowish.  Take the Seahawks and Cowboys to go over.

2022 likely won't be the Texans' year and in spite of their success in preseason, we will start to see that in their third preseason game.  It will likely be starters vs starters for a good part of the game.  Look for Trey Lance to come out like gangbusters.  With a good run in practice and a brief but successful appearance in the preseason, the likely 49ers' heir-apparent and the 49ers' offense still have much to prove and the star-power to prove it with.

In spite of  the wins, Mills and the Texans' offense has not looked steady or ready.  They are not a match against the 49ers defense and will struggle to move the ball.  The Texans' defense has looked solid vs rookies and 2nd stringers in the first two games, but this game will be more of front line conditions.

3.5 points is just not enough against the super-motivated 49ers.  Take San Francisco to win and cover.  8*!

Some teams put more emphasis on a competitive preseason.  For the Broncos in week two, we will apparently not see Russell Wilson or any of the other starters participate.  We will see the Bills treat this game competitively, including Josh Allen.  The word is the starters will play "a healthy amount".  The Bills have continuity on offense this year, and who better to scrimmage against than the Bill's reworked defense including Von MIller.. 

No Wilson, second stringers, and a new coaching staff and offense for the Broncos vs a healthy and focused Bills team. Take Buffalo to win and cover.

The 1-0 Panthers nearly blew their first game and were outscored badly in the 4th quarter last week. The Panthers have injuries to deal with and are rumored not to be playing their starters, including QBs, in week two. There has been bad blood between these two teams in joint practices, so play on the field may be more intense than one might expect. The Patriots, 0-1 in the preseason likely will play their starters today, including Jones to some degree. It would be unlike Belichick not to take today’s game seriously, so look much more intensity after a loss last week.

Expect to see almost a full Patriots complement on defense, bad news for the Panthers’ back-ups and youngsters . The Patriots are the favorite today: take them to win and cover against an in-flux Panthers lineup.  7*

Neither the Bears nor the Seahawks are expected to contend this season, so what can we expect in their preseason match-up? Even though one of the QB wannabees is out for Seattle on Thursday, I still expect another offense-heavy game as the Seahawks look to continue to resolve the quarterback question. For the Bears, it seems that Fields is the heir-apparent, and we may not see much of him yet. We didn’t see much offense from the Bears last week. In spite of a win against KC , they didn’t score until the second half, when it appeared that the Chiefs were very much just going through the motions.

The Seahawks gave up a ton of yards in their last game so hopefully some defensive issues were worked on over the week. The Bears defense this year may very likely be just a shadow of its former glory. This is a very new coaching staff for the Bears, and I expect all systems are still a work in progress.

Seattle is favored this week, and I am playing the favorite. I think Thursday’s game is more meaningful to Seattle, and that there will be opportunities to score some points against an unbaked Bears squad. Take Seattle to win and cover.

Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Football Team

Baltimore comes into this game as the clear favorite. HC John Harbaugh is known for his preseason success and almost everyone knows about it. Dating back to 2015, Baltimore has now won 19 preseason games in a row. Incredible. Also, after sitting out the first 2 games of preseason, superstar QB Lamar Jackson could see some time with the ball in his. As of right now, the Ravens have two active QBs, him and Tyler Huntley, but it's up in the air right now whether he plays or not. 

After adding veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WR Curtis Samuel in the offseason, the Football Team could be a playoff contender once again. Although, the team hasn't really looked sharp the first two weeks of preseason. Last week they barely beat the Bengals, and looked a bit shaky at times. Baltimore is a on a whole different level compared to the Bengals and I'm excited to see how they do against the Ravens this weekend.

The Ravens are by far the more hungry team and I believe that they will extend their preseason winning streak to 20 consecutive wins right here. -3.5 is definitely do-able but the Ravens on the moneyline is a gift. Take Baltimore (ML)

Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints

It's great to have some Monday night football. Much of the buzz around tonight's game surrounds Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Exciting, yes. Keep in mind that the #1 pick will be facing a formidable Saints defense though. New Orleans ranked in the top five of most defensive categories last year. 

Lawrence should get the Week 1 start for Jacksonville. The Saints have a QB controversy of their own though. Hill and Winston both have their eyes on the job. Both are going to be going all out tonight. Expect them to enjoy success on offense. 

The Saints turned the ball over six times in Week 1. That's not going to happen again. Peyton will make sure of it. He's not going to want Trevor Lawrence and Urban Meyer to stroll into his team's home and beat them either. Preseason or not. The number is reasonable. I'm laying the points with the Saints on Monday night. 

The set-up: Neither team will start any of its starters tonight. So that means that the home field advantage can’t be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in my opinion. Tennessee was 0-4 SU/ATS last year and it’s 2-9 SU/ATS in the preseason dating back to 2017. 

The pick: Chicago comes in off a win over Indianapolis last weekend, erasing a 17-7 deficit by scoring 20 straight points. Keep your eyes on kick Eddy Pineiro, who had three extra points and two FG’s in the victory. I’m banking on Chicago’s backups carrying over that Week 3 momentum. Lay the points.

Chicago Bears 10* play

The set-up: No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as the Chargers have already stated that starting QB Philip Rivers won’t see any action at all in this one. LA still has plenty of talent of course, but when looking for “difference makers” in the preseason (especially in Week 3, the all important “dress rehearsal”), then I do definitely believe that this is significant. 

The pick: I’m also partial to Seattle’s backup QB Geno Smith, who wlll reportedly see significant time here as well (the Hawks will also feature third stringer JT Barrett as well today). The Chargers turn to Tyrod Tyalor and Cardelle Jones, both of whom I believe will struggle vs. the Hawks’ aggressive defensive front. I’m banking on Wilson and company delivering the goods in Week 3. Play on the Hawks money-line.

Seattle Seahawks 10* play

The set-up: Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott has his team 2-0 in the preseason after going 3-5 under his tenure over the previous two seasons. Matt Patricia is now just 1-4 in the preseason as head coach of the Lions after starting the season 0-2. With most of Detroit’s starting offense sitting this one, I have a hard time seeing the Lions getting much production tonight. Detroit starting QB Matthew Stafford is expected to see extreme limited time and the back-ups for the home side have so far struggled to find consistency (original backup Tom Savage is injured with concussion and David Fales and Josh Johnson have both been poor thus far.) 

The pick: Buffalo has gotten strong play from its QB’s (Josh Allen, Matt Barkley), but I’m expecting a more conservative game tonight from the visitors (keep your eyes on Buffalo RB’s Tyree Jackson, LeSean McCoy and TJ Yeldon. The stage is set for a defensive battle in my opinion, as I’m expecting this total to stay well below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

10* TOTAL COACH’S CORNER on the under Bills/Lions.

The set-up: This will be Denver’s third preseason game, as it played in the Hall of Fame Game as well. The Broncos lost four straight to end the regular season last year and they have high hopes with veteran QB Joe Flacco. Denver fell in Seattle last week and Flacco saw limited time in that one. He should see a bit more here, but the veteran will of course be saved for the official Week 3 preseason contest. 

The pick: San Francisco was just 4-12 in 2018 and it’ll be expecting big things from QB Jimmy Garappolo. But the 49ers’ defense was impressive in its Week 1, 17-9 win over the Cowboys. Backup San Fran QB CJ Beathard had a TD pass in the victory. With Denver’s starting defense seeing limited time, I believe Beathard is a difference maker in this one tonight. Grab as many points as you can.

10* COACH’S CLINIC on the San Francisco 49ers.

The set-up: The Vikes rolled to a big 34-25 road victory in New Orleans, but I believe they’ll have a much more difficult time here vs. the hard-hitting Seahawks. Seattle enters off a 22-14 home win over Denver. Seattle was 10-6 in the regular season last year, but 0-4 in the preseason. That included a 21-20 loss to these very Vikings. Can anyone say “revenge” spot? 

The pick: The Vikes offense looked great against a terrible Saints secondary, but Seattle used six of its 11 draft picks on the defensive side of the ball and it just held Denver to 291 total yards. Outright victory?! Very possible of course, but in the end I’m grabbing the points.

Seattle Seahawks 10* play

The set-up: These clubs have been practicing against each other all week and I believe that’s going to lead to some heated rivalry in this Week 2 action. Detroit got humiliated at home in Week 1 by the Patriots and they’ll be out to atone for that performance. Especially on the defensive side. In all the Lions offense mustered just a field goal in last week’s loss and I think the unit will have a difficult time moving the chains this weekend as well. Since Matt Patricia took charge in Detroit the Lions are now just 1-4 SU/ATS. Once again starting QB Matt Stafford is expected to see limited to no tie in this one. Houston lost in Green Bay last week. The Texans will be amped up here to play their first game in front of the home town crowd. 

The pick: Houston won’t be playing much (if any) of starting QB DeShaun Watson today either. The Texans are down to third string QB right now after AJ McCarron went down with a thumb injury. This one has “chess match” written all over it.

Detroit Lions/Houston Texans UNDER 10* play

The set-up: I think the Bills are going to “go through the motions” in this difficult road venue. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott’s team was just 6-10 last year and the Bills are 4-5 in the pre-season under his direction. Carolina was just 7-9 under Ron Rivera last season, but overall he’s 19-14 in the preseason. 

The pick: The Bills already have a solid 24-16 home win under their belts vs. the Colts last Thursday anyways. The Panthers scored the 23-13 win in Chicago last Thursday, but I don’t think they’ll take the foot off on the gas in this home field situation (rookie defender Brian Burns had two sacks). I think Buffalo packs up its tents early; play the home side on the money-line.

Carolina Panthers, Moneyline 10* play

The set-up: Do I think either of these clubs is going to do well in the regular season? I don’t. But this is preseason Week 2, so none of that matters anyways. Washington backup QB Dwayne Haskins threw two INT’s in his team’s Week 1 loss to the Browns, but I think he’ll settle down here after getting that awkward game behind him. The Bengals have plenty of issues as well heading into the new year. New system and new faces and having to adjust without star WR AJ Green for a few months. 

The pick: Note that this is a short week for Bengals, who played last Saturday night. I think Washington takes this home game seriously. Lay the price on the money line.

Washington Redskins Moneyline 10* play

The set-up: This is an interesting Week 2 preseason matchup, as it pits Jacksonville’s newly acquired QB Nick Foles vs. his former team in which he won a Super Bowl with and was named the MVP in 2018. Foles is only expected to see limited time today, as is Eagles’ starter Carson Wentz, but there’s still going to be a very competitive atmosphere surrounding this contest. And in my opinion, that’s going to lead to this one to be more of a high-scoring “shootout” than a lower-scoring “chess match.” 

The pick: The Jaguars went through the motions in their 29-0 Week 1 loss in Baltimore, electing to sit out 30 players in that one. Jacksonville’s full compliment is expected to see action at some point today thug, so look for the home side offense to be much better this time around. When you add it all up, I do indeed feel that this number is a little low.

Jacksonville Jags/Philadelphia Eagles OVER 10* play

The set-up: Dallas hasn’t put a lot of stock into the preseason (0-6 in its last six Week 1 contests). That includes a 24-21 loss to San Francisco in Week of the preseason last year. The 49ers turn to backup QB’s Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard, who will be in a fight for the No. 2 spot with Jimmy Garoppolo returning shortly. Mullens comes in with plenty of confidence after leading the way for the 49ers last year with 2,277 passing yards and a 90.8 passer rating. The Cowboys won’t have Dak Prescott or Ezekiel Elliot on the field of play today. Cooper Rush and Mike White will be splitting time under center for the visitors. 

The pick: As mentioned above, Jason Garrett simply doesn’t put much emphasis on the preseason as evidenced by the Cowboys winless 2018 preseason, scoring 13 points or fewer in three of the four games (note that San Fran has NEVER scored fewer than 13 points in eight preseason games under its head coach Shanahan.) This one has “blowout” written all over it; play on the home side money line.

San Francisco 49ers  10* play

The set-up: Both teams have gone through significant changes in the off-season. Tampa Bay has a new coach in Bruce Arians. The Steelers move forward without RB Le’Veon Bell and WR Antonio Brown. I’ll point out though that the Bucs haven’t finished a preseason above .500 since going 3-1 in 2008, while Pittsburgh hasn’t lost a preseason since going 1-3 in 2016. 

The pick: The Bucs were just 5-11 last year, while Pittsburgh was a subpar 9-6-1 (for its lofty standards year in and year out.) With both team’s backup’s seeing the majority of time today, I think the advantage falls to the home side, who rides the wave of emotion. The Steelers compete in the preseason and I expect that trend to continue to open 2019. Lay the points.

Pittsburgh Steelers 8* play

The set-up: Houston was 11-5 last year and it won its third straight AFC South Division title. The Packers though are coming off a terrible 6-9-1 season, which has seen some major changes come to the team over the last couple of months. Houston was 3-1 in the preseason last year, after going 3-4 the year before. Green Bay though is led by first-time coach Matt LaFleur and despite this being only Week 1 of the pre-season, I think he’ll be extra motivated here to actually try and win this game in front of the home town crowd. 

The pick: DeShaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers aren’t likely going to play, but each team has plenty of talent. Houston has AJ McCarron and Joe Webb III as its backup QB’s, but the Texans have taken a step back in the RB department, with Lamar Miller once again shouldering much of the load. The Pack will be looking at DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle under center in this one and they also have a competition at RB with Kapri Bibbs and Dexter Williams. I think that LaFleur coaches for the victory today.

Green Bay Packers 10* play money line.

The set-up: Detroit head coach Matt Patricia was the Pats defensive coordinator, but his first year with the Lions didn’t go as he planned. Patricia is on “hot seat” as he enters the 2019/20 season and I believe he’s going to have his team ready to play vs. his former boss and the defending Super Bowl champs. Note that when the Patriots came to Detroit in Week of the regular season last year, Detroit pulled away for an impressive 26-10 victory, as the Lions held the Pats to 12 first downs and 209 yards. 

The pick: New England isn’t expected to play any of its star players on either side of the ball. Detroit has many new faces on both sides of the ball, which leads to chemistry issues obviously. In this meaningless contest, I believe the offenses take a back seat and that the defensive units become the main story lines in tomorrow’s summaries. This number is high.

NE Patriots/Detroit Lions UNDER 10* play

The set-up: There’s no more meaningless game of the entire year than the first pre-season game. That said, this is the coaching debut of Broncos’ Vic Fangio and because of that, I believe he’s going to be out to win tonight. Fagio was the defensive coordinator of the Bears’ top-ranked defense in 2018. Joe Flacco likely won’t see much or any time for Denver, meaning that rookie Drew Lock from Missouri will be given the green light. 

The pick: Atlanta is just 5-11 in the preseason under head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons still have more questions than answers after a 7-9 season and I think the Falcons are going to get “out-coached” in Week 1 (note that ATL star receiver Julio Jones is out for the preseason with a foot injury.) I’m laying the points and expecting a blowout in Fangio’s debut.

Denver Broncos 10* play

The set-up: Detroit is 1-2 so far in the preseason, while Cleveland is 2-1. I think the Browns simply go through the motions today though as they look ahead to Week 1. Conversely, I believe the Lions will be looking for a little more momentum as they head into the Regular season and as such, I expect them to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover in front of the home town crowd.

The teams: The Browns come in off a very satisfying win over the defending champion Eagles at home in Week 3. Can anyone say “letdown” spot? Baker Mayfield will see the majority of snaps today. Last week he was 8 of 12 for 76 yards, while RB Nick Chubb added 46 rushing yards.

Matt Stafford won’t be suiting up for Detroit, meaning Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock will continue to battle it out for the official No. 1 backup QB spot. Cassel and Rudock though looked great in last week’s come from behind 33-30 win, combining to go 16 of 23 for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

The pick: As mentioned off the top, I think Cleveland is already “looking ahead” to the “real thing.” The Lions will look to take advantage and send the home side crowd home happy on Thursday night. Lay the points.

The set-up: Week 3 of the NFL Preseason sees the Giants hit the road to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Giants.

The teams: The Giants come in with a ton of momentum after knocking off the Lions 30-17 in Week 2. And that was with Eli Manning, Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. sitting on the sidelines. QB Davis Webb was 14 of 20 for 140 yards and a TD. Even without Barkley in the backfield the Giants’ run game looked sharp, with Wayne Gallman, Kyle Lauletta and Robert Martin all with a rushing touchdown.

The Jets are 1-1 in the preseason, most recently coming off a disheartening 15-13 road loss at Washington. QB Sam Darnold was mediocre by going 8 of 11 for 61 yards and an INT. Backup Teddy Bridgewater was 17 of 23 for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an INT.

The pick: The Giants looked good with their offensive stars on the sideline last week, but now Manning, Barkley and Odell are expected to see some snaps in Week 3. And despite Bridgewater clearly outplaying Darnold last week, the Jets are expected to instead give the rookie considerable time under center tonight. I like the veteran players of the Giants to step up early and believe that’ll be enough in the end.

The set-up: Denver travels to the Nation’s capital looking for an identity on both sides of the ball. The Redskins have many questions marks as well, but I think Washington’s superior strength at the QB position will prove to be the difference in this Week 3 preseason contest.

The teams: Denver enters off a deflating 24-23 loss to the Bears on Saturday. Backup QB Paxton Lynch was 5 of 11 for 39 yards. QB Chad Kelly was 7 of 9 for 90 yards and a TD. RB Phillip Lindsay was a bright spot though with 32 yards. Defensively the Broncos looked terrible and I think they’ll have their hands full again here in this difficult venue.

Washington comes in with momentum after a 15-13 win over the Jets in Week 2. Alex Smith was 4 of 6 for 48 yards, while the combination of Kevin Hogan and Colt McCoy would go 19 of 27 for 198 yards.

The pick: The Broncos have major QB questions. The Redskins don’t. No need to overthink this one in my opinion as I look for the home side to play like the “hungrier” team and to find a way to get the job done in the end.

The set-up: Philadelphia is so far 0-2 in the preseason, but I think the defending champs come to play in the Week 3 “dress rehearsal.” Most recently the Eagles fell 37-20 on the road in New England in a clear statement game by the Pats. After a Week 1 win, the Browns predictably came back down to Earth in last weekend’s 19-17 loss at home to the Bills.

The teams: Nick Foles and Carson Wentz have seen limited time so far in the preseason, but each is expected to see some today for the Eagles. Foles was three off nine for 44 yards last week. A bright spot though was the play of third string QB Nate Sudfeld, who was 22 of 39 for 312 yards, posting three TD’s and one INT. Rookie Dallas Goeddert also impressed as he had three catches for 57 yards and when teamed up with TE Zach Ertz, the Eagles remain one of the top offensive threats in the league.

There’s lots to be optimistic about if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan as well though. Rookie QB Baker Mayfield was 7 of 13 for 75 yards last week and the run game posted 164 on the ground, with rookie Nick Chubb leading the way with 53 yards and a TD. The team is now loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and up and down the lines. Chemistry would seem to be the only thing standing in its way at this point, and I do indeed think it’ll be a contributing detrimental factor working against Cleveland here today as well.

The pick: Despite all of the improvements the Browns have made, they still don’t match up well with Eagles and I believe Philadelphia’s depth will in fact be the deciding factor in this Week 3 NFLX preseason contest. Take the points.

The set-up: After back-to-back victories to open the pre-season and with the all important Week 3 dress rehearsal next weekend, I think the Ravens have a letdown here and get caught “looking ahead” in this meaningless Week 2 Monday Night contest. Indianapolis though will look to carry over its momentum from a 19-17 road victory in Seattle in its first game in front of the home town crowd.

The teams: Ravens’ rookie QB Lamer Jackson was 7 of 18 for 119 yards last week, while also rushing for 21. RB Gus Edwards had 58 yards on 12 carries. Baltimore looked sharp defensively against the Rams’ backups, but I think it’ll have a much more difficult time at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Colts’ backup QB Jacoby Brissett was 6 of 8 for 35 yards last weekend. Starter Andrew Luck returned and was 6 of 9 for 64 yards. Indianapolis also looked sharp defensively, holding the Seahawks to 87 rushing yards on 22 carries. Keep your eyes on Hassan Ridgeway, who had two sacks in the victory.

The pick: Baltimore may have won ten straight preseason games and covered in nine of those, but I think that run of excellence comes to an end here. Luck will see some time at home and Brissett continues to excel. I’m banking on the home side figuring it out and getting it done. Play on the Colts.

The set-up: Seattle comes in motivated here after its 19-17 home loss to the Colts. With a tough Week 3 matchup in Minnesota next week, the Seahawks will be looking to punch one into the win column here. LA won’t be going down without a fight, it comes in equally motivated after a 24-17 setback at Arizona.

The teams: There were many positives for the Seahawks in their Week 1 setback on both sides of the ball. Whether or not starting QB Russell Wilson sees any time today, Seattle’s secondary offensive unit looked decent, but not spectacular in Week 1. The defense looked sharp though, with rookie Shaquem Griffin making nine tackles.

LA got decent production from QB’s Cardale Jones and Geno Smith in the Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. Smith was 14 of 23 for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception. With starting QB Philip Rivers expected to see little to no time this week again, LA’s offense looks poised to struggle again against the Hawks’ deep defensive unit.

The pick: With New Orleans coming to town in Week 3, I think LA gets caught looking ahead. Play on the Seahawks.

The set-up: Oakland comes in off 16-10 home win over Detroit in its opener and I think it goes through the motions today as it gets caught looking ahead to the all important Week 3 “dress rehearsal.” LA on the other hand comes in much more motivated after a humbling 33-7 road loss in Baltimore in Week 1.

The teams: Oakland’s offense didn’t look great last week, but it didn’t have to with the defense playing so well. Last year the Raiders were 23rd in the league in yards allowed and 20th in points allowed. Slowing down the Lions’ back-ups at home is one thing, but trying to contain a Rams team which led the league in scoring last year (29.9 PPG) is quite another obviously. The ground game was a positive on offense with 147 total yards.

It must be noted that starting QB Jared Goff didn’t play in the Week 1 setback for LA, so I’m reading absolutely nothing into the Rams’ inefficiency on the offensive side of the ball. Brandon Allen and Sean Mannion were decent, but not spectacular. The ground game looked decent with 121 yards. The defense looked horrible and clearly the unit will be looking for a better effort with a few more starters in the line-up this time around.

The pick: Connor Cook and EJ Manuel looked decent under center for the Raiders against Detroit, but in my opinion they look poised for a step back in this difficult venue. I’m expecting the Rams to come out much more focused on both sides of the ball in this one and their added motivation proves to the be the difference in my opinion. Lay the points.

The set-up: Two teams with big aspirations collide in Week 2 of the preseason at the Superdome on Friday night. For a number of different reasons though, I think this one favors the home side.

The teams: Arizona comes in contented after last week’s 24-17 win in which it used a goal line stand as time expired to earn the dramatic victory. QB Josh Rosen was 6 of 13 for 41 yards. Chad Kanoff was 3 of 5 for 66 yards and a touchdown. Sam Bradford is expected to see a couple of snaps, but the Cards will be looking ahead to Week 3 here in my opinion after getting the Week 1 victory under their belts. 

The Saints come in off a win as well, pulling away for a 24-20 victory over Jacksonville. QB Tom Savage was 10 of 14 for 70 yards. In all three different players scored rushing touchdowns, including starting RB Mark Ingram. New Orleans’ defense looked sharp as well, as Jayrone Elliot led the way with 2.5 the teams six total sacks.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but the home team is 6-1 ATS in its last seven in this series. I like the Saints to take care of business at home. Lay the points.

The set-up: Miami opens its NFL preseason with two straight on the road. With the important Week 3 match-up in their first game at home in Week 3, I do expect the Dolphins to simply go through the motions tonight as they get caught looking ahead.

The teams: Miami threw everything it had at Tampa Bay in Week 1 and still came up short in the 26-24 setback. David Fales and Brock Osweiler combined to go 18 of 32 for 198 yards, no TD’s or INT’s. Ryan Tannehill went 4 of 6 for 32 yards.

The Panthers beat the Bills 28-23 on the road last week and I think they carry that momentum and confidence over into their home opener. Backup QB Garrett Gilbert was 7 of 12 for 93 yards a TD, while Taylor Heinicke was 7 of 9 for 121 yards. Cam Newton looked good in his limited time as well, going 6 of 9 for 84 yards.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home, while Miami is now 0-5 ATS in its last five on the road. This one has blowout written all over it, lay the short points.

The set-up: Both teams comes in at 0-1 SU/ATS after Week 1. The Falcons will be particularly eager to atone after their 17-0 setback at the Jets last weekend, while the Chiefs fell 17-10 at Houston.

The teams: KC QB Patrick Mahomes was five of seven for 33 yards in last week’s loss. The Chiefs would use four QB’s last week and Chad Henne was the only one of them who was able to post a TD. Henne would hit Demarcus Robinson for the major score.

The Falcons’ backups looked poor last week, but starters on both sides of the line are expected to see more time in Week 2 at home. Matt Schaub was a bright spot in the setback by going 9 of 9.

The pick: Take it for what you will, but Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home, while Kansas City is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road. Expect a much better effort in Week 2 from The Dirty Birds in front of the home town crowd. Lay the points.

The set­up: It’s the AFC East vs. the NFC East at FedEx Field in Landover Maryland. I think that home field advantage will prove critical in this one. New York gets caught looking ahead to its much more important Week 3 matchup after its very satisfying 17­0 home win over Atlanta last weekend in my opinion, while Washington will be looking for a much improved performance after a 26­17 loss to New England on the road.

The teams: New York looked good in Week 1 defensively, but it was 25th in the league in yards allowed last season and 22nd in points conceded. Sam Darnold played the entire second half and he went 13 of 18 for 96 yards and a TD. Last year the Jets were 24th in scoring overall. Washington let an early 17 point lead slip away in Week 1. But Week 1of the preseason is meaningless and the Redskins looked great early and saw enough. Backup QB Colt McCoy was 13 of 18 for 189 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Note that Alex Smith didn’t see any time last week under center, but he’s set to this time around in front of the home town crowd.

The pick: Sure New York looked great at home in Week 1 of the NFLX preseason against the Falcons’ back­ups. But now it’s Week 2 on the road in the Nation’s capital on Thursday night. With Smith and some of the other offensive starters seeing some time and with backup McCoy already firing on all cylinders, I’m expecting the home side to find a way to get the job done in the end.

In Week 1 of the NFLX pre-season, I don’t talk about what I think the teams will do over the upcoming campaign, or what they did over the off-season. If you want to get up to date information about that, there are plenty of other better places to do that. I’m here to simply let you know why this team of back-ups and wanna-be’s is going to win this meaningless Week 1 NFLX contest. In Week 2, I’ll touch on what each side did in Week 1.

Reasoning: Kirk Cousins comes over to Minnesota, but he’ll see limited to no time here. He’s working under a new offensive co-ordinator anyways, so immediate success seems a stretch at this point to me. The Vikes’ strength last year was on the defensive side, but none of the starters is expected to suit up today. Even though it’s Week 1 of the pre-season, I think this one “means” a lot more to the Broncos. Case Keenum is the new man under center for Denver after a better than expected job in Minnesota. Denver is admittedly a work in process, but this is Week 1 of the pre-season. I’m expecting the home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

In Week 1 of the NFLX season, I don’t give out season previews/predictions or give an update of what team’s did over the offseason. In Week 1 I simply give out a reason on why I think the back-ups and wannabe’s will win this contest.

Reasoning: The Lions will be playing backup Jake Rudock in this one. He completed 37 of 56 passes for 380 yards, three touchdowns and a pick in the pre-season last year. This is a big game for Oakland’s new coach Jon Gruden, who has blown up a lot of his team after last year’s disappointing season. Detroit is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four against the Raiders and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright, straight-up upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Lions.

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In Week 1 NFLX, I don’t give a seasonal outlook for the teams, or breakdown what they did over the offseason. There are plenty of other better places to go to get caught up on that info if needed. My job is to give you a reason on why the backups and wanna-be’s are going to win this Week 1 NFLX preseason contest.

Reasoning: Buffalo has three QB’s who are all fighting for the No. 1 QB position in the preseason (AJ McCarron, Nathan Peterman and Josh Allen.) Buffalo improved itself on defense in the offseason as well. Carolina has injuries to its defense though including Julius Peppers and Ross Cockrell. Lay the points.

In Week 1 NFLX, I don’t give a seasonal outlook for the teams, or breakdown what they did over the offseason. There are plenty of other better places to go to get caught up on that info if needed. My job is to give you a reason on why the backups and wanna-be’s are going to win this Week 1 NFLX preseason contest.

Reasoning: Philadelphia won the Super Bowl and it’ll be out to prove the pundits wrong that it was a “fluke.” But Pittsburgh has a lot to prove as well this season. This is a big year for both teams, but this is a truly meaningless contest to open the preseason for each. Look for a spirited battle between these two in-state rivals and grab as many points as you can.

In Week 1 NFLX, I don’t give a seasonal outlook for the teams, or breakdown what they did over the offseason. There are plenty of other better places to go to get caught up on that info if needed. My job is to give you a reason on why the backups and wanna-be’s are going to win this Week 1 NFLX preseason contest.

Reasoning: The Bears fought valiantly in the Hall Of Fame Game last Thursday and while they covered for bettors, they came up short in the end. They’ll be feeling pretty good about that effort, but I think the back-to-back road games aren’t doing them any favors this week. The Bengals were a disaster last year and this is a make or break campaign for many involved in the organization. Even though it’s the back-ups and wannabe’s for the most part playing tonight, clearly the team will be out to leave a good impression in front of the home town crowd to kick off the 2018/19 season. Note as well that Chicago is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 road games. Lay the points.

The set-up: This game is being played on Thursday, August 2nd at 8:00 PM EST at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Bears have a new head coach in Matt Nagy, who comes over as the former offensive coordinator of the KC Chiefs. Baltimore hasn’t made the playoffs in three years and if Joe Flacco can’t step up, surely there’s going to be some major changes upcoming for the Ravens.

The teams: We’re going to see a battle for backup QB in Chicago during the preseason between Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray, with Mitchell Trubisky having already secured the starters position. There’s talent at receiver as well in Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller.

Baltimore used its No. 1 draft pick to grab QB Lamar Jackson. The Ravens also have Robert Griffin III as another backup. The Ravens also have a lot of new faces in the receiver position, including Michael Crabtree and Willie Sneed. The defense should be a strength of the team, but don’t expect to see any starters playing on Opening night.

The pick: For arguments sakes, let’s call every position on every line on both sides of the ball a “wash” in this game, except at QB, which we’ll look at here subjectively. If this was Trubisky going against Flacco, we’d look at this one differently, but the experience that the Ravens’ backup QB’s bring to the table will turn out to be the difference in my opinion. Daniel and Bray lack experience, while RG III and the gifted Lamar Jackson clearly have the advantage in that department. And for me, that’s the difference make in this matchup. Play on Baltimore.

The set-up: This Week 4 game at the O.co Coliseum in Oakland features a game between the Seahawks and Raiders. Both were playoff teams in 2016, with Seattle going 10-5-1 in winning the NFC West. Seattle beat Detroit in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs but then lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round. The Raiders finished 12-4, giving them a second-place finish in the AFC West (ending a 13-year playoff drought) but with QB Derek Carr sidelined, they lost in the Wild Card Game to the Texans. However, as both teams wrap up their respective preseasons, the Seahawks are 3-0 SU & ATS, while the Raiders are 0-3 & 0-3 ATS.

Seattle: The Seahawks have beaten the Chargers 48-17, the Vikings 20-13 and the Chiefs 26-13. QB Russell Wilson was sharp the last two weeks and went 13-of-19 for 200 yards and a TD against KC. Seattle has looked impressive in the preseason due in no small part to its deep group of players. The Seahawks escaped Week 3 with no new injuries.

Oakland: It's been a lost preseason for the Raiders, as they've lost 20-10 to the Cardinals, 24-21 to the Rams and 24-20 the Cowboys 24-20. Against Dallas, QB Derek Carr got a nice workout, going 13-of-17 for 144 yards with two TDs.

The pick: As the teams' respective record reveal, Oakland doesn’t care much about winning preseason games, while Pete Carroll tends to treat every game like a playoff game. Most of the starters will be sitting out Game 4 but I expect many of the backups going all out, in extended action. The over/under is way too low here, with Seattle averaging 31.3 PPG this preseason. Make the Over an 8* play.

The set-up: The Baltimore Ravens are one of four NFL teams looking to complete a perfect 4-0 preseason, as they head to New Orleans off a 13-9 home win over Buffalo in Week 3 win that gave them a 3-0 SU & ATS record. The Saints are 2-1 SU & ATS, after a 13-0 home win over Houston last Saturday. Both teams are hoping to return to the playoffs in 2017, after going 8-8 (Baltimore) and 7-9 (New Orleans) in 2016.

Baltimore: The Ravens are 3-0 despite the fact that Joe Flacco has not taken a snap in the preseason. Ryan Mallett led the team with 58 yards on 8 of 10 passing while Josh Woodrum completed 8 of his 13 pass attempts for 55 yards and a TD in last week's win. Flacco is dealing with a back injury and he and the rest of the starters will sit this one out. Backup QB Ryan Mallett and third-stringer Josh Woodrum will continue to handle duties under center on Thursday.

New Orleans: Chase Daniel led the Saints with 108 yards on 9 of 12 passing while Drew Brees completed 11 of 15 for 76 yards in last week's win. It should be noted that with Drew Brees at the helm, New Orleans managed to score only three points while gaining 124 yards against Texans.

The pick: In a rare twist, the Saints may actually play some starters in their fourth and final preseason contest. After all, RBs Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson have not taken the field yet and the offense looked flat in last Saturday’s date with Houston. With that in mind, I'm making the Saints a 10* play.

The set-up: The Steelers are 2-1 SU & ATS this preseason and play their final game Thursday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers (also 2-1 SU & ATS). The Steelers advanced to last year's AFC championship game before losing to the Pats, while Carolina followed a 15-1 regular season and Super Bowl appearance in 2015, by laying an egg in 2016 with a 6-10 record.

Pittsburgh: Most of Pittsburgh's starters will be rested in an effort to be ready for the team's regular season Week 1 visit to Cleveland (note: Browns are a surprising 3-0 this preseason) but that's not much of a change, considering the Steelers haven’t played their starters much anyway this preseason. Big Ben's backup, Landry Jones, is coming off a game in which he completed 21 of 31 passes and he’ll get majority of the snaps again, with rookie Joshua Dobbs (Tenn.) playing in the fourth quarter

Carolina: Cam Newton didn't play all that much last week but the team seems convinced that he is ready to go. However, seeing some good production from backups Derek Anderson and Joe Webb would be a nice 'safety blanket.' Rookie RB Christian McCaffrey has had his moments this preseason and expect him to be a significant contributor to Carolina's offense in 2017. A bigger key could be the fact that Carolina’s patched up offensive line looks to be coming together.

The pick: Carolina may go off as the biggest favorite here in Week 4 and I ask why? Pittsburgh has allowed just 14.7 PPG this preseason and Landry and Dobbs are a better QB duo in this contest than Anderson and Webb. Pittsburgh is the deeper team and that makes them an 8* play plus the points in this game.

The set-up: The final game of NFL preseason action goes Sunday night at US Bank Stadium, as the 1-1 San Francisco 49ers meet the 1-1 Minnesota Vikings. The Niners surprised the Chiefs 27-17 in KC in Week 1 but then lost badly at home in Week 2, 33-14 to the Broncos. Minnesota beat the Bills 17-10 in their opener but then fell to the Seahawks last Friday by a score of 20-13. That defeat was just Minnesota's second in 15 preseason game sunder head coach Mike Zimmer.

San Francisco: The 49ers finished 2-14 last season and Chip Kelly was fired after just one season,replaced by Kyle Shanahan. Some notable signings in the off-season by the Niners concentrated on an offense which averaged only 19.3 PPG in 2016 (27th). Those signings included WR DeAndre Carter, WR Pierre Garcon, QB Brian Hoyer, FB Kyle Juszczyk, WR Aldrich Robinson and RB Tim Hightower. Brian Hoyer is taking over as the new starter with C.J. Beathard and Matt Barkley fighting for the backup role. RB Carlos Hyde had a solid 2016 season, rushing for 988 rushing yards while averaging 4.6 YPC. Not sure what to make of the team's defense though, as the 49ers allowed 30.0 PPG in 2016, to rank dead-last in the NFL.

Minnesota: The Vikings were an early season surprise in 2016, opening 5-0 but in the end the team finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs. It was quite a collapse and it will be interesting to see how the team responds in 2017.Sam Bradford is the starting QB and Case Keenum was signed to backup Bradford until Teddy Bridgewater returns. A.P. is no longer around but it looks like FSU's Dalvin Cook (rushed for 1765 yards with Florida State in 2016), will be the starter. The offense must improve, after averaging 20.4 PPG (23rd). The Minnesota defense was very good in 2016, giving up an average of just 19.2 PPG (6th).

The pick; I noted Minnesota's preseason record under Zimmer at the top but I'm not so sure we can expect more of teh same from the Vikings. Expect to see a heavy dose of first-team starters in this one on both sides and I want all the points I can get in this one. Make San Francisco a 10* play.

The set-up: Here in LA circa 2017, it's "Back to the Future." When the AFL was formed back in 1960, the Chargers were located in LA, before moving to San Diego in 1961 and remained there when the leagues merged in 1970. The Rams began in Cleveland but moved to LA in 1946. The Rams left the West Coast to relocate in St. Louis in 1995 and just returned to LA for the 2016 season. Lo and behold, the Chargers moved north to LA after last season and now the Rams and Chargers are both LA-based teams once again. The Chargers have opened 0-2 SU & ATS (lost 48-17 to Seattle in Week 1 and then 13-7 loss to the Saints in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Rams who are coming off a 4-12 season in the team's first year back in LA, have begun their preseason 2-0 SU & ATS, edging the Cowboys 13-10 in Week 1 and the Raiders 24-21 in Week 2.

LA Chargers: Philip Rivers sat out last week, with Kellen Clemens seeing a good amount of action. However, he completed 10 of 17 passes for only 99 yards without a TD or INT. Cardale Jones went 7 for 15 with 61 yards and an interception in the loss. RB Melvin Gordon only had three carries for eight yards last week. The Chargers could get nothing going on the ground last week, rushing for a team total of only 66 yards (29 carries) and finished the game with only 158 total yards and 13 FDs. The offense wasn't much better in Week 1 (14 FDs on 322 yards), although the defense rebound by allowing just 13 points after giving up 48 points in Week 1.

LA Rams: Jared Goff was sharp in last week's three-point win over the Raiders, completing 16 of 20 for 160 yards and a TD. Sean Mannion was also very good, throwing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 15 of 22 passing. Mannion got most of the work in LA's 13-10 Week 1 win over Dallas, completing 18 of 25 for 144 yards (no TDs or INTs). The Rams' D allowed 21 points but just 261 yards against Oakland, which followed them holding Dallas to just 10 points on 248 yards (just 9 FDs) in Week 1.

The pick: That Rams' D is the key to this play, as I've been very impressed. Yes, the Rams will see more of Rivers (he was 5 of 6 for 56 yards and one TD in Week 10) and also RB Gordon but the Chargers are averaging only 12.0 PPG through their first two. Goff and Mannion have looked good so far for the Rams but here, that duo will see much more defensive regulars than they have in the first two weeks. Remember, the Rams averaged an NFL low 14.0 PPG in 2016. Make the Under an 8* play.

The set-up: The Indianapolis Colts 0-2 (0-2 ATS) visit Heinz Field for a Week 3 preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers 2-0 (2-0 ATS). Indianapolis is coming off a disappointing 8-8 season in 2016 which saw them finish third in the AFC South and the Colts, still playing without QB Andrew Luck, have scored a modest 29 points in their two losses. The Steelers won the AFC North with an 11-5 record in 2016 and advanced to the AFC championship game where they lost 36-17 to the Patriots. Pittsburgh opened the preseason with a 20-12 win at the NY Giants and followed with a 17-13 home win over the Falcons, the defending NFC champs.

Indianapolis: Andrew Luck had shoulder surgery over eight months ago and while reports having him back to throwing the football, Jim Irsay told the Indianapolis Star that there is no guarantee that he will be back in time for the regular season. The Colts have scaled back the playbook for backup Scott Tolzien, who got the start and completed 10 of 14 passes for 70 yards and led his team to a FG in one of his five drives at the helm in last week's loss to the Cowboys. The Colts' lone TD came on a pass from Stephen Morris, who finished 11-for-15 for 111 yards and the score. The Indy D was terrible though, allowing 489 total yards (328 through the air)!

Pittsburgh: The Steelers found themselves trailing the Atlanta Falcons 13-3 at halftime last week but rallied in the second half with two TDs to pull out the four-point comeback victory. Rookie QB Josh Dobbs (Tennessee ) got the start for the Steelers, completing 10 of his 19 passes for 70 yards and an interception. However, it was un-drafted free agent QB Bart Houston who would provide the winning touchdown pass. However, Pittsburgh's offense was able to generate just 189 total yards.

The pick: Bell has still not reported but Big Ben should see extended playing time, after sitting out last week. Yes, the Steelers are a deep and well-coached unit (nothing new there) but I expect a good effort here from the Colts. Tomlin's an intense coach but after a 2-0 start, what's the big deal about beating the Luck-less 0-2 Colts? Surprise! Make the Colts a 10* play.

he set-up: The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off an impressive 30-12 win last week in Cincinnati, evening their record at 1-1 (lost 27-17 at home in Week 1 to the 49ers). The Chiefs travel to CenturyLink Field in Seattle Friday for an ESPN televised game with the 2-0 Seahawks, who crushed the LA Chargers 48-17 in Week 1 and then handed the Vikings a rare preseason loss last Friday night at home, 20-13. These teams used to be division rivals (AFC West) but since 2002 have played in opposite conferences.

Kansas City: Alex Smith completed eight of nine passes for 83 yards and one TD in last week's win plus rookie Patrick Mahomes II threw for 88 yards and two TDs. KC's offense was hitting on all cylinders against the Bengals, as Charcandrick West topped 100 rushing yards (113 yards on just seven carries), a feat not often accomplished in the preseason. The Chiefs out-gained the Bengals 410-257 in total yards in the contest, won the FD battle 22-13 and controlled the time of possession battle by a 34:17 to 25:43 margin.

Seattle: The Seahawks have had little trouble moving the football and scoring in this preseason. Seattle exploded for 48 points (458 yards) in Week 1, as Russell Wilson played just one series (3 of 4 for 41 yards). However, Seattle's starting QB looked to be in regular season form after completing 13 of 18 passes for 206 yards and two TDs in last Friday's win. Seattle only scored 20 points against the Vikings but did roll up 406 yards. The Seattle D has also looked good (backups and all), allowing 15.0 PPG in its two wins.

The pick: It’s a Week 3 preseason matchup, so expect the starters to play "serious minutes" for both team, as they try to find a groove. Smith is looking over his shoulder for KC, as Mahomes has shined in back-to-back games. Both QBs will be looking to impress, testing Seattle's D. As noted, Seattle's offense is clicking on all cylinders making this a 10* play on the Over.

The set-up: The Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars are both 1-1 as the two teams get set to square off in this Week 3 meeting Thursday night at EverBank Field. As most know, Week 3 games are typically called "dress rehearsal" contests. However, Cam Newton has yet to dress for the first two games, as the Panthers are being extra cautious with his shoulder. As for the Jags, they couldn't generate any offense in their 12-8 loss to the Buccaneers last week, and after the game head coach Doug Marrone voiced his displeasure with Blake Bortles. It appears the Jags now have a battle brewing for the starting QB role in the last two weeks of the preseason.

Carolina: Head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Tuesday that his star QB will take first snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars, barring a setback with Newton's surgically repaired shoulder. That said, Newton is only expected to play about eight to 10 snaps against the Jaguars. So far, Derek Anderson (11 of 17 for 164 yards with one TD and one INT) and Joe Webb (12 of 20 for 195 yards with three TDs and one INT) have seen the most work. After a brief appearance by Newton, those two should be competing for the backup role. The Panthers have shown great promise on the offensive side, combining for 54 points in two games, despite no Newton.

Jacksonville: Clearly, the Jags are becoming frustrated with Blake Bortles but do they have a Plan B? Chad Henne has had very little success in the NFL, posting 58:63 TD to INT ratio and 75.5 QB rating in his career to-date. As for Brandon Allen, he's in his second season (from Arkansas) and has yet to attempt an NFL regular season pass.

The pick: The 'talk' is that moving on from Bortles would breathe life into the entire Jacksonville team from a confidence standpoint. However, I just don't see that considering the options Jacksonville currently has. After scoring 31 points in an upset of the Pats, the Jags 'laid an egg' with an eight-point effort vs. Tampa Bay. This hardly 'feels' like a team ready for a dress rehearsal. I'm making the Panthers a 10* play.

The set-up: It's Monday Night Football on ESPN at FirstEnergy Stadium, as the 0-1 New York Giants and the 1-0 Cleveland Browns wrap up NFL Week 2 preseason action. The Giants ended a four-year playoff drought in 2016 by finishing 11-5 and earning wild card berth. However, the team's postseason hopes were dashed in a 38-13 loss at Green Bay. The postseason has eluded the Browns for 14 straight years, after they finished 1-15 in 2016. Cleveland has had 13 losing season in that span and hit rock bottom with last year's franchise-worst record.

NY Giants: Eli Manning was held out of New York's first game and the offense consistently stalled against the Steelers, getting held to four FGs. Geno Smith has come over from the Jets but threw for a modest 114 yards against Pittsburgh with one INT. He has thrown 28 TDs but also 36 INTs so far in his checkered NFL career. 3rd round pick Davis Webb is in the mix (8 of 16 for 67 yards) and Josh Johnson (5 of 10 for 31 yards) also played against the Steelers. However, Manning will be back under center for the Giants on Monday and second-year head coach Ben McAdoo said the plan is to have Manning play into the second quarter in the team’s second preseason game.

Cleveland: I watched ESPN's E:60 on Sunday morning and one of the segments was on Cleveland's All-Pro tackle, Joe Thomas. He's protected 18 different starting QBs in his 10-year career and it's possible that Brock Osweiler and DeShone Kizer could raise that total to 20 by the end of 2017. Osweiler was just 6 of 14 for 42 yards in getting the start last week but it was Kizer who delivered the much better showing  (11 of 18 for 184 yards, along with the game-winning 45-yard TD pass). The offense HAS to improve, after finishing 30th in the league in total yards (311.0 per) and 31st in the league in scoring (16.5 PPG) last year. The same can be said of the defense which ranked 31st in yards allowed (392.4 per) and 30th in points allowed (28.2 per).

The pick: Eli playing into the second quarter is good news for New York fans (bettors) but not that the Giants were 25th in the league in total offense (330.7 YPG) and 26th in scoring, putting up just 19.4 PPG. The team has NO running game. The Browns own a real QB 'battle,' with Kessler (eight starts in 2016), Osweiler and the current front-runner, Kizer, which I believe will be the difference-maker. Make the Browns a 10*

The set-up: The Atlanta Falcons lost 23-20 at Miami in Week 1 and travel for the second straight weekend, visiting Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Steelers welcome the defending NFC champions to Heinz Field on Sunday, coming off a 20-12 Week 1 at the NY Giants.

Atlanta: Matt Ryan saw limited action last week but made the most of it, going 3 for 3 with 32 yards and a TD. RB Devonta Freeman caught that 15-yard TD pass from Ryan but had just one rushing attempt, as did the backfield partner, Tevin Colemn (the two combined for four rushing yards). Simms, who owns just 39 regular season pass attempts in his NFL career (none since 2014), saw the most action at QB (10 of 20 for 104 yards). The Atlanta D had two 'picks' but also allowed two TD passes in the fourth quarter of the three-point loss.

Pittsburgh: The Steelers won 20-12 last week but made just 10 FDs and gained a pathetic 226 yards. Fourth-round pick Joshua Dobbs saw the bulk of the game action at QB, going 8 for 15 with 100 yards, a touchdown but also two INTs. Pittsburgh's D led the way to victory, coming up with seven sacks, two takeaways (1 INT & 1 fumble) but consistently were able to stall New York possessions, holding the Giants to four FGs.

The pick: Neither team showed much on offense in their respective Week 1 games and it's expected that both teams' starters will not see significant action until the third game of the preseason. That leaves me with the better defensive team which is the Steelers. Make Pittsburgh

The set-up: The Carolina Panthers opened with a 27-17 home win over the Texans last week and will be in Nashville Saturday afternoon to take on the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Titans opened their 2017 preseason by scoring just three points and a modest 223 gaining yards in a 7-3 loss against the NY Jets. The Panthers entered 2016 as the defending NFC champions (15-1 regular season) but stumbled to a 1-5 start that eventually doomed them to a 6-10 finish and last place in the NFC South. It was Carolina’s first missed postseason since 2012. The Titans are off a 9-7 season last year, when they lost the AFC Central title to Houston in a tie-breaker.

Carolina: Cam Newton did not suit up last week and is not expected to play in this contest either, as the Panthers want to ensure he is fully recovered from his off season shoulder surgery.  Backup QB Derek Anderson went 4 for 5 for 76 yards and a TD in limited action, while third-stringer Joe Webb tossed two TD passes. Rookie RB Christian McCaffrey had 33 rushing yards on seven carries (4.7 YPC) but didn't catch a pass (something he's expected to do a lot of in 2017). The former Stanford Cardinal was taken eighth overall in this year’s NFL draft and is expected to see plenty of playing time this season along with veteran RB Jonathan Stewart.

Tennessee: The Titans' offense was horrible against the Jets but QB Marcus Mariota did see his first action since breaking his right leg last year. Mariota was a modest 2-of-3 for 15 yards. Backup QB Alex Tanney did most of the passing, going 11-of-27 for 132 yards and an INT. Expect a little more from Mariota this week but not too much. Backup QB Matt Cassel did not suit up last week but should see some action in this contest. RB DeMarco Murray (coming off an excellent 2016) is dealing with a hamstring injury and it is unclear if he will play here.

The pick: Yes, we’ll get to see the starters for a little longer this time around on both sides but don’t expect to see much more than a handful of series from the first-teamers. Tennessee's backups couldn’t do much of anything against a re-building Jets defense, so I wouldn't expect them to do much here vs. Carolina's. As for Carolina's Newton-less offense, it won't get much against a Tennessee D which allowed only seven points on 251 yards in Week 1. Make the Under a 10* play.

Minnesota: Staring QB Sam Bradford saw very little action in Week 1 (5 for 7 for 35 yards) as Case Keenum saw the bulk of the workload and completed 11 of 16 passes for 121 yards. Taylor Heinicke completed three passes and a touchdown but also threw an interception. A.P. is now in New Orleans and second round pick Dalvin Cook (FSU) had five carries for 13 yards but also caught 4 balls out of the backfield for 30 yards. The Minnesota defense was solid, allowing 309 yards of total offense and just 10 points.

Seattle: The Seahawks delivered Week 1's most impressive performance, riding a 24-point second quarter to 48 total points in a 31-point win over the Chargers. QB Russell Wilson’s saw limited action, completing 3 of 4 for 41 yards. Trevone Boykin led the team with 189 yards passing on 12 of 15 through the air with a TD and an interception. Austin Davis made the most of his time as well, going 7 of 9 for 108 yards. Seattle did a great job spreading the ball around, as the Seahawks had 12 different receivers record a catch.

Minnesota's preseason record under Zimmer is mind-boggling but I'm backing Seattle in this one, after the team's outstanding Week 1 effort. I don't believe Minnesota can match Seattle's 'firepower.' Make the Seahawks a 10* play.

The set-up: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 23-12 at Cincinnati last Friday and tonight will travel to play in Jacksonville against the Jaguars (on ESPN), who won 31-24 last Thursday in New England. The Buccaneers lost to the Bengals in their preseason opener after being outscored 17-3 in the second half. However, QB Jameis Winston looked sharp with nine completions on 13 attempts and WR Mike Evans had four receptions for 58 yards. Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles had just five pass attempts in the upset of the Pats but backups Chad Henne and Brandon Allen combined for 224 passing yards and two TDs. RB Corey Grant stole the show with 120 rushing yards and one TD on just eight carries, while Leonard Fournette didn’t exactly impress with nine rushes for 31 yards and a one-yard TD run.

Tampa Bay: The team's offensive starters are fine and will be even better once RB Doug Martin gets back on the field after his suspension. A worry here is that backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick played poorly, completing 6 of 13 for just 45 yards and one INT. Don't expect to see much of Winston in this one (he'll get more time in Week 3), meaning inexperienced QBs like Griffin and Liufau may get extra reps, as it's possible Tampa Bay is questioning whether Fitzpatrick is the team's No. 2 QB.

Jacksonville: The Jaguars have to be pleased with what they showed in their first preseason game. Yes, it's just an "exhibition game" but there could be a feeling of "building off beating the champs." The Jags did rack up 447 total yards in the game and that was with little or no contributions from the team's expected top-two offensive players, QB Bortles and first-round draft pick RB Leonard Fournette (LSU).

The pick: I'm expecting Winston to see very little action and after the former Heisman Trophy-winner, Tampa Bay's QB rotation is troublesome. The Jags have a losing culture which needs to be turned a round and following an upset of the Pats in Foxboro, a win in front of the home fans (against an in-state rival like the Bucs), would be good 'medicine.' Make the Jags an 8* play.

The set-up: The Seattle Seahawks will be in Los Angeles Sunday night, as the now-LA Chargers begin a new era in "The City of Angels (AFL fans may remember that the Chargers began in LA back in 1960, before moving to San Diego the in their second season of 1961). The Seahawks won the AFC West at 10-5-1 and reached the divisional round before falling to the eventual NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. The Chargers hope to turn things around in their new home, after finishing dead last in the AFC West with a 5-11 record in 2016. While the Chargers have been to the playoffs just once in the last seven season, the Seahawks enter the 2017 season having played in the postseason six times over that same seven-year span (two SB appearances, including one win).

Seattle: It was a fairly quiet off-season for the Seahawks, although the team is hoping that Eddie Lacy (signed as FA from Green Bay) can stay healthy and along with Thomas Rawls, can return the Seattle running game to the heights of the Marshawn Lynch era. Russell Wilson showed a great deal character by battling through a few early season injuries early last year and is a quality, playoff-tested QB. The Seahawks will again feature one of the NFL’s strongest defensive units, which despite numerous injuries in 2016,  allowed an average of only 18.2 PPG, good for third in the NFL.

LA Chargers: The Chargers started their transition by landing one of the prized free agents in the off-season, signing OL Russell Okung to a 4-year, $53 million deal. He'll help protect QB Rivers and open holes for RB Gordon. Rivers could have a big year with a healthy Keenan Allen joining Travis Benjamin and 2017 first-round draft pick, Mike Williams from Clemson. Gordon had a hugely disappointing rookie season but the former Wisconsin RB had 997 yards rushing in 2016 with 12 TDs (10 rushing). The Chargers scored an average of 25.6 PPG last year (9th) but struggled defensively, allowing 26.4 PPG (29th).

The pick: No real reason to expect much from Seattle in this one and while this is the Chargers' first game before their new "home crowd," I expect a boring game. Make teh Under an 8* play.

The set-up: Week 1 of the 2-017 NFL preseason continues with three games on Saturday, including the Titans visiting the Jets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Tennessee is coming off a 9-7 season and while the Titans missed the playoffs for the eight consecutive year, it was Tennessee’s first winning season since 2011. Meanwhile, the Jets stumbled to a 5-11 record in 2016 (last-place in the AFC East) and missed the postseason for the sixth consecutive year.

Tennessee: The Titans lost a few notable players in TE Anthony Fasano, G Chance Warmack and WR Kendall Wright but was also busy, signing SS Johnathan Cyprien, G Tim Belito and CB Logan Ryan, while retaining QB Matt Cassel and TE Phillip Supernaw. Tennessee went 3-1 in the preseason last year but stumbled out of the gate in the regular season, losing three of their first four games. However, the Titans recovered to win four of their final five to end up 9-7, tied with the Texans atop the AFC South (Houston won the tie-breaker). If QB Marcus Mariota (3426 yards, 26 TD, 9 INT plus 349 rushing yards and two TDs) been healthy in the final two games, things may have been different. If he can play all 16 games this season, the Titans are in good shape. The running game is in good hands with the tandem of DeMarco Murray (293 carries, 1287 yards, 4 TD, 53 catches, 377 yards, 3 TD) and Derrick Henry (110 carries, 490 yards, TD, 13 cathches, 137 yards). The Titans bolstered their receiving corps via the draft and free agency. In the draft, Tennessee picked WRs Corey Davis in the first round and Taywan Taylor in the third round plus added TE Jonnu Smith with a third round selection. Eric Decker was signed as a FA after the Jets cut him.

NY Jets: Head coach Todd Bowles is back for his third year. The Jets were 3-5 at the midway point before losing six of their seven, before a meaningless Week 17 win over to finish 5-11. Gone are QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Brandon Marshall and WR Eric Decker, as well as longtime center Nick Mangold. Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Marcus Gilchrist and Calvin Pryor are gone from the defense. Bowles will oversee a rebuilding process this season but will he be around to see it completed? The QB position will be a three-way battle between grizzled veteran Josh McCown, former second-round pick Christian Hackenberg and former fourth-round pick Bryce Petty. The 'winner' joins aging Matt Forte (218 carries, 813 yards, 7 TD) and Bilal Powell (131 carries, 722 yards, 3 TD, 58 catches, 388 yards, 2 TD) in the backfield. When it comes to the receiving corps, the Jets feature a host of unproven ones.

The pick: The Titans have a shot at the 2017 playoffs while the Jets are going nowhere. However, for this meaningless contest, I prefer the Jets who have a real QB 'battle,' while the Titans look forward to the opening of the regular season, as they can't afford to open by losing three of their first four, again. Make the Jets a 10* play.

The set-up: The Cincinnati Bengals host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 preseason action Friday night from Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Buccaneers are viewed as a team on the rise by many with QB Jameis Winston entering his third season. The Bucs were 6-10 in Winston's rookie season but went 9-7 last year, ending a run of five consecutive losing seasons Cincinnati is led by QB Andy Dalton, coming off a season in which he threw for 4206 yards with 18 TDs and just eight INTs, although the Bengals missed the playoffs for the first tim e since 2010, going just 6-9-1. Tampa Bay was 2-2 in last year’s preseason, while Cincy posted a 1-3 record.

Tampa Bay: Winston threw 28 TD passes in 2016 (up from 22) but his interception total also rose from 15 to 18 (The Bucs need to see that number fall not rise, in 2017). WR Mike Evans is blossoming into an elite pass-catcher, with receptions for 1,321 receiving yards and 12 TDs. DeSean Jackson joins as a FA plus the Bucs also added a few promising receivers in the draft. Tampa Bay’s featured RB Doug Martin will be suspended the first three weeks of the season meaning Jacquizz Rodgers could see a bulk of the carries to start the regular season (Rodgers is an able replacement). The Buccaneers averaged 22.1 PPG (19th) and allowed 23.1 PPG (15th). Both figures need to improve.

Cincinnati: When healthy, A.J. Green is one of the NFL's top WRs. The Bengals have depth at RB in Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill plus bolstered their running game by drafting the controversial Joe Mixon with their second round pick. Cincinnati's defense showed great improvement as the 2016 season progressed (finished eight overall in scoring D at 19.7 PPG). Has the Bengals' 'playoff window' closed? The offense must average more than the 20.3 PPG of last season (ranked 23rd).

The pick: Like most preseason Week 1 games, we will see little from the respective No. 1 QBs for each team, Winston and Dalton. Tampa Bay's backup is veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is good at winning meaningless games. Meanwhile, A.J. McCarron has not played in a regular season game since 2015 plus third stringer Jeff Driskel wasn't much of a college QB. Make Tampa Bay a 10* play.

The set-up: The New Orleans Saints face off against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night at Cleveland in Week 1 NFL preseason action. Led by Drew Brees, the Saints have owned one of the NFL's best passing offenses for more than a decade. However, the Saints have added RB Adrian Peterson and for the first time, A.P. will dress in gold and black. As for the Browns, they will enter the 2017 season off a 1-15 season last year, the team's ninth consecutive losing one. The Browns have averaged a modest 4.2 wins per season in that nine-year run and also take a 14-season playoff drought into 2017.

New Orleans: The Saints continue to rely on the ageless Drew Brees, who completed 70.0 percent of his passes for 5,208 yards with 37 TDs and just 15 interceptions in 673 throws at age 37 last season. Brandin Cooks was traded to the New England Patriots but the Saints still have Michael Thomas (92 catches for 1,137 yards and nine TDs as a rookie last season) and Willie Snead (72 catches, 895 yards, 4 TDs) plus free agent acquisition Ted Ginn Jr. (he'll love Brees!). New Orleans finished 7-9 last season, as while they were the NFL's second-highest scoring team (29.3 PPG), the Sainst also allowed 28.4 PPG (31 of 32 teams). New Orleans gave up at least 34 points in six games last season.

Cleveland: The Browns bumbled their way to a 1-15 mark last season, giving them the top pick in the NFL Draft. They selected DE Myles Garrett from Texas A&M. The Browns also went out and picked up the versatile Jabrill Peppers from Michigan along with TE David Njoku from Miami (FL) in the first round. However, the Browns still have plenty of question marks to address, as they finished next to last in the league in scoring offense (16.5 PPG) and third-worst in scoring defense (28.3 PPG) in 2016. Cleveland didn’t score more than 28 points in a game last season while allowing at least 30 points on seven occasions.

The pick: No position has been seen greater turmoil in Cleveland than at QB. Cody Kessler (128 of 195, 1380 yards, six TD, two INT, 0-8 as a starter) is  the de facto #1 on the depth chart but Cleveland also picked up Brock Osweiler (301 of 510, 2957 yards, 15 TDs, 16 INTs for Houston) in a salary dump deal that netted the Browns a pair of picks and drafted DeShone Kizer from Notre Dame in the second round. Osweiler will get the start in this one but expect to see all three. Plenty of players will see action tonight but it's hard to see how either team will have much trouble putting points on the board. Make the Over a 10* play.

The set-up: The Minnesota Vikings had 'tongues wagging' by opening teh 2016 season 5-0 SU & ATS. However, after a Week 6 bye, the Vikings lost their mojo, losing four in a row SU & ATS. The team never recovered, losing eight of its final 11 games to finish teh season 8-8 (9-7 ATS). Minnesota is out to prove its hot start wasn’t a fluke and that the Vikings can challenge the Packers for the division title (we'll see). The Bills gave up on Rex Ryan and would finish 7-9, extending to 17 seasons, the NFL's longest playoff drought. The Bills have employed nine different head coaches during their playoff drought and I wish Sean McDermott "the best of luck," as he's been named the 20th head coach in team history.

Minnesota: It’s a new era in Minnesota, as Adrian Peterson is no longer roaming the backfield. The Vikings will feature Jerick McKinnon, rookie Dalvin Cook, Bishop Sankey and Terrell Newby running behind fullback C.J. Ham. QB Sam Bradford completed 71.6 percent of his passes last season with 20 TDs and just five INTs but rarely threw downfield. That has to change.

Buffalo: Tyrod Taylor is entering his third season as Buffalo’s starting QB and he has passed for more than 3,000 yards in each of the past two years and has 37 TD passes against just 12 interceptions during that span, yet most feel he isn't truly Buffalo's answer at the position. Buffalo was a force on the ground last season as LeSean McCoy had a bounce back season (1,267 yards / 5.4 YPC / 13 TDs) behind an excellent OL. However, the he oft-injured Sammy Watkins remains a big question mark at WR.

The pick: Word is that he Vikings are doing the best they can to avoid preseason injuries but one can't ignore that they have played to win these relatively meaningless contests. Minnesota went undefeated in the preseason in 2016 and is 12-1 SU in its last 13 preseason outings dating back to 2013. Make the Vikings an 8* play.

The set-up: Week 1 of the 2017 NFL preseason begins early, as the Houston Texans visit the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte tonight. The Texans finished 9-7 and won the AFC South division in 2016. They then won the franchise's first-ever playoff game, beating the Raiders 27-14 in the wild card round (Houston had lost its first playoff game in three previous postseason appearances). However, the Texans lost 34-16 at New England the Divisional Round to the eventual champion Patriots. The Panthers went 15-1 in 2015 and made it to the Super Bowl, before getting shut down by Denver's dominating defense. Then in 2016, Carolina stumbled to a 6-10 record, becoming the first team in NFL history to go 15-1 and miss the playoffs the next year.

Houston: The Texans are beginning the franchise’s 16th season and fourth under head coach Bill O’Brien, but will see a few new faces. Offensive coordinator George Godsey is gone, following a 29th overall finish in total yards last year. The one year Brock Osweiler 'experiment' is over, as Tom Savage opens the preseason as the team's No. 1 QB, although Clemson's Deshaun Watson has made quite an early impression on O'Brien, early on. Veteran WR Andre Johnson officially retired in April, leaving a hole in the receiving corps. DeAndre Hopkins (a budding star) and Will Fuller were to be the team’s top receivers but Fuller suffered a broken collarbone during training camp and will be out 2-3 months. Houston added WRs Dres Anderson and Devin Street but are they enough? Lamar Miller is the team's No. 1 RB, backed by Alfred Blue. Houston is one of the NFL's best defensive teams when J.J. Watt is 100%. He missed 13 games last season with a back injury and has been eased into action during training camp. Watt likely won’t play in this contest.

Carolina: The Panthers averaged 31.3 PPG in 2015 but the Cam Newton-led offense fell off to just 23.1 PPG in 2016. Newton owns reliable receiving threats in Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess and TE Greg Olsen plus Stanford rookie RB Christian McCaffrey is considered a pass-catcher of the first order. RB Johnathan Stewart continues as a solid backfield presence. The Carolina defense struggled last year, allowing an average of 25.1 PPG (26th) and after forcing a league-high 39 turnover in 2015 (plus-20 TO differential), , had just 27 in 2016 (minus-2 differential).

The pick: Watson is turning heads at training camp, fresh off a National Championship with Clemson. However, don't expect much here. Don't expect to see much of Newton either and this game has 'under' written all over it. Make it an 8* play.

The set-up: The NFL is back in action for the first time since last February's thrilling Super Bowl, as the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals meet in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio. After cancelling this game last year due to poor playing conditions, the Pro Football Hall of Fame was determined not to let it happen again. The stadium was overhauled thanks to a $10 million donation from Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and now the namesake of the Canton venue. The time frame for major renovations was limited and Kevin Shiplett, VP of Operations and Facilities at the Hall of Fame, joked: “It will be done, but just don’t brush up against any walls because the paint may be fresh.” There is a chance of scattered thunderstorms for Thursday evening in Canton, so weather could be a factor.

Dallas: The Cowboys were the far superior team last year due to the emergence of rookies Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. This dynamic duo led the Cowboys to 13 wins, their highest total since 2007, but as been the case for some time now, the Cowboys lost their first playoff game.

Arizona: The Cardinals entered the 2016 season off back-to-back playoff appearances, including coming off a 13-3 regular season in 2015, which ended with an NFC championship game loss. However, at 7-8-1 in 2016, the team ended a run of three consecutive seasons of double-digit wins.

The pick: As is custom in an early preseason game, you can expect to see a ton of unknowns on the field attempting to earn recognition from coaching staffs and carve out a spot on the final roster. Neither coach is expected to really care about the final score and will instead opt to get as many reps from as many guys on the fringe as possible. In particular, Arizona will be without two of three most impactful offensive players, as head coach Bruce Arians is electing to keep QB Carson Palmer and WR Larry Fitzgerald sidelined in order to keep their preseason workload light (don't expect to see too much of RB David Johnson, either). Both Arians and Dallas' Jason Garrett boast losing records during the preseason but Garrett has only a total of four wins in 13 attempts over the past four preseasons. Five of the last six Hall of Fame games have been low-scoring affairs, with only the Cowboys vs. the Miami Dolphins showdown in 2013 going over 40 points. Points will be at a premium in this contest, especially since these players have had extremely little time to prepare together as a team. I'm making Arizona a 10* play.

The set-up: The 49ers and Chargers are both 1-2 this preseason and meet tonight in San Diego to wrap up their respective exhibition schedules. Both teams have Week 1 division games looming (the 49ers open at home vs. the Rams, while the Chargers open at the Chiefs) but while the Chargers have a settled QB position situation with Rivers, the same can't be said of San Francisco's QB situation. Chip Kelly hasn't tipped his hand on how his QB depth chart will look at the end of the preseason other than to confirm that he believes Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick are his two best options. Gabbert won't play against the Chargers while Kaepernick is expected to start and get an extended look. Obviously, Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem in Week 3 has created a controversy, but the bottom line is that Kaepernick has taken just 13 live-game reps this preseason and without an off-season program to get reps, his exposure to Kelly and his staff has been limited

The pick: No one really knows what the Niners' plans for Kaepernick are, so how Driskel and Ponder play in this one (following Kaepernick) could convince the Niners to view things a little differently. Meanwhile, the Chargers had many offensive line injuries last season but the team says that's helped them develop depth by playing the back-ups, something which could help them here, in the second half. San Diego won impressively 19-3 over the Cardinals (a Super Bowl contender) in its lone previous home game this preseason and the 49ers own just too many questions to back in this spot. San Diego is a 10* play.

The set-up: The 1-1 Cincinnati Bengals visit Jacksonville to take on the winless Jaguars (0-2) on Sunday night (NBC). The Bengals lost 17-16 at home to the Vikings in Week 1 (everyone seems to lose to Minnesota in the preseason since Zimmer came to town) but rebounded with an impressive 30-14 win at Detroit in Week 2. The Jags opened with a 17-13 loss at the NY Jets, then lost at home, 27-21 to the Bucs. The pick: The Jags are 0-2 and play their final  home preseason game in dress rehearsal week and that is typically a “good thing.” However, Jacksonville is simply a bad team which often makes the most of opportunities to beat itself. The team's Week 2 game was a perfect example, as after No. 1 QB Blake Bortles threw for two TDs, his backups tossed four INTs (Henne had two, with rookies Wittek and Allen adding one each). Yes, it’s just the preseason but the Jags have ‘earned’ their 19-61 (.238) record over the last five regular season. Bortles gave the Jags a 10-0 lead over the Jets and then threw two TD passes (in three drives) against the Bucs, all to no avail. With Cincy allowing just three first-quarter points in two preseason games so far, the Jags will not get off to a good start here and that will doom them. Top rated 10* on the Bengals.

The set-up: The 1-1 San Diego Chargers visit the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon (FOX will air the game). The Chargers opened the preseason with 27-10 los at Tennessee, allowing 288 rushing yards (8.7 YPC) to the Titans but rebounded with a solid 19-3 home win over the Cardinals in Week 2. The defense played very well last week, holding Arizona to just 209 total yards (12 FDs) and forced two takeaways. As for Minnesota, the Vikings have continued their preseason mastery under Mike Zimmer, winning on the road vs. 2015 playoff teams Cincinnati (17-16) and Seattle (18-11). These two teams met early in the 2015 season (in Week 3 at Minnesota) with the Vikings winning easily, 31-14. The pick: The third preseason game is traditionally considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season and adding to that, the Vikings will christen the team’s brand-new facility, U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota’s offense has done little so far (274 & 258 total yards) and Adrian Peterson will again sit out (he ran for 126 yards in last year’s regular season meeting). Without A.P., the Vikings’ offense loses the play-fake opportunities and with the starters not around for the second half, that just may take its toll. Yes, the Chargers did not score an offensive TD in their Week win over the Cardinals but it’s also true that Rivers did not play at all. He was 2 of 3 for 64 yards and a TD in his lone action against the Titans in Week 1. He’ll play a quarter or more here and while there should be some energy in the crowd at the start of the game (for the new stadium), I believe that Mike Zimmer’s nearly impeccable preseason record (10-1 SU & 9-2 ATS) will take a ‘hit!’ San Diego is a 10* play. 

The set-up: The 1-1 Denver Broncos host the 2-0 LA Rams on Saturday in Denver. The Broncos opened with a 22-0 shutout win in Chicago over the Bears but then the team’s Super Bowl defense allowed 31 points at home in Week 2, a 31-24 loss to the so-so Chargers. Meanwhile, the now-LA Rams have excited the fans by opening the 2016 preseason with consecutive home wins over the Cowboys (28-24) and Chiefs (21-20). Sean Mannion was the star of LA’s Week 1 win (three TDs) but the second-year player from Oregon St did not play in Week 2, as the NFL’s No. 1 overall pick, Cal’s Jared Goff, and Case Keenum led the way in Week 2’s squeaker.  With Peyton busy this summer doing DirecTV commercials, Denver has a three-way QB battle between Sanchez, Siemian (2nd-year player from Northwestern and Lynch (26th pick of the 1st round). The pick: According to Kubiak, Trevor Siemian will get the start and play the first half. Barring a complete meltdown by Siemian, the real intrigue is who will follow him rookie Paxton Lynch or Mark Sanchez? Here’s the tale of the tape. Siemian has completed 17 of 26 passes (65.4 percent) for 163 yards, with zero touchdowns, one interception and zero sacks taken. Sanchez has completed 20 of 30 passes (66.7 percent) for 219 yards, with one TD, one INT, two fumbles and three sacks taken. Lynch has completed 21 of 33 passes (63.6 percent) for 187 yards, with two TDs, one INT and six sacks taken. Is it possible that Sanchez will open the season as Denver’s No. 3 QB? Keenum will start for the Rams and will probably play three or four series. Goff will take over thereafter, taking a handful of snaps with members of the first-team offense before the rest of the backups come in. Goff struggled through his first four NFL drives -- interception, sack, fumble, near-fumble on a sack -- before getting into a rhythm during the second half of Saturday's 21-20 come-from-behind win at LA Coliseum. However, Goff's success came against the bottom of the Kansas City Chiefs' depth chart. Watch out for Mannion, who will be desperately trying to make a case to remain part of the QB mix. The ‘back door’ cover or maybe an outright LA win would be no surprise. Take the points and make the Rams an 8* play.

 The set-up: The Titans and Raiders are each 1-1 entering their Week 3 game in Oakland. The Titans are looking to establish a power running game in 2016 and believe they have the tools to do just that in DeMarco Murray plus rookie and Heisman-winner, Derrick Henry. Tennessee ran foe 288 yards (8.7 YPC) in its opening 27-10 home win over San Diego but the going was much tougher against the defending NFC champs last week, as the Titans were held to 96 yards on the ground (4.0 YPC) in a 26-16 home loss. The Raiders won 31-10 at Arizona in Week 1 but the victory was deceiving as the team generated only 10 FDs. Oakland converted back-to-back TOs in the late first quarter into TDs, giving them a 17-3 lead. The Oakland offense was even worse at Green Bay in Week 2, making just seven FDs and gaining only 187 yards. In fact, the team’s lone TD came on a blocked punt with 3:01 remaing in the game. The pick: The Titans will travel for the first time this preseason, while the Raiders will be hosting their first home game of the 2016 preseason. Oakland starter Derek Carr is expected see his most action of the preseason and look for this up-and-coming QB to play well. More than a few people around the league feel like the Raiders can compete for a playoff spot in 2016 and with Denver’s QB situation in flux (that’s a nice way to put it), the AFC West may be up for grabs. The same can’t be said for Tennessee’s 2016 outlook, as while the AFC South is arguably the NFL’s weakest division, the Titans are off back-to-back seasons in which they’ve won a total of just five of 32 games! The Raiders are an 8* play.

The set-up: The 1-1 Indianapolis Colts host the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. The Eagles have opened 2-0 while allowing just nine points, all to the Bucs in Week 1, followed by a shutout of the Steelers at Pittsburgh in Week 2. The key has been a defense with had five takeaways against Tampa Bay, followed by four more against Pittsburgh. The Colts have played twice (were slated to play the HOF game, which was canceled) and each contest has finished with the identical score of 19-18 (has any NFL team played in consecutive 19-18 games, ever?). Indy won at Buffalo in Week 1, then lost at home to the the Ravens last Saturday. The Eagles may be 2-0  but the offense has struggled, gaining just 188 total yards in Week 1 (only 12 FDs) and then 288 yards in Week 2 (16 FDs). Carson Wentz, Philly’s No. 1 pick, suffered a hairline rib fracture in the preseason opener and hasn't taken the field since (will not play here). Sam Bradford has cemented his role as the Eagles' starting QB this preseason (with Wentz on the sidelines) and should see a majority of the reps on Saturday night. The Colts’ Andrew Luck agreed to a six-year, $140 million deal before the season and looked fit for the Colts last Saturday. He opened the game by leading the Colts on a 61-yard drive that set up Adam Vinatieri for a FG and  had Indy in position to score again, until a lost fumble at the Baltimore 18-yard line. The Colts had to love his final numbers: a flawless 8 of 8 for 69 yards. The  Eagles are on the road for the second straight week and despite their plus-four TO margin in Week 1 and plus-three margin in Week 2, have scored only 17 points each outing. Here, they face a team which was in camp earlier than anyone else in the league (due to the HOF game) and is playing it’s final home game of the preseason in the traditional “dress rehearsal week.” At first blush that may look like a bad thing fo teh eagles but one has to love the way the Phily defense has played and while Luck has nothing to prove, Bradford should have a big game as he solidifies his status as Philly's No. 1 QB. The Eagles (plus the points) are an 8* play.

The set-up: The 2-0 Green Bay Packers visit San Francisco to take on the 1-1 49ers Friday night. The Pack have won with defense so far, allowing a modest 23 points in their two victories but even more impressively, have held their two opponents to a combined 359 yards and just 18 FDs. The 49ers opened with a 24-13 home loss to the Texans but won last week 31-24 at Denver, as the team's three QBs (none named Kaepernick) combined to complete 19 of 24 for 216 yards. Christian Ponder was the fourth quarter hero, running for a 22 TD and then throwing a 30-yard TD pass to give San Francisco a 31-17 advantage. The pick: However, a closer look at the game in Denver reveals that the 49ers D allowed 31 FDs and 406 total yards. Aaron Rodgers is expected to see his first — and only — preseason action tonight against San Francisco 49ers and that hardly bodes well for the 49ers. As for San Francisco, Blaine Gabbert has started the first two exhibition games, as Kaepernick has worked his way back from a sore right shoulder. Not sure which QB will start but it's likely both will get work with the first team. It’s a particularly important night for Kaepernick because by the time this preseason is over, he will have a much smaller body of work than Gabbert will to plead his case for the starting job. I’m not at all sold that Kaepernick will return to form and the form Gabbert has shown so far in his career, hardly bodes well for Chip Kelly’s future success in San Francisco. 10* play on Green Bay.

The set-up: The Tampa Bay Bucs are 1-1 after two weeks, losing 17-9 at Philadelphia in Week 1 and then winning 27-21 at Jacksonville last Saturday. The Cleveland Browns are still looking for the first win of NFLX 2016, losing 17-11 at Green Bay in Week 1 and then 23-14 at home to Atlanta in Week 2. New head coach Hue Jackson would love to get a win here but also faces first-time head coach Dirk Koetter of Tampa Bay, who makes his home debut. The pick: The Browns have struggled offensively when their starters have been on the bench and enter this contest having totaled just six second half points in their two preseason games so far. FYI... That TD touchdown came on a one-play, 10-yard  drive that followed a Green  Bay turnover in Week 1. Jackson may also be concerned about his defense, after allowing Atlanta 498 yards on 31 FDs last week. As for Tampa Bay, the Bucs own the worst regular season home ATS record over the last eight years and a check of the team’s home preseason record reveals a 4-8 SU mark since 2010. Trusting Tampa Bay has been dangerous to one’s bankroll. The Bucs coughed up five turnovers at Philadelphia in Week 1, then made two more at Jacksonville but were bailed out by four INTs against Jacksonville’s three back-up QBs. Just can't see laying points with the inept Bucs. 8* play on Cleveland.

The set-up: The 1-1 Dallas Cowboys will travel to Seattle to take on the 1-1 Seahawks Thursday night. Dallas rookie Dak Prescott (Miss. St.) has been outstanding in his first two appearances, completing 22 of 27 attempts (81.5%) for 338 yards with four TD passes and not a single INT. Romo saw his first action of the preseason in Week 2, completing four of five passes for 49 yards. Dallas’ expected featured RB, Alfred Morris (formerly of Washington), also saw his first action last week, rushing for 85 yards on 13 carries while scoring once. While the Cowboys have scored 65 points in their first two games, the Seahawks have just scored only two TDs in their first two games and both of those TDs have come in the fourth quarter. The pick: The  Cowboys’ OL is  the team’s strength and has made Prescott look good but Romo will be playing behind the first-team OL for more time this week and let’s see how Prescott fares later in the game. Will Dallas really risk Romo for two quarters or more (typical for Week 3’s ‘dress rehearsal’ game) with his injury history against a quality Seattle defense? Meanwhile, Seattle’s first-team offense and QB Wilson in particular, has really struggled. During the first two weeks so far, Seattle has scored just six points (two FGs) before the fourth quarter. The team’s two TD drives have been led by rookie QB Boykin, one coming on the game’s final play of regulation in Week 1. Carroll’s impressive preason ATS record of 25-15-3 makes it difficult to bet against the Seahawks but the under sure looks like a strong play. make it a top rated 10*. 

The set-up: The  Saints had 26 FDs to the Pats’ 18 up in New England in Week 1 but turnovers did in New Orleans. The Saints had four miscues (two INTs and two lost fumbles), while the Pats didn’t have a single turnover. New England opened the scoring with a 43-yard “pick six” and then up just 24-22, a 17-yard fumble return TD by the Pats broke open the game late (34-22 final). Houston opened with a 24-13 win last Sunday night at San Francisco. The Saints trailed 13-7 at the half but two TD passes by backup QB Tom Savage, along with a shut out effort by the New Orleans defense, led to the 11-point victory. The Houston defensive overwhelmed Drew Brees and the Saints in a 24-6 win last year in Week 12 but there is no reason to believe we’ll see that kind of intensity (or tenacity) from the Texans “D” in this preseason contest. The Saints can’t possibly be as sloppy a they were last week, coughing up four turnovers, two of which were returned for scores. Houston has ‘bet’ it’s future on Brock Osweiler, who didn’t look sharp at all in Week 1. O’Brien sure won’t be counting on Savage to bail out the team again but I’m not sure Osweiler is ready for primetime. Look for a bounce-back effort in this one from the Saints and Brees, who also own a scheduling edge. New Orleans played Thursday in Week 1 and now Saturday in Week 2, while Houston played last Sunday and now on Saturday in Week 2. The underdog Saints are an 8* play. 

The set-up: Jacksonville scored only 35 first-quarter points in 2015 and said a priority in the preseason would be to get off to quick starts. True to their word, the Jags’ first-team offense put 10 points on the board in the team’s first two possessions in Week 1 but Jacksonville  wound up on the losing end of a 17-13 final at the NY Jets. The Bucs’ offense played poorly in a 17-9 Week 1 loss at Philly but the defense played well, holding Philadelphia to just 188 total yards. Tampa Bay looks to bounce back this week, although teh Bucs will be on teh road for a second straight week.at home this week. The pick: Tampa Bay ran for just 31 yards (1.5 YPC) in Week 1 but expect that to improve, as Tampa Bay ranked fifth in rushing last season (135.1 YPG), while tying Buffalo for No. 1 in YPC at 4.8 per. Winston had a better-than-expected rookie season (solid 22-15 TD-to-INT ratio) and expect to see a little more of him this week. Jacksonville may well start strong behind Blake bortles but backups like Chad Henne, as well as rookies Brandon Allen and Max Wittek offer little (Allen and Henne played after Bortles last week, combining to put three points on the board). Koetter’s home debut will be in Week 3 but this offensive-minded leader is a head coach in the NFL ranks for the first time and wants to establish something in the preseason. Backup QBs Ryan Griffin and Mike Glennon  combined to throw three INTs in Week 1, so maybe we will see more of Winston in this one. Plus, Griffin and Glennon can’t possibly help but to play better. The Bucs are an 8* play.

The set-up: The Titans are committed to becoming a more physical team and that was on full display in the team's 27-10 Week 1 win at home over the Chargers. DeMarco Murray had 93 rushing yards on only six attempts plus Heisman-winner and Alabama rookie Derrick Henry added 74 yards on 10 attempts. However, the Titans are not at home this week, rather they are playing on the road vs the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers, coming off a 15-1 regular season. Establishing the run will not go as easily in this game. The Panthers lost their Week 1 game 22-19 at Baltimore and while the Patroits visit Carolina in Week 3, it’s hard to make a strong case for a look-ahead in the preseason. The pick: These two teams met in Week 10 of the 2015 regular season, with the Panthers coming in 8-0 and the home team Titans 2-6, on their way to a three-win year. The Panthers likely took the Panthers lightly, leading just 14-10 at the half. However, Carolina turned up the ‘heat’ in the second half, shutting the Titans out in a 27-10 victory. There’s no real urgency for Carolina to be trying to run up the score in a preseason game but off a loss and knowing the Titans ran for 288 yards last week, should get Carolina’s attention. Speaking of a potent ground game, Carolina owns one of the best, averaging 142.6 YPG on the ground in 2015 (2nd in the NFL), while tying for the NFL lead in rushing TDs (along with Buffalo and Kansas City) at 19. Expect a low scoring game and make the under an 8* play.

The set-up: San Diego lost 27-10 to Tennessee in Week 1, as the Titans did exactly what the team wanted to do. That was; establish a run-first, power-football offense behind DeMarco Murray and Alabama rookie Derrick Henry (last year’s Heisman winner). When all the dust had cleared, San Diego’s rush defense had been run over for 288 yards, as the Titans averaged 8.7 YPC. Murray had 93 yards in just six carries and Henry 74 yards on 10 attempts. Arizona lost its Week 1 game 31-10 but a closer looks reveals that Carson Palmer led the Cards to a FG in his lone series but his backups were horrible, combining to complete just 12 of 35 passes, while throwing two INTs. The game: Arizona’s defense was very effective in Week 1, holding Oakland to just 10 FDs and there is zero possibility that Arizona's weak running game will have anywhere near the kind of success that Tennessee had running against the San Diego defense. As for San Diego’s offense, Rivers’ three backups were unimpressive last week, combing to complete 13 of 29 passes with two INTs. The Cardinals have made back-to-back playoff appearances, only the second time that’s happened since the team mover from St. Louis to Phoenix. This team owns a talented roster and there is likely very little urgency in the team's preseason game plans. This one should be a ‘sleeper’ to watch. The under is a 10* play. 

The set-up: Minnesota and Seattle are both coming off one-point wins in Week 1. The Vikings led 17-7 at one time but an 80-yard punt return TD by the Bengals with 2:48 remaining in the contest made it 17-16. However, Minnesota survived a failed two-point conversion by Cincy to win. As for Seattle, the Seahawks did little for three quarters at Kansas City, entering the fourth quarter down 16-6. However, a FG with 3:15 remaining in the game made it 16-9. It was then that Trevone Boykin (of TCU fane), competing to be Russell Wilson's backup, led a last-minute, 88-yard TD drive in four plays. He connected on a 37-yard TD pass at 0:00, then handed the ball to Troy Pope for the winning two-point conversion. The game: Mike Zimmer is now 9-1 SU and ATS as a preseason head coach plus has been pretty darn good in his first two regular seasons as well, as the Vikings are a money-making 23-9 ATS in 2014 and 2015, combined. Then there is Seattle’s Pete Carroll, who owns one of the NFL’s best preseason ATS records, with his Week 1 win leaving him at 25-13-3. It’s hard not to bring up the fact that Seattle traveled to Minnesota in last year’s wild card round, rebounding to win 10-9. Few NFL fans will forget Blair Walsh's 27-yard FG attempt into the frigid wind hooking left with 22 seconds remaining, handing the Seahawks the win. The pick: Something has to give in this one, as both coaches have terrific ATS preseason records. Revenge is on Minnesota’s side but then again, this game doesn’t count. Minnesota players know they outplayed their Seattle counterparts in that wild card game but my bet says that won’t happen again. Expect Seattle to put forth a much better effort that it gave at Kansas City in Week 1. Just can’t see Zimmer’s preseason ATS prowess continuing. Seattle is a top-rated 10* play. 

The set-up: The Packers were supposed to play the Cowboys in Canton (HOF) but that game was canceled due to unplayable field conditions. Green Bay opened its season last Friday with a 17-11 win at home over the Browns. Rodgers did not play but QBs Callahan and Williams looked good, combining to to complete 22 of 37 for 169 yards with one TD and one INT (team rushed for 151 yards). Oakland opened its preseason last Friday as well with a 31-10, despite being outgained 383-to-322 in yards and 22-to-10 in FDs. The Packers remain at home for a second straight week, with the Raiders playing as a visitor once again. The game: Aaron Rodgers is expected to see his first action of 2016 in this one (although his playing time will be limited) plus his No. 1 backup (former UCLA signal caller Brett Hundley) may see his initial action, as well. Hundley is coming off an ankle injury suffered in a practice leading up to a Hall of Fame game that was not played. The Raiders may have won 31-10 in Week 1 but the game was really decided by a pair of Arizona in the first quarter. The first turnover came on a fumbled punt return and Oakland recovered at the Arizona 19. McGloin passed for a TD on the very next play. Drew Stanton then threw an interception on the Cardinals' first offensive play after the kickoff. Two plays later, McGloin threw another TD pass to give the Raiders a 17-3 lead (game over!). The pick: The Packers should only get better offensively with Rodgers seeing some action and possibly Hundley, as well. Also note that the Green Bay defense was outstanding, limiting Cleveland to 11 FDs while holding them to 2 of 8 on third-down conversions (0-for-1 on lone 4th-down try). However, while the Raiders did little offensively in their Week 1 win, they won by three TDs. Expect a much better offensive efort from a team which is on the verge of becoming a real playoff contender. Take eth points, making the raiders an 8* play. 

The set-up: The SF 49ers won 36 games under Jim Harbaugh in his first three seasons in the Bay Area from 2011 through 2013, reaching the NFC championship all three years and making it all the way to the Super Bowl at the end of 2012. However, Harbaugh’s fourth season in San Francisco  resulted in an 8-8 finish and Harbaugh and the 49ers organization seemed to tire of each other. Harbaugh returned to coach his alma mater (Michigan) in 2015 and DL coach Jim Tomsula was promoted. The result was a 5-11 season and the demotion of the team's QB of the future, Colin Kaepernick. Houston won back-to-back AFC South titles in in 2011 and 2012 but after opening 2-0 in 2013, the Texans lost their final 14 games. Head coach Kubiak didn’t last the entire season and the man who ‘saved’ Penn St football, Bill O’Brien, was named head coach. He’s gone 9-7 in each of his two seasons in Houston and last year’s mark was good enough for a return to the playoffs. The game: Chip Kelly, of Oregon fame but a HUGE disappointment in his two-year ‘experiment’ in the NFL at Philadelphia, is seen by San Francisco as the “right man for the job.” In theory, Kelly’s offense seems to fit Kaepernick “to a T” but we’ll have to see. O’Brien has not had a stable situation at QB in his first two seasons but Houston has gone ”all in” on the belief that former Denver QB Brock Osweiler is “the man.” Again, we’ll have to see. The pick: I have never seen the big attraction in Kelly and in a game in which regulars won’t play much, I’m “all over” Bill O’Brien and the Texans as an underdog. 10* play of Houston.

The set-up: The Rams left LA after the 1994 season for St. Louis but return to Southern California in 2016. This makes the team’s first appearance as the home team in LA, since. The opponent will be the Dallas Cowboys, once known as ‘America's Team.” Dallas was at one time but the team has missed the postseason 12 times in the 20 years since it’s last Super Bowl win (to cap the 1995 season). It’s taken 22 years but Jerry Jones has finally admitted he let his ego play a role in the end of the Dallas Cowboys' glory days. Jones and former coach Jimmy Johnson ended their relationship after consecutive Super Bowl wins in 1992 and 1993. Neither man had accepted responsibility for the demise of their relationship. "I lost my tolerance for a lot of things," Jones recently told KTCK-AM 1310. "I probably should have had a little more tolerance with Jimmy Johnson. Seriously." Barry Switzer replaced Johnson and took the Cowboys to the NFC Championship Game in 1994 and a Super Bowl in 1995. They won another division title in 1996 but Switzer resigned after the 1997 season. Since then, Jones has hired five coaches who have delivered just two playoff wins. The game: The NFL returning to LA is a big deal but while the fans should be excited, don’t expect much from either team. QB Tony Romo is coming off another injury-plagued season and he’ll see limited action. Also, backup QB Kellen Moore has been lost to a season-ending ankle injury, leaving Dallas with rookie Dak Prescott (Ole Miss) and second-year player Jameill Showers (UTEP). LA’s QB position is no better, with top-pick Jared Goff likely to see limited action. He’s backed up by the brutal Case Keenum and inexperienced QBs Mannion and Thompson. The pick: Jason Garrett owns one of the NFL’s worst ATS preseason record (6-15), so I want no part of Dallas. However, the under is a safer play. Make it an 8* play . 

The set-up: The Seahawks fell short of a third straight Super bowl appearance last season, losing in the divisional round at Carolina. Andy Reid took over a 2-14 Kansas City team in 2013 and opened 9-0. His team struggled down the stretch but entered the postseason 11-5, before blowing a huge lead in the wild card game at Indianapolis. His second year saw KC miss the postseason at 9-7 and then in 2015, KC opened 1-5. However, Reid (and QB Smith) led the Chiefs on a 10-game winning streak to end the regular season at 11-5. KC thumped Houston 30-0 in the wild card round but the team’s season ended with a 27-20 defeat in New England. Both teams are strong playoff contenders again in 2016. The game: It’s the first preseason contest for both teams and we don’t expect to see much of Russell Wilson or Alex smith. The Chiefs have acquired Nick Foles to back up Smith but after him, it’s the untested Murray (Georgia), Hogan (Stanford ) and Bray (Tenn.). Seattle’s QB backups are not much better with Boykin (Baylor) and Heaps (BYU). These teams met in Week 2 of the preseason at Kansas City last year and the Chiefs won 14-13, as neither team gained 250 yards of total offense. A closer look at KC’s regular season-ending 10-game winning streak reveals less than a “murderers row” of opponents. The pick: Carroll has an excellent ATS mark in the preseason (24-14-3) while Reid is sub-.500 ATS, going 29-38-1. I'm taking a FG (or more?) with Seattle as a 10* play.

The set-up: The Giants will open the 2016 season without Tom Coughlin as their head coach for the first time since 2003. Former OC Bem McAdoo is the new coach and he inherits a team looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the Giants won the Super Bowl in the 2011 season. QB Eli Manning and WR Odell Beckham Jr. remain the key players for the Giants. Miami can feel the Giants’ pain, as the Dolphins haven’t been to the playoff since 2008 and haven’t won a playoff game since the 2000 postseason. Miami will open 2016 with yet another new head coach, Adam Gase, who despite being the OC of a Chicago Bears team which was just 6-10 last year (finished 21st in total offense), was one of the or the ‘hottest’ coaching candidates last off season. The game: These two teams have met six times in the preseason in their histories with the Dolphins winning all six games (four of the six have been decided by six points or less). Both head coaches are making their respective debuts but for the Giants, McAdoo’s debut will come at home. The pressure will surely be on him to make a good “first impression.” I noted that Gase got the head coaching job at Miami despite coming off a 6-10 season as Chicago’s OC in the set up but let me add this here. How many guys (meaning McAdoo) get promoted from OC to head coach after the team went 6-10 SU in each of the two seasons in which he was coordinator?  As for Gase, he takes over a Miami team which was full of dissension on both sides of the ball in 2015. The recent coaching regimes weren’t able to figure things out in “South Beach” and it stands to reason that Gase and his staff will need time. The pick: My lean is to the Giants but what I like more here is the under, as both teams will struggle to put points on the board in this first contest, one in which the regulars will receive limited reps. top-rtaed 10* play on the UNDER!

The set-up: The Minnesota Vikings (11-5 in 2015) open the 2016 preseason slate at the Cincinnati Bengals (12- 4 in 2015) on Friday. Mike Zimmer has been Minnesota’s head coach the last two years and in his preseason opener, will coach against 13 members of the Bengals coaching staff with whom he shared a tenure in Cincinnati. The Bengals story is becoming “etched in stone.” Cincinnati has made the playoffs in seven of the last 11 years (all under head coach Marvin Lewis), only to lose their first postseason game each time (note: Cincinnati will enter 2016 on a five-year postseason run without a playoff win ). The game: Here’s a stat most will be familiar with. Zimmer opened his preseason career winning eight in a row (7-1 ATS), before losing the team’s 2015 preseason finale to Tennessee, 24-17. Marvin Lewis of the Bengals owns a career 28-25 SU and 27-25-1 ATS record in the preseason, which hardly inspires confidence. As always in Week 1 of the preseason, neither team figures to play their regulars for too many plays.Something which may go a long way to deciding the winner in this contest is the injury to Minnesota’s back-up QB, Taylor Heinecke. He was a rookie in 2015 and played in all five of the team's preseason games, contributing nicely. With Heinecke sidelined, rookie FA Joel Stave may be taking more snaps than Minnesota backers would like. The pick: Zimmer’s preseason record is nearly impeccable but we‘ve all heard the term, regression to the mean. Meanwhile, the Bengals just may want to open with a win, after yet another playoff ‘flop’ last January. The Bengals are an 8* play. 

The set-up: John Fox came to Denver in 2011 and all he did was lead the Broncos to four consecutive AFC West titles. With the addition of Peyton Manning in 2012, the Broncos owned a 38-10 (.792) record from 2012 through 2014 but the team's failure to win “the big one” got Fox fired. He landed in Chicago for 2015, with the Bears struggling to a 6-10 season. Gary Kubiak became the Houston Texans second-ever head coach in 2006 and in 2011 and 2012 he led that expansion franchise to back-to-back AFC South titles. However, the 2013 season was wrought with injuries and after 11 straight losses, (Houston opened 2-0) Houston fired Kubiak. He was hired by Denver in 2015 after Fox was fired, returning to the team he once played for and the one for which he was an assistant at from 1995 through 2005. All Kubiak did was win another AFC West title going 12-4 and then lead Denver to the franchise’s third-ever Super Bowl win. The game: These two teams met in Week 11 of last season in Chicago, with Denver holding on for a 17-15 win (the Broncos foiled the Bears’ two-point try with under 30 seconds left in the contest). They now meet to open their respective 2016 preseason schedules, again at Soldier Field. The Broncos face a number of issues this preseason, playing as the defending Super bowl champs always places a target on that team’s back plus unlike last year’s preseason, Kubiak has nothing to prove. Maybe more importantly, Kubiak and Denver had a settled QB situation last August and that couldn’t be more far from the case this August. The pick: Yes, Kubiak has an outstanding preseason ATS mark (23-11-2) but as noted, where’s the motivation this August? As for John Fox, his teams are 10-4 SU in Week 1 of preseason action in his career, including a year ago when the Bears came out in their first game under Fox’s leadership and took apart Miami 27-10 at Soldier Field. 108 play on the Chicago Bears.

The set-up: The Falcons opened Dan Quinn's first season as head coach by winning their first five games and sat 6-1 through Week 7. However, the Falcons imploded down the stretch to finish 8-8 while missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year. In stark contrast, the Redskins were just 5-7 through Week 13 but a four-game winning streak to close the season gave Washington the NFC East title, as at 9-7, the Redskins were the lone team in that once-proud division to own a better than .500 record.  The game: If this was a regular season contest, it would be a matchup featuring two QBs facing an important season. Matt Ryan became a quality QB in the NFL and back in 2012, almost led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance. However, he’s on the ‘hot seat’ in 2016, as recent accomplishments hardly match his ‘pay check.’ As for Kirk Cousins, he was Washington’s choice at QB over RG III before the start of last season and after a so-so start, had a terrific finish to 2015 in which he threw 23 TD passes against only three INTs over his last 10 games. Cousins will be playing for a HUGE contract, as he’ll be a free-agent after this year. The pick: This is not a “real game”and we won’t see much of Ryan or Cousins. Washington has a better QB rotation and Atlanta has had a troubling recent history of poor second-half preseason performances (note: Falcons were out-score in the second  half of all four  games last  preseason). However, I believe the Falcons will be the more motivated team in this contest and I’m backing the home team. Atlanta is a 10* play.  

The Denver Broncos wrap up the pre-season at home against Arizona, and the bookmakers have opened with an extremely low total for this game. While both teams are likely to sit their starters, the second string offenses should be able to score a few points on the backup defenders. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Brock Osweiler - Denver's backup quarterback has played well this pre-season, in fact he's outplayed Peyton Manning. He threw for 151 yards and a TD on 15-of-20 passing against Seattle, and 121 yards with a TD and an INT against Houston. 

2. Arizona Defense - The Cardinals reserve defenders have been lit up so far in the pre-season, and all three of Arizona's games have gone over the total. Last week they gave up 331 passing yards in the win over Oakland. 

3. X-Factor - These teams have a history of playing high scoring games, with each of the last five meetings going over the total. 

Selection: This is a play on Arizona@Denver to go OVER the total (10*) 

The Philadelphia Eagles have had an impressive pre-season, winning all three of their games by a double-digit margin. At this point they have nothing to prove on the road in New York, and I think they are being asked to cover too many points. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Last Chance For Tebow - The only time the Eagles offense hasn't looked dangerous, is late in games when they've given Tim Tebow playing time. Most experts agree that his play so far this pre-season has only confirmed the fact that he's better at running the football than he is at throwing it. He should see more time tonight than he has in any of the previous game, and that's not good news for Philadelphia's offense. 

2. Matt Flynn - As far as backup quarterbacks go, the 30 year old has done very well for himself. He still has a lot to prove if he hopes to lockup a job with the Jets, but you have to like his chances. He threw a pair of TD passes for Green Bay in a 34-14 win over the Chiefs in the final week of last year's pre-season. 

3. X-Factor - The Eagles offense is getting an awful lot of attention, perhaps masking the fact that their defense hasn't been all that impressive. The Packers third and fourth string quarterbacks threw for 400 yards and three TDs in last weeks game. 

Selection: This is a play on the New York Jets (10*)

The Denver Broncos will host the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 3 pre-season meeting this Saturday. The Broncos are 2-0 so far, and I think they'll stay undefeated as the 49ers don't have enough weapons to keep up offensively.

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Peyton Manning - The Broncos quarterback has yet to get going, but he should see plenty of time here in this game. The Broncos beat San Francisco 34-0 in a pre-season game last August, and Manning threw for 102 yards and a TD on 10-of-12 passing. 

2. Denver Defense - The Broncos have one of the fiercest pass rushes in the NFL, and that was on full display as they sacked Houston's quarterbacks five times for a loss of 32 yards last week. San Francisco's quarterback Collin Kaepernick was sacked for a 14 yard loss last week, and he's been known to hang on to the ball longer than he should. 

3. X-Factor - Manning threw for 318 yards and four TDs in a 42-17 home win versus San Francisco last October. Kaepernick was picked off once, and sacked six times in that game. 

Selection: This is a play on the Denver Broncos (10*)

The Tampa Bucs will host Cleveland in a Week 3 pre-season match-up on Saturday, and the Bucs have looked pretty solid so far. I like the home team here in a game that should see plenty of playing time for both team's starters. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Johnny Manziel has been sidelined by a sore elbow, leaving Cleveland's offense in the hands of former Tampa QB Josh McCown. The 36 year old threw 14 interceptions and just 11 TD passes for the Bucs last year, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that he was picked off twice, and sacked three times while throwing for just 57 yards last week in a loss to Buffalo. The Bucs are in much better shape, with Jamies Winston and Mike Glennon both playing well so far in the pre-season. 

2. Bucs Defense - Last week Tampa's secondary picked off Andy Dalton twice, and the Bucs sacked Cincinnati's quarterbacks four times for a loss of 33 yards. 

3 X-Factor - The Browns are just 1-5 in the pre-season under Mike Pettine over the last two seasons. 

Selection: This is a play on the Tampa Bay Bucs (8*) 

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming into the 2015 season looking to lean heavily on their offense. The days of the Steel Curtain defense are over, and the Steelers are going to need to put up a lot of points in order to win games this year. They have all the tools to do just that, and we should see a shootout in Pittsburgh on Sunday with the Packers in town. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Aaron Rogers threw for 117 yards on 11-of-19 passing in the win over the Patriots last week, and he's likely to play for at least the first quarter here today. The Steelers have already played two full games this pre-season, so they could roll with their starters for a significant portion of the first half. 

2. Previous History - The over is 9-3-1 in Steelers last 13 home games, and five of the last six head to head meetings have gone over the total. 

3. X-Factor - Green Bay's quarterbacks combined to throw for 274 yards and two TDs in Week 1. 

Selection: This is a play on the Packers@Steelers to go OVER the total (10*)

The Philadelphia Eagles were quite impressive in their first game of the pre-season, defeating the Colts by a score of 36-10. They've now won three straight exhibition games at home, and they've scored an average of over 35 points in those three games. Philly will host the Ravens tonight, and you have to like Chip Kelly's Eagles. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Both teams are deep at the quarterback position, especially Philadelphia who will likely lean heavily on second string pivot Mark Sanchez. The Eagles have been impressed with Sanchez in training camp, and he threw for 11 TDs and just one INT in practices. The starting job is Sam Bradford's to lose, and he should make his first start for the team tonight. 

2. Coaching Philosophy - Kelly will want to get new QB Sam Bradford as much time with the starting offense as he can, to prepare him for the regular season. Chip has never been known to be conservative, so he may leave his starters in the game longer than Harbaugh. 

3. X-Factor - Former Oregon Duck Kenjon Barner ran for 29 yards and a TD, and also had a 92 yard punt return for a TD in Week 1. 

Selection: This is a play on the Philadelphia Eagles (8*)

The Buffalo Bills will be in Cleveland on Thursday night, playing their second pre-season game against the Browns. Buffalo has already suffered a big blow losing LeSean McCoy to an injury, and Rex Ryan is even considering bringing in Ray Rice. The Browns are coming off a home loss to Washington in the first week of exhibition, so they should be eager to get a positive result here at home tonight. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Neither team has a bonafide stater, as Johnny Manziel, Josh McCown and Thad Lewis are battling for spots in Cleveland, and E.J. Manuel and Matt Cassel appear to be the best candidates to win the job in Buffalo. 

2. Ground & Pound - The Bills ran the ball 45 times for over 200 yards in Week 1, attempting just 27 passes. The Browns had 37 running plays compared to just 28 pass attempts. 

3. X-Factor - The under is 13-3 in Bills last 16 games overall, while Cleveland has gone under in nine straight versus the AFC. 

Selection: This is a play on BUF@CLE to go UNDER the total (10*)

The Philadelphia Eagles will open the pre-season with a home game against Indianapolis, and we might see some fireworks. Both teams have plenty of weapons, and history suggests that this game should see a lot of scoring. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Both teams are deep at the quarterback position, especially Philadelphia who will likely lean heavily on second string pivot Mark Sanchez. The Eagles have been impressed with Sanchez in training camp, and he threw for 11 TDs and just one INT in practices. The Colts Matt Hasselbeck is one of the league's best backups, with over a decade of experience starting for Seattle, even leading them to a Super Bowl. 

2. Previous History - The Eagles scored an average of 33 points per game in the pre-season in 2014, and all four of their games went over the total. Philly has also gone over the total in seven of it's last nine overall. 

3. X-Factor - The over is 4-0 in the last four head to head meetings. 

Selection: This is a play on the Colts@Eagles to go OVER the total (10*)

The Tennessee Titans will visit the Atlanta Falcons in the first pre-season game for both teams on Friday, and Atlanta is a slight favorite. The Falcons aren't likely to give their starters much action, while I think Tennessee will be eager to see what their 1st team offense looks like with Marcus Mariota at quarterback. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - Matt Ryan is likely to play one series at most for the Falcons, leaving T.J. Yates and Ryan Renfree to split the remainder of the game. The duo combined to throw for 235 yards on 13-of-31 passing for no TDs and no picks in the first pre-season game last year. The Titans are expected to give Mariota plenty of time under center, with Zack Mettenberger and Charlie Whitehurst also likely to see time. 

2. Falcons Defense - Atlanta ranked dead last in the NFL in total defense last year, allowing opponents to average just shy of 400 yards per game. This isn't something that is going to fix itself overnight, and defensive breakdowns could open things up for Tennessee to pile on the points. 

3. X-Factor - The Titans are 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

Selection: This is a play on the Tennessee Titans (10*)

The San Diego Chargers will host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night in the first pre-season game for both teams. This is a rematch of last year's game that saw the Chargers win by a score of 27-7 on the opening Thursday of the exhibition season. I expect a similar result this year. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Quarterbacks - When these teams met last year in the pre-season, Philip Rivers was a perfect 6-for-6 with his pass attempts, driving the length of the field for a TD in last year's game. His backup Kellen Clemens was also flawless, completing all five passes for 134 yards and a TD. 

2. Coaching Philosophy - Not all coaches put much stock in winning these exhibition games, and the Cowboys Jason Garrett isn't known to take these contests very seriously. He has a career record of 7-10. Mike McCoy was 2-2 with the Chargers last year, but he was 2-0 at home. 

3. X-Factor - The Chargers likely want to find out exactly what they've got with first round pick Melvin Gordon. He averaged almost eight yards per carry in his career at Wisconsin, and he's had a solid training camp. He should get every opportunity to strut his stuff here against the Cowboys. 

Selection: This is a play on the San Diego Chargers (10*)

The Minnesota Vikings appear to be a team on the rise, with a talented young quarterback and a vastly improved defense. The Vikes will play the Steelers in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game in Canton Ohio, and I think this game should mean more to Minnesota. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1. Coaching Philosophy - Minnesota was a perfect 4-0 in last year's pre-season under first year head coach Mike Zimmer, and he should be just as eager to make a positive statement in his second season. The Steelers had a winning record in the pre-season for the first six years under Mike Tomlin, but have gone just 1-7 the last two years. 

2. Backup Quarterbacks - We aren't likely to see much of the starters for either team, and Pittsburgh's backups don't inspire much confidence. Landry Jones and Taj Boyd have almost no professional experience, and Bruce Gradkowski has only completed 13-of-29 passes for one TD and an INT since 2011. The Vikes will likely lean on second string quarterback Shaun Hill, who was 3-5 as a starter for St. Louis last year. 

3. X-Factor - While we aren't likely to see Adrian Peterson, we should see plenty of Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, who are both quite capable backs. 

Selection: This is a play on the Minnesota Vikings (8*)

The Colts will try to pick up the pieces after blowing a 26-0 lead in the fourth quarter at home versus the Giants last week. Perhaps it was a bit of Indianapolis getting a dose of their own medicine, as they stunned a few teams with amazing comebacks of their own last season. They still come away with plenty of positives from last week, and I like their chances of notching their first victory of the pre-season at home in Week 3. 

Here are my keys to the game: 

1: Quarterbacks - We expect to see Dew Brees and Andrew Luck play at least the first half of this game. Luck has impressed so far, while Brees hasn't seen a lot of action. I expect Luck to be just a little sharper and more polished. 

2: Home Cookin' - The Saints are dominant at home in the dome, but their struggles on the road in recent seasons are well documented. Home teams are 25-8 straight up so far this pre-season. 

3: X-Factor - The Colts have covered the points in each of their last home games. 

Selection: This is a play on the Indianapolis Colts (10*)