2008 Picks Record: 0-0

Washington Redskins at New York Giants
Thursday, 7:00 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Giants -  3.5  ,  Total  40

The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants begin the 2008 season at home against the Washington Redskins.  It’s the second time in six seasons that the Redskins are part of the NFL’s first game of the season.  They won in 2003 against the Jets 16-13.  In 2004 the NFL started a tradition in which the previous season’s Super Bowl winner hosts the NFL Thursday night game to start the regular season. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Giants at Home.

Thursday’s game is the first regular season test for Washington head coach Jim Zorn.  The Redskins were 3-2 in the preseason as they had to play an extra week in the Hall of Fame game.  The Giants finished the preseason at 2-2.  The Giants didn’t play their starters much during the preseason and quarterback Eli Manning threw very few passes.  A lot of starters missed time during the preseason.  Wide receiver Plaxico Burress didn’t play at all and Amani Toomer caught just one pass. Manning didn’t even play in the preseason finale against New England.  “I feel great,” Manning said. “I think our guys are ready and I think we have a slew of receivers who can play, so whoever they have in the game and whatever we do, we have a lot of weapons. I think that is a great situation to have. If we can have three wides or four wides, there is not one guy you have to target on and say, ‘Hey, we have to prevent this guy from getting catches.’ We can work to a number of receivers and guys do a good job of getting open. Our running attack is looking good with some healthy running backs, our line is looking good, so I feel positive about where our offense stands, where our team stands, and I am looking forward to the start of the season.”

SBG Global Current Line: Giants -  3.5  ,  Total  41

Here are the NFL betting stats for Thursday’s game. The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the NFC. The Redskins are 9-19-4 ATS in their last 32 games in September. The Redskins are 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 1.

The Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Giants are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the NFC. The Giants are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 vs. the NFC East. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings between the two teams.

The Under is 5-0 in the Redskins last 5 games in Week 1. The Over is 5-2 in the Redskins last 7 road games. The Under is 17-8-3 in the Redskins last 28 vs. the NFC East.

The Over is 5-1 in the Giants last 6 home games. The Under is 5-1 in the Giants last 6 vs. the NFC East. The Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in New York between the two teams.

Pick: Over 3 out of 5 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals
Friday, 10:00 pm Eastern

SBG Global Opening Line: Cardinals  -  3  ,  Total  38

Normally the final game of the preseason is virtually meaningless but that may not be the case in Arizona on Friday night as the Cardinals host the Denver Broncos.  It was thought that Kurt Warner had won the starting quarterback job for Arizona but head coach Ken Whisenhunt was unhappy news was released by the media and supposedly Matt Leinart is still in the running.  It may not matter though if Leinart plays as bad as he did a week ago when he was 4-12 for just 24 yards against the Raiders, throwing three interceptions. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cardinals at Home.

Kurt Warner will start the game against Denver but Whisenhunt is still waiting to name the regular season starter.  “We all want to know,” Warner said, “For Matt and myself, it’d be nice knowing what the situation would be and be able to move forward with it. The way I look at it more than anything, the sooner it can happen, the sooner we can get past the (interviews and media coverage) that goes with it, and you can prepare for the game.”  Warner has not taken nearly as many snaps as Leinart in the preseason but has played far better.  “Hopefully we’ll get in enough snaps with the first (offensive) line that both can play,” Whisenhunt said. “I just wanted to make sure Kurt gets his timing with the ones for this game, much like we did in Kansas City.” Most of the starters for both teams are not expected to play a great deal on Friday so how much can be determined with backups playing alongside Warner and Leinart is up for debate.

SBG Global Current Line: Cardinals  -  3  ,  Total  38

Denver has looked good this preseason, especially quarterback Jay Cutler.

He is 30 for 43 for 352 yards, with three touchdowns, and no interceptions this preseason.  He probably won’t play long on Friday which means backups Patrick Ramsey and Darrell Hackney will see the bulk of the action. Starting wide receiver Brandon Marshall may see some action though since he will miss the first part of the regular season due to suspension.

NFL betting stats show that Denver has a 12-5 edge in the all-time preseason series with Arizona, including a 21-3 home win last year in the preseason.  The Broncos have been great in preseason finales in recent seasons, winning eight of their last nine. Denver is 3-1 in its last four preseason games against the Cardinals including three straight.

Pick: Cards 2units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Redskins
Thursday, 7:00 pm Eastern – NBC

SBG Global Opening Line: Redskins  -  3  ,  Total  35

A little bit of revenge could be on tap when the Washington Redskins host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.  Jacksonville defensive coordinator Greg Williams was expected to get the head coaching job at Washington when Joe Gibbs retired but he was bypassed for the job and Jim Zorn was hired.  Williams could have some strong feelings and his Jacksonville defense could want to prove a point in this game.
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Jaguars on the Road.

Williams replaced former Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Mike Smith who took the head coaching job in Atlanta.  Jacksonville’s defense has looked strong under Williams in the preseason but they are still missing first round draft pick Derrick Harvey who is holding out.  The Jaguars are also missing wide receiver Jerry Porter who has been out with a hamstring injury. Washington will be without defensive end Jason Taylor who was injured last week against Carolina.  Free safety LaRon Landry is also questionable.

Last week in the preseason, the Redskins were humiliated by the Carolina Panthers 47-3.  Quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked four times in the loss.  It was the Redskins worst loss in the preseason since the 1970 merger.

The Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week in preseason action as quarterback David Garrard was 10-16 for 118 yards with two touchdowns.

SBG Global Current Line: Redskins  -  3  ,  Total  34

Normally in the final preseason game the starters don’t play long, if at all, but in the case of Washington they may play longer than normal simply for the fact they played so poorly a week ago. “That’s something I’m going to discuss,” head coach Jim Zorn said. “I’m open to it. I may have to do that just based on what we did [against Carolina]. It’s not a matter of throwing them back out on the field, or putting on pads and scrimmaging for two hours. It’s a matter of developing a drive and getting back some tempo before the regular season. A 10-day layoff without getting them out there for a drive [against Jacksonville] may not be the right thing.”

The NFL betting teams have met twice in their history in the preseason as the Jaguars have won both meetings including a 31-14 win last year. The Redskins have played the Jaguars four times in the regular season and lead the series 3-1.

Pick: Over 3 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers
Monday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Chargers  -  6  ,  Total  39.5

The matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers on Monday was expected to feature both starting quarterbacks but that will not be the case as Seattle starter Matt Hasselbeck is unlikely to play due to a stiff back.  Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace has been excellent this preseason but is unlikely to see much time since he has a sore groin so that means third string quarterback Charlie Frye will get the bulk of the snaps on Monday for Seattle. “Absolutely your starting quarterback has to be ready for the first regular-season game,” Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren said, “(With) the guys that have played as long as he has played … you are not quite as concerned about their minutes in the preseason. Now, I want him (Hasselbeck) to feel better. That’s my main concern. But as far as not playing or not getting enough reps, I don’t worry about that too much.” Seattle is also missing receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch due to injuries. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Chargers at Home.

The Seahawks are excited about their rookie running back Justin Forsett.  He has 194 yards and a touchdown in the preseason.  He is battling with Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris for playing time.  The Chargers are also happy with their rookie running back.  Jacob Hester will see the bulk of the action on Monday since LaDainian Tomlinson is unlikely to play.  Tomlinson has not played in a preseason game since 2005.

SBG Global Current Line: Chargers  -  6  ,  Total  37

NFL betting stats show that the Chargers and Seahawks are meeting in the preseason for just the ninth time, with Seattle leading the series, 5-3. Last year the Seahawks won 24-16.   The two teams have met 48 times in the regular season with Seattle leading that series 25-23.  Another interesting NFL betting statistic shows that Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren was 37-25 to the over in his preseason career before this preseason began.  Holmgren has always been known as an offensive coach in Seattle and Green Bay so that should not come as a huge surprise.

Pick: Chargers 2 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 8:00 pm Eastern – NFL Network

SBG Global Opening Line: Colts  -  3 ,  Total  37

Indianapolis will open up their new stadium on Sunday as they host the Buffalo Bills in preseason action.  The game will be shown on NFL Network and could end up being a battle between backup quarterbacks.  Normally the starters for both teams would play into the third quarter but Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning is still out and Buffalo starting quarterback Trent Edwards is questionable. That means that Jim Sorgi will get a lot of playing time for the Colts while J.P. Losman will see a lot of time for the Bills. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Colts at Home.

The Colts could have a couple of starters back in action on Sunday.  Top defensive stars Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney might play on Sunday.

Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy has said the starters will play into the third quarter on Sunday.  “I always like to do that in the third preseason game – get us playing in the third quarter so we get the feel for what we do at halftime and how we make adjustments, incorporating that into the second half. I’d say those guys would play into the third quarter for sure.” Dungy said.

The Colts lost the Hall of Fame game to Washington, lost to Carolina in week 1 in overtime and defeated Atlanta last week.  Buffalo has split their two preseason games, winning last week against Pittsburgh but losing their opener against Washington.

SBG Global Current Line: Colts  -  5.5 ,  Total  38

NFL betting stats show that this will be the fifth preseason meeting between the Colts and Bills.  Indianapolis has a 3-1 preseason series edge.   The two teams used to be in the same division for many years which is why they have only met four times in preseason history.

Looking at the NFL betting stats for the coaches we see that Buffalo head coach Dick Jauron has a below .500 record against the spread in his preseason career. Tony Dungy is also below the .500 mark against the pointspread in the preseason as head coach of the Colts.

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings
Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Vikings  -  2.5 ,  Total  37

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to have quarterback Tarvaris Jackson under center on Saturday night as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Jackson sprained his knee last week against Baltimore but is expected to start on Saturday.  Most of the starters for both teams will play into the third quarter.

“You treat it like a regular season game because you are going to be out there longer,” said Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker. “I am out there trying to get better. It’s a preseason game but it’s time to see where we are at as a team.” SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Steelers on the Road.

The Steelers will go with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for at least the first half and then Byron Leftwich will get more playing time.    He played last week against the Bills and went 5-11 for 41 yards. “I am feeling more comfortable,” said Leftwich. “I have a better understanding of what we are trying to do offensively. It was a tough situation last week when I only had two days. At the same time it’s getting better. I don’t want to say I am fully getting the offense but I am getting the offense to the point where I know where the ball needs to go and what we are trying to do. I am looking forward to it because I have a week to prepare instead of two days. I am anxious and excited to go back out there on Saturday.”  Pittsburgh is still trying to find cohesiveness on the offensive line.  They lost Alan Faneca in the off-season and are trying to find the right combination upfront. Chris Kemoeatu started the first two preseason games at left guard, Sean Mahan started at center against the Eagles and Justin Hartwig will get his second start of the preseason this week.  “We have to get used to the people that are in there,” said Parker. “We are shuffling people around. There are some new faces. We have to get a feel for the line and get comfortable with the set line. It really doesn’t affect me. It makes me better. Some offensive linemen do things different or better than others so it keeps me on my toes how I make my reads.” 

SBG Global Current Line: Steelers  -  2.5 ,  Total  37

NFL betting stats show that the teams have met 10 times in the preseason with the Vikings winning 8 of the 10 games.  Minnesota won the last preseason meeting 17-10 in 2006.  This is the first preseason meeting between the two teams in Minnesota since 2001.  Pittsburgh has not defeated the Vikings in the preseason since 2002.  Pittsburgh is 105-95-1 all-time in preseason play.  Minnesota is 130-84-3 all-time in the preseason.  Minnesota has finished at .500 or better in 37 of their 47 preseasons.

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
New York Giants at New York Jets
Saturday, 7:00 pm Eastern

SBG Global Opening Line: Giants  -  1  ,  Total  38

The battle of New York is a lot more interesting this preseason than in the past simply for the fact that Brett Favre is now leading the Jets.  Usually the starters play into the third quarter in the third preseason game but may not be the case in this matchup as Favre is still learning the offense and the Jets have three backup quarterbacks they are looking at. Kellen Clemens was expected to be the backup but rookie Brett Ratliff has been excellent this preseason and could pry the backup job away from Clemens.  The Jets are also considering keeping rookie Erik Ainge.
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Jets at Home.

The Giants are starting to get back to full strength.  Receivers Amani Toomer, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are all expected to play this week against the Jets. “Everybody needs to work, you need to work with the quarterback, you need to be on the field, you need to establish some consistency, some reliability, and that is what we need.” New York head coach Tom Coughlin said.  Toomer really doesn’t need the preseason work but Smith and Manningham do.  “Hopefully, we can get all of the receivers back and get them healthy just so we can get into the flow of things,” Giant’s quarterback Eli Manning said.  Receivers Plaxico Buress and David Tyree are still out with injuries.

SBG Global Current Line: Jets  -  3 ,  Total  38

Manning was happy to have Smith back on the field. “Steve is good,” Manning said. “He is good in the slot running routes, running hook routes and doing some good things.”  The Giants are trying to get tight end Kevin Boss some more work but that didn’t happen last week.  “That is not by intent,” Coughlin said. “It just worked out that way.  There weren’t a whole lot of passes thrown, to be honest with you.  The numbers might reflect it, 15 out of 30 is not the most accurate (percentage) in the world and we need to get it spread around and get the ball in their hands.”

NFL betting stats show that the Jets have done quite well over the past decade against the Giants in the preseason.  That fact, coupled with the Brett Favre hype, is why the Jets are favored by a field goal in this game.

Pick: Giants 3 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys
Friday, 8:00 pm Eastern – CBS

SBG Global Opening Line: Cowboys   - 6  ,  Total  40.5

The real Dallas Cowboys may finally make more than a token appearance on Friday night when they host the Houston Texans.  The Cowboys haven’t played their starters much in the first two preseason games and lost to San Diego and to Denver.  The starters will get a lot more action on Friday and the Cowboys are favored to get their first preseason win of the year. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Cowboys at Home.

Dallas is expected to play quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Terrell Owens and the rest of the first strong offense at least the first half on Friday.  The starting defense should get a similar amount of time. The Cowboys are more focused on this preseason game than on either of the first two. “We started working on things that we’re going to work on and play in the ballgame that’s coming up rather than things you’re going to play throughout the year,” head coach Wade Phillips said, “We were more specific about the things we wanted to do this ballgame rather than looking long-term.”

SBG Global Current Line: Cowboys   - 5  ,  Total  41.5

The Texans have looked good this preseason winning both of their games against Denver and New Orleans.  Quarterback Matt Schaub has been virtually flawless going 18-21 for 216 yards and two touchdowns.  The Texans will be focused more on the running game on Friday than anything else.  Starting running back Ahman Green is injured and could actually be released which means the starting job is up for grabs between Chris Brown, Marcel Shipp and rookie Steve Slaton.  Star wide receiver Andre Johnson is questionable for this game.

The Cowboys and Texans have met six times in the NFL betting preseason with each team winning three games.  Dallas and Houston have met every year in the since the Texans became a franchise in 2002, four times in the preseason and twice in the regular season.  Each team has won all three of their home games in the series.  The last time the two teams played at Texas Stadium in the preseason was in 2005 when the Cowboys won by a score of 21-9.  Last year in Houston, the Texans got the 28-16 victory.

Pick: Texans +6 2 units

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots
Friday, 7:30 pm Eastern

 SBG Global Opening Line: Patriots   - 4  ,  Total  38

The New England Patriots have looked nothing like the team that went undefeated during the 2007 regular season so far this preseason.  The Patriots have been without quarterback Tom Brady and he is questionable for this game on Friday.  Normally the third game of the preseason is a dress rehearsal for the regular season but the Patriots may not treat the game as such.  Philadelphia will be looking at the game as a big test though.  Quarterback Donovan McNabb and the Eagles will look to play far better than they did last week against Carolina. SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Eagles on the Road.

The Eagles will be without wide receiver Kevin Curtis on Friday.  He will be out for quite a while after suffering a sports hernia. “We’re trying to not wait and do that whole thing,” head coach Andy Reid said. “We’re trying to get on it. We’ve identified (the hernia) and it’s the problem, and we’re trying to get it taken care of.”  Wide receiver Reggie Brown will also not play on Friday and that means DeSean Jackson will start in Brown’s spot Friday in New England, while Greg Lewis and Hank Baskett will rotate at Curtis’ spot.

The Patriots will be looking for their regulars to play better on Friday even if Brady does not play. “We try to emphasize every opportunity we get to prepare for our regular season opener. So that is all of training camp practices and all four preseason games. I think they are all important and we try to maximize all of them. Each game gives the players the opportunity to fine-tune their skills, techniques, reactions and all that in preparation for the regular season.” Head coach Bill Belichick said, “This [game vs. Philadelphia] is a good one. It is a good opportunity against a good football team. The guys that get the chance to participate in the game, I’m sure they will be able to utilize that to help them prepare for the season. Not everybody will, but the guys that do, that will be good for them. The guys that don’t, hopefully they will get it some other time or they have already gotten it.”

SBG Global Current Line: Patriots   - 2.5  ,  Total  37

NFL betting stats show that this is the fourth time in the preseason that the Eagles and Patriots have met with Andy Reid as head coach of the Eagles. The Patriots won all three preseason meetings from 2002 to 2004. The Eagles are 14-25 under head coach Andy Reid in the preseason.  Overall the two teams have met 17 times in preseason history.  The Patriots have a 9-8 edge in those meetings and have won the last six overall.

NFL Preseason Betting Preview
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
Thursday, 8:00 pm Eastern – FOX

SBG Global Opening Line: Bears  - 5 ,  Total  35

The Chicago Bears will start Kyle Orton at quarterback this season and his first test as the main man comes in Thursday’s preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.   Orton won the job over Rex Grossman, although neither player was overwhelming in their play this preseason.  Orton is 12-6 as a starting quarterback for the Bears in his three seasons. “To come to a decision like that, we’ve taken a lot of things into consideration—last year, how we finished the season, OTAs, training camp, preseason games,” head coach Lovie Smith said. “In the end it comes down to a gut feeling that you have, and I feel good about Kyle leading our team.”
SBG Global reports that early NFL betting has the public taking Bears at Home.

Chicago will get a long look at their new starting quarterback on Thursday as the Bears are expected to play their starters into the third quarter.  “I think I’ve continued to get better in the preseason, so this will be another step to take.” Orton said, “We’ll get a lot more playing time this week and just try to get ready for Indianapolis (season opener).”  Orton was just barely better than Grossman in the first two preseason games.  His quarterback rating was 63.2 compared to Grossman’s 56.5. Those numbers tell you how poorly the quarterbacks in Chicago really have been in recent seasons.

SBG Global Current Line: Bears  - 3 ,  Total  37

While the Bears have settled on a starting quarterback heading into Thursday’s game, the 49ers have not.  Head coach Mike Nolan said that all three quarterbacks will get a similar amount of playing time on Thursday with J.T. O’Sullivan starting followed by Alex Smith and Shaun Hill.

“The quarterback rotation will be the same for Chicago on Thursday. We have a short week to prepare, and I want to keep the team focused on the Bears,” said Nolan. “The starters will most likely play the first half, with the second unit coming in during the third quarter.”

NFL betting stats show that the two teams have met in preseason action the last three years with the Bears winning two of the three games including both home games.  Two of the three games went over the total.  The teams have met four times since 2001 in regular season play with Chicago winning four of the five matchups.