NFL Betting – Hall of Game Kicks Off 2010 Season

The annual NFL Hall of Fame game goes this Sunday. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some football – thank you very much Hank Williams! The game itself is in the true spirit of exhibition with the Top Tier of players only seeing very limited action. Although all of the Big Names will participate, expect instead to see more of those players on the bubble, hoping to make their team’s Opening Day rosters.

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Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) vs. Dallas Cowboys (0-0)

Sunday, August 8th, 8:00pm EST

Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

Broadcast: NBC

Cincinnati Bengals -3 (100)

The Cincinnati Bengals were somewhat void of hype going into the 2010 season unless you count the signings of some of the NFL’s “distracters”. Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson headline a roster full of law breakers and chemistry poison. With Cedric Benson getting into the act with an offseason arrest and with Terrell Owens signing on to play with the “misfits”, Marv Lewis and Parole Officers across Ohio will have their hands full.

Cincinnati, despite all of the off field variables, will likely use the first quarter of this game to see how their on – field product matches up against a legitimate Super Bowl favourite. Carson Palmer can certainly use game situations to develop chemistry with his suddenly potent receiving corp. Expect the Bengals to be somewhat aggressive in their play calling with Ochocinco and newcomers Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant playing a big role in the first portion of the game. Palmer is undoubtedly looking forward to test driving his new weapons and likely won’t wait until Week 2 of the preseason to develop much needed cohesion with his new toys.

As far as the Cincinnati running game, the only thing left to decide is who will be the primary backup to incumbent Cedric Benson. Bernard Scott and Bryan Leonard are said to be in a dead heat camp battle for second string and will be looking to make an impression on Marv Lewis.

The Bengals defense will focus on systems and likely rotate bonafide starters and wannabees. The coaches will certainly be looking for a little intensity from the boys and a sign that they belong with the big club.

Dallas Cowboys +3 (120)

The Dallas Cowboys have their offensive roster basically set. It is unfortunate that Dez Bryant will not suit up for the game. His talents would certainly spice up the NFL’s inaugural 2010 Game.

Miles Austin and Roy Williams will take their familiar positions on the field for a very limited time. Truth be told, there is not much of a battle for playing time in Dallas – spots have been spoken for. Dallas will use this game as a tune-up only and will be focussing, at least on offense, on who deserves back up roles.

The Dallas running game is not unlike the passing game – the positions have been set already. Marion Barber and Felix Jones will share primary back duties with Tashard Choice having the inside edge on third down duties. Dallas will run their offense as if this is a December game, for a series or two at least.

Don’t expect much from the Dallas defensive starters. The Hall of Fame Game will act more as an audition for fringe players than a tune up for the defensive elite.

NFL Betting Outlook:

Although the Hall of fame game is probably the most important of the preseason games on tap, pure talent and hype don’t always win out. Depth, systems and fringe player desire will likely prevail in this game. Owner Jerry Jones has been careful to assemble a deep team this season in the hopes of a Super Bowl appearance in front of a home town crowd this season. I don’t see the superior Cowboys being denied.

NFL betting pick: Dallas Cowboys +3

Note: The Total is currently set at 33 points. The under may be worth a look as well.

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