NFL Preseason Week 1: Four Nationally Televised Games to Kickoff Season

The NFL is officially back this weekend with four nationally televised games to kickoff the NFL Preseason.  The sportsbook has set lines for each of the four nationally televised games meaning that the betting season kicks off this weekend as well.

Let’s get to the games!

Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers

When:  Aug. 11 at 8:00 pm EST
TV:  ESPN
Betting Line:  San Diego -3 ½, 35 Total

Analysis:  It’s the first game of the NFL Preseason.  Does anybody really feel comfortable laying 3 ½ points on the Chargers or taking 3 ½ points on the Seahawks?  Not really.  More than likely, the score is going to be much less than the total of 35 because Seattle is starting former Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson.  Charlie Whitehurst is backing up Jackson.  How confident are Seattle fans this season?  I’m thinking not too confident.  The Chargers will probably only play Phillip Rivers at quarterback for a quarter.  I don’t see many points in this game as both teams use the contest as a glorified practice session.  I say go under.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs

When:  Aug. 12 at 8:00 pm EST
TV:  FOX
Betting Line:  Tampa Bay -3, 32 ½ Total

Analysis:  Who knows how many points will be scored in this game.  TB games routinely went under last season and KC doesn’t figure to unleash any big scoring plays in this contest.  So…the under is a definite possibility, like it is for almost every game in Week 1 of the preseason.  I do believe that KC is getting no respect by the odds makers as a 3 point dog in this one, though.  KC plays this game at home, where they’re always tough, and they’ll want to get back-up WR Steve Breaston, a talented guy, up to speed ASAP after losing time because of the lockout.  I’ll take the points on the home dog.

Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns

When:  Aug. 13 at 7:30 pm EST
TV:  NFL Network
Betting Line:  Green Bay/Cleveland pk, 35 Total

Analysis:  At first glance, it looks like Green Bay is a steal as a pick against the Cleveland Browns, but, then, we must remember that GB is the most ready team post-NFL Lockout.  The Packers won’t need to practice as hard as the Browns.  I believe that Cleveland plays this game with a bit of a chip on their shoulders, however.  That statement is especially true in regards to QB Colt McCoy who will want to solidify his position as the Browns’ starter.  RB Peyton Hillis is a handful and I’m not saying that the Packers’ D will exactly let up when he’s got the ball.  Okay…maybe I am saying that.  Hey, the real season is just around the corner!  Why take on a 250 lb back running full speed at you with nothing at stake?  No reason.  No reason at all.  I’m going Browns to cover.

NY Jets at Houston Texans

When:  Aug. 15 at 8:00 pm EST
TV:  ESPN
Betting Line:  Houston -2 ½, 34 Total

Analysis:  It sure is hard to handicap NFL Preseason games post-NFL Lockout, right?  Does anybody really know how hard Jets’ coach Rex Ryan is going to push his team on Monday night?  Houston, most likely, will try to score as many points as they can because they’re still a relatively young team with a relatively inexperienced coach in Gary Kubiak.  Actually, going over the total in this game might be the thing to do since both offenses figure to take chances, Ryan won’t hold things back on offense, and Houston’s O is just plain good.  But, I’m not going that way.  I’ll give up the 2 ½ and hope Houston tries to get something positive out of this game while Ryan and the Jets take it easy.