NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

[TheGame]

NFL Betting News and Notes
By Tony George

Seattle @ Denver (Pick em) Total 37

Last years Super Bowl Blowout re-visited, Peyton Manning versus a defense that shred him to bits last year. The problem is he gets 1 series, maybe two to exact revenge with a fairly vanilla playbook for week 1. The story here is MOTIVATION on Denver’s part, no matter what unit is in, because they were embarrassed in the Super Bowl last year and there is no doubt a win here is a moral victory. This Denver at home should be a favorite but this is a pickem game which scares me as oddsmakers are not baiting you to lay 2 or 3 with Denver as you would think.. If you see Manning and company more than 2 series I would be in shock, and although it is going to be sloppy, as all week 1 games are, Denver's QB’s 3 deep have looked great in camp and no doubt Coach Carrol will be gunning for a win as always. Might be some scoring in this one in what should be a good match-up so the total of over 37 might be worth a small sniff. I would lean Denver.

49ers @ Ravens (Pick em) Total 35

The Super Bowl 2 years ago and the brothers Haurbaugh here. Talk about drama and two coaches who clearly want to beat each other, even in the preseason. That sets up for some scoring and the total of 35 going over looks a little tasty. Two things at play here in my mind, and the first one is the travel required for San Fran, which has an affect on a team this early. Also John Harbaugfh likes to win in the 1st week of the preseason, he has a 5-1 straight up record in week 1, while little brother Jim is 1-2 in week 1 in his 3 years. It should be noted Jim Hatbaugh has a 6-2 SU record in the preseason as a head coach in his last 2 preseasons. Lean again to the home team here.

Patriots @ Redskins (-1.5) Toatl 38

A veteran coach versus a new head coach. I prefer vetran head coaches in the NFL in the preseason to prevail in week 1. First year head coaches tend not to fare well in Week 1 , and we all know Bill Bilichick’s teams do very well out of the gate, he is 11-4 SU in week 1 of the preseason as a head coach. I think 3 deep Washington is better at QB, but with lack of depth on defense and an all new coaching staff, the value in this one lies with the visitor who is an underdog and their offensive scheme is more finely tuned at this point. Lean to New England

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Green Bay Packers - Tennessee Titans Preview
Sportspic.com

Saturday marks the start of the Ken Whisenhunt era in Nashville. The Tennessee Titans can’t wait to get started. Whisenhunt has worked his team hard throughout training camp, preaching ethic and dedication as the foundation for future success. The Titans still have a lot of decisions to make with several starting positions still undecided heading in their first preseason game. The same cannot be said about their opponent in the Green Bay Packers, which are focused on staying healthy after injuries derailed their championship aspirations last season.

Aaron Rodgers likely won’t see much action as he continues to get back to top form after suffering a fractured collarbone a year ago, but Matt Flynn returns to the team he was drafted by to challenge Scott Tolzien for the backup duties. Injuries provided some much needed experience for the Packers’ backups last year and they added to the talent base in the offseason through both free agency and a strong NFL draft haul.


Betting Preview: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay upgraded its defense when Julius Peppers inked a free agent deal and while he likely won’t see any time in this game he should help at outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews. The Packers solidified their secondary with first round pick free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to pair with Morgan Burnett, and cornerback Davon House has been talked about a lot after a strong start to his camp as he attempts to carve a role behind Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, and Casey Hayward. Flynn returns for his second stint with Green Bay and should get plenty of snaps in this game along with Tolzien. The Packers want to see what rookie second-round pick Davante Adams can do after drafting him to solidify their depth at receiver after James Jones departed, and he has been talked about as a sleeper pick that could surprise behind Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson.

Betting Preview: Tennessee Titans

The Titans enter the preseason with Jake Locker as their starting quarterback for the third-straight season, but Charlie Whitehurst and Tyler Wilson should get plenty of snaps in this game. Whisenhunt would like to turn up the pace on offense and the key could be rookie second-round pick Bishop Sankey, who is regarded as a potential sleeper stud at the position. Tennessee is also transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4 on defense under new coordinator Ray Horton. Horton is a genius, but it will take time for the Titans’ players to adjust to the transition, especially when it comes to the pace of a live game. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tommie Campbell, and Coty Sensabaugh are competing for the starting cornerback job opposite Jason McCourty, and the Packers will test them in this one.

Outlook & Pick

The Titans will likely open the game with the greater sense of urgency at home and with Whisenhunt at the helm for the first time. However, the Packers have the better depth on both sides of the ball and in particular at the quarterback spot where Flynn and Tolzien each enter this preseason with something to prove. Eventually that will be the difference in what projects to be a closely contested game.

Pick: Green Bay Packers +1

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Riley Cooper (foot) will not play in Friday's preseason opener.

Toby Gerhart (hip) will not play in Friday's preseason opener.

DeSean Jackson tweaked his ankle during Wednesday's practice and is not expected to play in Thursday's preseason game.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Tom Brady will sit out Thursday's preseason opener against the Redskins.
The Patriots saw enough from Brady during this week's joint practices with the Redskins, as he completed 60-of-80 passes (75.0 percent) in team drills while displaying an "obvious rhythm." Ryan Mallett, who is in the midst of his best NFL camp, will start.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Thursday's NFL Week 1 Preseason Betting Primer
By COVERS.COM

Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets (-3, 37)

Colts coach Chuck Pagano doesn't yet know how much Andrew Luck and the first-team offense will play Thursday, and may not come to a final decision until the game is already underway. What is known, however, is that wide receiver Reggie Wayne, still recovering from last season's torn knee ligament, will not be on the field.

Safety Calvin Pryor, the Jets' first-round pick last spring, practiced with the third-team and scout defense this week but will sit out the team's preseason opener after suffering a concussion in late July. Geno Smith will get the start at quarterback over Michael Vick, despite struggling throughout training camp, but it isn't clear how long the first-team offense will play.

New England Patriots at Washington Redskins (-1, 37.5)

Patriots quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Jimmy Garoppolo split the majority of reps during Wednesday's practice, a good sign both will see plenty of action in the preseason opener with Tom Brady siitting out Thursday. One guy who likely won't be in action is starting defensive tackle Sealver Siliga, who left practice after suffering a left hand injury and returned to the sidelines in a black cast.

The Redskins suffered a scare Wednesday when wide receiver DeSean Jackson rolled his ankle after having his foot stepped on. He left the field right away and had a trainer apply ice. Despite the injury, head coach Jay Gruden expects Jackson to play Thursday night. Washington was a perfect 4-0 in the 2013 preseason, then proceeded to win just three games during the regular season.

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (-1, 35)

San Francisco appears to be in midseason form already, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Veteran nose tackle Glenn Dorsey suffered a torn left biceps during practice last week and may be lost for the entire 2014 season, while cornerback Chris Culliver was removed from practice for rough play, just two days after wide receiver Anquan Boldin was sent off for starting a fight.

Expect to see a different offensive approach from the Ravens than the one they have employed for most of the century, beginning with the preseason opener. New offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak says he believes Baltimore can become one of the league's best teams when it comes to screen passes. The Ravens have thrown just 123 screen passes since 2001 - fourth-fewest in the league over that span.

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-2, 36.5)

It could be a dicey opener for newly signed Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, who is only expected to play one or two series and will be missing several projected starters on the offensive line against Kansas City. Rookie Russell Bodine will make his debut at center for Cincinnati, while Will Svitek and Marshall Newhouse will start in place of Andrew Whitworth and Andre Smith.

The Chiefs have laid out their quarterback plan for the game. Alex Smith will start the opening quarter, Chase Daniel will open the second, Tyler Bray will kick off the second half and fifth-round pick Aaron Murray gets the call for the final quarter. Kansas City will be without safety Sanders Commings indefinitely after the 2013 fifth-round pick suffered a fractured fibula and ankle earlier in training camp.

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos (+1.5, 37)

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll anticipates his starters will play most of the first quarter, and he's eager to get at least three of his four quarterbacks into the game. B.J. Daniels tweaked his groin earlier this week and may rest as a precaution. Rookie wide receiver Kevin Norwood is out after having surgery to remove a bone spur in his foot, but could be back before the start of the season.

Peyton Manning will take the field in the preseason opener against the team that denied him a second Super Bowl ring last February. But he and the rest of the Denver starters won't play more than the first quarter, according to head coach John Fox. Manning may not have Emmanuel Sanders to throw to, as the veteran wide receiver is considered questionable with a strained quad.

Dallas Cowboys at San Diego Chargers (-3, 36.5)

The Cowboys' suspect defense is already in disarray, with defensive end Demarcus Lawrence expected to miss 8-10 weeks with a broken foot and cornerback Morris Claiborne sitting out the preseason opener for the third straight year with a knee injury. Quarterback Tony Romo isn't going to play, leaving the bulk of the work to backups Brandon Weeden, Caleb Hanie and Dustin Vaughan.

The Chargers are dealing with a litany of injuries themselves. Rookie guard Chris Watt, slated to start the exhibition opener, suffered an undisclosed injury Tuesday and is questionable for Thursday, while cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (leg) and Marcus Cromartie (groin) ran on the side earlier this week but won't suit up against Dallas.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Thursday's Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Colts at Jets (-3, 36½)

2013 Preseason Records: IND (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS), NYJ (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Jets (+3) beat Colts, 31-7 in 2004

QB Rotations:
IND - A. Luck, M. Hasselbeck, C. Harnish
NYJ - G. Smith, M. Vick, M. Simms, T. Boyd*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Dave Cokin - Colts head man Chuck Pagano is the first to come right out and say this game doesn't mean a whole lot to him. His team has some early injuries, and his "just trying to get through this" comment is telling. The Jets offense has not looked good in scrimmages, which is not shocking at all, but the defense appears to very sharp already. Not necessarily saying the Jets will want this more, but I'm pretty sure the Colts want it less. That's enough to get me to the favorite in this game, laying the points with the Jets.

Patriots at Redskins (-1½, 38)

2013 Preseason Records: NE (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS), WSH (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Patriots (-3 ½) beat Redskins, 27-24 in 2009

QB Rotations:
NE - T. Brady, R. Mallett, J. Garoppolo*
WSH - R. Griffin III, K. Cousins, C. McCoy

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Bruce Marshall - While the track record of new head coaches (such as Washington's Jay Gruden) in their first preseason games is not particularly illuminating, Bill Belichick's recent marks in preseason openers are worth noting. That's because his Patriots have won five consecutive lid-lifters, as Belichick usually likes to set a winning tone at the outset before inevitably delivering a flat effort or two later in preseason. Play the Patriots.

49ers at Ravens (-1, 35)

2013 Preseason Records: SF (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS), BAL (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: First ever meeting

QB Rotations:
SF - C. Kaepernick, J. Johnson, B. Gabbert, M. Bethel-Thompson, K. Faulkner
BAL - J. Flacco, T. Taylor, K. Wenning*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Hank Goldberg - The Harbaugh brothers will match wits and I believe John takes the exhibition more seriously. He’s 5-1 against the spread in his last six preseason openers. Plus, I believe it will be very tough for San Francisco, who has to travel cross-country to Maryland.

Bengals at Chiefs (-1½, 36½)

2013 Preseason Records: CIN (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS), KC (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: First ever meeting

QB Rotations:
CIN - A. Dalton, J. Campbell, A.J. McCarron*
KC - A. Smith, C. Daniel, T. Bray, A. Murray*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Pat Hawkins - I'm taking the Bengals on the money line because taking under a field doesn't help especially when laying odds (-110). Andy Reid has a proven track record of not caring about the first preseason game going 1-8 in his last nine openers while the Chiefs are 6-23 ATS in their last 29 preaseason games. Kansas City is coming off a surprise season in 2013, but look for Reid to address this game as a practice in pads and play very conservatively.

Seahawks (-2, 37½) at Broncos

2013 Preseason Records: SEA (4-0 SU, 4-0 ATS), DEN (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Seahawks (-5) beat Broncos, 40-10 in 2013

QB Rotations:
SEA - R. Wilson, T. Jackson, T. Pryor, B. J. Daniels
DEN - P. Manning, B. Osweiler, Z. Dysert, B. Renner*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: ASA - Seattle’s offense scored a bunch of points in last year’s pre-season schedule (30 PPG), but they were breaking in Russell Wilson at QB and he picked up a lot of playing time. That won’t be the case this year. They know what Wilson can do so look for him to only be in for a series or two. The Bronco defense will be focused in here after allowing 43 points in the Super Bowl and we expect a big effort on that side of the ball. Look for a defensive battle with neither team revealing much offensively here. Take the under.

Cowboys at Chargers (-3, 37)

2013 Preseason Records: DAL (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS), SD (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Chargers (-3) beat Cowboys, 28-20 in 2012

QB Rotations: DAL - B. Weeden, C. Hanie, D. Vaughan*
SD - P. Rivers, K. Clemens, B. Sorensen

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Tony Stoffo - Going with a highly recommended play on the over in this spot between the Cowboys and Chargers - as first the Chargers with McCoy in his first season as head coach of the Chargers saw 3 of the 4 San Diego preseason games go over the posted total. With his former offensive experience from his Denver days, I look for more of an wide open offensive approach in the preseason this year. I can see the Cowboys offensive numbers going up this preseason with the addition of Brandon Weeden in the offseason.

* - Rookie

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Broncos, Seahawks kick off preseasons with Super Bowl rematch
By: Mike Wilkening
Sportingnews.com

Some may loosely bill Thursday's Seahawks-Broncos exhibition as a Super Bowl rematch.

And indeed, some experienced preseason handicappers might be watching this preseason opener closely to take stock of one of the teams.

But it's not necessary to assess whether Super Bowl loser Denver has improved after an offseason of free agent additions.

On the contrary, it's Seattle's exhibition form that bears watching.

Over the last two years, no team has been better in the preseason than the Seahawks. According to Covers.com data, the Seahawks have won and covered in their last nine exhibition games, including two routs of Denver. Seattle has outscored preseason opponents 252-83 in this span.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Broncos are 1.5-point home underdogs Thursday night vs. Seattle (9 p.m. ET). The total is 37.5.

So why have the Seahawks been so dominant in the summer?

For one, Seattle has built wonderful depth. Their QB play in the last two preseasons has been sparkling, with Russell Wilson starring in 2012 and Tarvaris Jackson posting a 131.4 QB rating in 2013. The Seahawks are again strong at the position entering 2014, with Terrelle Pryor -- the former Oakland starter -- a third-stringer.

The Seahawks have also dominated the turnover battle, forcing 20 takeaways against five giveaways. Of particular note: Seattle has forced 19 fumbles in the last two exhibition slates, recovering 10.

As for the Broncos: if past form holds, Peyton Manning will see limited work in the opener. He attempted just four passes in his exhibition debut last season. The Broncos are 4-4 straight-up and 3-5 against the number in preseason games in Manning's time with the club, with two of the spread defeats to Seattle.

Here's a quick look at Thursday's other preseason games. All lines are courtesy of the South Point, and all are preseason ATS statistics are from Covers.com:

Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets (-3, 37.5) (7 p.m. ET)

The Jets were 3-1 ATS last year in preseason play after a horrid 2012 exhibition slate (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS). If the Colts follow last season's blueprint, third-string quarterback Chandler Harnish could get a good deal of work.

New England at Washington (-1.5, 38.5) (7:30 p.m. ET)

Washington coach Jay Gruden has indicated the club's starters won't play more than 10 snaps or so. New England has won its last five preseason openers. The teams held joint practices leading up to the game.

San Francisco at Baltimore (-1.5, 35) (7:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

The 49ers are 1-2 straight-up in exhibition openers under Jim Harbaugh, while the Ravens are 5-1 in preseason debuts in John Harbaugh's tenure. Look for both clubs to give their reserve tailbacks plenty of work; the Niners have been hit by injuries at the position, while the Ravens' Ray Rice is suspended for the first two games.

Cincinnati at Kansas City (-2.5, 35.5) (8 p.m. ET)

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has indicated quarterback Andy Dalton will not play much in the opener. Also, recent history suggests Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith won't break much of a sweat, either. Andy Reid-coached teams have won four preseason openers in a row, while the Bengals have won their last two openers under Lewis.

Dallas at San Diego (-3, 37) (10 p.m. ET, NFL Network -- joined in progress)

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will be held out of the preseason opener, leaving Brandon Weeden, Caleb Hanie and Dustin Vaughan to carry to the load. Here's an oddity: the Chargers have lost four straight Thursday preseason games. However, the Chargers appear deeper than they were a season ago.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Pierre Garcon is sitting out the Redskins' preseason opener with a hamstring tweak.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Friday's NFL Week 1 Preseason Betting Primer
By Covers.com

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons (-3, 37)

The Dolphins are expected to be without several key offensive contributors Friday night, including running back Knowshon Moreno (knee), wide receiver Mike Wallace (hamstring) and tight end Charles Clay (knee). The quarterbacking play behind starter Ryan Tannehill will likely fall to Seth Lobato and Brock Jensen, a pair of undrafted free agents.

Falcons star receiver Julio Jones will likely sit out the game as he makes his recovery from foot surgery, though he did practice on a limited basis Wednesday and is hopeful of seeing action at some point during the exhibition season. Head coach Mike Smith is traditionally stingy when it comes to first-team offense in the preseason opener, which means Matt Ryan and Co., will likely only play the game's opening series.

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers (+1.5, 37)

The Bills may be dealing with a handful of major injuries - including standout linebacker Kiko Alonso's season-ending ACL tear early in training camp - but the kicking game is strong, as Dan Carpenter went a perfect 8-for-8 Wednesday. Buffalo will be looking for a better performance from its first-team offense than it had in its preseason opener, when it managed just 27 yards on 11 plays against the Giants.

Quarterback Cam Newton has been careful with his surgically repaired left ankle, participating in only light passing drills Thursday and likely sitting out Friday's contest as a precaution. Head coach Ron Rivera says Newton won't see more than two series if he does take the field, and likely won't be allowed to scramble or use the read-option during the game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1, 37)

The Buccaneers have anointed offseason acquisition Josh McCown as the Week 1 starter, which means he should see limited action Friday while starter-turned-backup Mike Glennon sees as much or more playing time as the game goes on. Rookie wide receiver Mike Evans is "progressing" from a hamstring injury but may be limited Friday or held out altogether.

The Jaguars will be without seven players for the preseason opener, including expected No. 1 running back Toby Gerhart (hip flexor), No. 1 wide receiver Cecil Shorts (hamstring) and tight ends Clay Harbor (calf) and Brandon Barden (illness). The Jaguars will go with a three-pronged rush attack in Gerhart's absence, with Jordan Todman starting and Storm Johnson and Denar Robinson spelling him.

Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears (-1.5, 42)

With two of the Eagles' veteran wide receivers - Riley Cooper (ankle) and Jeremy Maclin (legs) - likely to sit out Friday's exhibition opener, unproven pass-catchers like Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff and Brad Smith will jockey for playing time. Head coach Chip Kelly doesn't see his starters playing more than two series, with 10-15 plays the target amount before the backups take over.

The Bears suspended tight end Martellus Bennett for conduct detrimental to the team earlier in the week, but head coach Marc Trestman had a "very positive" conversation with Bennett and won't rule out his participation in the preseason opener. At quarterback, Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer will both see plenty of action Friday as they duel for the No. 2 spot behind Jay Cutler.

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams (-3, 38)

Veteran receivers Marques Colston and Kenny Stills will likely see a lighter load Friday as they take a back seat to electrifying rookie Brandin Cooks, who has impressed the New Orleans coaching staff in training camp and will be a popular target against St. Louis. The Saints were an impressive 3-1 in preseason action last year, then rode that momentum to a season-opening five-game winning streak.

The Rams will be without left tackle Chris Long, who spent the offseason recovering from ACL surgery last January and still isn't quite ready for game action. St. Louis also isn't expecting to play quarterback Sam Bradford, who took the first-team reps throughout the week but will be treated with caution by head coach Jeff Fisher after undergoing major knee surgery last season.

Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings (-3, 38)

Head coach Dennis Allen told reporters Thursday that "everyone healthy" will see action against the Vikings, though it's likely quarterback Matt Schaub and the rest of the first-team offense will play just two series. Oakland is relatively healthy going into the game; left guard Lamar Mady missed Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, those who participated came away unscathed.

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of Adrian Peterson in the preseason will be disappointed; the All-Pro running back won't dress for Friday's opener and might possibly sit out the entire exhibition campaign to preserve himself for the rigors of the regular season. Matt Cassel will likely get the start at quarterback Friday, though Teddy Bridgewater will see time as the two remain locked in a battle for the Week 1 starting job.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Saturday's NFL Week 1 Preseason Betting Primer
By Covers.com

Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions (-1, 39.5)

Browns head coach Mike Pettine isn't telling anyone about how he'll divide up the playing time - not even the players - but it's expected that Brian Hoyer and the first-team offense will see two or three series. Much of the offensive focus will be on rookie running back Terrance West, who is expected to see plenty of playing time as he looks to solidify the backup role behind Ben Tate.

The Lions sport a new-look offense, and will have it on display against Cleveland - though it may not include wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who is questionable for the exhibition opener. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi wouldn't say how much time quarterback Matthew Stafford would see, suggesting that would be dictated by the flow of the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants (-2.5, 37)

The Steelers had a dreadful preseason a year ago, dropping all four games - including an 18-13 decision to the Giants in their opener nearly a year to the day before their next exhibition matchup. As it was a year ago, the early focus will be on quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones, who will both get a chance Saturday to make their case for serving as Ben Roethlisberger's backup.

Even though the Giants are playing their second game of the exhibition season, head coach Tom Coughlin doesn't see the first-team offense playing much more than it did in the opener against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Tom Coughlin said he's still in the process of evaluating the rest of the roster, which means that quarterback Eli Manning and Co. may only see slightly more than the 15 snaps it had against Buffalo.

Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans (-2, 38)

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy expects to give work to all four of his quarterbacks currently in camp against the Titans, so don't expect Aaron Rodgers to see more than one or two series of action. Seven players still in camp didn't make the trip to Tennessee due to injury, including safety Morgan Burnett (oblique strain) and tight end Colt Lyerla (knee sprain).

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt has said both the offensive and defensive starters should expect to play 12-15 snaps against the Packers. With the Titans having emerged from training camp relatively healthy, there should be several areas of focus Saturday - including battles for starting cornerback spots and the duel between Charlie Whitehurst and rookie Zach Mettenberger for the No. 2 quarterback job.

Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals (-2, 37.5)

With No. 1 quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick expected to be limited in the opener, Case Keenum and rookie Tom Savage will see the majority of reps over the final 3 1/2 quarters - and for Keenum, the opportunity is there to perhaps seize the starting role. With wide receiver Andre Johnson sitting out with a hamstring injury, the focus will be on third-year receiver DeVier Posey, who will start in his place.

Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians believes the starters on both sides of the ball will see about 15 snaps, though it's unlikely to be any more than that with nearly the entire Arizona roster healthy and available to play. Arizona had a successful exhibition campaign a year ago, rolling to a 3-1 record after going just 1-4 a season earlier.

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Saturday's Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com

Week 1 Recap: The home teams have won 10 of the first 12 preseason contests, including a 6-0 mark on Thursday. Last night, the Bills and Saints were the only road teams to win, while the 'over' went 3-3 on Friday. The 'under' cashed in five of six games on Thursday night, while eight teams so far this preseason have scored 10 points or less.

Browns at Lions (-1, 39½)

2013 Preseason Records: CLE (3-1 SU, 2-1-1 ATS), DET (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Browns (-1 ½) beat Lions, 24-6 in 2013

QB Rotations:
CLE - B. Hoyer, J. Manziel*, T. Thigpen, C. Shaw*
DET - M. Stafford, K. Moore, D. Orlovsky, J. Franklin*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Marc Lawrence - The Browns are 4-0 SU/ATS in preseason openers last four years, and 2-0 SU/ATS last two games in this preseason series. The Lions are 2-4 SU/ATS pin reseason openers as either a dog or favorite of less than 3 points. With Caldwell 2-10 SU and 4-8 ATS during the preseason, including 0-3 SU/ATS in opening games, and the Browns in a heated quarterback battle for the starting job, we recommend a play on Cleveland.

Steelers at Giants (-2½, 37)

2013 Preseason Records: PIT (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS), NYG (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Giants (+2 ½) beat Steelers, 18-13 in 2013

QB Rotations:
PIT - B. Roethlisberger, B. Gradkowski, L. Jones, B. Kay*
NYG - E. Manning, R. Nassib, C. Painter

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Kevin Rogers - The Giants are just 2-4-1 ATS in their past seven preseason games in the favorite role, while coming off a three-point win over the Bills in the Hall of Fame Game. The Steelers were winless in the preseason last year, but I expect them to put together a better effort to kick off this exhibition campiagn.

Packers at Titans (-1½, 38)

2013 Preseason Records: GB (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS), TEN (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Titans (-3 ½) beat Packers, 27-13 in 2009

QB Rotations:
GB - A. Rodgers, M. Flynn, S. Tolzien, C. Rettig*
TEN - J. Locker, C. Whitehurst, T. Wilson, Z. Mettenberger*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: ASA - This is a much more important game for the host Titans. After winning only three games last year, new head coach Ken Whisenhunt wants this win. They are playing a high profile team in front of the home fans. The Packers are a playoff and Super Bowl contender. They know what they have. They’ve been in the same situation the last few years and haven’t taken the pre-season all that seriously with a 3-5 SU record the last two seasons. Last year, Green Bay was held to 10 points or less in 3 of their 4 pre-season tilts. They don’t care. Tennessee is trying to build some confidence under a new coach.

Texans at Cardinals (-2, 37½)

2013 Preseason Records: HOU (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS), ARZ (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)

Previous Preseason Meeting: Cardinals (+2 ½) beat Texans, 19-16 in 2010

QB Rotations:
HOU - R. Fitzpatrick, C. Keenum, T. Savage*
ARZ - C. Palmer, D. Stanton, R. Lindley, L. Thomas*

Expert Handicapper Analysis: Tony Stoffo - With all the changes going on in Houston, I feel it will take new head coach Bill O'Brien a few preseason games to start to see things run smoothly. So I can see the Texans running into problems here against a solid Arizona squad that won 3 of their 5 preseasons games a year ago under head coach Bruce Arians.

* - Rookie

[TheGame]

Re: NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Info

Calvin Johnson is inactive for Saturday night's preseason game.

Jordan Cameron (shoulder) is inactive for Saturday night's preseason game against the Lions.