The UFC 102 fight card is just over a week away, and the perfect way to tide ourselves over is to bet on some bonecrunching NFL preseason action. Well, hopefully not too bonecrunching, as we don’t want to see any star players hurt! Let’s make some Thursday NFL picks.
Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots (-4.5)
Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Normally, you can’t base your preseason picks based on a team’s starting offense, as the starters don’t get enough snaps. However, in New England’s case, even a quarter’s worth of football could be enough time to secure a win. Tom Brady looked like his dominant 2007 self in the preseason opener, hooking up with favorite targets like Randy Moss and amassing 100 yards on 10 completions. NFL betting sharps should expect more of the same on Thursday.
The Bengals offense debuted somewhat shakily, as the O-line didn’t protect Carson Palmer too well. He threw a pick and sprained his ankle, so you have to wonder how much action he’ll see against the Pats. New England looks good to cover the spread.
Best betting management pick: Patriots -4.5
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) @ Indianapolis Colts
Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Until the Vikings stole the show, the Eagles were the top newsmaker of the preseason and all eyes have been on them all week. Michael Vick won’t play against the Colts, but fans are still licking their chops looking at the Philly offense. The Eagles can keep Brian Westbrook rested as much as they want given how strong LeSean McCoy looks early on. He rushed 10 times for 55 yards in the first action of his career.
The Colts’ backups aren’t as strong as the likes of McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and A.J. Feeley, and they won’t risk their starters’ health much (they never do in the preseason year to year), so it’s hard to imagine Indy scoring many points. The Colts may also allow more points than normal with bob Sanders out and, possibly, Antoine Bethea succumbing to a hand injury. Odds makers were right to favor the road team.
Best betting management pick: Eagles -3
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