Friday's Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Jets at Redskins (-3½, 40)
New York
Head Coach: Todd Bowles (4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rich Cimini
The Jets erased a 10-0 deficit to rally past the Jaguars, 17-13 to barely cash as three-point home favorites. Smith capped the comeback with a touchdown pass late in the first half to Charone Peake to give New York the lead for good as Jacksonville failed to score in the second half. Since Bowles joined the Jets last season, New York has won and covered four of five preseason games, while splitting a pair of road contests in 2015. Since 2013, the Jets have won three consecutive Game 2’s of the preseason, with all three of those contests sailing OVER the total.
Washington
Head Coach: Jay Gruden (6-3 SU, 5-4 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy, Nate Sudfeld (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rick Snider
The Redskins displayed much success in Gruden’s two first preseasons, but Washington struggled in its exhibition opener at Atlanta in a 23-17 setback. Washington fell behind 23-3 in the third quarter as the Redskins scored two late touchdowns to make the final score look closer. The Redskins own a 3-1 SU/ATS record at FedEx Field in the last two preseasons, while each of their Game 2’s have been decided by a total of three points (both wins).
Dolphins at Cowboys (-3½, 40½)
Miami
Head Coach: Adam Gase (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brandon Doughty (Rookie), Zac Dysert
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Omar Kelly
The Dolphins put together an ugly start against the Giants, falling behind 10-0 as the first team offense didn’t produce a first down. However, Miami took advantage of three New York turnovers in the second quarter and converted those into 17 points to take a 17-10 halftime lead. The Dolphins exited Met Life Stadium with a 27-10 triumph as 2½-point underdogs, while limiting the Giants to 69 passing yards. Miami has covered three of the last four exhibition games as an underdog, while the Dolphins face the Cowboys in the preseason for the first time since a 25-20 home victory in 2014.
Dallas
Head Coach: Jason Garrett (8-14 SU, 7-14-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, Jameill Showers
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Todd Archer
The Cowboys were ready to spoil the Rams’ return to Los Angeles by jumping out to a 24-7 halftime lead last Saturday, which included returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Rams outscored the Cowboys, 21-0 in the second half to pick up a 28-24 win, but L.A. failed to cash as five-point favorites. Romo didn’t play last Saturday, but Prescott put together an impressive 10-of-12 effort for 139 yards and two touchdown passes in his NFL debut. Since beating the Dolphins in the 2013 Hall of Fame Game, the Cowboys own a dreadful 2-11 SU and 4-9 ATS record in the last 13 preseason contests, while losing four of their past five home exhibition games.
Cardinals at Chargers (-1½, 40½)
Arizona
Head Coach: Bruce Arians (6-7 SU, 7-5-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Matt Barkley, Jake Coker (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Kent Somers
The Cardinals were blitzed late in the first quarter by the Raiders last Friday, allowing a pair of touchdowns in the final 75 seconds. Oakland would tack two long touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to bury Arizona, 31-10, even though the Cardinals racked up 383 yards in the defeat. Arizona won each of its two road preseason contests in 2015, while both games sailed OVER the total. However, the Cardinals lost to the Chargers last preseason in Week 2 at University of Phoenix Stadium, 22-19.
San Diego
Head Coach: Mike McCoy (5-8 SU, 7-5-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Zach Mettenberger, Mike Bercovici (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Michael Gehlken
The Chargers were torched on the ground in last week’s 27-10 defeat at Tennessee, allowing the Titans to rush for 288 yards, which included a 71-yard and a 41-yard touchdown runs. The only bright spot offensively came when Rivers hooked up with second-year running back Melvin Gordon on a 44-yard touchdown. The Lightning Bolts have won three of their past four home preseason games, while posting a 4-0 ATS record in this span. In seven of the last eight exhibition contests, the Chargers have scored 17 points or less, while the UNDER is 5-2-1 in this span.
Friday's NFL Week 2 Preseason Betting Preview
By Andrew Caley
Covers.com
New York Jets at Washington (-3.5, 40)
The Jets have one of the more interesting quarterback situations in the league heading into the 2016 season. Thankfully for Jets fans Ryan Fitzpatrick and the team worked out a deal, meanwhile Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and second-round pick Christian Hackenberg are battling for two roster spots. Expect Petty to try and put on a good show in order to keep his hopes of making the roster alive, while Hackenberg makes his NFL debut.
Look for Washington to try and get their ground game rolling against the Jets, but it won't be easy against the Jets, a team they rushed for just 34 yards on 17 carries in Week 6 last season. The preseason opener wasn't much better as the team rushed for 79 yards on 24 attempts. Expect projected starter Matt Jones to get a few more carries this week, with backups Robert Kelly and Mack Brown splitting the rest of the rushing duties.
Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys (-3, 40.5)
Running back Arian Foster is expected to make his Dolphins debut Friday against the Cowboys. The former Pro Bowler is recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered last November, so don't expect head coach Adam Gase to push him too much in his preseason debut. However, Foster is in a tight position battle with up and comer Jay Ajayi and will have to make a statement sooner rather than later.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will also make his preseason debut Friday and is expected to play a series or two, according to team executive vice president Stephen Jones. Don't expect a heavy workload for Romo, especially after Dak Prescott's impressive debut against the Rams. Additionally, first round pick Ezekiel Elliot returned to practice this week, but won't suit up against the Dolphins.
Arizona Cardinals at San Diego Chargers (-1.5, 40.5)
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is still expected to coach Friday night's game against the Chargers after a health scare landed him in the hospital Tuesday. Arians was rushed to the hospital about 30 minutes before Tuesday's practice because his diverticulitis flared up. However, expect offensive coordinator to continue to call the plays against the Chargers as Arians will try to take over the reins next week.
The Chargers made an under-the-radar free agent signing this offseason, by bringing in former Browns deep threat Travis Benjamin. Benjamin, who could pair nicely across from Keenan Allen, makes his Chargers debut Friday. Benjamin has been building a good chemistry with quarterback Philip Rivers and look for the pair to build on that in Friday's game against the Cardinals.