Eagles getting pounded
By SPORTSBETTING.COM
The Return of Michael Vick
For a preseason game, you can expect a ton of attention when the Eagles and Jaguars hook up Thursday night. If you haven’t heard, Michael Vick will make his debut with Philadelphia - online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com is reporting heavy action on Philly in this contest, as bettors feel the team will make a real effort to win this one. So far, the Eagles have picked up 80% of all the action on it. The line has moved to -7.5 points on Philadelphia, with a Total of 37.
This is an unusually high number for a preseason game, as it is not often numbers stray too far from the 3 points and seeing a line above 7 is rare.
A bankruptcy court hearing in Virginia put Vick’s appearance in jeopardy but he will attend the hearing in the morning and fly back to Philadelphia in time for the game according to ESPN.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid hasn’t tipped his hand on how he will use Vick but there is plenty of speculation out there.
There has been some suggestion that Vick could see time at his regular QB position and there have also been whispers that he could play out of the Wildcat formation as well.
Reid told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the first-team offense will play for three quarters and that Vick would not play in the fourth; Kevin Kolb is expected to mop up in the final quarter.
ESPN hypothesizes that Vick and Donovan McNabb could both see first-team duty with Vick spelling McNabb.
For Vick, it will be the first time he will take to the field since late-December of 2006 when he was still with the Atlanta Falcons—ironically his last game was against the Philadelphia Eagles and ended in a 24-17 loss that resulted in a Push.
Philadelphia head coach Reid has liked what he’s seen from Vick during training camp but he also realizes that Vick has been out of the game for a while.
“I can only go off of what I’ve seen in practice and it looks like he’s moving around pretty good but again, realistically it’s been two years,” Reid is quoted as saying on the Eagles’ website.
However the Eagles use Vick, Reid doesn’t really know what to expect come Thursday.
“I’m really just going to take it play by play,” Reid told the Inquirer.
“We’ll see how he adjusts to the game speed. If I think that’s a problem, I’d probably discontinue the reps, but if I feel like he’s adjusting OK, then I’d continue to give him an opportunity.”
During this exhibition season, the Philadelphia Eagles are 0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS and have gone 2-0 on the Over/Under.
What bettors need to know: Thursday's NFL preseason action
By DAVID JONES
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5, 37 )
Starter/injury Report
With Michael Vick set to make his Eagles debut, the Jaguars will be flying under the radar in this matchup.
Former Viking Troy Williamson is the league leading in receiving yardage this preseason and veteran Torry Holt is manning the other starting wideout spot.
The offensive line is still a work in progress with as many as three starting spots up for grabs heading into the regular season.
Since this is the Jags third game in 11 days, Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio won't extend his starters as much as most squads will this week. The first-team units are expected to exit the game after the first half.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid said that Vick will mix in with his starting offense during the first three quarters of the game.
Philadelphia is healing up after getting banged up in training camp. No.2 quarterback Kevin Kolb will return to action and finish up in the fourth quarter against the Jaguars. Also, running back Brian Westbrook is expected to make his first preseason appearance after some offseason surgeries. Still, two starting offensive linemen are unlikely to get on the field this week.
Line movement
The Eagles opened as a touchdown favorite with a total of 38. Philadelphia is now a 7.5-point favorite while the total is down to 37.5.
Trends
Del Rio is 17-9 (15-10-1 ATS) in his preseason coaching career while Reid is just 14-28 (19-23 ATS) in exhibition action with the Eagles.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 81 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain in Philadelphia.
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5, 35)
Starter/injury report
Neither team is expected to have its top signal caller on the field on Thursday. Marc Bulger of the Rams and Carson Palmer of the Bengals should return to action next week.
New head coach Steve Spagnuolo is trying to get his banged up run defense on track after it allowed 5.6 yards per rush to the Falcons last week. Defensive linemen Leonard Little and Adam Carriker are unlikely to play against Cincinnati.
With Bulger out, Kyle Boller (12-of-25 passing in preseason) will run the first-team offense for St. Louis. The Rams will be without starting wide receiver Donnie Avery. Spagnuolo has said that his starters will play at least through the first half.
The Bengals (sixth in NFL in total offense during preseason) have moved the ball in their two exhibition outings, but are dead last in scoring offense.
While Boller has struggled in his backup role in St. Louis, J.T. O' Sullivan has been sharp for the Bengals. He has a 136.3 QB rating this August. Head coach Marvin Lewis has indicated that O' Sullivan will start on Thursday and that Jordan Palmer would garner more playing time this week as the No.2 quarterback.
Wake Forest rookie Sam Swank will handle the kicking duties this week for the injured Shayne Graham.
Line movement
The Bengals opened as a field goal choice in the matchup the total set at 35. Cincinnati is now a 2.5-point favorite in the game.
Trends
Lewis is 13-13 (14-11-1 ATS) in his preseason coaching career.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 82 degrees with a 20 percent chance of rain in Cincinnati.
Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5, 35)
Matchup stats and trends
Miami head coach Tony Sparano will go with starting quarterback Chad Pennington through the first offensive series of the third quarter against the Bucs. Chad Henne is expected to finish the game under center on Thursday. Rookie Pat White is unlikely to play this week after some struggles in his first two exhibition contests.
The Dolphins will also continue to evaluate their two candidates for the starting kicking spot. It appears that incumbent kicker Dan Carpenter is going to hold off former Chiefs kicker Connor Barth for the starting spot.
Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris has delayed his starting quarterback decision for another week after a strong effort by Luke McCown in last week's win at Jacksonville. Now, the job could be won by default. The Bucs are reportedly shopping McCown and Byron Leftwich to other teams to gauge their trade value.
Leftwich will start against the Dolphins and will play into the second quarter before McCown enters the game. Morris said that both quarterbacks will gain the same amount of playing time with the first-team offense against Miami. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams will make his preseason debut as the starting running back but top receiver Antonio Bryant is still out of action until the regular season.
Line movement
The Bucs opened as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 35. The opening numbers have held steady.
Trends
Since losing his preseason debut a year ago, Sparano has reeled off five straight victories in exhibition action.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 89 degrees with a 50 percent chance of rain in Tampa.
NFL PRESEASON
Jacksonville (0-2, 0-1-1 ATS) at Philadelphia (0-2 SU and ATS)
Michael Vick will make his Eagles debut when Philadelphia hosts the Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field.
Vick, who hasn’t participated in an NFL game since 2006, is expected to play with the first-team offense, both at quarterback and in the “wildcat” formation, sometime in the first half. Coach Andy Reid didn’t spell out how long Vick would be on the field, only that he wouldn’t play in the fourth quarter.
Reid did say his first-stringers, including No. 1 QB Donovan McNabb, will play three quarters tonight after playing most of the first half in last week’s 23-15 loss at Indianapolis as 3½-point road favorite. Also, backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, who has been sidelined with an injury, will see his first preseason action as he leads the offense in the fourth quarter tonight.
Jacksonville has dropped its first two exhibition games by a combined four points, losing 12-9 at Miami as a three-point road underdog then falling 24-23 to Tampa Bay last week as a three-point home favorite. Because this is the team’s third game in 11 days, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said his starters, including QB David Garrard, won’t be on the field very long tonight, though he wasn’t specific beyond that. Once Garrard departs, look for veteran backup Todd Bouman to take over, followed by rookie Paul Smith.
Philadelphia has now lost three straight August contest (0-3 ATS) dating to Week 4 of last year. The Eagles, who have had just one winning preseason in Reid’s decade-long tenure as coach, are just 1-3 SU and ATS in their last four preseason home games, including a 27-25 loss to New England as a three-point favorite two weeks ago.
The Jaguars are looking to avoid their first losing preseason since Del Rio took over as coach in 2003. Despite the loss in Miami in Week 1, they’re still 5-2 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven exhibition road games, and they’re 3-0-1 ATS in their last four as a preseason pup. Finally, Jacksonville has won and covered three straight Week 3 games in August.
The over is 12-6 in Jacksonville’s last 18 preseason games, but three of its last four on the road have stayed low. The Eagles have topped the total in nine of their last 11 preseason contests, including both this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: JACKSONVILLE and OVER
St. Louis (1-1 SU and ATS) at Cincinnati (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Bengals likely will be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer once again when they host the Rams, who also will be missing their top passer when they visit Paul Brown Stadium.
St. Louis fell 20-13 to Atlanta as a 2½-point home underdog a week ago, with starting QB Marc Bulger on the sidelines nursing a broken pinkie on his throwing hand. With Bulger out of this one, the Rams again turn to veteran Kyle Boller who will lead the first-team offense through the entire first half and possibly into the third quarter. Behind Boller are rookie Keith Null and veteran Brock Berlin, who are competing for the No. 3 job.
Palmer injured his ankle in a Week 1 loss at New Orleans and sat out last Thursday’s game at New England, which Cincinnati won 7-6 as a 6½-point road underdog. He won’t play tonight, leaving the starting QB chores to J.T. O’Sullivan, who has completed 79 percent of his passes with two TDs and no picks this month. Coach Marvin Lewis didn’t reveal how long his starters will play, but expect Palmer’s brother, Jordan, to see action under center in the second half.
St. Louis dropped to 4-8 ATS in its last 12 as an underdog with last week’s loss to Atlanta, and despite upsetting the Jets in New York in Week 1, the Rams are just 4-11 SU and 5-10 ATS in preseason roadies since 2002.
Cincinnati has been the picture of preseason mediocrity since Lewis took over in 2003, splitting 26 games while going 14-12 ATS. Last year, the Bengals went 0-2 SU and ATS at home in August, and they’re 1-3 SU and ATS the last four years in Week 3 dress-rehearsals.
The Bengals have now stayed under the total in four consecutive preseason games, but the “over” is 3-0 in the Rams’ three exhibition road contests since the start of last year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CINCINNATI
Miami (2-0, 1-0-1 ATS) at Tampa Bay (1-1 SU and ATS)
The Dolphins gun for their sixth consecutive preseason victory when they head up state to face the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa Bay held on for a 24-23 win at Jacksonville on Saturday, cashing as a three-point underdog. Veteran quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown, who are locked in a battle for the No. 1 job, are each slated to play about 1½ quarters tonight, both with the first-string offense. Rookie coach Raheem Morris said Leftwich will get the start followed by McCown, who threw two TD passes against the Jaguars. Rookie Josh Freeman will play the fourth quarter.
Miami swept its two preseason home games, beating Jacksonville 12-9 as a three-point favorite and Carolina 27-17 last week as a 2½-point chalk, moving to 5-0 SU and ATS in exhibition play since a 17-6 home loss to Tampa Bay in coach Tony Sparano’s debut last August. Sparano said QB Chad Pennington will start tonight and play until midway through the third quarter, with the majority of the remaining starters finishing the quarter. Chad Henne will replace Pennington and finish the game, leaving rookie QB Pat White without any reps under center.
The Buccaneers are on a 7-3 SU and ATS run in preseason action, they’re 9-3 (8-4 ATS) in their last 12 at Raymond James Stadium in August and they’ve cashed in four straight as a preseason chalk. On the downside, Tampa Bay is just 1-4 SU and 1-3-1 ATS in Week 3 over the last five summers. However, the one victory came in Miami in 2007 when the Bucs topped the Dolphins 31-28 as a two-point underdog.
The Dolphins scored outright upsets in their two preseason road tilts last year, and they’re 4-1 ATS as an underdog in August since 2007.
The visitor has won the last three meetings in this annual preseason rivalry (3-0 ATS), and the Bucs are 5-1-1 ATS in the last six August clashes.
The over is 7-2 in Tampa Bay’s last nine exhibition contests (2-0 this year). Conversely, the under is 7-2 in Miami’s last eight in August, with last week’s high-scoring affair against Carolina snapping a 5-0 preseason “under” stretch. Finally, the under is 6-2 in the last eight preseason matchups between these teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TAMPA BAY and UNDER
Gametimepicks.com
Full Dress Rehearsal
By SportsPic
Home field has been advantageous so far this practice season as home squads have notched a 23-10 mark (69.7%) along with a 17-14-2 ATS) record at the betting window. However, blindly backing home teams during week-three in what is traditionally the closest teams come to playing to their regular season levels could be costly. Despite first stringers getting extensive work before being rested in week-four home teams have won only 79-of-142 (55.6%) the past nine seasons in week-three and are 66-71-5 against-the-oddsmaker including 48-52-5 when laying points. A deeper dive into our trusty data base shows home favorites of -3.5 or less during last dress rehearsal for starters 30-25-5 against-the-spread while favorites laying -3.5 or more are just 18-27 against-the-number. That in mind, Eagles (-7.5) and/or Steelers (-4.5) laying top lumber this week are in dangerous territory. Keep in mind, Eagles head-man Reid has a reputation for taking it easy on his veterans in preseason resulting in a putrid 14-23 (15-20-2 ATS) record including 2-4 ATS in week-three action at home. As for Steelers, they've dropped the cash four straight times playing their third preseason game and have lost five straight at home during practice sessions laying 3.5 to 6 points. Betting on the NFL in August is a completely different exercise than betting on the same sport a month later.
PIGSKIN PROPHET
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS vs PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
A pair of angry coaches on winless teams! Jaguars (0-2 SU, 0-1-1 ATS) coach Jack Del Rio has run a tough camp, seemingly embarrassed by last year's 5-11 campaign. A lot of good the tough camp has done! The offense was anemic in the opener, with 66 yards rushing in a 12-9 loss at Miami. The short passing offense ended up with no TDs and 2 picks. They then lost at home to rebuilding Tampa Bay, 24-23. The offense was better, but the defense was gouged for 159 rushing yards. The QB rotation has D! avid Garrard, Todd Bouman and Paul Smith and they haven't had any kind of ground game with a weak offensive line. The lone bright spot has been WR Troy Williamson, giving the Jags something they've been missing for years: a deep threat. Williamson, a first-round bust in Minnesota, caught two deep passes from David Garrard and finished with 147 yards receiving. Del Rio is 18-8 SU/16-9-1 ATS in preseason despite this 0-2 start. Andy Reid must be one angry coach as his Eagles (0-2 SU/ATS) have looked awful in preseason, a lot of sloppy play, turnovers and penalties. They rolled up 420 yards (304 passing) against the Patriots, but lost 27-25 with 98 yards ! of penalties and lousy special teams, missing 2 FGs and allowing a pun t return for a TD. That was the same day they announced the signing of Mike Vick. Week 2 was worse, a 23-15 loss at Indy with 2 more turnovers and 12 penalties for 87 yards. Rusty? Or distracted by the Vick drama? The Eagles have good QB depth with Donovan McNabb, A.J. Feeley, Kevin Kolb and Vick. Kolb could make his preseason debut vs. Jacksonville after sitting out the first two games with a sprained knee ligament. Vick is also eligible to play. The offensive line hasn't played together at all because four of the five have injuries: Center Jamaal Jackson was the only offensive line starter from the projected top group to take the field in Indianapolis is. But right guard Stacy Andrews might make his preseason debut here. His rehab has gone well, though he is not that far removed from the surgery. LT Jason Peters is still recovering from re-straining a quad. Given how much sub guards Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole have played - Shawn Andrews went down for the season in Week 2 last year - it was disappointing they didn't get better push against the Colts. Andy Reid assessed his team's pass rush as "hot and cold," in the absence of Trent Cole and Darren Howard. The Eagles already have lost starting MLB Stewart Bradley (knee). Defensive end Trent Cole, the Eagles' best pass rusher, hasn't played preseason but is expected to be ready for the opener and could even play Thursday against Jacksonville. Reid admitted that! because of injuries he didn't have as good an idea as he would like about his team: "They haven't played together, and I'm worried about that. We have to get guys back so they can work a little bit together." Reid is 16-26 SU, 19-23 ATS in preseason. He has a better all around team and QB rotation against this opponent.
Projected Score: Eagles 20, Jaguars 10
ST. LOUIS RAMS vs CINCINNATI BENGALS
New Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo (former DC of the NY Giants) is a hard driving coach who has put the players through a rigorous training camp. The Rams (1-1 Su/ATS) lost QB Marc Bulger to a small fracture in the pinky finger of his throwing hand last week. He will miss this game, meaning Kyle Boller will start. The rotation is now Boller, Brock Berlin and rookie QB Keith Null. They rolled up 193 rushing yards in the opener, a 23-20 at the NY Jets, despite allowing 340 yards, then struggled without Bulger in a 20-13 loss to Atlanta with 283 total yards and 2 turnovers. The defense has been awful the last few years and they have a lot of rookies such as James Laurinaitis, DT Dorell Scott and CB Bradley Fletcher. They were gouged on the ground in Week 2, giving up 162 rush yards to Atlanta. WR Donnie Avery, the team's No. 1 wide receiver, will be out at least a month with a foot injury. When Torry Holt was released in the offseason, Avery became the top wideout on the depth chart. The No. 1 unit stayed on the field throughout the first half, a total of five series. It produced a mere field goal on four trips into Falcons territory. RB Steven Jackson picked up 10 yards on three carries, but the trio of backs fighting for the job behind him - Samkon Gado, Antonio Pittman and Kenneth Darby - produced a meager 50 yards on 24 attempts. This is the first home game of the Bengals (1-1 SU/ATS). QB Carson Palmer didn't play last week because of a right ankle injury. He is questionable for this game. QB! s J.T. O 'Sullivan and Jordan Palmer ran the show, a 7-6 win at New England. O'Sullivan completed 10 of 13 passes for 141 yards. Jordan Palmer, Carson's younger brother, went 2-for-7 for 45 yards. The running game had 173 yards and will likely run at the young St. Louis defense, which could keep the score down again. The Bengals are 2-0 under the total in preseason, scoring only 7 points in each game. TE Ben Utecht (concussion), WR Antonio Chatman (ankle) and TE Matt Sherry (shoulder) did not suit up last week. Cincy coach Marvin Lewis is 8-6 SU/9-5 ATS since 2006 in preseason. The Bengals are 1-7 ATS the last eight years in Week 3 of preseason. With two starting QBs out, don't look for much scoring.
Projected Score: Bengals 14, Rams 13
MIAMI DOLPHINS vs TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Miami coach Tony Sporano is 5-1 SU/4-1-1 ATS in preseason (and 5-1 under the total). The Dolphins (2-0 SU/ATS) have looked sharp, with a 12-9 win over the Jaguars and a 27-17 win over Carolina. Both those were at home, so this is their first road trip. QBs Chad Pennington and Chad Henne are an excellent one-two preseason punch, while rookie QB Pat White has played a little. Miami's run defense has been great, allowing 66 yards (3.1 ypc) in the opener, then holding a strong Carolina ground game to 98 yards, just 3.8 yards per rush. The Dolphins' depth at outside linebacker is a concern: Jason Taylor has a family illness issue, Joey Porter is nursing a sore toe and Matt Roth (groin) hasn't practiced. Miami has rushed for 118 and 141 yards in two games. Tampa Bay (1-1 SU/ATS) has new looks everywhere, starting with Head Coach Raheem Morris. They have virtually no QB experience with rookie QB Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown. They are off a 24-23 win at Jacksonville, but starting QB Leftwich was shaky (6-of-12, 61 yards). In the opener, they gave the Titans a run before losing 27-20, but had just 256 total yard! s. The running game has been impressive, with 138 yards (5.3 y! pc) in W eek 1 and 159 yards in Week 2 behind Kareem Huggins, B.J. Askew and Clifton Smith. Leftwich and McCown are fighting for the top job, and the coach said he will keep only 3 QBs, so someone will be out of a job. Tampa Bay is 7-3 SU/ATS the last 2+ years in preseason. Their wide outs have been below average and banged up, with Antonio Bryant (knee) and Mike Clayton (hamstring) not 100%. Tampa Bay won 7-6 in the preseason opener last August. Miami's impressive run defense and far better QB play should lead the way to a win.
Projected Score: Dolphins 17, Bucs 13
Philly
QB Donovan McNabb and the starters are expected to play 3 quarters. Kevin Kolb is scheduled to play the 4th quarter.
Jax
No info yet.
Rams
St Louis HC Spagnuolo said he plans to keep his No. 1 units on the field at least through the first half. QB Kyle Boller will start and play the 1st half.
Cinci
No info yet.
Miami
Chad Pennington is expected to play into the 3rd quarter. Chad Henne will play into the 4th quarter.
T.B.
Byron Leftwich is expected to start and play approximately 1½ quarters. Luke McCown is expected to follow and play approximately 1½ quarters. Starters are expected to play three quarters.
Thursday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Michael Vick’s return to the NFL is catching all the press on Thursday and deservingly so to a point, but can he make you any cash tonight?
If you’re a gambler and reading this, that’s what you want to know. Rather than focus on his comeback in Philadelphia, let’s delve into another crazy streak that was brought up to me by a handicapper at last week’s VI Handicapping Seminar.
I always advise to use trends, streaks and skids lightly, since some people like to buck them and go the other way. However, one streak that’s been golden this year is fading rookie coaches making their debut at home.
In 2008, four coaches made their debut with the clipboard and they exceeded expectations. Tony Sparano led Miami (11-5) to the AFC East division title, while John Harbaugh and Mike Smith both captured wild card berths in their first year with Baltimore (11-5) and Atlanta (11-5) respectively. Jim Zorn didn’t take Washington (8-8) to the postseason but a .500 record in the NFC East isn’t anything to hide from.
Eleven new coaches will be roaming the sideline in 2009 and seven of them have no head coaching experience at all. The four that have been temporary or head coaches before are Jim Mora Jr., Eric Mangini, Mike Singletary and Tom Cable.
The seven newbies are listed in the below table along with their 2009 home debut result in this year’s preseason.
2009 Rookie Coaches - Preseason Analysis
Coach - Team Matchup SU- ATS Results
Jim Caldwell – Indianapolis Vikings 13 Colts 3 LOSS - LOSS
Rex Ryan – N.Y. Jets Rams 23 Jets 20 LOSS - LOSS
Detroit – Jim Schwartz Lions 27 Falcons 26 WIN – LOSS
Kansas City – Todd Haley Texans 16 Chiefs 10 LOSS – LOSS
St. Louis – Steve Spagnuolo Falcons 20 Rams 13 LOSS – LOSS
Tampa Bay – Raheem Morris Buccaneers Dolphins TBD - TBD
Denver – Josh McDaniel Broncos Bears TBD TBD
Only the Lions’ Jim Schwartz was able to win this year so far but his club was listed as three-point favorites and failed to cover.
Are the rookies under pressure? Perhaps the group has been conservative? Looking back at the four aforementioned rookies in 2007, the amount of points scored by those teams has been on the lighter side. The quartet did go 2-2 SU, but just 1-3 ATS. So the running total to date is 3-6 SU (30%) and just 1-8 ATS.
2008 Rookie Coaches - Preseason Analysis
Coach - Team Matchup SU- ATS Results
Atlanta - Mike Smith Colts 16 Falcons 9 LOSS - LOSS
Baltimore - John Harbaugh Ravens 16 Patriots 15 WIN - WIN
Miami - Tony Sparano Buccaneers 17 Dolphins 6 LOSS - LOSS
Washington - Jim Zorn Redskins 17 Bills 14 WIN - LOSS
We understand that it’s only preseason but if the trend holds up, then you should take a look at the Dolphins and Bears this week for more winning tickets.
Let’s take a closer look at the three games tonight.
Miami at Tampa Bay: These two clubs meet in the regular season so you might not see either team unleash their full arsenal tonight. Miami has opened the preseason with a 2-0 record, both victories at home. Reports from the Dolphins have said that Tony Sparano will keep QB Chad Pennington in the game into the second half and the starting offensive line will get three quarters of action. Chad Henne will mop up the game for Fins. The Buccaneers’ offense has put up 20 and 24 points in their first two preseason battles, but the defense has surrendered 27 and 23, which has produced a 1-1 record. Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich continue to battle for the starting QB job and both are expected to get equal opportunities to prove themselves. Rookie Josh Freeman might see limited duties. One player returning to the Bucs on Thursday is RB Cadillac Williams. He’s expected to start and share time into the third with Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. These two clubs have played preseason games in eight of the last nine years. The Bucs have gone 6-2 in the eight games and the ‘under’ has prevailed to a 6-2 mark during this stretch too. Fox will provide national coverage of this game at 8:00 p.m. EDT.
Jacksonville at Philadelphia: As mentioned above, the Vick era begins and the oddsmakers are taking no chances with the number on this game. Philadelphia opened as a seven-point favorite and has already moved to 7 ½ at some outlets. The number seems kind of high, especially for a preseason game and also healthy considering the Eagles are 0-2 both straight up and against the spread in the preseason. Philadelphia’s defense has been torched in the first two games, allowing 27 and 23 points, most coming against the first unit too. The ‘over’ has cashed in both contests. The Jaguars also enter this game with a 0-2 preseason mark, with the two losses coming by a combined four points. Jacksonville has had a chance to win both games at the end but came up short and did outgain both the Dolphins and Buccaneers in each contest. QB David Garrard has been inconsistent in the first two games and backup Todd Bouman hasn’t been better at all.
St. Louis at Cincinnati: All signs could point to an ‘under’ play in tonight’s matchup between the Rams and Bengals. The total opened at 35 and has fallen to a steady 34 and even 33 ½ at some books. St. Louis’ defense has allowed 20 points in each of its two preseason games, which has resulted in a 1-1 record under new head coach Steve Spagnuolo. The ‘under’ has gone 1-1. The Rams will start Kyle Boller behind center with Marc Bulger still nursing an injury. Backup Brock Berlin will spell Boller in the second half. The Bengals will also be without their starting quarterback, Carson Palmer, tonight. Which means J.T. O’Sullivan will get the nod and most likely see three quarters of action. O’Sullivan didn’t look too bad in last week’s 7-6 preseason win over the Patriots, as he completed 10-of-13 passes of 141 yards and a score.
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Tips and Trends
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles
Jaguars: The Jaguars are 0-2 in preseason, but they entered this season having won 17 of 24 preseason games under Jack Del Rio. This is the most points they are taking in a preseason game since Del Rio became head coach in 2003. Normally the Jaguars would like to play their starters into the third quarter since is their third preseason game. However, that plan probably is going to be altered because this also marks Jacksonville’s third game in 11 days. The Jaguars have never specifically game-planned during the preseason under Del Rio. Jacksonville lost 24-23 to Tampa Bay at home on Saturday. The Jaguars were just 3-for-14 on third downs in the loss, but David Garrard was 10-of-16 passing for 216 yards and wide receiver Troy Williamson finished with 147 receiving yards. Garrard was 4-of-7 for just 22 yards in a 12-9 Game 1 loss to the Dolphins in Miami.
The Jaguars are 16-9-1 ATS under Jack Del Rio in preseason.
Key Injuries - Cornerback Sheldon Brown (ribs) and linebacker Omar Gaither (knee) are out.
Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (ankle) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 14
Eagles (-7.5, O/U 37): Michael Vick is expected to see action. The last time he played was Dec. 31, 2006 against the Eagles as a member of the Falcons. Speculation has the Eagles using Vick at several different positions, including quarterback where he is listed on the depth chart behind Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley. Kolb could play after missing the Eagles’ first two preseason games because of a knee sprain. He returned to practice this week. Also expected to play for the first time this season are star tailback Brian Westbrook and defensive end Trent Cole, the team’s best pass rusher. The Eagles expect to have three-fifth of their starting offensive line healthy for this matchup with only right tackle Shawn Andrews and left guard Todd Herremans not expected to suit up. Eagles coach Andy Reid has said he will play his starters for three quarters.
The Eagles are 8-2 to the over in their last 10 preseason games.
Key Injuries - Offensive tackle Shawn Andrews (back) is doubtful.
Defensive end Darren Howard (groin) is questionable.
PROJECTED SCORE: 23 (Side of the Day)
Miami Dolphis at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dolphins: Game 3 in preseason is often a team’s dress rehearsal and that’s the case with the Dolphins. Miami coach Tony Sparano said starting quarterback Chad Pennington will play through midway in the third quarter and Miami’s starting offensive line will go three quarters. Second-string quarterback Chad Henne will play the rest of the game once Pennington leaves. The Dolphins rushed 28 times for 141 yards - a 5.0 yard per carry average - during a 27-17 win against Carolina last week. Miami’s top four running backs are all expected to see action – Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Patrick Cobbs and Lex Hilliard. Pennington was 8-for-11 in the victory for 105 yards with a touchdown pass. Miami is 14-9 lifetime versus Tampa Bay in its preseason series. Tampa Bay beat Miami, 17-6, last year in preseason. The teams face each other during the regular season on Nov. 15.
The Dolphins are 7-2-1 to the under in their last 10 preseason games.
Key Injuries - Defensive end Matt Roth (groin) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 17
Buccaneers (-2.5, O/U 36): The big news for the Buccaneers in this matchup is the quarterback battle between Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown for the No. 1 spot, along with running back Cadillac Williams getting the start. Williams has had two major knee surgeries in his career. This will be his first appearance of the season. He’ll be the lead back for the first two series. The next back in the rotation – either Derrick Ward or Earnest Graham – also will get two series as the lead back followed by the third one. Graham should play after missing last week’s 24-23 win against Jacksonville because of an ankle injury. Leftwich is slated to play 1 ½ quarters as the starter followed by McCown, who also is expected to go about 1 ½ quarters. Leftwich started last week and went 6-for-12 passing for 63 yards, while McCown was 6-of-9 for 51 yards and two touchdown passes.
The Buccaneers are 7-3 to the over in their last 10 preseason contests.
Key Injuries - Wide receiver Antonio Bryant (hamstring), wide receiver Michael Clayton (hamstring) and kicker Matt Bryant (hamstring) are all out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 19 (OVER - Total of the Day)
Thursday's Preseason
By Sportsbook.com
Week 3 of the NFL preseason is the week that Sportsbook.com bettors look forward to most in August. Mainly because starters will get their most run tonight and these games will come as close to mirroring a regular season game as any on the preseason schedule. Tonight there is a threesome of NFL action to bet on at Sportsbook.com, highlighted by the return of Michael Vick.
Jacksonville at Philadelphia
Teams that don’t win a game in the preseason have averaged 7.3 wins a year once the real season begins since 1997, which is well below the expectations for both these clubs. Even worse, only one of the last 11 teams that were 0 for the preseason has made the playoffs.
Jacksonville has lost there two games by a total of four points and could just as easily be 2-0. Quarterback David Garrard has looked sharp and receiver Troy Williamson has been exceptional opposite of Tory Holt as the Jaguars new receiving core. The Jacksonville running game needs to find another gear after producing 127 yards the first two games. The Jags head to Philly as 7.5-point underdogs according to Sportsbook.com and they are 12-2 ATS in road games in the last two weeks of the preseason.
Coach Andy Reid stated Donovan McNabb will play the first three quarters and Kevin Kolb the final 15 minutes, but Mr. Vick will see time with the starters. The impression one has is Reid wants to start having upcoming regular season opponents start game-planning for the Eagles newest weapon. Of greatest concern to Philadelphia is the projected offense line starters have not played one down together and they are unlikely too this week either. Philly is only 2-7 ATS in their last nine third game of the preseason.
Miami at Tampa Bay
This Fox nationally televised contest will have a Florida flavor with the Dolphins at Tampa Bay. Miami has looked impressive in first starts and though Chad Pennington is the clear starter at quarterback, back-up Chad Henne is looking like the future of Fins football. The Dolphins have run the ball effectively (129.5 yards per game) and the defensive line has contained opponents rushing attacks. Curious to see if Tampa Bay goes after Dolphins’ safeties who are vulnerable to the pass. The Fish are 2.5-point underdogs and are 23-15-2 ATS in this spot.
Tampa Bay has split a pair of contests, winning as underdog last week against Jacksonville and is 7-1 ATS when the line is +3 to -3. New head coach Raheem Morris has not named a starting quarterback yet, with the front office putting out feelers to find out what Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich could bring back in trade. Both have obvious limitations and top pick Josh Freeman isn’t ready. Indecision is not good and the Bucs are 1-7 ATS after a win by three or fewer points.
St. Louis at Cincinnati
Whatever appeal this game has is lessened by the fact both starting quarterbacks might not see any action. Carson Palmer has an ankle issue and Marc Bulger a finger problem. That means a heavy dose J.T. O'Sullivan for Cincinnati and St. Louis counters with Kyle Boller.
The Bengals first unit has moved the ball no matter who has played quarterback and is averaging 6.4 yards per play. It has been breakdowns at the wrong times that have stalled drives and left them without any points. Expect this to be an area coach Marvin Lewis wants more production from, for a squad that is 1-7 ATS in Week 3.
The Rams are 2.5-point underdogs and have a lot to shore up before regular season begins. The entire defense has made multiple miscues in understanding new coach Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. He’s been preaching "Get low and stick 'em" tackling, however too many defenders have fallen back to old ways and it will just take time. St. Louis is a sickly 1-9 ATS off a home loss.
Bucs favored against Miami
By SBGGlobal.com
The spotlight on Thursday night will be on the quarterback battle in Tampa Bay between Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown. Head coach Raheem Morris has not said which player will get the starting job but what is clear is that Thursday’s game could be the deciding factor.
Tampa Bay is a 2.5 point favorite with a total of 37 at SBG Global.
Leftwich gets the start on Thursday and will play 1.5 quarters with the starters. McCown will play the next 1.5 quarters, also with the starters. Neither quarterback has been great during the preseason but both have had their moments. McCown is 10 of 17 passes (58.8%) for 70 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has a quarterback rating of 107.5. Leftwich has completed 12 of 26 passes for 124 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and he has a QB rating of 73.2. Rookie quarterback Josh Freeman is not being considered at the moment for the starting job although the Bucs consider him their quarterback of the future. Tampa Bay will have Earnest Graham back in the starting lineup after he missed last week’s game against Jacksonville.
Miami comes into Thursday’s game looking good. They won 27-17 last week against Carolina and the first string offense looked strong. Chad Pennington was 8 for 11 for 105 yards and a TD. Miami is expected to player their starters into the third quarter in this game. Following Pennington at quarterback will be Chad Henne who has looked solid this NFL betting preseason. He has completed 17 of 27 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. "I think it's about understanding what you're going to go through in the preseason and just having the playbook underneath my belt for one year has just been a lot easier for me," Henne said. "Repetition with the plays and just getting through them are what I am doing better at now. I definitely feel a lot better. I mean understanding defenses, understanding our offense, what matches with each other and just making smart decisions and knowing where to go with the ball allows me to feel so much more comfortable and the year really helped me a lot."
The Dolphins and Bucs have met 23 times in the NFL betting preseason history with Miami holding a 14-9 lead. Last season it was Tampa Bay winning 17-6 in Miami in the preseason.
Philly
QB Donovan McNabb and the starters are expected to play 3 quarters. Kevin Kolb is scheduled to play the 4th quarter.Jax
No info yet.Rams
St Louis HC Spagnuolo said he plans to keep his No. 1 units on the field at least through the first half. QB Kyle Boller will start and play the 1st half.Cinci
No info yet.Miami
Chad Pennington is expected to play into the 3rd quarter. Chad Henne will play into the 4th quarter.T.B.
Byron Leftwich is expected to start and play approximately 1½ quarters. Luke McCown is expected to follow and play approximately 1½ quarters. Starters are expected to play three quarters.
Jax update
The entire starting linebacker corps – Clint Ingram, Daryl Smith and Justin Durant – isn’t expected to play tonight, and it’s likely most of the club’s frontline players will see little, if any, action against the Eagles.