3 NFL Games tonight!
From Covers...PAY ATTENTION TO QB ROTATIONS...BRADY AND BREES WILL HAVE NO IMPACT ON THIS GAME.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_1.html (-1.5, 35.5)
Who’s in, who’s out
Coming off a thrilling Super Bowl victory, it should come as no surprise that the Saints are using an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality entering the 2010 season.
With that said, we should see a battle for the backup quarterback role between Patrick Ramsey, Chase Daniel and Sean Canfield. Drew Brees will likely play only a series of two Thursday. Ramsey should finish the first half while Daniel and Canfield will each see a quarter of action if all goes as planned.
Both receiver Robert Meachem and safety Darren Sharper are expected to miss due to injuries.
After Tom Brady makes a cameo appearance, Bill Bellichick will have two quarterbacks at his disposal in Brian Hoyer and Zac Robinson. Hoyer got a lot of work last August and will once again see significant time in the opener, while Robinson will likely only play the fourth quarter.
The Patriots are dealing with a number of injuries. Nick Kaczur, Ty Warren and, of course, Wes Welker have all been ruled out for Thursday’s game.
Line movement
The Patriots opened as 1.5-point favorites and the line has held steady since. The total has dropped a half-point since opening at 36. Perhaps that has something to do with the notion that the two teams will become familiar with one another during joint practices this week.
Key trend
The Patriots have been a miserable play early in the preseason, going 1-5 ATS in their first two games over the last three years.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_2.html (-3, 34)
Who’s in, who’s out
Even though he doesn’t have a wealth of NFL experience, Panthers starting quarterback Matt Moore is expected to be treated as a veteran and see only a series or two of action Thursday.
There is a heated competition for the backup role, with Hunter Cantwell battling rookie Jimmy Clausen. All indications are that Clausen has the inside track, but Cantwell could overtake him with a strong showing in the preseason. Tony Pike could see some playing time as well.
Among those missing for the Panthers will be receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Thomas Davis. Jonathan Stewart isn’t expected to be in the backfield as he recovers from a heel injury.
The Ravens have plenty of experience under center, with Joe Flacco being followed by newly-acquired Marc Bulger and Troy Smith. Once Flacco exits after a couple of series, we’ll see Bulger for the bulk of the second and third quarters. Smith will have an opportunity to show his stuff in the game’s final 15-20 minutes.
Baltimore has a lot of depth at running back, but might have to go without Willis McGahee Thursday due to a knee injury. The Ravens secondary could be razor thin with Ed Reed, Fabian Washington, Walt Harris, Dominique Foxworth and Chris Carr all either ruled out or listed as questionable for Thursday’s game.
Line movement
The Ravens opened as 3-point favorites at most books, but the betting public has since moved them off that number. They now stand as 3.5-point chalk just about everywhere. The total opened at 34 and that’s where it remains.
Key trend
Carolina is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 preseason games under John Fox.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_3.html (-3.5, 34.5)
Who’s in, who’s out
Oakland will lean heavily on its experienced stable of quarterbacks this August. Jason Campbell is the new No. 1 and he will get extended work with his new offense Thursday, especially with Charlie Frye (wrist) and Bruce Gradkowski (groin) both listed as doubtful. Head coach Tom Cable has indicated that his starters on both sides of the ball will play the first quarter.
If Frye and Gradkowski can’t go, Kyle Boller and Colt Brennan will round out the Raiders QB rotation.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden is battling through a hamstring injury and as a result, has been ruled out for Thursday.
Bettors will likely see the same QB rotation from the Cowboys that was used in the Hall of Fame Game. Tony Romo will get an additional series or two, but Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee will once again get the bulk of the action. Rookie Matt Nichols can expect to be summoned for mop-up duty for a second consecutive game.
The Cowboys lost tight end John Phillips to a season-ending knee injury this past Sunday. With TE’s Scott Sicko and Kevin Brock also dealing with injuries, starter Jason Witten is the only healthy tight end on the roster.
Line movement
Most books opened the Cowboys as 4.5-point favorites, but that line has quickly been bet down to -3.5. The total has dropped a half-point to 34 at several outlets and will likely fall further leading up to kickoff on Thursday.
Key trend
The Raiders are a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS in their first preseason game over the last four seasons.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_1.html (-1.5, 35.5)
Who’s in, who’s out
Coming off a thrilling Super Bowl victory, it should come as no surprise that the Saints are using an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality entering the 2010 season.
With that said, we should see a battle for the backup quarterback role between Patrick Ramsey, Chase Daniel and Sean Canfield. Drew Brees will likely play only a series of two Thursday. Ramsey should finish the first half while Daniel and Canfield will each see a quarter of action if all goes as planned.Both receiver Robert Meachem and safety Darren Sharper are expected to miss due to injuries.
After Tom Brady makes a cameo appearance, Bill Bellichick will have two quarterbacks at his disposal in Brian Hoyer and Zac Robinson. Hoyer got a lot of work last August and will once again see significant time in the opener, while Robinson will likely only play the fourth quarter.
The Patriots are dealing with a number of injuries. Nick Kaczur, Ty Warren and, of course, Wes Welker have all been ruled out for Thursday’s game.
Line movement
The Patriots opened as 1.5-point favorites and the line has held steady since. The total has dropped a half-point since opening at 36. Perhaps that has something to do with the notion that the two teams will become familiar with one another during joint practices this week.
Key trend
The Patriots have been a miserable play early in the preseason, going 1-5 ATS in their first two games over the last three years.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_2.html (-3, 34)
Who’s in, who’s out
Even though he doesn’t have a wealth of NFL experience, Panthers starting quarterback Matt Moore is expected to be treated as a veteran and see only a series or two of action Thursday.
There is a heated competition for the backup role, with Hunter Cantwell battling rookie Jimmy Clausen. All indications are that Clausen has the inside track, but Cantwell could overtake him with a strong showing in the preseason. Tony Pike could see some playing time as well. Among those missing for the Panthers will be receiver Steve Smith and linebacker Thomas Davis. Jonathan Stewart isn’t expected to be in the backfield as he recovers from a heel injury.
The Ravens have plenty of experience under center, with Joe Flacco being followed by newly-acquired Marc Bulger and Troy Smith. Once Flacco exits after a couple of series, we’ll see Bulger for the bulk of the second and third quarters. Smith will have an opportunity to show his stuff in the game’s final 15-20 minutes.
Baltimore has a lot of depth at running back, but might have to go without Willis McGahee Thursday due to a knee injury. The Ravens secondary could be razor thin with Ed Reed, Fabian Washington, Walt Harris, Dominique Foxworth and Chris Carr all either ruled out or listed as questionable for Thursday’s game.
Line movement
The Ravens opened as 3-point favorites at most books, but the betting public has since moved them off that number. They now stand as 3.5-point chalk just about everywhere. The total opened at 34 and that’s where it remains.
Key trend
Carolina is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 preseason games under John Fox.
covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/nfl/matchups/g1_summary_3.html (-3.5, 34.5)
Who’s in, who’s out
Oakland will lean heavily on its experienced stable of quarterbacks this August. Jason Campbell is the new No. 1 and he will get extended work with his new offense Thursday, especially with Charlie Frye (wrist) and Bruce Gradkowski (groin) both listed as doubtful. Head coach Tom Cable has indicated that his starters on both sides of the ball will play the first quarter.
If Frye and Gradkowski can’t go, Kyle Boller and Colt Brennan will round out the Raiders QB rotation.Raiders running back Darren McFadden is battling through a hamstring injury and as a result, has been ruled out for Thursday.
Bettors will likely see the same QB rotation from the Cowboys that was used in the Hall of Fame Game. Tony Romo will get an additional series or two, but Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee will once again get the bulk of the action. Rookie Matt Nichols can expect to be summoned for mop-up duty for a second consecutive game.
The Cowboys lost tight end John Phillips to a season-ending knee injury this past Sunday. With TE’s Scott Sicko and Kevin Brock also dealing with injuries, starter Jason Witten is the only healthy tight end on the roster.
Line movement
Most books opened the Cowboys as 4.5-point favorites, but that line has quickly been bet down to -3.5. The total has dropped a half-point to 34 at several outlets and will likely fall further leading up to kickoff on Thursday.
Key trend
The Raiders are a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS in their first preseason game over the last four seasons.
