NFL - What Bettors Need to Know
Saturday, August 29
Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions (+3, 40)
The Colts (4-16 in last 20 preseason games) are expected to go with their starters until early in the third quarter Saturday. It appears that Curtis Painter will be the backup at QB. Veteran backup Jim Sorgi has returned to practice but will likely be held out until next week.
Among the other key players who aren't expected to play against the Lions are OL Ryan Lilja, DB Kelvin Hayden, DB Bob Sanders and K Adam Vinatieri.
While the starting QB spot is still open in Detroit, Daunte Culpepper (83.0 QB rating) will open the game under center against the Colts. Matthew Stafford (43.4 QB rating) will also play with first-team personnel. Each QB will play a quarter and a half.
On the injury front, RB Kevin Smith and both starting cornerbacks are questionable to play against the Colts.
New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders (+2.5, 41)
The Saints are expected to play their starters until early in the third quarter against the Raiders.
New Orleans is a little banged up in the backfield. Pierre Thomas could be out until the start of the regular season while Reggie Bush is questionable to play Saturday.
Oakland head coach Tom Cable has indicated that his starters will play the first half and, possibly, into the third quarter against the Saints. With only one series under his belt this preseason, veteran QB Jeff Garcia is set to play most of the second half Saturday.
On defense, the Raiders are still looking to finalize starting spots at linebacker and cornerback as the regular season approaches.
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 36)
Buffalo's no-huddle offense will be without Terrell Owens (toe) for the third straight game Saturday. The new offense will try to get their running game (2.9 yards per carry in preseason) on track against the Steelers.
Dick Jauron is expected to play his starters through the first half against Pittsburgh. Rookie DL Aaron Maybin is set to make his Bills debut in the contest.
After missing last week's game, Ben Roethlisberger is back in the fold for Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said that his starters will play at least the first half against Buffalo.
Roethlisberger could be missing a couple of weapons in his return to action. Running back Willie Parker and WR Santonio Holmes are questionable for the game.
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (-1, 37.5)
Tennessee will play their starters through at least the first half Saturday.
The Titans will keep a close eye on their wide receivers against the Browns after Nate Washington's hamstring injury this week. He could miss the start of the regular season.
The Browns will mirror Detroit's gameplan in regards to their quarterbacks this week. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will get equal playing time with the first-team offense against Tennessee but head coach Eric Mangini hasn't decided on a starter for Saturday's matchup.
San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 42)
San Diego head coach Norv Turner has said that his starter could play up to three quarters Saturday. However, a couple of big offensive guns could be out of the lineup.
Turner is hesitant to expose RB LaDainian Tomlinson (12 carries, 28 yards in preseason) and TE Antonio Gates to the turf field surface at the Georgia Dome.
Atlanta's Mike Smith will also have his starters on the field into the third quarter Saturday. After missing last week's game, backup QB Chris Redman will return to action this week for the Falcons.
On defense, recent first-round choice Jamaal Anderson is trying to retain his starting spot on the defensive line heading into the regular season.
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5, 39)
The Seahawks are expected to have their first-team units on the field through at least the first half against Kansas City. The game could mark the Seattle debut of the NFL's 11th all-time leading rusher, Edgerrin James.
The offensive line is a concern after last week's injury to starting center Chris Spencer (out 4-6 weeks) and the uncertain status of Walter Jones for the regular season.
Kansas City will go with their first-team offense until at least the first series of the third quarter. While QB Matt Cassel (92.9 QB rating in preseason) made some progress last week, RB Larry Johnson (2.8 yards per carry) is trying to bust loose in exhibition action.
On defense, the Chiefs are still looking for their starting nose tackle in their 3-4 defensive formation.
New York Jets at New York Giants (-3, 36)
With a tropical storm (70 percent chance of rain) heading to the Meadowlands on Saturday, Mark Sanchez could have something else to deal with besides the elite defensive line of the Giants. On a short week, Jets head coach Rex Ryan is unlikely to send Sanchez and his other starters out beyond the first half.
The Giants had hoped to use the traditional dress rehearsal for the regular season to further develop their inexperienced wideouts but the weather may alter those plans.
The defense will be without key veterans Antonio Pierce and Aaron Ross Saturday.
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers (-3, 34.5)
With their third game in 10 days, Baltimore (second in NFL in total offense and defense in preseason) hasn't been able to install a complete gameplan for this week's matchup.
Special teams will be a focal point Saturday, with starting spots at kicker and kick returner still up for grabs.
Without any road games until the second week of the regular season, the Panthers can unpack for awhile. Head coach John Fox has indicated that his starters are likely to play at least through the first half.
Offensive standouts Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are banged up for Carolina. Smith and Williams are in better condition to play than Stewart Saturday.
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (-7, 38)
Shaun Hill has indicated that he is ready to go on Saturday despite suffering a back strain in practice this week.
San Francisco is expected to play their starters into the third quarter against Dallas. Veteran Damon Huard would likely start at QB, if Hill is unable to go.
The Cowboys should have their starters on the field through at least the first half. Wide receiver Roy Williams is out of action after suffering a shoulder injury in practice this week.
