NFL Odds, Picks, Predictions: 4 Bets for Browns vs. Jaguars, Cardinals vs. Bengals, Jets vs. Eagles (Aug. 12)
Michael Reaves/Getty Images. Pictured: Gardnew Minshew.
NFL Preseason Quarterback Matchups
This will be updated before every slate of preseason games.
Falcons vs. Lions
Both teams are expected to play their starters for about one quarter. Then from the second quarter on, we will likely see rookie Desmond Ridder vs. Tim Boyle or David Blough.
I do not see a clear angle for this game, but the full-game total of 35.5 is factoring in a fairly high-scoring first quarter with all of the offensive starters playing. I’ll be looking to see if they float 17 for the second half. In that event, I would likely back the under.
Browns vs. Jaguars
It sounds like Deshaun Watson is going to start this game, it will likely be a combination of Watson and Jacoby Brissett under center for the Browns vs. Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard in the first half.
I will be taking the Browns in the first half, and I would guess the line would quickly move to Browns -2.5.
The second half should be a battle between Josh Rosen and Josh Dobbs vs. Jake Luton and EJ Perry. I will be looking to back the 2H under if it’s above 16.5. Based on game flow, I’m not expecting Brissett or Beathard to play much (or at all) in the second half.
Pick: 1H Browns +0.5 (-115, BetMGM)
Cardinals vs. Bengals
This game is going to be an absolute disaster.
Both teams will rest most of their starters and be playing third or fourth stringers for much of the game. If there were ever a preseason game that deserves a total in the high-20s, it’s this one.
I’m taking the Under 31.5 for the full game, but I think the best bet will be backing the under for the second half if it’s above 14.5. We could see Jarrett Guarantano vs. Jake Browning for much of the second half and maybe even see Drew Plitt under center towards the end. Woof.
Be sure to follow me in the Action app. I can plan on making various bets in-game, but there are many moving parts. I may ultimately stay away or spot other values.
It’s important to see which bets I officially lock in within the app.
Pick: Under 31.5 -110 (FanDuel)
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Jets vs. Eagles
Both teams will likely be playing their starters for a couple of series to begin the game. I expect the play calling to be fairly aggressive since both teams have a few new weapons on offense they will want to have jell within the offense before the season starts.
Once the starters are pulled, we will see Gardner Minshew vs. Joe Flacco, and I like the pass-catchers who should still be in the game through the second quarter. I expect the 1st half to be fairly high-scoring; therefore, I am taking Over 17.5 (FanDuel).
I also think Philadelphia has a big enough edge in the first half to take it in the first half. BetMGM is offering Eagles +0.5 at +120 in the first half.
The second half is when the scoring environment drops significantly with Mike White and Chris Streveler vs. Reid Sinnett and Carson Strong. I also give the Jets the slight edge once we get to the second half.
Picks
1H Over 17.5 (+100, BetMGM)
1H Eagles +0.5 (+120, BetMGM)
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Packers vs. 49ers
The Packers are going to start Jordan Love and play him for 2-3 quarters. The 49ers will start Trey Lance before turning the offense over to Nate Sudfeld, likely in the second quarter.
I will be looking into possibly taking the in-game under for the fourth quarter (depending on a few factors) because it will likely be Danny Etling vs. Brock Purdy. I would be surprised if the fourth quarter produces more than seven points.
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