NFL Picks, Predictions: Preseason Betting Preview for Bears vs Titans, Colts vs Bills
Getty Images. Pictured: Anthony Richardson.
It’s the preseason, which means nothing is a given and all we can do is speculate roughly when QBs will be in the game.
I try to estimate when certain QBs/units will be in the game to plan my pre/in-game betting strategy. Everything is subject to change and I update these charts as we get more information.
Bears vs. Titans
We will likely see a unique QB rotation for the Titans, who are expected to give Malik Willis the start and then rotate with Will Levis every couple drives for the rest of the game.
Justin Fields is going to start and play one drive for the Bears, if it’s a good one, and maybe a second if they struggle on the opening drive. He'll then likely give way to P.J. Walker for the rest of the half. Nathan Peterman will be next up, and I’m assuming will handle most of the third quarter. We will then see Tyson Bagent who is an UDFA out of Shepard (a DII program).
It could be a tough transition for Bagent against NFL speed, so he could be one of the worst QBs we see this preseason (watch him look like Patrick Mahomes). With that, I might be looking to invest in the Titans for the second half.
Colts vs. Bills
The Bills will likely have Kyle Allen under center for the first half and Matt Barkley under center for the second half. Allen has struggled in preseason with a 5.7 yards per attempt and 80.4 QB Rating in 113 career attempts, but he should have all Bills starters except Stefon Diggs at his disposal, which should help. Barkley is a preseason vet who has a 7.4 yards per attempt and QB Rating of 82.7 on 445 career attempts. He may be able to give us a solid half of action.
The Colts will give us our first look of Anthony Richardson for most of the first quarter. They'll then give Gardner Minshew the rest of the first half and possibly even some of the third quarter. After that, we will see preseason legend Sam Ehlinger the rest of the way.
Ehlinger has a 9.6 yards per attempt and 106 QB Rating on 60 career attempts, with massive rushing upside to boot.
There's currently heavy rain at Buffalo, which could cause a delay and alter each team's game plan. It’s the type of game that could have a great in-game betting opportunity. I’m thinking of either the second-half over or taking the Colts' second-half spread. Colts 2H will make the most sense if it’s still raining. They can at least lean on Ehlinger’s rushing ability in that situation.
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