While some people await NCAA football betting, the NFL fans can’t wait any longer. Even though preseason games are unpredictable, they’re still pro football games, meaning it’s a blast to bet on them. Here are some picks for a couple of exciting weekend matchups.
Cleveland Browns @ Green Bay Packers
Saturday, August 15, 8:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Packers -3
The Packers are always fun to watch at Lambeau Field, but the road team looks poised for an upset win on Saturday. The Browns simply have a lot to play for. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn are neck and neck for the starting job, so I’m betting management wants so see both of them leave it on the field. The Browns’ starting wideouts aren’t determined yet either. Also, remember that tough head coach Eric Mangini works his players to the bone in every practice, so he’s more likely than most coaches to make first-team guys play hard and often in a preseason game. Bet on Cleveland, as its players should be hungrier.
NFL pick: Browns +3
Seattle Seahawks @ San Diego Chargers
Saturday, August 15, 10:00 p.m. ET
NFL betting favorite: Chargers -3
An old AFC West rivalry resumes when the now-NFC-West sleeper Seattle Seahawks visit the Chargers. Based on their talent and 2008 division title, the Chargers are three-point favorites at home. However, based on the preseason tradition of keeping first-team offense snaps to a minimum, Seattle looks good for an upset this weekend. Their second-team skill players include Seneca Wallace at quarterback plus Deion Branch and Courtney Taylor at receiver. Ring a bell? Those names should, as they were essentially the first-team offense on an injury-plagued Seattle team last season. Since they’re borderline starting-caliber NFLers, they should run up the score against a Charger “D” comprised of backups for most of the game. Bet on Seattle.
NFL pick: Seahawks +3
