We are back with Week 2 of preseason, which in some cases might be a dress rehearsal as in year’s past for Week 3. However, this week with two games Thursday, three on Friday, 10 on Saturday and one on Sunday, is still about competition and players trying to make a roster. Let’s take an inside look at Thursday and Friday’s matchups.
Thursday’s games
Las Vegas at Houston (ESPN), 8pmET:
Odds: Las Vegas -1.5
Total: 37
Line Moves: Las Vegas opened at -1.5 on Aug 17 and moved to -1 Houston at BetMGM. DraftKings has the Raiders at -1.5 +100 on Thursday night.
Last week: Houston (+1) lost 27-7 at home to the LA Chargers; the Raiders (-3) lost 27-14 at home against Arizona.
Notes: Klint Kubiak is now 0-1 SU/ATS in his career with the Raiders. DeMeco Ryans is now 7-4 SU.
QB Rotations: The Raiders are expected to give rookie Fernando Mendoza a lot of time after a so-so first game (10-of-16). Some starters should play against Houston. Expect a lot of Aidan O’Connell in the second half, which might be good news for Houston. The Texans were bad offensively last week with Davis Mills and Graham Mertz, with 98 net passing yards. CJ Stroud is not expected to play and most starters will rest.
San Francisco at LA Chargers (NFL Network), 10pnET:
Odds: San Francisco -1.5
Total: 37.5
Line Moves: The Chargers opened at -1.5 on Aug. 17 in the morning and moved to San Francisco -1.5 on Thursday night at BetMGM. The total started at 39.5 on Aug. 17 and moved to 37.5
Last week: The Chargers (-1) beat Houston 27-7 on the road; San Fran fell at home to Tennessee 19-13. They covered the 6.5 points.
Notes: Kyle Shanahan is 14-13 SU, while Jim Harbaugh is 14-10 SU (4-4 with Chargers).
QB Rotations: Despite recent OL injuries, Justin Herbert is expected to start and play one series along with the rest of the starters. Kyle Shanahan said he’ll play some of the starters, unlike last week. There’s no chance that Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa will play since they are dealing with injuries, while WR Mike Evans (tightness) is not likely to play. QB Brock Purdy is likely to play.
Friday’s games
NY Jets at Pittsburgh (NFL Network), 7pmET.
Odds: NY Jets -1.5
Total: 36.5
Line Moves: Pittsburgh opened at -3.5 on Aug 18 and moved to NY Jets -1.5 by Wednesday.
Last week: Pittsburgh (+3) handled Green Bay 28-9 at home; The NY Jets (-5.5) lost at home to Tampa Bay 24-16.
Notes: Mike McCarthy is 33-4 SU but had gone 5-8 SU in his last 13 games in Dallas before winning last week. Aaron Glenn is 1-3 SU.
QB Rotations: Geno Smith (ankle) missed last week and has struggled in training camp so he might need the reps. If he doesn’t play, rookie Cade Klubnik should get plenty of time as he’s been playing well in camp. They also have Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook in the mix. Aaron Glenn does want to play the starters with or without Smith. As for Pittsburgh, no Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph. That means the first half of Will Howard and a second half of rookie Drew Allar, who played well last week.
Carolina at Jacksonville (ESPN Unlimited), 7:30pmET
Odds: Carolina -1.5
Total: 37.5
Line Moves: Jacksonville opened at -2.5 on Aug 18 and moved to Carolina -1.5 on Wednesday night.
Last week: Carolina (+3) fell on the road to Buffalo 29-14; Jacksonville (+2.5) edged New Orleans 24-20 on the road.
Notes: Liam Coen is 1-2 SU in preseason. Dave Canales and Carolina won the HOF game, but he’s still just 2-5 SU in the preseason.
QB Rotations: Starters are expected to play for a “couple of drives” for the Jags, including Trevor Lawrence. Carolina is expected to play their starters 10-20 snap inclduing QB Bryce Young. Young went 3 of 5 for 18 yards last week.
Green Bay at Denver (NFL Network), 9pmET
Odds: Denver -6
Total: 41.5
Line Moves: The line opened on Aug 17 at Denver -4.5 and moved to 6 by Aug 19.
Last week: Green Bay (-3) fell at Pittsburgh 28-9; Denver (-3) beat Atlanta 27-7 on the road.
Notes: Sean Payton is 37-33 SU overall in preseason and 6-1 his last 7 in Denver. Matt LaFleur is 9-11 SU overall, but 6-4 SU the last 10 in Green Bay.
QB Rotations: Jordan Love played a little last week and will play at least a series this week against Denver along with the starters. Tyrod Taylor will be the backup again. Denver will play QB Box Nix and the starters some time after not playing last week. But expect Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger to continue to battle for the backup job.
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Upcoming and Current Events at ATS:
- Week 2 of Preseason Football starts on Thursday! Preseason NFL action begins as ATS enters its 34th football season. Big game coming up this weekend. Some Early Bird discounts are still available!
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