Sports betting

NFL Preseason Schedule

by Tony Epstein | August 4 2009

The NFL odds have been listed at online sportsbooks for the opening week of the NFL preseason schedule. Leading off the start of the new NFL season is the "Hall-of-Fame" game in Canton, Ohio featuring the Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans. At SPORTSBETTING.COM the Titans opened as 3-point favorites.

The early sports betting action from the preseason bettors came in on the designated visitor, the Buffalo Bills, and they currently sit as a 3-point underdog with -125 juice. The Titans are coming off an impressive 2008 campaign, but head into the 2009 season with several big question marks. Most notably, what will be the impact of Albert Haynesworth's departure (free agency to Washington). It is difficult to overstate his importance in that defense. And the QB situation continues to be worth watching. Vince Young is entering his fourth season as a pro and it really is a critical year for him. If he ends up sitting on the bench this season, it could be very tough to resurrect his career.

Kerry Collins comes into camp as the #1 pivot. Give Collins credit, as he did a great job of managing this offense, but let's all remember, this is Kerry Collins. He needs a ton of support from the running game and play-calling that keeps things very basic. In addition, he needs the benefit of a great defense to bail him out once in a while and to provide field position that puts them in highly advantageous situations. I wouldn't count on Collins having another near perfect season.

Young will be looking to take the #1 spot away this preseason, and he has a shot—if he can hold it together and step up. This bodes well for those who are betting on the Titans in the preseason. Young is going to want to show very well when he is handed the ball, and in a lot of situations, he should have an edge facing other teams #2 units.

Looking back at the NFL gambling results from previous Hall of Fame Games, last year the Washington Redskins topped the Indianapolis Colts 30-16, with the Redskins covering the pointspread. In 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints kicked off the NFL preseason schedule, with the sports betting world wading in and betting on the Steelers heavily in that matchup. The bettors won that battle, as the Steelers beat the 'Aints 20-7, covering the spread.

You can watch this year's Hall of Fame Game on NBC, starting at 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, August 9th.

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