NFL Betting News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Baltimore over Philadelphia by 6

They haven’t played a down of football yet but already Philadelphia’s Jason Babin is taking a page out of the LeBron James’ school of pre-season betting predictions. Comparing his squad to the Miami Heat, Babin says his Eagles – unlike the ‘Heatles’ – will soar when the dust settles in February at Lucas Oil Stadium. We certainly agree that Philly will grab its share of headlines this season but, with it, there will be a price to pay – a.k.a. overpriced lines.

Tonight’s line may not seem pricy but with the Ravens 6-1 SU and ATS versus the NFC in exhibition play since 2009 – and HC John Harbaugh 3-0 SU and ATS in pre-season openers, 4-1 SU and ATS as a dog of one or more points and 4-2 SU and ATS on the road – everything ‘points’ to a Black Birds victory. Especially when you consider that Andy hasn’t been so dandy during the pre-season as he refuses to show his hand in these scrimmages.

It is easy to understand why so many sports betting critics have pegged the Oakland Raiders as the next division champions in the AFC West. After all, the team went 6-0 in the division a year ago, with the second-best rushing game in the NFL returning them to respectability for the time being. The Raiders relied on Darren McFadden and Michael Bush to consistently put up big numbers, and they thrived in a relatively mediocre division. However, there are several reasons to doubt that the outlook in Oakland will be just as positive after the coming season, especially with the loss of two key players that will prevent the team from taking the next step.

The Raiders have a new head coach in Hue Jackson, who will step up to replace the enthusiastic Tom Cable this year. While Jackson is an excellent coaching prospect in his own right, Cable made his players want to win for him, and the change may not be as well received as fans in Oakland would hope. Factor in that the Raiders’ defense lost the best cornerback in the game in Nnamdi Asomugha and a key cog of their rushing attack in offensive lineman Robert Gallery, and the change may be too great for them to take a step higher in the division. Oakland will also face a tougher sportsbook promo schedule, but they aren’t the only ones.

The Philadelphia Eagles made some interesting, and even questionable, signings during the shortened free agency period last week. The New York Giants managed to retain their defensive strength when they signed Mathias Kiwanuka to a deal before losing him to free agency. But the instability in all of the NFC East teams has sports betting football fans wondering what will happen in the NFC East when the season comes to an end.

Dallas Cowboys – Predicted finish: First
The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants will fight it out for the NFC East title as they always have, but the Cowboys seem to have an edge. The Cowboys released veteran wide receiver Roy Williams and running back Marion Barber prior to the free agency period, but they retain the core of what could be a very good offense. Offensive tackle Doug Free did not leave Dallas during free agency and tight end Jason Witten remains as the anchor for the entire offensive unit. Online casino football fans will finally get to see what the wide receiver tandem of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant is truly capable of.