We’re a week away from the kick-off to the real 2010-2011 season, as the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints prepare to start it all next Thursday night. However, before those festivities take us into the new season, there are still a few questions that need answering during the Week 4 preseason.
Let’s look at the betting action on a few of the games from the final week of the exhibition schedule.
Washington at Arizona
Who cares about this one? Let’s start with Willie Parker and Matt Leinart…and maybe Albert Haynesworth. Actually Albert probably doesn’t really care, but it is worth noting that everyone on the Redskins 1st team defense is getting the night off, but Haynesworth is expected to start and get a lot of playing time in this one.
On offense, Willie Parker will start at RB, but for him, this is more likely a showcase for other teams needing depth at running back, as it looks improbable that he will make the ‘Skins.
For the Cardinals, rumors are swirling that they’re actively shopping QB Matt Leinart. Look for Anderson to start behind center as they try and get a handle on that messy QB situation.
But bettors still like the home side, with 65% of the action at the sportsbook on Arizona -6.
Carolina at Pittsburgh
Most star QBs will not see much action in any Week 4 preseason games. The exception is if your star QB is about to serve a four-game suspension to start the season. That’s the current scenario for Ben Roethlisberger, who will see his last action until his suspension is completed. Byron Leftwich will hold down the fort until his return.
For the Panthers’ QBs, Matt Moore is expected to get a little time, followed by a brief stint from Jimmy Clausen. The majority of the snaps will be shared between Tony Pike and Hunter Cantwell. If you think Week 4 doesn’t mean anything, watch this one, as it is possible whoever plays better between Pike and Cantwell will get the #3 spot, and the loser may be unemployed.
Bettors are all over the home team, with sportsbooks reporting 80% of the betting is on Pittsburgh -6.
Miami at Dallas
The big news out of Dallas is that Dez Bryant is back to the practice field, but will not see any action Thursday night. This is because the 1st team offense will not play in the final regular season game. Jerry Jones has stated that Bryant’s first action will be versus the Redskins in Week 1, as a starter (always love how the owner is the one announcing news like this in Dallas).
Dolphins’ coach Tony Sparano was not pleased with the performance of his team last week and is looking for greater focus and urgency versus Dallas. He hasn’t indicated how long his starters will play, just that “they better be ready to play.” Henne will start at QB, and Pennington will also see some action.
Bettors are listening, as they think the Dolphins have an edge. A lopsided 85% of the action is on Miami -1.
Enjoy the games. You can check all the NFL Odds
