The first kickoff of the final week takes place in Detroit where the Lions host the Buffalo Bills. The Lions opened as 5 point favorites, though sportsbooks are now listing the game at 4 ½ points. Both teams are 2-1 in preseason play. Buffalo is coming off a great game against the Cincinnati Bengals, having won 35-20. Clemson rookie C.J. Spiller demonstrated his ability to contribute, totaling 85 yards and 2 touchdowns. Detroit took care of Cleveland 35-27 thanks to 2 fourth quarter rushing touchdowns from running back Aaron Brown.
The New York Giants welcome the New England Patriots to the Meadowlands. The Giants opened as 3 point favorites. Most books have stayed at 3 with a couple dipping to 2 ½ points. The Giants are 1-2 after their 24-10 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. The good news for the Giants was the return of quarterback Eli Manning, though he struggled against the stout Raven defense. The Patriots lost their first game of the preseason last week in a shootout with the St. Louis Rams, 36-35. Tom Brady was outstanding, finishing 18-22 for 273 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. But the Patriot defense was shredded by the Rams, giving up 462 total yards.
The Indianapolis Colts are a big home underdog to the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Cincy opened as 6 ½ point favorites with a couple books checking in at 7 points. The Colts are traditionally lousy in the preseason, and this year is no exception. Peyton Manning has looked sharp, but the Colts are still winless after getting stomped in Green Bay last week, 59-24. The Bengals have been up and down, with last week being a down, losing in Buffalo 35-20.
The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) host the New York Jets (1-2). The Eagles started as 2 ½ point favorites, but the line has come down. Books are now listing this game anywhere between a pick and the Eagles as 2 point favorites. Philadelphia snuck out a win in Kansas City last week, thanks to Northwestern rookie Mike Kafka’s impressive game winning drive. The Jets offense has been atrocious in the preseason. Last week the Washington Redskins sans Donovan McNabb took care of the home Jets, 16-11.
The Atlanta Falcons (2-1) travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars (1-2). The home Jags started as 1 ½ point favorites, but most books are currently putting the line at 3 points. Jacksonville picked up its first win of the preseason last week in Tampa Bay, 19-13. The Jags dominated the Bucs, out-gaining them by over 200 yards. The Falcons went into Miami and ended the Dolphins 9 game preseason winning streak, 16-6. The Atlanta defense never allowed the Dolphins to cross the goal-line.
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened as 5 ½ point favorites over the traveling Carolina Panthers, and the line has stayed steady at most books. The Panthers won their first game of the preseason last week, beating the Titans 15-7. The Carolina defense has been great in all three games. The Steelers lost their first preseason game Sunday night in Denver, 34-17. Three interceptions negated an otherwise impressive offense output, with 175 yards rushing and 180 yards passing.
The New Orleans Saints (2-1) head up to Tennessee to do battle with the Titans (1-2). Tennessee opened as a 7 point favorite, but currently sportsbooks are listing the game anywhere between 7 ½ and 8 ½ points. New Orleans’ offense has been productive, though many starters on both sides of the ball will get this week off. Tennessee had a tough time in Carolina last week, losing 15-7.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Houston to take on the Texans. Both teams are 1-2. The Texans opened as 3 point favorites, though the line has come down as low as 1 ½ points at some books. Tampa Bay lost a home contest to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, 19-13, while the Texans picked up their first win of the preseason, beating Dallas 23-7.
The Kansas City Chiefs look to win their first preseason game against the visiting Green Bay Packers (2-1). KC opened as 6 ½ point favorites, but most books currently list the game at 5 ½ points. Aaron Rodgers has been outstanding for Green Bay, but probably won’t play against the Chiefs. Kansas City showed heart against the Eagles last week, but a late score by Philly ruined their night.
The Chicago Bears opened as 2 point road favorites over the Cleveland Browns. Books have bumped that up to 2 ½ or 3 points. The Bears (0-3) have been terrible so far, losing to the Arizona Cardinals at home, 14-9. The Browns (1-2) lost a high scoring affair to the Detroit Lions, 35-27.
The Miami Dolphins head to the Big D to take on the Cowboys. The ‘Boys opened as 2 ½ point favorites, though books are currently putting the game at 3 or 3 ½ points. The 2-1 Dolphins lost a boring game to the Atlanta Falcons last week, 16-6. The 2-2 Cowboys are coming off a sound beating at the hands of the Houston Texans, 23-7.
The St. Louis Rams (2-1) welcome the undefeated Baltimore Ravens to town. The Rams started as 3 point favorites and the line has held steady. The Rams have looked good the last two weeks. The Ravens have looked great in all of their contests, being dominant on both sides of the ball.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to hook up with the Denver Broncos. The Vikes opened as 5 ½ point faves, but the line has dropped to 4 ½ points at most sites. Minnesota (2-1) finished strong against Seattle last week, eventually prevailing, 24-13. The Broncos (1-2) picked up their first win of the preseason Sunday night, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-17. The Broncos were aided by 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns. Tim Tebow returned for Denver and added a td toss.
The San Francisco 49ers put their undefeated record on the line when they welcome San Diego (1-2) to the Bay. The Niners opened as 3 point favorites and most books have moved that up to 3 ½ points. San Fran scored late against Oakland, prevailing 28-24. San Diego’s Philip Rivers has been terrific this preseason.
The Arizona Cardinals (1-2) host the Washington Redskins (2-1). The Cards opened as 3 ½ point favorites, but books are now listing the game at 5 points. Arizona stole a win a Chicago last week, 14-9. The ‘Skins took down the Jets 16-11. Donovan McNabb is still out for Washington and might not be ready for the regular season.
Last but not least, the Oakland Raiders (2-1) host the Seattle Seahawks (1-2). The Raiders opened as 3 ½ point favorites and the line has remained there for most books. Oakland lost a heartbreaker to cross-town rival San Francisco, 28-24. The Raiders gave up a touchdown in the last two minutes of the game. Seattle played well early at Minnesota, but ultimately dropped the game, 24-13.
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