Day #17 – NFL Preseason Week 2: Dominate or Go Home!

Today’s Starting Bankroll: $1,904.10 (Yesterday’s Bets)

The NFL Preseason Week 2 is where you can make or break your spot onto a team. Others, like high profile starting QB’s its where you just rest with an ear piece and a clipboard. While these games may not count in the standings, or be extremely exciting, they’re packed with storylines that could shape the regular season. As teams take the field for NFL Preseason Week 2, here are some key things to keep an eye on:

• Atlanta Falcons vs Baltimore Ravens
  • Injuries and Quick Roster Adjustments: The Falcons faced a rough week with season-ending injuries to WR Rondale Moore and rookie edge rusher Bralen Trice, as well as a significant injury to S DeMarcco Hellams. To address these critical depth issues, they made decisive moves by trading for four-time Pro Bowler Matt Judon to bolster the pass rush and signing veteran safety Justin Simmons to strengthen the secondary.
  • Pass Rush Depth Tested by Injuries: Despite leading the NFL in sacks last season, the Ravens struggled to generate pressure in their preseason opener against the Eagles, largely due to injuries to key pass rushers like Malik Hamm and others. This has highlighted the need to identify new contributors as they prepare for a crucial test against the Falcons’ offensive line.
• Cincinnati Bengals vs Chicago Bears
  • Injury Setback and Emerging Talent: Despite the excitement from a strong preseason opener, the Bengals were dealt a blow with the injury to camp standout OT Amarius Mims. No we dive into NFL preseason week 2. While Trent Brown provides solid backup, he needs to find his rhythm. On a positive note, last year’s first-round pick, Myles Murphy, showed promising signs against the Buccaneers, and another strong performance against the Bears could solidify confidence in the Bengals’ pass rush, especially with Trey Hendrickson easing back into practice.
  • Quarterback Progress and O-Line Concerns: Caleb Williams defied early skepticism with an impressive debut against Buffalo, though the performance raises questions about his snap count moving forward. However, injuries to key offensive linemen, including Nate Davis, Kiran Amegadjie, Teven Jenkins, and Darnell Wright, are causing concerns about protecting Williams. How the O-line performs against Cincinnati will be a critical factor in determining Williams’ preseason workload and overall development.
• New York Giants vs Houston Texans
  • Injury Concerns and Offensive Development: The injury to WR Malik Nabers has cast a shadow over the Giants, though he may not miss significant time. With QB Daniel Jones expected to play against the Texans, it’ll be an opportunity to see if his reported progress in camp can translate to game action, even without Nabers. The potential return of C John Michael Schmitz and RT Evan Neal is uncertain, but the Giants found some success in the run game against the Lions, a positive sign in the post-Saquon Barkley era. If Jones performs well and the run game sustains its momentum, confidence in New York’s offense could grow.
  • Run Game Struggles and Key Returns: NFL preseason week 2 is actually the third game the Texans will have played as they took part in the HOF Game. The Texans have struggled to establish their run game through two preseason outings, managing just 134 yards on 48 rushes, with little production from their traditional backs. However, with RB Joe Mixon and LT Laremy Tunsil cleared to return to practice, Houston will likely emphasize finding consistency in the run game against the Giants. Rookie RB Jawhar Jordan could be a key player to watch as the Texans look to spark their ground attack.
• Detroit Lions vs Kansas City Chiefs
  • Depth Battles and Backup QB Concerns: While the Lions’ offensive starters are mostly set, key reserve battles are still unfolding. Undrafted rookie WR Isaiah Williams made a strong case for a roster spot with his performance against the Giants, but Kalif Raymond and Daurice Fountain may still be ahead of him. There’s also competition for the final RB spot between rookie Sione Vaki and standout Jermar Jefferson. The backup QB situation took a hit with Nate Sudfeld’s struggles and Hendon Hooker’s concussion, prompting the Lions to sign Jake Fromm as a potential fill-in.
  • Cornerback Questions Amid WR Speculation: While much focus has been on how the WR room will adjust after Marquise Brown’s injury, the Chiefs’ cornerback situation is more pressing. With Trent McDuffie set to take over CB1 duties after the L’Jarius Sneed trade, the second starting cornerback spot remains unclear. Joshua Williams, who is in the mix, was beaten for a big play against the Jaguars, and injuries to Jaylen Watson, Kelvin Joseph, and Nazeeh Johnson have complicated evaluations. The Chiefs may need all their corners to see action against the Lions to solidify the position ahead of the regular season.
• Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns
  • Key Roster Battles and Injury Setbacks: Several Vikings players have a lot on the line this week in joint practices and Saturday’s game against the Browns. 2022 first-round pick S Lewis Cine, whose career has been plagued by injuries, is fighting to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. QB Jaren Hall also needs to perform well to outpace Nick Mullens, especially with J.J. McCarthy out for the 2024 season after knee surgery. Other recent draft picks, including DTs Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jaquelin Roy, LB Brian Asamoah, and RB DeWayne McBride, are also battling to prove their worth heading into this critical week.
  • Offensive Uncertainty and Depth Challenges: The Browns’ offense remains difficult to evaluate this preseason, with Deshaun Watson on a limited snap count, Nick Chubb sidelined, and the offensive line thin due to injuries to starting OTs Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin. The reported pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk raises questions about the team’s confidence in their current pass-catching options. With David Bell and Elijah Moore also missing time, receivers like Jamari Thrash, James Proche, Matt Landers, and Michael Woods II must step up. Additionally, reserve offensive linemen, particularly at tackle, need to prove they can handle regular-season snaps as the Browns approach their matchup with the Vikings.
• New York Jets vs Carolina Panthers
  • Roster Drama and Defensive Depth: Haason Reddick’s trade request has added intrigue to the Jets’ camp, though he wasn’t expected to play in the second preseason game. With Reddick’s absence, focus shifts to the final defensive roster spots. Takk McKinley, who had a solid performance last week, is competing for one of those spots. The decision on whether to keep both Jalyn Holmes and Eric Watts, who are bigger, “base” ends, could be crucial. Undrafted rookie Braiden McGregor could still make a case for a roster spot or at least a practice-squad position with a strong performance this weekend.
  • Wide Receiver Competition and Depth: The Panthers’ top WR spots seem secure with Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, and Xavier Legette, with Jonathan Mingo also expected to get a good chance despite a drop in the preseason opener. Beyond these four, the competition for the final WR spots is intense among Terrace Marshall Jr., Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore, and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker. Marshall, still young at 24, needs a standout performance against the Jets’ defense to solidify his place on the roster before the final cuts.
• Arizona Cardinals vs Indianapolis Colts
  • Quarterback Battle and Receiver Development: Kyler Murray won’t see any preseason action, and Marvin Harrison Jr. played only three snaps against the Saints, leaving fans waiting for a better look at him. Meanwhile, the backup QB battle between Desmond Ridder and Clayton Tune continues, with Tune having a more efficient performance in Game 1. Ridder, who struggled as a passer but showed promise as a runner, will need to rebound against the Colts. The decision to keep three QBs remains uncertain, adding pressure on both to perform.
  • Rookie Watch and Receiver Competition: The Colts’ nine-man draft class, particularly edge rusher Laiatu Latu, needs more attention. Latu’s limited but promising debut against the Broncos suggests he could be a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender if he stays healthy. WR Adonai Mitchell, who had a brief debut with Joe Flacco, needs to improve his connection with the quarterback. Additionally, fifth-round WR Anthony Gould, who impressed as a returner but saw no targets on offense, is vying for a roster spot and will need to make a stronger impact.
• Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins
  • Quarterback and Roster Battles: Rookie QB Jayden Daniels made a solid impression with a brief but effective outing against the Jets, showcasing confidence with a 42-yard completion. Key areas to watch include the offensive tackle positions and the secondary, which will face tests in both joint practices and the game against the Dolphins. Additionally, rookie tight end Ben Sinnott, who had a standout 44-yard catch, continues to impress and is a player to watch closely.
  • Backup QB Uncertainty: Neither Skylar Thompson nor Mike White made a strong case for the backup QB role in the Dolphins’ first preseason game. Thompson struggled with an uneven performance, and White was even less effective. This raises concerns about whether the Dolphins currently have a viable backup for Tua Tagovailoa. The performance of these QBs against the Commanders could be crucial in determining who takes the lead in the QB2 competition as the roster cuts approach.
• Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers
  • RB Ray Davis’ Mixed Performance: Fourth-round RB Ray Davis had an uneven debut against the Bears, with only 2 yards on five carries and some key penalties affecting his performance. Despite this, Davis showed potential with a 13-yard gain on a screen pass and a 6-yard catch. Positive camp reports suggest he remains in contention for the backup role behind James Cook, and a strong performance against the Steelers will be crucial for solidifying his spot.
  • QB Competition and Efficiency: Mike Tomlin’s handling of the QB reps against the Bills will be critical, as Justin Fields showed both strengths and weaknesses in the Texans game, and Russell Wilson has yet to see preseason action. Tomlin confirmed that Wilson will start against the Bills, which could be a decisive factor in the QB competition. Improving the efficiency of both QBs and the offensive line will be key for the Steelers as they look to build confidence in their passing game ahead of the regular season.
• Seattle Seahawks vs Tennessee Titans
  • Wide Receiver Depth and Special Teams: With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the receiving corps, the battle for backup WR spots is crucial. Jake Bobo is expected to make the roster, while Laviska Shenault Jr. and Dareke Young are also vying for spots. They’ll need to outpace competitors like Dee Eskridge, Cody White, Easop Winston Jr., and Ty Scott. Special teams performance will play a key role, so the rotation and usage in the game against the Titans will be closely watched for insights into the final roster decisions.
  • Promising Offensive Start and RB Duo: QB Will Levis and the first-team offense looked strong against the 49ers, with Levis leading two scoring drives and showing accuracy. The revamped offensive line performed well, and RBs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears impressed with their contributions. Continued success in the upcoming game against the Seahawks could boost expectations for the Titans’ offense, even as DeAndre Hopkins faces potential injury issues that might impact his availability for the regular season.
• Los Angeles Rams vs Los Angeles Chargers
  • Quarterback Situation and Bennett’s Performance: Stetson Bennett’s preseason debut was a mix of impressive plays and concerning errors, including four interceptions, raising questions about his readiness as a backup. With Jimmy Garoppolo suspended for the first two games, Bennett is expected to back up Matthew Stafford, but Stafford’s recent injury history makes Bennett’s reliability crucial. A more consistent performance against the Chargers could bolster Bennett’s standing and ease head coach Sean McVay’s concerns about his backup quarterback situation.
  • Offensive Struggles and Receiver Battles: The Chargers’ offense struggled in the preseason opener without injured QB Justin Herbert, with Easton Stick’s poor decisions and interception being notable issues. Despite this, concerns are tempered by the fact that the team has not altered its Week 1 expectations for Herbert. Against the Rams, the focus will be on improving offensive performance and evaluating wide receiver competition. Brenden Rice, Simi Fehoko, and others need to make a strong impression as they vie for roster spots, with Rice especially needing to bounce back after a lackluster showing against the Seahawks.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
  • RB2 Competition Behind Rachaad White: The battle for the backup RB spot is heating up with rookie Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker both making strong cases. Irving had a solid debut against the Bengals with 28 yards and a touchdown, but Tucker also impressed with 68 yards on 10 carries and two catches, showcasing his potential despite being less adept in the passing game. Tucker’s performance in pass protection will be crucial against the Jaguars, as it could determine not only his roster spot but also whether he might challenge Irving for a more significant role.
  • Strong Preseason Showings by 2023 Draft Picks: RB Tank Bigsby and WR Parker Washington had standout performances in the preseason opener against the Chiefs. Bigsby, who struggled with ball security last season, ran efficiently with a 19-yard gain and added a 45-yard kickoff return. Washington excelled with a 73-yard kickoff return and also contributed a 10-yard catch and a 13-yard punt return. Their impressive performances are likely to strengthen their positions and roles for the regular season, with another solid showing against the Buccaneers bolstering their chances further.
• Dallas Cowboys vs Las Vegas Raiders
  • DT Mazi Smith’s Progress and Expectations: After a challenging rookie season, including a disappointing playoff performance, DT Mazi Smith is under pressure to prove his worth in Year 2. His preseason debut against the Rams showed promise with three tackles and a notable stop on a screen pass, but he needs to build on this performance to meet first-round expectations. Continued improvement in the upcoming game against the Raiders will be critical for Smith to solidify his role and regain confidence.
  • Quarterback Competition Heating Up: Both Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew performed reasonably well in the Raiders’ preseason opener, but neither emerged as a clear favorite for the starting QB role. O’Connell was more efficient, while Minshew had more standout moments. The battle remains competitive, with the outcome likely remaining uncertain until closer to the regular season. The next game against the Cowboys will be crucial for both quarterbacks to make a stronger case for the starting job.
• Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos
  • Tough WR Roster Decisions Loom: With a deep and talented group of young receivers, the Packers face difficult roster decisions. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed are secure, and Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton also appear solid. The competition intensifies for the final spot(s) among Malik Heath, Grant DuBose, and Samori Toure. DuBose, who shone with 66 yards and solid blocking against the Browns, is a strong candidate. Performance in the upcoming preseason games, particularly on special teams, will be crucial in determining who makes the final cut.
  • Bo Nix’s Strong Debut and QB Battle: Bo Nix impressed in his NFL debut with a composed performance, completing 15-of-21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, along with effective rushing. His strong outing contrasts with Jarrett Stidham’s struggles and could influence Sean Payton’s decision on the starting QB for Week 1. Nix’s continued success against the Packers might solidify his position, while Zach Wilson, who also had a good showing, seems to be further behind in the competition.
• New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco 49ers
  • Encouraging Rookie Performances: Despite some rough patches, the Saints had positive takeaways from their preseason win over the Cardinals. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga performed well at left tackle, showing promise in both run and pass protection. Second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry demonstrated his versatility with solid play at both slot and outside corner, including a crucial pass breakup. Backup QB Spencer Rattler, competing with Jake Haener, led a game-winning drive, showing potential. These rookies have the opportunity to further impress against the 49ers.
  • Injury Concerns and Roster Evaluation: The 49ers had to cancel joint practices with the Saints due to roster health issues, including significant injuries and contract-related absences. This game is likely to focus on evaluating the depth of the roster. Keep an eye on first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, if he’s healthy enough to play, and 2023 seventh-rounder Ronnie Bell, who needs a strong performance after a tough showing last week. Bell’s performance will be crucial, especially with the ongoing Brandon Aiyuk situation.

As we approach the second week of the NFL preseason, several key storylines are unfolding across the league. Each team’s performance this weekend will be crucial as they finalize their rosters and prepare for the regular season. If your looking to bet on the NFL this weekend do it cautiously and small amounts as it still is the preseason. Here is some free money to get you started. (Free $50 w/code: 17Z4UPXLIT3X9)

Day #16 Recap

$200 ➡️ $200K Challenge Bet: Jorge Polanco Over 1.5 HRR

• Headed into the 9th inning it looked like this was not going to hit. Polanco had other thoughts, about 399 feet of them as he crushed a HR to give us the win.

Santa Clara vs FC Porto Over 2.5

• This was the worst way to start the day. Honestly I expected after this losing bet that the whole day was going to go wrong.
• FC Porto scored in the 16′ and then again in the 25′ on a PK. We just needed one more goal in the next 65 minutes.
• It never came. A red card came for Santa Clara, whom, BTW, are up in the big leagues after their promotion last year.
• Even with the red card and three SOG in the 2nd half they just could not get that third goal. I think that the red card screwed us as FC Porto was already up two goals and was just trying to play for a clean sheet.

Red Sox vs Orioles Over 8.5

• When the Orioles tied the game up 4-4 in the bottom of the 3rd inning this was then a guaranteed winner.
• This was the one that gave us a profit on the day and it was done with easy fashion.
• 22 Runs, 31 hits. Boom.

Fulham Over 4.5 Corners

• After the early debacle in soccer I hoped that the first Premier League bet was going to be better. It Was.
• We all know that Man United gives up a ton of corner kicks so this didn’t come as a shock to win. However, with only one in the first half it was nice to see seven after the resumption of play.

Parlay of the Day: 2+ RBI’s

• We were a hit away from hitting this. Duran in his last AB had a runner on 2nd base and flied out to left. If it was a hit it would have driven in us a parlay winner. ugh.
• George Springer: 1-5, 2 RBI’s
• Vinnie Pasquantino: 2-5, 3 RBI’s
• Jarren Duran: 3-5, 1 RBI

Day #16 Profit/Loss: + $12.75

What I Learned:

• Corner Kicks Against Man United: I am not going to overreact here as we are only one game through the entire Premier League betting season. But, The Fulham FC corner bet was covered so easily. I think each week we should just glance at that line with whomever they may be facing. I assume the bookmakers will correct this line better next week, but, keeping this nugget bit in the back of my mind.

$200 ➡️ $200K Sports Betting Challenge

Level 1.2 ($4 ➡️ $8)

• Championship: Bristol City vs Millwall Over 2.5

Day #17 – Best Bets Today

#1) Premier League: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth Over 2.5 (-110)

#2) League One: Northampton vs Exeter Over 2.5 (+110)

#3) NFL Preseason: Seattle vs Tennessee Over 35 (-110)

Parlay of the Day: 2+ RBI Milestone

Gleyber Torres +700 | Daulton Varsho +800 | Bobby Witt Jr. +400