NFL preseason betting – what to watch for

Players are gearing up for the regular season but, first, there is some NFL preseason betting action to go through, starting with the Hall of Fame game odds.

Here are a few tips when you’re getting ready to wager on the preseason matchups.

1. Star players

   Players who are already assured of a spot on the team won’t play more than a quarter in preseason games. For example, when Minnesota heads to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, players shouldn’t expect to see Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning in the second half. You’re essentially betting on the second stringers, especially in the first couple of preseason games.

2. Veteran players

   You can pair these guys with the stars as well because the last thing that a 12-year veteran like New England’s Tedy Bruschi needs is to risk an injury in the Patriots’ Aug. 13 game with Philadelphia. Why risk a team’s Super Bowl odds in the preseason?

3. Injuries

   In the regular season, players may be tempted to play through injuries, especially late in the season. But they won’t even get a chance to dress if they’re injured. For example, New Orleans’ Marques Colston is listed as probable for training camp but the Saints will probably keep him off the field when they host Cincinnati on Aug. 14.

4. Rookies

   This is a huge step for rookies looking to make their mark, especially second-round picks and later. For example, rookie LeSean McCoy was drafted to back up Brian Mitchell in Philadelphia and he’ll get the bulk of the work when the Eagles meet the Patriots on Aug. 13.

5. Holdouts/Contract Disputes

   Holding out in preseason is never good for a player, especially a rookie like Percy Harvin, who has yet to sign with Minnesota ahead of its trip to Indianapolis. Players like Denver’s Brandon Marshall and Arizona’s Anquan Boldin are looking for new contracts and have asked to be traded, which means they probably won’t see much action for their teams.

All in all, the NFL preseason betting is a time to evaluate how deep a team is going to be, since the first stringers won’t see the field much. This is a tool that will definitely aid you throughout the season, especially when injuries pop up—you’ll know who the valuable replacements are. Take these tips and do some damage in your fantasy pools and sports betting books.

For more NFL betting tips, picks and other NFL preseason betting news, follow Stan Simmons in the Betting Edge at betonline.com.

Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out.