The 2011 NFL pre-season begins, Thursday August 11th, as teams scramble to figure out who’s the best fit for their club before the NFL regular season starts. Most teams won’t play their starters as they look for hot rookies and players who understand their play scheme. Let’s take a look at the 2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason Odds. Test your skills on 2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason predictions before the regular season.
2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason Odds and Preview:
Jacksonville at New England (-3.5)(O/U-35)
Jags QB David Garrard's sore back kept him out of Jacksonville's scrimmage Saturday, allowing more repetitions for first-round draft pick Blaine Gabbert and third-stringer Luke McCown. But it also caused some concern as the Jaguars approach their first preseason game. Garrard hopes to be back in time for Thursday’s exhibition game in New England. Garrard threw for 2,734 yards last season, with 23 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. He enjoyed five of the best eight games of his nine-year career, but the Jaguars want more consistency at football's most important position.
The Patriots have signed a bunch of defensive ends in the last few days, after a flurry of signings that should help them get after their opponents quarterback. They added Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter. Ellis has played a lot of good football; he’s been a very productive player, durable and very consistent. Carter is a high-quality individual, very professional, works hard, very well-conditioned athlete and has had a lot of productive in his career. QB Tom Brady won’t see much action and QB Ryan Mallett will see action. Mallett has impressed. He has a monster arm, as advertised, and his accuracy has been more hit than miss. It all looks like it’s going fast for him, and he does hold the ball. But so far, so good for any first-year player.
PICK: Patriots
Baltimore at Philadelphia (-3)(O/U-34)
The Ravens look like an average football team. As expected, the defense is playing at a higher level than the offense, which isn't saying a lot. On the offense, the Ravens are ugly. Passes are dropped. Timing is off. Pass protection has been poor, downright brutal at times.
All eyes will once again be on QB Michael Vick. And like last season, expect him to lead the re-vamped Eagles to an NFC East Championship. DeSean Jackson ended his holdout from Eagles training camp on Monday, but won’t risk injury in the preseason.
PICK: Ravens
Seattle at San Diego (-3.5)(O/U-35.5)
Marshawn Lynch's touches increased as the 2010 season went on, and Pete Carroll seems committed to making him the feature back. Another reason to like Lynch this year is the addition of Tom Cable as the Seahawks offensive line coach. Cable has a knack for getting the ground game going, as we saw in Oakland. QB Tavarias Jackson is a much welcomed addition over Matt Hasselback.
Expect more from QB Phillip Rivers than an attempt to duplicate last season. Whether it’s moving over three feet in the pocket instead of one, or facilitating the coaches and players getting the ball snapped a split-second earlier, the quarterback said he and most of the veterans on offense are working on the “finer details. Though Rivers’ mechanics are unorthodox, many league analysts believe he throws deep passes as well as any NFL quarterback. The Chargers don’t want to mess with his unique delivery.
PICK: Chargers
Denver at Dallas (-3)(O/U-34)
When the Broncos went shopping in this year's free-agent frenzy, they came away with players who have quickly climbed the depth chart. RB Willis McGahee has had a dramatic increase in his workload in practices this week, especially when the Broncos are working in the red zone. The Broncos traded for defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley and signed defensive tackle Ty Warren. Bunkley has moved into the starting base defense and Warren is working with the second team. Warren is expected to get playing time with the starters during the season.
Raymond Radway stood out from Day 1, so he's the pick. He's got size and speed and pretty good hands for a guy known more for track than football. Could be a Miles Austin or Sam Hurd circa 2006 – a small-school, undrafted receiver who makes it. Rumors of running back Tashard Choice's impending departure were premature. But there's no question Lonyae Miller is pushing for a job. If Miller can help Joe DeCamillis on the special teams units, too, he might really have a chance.
PICK: Cowboys
Arizona at Oakland (-3.5)(O/U-32.5)
Safety Jared Campbell and tight end Stephen Skelton may have had an advantage. Both spent the summer in Arizona with their older brothers, defensive end Calais Campbell and quarterback John Skelton, who were already on the Cardinals. The coaches have had a little bit more patience with the disadvantaged rookies. Veterans have helped the rookies through the playbook, walked them through plays while watching from the sidelines and given bits of advice. But when it comes down to it, not having as much preparation time is not an excuse. The rookies need to perform and impress the coaches in camp to get their chance.
The Raiders are 14-9 in the first game of the preseason played at home. The Silver and Black are 27-23-1 overall in preseason openers in 51 previous contests.
PICK: Raiders
2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason Odds:
Jacksonville at New England (-3.5)(O/U-35)@7:30 PM ET
Baltimore at Philadelphia (-3)(O/U-34)@7:30 PM ET
Seattle at San Diego (-3.5)(O/U-35.5)@8:00 PM ET
Denver at Dallas (-3)(O/U-34)@8:30 PM ET
Arizona at Oakland (-3.5)(O/U-32.5)@10:00 PM ET
Point-Spreads recommends you check out NFL Odds before the 2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason Odds
The Bottom Line: most team starters will see little action, so go with home teams. Test your luck on 2011 NFL Week 1 Preseason predictions before the regular season.
