NFL preseason picks: Rams over 16.5 points and Panthers with the points against Bills

Well, the first set of preseason games that I bet didn’t exactly go as planned. I had one win and two losses. The losses were interesting. I was WAY off about the Packers and Steelers game, with the Packers scoring only nine points in the contest. The Cardinals and Raiders put on a show, as expected, but I missed the best of the number and lost on the over. I had 41.5 and the total hit right at 41. Looks like I am in preseason form for NFL betting as well. Let’s try to get a little back here as there are some fun games to look forward to.

This would be a great game to watch if it were during the regular season. As it stands, we just have to deal with the preseason and enjoy whoever takes the field. There is very little chance that Matthew Stafford sees any work in this game, and probably doesn’t see it in almost any preseason game, with the exception of perhaps the third or fourth game. It is a bit shocking that Patrick Mahomes is even in a conversation for him to play again, but he won’t be out there either. So that leaves backups.

RAMS MAKE SURPRISE FIRST-ROUND MOVE, TAKE ALABAMA QB TY SIMPSON

Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson will see the bulk of work, and with them battling for the backup position, I think they will both do well. Justin Fields is the new Chiefs backup, and he should be interesting with the Andy Reid offense. I’m not sure how long he will play, but I’d like to see him get a quarter of action. I’ll back the over 16.5 points for the Rams. I think they have more than enough weapons and very motivated quarterbacks.

Believe it or not, this actually could’ve been a Super Bowl matchup last year. Obviously things didn’t shake out that way, but both did make the postseason. Both also suffered heartbreaking losses in the playoffs. Now they get to battle in the preseason. The Panthers are playing their second game of the preseason, while the Bills are taking in their first. This will also be the first game played in their new stadium. That really doesn’t add much other than some potential extra motivation.

In their first game, the Panthers had Haynes King throw the ball 34 times. Kenny Pickett added another 11 tosses. They ran it 22 times total. If that continues, you can expect a bit higher of a score. I can’t imagine they will look to run the ball a ton, unless they are trying to protect King. I don’t know if there is an official word on whether Bryce Young will get some action, but if he has a drive or two, that also could contribute to points.

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The Bills have been a little more upfront with what is happening. Josh Allen will take a series or two, which is probably partially because of the new stadium. It isn’t exactly like he needs practice. Maybe they want to get him some game action with DJ Moore now that he is with the club. I don’t have much faith in Kyle Allen or Shane Buechele to lead the charge.

I’m going to take the Panthers with the points. I get that it would be a nice story for the Bills to win the game, but the reality is that the Panthers backups should be better, and more adjusted to game speed, than the Bills. Give me the Panthers with the points, and I’ll sprinkle that moneyline as well.

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