Here are some early news and notes for this week’s
preseason NFL games. Key info will be updated until kickoff and as it comes in
at OffshoreInsiders.com
Thursday
Ravens-Patriots
For those who love to bet on teams with quarterback
competitions, the Ravens are your team. Middling veteran Kyle Boller gets the
nod to start and is expected to play most of the first half. He will be
followed by Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco.
John Harbaugh makes his debut as
Ravens head coach.
will be without several key players on offense: running back Willis McGahee,
tight end Todd Heap and OTs Adam Terry and Jared
Gather. Rookie Ray Rice from
opportunity as starting running back.
linemen.
Chiefs-Bears
Rookie DT Glenn Dorsey is out.
has numerous injuries on the offensive line.
Saints-Cardinals
Saints running back Deuce McAllister and tight end Jeremy
Shockey are out as are wide receiver Devery Henderson
and CBs Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter.
will be without starting WR Anquan
Boldin.
Giants-Lions
The Giants have been slowed by a long series of nagging
injuries, with WR being among the hardest hit. Eli
Manning will start at quarterback from Big Blue but will quickly yield to
Anthony Wright.
Jets-Browns
start Brady Quinn at quarterback and he may play the entire first half. Normal
starter Derek Anderson will follow but because the Browns have only three
signal callers on the roster, expect to see plenty of front liner playing time
behind center. Ken Dorsey is their No. 3 starter.
Saturday
Cowboys-Chargers
Bolts starting quarterback Philip Rivers is expected to
start and test his surgically repaired knee. He will play one or two series and
no more than a quarter. As is per usual, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson
is not expected to carry the ball at all.
Colts-Panthers
has a game under the belt following their thrashing Sunday night at the hands
of
squads that have already played a game.
The Panthers have been dealing with the distraction of the
ugly fight when wide receiver Steve Smith blindsided CB Ken Lucas. Starting WR Maques Colston
has missed several practices and is doubtful.
Peyton Manning remains out for the horses.
Rams-Titans
Rams running back Steven Jackson is a holdout and will
miss the game. The Rams have had a double digit number of players miss practice
in several days, hence continuity may be a factor
according to MasterLockLine.com’s Cy McCormick.
Falcons-Jaguars
Brian Gould, football betting expert of ScoresOddsPicks.com says that all
indications are that the Falcons will put a high priority on winning in the
preseason.