By SPORTSBETTING.COM

 

After a couple of weeks of seeing third and fourth string QBs struggle with the intricacies of teams’ offensive schemes, it’s getting down to the “nitty gritty” as the NFL enters the third week of pre-season.

 

Traditionally, this is the week where you are going to see a lot less of Charlie Whitehurst and more of Philip Rivers. Each team’s offensive and defensive first units will get some real playing time. You can call the third week of the exhibition sked a dress rehearsal for what you might be able to expect when the regular starts in early September.

 

That’s why it’s always a good idea to watch these games with more than a passing interest, as you can pick up some valuable information – information that you can apply to your wagering tickets for Week 1 of the real schedule.

And if you see things that you like, or that you don’t like, with the Week 1 lines up at SPORTSBETTING.COM, you can get an early jump.

 

Below are four games from the Week 3 pre-season schedule to keep an eye on.

 

 

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts

 

08/25/07          Lions    +6 (-105)         Over 40.5  

19:00 ET          Colts    -6 (-115)          Under 40.5  

 

The Colts might be defending Super Bowl champs, but as is usually the case with defending champions, the rest of the league has pillaged key contributors.

 

Nick Harper, Cato June, Montae Reagor, Dominic Rhodes, Mike Doss and Brandon Stokley were all reasons why Peyton was finally able to win the big game, but they are now all in different area codes.

 

The Colts’ number one offensive unit has still looked good thus far in limited pre-season action, but we’re interested to watch them over a full half, facing a number one defensive unit (even if it is only Detroit’s). This week will help to assess how they’ll handle their matchup with the Saints to open the regular season.

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins

 

08/25/07          Buccaneers       -2.5 (-105)       Over 34  

19:30 ET          Dolphins           +2.5 (-115)      Under 34 

 

This game will be a ‘Tale of Two QBs’.

 

Last year, Jeff Garcia was the most popular athlete in Philly besides Rocky Balboa, taking over for an injured Donovan McNabb; leading the Eagles to the playoffs and a win against the Giants before losing to the Saints.

 

But McNabb is healthy now and Garcia found his way to Tampa Bay.

 

The Bucs run the West Coast offense, a system that Garcia ran very efficiently when he was in San Francisco, but this version has been tweaked by head coach Jon Gruden.

 

How well Garcia learns the ins and outs of Chucky’s WC offense will go a long way in seeing if Tampa Bay will pull an upset as a 6-point ‘dog against the Seahawks during opening kick-off weekend.

 

Trent Green is in a similar situation to Garcia in that he is going to a new team and learning a new system that he has some familiarity with — new Miami coach Cam Cameron worked with Green in Washington.

 

Green has been showing steady progress, going 4-7 for 41 yards against the Chiefs after a horrible showing against the Jags in his pre-season opener.

If Green continues to show progress this week against the Bucs, the Dolphins have a real shot as a 3-point dog against the Washington Redskins in Week 1 of the regular season.

 

 

New York Jets at New York Giants

 

08/25/07          Jets      -2.5 (-125)       Over 37  

20:00 ET          Giants   +2.5 (+105)     Under 37 

 

The Giants lost a major offensive cog when Tiki Barber decided to head for the broadcast booth. Tiki wasted little time in showing the world he was not beholden to his former teammates, as he recently ripped the leadership skills of QB Eli Manning, throwing the Giant dressing room into even more turmoil than usual.

 

Eli, for his part, obviously will never compare to his big brother Peyton but he has shown, at times, that he can manage the offense.

 

Baby brother Manning was angry at the criticism from his former teammate, shooting back via the media, and he’s probably looking to prove him wrong – starting this weekend.

 

Pay attention to how he plays in his series vs. the Jets’ number one defensive unit in their matchup on Saturday. Eli’s presence and performance in the pocket will go a long way to seeing which way to wager for their Week 1 tilt against Dallas.

 

 

 

San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

 

08/25/07          Chargers          -3 (even)          Over 40.5  

22:00 ET          Cardinals          +3 (-120)         Under 40.5 

 

And while we’re on the topic of Philip Rivers, LT and crew, the Chargers are squaring off against the Arizona Cardinals this week.

 

Rivers, LT, Antonio Gates and the rest of the Charger offense will get their fair share of reps and how they do this week against the Cards should be a good barometer to how they will perform against Chicago’s impressive defense in Week 1. The Chargers are listed as a 6½-point favorite for that tilt.

 

 

 

Bet on all the Pre-Season and Week 1 games at SPORTSBETTING.COM