Media by Associated Press – San Francisco 49ers xxxx against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
With the NFL preseason almost closing, there’s one more week of games to sift through before final rosters are made. This is the last chance some NFL hopefuls have of making their rosters, while others will find work somewhere else.
Not only is this good for the backups to earn their spots, but it’s a way to get a better look at some of the starters and rookies on current rosters. The starters get to play about a quarter of football every preseason game, and heading into the last week; the best players usually see some playing time.
Preseason football betting is all about depth. Which teams can start off strong with their starters and the quality bench players they have?
That’s what makes betting on preseason football so interesting. There’s a lot of fog and uncertainty around teams and their players and how they’ll perform at the next level. This is why I’m going to help you with my top 4 teams to bet on in NFL week 3 of the preseason.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have been on a tear this preseason, going 2-0 against two very solid teams in the Packers and the Vikings. Although the Texans may seem like a lesser opponent, they are nothing to laugh at.
However, Trey Lance is getting the start. This is huge news for the Niners because it’s a chance to show the NFL what he’s capable of. However, what really sells me on the games is the rest of their quarterback room. Nate Sudfeld and Brock Purdue join Lance as quite possibly the best young quarterback room in the league, and the two players listed have thrown the lights out for the last two weeks.
The 49ers are -2.5 in the spread (-110) and deservedly so. Their breakout receiver Danny Gray has had a couple of incredible weeks and will quickly find yards over the top.
San Francisco doesn’t have incredible depth in the secondary, though, and neither does Houston. I can see them hitting the over of 40.5 (-110), especially with both starting quarterbacks playing the first couple of drives.
New York Jets
The Jets face off against the neighboring Giants on Sunday for one of the last preseason games of the year. The Jets are actually looking to break the mold this year with an all-around better team with significantly more talent.
Head Coach Robert Saleh announced that he will be fielding the starters, which is a huge plus for the Jets. Although Zach Wilson does have that dog in him, he still will not be able to play. This is a chance for Joe Flacco to shake off the rust and prove his starting ability at the quarterback position.
What excites me the most is what their young offensive skill players look like. Catching passes and taking handoffs from Flacco, we’ll see Breece Hall, Michael Carter, C.J. Uzomah, Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Garrett Wilson. The amount of potential in this room is honestly astonishing.
With the over/under at 38.5, it could go either way. However, with that much talent on the Jets’ offense, they may fly their way to one of the highest-scoring preseason games and make the over.
Pittsburgh Steelers
I have to say; as an avid Steelers hater, this Pittsburgh team may be one of my favorite squads in the NFL. Kenny Pickett has been electric on the field, and their role players (for the most part) have shined under the spotlight.
What I love about this team is their energy. Their receiving core is highlighted by three incredible personalities with Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and even the mighty Gunner Olszewski. In their first game against Seattle, Pickens and Gunner went ballistic and combined for about 100 yards and two touchdowns.
Jaylen Warren has been a preseason monster in the rushing and receiving game, looking like a real utility for the Pittsburgh offense. Against a rebuilding Lions team with Tim Boyle starting this weekend, I could see them smoking the spread. However, with the over/under set at 38,5, I would remain cautious due to last week against the Jaguars.
Philadelphia Eagles
Possibly a sleeper pick, but I’m confident in Philly to take over the Dolphins as my last pick this week. I just don’t think they can be matched, even if their depth isn’t at the highest level compared to other teams.
Gardner Minshew is arguably the best backup quarterback in the league. He is starting caliber on a couple of teams, but sitting behind Jalen Hurts makes sense. He’s an all-around player who can game manage and sling the ball.
I’m a big fan of Boston Scott at running back. He has always found a way to produce, even when playing in the regular season. He’s a multi-faceted player who can run and receive, a great third-down back for Philly.
What really catches my eye is Jaquiski Tartt at safety. He’s a starting defensive back in the NFL and had some great moments during his time in San Francisco. Not much of a ball hawk, but he had 66 tackles last year and always finds a way to get in on a pileup.
The Eagles are the underdog here, with +1.5 on the spread. Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater have been lights out for Miami, but I genuinely feel like the all-around talent on both sides of the ball this preseason is what separates Philly and Miami.
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