Last Updated on September 1, 2010 3:56 pm by Anthony Rome
Week 4 Preseason Odds
Finally, it’s the final week of the preseason in the NFL! This time next week, we’ll be talking about regular season odds for Week 1. For now, read on for the point spreads and over/under totals for the final exhibition week.
The fourth week of the preseason is always the toughest to predict because teams are only focused on 1) not getting anyone hurt and 2) trimming down their rosters to the mandated 53 players.
That means bettors are usually at a disadvantage this week, although that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a gem or two.
If you look at teams that are generally thin on talent, you may find a line worth betting. For example, teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams don’t have the depth that other teams have, therefore fading those three squads is advised.
That said, you also have to be careful.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook BroburySports.com currently lists the Detroit Lions as 5-point favorites over the Bills on Thursday night, with the over/under for that game currently set at 38.
Now, do the Lions have enough depth behind their starters to cover a 5-point spread? That’s a tough call, but seeing as how they’re at home and are a young team, they may leave a couple of starters or predominate backups in the game longer so that they’re prepared for the first week of the season.
The Philadelphia Eagles, on the other hand, are deep at nearly every position but safety, so they could have some value this week when they take on the New York Jets. Oddsmakers have made Philly a 1.5-point favorite at home and considering Michael Vick should seem plenty of reps, the Eagles are worth a long look this week.
Before making any wager, make sure you read up on team reports to figure out which starters will see more time than the usual one or two series that they normally would in the final exhibition week, as well as what teams have good backup quarterbacks. A veteran QB (such as Vick or even Chris Redman in Atlanta) could make the difference in whether you cash in this week.
For a complete list of Week 4 point spreads and over/under totals, see below.
2010 NFL Preseason Week 4 Point Spreads & Over/Under Totals for Thursday, September 2
101 Buffalo Bills +5 Over 38
102 Detroit Lions -5 Under 38
103 New England Patriots +3 Over 37.5
104 New York Giants -3 Over 37.5
105 Cincinnati Bengals -6.5 Over 36.5
106 Indianapolis Colts +6.5 Under 36.5
107 New York Jets +1.5 Over 34
108 Philadelphia Eagles -1.5 Under 34
109 Atlanta Falcons +3 Over 37
110 Jacksonville Jaguars -3 Under 37
111 Carolina Panthers +6.5 Over 37
112 Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5 Under 37
113 New Orleans Saints +7.5 Over 41
114 Tennessee Titans -7.5 Under 41
115 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2.5 Over 36.5
116 Houston Texans -2.5 Under 36.5
117 Green Bay Packers +5.5 Over 40.5
118 Kansas City Chiefs -5.5 Under 40.5
119 Chicago Bears -3 Over 36.5
120 Cleveland Browns +3 Under 36.5
121 Miami Dolphins +2 Over 37
122 Dallas Cowboys -2 Under 37
123 Baltimore Ravens +3 Over 38
124 St. Louis Rams -3 Under 38
125 Denver Broncos +4.5 Over 35.5
126 Minnesota Vikings -4.5 Under 33.5
127 San Diego Chargers +3.5 Over 36
128 San Francisco 49ers -3.5 Under 36
129 Washington Redskins +5.5 Over 37
130 Arizona Cardinals -5.5 Under 37
131 Seattle Seahawks +3.5 Over 37.5
132 Oakland Raiders -3.5 Under 37.5
Posted: 9/1/10 12:00PM ET