QB Rotations, Injuries, Betting Notes For 2011 NFL Preseason Picks Against the Spread
NFL preseason QB rotations are starting to take shape. Part 1 of the preseason primer for 2011 NFLX picks and odds are in. Here is today’s notebook, which is Part 2:
Thursday, August 11
Jaguars vs. Patriots
Jacksonville starting quarterback David Garrard is out. Rookie Blaine Gabbert gets the start. He will be followed by two poster children of the term “journeyman quarterback” Luke McCown and recently signed Todd Bouman.
Also for the Jags, superstar RB Maurice Jones-Drew is out. Starting DE Aaron Kampman and starting TE Marcedes Lewis are also out. Lewis caught 58 passes last year and scored 10 TDs. MJD had five scores and rushed for 1,324 yards.
David Garrard's injury is among the headlines for NFL preseason odds bettors
Ravens vs. Eagles
Very important betting notes are included in the above Part 1 as linked above. Linebacker Sergio Kindle, who was the Ravens top pick in 2010 will make his debut after missing all of last year with an injury. Cornerback Jimmy Smith, this year’s top pick is questionable with a nagging knee injury.
Eagles starters will play the first quarter. The second team, the second quarter, then the third team takes over in the second half.
Seahawks vs. Chargers
Running back Ryan Matthews, who started nine games, rushing for 678 yards and scores seven TDs is very doubtful. Check the sports betting Twitter feed for late-breaking developments. He missed five games last year with injuries, but is one of their most important players when healthy.
Friday, August 12
49ers vs. Saints
Niners starting WR Michael Crabtree is out. He had 55 catches last year and scored five TDs. The rest of the unit is Ted Ginn, Braylon Edwards, Kyle Williams, Kevin Jurovich, Chris Hogan, Josh Morgan, Lance Long, Ronald Johnson, Joe Hastings and Tyler Beiler.
Steelers vs. Redskins
John Beck and Rex Grossman are battling to replace Donovan McNabb as starting QB. However Beck is questionable with a groin injury. Unfortunately for the Skins, Grossman showed up a bit heavier than expected admitting he needs to lose “five or six pounds.”
Washington does have a big battle at RB with a deep, but not particularly noteworthy committee. However, this could mean some good matchups late in the contest.
Saturday, August 13
Packers vs. Browns
Yesterday’s news and notes spoke about how sloppy Cleveland’s offense has looked. Now Mike Godsey of GodsTips, anchor of top NFL handicappers website in the world says that the Packers offense has also played poorly so far. RBs Ryan Grant and James Starks have had issues with fumbles.
Vikings vs. Titans
Tennessee star RB Chris Johnson is a holdout.
Monday, August 15
Jets vs. Texans
New York has a completely rebuilt WR corps. Out are Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith, who combined for 98 grabs in 2010. Replacing them are Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, and Derrick Mason.
