July 17 , 2006

Unlike many other professional handicappers, I enjoy the generous opportunity given to me by the oddsmakers for wagering on preseason NFL football contests. Everyone has an opinion on the value of wagering on these contests. However, I have learned there are many predictable trends and key situations that can really give you the opportunity to boost your bankroll before the regular season begins.
It’s still hard work analyzing teams that are in the process of honing their overall skills, teaching playbook options and evaluating rosters. However, with a little extra research, an idea of the type of effort and talent a particular franchise will put on the field for any given preseason confrontation can be verified.

Some of things that I key on during preseason NFL play appear below. It must be noted that Week 1 of the preseason usually offers very little value. Week 2 and 3 offer the least chance for unknown variables occurring and thus have the best opportunity for bankroll expansion.

1) Coaches (new or old) in particular will tell the media in black and white what their agenda is going to be heading to a preseason contest.

2) Knowing the strengths of each roster from top to bottom is of utmost importance. Is this team capable of pulling off its coaches goals, or is it just wishful thinking? For example, roughly how many snaps will their starting QB be taking and how strong and experienced are his second and third string signal-callers and their accompanying offensive weapons?

3) Does each team’s offense/defense and overall motivation matchup well from top to bottom against their particular opposition?

4) How long will we expect the starters on both sides of the ball to be in the game?

5) After we evaluate all the important aspects of the contest, and then crunch the numbers, we must ask if the line that the sports books are offering is beatable.

As always, I am looking forward to another profitable football wagering campaign. Please always remain patient, disciplined and shop for best lines from the most reputable sources.