Untitled document NFLPS: Three games start Week 1 NFL Preseason actionNFL Preseason betting gets into the swing of things tonight as three games are on the betting board at Sportsbook.com. The defending champion Saints travel up north to take on the Patriots, the Panthers will be in Baltimore, and the Raiders visit Dallas.New Orleans at New England Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDTSportsbook.com Line: New England -1.5 Total: 35.5The reigning Super Bowl champs travel to New England to take on a franchise that knows a few things about winning Super Bowls. If familiarity indeed builds contempt, then this preseason tilt could have some fireworks as the Saints and Patriots are conducting joint practices this week in preparation for this matchup.

Among the storylines in Patriots camp is the presence of Wes Welker after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in the offseason. Welker (NFL-best 123 receptions in 2009) appears on course to make an immediate impact again this season.

The Saints humiliated the Patriots on a Monday night in the Superdome last season as the porous Patriots defense had no answer for Drew Brees and his arsenal of offensive weapons. Look for the Saints to take advantage of a defense that remains a work in progress.

The Saints have proven to be a solid play in the preseason on the road with slightly elevated totals: NEW ORLEANS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in a road game where the total is between 35.5 and 38 points since 1993. The average score was NEW ORLEANS 19.2, OPPONENT 19.4 - (Rating = 2*).

Carolina at Baltimore, Thursday, 8:00 p.m. EDT

Sportsbook.com Line: Baltimore -3 Total: 34

A pair of powerful rushing teams square off in the first preseason contest for both clubs. There’s no question the Carolina offense will once again feature a heavy dose of DeAngelo Williams this season, while the Ravens will be handing the ball off to Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain.

The Ravens have an established starting quarterback in Joe Flacco, while the Panthers will be replacing longtime starter Jake Delhomme. Matt Moore replaced the injured Delhomme for the final five games of last season, leading the Panthers to a 4-1 record. Moore will face competition from second-round draft pick Jimmy Clausen.

The always stingy Baltimore defense is a little banged up in the secondary at the moment, but expect them to be able to stifle Carolina’s attack. Baltimore has had success against Carolina: BALTIMORE is 3-1 straight up (and against the spread) versus CAROLINA since 1993.



Oakland at Dallas Thursday, 9:00 p.m. EDTSportsbook.com Line: Dallas -3.5 Total: 34.5

The Raiders are putting their hopes on the arm of quarterback Jason Campbell, whom they acquired from Washington during the offseason. Pushing Campbell will be veteran Bruce Gradkowski, who gave the Raiders a bit of a spark last season after replacing mega-bust JaMarcus Russell.

The Cowboys offense went without a touchdown in their 16-7 win over Cincinnati on Sunday night in Canton, scoring on a 6-yard interception return by Brandon Sharpe in the fourth quarter. The Dallas defense forced four turnovers in the game. Tony Romo went 5-for-10 for 59 yards without a pick. Rookie WR Dez Bryant remains out with an ankle injury.

The Raiders are eager to establish a winning attitude while their perennial playoff contending opponents may have less to prove in the preseason. Also consider this StatFox system in your wagering:



Play Against - Favorites of 3.5 to 10 points (DALLAS) - after 1 or more consecutive wins against the spread, in August games. (47-22 over the last 10 seasons.) (68.1%, +22.8 units. Rating = 2*).

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