Untitled document NFL Preseason: Eagles vs. Bengals 

The is only one game on tonight’s NFL Preseason betting board as the Cincinnati Bengals and Terrell Owens host his former team the Philadelphia Eagles. For Friday’s contest, Sportsbook.com has the Bengals as 3 point favorites with the ‘total’ at 37. Even though it’s preseason, there are still plenty of factors to consider while handicapping this game.

 Both Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick contributed to the Eagles’ 28-27 win over the Jaguars in their preseason opener. Kolb was 6-11 for 95 yards, while Vick went threw for 119 yards (11-17, INT) and ran for 50 yards and a TD on six carries. Third-string QB Mike Kafka pitched in as well, leading the Eagles to the deciding FG in the fourth quarter. Considering backups get so much time in exhibition games, the quality of the backup quarterbacks is always something to consider before placing your wager. 

The Eagles defense did not perform as well, particularly against the pass, allowing a pair of long TD passes in a 17-point second quarter for the Jaguars and a 55-yard score near the end of the third quarter.

 

The Bengals bounced back from their 16-7 loss to Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game to post a 33-24 win over the Broncos on Sunday. Carson Palmer played three series, connecting on 12 of 15 pass attempts for 105 yards while leading his team to seven points. Owens caught four passes for 23 yards, while Chad Ochocinco caught just one ball for four yards. Rookie Jordan Shipley from Texas recorded five receptions for 50 yards.

 

With a pair of starting-caliber QBs in Kolb and Vick, there is not much dropoff at that key position when the Eagles go to their second stringers. Expect their offense to have an edge over the Bengal defense in the second half.

 

Something to consider is that Philadelphia has not taken the preseason all that seriously under Andy Reid. Using some trends found at Sportsbook.com:

 ·         Reid is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 as the coach of PHILADELPHIA. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 17.9, OPPONENT 21.1 - (Rating = 1*) ·         Reid is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in non-conference games as the coach of PHILADELPHIA. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 17.6, OPPONENT 20.6 - (Rating = 1*)

Thanks to Reduced Juice Friday, you can bet on this game and all of the weekend NFL games at -105 juice at Sportsbook.com.



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