NFL Thursday Night Primer – Free Picks Part Two

New England Patriots (0-3) vs. New York Giants (1-2)

Thursday, August 28th --- Giants Stadium, NYC --- 7:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: NYG -3 (36)

The Patriots are tough enough to wager on during the regular season, where they get 16-point spreads so often. They’re an even worse play in the pre-season where they remain winless thanks to the hapless play of Matt Cassel and the other pretenders behind Brady on the depth chart.

The Giants are in deep trouble with Michael Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora both departed. They’ll test out a few combinations on the defensive line to try and get the win. The question is whether Uncle Bill will be crazy enough to unleash hell on New York after the Superbowl. I say that the doesn’t bother, but he is viably insane and on the war path after last year’s disappointing season.

NFL Free Picks: NYG -3 (UNDER)

Carolina Panthers (2-1) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

Thursday, August 28th --- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh --- 7:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Pit -4 (37)

Pittsburgh, no matter what starting line they’re pushing forward, is so much better than Carolina it’s laughable. The Steelers are going to be a great play as they trot a gunning offense to compliment their stalwart defense. They’ll reward their betting investors in the regular season, and tonight as they demolish the Panthers for fun.

The Panthers put together a nice 47-3 victory for their fans at home last weekend, but don’t expect a repeat performance against a proud Steelers defense. Pre-season or not, this is still Pittsburgh we’re talking about.

NFL Free Picks: Pittsburgh -4 (UNDER)

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) vs. Washington Redskins (3-1)

Thursday, August 28th --- FedEx Field, Washington --- 7:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Was -3 (44)

Jacksonville just resigned their defensive-end of the future, Derrick Harvey, but whether he’ll be ready for the regular season is another question. Their defense manipulated Tampa for three interceptions, holding their rushing game to 75 yards.

Washington is coming off a brutal 47-3 loss to the Panthers, and while it might be nice to think that they are going to “right the ship”, they have zero to prove in the pre-season. They’ve sorted out their business and are pointing their nose forward to next week’s season opener against the Giants. They’re not about to watch Clinton Portis, or any of their starters go down with an unnecessary injury.

NFL Free Picks: Jacksonville -3 (UNDER)

Atlanta Hawks (1-2) vs. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)

Thursday, August 28th --- M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore --- 7:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Bal -1.5 (34)

Joe Flacco got the full start last weekend, and he’ll likely get the start again. After throwing 152 passing yards, on 18-of-37 completions, Flacco notched a touchdown with no picks. His favorite threat was the veteran Mason who had 6 catches for 85 yards and the lone score. The passing attack was strong considering the rushing attack was seldom used.