NFL Preseason Week 4 Picks: August 29th 2012
New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Current Line: New York Giants (-2/40′)

New England visits MetLife Stadium on Wednesday night to face the New York Giants at 7pmET from East Rutherford, N.J. The Pats are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS in the preseason after falling at Tampa Bay last week, 30-28. The Giants are 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS after losing to Chicago, 20-17 at home last week. Last year, the Giants beat New England on the road, 18-17 laying 8 in the final game of the preseason.

Weather: 74 degrees and clear

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Outlook:
The two combatants of Super Bowl XLVI will be going head- to-head for the first time since that memorable title bout in Indianapolis back in February, though neither the stakes nor the intensity will be anywhere near as high when the New York Giants and New England Patriots square off this time around.

The majority of the star players on both sides will certainly either see minimal playing time or be held out entirely for Wednesday’s clash at MetLife Stadium, the final preseason test for each. That may be particularly true in the Giants’ case, with the defending world champions kicking off the 2012 regular season exactly one week later with a showdown against NFC East rival Dallas.

Quarterback Eli Manning, who orchestrated the late touchdown drive that lifted New York to its 21-17 ousting of the Pats in Indianapolis and took home his second career Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award in the process, did not participate at all in last year’s warm-up finale against New England. It’s possible he’ll make a brief cameo in this one, though he got extensive prep work in last Friday’s 20-17 home loss to Chicago.

Manning was sharp while operating the first-team offense all of the first half, completing 17-of-21 passes for 148 yards and connecting with roster- bubble wideout Ramses Barden on an 11-yard touchdown.

Rookie running back David Wilson also had an impressive performance for the Giants, with the 2012 first-round pick gaining a game-high 49 yards on just five carries subbing for returning leading rusher Ahmad Bradshaw (wrist).

Bradshaw is one of a host of New York players almost certain to be inactive for Wednesday’s contest, a list that also includes linebackers Michael Boley (hamstring) and Mathias Kiwanuka (groin), defensive tackle Chris Canty (knee), offensive tackle Will Beatty (back) and cornerbacks Terrell Thomas (knee), Prince Amukamara (ankle) and Jayron Hosley (turf toe). Kiwanuka and Amukamara sustained their injuries in the Chicago game.

One key New York offensive starter who may be on the field is Hakeem Nicks. The big-bodied wide receiver has yet to see action this preseason while recovering from a fractured foot, but returned to practice last week.

The Patriots did use Tom Brady some in last year’s preseason meeting with the Giants, with the two-time league MVP playing the first quarter in New England’s 18-17 loss that night. It’s more likely he’ll be sidelined for this matchup, however, after competing the first three periods of last Friday’s outing at Tampa Bay.

Brady went 13-of-20 for 127 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Patriots’ 30-28 setback to the Buccaneers before giving way to second-year pro Ryan Mallett, who tossed a pair of scoring passes in the final five minutes.

Stevan Ridley, the projected primary running back for New England’s Sept. 9 opener at Tennessee, tuned up for that game by rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown on 16 attempts.

Backfield mate Shane Vereen exited Friday’s game with a foot injury and is a candidate to miss the finale, with safety Patrick Chung (shoulder), cornerback Kyle Arrington (back) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) all possibilities as well.

New England will actually be seeking to avenge three losses to the Giants last season. In addition to the Super Bowl and the preseason meeting, in which New York scored 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points to prevail, the Patriots dropped a 24-20 decision to Big Blue at Gillette Stadium during Week 9 of the 2011 regular season. The Giants also rallied to victory that day, with Manning hitting tight end Jake Ballard for a short touchdown pass with 15 seconds left to play for the deciding margin.

Ballard is now a member of the Patriots, having been claimed off waivers from New York in June, but will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list while making his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl XLVI.

These teams have faced one another in the preseason every year since 2005 and 21 times overall. The Giants have won the last two encounters to extend their lead in the series to 13-8.

-ATS Consultants

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NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 26th 2012
Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets
Current line: NY Jets (-2′/40′)

Carolina visits East Rutherford, N.J. to take on the NY Jets at 8pmET on Sunday night. The Panthers lost split their first two games, winning last week at home against Miami, 23-17. The Jets lost both games and have scored just nine points in two games.

Weather: 76 degrees with a 18% chance of rain.

The Jets are coming off a disappointing 8-8 SU season, they were 7-9 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Rex Ryan is 6-6 SU, 7-5 ATS and 8-4 Over in preseason. Carolina is coming off a 6-10 SU season, and they were 9-6-1 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Ron Rivera, in his second season, is 1-3 SU, 0-4 ATS and 2-2 O/U. (all stats are from before preseason play began)

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Outlook:
The Jets will be striving for much improved results on that side of the ball in Sunday’s encounter with the Carolina Panthers, a game in which both participants plan to play their starting units into the second half.

New York is the only team in the NFL that has failed to score a touchdown through the preseason’s first two weeks, and it’s mustered an anemic 160.5 total yards and 3.0 yards per play in losses to Cincinnati (17-6) and the New York Giants (26-3) — both league lows as well.

The Jets were particularly poor in last week’s clash with the rival Giants, netting a paltry 148 total yards and going 1-of-13 on third downs against the defending Super Bowl champions. A beleaguered offensive line also allowed quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow to be sacked a total of seven times on the night.

Sanchez did complete 9-of-11 attempts while running the offense the entire first half, but the under-fire third-year pro generated only 59 yards through the air and had an interception returned for a touchdown by Giants rookie cornerback Jayron Hosley.

Tebow was equally as uninspiring in his ballyhooed MetLife Stadium debut as a Jet. The popular former Heisman Trophy winner was an off-target 5-of-14 for 69 yards and took four sacks over the final two quarters.

Both quarterbacks were handcuffed by a depleted receiving corps that didn’t have top target Santonio Holmes (ribs, back) or expected contributors Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) and Chaz Schilens (ankle) in uniform against the Giants. Holmes is slated to return for Sunday’s tilt, though his snaps may be limited.

The Jets will also be making a notable change in the starting lineup, with much-maligned right tackle Wayne Hunter demoted to the second team in favor of Austin Howard, an undrafted third-year player who spent all of 2011 on Baltimore’s practice squad.

The team attempted to replace Hunter, responsible for 2 1/2 of the Giants’ seven sacks last week, just prior to the start of camp by acquiring former first-round pick Jeff Otah in a trade with the Panthers. The deal was voided after the injury-prone tackle failed his physical, however, and Carolina wound up releasing Otah afterward.

Carolina showed no such struggles on the offensive end in its Week 2 skirmish with Miami, with a razor-sharp Cam Newton leading the Panthers to 13 first- quarter points en route to a 23-17 decision over the visiting Dolphins.

The Panthers scored on all three of their early drives directed by Newton, with the 2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year racking up 119 yards on 8-of-11 passing and connecting on a touchdown strike to running back DeAngelo Williams.

Newton will be taking his shots against a Jets defense that won’t have nose tackle Sione Pouha (back) or safety Eric Smith (sprained knee), though there’s a good chance he’ll be doing so minus the services of all-star receiver Steve Smith. The prolific veteran is doubtful to play on Sunday after coming down with an infection in his left foot during the week.

The Panthers were already without projected No. 3 wideout David Gettis, who remains on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from an ACL tear and a subsequent hamstring problem.

On a more positive note, Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis could see action for the first time during this preseason on Sunday. The hard-luck defender has torn the ACL in his right knee three times in the last three seasons and was held out of the club’s first two outings with a calf strain.

Middle linebacker Jon Beason, who was inactive for the Miami game with a hamstring injury, may be kept out another week, however.

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NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 25th 2012
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills
Current Line: Pittsburgh (-2′/40′)

Pittsburgh visits Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to take on the Bills at 7pmET. Pittsburgh has split their first two games, including beating Indy last week, 26-24 but not covering the 4. The Bills have lost both games but did cover their first game at home, losing to Washington 7-6 (+2.5). Last year, Pittsburgh beat Buffalo on the road, 19-16 laying 6.5 in the regular season.

Weather: 80 degrees with a 22% chance of rain.

Pittsburgh finished 12-4 SU last season, impressive considering the injuries. They were also 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under in 2011. Mike Tomlin is 16-5 SU, 26-32-6 ATS and 25-31 Under in preseason. Buffalo is coming off going 6-10 SU, 6-9-1 ATS and 11-4-1 OVER last year. They went 0-3-1 ATS last year in preseason, while Chan Gailey is 4-14 SU and 5-11-2 ATS as a coach with Buffalo and Dallas in preseason. (All stats are from before the preseason).

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Outlook: The Pittsburgh Steelers opened camp with several big names on the physically unable to perform list, with running back Rashard Mendenhall, nose tackle Casey Hampton and offensive tackle Max Starks all making their way back from ACL tears and dominating outside linebacker James Harrison hobbled by a knee problem. Though Harrison remains sidelined following a recent scope, the other three have all been activated off the PUP list within the past two weeks.

Mendenhall still won’t be ready for Pittsburgh’s Week 1 matchup at Denver on Sept. 9, with October the more realistic target date for the two-time 1,000- yard rusher. Left tackle Starks has a chance to be back in action for Saturday’s contest, however, which would bolster a front line that’s had to undergo quite a bit of reshuffling thus far in camp.

The Steelers may be getting a welcome return from Mike Wallace in the near future as well, with multiple reports indicating that the holdout wide receiver plans to sign his contract offer and rejoin the team as soon as this weekend.

Isaac Redman will serve as Pittsburgh’s primary running back until Mendenhall is available, though the capable understudy is dealing with a nagging groin injury that kept him out of Sunday’s 26-24 win over Indianapolis. Jonathan Dwyer drew the start in Redman’s place and performed well, gaining a game-high 43 yards on eight carries.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception on the Steelers’ opening drive, but bounced back with a 57-yard touchdown strike to wideout Antonio Brown and finished his night 5-of-9 for 81 yards.

Pittsburgh’s seasoned defense picked off Colts rookie sensation Andrew Luck twice in the first half, with cornerback Ike Taylor taking his interception 49 yards for a touchdown late in the opening quarter.

The Bills will be seeking to bounce back from last week’s 36-14 loss at Minnesota, though an offense that struggled to move the ball in the preseason opener did show some encouraging signs.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was a sharp 8-of-11 for 58 yards and connected with wide receiver Donald Jones for a 31-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter. Offseason addition Vince Young, vying to be Buffalo’s No. 2 option under center, may have sewn up the job after going 8-for-14 for 123 yards in relief of Fitzpatrick.

Bills head coach Chan Gailey announced a winner in another key camp competition on Tuesday, declaring rookie second-round pick Cordy Glenn the starter at left tackle for the club’s Sept. 9 skirmish against the New York Jets.

Buffalo also made some headlines earlier in the week by releasing former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Shawne Merriman, limited to a mere 23 games over the last four seasons due to constant injury problems, on Monday.

Key Injuries: Buffalo: CB Justin Rogers (ham), CB Terrence McGee (knee) are ? Pittsburgh: RB Isaac Redman (groin) is out. WR Mike Wallace (personal) is out. RB Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is out until October. LB James Harrison (knee) is out. LB Jason Worilds (knee) is out.

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NFL Preseason Week 3 Picks: August 25th 2012
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins
Current line: Washington (-3′/43.5)

Indianapolis visits FedEx Field in Landover, Md., to take on the Washington Redskins on Saturday at 4pmET. The Colts have covered both of their games though they lost to Pittsburgh 26-24 last week on the road. The Skins are coming off falling to Chicago, 33-31 last week on the road. They are 1-1 this preseason. Last year, the Skins beat Indy on the road in preseason, 16-3.

Weather: 83 degrees with a 14% chance of rain.

Indianapolis is coming off a 2-14 SU season, and they were 6-10 ATS and 7-9 Under. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Chuck Pagano in his his first year as head coach. Washington is coming off a 5-11 SU season, which included going 7-9 ATS and 7-8-1 Under. Mike Shanahan is 47-29 SU, 42-32-1 ATS and 30-38 O/U in preseason with Washington, Denver and Oakland. (All stats are before the preseason).

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Outlook: Robert Griffin III makes his FedEx Field debut in Saturday’s incredibly intriguing preseason encounter with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, pitting the top two selections of the 2012 NFL Draft whose careers will be forever linked together against one another.

Luck was tabbed by the Colts to begin the post-Peyton Manning phase after being taken with the No. 1 overall choice of April’s draft, and the highly polished former Stanford star has certainly lived up to his lofty status through Indianapolis’ first two exhibition outings. Luck has completed over 63 percent (26-of-41) of his passes over that span for a total of 363 yards and two touchdowns, and the Colts have scored points on six on the 11 possessions (5 touchdowns, 1 field goal) he’s directed thus far.

The 22-year-old was intercepted twice in Indianapolis’ 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday, however, with his first pick of the night returned 49 yards for a touchdown by Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor.

Griffin, who edged out Luck to win the coveted Heisman Trophy during his junior season at Baylor and was taken by Washington with the second overall pick, also had a bit of a rough night this past weekend. The charismatic young quarterback managed just 49 passing yards and was sacked three times while working the first half of Saturday’s 33-31 defeat at Chicago, losing a fumble on one occasion as well.

Fellow rookie Kirk Cousins had a far more productive night under center for Washington, although it came against predominantly Bears’ backups. The fourth- round choice racked up 264 yards and threw for three scores in the second half, completing 18-of-23 attempts along the way.

Aldrick Robinson, attempting to make the Redskins’ roster as a reserve wide receiver, helped his cause by hauling in a 49-yard touchdown pass from Cousins and finishing with 104 yards on six catches.

Cousins’ performance won’t be creating any serious discussion about a quarterback controversy, however, and Griffin was forced to operate against a stout Chicago defense behind an offensive line that was without three starters — right tackle Jammal Brown (hip), left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (knee) and right guard Chris Chester (ankle).

Brown and Lichtensteiger will likely sit out the entire preseason, but Chester is slated to man his regular post during Saturday’s tilt. Fullback Darrel Young, who missed Washington’s first two games with a strained hamstring, is expected back this week as well.

The Redskins continue to have some health concerns at running back, with veteran Tim Hightower (ACL surgery) and 2011 leading rusher Roy Helu (Achilles) yet to see action this preseason. Both players did practice on a limited basis this week, but each remains a question mark to suit up against the Colts.

Their injuries have second-year man Evan Royster, who amassed 20 yards on his two carries in the Chicago game, the favorite to open the regular season atop the depth chart at the position.

Luck will be facing a Washington defense that will be without top pass rusher Brian Orakpo (shoulder) and strong safety Brandon Meriweather (sprained knee), both of whom were forced out of last weekend’s loss. Ironman linebacker London Fletcher will play, however, after sitting out the Redskins’ most recent game due to illness.

The Colts also head to FedEx Field with a few offensive losses, most notably wide receiver Austin Collie. The injury-prone fourth-year pro sustained his fourth concussion in 21 months during the Pittsburgh game and will be surely held out for at least the remainder of the preseason.

Running backs Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore seem likely to be inactive a second straight week with rib injuries, as will right guard Mike McGlynn (ankle). Rookie Vick Ballard saw extended time with Carter and Moore sidelined against the Steelers and led Indianapolis with 34 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Collie’s absence could be offset by the possible return of speedy wide receiver Donnie Avery from a hip problem that’s forced him to miss the first two weeks.

Indianapolis’ headline injury on defense is to inside linebacker Pat Angerer, out for at least another month after fracturing his foot in the team’s victory over St. Louis on Aug. 12. End Cory Redding is doubtful for Saturday’s test with a mild MCL sprain suffered over the weekend.

Key Injuries: Indy: RB Mewelde Moore (ribs) is out. LB Pat Angerer (foot) is out indef. WR Austin Collie (concus) is out indef. DE Robert Mathis (shldr) is ? DE Cory Redding (knee) is out indef. RG Mike McGlynn (high ankle sprain) is out. WR Donnie Avery (hip) is dbtful. Washington: S Brandon Meriweather (knee) is dbtful. LB Brian Orakpo (shldr) is dbtful. G Kory LIchtensteiger (knee) is out indef. RB Tim Hightower (knee) is ? RB Roy Helu (Achilles) is dbtful.

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Week 3 NFL Preseason Picks: August 24th 2012
New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Bucs
Current line: New England (-6′/44)

Tennessee takes on Tampa Bay at 7:30pmET from Raymond James Stadium on Friday night. The Titans are coming off losing at Seattle, 27-17, getting 3, while Tampa Bay defeated Miami on the road, 20-7 as a 3-point dog. These two teams met in the regular season last year, with Tennessee (-3/44) winning, 23-17.

Weather: 83 degrees, 30% chance of Thunderstorms.

New England is coming off a 13-3 SU season in 2011, while going 9-7 ATS and 11-5 O/U. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason, while Bill Belichick is 38-31 SU lifetime in preseason (36-28-5 ATS, 25-33-2 Under). Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing 4-12 season, they were 4-12 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason and Greg Schiano is a brand new coach.

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Outlook:
The New England Patriots may only have a few days to prepare for Friday’s preseason clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the defending AFC champions will still be entering Raymond James Stadium as a very rested team.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick opted to hold out a plethora of big-name players for Monday’s game against Philadelphia, with quarterback Tom Brady the most prominent member of that long list. Also among those given the night off were wide receivers Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, tight end Aaron Hernandez, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, linebacker Jerod Mayo, defensive end Rob Ninkovich and cornerback Devin McCourty.

All of the above are fully expected to be back in uniform for Friday’s tussle, which will serve as the primary regular-season prep for both teams. New England may have a few previously injured members now available as well, with All-Pro left guard Logan Mankins (knee surgery), right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) and tight end Daniel Fells (leg) all activated from the physically unable to perform list within the last two weeks.

The Patriots likely won’t have starting safety Patrick Chung, who left Monday’s 27-17 loss to the Eagles after hurting his shoulder, while wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (leg) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) figure to sit out another week after also missing the Philadelphia game.

New England also surprisingly released veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene on Tuesday, citing an unreported knee condition as the reasoning.

Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer struggled in stepping in for Brady on Monday, with the backup duo completing a combined 15-of-37 attempts for 160 yards on the night. Mallett did throw a touchdown pass to Alex Silvestro early in the second quarter, however.

McCourty and Silvestro, a former defensive lineman attempting to make the Pats as a converted tight end, both played collegiately for former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, a close associate of Belichick who’s in his first year in charge of the rebuilding Buccaneers.

Schiano’s debut went rather well, with the Bucs posting a 20-7 victory at Miami in their preseason opener, but weren’t anywhere near as sharp in last Friday’s 30-7 trouncing at the hands of visiting Tennessee.

Tampa Bay’s offense was virtually non-existent against the Titans, producing a paltry 81 total yards and six first downs for the contest. Starting signal- caller Josh Freeman did complete a short touchdown pass to Mike Williams in the first quarter, but ended his evening just 4-of-10 for 21 yards.

Rookie running back Doug Martin, one of two first-round picks by the Buccaneers in this past draft, compiled 23 rushing yards on seven carries in the loss. The Boise State product could be in line for quite a bit of action in this one, with backfield mate LeGarette Blount’s status in question after straining his groin in Friday’s setback.

Schiano is hopeful tight end Luke Stocker will be ready to go after missing last week’s tilt with a concussion, but left tackle Donald Penn (calf), wide receiver Arrelious Benn (knee), defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (Achilles) and cornerback E.J. Biggers (broken foot) remain sidelined for Tampa Bay.

Brady threw for a pair of touchdowns in New England’s 31-14 triumph over the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium last August. Tampa Bay has usually had the upper hand in this preseason series, however, winning seven of the nine all-time exhibition meetings between the clubs.

Key Injuries: New England: S Patrick Chung (shldr) is ? OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) is dbtful. OG Logan Mankins (knee), LB Brandon Spikes (knee) are on the PUP list. Tampa Bay: RB LeGarrette Blount (groin) is ? WR Arrelious Benn (knee) is out indef.

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Week 3 NFL Preseason Picks: August 24th 2012
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns
Current Line: Cleveland (-4/38′)

Philadelphia is at Cleveland at 7:30pmET from Cleveland Browns Stadium on Friday night. Philadelphia beat New England, 27-17 on Monday night laying 3. The Browns are coming off winning both of their preseason games, including a 35-10 win over Green Bay on the road. Last year in preseason, Philadelphia won at home, 24-14 laying 6. These two teams will open the season on Sept. 9 back at Cleveland.

Weather: 77 degrees, 8% chance of rain.

Philadelphia is coming off a disappointing 8-8 SU season (8-8 ATS, 8-7-1 O/U) as expectations were much higher. Andy Reid is 20-32 SU in preseason and is 22-30 ATS and 27-21-1 Over. The Browns are coming off another disappointing 5-11 SU season, they were 7-7-2 ATS and 5-11 Under. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Pat Shurmur is in his second season as head coach and went 1-3 ATS, 1-3 SU and 3-1 Over his first year.

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Outlook: Though the third game of the preseason is usually the one in which NFL teams are most apt to show their hand, expect the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns to remain rather poker-faced when they get together on Friday.

The two clubs will be squaring off just 16 days before they’ll be facing one another again with a lot more on the line, with the Eagles also invading Cleveland Browns Stadium for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener. As a result, both figure to be very vanilla with the game plans and likely less inclined to have prominent players on the field for extended periods.

Philadelphia treated Monday’s Week 2 matchup at New England as its primary warm-up for the real games, with the majority of the Eagles’ starters working into the third quarter of their 27-17 win. That wasn’t the case for Michael Vick, however, as the brittle quarterback saw action for only six plays before exiting with a rib contusion midway through the first quarter.

Vick, who was also forced into an early exit during Philadelphia’s preseason lid-lifter against Pittsburgh because of a bruised throwing thumb, should be fine for the Week 1 matchup with the Browns but won’t participate in Friday’s tilt. With main backup Mike Kafka also on the shelf due to a broken left hand, impressive rookie Nick Foles will lead the Eagles’ offense at the outset of this game.

Foles delivered a second straight strong performance after relieving Vick against the Patriots, with the 2012 third-round draft choice amassing 217 yards and two touchdowns on 18-of-28 passing with one interception. He also came through with a pair of scoring throws in the Eagles’ 24-23 decision over the Steelers on Aug. 9 and has registered a 118.4 quarterback rating through his first two outings, the best of any player thus far in this preseason.

The Browns received a good effort from their first-year signal-caller as well in their most recent go-around, with expected starter Brandon Weeden contributing to last week’s 35-10 triumph at Green Bay by completing 12-of-20 passes for 118 yards while operating the entire first half.

Cleveland’s defense did its part as well, limiting a sloppy Packers squad to 228 total yards and 10 first downs and forcing four turnovers on the night. Reserve safety David Sims had the most notable takeaway, intercepting Green Bay quarterback Graham Harrell and returning the pick 38 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter.

The Browns succeeded on that side of the ball despite the absence of several starters, with linebackers D’Qwell Jackson (shoulder), Scott Fujita (leg) and Chris Gocong (torn Achilles) and linemen Phil Taylor (torn pectoral), Ahtyba Rubin (pelvic surgery) and Frostee Rucker (knee) all not present. Nickel back Dimitri Patterson also missed the contest with a sprained right ankle.

Fujita, Taylor, Gocong and Patterson are among the Cleveland contingent expected to be held out once again this week, a group that will also include rookie running back Trent Richardson as the fifth overall pick in April’s draft continues to recover from a recent knee scope.

Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (head) and tight ends Benjamin Watson (undisclosed) and Jordan Cameron (back), all of whom were inactive against the Packers, could be ready to return for Friday’s test. Jackson and Rubin are possibilities as well if the coaching staff elects to give the two valued defenders the green light.

In addition to Vick and Kafka, other notable Eagles certain to sit out are defensive end Jason Babin (calf), offensive tackle Jason Peters (torn Achilles), defensive tackle Mike Patterson (brain surgery). Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who left the New England game with a shoulder injury, and linebacker Jamar Chaney (hamstring) are both questionable for Philadelphia.

Gocong, who’s out for the entire 2012 season, and Patterson are one of four former Eagles on the current Cleveland defense, with veteran cornerback Sheldon Brown and end Juqua Parker also having previously played for Philadelphia. Several ties to the Eagles also exist on the sideline and in the front office, with head coach Pat Shurmur having served as Philly’s quarterback coach under Andy Reid from 2002-08 and general manager Tom Heckert spending nine years with the Eagles organization before joining the Browns.

Key Injuries: Philadelphia: QB Michael Vick (ribs) will not play in the final 2 preseason games. QB Mike Kafka (hand) is out 2-3 weeks. DT Mike Patterson (brain surgery) and DE Jason Babin (torn calf) are out. Cleveland: DL Phil Taylor (pec),RB Trent Richardson (knee) are out. LB Scott Fujita (leg) is out. LB Chris Gocong (Achilles) is out for the season. CB Dimitri Patterson (ankle) is out. CB Joe Haden (susp/disp.) is ?

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Week 3 NFL Preseason Picks: August 23rd 2012
Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Current line: Green Bay (-3/45)

Green Bay visits Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati looking for the first win on Thursday at 7pmET. The Packers have lost both preseason games including last week’s 35-10 home loss against Cleveland. The Bengals are 2-0 after beating Atlanta, 24-19 last week.

Weather: 79% and 5% chance of rain.

Cincinnati is coming off a 9-7 SU season, and they were 8-6-2 ATS and 10-6 Over. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Marvin Lewis is 18-19 SU, 17-20 ATS and 19-18 Over in preseason. Green Bay is coming off a 15-1 season that ended against the New York Giants in the playoffs (37-20) at home. They also went 11-5 ATS and were 11-5 Over. Last year, they went 1-2-1 ATS in the preseason and Mike McCarthy is 12-12 SU, 12-11-1 ATS and 19-5 Over in preseason.

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Outlook:
The Green Bay Packers will try once again to get a derailed offense back on track when Aaron Rodgers and the Pack head to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a key preseason clash between 2011 playoff participants.

The Packers had one of the NFL’s most proficient offenses in building a league-best 15-1 record a season ago, but the unit has been anything but in sync through the first two games of this year’s exhibition schedule. Green Bay has turned the ball over an uncharacteristic eight times in losses to San Diego and Cleveland and managed a scant 228 total yards and 10 first downs in its mistake-filled 35-10 setback to the Browns last week at Lambeau Field.

Rodgers established a new NFL best for quarterback rating in a season en route to claiming the league’s Most Valuable Player Award for 2011, but the normally pinpoint passer has been well off the mark thus far. He’s completed just 8- of-19 throws for 75 yards in Green Bay’s two defeats, though he did connect with wide receiver Jordy Nelson for a 20-yard touchdown on the Pack’s opening drive of last Thursday’s contest.

Green Bay’s struggling offense will get an extended chance to correct itself in this week’s matchup, with head coach Mike McCarthy planning to play his starters for at least the first half. The Packers are also expected to get a pair of key cogs back in the mix, with standout receiver Greg Jennings (concussion) and tight end Jermichael Finley (strained thigh) both ready to go after sitting out the first two warm-up tilts.

The group could also get a boost from the anticipated Green Bay debut of running back Cedric Benson, signed by the Packers less than two weeks ago. The veteran is certainly no stranger to Paul Brown Stadium, having spent the last four seasons with the Bengals, and he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for rushing yards in each of his final three years in Cincinnati.

Benson could be in line for plenty of work against his former team, with fellow back James Starks to sit out a second straight outing for Green Bay because of a turf toe injury.

The Packers’ defense will be minus two notables in inside linebacker Desmond Bishop, likely out for the entire 2012 season after tearing a hamstring in the Aug. 9 opener at San Diego, and young cornerback Davon House (shoulder).

Cincinnati moved the ball somewhat better in its last game, with starting quarterback Andy Dalton and backup Bruce Gradkowski each firing touchdown passes to lead the way in a 24-19 victory at Atlanta last Thursday.

Dalton found second-year sensation A.J. Green for a 50-yard score early in the first quarter and finished his night 8-of-14 for 125 yards. Gradkowski was 4- of-16 for 17 yards, most of which came on a 12-yard touchdown strike to rookie receiver Mohamed Sanu, in a brief relief stint.

The Bengals prevailed despite a banged-up secondary permitting 391 net passing yards on the evening. Cincinnati was playing without rookie first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) as well as cornerbacks Adam Jones and Jason Allen (both injuries undisclosed), none of whom are slated to suit up for Thursday’s game.

Defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Robert Geathers also remain sidelined for the Bengals with knee issues, while middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (knee) is questionable after also sitting out the Atlanta game. On offense, expect tight end Jermaine Gresham (knee) and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (foot) on the Cincinnati inactive list.

The Bengals own an 11-4-1 advantage in their all-time preseason series with Green Bay and have won the last five such meetings between the clubs, including a 20-17 triumph at Lambeau Field in 2008 that was best remembered as Rodgers’ first-ever start in place of a just-traded Brett Favre. The Packers haven’t bested Cincinnati in preseason play since a 41-27 decision in Milwaukee in 1982.

Cincinnati also came out on top in its most recent regular-season encounter with the Packers, a 31-24 verdict at Paul Brown Stadium in 2009.

Key Injuries: Green Bay: RB James Starks (toe) is out indef. LB Desmond Bishop (ham) was placed on the IR. Cincy: LB Rey Mauluga (rest), TE Jermaine Gresham (knee), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (foot) are out. DE Carlos Dunlap (knee) is out 2-3 weeks. LB Vontaze Burflict (concuss) is ? CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) is dbtful.

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Week 2 NFL Preseason Betting Picks: August 19th 2012
Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Current line: Pittsburgh (-4/38)

Indianapolis visits Heinz Field in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers on Sunday at 8pmET. The Steelers defeated the Colts, 23-20 laying 10.5 in the regular season last year. Last week, Pittsburgh fell at Philadelphia, 24-23 getting 1, while Indy routed the Rams, 38-3 last Sunday at home.

Weather: 72 degrees with a 15% chance of rain.

Indianapolis is coming off a 2-14 SU season, and they were 6-10 ATS and 7-9 Under. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason. Chuck Pagano in his his first year as head coach. Pittsburgh finished 12-4 SU last season, impressive considering the injuries. They were also 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under in 2011. Mike Tomlin is 16-5 SU, 26-32-6 ATS and 25-31 Under in preseason.

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Outlook: The Colts are rebuilding after a two-win season. Rookie QB Andrew Luck takes over for Peyton Manning. Very big shoes to fill. Luck has some of the same attributes Manning did have and he’s a much better athlete. At receiver, they added Donnie Avery and re-signed Reggie Wayne. They also drafted Luck’s teammate TE Coby Fleener, to replace Dallas Clark. WR T.Y. Hilton should add a playmaker at WR and KR. The defense allowed 143.9ypg on the ground. Pagano is a 3-4 guy so the Colts have to adapt to a new scheme. DE Cory Redding and S Tom Zbikowski come over from Baltimore to add some experience and toughness.

Any bitterness Colts fans were still harboring over the organization’s unpopular decision to release the at-risk Peyton Manning in March probably subsided after witnessing Luck’s pro debut. The No. 1 overall pick in this past draft lived up to his advance billing and more, orchestrating three touchdown drives on his first four possessions in contributing to last weekend’s 38-3 shellacking of the St. Louis Rams at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Luck made an impact right off the bat, finding Donald Brown for a short pass that the running back turned into a 63-yard touchdown on the Colts’ initial play from scrimmage. The former Stanford star connected with Austin Collie for a 23-yard score later on and finished his first game with 188 yards on a crisp 10-of-16 passing.

A new-look Indianapolis defense that’s transitioning to a 3-4 scheme also shined in Pagano’s initiation, limiting the punchless Rams to 215 total yards while not yielding a touchdown. Jerry Hughes, a 2010 first-round pick who’s shifting to outside linebacker, led the effort with a pair of sacks.

The Colts did have a few down moments, however. Starting inside linebacker Pat Angerer fractured his foot in the contest and will miss the beginning of the regular season as a result, while right guard Mike McGlynn sustained a high ankle sprain and running backs Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore exited with rib injuries.

Moore spent the last four seasons with Pittsburgh before joining the Colts as a free agent. He and Carter are competing with rookie Vick Ballard to be the primary backup to Brown.

Angerer’s injury creates a battle between ex-Eagles Moise Fokou and Greg Lloyd, former CFL player Jerrell Freeman and Mario Harvey for the starting nod opposite Kavell Conner.

Pittsburgh addressed their issues on the offensive line by drafting G David DeCastro and T Mike Adams. Both will start in Game 1 as tackle Max Starks and guard Willie Colon are coming off injuries. The key is protecting Ben Roethlisberger (ankle/rotator cuff) who is already banged up. They also need to find a running game as Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is questionable for the start of the season and burly Isaac Redman will get the start.

The Steelers enter their 2012 home preseason opener somewhat banged up as well. Perennial Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison will be sidelined at least the next three weeks after undergoing a scope on his left knee on Wednesday, longtime nose tackle Casey Hampton remains on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from offseason knee surgery and starting fullback David Johnson was recently placed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in last week’s 24-23 loss at Philadelphia.

And Pittsburgh remains without Mike Wallace as the fleet-footed wide receiver continues a camp holdout over dissatisfaction with his contract.

The Steelers have some health issues at running back as well, with 2011 leading rusher Rashard Mendenhall still on the mend from a torn ACL and projected replacement Isaac Redman doubtful for Sunday’s contest with a strained groin. Jonathan Dwyer, who ripped off 40 yards on only two carries against the Eagles, is dealing with a minor shoulder sprain but is expected to play.

Pittsburgh will also be undergoing some shuffling along the offensive line for this game, with normal right tackle Marcus Gilbert moving to the left side and Ramon Foster sliding into Gilbert’s usual spot. Veteran left tackle Max Starks (knee) isn’t yet ready to play after just being activated off the PUP list, while rookie second-round pick Mike Adams struggled in his place during the opener.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sharp in a brief appearance in the Philadelphia game, however, completing 7-of-8 attempts for 49 yards in helping the Steelers jump out to a 13-0 halftime lead.

The Colts and Steelers will be squaring off in preseason play for the first time since 2000, but the teams did face another in Indianapolis during Week 3 of last year’s regular season, a 23-20 Pittsburgh win. The Colts own an 11-9 edge in the preseason series and have taken the last two meetings, including a 24-23 decision in Mexico City back in 2000.

Key Injuries: Indy: LB Pat Angerer (foot) is out indef. RG Mike McGlynn (high ankle sprain) is out. WR Donnie Avery (hip) is dbtful. Pittsburgh: RB Isaac Redman (groin) is ? WR Mike Wallace (holdout) is out. LB James Harrison (knee) is on PUP list. RB Rashad Mendenhall (knee) is out. OT Max Starks (knee) is on PUP. NT Casey Hampton (knee) is out.

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Week 2 NFL Preseason Picks: August 18th 2012
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Diego Chargers
Current line: San Diego (-3/37)

Dallas visits Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to take on the Chargers at 9pmET on Saturday night. San Diego defeated Dallas on the road last year, 20-7, getting 1. The Cowboys Dallas is coming off a 3-0 win over Oakland on Monday night, getting 1, while San Diego defeated Green Bay, 21-13 on Thursday, giving 2.5.

Weather: 71 degrees and 10% chance of rain.

The Cowboys are coming off an 8-8 SU season, they were 7-9 ATS and 6-10 Under. Last year, they went 1-3 ATS in the preseason. Jason Garrett is 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS and 1-3 Under in preseason. San Diego is coming off a 8-8 SU, 6-10 ATS and 8-8 O/U. Last year, they went 1-2-1 ATS in the preseason while Norv Turner (SD, Oakland, Wash) is 33-31 SU, 26-32-6 ATS and 25-31 Under in preseason.

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Outlook:
The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 8-8 season, so the pressure is now on coach Jason Garrett and QB Tony Romo. The offense wasn’t a major issue last year as they were 7th in passing but just 18th in rushing (112.9ypg). DeMarco Murray appeared to be the answer at RB but faded down the stretch. Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, assuming he gets act together, are a strong duo. The defense allowed 244.1ypg in the air. They picked up SS Brodney Pool and CB Brandon Carr. They also drafted CB Morris Claiborne from LSU, who has been hampered by an MCL injury in camp. They still have one of the best outside linebackers in the game (19.5 sacks) last year.

The biggest development in Dallas’ otherwise-uneventful 3-0 victory at Oakland this past Monday was the serious injury sustained by Cowboys’ tight end Jason Witten. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection lacerated his spleen after taking a hard hit from Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain in the first quarter, rendering him out for the rest of the club’s exhibition slate and putting his status for the Sept. 5 regular-season opener against the rival New York Giants into question.

Witten, who hasn’t sat out a game since his rookie campaign of 2003, is prohibited from partaking in any physical activity for at least another week and could require surgery. His place will be taken by John Phillips in the interim, though the capable reserve just resumed practicing after missing time with an ankle sprain.

Tony Romo also saw limited action in Dallas’ snoozer with the Raiders, with the Cowboys’ signal-caller hitting on 3-of-6 attempts for 30 yards on a trio of series. He’ll once again be operating without wide receiver Miles Austin, who’ll be held out a second straight week with a hamstring strain, and behind an offensive line that again won’t have two regulars in center Phil Costa (strained back) and left guard Nate Livings (hamstring).

The Dallas defense was able to pitch a shutout against Oakland despite the absences of valued nose tackle Jay Ratliff (plantar fasciitis), outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (hamstring), end Jason Hatcher (groin) and highly touted rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne (sprained knee). Claiborne, the No. 6 overall pick in April’s draft, will suit up for his first outing as a Cowboy this weekend, however, with Hatcher expected back as well.

Dallas has prevailed in seven of the 13 all-time preseason bouts between these teams and came through with a 16-14 win in its last visit to San Diego, which took place in 2010. The Chargers exacted some revenge via a 20-7 triumph at Cowboys Stadium last August, though.

San Diego lost WR Vincent Jackson in free agency but did add LB Jarret Johnson and WR Robert Meacham. Expectations are not very high but QB Phillip Rivers has something to prove after a sub-par season for him.

San Diego’s 21-13 home triumph over the Green Bay Packers was also marred by the loss of running back Ryan Mathews for an extended period. The 1,000-yard rusher fractured his clavicle on his first carry of the night, an injury that will sideline him for the next 4-to-6 weeks.

The Chargers are hopeful that Mathews will be ready to go for their Week 1 matchup at Oakland, but will spend the remainder of the preseason prepping veteran Ronnie Brown and possibly Curtis Brinkley and fullback Le’Ron McClain for potential increased roles.

San Diego is also without starting left tackle Jared Gaither (back) and slot receiver Eddie Royal (groin) at the moment, while defensive lineman Antonio Garay likely won’t play in Saturday’s tilt after spraining his ankle in a recent practice.

Quarterback Philip Rivers is healthy and is in line for an increase in snaps after working only four possessions in the mistake-filled win over the Packers, in which the two combatants combined for seven turnovers. He ended one of those drives with a 23-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates, but was also intercepted once and finished 3-of-5 for 37 yards.

Jarrett Lee took over for the remainder of the contest and completed 15-of-22 throws for 235 yards, including a 36-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Vincent Brown. The undrafted rookie won’t see as much time in this weekend’s game, however, with No. 2 quarterback Charlie Whitehurst back from a sprained knee that kept him out of the opener.

Brown ended with a game-high 81 yards on four catches, with Brinkley topping all players with 42 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

Key Injuries: Dallas: TE Jason Witten (spleen) is out for the preseason. NT Jay Ratliff (rest), C Phil Costa (back), LB Anthony Spencer (ham), OLB DeMarcus Ware (ham), WR Miles Austin (ham) are ? San Diego: RB Ryan Mathews (collarbone) is out 4-6 weeks. WR Eddie Royal (groin) is dbtful. LT Jared Gaither (back) is dbtful.

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Week 2 NFL Preseason Predictions: August 18th 2012
Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos
Current line: Denver (pk/38)

Seattle visits Denver from Sports Authority Field from Mile High Stadium in Colorado on Saturday. Denver defeated Seattle at home last year, 23-20 laying 5.5. This is the debut for Peyton Manning home. The Broncos crushed Chicago on the road last Thursday 31-3, while Seattle defeated Tennessee, 27-17 laying 3, last Saturday.

Weather: 71 degrees with 10% chance of rain.

Seattle is coming off a 7-9 SU season, and they were 9-5-2 ATS and 9-7 Over. Last year, they went 3-1 ATS in the preseason. Pete Caroll is 13-12 SU, 13-10-2 ATS and 12-13 Under. Denver is coming off an 8-8 season that was highlighted by a 29-23 overtime win over Pittsburgh at home. They also went 7-8-1 ATS and were 9-7 Over. Last year, they went 2-2 ATS in the preseason and John Fox (Den, Car) is 21-19 SU, 20-19-1 ATS and 19-20-1 Under in preseason

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Outlook: Seattle also has quarterback issues as Matt Flynn takes over as the starter, at least for the first game, with Tarvaris Jackson and rookie Russell Wilson also in the mix. RGB Marshawn Lynch (1,204yds) is coming off a big year but they need more at receiver, That’s why they signed Terrell Owens after releasing Mike Williams. On defense, DE Bruce Irvin was drafted in the first round to help the pass rush. FS Earl Thomas leads an underrated defense.

Seattle created some offseason buzz of its own with the recent signing of Terrell Owens, with the controversial wide receiver joining a crowded cast of pass catchers in the Emerald City. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed on Thursday that the 38-year-old, who didn’t play in the NFL last season while recovering from an ACL tear or in last weekend’s 27-17 win over Tennessee, would be active for Saturday’s test.

While Owens will be ready to go, fellow wideout Sidney Rice will be held out for another week as he makes his way back from shoulder surgery. Slot receiver Doug Baldwin, who was inactive for the opener with a sore hamstring, is slated to play, however.

Carroll also announced during the week that Matt Flynn will start at quarterback for a second consecutive game. The free-agent pickup made a favorable first impression against the Titans, making good on 11-of-13 attempts for 71 yards despite throwing an interception.

Rookie Russell Wilson, Seattle’s third-round selection in this past draft, worked the entire second half under center last week and will do so again on Saturday, with incumbent quarterback Tarvaris Jackson appearing to be out of the picture.

Wilson was outstanding when facing Tennessee’s reserves, with the former Wisconsin star throwing a 39-yard touchdown pass to veteran receiver Braylon Edwards and showing off his running ability with a 32-yard scoring scramble later on. He finished 12-of-16 for 124 yards with an interception and led the Seahawks with 59 rushing yards on three attempts.

All eyes will be on Manning and his debut. He goes to a pretty strong team that went 8-8 with Tim Tebow starting at quarterback last year. Tebow is off to the Jets to backup Mark Sanchez. The Broncos also added some defensive help as they acquired CB Tracy Porter and SS Mike Adams. Defensively, Denver struggled against the run last year, allowing 126.3ypg on the ground.

Manning will be playing in front of the home crowd for the first time since the legendary quarterback joined the Broncos as a free agent back in March. And unlike the longtime Indianapolis Colt’s anticipated debut in a Denver uniform a week ago, he’ll get to showcase his skills for an extended period.

Manning was out for only the initial series of Denver’s 31-3 rout of Chicago, the four-time league MVP’s first game action in 19 months, but is slated to run the offense for the entire opening half in Saturday’s matchup.

The 36-year-old was a bit rusty in his return from multiple neck surgeries that kept him out all of last season, completing 4-of-7 passes for 44 yards and having his only drive end on an interception, but was still encouraged by the overall results.

This week’s practices weren’t as rosy for the Broncos, with a pair of regulars suffering significant injuries in Tuesday’s session. Right guard Chris Kuper fractured his forearm and will be sidelined around six weeks, while defensive end Jason Hunter may be lost for the season after tearing his triceps.

Hunter had displaced former first-round pick Robert Ayers as the primary left end with a strong camp. His absence may elevate rookie Derek Wolfe, Denver’s second-round choice in April’s draft who registered a pair of sacks against the Bears, into the starting lineup.

The defense is also expected to be without cornerback Tracy Porter (abdominal) and safety Quinton Carter (knee), while rookie running back Ronnie Hillman is still dealing with a hamstring strain and will miss a second straight week.

Key Injuries:
Seattle: WR Sidney Rice (shldr) is out. TE Zach Miller (concussion) and guard John Moffitt (elbow) are out. Denver: CB Tracy Porter (ab) and S Quinton Carter (knee) are out. G Chris Kuper (forearm) is out 4-6 weeks.

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