When the NFL Hall of Fame game kicks off Sunday night, featuring an Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints matchup, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow.
My guess is I will hear the term “bounty” a few times…likely more than my last run through of Slap Shot (one of the all-time classic sports movies). But bounty talk aside, sports bettors and fantasy footballers will have their eyes on position battles, how the Saints offensive and defensive units appear to be adjusting to the suspensions to Sean Payton and Joe Vitt, etc.
The odds, from Pinnacle Sports, are currently sitting at New Orleans -3, with a Total of 37.5. The line was -2.5 before moving to -3, as Saints’ action has nudged it up. The Over has also been getting attention from the sports betting public, as the line opened at 35.5 but has been on the move ever since. It has now crossed the key number of 37 to settle in at 37.5. That’s a big move for a Total, crossing over 37. Of course, it doesn’t take heavy action to move exhibition game lines, unlike a regular season matchup, but the “Over” has been the clear choice amongst those choosing to book a wager on this one.
Fantasy players and fantasy sports betting enthusiasts will be paying close attention to the battle in the Cardinals’ backfield throughout the pre-season. Despite coming off his best season ever, is there anyone out there who wants Beanie Wells on his fantasy team? Nah, me neither. What’s Ryan Williams upside? Where is he going to slot in the fantasy landscape? We’ll have to wait to start finding those answers as neither will play tonight.
When I wager in the pre-season, one of the key factors I always look for is QB depth. That’s why I’ll be keeping an eye on the Cardinals in August, looking for a potential spot to back them. They’ve got a real battle going on at QB, as John Skelton tries to rest the starter spot away from Kevin Kolb.
Tonight, I’m not interested in playing either side. But if you’re looking for a small “just for fun, to make things interesting” type of bet on the first exhibition game of the season, I’m suggesting a play on the “Under” 37.5. The Saints’s offensive starters will only play a series (or two at most) and aside from them, look for the rest of the offensive units, from both teams, to misfire more often than not.
We like that Under play.
Check out the Everyedge Sports Betting forum for more talk on this game.
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