The regular season is almost here. I can smell it. But before then, there is one final week of preseason football. Most teams will err on the side of caution and rest most of their starters. However, that doesn’t mean tonight’s games aren’t worth watching – or betting on!
For many players, this is their last chance to prove to their team that they’re worth a roster spot. This is what makes the last week of preseason the most exciting. By August 30th, teams will have to cut their rosters down to 53 players, down from the current 80-player mark.
Here is a look at a few players from each team who are on the bubble, and of course, our Wicked Wagers.
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8:00PM EST Green Bay Packers (-125) @ Kansas City Chiefs (+104)
Packers to Watch:
- Linebacker/Defensive Line- Kingsley Enagbare
- Running Back- Tyler Goodson
- Quarterback- Jordan Love
Chiefs to Watch:
- Offensive Line- Prince Tega Wanogho
- Linebacker- Jermaine Carter
- Defensive Line- Taylor Stallworth
Packers coach, Matt Lafleur, has decided to sit any veteran players in the final preseason game while Andy Reid is still undecided. Reid will likely end up playing it safe like Lafleur, and if not, starters might play for a quarter at max. Each team owns a record of 1-1 and Aaron Rodgers will be riding the pine. Rodgers hasn’t played a single preseason game since 2018, and that won’t change tonight.
These are two teams who lost their best wide receiver in the offseason. Whether it’s due to that or something else, Jordan Love has struggled so far. Considering the possibility of Patrick Mahomes playing at least a quarter, the Chiefs are a solid value bet at plus money as the home underdog.
Wicked Wagers – Chiefs ML (+100)
8:15PM EST San Francisco 49ers (-182) @ Houston Texans (+150)
49ers to Watch:
- Safety- Tarvarius Moore
- Offensive Line- Colton McKivitz
- Wide Receiver- Willie Snead
Texans to Watch:
- Defensive End- Derek Rivers
- Running Back- Dameon Pierce
- Wide Receiver- Jalen Camp
Both teams are 2-0 in the preseason, but they’re treating this last game before the regular season very differently. Coach for the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan, is trotting out starters for a short while just to get their toes wet and some extra reps in. Trey Lance is starting this year at the quarterback position, so he needs as many snaps as possible to get acquainted with the offense. We might even see him play the whole first half. On the other hand, Lovie Smith is using this game like an extension of the regular season. He plans to play starters extensively and it makes sense. The Texans are an abysmal franchise and it’ll take a miracle for them to sneak into the playoffs.
There’s no real value taking the Niners moneyline here with the 49ers as such huge favorites. Lay the points with the Niners and watch them easily cover in this one.
Wicked Wagers – 49ers -3.5 (-108)