We’ve Made It!

I know its Monday but this news made me want to run through a brick wall/banner like these little dudes. Football is BACK.

The first NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame game this Thursday, August 1, between the Broncos and Falcons. Over at TexasTakes we would prefer this to be a Cowboys v. Texans matchup but beggers cant be choosers. Regardless, its time to square up with your bookie because gambling season is now upon us.

Vegas opened betting for the game at a pick ‘em, but that line was bet up to Atlanta -2 almost immediately. It’s since settled with the Falcons at -1. Of course, the starters will get limited action, if any, but taking the Falcons at -1 is a must. My strategy on early preseason games is to look to the backup QBs, as they are going to be getting most of the action. Falcons QB2 is Matt Schaub. I’m not going to sit here and say Shaub’s a God. Anyone who watched him set the Texans back five years when he was their starter knows that, but the guy is a seasoned veteran, this being his 15th year in the league. I don’t see him making a lot of mistakes in the preseason. Who is the Broncos backup QB? Drew Lock, the rookie out of Missouri. While Lock has potential to be a star, he’s been in the league for officially one week. I see him making a lot of mistakes and turning the ball over frequently. The Broncos are going to want to see him air it out and that of course will lead to turn overs and sloppy play.

The over/under on the Game has been set at just 34.5 points, a small number but one that is reasonable when considering the type of talent that will be on the gridiron for much of the night in Canton. It’s also close to the average of 30.3 total points scored in the previous seven Hall of Fame Game clashes, including last year’s tilt between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens that resulted in a 17-16 win for Baltimore. I would take the under here. Both these teams have solid depth at defense and with the Broncos offense being a complete mess on offense, combined with what I said earlier about Lock, I don’t see the Broncos scoring more than 14 points.

TexasTakes official prediction: Atlanta defeats Denver 20-13.

Moving on to our Texas teams. Here are both the Cowboys and Texans preseason schedules:

Dallas Cowboys:

• Week 1: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, August 8th at 8:00 PM CDT)
• Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Saturday, August 17 at 9:00 PM CDT–game is being played in in Honolulu)
• Week 3: vs Houston Texans (Saturday August 24 at 6:00 PM CDT)
• Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Thursday August 29 at 7:00 PM CDT)

Houston Texans:

• Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers (Saturday, August 8th at 7:00 PM CDT)
• Week 2: vs. Detroit Lions in Houston (Saturday, August 17th at 7:00 PM CDT)
• Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys (Saturday August 24 at 6:00 PM CDT)
• Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Ram (Thursday August 29 at 7:00 PM CDT)

Oh, and don’t forget to record episode 1 of Hard Knocks ft. the Browns, which airs next Tuesday, August 7th at 7:00 PM CDT. You’re welcome.