Thursday Night NFL Preseason Games:
Week three on the preseason schedule kicks off Thursday night with
three games. This is the big week in preseason football, as the
starters playing for a full half with some players going deep into the
third quarter.

BetRepublic
looks at the games in their Thursday Night sports betting TV show, as
well TV hosts Sonny Palermo and Greg Dempson talked college football
and NFL picks in the Wednesday night Betting Show.
The feature game of the night is the Jacksonville Jaguars facing the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia: - 7 ½
Over/Under: 37
Michael
Vick is the story. He will be seeing action and word is it will be with
the first team offense. There is a lot of speculation on just how Head
Coach Andy Reid will use Vick throughout the season, as Donovan McNabb
is a lock as the starting quarterback. Vick could be either the number
two or three quarterback on the roster but is too much of a unique
athlete to hold a clipboard all season.
The
three-time Pro Bowl quarterback hasn't played in an NFL game since
December 31, 2006. Against the Jaguars he will be relieve McNabb who is
slated to play deep into the third quarter. Vick will get a few reps
with the first team according to Reid but won’t be asked to do much.
The
Eagles have yet to win a preseason game losing to both New England and
Indianapolis. Running back Brian Westbrook returned to practice this
past week from ankle surgery and will not play against the Jags. The
offensive line has been hit hard by injuries. LT Jason Peters has been
bothered by a quadriceps injury most of training camp and Left guard Todd Herremans will miss the beginning of the season with a stress reaction in his foot.
Stacy
Andrews is recovering from ACL surgery in January hasn't played in
either of the first two preseason games. His brother Shawn Andrews
reinjured his back on the first day of camp and hasn’t been in practice
since.
The
loss of defensive standout middle linebacker, Stewart Bradley for the
season will hurt the Eagles. It will be difficult to replace his
leadership and 151 tackles but look for Joe Mays to make a statement
against the Jags.
The
Jaguars are also winless in preseason but QB David Garrard has looked
very good. He has a new favorite target in former Viking Troy
Williamson who has had two very good games. The Jaguars are looking to
rebound from last year and this will be a good test to see how
competitive they will be. Maurice Jones-Drew will play the entire first
half and should be effective against the Eagles.
Linebacker
Clint Ingram sustained a blow to the head in the last game and is
listed as doubtful as is linebacker Lamar Myles who sustained a hand
injury.
St. Louis at Cincinnati
Bengals: - 2 ½
Over/Under: 35
The
Rams haven’t looked very good in preseason even though they did get a
win in game one against the Jets. The Bengals on the other hand have
played well particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The
big news in this game is that Carson Palmer won’t play as he is still
recovering from an ankle injury. J.T. O’Sullivan will get the start but
no one will confuse him for Palmer. Third string QB Jordan Palmer,
brother of Carson, will get a good look against the Rams.
Cedric
Benson is looking to have a big game but the loss of tight end Reggie
Kelly for the season with an ACL injury will hurt the running and
passing game of the Bengals. The defense has been playing well to date
and held the Patriots to six points in the second preseason game.
The
Rams have been inconsistent and now will probably face the Bengals
without starting QB Marc Bulger who is out after injuring his pinkie
finger on his throwing hand. Former Raven Kyle Boller will get most of
the snaps. Left tackle Alex Barron has a swollen knee and will be
replaced in the lineup by rookie first round pick Jason Smith. WR
Donnie Avery is still nursing an injury and won’t play.
Check out betrepublic.com for more analysis on these games.
Miami at Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay: - 2 ½
Over/Under: 35
Miami
heads to Tampa with a ton of gadget plays and two pretty consistent
preseason games under their belt. Chad Pennington looks very good after
getting a chance to be in the Dolphin camp for a full off-season. The
running game featuring Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams has looked sharp.
Defensive
backs Sean Smith and Jason Allen should be back in the lineup after
missing the last game with swine flu like symptoms. Jason Taylor has
looked good in his return so far.
Tampa Bay
is still trying to sort out who will be the starting quarterback. Byron
Leftwich should get the bulk of the first half snaps but look for Luke
McCown to play with many of the first string in the second half. Both
quarterbacks will get lots of support from a very good running game
featuring former Giant Derrick Ward, Cadillac Williams and Earnest
Graham.
The
Bucs took a big hit on the defense this week when they lost linebacker
Angelo Crowell for the season to a torn biceps injury. Cornerback
Elbert Mack will miss the Dolphins game with an ankle sprain. Safety
Will Allen is back practicing and could play against the Fins.
Enjoy all the preseason action and good luck with your picks.