NFL preseason Week 4 betting action: Sharps betting Broncos, Eagles
It's the last tuneup before the 2018 season kicks off.
The curtain will close on the NFL preseason Thursday, as all 32 clubs dress for their final rehearsal before selecting a 53-man roster. There's no shortage of opportunities for bettors, either, seeing as the final slate carries 16 games to choose from.
Here's where some of the sharp money (large, line-moving wagers by expert bettors) is coming in.
(Lines courtesy: Will Bernanke, lead analyst at CG Analytics in Las Vegas)
Denver Broncos at Arizona CardinalsOpen: ARI -3, O/U 35
Current: ARI -1, O/U 35
The Cardinals opened as a field-goal favorite at home versus the Broncos, with the two set for a regular-season showdown back in Glendale in October. That number has since dropped to just a point as sharp money has come in on Denver, per Bernanke, with 95 percent of money on account coming in on the Broncos.
Fans hoping to get a final glimpse at rookie quarterback Josh Rosen will apparently have to wait until sometime during the regular season. NFL.com reported Wednesday that Rosen, who missed the third week of the preseason with a thumb injury, will be out for the finale. That would leave the reps to quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Chad Kanoff.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York JetsOpen: NYJ -4, O/U 36
Current: NYJ -1, O/U 33.5
Given the state of both franchises, it might be a while until the Jets are favored over the Eagles again. But New York might not even be worthy of a preseason consolation game.
After opening as four-point chalk over Philly, the Jets have since dropped to one-point favorites after both public and sharp money came pouring in on the Eagles. Bernanke acknowledged that 94 percent of the total handle has come in on Philadelphia.
The Eagles are expected to give a majority of the reps to both Joe Callahan and all-of-a-sudden journeyman Christian Hackenberg.
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans SaintsOpen: NO -4, O/U 36.5
Current: NO -6, O/U 33.5
As two short favorites see their number close, another's goes up.
New Orleans has attracted 97 percent of the money for the final preseason game against the Rams, while Bernanke noted that sharp money has also flooded in on the under - the total dipping from 36.5 to 33.5.
Los Angeles will sit backup quarterback Sean Mannion on Thursday. Set to start the first half is Arkansas product Brandon Allen, who will be relieved by Luis Perez for the final two quarters.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from Rounders and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.
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