The 2019 NFL preseason isn’t quite the real thing, but it’s the closest we’ll have of the 2019 NFL season. If anything, preseason games are tasty appetizers that will only make us even more excited for September 5 to come. Below, we take a look at some of the best games to watch out for in Week 1 of the 2019 NFL preseason along with the complete available odds and lines for all games on the schedule.
It’s going to be a New York battle royale right out of the gate of the 2019 NFL preseason, as the Jets take on the Giants in East Rutherford. Both teams missed the playoff last season, but could be taking different paths this year. For the Jets, their outlook is a lot more positive, with the arrival of a new head coach in Adam Gase and the addition of one of the best offensive weapons in the league in running back Le’Veon Bell, who has decided to bring his talents to the Big Apple. As for the Giants, this team is picking up the pieces following a disastrous 2018 campaign and the departure of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. via a trade to the Cleveland Browns. Just don’t expect most of these teams’ starters playing this coming Thursday, though. The Jets, for now, are more interested in seeing which among the likes of Trevor Siemian, Davis Webb, and Luke Falke will be the best backup to Sam Darnold while also sorting out who the definite No. 2 option in the backfield behind Bell. The Giants will also be showcasing rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s probably going to be the most interesting individual on the field in this game, as he’s the closest the G-Men have as Eli Manning’s successor.
The defending AFC South champions, the Texans will have a marquee preseason showdown against the Packers, who are preparing for what could be a bounce-back campaign. One thing the Texans want to see in their preseason games is whether they have enough talent to improve on their horrible pass protection in 2018. That season, the Texans allowed the most sacks in the NFL with 62 — the only team that surrendered at least 60 quarterback takedowns. The Texas, of course, are not going to risk Deshaun Watson play in front of a preseason-caliber offensive line. Instead, the signal-calling duties under center will most likely be shared by AJ McCarron and Joe Webb. Green Bay also shares the same concern with Houston, as the Packers need a tighter offensive line this year than the 2018 version they afforded Aaron Rodgers. The Packers allowed 50 sacks in 2018, and everyone knows that their team will go as far as where the quarterback takes them, so it goes without saying that Green Bay will have a special interest in what they would see in Week 1 of the preseason from that standpoint.
By now, most football fans have heard of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s ongoing hold out, which begs for the question of whether he’ll be there to play in 2019 minus a new contract? That’s not going to be answered right away, and for the same reason, look for the Cowboys to use this preseason game as part of their process in laying out a backup plan in case Elliott ultimately sits out the 2019 NFL season. Among their options are the pair of rookies in Tony Pollard and Mike Weber. The Cowboys also just recently signed Alfred Morris, though, the veteran could have a shorter time on the field (if he plays at all) against the 49ers than the younger tailbacks on the roster. The 49ers, on the other hand, are excited to see what they can do following the additions they’ve made in the offseason so far. They welcome a new running back in Tevin Coleman and another wide receiver in veteran Jordan Matthews. But among the most prominent names on offense San Francisco will send to the field for the Dallas game are going to be the rookies like former South Carolina wideout Jalen Hurd and Tennessee wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Writer’s Prediction:
Cowboys win, 21-17.
Game by Game Spread and Over/Under Breakdown : 2019 NFL Preseason Week 1
