Week 1 of the NFL preseason has a new look now that it has been condensed from four games to three. The first preseason game of the year used to resemble a rookie mini-camp scrimmage with starters only competing for a few snaps, if at all.
Now that there are only three games to get ready for the first week of the regular season, teams have much less time to evaluate their rosters and must get their most likely first-stringers some snaps immediately.
While that may press the coaching staff and front offices around the league, the quality of play and the overall watchability has increased dramatically, making NFL preseason betting a more viable option for laying some action on National Football League games prior to September.
The additional minutes for starting players also allows for oddsmakers to get an earlier assessment of each of the NFL’s 32 teams.
Football fans around the world were treated to a sneak peek over the weekend of the next generation of quarterbacks that have entered the league. Some sizzled, and some struggled, but fans cannot deny the intrigue of watching these budding talents experience their first on-field action at the pro level.
Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars
The #1 overall pick of the NFL Draft in 2021 from the Clemson Tigers, Trevor Lawrence, got the start for the Jaguars this past Saturday against the Cleveland Browns.
Lawrence completed 6 out of 9 passes for 79 yards, and while those stats represent a solid first outing, he did struggle in the pocket and appeared indecisive when trying to throw away the ball prior to taking a sack.
Also notable, TE Tim Tebow played 16 snaps but did not record a reception.
Justin Fields – Chicago Bears
Fields day against the Miami Dolphins began shakily, but before it was all said it done, the Bears and their fanbase were more than pleased with his production. Playing the majority of the second and third quarters, Justin Fields looked much like he did at Ohio State, and posted the following impressive stat line.
- 14/20, 140 yards, 1 TD, 0 Interceptions
- 5 rushes, 33 yards, 1 TD
Although journeyman QB Andy Dalton got the start for the Bears, expect Fields to propel himself to first-team status with another performance like he had on Saturday. Fields’ is also becoming a contender for the NFL’s Offensive ROY honors, as he is currently ranked second behind Trevor Lawrence in the following pro football prop bet.
2021-22 Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Trevor Lawrence +260
- Justin Fields +400
- Trey Lance +500
- Najee Harris +900
- Kyle Pitts +1000
- Mac Jones +1000
Trey Lance – San Francisco 49ers
Coming in third in the current NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds Trey Lance, who the San Francisco 49ers traded up to select third overall in this year’s draft.
Lance was not a picture of accuracy as he completed 5 out of 14 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, but he did manage to avoid any turnovers and turned in a performance that he can build upon next week.
For now, it appears to be veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s job to lose, but the NFL is only concerned with the present, and if Lance turns up the heat and rises from week to week, expect a changing of the guard at the first sign of trouble for Jimmy G.
Have a look at the preseason schedule for next weekend and consider taking advantage of the NFL betting options available for ROY odds while the moneylines are so profitable.
