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The pre-season is upon us, and it is good. And since some of us will be playing preseason DFS here are defenses that may help you win a little money, cabbage, moolah, greenbacks, or big bucks.
And since we have no idea who will play and for how long. We can attempt to glimpse into what will happen. But still a significant amount of money will be bet on preseason.
So here are five defenses that you might want to attack for the first week of preseason games. Don’t forget defenses are your cheat code to winning.
San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders, 49ers -3.5, o/u 35.5
In case you are wondering, the Raiders defense is the one you will want to go after in this game.
Last season the Raiders were 19th against the run giving up an average of 122.8 rushing yards per game. They were also 29th against the pass, allowing 242.9 passing yards per game.
We know that the 49ers aren’t a passing team. Last year they had the sixth-fewest passing attempts per game (29.5). The 49ers also had the 14th most passing yards per game (223.1). (Spoiler Alert, the 49ers’ first-team offensive players are yards after the catch demons)
Even though we know they run first, attack the Raiders through the 49ers’ quarterbacks. Behind Brock Purdy, you have a legitimate two-way (some have said three) quarterback battle. All three quarterbacks are going to need to impress.
With a revamped secondary trying to get its footing and no Max Crosby on the defensive line, Trey Lance, Sam Darnold, and Brandon Allen are fighting to either play behind Purdy or even take over that starting position. By most accounts, Darnold has had the better training camp but Lance has been the most improved.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Steelers -3.0. o/u 39.5
This is the highest over/under for week one preseason game. The Buccaneers have announced Baker Mayfield will start week one. Three receivers are looking to make the team. Mayfield will be looking to make his play for the starting quarterback position in Tampa.
Ordinarily I would never suggest going against the Steelers’ defense, especially with someone prone to turnovers like Mayfield. But no T.J. Watt or Cameron Heyward makes the call a little bit easier. Add to that veteran Mayfield will be going against rookie Keeau Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk on the defensive lines and Joey Porter Jr. and Corey Trice Jr. in the secondary.
One would hope Mayfield’s gunslinger mentality will not get the best of him. But veteran versus rookie is a bet with a reasonable sense of confidence.
https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora/status/1688909458033012737?s=20
Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams, Rams -3, o/u 33.5
Surprisingly, (no, just me?) this is the lowest predictive over/under for the week. Attack the Rams’ defense because the Rams are in free fall and not very good. But what is the more interesting reason is that this is offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s first game in LA. Even with the starters resting, look for wide receivers John Hightower and Quentin Johnston to try and light up the scoreboard. Will there be a Max Duggan to Johnston connection?
For the DFS players who want to play a comeback on the opposite side, don’t sleep on wide receiver Puka Nacua. The only reservation is the predictive total.
Washington Commanders @ Cleveland Browns, Browns -3, o/u 38.5
There has already been some grumbling regarding new offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy’s “intensity” during training camp. The Commanders have not named a starting quarterback, giving Bieniemy plenty of room to make his first game sans Andy Reid his own.
Attack the Browns’ this defense because, well…they made Zach Wilson look respectable. Browns secondary gave up a 57-yard bomb from Wilson to Malik Taylor. Bieniemy will want his offense to shine and squash that “because of Andy Reid” narrative.
Howell will start against the Browns. Look for Howell to attack the defense through the air but also on the ground.
This is a game where quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson also shines. Attacking both defenses doesn’t seem like a completely ridiculous idea.
https://twitter.com/brownsfanuk/status/1687294858153635840?s=20
Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals, Broncos -4, o/u 36.5
Attacking the Cardinals seems a bit unfair, but you had better get used to doing it. On this night, you have a first-time head coach whose team is in a “rebuild” against Sean Payton. And unlike last year, the starters will play (how much we don’t know it has been suggested only 15 snaps) in preseason games. Quarterback Russell Wilson will be out there for at least a few snaps, and then Jarrett Stidham. In one of his less controversial preseason remarks, Payton said about Stidham, “[he] could eventually become a starter in the NFL.”
There is that feeling that Payton will have no problems running up the score against the Cardinals’ defense.
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