NFL Week 4 Betting Angles

It’s no secret that Week 4 of the NFL preseason is almost as meaningless as Week 1. The goal is to stay healthy, watch the kids, and decide who to cut. Remember, the mandatory roster cut goes from 75 players this week to just 53 on Sunday. Coaches want to see who wants to play and who can fill vital roles on the team, like an extra defensive back or special teams.

But interesting stories are developing that will make it important for sports bettors, since not all teams are going to fit. For example, the Redskins have been brutal on offense so far. The last three games: losses against the Bengals (19-3), the Jets at home (27-14) and in New England (41-0).

Part of the problem is that Washington has a new offensive system brought in by offensive coordinator Al Saunders from Kansas City. That means a whole new playbook, one that will take time to digest and execute. Joe Gibbs has been displeased with the team’s performance on both sides of the ball.

Gibbs hasn’t released his game plan for Week 4, but it would be wise to keep a close eye on the Redskins this week. If any team needed an extra game to work things out, it’s the Redskins. The same goes for New Orleans. The Saints are also learning a new system under head coach Sean Payton and for the most part they have been horrible.

Payton said: “I’m having a hard time swallowing it, believe me. I told them afterwards, if you write this off as a preseason game, you’re kidding yourself. You’re kidding yourself, and they know it.” Payton said this week that most starters won’t play in Week 4, but he’s watching closely if that changes.

The Saints are on the road this week in Kansas City, but the Redskins are at home. Do you think Gibbs will want a better performance in front of the home fans? Washington takes a break while they play the Ravens.

Baltimore will give rookie QB Drew Olsen (UCLA) the most time. Those are the kind of angles the tipsters are looking for, especially in Week 4.

Another team that could be worth playing well is the Detroit Lions. New coach Rod Marinelli had the team fly to Oakland last week on game day to toughen them up, because later in the season they have a short period between games. The plot backfired, as the Lions had nothing in a 21-3 loss at Oakland. Marinelli admitted that he wants to toughen up his boys.

He said some regulars on the Lions’ offense might play more than usual Thursday against Buffalo. The No. 1 offense has generated a touchdown in three games. “We’re going to see that, how badly we want to play against these guys,” Marinelli said. “It may be that certain guys will play a little bit more. We’re looking forward to getting our rhythm back and getting going.” Add in the fact that the Lions’ new defensive coordinator is Donnie Henderson, also a fiery, emotional guy, and the Lions could offer an emotional betting angle this weekend, something rarely found in Week 4.

Pay attention to what Oakland Raiders players are saying about their game this week in Seattle. The Raiders are one win away from going undefeated in exhibition games for the first time in franchise history.

Finally, pay close attention to personnel changes. 49ers coach Mike Nolan wants a 3-4 defense this season, but the 49ers will return to a 4-3 front this week. The reason is the lack of quality guys up front. Rookie Melvin Oliver started at defensive end last week and seemed lost at times. The 49ers allowed 189 rushing yards to the Cowboys. The successful handicap means putting together small puzzle pieces in this way to find edges against the number!