While some will have you believe there is no value in preseason betting, I view it as opportunistic betting. While some games are only for serious gamblers, others have great value. I have identified a few value picks, and they’ll be the ones I’ll be on Friday night.

Jets QBsJets vs. Bengals 

The Bengals come in as NFL odds favorites of -1 ½, but I’m sailing with the opposite ship. Even though I don’t think the Jets will be very good in the regular season, they have a lot more to get together this preseason than the Bengals do. While the Bengals needed the preseason more in 2011, the Jets need it in 2012. Tim Tebow is competing for Mark Sanchez's job and, no matter which one ends up the starter, Tebow will need his package in the wildcat installed, which will take longer than a few weeks of training camp. 

The Jets also have more evaluation to do when it comes to their defense. The Jets have Quinton Coples coming in as a rookie defensive end. I just don’t see the Bengals caring too much about this one, and I’m taking the points with New York. 

My Pick: Jets +1 1/2


Cardinals vs. Chiefs

If you watched the Hall of Fame game, you’ll know why I am running away from the Cardinals to take the Chiefs. I was on the wrong side of the Hall of Fame game. The Cardinals looked so bad, I don’t know what they are going to do. Their supposed “starter” at quarterback looked awful, and their backup wasn’t much better against a Saints’ defense that isn’t that good. 

Enter the Chiefs, who were banged-up last season, who bring back the best young safety in the league in Eric Barry. I doubt the Cardinals score against their third string, let alone the first few series with the starters. 

My Pick: Chiefs -2 ½

 

Patrick WillisVikings vs. 49ers 

My best play of the day is the Friday late game between Minnesota and San Francisco. The Vikings come in missing their best player while the Niners come in stocked to the brin and ready to let out some of that frustration from the NFC Title game loss. The Niners have a lot of new moving parts, including a lot of rookies. 

The Vikings, on the other hand, don’t need any more injuries, so I doubt their main players see too much time. San Francisco will need the entire first half and probably some of the second to take a look at the massive depth on their roster, especially on offense. With that being said, they already have a crippling defense. Their offense will play pretty well in this game, and I see them winning by double figures.

My Pick: 49ers -3