Join us as we preview both of tonight's NFL preseason games. Who have the NFL odds makers decided to favor today, and how can we profit the most with our NFL picks?

Two games will kick off Thursday for Week 2 of the preseason, and while the bulk of the games are set to start on Friday and Saturday, the NFL has blessed us with a double feature before the weekend.

Andy DaltonNFL preseason games can be profitable, so let’s take a look and see if we find any value in tonight’s two matchups. So far, not to many preseason trends are emerging, but there are some that should be noted for Week 2. For instance, home team favorites are only 8-9 ATS, however, last season’s playoff teams are 8-4-1 ATS. 

Bengals vs. Falcons 

The Bengals were able to knock out the Jets in Week 1 of the preseason, and are one of the contributors to the 2011-playoff teams cashing so far. Cincinatti is however, a +4 ½ underdog against the Falcons in Atlanta. Normally, starters will get some more playing time this week, but the Falcons are in a unique position. They have depth on offense, but not on defense. 

While the Falcons will spend almost the entire first half trying to run up the scoreboard, I don’t see any reason to think the Bengals won’t be able to keep up with them. I’m not much of a Falcons fanatic this season, and I think that if this is indeed the realest game of the preseason for both of these squads, I like the Bengals. It goes along with the trend of last season’s playoff teams cashing, and more importantly, the Bengals’ defense is still pretty good, much better than the Falcons’.

My Pick: Bengals +4 ½

Browns vs. Packers 

Even though the Packers had nine more wins than the Browns did last season, in their current preseason records, the Browns are the only team with a win. Cleveland made a nice comeback to beat the Lions 19-17, while the Packers gave up a late score to the Chargers, as they lost 13-21. 

Aaron RodgersThis week will most likely be better for the Packers. In the last four seasons, Green Bay is 4-0 SU in their second preseason game. Much like the Saints, which I discussed in my article on their game against the Jaguars on Friday, the Packers seem to take the middle preseason games with a lot more seriousness. 

The Browns are dealing with some injuries already, and the preseason isn’t even half over. Their highly touted rookie running back, Trent Richardson, had to have his knee scoped, and his preseason is done. Mohammed Massaquoi appeared to suffer yet another concussion, but it looks like he did not, as he was back at practice. Either way, the Browns couldn’t afford to lose anyone, and they still can’t.

Plus, let’s be honest, we all know that the Browns will not be a playoff team. They have a rookie running back, a rookie quarterback, and a sophomore wide receiver to lead them. Although we saw the Bengals do that last season, they had a stellar defense led by several veterans to help out. The Browns have nothing like that. 

This is why I see no reasons why you shouldn’t love the Packers here. Aaron Rodgers is going to want to make up for his garbage few drives in the first game against the Chargers, and I think the Packers will also want to see some of their younger players. I’m not sure if Cedric Benson will play, but even if he doesn’t, I am lay the points and adding the Packers to my NFL Picks.

My Pick: Packers -3