Fantasy football: Where to draft Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

Analyzing Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

The word has been that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is going to elevate his game to the level of the elite quarterbacks for the last 3 years. He’s being paid that way now but has yet to provide the consistent fantasy numbers required to be anointed into that category.

Below, we look at Kyler Murray‘s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Murray flashed the signs of greatness in 2020 when he accounted for 37 touchdowns (26 passing, 11 rushing) and made a lot of noise by rushing for 819 yards. He missed 3 games last season and his numbers for both total touchdowns (29) and rushing yards (423) took a significant hit.

Kyler Murray’s ADP: 54.41

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at the time of publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

It’s hard to argue Murray’s ADP because it isn’t often that an offense is built around a quarterback from the day he arrived at a franchise, but that is exactly what the Cardinals did when they installed Kliff Kingsbury’s offense that was a glove fit for what Murray ran in college.

His ADP ranking has him settled in as the No. 5 quarterback, trailing Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) at 45.28 and ahead of Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) at 57.97 and Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) at 60.39.

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Kyler Murray’s 2021 stats

Games: 14

Passing yards: 3,787

Completions | attempts: 333 | 481

Passing touchdowns: 24

Interceptions: 10

Carries | rushing yards: 88 | 423

Rushing touchdowns: 5

Where should you draft Murray?

Murray has about as many weapons as any quarterback in the league and the offense is continually adding component pieces to the mix. While I might lean a little toward Burrow to supplant him at No. 5, the placement of Murray here seems logical.

The more significant issue I have with undersized rushing quarterbacks is their potential for injury. If last year was any indication, despite Murray making a name for himself as a runner, the Cardinals’ offense is designed more around keeping him in the pocket and doing damage with his arm more than his legs.

We’ve seen the same happen with a player like Jackson, who became a fantasy star because he ran for 1,000 yards and a season and mixed in enough passing production to make him a star. However, the production is marginal when the rushing numbers aren’t there in a given week.

I would have Murray ranked slightly lower than he is, which likely means when he does come off draft boards it will either be to someone else or he will come to your roster as more of a bargain a round or so after his ADP number would indicate.

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Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Detroit Lions (1-1) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) close out their preseason schedule Sunday. Kick off is 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS) at Acrisure Field in Pittsburgh. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Lions vs. Steelers odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Lions turned the ball over twice in its preseason-opening 27-23 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, giving up a game-winning touchdown pass with under 2 minutes left in the game. They squeaked by the Indianapolis Colts 27-26 last week when Indy failed to convert on a 2-point attempt to win the game.

The Steelers got 2 TD passes from rookie QB Kenny Pickett in a 32-25 win over the Seattle Seahawks to open the preseason. Pittsburgh beat the Jacksonville Jaguars last week 16-15 with Pickett adding another TD pass.

Lions at Steelers nickname odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:51 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Lions +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Steelers -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lions +4.5 (-105) | Steelers -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Lions at Steelers picks and predictions

Prediction

Steelers 25, Lions 22

Money line

Both teams plan on playing starters, which gives the Steelers the advantage, although the Lions will play their starters for a full half.

Considering that, PASS on the money line.

The Steelers’ starters should establish the tone, but there is too much juice to wager the Steelers to win on the money line.

Against the spread

While the Pittsburgh starters should get the lead and take it into the 2nd half, both teams have had close games. The Steelers won by only 1 point last week and the Lions had a 4-point loss and a 1-point  win.

The guys playing at the end of the game will be fighting for their NFL lives. It should end up being a close game.

Take the LIONS +4.5 (-105).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The Lions’ 2 previous preseason games had totals of 50 and 53 points. The Steelers had 1 game of 57 and then only 31 last week.

In the Lions’ games, both they and their opponents scored in the 20s.

Expect that again. Take OVER 38.5 (-108).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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New York Giants at New York Jets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New York Giants at New York Jets odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

[mm-video type=video id=01gbbzvj8zx6baff4c9g playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gbbzvj8zx6baff4c9g/01gbbzvj8zx6baff4c9g-7e7a4f7d0e70dffd37d50676175a9f11.jpg]

The New York Giants (2-0) and New York Jets (2-0) close out their preseason with a matchup in their own home stadium Sunday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at MetLife Stadium with the game nationally televised on NFL Network. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Giants vs. Jets odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Giants beat the New England Patriots 23-21 in the 1st preseason game on a game-winning Graham Gano field goal as time expired. They scored 18 points in the 4th-quarter points to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 25-22 in their 2nd game.

The Jets lost QB Zach Wilson to a knee injury in their preseason opener, but QB Chris Streveler has made 4th-quarter plays. He led the Jets to a 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener and a 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons last week.

Giants at Jets odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Giants +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Jets -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Giants +3.5 (-105) | Jets -3.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 38.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Giants at Jets picks and predictions

Prediction

Giants 25, Jets 21

Money line

Preseason matchups are fun, but are tough to predict because of the variant nature of the games. Starters largely do not play and games are decided by players battling to just make an NFL roster.

What we will see is a QB battle between Davis Webb of the Giants and  Streveler of the Jets.

If there is ever a preseason game where few starters play, if at all, and you must have some action on the game, treat it like a tossup and go for the big payout.

Take the GIANTS (+170).

Against the spread

PASS on the spread. With only a 3.5-point spread, there is no real room for error. Both teams have won both games, but only the Jets have won by more than 3 points.

Spread picks in the preseason are tossups. Again, go where the value is and that is with the money line.

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The Giants’ 2 games had totals of 44 and 47 points. Both the Giants and their opponents each scored more than 20 points in both games.

The Jets’ 2 preseason games had totals of 44 and 40 points. They have scored more than 20 points in each game.

Both teams have scored and allowed points.

Betting the total on this feels like easy money. With the projected total only 38.5 points, you have to take OVER 38.5 (-105).

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2) and Indianapolis Colts (0-2) both wrap up their 2022 preseason schedule Saturday night. They kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium. It will be televised regionally in the home viewing market of each team. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Buccaneers vs. Colts odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Bucs lost their preseason opener, 26-24, to the Miami Dolphins. They outgained Miami 389 yards to 242 but turned the ball over twice. They followed that up with a 13-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The Colts dropped their preseason opener 27-24 to the Buffalo Bills. The Colts forced 5 turnovers in the game. In their 2nd game, they also lost a close one, 27-26, to the Detroit Lions.

Buccaneers at Colts odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 1:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Buccaneers +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Colts -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Buccaneers +3.5 (-115) | Colts -3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Buccaneers at Colts picks and predictions

Prediction

Buccaneers 24, Colts 21

Money line

Preseason games tend to be tossups, especially when starters are held out of games. You are left with backups and players that largely won’t be on NFL rosters deciding games.

Is there anything we can take away from the teams’ first 2 preseason contests that help us pick tonight’s outcome? Not really, other than both teams can score and give up points.

So for preseason games, if you are going to wager, go with the best value since it is a tossup. Take the BUCCANEERS (+155).

Against the spread

The Bucs have lost by 2 and by 10. The Colts have lost by 3 and by 1.

Does that tell us anything?

Well, when it is Kyle Trask and Jack Coan deciding games, no.

With a small spread and the variant nature of the preseason, PASS on the spread.

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Over/Under

Here we can make a somewhat educated pick. The Bucs’ last game only had a total of 16 points, but their preseason opener and both games the Colts have played had more than 50 total points.

Take OVER 40.5 (-117).

This total came down a point Saturday and remains at a value.

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Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Julio Jones

Analyzing Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Julio Jones’ 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

There is little question that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Julio Jones is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But after missing 14 games due to a variety of injuries over the last 2 years, it would appear Jones’ best days are long since past him. However, that has never stopped the Buccaneers from giving old players a chance at reigniting their careers in Florida.

Below, we look at Julio Jones‘ 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Jones had his 2 least productive years of his career in the last 2 seasons and was a complete washout last year in Tennessee – averaging just 3 catches for 43 yards per game and scoring just 1 touchdown in the 10 games he played. He comes to a Tampa Bay team – Jones’ 3rd team in 3 years – that has given QB Tom Brady plenty of weapons at receiver, including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and free-agent signee Russell Gage. So if he is to make an impact, it may take injuries to others to do so.

Julio Jones’ ADP: 144.67

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Jones finds himself in a cluster in the 13th round of 12-team leagues. It can be argued that Jones is the WR4 on the Bucs roster, and it shows with the players he is in the immediate vicinity of on ADP lists.

Jones’ ADP is at 144.19 currently, but has a lot of young players chasing him down, including Rondale Moore (Arizona Cardinals) at 146.11, Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers) at 147.04, Gage at 147.35 and Christian Watson (Green Bay Packers) at 147.66.

[the_huddle]

Julio Jones’ 2021 stats

Games: 10

Receptions | targets: 31 | 48

Receiving yards: 434

Receiving touchdowns: 1

Where should you draft Jones?

I’ve always been a fan of Jones, but rarely ended up with him on a fantasy roster because I value touchdown scoring more than some. In 11 seasons, Jones has scored more than 8 touchdowns just once (in 2012) and has scored 6 TDs or less 7 times. Even worse, he has been shockingly non-productive in the red zone, where you would think he would have mismatches constantly.

The upside is that, as a No. 4 receiver instead of a WR1 or WR2 he has been his entire career, Jones is going to be covered by nickel corners more often than not, and Brady knows how to exploit a mismatch.

When it comes down to it, when you’re at the point of taking a player for your last non-kicker, I would rather roll the dice on someone Watson or Gage, who have a higher ceiling. Jones is a nostalgia pick that’s nice to have on your roster, but you really hope you don’t need to count on him for a stretch of games.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) take on the Miami Dolphins (1-1) Saturday night to wrap up their respective preseason schedules. Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium, airing only regionally on television in the 2 teams’ home viewing markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Eagles vs. Dolphins odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Eagles had a 14-0 lead against the New York Jets in their preseason opener, only to fall in the fourth quarter 24-21. They followed that up with a 21-29 win over the Cleveland Browns.

The Dolphins opened the preseason with a 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then, they lost 15-13 to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Eagles at Dolphins odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Eagles +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Dolphins -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Eagles -2.5 (-108) | Dolphins +2.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Eagles at Dolphins picks and predictions

Prediction

Eagles 23, Dolphins 20

Money line

My general philosophy about the preseason is that you generally take the best value of a bet. With starters only playing a small fraction of the game, it is backups and players battling to stay on NFL rosters deciding the outcomes of games. They are truly tossups. There is nothing reliable we can use for quality of play or motivation.

So here you go for the underdog bet, as it gives you the best value. Take the EAGLES (+110).

Against the spread

As it is a preseason game, PASS on the spread. The Eagles lost 1 game by 3 and won the other by 1 point.

The Dolphins have a 2-point win and a 2-point loss in the preseason.

But because of the high variance of the type of game you can get in the preseason, stick to the most valuable bet. PASS. 

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

Both of the Eagles’ 2 preseason games have had totals in the 40s.

The Dolphins had their first game reach 50 points, but their second only had 28 total points.

I LEAN OVER 37.5 (-105).

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Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Washington Commanders (0-2) wrap up their preseason schedule with a road game against the Baltimore Ravens (2-0) and their 22-game preseason winning streak. They face each other Saturday night with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium, airing only regionally in both teams’ home markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Commanders vs. Ravens odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Commanders have lost both preseason contests this year, falling 23-21 to the Carolina Panthers and then 24-14 to the Kansas City Chiefs last week. Washington turned the ball over twice against the Panthers and once against the Chiefs but did not force a turnover defensively in either game. Their starters will get only limited work in the preseason finale.

The Ravens have not lost a preseason game since 2015. They beat the Tennessee Titans 23-10 in their opener and the Arizona Cardinals 24-17 last week. QB Lamar Jackson has yet to play in the preseason.

Commanders at Ravens odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Commanders +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Ravens -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Commanders +5.5 (-103) | Ravens -5.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Commanders at Ravens picks and predictions

Prediction

Ravens 27, Commanders 17

Money line

PASS on the money line. The Ravens take their preseason games seriously and have a culture of winning in the locker room. The Commanders are winless in the preseason so far.

But there is far too much juice to pick the Ravens to win outright, while it seems unwise to bet the Commanders.

Against the spread

The Ravens are 2-0 in the preseason and covered the spread in both games. They have not allowed more than 17 points to any team. They have beaten both preseason opponents each by a touchdown.

The Commanders have seen both preseason opponents score 23 or more points.

Take the RAVENS -5.5 (-117).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

The Commanders have had both opponents this preseason score at least 23 points in each game.

The Ravens have not allowed more than 17 points through 2 preseason contests. They have scored 23 and 24 points in their 2 games.

I LEAN OVER 39.5 (-105). 

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Green Bay Packers WR Allen Lazard

Analyzing Green Bay Packers WR Allen Lazard’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Green Bay Packers WR Allen Lazard is looking to step up his performance in the 2022 season. He has some big shoes to fill, though, and it will be interesting to see if he rises to the challenge.

Lazard has the opportunity this season to elevate his game into the No. 1 WR position a pass-heavy Green Bay offense. This follows the departure of Davante Adams as he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Below, we look at Allen Lazard’s 2021 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

This trade has gifted Lazard with the opportunity to collaborate with 2021 MVP Aaron Rodgers at a higher volume and make his mark in Packer Nation.

Allen Lazard’s ADP: 77.60

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Lazard has an ADP of 77.60 in redraft leagues, which puts him in the mid-7th round of the fantasy draft. His ADP is lower than teammates Aaron Jones (20.45) and Rodgers (75.45).

Among wide receivers, Lazard’s ADP puts him 33rd at the position, behind the likes of Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) and Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos) and slightly ahead of Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens) and Hunter Renfrow (Las Vegas Raiders).

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Allen Lazard’s 2021 stats

Games: 15

Receptions | targets: 40 | 60

Receiving yards: 513

Receiving touchdowns: 8

Where should you draft Lazard?

Lazard’s fantasy value should get a boost this year with the departure of Adams. To what extent, no one quite knows, though, as he is listed as the top receiver in Green Bay.

Rodgers has also expressed his displeasure with the young receivers, so it could open up for Lazard and teammate WR Randall Cobb to become the go-to options for the reigning MVP.

Lazard has topped 400 yards in 3 straight seasons but hasn’t managed more than 40 receptions in either. His usage should skyrocket, and I like him as a late 6th-round pick, especially given the unknown in Green Bay.

He has a much higher ceiling than most picked around that spot but also has a low floor if WR Sammy Watkins and Cobb become the main targets for Rodgers. If you can couple him with a consistent presence like WR D.J. Moore then you should be set.

With how I expect the Packers to distribute the ball offensively, I think Lazard is being priced a little low and should produce well this season without Adams in Green Bay.

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Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The preseason mercifully comes to an end for 2 teams with playoff aspirations when the Minnesota Vikings (0-2) go on the road to face the Denver Broncos (1-1) at 8 p.m. Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High. The game will be carried on NFL Network and in the local markets. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Vikings vs. Broncos odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The final preseason game of any season can best be viewed as a FRO game (For Relatives Only) and neither the Vikings nor Broncos have made any effort to be competitive and it has showed.

Minnesota has a veteran-heavy team, especially on defense and isn’t taking any chances under new coach Kevin O’Connell. The team is laden with big-name players with NFL pedigrees on both sides of the ball, but none of them have seen action. That won’t change this week.

Despite losing badly in both their games, the Vikings are are a half-point favorite on the road — primarily because the Broncos got gutted like a fish last week by the Buffalo Bills. But it should be noted, Josh Allen and the first-team starters played a series and the 2nd-team offense was led by Case Keenum — a starter for multiple teams. This is an overreaction that needs to be corrected.

Vikings at Broncos odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:27 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Vikings -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Broncos -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Vikings -0.5 (-115) | Broncos +0.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Vikings at Broncos picks and predictions

Prediction

Broncos 23, Vikings 13

Money line

When it comes to betting on the preseason — I fervently discourage it — you’re doing more of a deep dive on the back end of rosters than the front end. Russell Wilson‘s first game with the Broncos is going to come in Week 1. The same goes for more than a dozen Vikings starters.

While both Minnesota and Denver are legitimate playoff contenders, most of the guys you see Saturday are competing for back-end roster spots. We have seen that Minnesota’s 3rd and 4th line on the depth chart are dismal. The new front office regime inherited an aging roster. The Broncos are just the opposite. With the exception of the secondary and quarterback, Denver has a very young roster and players who aren’t locked into roles behind the starters.

I bet against the Vikings in both of their 2 preseason games to date and they lost both, including when installed as a 4.5 point favorite against a deeper 49ers team last week. Third time’s a charm to keep winning.

Take the BRONCOS (-105) and see the explanation below.

Against the spread

I’m always intrigued by a 0.5 point favorite with identical lines for straight up and the spread because it makes no sense. If you’re betting the underdog on such a pee wee spread, you have the benefit of the tie coming into play. Believe me, the last thing ANYONE wants to see is the last preseason game end in an overtime tie.

In the regular season, the prospect of a tie is always out there. They don’t happen often, but they do happen. Being gifted the hook when you think the team your picking is going to win, the hedge of having that extra half-point in the unlikely event of a tie gives you two of three potential outcomes.

Take the BRONCOS (-105).

[the_huddle]

Over/Under

TAKE THE UNDER (-115)

Something always knit into the fabric of a final preseason game is the wish to get it over with. Keep the clock running. If both teams are capable of running the ball effectively, they will keep doing it. Passing will likely be short unless a glaring, obvious personnel weakness is shamefully exposed.

The players on the field in the 2nd half likely know their days are numbered. They’re trying to put something on tape to impress other teams. Defensive players usually give the extra effort that slows down drives.

I was tempted to put PASS on all three betting options, but that wouldn’t be right – even for a game hard-core fans will tune out of.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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Fantasy football: Where to draft Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore

Analyzing Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore’s 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore agreed to a 3-year contract extension at the beginning of the year, meaning he is likely to stay in Charlotte for a while.

The key term for describing Moore’s play is consistent. Moore’s past 3  seasons have had him receiving just over 1,100 yards and tabbing around an average of 82 receptions per season; he also has put up 4 touchdowns each.

Below, we look at D.J. Moore‘s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Moore being the consistent player he is makes him a dependable pick for your fantasy team this year. He may even build on his stats to elevate his performance this season.

D. J. Moore’s ADP: 44.20

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Moore has an ADP of 44.20 in redraft leagues, which puts him in the mid to late 4th round of the fantasy drafts. His ADP is lower than his teammate Christian McCaffrey (3.30).

Among wide receivers, Moore’s ADP puts him 14th at the position, behind the likes of A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), and Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) and slightly ahead of Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers).

[the_huddle]

D.J. Moore’s 2021 stats

Games: 17

Receptions | targets: 93 | 163

Receiving yards: 1,157

Receiving touchdowns: 4

Where should you draft Moore?

Moore’s fantasy value should get a boost this year with the arrival of QB Baker Mayfield. Moore hasn’t had a consistent quarterback throughout his entire tenure with the Panthers.

Mayfield should be the most aggressive passer Moore has had.

Moore will be the main receiving target, but McCaffrey will be a large part of the passing game which should actually boost Moore’s production and extend possessions for Carolina.

Moore finished 18th with QB Sam Darnold and many others throwing him the ball. Expect Moore, who saw 163 targets last season (6th most in the NFL), to possible have his best season yet.

Draft Moore in the 4th round, and I wouldn’t hate taking him in the late 3rd either. He’s been healthy and a major factor for an offense that should be improved (not to mention Carolina got the best offensive lineman in the draft).

He’s even more valuable in PPR leagues because of his target share for the Panthers.

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BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

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