It was an entertaining first week of NFL preseason action as we saw rookie quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins shine in their respective ways. Can they build on their performances in Week 2? Let’s take a closer look at the five best games to look forward to this week. naturally, we’ll also provide some pointers to sports bettors looking to place a wager at the bookies:
Oakland Raiders @ Arizona Cardinals
Thursday August 15th, 2019 – 8:00 PM ET
Rookie first-overall pick quarterback Kyler Murray went 6-of-7 for 44 yards on his lone drive in last week’s 17-13 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Now we get another opportunity to see what he can do with a good chance he plays more than one series versus Oakland this week. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has turned heads with his arm strength, accuracy and mobility at the college level. He should see extended action this week. The Raiders won’t go easy on him as Jon Gruden is a healthy 34-17 in the preseason.
Chicago Bears @ New York Giants
Friday August 16th, 2019 – 7:30 PM ET
Even before Murray made his debut for the Cardinals, Daniel Jones carved up the New York Jets secondary for 67 yards and a touchdown while completing all five of his pass attempts in last week’s 31-22 win. The sixth-overall pick from this year’s NFL Draft is pushing Eli Manning for the starting job in New York. Now he is set to take even more snaps against Chicago this week. The Bears will also likely feature more veterans on the defensive side of the football than the Jets did last week, which should result in a tougher test for Jones.
Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts
Saturday August 17th, 2019 – 4:00 PM ET
While Odell Beckham Jr. remained on the sidelines in Cleveland’s season opener, Baker Mayfield still put on a show when he completed 5-of-6 pass attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown in a 30-10 win over the Washington Redskins. Mayfield’s touchdown celebration made it look like the Browns were playing a postseason game rather than an exhibition contest. He should see even more snaps in Week 2 against the Colts. Andrew Luck remains sidelined for Indianapolis, but this matchup is all about the hype surrounding the fact that Cleveland could be a legitimate playoff team this season.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Saturday August 17th, 2019 – 7:30 PM ET
Reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes completed all four of his pass attempts for 66 yards in a 38-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Now he is primed to take more snaps against a quality opponent in the Steelers. Can the Steelers slow down Mahomes and company? The Chiefs 38 points were a league-high in Week 1. It wasn’t just Mahomes as the four quarterbacks combined to go 23-of-38 for 285 yards, three touchdowns and a pick, while the running backs chipped in 115 yards and two touchdowns.
Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams
Saturday August 17th, 2019 – 10:00 PM ET
The Rams have committed to keeping their starters off the field for the entire preseason. That doesn’t mean this late Saturday night matchup won’t be worth tuning in to see. Dak Prescott completed all four of his pass attempts for 23 yards in last week’s 17-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Now he has an opportunity to show off more of his arsenal against an LA defence that will be made up completely of backups.
However, keep in mind that Jason Garrett is just 12-22 in preseason action and the Cowboys have lost five straight exhibition games.