Prime-time preseason bets: Can Commanders play spoiler to Ravens' streak?
There are two games to go in Week 2 of the preseason. After a huge Saturday slate, the NFL scheduled two prime-time games to wrap up the weekend - one on Sunday and one on Monday night.
Let's dive into the matchups, odds, and what to watch for.
Sunday (7:05 p.m.), Saints @ Chargers (+3), O/U 37.5
The Saints opted to start newly-acquired quarterback Derek Carr in their preseason opener against the Chiefs. He gave Saints fans a brief glimpse of his efficiency, completing six of eight passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Herbert, on the other hand, didn't see the field for the Chargers in Week 1 and likely won't on Sunday, either. Backup Easton Stick threw for over 100 yards and a touchdown in a dominant win over the Rams.
Rookie wideout Quentin Johnston showed why he was first-round worthy, hauling in a touchdown just before halftime.
It's fair to expect Stick and Johnston to play a couple of drives on Sunday.
As for the Saints, coach Dennis Allen hasn't announced his plans but is expected to start Carr again, with Jameis Winston coming in for relief. For a preseason game, that's an elite quarterback tandem. I'd lean toward laying the points with the Saints on the road and expect them to improve to 2-0 in the preseason.
Pick: Saints -3
Monday (8 p.m.), Ravens @ Commanders (+3), O/U 38.5
The record-breaking, rule-defying, improbable streak continues. The Ravens narrowly escaped the Eagles last weekend, 20-19, to win their 24th straight preseason game.
It's a streak that means nothing but is so random and so remarkable that people care. The Commanders are the next challengers, hoping to play spoiler.
The DMV matchup is set for prime time Monday night on ESPN as a standalone game.
While the Ravens' streak is a fascinating storyline, the Commanders' roster faces some pressing questions.
Second-year quarterback Sam Howell started the preseason opener and played three drives. Earlier this week, coach Ron Rivera refused to officially name Howell the starter, but the team made it official on Friday.
Jacoby Brissett is the backup. Howell was 9-for-12 for 77 yards in the opener, while Brissett was 6-for-10 for 75 yards. Both quarterbacks will likely play a few drives Monday.
The Commanders' running back battle is intriguing, with Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson splitting first-team reps in the preseason opener. As that competition plays out, both backs should get early opportunities against the Ravens.
Expect Lamar Jackson to sit for the second straight preseason game, along with most of the Ravens' starters. The Commanders have more questions on their roster than the Ravens, so preseason reps matter more to Washington.
That could lead to the Commanders finally snapping the Ravens' unprecedented win streak. I'm not willing to take Washington on the moneyline, but for the second straight week, I'm fading the Ravens against the spread.
Pick: Commanders +3
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter @soshtry for more betting coverage.