NFL Preseason Week 2 Game Preview: Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

Online Betting Overview

The second week of the preseason is often used to try and get a good look at second and third-string players that have a chance of making an NFL roster. Teams like to make decisions on fringe players in the second week because they can then release the players and give them a chance to sign on somewhere else. The Chicago Bears looked decent in their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, but the offensive line was suspect. The Bills picked up nine sacks on the Bears’ offense and held the first-string offense to no points. It is only preseason, but the Bills had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year. Yes, Buffalo has made some minor improvements to its defensive unit. But the Bears should be trying out a lot of offensive players in this game.

Any NFL betting lines on the New York Giants are split into two halves. The Giants excel in the first half of the regular season, but they fall apart in the second half. Unfortunately, one of the reasons the Giants choke in the second half of the season is quarterback Eli Manning. Since Manning isn’t going anywhere, the Giants need to focus on discipline as that is the second reason New York crumbles in the second half of the season. The plays that worked so well in the first eight games fall apart in the second set of eight games because receivers give up on routes, tight ends drop the ball and running backs miss their blocking assignments. The Giants will also be using this game as a chance to find some more consistent offensive players to avoid the second-half collapse.

Chicago Bears
Quarterback Jay Cutler did look leaner and more athletic in the preseason opener. Cutler had worked on his throwing delivery and his conditioning all summer long, and it shows. But he still makes bad decisions when it comes to throwing the football, and that may be something that the Bears can do nothing about. The Bears offensive line was weak and the running game did the best it could to push the Bills back. The Bears’ defense did not look like one of the best in the NFL as the Bills were the only team that scored points in the first quarter. But the Bears’ defense has the leadership to improve, which is something the offense lacks.

New York Giants
Even though the Giants lost their preseason opener to the Carolina Panthers 20-10, the first-team offense and defense looked good. The Giants’ defense picked off Carolina quarterback Jimmy Clausen early, and then went toe-to-toe with an extremely determined Panthers’ offensive line. The Giants’ offense moved the ball, scored points and avoided mistakes. If the Giants keep this up, they may be able to break their second-half curse.

The Bottom Line
The betonline reviews of the Chicago Bears were not encouraging. The Bears looked just as inconsistent as they did last year. The Giants show some promise, and may be able to put together a 53-man roster that can make the playoffs this season.

Pick: New York Giants

UEFA Europa League Betting

Bukomir's Predictions

4 August, 2010

Rheinpark Stadion

Vaduz v Hapoel Tel Aviv

ko 19:00 GMT

Ouch, my bet on Slovan went wild yesterday! It is time to rebuild some pride and that is why I have carefully chosen the game from UEFA Europa League coupon and spent more time on selecting the winning bet.

Last game

Hapoel won 4:0 in the first leg and it was obvious Vaduz are way out of their league. Now it is time to warm up for the next round and winning always tastes good in Europe.

My thoughts

Hapoel Tel Aviv had the job done early in the first leg and bookies are suspicious about them playing at full speed tonight. That is why guests received odds around even here - 1/1 or 2.00 in Decimal on bet365 this morning. Considering the big quality gap we have between both squads and the aggressive away style of Hapoel, it looks like a must shot at the visitors.

I was even thinking of taking Hapoel to cover the handicap, but after I have lost some money on Slovan yesterday, prefer to stick with the safety bet and pick the straight winner.

The guests are well in form, offering goals and aggression in their friendlies and UEFA Europa League previous qualifications. They drew 2:2 Maccabi in the local derby just few days ago and again looked solid and ready for an outstanding season. The team can't afford loosing the rhythm so early with having bit of a rest tonight - speaking of preserving power would be silly as Hapoel needs more minutes and matches right before the start of the real battles. Bring them on!

Bet selection:
I will take Hapoel Tel Aviv to win - an option, generously priced at 2.00 by bet365.

LOST, 2:1

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on UEFA Europa League as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly:

bet365 or Bet-at-home.


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UEFA Champions League Betting - To Qualify Market

Bukomir's Predictions

3 August, 2010

Stadion Pasienky

Slovan v Apoel

ko 19:45 GMT

I had a wining shot at UEFA Champions League qualifications yesterday and it tastes good. Another betting pick loaded today with a huge possible return for your stake. Ready? Go.

Last game

Slovan held Apoel in the first leg for a goalless draw, which gives the team a clear advantage at home. As both domestic championships are in a very early phase or even not started yet, I won't take the local results in consideration.

My thoughts

I know 0:0 can be a tricky first leg result but in that case it means to me Slovan had the job almost done and now just need to perform at their usual best in front of the fans. Apoel have lost their chance at home and it will be a mountain to climb to produce any shocking result here - Slovan have the experience and the home ground on their side. I am a bit concerned about the odds that all of the bookies put on the game today - not a clear favorite on paper, but that only makes the price unusually tasty.

I expect a solid performance by Slovan Bratislava here and they must use the momentum and progress in the competition. However, I will back up my bet a bit and instead of going with a straight bet on winner, I will use the "To Qualify" option in bet365, which will double my money.

Bet selection:
My betting instincts are shouting Slovan to qualify here and the price of 2.00, offered by bet365, is a reward, indeed.

LOST, 0:2

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on UEFA Champions League as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly:

bet365 or Bet-at-home.


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UEFA Champions League Betting - Goals Market

Bukomir's Predictions

2 August, 2010

Tallaght Stadium

Shamrock v Copenhagen

ko 19:45 GMT

With the new England Premier League season knocking on the door, I have decided to warm up a bit and have a shot on UEFA Champions League qualifications betting.

Surprise in Dublin, anyone?

Last game

This is the return leg and Copenhagen have a slightly 1:0 advantage after the first 90 minutes.

Shamrock last domestic game with Bray was postponed and the team had plenty of time to focus on this one in what can be a huge history breakthrough. Copenhagen took easily 2:0 their last match from the Superliga.

My thoughts

I believe the game is coming too early for Copenhagen as they still are in the same beginning of the local championship and are in obvious lack of games and practice. The first leg proved that and Shamrock are coming home with their hopes alive, which guarantees an inspiring performance and battle for every inch of the pitch, at least. The home team is currently sitting 3rd in Ireland and demonstrates a solid, well organized defense. Their last 5 games in all competitions ended in low scoring, under 2.5 goals affairs and the fact makes me believe it will be another close one tonight. I have no mood to risk my money on a draw or a home win (both possible and standing tasty at 3.80 and 6.00 in bet365) as Copenhagen are, on paper, clearly the better side. But I bet Shamrock will give their guest a battle and a closed, tactical game with hard midfield action is likely.

Bet selection:
Take the Under 2.5 Goals here and collect the huge price of 1.70 , offered by bet365

WON, 0:2

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Bookmakers of choice:
This season I will use mainly the following bookies to bet on UEFA Champions League as I find them secure, trusted and user friendly:

bet365 or Bet-at-home.


Subscribe to Betting Premier League Picks via RSS:

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