In this week's FPBcast, Gerry Ahern and Mike Szvetitz give their picks on who will win the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. They also talk national champion and Heisman Trophy frontrunners.
The NFL preseason gets going Thursday night in Canton, Ohio with the Hall of Fame Game matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders.
Both teams are looking to improve upon 2021 seasons with some fresh faces leading the charge.
Jacksonville went 3-14 mostly under the defrocked Urban Meyer, who didn't survive the campaign after foibles on and off the field. Meyer was replaced by offensive guru Doug Pederson.
Las Vegas was 10-7, making the playoffs, but parting during the season with, you guessed it, defrocked coach Jon Gruden. Gruden resigned in October after mysogynistic and homophobic comments in e-mails came to light. Josh McDaniels takes over the Silver and Black. Like Pederson, he is touted for his offensive pedigree.
FrontPageBets examines a best bet for the inaugural preseason game.
Jaguars' developments
How much progress will we see from touted Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (12 touchdowns vs. 17 interceptions)?
He'll be fronted by an improved offensive line that can open holes for backs Travis Etienne and James Robinson.
The receiving corps is now deep with Marvin Jones, Zay Jones and Christian Kirk.
The defense, 29th in the league in 2021, has a lot of room for improvement.
Raiders' update
Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr gets a dynamic addition to his arsenal in receiver Davante Adams. Adams, acquired from the Green Bay Packers, contributed more than 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. Versatile wideout Hunter Renfrow will team with Adams to provide punch.
Tight end Darren Waller is an impact player.
The offensive line brings back all its starters from a sometimes leaky outfit.
On the defensive side, the Raiders must fortify a unit that was 26th in points yielded a year ago.
Best bet
Since starters will play sparingly, if at all, you won't be seeing a very polished product.
With DraftKings setting the Over/Under at 30.5, and both teams just a week into training camp, don't expect any offensive explosions.
The pick: UnderÂ
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Gerry Ahern is senior content editor for FrontPageBets. A 35-year veteran sports editor and digital media executive, he has led coverage of the biggest events in sports, from Super Bowls, to Final Fours, to Olympics, to the Masters.
