NFL Preseason Odds: Arizona Cardinals vs Oakland Raiders

Thursday, August 11, 2011

by Bodog Sportsbook

Kevin Kolb - NFL Preseason Odds: Arizona Cardinals vs Oakland Raiders

The final of five NFL preseason openers tonight features two big debuts in Oakland as the Cardinals visit in a matchup of 2010 non-playoff teams. Oakland is a 3.5-point favorite with the total at 33 on Bodog Sportsbook’s NFL Preseason Odds.

For Arizona Cardinals, it’s the first game for new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, who was acquired via trade a few weeks ago for the steep price of former Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick. Kolb was once the QB of the future for the Eagles and is the first player in NFL history to have back-to-back 300-yard passing games in his first two starts (in 2009). But he went down injured in last season’s opener and was replaced by Michael Vick – and Vick was so good he never gave the job up.

Since Kolb has only been practicing with his new team for a week, Coach Ken Whisenhunt acknowledged Kolb will probably play a little more than a first-string quarterback would normally at the outset of the preseason because Kolb needs the work in the offense.

For the Oakland Raiders, it’s the first game for Hue Jackson as the team’s head coach. He was the offensive coordinator last year under Tom Cable and will still call the plays. Jackson's offense finished second in the NFL in rushing yards and sixth-best in points scored in 2010. Jackson said he hadn't decided how long starting quarterback Jason Campbell and backups Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards will play.

The Raiders will sit several regulars with injury. Star RB Darren McFadden (fractured orbital bone under his left eye), receivers Jacoby Ford (broken left hand) and Louis Murphy (undisclosed) and strong safety Mike Mitchell (undisclosed) are all out. The Raiders have been one of the quietest teams in free agency and lost two top starters in cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and tight end Zach Miller. Oakland did add former Giant Kevin Boss to replace Miller.

Bet on Cardinals-Raiders and every NFL preseason game at Bodog Sportsbook!

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arizona cardinals - darren mcfadden - dominique rodgers-cromartie - hue jackson - jacoby ford - jason campbell - ken whisenhunt - kevin boss - kevin kolb - kyle boller