NFL betting in Pennsylvania heats up on Friday as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles. Many of the starters will not play in Friday’s game and that may impact the Preseason NFL odds week 1 numbers. The Steelers are a 3 point football betting favorite with a total of 33.5.
NFL betting injury information tells us that Pittsburgh Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu is out and nose tackle Casey Hampton will also not play. The Eagles also have NFL betting injury information to report as cornerback Asante Samuel is out and end Victor Abiamiri will not play. Both starting quarterbacks may get limited action on Friday according to football betting experts. Ben Roethlisberger and Donovan McNabb have nagging injuries and may only play a series according to NFL betting information. The top running backs may also be held out as Willie Parker of the Steelers and Brian Westbrook may not play according to NFL betting experts. NFL betting information tells us that Pittsburgh rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall should get some action but rookie wideout Limas Sweed could be held out due to injury.
The Eagles will look for some of their newcomers to get playing time on Friday according to NFL betting information. Running back Lorenzo Booker, rookie wideout DeSean Jackson and defensive end Chris Clemons should get playing time according to NFL betting information.
The Eagles have a 17-16-1 edge in the all-time preseason series against the Steelers according to NFL betting stats. The Steelers were a 27-13 winner in preseason NFL betting action last year against the Eagles. The two teams will meet in regular season NFL betting on Sept. 21st.
Other NFL betting stats show that the Eagles under Andy Reid are not always a good bet as he tends to keep things close to the vest in the preseason. Also, in recent seasons, the Steelers are 8-1 to the under against NFC teams in football betting. As you look at NFL odds week 1 action you might want to know that underdogs are 57% versus the football betting pointspread in week one of the preseason.