By Ron Jumper

Here we are in week 3 of the preseason and, as bettors know, this is the last week of the preseason to get down any action. This is for two reasons. First, the last week of the preseason is a crapshoot because only backups play that are trying to make those final roster spots. Second, the college football season starts and there is much better action there than the preseason games (not to mention a lot more fun to watch). For this last week of preseason picks, I’ve got 5 strong plays. Enjoy!

Bankroll: $905
Preseason Record: 8-8-1 ATS

Colts/Packers Over 44.5*Risk $55 to win $50
This has all the makings of a shootout, as both offenses are explosive and neither defense is anything to write home about. In simple terms, with Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers this one could be close to the Over by halftime. I expect the Colts defense to continue to get lit up, especially with the way Rodgers has been playing so far. Consider the Colts have given up 34 and 37 points in the first two weeks and didn’t play near the offense that the Packers possess. This has OVER written all over it.

New York Jets -4.5*Risk $55 to win $50
The Washington Redskins will not have Donovan McNabb and I just don’t see them being able to stay with the Jets in this one. Expect the defense to harass Rex Grossman and force a few turnovers, leading to an ugly yet decisive win for the Jets. This seems like a spot where the Redskins will not be up for this game and give a lackluster effort. Take J-E-T-S in this one.

Chargers/Saints Over 42.5*Risk $55 to win $50
In this situation, the Chargers have come out and said they are going to treat this road game as a test to prepare for the regular season just like they did last year. For those that are curious, the Chargers lost 24-27 to the Falcons but not before the first unit racked up 21 first half points. Against the Saints, one would expect a high scoring affair here. Take the Over.

Jaguars/Bucs Under 36.5*Risk $55 to win $50
Josh Freeman going down was a huge blow to the Bucs, as the backup quarterbacks are a glaring concern. I don’t expect the Bucs to be able to generate much offense here but they will hang around at home in a low scoring affair that is probably not going to be fun to watch. The Jaguars secondary has been suspect but the Bucs don’t have the weapons outside to exploit that weakness. Place your bet and watch something else, this will be a snoozefest. Take the Under.

Tennessee Titans +3*Risk $55 to win $50
The Titans are a strong preseason team, while the Panthers are one of the weaker preseason teams. I was projecting the Titans to be favored in this matchup, so getting points is a solid value here. I expect Tennessee to win straight up, as they should improve to 3-0 ATS in the preseason while the Panthers drop 0-2 SU and ATS. Take the Titans here.