Here is a little info I came across..hope it can help you guys

Why handicap preseason NFL games?

For most NFL handicappers, spending time trying to handicap preseason NFL games sounds like a big waste of time. This appears to be the case because of the difference in motivational factors between preseason and regular-season games. To handicap these preseason games you can not use the same techniques you would use to handicap the regular-season. The players that you expect to play in the regular season may play just one quarter, if at all, in the preseason. By knowing what to look for you can easily find profitable situations. No fancy mathematical techniques are required. However, you must commit to doing the research that it takes to properly handicap preseason NFL games. Doing so will prove to be a profitable investment.

Searching for the right side

To handicap a preseason NFL game you must determine what each team is looking to accomplish. This does not require any inside information. In fact, the news media has all the inside information that you will need. This information is published on an almost daily basis by the team's official website or by reading the online edition of a major newspaper that covers the team. The key factors to finding a preseason winner are: motivation, quarterback rotation, position battles, and talent depth.

Before each preseason game most coaches will announce the rotation of their players. Except for special situations, the general substitution rotations for each game are as follows:

Game 1 - Starters typically play somewhere between one series and one quarter. Substitutions follow with the second string playing through the second quarter and possibly into the second half. The third and fourth strings finish out the game in the third and fourth quarters.

Game 2 - Starters typically play for most of the first half. Second string substitutions begin to come late in the first half and into the second half. Third and fourth strings finish out the fourth quarter.

Game 3 - This is typically when the starters play the most. Most teams will play their starters into the third quarter-some even until the end of the third quarter. The second string finishes out the game in the fourth quarter, with third and fourth strings getting little playing time.

Game 4 - The rotations for game four are much like game one, except the starters typically get even less playing time. Coaches use game four to get their final look at the players on the verge of making the team. Most starting positions are locked in place, and there is no need to risk losing these players to injury.

You can use the above as a guideline to determine how long a player will play. However, there are specific situations that you must be aware of that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a preseason game.

Coach motivation: there are some coaches in the NFL that do not care about winning in the preseason. In fact, you can fit most coaches into this category. One exception to this rule is coaches that have their first NFL head coaching job. These coaches are motivated to get a victory. They want to impress the ownership, the fans, and prove they can win in the NFL. Always check to see how each team coach has performed in past preseasons. This can be a good indicator as to the attitude they take to winning preseason games.

Player motivation: make sure you take into account the motivations of the players. Look out for players like Michael Vick that will not get much playing time. Even when these players are in the game they are doing whatever they can to keep from being injured. Players like these will most likely not positively affect the outcome of a preseason game for their respective team.

Quarterback rotation: the quarterback is the player that runs the team. He is responsible for getting the other players on the team the ball. It is essential to know what the quarterback rotation will be for the preseason game you are handicapping. Coaches will typically share this information with the media a day or two before the game, so be sure to do your homework. Be on the lookout for backup quarterbacks that have NFL experience. These quarterbacks are usually overlooked by the average preseason handicapper. In a normal regular season game against a top defense they may not get the job done, but against the second, third, and fourth strings these quarterbacks can look like a big time starting NFL quarterback! Also be on the lookout for quarterback competitions. In most quarterback competitions, both quarterbacks are capable of starting a regular-season NFL game. These quarterbacks will typically stay in the game longer with the starting unit than the opposing team will, providing their team with an edge.

Position battles: knowing the position battles that exist for each team can help you get a sense as to what the team is trying to accomplish. With quarterback competitions it is likely the team will throw the ball more. The coach knows they can hand the ball off, but can they make the right decision when they drop back to pass? Quarterback, running back, and wide receiver competitions will usually mean good preseason results for the respective team. The starting offensive unit will typically stay in the game longer and produce positive results. One exception to this is offensive line battles. Most coaches would rather not leave their starting quarterback, running back, and wide receivers in the game while they are trying to figure out who can do the best job of protecting them. You can usually give the edge to the other team in these situations.

Talent depth: judging how the talent behind the starters will perform is more art than science. Players with NFL experience will typically outperform those without much, with exception being capable rookies that must begin their careers on second string units. In these cases the starting unit is set with locked in starters subbed for these rookies. These rookies need the playing time more than the seasoned veteran.

Forecasting totals

To determine point totals in preseason NFL games you must determine the type of game the coach is looking to run. Questions you must ask yourself are: Is there a quarterback competition (including backup quarterback)? Quarterback competitions allow for higher point totals because the coach will call more passing plays that do not milk the clock like running plays do. Does the coach want to run the ball? Having a starting offensive unit in place will allow the coach to run the ball and milk the clock, shortening the game and lowering the point total. No coach wants their players to be hurt unnecessarily. If a coach is not motivated to throw look for a lot of running, especially late in the second half of games. Try to keep in mind that the game play you see in the preseason is typically the reverse of what you see in the regular season.

Handicapping the second half

If you have done the appropriate research for handicapping the full game line, then when the second half line is posted then you may find value. Look to play teams that will have a quarterback advantage in the second half. Look to play the UNDER when quarterbacks with little or no experience will be playing. Look to play the OVER if quarterbacks scheduled to play the second half have NFL experience with capable ability against substitute defensive units.

If you use the above as a guideline to handicapping preseason NFL games, and you put in the necessary research then you can find profitable opportunities. There are not many times that you will have unfettered access to the coach's game plan. Use this information to your advantage and find the not-so-obvious preseason winner!