Hall of Fame Game 2010: Cowboys vs. Bengals Betting Preview

America’s long national football free nightmare is over. All eyes will be watching NBC tonight.

It’s the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals in the Hall-of-Fame Game to kick off NFL wagering in Canton, Ohio. The Vegas NFL spread has Cincinnati laying three-points with a posted total of 32.5. Some of the best online sportsbooks to bet football have the NFL morning line at the Bengals -2.5. 

Don’t be jealous of HP Chairmen Mark Hurd and his severance package. NFL professional bettors have done quite well financially. 

Each team is expected to play their starters about two series. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis did indicate that if his offense has a couple of four and out series, the starters will play longer. 

Dallas will be without top pick Dez Bryant, who will likely miss the preseason because of injury. Pokes OT dislocated Alex Barron is expected to play despite an injury to his left pinky finger. 

The Cowboys particularly worked on red zone offense in training camp so far. Dallas did some prep work and game planning for Cincinnati. 

Underrated DE Marcus Spears is also out for Dallas. He is a top run stopper. Jason Hatcher has played well in training camp and is Spears replacement. Spears was involved in 50 tackles, two for a loss, and had a career-high two-and-a-half sacks last season. 

“Marcus is a really solid part of our defense,” Dallas coach Wade Phillips admitted. “He’s going to be where he’s supposed to be. He’s a smart player and a physical player. We’ll miss him in the preseason.” 

The game is in Canton, Oh giving Cincinnati an edge geographically. However, Dallas great Emmitt Smith is being inducted into the Hall of Fame, bringing plenty of Cowboys faithful in for the ceremonies and game. 

Cincinnati.com reports that "Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has ruled out fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), offensive tackle Andre Smith (foot/conditioning), and wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) from playing Sunday. Safety Tom Nelson (knee) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg) are on the active PUP list. 

There’s a good possibility that linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring), kicker Mike Nugent (leg), and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (thigh bruise) will also sit out.” 

Roy Williams, Adam Jones (formally Pac Man), Terrell Owens, and Tank Johnson are among former Cowboys playing for Cincinnati. 

Dallas QBs will be Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee, and Matt Nichols. McGee will likely be given a long look. 

Cincinnati’s QB rotation: Carson Palmer, JT O’Sullivan, and Jordan Palmer. The Bengals may only keep two QBs this season.

Top expert pick on this game:

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Start out the preseason with the Cowboys-Bengals side. GodsTips has not had a Wise Guy since Thursday night, going 2-0 with such plays. Not only do we have one in the NFL, but also two in MLB plus three MLB Majors. Get the flipper ready because it includes the Sunday Night MLB Red Sox-Yankees Click now to purchase GodsTips

Spread betting trends (all records are against the spread): Dallas 5-7 NFLX under Wade Phillips. The Bengals are 12-7 against the preseason football betting odds including 3-1 in Game 1.

Over/under trends: The Cowboys have gone over 8-of-12 preseason games.