NFL Preseason: Quarterback Competitions Are Lining Bettors' Pockets

Professional handicappers are always looking for an edge against the bookmaker, and one has certainly been found when analyzing teams with a quarterback competition during the 2011 NFL preseason.

Nothing gets the media in more of a frenzy than covering a controversy under center.  Take a look at what's gone on in the Mile High City and no further explanation is necessary.

I've found that eight teams came into the preseason with legitimate quarterback competitions and four of those have combined for a perfect 8-0 against-the-spread record.

Let's take a closer look at these four situations from a betting perspective.

Denver Broncos (Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Tim Tebow)

The Denver Broncos quarterback competition has been the most publicized event during the 2011 NFL preseason thus far, but head coach John Fox went a long way in ending the distraction Monday.  He named Kyle Orton the starter in Week 1 for the team's Monday Night Football matchup with the Oakland Raiders.

Orton seemed to grab control of the spot after completing 10 of 13 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' 24-10 home win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.

Denver has captured against-the-spread victories in their first two games and professional bettors are expecting a strong effort the final two weeks, as Brady Quinn and Tim Tebow battle it out for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

Miami Dolphins (Chad Henne, Matt Moore)

Many readers may question this as a quarterback competition, but it was a legitimate one after the Miami Dolphins' 28-23 road win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Matt Moore replaced a starter or two during his three years in Carolina, as he played 22 games for the franchise and threw for 2,640 yards over that span. The Oregon State product completed 11 of 18 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, while throwing an interception in his first opportunity in a Dolphins uniform.

Incumbent starter Chad Henne was far from impressive in the opener by throwing two interceptions, but bounced back nicely in last week's 20-10 home victory over the Carolina Panthers.  He connected on 15 of 24 pass attempts for 194 yards.

Miami is 2-0 ATS due to the battle between the 20-something quarterbacks.

Tennessee Titans (Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Locker)

The Tennessee Titans are a franchise in transition under first-year head coach Mike Munchak, with no player entering camp as a sure-fire starter.

Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was signed in the offseason to help tutor first-round draft pick Jake Locker during the season, but rumors of a competition surfaced after a 14-3 home win over the Minnesota Vikings to open the preseason.

Locker showed that he was further along than many expected by connecting on 7 of 10 passes for 89 yards and a superb 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Yamon Figurs.

Fans in Nashville know that both players are known for getting injured and will likely be game-time decisions more than once on the injury report in 2011.

Right now, the competition has delivered two against-the-spread wins in the Music City.

Washington Redskins (John Beck, Rex Grossman)

Throw your arms in the air if you're a Washington Redskins fan—veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb is out and a classic quarterback controversy is in.  No matter who comes out of the preseason with the starting gig, he will be looking over his shoulder the entire year.

Head coach Mike Shanahan has yet to make a decision if John Beck or Rex Grossman will be get the nod in Thursday's contest against the Baltimore Ravens.  Both players impressed in their opportunities to lead the team through two weeks.

Grossman was handed the keys in a 16-7 home win in Week 1 over the Pittsburgh Steelers and completed 19 of 26 passes for 207 yards. 

Beck was unable to participate in the opener due to an injured groin, but completed 14 of 17 passes for 140 yards in a 16-3 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts Friday night.

Bettors are loving the drama and will likely continue to cash in leading up to the regular season.