The NFL preseason betting finale between the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings could be quarterback Mitch Leidner’s first and last NFL game with the Vikes. And it could be neither, too. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers signal-caller signed with the Vikings last week because third-stringer Taylor Heinicke was limited by an injured rib, which for the Bite Squad delivery boy was like Make-A-Wish Foundation mistook him for a little kid and made his dream come true.
- Date: Thursday, 31st August
- Time: 8:05 PM
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sportsbook Online NFL Preseason Odds:
Dolphins +3 (-105) 38 (-110)
Vikings -3 (-115) 38 (-110)
Hello, I Must Be Going!
According to the Twin Cities.com-Pioneer Press, there is a “zero percent chance” of Leidner making the 53-man roster, but “almost a 100 percent chance he plays in Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins.” Common sense dictates that head coach Mike Zimmer is not about to risk starter Sam Bradford or backup Case Keenum getting injured. Or isn’t he? Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says that Zimmer was so displeased with the starters barely beating the 49ers on Sunday – and at one point trailing 0-14 – that he has threatened playing the starters all over again this Thursday, which would dramatically decrease Leidner’s chances of playing. Here’s Heinicke’s game-winning heroics (and more bad news for Leidner’s odds of making the roster).
“I’ve made up my mind, but I haven’t told the team or anything like that,” said Zimmer. “I haven’t told the coaches either. After the other night, I feel like they should play. So we’ll see.” The defense allowed Brian Hoyer of all people to complete his first nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns in two possessions, while the starting offense has yet to reach the end zone this preseason.
A little NFL preseason betting Mattitude
A trio of Matts will strive to make a case on Thursday to that they are worthy assets to the Dolphins.
– Fighting for a roster spot
– Biggest trade this offseason
– @Giancarlo818's home run counthttps://t.co/IPMC8EJnZK— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 30, 2017
Backup quarterback Matt Moore currently has a 21.1 passer rating in the first three exhibition games, and threw two picks against the Eagles last Thursday. He has yet to prove he can run head coach Adam Gase’s offense. Meanwhile, Matt Darr’s and rookie Matt Haack’s camp battle will come to a thrilling end after which one will have punted the other so hard he will see the curvature of the Earth. Darr has more experience and makes more money than Haack, and is a soon-to-be free agent. However, on Thursday the punts will do the talking. Elsewhere on the roster, Neville Hewitt injured, Trevor Reilly, Chase Allen, and Deon Lacey have not set the world on fire in the three NFL preseason betting games, and Rey Maualuga masy want to change his name to Rey Momo, so it the Dolphins might have to go fishing for linebackers on the waiver wire. Finally, Byron Maxwell had to share first-team snaps with another cornerback for the first time this year as a result of his poor showing against the Eagles.