I got my annual Phil Steele Power Sweep Preseason Edition in the mail yesterday and here are some tidbits for the gambling junkies who have nothing better to do than bet on exhibition NFL games.

*Phil gives five handicapping tips for the preseason: 1. Handicap far differently than a regular season game; 2. Beware of coaches that do not care; 3. Look for coaches who want to win; 4. Look for teams that want to blitz often; 5. Follow the quarterback rotations.

*Among veteran coaches, Tony Dungy (21-29) has the worst preseason record.

*Phil projects the Redskins will 6-10 and finish last in the NFC East. He has Philadelphia and Dallas going 11-5 and the Giants 10-6. The Redskins are 40-1 to win the Super Bowl, 14-1 to win the NFC and 8-1 to win the division.

*Phil has already set a line for games he terms marquee. He lists seven Redskins games and has them as the underdog in six contests, including 4.5 at the Giants.

*Maryland is 200-1 to reach the BCS championship game and Virginia Tech is 40-1.

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