The NFL betting lines preseason will come to an end this week with a full slate of games scheduled for Thursday, allowing teams one final game environment to ensure that they are prepared for their regular season opener. While some teams have struggled out of the gate so far, there are others that have already looked like they are in midseason form. Here is a quick look at two key games this week and what they mean to the teams in them.

Detroi Lions @ Buffalo Bills

Thursday, 6:30 PM ET

The Lions have opened the preseason with three wins, remaining perfect by blowing away a powerful Patriots’ team that had dominated their exhibition schedule until a trip to the Motor City. Detroit will look to keep the momentum going on the road, and that shouldn’t be too difficult considering how the Bills have played. Buffalo is still searching for a lot of answers on both sides of the ball, and it is unfortunate that they won’t get the ones that they wanted this sports betting week.

NFL Betting Pick: Detroit Lions -1/p>

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Carolina Panthers

Thursday, 8:00 PM ET

You don’t have to go fishing for long to find the storyline here, as the first overall pick from the 2011 NFL draft looks to solidify his role as the starting quarterback in the Panthers’ offense. Cam Newton has looked shaky at times this preseason, but he has also shown a penchant for making big plays with his legs and has come within inches of completing some spectacular throws. Playing the defending AFC champions at home will be a tough test regardless of who is in the lineup for the Steelers, and it should make for an exciting finale to the exhibition schedule.

NFL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers + 3