NFL fans can breathe easier because the preseason has started.
While the NFL games in August bear very little resemblance to what they will see once the regular season begins in early September, players are on the field, they are competing against opponents and the league is keeping score.
The last factor may not matter much to coaches, but it matters to NFL fans that have an interest in the pointspread because many individuals have a tendency to bet on preseason games.
The Baltimore Ravens edged the Chicago Bears 17-16 in the Hall of Fame Game played in Canton, Ohio Thursday night, and that gave fans a taste of NFL action.