The NFL HOF game has come and gone. Fans were treated to some on-field fireworks as the Los Angeles Chargers thumped the Detroit Lions 34-7. Sure, it was a matchup of backups, but it represented the first action of the new season.

Week 1 of the Preseason, represents an opportunity for all NFL teams to face opposition and escalate their preparations for the upcoming regular season.

With that said, the NFL Preseason can be challenging when it comes to NFL betting. It’s a long way to the Super Bowl, and every team approaches the preseason differently. Typically, that means that most teams will rest their star players and most of their starters.

It’s a long month between the opening slate of the Preseason and Week 1 of the regular season. Our goal is to find value on the boards during these NFL exhibition games. And, to do that in Preseason Week 1, you must already have a good feel for each team’s roster, depth, role players and plan of action.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule

NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds

The NFL odds for Preseason Week 1 are live and not one game has a spread of three points or higher. So, the top sports betting sites feel that these games will all be close. Or, they aren’t sure how to properly handicap the games considering this is the first time that we see 30 of the 32 teams in action.

With that said, there will be some value on the boards including a few Underdogs to consider wagering on.

If you need more assistance with NFL Preseason Week 1, then check out what the best handicappers are saying through the industry’s premiere handicapping membership.

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NFL Preseason Week 1 Predictions

Check out our NFL picks for all of the Preseason Week 1 matchups:

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

This Preseason game is unofficially dubbed the “Battle of Baltimore” as it’s pits the old Baltimore team (Colts) versus the second incarnation (Ravens), who was the old Cleveland Browns if you are keeping score.

What makes this game one to watch is that we need to see who will be the starting QB for The Indianapolis Colts. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are fighting for the no.1 QB spot and all reports out of camp are saying that the battle is too close to call right now.  

The Colts have plenty of talent in supporting roles on offense, especially with the addition of TE Tyler Warren from Penn State. However, these playmakers need a QB who can consistently get them the ball.

As for the Ravens, it’s all about backups in this game. However, don’t forget Baltimore’s commitment to winning Preseason games. They won 24 in a row from 2016 to 2023, before that streak was snapped.

I can’t help but think that Baltimore is chomping at the bit to get revenge on the entire league for last season’s shortcomings. That revenge starts on Thursday as they crush the Colts.

Baltimore is 16-4 SU in their last 20 games played in the month of August.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-120), Ravens -1.5 (-110)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

Here are two veteran-heavy teams that don’t care much about Preseason. In fact, I would be surprised if the key starters for both teams saw more than one half in the entire Preseason.

You can expect both coaches to rest the Top 25 players on each team. So, this should be a game of backups. And, you have to think that the Philadelphia Eagles have the better depth. They draft incredibly well, along with picking up key rotational players.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a bad starting defense, so their backups shouldn’t be any better. I like for the Eagles to steamroll the Bengals in a uneventful game.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-105), Eagles +1 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

When it comes to entertainment, the NFL tries its best to create compelling gridiron dramas. And, this matchup is the biggest drama of Preseason Week 1.

Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll will return to his old stomping grounds with his new team the Las Vegas Raiders. Furthermore, former Seattle starting QB Geno Smith, who was traded this offseason to the Raiders, will also return to face his former team.

The hope is that rookie RB Ashton Jeanty will get his first preseason snaps in this game. However, it really comes down to how the Raiders approach this matchup. Do they play key players or rest them? We really need to see how improved this offensive line is.

For Seattle, I’m more interested in seeing how the crowd responds to Carroll and Smith than what they put out on the field. I doubt we see Smith’s replacement Sam Darnold get any action. Instead, we should see a healthy dosage of the backups not including Charbonnet.

As for the winner, I believe Pete Carroll will get his team fired up to beat his former organization. Also, I like the Over as I don’t see much defense without the starters playing. The Over is 5-1 in Las Vegas’ last six August games.

Bet: Las Vegas Raiders (+120), Raiders +1.5 (-110), Over 35 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

Speaking of gridiron drama, is there a cheesier soap opera in the National Football League than the QB room for the Cleveland Browns?

Which of Cleveland’s five QBs is going to play? How much will they Play? Will the media overblow a scenario where Sanders doesn’t play much?

I have so many questions about this dysfunctional Cleveland team.

On the other side of the ball, Bryce Young is said to have looked good in the offseason so far. There’s some buzz growing in Carolina over the potential for the Panther’s offense. Let’s hope we see some of this potential in Preseason Week 1.

Take the Panthers to win. The Browns are 0-5-1 SU in their last six August games.

Bet: Carolina Panthers (-135)

Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

After the pathetic performance by the Detroit Lions in the HOF Game, I expect this team to bounce back on Friday. You can bet that their coach would have chewed them up and spit out this team for its unacceptable play last week.

I don’t see the Atlanta Falcons rolling out Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins in Week 1 of the Preseason. We should get a heavy dosage of QBs battling for the third string spot.

The Falcons are 0-4-1 SU in their last five August games. I don’t see Atlanta breaking that streak against a fired-up Detroit team looking to get their coach’s foot out their collective backside.

Bet: Detroit Lions (-125), Lions -1.5 (-110)

Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots Odds

I’m really excited to see what Jayden Daniels will do for Washington in his second season as the team’s QB. Unfortunately, that will be at least a week before we see him taking live snaps in the Preseason.

I think this game is all about the New England Patriots with Mike Vrabel as their new head coach. His no-nonsense approach, toughness and competitiveness should spill over onto the roster even with these backups playing.

I like the Patriots in this game and to cover the points. The Commanders are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 August games.

Bet: New England Patriots (-130), Patriots -1.5 (-110)

New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

Buffalo’s old offensive coordinator Brian Daboll returns to Western New York in his 4^th year as the New York Giants head coach. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be a happy reunion for Daboll and his team.

With both teams sitting their starters, it will be all about the depth on each roster. And, when looking over the rosters, it’s clear that the Bills have the better depth and the better overall team.

The Giants are 1-8 ATS in their last nine August games. Buffalo is 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games played during August.

Take Buffalo to win this game by at least a touchdown in front of their crazy fans.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-140), Bills -2.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

Last year, JJ McCarthy was the talk of the Preseason. He looked great in his only performance and then was lost for the year with a knee injury. But it was enough for the Minnesota Vikings to part ways with Darnold and Jones in favor of McCarthy.

Well, the young QB has struggled in training camp so far. And, I don’t see McCarthy playing in this game. So, the circus will have to wait for a week.

With that said, I still like the Vikings to win this game. They have more to prove than the Houston Texans do. The latter is a starter-heavy team and won’t have the deep depth to compete with Minnesota.

The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five August games. Make that 5-1 ATS, as I see Minnesota winning this game by more than two points.

Bet: Minnesota Vikings (-130), Vikings -2 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

The Dallas Cowboys are the biggest favorite in Week 1 of the Preseason at -150 odds. That’s a bit comical considering the chaos that’s going on over a new contract for Micah Parsons and his demands to be traded.

Nevertheless, I do think Dallas can win this game. They have more positions open for competition and played a lot of younger players last year due to injuries. Plus, with the number of camp battles in full effect, Preseason games will be the deciding factor.

The Los Angeles Rams are a starter-heavy team with questionable depth. The Rams are 3-9 SU in their last 12 August games. The Cowboys are just 4-10 SU in their last 14 August games.

Yet, if there’s one team in a must win scenario, which is hilarious to say, then it’s the Cowboys.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys (-150)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

Will Aaron Rodgers play in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason? That was the big question entering August, but I’m pretty sure that the aging QB will rest for most of the Preseason.

For a team that leans heavily on its starters, especially the defensive side of the ball, it’s tough to see the black and yellow victorious this weekend.

Instead, I like the Jacksonville Jaguars to win at home in front of their fans. But Jags’ nation, don’t get used to these wins because this team isn’t going to pick up many victories in the regular season.

Take the Jaguars’ backups to win this game. Jacksonville is 6-0 ATS in their last six August games.

Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars (-120), Jaguars -1 (-110)

Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

This game is all about how many snaps no.1 overall pick Cam Ward gets. Will the Tennessee Titans ease him into the preseason or will they give him as many snaps as possible?

For a team that’s not expected to contend this year, I would think that the Titans take it easy with him in preseason as they don’t want a McCarthy incident on their hands.

We won’t see any of Tampa Bay’s top players this week. So, as you are watching for Ward, keep an eye out for the talent level of Tampa’s backups and rookies.

As for the winner, go with the Titans as they’re 5-0 SU in their last five August games. And the Bucs won’t play with the same urgency as Tennessee does, due to the new era for this franchise.

Bet: Tennessee Titans (-125)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

This is a tough matchup as all of the stars on both sidelines will be sitting out this game. So, do we really think that one team’s depth is better than the other’s? I do not.

Instead, I think that we get a low-scoring game with third string players trying to latch on to a practice squad. The Under is 4-1 in Arizona’s last five August games.

Preseason Week 2 should be a good opportunity to see the starters for both teams.

Bet: Under 35.5 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

The Aaron Glenn era officially begins this week. So, does Justin Fields best shot at being a starting QB in the NFL. If he fails this season, I believe that the former Ohio State QB will be relegated to a journeyman backup.

It will be interesting to see if Fields even plays this week. I’m also curious to see how the Jets’ talented defensive playmakers look in a new system.

As for the Green Bay Packers, we’re pretty much assured to see all of their backups in this game.

I think the Jets are playing for more in this game as they’re beginning a new era along with trying to prove that they belong on this roster. Green Bay is pretty set with most of the roster.

Bet: New York Jets (+110)

Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

I think the San Francisco fans are going to be in for a long season. They lost too many key players this offseason and are facing a number of injuries to notable players. With a lack of depth and injuries to boot, this team is going to be pitiful against the Broncos.

Denver is coming into the new season with plenty of excitement and lofty goals. They’re also coming into this game with two of the 49ers’ key defensive players from last year. Although they won’t play, the mental game favors Denver.

The Broncos will have the better depth in this game and I expect Denver to win outright. The Broncos are 4-1 SU in their last five August games.

Bet: Denver Broncos (-105), Broncos +1 (-110)

Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears Odds

The Chicago Bears are the second biggest favorite of the week, just behind the Cowboys. They will play at home this week against a questionable Miami Dolphins team.

To be blunt, this game is all about the debut of the Ben Johnson era. Sure, we won’t see Caleb Williams and company, but we will see Johnson in his first ever game as a head coach. The brilliant offensive guru is tasked with turning around this franchise.

I think we see signs of a promising season this weekend as the Bears are poised to pounce on a Miami team that lost key starters and have concerns at key depth positions.

Chicago is 5-0 ATS in their last five August games. Take the Bears to win by at least a field goal.

Bet: Chicago Bears (-140), Bears -2.5 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

For the New Orleans Saints, Kellen Moore took over as head coach in the offseason and immediately lost his starting QB Derek Carr to retirement due to an injury.

So, we’ll be watching to see which young quarterback gets the start, plays the best, and takes a big step towards earning the starting quarterback spot in the regular season.

I must say that I am surprised by the odds for this matchup. I’m not sure why the Saints are favored considering what LA’s third and fourth stringers just did in the HOF Game.

I expect to see more key players for LA this week, but not Justin Herbert. With that said, I like the Chargers to win at home as they’ve already showed that their depth is better than whatever the Saints can muster up.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers (+115), Chargers +2.5 (-110)

NFL Preseason Week 1 Best Bets

Check out our best bets for NFL Preseason Week 1:

• Baltimore Ravens (-120)
• Detroit Lions (-125)
• Buffalo Bills -2.5 (-110)

The Baltimore Ravens are still thought of as the best team in Preseason. They won two dozen contests in a row over a seven-year stretch and are 16-4 SU in their last 20 August games.

Buffalo has a better overall team, which means that they will have better depth than the Giants. Plus, the Bills are 13-4 ATS in their last 17 August games, while the Giants are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games in August. Then, add that Buffalo is at home, and I see them easily covering a field goal.

You have to imagine that the Detroit Lions were mauled by their head coach Dan Campbell after that pathetic HOF Game performance. The head of the pack would have chewed out these backups in his own loving way.

I believe the Lions win this game easily. Plus, the Falcons are 0-4-1 SU in their last give games played during August.

Furthermore, you can take these Preseason Week 1 picks and combine any number of them into an NFL parlay. If you chose to combine all of these best bets into one NFL parlay, then a $100 wager will earn you $530. That’s a 5.3X return on your wager.