Betting on NFL preseason games is tough because of the unknowns. The games don’t count towards the NFL regular season standings and a lot of players will take the field for both teams.
NFL Preseason Betting Tips for Beginners
Sports betting sites don’t put much time into setting NFL preseason lines. Most point spreads will open up with one team favored by around -2.5 to -3.5 points and then adjust based on the market. NFL totals open up around 35 points and it’s rare for an NFL preseason game total to reach 40 points.
Bookies will also lower the betting limits for NFL preseason games because the lines are more beatable. There’s money to be made betting on the NFL preseason, but you have to know what to look out for.
Here are some tips for betting on NFL preseason games:
Study the Depth Charts
You need to familiarize yourself with NFL depth charts. The QB position is the most important and teams will often use their QB3 or QB4 in NFL preseason games. When analyzing the QBs, you want to target veterans that have NFL experience over unknown commodities. Defensive depth is important as well.
Positional Battles
Are two RBs competing for the RB2 or RB3 role on a team? Are several WRs competing for the last spots on the final roster? Positional battles can lead to players competing harder in NFL preseason games.
A team with no positional battles at major skill positions has less motivation in the preseason.
Coaches
Some coaches disregard NFL preseason games completely and aren’t trying to win. Some coaches want to build momentum and a winning culture. Handicapping how coaches perform historically in preseason games is important. You want to target coaches that have shown they want to win in the preseason.
For example, John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens is 43-12 in the NFL preseason. The Ravens have won 23 preseason games in a row, going undefeated between 2016 and 2022.
Follow the Beat Writers
Coaches and teams are pretty transparent during the NFL preseason. Throughout the week leading up to a game, beat writers will be providing valuable information for handicappers. How long will the starting QB play? Will the starting WRs get any reps? Is a team planning to focus on the run game? These are some of the questions beat writers will be able to answer for you leading up to an NFL preseason game.
Target Alternative Betting Markets
Betting the point spread is the most popular NFL preseason wager. Most betting sites won’t offer a lot of NFL preseason betting markets, but there will be some team and game props available. Let’s say you’re confident a team will struggle to score, but not sure they’ll win. In this situation, look at the team total.
Should You Bet on NFL Preseason Games?
There’s value available when betting on the NFL preseason. Try to bet early in the week before the lines move too much to get the best number. Also, try to limit your bets each week. Look for games where you expect a team to dominate based on the tips above and bet on those only.
The NFL preseason is fun to bet on and most football fans can’t wait to have some action on games, but the regular season will be here soon. Limit your action and invest a small percentage of your bankroll.
