With all due respect to last week's NFL Hall of Fame Game, the league's preseason truly gets underway this weekend, with two games on Thursday night and three more on Friday night, followed by a packed Saturday, when a total 18 teams will be in action.
Week 1 of the NFL preseason wraps up on Sunday with Broncos vs. Colts (1 p.m. ET) and Cowboys vs. Rams (4:30 p.m. ET).
NFL Preseason Week 1 Best Bets
Picking games in the preseason, especially in Week 1, when most teams play their starters for just a series or two -- if at all -- is always difficult.
But there are certain annual trends, including the Ravens' stunningly reliable track record in recent years, to keep in mind when wagering on all the action over the next few days.
Another way to find clues for how to bet on NFL preseason games is to check out what each team's coach has said about whether his starters will suit up.
In Carolina, for example, first-year head coach Dave Canales has said that starting QB Bryce Young will not take any snaps this preseason. For Thursday's matchup between the Panthers and Patriots, New England coach Jerod Mayo said this week that "everyone who is healthy" -- including rookie QB Drake Maye -- will see the field on Thursday night.
Best NFL Preseason Bets for Thursday, August 8
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots (7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)
The QB situations for these teams makes it smart to lean toward New England in this game.
It's not just that Young will not see the field for the Panthers. Carolina's top backup, Andy Dalton, is also reportedly dealing with an injury, which means that undrafted rookie Jack Plummer will likely get most of the reps for the Panthers on Thursday.
Whether Maye plays extensively or not, the Patriots also have veteran Jacoby Brissett ready to go. The decided advantage New England will have under center in this matchup makes the Pats a good bet to cover at home.
Panthers vs. Patriots best bet: Patriots -6.5 (-108) DraftKings
Detroit Lions at New York Giants (7 p.m. ET)
We're unlikely to see much of either Jared Goff for Detroit or Daniel Jones for New York in the preseason openers for the Lions and Giants. That means that this one could come down to a battle between Nate Sudfeld for Detroit and the combo of Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock for the Giants.
DeVito led the Giants to a 3-3 record in six starts a year ago, including wins over the Commanders, Patriots and Packers. Lock was also solid in two starts for Seattle last year, including the Seahawks' upset win over Philadelphia on Monday Night Football in Week 14.
In a regular-season matchup between these teams, the Lions would be heavy favorites, but don't be surprised if the Giants win at home on Thursday night.
Lions vs. Giants best bet: Giants -3.5 (-110) available at FD, bet365
Best NFL Preseason Bet for Friday, August 9
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (7:30 p.m. ET, NFL+)
If there's one NFL team bettors have historically been able to trust in preseason games, it's coach John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore had a 24-game preseason winning streak that dated back to 2016 snapped last year. Still, even after this team went 1-2 in the preseason in 2023, it's trustworthy until proven otherwise after going 4-0 in the preseason in 2016 and 2017, 5-0 in 2018, 4-0 in 2019, 3-0 in 2021 and 3-0 in 2022.
The Ravens replaced backup QB Tyler Huntley, who joined the Browns this offseason after backing up Lamar Jackson from 2020-23, with 38-year-old Josh Johnson, so they'll have a new face running the second-string offense. Still, Baltimore is a good value play on the moneyline at home on Friday night.
Eagles vs. Ravens best bet: Ravens moneyline (+105) DraftKings
Best NFL Preseason Bet for Saturday, August 10
Washington Commanders at New York Jets (12 p.m. ET, NFL+)
In 34-year-old Tyrod Taylor, the Jets enter 2024 with a solid backup QB after Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle all struggled in relief of Aaron Rodgers a year ago.
Behind Taylor, the Jets have former Florida State QB Jordan Travis as a potential long-term option, but he's not healthy right now, which means that it will be Taylor and undrafted rookie Ben Bryant taking snaps for the Jets on Saturday.
The Commanders announced that No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels will start on Saturday against the Jets' imposing front seven, with Marcus Mariota available once Daniels exits, likely after a series or two.
The Commanders are road favorites for a reason, making them worth a look on the spread.
Commanders vs. Jets best bet: Commanders -2.5 (-115) -- FD, bet365
Best NFL Preseason Bet for Sunday, August 11
Dallas Cowboys at L.A. Rams (4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network, NFL+)
Given the questions the Rams have at backup QB, with Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett battling to back up Matthew Stafford this season, it's understandable that L.A. is a significant home underdog in its preseason opener.
The vibes in Dallas aren't great though, as WR CeeDee Lamb, QB Dak Prescott and pass rusher Micah Parsons are all in contract disputes. The Rams, who are led by one of the best coaches in the league in Sean McVay, are worth a look as an underdog of more than four points at home.
Cowboys vs. Rams best bet: Rams +4.5 (-115) FanDuel
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