Week 1 of the NFL preseason gets underway Thursday with two games (Patriots-Giants, Ravens-Titans), and with it comes intriguing odds and potentially profitable betting opportunities. The rest of the preseason slate kicks off this weekend with five games on Friday, eight games on Saturday, and one game on Sunday.
Even more so in the preseason, information is key. Knowing how certain teams approach the preseason can lead you to profitability. With that being said, some teams will rest starters entirely (Buccaneers, Cardinals), while others want their first teamers to get reps (Bears, Lions). The betting market has adjusted to this information, but there's still an opportunity to get some action down for this weekend.
Below, we'll look at DraftKings Sportsbook's current odds on Week 1 of the preseason and see if any potential wagers stand out as particularly good values.
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All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Best NFL preseason Week 1 bet against the spread: Chiefs vs. Bears
Bears vs. Chiefs Spread
- Chiefs +2: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
- Bears -2: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
Best Bet: Bears -2 (-110)
It would be crazy to see the Bears priced as a 2-point home favorite against the Chiefs in the regular season, but in the preseason, each team is valued differently in the betting market. Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus told the media his starters are set to play "a good amount," and as a result, the Bears are favored.
Justin Fields made his preseason debut in Week 1 of the preseason last year and led the Bears to a come-from-behind victory over the Dolphins. This time he won't be relieving Andy Dalton, as he's now the QB1 in Chicago. While certainly not the flashiest, the Bears' backup QBs, Trevor Siemian and Nathan Peterman, are capable enough to move the ball on the Chiefs' reserve defense en route to a Week 1 victory.
Other worthwhile preseason Week 1 sides: Eagles (PK) vs. Jets, Lions +1 vs. Falcons
Best NFL preseason Week 1 over/under bet: Jaguars vs. Browns
Jaguars vs. Browns over/under
- Over 37.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
- Under 37.5: -110 (implied probability 52.38 percent)
Best Bet: UNDER 37.5 (-110)
The Jaguars-Browns total is currently the highest over/under on the board, and it makes sense given both teams' QB1s are expected to play. It's going to be a rough sight when Deshaun Watson takes a rep under center with a six-game (and potentially more) suspension looming. We don't exactly know how many series Watson and Trevor Lawrence will play, and because of that, bet against the steam by playing the UNDER 37.5 points.
Other worthwhile preseason Week 1 totals: Lions-Falcons UNDER 35, Seahawks-Steelers UNDER 36.5
