NFL Preseason Week 1: Preview

bettingnews.com

09 August 2023

We have finally made it through the dog days of summer, and NFL Preseason is upon us.

Here we have our preview and best bets of Week 1 of the 2023-24 NFL Preseason.

Keep in mind, preseason can be unpredictable. Starters usually only go a few drives, if that, and teams aren’t are motivated to fight for a comeback.

These bets are meant to be sprinkled and are just for fun, cause let’s be honest, we are all thrilled that football is finally back!

NFL Week 1 Preseason Best Bets

Isn’t she beautiful?

A full slate of football spread out among four days for our enjoyment.

What a time to be alive.

As I prefaced, these are preseason games and meant to be bet accordingly, however I was able to find a play in a game for every day.

With that being said, let’s talk some pigskin.

Thursday Night Football is Back

Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks

Matchup Information

Location: Lumen Field (Seattle, WA)
Date: Thursday, August 10th, 2023
Kick Off: 10:00pm Eastern
Broadcast: NFL Network

The Pick: Vikings +5 (-115) Bovada

Although it’s preseason, the Vikings are simply the better team. Plus, the Seahawks are beat up on the defensive side of the ball.

Three starters are out, including SS Jamal Adams and ILB Jordyn Brooks, while another 5 are listed are questionable. This game will truly be one for the bench players to shine for the Seahawks, but I like the Vikings to take it anyway.

Minnesota is on a quest for the Super Bowl, and it’s already started. This first preseason game is just step one along the way, and I think Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson shine early and let the rest of the squad lead them to a road victory.

Again, it’s still preseason, but I’ll easily take the Vikings at this number.

I also like the ML at +175.

Friday Night Lights

Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals

Matchup Information

Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
Date: Friday, August 11th, 2023
Kick Off: 10:00pm Eastern
Broadcast: NFL Network

The Pick: Broncos -5 (-113) BetOnline

This will be a statement game for Russell Wilson and the Broncos. After Head Coach Sean Payton’s comments on last year’s coaching staff, Denver better come out and roll the Cardinals.

Now Arizona is also throwing out a new Head Coach, however there’s is a first timer. Jonathan Gannon is leading Kyler Murray and company this season after being the Defensive Coordinator at Philadelphia.

Even being a Chiefs guy, I do have some faith in the Broncos to be more competitive this year. With Payton and Wilson’s experience, plus the playmakers the Broncos have around him and their defense, I like the Broncos to have a much better season than last year.

I think they over power the Cardinals and win this game by a touchdown.

Saturday Showdown in LA

Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams

Matchup Information

Location: Sofi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)
Date: Saturday, August 12th, 2023
Kick Off: 9:00pm Eastern
Broadcast: NFL Network

The Pick: Chargers +3 (-110) BetOnline

The Battle of LA to start the preseason. What could be better.

Although we will only see Stafford vs Herbert for a few drives, these two teams in Sofi Stadium is a different experience.

I really like the Chargers this year if they can stay healthy.

There receiving core is one of the best in the league when healthy, and I think we see tons of Quentin Johnston in his opening game.

Maybe we even get blessed with a Max Duggan to Johnston connection just like last year at TCU.

Redgardless, Kupp is nursing an injury, and I just think the Chargers are the deeper team here.

Bonus Pick: Chargers ML (+135)

Sundays Are For Football

San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders

Matchup Information

Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
Date: Sunday, August 13th, 2023
Kick Off: 4:00pm Eastern
Broadcast: NFL Network

The Pick: Raiders +4 (-120) Bovada

Our last pick for the NFL Preseason is the AFC West Raiders.

Nick Bosa is out for the 49ers, and that’s a big hit to their pass rush. Jimmy G should have plenty of time in the pocket facing his old defense.

I think Garoppolo has a great game in his first preseason start as a Raider. Maxx Crosby can cause some issues for Brock Purdy, and at home in Allegiant Stadium, I like the Raiders to keep this one close.

Yes, the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders, even with Brock Purdy at the helm. They have tons of playmakers on both sides of the ball, and are a threat to anyone that stands in there way.

However I think they save some fire for the regular season and the Raiders take this preseason matchup.

Bonus Pick: Raiders ML (+155) BetOnline