2024 NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds and Predictions

Now that the Hall of Fame game is in the books, the 2024 NFL Preseason has officially kicked off. With that in mind, the preseason can be a fickle creature as NFL teams approach these games very differently. In fact, some teams might not even play their star players during the preseason.  

Unlike the regular season, where we have a better feel for starting rosters, the preseason is all about depth, role players, and finding betting value on the boards. The road to Super Bowl 59 officially begins this week and so does our effort to come out ahead with our NFL wagers.

Let’s huddle up to take a look at the latest NFL Preseason Week 1 odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our NFL Preseason Week 1 predictions. We’ll also highlight our best bets of the week.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds

As of this writing, the Cleveland Browns are the largest betting favorites on the board at -255. The Cincinnati Bengals (-215), Las Vegas Raiders (-205), and New England Patriots (-205) are also large odds-on favorites as well.

Not surprisingly, those games have the biggest spreads as well. The Browns are favored by 5 points, the Patriots are favored by 4.5 points over the New York Giants, Raiders are 4.5-point favorites over the Minnesota Vikings, and the Bengals are 4.5-point favorites against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The biggest Total for Week 1 of the Preseason, is 39.5 points for the Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers. The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars and Raiders vs. Vikings have Totals listed at 39 points.

Stay up-to-date on the latest NFL odds, courtesy of Scores & Stats, and monitor any line movement that can sweeten the payouts for your Preseason Week 1 NFL bets.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule

NFL Preseason Week 1 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full Preseason Week 1 slate of matchups and make our spread, total, and moneyline NFL picks for each game. Take caution with the Total wagers as the preseason has a funny way of being very erratic with these lines.

Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Odds

Sure, it might only be NFL Preseason action, but this is a brand-new era for the New England Patriots as former head coach Bill Belichick is no longer with the franchise. Belichick spent this entire century leading the Patriots to becoming one of the greatest NFL franchises of all-time. What will this team look like and how will they play under a new regime?

In Carolina, there’s a new coaching staff, philosophy, players and attitude heading into the 2024-25 season. However, it might take another week before we see much of these new changes as second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who will be the focal point of this franchise, is not going to play much this week.

Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Predictions

The Patriots are large favorites in this matchup. The teams have gone 4-4 against each other in the regular season, but Carolina is 6-2 ATS. The O/U is 4-4 in those meetings.

Between these teams, I like New England’s depth and coaching staff better than Carolina’s. Also, The Patriots are 13-5 ATS in Thursday games and the Panthers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven AFC East games. Additionally, the Under has hit in the last five Thursday games for Carolina, while it’s gone 4-1 in the last five August games for the Patriots. Keep in mind, most of these stats are for regular season action.

Bet: New England Patriots (-205), Patriots -4.5 (-110), Under 34 (-110)

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Odds

These two teams enter the NFL season with completely different trajectories and expectations. The Detroit Lions are expected to contend for the NFC Conference Championship, while the New York Giants could be one of the worst teams in the NFL.

As for this matchup, oddsmakers heavily favor the Giants due to the Lions resting all of their key players and New York having more roster battles.  

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Predictions

The Lions are 4-15 SU over their last 19 August games, which means they haven’t won a lot of preseason games over the last five years. The Giants are only 3-6 SU in their last nine August games. Additionally, they’re just 1-5 SU on Thursday games.

With the Lions having the top ¾ of their roster set, we’re looking at deep rotational players getting the bulk of the work in this game. The Giants will have more high-quality backups playing because their roster needs a lot of work. When you factor that in, with the Lions’ abysmal August record, you have to like New York to win this game and cover the spread. Be careful with the O/U as preseason games don’t score a lot of points.

Bet: New York Giants (-180), Giants -3.5 (-120), Under 34.5 (-110)

Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Odds

It will be interesting to see if Michael Penix Jr. plays and for how long. We know that veteran QB Kirk Cousins will not play much, if at all. On Miami’s side of things, there’s very little chance that the majority of their offensive and defensive stars play. However, they do have some talented backups at the skilled positions, especially at RB and receiver.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Predictions

I like the Dolphins at home for this game. The Falcons are 4-16 ATS in their last 20 August games. Miami will have the fans, the weather, enough talent in their depth players, and are 7-2 SU in their last nine home games, albeit in the regular season. The Under has gone 5-0 in Miami’s last five Friday home games.

Bet: Miami Dolphins (+125), Dolphins +2.5 (-110), Under 38 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

How much time will Pittsburgh quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields get in this game? The Steelers are open to the best man winning the job. For that to happen, it would require practice and preseason action. Most of Houston’s top-notch players will see a series or two at the most. Is that enough of a catalyst for the preseason win?

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

Both teams have decent depth, but I like the Steelers at home. They’re 6-0 SU in their last six August games. Houston is 1-4 ATS in their last six games at Pittsburgh and 2-6 SU versus the Steelers. The Under is 4-1 in Houston’s last five August games. Of note, the line movement saw Pittsburgh go from -140 favorites to Even/Pick. That doesn’t scare me away from my bets.

I like for the Steelers backups on defense to stifle the Texans back-up offense and for the black and yellow to win this game by more than a field goal.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers (PK), Steelers PK (-110), Under 37.5 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

The Baltimore Ravens are the preseason champions. Last year, they had a 24-game preseason winning streak snapped. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Coach Harbaugh knows which buttons to push to get the entire roster to perform at a high level. You can bet that the Philadelphia Eagles won’t play with the same intensity or pride that Baltimore does in the preseason.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

Baltimore is 5-0 SU in their last five home games against Philly. The Eagles are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 August games. The Over is 6-1 in Baltimore’s last seven August games. I like for the Ravens to win this game by a sizable margin and push the total Over. I love that Baltimore is viewed as the underdog at home in this Week 1 Preseason matchup.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens: +145, Ravens +2 (-110), Over 34.5 (-110)

Washington Commanders vs. New York Jets Odds

This Week 1 Preseason contest features a tale of two quarterbacks. For the Jets, Aaron Rodgers is a surefire HOF inductee, five years after he retires. Unfortunately, it’s highly doubtful that Rodgers plays in this game especially after a very relaxed approach to offseason programs. If anything, Rodgers will play in Week 2 or Week 3 of the Preseason for a few drives.

On the other end of the scale is rookie QB Jayden Daniels who brings a lot of excitement to Washington. It will be interesting to see how the Commanders use Daniels in the first week of the Preseason.

Washington Commanders vs. New York Jets Predictions

There’s a theme with these games. The teams that are talent heavy, will be sitting those players and rolling out guys who might not be there after Week 3 of the Preseason. Whereas, the Commanders are rebuilding, have a new coach, new systems and a new QB. They will need this preseason time to build out their roster.

It’s hard to take the past betting trends into consideration here when it’s a new team. With that said, the Over is 7-2 in the Jets last nine August games. Unfortunately, Washington is 4-11 ATS in their last 15 August games.

I think the Jets have a lot of solid depth, especially on defense. I don’t like the Washington depth at this point in time. Give me the Jets to win, cover and force this game Over 34 points.

Bet: New York Jets (+130), Jets -3 (-110), Over 34 (-110)

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

This Week 1 Preseason matchup could be the first time that fans get to watch Chicago Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams play in a preseason game. If he does play, it will be a series or two at the most. Yet, that’s better than nothing. And, it will certainly get the Chicago fans and national media buzzing.

For the Buffalo Bills, a lot has been made about this team’s new-look offense without wide receiver Stefon Diggs who was sent to the Houston Texans in an offseason trade. Unfortunately, fans and critics will have to wait at least another week as it’s very unlikely that QB Josh Allen even suits up for this contest.

With that said, this team has a lot of young pieces added to both sides of the ball and we could see them getting some live action this week.

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

Mitch Trubisky is the Bills backup QB. He would love to torch his old team in the Bears. The Bills are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games. I like for Buffalo to cover the spread and win this game outright. The Over is 8-1 in their last nine Saturday games. The Bears are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games against Bufalo and 1-5 SU against the AFC East. Bills win this matchup at home in front of the Bills Mafia.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (+130), Bills +2 (-110), Over 38 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings Odds

Both teams are transitioning into a new era. The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have a bridge quarterback for another season, while the Minnesota Vikings plan to bring their rookie QB along slowly. This means Sam Darnold could be the main man for the upcoming 2024-25 NFL regular season.

The Vikings lost several key players this offseason and have numerous question marks surrounding the depth and talent on this roster. I have far less confidence in this Minnesota roster than I do the guys in silver and black.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings Predictions

The Vikings are 1-5 ATS in their last six August games, while the Raiders are 6-1 ATS in their last seven August contests. I think we see the disparity in depth for these two teams as the Raiders cruise to an easy victory by a touchdown or more, while holding Minnesota to a low score. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was a 21-10 or 24-7 game.

Bet: Las Vegas Raiders (-205), Raiders -4.5 (-110), Under 39 (-110)

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

Both of these teams are coming off Playoff appearances last year. Unfortunately for the Cleveland Browns, pundits only believe that the Green Bay Packers will make a return trip to the postseason. The Browns have been pegged to finish in the middle of the AFC North and out of Playoff contention. In this preseason matchup, I doubt we see any of the stars that led these squads to the postseason last year. So, it will come down to the depth and environment.

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

The Packers are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 August games, but Cleveland is just 1-4-1 SU in their last six games in August. Neither team inspires confidence for this week’s matchup. With that said, I like for the Browns to win this matchup behind a strong defensive performance.

Bet: Cleveland Browns (-255), Browns -5.5 (-110), Under 38 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The Bengals aim to get back to normalcy after a down year as franchise QB Joe Burrow returns from a season ending injury. Unfortunately, he won’t be playing this week. If he does, it will be for a series. This game will be all about teams building their depth and working out a few key role players. With that said, I’m not quite sure why the lines are this much in favor of the Bengals, despite being at home.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

The Bengals are 1-6-1 SU in their last eight August games. Although we’re counting the regular season here, the Bucs are 5-2 SU in their last seven games at Cincinnati. I have a hard time putting my confidence and money in the Bengals just because they’re at home.

I’m taking the underdog largely because the Bengals haven’t really shown any interest in winning during the preseason since drafting Joe Burrow.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+185), Buccaneers +4.5 (-110), Under 38.5 (-110)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

When I first saw these odds, I was a bit surprised considering the disparity of talent on these rosters. With that said, most of the 49ers’ elite talent will be in street clothes, while the Titans try to build their roster by giving players plenty of action.

Keep in mind, the Titans are building a new supporting cast for QB Will Levis and have new pieces on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, a new head coach that will be looking for effort from his team for all four quarters.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

The 49ers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games at Tennessee, which was over the regular season. However, Tennessee is 4-1 SU in their last five August games and in their last five matchups against the NFC West. I like the Titans to win this ball game at home. It feels like they have more to play for here, as the 49ers go through the motions.

Bet: Tennessee Titans (-195), Titans -4 (-110), Under 36 (-110)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

In this all-backup battle, we have two teams looking for depth pieces and maybe a surprise role player or two. I doubt either team will play any starters. We might get a look at a few notable 2024 draft picks, but that’s about all of the excitement we’ll get.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

Unlike other games this week, this one feels like a toss-up. Neither team has anything to play for or prove this weekend. Furthermore, neither has been impressive over the last few preseasons. You can throw out the regular season trends for this matchup since Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t be playing this week.

The Over is 7-2 in Jacksonville’s last nine August games. I don’t see either team dominating in this matchup. Give me the value with the Chiefs moneyline and their points.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (+125), Chiefs +2.5 (-110), Over 39 (-110)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

The Jim Harbaugh era officially begins in the AFC West as he takes over the Los Angeles Chargers. In Seattle, former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is taking over after the Seahawks ousted longtime coach Pete Carroll.

Both of these teams have undergone some major changes in the offseason including the style of football they will play on both sides of the ball. This week’s matchup is going to be exciting as we catch glimpses of what the future holds for both franchises.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

Seattle is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 August games. The Chargers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven August games. With two teams that feature new head coaches, there’s going to be a lot of changes along with players trying to impress the new staff.

With this being Harbaugh’s first game in front of Chargers fans, I think this team will respond favorably. Take the Chargers to win, cover the spread, and for the Total to stay Under as we could see a low-scoring game of running the ball.

Bet: Los Angeles Chargers (+105), Chargers +1.5 (-110), Under 35 (-110)

New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

There’s optimism in Arizona for this Cardinals team. Unfortunately, there’s not much Arizona optimism found anywhere else. Yet, this weekend’s preseason contest with the New Orleans Saints could give us a glimpse into what the future might hold for the Cardinals, even if it’s just for a few series. As for New Orleans, they might just be the most unexciting team in the league. Outside of a few skilled players, this team lacks any top-tier talent.

New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

The Cardinals are 1-4 SU in their last five Saturday home games, which spans the regular season as well. The same applies to their record of 0-5-1 ATS in their last six Saturday games overall. The Saints are 5-2 SU in their last seven Saturday games. With that in mind, I think the Saints have better depth than the Cardinals, which includes a superior backup defense.

Bet: New Orleans Saints (+105), Saints +1.5 (-110), Over 37.5 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

Sean Payton’s second season at the helm of the Denver Broncos officially begins this weekend. However, it might be more of the same as last season where the Broncos frustrated fans to no end. Yet, at least there are some building blocks for the future, which does give the franchise some optimism unlike last year.

Denver’s upcoming season is similar to last year for the Indianapolis Colts, who had some young pieces join the team like QB Anthony Richardson. Unfortunately, he missed most of the year with an injury and most likely won’t play more than a series this weekend, if at all.

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

Neither team has had great success in August over the last few years. But Denver had a ton of backup players rotating in and out of regular season games last year. I believe that will show up in this weekend’s preseason clash as Denver looks like the better team. Give me Payton’s bunch in an upset. We have numerous QBs fighting for the #1 spot in Denver, and that fight will carry over to the field this preseason.

Bet: Denver Broncos (+105), Broncos +2 (-110), Under 38 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

In the final game of NFL Preseason Week 1, the Dallas Cowboys head west to take on the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams have question marks at key positions. For Dallas, it’s the running game and receiver depth. For the Rams, it’s the defense now that Aaron Donald is retired. Sunday’s matchup could show us just how far both teams have to go in order to answer these questions.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

Neither team has played well over the last few preseasons. The Rams are 0-5 ATS in their last five August games. Yet, Dallas is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 August games. For the Cowboys, the preseason doesn’t matter. For Rams’ coach McVay, it feels like every chance to get on the field and improve, is a priority to him.

The Rams have backup QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett. I like them far more than Dallas’ backup quarterbacks in Trey Lance and Cooper Rush. Give me the Rams at home, with the crowd and the points. Of the three, avoid the Total for this game as it could go either way depending on the backup QB play. With that said, I always lean towards the Under due to a lack of game experience for the backups.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams (+175), Rams +4.5 (-110), Under 35 (-110)

NFL Preseason Week 1 Best Bets

After looking over the entire week, the following wagers are our NFL Preseason Wee 1 best bets:

• Las Vegas Raiders – 4.5 points (-110)
• New York Giants (-180)
• Miami Dolphins +2.5 (-110)

Las Vegas has gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven August games, while the Vikings are 1-5 ATS in August. Detroit Lions are 4-15 SU in their last 19 August games, which gives me more confidence in the Giants at home. And, the Atlanta Falcons are 4-16 ATS in their last 20 August games, which bumps my confidence up even more in the Dolphins at home.

If you want to combine all three bets into a three-leg parlay, then a $100 wager will win you $467 and a total payout of $567.