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The first round of NFL preseason games will take place between Thursday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 15 with all 32 teams in action.
Most starters will be limited to just a few series while the game’s biggest names will probably remain on the sidelines in Week 1 of the preseason. Yet, with a full set of total lines released for all the games, there are still a few solid betting opportunities at your favorite online sportsbook.
I came up with my Top 5 NFL preseason total line plays for the opening round of games. There is a heavy lean towards the UNDER given how NFL teams are approaching preseason games these days. There are also some strong betting trends in most of the following matchups leaning that way.
Read our over/under betting guide if you’re new to sports betting.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles Preview
When: Thursday, August 12th at 7:30 PM ET
Best Bet: UNDER 35
This in-state rivalry adds some extra motivation for Thursday night’s preseason opener. Ben Roethlisberger remains under center for Pittsburgh in what could be his last chance at a Super Bowl run. Jalen Hurts is officially the Eagles starting quarterback following the offseason trade of Carson Wentz.
The total has stayed UNDER in 11 of the Steelers’ last 16 games on the road and it has stayed UNDER in seven of its last eight games against the NFC. The total has stayed UNDER in four of Philadelphia’s last six preseason games.
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals Preview
When: Friday, August 13th at 10:00 PM ET
Best Bet: UNDER 39.5
Cowboys only managed to score three points in the 13-point loss to Pittsburgh in last week’s Hall of Fame Game. Arizona’s strong suit this season should be its defense after holding teams to 22.9 points per game last season.
The total has now stayed UNDER in the Cowboys’ last eight preseason games. It has stayed UNDER in five of the last seven meetings between these two NFC teams.
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars Preview
When: Saturday, August 14th at 7:00 PM ET
Best Bet: UNDER 37.5
Cleveland took a major step forward last season and the expectation level for this year has been raised even higher. Jacksonville is expected to finish third in the AFC South after winning just one game last year.
The total has stayed UNDER in 14 of Cleveland’s previous 18 games played in August. It has also stayed UNDER in five of the Jaguars’ last seven games played in the preseason.
New York Jets at New York Giants Preview
When: Saturday, August 14th at 7:30 PM ET
Best Bet: UNDER 34.5
The battle for bragging rights in New Jersey will be renewed this Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. The bar has been set rather low for each New York team given their combined performance in the 2020 regular season. This could be reflected in the final score of this year’s preseason tilt.
The total has stayed UNDER in eight of the Jets last nine preseason games. The total stayed UNDER in the Giants’ last seven games in the 2020 regular season.
Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts Preview
When: Sunday. August 15th at 1:00 PM ET
Best Bet: OVER 34
The lone Sunday game on the Week 1 preseason schedule is an interconference clash between teams with uncertain futures. The Panthers won just five games in 2020 and they could slide even further backwards this year. The Colts suddenly have a huge question mark at quarterback with Carson Wentz recovering from recent foot surgery.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Carolina’s previous 18 preseason games. It has also gone OVER in four of its last six games against the Colts.
Cash in this upcoming season by reading our NFL touchdown scorer props betting guide.
