Week 1 NFL preseason game-by-game odds and picks

A week ago the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons gave the world a glimpse at just how unpredictable and thrilling preseason NFL action can be. Now you can catch even more excitement with every team in the league slated to play Thursday through Saturday in the first full week of the preseason.

You won’t see much star power on the field, but the preseason provides a chance to evaluate first-year coaches, rookies and team depth. It’s also a perfect time to bet on football, as the bettor often has as much advantage as the sportsbook when it comes to predicting preseason play.

Below is a quick look at each game in Week 1 of the preseason plus a straight-up pick.

Thursday Games

New York Jets (-150) at New York Giants (+135), 7 p.m. ET Spread: Jets -3 O/U: 35

In rookie Giants quarterback Daniel Jones’ debut, he’ll quickly learn which team in New York should enjoy a better season in 2019. Spoiler alert: it’s not the one with Eli.

Pick: New York Jets

Indianapolis Colts (-135) at Buffalo Bills (+125), 7 p.m. ET Spread: Colts -2 O/U: 36.5

You won’t see Andrew Luck on the field for the Colts, but you can expect to watch the Bills starting lineup for about a quarter of the game, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Give Buffalo the advantage against an Indy team looking to experiment and call from a limited playbook.

Pick: Buffalo Bills

New England Patriots (+125) at Detroit Lions (-140), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Lions -2.5 O/U: 36

It’s on to Detroit for the Patriots. No Tom Brady on Thursday, but Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham should lead the way to a Patriots win.

Pick: New England Patriots

Washington Redskins (+110) at Cleveland Browns (-120), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Browns -1.5 O/U: 35

There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Browns, now that they’ve compiled enough talent to finally make a playoff run. Cleveland would be wise to play it extra safe in Week 1. If they don’t—well, it’s the Browns. Did you expect them to be wise? The Redskins feature a group of experienced quarterbacks in Colt McCoy and Case Keenum, plus rookie Dwayne Haskins. They'll lead the way to a win for the Redskins.

Pick: Washington Redskins

Jacksonville Jaguars (+145) at Baltimore Ravens (-160), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Ravens -3 O/U: 31

The Ravens will sit Lamar Jackson for most or all of the game, while second-string quarterback Robert Griffin III is out with an injury. Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew should see plenty of time for the Jaguars behind starter Nick Foles and will come out ready to showcase his abilities in his preseason debut.

Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

Tennessee Titans (+110) at Philadelphia Eagles (-120), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Eagles -1.5 O/U: 36.5

Quarterback Nate Sudfeld will see a ton of action for the Eagles in front of the Philly home crowd. The Eagles have more depth than the Titans, whose offense will be directed by new coordinator Arthur Smith.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Atlanta Falcons (+190) at Miami Dolphins (-210), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Dolphins -4.5 O/U: 35.5

The Falcons will play their second preseason game after a 14-10 loss to the Broncos a week ago in the Hall of Fame Game. Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn is 0-9 in the preseason since 2017, and he’ll keep the losing streak alive in Miami.

Pick: Miami Dolphins

Houston Texans (+115) at Green Bay Packers (-130), 8 p.m. ET Spread: Packers -2 O/U: 36

First-year coach Matt LaFleur will make his preseason debut for Green Bay and will want to establish his presence with a win. The Texans have the better defense, though, and a coach with a 12-7 preseason record. Clearly Bill O'Brien still likes to win, even when the games don't count for anything.

Pick: Houston Texans

Carolina Panthers (+130) at Chicago Bears (-145), 8 p.m. ET Spread: Bears -3 Bears O/U 36

The Bears hold the advantage on defense and will shut down the Panthers second string with ease.

Pick: Chicago Bears

Los Angeles Chargers (+145) at Arizona Cardinals (-160), 10 p.m. ET Spread: Cardinals -3 O/U: 38

The Cardinals have undergone a ton of change in the offseason, from the coaching staff to offensive and defensive schemes. With all the experimentation, look for the Chargers to power through with a win behind veteran backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Pick: Los Angeles Chargers

Denver Broncos (-155) vs. Seattle Seahawks (+140), 10 p.m. ET Spread: Broncos -3 O/U: 36.5

Denver is coming off a win in the Hall of Fame Game a week ago. It was far from pretty, but expect the Broncos to continue their win streak against a Seahawks team that should play it fairly safe.

Pick: Denver Broncos

Friday games

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+120) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-135), 7:30 p.m. ET Spread: Steelers -2.5 O/U: 37

Bucs head coach Bruce Arians hopes to get further acquainted with his new team. Mike Tomlin, on the other hand, is 18-24 in exhibition games, and will add another tally to the loss column.

Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings (+125) at New Orleans Saints (-135), 8 p.m. ET Spread: Saints -2.5 O/U: 37.5

Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will grab a win in front of the home crowd in the Superdome.

Pick: New Orleans Saints 

Saturday Games

Los Angeles Rams (+205) at Oakland Raiders (-230), 8 p.m. ET Spread: Raiders -5.5 O/U: 35

Off their Super Bowl appearance last season, look for the Rams to kick off the preseason with a statement, despite little to no playing time from Jared Goff or Todd Gurley.

Pick: Los Angeles Rams

Cincinnati Bengals (+155) at Kansas City Chiefs (-175), 8 p.m. ET Spread: Chiefs -3.5 O/U: 36

Former quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor is now the head man in Cincinnati. He's got plenty to figure out to turn the Bengals around. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have managed to go 2-2 in three consecutive preseasons, and Saturday's matchup should land them win No. 1 in 2019.

Pick: Kansas City Chiefs

Dallas Cowboys (+185) at San Francisco 49ers (-205), 9 p.m. ET Spread: -4.5 49ers O/U: 36

Amari Cooper is injured. Ezekiel Elliott has refused to play for Dallas without negotiating a new contract. Neither of them would've played much Saturday, anyway, but their status is enough of a distraction for the Cowboys.

Pick: San Francisco 49ers

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Bet every NFL preseason game at BetAmerica.