Pre-Season NFL Odds & Lines: Top Betting Games in Week 1

 

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still trying to decide on their replacement for Tom Brady under center. How Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask compete on Friday in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener may determine which wins the Week 1 job. Here’s a look at three Friday preseason games, including Tampa’s, and their winning NFL picks.

Friday Winners: Top Games to Bet in Pre-Season Week 1 | NFL Lines by MyBookie

NFL Preseason: August 2, 2023 – August 27, 2023

Green Bay at Cincinnati

NFL Odds: Green Bay at Cincinnati (+5)
When: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7 PM ET
Where: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
TV / Streaming: NFL NET

The Bengals will be without superstar quarterback Joe Burrow, although he may not have played even if healthy. The former No. 1 overall pick injured his calf at the start of training camp and is not expected to play this preseason. No one has talked about missing the season opener yet, but it’s not 100 percent out of the question. In fact, superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase said recently he doesn’t want Burrow back for the opener: “I just want him to be 100 percent. I want him to be healthy. … I don’t want him rushing nothing. I don’t want people in his ear telling him to play a certain time.” Friday will mark Cincinnati’s first game action since the AFC Championship at Kansas City on Jan. 29. The Bengals fell short to the Chiefs, 23-20, in their second straight appearance in the conference title game. Sharing the snaps behind center in place of Burrow will be ninth-year veteran Trevor Siemian and first-year pro Jake Browning.

The Packers are starting over at quarterback after trading Aaron Rodgers to the Jets this offseason. Will new starter Jordan Love play Friday? General Manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters recently that the team is still figuring out their plans and noted that there’s more for the team to consider than just what they want to see from Love before the regular season. In addition to their three preseason games, the Packers also have joint practices with the Bengals and Patriots and those workouts will likely play a role in the team’s ultimate decision about how many snaps they want their new starting quarterback to take. Pick: Packers

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Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay

NFL Odds: Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay (pick’em)
When: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7 PM ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
TV / Streaming: –

Former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield will make his Bucs debut as the team’s starting QB. Mayfield was presumed to win the job in camp/preseason over 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask to replace Tom Brady, but Trask has reportedly looked better in the early going and will start the second preseason game. Both should play plenty on Friday. The depth chart lists Mayfield or Trask as the team’s No. 1 quarterback ahead of their first preseason game. New offensive coordinator Dave Canales acknowledged that Mayfield’s experience helped him get off to a fast start this summer, but that things have “absolutely” tightened up in recent days with Mayfield throwing a lot of picks.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is yet to say if second-year QB Kenny Pickett will play on Friday or not. This time last season, Pickett was the third-team Steelers quarterback and his participation in those preseason games was seen as a matter of course. Pickett had a great preseason last year: 29 for 36, three touchdowns vs. zero interceptions, 124.7 passer rating. But he didn’t open the season as the starter. Now the job is clearly his. The Steelers upset the Bucs last regular season in Pittsburgh in which Pickett left in the third quarter with a concussion. Pick: Bucs

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Denver at Arizona

NFL Odds: Denver at Arizona (+5)
When: Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10 PM ET
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
TV / Streaming: NFL NET

It’s the Broncos head coaching debut of former Saints Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton and the Cards head coaching debut of Jonathan Gannon, who spent the past two seasons as Philadelphia‘s defensive coordinator. Payton was hired to rescue the career of potential Hall of Fame QB Russell Wilson after he struggled so badly last year under a different coaching staff. Wilson and many other starters will at least take the field Friday: “They’re going to play,” Payton said. “We’ll figure out how many snaps.” The new coach had been on record that he would take a different path than former coach Nathaniel Hackett, who didn’t use starters in the preseason in 2022 prior to a 5-12 campaign. Wilson was sacked 55 times last season. The Broncos beefed up the offensive line during the offseason with the additions of right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers.

Arizona is projected by many to be the worst team in the NFL this season with a new front office and coaching staff and with star QB Kyler Murray recovering from a torn ACL. He will not play in the preseason and probably not at least the first few regular season games. Veteran Colt McCoy is Murray’s backup but not expected to play much Friday. Instead, it should be plenty of rookie Clayton Tune and journeymen David Blough and Jeff Driskel. Pick: Broncos

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Week 1 of the NFL preseason kicks off with several games on Thursday night, but if you can’t wait that long for your football fix, tune into HBO this Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET/PT for the 2019 debut of “Hard Knocks.” That Emmy-award winning show featured Jon Gruden’s Oakland Raiders this season. The Raiders host the Rams on Sunday so you will have to wait until next week to see that on “Hard Knocks.”

Meanwhile, here’s a look at two interesting preseason games this week and their NFL betting odds at MyBookie Sportsbook.

2019 NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds, Overview & Expert Picks

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

When: Thursday, 7:30 PM ET
TV: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: Miami Dolphins -3.5 (Total 35.5)

The Atlanta Falcons will be the first team to play two preseason games this year because they lost 14-10 to Denver in the Hall of Fame Game last Thursday. The Falcons gave up the winning 15-yard touchdown pass with 1:26 to play. Neither Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan nor star receiver Julio Jones played – Ryan probably will here but Jones isn’t going to at all this preseason.

Brian Hill rushed 11 times for 57 yards, adding two catches for -2 yards and one score. He’s battling for the backup running back job with Ito Smith. Smith averaged 2.0 YPC on three carries following an underwhelming rookie year. Backup QB Kurt Benkert left with an injury and won’t play in this one. That probably kills his chances of beating out Matt Schaub for the No. 2 spot. With his injury, the team has signed Chris Simms.

Finally, the first-round pick and projected starting right tackle Kaleb McGary also sat and will not play at all this preseason, either. He’s dealing with a bit of a heart issue. McGary is set for to undergo testing a few times over the next month and those results will determine how long he’ll be out. The last time McGary had this minimally-invasive procedure he missed 6-8 weeks.

This will be the head coaching debut of Miami Dolphins Brian Flores, the former Patriots linebackers coach. He already has fired his offensive line coach. All eyes will be on the quarterback battle between veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and second-year Josh Rosen.

Fitzpatrick was in the lead, according to reports, but Rosen shined during Saturday’s intra-squad scrimmage while Fitzpatrick fared poorly, committing two interceptions while nearly throwing a third on an errant pass he forced into double coverage. Flores said Josh Rosen has “made improvements across the board.” Not clear who starts here but Rosen surely will play more simply as he’s younger and needs the reps.

Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

When: Thursday, 10 PM ET
TV: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: Arizona Cardinals -2 (Total 36)

This will be the NFL debut of Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and 2018 Heisman winner from Oklahoma. All reports out of camp are that Murray has been spectacular. Murray will start here but not clear yet how long he will play.

“I think the goal is for us to get [Murray] out of the game with him feeling good about what went on out there,” new head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “And so whatever that takes, if it’s three plays, it’ll be three plays. If it’s 10-12 plays, it’ll be 12. I think we’ll just figure that out as the game’s going and how he feels and go from there. The main objective is to get good work, have him feel comfortable and feel good about the result.”

Cardinals WR Andy Isabella is dealing with a “minor knee issue,” Kingsbury said. He expects Isabella back “sooner than later.” Kingsbury is “hopeful” Isabella will be back for this preseason game but added the Cards won’t “press it.”

The LA Chargers won’t have star running back Melvin Gordon as he continues to hold out for a new contract – he could well hold out into the regular season. Gordon’s agent has demanded a trade but that doesn’t seem to interest the Chargers yet. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco did not give Gordon’s camp permission to seek a trade partner. Gordon reportedly has been offered something in the range of $10 million a year from the Chargers — essentially they’ve been willing to buy out his 2019 fifth-year option salary and a pair of tag years at a reduced cost.

However, Gordon’s agent rejected that offer. The two-time Pro Bowler is currently set to earn $5.6 million in 2019 under his current deal but will become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. The Bolts could slap the franchise tag on him this offseason, though.

Austin Ekeler would be the primary back if Gordon continues to hold out. Ekeler was No. 5 in yards per carry among qualified runners last season and registered Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 elusive rating at the position among 56 qualifiers.

Expert NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Picks

Back both home teams – all things equal, bet the home teams in the preseason.

Rest of the 2019 NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule

 

 

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Great news sports fans! The NFL season is right around the corner with the Baltimore Ravens over the weekend becoming the first team in the league to open training camp.

Here’s a quick glance at three Week 1 picks against the spread.

Packers at Eagles ATS Picks -1.5

This game is on Friday, Sept. 6 as the NFL stages its first-ever game in Brazil (or South America overall) – the Eagles will be the home team. The prime-time game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock in the first NFL Week 1 game on a Friday since 1970.

It will also be available on free, over-the-air broadcast television in the local markets of the competing teams as well as on mobile devices with NFL+.

Last Game

The Eagles and the Packers last played in 2022, with Philadelphia winning 40-33 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles and Green Bay previously squared off in a season opener back in 2010 as Philadelphia celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1960 NFL Championship Team that beat Vince Lombardi’s Packers to win the title.

That was the only playoff loss of Lombardi’s Hall of Fame career as a coach.

NFL Brazil

The NFL has increased their international presence as of recently, and the expansion to Brazil is another way for the league to expand their fanbase.

The game will take place in the city of São Paulo at the Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians.

Both these clubs were 2023 playoff teams with the Eagles going out in a whimper with a 32-9 defeat at Tampa Bay in the Wild-Card Round.

Future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce retired, but their 2024 offseason set them up to be Super Bowl contenders once again.

The team turned its offense and defense over to coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio, respectively, who both appear to be upgrades.

Vikings at Giants ATS Picks -1

Minnesota will debut new quarterback Sam Darnold against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Of course, Donald is very familiar with that building as a former bust Jets quarterback.

Darnold signed a one-year deal in free agency and simply will serve as a bridge QB until first-round rookie JJ McCarthy is ready.

Sam appeared in 10 games last year with the 49ers, mostly in mop-up duty, throwing for 297 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception.

The Vikings had an opening at quarterback after longtime franchise star Kirk Cousins signed with Atlanta.

Aaron Jones

It also will be the Atlanta debut of running back Aaron Jones, formerly of the Packers – who shockingly released him.

When healthy, Jones remains one of the top running backs in the NFL. He is a gashing force on the ground with home-run ability and is a good pass catcher.

Jones generated 1,100-plus scrimmage yards and seven-plus scrimmage TDs in four straight seasons from 2019-2022.

Hamstring issues in 2023 broke the streak, as the back earned 656 rush yards, 233 receiving yards and three total touchdowns in 11 games.

Daniel Jones

The Giants probably will be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season because of their QB Daniel Jones.

This also might be the last season that he’s their starter. Most analysts believe Jones is set up to fail in what seems to be a make-or-break year.

Others believe he might be able to find his 2022 form after the Giants made some upgrades around him – including drafting LSU receiver Malik Nabers in Round 1. campaign.

Jones could get pushed by backup Drew Lock if he doesn’t improve on his disappointing six-game 2023 campaign.

Patriots at Bengals ATS Picks -9

Cincinnati is the biggest Week 1 favorite on the board despite coming off a hugely disappointing season that saw starting QB Joe Burrow go down with a season-ending injury for the second time already in his young but excellent career.

The Bengals were able to keep star WR Tee Higgins this offseason on the franchise tag but he’s probably a goner after 2024 as Cincinnati has to play superstar WR Ja’Marr Chase big bucks eventually.

Under the tag, Higgins will make $21.816 million fully guaranteed for the 2024 season.

The big-bodied wideout has produced 257 receptions for 3,648 yards (14.3 yards per catch) and 24 touchdowns through four seasons, but is coming off his worst statistical year in 2023 after an adverse campaign that saw the loss of Burrow in Week 11.

Higgins also missed five games due to injury last season, bringing him to career-low marks of 42 receptions for 656 yards and five TDs.

New England Question

Who will be the starting QB in Week 1 for New England between veteran Jacoby Brissett or rookie No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye?

Clearly the job will be Maye’s eventually but most believe Brissett will get the call early in the season as the Pats rebuild post-Bill Belichick.

First-year head coach Jerod Mayo has said that part of the reason the Patriots signed 31-year old Brissett was to serve as a mentor, while also acknowledging that Brissett has started 48 career NFL games and is viewed by the coaching staff as worthy of the role.

 

 

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The 2022 NFL Preseason officially kicks off on Thursday, August 11 when the Giants head to New England to take on the Patriots and the Ravens host the Titans. Then on Friday, four games take place, including a possible NFC Championship preview when Green Bay throws down against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Check out NFL Preseason Betting Lines, analysis, and free picks for NFL Preseason Week 1 games on Thursday and Friday.

2022 Preseason Week 1 August 11 & August 12 Games to Wager On | NFL Betting Predictions

2022 NFL Preseason Week 1

When: Thursday, August 11 – Friday, August 12

New York Giants -2 at New England Patriots | Thursday, August 11

Bill Belichick never pushes his team during the preseason. But the Patriots might have an edge in this because Brian Daboll may not want to give up his best plays of the season.

The new Giants head coach will play Davis Webb at quarterback more than Tyrod Taylor. Daboll will want to save Taylor for the season just in case Daniel Jones suffers an injury. New England’s defense is set. Taking the points make sense.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: New England Patriots

Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens -3.5 | Thursday, August 11

The Titans won’t play Ryan Tannehill or Derrick Henry in the first preseason game of the year. Baltimore won’t play Lamar Jackson, but they might play a couple of their running backs.

Tennessee’s defense allowed less than 87 rushing yards per game. Unless the Ravens open the playbook for third string quarterback Brett Hundley, the Titans should cover.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Tennessee Titans

Atlanta Falcons -2.5 at Detroit Lions | Friday, August 12

The Falcons may play Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and third stringer Feleipe Franks. Franks is an intriguing quarterback. He’s got mad rushing skills.

It will be difficult for the Lions to counter no matter who the Falcons send to the turf. Atlanta grabs the preseason victory SU and ATS.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars -2.5 | Friday, August 12

Browns versus Jaguars is one of the most intriguing preseason games in week 1. Who knows which quarterback Cleveland will send to the huddle. It won’t be Jacoby Brissett because he’s the Browns’ for at least the first 6 weeks and possibly longer.

Cleveland could play both Joshua Dobbs and Josh Rosen. The Jaguars may play Trevor Lawrence since this is Jacksonville’s second preseason game after the hall of fame tilt versus the Raiders.

Even if Trevor doesn’t play for more than a series, the Jax offense should play much better in the second preseason contest. Jacksonville scores a cover victory.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets -3 at Philadelphia Eagles | Friday, August 12

The Jet’s second stringers on offense could start for the Houston Texans. Joe Flacco at quarterback gives NYJ a big boost in this matchup.

But the Jets lost offensive lineman Mekhi Becton for the season. So don’t expect the J-E-T-S to play their starting linemen. The Eagles can win this straight up even if Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith, and A.J. Brown hang out on the bench. NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers -1 | Friday, August 12

Jimmy G. will want to get on the field to show he still has it. The 49ers gave Garoppolo the greenlight to search for a trade, which is why Kyle Shanahan will grant Jimmy his wish.

The Packers are light along the offensive line. Left tackle David Bakhtiari and right tackle Elgton Jenkins are trying to get healthy enough to play during the regular season. Green Bay can’t afford any more losses along the line.

We should expect a few practice squad players to suit up for the Packers. Jimmy torches Green Bay’s second and third string defense. The Niners roll.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: San Francisco 49ers

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The NFL preseason will officially kick off with the annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night, after which we will only have one more week to wait until all the other teams see the field for the first time. Preseason games tend to not be particularly exciting given that most of the major stars of the game spend the time on the sideline, but it is a great way to get a look at the depth of each of the teams in the league. It’s also fun to see guys competing for positions, and we always see a few players come out of nowhere to make their respective squads. The goal for every team is to get out of these games injury-free, which is why we should not expect to see too much of the starters in the 2018 NFL Preseason Week 1.

2018 NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles

This game should be a must watch for a number of different reasons, the most obvious of which is that it will be our first look at the Eagles since they won the Super Bowl. Perhaps the bigger story here, though, is the QB battle that is sure to play out with the Steelers.

Yes, we know that Big Ben will be the #1, but there are 3 other guys in there and only room for 2. Since the Steelers just drafted Mason Rudolph, the battle for the final spot would appear to be between Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs. All 3 of those QB’s are going to see playing time, so let the battle commence.

Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers

Two of the most iconic franchise in the sport will be going head to head in the opening week of preseason. The Cowboys are coming into 2018 looking for a bounce-back year after delivering an underwhelming performance last season. You have to feel as though coach Jason Garrett is going to be on a bit of a short leash in 2018.

There is an absolute ton of hype surrounding the 49ers coming into this season, and we will get an early idea if that hype is justified. It may just be preseason, but the 49ers will want to start winning early and often.

Washington Redskins vs New England Patriots

While fans of the Patriots continue to revel in the success of their team, the rest of the NFL world is sitting by waiting for the evil empire to crumble. Given the rumors of behind the scenes strife from last season, as well as some offseason moves that came as a surprise, we may well be looking at the beginning of the end for the Patriots this year.

For the Washington Redskins, there is newfound hope heading into 2018, as they feel they have finally got their man at QB, with Alex Smith coming over from the Chiefs.

LA Rams vs Baltimore Ravens

The LA Rams had a breakthrough season in 2017, and given what they have done, and more specifically the money they have spent, this offseason, it is clear that they believe they have a window of opportunity sitting wide open this season. The Rams went little nuts in free agency, while also locking up RB Todd Gurley to a massive contract.

We are not likely to see any of their big signings in the opener, which is probably good news for the Ravens. This will be the second preseason game for Baltimore, so look for them to be a little more prepared and sharper in this one.

Rest of the Schedule for 2018 NFL Preseason Week 1

 

 

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If you are a fan of the NFL, now is the time to get really excited. The training camps are all in session, and we are now just a few days away from the Hall of Fame Game, which is the first time we get to see some actual football action. Week 1 of the preseason schedule gets started on August 8 with the HOF game, and then continues on the 11th through the 15th of the month. If you are planning on wagering on these games, pay attention to the live odds, as you are not going to see much of the starters, which means surprises may come. Let’s take a closer look.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Expert Predictions

Packers Vs Colts

The aforementioned HOF game is a good one this year, with two of the betting favorites for the season going head to head. The Indianapolis Colts did well without Andrew Luck for large portions of last season, so that suggests they might win this one with back-ups.

Cowboys at Rams

It’s a return to LA for the Rams, and I just don’t see them letting the fans down in the first game back, preseason or not.

Browns at Packers

We are probably going to have to wait a little longer to get a real look at RGIII in Browns colors. Give this one to the Packers.

Broncos at Bears

This one means more to the Broncos, as they are still trying to figure out their starting QB. Stiff competition means a win for the champs.

Lions at Steelers

Two teams that look to be poles apart coming into the new season. Have to go with the Steelers here.

Texans at 49ers

In regular season terms, this would likely be an easy win for Houston. I think we can expect the same in preseason.

Colts at Bills

The Bills could be one of those teams who have the dark horse label attached this season. Giving them the win at home here.

Jaguars at Jets

The Jags are another team that figure to be vastly improved this season. They will want to start winning early to set the tone. I like them against the Jets.

Dolphins at Giants

It’s a new era in New York, and preseason or not, they will want to get things off to a winning start, which is why they knock off the Dolphins.

Vikings at Bengals

Two very good teams here who would be evenly matched at full strength. Bengals are a little deeper, and get the win.

Saints at Patriots

The Patriots need to see what they have at QB with Brady out for the first 4 games. I like them to go all out for the win.

Raiders at Cardinals

Another very good match-up if both teams were playing all their starters. Giving the edge to the Cardinals at home.

Chargers at Titans

The Titans are still in the process of building a winning team, while the Chargers are likely to be 8-8 again this season. Slight nod to San Diego Chargers.

Seahawks at Chiefs

These two teams figure to be among the betting odds favorites this coming season. A good chance to see how deep they are. Chiefs edge this one at home.

Buccaneers at Eagles

Not sure what to expect from Philly this season, and this game likely won’t tell us too much. Still think they edge this one out.

Redskins at Falcons

The Redskins are looking to build on a solid season from last year, while the Falcons are looking to bounce back. I like Washington in this one.

 

 

What could be better than one or two Week 1 expert preseason picks? Why three of course! If you’re looking for NFL preseason Week 1 matchups that are offering plenty of value, then consider your ticket punched because I’ve got a trio of preseason winning ATS picks that should leave you smiling from ear to ear. Hence, make sure to check the current odds for the NFL preseason and start enjoying the best football action at MyBookie.

The New England Patriots host the rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars in a contest that looks like a serious mismatch, even for a preseason affair, while the Chicago Bears and ‘foolhardy’ Miami Dolphins will both look to hold down the fort at home in their respective openers. Now, let’s find out where the best value is in all four preseason openers.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Winning ATS Picks

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13) at New England Patriots (17-2)

Thursday, August 10 at 7:30 PM ET Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: New England -5.5 / Total: 41

Analysis: Well, it’s about time the Jacksonville Jaguars got something right! The Jags got rid of Gus Bradley and brought in former head coach Tom Coughlin to run their football operations. Coughlin in turn, hired veteran NFL ‘lifer’ Doug Marrone to lead Jacksonville in a new direction.

The bad news is that they still haven’t figured out that Blake Bortles shouldn’t be the starting quarterback for any team.

Anyway, the Jags will play Bortles for a series or two before turning to veteran backup Chad Henne and third-stringer Brandon Allen, but that’s not what’s most important for Marrone and company right now. Jacksonville is looking to find quality performers on the offensive line, at wide receiver and at linebacker and defensive back on the other side of the ball.

New England Patriots Analysis

New England backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett will get the lion’s share of playing time if Tom Brady even sees a series in this meaningless preseason opener. Moreover, New England will mostly be looking at their backup wide receivers, their backup tight end. Head coach Bill Belichick would like some more depth on the offensive line and will be looking at his backup positions on the defensive side of the ball.

It doesn’t matter that the Jaguars are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games and 4-1 ATS in their last five versus the AFC. It doesn’t even matter that the Patriots are 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 home games and an insane 34-16-2 ATS in their last 52 games overall. The bottom line for this opener is that Garoppolo and Brissett will outplay their counterparts to help the Patriots get the solid preseason win in their opener.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks: New England 28 Jacksonville 17

NFL Week 1 Top ATS Picks

Denver Broncos (9-7) at Chicago Bears (3-13)

Thursday, August 10 at 8:00 PM ET Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois TV: NFLN NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: Pick ‘Em / Total: 36.5

Analysis: For me, the Denver Broncos are the easy pick to get the outright win and ATS cover in this preseason opener for one huge reason. They’ve got two starting quality quarterbacks in Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch that are both going to go all-out in order to impress head coach Vance Joseph and win the starting job for the regular season.

Not only that, but Denver’s overpowering defense, even featuring a bunch of backups in this contest, will likely overpower and embarrass veteran Mark Sanchez and No. 2 overall draft pick Mitchell Trubisky once starter Mike Glennon leaves after a series or two at most.

The Broncos are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games while the Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last six Thursday games, not that it’ll matter much as Denver rolls!

NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks: Denver 31 Chicago 14

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 PM ET Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: Pick ‘Em / Total: 36.5

Analysis: The season hasn’t even started yet, but the Miami Dolphins are already looking like a foolhardy franchise to me after rushing out to sign cry-baby quitter Jay Cutler out of the TV booth after uninspiring starter Ryan Tannehill went down, possibly for the entire season with an apparent ACL injury earlier this week.

Now, Cutler could see action in this preseason opener after Miami starts veteran Matt Moore, but I don’t expect either to outplay Matt Ryan for the two series of action he’ll likely see – or veteran backup Matt Schaub for that matter. The Dolphins will be looking to find some quality backups at the wide receiver position, the offensive line, and linebacker in the secondary.

Atlanta Falcons Analysis

The Falcons would like nothing better than to get the bad taste left in their mouths from their Super Bowl collapse gone and that starts with a win in this mostly meaningless game for the reigning NFC champions. Matt Ryan will play one or two series if that, but it won’t matter much, the Falcons are loaded on offense. Atlanta will be mostly looking to find some quality defensive players on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary.

The Falcons are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 road games while the Dolphins are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 home games. Miami deserves to lose this game after passing up on the blackballed Colin Kaepernick in favor of a guy that quit on his team several times in his career and never showed any heart or leadership when he did play!

NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks: Atlanta 27 Miami 23