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Admittedly, I never pay much attention to the preseason because nearly everything about it and the related NFL betting odds are often skewed up. Rookies are overhyped, free agents are overrated and preseason trainings are exaggerated. And as far as on-field rosters are concerned, you never know who will be playing and how long they will be on the field, or what strategies and playbooks will be used on the field. Bettors who regularly study broader NFL betting markets understand that preseason wagering behaves very differently from regular-season betting because information gaps, player rotations, and coaching experimentation heavily influence the odds. Those looking for a deeper explanation of these dynamics can learn more about how NFL preseason betting works and why exhibition games require a different approach.
Meanwhile, the oft-forgetful NFL fans easily fail to remember how bad their team was last season—or has been for the past decade—and somehow fool themselves into believing that their team will ace all tests in the preseason, when the betting reality on the ground says otherwise. Is it worth betting NFL preseason?
Editorial Note
This guide explains how NFL preseason betting differs from regular-season wagering and explores the factors that influence preseason odds, including coaching decisions, roster battles, injuries, and player rotations. It is intended for educational purposes and does not guarantee betting outcomes.
Quick Answer
Is betting on the NFL preseason worth it? NFL preseason betting can offer opportunities when bettors understand coaching philosophies, roster competitions, and playing-time expectations. However, preseason games are highly unpredictable, so wagers should remain conservative and focus on information rather than team reputation.
Why Bet on the NFL Preseason?
For all its uncertainty, I still enjoy the NFL preseason. The hype, preseason NFL betting, rookie debuts, veteran performances, and return of long-standing rivalries offer the first real taste of football after the offseason.
🏈 What Makes the NFL Preseason Appealing?
- Rookie debuts: Fans get their first look at new draft picks in NFL game action.
- Roster battles: Players competing for jobs can create meaningful second-half matchups.
- Quarterback rotations: Playing-time information can influence preseason NFL betting odds.
- Football’s return: After months without NFL games, bettors are ready to study the markets again.
📈 Do People Bet on NFL Preseason Games?
Yes. NFL preseason betting volume is lower than regular-season action, but bettors still wager on moneylines, point spreads, and totals. Sportsbook lines can react quickly when credible information emerges about starting quarterbacks, player rotations, injuries, or coaching plans.
| Preseason Factor | Why Bettors Watch It | Main Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 👤 Player rotations | More expected playing time may improve a team’s short-term outlook. | Plans can change shortly before kickoff. |
| 📋 Coaching approach | Some coaches place greater emphasis on preseason execution and results. | Past tendencies may not match the current game plan. |
| 🎯 Roster competition | Backup players fighting for jobs may play with greater urgency. | Motivation does not always translate into better performance. |
| 🚨 Injuries and absences | Late availability news may affect sportsbook lines and betting odds. | Information can be incomplete or quickly become outdated. |
⚠ Why Preseason Betting Requires Caution
The unpredictable nature of player rotations and limited game plans can make preseason picks difficult. Before placing a wager, learn how NFL preseason betting works and focus on verified playing-time information rather than team reputation or offseason hype.
Preseason bets should remain conservative because even a well-researched prediction can be disrupted by an unexpected quarterback change, shortened appearance, or coaching adjustment. The handicapping considerations below can help identify which games are worth evaluating and which ones are better left alone.
Handicapping NFL Preseason Games
Team Motivation
Teams that enter the preseason with a lot to prove often fight the strongest to win games. These are mostly underperforming teams from the previous seasons or those with new coaches that are dying to prove that they want to do well in the new season.
Coaching Philosophy
Speaking of new coaches, joining a new team means fans will be begging for blood right from the preseason, meaning all the first games (including the NFL preseason games) are taken seriously and used to judge the coaches.
Teams led by such coaches will want to take games seriously and compete better to win games than their opponents. Still on coaching, certain NFL coaches traditionally take the preseason games seriously while others don’t.
Ex New England’s Bill Belichick, for example, rarely takes the NFL preseason seriously and doesn’t care whether the Patriots win or not.
Seattle’s Pete Carroll, on the other hand, views the preseason as being very important in terms of preparing his players for the new season, a key reason why he owns the NFL’s best lifetime ATS record.
Roster Spot Fights
Teams with several players jockeying for a roster spot means that the concerned players will be playing for the lives, something that acts as a big motivation factor for success and excellence during the preseason games.
Moneyline vs. Point Spread Betting
Typically, the point spreads in the preseason games are much shorter than during the regular season. And more often than not, the point spreads rarely factor much into the games. As a general rule, therefore, focus more on picking the winner rather than trying to figure out point spreads.
Injuries and Betting Trends
As always, injuries and betting trends play an important role in handicapping games, but don’t read much into such in the preseason. Instead, keep your focus on the players expected to play in the games and do your handicapping based on that.
Is it Worth Betting on the Preseason?
Based on the analysis given above, is it worth wagering on the preseason games? Well, yes and no, depending on the surrounding circumstance. If the odds look right and the factors are okay, then there are several reasons you should give it a try.
This should especially be encouraged if the team has a good quarterback and team depth, and the location of the game favors the team you pick. If not, then keep away from the game.
In the end, the preseason is about players getting conditioned for the regular season, so don’t take it too seriously to the point of betting big on the games because nothing can be guaranteed about winning. Keep your bankroll light and have fun with your bets.
In the end, the preseason is about players getting conditioned for the regular season, so don’t take it too seriously to the point of betting big on the games because nothing can be guaranteed about winning. Keep your bankroll light, and if you estimate your own win probabilities, use the Kelly Criterion for NFL betting to evaluate conservative stake sizes rather than risking too much on unpredictable preseason action.
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About the Author
Henry Watkins is a Sports Writer at MyBookie. Originally from Scotland and currently residing in Metro Atlanta with his wife Penny, Henry covers a range of topics, including competitive and professional sports as well as sports business. In addition to his sports writing, he is also an author of horror fiction, with works such as Karaoke Night, Crueller, and Off The Grid.
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