Preseason NFL Betting Chances and Quarterback Roster Lines-Up
NFL Preseason Kicks Off with Unique Challenges
As the NFL preseason gets underway, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for a series of games that present a different handicapping challenge compared to the regular season. With new coaches, quarterback competitions, and varying levels of participation from star players, the preseason is a unique animal in the world of football.
One of the key factors to consider when betting on NFL preseason games is knowing who is going to play. Starters and key backups often have limited, varying playing time depending on team strategy. For instance, in the opening game of the preseason, the Chargers plan to start Trey Lance, while Jared Goff and Justin Herbert are not expected to play much. Meanwhile, the Lions are 2-point favorites, with a total of 33 [1][2][4].
Coaches' intentions and strategies also play a significant role in preseason games. Coaches usually reveal during training camp and preseason who they plan to play and what they want to test or emphasize, which can affect game flow and scoring. In the case of the Las Vegas Raiders, they are a team to consider betting on, as they have a positive backup quarterback situation with Aidan O'Connell and Cam Miller [3].
Understanding team priorities and game context is also crucial. Some teams use preseason Week 3 as a dress rehearsal with starters playing more, while others focus on keeping key players healthy for the regular season, which impacts the competitiveness and scoring environment.
The preseason is also a time for quarterback competitions to heat up. The Cleveland Browns, for example, are involved in a competitive quarterback competition with four players. The Colts have a quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones [5].
In addition to the seven teams with new coaches for the 2023 season, five other teams have a new projected starting quarterback for the season. Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from Ohio State, is an important quarterback to watch in the Steelers' preseason rotation [6].
While results in preseason games can often be random due to backup quarterbacks and reserves fighting for rosters, the preseason is still worth some shots when picking the right spots. Keeping an eye on coaches' comments, beat writers' reports, and betting line movements can provide an edge [3].
As always, diligent research on player involvement and coaching strategies, monitoring news and injury reports, and understanding team-specific approaches to the games are essential for success in NFL preseason betting.
[1] - Knowing who is going to play [2] - Understanding team priorities and game context [3] - Tracking betting line movements and finding sharp lines [4] - Following coaches’ intentions and strategies [5] - Quarterback competitions heating up [6] - Important quarterbacks to watch in the preseason
- The unprecedented quarterback competitions, such as the one involving the Browns and Colts, add an intriguing layer to the NFL preseason in American football.
- The varying levels of participation from star players, including the Chargers' decision to start Trey Lance instead of Jared Goff and Justin Herbert, present unique challenges for football fans and bettors during the preseason.
