And just like that, the preseason is here. Are you ready for some NFL football, even if it is being played by backup squads? Next Thursday, the NFL will drop 11 games to get our football betting acumen back on track and on the field, but we’re not going to wait for that day to start talking about the games. Below is our breakdown of some choice betting matchups along with the odds and spreads for all of the contests.
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Comprehensive Betting Preview for Week 1 of 2018 NFL Preseason
Dallas Cowboys (+3.5) at San Francisco 49ers (-3.5)
Thursday, August 9 10:00 PM ET
The Cowboys and the 49ers both missed the playoffs last season, but there’s a reason for each of those franchises’ fanbases to believe that their teams are going to make it to the postseason in the 2018 campaign. For Dallas, though, it will have to find a way to survive without two of their long-time studs down field with Jason Witten now retired and Dez Bryant no longer with the team after being cut last April. The Cowboys still have quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott to carry the team’s offense. As for the 49ers, they are set to usher in an entire season with Jimmy Garoppolo under center after trading for the ex-New England Patriots signal-caller last season. Aside from that, the Niners are also poised to parade a new-look secondary with cornerback Richard Sherman now in tow.
Writer’s Prediction:
San Francisco wins, 27-24.
Detroit Lions (+3) at Oakland Raiders (-3)
Friday, August 10 10:30 PM ET
Season 1 of having Matt Patricia as the team’s head coach begins this year for the Lions, who missed the playoffs in 2017. Some new faces accompany Patricia in the Lions’ locker room, some of whom are expected to see action against the Raiders this Friday. Among them are rookies in center Frank Ragnow, running back Kerryon Johnson, and safety Dalton Schultz. Like Detroit, the Raiders will have a new coach calling the plays for them. Technically, Jon Gruden isn’t a stranger to Oakland having coached the team several years ago, but he’s making a return after a long absence on the sidelines in exchange for a gig in the broadcast booth. Gruden is busy getting all himself and the Raiders’ new pieces on the same page, and these preseason games are expected to help them hasten the development of their team chemistry. New guys like Doug Martin, Jordy Nelson, and Martavis Bryant would surely give Oakland’s offense a boost, but it’s the group of rookies composed of offensive tackle Kolton Miller, nose tackle P.J. Hall, and defensive end Arden Key are expected to see plenty of the action on the field this Friday.
Writer’s Prediction:
Oakland wins, 23-17.
Minnesota Vikings (+1) at Denver Broncos (-1)
Saturday, August 11 9:00 PM ET
The Vikings were known more for their defense last season than their offense, though, Case Keenum was quite a headline generator in 2017 for his unforeseen success. This time around, the Vikings have a legitimate signal-caller in Kirk Cousins, whom Minnesota is hoping would bring the team’s offense into the next level. Denver, on the other hand, could have a next Von Miller in their fold after drafting defensive Bradley Chubb with a first-round pick. Chubb projects to give the Broncos another defensive stud to further fortify the team’s defense that allowed the third fewest total yards last year.
Writer’s Prediction:
Minnesota wins, 24-21.
Game by Game Spread and Over/Under Breakdown : 2018 NFL Preseason Week 1
| Date | Spread | Over/Under |
| Thursday, August 11 | Carolina (+1) vs. Buffalo (-1-) | 34.0 |
| Chicago vs. Cincinnati | ||
| Tampa Bay (+1.5) vs. Miami (-1.5) | 34.5 | |
| Cleveland (+3) vs. New York Giants (-3) | 34.5 | |
| Pittsburgh (+3) vs. Philadelphia (-3) | 35.0 | |
| New Orleans (+3) vs. Jacksonville (-3) | 35.0 | |
| Washington (+4.5) vs. New England (-4.5) | 37.0 | |
| Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore | ||
| Tennessee vs. Green Bay | 35.0 | |
| Houston (+2.5) vs. Kansas City (-2.5) | 35.0 | |
| Indianapolis (+3) vs. Seattle (-3) | 34.5 | |
| Friday, August 10 | Atlanta (+1.5) vs. New York Jets (-1.5) | 35.0 |
| Saturday, August 11 | Los Angeles Chargers (+2.5) vs. Arizona (-2.5) | 36.0 |
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