NFL preseason week 1 betting guide: Best bets to make

John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks to reporters during his team's NFL football training camp, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Owings Mills, Md.AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Only the NFL can get big-time betting action on games that don’t even count, and we have the best bets to make for the first week of preseason football.

Every team will take the field Thursday through Sunday night, including the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, who took part in the Hall of Fame Game last week.

3 best bets

With so many unknowns surrounding who will play and for how long in these preseason games, sportsbooks only have moneyline, totals, and spread bets posted. Below, you will find our three best bets to place for week 1 of the 2023 NFL preseason:

**All of the odds below are provided by Caesars on Thurs. Aug. 10**

3-leg parlay (+596)

This three-leg parlay features a trio of under bets. Statistically, the under hits far more than the over in NFL preseason games—so that’s what we’re banking on.

First, we’re going with the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which holds an over/under of 39.0. Second is the Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns at 38.5. Third is the Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills at 38.0.

A $20 wager at +596 odds will yield a $139.16 payout.

Baltimore Ravens -5.0 (-110)

Since head coach John Harbaugh took over at the helm of the Baltimore Ravens back in 2008, no team has fared better in the preseason. WIldly, the Ravens have gone 43‑12 in preseason action under Harbaugh.

The Philadelphia Eagles, who will face the Ravens on Saturday, have gone just 1-4-1 in the preseason under coach Nick Sirianni. That includes two 30+ point blowout losses. Clearly, the oddsmakers know of the success that the Ravens typically have in the preseason, setting the number at -5.0. That number isn’t scaring us though.

A $20 wager at -100 odds will yield a $38.18 payout.

2-leg parlay (+433)

Backup quarterbacks get a ton of action in the preseason, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a QB battle occurring between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask—both of whom will be playing with something to prove. We like the Bucs to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Furthermore, the Washington Commanders will roll out both second-year quarterback Sam Howell and veteran Jacoby Brissett to face the Cleveland Browns. We see Washington getting the win.

A $20 wager at +433 odds will yield a $106.56 payout.

Caesars promo info

As a new Caesars Sportsbook customer in Michigan, you will get 100% of your stake back as a Bonus Bet—up to $1,250—if your first wager settles as a loss. On top of that, you will receive 1,000 Reward Credits and 1,000 Tier Credits.

Enter promo code ‘SLMLIVEFULL’ to make sure you qualify for this welcome offer from Caesars.

To claim this promotion, follow these key steps:

  1. Use our exclusive link to sign up (enter promo code)
  2. Deposit $10+ into your new account
  3. Place a first-time wager of $10 or more
  4. Get up to $1,250 back if your bet loses

Notably, you must be at least 21 years of age and physically located in the state of Michigan to be eligible for this offer.

Additionally, your bonus bet funds will be credited to your Caesars account within two business days after your qualifying wager settles as a loss. Once in your account, you will have 14 days to utilize your bonus bet before it expires.

Meanwhile, your 1,000 Reward Credits and 1,000 Tier Credits will enter your Caesars Rewards account within seven days of your qualifying bet’s settlement.

Unfortunately, your bonus bet must be used in one lump sum and the value of your bonus bet will not be included in any potential winnings.

Summary

Reminder, week 1 of the NFL preseason is approaching. Sign up at Caesars to place your bets and receive up to $1,250 back if your first wager loses in addition to 1,000 Reward and Tier Credits. Make sure to use promo code ‘SLMLIVEFULL’ at the time of sign-up.

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