NFL Best Bets: Week 2 Preseason
NFL Best Bets: Week 2 Preseason
Every team has different approaches on who to play in the preseason. While some coaches are willing to play their starters and important players, others are more conservative. Finding information on who is playing can make a big difference in determining which teams to bet on. Here’s a look at which teams to consider betting on during the NFL’s second week of the preseason. See all our NFL Odds Here
Buffalo (-4.5) vs. Denver Broncos
The Bills are one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl. While Buffalo mostly played reserves during a 27-24 Week 1 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Bills won under absurd circumstances. Buffalo turned the ball over five times and didn’t throw a passing touchdown but found a way to beat the Colts.
Buffalo held a 369-288 edge in total yards and passed for over 300 yards between Matt Barkley and Case Keenum. Both of those players will hope to show up better against Denver. Barkley was 18-of-24 for 224 yards and an interception, while Keenum was 11-of-18 for 86 yards and two interceptions.
Denver didn’t play new quarterback Russell Wilson and likely won’t risk him against the Bills in a preseason game. The Broncos will hope for another strong performance from the defense, which only allowed seven points in the first preseason game.
Bet Buffalo -4.5.
Indianapolis Colts (+104) vs. Detroit Lions
The Indianapolis Colts weren’t afraid to send Matt Ryan out on the field during their preseason opener at home. Ryan worked 19 plays with the starting offense, minus running back Jonathan Taylor, to help him get acclimated with his new teammates. However, since Indianapolis and Detroit held combined practices this week, the starters will get Week 2 off and return for the final preseason game, Colts coach Frank Reich said.
Indianapolis, however, has several options behind Ryan at quarterback. Veteran quarterback Nick Foles completed 7-of-11 passes for 72 yards and scored in Indianapolis’ preseason loss to the Bills. Sam Ehlinger, a 2021 sixth-round pick of the Colts, completed 10-of-11 passes for 88 yards and two scores.
Detroit doesn’t have much depth at quarterback behind Jared Goff. David Blough has been a spot starter for them over the past few seasons; whale Tim Boyle also saw time in the Lions’ loss to the Falcons.
With the Colts at home, and their depth at quarterback, this should be an Indianapolis win.
Bet Colts +104.
Miami Dolphins (+104) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
There is still some discussion about if quarterback Skylar Thompson has a place on Miami’s roster. What the Dolphins’ rookie showed in the team’s preseason opener was that he could hang on the field. Thompson completed 20-of-28 of his passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. The Kansas State product also carried the ball three times for 25 yards.
Overall, the Dolphins’ offense shows it needed to clean up things on third down. Miami only converted 20 percent (2-of-10) of its third-down attempts against Tampa Bay. The Raiders are on their third preseason game and have split their first two contests.
Las Vegas is still working out the competition at backup quarterback behind Derek Carr. Nick Mullens was the star in a 26-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings, completing 7-of-9 passes for 94 yards and a score. Despite the Dolphins' struggles on offense, it is time to grab Miami plus-money at home.
Bet Miami +104.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5)
The Steelers were able to showcase Mitch Trubisky at quarterback last week and will likely play it careful with the veteran quarterback Saturday. Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was 13-of-15, passing for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Pickett, who played mostly with the third team, should get moved up with second-team reps.
Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence was 6-of-12 with 95 yards passing during a preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns. Lawrence isn’t expecting to see much or any time against Pittsburgh. The Jaguars will likely lean on C.J. Bearhard or Jake Luton to carry the load until center.
This will be a good test for Pickett. He will be on the road for the first time as a professional and should see a step up in competition. Jacksonville’s offense has still been a mess during the preseason. The Jaguars average 3.9 yards per play against the Browns.
While Jacksonville could still win this game, bet Pittsburgh +3.5.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns (+2.5)
The Eagles may be cautious with Jalen Hurts, who was 6-for-6 with 80 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia's quarterback took a nasty hit last Friday that may make the Eagles leery to play him much during their second preseason game. Philadelphia’s offense looked efficient during the Eagles’ 24-21 loss to the New York Jets.
The Cleveland Browns still have the Deshaun Watson situation hanging over their heads. Watson was 1-of-5 passing in the first preseason and came for seven yards. Josh Dobbs and Josh Rosen both had strong performances at backups.
With Cleveland’s backups playing well, it’s worth taking a look at Browns +2.5 to cover the spread.
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
