The NFL is almost back, but before it gets underway, we have an opportunity to sweat out some backups in the preseason. Our experts have some picks for Week 1 of the NFL preseason, so let’s dive into our NFL expert picks and predictions. Check out our expert picks page for more bets — or use our NFL +EV betting guide to find sharp plays on your own!
NFL Expert Picks & Predictions for Preseason Week 1
NFL Expert Picks & Predictions for Preseason Week 1
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@shanderbets – Spread – BAL +2.5: Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni says he’s playing his starters on Friday, depending on the weather. But one thing we know about Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh is that it doesn’t matter what string on the depth chart is out there — he’s playing to win these games. It’s a major difference in approach.
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Sirianni — through offensive coordinator Kellen Moore — might opt to go for it on fourth where the Ravens are only interested in scoring points and winning this game.
The line dipped, but I still think there’s value on any points for Baltimore, and even a half-unit bet on the first-half moneyline. The Eagles have two new coordinators with some key turnover on both sides of the ball, they aren’t deep enough to overcome that against Baltimore’s bench.
NFL Expert Pick & Prediction for Preseason Week 1: BAL +2.5 -130 at FanDuel
@is_sirois – Spread – LAC +3: Everyone, including my friend, Eytan, likes to talk about what John Harbaugh has done in the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens. I’m a Ravens fan. I get it. We’re fun to bet on — usually.
This year is a bit different with rookie Devin Leary and veteran Josh Johnson competing for the backup quarterback job. Neither is as good as recent backups, which, must I remind you, have included Robert Griffin III, Tyrod Taylor and Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley.
However, the other Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh, has a similarly strong record. He is 10-6 ATS and SU in the preseason, a record he compiled with the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh has already said that he’ll start backup Easton Stick for Sunday’s contest, but Seattle’s Mike Macdonald has confirmed that he’ll be rolling with his backups, too. That means
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Diving into what both coaches have said, it sounds like Macdonald will use a few defensive starters while Harbaugh will use a handful on both sides of the ball. While the Seahawks have an established pecking order at running back, wide receiver and tight end, the Chargers do not. There is no clear-cut WR1, RB1 or even TE1 in L.A.
The lack of roster and depth chart security will have a major effect on the effort we see from the Chargers’ guys on Sunday.
That said, it’s not like L.A. is lacking for talent at skill positions, either — running backs Kimani Vidal and Isaiah Spiller have serious talent. All four tight ends, a list that includes Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr. and Will Dissly, have actual game experience under their belt. While the wide receiver room looks barebones, that just adds more incentive for the young guys to break out.
NFL Expert Pick & Prediction for Preseason Week 1: LAC +3 -110 at FanDuel
