NFL Preseason Week 1 Preview: Games, Betting Odds & Predictions

Game Details

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 8 (NFL Network)
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Panthers +245, Patriots -305
• Spread: Panthers +7 (-120), Patriots -7 (+100)
• Total: Over/Under 33.5 (-110/-110)

This is a matchup between two teams looking to turn the page after a disappointing 2023 season.

The Panthers finished an NFL-worst 2-15 last year but missed out on the No. 1 pick after trading the pick to the Chicago Bears the previous offseason. This year might not be much of an improvement, either, after they traded star defensive end Brian Burns to the New York Giants in the offseason.

Bryce Young should be better in his second year (even if he doesn’t play in this matchup), but it will likely be another long season for Carolina.

The 2023 season didn’t go much better for the Patriots, who limped to a 4-13 record that resulted in the dismissal of legendary coach Bill Belichick. While Belichick is the greatest coach in NFL history, his mismanagement over recent seasons has put New England into a rut that may take several years to get out of.

The Patriots enter 2024 with a new coach (Jerod Mayo) and a new quarterback (No. 3 pick Drake Maye), but it will likely be a while until they’re competitive again.

Game Details

• Date: Thursday, Aug. 8
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Lions +150, Giants -180
• Spread: Lions +3.5 (-112), Giants -3.5 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 34.5 (-110/-110)

After winning its first playoff game since 1957, the Lions enter the NFL season with the fourth-best Super Bowl odds (+1200) at DraftKings — a testament to the job that coach Dan Campbell has done to turn around the team’s culture.

After narrowly losing the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit will return most of its core. The Lions signed wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell to long-term contracts, but don’t expect to see either of them play in this matchup.

​​The same can’t be said for the Giants, who are still trying to figure out what to do at quarterback despite signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year deal worth $160 million before last season. Jones only played in six games last year before tearing his ACL, which was one of the biggest reasons New York seemed to consider drafting a quarterback before eventually picking LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Game Details

• Date: Friday, Aug. 9
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Falcons -155, Dolphins +130
• Spread: Falcons -2.5 (-115), Dolphins +2.5 (-105)
• Total: Over/Under 38 (-108/-112)

The main storyline for the Dolphins this offseason was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who landed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension. While Miami is coming off back-to-back playoff appearances, it hasn’t won a postseason game in 23 years, making this an important campaign for coach Mike McDaniel’s squad. However, the Dolphins likely won’t play any of their starters.

For most teams, the first week of the preseason is more about installing gameplans and evaluating players who could fill out spots on the back end of a roster. That said, the Falcons aren’t like other teams.

A month after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, Atlanta shockingly drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick, causing most of the NFL world to collectively scratch its head.

Cousins is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury and likely won’t play in the preseason, so we could see plenty of Penix Jr. against Miami.

Game Details

• Date: Friday, Aug. 9 (NFL Network)
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Texans -148, Steelers +124
• Spread: Texans -2.5 (-112), Steelers +2.5 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 37.5 (-108/-112)

While the Texans already played in the Hall of Fame Game, this will technically be their “Week 1” preseason game. Led by reigning NFL Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Houston is trending up after winning the AFC South and a playoff game last year. However, it’s unclear if he’ll play in this game after sitting in the Hall of Fame Game.

The Steelers are one of the more interesting teams to watch in the preseason after adding quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the offseason. Pittsburgh hasn’t announced its quarterback plans for this game, but coach Mike Tomlin has said that Wilson has the “pole position” to be the starter.

We’ll likely see Fields at some point during the preseason, potentially even this week.

Game Details

• Date: Friday, Aug. 9 (NFL Network)
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, Maryland)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Eagles -125, Ravens +105
• Spread: Eagles -1 (-110), Ravens +1 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 34.5 (-108/-112)

The Eagles’ contest against the Ravens will conclude one of the weirdest offseasons in team history. After making the Super Bowl the previous year and starting 2023 11-1, Philadelphia completely collapsed, losing six of its last seven games in humiliating fashion. The Eagles responded by bulking up their defense during the offseason, but there’s no word if any of those new faces will suit up this week.

Baltimore’s biggest offseason acquisition was Derrick Henry, who should help take some pressure off Lamar Jackson in the running game. While we likely won’t see either of them in this game, the Ravens have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL and should still be able to put some talent on the field in this game.

Plus, John Harbaugh plays to win. He’ll be looking to start a new winning streak after Baltimore’s 24-game preseason winning streak came to an end last year.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Commanders -162, Jets +136
• Spread: Commanders -3 (-108), Jets +3 (-112)
• Total: Over/Under 34.5 (-110/-110)

The Commanders will have a lot to work out in the preseason considering they signed the most free agents of any team in the offseason and have a new coach in Dan Quinn. They took reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the draft, but the big preseason battle to watch with them will be between Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman for the third quarterback spot.

Meanwhile, the Jets are out for redemption after their season effectively ended in Week 1 last year with Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury. While their 13-year postseason drought (which is tied for the longest in North American professional sports) won’t end in the preseason, this game will serve as the start for what they hope will be a magical season.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10 (NFL Network)
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Highmark Stadium (Buffalo, New York)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Bears -108, Bills -112
• Spread: Bears +1 (-122), Bills -1 (+102)
• Total: Over/Under 38.5 (-110/-110)

The Bears are coming off a 7-10 season that resulted in them getting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 draft pick via a trade with the Panthers, and this game could be his NFL debut after he didn’t play in the Hall of Fame Game last week. Chicago rallied to beat Houston in the Hall of Fame Game and has some talented players on its roster, so this game should help figure out who’s on the periphery.

The Bills have won double-digit games in each of the past five seasons but have zero Super Bowls and just one conference title game appearance to show for it. Is this the season that changes? The thing to watch with Buffalo in the preseason is how they fill out its receiving corps after trading away Stefon Diggs and letting Gabriel Davis walk in free agency.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Raiders -198, Vikings +164
• Spread: Raiders -3.5 (-112), Vikings +3.5 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 39 (-112/-108)

The Vikings have an old-fashioned quarterback competition on their hands, but it’s still unclear if that competition will take place in this game. Along with drafting former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the draft, Minnesota also signed former No. 2 pick Sam Darnold as McCarthy’s competition. Vikings brass has been adamant that Darnold is the QB1, but a strong preseason showing from McCarthy could have fans clamoring for the rookie to play.

The Raiders also have a quarterback competition at stake between Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell. Las Vegas used its first-round pick on star tight end Brock Bowers, but it’s unclear if he’ll play in this game.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 4:35 p.m. ET
• Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland, Ohio)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Packers +160, Browns -192
• Spread: Packers +3.5 (-110), Browns -3.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 39.5 (-110/-110)

At this time last year, the biggest question surrounding the Packers was whether Jordan Love would be a worthy successor to Aaron Rodgers. Now, after leading Green Bay to the playoffs in his first full season as a starter and inking a four-year, $220 million extension, Love is clearly its quarterback of the future.

That said, the Packers have the youngest team in the NFL, so they still have many roster questions to answer.

The Browns also have an expensive quarterback after signing Deshaun Watson to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. He likely won’t play much in the preseason after battling injuries last year, but backup quarterback is an important position on this roster. We’ll be paying a lot of attention to see how Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson fare against Green Bay.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Buccaneers +180, Bengals -218
• Spread: Buccaneers +4.5 (-112), Bengals -4.5 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 38.5 (-108/-112)

The Buccaneers surprised the NFL world last year by making the playoffs after Tom Brady’s retirement and upsetting the Eagles in the Wild Card Round, so they’ll look to keep those good vibes going this season. Tampa Bay returns most of its roster from last year but needs to install a new offense after losing offensive coordinator Dave Canales in the offseason, which will be something to watch out for against the Bengals.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati is looking to bounce back from a lost season. Injuries limited Joe Burrow to just 10 games last season and prevented the Bengals from making the playoffs. Burrow is unlikely to play this week, as are most of Cincinnati’s starters.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: 49ers +185, Titans -225
• Spread: 49ers +4.5 (-108), Titans -4.5 (-112)
• Total: Over/Under 38.5 (-112/-108)

After narrowly losing the Super Bowl to the Chiefs in February, the 49ers are ready to make another run this year. With reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, stud quarterback Brock Purdy and elite skill players Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle, San Francisco is absolutely loaded on offense. None of them should play in this matchup, however.

While Will Levis played some quarterback for the TItans last season, this season officially marks a new era for the franchise. Gone are head coach Mike Vrabel, quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry and in are coach Brian Callahan, Levis and Tony Pollard. Levis played in Week 1 of the preseason last year, but that’s because he was in a quarterback battle with Malik Willis. He shouldn’t play in this game, nor should Pollard or fellow acquisition Calvin Ridley.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10 (NFL Network)
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Chiefs +102, Jaguars -122
• Spread: Chiefs +1 (-110), Jaguars -1 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 40 (-112/-108)

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are back after winning back-to-back Super Bowls. While Mahomes won’t be playing in this preseason game, there will be a good battle for his backup between former No. 1 pick Carson Wentz and Ian Book. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy has put on a show at camp and could generate some highlight plays throughout the preseason.

Although Trevor Lawrence’s time with the Jaguars hasn’t gone as smoothly as everyone expected, they still gave him a five-year, $275 million extension in the offseason. Don’t expect him to play in the preseason, however. One name to watch in this game is rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who could end up replacing the production lost by Calvin Ridley.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
• Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Seahawks -166, Chargers +140
• Spread: Seahawks -3 (-112), Chargers +3 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 35 (-108/-112)

After 14 years with Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have a new coach in former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who takes over after back-to-back 9-8 campaigns in Seattle. Geno Smith might be the Seahawks’ quarterback this year, but there’s a chance that Sam Howell is their quarterback of the future. He’ll get his first audition against the Chargers.

Another team with a new coach, Los Angeles went out and nabbed Jim Harbaugh away from the University of Michigan, where he just led the Wolverines to a national championship. Justin Herbert is a talented quarterback who has yet to win consistently, but he’ll have a new cast of skill players that includes Gud Edwards, Ladd McConkey and Will Dissly.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 10
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Saints +105, Cardinals -125
• Spread: Saints +1 (-108), Cardinals -1 (-112)
• Total: Over/Under 36.5 (-115/-105)

The Saints are in salary cap hell, as Spotrac estimates they’re $99.6 million over the cap in 2025. That puts added pressure on New Orleans to hit on fringe roster players, which makes this a very important preseason.

Another thing to watch is the backup running back battle between Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams. Alvin Kamara is entering his age-29 season, so is this the year the wear and tear finally catches up to him?

The Cardinals enter 2024 as a sleeper pick to make some noise after drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. No. 4 overall. If Kyler Murray stays healthy, Arizona’s new-look offense could be one of the most dangerous in the NFL. Harrison is one of 12 Cardinals rookies, so this will be an important preseason for them.

Game Details

• Date: Sunday, Aug. 11 (NFL Network)
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Broncos -125, Colts +105
• Spread: Broncos -1 (-112), Colts +1 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 37.5 (-110/-110)

This is an important preseason for the Broncos. After a rough first season with coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson, Denver cut Wilson and brought in Zach Wilson and rookie Bo Nix, both of whom should get plenty of reps in the preseason as they vie for the starting job.

If Anthony Richardson can stay on the field, this could be an exciting season for the Colts. However, that’s a pretty big if. Richardson showed plenty of promise as a rookie last year, but only played four games before suffering a season-ending injury.

With that in mind, our eyes are on the backup quarterback battle between Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger and Kedon Slovis.

Game Details

• Date: Sunday, Aug. 11 (NFL Network)
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)

Odds Summary

• Moneyline: Cowboys -205, Rams +170
• Spread: Cowboys -4 (-112), Rams +4 (-108)
• Total: Over/Under 35 (-112/-108)

While the Cowboys have been one of the best regular-season teams in the NFL over the past few years, they keep falling short in the playoffs. Much of their offseason has focused on contract discussions for Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is holding out of training camp while seeking a new deal, so this is an important preseason for the rest of the team’s wideouts.

The 2023 Rams were a perfect example of how the preseason can help a team win in the regular season, as running back Kyren Williams and receiver Puka Nacua parlayed strong preseasons into productive regular seasons for a playoff team. While Los Angeles might not have a preseason like that again, our eyes are on running back Blake Corum, who could work his way into the team’s running back picture after a strong collegiate career at Michigan.

Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images