2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Preview

By Hank Blaine • August 9, 2023

The NFL Preseason kicked off last Thursday when the New York Jets faced off against the Cleveland Browns in the annual NFL Hall of Fame Game. On Thursday, NFL Preseason Week 1 begins in earnest. Check out odds, analysis, and free picks for NFL Preseason Week 1’s best games.

A Look into Week 1 of the 2023 NFL Preseason

Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks

When: Thursday, August 10

The Vikings almost assuredly won’t play Kirk Cousins or Justin Jefferson. Backup quarterbacks Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall get to play in the Vikings’ terrific system, though.

So even though Cousins and JJ won’t step onto the field, the Vikings should move the football and score points. 5 is too many to give up in a preseason game.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Minnesota Vikings +5

Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

When: Friday, August 11

The Bengals play at home, but they’re the underdog because oddsmakers and handicapper know Cincinanti won’t play starters on either side of the ball.

Green Bay has to give Jordan Love some playing time, which means the Packers are likely to play their first unit offense. GB covers.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Green Bay Packers -4.5

Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins

When: Friday, August 11

The Falcons should have no trouble getting it done on Friday. Miami won’t think about playing Tua Tagovailoa in the preseason considering his concussion history.

The ATL improved on both offense and defense. Atlanta is deeper this season as well. The Falcons cover.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Atlanta Falcons -2

Washington Commanders vs. Cleveland Browns

When: Friday, August 11

Cleveland won their first preseason game, the NFL Hall of Fame Game against the New York Jets. The Browns could cover this, but D.C. offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy must get Sam Howell up to speed in a hurry.

So Washington may give their first unit offense more run than many expect. Also, Washington’s defense has depth.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Washington Commanders +3

Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills

When: Saturday, August 12

Buffalo is a veteran team. So it makes sense that the Bills are underdogs at home. Teams that don’t play starters in the preseason usually don’t perform well.

The Colts must assess Gardner Minshew and rookie Anthony Richardson. Both should get playing time in this, which will lead to a Colts win and cover.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Indianapolis Colts -5.5

New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers

When: Saturday, August 12

The Jets could play Aaron Rodgers. However, the Jets must play four preaseason games in 2023. So NYJ is likely to hold out Rodgers until the third matchup.

The Panthers play three preseason games. Carolina must give Bryce Young enough in-game experience to ready the Alabama Heisman Trophy winner for the regular season.

We should expect to see Young in at least two series in this game. Also, if Young doesn’t play, veteran Andy Dalton will. So Carolina has an edge no matter who is under center.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Carolina Panthers -3.5

Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears

When: Saturday, August 12

The Bears are the chalk because this is on their field. However, the Titans may give Ryan Tannehill and DeAndre Hopkins at least one series.

Tanny comes off an injury he suffered last season. Hopkins signed a couple of weeks ago. So getting the QB and WR1 on the same page is paramount.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: Tennessee Titans +3.5

San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

When: Sunday, August 13

The Niners go three deep at the quarterback position. One of San Francisco’s talented quarterbacks, Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, or Sam Darnold, will get the start.

The Raiders’ defense will struggle to keep Sam, Brock, or Trey from driving San Francisco to the end zone. SF covers.

2023 NFL Preseason Week 1 Pick: San Francisco 49ers -4

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