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Learn More About NFL Pre Season (Football)
The NFL Preseason is a series of exhibition games played before the regular season begins. It serves as a warm-up period for teams, allowing them to evaluate players, test strategies, and prepare for the upcoming season.
1. Understanding the NFL Preseason
A. Schedule & Format
- The preseason typically lasts three weeks (before 2021, it was four weeks).
- Each team plays three games, except for teams playing in the Hall of Fame Game, which play a fourth.
- Games usually start in early August and conclude before Labor Day weekend.
B. Purpose of the Preseason
- Player Evaluation: Coaches assess rookies and backup players.
- Injury Prevention: Starters play limited snaps to avoid injuries.
- Roster Cuts: Teams must trim their roster from 90 to 53 players by the end of the preseason.
- New Playbooks & Strategies: Teams test new offensive and defensive schemes.
C. Starters vs. Backups
- Week 1: Starters play one or two series, then backups take over.
- Week 2: Starters play one quarter, backups play most of the game.
- Week 3: Some teams give starters more reps (one-half), while others rest them.
- Week 4 (if applicable): Mostly backups and fringe players fighting for a roster spot.
2. How to Bet on NFL Preseason
A. Key Differences in Betting Compared to Regular Season
- Starters Play Less: Teams don’t focus on winning but on evaluating talent.
- Coaching Philosophies Differ: Some coaches take preseason games seriously, while others treat them as practice.
- Late-Game Swings: Since backups and third-string players play the most, leads can change quickly.
B. Common Preseason Betting Markets
Moneyline (Winner of the Game)
- Simply bet on which team will win.
- Because teams prioritize evaluation over winning, upsets are frequent.
Point Spread (Winning Margin)
- Oddsmakers set a spread (e.g., Team A -3.5 vs. Team B).
- If you bet Team A -3.5, they must win by 4 or more points.
- If you bet Team B +3.5, they can lose by 3 or fewer (or win) for your bet to hit.
Over/Under (Total Points in the Game)
- Oddsmakers set a projected total (e.g., O/U 38.5 points).
- Bet Over if you think total points will be 39+, Under if 38 or less.
- Preseason games tend to have lower scoring since backups play most of the time.
First Half/Quarter Bets
- Bet on which team will be leading after the first half or quarter.
- Since starters play mostly in the first quarter, betting on first-half lines can be profitable.
Player Props (Limited Availability)
- Usually, sportsbooks offer fewer props because starters play less.
- If available, you can bet on specific player stats (e.g., a QB throwing for 100+ yards).
C. Preseason Betting Strategies
Know the Coaching Tendencies
- Some coaches try to win preseason games, while others don’t care.
- Example: John Harbaugh (Ravens) had a ridiculous preseason win streak for years.
Track Roster Battles
- A team with a QB competition (e.g., rookie vs. veteran) might have more motivated players.
- Example: If a team has an open starting QB job, both QBs will play hard to prove themselves.
Follow Team News & Depth Charts
- Starters and key players often get rested. Check team updates before betting.
- Example: If a coach announces "Starters won’t play," betting against that team might be smart.
Bet the Unders
- Since defenses are usually ahead of offenses early in the preseason, unders hit more often.
- Backup QBs and third-string offenses struggle to score consistently.
Late-Game Situations Matter
- Third-string players often decide the game, leading to unpredictable results.
- Look for teams with better backup QBs, as they can maintain a lead or make comebacks.
Final Thoughts
Betting on the NFL preseason is very different from the regular season. Since teams focus on player evaluation rather than winning, smart bettors research coaching philosophies, roster battles, and depth charts to gain an edge. If you follow these strategies, you can find profitable bets despite the unpredictable nature of preseason football.