No trophies are raised for dominating the NFL in August, but Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s run of success in recent preseasons puts him on top of a short list that includes Vince Lombardi, so that’s good company.
Harbaugh has guided Baltimore to a 20-0 record in preseason games since 2016, the longest winning streak in league history, one game better than the Lombardi-led Packers from 1959 to 1962. Harbaugh’s accomplishment is not a big deal in the big picture, but if winning in the preseason is meaningful to any coach, it’s an angle that matters to handicappers and oddsmakers.
“I have a hard time going against Harbaugh in the preseason,” said Chuck Edel, a professional bettor from Las Vegas. “I don’t have to bet on him, but it’s not my cup of tea to try to beat him.”
Edel is another example of someone who takes the NFL preseason seriously. Contrary to a common perception that only degenerates and fools wager on these games, several sharp bettors are ready to fire.