NFL Preseason Week 1 Top Betting Picks & Predictions

Yesterday, we gave you a preview of the Hall of Fame Game pitting the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals against each other on August 3 as part of this year’s induction festivities in Canton, Ohio. The real “Week 1” of the NFL’s 2017 preseason gets underway on Wednesday, August 9, as the Houston Texans head to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Take a look at some of our picks for your NFL preseason Week 1 betting selections as you peruse these next weeks to find your big winners.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Top Betting Picks & Predictions

Cardinals, Cowboys kick off NFL preseason Thursday. https://t.co/chF2cs1VLY pic.twitter.com/DAzBQJ2siE

— KGUN9 On Your Side (@kgun9) August 2, 2017

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers

When: Wednesday, August 9th. 7:30pm ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina TV: NFL Network Radio: KILT-FM 100.3 FM (Houston) / WBT 1110 AM (Carolina) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA I’m not even sure if Cam Newton will take the field for the Panthers in this pre-season opener. Overall, Houston has a more solid defense, at least on the basis of last year’s performance, and the Texans have to make a decision between Tom Savage and Deshaun Watson at quarterback, so you could see both of them getting some significant time. Because the Panthers may be more focused on the lower tiers of their depth chart on offense, I like Houston to win this one.

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

When: Thursday, August 10th. 7:00pm ET Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida TV: None Radio: 92.9 FM The Game (Atlanta) / AM 560 WQAM (Miami) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA Will the Atlanta Falcons already be primed for revenge in their first preseason game? Will the Dolphins give Ryan Tannehill significant time at quarterback to help him shake off as much injury rust as possible? I’m sure the Falcons will be ready to get back on the field, and when they get going, they do have a primo offense. I’m not sure how much we should expect to see out of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones on the offensive side of the ball, though. Give me Miami pulling away in the second half as the Atlanta side loses interest.

Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills

When: Thursday, August 10th. 7:00pm ET Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, New York TV: None Radio: KFXN-FM (Minnesota) / WCMF 96.5 FM (Buffalo) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA The Buffalo Bills are starting over yet again — new head coach, “new” quarterback (as Tyrod Taylor is named the starter yet again after a late-season benching last year), new offensive system. The Vikings are trying to recycle what worked last year — with the addition of rookie tailback Dalvin Cook. I don’t see Cook and Sam Bradford going more than a couple of series for the Vikings,, but this is a Minnesota team that could surprise some people if Bradford can get past his historic tendencies of crucial mistakes at the wrong time. Give me the Vikings against the Bills’ latest rebuild.

New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns

When: Thursday, August 10th. 8:00pm ET Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland TV: None Radio: WWL 105.3 FM (New Orleans) / ESPN 850AM WKNR (Cleveland) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA The Saints have a veteran quarterback in Drew Brees who may only see the field for a single series, if at all. The Browns have some excitement at quarterback and a very young team. So the Browns will make a few (or many) mistakes, but I see them approaching the game with more interest than the top-tier players on the Saints. Give me the Browns to take their preseason opener and begin 2017 with a tiny amount of momentum.

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers

When: Thursday, August 10th. 8:00pm ET Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin TV: None Radio: SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia) / 620AM WTMJ (Green Bay) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA Carson Wentz vs Aaron Rodgers — but how much will either quarterback play? The Eagles return Darren Sproles at tailback, but the real battle in this game will be to see which defense can hold fast against the other side’s passing game, as both teams gave up a ton of points with their secondary a year ago. Give me the Pack to prevail at home after pulling away in the second half.

Dallas Cowboys at L.A. Rams

When: Saturday, August 12th. 9:00pm ET Where: L. A. Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles TV: NFL Network Radio: (Dallas) / (LA) NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: TBA The Cowboys look to start their second season under quarterback Dak Prescott with some momentum, and when they face the Rams they’ll already have that Hall of Fame Game under their belt. Get ready for a lot of Case Keenum and other quarterbacks down the depth chart from the Rams as they decide to sort out their backup signal-caller situation. The Rams do have a stubborn defense, and I don’t see the Cowboys’ first unit playing much, so give me the Rams to win a grinder.