NFL Preseason Best Bets:

We’re into the final week of the NFL preseason, which means the start of the regular season is just two weeks away. It’s an exciting time of the year for all of us at VSiN, and we know all of our subscribers are ready for the real action to start. But Week 3 of the preseason presents some real opportunities to make some money, as there are some teams that are going to take games more seriously than their opponents will. With that in mind, you’re going to want to look out for those games. I believe I have identified a few below, so make sure you keep reading for some of my Week 3 preseason best bets. However, I’d advise betting less on these games, as there’s just so much uncertainty when it comes to playing time and motivation.

If you haven’t already, you should really check out our 2024 NFL Betting Guide. You’ll get in-depth previews of all 32 teams, a bunch of futures from our incredible VSiN staff and deep dives on all of the awards markets. The guide is also packed with useful betting trends and nuggets. Also, by signing up for a VSiN Pro subscription, you’ll get a refresh of the guide late in August. That will tell you everything you missed in training camp and preseason, so you’ll be up to speed by the time Week 1 rolls around. You’ll also get even more best bets from our analysts.

 

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Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals – Thursday, August 22nd at 8:00 pm ET

It sounds like the Bengals will be relying on Tuesday’s joint practice as the final preseason reps for their starters. Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor doesn’t want to risk anything in this Thursday night showdown, but Indianapolis plans to give starters some real game action. That’s really all that matters heading into this game. Anthony Richardson and Co. should be able to move the ball pretty easily against a spotty Bengals defense. Even Cincinnati’s starters weren’t all that good last season, so Indianapolis should thrive against the backups.

The Colts are also expected to play their defensive starters at least one quarter here. So, the Bengals really shouldn’t get much going until the second half, but I’m not too worried about that. The small amount of time in which Indianapolis’ starters go against Cincinnati’s backups should allow the Colts to open up a lead. And I trust Indianapolis’ backups to hold it. Top to bottom, the Colts care a bit more about this game.

Bet: Colts -5.5 (-110)

Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Friday, August 23rd at 7:30 pm ET

The Buccaneers had two joint practices with the Jaguars last week, but we haven’t yet seen the starters in the preseason. Well, Todd Bowles said that will change in Week 3. Bowles said to expect to see the starters in this game, and it sounds like we’ll see key players on both sides of the ball for quite a bit. Meanwhile, the Dolphins played their starters a little against the Commanders last week, and they looked sharp in that one. So, Mike McDaniel probably won’t want to play his guys too much in the third preseason game, and that’s if he plays them at all.

I’m just keeping this one simple and playing the home team, which clearly values the reps in this game a little more. The Buccaneers want to see their starters play in an actual game setting, and the Dolphins just want to avoid injuries. Let’s lay the points.

Bet: Buccaneers -1.5 (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions – Saturday, August 24th at 1:00 pm ET

The Steelers offense has looked anemic in the preseason. After scoring only 12 points against Houston in Week 1, Pittsburgh only scored three against Buffalo in Week 2. The latter was particularly alarming because Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both saw some pretty significant playing time in that game. The Steelers could ultimately figure things out in the regular season. Wilson is still capable of executing an offensive game plan, and Fields is a highly talented dual-threat option. However, I don’t see things being all that different in Week 3 of the preseason. Pittsburgh’s offense can’t be trusted to score points right now, whether it’s against Detroit’s starters or backups.

As for the Lions, it’s unclear whether or not they’re going to play their starters. If they do, they’re still going up against a very good defensive team. So, I’d feel pretty good about this Under regardless. If they don’t, you’ll be happy you jumped on this early. It’s just not very likely that these teams will combine to score four touchdowns, which is what will need to happen for this to even have a shot at losing.

Bet: Under 35.5 (-110)

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