Football is back. While it’s not Week 1 action, the NFL preseason provides just enough excitement to get football fans excited before they’re glued to their televisions for months to come. The preseason is primarily used by coaches to identify players who may earn bigger or more significant roles, or to determine if they’re a good fit for the team at all.
For many fans, the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, marks the official start of the NFL betting season. Some fans may be plugged into their team throughout the offseason, while others don’t even think about football until that first preseason game. With it comes the first opportunity to bet on the NFL since the Super Bowl in February. While it may be tempting, it’s advised that bettors approach gambling on preseason football with caution for several reasons.
One of those reasons is the limited playing time for key players. If you’re about to wager on the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers in the first preseason game, it’s crucial to take into account that players like Justin Herbert and Jared Goff would be on a limited snap count, if they play at all.
Even if they do play, it’s likely for a drive or two—possibly more if it’s a later preseason game. As a result, you’re essentially betting on players who are third-string or on the cusp of making the roster at all. While the essential players may play a larger role as the preseason progresses, seeing those same players on the field late in the game is a rare sight.
It’s important to note that different coaches have different priorities for the preseason. Some coaches, particularly coaches in their first or second year with the team, are likely using the preseason to install new offensive or defensive schemes. As a result, those coaches are more focused on their players picking up the scheme than winning the game.
While hearing that may entice you to blindly take the under in a game that features less-talented players, that’s typically taken into account when the oddsmakers set the line. One or two quick scores or turnovers can quickly put you on the wrong side of that total.
The lines themselves can also be inefficient, as there’s typically lower liquidity on these games and a lack of sharp action, as most books do not offer large limits on these games. The preseason is more of a glorified tryout.
Whether it’s to determine a training camp quarterback battle or a player doing anything they can to make the roster as a special-teams player, the result of the game doesn’t matter to most. There are exceptions, such as when the Baltimore Ravens won a record 24 straight games between 2016 and 2023, but that’s an anomaly.
Don’t blow your bankroll before Week 1.
