Last week was the first week of pre-season games in the NFL, but only two teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, were in action. Ostensibly because the new NFL season has been expanded by an extra game, meaning teams will now have 17 games across the 2021/22 NFL season.
The Steelers won that Hall Of Fame opening game 16-3 in Canton Ohio, with a number of starters for both teams sitting the game out. However, will that be a tactic followed by the remaining 30 teams in the NFL this week when they start their pre-season, or will we see more starters getting a little game time in this opening fixture?
Pre-season is a vital time for the teams and while results are not so important, the chance for players to prove themselves as worthy of a place in the starting teams, or even on the 53-man roster, means that these games do serve a useful purpose.
While established stars have nothing to prove, it is also an opportunity for them to take a few snaps and get their bodies and minds ready for the rigorous season that lies ahead.
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You can still place a bet on which team you think will win each of the eight divisional titles
across the two conferences, as well as who you think will win both the AFC and NFC conferences with bet365 Sport. You can also enjoy a wager on who you think will win the Super Bowl next year too.
And of course, there’s some interesting betting to be had on this week’s pre-season action as we will look at in more details below.
Of course, the NFL is also massive across the United States and with the vast majority of teams in action this week, it promises to be a big week for betting on many of the sports betting sites across the United States. If you fancy a bert on the NFL returning, then check out the odds available at BetRivers Sportsbook.
Let’s now quickly preview each of the pre-season games taking place this week, together with our selection for the best bet for each game.
NFL Pre Season – Week Two Fixtures & Tips
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Two of Pennsylvania’s biggest teams clash in what should be an intriguing game, although I do feel both teams are very much in a state of transition. Defense will likely be the name of the game here, hence me taking the Under 33.5 points at 20/21.
Washington Football Team @ New England Patriots
Bill Belichick has rebuilt the Patriots this season, but don’t expect too many starters to feature here. Washington are very strong on defense and with the Patriots offense looking a little toothless, I think the Under 35.5 points here (10/11) is a good bet.
Buffalo Bills @ Detroit Lions
With Josh Allen signed up to a big money six-year contract extension, the Bills should be very
confident against a Lions side very much rebuilding. The Bills starters may not get much time here, but it will be enough to land the win. Take the Bills to cover the -2.0 spread at 10/11.
Tennessee Titans @ Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Smith’s first game as Head Coach for the Falcons is against the team for whom he was offensive co-ordinator the last few seasons. Having snapped up Julio Jones from Atlanta, the Titans look stacked on offense ahead of the new season but the Falcons strength in depth means that I see a few points in t his one. Take the Over 38 pts bet here at 10/11.
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals
Dak Prescott is back in Dallas but he may sit out this one with a slight injury. The Cardinals have been working hard after just missing out on the playoffs last season and with home advantage here, I feel they should be in good shape to take the win. Take the Cardinals to cover the -2.0 handicap and land the win at 10/11.
Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears
Two teams that many feel should be in with a shout at the playoffs this year. Miami have a long way to go for their opening game and they tend not to do well when they travel North. The Bears have Justin Fields debut to look forward to and they should land the win here, but it will be close, so with the handicap, I’d back the Dolphins here with a +3.5 handicap (10/11).
Denver Broncos @ Minnesota Vikings
Both these teams are pretty much capable of the playoffs, or having a stinker of a season. The Broncos lack of top ranking quarterback harms them, but they should have so much quality in other positions as to make them a tough team to beat as I thin the Vikes will find out here. Take Denver to land the win even with a -1.5 handicap at 10/11.
Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The first game of Urban Meyer’s new era for the Jags and it will be interesting to see how many snaps Trevor Lawrence takes. Not that I think it will matter too much as I am backing the Browns to keep back many starters here which I think the Jags will win the game, but I think that Cleveland will view this game purely as a run out for some injury-prone stars Back the Jags even at -1.5 (10/11).
New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
Two teams that many people feel will be in with a shout come the end of the playoffs. For Saints fans, it is a chance to see how life without the retired Drew Brees shapes up. I think it could be a tough afternoon for them as I think the Ravens are excellent in depth and should take the win here comfortably. Back the Ravens at -3.0 (20/21).
Cincinnati Bengals @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One of the worst teams in the NFL get the chance to measure themselves against the Super Bowl Champions. The Bengals will soon realise how far they are off top honours here and I think the Bucs will land an easy win. Take the Over 33.5 points here at 20/23.
New York Jets @ New York Giants
Two teams very much in a state of rebuilding will battle it out for bragging rights in the Big Apple. For me, the Jets are the more interesting of the two teams, having made some very brave moves this off season and I think at +1.5 in the handicap bet, they are a solid option (10/11). Take the Jets.
Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers will be back in Green Bay for one more year at least, DeShaun Watson is still in Houston, despite wishing to be traded. Neither will likely see much, if any time on the field today, but the Packers should be handsome winners here even with a -3.0 handicap (10/11).
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers
A replay of the Super Bowl from two season’s ago. That day the Chiefs came back late to snatch the win and while the 49ers will be looking for revenge a win would be scant reward for them here, but would help their season preparation. Take the 49ers to win at -2.0 (10/11).
Seattle Seahawks @ Las Vegas Raiders
I think the Raiders are a team that may fly a little under the radar this season and perhaps do a bit better than expected, whereas I feel the Seahawks may struggle a little in a very tough division. As such, I am backing the Raiders at -1.5 pts to land the win here.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams
The two teams from Los Angeles clash in what should be a great battle between two teams that have made real strides this off season. The Chargers seem to be the bookies favourites here, but I think the Rams are the team to beat. However, I feel the Over 34.0 pts bet is the one to back at 10/11.
Carolina Panthers @ Indianapolis Colts
It’s going to be interesting to see how the new Panthers offense, led by Sam Darnold shapes up. The Colts will be without Carson Wentz and as such, I think both teams may struggle for points here. Take the Under 34.5 pts bet here at 10/11.
