We’re in the thick of NFL preseason, but just because the games don’t matter doesn’t mean we can’t find an edge with our bets.
The key to wagering on preseason is reading between the lines, trying to understand what the market is telling you in terms of projected playing time.
With that in mind, let’s dive into best bets and predictions for Week 2 of the 2023 NFL preseason.
Preseason Week 2: NFL Best Bets Today
All NFL odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 11 p.m. ET.
Texans -3 (-110) vs Dolphins
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Texans have more at stake in this game. New head coach DeMeco Ryans is trying to rebuild the culture in Houston, starting with the continued development of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Young players are also competing for prominent roles with the team, such as preseason Week 1 standout in first-year wideout Tank Dell.
Conversely, the Dolphins are Super Bowl contenders looking to stay healthy during the preseason. I feel more comfortable laying the three points with the Texans in our NFL bet of the day.
Falcons -6.5 (-110) vs Bengals
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
This is a good spot to read the line, asking yourself, why are the Falcons so heavily favored?
The reason for this is that the Falcons will be playing many of their starters in this game, including quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Bijan Robinson.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have nothing to play for as Super Bowl contenders. All Cincinnati cares about right now is getting quarterback Joe Burrow back to full health.
Look for the Falcons to win by at least seven points in this one.
Chiefs -7.5 (-110) at Cardinals
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
The Chiefs come into this game as heavy favorites because they plan on playing their starters, so Patrick Mahomes and company will get to exploit one of the worst teams in the NFL.
If this were a regular season matchup, you’d likely see Kansas City as a double-digit favorite, so we’ll take the discount at 7.5.
Look for the Chiefs to cover the spread in this exploitable matchup easily.
Read on for more Chiefs vs Cardinals predictions and best bets.
Seahawks -7 (-110) vs Cowboys
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
We can read between the lines, with the Seahawks favored by seven points against the Cowboys.
It’s clear the market is expecting Seattle to play their starters a lot more than Dallas. Otherwise, the former wouldn’t be touchdown favorites.
Quarterback Geno Smith didn’t play in Week 1 of the preseason, so I’m projecting him to suit up for this one.
Let’s roll with the Seahawks -7 against the Cowboys here.
Patriots ML (+136) at Packers
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
This is a value play on the Patriots because I’m projecting starting quarterback Mac Jones to play significant snaps in this one.
The former Alabama quarterback didn’t play in Week 1 of the preseason, so it’s safe to say that he’ll see some action here.
That makes the Patriots look like an appealing play at +136 odds.
