2023 NFL Preseason Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday
The 2023 NFL preseason is here! While the NFL regular season will bring a ton of action, we’ll have you covered through the summer as there are plenty of chances to bet and money to make. We’ll have you covered throughout the 2023 NFL preseason with our best odds, picks, and predictions for each and every game. Let’s dive into the action as the first full week of the preseason gets underway. Here are our top odds, picks, and predictions for Saturday’s NFL preseason games.
2023 NFL Preseason Odds & Picks: Saturday
Here are our top picks and predictions for Saturday’s NFL preseason action.
Titans vs. Bears
But past precedent suggests some of Chicago’s starters could see the field Saturday and that will be the case with their starting quaterback. Justin Fields played three series in last year’s preseason opener and could see a similar workload as the offense works in some new starters at the skill positions and offensive line. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill did not play in Tennessee’s preseason opener last year. I’d imagine the Titans use the preseason opener to give young QBs Will Levis and Malik Willis some much-needed reps. Chicago’s quarterback depth beyond Fields is far more experienced, with PJ Walker and Nathan Peterman likely coming in after Fields. While I lean Chicago on the side, my preferred bet is the over, as the end of this game could feature mobile QBs against pretty thin defensive units.
Pick: Over 37 (-110)
-Matt Barbato
Colts vs. Bills
The NFL world will get its first chance to see Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson in live, NFL action. The question is, for how long? Richardson has been announced as the starter and will be followed by Gardner Minshew. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Indianapolis play its starters for at least a series. Meanwhile, Richardson could see extended reps as the Colts get a close look at how he does in game situations. Meanwhile, I’d imagine Buffalo plays it safe and sits most, if not all of their starters after Dion Dawkins and Damien Harris suffered injuries this week. The Bills are one of the most stable teams in the league and don’t have many starting position battles to sort out in the preseason. While laying this many points in the preseason is risky, I expect Indy to take this game more seriously. Plus, the Colts have a stronger group at QB with Richardson, Minshew and Sam Ehlinger than Buffalo, who will likely play Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley Saturday.
Pick: Colts -3.5 (-110)
-Matt Barbato
Jets vs. Panthers
The Panthers have steamed from +2.5 to -2.5 following the news that No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young will start Saturday’s game. However, Carolina coach Frank Reich didn’t commit to how many snaps Young would play, saying the team will be flexible with his reps based on how things transpire. That ambiguity doesn’t help matters, but my guess would be Young plays 2-to-3 series at most. On the other side, Aaron Rodgers won’t play Saturday and I’d imagine that will be the case for the rest of New York’s starters. We should see an extended look from Zach Wilson, who connected on a 57-yard pass in the Hall of Fame Game last week. And New York should benefit from having a preseason game under its belt. Ultimately, this line move feels like an overreaction, as Young starting doesn’t guarantee he’ll play even a full quarter. Not to mention the rookie will be making his NFL debut against a deep Jets defense that is loaded with pass rushers. I’ll side with the deeper team that isn’t making its preseason debut Saturday.
Pick: Jets +3.5 (-110)
-Matt Barbato
Jaguars vs. Cowboys
The Cowboys and Jaguars will clash in Week 1 of the preseason. Jacksonville head coach Doug Peterson said he is a big believer in giving his starters the opportunity to get a feel for live games, and he's indicated that Trevor Lawrence and the starters will play in this game. He hasn't said how much playing time for them. For Dallas, head coach Doug McCarthy has announced he's leaning toward Dak Prescott not playing. For the long-time Cowboys quarterback, this isn't anything new, Prescott hasn't seen any preseason action since 2019. Knowing that the Jaguars will play their starters should give them an early advantage, but giving four is difficult in a preseason game. The Jags win, but the Cowboys cover.
Pick: Cowboys +4.5 (-110)
-John Supowitz
Eagles vs. Ravens
Don’t fix what isn’t broken. The Ravens haven’t lost a preseason game since 2015 when they fell to these Eagles 40-17. It can be enticing to try and catch the falling knife, but it’s clear that John Harbaugh and the Ravens have a focus on winning preseason games that other teams just don’t possess. Nick Sirianni hasn’t had quite the same success. His Eagles have gone 1-4-1 SU in the preseason during his two seasons on the sideline and it’s difficult to see that record improving on Saturday. Of course, the Ravens start Lamar Jackson at QB, but their backup, Tyler Huntley, was named a Pro-Bowl QB last season. The Eagles have a solid backup behind Jalen Hurts as well in Marcus Mariotta. Both of these second-string signal-callers allow their coaches to maintain the first-string offensive concepts which bodes well for a strong offensive showing from both teams. I’m looking at an over for this game and for the Ravens to keep up their unbelievable winning streak.
Pick: Ravens ML (-200), Over 35.5 (-110)
-Ryan Rodeman
Chargers vs. Rams
In Week 1 of the preseason, we have the battle of SoFi supremacy as the Chargers take on the Rams. Last year was highly disappointing for the Rams as the former Super Bowl champions missed the playoffs. Head Coach Sean McVay revealed that his starters will get more playing time this preseason than in the past but will likely not suit up for the first game. It's been a long offseason for the Chargers as they had to think about blowing a 27-point lead in the Divisional Round against the Jaguars. The Bolts will likely keep all their starters off-field for the first game. With both teams not playing their starters, this will be a slow-paced, more defensive-centric matchup, and the under is the best way to get into this.
Pick: Under 33.5 (-110)
-John Supowitz
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