NFL Preseason Picks: Our Best Bets For Friday's Week 1 Games
The Panel's 2024 NFL Preseason Friday Week 1 Picks
Our team of experts dive into the first full week of the NFL preseason, focusing on insights and odds from top football betting sites.
With our extensive knowledge and know-how, we will cover key matchups, highlighting players to watch, positional battles and potential surprises.
We’ll also offer a comprehensive look at where the smart money is going, break down each game while offering our own strategies and analysis.
Keep reading for The Panel's detailed coverage and expert predictions for the early portion of the opening week of this NFL preseason.
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Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens (O/U 34.5, Eagles -1)
The good news for this game may feature drier weather as the game continues. The bad news is that several inches of rain are expected between now and Friday evening.
Neither side is going to risk much in the way of actual starters here, so expect the usual blend of young players and veterans battling for roster spots.
The Baltimore Ravens excel in the preseason and get to play at home, but somehow Philadelphia are a 1 to 1.5-point favorite here with the Over set at 34.5 points.
That Over is something to lean on here, especially as conditions improve during the game.
Also, if the weather moves a little quicker, this game might be dry from start to finish.
The only slight concern is if this does not happen, so instead we concentrate on the Moneyline.
This is why Baltimore, at Even money with NFL betting apps is our best bet here for this Friday night tilt.
The Panel Pick 1: Baltimore Ravens To Win Vs Philadelphia Eagles - DraftKings -100
Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins - (O/U 38.5, Falcons, -2.5)
The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins get together in what should be quite a game Friday night (7:00 p.m. ET)
Thankfully, the weather should not be an issue, however, depth charts and injury concerns suggest we don't expect much from the presumed starters.
Miami seems to have playmakers among playmakers, none more so than Jaylen Wright, who could have a few solid runs against Atlanta’s second and third-tier defense.
Few like to pay much attention to teams' historical success against opponents in the preseason. Instead, Miami possesses a little more talent spread out throughout its roster.
The expectation is that the Dolphins could win this game in the second half, but despite this, Miami getting points at home.
The Over is set at 38.5 points with Super Bowl betting sites and that is something to be considered as players try to make positive impressions in game number one.
For that reason we're playing it safe with Miami getting 2.5 points with the Dolphins having a solid chance of winning this one outright.
The Panel Pick 2: Miami Dolphins +2.5 Points Vs Atlanta Falcons – BetMGM +105
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - (O/U 37.5, Texans, -2.5)
The Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers both exceeded expectations in different ways last season.
While C.J. Stroud came in and led Houston to an AFC South title, Pittsburgh made the playoffs with a fledgling offense but struggled in crucial moments while Houston thrived when it counted.
The Steelers want to see more of Justin Fields and a mix of the first and second-string offense, but Houston will likely pull its defensive starters in short order, too.
That bodes well for Mike Tomlin and company and it's no secret that Tomlin likes to build a winning attitude in the preseason.
The Texans remain a 2.5-point favorite as the team coming in with more expectations and will play the preseason a little differently than last year.
DeMeco Ryans knows his team is now the hunted. Tomlin and the Steelers still have plenty of concerns on offense and will try everything to put up points early.
Justin Fields, with a fresh start, may have his best chance to prove the naysayers wrong and get off on a good foot.
Our pick is for Pittsburgh to find a way and squeeze out a win late against Houston.
The Panel Pick 3: Pittsburgh Steelers (Moneline) Vs Houston Texans - +120 With FanDuel
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