NFL Preseason Picks: Our Best Bets For Thursday's Week 1 Games
The Panel's 2024 NFL Preseason 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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Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants - (O/U 34.5, Giants, -3.5)
The first NFL preseason game for the Detroit Lions and New York Giants will be played in a potential quagmire on Thursday (7:00pm ET).
Thankfully, the worst effects of Tropical Storm Debby will probably not be felt, however, expect rainy conditions and not your typical summer weather.
Does someone like Daniel Jones play a series or two at MetLife Stadium in these conditions? Our answer is leaning toward no, even if he really, really wants to. The Giants are many things, but they are not stupid enough to risk Jones.
Now, Brian Daboll worries more about how his team looks than about wins and losses and from a betting standpoint, Daboll is 3-3 but 0-6 ATS.
That is awfully hard to ignore and New York will be careful in what is expected to be a lower-than-usual scoring contest for preseason.
The prevailing thoughts are to keep this simple and, like a game further north on Thursday evening, expect a tinge of offense with more defense than anything else.
The Under is 34.5 points and, as most preseason games are typically below 40, it is a great wagering option.
So is taking Detroit with the 3.5 points with NFL betting apps, as Hendon Hooker and company will have lots to prove on what figures to be a sloppy track.
The Panel Pick 1: Detroit Lions +3.5 Points - DraftKings +120
Carolina Panthers Vs. New England Patriots - (O/U 33.5, Patriots, -6.5)
Two of the worst teams in football face on Thursday night as the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots start their 2024 preseason.
The Panthers struggled to win a couple of games last year, while New England won four times. Will we see new quarterback Drake Maye play for the Patriots? Maye is expected to feature, but for how long is another question entirely.
New England are almost a touchdown favorite and are 9-3 in the preseason versus Carolina with the Panthers not expected to start Bryce Young or Andy Dalton.
Several injuries to Carolina’s younger players going up against a more stacked Patriots lineup is not good either.
Carolina don't have a prolific offense coming in and 10 points may be a challenge and while New England should be able to score 20+, that may not be enough even for a low game total.
The Patriots should be able to win this by at least a touchdown, but shop around as most Super Bowl betting sites are offering odds of around -115.
Our pick is for the defense to rule at Gillette Stadium as the two teams prepare for the rest of the preseason to come.
The Panel Pick 2: Carolina And New England Under 33.5 Points – BetMGM -110
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