Yes, you can bet on NFL preseason games at most sportsbooks.
So, you’re wondering, can you bet on NFL preseason games? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. Plenty of fans enjoy the thrill of wagering even when the stakes aren’t as high as the regular season.
Betting on these games offers a different kind of excitement. While starters often see limited playing time, it gives you a chance to observe up-and-coming talent and new strategies. This creates a unique betting landscape compared to regular season contests.
Can You Bet on NFL Preseason Games?
So, you’re a football fan, and you love the excitement of betting on games. The NFL season is just around the corner, and those preseason matchups are starting. You’re probably wondering: Can you bet on NFL preseason games? The short answer is a big YES! But it’s not quite the same as betting on regular season games. Let’s dive into all the details about NFL preseason betting and how you can get in on the action.
Why Bet on NFL Preseason Games?
First, let’s talk about why people even bother betting on preseason games. After all, these games don’t count towards a team’s regular season record. Here are a few common reasons:
- Early Football Fix: For die-hard fans, the preseason is the first taste of NFL football after a long off-season. Betting adds an extra layer of excitement to these games.
- Testing the Waters: It’s a great opportunity to get familiar with new teams, new players, and different betting markets without as much risk as regular season games.
- Potential Value: Because the games don’t matter as much, and it can be hard to know how seriously each team will take it, oddsmakers may have a tougher time setting lines, which can create opportunities for smart bettors.
- Entertainment: Simply put, it’s fun! Betting on the games makes them more engaging and gives you something to root for.
Understanding Preseason Football
Before you jump into placing bets, it’s important to understand what preseason football is all about.
The Nature of Preseason Play
Preseason games are primarily for teams to evaluate their roster. Coaches use these games to:
- Assess new players, especially rookies and free agents.
- Fine-tune their offensive and defensive strategies.
- Evaluate positional battles and depth charts.
- Get the starters some reps without risking them to major injuries.
Because of these factors, you won’t see the same level of intensity or game plans as regular season games. This impacts the way you should approach betting on these matchups.
Key Differences Compared to Regular Season
Here are some key differences to remember:
- Limited Playing Time for Starters: Star players often play very few snaps, sometimes just a series or two. This means that much of the game will be played by backups and players fighting to make the final roster.
- More Player Rotations: Coaches frequently rotate players in and out of the game, especially in the first few weeks of the preseason. It’s common to see a completely different lineup in the second half than the first.
- Focus on Development: The focus isn’t on winning, but on evaluating talent and improving team performance. This can lead to strange outcomes and scores.
- Simple Play Calling: Teams usually don’t reveal their most complex plays or formations in the preseason to keep their opponents guessing during the regular season. Expect more basic playbooks.
Types of Bets You Can Place on NFL Preseason Games
Just like regular season games, you can place many different types of bets on NFL preseason games. Here are some of the most common:
Point Spreads
A point spread is a bet on the margin of victory in a game. For example, if the Green Bay Packers are favored by 3.5 points (-3.5) against the Chicago Bears, they must win by at least 4 points for a bet on the Packers to win. Conversely, if you bet on the Bears (+3.5), they must either win the game outright or lose by 3 points or less for your bet to pay out. Point spread bets are very popular because they allow for competitive games to be bet on in a balanced way.
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is a straight bet on who will win the game. There are no point spreads to consider; you just pick the team you think will win. The odds will reflect the perceived likelihood of each team winning. For example, the Packers may have moneyline odds of -150, while the Bears may be at +130. This means a $150 bet on the Packers wins you $100, while a $100 bet on the Bears wins you $130.
Over/Under (Totals)
An over/under bet is a bet on the total combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook will set a total, and you can bet whether you think the actual total will be over or under that number. For example, if the over/under is set at 38.5, a bet on “over” wins if the final combined score is 39 or more points, and a bet on “under” wins if the final score is 38 points or fewer.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are bets on specific events within the game, rather than the outcome of the game itself. Prop bets can include things like:
- Number of touchdowns scored by a specific player
- Total passing yards by a quarterback
- The first player to score a touchdown
However, you may find that there are fewer prop bets available for preseason games than for regular season matchups. This is because there can be a lot of roster fluctuation and limited playing time for individual players during the preseason.
Live Betting
Live betting, or in-game betting, allows you to place bets while a game is in progress. The odds will fluctuate as the game unfolds, based on the score, player performance, and other factors. Live betting can add an extra level of excitement to the game. It also requires a sharp understanding of the game. You will need to stay up-to-date with the latest updates.
Strategies for Betting on NFL Preseason Games
Betting on the preseason is different from betting on the regular season. Here are some smart tips and strategies to keep in mind:
Pay Attention to Team News
Keeping up with the latest team news is essential. Look for news about:
- Which starters will play and how much
- Injuries to key players
- Roster battles and the impact of player cuts
- Coaching philosophies for the preseason
This information can give you an advantage when making your bets. Sources of team news can include team websites, reputable sports news outlets, and social media.
Understand Coaching Styles
Some coaches take the preseason very seriously, while others use it primarily for player development. Try to research and understand each coach’s approach. Some coaches play their starters more frequently, while others focus on evaluation. For example, some coaches might play their starters for a full quarter or more, while others might limit them to only a few plays.
Be Wary of Overreactions
Don’t overreact to early preseason wins or losses. Keep in mind that the goal of the preseason is not to win every game, but rather to evaluate players and prepare for the regular season. A team with a poor preseason record can still perform well in the regular season, and vice versa.
Don’t Chase Losses
As with any type of betting, it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely and not chase losses. If you’re not having a successful run, it might be a good idea to take a break and come back to it another time.
Focus on Underdogs
Because starters see limited action in preseason games, the gap between a team’s starters and backups might not be as significant as it is in the regular season. This creates a great opportunity to consider betting on the underdog, particularly if they have a deep roster or are playing with something to prove.
Look for High Scoring Opportunities
Many coaches prefer to evaluate their players’ skills in game-like situations with less focus on game management. This sometimes leads to more wide open games in the preseason. It can be a good idea to look for games that have the potential to be high scoring and then bet on the over on the total points.
Track Line Movements
Keep a close eye on the point spread, moneyline, and total point line changes. Any big shifts in the betting lines could be an indication of team news or smart money coming in on one side of a bet.
Where Can You Bet on NFL Preseason Games?
You can bet on NFL preseason games at the same sportsbooks where you would bet on regular season games. That includes:
- Online Sportsbooks: Most major online sportsbooks offer betting on the NFL preseason. Just make sure you are using a licensed and reputable book that operates legally in your jurisdiction.
- Retail Sportsbooks: If you live in a state that has legalized retail sports betting, you can visit a sportsbook at a casino or other licensed venue to place your bets.
Legality Considerations
Keep in mind that sports betting laws vary by state and country. Before you start betting, make sure you’re following the laws in your area. It’s crucial to use licensed and reputable sportsbooks to ensure a safe and fair betting experience. If you are unsure about the laws in your jurisdiction, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney or regulatory agency.
Potential Risks of Betting on NFL Preseason Games
Like any type of gambling, there are always some risks involved when betting on the NFL preseason. Here are some to keep in mind:
Unpredictability
The high roster turnover, unpredictable playing time, and focus on player development rather than winning can lead to unpredictable game outcomes. Games can change dramatically as the starters get pulled, so you have to be prepared for a lot of unpredictability. Don’t over bet. Stick to your bankroll guidelines.
Limited Information
Information about which players will be playing, and for how long, may be limited leading up to the games. This is why keeping up with team news is so crucial when betting on the NFL preseason. Try to find reliable sources and be wary of unverified information.
Potential for Upsets
Because many of the starters don’t see much time on the field during the preseason, you may see more upsets than in the regular season. Don’t automatically assume that the favorites will win in the preseason, and instead, be prepared for a wide range of possible outcomes.
Roster Changes
The nature of preseason football means that there will be a lot of roster changes. If you place a bet on a player to score a touchdown or have a certain yardage total, it’s possible that the player may not even see the field or be cut from the team before the game.
Betting on NFL preseason games can be a fun way to enjoy football before the regular season begins. Just remember to approach it with the right expectations, do your research, and gamble responsibly. It is not quite the same as betting on regular season games, but can be rewarding and fun if you follow these tips.
How to bet on NFL Preseason | Tips & Strategy
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can bet on NFL preseason games. Many major sportsbooks offer lines, spreads, and over/unders for these contests. The markets may be smaller and the odds might differ slightly from regular season games.
Keep in mind that preseason games are primarily for teams to evaluate players. The outcome does not always reflect a team’s actual potential. It makes betting strategies a little different and more challenging.
