The dress rehearsal is almost over.
The 2021 NFL preseason ends with a three-day stretch of games, starting with a slate of four this Friday night. Find odds for each matchup below, complete with a spread pick and a potential first-half angle from our analysts.
NFL Preseason Odds
33.5 (-110/-110) | ||
34 (-110/-110) | ||
35.5 (-110/-110) | ||
38.5 (-110/-110) | ||
| Odds as of 1 p.m. ET on Friday and via PointsBet | ||
NFL Preseason Picks
Colts -2 at Lions
Raheem Palmer: Betting preseason football is about two things: Information and depth.
No complex models necessary, no emphasis on matchups or advanced game plans. It’s all information-based, and fortunately for us, head coaches tend to let us know their plan for playing their starters. Well, the Colts aren’t playing most of theirs, while the Lions aren’t playing any of their first-team guys. That means no Jared Goff, D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Tyrell Williams or T.J Hockenson. No Taylor Decker or Frank Ragnow. Key defensive players will also be missing in action.
While the Colts aren’t playing most of their starters, Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger will still be battling it out for the No. 2 quarterback position. And given the health concerns of Carson Wentz, you have to expect the best from both guys. Ehlinger should get a ton of time — he’s shown he's more than capable after directing a game winning drive in the Colts' preseason opener.
The Lions are shaping up to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, and I trust the depth of the Colts. Lay the two points with Indianapolis.
Panthers 1Q (-0.5) or 1H (-3.5) vs. Steelers
Sean Koerner: Sportsbooks have yet to post either line as of 1 p.m. ET, but I'll be looking for either Panthers first quarter up to -0.5 (-110) or first half up to -3.5 (-120).
The Panthers have bubble-wrapped Sam Darnold and most of their starters so far this preseason, but they plan on playing most of them for the first half on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Steelers played in the Hall of Fame Game, meaning they're playing one extra preseason game this year and plan on resting all starters.
I like attacking this mis-matched first quarter or first half and backing the Panthers.
My editor will add whichever book offers these lines once (and if) we see one, but be sure to follow me in the Action app for any potential live bets — most of my preseason action has been in-game, leveraging my knowledge of the personnel rotations from setting up player projections (like the above).
