NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds and Trends

The NFL preseason truly begins this week with Week 1 kicking off Thursday night.

On tap in Week 1 is the annual preseason clash between the New York Giants and New York Jets. This will likely provide Giants fans their first look at quarterback of the future Daniel Jones, while Jets fans may be disappointed if they hope to see much of Sam Darnold or Le’Veon Bell.

The odds on the battle of New York at Bovada Sportsbook have the Jets listed as a 1.5-point favorite. Last year in the preseason, the Jets were 1-3 straight up and against the spread. In their last 11 preseason games, they’re 3-8 SU and 4-7 ATS.

The Giants were 2-2 SU and ATS in the preseason a year ago, and 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS in their last 10.

In last year’s preseason matchup, the Giants defeated the Jets 22-16 as a 2.5-point underdog. The Giants have taken three straight against the Jets in the preseason at 2-1 ATS and in their last nine matchups the Giants are 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS.

Murray, Cardinals favored over Chargers

Also on Thursday night, bettors should get their first look at Kyler Murray when the Arizona Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers. Murray and the Cardinals are a 2-point favorite.

Arizona had a solid preseason last year, going 3-1 SU and ATS. In their last five preseason games as the favorite, the Cardinals are 4-1 SU and ATS.

The Chargers were 2-2 SU and ATS in the preseason last year, and 3-7 SU and ATS in their last 10.

The Cardinals and Chargers met up in the preseason last year and Arizona won 24-17 as a 3-point underdog. Prior to that loss, the Chargers had won eight straight against Arizona in the preseason while going 6-0-2 ATS.

Browns have been easy UNDER pick

One of the best bets in the preseason in recent years has been the Cleveland Browns. They host the Washington Redskins in Week 1 as a 2-point underdog.

Cleveland was 3-1 SU and ATS in the preseason last year and 7-1 SU and ATS in its last eight. For totals bettors, the Browns have been an easy UNDER pick at 14-1-1 UNDER in their last 16.

Washington was 1-3 SU and ATS in the preseason last year. In four preseason matchups against the Browns, the Redskins are 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS.