NFL Preseason Week 1: Exciting Things to Watch

Today’s Starting Bankroll: $1,867.07 (Yesterday’s Bets)

The NFL Preseason Week 1 is finally upon us, and while these games may not count in the standings, they’re packed with storylines that could shape the regular season. As teams take the field for NFL Preseason Week 1, here are some key things to keep an eye on:

• Atlanta Falcons vs Miami Dolphins
  • Michael Penix Jr.’s Development: Although the plan seems to be for Michael Penix Jr. to sit out the season behind Kirk Cousins, watching him in the preseason is still highly anticipated. Penix, a controversial 2024 draft pick, should receive substantial reps, potentially even with the first-team offense. Additionally, keep an eye on sixth-rounder Casey Washington, who has a style reminiscent of Amon-Ra St. Brown and could make a case for a roster spot.
  • WR3 Competition: With Odell Beckham yet to practice, there is an opportunity for other receivers to vie for the WR3 spot. Watch for Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, and Erik Ezukanma, but also pay attention to 2024 sixth-round pick Malik Washington. Washington’s burst and shiftiness could help him secure the WR3 role and contribute on kick returns.
• Houston Texans vs Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Defensive Battles: With many veterans sitting out the last game, the focus shifts to sorting out key defensive roles. The competition between Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson for the third cornerback spot is one to watch, especially as rookie Kamari Lassiter vies for a starting job. The defensive line, linebacker positions, and secondary all have roles up for grabs, making these preseason games crucial for DeMeco Ryans’ defense.
  • Quarterback Showdown: With Russell Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, Justin Fields will start the NFL Preseason Week 1 opener. Fields needs to build on his performances to challenge for the starting job. His dual-threat ability has intrigued the coaching staff, with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith praising his creativity and playmaking skills. This quarterback competition is just getting started and will be closely watched throughout the NFL Preseason Week 1.
• Philadelphia Eagles vs Baltimore Ravens
  • Offensive Line Debuts: With key players like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry likely sitting out, the spotlight shifts to the offensive line. Rookies Roger Rosengarten and Andrew Vorhees, who are making their debuts after Vorhees missed his rookie season, will be closely watched. The Ravens have a history of successful rookie OL starters, and they may need to rely on more fresh faces this year.
  • Right Guard Competition: Former Jets OL Mekhi Becton is making a push for the starting right guard job, especially with Tyler Steen recovering from an ankle injury. Despite Becton’s talent, concerns about his past conditioning and lack of experience at guard make this battle intriguing. Additionally, the Eagles’ secondary is worth watching, as rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are vying for starting roles.
• Washington Commanders vs New York Jets
  • Quarterback Competition: Jayden Daniels is set to start against the Jets, and his performance could significantly impact his standing in the team’s quarterback competition. Daniels is battling Marcus Mariota for the backup spot, with Sam Hartman also in the mix. How Daniels performs and who he lines up with will be crucial in determining his future role.
  • Rookie Performances: With Aaron Rodgers likely sitting out the preseason, attention turns to two key rookies. First-round offensive lineman Olu Fashanu’s NFL Preseason Week 1 snaps will be critical as the Jets need him to be ready for potential OL issues. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley is one to watch. His progress in camp has been promising, and continued strong performances could earn him a significant role, especially given Rodgers’ history with rookie receivers.
• Chicago Bears vs Buffalo Bills
  • Caleb Williams’ Debut: After sitting out the Hall of Fame Game, Caleb Williams is set to make his preseason debut against the Bills. Although his snaps will be limited, his performance, especially his connection with fellow rookie Rome Odunze, will be a focal point. Reports from camp have been mixed, making this an intriguing first look at the future of the Bears’ offense.
  • Wide Receiver Competition: While the NFL Preseason Week 1. opener might not fully reveal the depth chart, it will provide insight into the Bills’ wide receiver room, particularly the bottom half. Tyrell Shavers has been a standout in camp, earning first-team reps and praise from the coaching staff. His performance in this game could solidify his push for a roster spot, potentially ahead of more established names like Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
• Las Vegas Raiders vs Minnesota Vikings
  • Quarterback Battle: The spotlight is on the competition between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. With neither quarterback clearly separating himself in camp, their performances against the Vikings will be crucial in determining who starts Week 1. Minshew has reportedly outperformed O’Connell in recent sessions, making this game an important step in the decision-making process.
  • J.J. McCarthy’s Development: Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has an opportunity to push for more playing time, especially with first-team reps on the horizon. Although Sam Darnold remains the starter, McCarthy’s preseason debut will be closely watched to see if he can apply pressure and create options for the Vikings as the season approaches.
• Green Bay Packers vs Cleveland Browns
  • Special Teams and Kicker Battle: Special teams have long been a weak spot for the Packers, and this preseason will be critical for sorting out those issues. The kicker battle between Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph is particularly important, with Carlson needing to bounce back after a tough rookie season. Additionally, special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia might leverage the new kickoff rules to the Packers’ advantage, with ace returner Keisean Nixon eager to shine in the altered format.
  • Quarterback Depth Battle: The focus for the Browns is on the younger players, particularly quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR). With Jameis Winston likely backing up Deshaun Watson, DTR needs a strong NFL Preseason Week 1 to secure a spot on the roster, especially if the Browns decide to keep three quarterbacks. His performance in the preseason opener will be a key factor in his future with the team.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals
  • Wide Receiver Depth and Pass Rush Concerns: The Buccaneers have a deep wide receiver group, and with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin likely seeing limited action, it’s a chance for third-rounder Jalen McMillan to push for the WR3 spot and for undrafted rookie Kameron Johnson to make a case for a roster spot. On the flip side, the pass rush is an area of concern with Randy Gregory absent and Yaya Diaby injured. This opens the door for young players like Chris Braswell, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Markees Watts, and Jose Ramirez to step up and prove themselves.
  • Rookie Contributions and Wide Receiver Battle: Head coach Zac Taylor plans to give starters, including Joe Burrow, some reps in the NFL Preseason Week 1 opener. Rookie offensive lineman Amarius Mims is one to watch, as he could start from Day 1 and has been impressive in camp. Another player generating buzz is wide receiver Andrei Iosivas, who finished last season strong and is making a strong case to take over the Tyler Boyd role. Fantasy players should keep an eye on his progress.
• Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Left Tackle Competition: Rookie Kingsley Suamataia is trending toward becoming the Chiefs’ starting left tackle after taking over first-team reps from Wanya Morris, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Suamataia’s performance against the Jaguars’ pass rush in the preseason opener will be a key indicator of his readiness to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side during the regular season.
  • Kicker Spotlight and Running Back Depth: Rookie kicker Cam Little has already made waves in camp, leading to the release of veteran Riley Patterson. Little’s NFL Preseason Week 1 debut will be closely watched to see if he can solidify his spot as the team’s kicker. Additionally, running back Tank Bigsby is another player to watch. After a disappointing rookie season, Bigsby has been impressing in camp as he works to reclaim the RB2 role behind Travis Etienne.
• San Francisco 49ers vs Tennessee Titans
  • Ricky Pearsall and Running Back Depth: With Brandon Aiyuk’s status uncertain, Ricky Pearsall has stepped into the spotlight after returning from the non-football injury list. The 49ers may give him significant NFL Preseason Week 1 reps to assess his impact on the offense. Additionally, undrafted rookie running back Cody Schrader has garnered praise and looks like a natural fit in the 49ers’ outside-zone scheme, raising questions about how the SEC’s leading rusher went undrafted.
  • Wide Receiver Opportunities: DeAndre Hopkins’ preseason injury could be a blessing in disguise, allowing Treylon Burks to re-establish himself within the Titans’ offense. Another player to watch is Mason Kinsey, a Division-III standout who has been impressing in camp. Kinsey, who has spent most of his career on practice squads, might be this preseason’s breakout star, much like Michael Bandy was in the past.
• Seattle Seahawks vs LA Chargers
  • Byron Murphy II’s Impact: First-round defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has been receiving high praise from new head coach Mike Macdonald. Murphy’s performance will be key, even if he’s not a starter right away. His matchup against the Chargers’ offensive line will be a highlight, as he has potential to make a significant impact and could be a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
  • Easton Stick’s Opportunity: With Justin Herbert sidelined due to a plantar fascia injury, Easton Stick steps back into the starting role. Stick’s performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given his struggles last season. Improvement in ball control and reducing sacks will be critical. Stick’s NFL Preseason Week 1 showing against the Seahawks will be pivotal in assessing his readiness to lead if Herbert’s injury persists.
• New Orleans Saints vs Arizona Cardinals
  • Quarterback Battle: The focus will be on the competition for the backup quarterback position between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler. Haener, who recently underwent a skin cancer procedure, and Rattler, who has been receiving increased reps, will both get a chance to prove their worth. Their performances in this game, and throughout the preseason, will be crucial in determining who secures the backup role.
  • Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Debut: While not a major factor in the preseason’s big picture, seeing Marvin Harrison Jr. on the field is highly anticipated. His performance, even in a limited role, will provide valuable fantasy insights and showcase his exceptional athleticism. This preseason appearance is a much-anticipated “amuse bouche” for fans eager to get a glimpse of his potential.
• Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts
  • Bo Nix’s QB Competition: The spotlight is on rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has been receiving positive attention from head coach Sean Payton. Nix’s performance will be critical in determining whether he can secure the starting role over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. His debut against the Colts will provide insight into his readiness and potential to start as soon as Week 1.
  • Receiver and Tight End Battles: The Colts have several key positions to monitor. Alec Pierce is currently favored for the third receiver spot over rookie Adonai Mitchell, but both could see significant action if Josh Downs’ ankle injury affects his availability. Additionally, how tight end reps are distributed and who steps up could be crucial. Trey Sermon’s performance will also be important, as a strong NFL Preseason Week 1 could solidify his position as RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor.
• Dallas Cowboys vs LA Rams
  • Trey Lance’s Preseason: This is a pivotal preseason for Trey Lance, who is currently third in the QB pecking order behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. At 25, Lance needs to demonstrate significant improvement to alter the trajectory of his career. The Cowboys need to evaluate Lance thoroughly to determine his future with the team, especially with a potentially transformative free agency period looming.
  • Position Battles Amid Injuries: The Rams are dealing with injuries at several key positions, including cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver. With Derion Kendrick out for the season, Darious Williams injured, and multiple offensive linemen sidelined, depth will be tested. The absence of Puka Nacua also opens up opportunities at wide receiver. Rookie Jordan Whittington, who is a personal favorite, could make a strong case for a roster spot and should be closely watched in the NFL Preseason Week 1 opener against the Cowboys.

As NFL Preseason Week 1 kicks off, the excitement is palpable despite these games not impacting the standings. They offer a valuable glimpse into the potential and development of players and team dynamics. From rookie quarterbacks vying for starting roles to depth chart battles and injury recoveries, each game provides critical insights that could influence the regular season. Keep your eyes peeled for these key storylines as teams begin to lay the groundwork for what promises to be an intriguing season ahead.

Day #8 Recap

Sometime the sports betting gods look down upon you and decide that they are going to give give you a gift during a few hard days, and boy did they give us a gift. I guess a few days ago when we placed a parlay it was a “No Sweat Parlay”, essentially meaning if we lost it we got our money back so I had a $1 free bet lurking in my account yesterday.

I decided to take the $1 and put it on a three person HR Parlay at over +90150 odds…and it hit. Like WTF, are you for real!

The rest of the day, not as great. Here is a recap of yesterday’s action:

$200 – $200K Challenge Bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 1.5 HRR

• This was an easy winner as he was just one single away from a cycle. A double in the 1st, HR in the 5th and a Triple in the 6th gave us a winner on Level 1.1 of the challenge.
• He ended up 3-4 with 4 RBI’s

Ilves Tamprere vs Djurgardens IF Over 2.75

• It seems like for the better half of the last week every soccer match we bet on there is no action in the first half, and status quo here as well.
• However, similarly it seems that our bet has had some merit as there always tends to be a couple goals in the 2nd halves of these matches and again, status quo.
• With the match 1-1 in the 66′ we had plenty of opportunity and time to convert this to a win, but ended up losing just falling short by one goal.

Jurickson Profar Over 1.5 HRR

• It’s like the sports betting gods tease us constantly with winners and then make us sweat them out and fall short in MLB action. (Don’t get me wrong the parlay winner was nice, no need for those gods to get upset at us!)
• Profar was hit by a pitch in the 1st, but did end up coming around to score and leaving us only needing one HRR in the last 8 innings.
• He grounded out 3 straight times and then even in the 9th inning where he somehow got one last at bat, wouldn’t you believe it, he was hit again by a pitch and stranded on base leaving us short.

Europa Conference League Qualification: Saint Patricks vs Sabah FK Over 2.5

• Unlike a lot of our soccer bets, there actually was a goal in the 1st half (35′). However, a red card in the 53′ for Sabah FK left the visitors short handed and did not allow the game to open up.
• The final result 1-0 gave us a loss despite 24 goal attempts.

2+ RBI Milestone Parlay

• We are at least getting one of the three. Keep grinding!
• Michael Conforto: 2-4 w/ 2 RBI’s
• Jake Cronenworth: 0-3
• Jorge Polanco: 0-2

Day #8 Profit/Loss: +$921.27

What I Learned

Lucky is Better Than Good: With the first week of sports betting in the books and essentially having almost doubled my bankroll I feel somewhat like a phony. I was extremely lucky to hit that massive parlay yesterday, especially on just a $1 bet. My bets over the last three days have been awful and yes, that comes with the territory, but I need to be better because I am not going to get lucky everyday. It was however, nice to have it at least this once!

$200 ➡️ $200K Sports Betting Challenge

Level 1.2 ($4 ➡️ $8)

• Jurickson Profar: Over 1.5 HRR (+105)

Day #9 Bets

#1) Coppa Italia: Sassuolo vs Cittadella Over 2.5 (-106)

#2) MLB Bet: Cincinnati Reds vs Milwaukee Brewers Over 8.5 (-115)

#3) Championship: Preston vs Sheffield United Over 2.5 (-106)

Parlay of the Day: 2+ RBI Milestone

Rhys Hoskins (+500) | Brandon Lowe (+600) | J.D. Martinez (+700)

You may have noticed the images look to be a different sports book. Well, with NFL Preseason Week 1 kicking off and College Football approaching I researched and found that Bet365 is a far better sports book that contains less juice and better odds so I moved all of my money over so that I can maximize my bets!