NFL Best Bets Thursday 8-22-24

As we dive into today’s NFL slate, it’s crucial to pick our spots wisely. Preseason games can be tricky to navigate, but they offer unique opportunities for savvy bettors who pay attention to the nuances of each matchup.

With some key players on a hot streak and others riding the bench, let’s break down the best bets for today, providing you with the insights needed to make confident wagers. Whether you’re looking to cash in on point spreads or player props, this guide has got you covered.

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Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Suggested Bet: Colts -6.5

Why This is a Top Bet:

• Quarterback Advantage: The Colts are expected to play their starters into the second quarter, including veteran QB Joe Flacco, which gives them a significant edge. Cincinnati, on the other hand, isn’t likely to play any starters, leaving them with less experienced QBs.
• Cincinnati’s Struggles: The Bengals have had a rough preseason, particularly in the QB department. With Jake Browning potentially out and backups like Logan Woodside underperforming, the Colts’ defense should dominate.
• Coaching Strategy: Zack Taylor’s preseason record isn’t inspiring confidence. At 3-11 straight up in preseason games, it’s clear that winning these games isn’t a priority for him, unlike the Colts who are focused on getting their team ready.

Key Insights:

• The Colts have been strong throughout the preseason, scoring 20+ points in both games so far.
• Cincinnati’s lack of depth at key positions should allow the Colts to control the game, especially in the first half.

Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Suggested Bet: Bears -1

Why This is a Top Bet:

• QB Depth: The Bears have shown depth in their quarterback rotation, with Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien performing well in their opportunities. This is crucial in preseason games where the second and third-string QBs often decide the outcome.
• Chiefs’ Inconsistent Lineup: Andy Reid has a history of not playing his starters much in preseason Week 3, and this year is no different. With Patrick Mahomes likely seeing very limited action, the Chiefs will rely on backups who haven’t been as consistent.
• Momentum: The Bears have looked strong throughout the preseason, including a dominant performance against the Bengals. Their ability to maintain this momentum makes them a solid bet, even with a small spread.

Key Insights:

• The Bears’ defense has been aggressive, forcing turnovers and controlling the pace of the game. This should continue against a Chiefs offense that will likely lack cohesion without their starters.
• Chicago’s running game, led by their backup RBs, should find success against a Kansas City defense that has struggled to stop the run in the preseason.

Final Thoughts

Betting on preseason games is all about understanding the depth and strategy of each team. Today’s best bets focus on teams that have both the coaching strategy and player depth to dominate in these critical warm-up games.

Remember, in preseason, it’s often the second and third-string players who make the difference, so pay attention to those matchups.

Make sure to leverage Oddsjam to maximize your betting potential

Good luck, and may your bets bring in the big wins!