3 NFL preseason bets for Friday 8/11: You'll 'Love' these first-half wagers
We were closing in on a 4-0 sweep Thursday night before Drew Lock decided to turn into Geno Smith in the second half, so we had to settle for a 2-2 split. We're not taking our chances on a split Friday night with my three favorite bets for the six-game preseason slate.
Washington Commanders @ Cleveland Browns
The Browns have the inherent advantage in this matchup because they already have a preseason game under their belt. Cleveland beat the New York Jets in the Hall of Fame Game last week, while the Commanders will be making their preseason debut Friday night.
Not only have the Browns already shaken off the summer rust, but they'll also be starting three-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson in this one. Watson should have a field day against Washington's backups in the first quarter and jump out to a lead, and backups Kellen Mond and Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be able to keep the momentum rolling after strong performances last week.
Back the Browns early.
The bet to make: Browns -2.5 first half (-120 DraftKings)
Green Bay Packers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Preseason betting is all about targeting quarterback mismatches, and we've got a glaring one Friday night. Jordan Love will start for the Packers, and I expect him to play at least a few series with the starting unit. Meanwhile, the Bengals will cycle through an uninspiring rotation of Trevor Siemian, Jake Browning, and Reid Sinnett with Joe Burrow sidelined.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters this week that the team will rest a "high number of starters" in the preseason opener. Cincinnati is already comfortable with its offense, but Green Bay's starting unit needs plenty of live reps together before the regular season gets underway. This first half could be a matchup between starters and backups, so let's ride the starters.
The bet to make: Packers -2.5 first half (-120 DK)
Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals
Sean Payton is back on the sidelines after spending the 2022 season talking in front of the television cameras, and I think he'll want to make an early statement. The Broncos are expected to play their starters for the first quarter, and they should have no issues scoring with a revamped offense against a Cardinals defense devoid of talent.
On the other side of the ball, veteran quarterback Colt McCoy should be able to put up some early points, and rookie Clayton Tune won't hesitate to take deep shots when he takes over under center.
I'm expecting some first-half fireworks in this one.
The bet to make: First half over 18.5 (-110 FanDuel)
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