NFL preseason Week 1 odds, angles, best bets

With one game already in the books - a bad beat Atlanta Falcons bettors are still trying to forget - let's take a look at the best bets for the first full slate of NFL preseason action.

Starters are still two weeks away from seeing heavy reps, and some won't play at all this week, but there's still plenty of value on the table.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens (-5), total 32

Oddsmakers have caught onto John Harbaugh's stellar preseason record, including 13 straight wins for the Baltimore Ravens head coach. Gamblers have, too, betting Monday's opening line of Ravens -4 up to -5 within a day.

Those bettors may need a closer look at Baltimore's quarterback depth chart, which features injured backup Robert Griffin III and third-stringer Trace McSorley, who was drafted in April for his ability to play positions other than quarterback.

The Jaguars' QB room isn't stellar, either, but the gap between these squads isn't as large as bettors are perceiving it to be. The Harbaugh effect isn't enough to lay five points in the preseason.

Pick: Jaguars +5

Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Buffalo Bills, total 34.5

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich said Tuesday that Jacoby Brissett - arguably the best backup in the league - will likely play a quarter in Thursday's preseason opener.

Gamblers likely saw this coming, betting the Colts from 1.5-point underdogs on Monday to nearly a field-goal favorite by Tuesday night. Consider, though, that most of Indianapolis' starters will remain sidelined for Week 1, while Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott expects to play his starters for a quarter or more.

This is a scenario worth playing, especially if Josh Allen gets extended run. Getting points is merely a bonus.

Pick: Bills +2.5

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (-4), total 36

The Ezekiel Elliott holdout has cast a cloud over the Dallas Cowboys' offseason.

Although Elliott was likely never going to play in this one, his absence means Jason Garrett would be wise to test out his assortment of running backs to find Zeke's replacement, even at the detriment of his team's offensive success.

The San Francisco 49ers have a stable of backs, too, who are eager to separate themselves before the regular season. Two determined rushing attacks behind second-string offensive lines screams under for the final game of Week 1.

Pick: Under 36

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