The NFL will soon be back on the road, but there's still a chance to get reserve players in shape in the preseason before the season begins. Our experts have some predictions for Week 1 of the NFL preseason, so let's take a closer look at our NFL expert predictions and projections. For more bets, check out our expert predictions page. Or, use our NFL +EV betting guide to find some sharp plays for yourself.
NFL experts' predictions and forecasts for Week 1 of the preseason
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NFL experts' predictions and forecasts for Week 1 of the preseason
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@shanderbets – Spread – BAL +2.5: Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni said he will use his starters on Friday depending on the weather, but what we know about Baltimore coach John Harbaugh is that he is playing to win these games regardless of the depth. That's a big difference in approach.
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Sirianni, through offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, may choose to go on the offensive in the fourth quarter, when the Ravens are only interested in scoring points and winning the game.
The line has dropped, but I still think there's value in Baltimore scoring, and I'd bet a half unit on the money line for the first half. The Eagles have two new coordinators and significant turnovers on both offense and defense, but they don't have the depth to overcome that against Baltimore's bench.
NFL Expert Predictions for Week 1 of the Preseason: BAL +2.5 -130 on FanDuel
@is_sirois – Spread – LAC +3: Everyone, including my friend Eitan, loves to talk about what John Harbaugh did with the Baltimore Ravens during the preseason. I'm a Ravens fan. I get it. Betting on us is fun — most of the time.
This year, things are a little different, with rookie Devin Leary and veteran Josh Johnson vying for the backup quarterback spot, neither of whom are as good as recent backups — remember, those include Robert Griffin III, Tyrod Taylor and Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley.
But the other Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh, is doing just as well. He's 10-6 ATS and SU in the preseason, a record he achieved with the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh has already said he will start backup Easton Stick in Sunday's game, and Seattle's Mike McDonald has confirmed he will also be using a backup. That means
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Digging into what both coaches said, it looks like McDonald will use a few defensive starters and Harbaugh will use a few starters on both the defensive and defensive end. The Seahawks have a pecking order of running backs, wide receivers and tight ends that the Chargers don't have. Los Angeles doesn't have a clear WR1, RB1 or even TE1.
The roster and depth deficiencies will have a major impact on the Chargers’ effort on Sunday.
That said, L.A. isn't lacking in skill-position talent. Running backs Kimani Vidal and Isaiah Spiller are highly talented. All four tight ends, including Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr. and Will Dissly, have game experience. The wide receiver corps looks basic, which will provide even more incentive for young players to break out.
NFL Expert Preseason Week 1 Predictions and Predictions: LAC +3 -110 on FanDuel
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