NFL Preseason Week 1: Friday Night’s Top Betting Picks

We are just weeks away from the start of the 2025 NFL season. Between now and September 4, teams will be gearing up and making roster adjustments in preparation for the start of the regular season. That leaves bettors with ample betting opportunities, as we dig into three weeks of preseason action.

These are our favorite betting picks for Preseason Week 1 action on Friday night!

Where to Watch Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers

Ballpark: Bank of America Stadium
Location: Charlotte, NC
Where to Watch: NFL Network, DAZN
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: CAR -6.5 | Total: 32.5
Moneyline: CLE +230 | CAR -280

Note: All odds are subject to change after article publication. Get the most up-to-date odds here.

Everyone laughed at the Cleveland Browns when they drafted two quarterbacks, signed two more, and brought in another one via trade. While that won’t necessarily translate to success during the regular season, it gives the Browns ample depth in the preseason. They should wield that advantage unmercifully against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night.

The Panthers will trot out their starters, likely for nothing more than the opening drive. While Andy Dalton offers some relief as the backup, he will likely also be limited in his usage as the game progresses. That leaves the Browns with a more substantive edge in the latter stages of the contest.

Cleveland has several rookies who should see a heavy dose of action, many of whom will be starters when the regular season kicks off. Specifically, Dylan Sampson and Harold Fannin Jr. should have the chance to work with a couple of quarterbacks while picking on Carolina’s fringe defenders.

We like the Browns’ chances not only of covering, but also of staging a late-game comeback. There may be more advantageous opportunities on the live line, but we still see plenty of value in backing Cleveland at +230.

Best Bet: Browns Moneyline +230

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Where to Watch Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons

Ballpark: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, GA
Where to Watch: Fox 2 Detroit, Fox 5 Atlanta
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: DET -3.5 | Total: 32.5
Moneyline: DET -180 | ATL +155

The Detroit Lions have emerged as a perennial powerhouse, a leap the Atlanta Falcons are hoping to emulate with their young core. Those franchises stand toe-to-toe on Friday night, in what’s sure to be a high-scoring affair.

Depth has become a strong point for the Lions’ offense over the past few years, and that’s even more true after another successful draft class. Detroit expended three of its first four picks on offensive contributors, who should feature prominently in tonight’s showdown in Atlanta.

At the same time, the Falcons have to get their offensive motor running; however, they will do so without Michael Penix or Kirk Cousins under center. Instead, Atlanta will rely on Easton Stick to mount the charge. Stick has proven capable in regular-season action and should have no problem keeping the chains moving versus the Lions.

Points were scored freely on Thursday night, and we expect that ‘over’ trend to persist on Friday. This Lions versus Falcons tilt is the most reliable ‘over’ bet on the board.

Best Bet: Over 32.5

Where to Watch Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots

Ballpark: Gillette Stadium
Location: Foxborough, MA
Where to Watch: WBZ-TV, WUSA9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: NE -6.5 | Total: 36.5
Moneyline: WSH +240 | NE -290

This trio of contests is punctuated by a Northeastern affair, with the New England Patriots hosting the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium.

As inferred by the betting line, the Patriots will trot out most of their starters in their preseason opener. Drake Maye should hold the reins for at least a couple of drives, setting the Pats up for an early lead. These teams have been practicing together this week, and Maye has shredded the Commanders’ defense on more than a few occasions. We’re betting that trend continues with the home faithful at his back.

Conversely, Dan Quinn has elected to sit most of his starters for tonight’s clash. Without Marcus Mariota to lighten the workload, Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman could be in for a rude awakening versus Mike Vrabel‘s typically stout defense.

The Patriots have a significant advantage over the visitors, and that will be evident from start to finish. Our third and final play for the night is backing New England at -6.5.

Best Bet: Patriots -6.5

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