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\n Updated:
\nAug 13, 2026 , 07:29 PM ET<\/p>\n
\u2022 4 min read<\/p>\n
Our expert breaks down all 16 matchups for Week 1 of the NFL preseason at Kalshi, delivering moneyline picks for you all in one spot. The Browns’ quarterback controversy highlights our Week 1 plays.<\/p>\n
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders (right) and Deshaun Watson take part in a drill.<\/p>\n
Welcome back, football.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There’s a full slate of action this weekend, beginning on Thursday, Aug. 13, and I’m dropping my Week 1 preseason NFL moneyline picks to help navigate the murky waters before the real fun begins.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive right into my NFL picks<\/a> for Week 1.<\/p>\n Week 1 Preseason NFL moneyline picks<\/p>\n Lines courtesy of Kalshi<\/a> as of 8-12.<\/p>\n Start trading with Kalshi today!<\/p>\n Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code<\/a> ‘COVERS’ and earn up to $500 in bonuses after you trade $25 on any event contracts \u2014 including NFL moneylines!<\/p>\n *Eligible U.S. locations only<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Tuesday that Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Dexter Lawrence will start Week 1 of the preseason. That’s good enough for me to smash Bengals moneyline here.<\/p>\n Packers vs. Steelers: Packers (54%<\/a>)<\/p>\n Jordan Love gets the start for the Packers in this one, and with plenty of injuries in the secondary for Pittsburgh, there won’t be anything holding him back from running up the score early.<\/p>\n Colts vs. Patriots: Patriots (42%<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Colts are dedicating Week 1 to testing backup signal-callers Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. Meanwhile, we get a proven commodity in Tommy DeVito at home.<\/p>\n I don’t trust Richardson as far as I can throw him, especially coming off an injury; rock with the underdog here.<\/p>\n Chargers vs. Texans: Texans (51%<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Chargers enter Week 1 under their new regime and offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel. I’m looking for the Texans’ depth on defense to make things difficult for them as the unit finds its footing.<\/p>\n Cardinals vs. Raiders: Raiders (58%<\/a>)<\/p>\n With Carson Beck ruled out and Fernando Mendoza likely getting some extensive run tonight, I’ll flip my play over to the Raiders at 58%. Let’s see what the national champ can do.<\/p>\n Titans vs. 49ers: Titans (67%<\/a>)<\/p>\n Cam Ward will be playing multiple series in Week 1 of the preseason alongside NFL Rookie of the Year odds<\/a> candidate Carnell Tate. That alone gives me enough reason to hit the button.<\/p>\n Dolphins vs. Commanders: Dolphins (60%<\/a>)<\/p>\n Early indications coming out of Dolphins camp are that new starting quarterback Malik Willis has made a smooth transition into the starting role in Miami. With him looking to get plenty of reps in Week 1, I’ll back the Dolphins.<\/p>\n Broncos vs. Falcons: Falcons (32%<\/a>)<\/p>\n Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix is coming off an ankle injury that likely cost Denver a trip to the Super Bowl, which makes me believe he won’t be playing much in Week 1. On the other side, head coach Kevin Stefanski said he plans to give his starters some run in Week 1 and Week 3. <\/p>\n Don’t let the probability fool you here, take the Falcons.<\/p>\n Buccaneers vs. Jets: Jets (70%<\/a>)<\/p>\n New York Jets rookie David Bailey absolutely had his way with the Bucs’ offensive line in joint practices this offseason, and Tampa Bay plans to rest most of their key starters in Week 1. Play the Jets at home in this spot.<\/p>\n Panthers vs. Bills: Panthers (48%<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Bills will, of course, sit Josh Allen in Week 1 of the preseason, while Kenny Pickett and Haynes King will see significant run for the Panthers. Both are coming off a dominant Hall of Fame game.<\/p>\n I’ll give Carolina the benefit of the doubt.<\/p>\n Covers NFL betting tools<\/p>\n Browns vs. Bears: Browns (52%<\/a>)<\/p>\n A quarterback competition usually bodes well for preseason bettors, and that’s exactly what we have in Cleveland.<\/p>\n The Browns will alternate starts between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in the preseason before ultimately making the call, and against a banged-up defense like the Bears, I don’t think it’s going to matter who’s taking the snaps in the first quarter.<\/p>\n Vikings vs. Giants: Vikings (54%<\/a>)<\/p>\n The Vikings named Kyler Murray the Week 1 starting quarterback, which means his reps will likely remain limited in the preseason. Enter J.J. McCarthy, who will use this game against the Giants as a massive opportunity to show the brass what they’ll be missing.<\/p>\n Jaguars vs. Saints: Saints (59%<\/a>)<\/p>\n Tyler Shough broke out in 2025 and will look to stay hot in Week 1 of the preseason against the Jaguars. His presence alone is enough for me to take the Saints.<\/p>\n Rams vs. Chiefs: Chiefs (55%<\/a>)<\/p>\n If Justin Fields wants to demonstrate he can be a capable backup behind Patrick Mahomes, Week 1 of the preseason is where he can start. I’ll take him over Stetson Bennett any day of the week.<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1786668251_296_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Expert Week 1 Preseason NFL moneyline picks
\nLions vs. Bengals: Bengals (70%<\/a>)<\/p>\n