DraftKings IL has Chicago as a -3.5 favorite with a 37.5 total when the two square off in their first preseason games of the season.
Common NFL Preseason Betting Mistakes to Avoid
There can be value in betting on preseason NFL football if you know what you are doing. There are also some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure you have the best chance of turning a profit.
- Line Shopping: NFL preseason betting lines move like crazy, and not every bookie moves their number at the same time. In order to get the best number at the best possible price, you’ll want to have as many betting accounts in Illinois as possible.
- Bankroll Management: There is value in wagering on preseason football, but busting out your bankroll betting in NFL preseason games isn’t wise. Set aside a small portion of your NFL bankroll, and don’t wager more than one percent of your bankroll on any bet.
- Research Matters: Preseason football usually isn’t about wins and losses. Coaching staffs are looking to fill roster spots, some teams have snap limits for established players with a larger number of player substitutions than a regular season game. Follow the beat writers, listen to the head coach’s press conferences, and make informed decisions.
Tennessee Titans Preseason Game Notes
Titans backup QBs Malik Willis and Will Levis are in a hotly contested battle for who will back up Ryan Tannehill. Look for both to see plenty of action Saturday, with Willis likely getting the start and Levis playing the second half.
Defensive line coach Terrell Williams will be the acting head coach on Saturday. Head Coach Mike Vrabel will still be on the sidelines, but Vrabel would like to see Williams become a head coach in the NFL one day, and it’s Vrabel’s way of getting Williams some much-needed exposure.
Tennessee just released offensive lineman JeMarco Jones with battles for roster spots taking place. Chris Hubbard is expected to take his place, but Pro Football Focus ranks the Titans’ O-line last in the NFL, meaning Tennessee will give many linemen a shot this preseason.
Tennessee also has a heated competition between placekickers Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolff, and both are expected to play Saturday.
Chicago Bears Preseason Game Notes
Chicago has serious competition for the fifth and sixth wide receivers spot. Wideout Velos Jones is up against Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis for one or maybe two roster spots. This is a fierce competition for two spots; all will play on Saturday.
The Bears are looking hard at what Pro Football Focus ranks as the 21st-best offensive line in the game. We should expect to see the Bears coaching staff auditioning plenty of offensive linemen on Saturday.
The Bears starters won’t likely play much, if at all, Saturday. Chicago has four quarterbacks in camp, and while Justin Fields’ job is secure, there will be a battle for the third spot between veteran Nathan Peterson and rookie Tyson Bagent. Look for one or both to see the field against Tennessee.
Chicago also has battles taking place for the running back and defensive back positions. Veteran RB Travis Homer is trying to win a spot against rookie Roschan Johnson and the defensive secondary has several vying for a roster spot.
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