Making money – it’s the reason we all get involved in sports betting. Sure, it ads some flavor to the games and maybe provides some justification for hooking up 3 big screen tv’s in your living room to watch 9 hours of football every Sunday. But when it comes down to it most people just want to cash in on the chance to make some big money from a wager.
But how do you know which team to put your money on? What spreads to cover? Which players will perform? Betting during the regular season is one thing – but preseason NFL betting adds a completely new angle to the game. If you’re lucky you might get to watch the starters play a full series in the first few games, but once they hit the sidelines it’s anyone’s game. So, for everyone who is new to the NFL preseason betting realm (and even those who aren’t) let me give you some advice on how to place a wager wisely.
Timing
Schedules play a huge factor during the NFL preseason. Unlike the regular season, many teams have to play a bizarre schedule with some games being only 4 days apart and other gaps lasting over 10. So, when deciding if it is wise to place money on a team it is crucial to take a look at their schedule and travel time. NFL teams that have traveled long distances with little time between games can sometimes show up looking more like a high school JV team rather than pros.
It's All About The Close
The fourth quarter is where the game is won or lost. Lots of people like to make a big deal about which starters are going to be in the game and how long they will play – but like I said before, you’re lucky to see them in a full series during the early NFL preseason games. So look at the teams that have some more depth in their roster. Many teams like to take the preseason to try out their rookies and let them have a go at proving themselves. Not a big deal if it costs them the game, but a big deal if it costs you some green. You never know what kind of a performance a rookie will have in the preseason so you are better off avoiding throwing money at them in the hopes that you will win big. Instead, look for teams with more experienced players in their second and third strings. It is less of a gamble in terms how they will perform for the simple reason that if they have been in the league for any extended tenure they have probably demonstrated what they can do on a day-to-day basis.
A Coach's History
Coaches alone can be the deciding factor in the outcome of an NFL preseason game. Before you dive into NFL preseason betting it is extremely important to take a long, hard look at the coaches of each team – and this is why. Coaches view NFL preseason games in different lights. Some take them as seriously as a regular season game and really push their players to get the win and implement strategies for victory. On the other hand, some coaches view preseason as a necessary unpleasantly and use it solely for giving new players experience and testing their skills. Avoid putting money on teams headed by these types gentlemen.
After reading over some of these factors for NFL preseason betting stop by TodaysPicks.net to let the professionals provide expert advice on which teams are looking like winners this preseason. Then when you are ready to bet, here are a few online sportsbooks we recommend.