Often, it is hard for a pro sports bettor to justify betting on the NFL preseason. Although sportsbooks publish lines on each game, and various people will make wagers, the NFL preseason is usually a very bad bet. This is because more often than not it’s a time for coaches to try new schemes, players, and techniques. It’s very hard to predict how a game will go. A quality team could lose every preseason game, while an inferior club may go undefeated.
There are ways in which you may use the month-long preseason to your benefit. However, it’s usually not by wagering on it. Here’s a consideration of how the NFL preseason can be of benefit to sports bettors.
The New Guys
This is a great time for sports bettors to monitor any new players on the team. At the start of the preseason, NFL coach will often rest their starters, having them play about a quarter, or maybe a little more. Then many of the new guys are added into the mix, giving sports bettors a preview of sorts.
Kicking Game
In the preseason, you can get a decent idea about how effective a team’s kicking game will be. It’s true that a team may be trying out a few guys on punts and field goals, but many times this is an opportunity for the guy who has the job to get in some kicks and test out the leg and foot.
Backup QB
Chances are during the preseason you’re going to see a backup quarterback or two. This will give you a decent idea about how good that guy might be. If the starter goes down during the season, this information may prove to be useful. Expect to see a few backups take some snaps.
New Schemes
The preseason may also be a time for the coach to practice some new schemes, giving you insights into what that team may do during the regular season. Look for new wrinkles in the playbook. When the teams get within two weeks of the regular season, analyze which schemes seem to be working in most effectively. Knowledge of a team’s tendencies may be helpful when handicapping the regular season.
Final Preseason Game
Of all the preseason games, perhaps the most important is the final one before the start of the regular season. During this game, many of the starters will play the entire game. This is probably the best preseason game on which to wager, since it will be the one contest that most resembles a regular season game. It is also the one game during this time that will offer you a fairly accurate picture of each NFL club.
Guard Your Bankroll
Should you bet on games that are played during the NFL preseason? That’s up to each individual sports bettor. Remember to be very cautious if you decide to wager. Many of these games, especially the early ones, are experiments with new players, schemes, and plays. Reserve your bankroll for times when you know both teams are really focused on winning. That starts with the regular season and goes into the playoffs and straight through to the Super Bowl.