Football fans and sports bettors, get ready for the reprieve from MLB (Money Lost Betting) as the NFL Preseason and constant emails for back to school sales signify the turning of the season. NFL begins with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH with a matchup between two former first round QBs: CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans and Caleb Williams of Chicago Bears!… or at least we hoped. This isn’t just another game; it’s the gateway to a season of gridiron glory, strategic plays, and big wins for sharp bettors like you!
Why This Game Matters
Betting on the NFL Preseason is just as bad as betting on NBA Summer league, but we we won’t pass up as the chance to bet anything else besides after July. Coaches normally experiment with play-calling and guys at the bottom of the depth chart in this game while fans get their first glance at rookies and trades. For bettors, it’s a golden opportunity to get back in the swing of things and start assessing teams for the season. Both the Texans and the Bears are coming off transformative off-seasons, making this game a must-watch for savvy bettors eyeing early value. You won’t find many lines or props, and the stars in CJ and Caleb probably aren’t going to play. But that won’t stop us from finding value.
Key Players to Watch (In our Imagination)
🎯 C.J. Stroud (QB, Houston Texans): The 2nd year NFL sensation returns to Ohio and is aiming to showcase his skills and dominate from the get-go. Stroud is a dynamic player who is expected to make a splash this season, potentially following in the footsteps of another Ohio product Joe Burrow. This game doesn’t provide much influencing early-season betting lines if he performs well. Head Coach Demeco Ryans has been mum about whether he is playing tonight.
🎯 Caleb Williams (QB, Chicago Bears): The Chicago Bears snagged USC QB and Heisman Trophy Winner Caleb Williams after they moved on from Justin Fields. He dazzled at USC, where his natural playmaking skills shined both in the pocket and on the move. With an incredible 4,919 passing yards in a single season, he set a record at a school with notable QB alumni. Coach Matt Eberflus has already counted him out of the Hall of Fame game so we will have to wait until potentially week 2 of the preseason for his debut.
Betting Insights
The Texans vs. Bears game doesn’t offer many markets due to the uncertainty of the lineups, and well its the preseason and the game doesn’t count. We are really limited to selecting from Point Spreads and Over/Unders for this game. Some tips for Preseason:
– Point Spread: Preseason games often have smaller spreads compared to regular-season games. Watch the line movements closely and keep an eye on inactives and coaching strategies.
– Over/Under Totals: With starters playing limited snaps, the game often opens up in the later quarters. Betting the under might be enticing, but don’t forget preseason games can be unpredictable.
Our Bets
With the limited markets, the value isn’t too high. We’ll bet one unit on the Texans -1.5 at -110 via Fanatics, taking advantage of the line movement compared to Pinnacle’s -117 price.
We’ll also put another unit on Caesars to use a 50% booster on a 2-leg parlay: Texans -2 and Under 31.5, which will increase the odds from +273 to +410.
Final Notes
Gear up, sports bettors! The kickoff between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears isn’t just the start of the NFL preseason; it’s the launching pad for your winning season. With meticulous analysis, there’s a fortune to be made. Happy betting, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
