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The preseason might not count in the standings, but for sharp bettors, August football can be a goldmine. This week’s betting slate is heavy on NFL exhibition picks, with value on teams set to outperform expectations against the spread.
We’ve also got a live UFC underdog, plus a FedEx Cup playoff pick with a player who has everything on the line.
Whether you’re checking the lines at your favorite NFL betting sites, sizing up UFC octagon matchups, or watching golf’s top 50 battle for their Tour Championship lives, there’s something here worth your attention.
Saturday NFL Preseason Picks: Three Games, Three Spreads
Saturday’s schedule gives us three underdog spots that look primed for covers. Odds available at DraftKings sportsbook.
Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions +3.5 (-115) at DraftKings
Preseason games are often decided by quarterback depth and late-game roster battles, and the Lions have an edge in both. Their backup QB group has been sharp in camp, while Miami’s offensive line depth is still a work in progress.
Getting +3.5 means Detroit could cover even if Miami’s starters shine early. Preseason history shows the Lions tend to play hard to the whistle, which gives us confidence that they can keep this close into the fourth quarter.
Why We Like It: Competitive depth at QB, aggressive late-game approach, and a line over a field goal.
New York Jets +3.5 (-115) vs. New York Giants at DraftKings
The Jets’ defense is deep, and even the second-string unit has shown it can generate pressure. That’s key against a Giants roster likely to rest several offensive starters. The Jets also have QB depth, which is huge in the preseason, where the passing game can swing late results.
Getting more than a field goal in a rivalry game—yes, even preseason ones—provides a strong cover opportunity. Coaches tend to play their second and third units longer in these matchups, and the Jets’ younger roster could benefit from those extra reps.
Why We Like It: Defensive edge, roster cohesion, and a live underdog in a low-scoring preseason environment.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams +4.5 (-115) at DraftKings
The Chargers may opt to sit several key starters for this in-city clash, putting the game in the hands of backups and rookies. That plays well for the Rams, who’ve emphasized competitive depth battles all summer. With Sean McVay’s staff focused on building young talent, expect them to push for a strong showing deep into the second half.
Four-and-a-half points is a lot in preseason, especially for a rivalry game where motivation is high. Rams backups have also been executing at a higher level in joint practices, giving us another reason to grab the points.
Why We Like It: Passing game upside, favorable QB rotation, and an inflated line for a preseason matchup.
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Sunday NFL Preseason Picks: Two More Dogs
Sunday’s football card has two more underdog spots that offer strong value at BetMGM sportsbook — again, quarterback depth and coaching tendencies drive the logic.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints +2.5 (-110) at BetMGM
The Saints’ QB depth is one of the more competitive in the preseason, with multiple passers capable of winning the starting job, making the Saints a solid preseason pick. New Orleans also tends to keep their starters in for a full quarter in Week 2 of the preseason, which can tilt early momentum.
Jacksonville’s defensive rotation is still working through some roster battles, meaning the second half could feature a lot of untested players. In a game likely to be decided late, getting 2.5 points with a deeper QB room is a good spot.
Why We Like It: Competitive QB depth, opportunistic defense, and a Saints roster that can sustain scoring drives deep into the second half.
Buffalo Bills +2.5 (-110) vs. Chicago Bears at BetMGM
Buffalo has an edge with backup QBs who have game experience, something that matters when starters rarely play long. The Bills’ defensive front also has a wave of rotational players fighting for jobs, which usually means extra intensity in these August games.
Chicago is likely to keep their offensive starters on the sideline for most of the contest, making it harder for them to build momentum. With a defense capable of holding up in the second half and a solid backup QB situation, Buffalo is well-positioned to cover, if not win outright, in this preseason matchup.
Why We Like It: Depth advantage in the trenches, strong special teams play, and a coaching staff that plays to win in August.
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UFC Fight Night: Dricus Du Plessis to Win +205 at FanDuel
Du Plessis has been one of the most consistent overperformers in the UFC middleweight division, using unorthodox movement, high-volume striking, and relentless pressure to break opponents.
His gas tank and durability give him a live shot in almost any fight, and his underdog price here reflects public perception more than matchup reality.
His opponent has shown vulnerability against fighters who can mix striking with level changes — exactly the kind of fight Du Plessis thrives in.
Why We Like It: Value on an underdog with a path to victory via pressure, high pace, and diverse offense.
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PGA: J.T. Poston Top 20 at BMW Championship +160 at Caesars
Poston sits 50th in the FedExCup standings, meaning his playoff life is on the line this week. Only the top 30 move on to the Tour Championship, so he’ll need a strong finish — and that could push him to play aggressively from the start.
His iron play has been trending upward, and his short game is strong enough to save par when needed. The course layout rewards accuracy over pure distance, which suits his style.
Why We Like It: High motivation with FedExCup stakes, recent form trending up, and a course fit that matches his skill set.
Weekly Betting Primer Wrap-Up
This week’s betting card is a blend of preseason football insights, a UFC underdog with a clear path to victory, and a PGA pick fueled by playoff urgency.
NFL preseason games reward bettors who dig into depth charts and coaching tendencies, and that’s exactly what these picks aim to leverage. The UFC fight offers plus-money value on a pressure-heavy striker, while both stats and storyline back Poston’s top-20 bid.
Whether you’re shopping lines across multiple sports betting sites or following along on game day, the value here comes from understanding context, not just numbers.
