Broncos vs. Falcons Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: NFL Preseason Week 1
My Broncos vs. Falcons prediction breaks down Tua Tagovailoa's first taste of action with his new team when the Atlanta Falcons host the Denver Broncos on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (7 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited).
Denver is the 4-point away betting favorite, but I’m backing Atlanta to keep things close.
🏈 Broncos vs. Falcons prediction: NFL preseason Week X
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| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Falcons +4 (-111 via BetMGM) | 0.5u → 0.45u | Bo Nix won’t feature and Tua Tagovailoa is making his Falcons’ debut. |
| Under 41.5 (-105 via FanDuel) | 0.5u → 0.48u | Tagovailoa won’t play for long, and I don’t trust either offense beyond their starters to accumulate points. |
Total wagered: 1 units | Max profit: 0.93 units
💰 Broncos vs. Falcons game pick
I’m not willing to lay the points on the Broncos, considering Bo Nix won’t feature and the Falcons will give the ball to Tagovailoa, at least initially.
Like the Falcons, the Broncos are expected to start their first-string offense. But I expect the Falcons, and particularly Tagovailoa, will be slightly more motivated considering the circumstances.
Score Prediction: Falcons 20 - 17 Broncos
🙌 Broncos vs. Falcons best bet: Falcons +4 (-111)
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You only have one opportunity at a first impression, and Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium represents Tagovailoa’s shot to get the Falcons’ faithful on his side from the get-go.
Yes, I realize it’s a preseason game, but that won’t matter for Tua or a fan base starved for success. Plus, it’s also Kevin Stefanski’s opportunity to make a splash in his first game pulling the strings for the Falcons.
Even after Tagovailoa’s night is over, the Stefanski effect should galvanize the collective to a debut victory.
💡 How I'm betting Broncos vs. Falcons: NFL preseason strategy
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If you look hard enough, there are strategically sound, alluring betting opportunities in the preseason. I’m still not getting carried away, as anything can happen in a Week 1 preseason tilt.
However, I’m confident Stefanski will get the most out of his team at the first time of asking, and I also believe Tua will be ready to show the Falcons he’s worth the risk they took on him.
He shouldn’t see as much resistance against a Broncos defense that will likely start several fringe players.
📊 Broncos vs. Falcons odds: NFL preseason Week 1
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🚑 Broncos vs. Falcons latest injuries
📺 How to watch Broncos vs. Falcons: NFL preseason Week 1
- Date: Friday, Aug. 14
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN Unlimited/NFL+
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