NFL Preseason Predictions & Odds Today: Expert Picks for Every Game Tonight

The first full day of NFL preseason action provided plenty of high-scoring excitement, and our NFL predictions and odds today expect much of the same from tonight's three-game slate.

The Detroit Lions look to bounce back from their embarrassing Hall of Fame Game performance, as they're favored at the best NFL betting sites over the Atlanta Falcons tonight. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders takes center stage on national television in his NFL debut against the Carolina Panthers.

Don't miss a minute of preseason action with our NFL preseason Week 1 predictions.

🏈 Best NFL predictions today

🔎 Our NFL player prop odds tool can help you find the best NFL odds to make your NFL picks across legal sportsbooks in your region.

• Panthers -6 (-108 via DraftKings) vs. Browns ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Lions-Falcons Over 32.5 (-115 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐
• Commanders +6.5 (-110 via BetMGM) vs. Patriots ⭐⭐⭐

📖 Check out our 2025 NFL preseason betting guide for our best betting strategies and full NFL preseason schedule.

💰 NFL preseason odds & expert picks for every game

Here are the latest odds and our expert picks for every game via the best NFL betting sites, which update live in real time. Follow the latest NFL scores for line history and matchup info.

📊 Browns vs. Panthers odds

• Date: Friday, Aug. 8
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
• How to watch: NFL Network, NFL+

🔮 Browns vs. Panthers prediction

✅ Best pick: Panthers -6 (-108 via DraftKings)

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in OR/NH. 1 per customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get promo code to redeem NFL Sunday Ticket sub and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets; 7 day expiry.

Claim $400

Here's a sneak peek at why Mike Spector is predicting the Panthers to cover the spread:

"Cleveland expects to play Shedeur Sanders for most of the snaps, given the injuries to the rest of the quarterbacks. But given that he was listed as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, that does not inspire much confidence in his first NFL action. Meanwhile, the more Carolina plays veteran backup Andy Dalton, the better its chances are of moving the ball and scoring points."

👉 Check out his full analysis in our Browns vs. Panthers prediction

📊 Lions vs. Falcons odds

• Date: Friday, Aug. 8
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• How to watch: Local TV

🔮 Lions vs. Falcons prediction

✅ Best pick: Over 32.5 (-115 via Caesars)

Bet $1, Get Ten 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. bonus is ten 100% Profit Boost tokens. Profit Boost tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.    

Claim Boosts

Here's why I am predicting the Lions vs. Falcons to go Over the total:

"Gabe, the quarterbacks in this matchup are Kyle Allen, Hendon Hooker, Emory Jones, and Easton Stick. How do you expect them to combine for 33-plus points?" Great question. I'm a follower of trends, and NFL preseason games are 4-0 toward the Over thus far. This includes Detroit's 34-7 loss in the Hall of Fame Game, so even if it's due to poor defense, I expect points to be scored.

📊 Commanders vs. Patriots odds

• Date: Friday, Aug. 8
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
• How to watch: Local TV

🔮 Commanders vs. Patriots prediction

✅ Best pick: Commanders +6.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

Up To $1,500 First Bet

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Claim $1,500

Here's a sneak peek at why Mike Spector is predicting the Commanders to cover the spread:

"Even though second-year quarterback Drake Maye has only 12 starts under his belt, this game will be more in the hands of backups Joshua Dobbs and Ben Woolridge. Considering Dobbs is on his fifth team in five years after going 3-12 as a starter, I trust Washington’s backup quarterback room of Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson more, who have 19 years and 83 NFL starts between them."

👉 Check out his full analysis in our Commanders vs. Patriots prediction

🔢 NFL betting odds pages

❓ NFL betting FAQs

What does the spread mean in betting NFL?

In NFL betting, the spread is the number of points a team is favored to win or lose by. It levels the playing field for bettors by giving an advantage or disadvantage in points. Bettors win if their pick covers the spread.

Where can I find top NFL betting odds?

Make sure you look at our top NFL betting sites to find the best odds for NFL Sunday. These sportsbooks include Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings.

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
*Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.