NFL Preseason Week 1 Best Bets: Eagles vs. Ravens & Cowboys vs. Seahawks

Eagles vs. Ravens & Cowboys vs. Seahawks

Philadelphia visits Baltimore at 7:00 PM ET, then Dallas meets defending Super Bowl champion Seattle at 8:00 PM ET. The markets make the Eagles 3.5-point favorites and the Seahawks three-point favorites.

Preseason handicapping centers on quarterback depth and starter usage. Baltimore has ruled Lamar Jackson out, and Jesse Minter plans to sit other veterans. Seattle has confirmed Sam Darnold will not play, leaving Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe to handle the quarterback work. Dallas is unlikely to use Dak Prescott, creating a Joe Milton-Sam Howell evaluation game.

Our NFL betting analysis provides more matchup coverage as the preseason moves toward Week 1.

Saturday Preseason Schedule

MatchupTime (ET)VenueKey Quarterback Note
Eagles at Ravens7:00 PMM&T Bank StadiumLamar Jackson out
Cowboys at Seahawks8:00 PMLumen FieldSam Darnold out

The official Eagles preseason preview highlights roster competitions across Philadelphia’s depth chart. Baltimore’s plan is clearer at quarterback: Jackson will rest, giving Tyler Huntley and the reserves the meaningful snaps.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds

MatchupSpreadMoneylineTotal
Philadelphia Eagles-3.5 (-115)-190Over 36.5 (-105)
Baltimore Ravens+3.5 (-105)+165Under 36.5 (-115)
Dallas Cowboys+3 (-110)+140Over 38 (-105)
Seattle Seahawks-3 (-110)-160Under 38 (-115)

Preseason lines can shift quickly based on coaching announcements, so be sure to compare top offshore sportsbooks to lock in the best value before placing your wagers.

Eagles vs Ravens Best Bet

Philadelphia’s quarterback room gives the favorite an edge. Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton and rookie Cole Payton give Nick Sirianni several options. McKee started Week 18 last season and Dalton brings 169 career regular-season starts.

Baltimore can answer with Huntley, a mobile veteran. The larger concern is how many established Ravens join Jackson on the sideline. Minter has said some experienced players will rest, shifting responsibility toward young players.

The Eagles -3.5 is the preferred side. Philadelphia’s backup quarterbacks should create steadier possessions. Baltimore can stay close through Huntley’s mobility, but the Eagles have enough depth to pull away late.

NFL Best Bet: Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 (-115)

Cowboys vs Seahawks Best Bet

Seattle’s quarterback rotation is the strongest reason to back the home favorite. Mike Macdonald confirmed Darnold will sit, with Lock starting and Milroe rotating throughout the game. That lets both quarterbacks work with different offensive combinations.

Lock is an experienced backup, and Milroe gives Seattle a different rushing threat. The Seahawks preseason preview identifies their quarterback rotation as a central evaluation point.

Dallas is expected to keep Prescott out of preseason action, leaving Milton and Howell competing for the No. 2 job. Howell owns 18 NFL starts, but he has attempted only 14 regular-season passes over the past two years. Milton has the bigger physical traits but far less starting experience.

Seattle’s home field and quarterback stability make -3 the cleaner side. Milroe’s legs add a scoring route that becomes especially useful during exhibition football.

NFL Best Bet: Seattle Seahawks -3 (-110)

Why The Unders Still Deserve Attention

Preseason totals reflect conservative play-calling, rotating lines and unfamiliar receivers. Eagles-Ravens sits at 36.5, and Cowboys-Seahawks is 38.

Baltimore’s decision to rest Jackson lowers the explosive ceiling in the early game. Philadelphia may protect Hurts too, leaving the first half centered on backups and roster evaluation. Under 36.5 at -115 has a reasonable path if both coaches prioritize field position and clean execution.

Seattle-Dallas carries slightly more scoring potential through Milroe and the Cowboys’ backup competition. The under 38 remains playable, but Seattle -3 offers a clearer advantage than asking both offenses to stay quiet.

Final NFL Preseason Betting Card

Preseason betting rewards information more than team reputation. Baltimore and Seattle have already disclosed major quarterback decisions, making these games easier to frame than matchups with uncertain starter usage.

Philadelphia owns the deeper veteran quarterback room, and Baltimore plans to protect several established players. Seattle can use Lock and Milroe throughout the night, giving Macdonald two viable ways to move the offense after Darnold sits.

The best two sides are Philadelphia -3.5 and Seattle -3. Both favorites should have enough quarterback stability to avoid the long scoreless stretches that often sink preseason spreads.

Both wagers rely on depth rather than reputation, which is the right preseason framework when coaches protect stars and spend the second half testing players who may decide roster spots.

Official Picks

  • Eagles -3.5 (-115)
  • Seahawks -3 (-110)

Jamie Jacobs is a seasoned American sports analyst with over 15 years of experience covering major U.S. sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Known for his data-driven insights and calm analytical style, Jamie specializes in game strategy, player performance trends, and betting market analysis.