Football is finally back! NFL preseason Week 1 kicks off Thursday with two action-packed betting markets shaped less by star talent than by quarterback plans, depth charts, and coaching intent. Tennessee visits San Francisco as a six-point favorite, while Indianapolis travels to New England laying 2.5—with both favorites boasting clearer quarterback rotations.
The current consensus betting board lists Tennessee -6 with a 39.5 total and Indianapolis -2.5 with a 37.5 total. Preseason prices can move quickly after lineup news, so confirmed playing time matters.
For another betting setup, StatFox’s Hall of Fame Game picks show why backup quarterbacks and conservative play-calling can matter more than team ratings.
NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule And Odds
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts at Patriots | 7:30 PM | IND -2.5 (-112) | IND -155 | 37.5 |
| Titans at 49ers | 9:00 PM | TEN -6 (-112) | TEN -258 | 39.5 |
Before locking in your preseason wagers, it is always smart to compare top offshore betting options to ensure you get the best possible lines and value.
Titans vs 49ers: Tennessee Has The Quarterback Edge
Tennessee’s biggest betting advantage is simple: Cam Ward will play. The second-year quarterback is expected to receive limited work, but the Titans want live reps in Brian Daboll’s offense before turning the game over to the reserves. Rookie receiver Carnell Tate, the No. 4 pick in April, should get his first preseason opportunities too. The Titans preseason preview confirms Ward will appear and highlights multiple offensive-line competitions that should keep Tennessee’s depth players engaged.
San Francisco is taking the opposite approach. Kyle Shanahan said many starters will sit after the 49ers completed a joint practice with Tennessee. That shifts the offensive burden toward Mac Jones and younger skill players, with Brock Purdy and several veterans unlikely to take meaningful snaps. San Francisco is managing injuries across multiple position groups, including George Kittle on the PUP list.
Six points is a large preseason spread, yet Tennessee can justify it through early offensive continuity and Robert Saleh’s first game as Titans head coach. Saleh returns to Levi’s Stadium after serving as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator, and his younger defenders are competing for roles.
Titans-49ers Prediction: Tennessee 27, San Francisco 17
NFL Best Bet: Titans -6 (-112)
Colts vs Patriots: Richardson Makes The Difference
Indianapolis has an unusually clear quarterback plan. Anthony Richardson Sr. will start and play the entire first half, then Riley Leonard will handle the second. Daniel Jones will sit. Shane Steichen said most Colts starters will rest, but two full quarters from Richardson gives Indianapolis a level of quarterback continuity rarely available in an opening preseason game. The Colts quarterback plan makes the rotation explicit.
New England is expected to protect its primary lineup after a productive joint practice. Mike Vrabel indicated Drake Maye probably will not play, leaving Tommy DeVito as the likely starter with rookie Behren Morton behind him. The Patriots are expected to feature reserve receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III.
Richardson remains volatile, but his athleticism can punish vanilla preseason defenses. Designed movement, scrambles and deep throws create scoring routes that do not require Indianapolis to execute a full regular-season playbook. Leonard brings mobility too, giving the Colts a similar offensive identity after halftime.
New England’s home field keeps the spread short. DeVito has reportedly looked comfortable in Josh McDaniels’ system and connected on several deep throws during camp. Still, Indianapolis owns the stronger two-quarter quarterback assignment and a cleaner plan for all four periods.
Colts-Patriots Prediction: Indianapolis 24, New England 17
NFL Best Bet: Colts -2.5 (-112)
Which Preseason Bet Is Stronger?
Indianapolis -2.5 is the better wager of the two. Richardson’s scheduled first-half workload gives bettors a concrete usage advantage, and Leonard should keep the offense functional.
Tennessee -6 carries greater variance. Ward may leave quickly, and San Francisco’s depth has been developed inside a stable Shanahan system. The Titans still deserve the lean, especially if the number stays at six rather than moving through 6.5.
Totals are secondary plays. Colts-Patriots under 37.5 fits two teams resting starters, but Richardson’s rushing ability can create short-field scoring. Titans-49ers over 39.5 has a better case if Ward produces an early touchdown and Tennessee’s backup defense gives San Francisco opportunities late.
The strongest Week 1 card stays with the spreads.
