NFL Preseason Week 3: Friday Night Predictions & Best Bets (8/23)

With the final week of preseason football underway, be sure to check out all of our NFL Division Previews linked below for everything you need to know before the season begins! However, we do have three games on the slate tonight, so of course we needed to get into the spirit of football and find some NFL best bets!

• AFC North 2024 Preview
• AFC South 2024 Preview
• AFC East 2024 Preview
• AFC West 2024 Preview
• NFC North 2024 Preview
• NFC South 2024 Preview
• NFC East 2024 Preview
• NFC West 2024 Preview

Tonight in the NFL, we have:

• Jacksonville Jaguars vs Atlanta Falcons
• Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• San Francisco 49ers vs Las Vegas Raiders

Let’s dive in and find our best bets!

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Atlanta Falcons Best Bets

Matchup Information – Jaguars vs Falcons

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
• Date: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
• Kick Off: 7:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: NFL Network

Best Bet: Jaguars -7 (-115) BetOnline

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We got burned on this angle last night in the first half with the Colts, but the full game would’ve hit. Tonight we are learning our lesson and backing the Jaguars for the full game. The Jags have indicated that like the Colts last night, starters will be out there for at least a quarter, maybe closer to a quarter and a half. I also trust the Jags backups plenty if it comes to it.

As for the Falcons, Raheem Morris has indicated that both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix will sit, and no other starters will be on the field in preparation for Week 1. This leaves the quarterbacking duties to Taylor Heinicke, and without his normal skill players, I do see the Jaguars having a field day. As always, just sprinkle since these are preseason bets and goofy stuff is bound to happen, but it feels good to bet on some football.

Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Bets

Matchup Information – Dolphins vs Buccaneers

• Venue: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
• Date: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
• Kick Off: 7:30pm Eastern

Best Bet: Buccaneers ML (-160) BetOnline

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Don’t be afraid to pay some juice in this matchup, as we will see Baker Mayfield for the first time this postseason. While we aren’t sure how long Todd Bowles will play the starters, I don’t think we will see many of the Dolphins elite names. Mike McDaniel has indicated that there are starting “jobs to be won” and that he will “play some starters, won’t play others”. Ultimately, I doubt we see Tua, Tyreek or Jaylen Waddle.

Waddle was held out of all 3 preseason games, and had expressed he’d be okay with getting some reps against Tampa Bay. The plan for Miami seems to be getting guys as many reps as possible, while the Bucs are looking to prime their starters for the regular season. With this game plan in mind, I’ll back the starters at home for the Buccaneers to win this game.

San Francisco 49ers vs Las Vegas Raiders Best Bets

Matchup Information – 49ers vs Raiders

• Venue: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
• Date: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
• Kick Off: 10:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: NFL Network

Best Bet: 49ers 1Q -2.5 (-120) BetOnline

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Minshew has officially been named the Week 1 Starter for the Las Vegas Raiders, but Antonio Pierce has made it sound like his preseason time is up. That means that Mr. Aiden O’Connell will lead the Raiders tonight as they host the San Francisco 49ers. While Brock Purdy has not seen much time this preseason, it sounds like he will at least be out there for a bit tonight, making me lean towards the 49ers starting off fast.

Last week Purdy played with mostly back ups, but Kyle Shanahan has indicated that he will be surrounded by his usual support staff in Las Vegas on Friday night. Ultimately, this leads me to side with the 49ers, and I will get in and out for a quick 15 minute sweat. I see the Raiders struggling to move the ball with AOC and many non starters facing a tough 49ers defense. If Purdy and the Niners offense just get a field goal on their opening drive, I am confident this bet will hit. We are paying a bit of juice for this number, but when it comes to starters vs backups, I’ll lay the points with the starters every time.

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