We’re back to discuss our best NFL preseason picks today! We finally have a real, big slate on our hands for Saturday.
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Editor’s Note: Before betting on NFL preseason player props today, sharpen your skills and check out our NFL betting cheat sheet!
NFL Preseason Picks Today: Saturday, August 9th
Our guy Justin Bales is back with his favorite NFL preseason picks today. On tap for Saturday’s slate (all times ET):
- New York Giants @ Buffalo Bills – 1:00 PM
- Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings – 4:00 PM
- Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:00 PM
- Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams – 7:00 PM
- Tennessee Titans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 7:30 PM
- Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals – 8:00 PM
- New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers – 8:00 PM
- Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers – 8:30 PM
Dante Miller Higher Than 33.5 Rushing Yards
I can’t believe I’m playing a total this high in preseason, but Miller is in an incredible spot for the New York Giants. Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary are likely to play limited snaps, if at all, in this game. Cam Skattebo isn’t expected to play while Eric Gray’s already been ruled out.
The Giants have Miller and Jonathan Ward, who was signed less than a week ago. Miller should take on a massive role and play quite a bit in this game. We saw him flash last preseason, posting 63 and 45 yards in his two games. He also saw double-digit carries in both of those games.
The other key here is that we saw New York play only two running backs in a preseason game last year. I’m not sure about their plan for this game, but Miller should be in line for a big workload.
Where to Play: Dante Miller higher than 33.5 rushing yards | 1.87x at Underdog
Ty Chandler Higher Than 23.5 Rushing Yards
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t announced what they’re going to do with their starters, but they’re going to be limited at running back regardless. Aaron Jones isn’t going to play, and it seems unlikely that Jordan Mason will play more than a drive or two if he doesn’t get starter treatment.
Chander, Zavier Scott, and Tre Stewart are the other three running backs on their roster. Chandler saw plenty of time in the preseason last year, and he’s still battling for his spot on the roster.
Minnesota is a team that is willing to give a heavy workload to its running backs in the preseason. Chandler posted 33 yards on 7 carries in his only preseason game last year, and he’ll likely have a similar workload in this game. He makes a solid option as a veteran who’s proven he can find some level of success in the NFL.
Where to Play: Ty Chandler higher than 23.5 rushing yards | 1.87x at Underdog
Skylar Thompson Higher Than 52.5 Passing Yards
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t made any official announcements for this game, but this total seems too low. Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard won’t play. That leaves Mason Rudolph, Thompson, and Logan Woodside, who was signed a couple of days ago.
Rudolph played for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers for a few years before they let him walk. He’s now back, and they know what they have in him. Underdog seems to believe he’s going to take the bulk of the snaps, but it feels more likely that Thompson plays the larger role in Week 1.
The key here is that Thompson can beat this number in limited snaps. Even if he plays one quarter, he has an outside chance at beating this number. There haven’t been any reports that Woodside will undoubtedly suit up, and we could be getting two quarters out of Thompson.
There isn’t anything official here, but we can use logic to know that Rudolph shouldn’t have twice the yardage total of Thompson.
Where to Play: Skylar Thompson higher than 52.5 passing yards | 1.87x at Underdog
NFL Preseason Props Strategy
Preseason differs substantially from the regular season, as there are fewer opportunities due to teams testing out multiple players.
Focus on lower variance positions. Prioritize quarterbacks and running backs over wide receivers and tight ends.
Wide receivers are high variance. They need to beat coverage, be the target, and get a catchable throw — a lot of variables with limited snaps.
More important preseason factors to consider:
- Information – Pay attention to coach statements about playing time.
- Opportunity – Players need snaps to produce; no snaps means no stats.
Coachspeak matters in preseason. Unlike the regular season, coach comments on playing time are usually accurate and critical for decision-making.
Good luck!
Featured Image Credit: Imagn
