The 2025 NFL preseason is underway, and sharp bettors know Week 1 offers real value … if you know where to look. With multiple quarterback battles, joint practices and coach-specific tendencies shaping playing time, the edge often shows up before kickoff. If you’re looking for NFL preseason odds, betting picks, and analysis for NFL preseason games tonight, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down three of the top matchups for Thursday night, including Raiders-Seahawks, the Anthony Richardson situation and where the real value lies.
NFL Preseason Odds & Betting Tonight: Raiders-Seahawks & More
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Colts -3.5 First Half vs. Ravens
Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are confirmed to play the full first half for the Colts. That alone gives Indianapolis a major edge early in the game. Baltimore, once famous for its dominant preseason win streak under John Harbaugh, has clearly moved on. Last year, the Ravens went 1-2 and averaged just 11 points per game.
Rather than laying the full game spread of -6, target the first half at -3.5. You get the most talented quarterbacks on the field and avoid the unpredictable second half. This play worked consistently last preseason, and it remains one of the strongest angles this week.
Eagles +6 vs. Bengals
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor says his starters will get a few series, but expectations should remain low. Even if Joe Burrow takes a couple snaps, the drop-off afterward is steep. The Bengals are just 1-3 straight up in the preseason under Taylor.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has legitimate depth throughout the roster, especially at quarterback. Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson are both capable of moving the ball in the second half. This makes the Eagles a strong bet to stay competitive, or even win outright. Getting 6 points at home in the preseason is too much.
Seahawks +5 vs. Raiders
Raiders-Seahawks is one of the NFL preseason games tonight that has seen the biggest spread movement. Las Vegas opened around -2.5 and steamed up to -5. The narrative fueling the move is that Pete Carroll may play starters, but the quote fueling that speculation (“everybody’s alive”) tells us nothing.
Seattle’s quarterback room is what really matters. Jalen Milroe and Drew Lock are expected to get the bulk of the work. Milroe is a dynamic athlete with designed runs in the game plan, and Lock is a seasoned preseason passer. On the other side, the Raiders are rolling with Aidan O’Connell and sixth-round rookie Cam Miller. In a battle of backups, Seattle has the clear edge.
Why NFL Preseason Betting Still Works
Most casual bettors write off preseason games as unbettable noise. That’s a mistake. Preseason lines are often soft due to limited action and vague news cycles. But for those paying attention, there are consistent edges to be found.
Joint practices often replace game reps for starters, and coaches frequently announce playing time patterns in advance. The public rarely acts on this info, but sharp bettors do. Betting first halves instead of full games is one of the easiest ways to isolate value, especially when quarterback rotations are announced days in advance.
