In basically any other sport, you really only bet on sides, totals, player props, and parlays. That doesn’t mean that there is a lack of options – there are hundreds, if not thousands, of betting options available to you every day that the four major sports are active. But, with NFL football, we also have teasers that we can invest in. Let’s get to it with these two picks:
Saints vs. Lions, 1 pm ET
The New Orleans Saints are in a winnable division. They don’t even need to be great to do it, which is good because they probably won’t be great. The team has some talent on it, but they aren’t one that you’ll mistake for a Super Bowl contender. The team has Tyler Shough entering his second year under center. Travis Etienne Jr. came over from Jacksonville and makes the backfield a bit younger. Chris Olave is still a talented receiver, but he does have Shough throwing to him. The defense is still a bit questionable, but similar to the offense – there is talent, but seeing how it comes together will be the biggest challenge.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, left, passes the ball under pressure from Denver Broncos linebacker Jordan Turner in the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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The Detroit Lions don’t have nearly as many issues or concerns going into this season. They had a bit of a down year last year, ending 9-8. There were some really impressive moments, and others that looked a bit rough. The team comes in with a dynamic offense that should rack up points. The defense will be a question in comparison. I’m a bit higher on them than others. I think Aidan Hutchinson will be great again, and Derrick Moore could be a good complement.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs warms up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., on Dec. 4, 2025. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The first leg of the teaser is to take the Lions from -7 to -1. This essentially only means we need to get the Lions to win the game. If they win by one, it is a push, but I think they should win this one by three or more at home with the better offense and a better defense. There isn’t really an aspect of this game the Lions have a disadvantage in.
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Cardinals vs. Chargers, 4:25 ET
The Arizona Cardinals are coming into this year as one of the worst teams in football. Their roster is pieced together with virtually anyone they can grab. That isn’t to say they have no good players. Jeremiyah Love is a really good running back and could be the most exciting person on the offense. However, he has a high ankle sprain, so he might not get in this one at all. Trey McBride is elite as a receiving option, but Marvin Harrison Jr. looks like he could be a bust. There isn’t much to speak of on defense, either. They have one of the worst-ranked defensive lines in football according to PFF.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love spins away from Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
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The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the better teams in football, and I think this could be a big year for them. The Chargers are well-coached and have a strong defense. The question might actually be around the offense because Justin Herbert is now with Mike McDonald. How, and how quickly, they mesh will be an intriguing part of this season. I still think the Chargers have a high floor on both sides of the ball.
This game is one the Chargers should win even if most things go wrong for them. Jacoby Brissett has had some really nice games for them, but this Chargers defense will have the correct schemes to battle him. I’m going to take the Chargers down to -3.5 on the teaser line.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers look on before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Aug. 20, 2026. (Getty Images)
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This combination of Chargers -3.5 and Lions -1, gets you one bet at -135. If you want to push the lines to Chargers -3 and Lions -0.5, you can get the bet at -143. Your call, but I think these games should see comfortable wins from both teams. We are just going to make it more comfortable.
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