Tomorrow night in Canton, Ohio, the National Football League’s preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears.
The Texans held the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and selected C.J. Stroud, who, following his rookie season, entered the realm of the elite among pro football quarterbacks.
In year two for Stroud, the Texans have their sights set on a deep playoff run.
This season, the Chicago Bears drafted Caleb Williams first overall and revamped the offense in anticipation of his arrival. Gone is former first-rounder Justin Fields, as he is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chicago hopes to repeat the same recipe of success employed in Houston by selecting Williams as their franchise player.
While this year’s HoF game has the makings of a potential future Super Bowl preview, not many starters for either franchise are expected to get any playing time tomorrow. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was vague about Stroud’s availability, but we’d be surprised to see him take a snap tomorrow.
There’s a football game this week, per sources. 🫶
📺: @ProFootballHOF Game — Thursday 8pm ET on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/t5lJypbolu— NFL (@NFL) July 29, 2024
Despite the absence of first-teamers, oddsmakers have come up with lines for NFL preseason betting that favor Houston by a point.
Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears Betting Line
- Point Spread: Texans -1.0, Bears +1.0
- Moneyline: Texans -125, Bears +105
- Over/Under: 31.5
Offered at BetOnline
Wagering on bench-warmers may not be the most enticing prospect offered up at online NFL sportsbooks, but there are odds, lines, props, and futures available now for regular-season action and post-season results.
When tomorrow night’s game kicks off, it will be exactly five weeks until the 2024-25 regular season begins on September 5th when the Baltimore Ravens face the Kansas City Chiefs in Maryland.
Most books have NFL Week 1 betting lines posted, with other key games featured throughout the season.
For instance, lines are posted for betting on Thanksgiving NFL games in July. These game lines are taking action now, but be aware that any money you risk will not pay out for four months.
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
- Bears +4.0
- Lions -4.0
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
- Giants +8.0
- Cowboys -8.0
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
- Dolphins +3.0
- Packers -3.0
This year, the NFL has added a game on Black Friday to provide an alternative for frenzied holiday shopping. The game is set for a 3 PM kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, and the home team is favored by over a touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
- Raiders +7.5
- Chiefs -7.5
Black Friday and Thanksgiving NFL betting lines are provided by BetUS.
Sources:
