Washington vs. Patriots Odds: NFL Week 1 Preseason Picks & Predictions

by Nick Galaida (nickgalaida) Last Updated 2021-08-12 17:40:26

NFL betting analyst Nick Galaida previews the Week 1 preseason matchup between the Washington Football Team and New England Patriots. Follow along as he breaks down odds and gives two free picks for Thursday night’s game. Also don’t miss this insane preseason betting promo at Ceasars Sportsbook!

Washington vs. Patriots Odds

On Thursday night, the Washington Football Team and the New England Patriots will kick-off the first full week of NFL preseason action at Gillette Stadium. Oddsmakers list Washington as slight favorites in this matchup, but let’s take a closer look at the rosters and how seriously we expect each team to try and win this game to see where NFL bettors can find value.

NFL Week 1 Preseason Predictions

Head Coach Ron Rivera expects Ryan Fitzpatrick to start their preseason opener. Per Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, Rivera said he will be evaluating Fitzpatrick’s reads and progressions in his first live-game action to see how he handles the basics of the offensive gameplan in his first year with the team. When a coach makes this comment prior to the first preseason game, it typically suggests that the starting signal-caller will see only enough playing time for him to throw three or four passes. The news that Fitzpatrick will be playing in this game should not have any bearing on how seriously Washington plans to take this contest. Behind Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke is expected to see the bulk of the snaps as he looks to secure the backup role.

The Patriot Way was not built on losing. Of course, that saying became a reality only because of numerous Super Bowl wins and over a dozen division titles, but the foundation for regular season and postseason success is built in the offseason. Tenured by New England since 2000, Head Coach Bill Belichick has the third-most regular season wins in NFL history, which gives him an uncommon respect factor in the locker room. As one of the sharpest minds in the sport, it is difficult for him to take any game plan lightly—even if the game is meaningless in the standings as it pertains to playoff aspirations.

The Patriots are 6-2 in their last eight preseason football games and have had a winning record in three of the last four years during which preseason games were played. Belichick-coached teams have covered the spread in the opening week of the preseason 14 times in 21 opportunities. The stakes are low for every NFL preseason game, but bettors better believe that Belichick will have his team ready to play regardless.

Patriots vs. Washington Picks

One of the reasons that New England has been so good in the preseason is the fact that Belichick is a savant when it comes to evaluating young players in these types of games—doing so in a way that still provides an opportunity for the Patriots to emerge victorious. On Thursday night, Cam Newton and Mac Jones are expected to handle the majority of the snaps under center. Although Newton played in 15 games for New England in 2020 and is widely presumed to be the Patriots’ Week 1 starter, Jones could make that conversation more interesting, depending on how he plays over the next couple of weeks.

The NFL preseason is always filled with uncertainty, but New England seems to be more motivated to deliver a win in this game. Take the Patriots at plus-money here.

Pick: Patriots ML (+115)

Last season, these two teams both finished 27th or worse in total offense per game. While neither team will be deploying their first-string options for much time on Thursday, it is worth noting that defense is likely to prevail for however long these teams do leave their starters on the field. The Hall of Fame between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers featured only 19 total points. Expect both Washington and New England to prioritize getting through this game healthy, which means a heavy dose of runs and conservative play calling in passing situations. Bet the under in this one.

Pick: Under 35.5 (-110)

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