Week 1 of the NFL Preseason will continue with three more games on tonight’s NFL slate. All three games will be played no later than 7:30 pm ET.
The Detroit Lions will battle the Atlanta Falcons at 7:00. In addition, the Cleveland Browns will take on the Carolina Panthers at 7:00 as well. However, this game will be featured on the NFL Network since Shedeur Sanders is making the start for Cleveland.
The last game on tonight’s slate will feature the Washington Commanders against the New England Patriots. That will be played at 7:30.
That said, I’ve got best bets for all three games on tonight’s slate and listed them below.
Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons
Friday, August 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM EDT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The Detroit Lions are entering this game after losing their first game, 34-7. But despite the blowout loss, the Lions are still 3.5-point favorites on the road. Ultimately, Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins won’t play Week 1 for the Falcons, leaving them with Easton Stick and Emory Jones at quarterback. That’s why the Lions at -3.5 (-110) is the play.
Is Easton Stick Ready?
The Atlanta Falcons signed Easton Stick in mid-April and will now have him start tonight’s preseason game against the Falcons.
He’s a veteran backup. At this point, he’s 29 years old and has never been a significant player at the quarterback position. In four starts in 2023, he went 0-4 and had a passer rating of 85.7%.
Meanwhile, Emory Jones, who will likely close out the game, went 10-21 as a college quarterback. He wasn’t even drafted and had to play in the UFL before getting his opportunity.
The Lions’ quarterbacks have more experience. Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker combined for three interceptions in their last game. But those two really can’t play any worse. The Falcons also don’t have the defensive depth that the Chargers have.
Take the Lions at -3.5 (-110) at Caesars in this game.
Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers
Friday, August 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM EDT at Bank of America Stadium
The writing was on the wall. Shedeur Sanders will get the start for the Browns. Sanders is listed as the No. 4 quarterback on the roster, but he’ll get the start since the entire quarterback room is banged up and injured.
On the other hand, Bryce Young will at least start the game for the Panthers. It’s likely Carolina can get ahead early in this one.
What Are The Expectations For Shedeur Sanders?
The Browns have Shedeur Sanders listed as the No. 4 quarterback. But since Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both injured, Sanders will start in this first preseason game.
He’ll sell tickets. But he also might sell the game. Sanders struggled to lead Colorado in many games over the last two seasons and will likely be overwhelmed in his first start against NFL players.
After all, the Panthers are going to play some of their starters early. That won’t help Sanders’ confidence at all.
Carolina boasts a lot of depth at running back and has some interesting receivers that could develop into something. I’ll back the Panthers at -6 (-110).
Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots
Friday, August 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM EDT at Gillette Stadium
The writing was on the wall. Shedeur Sanders will get the start for the Browns. Sanders is listed as the No. 4 quarterback on the roster, but he’ll get the start since the entire quarterback room is banged up and injured.
On the other hand, Bryce Young will at least start the game for the Panthers. It’s likely Carolina can get ahead early in this one.
Washington Won’t Play Its Starters
The Washington Commanders have elected to sit their starters for Week 1 of the NFL Preseason. That means we won’t see Jayden Daniels. Instead, it’ll be a mix of Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman for the Commanders.
Johnson has some upside in preseason, but Hartman hasn’t proved much since coming into the league.
Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel admitted that most of his starters will see the field to begin tonight’s game. It remains to be seen if Drake Maye will start. But New England will certainly have more talent on the field throughout this game.
After all, Jayden Daniels isn’t even traveling with the team to help Johnson and Hartman prepare. Ride with the Patriots at -6 (-110) as well.
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