NFL Preseason Expert Picks for 8/13: Football is Back, Plenty of Starters Playing
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 13, 2026, 11:08 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+7.0
-120
38
-110o
+248
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-6.5
-110
37
+100u
-265
Ladies and gentlemen, football is back. We are blessed with six NFL Preseason games to kick off week one after a very entertaining Hall of Fame game last week. Tonight, 12 teams are in action, 11 of them playing their first real football game in several months. While we should be a bit cautious betting the preseason, there's nothing wrong with a little extra skin in the game. So let's turn towards our NFL experts for their picks and predictions tonight!
NFL Preseason: Thursday's Predictions August 13
Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL Picks
Joe Burrow will see some snaps against the Lions at home tonight in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason
Best Bet: Lions/Bengals 1H Over 20.5 (+100) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Dan Campbell is not going to play his starters, while Zac Taylor is. The Bengals have historically gotten off to very slow starts, so I would expect some extra fire with Burrow, Chase and company as they get some reps in during early August. I also endorse a Cincy 1H Team Total if you can find it, which I can not.
They are touchdown favorites for the full game, and the first half, making me think we see the Bengals' studs for most of the first quarter at least. Even if we only see the Lions' backups, this is a number Cincy could clear on their own, and I don't really trust the Bengals defense to contain Detroit early on.
All we need is three touchdowns, which again, the Bengals could get on their own if Burrow gets the green light.
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots NFL Picks
Anthony Richardson will play the first half tonight against New England as he fights for his position as the Colt's back up quarterback
Best Bet: Colts/Patriots 1H Under 20 (-105) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Anthony Richardson will play the first half tonight for the Colts, while Riley Leonard will play the second. I do not have any faith in Richardson, as it sounds like the former No. 4 overall pick is on his way down on the depth chart in Indy. Even if the Patriots do not play their starters, defensively they should make his life hell, and it will be tough to score.
New England will rely heavily on their rookies, so expect them to play their hearts out trying to wow the coaches. I'm excited to see Behren Morton and Eli Raridon in action for the Pats, and while I do have faith in their offense, look for some heavy rushing attacks from both of these teams to chew clock and give us this first half under.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders NFL Picks
Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals' starters will see the field for one or two drives tonight in Las Vegas
Best Bet: Arizona Cardinals 1H +0.5 (+100) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
We already watched the Cardinals ball out this season in the first half, and I expect nothing different tonight. We know Fernando Mendoza is going to get "plenty" of snaps tonight for Las Vegas in his preseason debut at home. However, he will be facing a bunch of guys who already have a game in their pocket.
Training camp is what it is, but nothing compares to a live action, full speed football game to get you ready for the season. Taking hard hits, playing against someone other than your teammates, the Cardinals have the clear advantage after losing to Carolina in the Hall of Fame game. Plus. Mike LaFleur has said we will see the starters for at least 1-2 series in this opener, meaning we should also get some Minshew Mania with Gardner coming in after Brissett.
While I am low on both of these teams to make any noise in the regular season, tonight I see a clear advantage with the Cardinals starting off hot in Sin City.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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