We have a pair of NFL preseason picks for the Thursday night slate of two games. Week 3 of the preseason opens with the Bengals hosting the Colts, while the Bears travel to take on the reigning Super Bowl-champion Chiefs.
Let's get into the game total and moneyline that our experts are betting.
NFL Preseason Picks
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
  | 8:20 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. For more NFL predictions, click here. | ||
John LanFranca's Colts vs Bengals Best Bet: Backups Won't Thrive
Zac Taylor is already on the record that Bengals starters will not play, which is unfortunate for a Bengals offense that has only scored one touchdown this preseason outside of a 13-play touchdown drive orchestrated by Joe Burrow in Week 1. Backup Jake Browning has led the Cincinnati offense to five three-and-outs and a missed field goal so far.
We should again get an extended look at Logan Woodside, the Bengals' third-string QB who threw two interceptions against the Bears last week when he started with Browning injured. Burrow also didn't play against the Bears, and the result was Cincinnati averaging just 3.76 yards per play.
The Colts offense is expected to play their starters, but reports out of joint practices weren't glowing for Anthony Richardson and company. Even if Richardson gets an early score, I'll take my chances backing the trends of this preseason thus far.
Unders are 26-6 this month, as teams continue to put much more of an emphasis on joint practices while being more cautious in their approach during the actual games.
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Ricky Henne's Colts vs Bengals Best Bet: Back This Over/Under Trend
By Ricky Henne
I’m playing a massively profitable trend here and blindly taking the under. It’s simply been too profitable for me to stop rolling with no matter the number as the final week of preseason games kicks off.
The under is 26-6 through two weeks of preseason action, hitting at a 78.8% clip. It was 12-4 the first week and an even better 14-2 the second. So, I’m backing the under set at 35.5.
I’m hardly alone. Our Pro Report tracks major sharp action and money pouring in on the under. The public agrees, too, with 77% of tickets and 79% of the money on it.
Still, keep an eye on the number as kickoff approaches. The total has dipped a half-point since Monday as people begin realizing how profitable the under has been to date. I wouldn't bet this lower than 34.5.
Pick: Under 34.5 (-110)
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Sam Farley's Bears vs Chiefs Best Bet: Chicago Will Remain Dominant
By Sam Farley
The Bears face a trip to Arrowhead on Thursday and it looks like key players will be rested for all teams. Caleb Williams and the majority of the Bears starters will sit, meaning plenty of Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien under center.
Likewise, it's reported that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs starters will also be benched. That'll mean a mix of Carson Wentz and Chris Oladokun.
The Bears are 3-0 in the preseason with wins over the Texans, Bills and Bengals, while the Chiefs are 0-2. Rypien and Bagent have looked good in preseason, throwing for three and two touchdowns. The Bears and their strong defense should also get the job done here.
Pick: Bears ML (-120)
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