2 NFL Preseason Best Bets for Friday, August 9: Are We Riding Mike Tomlin?

Preseason NFL football is underway, and this Friday brings fans and bettors a trio of matchups with exciting young players getting extra playing time on teams with playoff expectations. We've highlighted some important storylines going into each game and have a pair of best bets to cap off the work week. All lines are courtesy of our friends at ESPNBet.

Texans (-2.5) @ Steelers, O/U 37.5

• Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced that he plans to play the starters for at least a portion of Friday's opening preseason game.
• This matchup opened as a pick 'em before that quote emerged, leading to Houston moving to nearly field goal-favorites.
• Tonight could be the first time we see Stefon Diggs suit up as a Texan, with an exciting matchup against Pittsburgh's Joey Porter Jr. on tap if both are active.
• The Steelers announced that Justin Fields will start Friday night and get "a couple series" with the starters. Russell Wilson was ruled out to give him time to rest a calf muscle that he injured at the beginning of training camp.

Falcons -2.5 @ Dolphins, O/U 38.5

• Atlanta's defense was by far the team's best unit in 2023. They ranked 7th in yards per play allowed and were among the top ten defensive units in the NFL in average yards per pass and rush attempt.
• Based on quotes given to the media earlier this week, Kirk Cousins is not expected to play his first snaps as a Falcon tonight. First-round draft selection Michael Penix Jr., in addition to Taylor Heinicke, could see extended action under center.
• The Dolphins first-rounder, edge rusher Chop Robinson, will make his pro debut in tonight's preseason tilt. Most of Miami's premier playmakers will be on the sidelines watching as the second and third teamers battle it out with the Falcons.

Eagles -1 @ Ravens, O/U 34.5

• Philadelphia's defense was their weak link in 2023. The team ranked 30th in points per game allowed and 26th in total defense after leading the league in total defense the season before.
• The Eagles have lost their last two preseason contests against the Ravens, with their most recent summertime win against Baltimore coming in 2015.
• The Ravens' 24-game preseason win streak ended last year against Washington on August 21. As Baltimore's head coach, John Harbaugh is 44-14 SU in preseason matchups.
• Baltimore hopes to learn more about its receiving corps today, with the debuts of fourth-round pick Devontez Walker and former college quarterback Malik Cunningham.
• The Ravens will hopefully see a healthy David Ojabo on the field, but have yet to get a read on 2024 draft picks Adisa Isaac and T.J. Tampa Jr., who have missed all offseason and preseason practices to this point.

Best Bet: Steelers +2.5

We'll be surprised if the Texans' starters play for more than two series. That line of thinking is too straightforward for this matchup, especially with the game being in Pittsburgh.

We'll take the Steelers and the points to keep this game close on home turf after some late line movement.

Best Bet: Eagles @ Ravens UNDER 34.5

Last night's preseason games averaged 18.5 total points, and we go straight to the lowest total on the board tonight, expecting a similar result to play out. Both teams like to run the ball.

While Philadelphia struggled to stop opponents in 2023, we would not be surprised for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to set the tone early for a talented unit that underperformed a season ago. Without star players on the field, we expect another low-scoring scrap tonight in Baltimore.