Best betting apps, promos, sites for NFL preseason Week 1: How and where to bet NFL games on Friday, August 8
Week 1 action in the NFL preseason continues Friday and there are plenty of NFL sportsbooks where bettors can get in on the action
NFL preseason Week 1 continues Friday with three more games, giving you plenty of opportunities to figure out how to bet on NFL preseason games. Friday's slate is headlined by Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns facing Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. Sanders and Young are both set to start in this contest and for anyone looking where to bet NFL games today, there are plenty of options. The Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons will also be in action, as will the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots in NFL betting apps.
If you're interested in NFL betting, here's a look at the best promotions available at top sportsbooks ahead of Friday's preseason games:
Where to bet on NFL preseason Week 1 games
The latest DraftKings promo code, FanDuel promo code, and bet365 bonus code all offer bonus bets after users wager $5 or more. DraftKings is giving out $200 in bonus bets in addition to a $200+ discount on NFL Sunday Ticket, while bet365 is giving away $150 in bonus bets. FanDuel is also giving out $150 in bonus bets but requires a user's first wager to win in order to get those funds.
With the latest BetMGM bonus code and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code, users can get bonus funds in a different way. BetMGM is offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets for new users on their first qualifying wager, but users in select states can get $150 in bonus bets if their first wager of $10 or more wins. Fanatics is offering up to $1,000 in FanCash, the platform's version of bonus bets, over 10 days. Users can wager up to $100 per day over the 10-day period.
The Caesars Sportsbook promo code gives out 10 100% profit boosts after users wager $1 or more in lieu of bonus bets.
NFL preseason Week 1 preview
The most intriguing contest of Friday's slate features the Browns and Panthers (-6), largely because of the two quarterbacks. Sanders fell to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft but now gets a chance to show off his skills in live action right away. The Colorado star is expected to compete for the starting job with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Pickett and Gabriel are both battling hamstring injuries at the moment and have been ruled out. Carolina is going to play its starters for at least a few series according to head coach Dave Canales, which means Young will be under center to start this game. The third-year quarterback was benched early last season but did come and finished strong, setting up heightened expectations for this season. Bet Browns-Panthers at FanDuel here:
Detroit comes into 2025 after an impressive 15-2 campaign in 2024 which ended in heartbreak in the Divisional Round. The Lions bring back most of their key players on both sides of the ball but will be changing their offensive and defensive coordinators. Head coach Dan Campbell is unlikely to play most of his starters, and this will be his second opportunity to evaluate his roster since the Lions played in the Hall of Fame Game last week. Hendon Hooker is getting the start at quarterback and the Lions are 3.5-point favorites. The Falcons are not going to play either Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins, so there won't be much to discern from either quarterback in this one. Sign up for bet365 to wager on Lions-Falcons here:
The Commanders ended Detroit's season a year ago and come into 2025 hoping to build on a surprising trip to the NFC Championship Game. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels is not going to play in Friday's game, but the Patriots, who are 6.5-point favorites, will roll out Drake Maye and the starters for at least a series or two, so New England fans will get a look at their second-year quarterback. Maye and new head coach Mike Vrabel come into the new season with lofty expectations, as the Patriots are second behind the Bills at DraftKings to win the AFC East. Bet on Commanders-Patriots and more at DraftKings here, where you can get over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket and $200 in bonus bets instantly as a new user:
Responsible gaming
Responsible gaming is important and all sportsbooks take steps to ensure users game responsibly. They provide tools such as setting deposit limits, taking timeouts and using self-exclusion measures. Some platforms, like BetMGM and DraftKings, have live chat functions where users can get in touch with support 24/7. All platforms have access to contact information for state and national helplines, such as 1-800-GAMBLER.
