Ten National Football League preseason games hit Saturday's slate. Here are the best parlay combinations and value bets to target.
Saturday's National Football League Preseason Parlay Picks – August 22, 2026
Ten National Football League preseason games light up Saturday's slate, and while preseason football comes with its own quirks - starters sitting out, depth charts being evaluated, and coaches guarding their playbooks - sharp bettors know there is still genuine edge to be found. Low totals, spread value on motivated underdogs, and a handful of genuinely intriguing matchups make this a slate worth attacking. Let's break down the best parlay combinations available right now.
Key Trends to Know for National Football League Preseason Betting
Preseason totals consistently skew low. With starters limited in action and backup quarterbacks running the show for the majority of snaps, offenses rarely find rhythm. The market has already priced most totals between 36.5 and 37.5, and the under has historically been the sharp side in Week 2 preseason action when coaching staffs begin to finalise rosters. Keep that in mind as we build our parlays.
On the spread side, home teams tend to hold a modest but consistent edge in preseason - home crowd noise, familiarity with the stadium, and the motivating factor of playing in front of your own fans matters even when rosters are in flux. We'll lean into that where the lines offer value.
Best Bets and Value Flags
Value Flag: Kansas City Chiefs +5.5 (-110) at BetMGM
The Kansas City Chiefs travelling to Tampa Bay as 5.5-point underdogs feels generous. Even in a preseason context, the Chiefs organisation is notoriously disciplined with their backup talent and scheme execution. A 5.5-point spread in a game where both teams will have third-stringers on the field by the second half is a wide number. The Chiefs +5.5 at -110 via BetMGM is a standout value play on this slate, and at +200 on the moneyline via Bally Bet, the outright upset price is tempting too.
Value Flag: Buffalo Bills +2.5 (+110) via theScore Bet
Getting plus money on the spread is rare and always worth noting. The Buffalo Bills +2.5 at +110 via theScore Bet against the Cleveland Browns is exactly that. In a tight preseason matchup where a field goal separates the sides anyway, buying plus money on the spread is exceptional value. This leg anchors Parlay 1.
Value Flag: Cincinnati Bengals +102 Moneyline via DraftKings
The Chicago Bears are only -1.5 favourites, which tells you the market sees this as essentially a pick'em. Getting the Bengals at plus money on the moneyline (+102 via DraftKings) when the spread is so tight is outstanding value - you're being paid to take the home side as an underdog in what amounts to a coin-flip game.
Parlay 1 - The Value Spread Combo (3 legs)
- Buffalo Bills +2.5 (+110) - theScore Bet - Plus money on the spread is a rare gift. Take it.
- Kansas City Chiefs +5.5 (-110) - BetMGM - Too many points to give away in a preseason game between two disciplined organisations.
- Baltimore Ravens +3.5 (-108) - Bally Bet - The Ravens travel to Minnesota as underdogs, but Baltimore's preseason programme is always well-structured. Getting 3.5 points at near-even money is solid value.
Combined Parlay Odds: approximately +562 - A $10 bet returns over $66. The combination of plus-money spreads and near-even dogs makes this the highest-upside ticket on the slate.
Parlay 2 - The Under Train (3 legs)
- Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions - Under 37.5 (-110) - BetMGM - Backup QBs, early exits for starters, and a conservative Lions coaching staff should keep this one low.
- Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings - Under 36.5 (+100) - Hard Rock Bet - Getting even money on an under is exceptional value. Both defences are physical, and preseason offences rarely click early. This is the best-priced under on the board.
- Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts - Under 36.5 (-104) - FanDuel - Another tight defensive matchup. The Colts under Anthony Richardson are still an offence finding its footing, and the Falcons will rotate heavily. Back the under at -104.
Combined Parlay Odds: approximately +503 - Three unders, including one at even money, makes this a sharp-side ticket that the books will respect.
Parlay 3 - The Home Chalk Parlay (2 legs)
- New York Giants -3.5 (-105) - BetMGM - The Giants are hosting Miami and the line reflects genuine home confidence. At -105, this is the cheapest chalk play of the day. New York's coaching staff has reason to perform well at home in a roster battle scenario.
- Philadelphia Eagles -2.5 (-105) - BetMGM - Philadelphia heads to New England, a franchise in full rebuild mode. The Eagles roster depth is considerably stronger, and -105 on a -2.5 spread is fair value. Note that New England's moneyline is sitting at +114 via DraftKings - a reminder that the market sees this as close - but on balance, Eagles discipline and depth wins out.
Combined Parlay Odds: approximately +320 - A safer two-leg parlay for bettors who want a cleaner ticket with solid return on modest risk.
Quick Picks Summary
- Bills +2.5 (+110) - theScore Bet - Best spread value on the board
- Chiefs +5.5 (-110) - BetMGM - Too many points in a preseason game
- Ravens +3.5 (-108) - Bally Bet - Disciplined team, good price
- Vikings/Ravens Under 36.5 (+100) - Hard Rock Bet - Best-priced under available
- Bengals ML (+102) - DraftKings - Plus money home underdog in a pick'em
Final Thoughts
Saturday's National Football League preseason slate is loaded with opportunities, particularly in the totals and spread markets. The under trend in Week 2 preseason is well-documented, and the spread value on the Chiefs and Bills stands out as the clearest edge on the board. Parlay 1 offers the biggest upside, Parlay 2 is the sharpest conceptual play, and Parlay 3 is the safest path to a solid return. Good luck on Saturday.
Please gamble responsibly - set a budget before you bet and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
