Yes, you can bet on preseason NFL games, although the options and the volume of betting are typically much less than for regular season games. Sportsbooks offer a variety of betting opportunities on preseason games, including spread bets, over/under (total points) bets, and moneyline bets. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when betting on preseason games:
1. **Limited Information**: Preseason games often feature a mix of starting players and backups, and the playing time for starters can be limited. This makes it harder to predict game outcomes because the usual starters may not play the entire game or may not play at all.
2. **Strategy Focus**: Coaches use the preseason to evaluate players and try out different strategies, so the focus is less on winning and more on preparing for the regular season. This can lead to less competitive games and unpredictable results.
3. **Lower Betting Limits**: Sportsbooks may limit the amounts that can be bet on preseason games due to the uncertainty and the reduced importance of the outcomes.
4. **Line Movement**: The betting lines for preseason games can be more volatile and may change more frequently and drastically than lines for regular season games, as the information about player availability and playing time can change at the last minute.
5. **Prop Bets and Live Betting**: While not as common as in regular season games, some sportsbooks may offer proposition bets and live betting options for preseason games.
It’s important to note that betting on sports, including preseason NFL games, is subject to legal restrictions in many places. Always ensure that you are betting within the legal framework of your jurisdiction and that you are using reputable sportsbooks.