Friday August 23rd Best Sports Betting Picks for MLB & NFL Preseason Predictions

Meaningful football is right around the corner.

We’ve reached the third and final week of the NFL preseason, with six teams in action on Friday before a slew of games over the weekend.

And if players are getting their final reps in ahead of the regular season, bettors should too.

Without turning a blind eye to baseball, here are three of our best picks for Friday. 

Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Miami hasn’t felt the need to flaunt its weapons during the preseason.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t play in the Dolphins’ 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 9, and he then threw only five passes in a 13-6 win over the Washington Commanders last Saturday.

Meanwhile, star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have been watching from the sideline. Both are now dealing with injuries and likely won’t suit up until Miami’s regular-season opener on Sept. 8.

As for Friday’s preseason finale, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel didn’t really dive into his game plan, simply stating that the team “will play some starters” but “won’t play others.”

It’s a different story for Tampa Bay, which is planning on finally getting its first unit involved. Starters won’t be playing the full 60 minutes, but they should have no problem helping the Buccaneers get out in front against a makeshift Miami team.

The pick: Buccaneers spread -3, -110 (FanDuel)

Jacksonville Jaguars at Atlanta Falcons

We are itching for single-game player props, and with it being the preseason, they’re nowhere to be found.

So, it’s time to improvise. Game specials will have to do.

Jacksonville has been slinging the ball with ease over the past two weeks, most recently getting 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 16-of-23 passing from Mac Jones in last Saturday’s 20-7 drubbing of Tampa Bay.

Back in Week 1 of the preseason, C.J. Beathard and Trevor Lawrence each threw for one TD in a 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, and Lawrence is expected to get some more snaps on Friday. 

Seeing Jones show some life following an ugly breakup with the New England Patriots has us feeling extra confident in the Jaguars’ passing game, especially if the former No. 15 overall pick has Lawrence playing in front of him against Atlanta. 

The pick: Jaguars 2+ passing touchdowns, +110 (FanDuel)

Arizona Diamondbacks at Boston Red Sox

Welcome back, Triston Casas. 

Boston activated Casas from the 60-day injured list last Friday after a left rib strain put the 24-year-old on the shelf for nearly four months. 

Since coming back, Casas has hit safely in five of his six games, going 8-for-23 (.348) during that span. Only one of those hits has gone for extra bases, though, with Casas clubbing a homer against the Houston Astros on Tuesday.

He’ll have a good chance of finding his power stroke again on Friday, as right-hander Ryne Nelson will get the start for Arizona. Left-handed hitters, like Casas, have blasted nine of the 12 home runs that Nelson has surrendered this season. 

The pick: Triston Casas to hit a home run, +450 (FanDuel)