NFL Preseason Picks and Predictions: August 16, 2025

The NFL Preseason rolls into its second week of games, and we’ve got quite the load on Saturday. There are a total of 11 NFL preseason contests today, with four of them spread out on national television for the fans. Let’s get into our favorite preseason picks for Saturday’s games.

Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, take some time to check out our NFL Divisional Previews below.

Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL Picks

Shedeur Sanders shined in his NFL Preseason debut, but is sidelined with an injury tonight

Best Bet: Eagles -4.5 (-115) BetOnline

I’ve got no choice but to back the Eagles here. The story of last week’s preseason matches was easily the performance of Shedeur Sanders, but Dillon Gabriel and Tyler Huntley will be quarterbacking today as he deals with an injury. This gives me even less faith in the Browns offense than I had previously.

On the flip side, Tanner McKee balled out last game and I expect him to do the same this week. He put up 34 points against the Bengals last week and don’t show any signs of slowing down. Despite Nick Sirianni not playing many (if any) of his starters, the backups still give 100% percent effort, and their depth is shown.

Ultimately, even in a preseason contest, I don’t see the Browns offense being able to keep up.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders NFL Picks

Brock Purdy gets his first start in tonight’s NFL Preseason

Best Bet: SF/LV 1H Over 20.5 (+100) BetOnline

We are looking for points early in this contest as I expect both starting rosters to see at least a little bit of the field this afternoon.

Geno Smith only threw three passes last week, but he is slated to start this Saturday, and Pete Carroll has indicated other starters will follow suit. On the flip side, Brock Purdy has yet to play a preseason snap, but San Francisco looked completely lost without him. The 49ers three other QBs, Mac Jones, Tanner Mordecai and Carter Bradley all managed to throw interceptions, but none connected with a wide receiver in the end zone.

Purdy isn’t going to play the full game, or even a half. But if he and Geno are both out there for at least a quarter setting the tone for their backups, I think we might be able to find three touchdowns before the break.

New York Jets vs. New York Giants NFL Picks

Can Justin Fields lead the Jets to another NFL Preseason win?

Best Bet: NYJ/NYG Over 39 (-110) BetOnline

Can we bet on both teams to lose? Maybe for this game to end in a tie? Regardless, I’ll cheer for both offenses.

A Jaxson Dart led Giants team put up 34 points against the Bills last Saturday, beating them on the road. As for the Jets. they also put up 30 points against one of the better defenses in the league, doing so against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Now the two teams from NYC go head to head in some preseason action, and I don’t see either defense holding up their end of the bargain.

The Giants scored plenty, but also allowed 24 points from the Bills’ backups. Overall, I was a bit more impressed with the Jets in their first matchup. Justin Fields looked like a legitimate QB, and did so against a top defense in the NFL. Now he has an easier task against the Giants, while Jaxson Dart could be tested.

Regardless, both should put up enough points to get over this number for us.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos NFL Picks

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals take on the Broncos in Denver

Best Bet: AZ/DEN Under 38.5 (-115) BetOnline

Both defenses set the tone in their opening preseason matchups, and I think we see that continue tonight. These teams met in the preseason last year and only had a combined 19 points at halftime, but a flurry of scores in the final frame pushed it over the total.

However, defense is in both of these squads DNA, and it will show tonight.

Sean Payton has a history of using this second preseason week to evaluate different schemes and players. This could result in mixing up the offensive line and other skill players, which could lead to microscopic production from the offense. As for the Cardinals, they are simply a team whose offense gives me little hope for this upcoming season, especially tonight facing a defense like the Broncos on the road.

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NFL Preseason Picks and Predictions (8/16): Second Saturday of Action