NFL Preseason System of the Week

Over the last 40+ years, the NFL's preseason schedule was -- for most teams -- four games, though some teams would play five games.  However, in 2021, the NFL reduced the preseason schedule, so now teams typically play three games (while those who play in the Hall of Fame Game will play four).

One of the things I've liked to do over the years in preseason football is play against teams in Game 1 that went 4-0 (or 5-0) in the previous preseason when they were matched up against opponents who didn't go undefeated the prior season.

Since 1983, such teams have been a soft 26-38-3 ATS, including 5-12-1 ATS as an underdog.

Of course, going forward, it will be exceptionally rare for a team to go 4-0 since it would have to play in the Hall of Fame Game.  But, as good fortune would have it, last season, the Las Vegas Raiders played in the Hall of Fame Game (which they won), and finished with a 4-0 record.

This season the Raiders will match up in Game 1 vs. the San Francisco 49ers, on Sunday, August 13.  And they've been installed as a 3.5-point underdog.

We will play against Las Vegas, and lay the points with San Francisco for our NFL System of the Week.

Good luck, as always...
Al McMordie