NFL Preseason Parlays: How to Find Value in Volatility Before Week 1

Week 1 of the 2027 NFL season is fast approaching, and the anxiousness and volatility of the season's opening week, at least in terms of parlays, pales in comparison to the preseason schedule.

It is, quite literally, anyone's guess what will unfold as desperation and all out last ditch efforts from players sitting on the fringe of realizing their lifelong dreams hit their final window of opportunity.

What this translates to, frankly more often than it should, are injuries. Ugly injuries brought on by players who will do just about anything to earn their shot. Referees and officials can also find themselves caught in the lackadaisical crossroads of getting into form, becoming accustomed to rule changes, while trying to enforce some degree of order amid the perpetual violence that this stage of the football schedule commonly exhibits.

Howard/Allar v. Smith on Display

In one of this weekend's preseason matchups, there might have been a glimpse of what to expect from two aging quarterbacks, albeit one considerably more than the other, as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the New York Jets. Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy though, has opted to sit former superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers for tonight's contest in which case, the team can evaluate younger quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar.

Wagering touchdown and yardage parlays on the four time MVP would have been risky, but the conditions, as mentioned, are perfect for the young QB's to show their arm, and an ability to move within the pocket. North of 150 passing yards is a reasonable pick against a Jets defense that is still getting sorted, despite ownership investing substantial capital in acquiring linebacker Demario Davis, defensive linemen Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and David Onyemata, safety Dane Belton, and cornerback Nahshon Wright.

Conversely, the Steelers defense, which finished as the 26th ranked unit in the NFL in 2025, did little to upgrade a clear area of need. They did manage to acquire defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph Day in free agency, and the veteran former Titan, Ram, and 49er starter should anchor the line and start most of Pittsburgh's games.

DB's Aim to Impress

Rookie draft picks like cornerback Daylen Everette and safety Robert Spears Jennings will both be fighting for playing time, with the possibility of starting in Week 1. Pittsburgh's secondary has something to prove, and that is why the Jets, currently (0-1) in preseason play, will need their own veteran quarterback, Geno Smith, to come ready as well.

The remaining preseason games this weekend all present interesting gaming options. Again, volatility pays, especially in the preseason.

In addition to the Jets and Steelers clash, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host Carolina, while Green Bay travels to Denver to take on the Broncos, whose hopes are tied to quarterback Bo Nix's full recovery from ankle surgery following a valiant playoff run last season.