VSiN Analyst Examines NFL Preseason Betting Patterns Ahead of 2026 Season

Steve Makinen from VSiN compiled historical NFL preseason records to identify team-specific betting trends that could shape wagering decisions during the 2026 preseason, and those figures reveal consistent patterns across multiple franchises while underscoring the unique dynamics that separate exhibition games from regular-season play. Observers note that preseason betting requires distinct approaches because coaches rest starters and rotate lineups extensively, which alters outcomes in ways regular-season data does not capture.

Chicago Bears Show Strong Historical Results

The Chicago Bears posted a 9-2-1 straight-up record along with a 10-2 against-the-spread mark across the previous four preseasons, and these results stand out when compared with league-wide averages because the team has outperformed expectations in exhibition contests despite varying roster compositions each year. Researchers tracking these numbers point out that Chicago's success spans multiple coaching regimes, which suggests underlying organizational factors may contribute to the trend rather than isolated personnel decisions.

Dallas Cowboys Exhibit Prolonged Struggles

Since 2013 the Dallas Cowboys have compiled a 13-31 straight-up record and a 12-29-3 against-the-spread mark in preseason action, and those extended losing figures continue to appear in betting databases even as the franchise undergoes roster turnover and staff changes. Data compiled by Makinen shows the Cowboys' struggles persist across both home and road exhibition games, creating a long-term pattern that bettors have referenced when evaluating Dallas matchups in August contests.

Over/Under Trends for Buffalo and Houston

Buffalo and Houston appear in separate over/under streaks within the same dataset, and those streaks demonstrate how total points scored in preseason games can follow team-specific tendencies tied to offensive pace and defensive substitutions. Figures from the analysis indicate Buffalo has leaned toward the over in recent exhibitions while Houston has shown the opposite lean, patterns that align with how each franchise manages playing time during the exhibition schedule.

Why Preseason Betting Differs From Regular Season

Coaches rest starters earlier and experiment with depth players throughout the preseason, and these decisions create scoring environments that diverge from regular-season norms according to the VSiN breakdown. Makinen highlighted that bettors benefit from reviewing team-specific historical results rather than applying blanket strategies because resting patterns and rotation schedules vary by franchise. Evidence from past seasons shows that teams with aggressive substitution plans often produce totals that fall below preseason averages, while squads that keep starters active longer can push games above those same benchmarks.

Additional Team Trends Identified

Other franchises display measurable streaks in both sides and totals, and these patterns emerge when Makinen cross-references win-loss records with betting margins across multiple preseasons. Observers note that teams entering training camp with new offensive coordinators sometimes post early-season totals that exceed historical norms, whereas clubs focused on defensive fundamentals tend to keep scoring lower during exhibition play. The analysis covers records dating back several years, which allows for comparisons across different rule changes and officiating crews that have influenced preseason outcomes.

Application of the Data in August 2026

As the 2026 preseason approaches in August, bettors gain access to updated injury reports and depth-chart changes that can refine the historical trends Makinen presented, and these real-time adjustments complement the long-term records without replacing them. Research indicates that combining team-specific preseason data with current roster news produces more nuanced evaluations than either source alone. The VSiN report emphasizes that historical figures serve as reference points rather than guarantees, since each preseason features unique variables such as weather conditions at outdoor venues and travel schedules across exhibition weeks.

Conclusion

The VSiN analysis supplies concrete records for multiple NFL teams and frames those numbers within the context of preseason-specific factors, and the resulting trends offer a structured way to review exhibition matchups ahead of the 2026 season. Data shows that certain franchises maintain consistent results over multi-year spans while others exhibit prolonged deviations, patterns that remain relevant when evaluating future August contests. Those reviewing the report can cross-reference the listed streaks with upcoming schedule details to build informed perspectives on individual games.