It is the first full week of the NFL Preseason and our NFL picks and predictions are locked in. Who are we expecting to cash in for us this weekend?

The NFL preseason may not count towards the standings, but NFL bettors can still make some cash off of these meaningless games. Week 1 of the preseason is here, and the bulk of the games are Thursday and Friday. In this piece, I will give you my NFL picks and leans on which games I see the best value in throughout the extended weekend.

Steelers vs. Eagles 

The Steelers are old and injured; while the Eagles are young, hungry and ready to prove all their preseason hype is worth it. Andy Reid did just lose his son, which is a terrible thing to have to go through. I think whether or not Reid wants them to, I have a feeling his team will be playing extra hard for him. 

The Eagles also have some new moving parts, including Jason Peters’ replacement on the offensive line. Plus, their defense will be a bit different looking. All this taken into account, the Eagles are the play here.

NFL Pick: Take the Eagles

Giants vs. Jaguars 

I don’t care if this is the preseason; the Giants come to play regardless. The Jags are somehow favorites in this game, and I see no reason why you shouldn’t jump all over the G-Men. Eli Manning will play long enough to score once or twice, and that is all the Giants will need. I’m among the group thinking the Jags might be the worst team in the NFL this season.

Just for those first few drives, when Blaine Gabbert stares at one of the most deadly pass rushes in the NFL, he will crumble. Take the points with New York. They are going to score 20 in the first half without even trying.

NFL Picks: Giants to cover

Cardinals vs. Chiefs

If you watched the Hall of Fame game, you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say, run as fast as you can to lay the two points with the Chiefs! Arizona is going through a quarterback battle. The problem with that is, neither of their choices are very good. Plus, I think they are leaning towards the worse one.

The Chiefs are bringing back a lot of players that didn’t play in 2011 due to injury, and they will want them all to see the field for a bit. They have a great passing defense, and the Cardinals have no running game. Lay the points with KC.

NFL Pick: KC to cover

Vikings vs. 49ers

Don’t over think this one people. The Vikings have a young quarterback, no Adrian Peterson (for now) and about nothing else. The 49ers on the other hand, have a whole lot of talent, and they just added more through free agency and the draft. They have tons of rookies they will need to get looks at, and their defense is still amazing. Their depth is also quite impressive.

The Vikings might not even score the entire game. I know it’s the first preseason game, but I have a feeling that Jim Harbaugh will want a win in this game, no matter if it matters or not. Lay the points again.

NFL Pick: 49'ers to cover