Build your NFL Week 1 bankroll with these preseason plays

The start of the 2024 NFL season is almost here, but we still have to get through one more week of preseason games before the real fun begins. There's still money to be made on the preseason, so let's do just that with a pair of picks for the NFL's two-pack of games on Thursday night.

Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals, 8 p.m. ET

Under 34.5 (-115 FanDuel )

Death, taxes and NFL preseason unders. With so many third- and fourth-string quarterbacks seeing action this month, unders have been cashing at an impressive rate. Through two weeks of preseason action, unders are 26-6 (78.8 percent). Unders went 14-2 last week, yet this total hasn't budged from the mid-30s. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The Bengals starters won't be suiting up for Thursday night's game, which is great news for the under considering Cincinnati has scored only one touchdown without Joe Burrow on the field this preseason. Jake Browning and Logan Woodside have struggled to move the ball, and we don't see that changing this week. The Colts will give their starters some run to start the game, but they likely won't last long. Keep an eye out for a live under opportunity if Anthony Richardson leads an early touchdown drive and comes out of the game.

Chicago Bears @ Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET

Bears first half -0.5 (+102 DraftKings )

We've seen dozens of backup quarterbacks have trouble moving the ball and putting up points this preseason, but the Bears can't relate. Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien have combined to go 29-40 for five touchdowns and no interceptions. Chicago should be able to put points on the board in the first half even without Caleb Williams and the starters.

As for the Chiefs, they'll also be without Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the starting offense. That's bad news for the backup quarterbacks, as Kansas City's offensive line has already given up eight sacks through two games. The Bears have looked great on defense so far, and they've been getting after the QB with second- and third-string defensive linemen. We expect the Bears to jump out to an early lead in this one.

In the news ...

Reds legend Joey Votto officially retires from MLB — It's the end of an era in Cincinnati. On Wednesday, Votto officially announced his retirement from baseball with a social media post. The first baseman played 17 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, made six All-Star appearances and won the NL MVP award in 2010. Now, Votto will have to wait and hope his numbers are good enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. His Reds are +20000 to win the NL pennant this season.

Falcons sign CB A.J. Terrell to four-year, $81 million deal — While some of the best wide receivers in the NFL continue to fight for new deals, a star cornerback is getting paid ahead of the 2024 season. The Atlanta Falcons have signed Terrell to a four-year, $81 million c ontract that includes $65.8 million in effectively full guarantees. This deal comes shortly after the Falcons traded for Matthew Judon and signed Justin Simmons to beef up their defense. Atlanta is -145 to win the NFC South.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz suspended one game for recruiting violation — The NCAA is cracking down on recruiting violations. Ferentz, who's served as the head coach at Iowa since 1999, has been suspended one game for a violation related to the recruitment of transfer Cade McNamara . The good news is Iowa is a 23.5-point favorite against Illinois State in Week 1, so the Hawkeyes shouldn't have any trouble without Ferentz on the sidelines. Iowa is +590 to make the College Football Playoff.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jack Dougherty