According to Colin Cowherd, the Hall of Fame Game between the Cardinals and Panthers was “fantastic” and had some of the best rookie quarterback play he’s ever seen in that game.
But according to bettors who backed the Cardinals to cover the 1.5 — well, they probably would’ve preferred a different overall outcome.
With all this in mind, preseason is officially underway.
And with one exhibition game in the books, it’s time to look at how head coaches fare against the spread (ATS) during the action before the real action kicks off in September.
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BEST ACTIVE COACHES ATS
NFL Preseason
John Harbaugh: 41-22-1
Robert Saleh: 10-3
Sean Payton: 34-29-1
Sean McVay: 15-12
Jim Harbaugh: 13-10
WORST ACTIVE COACHES ATS
NFL Preseason
Dan Campbell: 6-9-1
Zac Taylor: 8-11
Dave Canales: 0-6
Andy Reid: 36-43-1
Dan Quinn: 6-21
While the results might not matter much in the record books, bettors value knowing which coaches to back during preseason.
And John Harbaugh is money in this market.
Will John Harbaugh add to his winning record against the spread in preseason Week 1? (Getty Images)
At 41-22-1 — and all during his tenure as Baltimore’s head coach — Harbaugh has the best record against the spread as an NFL head coach in the preseason.
Robert Saleh — Tennessee’s new head coach — is another name that might interest bettors. During his time with the Jets, he notched a 10-3 record ATS, which puts him at No. 2 on the list.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Kansas City’s Andy Reid.
At 36-43-1, he has one of the worst records ATS for an NFL head coach during the preseason.
Of course, when it comes to winning when it counts, he’s got that covered. As the Chiefs’ head coach, he’s got three Super Bowl rings (and another ring as an assistant).
