VSiN Data Review Spotlights NFL Preseason Team Trends for 2026

Steve Makinen from VSiN has compiled historical NFL preseason records to identify team-specific betting patterns ahead of the 2026 campaign, and the findings highlight consistent tendencies across multiple franchises while underscoring why bettors approach these exhibition games with caution. The analysis draws from multiple seasons of straight-up and against-the-spread results plus over/under totals, revealing streaks that span several years for certain clubs. Observers note that these patterns emerge because preseason schedules involve varying levels of preparation and roster experimentation across organizations.

Chicago Bears Show Strong Historical Mark

The Chicago Bears stand out in the data with a 9-2-1 straight-up record and a 10-2 mark against the spread across the past four preseasons, which covers a period when the team often used early exhibition games to evaluate depth players and establish baseline performance metrics. This run includes multiple seasons where Chicago exceeded the closing total in several contests, though the exact over/under splits vary by year. Researchers tracking these outcomes point out that the Bears' results align with broader league tendencies where teams focused on internal competition post free agency tend to post elevated early-season totals before regular roster decisions take effect.

Dallas Cowboys Record Reflects Longer-Term Pattern

Since 2013 the Dallas Cowboys have compiled a 13-31 straight-up record and a 12-29-3 mark against the spread in preseason action, a stretch that spans multiple coaching staffs and roster rebuild cycles. The figures indicate consistent underperformance relative to market expectations during exhibition play, which stems from factors such as conservative play-calling in later preseason weeks and selective rest for established starters. Data compiled over this timeframe shows that Dallas frequently landed below the posted total in a majority of games, creating a measurable lean toward the under in aggregate betting markets.

Key Factors Distinguish Preseason from Regular Season

The report stresses that preseason betting requires separate evaluation because starters often receive limited snaps in later weeks while coaches prioritize injury prevention and depth chart clarity. This approach produces results that diverge from regular-season norms where full rosters compete under different incentive structures. Those who have examined the data note that resting patterns typically intensify after the second exhibition game, which alters both spread margins and total scoring expectations across the league. The emphasis remains on treating each team's historical preseason sample as an independent dataset rather than an extension of regular-season performance.

Broader Context for 2026 Preseason Markets

Analysis of this type arrives as teams begin finalizing 2026 training camp schedules and exhibition matchups, giving bettors several weeks to review the compiled trends before lines open. The VSiN review covers additional clubs beyond the highlighted examples, including teams that have alternated between overs and unders in alternating preseasons. Such alternation often traces to changes in offensive line continuity or quarterback rotation policies that shift year to year. Observers tracking these developments point out that the preseason window in August 2026 will again test whether established patterns hold or whether new variables such as expanded joint practices disrupt historical tendencies.

Conclusion

Makinen's compilation provides a reference point for understanding how individual franchises have performed in exhibition settings over multi-year periods, yet the underlying data also illustrates why each preseason cycle incorporates unique roster and coaching variables. The records for Chicago, Dallas, Buffalo and Houston represent concrete historical benchmarks that can inform line evaluation when combined with contemporary training camp observations. Bettors and analysts alike receive these figures as one component within a larger framework that accounts for the distinct operational realities of August football.