PRIZEPICKS PICKS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026: NFL PRESEASON EDITION

TODAY'S PRIZEPICKS STRATEGY

With four NFL preseason games on the Thursday slate, the approach here is disciplined and correlated. Preseason is a unique beast — starters typically play one to two series before giving way to backups, which means targeting pass-catchers and skill players who figure to see early volume is paramount. We're leaning toward 2-leg Power Plays over 3-leg entries where possible, reducing variance on a slate where game scripts are notoriously unpredictable. When we do build a 3-leg combo, we want strong situational correlation — think a quarterback's passing yards stacked with a receiver's catches in the same game. Avoid heavy reliance on rushing volume tonight, as preseason coaching staffs tend to protect running backs and lean pass-heavy in scripted early possessions.

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TOP PICKS FOR TODAY

1. Jared Goff — Passing Yards — 44.5 | MORE

Goff is expected to take the Lions' first two series against Cincinnati with the offensive line healthy and the scheme installing new wrinkles early in camp. Detroit's passing attack has been sharp in camp sessions, and Goff has the arm talent to connect quickly in a rhythm-based system that should rack up yards efficiently in limited snaps.

2. Ja'Marr Chase — Receiving Yards — 18.5 | MORE

Chase is locked into the Bengals' starting rotation for at least the first quarter, and Joe Burrow's chemistry with him is the best in the league — even in preseason exhibitions. PrizePicks has set a conservative number here given the preseason context, but Chase's target share in early possessions makes the over the easy play.

3. Anthony Richardson — Passing Attempts — 12.5 | MORE

Richardson is coming off a strong training camp with the Colts, and head coach Shane Steichen has indicated the second-year starter will play into the second quarter against New England. With a new receiver room to build chemistry with, expect Richardson to air it out early and often, pushing comfortably past this modest attempt total.

4. Jordan Love — Rushing Yards — 8.5 | LESS

Love has been coached to stay in the pocket this preseason after a nagging ankle issue earlier in camp. The Steelers' defensive front is aggressive and will force quick reads rather than extended scramble opportunities. Love's mobility is a weapon, but the coaching staff will manage his body carefully in a meaningless August game.

5. Stefon Diggs — Receiving Yards — 22.5 | MORE

Diggs, now in his second year with the Patriots system, is expected to serve as the primary target in New England's first-team offense. The veteran receiver still commands attention at the top of the route tree, and with Richardson locked in on his go-to target early, the number here is beatable.

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BEST POWER PLAY COMBO

3-Leg Entry: Anthony Richardson MORE Passing Attempts + Stefon Diggs MORE Receiving Yards + Ja'Marr Chase MORE Receiving Yards

This trio offers clean game correlation and independent upside. Richardson and Diggs are directly stacked in the same game, while Chase benefits from Burrow's early aggression in a separate contest. All three lines are set conservatively to account for preseason uncertainty, giving this combo real ceiling at the Power Play payout.

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PICKS TO AVOID

Jordan Love — Passing Yards: Too dependent on coaching discretion in a road preseason environment. Green Bay doesn't need the reps.

Deshaun Watson — Any Stat: Recovery timelines remain murky, and preseason reps for Watson carry enormous bust potential with no guaranteed snap floor.

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Scout has the edge. Follow Scout Intel for daily PrizePicks breakdowns, DFS lineups, and injury intel all season long.

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SLUG: prizepicks-picks-thursday-august-13-2026-nfl-preseason

META: Best PrizePicks picks for Thursday, August 13, 2026 NFL preseason slate featuring Lions, Bengals, Packers, Steelers, Colts, and Raiders action.

EXCERPT: Four NFL preseason games hit the Thursday PrizePicks slate and Scout Intel has the top correlated entries, fades, and a must-play 3-leg Power Play combo.

SPORT_TAG: prop