Best Bets Today: Top Picks for NFL, MLB, and UFC on August 14, 2026

On August 14, 2026, the best sports bets across the board feature high-value opportunities in NFL preseason spreads and totals, selective MLB underdog moneylines, and UFC finish props. According to PlusMoneymakers, key recommended wagers for today include the Denver Broncos -3.5 (-115), Arizona Cardinals moneyline (+150), Cincinnati Reds moneyline (-106), and Islam Makhachev to win by KO/TKO or Submission (+175).

Key Takeaways

• Tracked 30-Day Performance: PlusMoneymakers holds a 154-142 overall record (52% win rate) with +106.7 net units gained.
• NFL Preseason Edge: Coaching philosophy and depth give Denver (-3.5) and Tampa Bay (+5.5 at +162) distinct value.
• MLB Starting Pitching: Cincinnati's Chase Burns (13-2, 2.61 ERA) makes the Reds a strong home favorite against Miami.
• UFC Method Props: Islam Makhachev (+175 by finish) and Mansur Abdul-Malik (-145 by finish) provide compelling prop angles.

What are the best NFL preseason bets today?

Preseason betting requires analyzing coaching priorities, roster depth, and quarterback rotation length rather than raw starting talent. On the August 14, 2026 slate, several games present clear analytical edges.

Denver Broncos -3.5 (-115) @ Atlanta Falcons

Since losing his first two preseason games as head coach in Denver, Sean Payton has led the Broncos to seven consecutive preseason victories, with every single win coming by four points or more. Facing an Atlanta team adapting to a new coaching staff and navigating a banged-up quarterback depth chart, Denver's established system and disciplined secondary units provide a strong foundation to cover the point spread.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +5.5 (+162) @ New York Jets

Asking the New York Jets offense to win any exhibition matchup by six or more points is a tall order. Tampa Bay boasts superior defensive line depth in the second and third quarters, which should suppress big plays and keep this contest within a field goal.

Arizona Cardinals (+150) @ Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas enters the season with significant coaching and line-of-scrimmage turnover. Arizona already looked cohesive in their opening action, gaining valuable game reps to iron out execution issues. At +150 plus-money odds, the Cardinals represent attractive underdog value.

Additional NFL Slate Plays

• Washington Commanders +3.5 (-115) vs. Miami Dolphins: Miami's transition to head coach Jeff Hafley introduces defensive scheme adjustments and depth concerns, making Miami risky as a road favorite.
• Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears Over 39.5 (-115): With Chicago resting key starters and Cleveland planning extended first-half action for their offensive starters—including an ongoing quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders—early points should come quickly.
• Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants Over 41.5 (+100): Both franchises feature competent second-string quarterbacks capable of scoring against basic, non-blitzing preseason coverage.

What are the top MLB picks for August 14, 2026?

Baseball betting on August 14, 2026, focuses on pitching momentum and favorable ballpark matchups.

Miami Marlins @ Cincinnati Reds: Reds Moneyline (-106)

Cincinnati starter Chase Burns has emerged as one of the premier arms in professional baseball. Entering today with a 13-2 record, a 2.61 ERA, 143 strikeouts, and 3.5 WAR, Burns consistently suppresses hard contact. While Miami counters with Sandy Alcantara, Cincinnati's offense gains a meaningful edge hitting at Great American Ball Park.

Milwaukee Brewers @ Los Angeles Dodgers: Brewers Moneyline (+132)

Although playing in Los Angeles is never easy, the Milwaukee Brewers bring reliable bullpen management and consistent run production to this contest. If Milwaukee starter Drohan avoids a big inning early, the Brewers' lineup possesses the discipline to capitalize on Roki Sasaki and secure a road upset.

Additional MLB Selections

• San Diego Padres @ Cleveland Guardians: Under 7.5 (-117): Cleveland's Gavin Williams and San Diego's Michael King are both riding hot streaks, backed by top-tier bullpens.
• Chicago White Sox @ Detroit Tigers: Under 8.5 (+104): Division rivalry familiarity routinely turns these matchups into low-scoring grinds.
• Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels: Over (+137): Jacob deGrom has surrendered 12 earned runs across his past 18.0 innings, while Angels starter Walbert Urena lasted just 2.1 innings in his previous start.
• Colorado Rockies (+120) @ San Francisco Giants: Despite Kyle Freeland's elevated ERA, San Francisco remains overvalued as a home favorite.

What UFC prop bets offer the highest value tonight?

Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry

• Pick: Islam Makhachev to Win by KO/TKO or Submission (+175)

Ian Machado Garry faces his steepest challenge to date. Makhachev has earned finishes in eight of his last 10 UFC victories. Backing the reigning champion to finish the fight inside the distance provides superior value compared to his standard moneyline price.

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus

• Pick: Mansur Abdul-Malik to Win by KO/TKO or Submission (-145)

Abdul-Malik holds a 4-1-1 record through six UFC appearances, with all four victories coming via stoppage. Stoltzfus has dropped four of his past six Octagon outings and has been stopped multiple times. Expect Abdul-Malik to maintain his 100% finish rate in victories.

Daily Betting Board & PlusMoneymakers Performance

Below is the tracked performance breakdown for PlusMoneymakers over the last 30 days, alongside today's primary action items.

Recommended Card Summary for August 14, 2026

Disclaimer: Sports betting involves risk. Please bet within your means. Must be 21 or older to wager.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PlusMoneymakers overall betting record?

Over the past 30 days, PlusMoneymakers has generated +106.7 units of total profit with an overall record of 154 wins and 142 losses (52.0% win rate), driven primarily by strong returns in MLB (+92.3 units) and NFL preseason action (+12.5 units).

Why are NFL preseason underdogs attractive betting targets?

Preseason point spreads often overvalue star power on rosters where starters play limited snaps. Underdogs featuring motivated backups, active position battles, and head coaches with proven preseason winning records (such as Sean Payton) frequently cover or win outright.

How do you find positive expected value (+EV) in MLB moneyline odds?

Finding positive expected value in MLB requires comparing model-projected win probabilities against implied sportsbook odds, accounting for starting pitcher form, bullpen availability, park factors, and situational travel spots.