The time has finally come. College football fans no longer have to wait to watch actual games. That also means college football bettors no longer have to wait to bet on games. It’s not just the big schools that are getting ready to play. The FCS is also in full swing this week and will have a huge slate for college football Week 0 bets. Let’s take a look at some of the top FCS Week 0 bets!
FCS Week 0 Preview And Best Bets
Stony Brook (-4.5) @ Delaware State
Thursday, August 27th, 3:00 PM Pacific / 6:00 PM Eastern
Stony Brook visits Delaware State in a non-conference opener at Alumni Stadium. The Seawolves posted a strong 2025 campaign while scoring nearly 28 points per game. Delaware State ranked among the national leaders in rushing yards and yards per carry last season. Coach DeSean Jackson enters year two with a physical ground attack led by a productive backfield.
Stony Brook returns their quarterback and a good part of their defense that generated pressure. However, the Delaware State Hornets play well at home and own a clear identity on offense. Delaware State’s run game should control the clock and limit Stony Brook’s possessions. The Seawolves improved last year but face a motivated home team that finished strong in the MEAC.
While public money is leaning towards the visitors, Delaware State’s rushing efficiency and home crowd create a classic early-season trap game. The Hornets’ ground game and home-field advantage should keep this game close. Stony Brook may win outright, but covering on the Road in Week 0 isn’t the easiest thing to do. This is one of the stronger FCS Week 0 bets on the board for underdogs.
FCS Week 0 Best Bet: Delaware State +4.5
Rhode Island (-20.5) @ Merrimack
Friday, August 28th, 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern
Rhode Island travels to Duane Stadium as a heavy favorite. The Rams won consecutive CAA titles and return quarterback Devin Farrell. They also bring back All-American receiver Marquis Buchanan. Rhode Island averaged 28 points per game last season, mainly through the air, and enters 2026 as the conference favorite.
Merrimack competes as an FCS independent and faces a steep talent gap. The Warriors showed fight in 2025. However, they lack the depth and skill-position talent of a playoff-caliber team. Rhode Island’s offense should score early and often.
The Rams possess too much firepower, and their defense also returns key pieces. Buchanan and Farrell should produce chunk plays that push the final margin past three touchdowns. This is one of the more reliable FCS Week 0 bets for big-number favorites.
FCS Week 0 Best Bet: Rhode Island -20.5
Lehigh (-14.5) @ Holy Cross
Saturday, August 29th, 12:30 PM Pacific / 3:30 PM Eastern
Number 11th-ranked Lehigh opens at Holy Cross in a Patriot League clash. The Mountain Hawks went 12-1 last season, won the league title, and led FCS in rushing defense. New head coach Rich Nagy takes over a roster that returns 13 starters and multiple All-Patriot League honorees.
Holy Cross finished 3-9 in 2025 after years of dominance. The Crusaders return some offensive line experience, but face questions at quarterback. Lehigh’s defense should dominate the line of scrimmage and force Holy Cross into long-yardage situations.
Lehigh’s rushing defense and overall roster quality should produce a comfortable road win. The Mountain Hawks can cover by controlling the line and limiting Holy Cross’ scoring chances. This game fits well in your FCS Week – bets that favor proven programs.
FCS Week 0 Best Bet: Lehigh (-14.5)
Eastern Washington @ Northern Arizona (-3)
Saturday, August 29th, 2:00 PM Pacific / 5:00 PM Eastern
Eastern Washington opens Big Sky play at 25th-ranked Northern Arizona. The Eagles finished 5-7 last year. However, they return some key defensive playmakers and an experienced offensive line. Quarterback Nate Bell has taken first-team reps and offers a dual-threat ability at the quarterback position.
Northern Arizona went 7-5 and returns starting quarterback Ty Pennington. The Lumberjacks enjoy home-field advantage in Flagstaff and enter the season with playoff expectations. Both teams sit in the same competitive Big Sky tier.
The Eagles match up well enough to stay competitive on the road in this one. Pennington will make plays, but EWU’s returning pieces should prevent a blowout. I’m taking the points in this conference opener for my FCS Week 0 bets.
FCS Week 0 Best Bet: Eastern Washington +3
Abilene Christian (-7) @ Lamar
Saturday, August 29th, 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern
Number 15 Abilene Christian visits number 20 Lamar in a 2025 FCS playoff rematch. ACU won 38-20 at home last November behind quarterback Stone Earle. The Wildcats return key offensive pieces and remain a UAC favorite.
Lamar reached the playoffs last year and now hosts the rematch at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Cardinals play a physical brand of football and should benefit from their home crowd. ACU still owns the better overall roster. However, travel and a revenge motivation matter in this one.
The Cardinals should make this a one-score game with their home field advantage. Plus, they’ll want to get some revenge after that playoff loss. This rematch delivers one of the more intriguing spots for our FCS Week 0 bets.
FCS Week 0 Best Bet: Lamar +7
