The 2025 NFL season officially kicks off on Thursday, September 4th, and this weekend closes out the final preseason games. It’s the last chance for rookies to prove they belong and for coaches to finalize depth charts before the real action begins. Let’s break down NFL Week 1 betting odds and spreads as of today.
You can feel the shift — the culture is buzzing, group chats are locked in on spreads, and sportsbooks are already stacking heavy promos to bring fans in. When the lights flip on Week 1, it’s all business.
NFL Week 1 Betting Odds & Spreads
The opening slate has some big matchups and sharp lines. According to Fox Sports and Reuters, the Philadelphia Eagles are sitting as 7-point favorites at home against the Cowboys with the total set at 46.5.
Overseas, the season opener in São Paulo puts the Kansas City Chiefs at –3 against the Chargers, with an over/under of 44.5 (Fox Sports).
The Cincinnati Bengals hit the road as –5.5 favorites over the Browns with the total sitting at 44.5 (CBS Sports).
On Sunday night, the spotlight shines bright with the Buffalo Bills –1.5 over the Baltimore Ravens and one of the highest totals of the week at 51.5 (ESPN).
The Pittsburgh Steelers open as –2.5 favorites against the Jets in a low-scoring projection with the total at 39.5 (Fox Sports).
And for Raider Nation, the Las Vegas Raiders open on the road as +3.5 underdogs to the New England Patriots, with the total at 43.5 (Fox Sports).
Expert Picks & Predictions
Week 1 always brings chaos, but a few plays stand out. The Chiefs –3 against the Chargers looks like a Mahomes showcase in Brazil — Kansas City historically dominates openers and thrives under the spotlight (Fox Sports).
The Bills/Ravens over 51.5 is shaping up as the shootout of the week, with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson both coming off top-10 offensive seasons (ESPN).
The Bengals –5.5 over the Browns feels like a statement game — Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase enter the season healthy, and sportsbooks have consistently given Cincinnati strong Week 1 numbers (CBS Sports).
Meanwhile, the Steelers/Jets under 39.5 looks like a defensive grind. Both defenses rank top-10 in projected efficiency heading into 2025, and the market reflects a low-scoring clash (Fox Sports).
Raiders Betting Spotlight: Raiders @ Patriots
The Raiders head into Foxborough as +3.5 underdogs with a total at 43.5 (Fox Sports). This is one of the most intriguing betting spots on the board: the line shows little faith in Vegas on the road, but divisional opponents and defensive identity often flip the script. If the Raiders’ front seven gets pressure early, this game has upset potential — or at minimum, value on the under.
Best Sportsbook Promos
Sportsbooks know Week 1 is when the action peaks. The best deals on the board:
- Caesars Sportsbook: First-bet insurance up to $1,000.
- BetMGM: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets.
- DraftKings: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets + boosted parlays.
These promos line up with the heaviest bet week of the year, making them prime plays for new accounts.
Top NFL Betting Apps in 2025
- Caesars Sportsbook – Known for stacking promos and big rewards.
- BetMGM – Smooth app experience and deep prop selection.
- DraftKings – Still the go-to for DFS crossover and betting.
- FanDuel – Quick payouts and sharp live-betting markets.
NFL Parlay Angles
Parlays are where fans swing for big paydays. Two fun Week 1 setups:
- Favorites Stack: Chiefs –3, Bengals –5.5, Eagles –7 (+600) (Fox Sports)
- Shootout Ticket: Bills/Ravens Over 51.5 + Cowboys/Eagles Over 46.5 (+425) (ESPN)
Football is officially back. Bet smart, use the promos, and enjoy the ride.
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Sports Betting Terms FAQ
What are the most common sports betting terms?
The most common terms include point spread, moneyline, over/under, vig (juice), parlay, prop bet, futures, and live betting. These are the foundation of any sportsbook slip and the slang you’ll see on betting apps daily.
What does vig mean in sports betting?
“Vig” (short for vigorish) is the sportsbook’s fee for taking your bet. If you see -110 odds, it means you need to risk $110 to win $100. That extra $10 is the vig.
What is a parlay bet?
A parlay is when you combine multiple bets into one. To win, every leg of the parlay has to hit. Parlays are popular because payouts can be massive, but they’re risky — miss one leg and the whole ticket loses.
What is a prop bet in sports betting?
A prop (proposition) bet is any wager not directly tied to the game’s final score. Examples include “Who scores the first touchdown?” or “Over/Under 25.5 points for LeBron James.”
What does it mean to fade the public?
“Fading the public” means betting against the majority. If 75% of casual bettors are on one side, sharps might take the opposite, betting that the public is wrong and the value lies with the other team.
What is a unit in sports betting?
A unit is your standard bet size, usually 1–5% of your total bankroll. Units help measure wins and losses without disclosing exact dollar amounts.
What is live betting?
Live betting (also called in-play betting) is wagering while the game is happening. Odds update in real-time after every play, making it one of the most dynamic forms of online sports betting.
What is implied probability in betting?
Implied probability converts odds into a percentage chance of winning. For example, -200 odds equal about a 66.7% chance, while +200 odds equal about 33.3%.
What is chalk in sports betting?
“Chalk” is slang for the favorite in a game. If you’re betting chalk, you’re betting the team expected to win.
What is a dog in sports betting?
“Dog” is slang for the underdog — the team or player not expected to win. Betting on the dog can deliver bigger payouts but comes with more risk.
The last preseason weekend is here, and September 4th is when it all goes live.
From Mahomes in Brazil to Allen vs Jackson on Sunday night, Week 1 is loaded with storylines.
And don’t forget the Raiders in New England — one of the most interesting betting spots on the board.
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Legal Disclaimer
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Odds and lines were verified at the time of publication through sources including Fox Sports, ESPN, and CBS Sports. Lines are subject to change. Must be 21+ and located in a legal jurisdiction to wager. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
