NFL 2025 Week 1 Preview: Top matchups, kickoff dates, times and Odds

Greg Kajewski
2 days ago
9 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

The 2025 NFL season kicks off on September 5, and Week 1 is packed with thrilling games and betting opportunities. Key matchups include the Cowboys vs. Eagles on Thursday, Chiefs vs. Chargers on Friday, Ravens vs. Bills on Sunday night, and Vikings vs. Bears on Monday. Early betting odds favor home teams, with close spreads and lower scoring projections reflecting early-season unpredictability.

Highlights:

(Sep. 4): Eagles favored by 8.5 points.
(Sep. 5) in Brazil: Chiefs favored by 3.5 points.
(Sep. 7): Bills favored by 1.5 points.
(Sep. 8): Vikings favored by 1.5 points.

Betting Tip: Platforms like BettorEdge offer no-vig betting, letting users set their own odds and potentially earn higher payouts. Pay attention to early trends, injury updates, and weather conditions to make informed bets.

🏈 NFL Week 1 Predictions & Best Bets | 2025 Kickoff Breakdown

Top Week 1 Matchups

Week 1 kicks off with some exciting games that bring plenty of betting potential. From divisional rivalries to high-profile quarterback duels, these matchups come packed with intriguing storylines. Here's a closer look at the key games and the betting angles they offer.

Cowboys vs. Eagles: Thursday Night Season Opener

The NFL season gets underway as the Dallas Cowboys head to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 8:20 PM ET. This NFC East matchup promises drama right out of the gate.

Both teams are looking to make a statement with their revamped rosters. Dak Prescott leads a Cowboys offense eager to test an Eagles defense that spent the offseason retooling. On the other side, Philadelphia’s offense will face a Dallas secondary that’s undergone major changes.

Thursday night games can be unpredictable, especially in Week 1 when teams are still finding their rhythm. That unpredictability often translates into interesting betting opportunities.

Chiefs vs. Chargers: Friday Night Game

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will host Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET. This AFC West clash is shaping up to be an offensive showcase.

As the reigning division champions, the Chiefs have their sights set on another big season. But the Chargers, bolstered by an improved offensive line, are determined to close the gap. Herbert’s ability to stretch the field will test Kansas City’s defense, while Mahomes’ playoff pedigree remains a constant threat.

The rare Friday night scheduling adds an extra layer of intrigue, creating opportunities for sharp bettors to find value.

Ravens vs. Bills: Sunday Night Showdown

Sunday night brings a heavyweight matchup as the Baltimore Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills on September 7, 2025, at 8:20 PM ET. This game is a rematch of the 2024 AFC Divisional Round, where the Bills edged out the Ravens in a 27-25 thriller.

Baltimore comes into this game with something to prove. Players have openly talked about their desire to avenge last season’s loss, which still stings. Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability combined with the Ravens’ league-leading rushing attack (188 yards per game in 2024) will be a major factor.

Buffalo, meanwhile, brings a high-powered offense that set a franchise record with 525 points in 2024. However, their defense struggled last season, ranking near the bottom in third-down stops and allowing over 3,800 passing yards. The quarterback battle between Jackson and Josh Allen - two former MVPs - could be the highlight of Week 1.

Vikings vs. Bears: Monday Night Rivalry

The Week 1 action wraps up with the Minnesota Vikings traveling to Chicago to face the Bears on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 8:15 PM ET. This NFC North clash could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

With new offensive coordinators on both sidelines, this game will showcase fresh schemes and strategies. The Bears’ young core is eager to make an impact, while the Vikings are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Monday Night Football always delivers a unique energy, and divisional matchups like this often lead to unexpected twists.

Other Week 1 Games to Watch

The Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions in an NFC North battle featuring high-powered offenses and defenses looking to make a leap.
The Denver Broncos head to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Denver’s revamped offense will face a Titans squad with a new coaching staff.
In the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Cleveland Browns. Joe Burrow’s performance will be crucial for Cincinnati, while Cleveland aims to bounce back from last year’s struggles.

Week 1 Betting Odds and Lines

The Week 1 betting lines give a glimpse into how oddsmakers are sizing up teams heading into the new season. Some games feature razor-thin spreads, hinting at tight contests, while others show clear favorites aiming to dominate early. These initial odds can reveal opportunities for bettors to capitalize on early-season uncertainties.

Odds Comparison for Top Games

The top matchups of Week 1 paint a picture of where teams stand heading into 2025.

Cowboys vs. Eagles: Philadelphia is a 8.5-point favorites at home, with the total set at 47.5 points. The Eagles' moneyline sits at -395, while the Cowboys are listed at +380.
Chiefs vs. Chargers: Kansas City is favored by 3.5 points vs. Chargers in Brazil in this Friday night clash, with a high total of 45.5 points, reflecting both teams' offensive firepower. The Chiefs are priced at -170 on the moneyline, while the Chargers offer +140 for those betting on an upset.
Ravens vs. Bills: This Sunday night showdown features the tightest spread among marquee games. Buffalo is a 1.5-point home favorite, with the total at 51.5 points. The Bills' moneyline is -110, while the Ravens are at +110.
Vikings vs. Bears: In the Monday night game, Minnesota is a 1.5-point favorite at home, with a total set at 43.5 points. The Vikings' (vs. Bears) no-vig moneyline stands at -135. The lower total reflects lingering doubts about both teams' offensive capabilities.

Other interesting lines include the Packers, who are 2.5-point home favorites against the Lions, signaling that Green Bay's roster is seen as stronger despite Detroit's strong past year. Meanwhile, the Bengals are 5.5-point road favorites over the Browns, showing confidence in Joe Burrow's return from injury.

Week 1 Betting Line Patterns

Looking at the broader Week 1 slate, some notable trends emerge:

Close Spreads: Seven games have spreads of 3 points or fewer, highlighting the potential for competitive matchups. Key numbers like 2.5 and 3 dominate, signaling that oddsmakers expect a lot of tightly contested games.
Lower Scoring Expectations: The average total for Week 1 is 46.8 points, slightly below the norm for regular-season games. This reflects the usual early-season struggles with offensive timing and rhythm, leading to lower-scoring projections.
Home Favorites Lead the Way: Out of the 16 games, 11 feature home teams as favorites. The largest spread belongs to the 49ers, who are 8.5-point favorites against the Cardinals, indicating high expectations for San Francisco to maintain last season's form.
Totals Range Widely: With totals spanning from 42 to 52 points, the expected scoring varies significantly. Games with veteran quarterbacks and established offensive systems lean toward higher totals, while matchups involving new play-callers or injury concerns see more conservative numbers.

Moneyline bets also provide intriguing options. Underdogs like the Chargers, Titans, and Cardinals, each offering +200 or better odds, could yield big payouts for bettors willing to take risks. On the flip side, heavy favorites such as the Chiefs and 49ers require larger wagers to see meaningful returns.

Lastly, keep an eye on line movement as game day approaches. Early betting trends often favor popular teams and overs, which can create opportunities for sharp bettors to find value elsewhere.

Week 1 Betting Strategy and Tips

The first week of the season always presents unique challenges. Teams are still finding their rhythm, and depth charts haven’t fully proven themselves. For bettors, this is an opportunity to adjust strategies and uncover hidden value.

Using Peer-to-Peer Betting for Better Odds

Early-season odds can be tricky, but platforms like BettorEdge offer a fresh approach. Their peer-to-peer betting model removes the traditional house edge, giving you the freedom to set your own odds and wait for another user to match them. This means you’re not stuck with the standard lines, and you can tailor bets to fit your risk-reward preferences. For instance, if you’re confident in an underdog, you can offer odds that reflect that belief and potentially secure a better payout.

Another key benefit? BettorEdge is commission-free. Free users can bet up to $100 monthly without fees, while premium members enjoy up to $750 commission-free. Plus, you can buy or sell bets mid-game, allowing you to lock in profits or cut losses as the action unfolds - perfect for Week 1’s unpredictable dynamics.

Key Trends and Injury Analysis

Week 1 games often feature lower-than-expected scoring as teams adjust to new players and strategies. This can create opportunities in betting totals, especially for those who spot trends early.

Home teams sometimes hold an advantage in season openers, though this edge can shrink as spreads widen. Injuries also play a crucial role in Week 1 betting. With depth charts still in flux, the absence - or return - of a key player can dramatically shift a game’s outcome. Staying on top of practice reports and injury updates is essential.

Preseason stats, like snap counts and target shares, offer clues about how prepared teams might be for the opener. Don’t forget to factor in weather conditions, too. A chilly Sunday night game, for example, might give the home team an edge if they’re better acclimated. Combining these insights with BettorEdge’s tools can give you a leg up when live betting.

Leveraging BettorEdge for Week 1 Success

BettorEdge’s social feed is a goldmine during Week 1. You can follow experienced bettors for live insights and monitor where public money is flowing. If you notice heavy chatter on a game without corresponding line movement, it might signal that sharp bettors are taking a different stance.

Premium members can dive even deeper with advanced analytics. Historical data on season openers, coaching trends, and matchup stats can help refine your strategy. BettorEdge also lets you track your performance, establishing benchmarks to tweak your approach as the season unfolds.

Staying updated on injuries and shifting trends is key, and BettorEdge’s live betting features make it easy to act quickly. You can also create custom competitions with friends or betting groups for added fun, while BetMatch filtering ensures you’re always finding value as the games unfold.

Week 1 Betting Summary

Week 1 kicks off with a mix of intense matchups and intriguing betting opportunities. As championship hopefuls and rebuilding squads aim to make a strong start, the betting lines reflect both value and uncertainty, offering plenty of chances for sharp bettors to capitalize.

BettorEdge stands out by letting you set your own odds, giving you the flexibility to align wagers with your personal analysis. Plus, its commission-free setup ensures you keep more of your winnings during this unpredictable opening week. The platform’s social feed provides real-time insights into betting trends, while its advanced analytics can help you spot trends others might miss.

Staying patient with injury updates and monitoring weather changes can reveal hidden edges in the early lines. Week 1 is often a time when sharp bettors benefit from identifying where public sentiment clashes with informed money, especially as teams adapt to new players and systems.

Interestingly, over 40% of BettorEdge users report profits, compared to just 2% on traditional sportsbooks. This could be your chance to set the stage for a profitable 2025 season. Use these insights to shape your approach as you fine-tune your betting strategy for the weeks ahead.

FAQs

What makes BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting model unique, and how does it benefit NFL Week 1 bettors?

BettorEdge takes a different approach to sports betting with its peer-to-peer model, allowing users to bet directly against one another without involving a traditional bookmaker or house. Unlike conventional sportsbooks that charge a vig or juice on every bet, BettorEdge only applies a small commission on net winnings. This setup often results in better odds and lower costs for bettors.

For NFL Week 1, this translates to more competitive odds, fewer fees, and a clearer, more straightforward betting experience. Without a house edge in play, users have a better chance to optimize their profits while making well-informed wagers.

What should bettors focus on when evaluating early-season NFL games, especially regarding injuries and weather?

When looking at early-season NFL games, it's crucial for bettors to keep a close eye on injury reports and weather conditions. The presence or absence of key players - whether they're just returning from injuries or newly sidelined - can significantly impact a team's performance and shift betting odds. Regularly checking team injury updates is a smart way to stay ahead.

Weather is another factor that can heavily influence outcomes, especially in the opening weeks when conditions are unpredictable. Rain, strong winds, or extreme heat can all affect how the game is played, from scoring to overall strategy. Considering both injury updates and weather forecasts allows bettors to better gauge potential game dynamics and fine-tune their betting approach.

Why are home teams often favored in NFL Week 1 betting odds, and how should this influence your betting strategy?

Home teams often get the nod in NFL Week 1 betting odds, and it’s not hard to see why. The roar of the home crowd, the comfort of a familiar stadium, and skipping the hassle of travel can all work in their favor. These factors might seem small, but they can provide an extra boost - especially early in the season when teams are still shaking off the rust and settling into their game.

That said, while home-field advantage is worth considering, it shouldn’t be your only focus. To make smarter bets, weigh other crucial elements like team strength, offseason roster changes, and recent performance trends. By combining these factors with the home-field edge, you’ll be in a better position to make well-rounded decisions for those Week 1 matchups.