The 2025 NFL season kicks off with more than just hype. It opens with a packed Week 1 slate full of tight spreads and early betting movement. From Thursday night fireworks to Monday’s divisional matchups, the first round of games gives fans and bettors their first true read on every team. Timing matters. So does line movement.
Games like Cowboys at Eagles and Chiefs at Chargers already show meaningful shifts in odds. Fan engagement is expected to spike across mobile sportsbooks, especially with early parlays and teasers in play. While Week 1 doesn’t determine postseason outcomes, it often sets the tone for betting trends and public sentiment. Moneyline action, point spreads, and totals all tell part of the story.
Below is a detailed look at the Week 1 odds, sorted by kickoff time. Each section highlights key angles, matchup value, and lines that could sharpen by game day.
Thursday, Sep 4: Eagles vs. Cowboys Kicks Off 2025
The NFL opener puts two NFC heavyweights in prime time. Philadelphia enters as -6.5 point favorites, with moneyline odds at -310. The Cowboys, listed at +250, aim to challenge early. Total points sit at 46.5.
The Eagles’ defense looked playoff-ready last season, and early confidence in their return game is reflected in the line. Dallas brings in a new offensive coordinator, and questions around their run game persist. This matchup is one of the most-watched in Week 1, and it shows in the sharp line movement.
Early bets on this game help set week 1 odds across the board. Books adjust other lines based on opening night trends, especially if the public floods one side heavily.
Friday, Sep 5: Chiefs and Chargers Open in Brazil
Kansas City and Los Angeles will open their 2025 seasons in São Paulo, Brazil, the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in South America. The Chiefs are -156 on the moneyline and favored by 3.0 points. The total is 45.5.
Both teams enter with continuity on offense. Mahomes is back behind a reshuffled line, while Herbert leads a new-look Chargers system built on tempo. These two split games last season, and sharp bettors are watching this line closely for any shift in injury reports or receiver availability. The 45.5 total suggests books expect scoring to ramp up in the second half, making live betting attractive.
Sunday, Sep 7 Early Slate: Multiple Tight Matchups
Patriots vs. Raiders opens the Sunday card. New England is slightly favored (-154 ML, -2.5 spread) with a low 42.5 total. Both teams are in transition at quarterback.
Steelers vs. Jets carries a 3.0 spread in Pittsburgh’s favor. The Jets, priced at +130, return key defensive pieces. The line hints at a grind-it-out style game, with just 37.5 points projected, one of the lowest totals on the board.
Falcons vs. Buccaneers and Dolphins vs. Colts both have near pick-em lines. Tampa Bay is -1.5, while the Dolphins sit at +1.5. Each total sits at 47.5 and 46.5, respectively. These matchups lean heavily on NFL team news updates, especially at quarterback.
Cardinals vs. Saints sees New Orleans as -5.5 favorites, with both teams sporting new coaching staffs. The total sits at 42.5. This is one to track for movement as gameday nears.
Sunday, Sep 7 Late Afternoon: Line Separation Grows
Some of the week’s widest spreads appear here. The Bengals are favored by -5.5 at home against the Browns. With both teams heavily invested in their passing attacks, the total climbs to 47.5.
The Titans open on the road at Denver, catching +7.5 points. At -400, the Broncos are among the biggest favorites this week. The 41.5 total suggests bookmakers expect Denver’s defense to dominate possession.
Seahawks vs. 49ers is more balanced, with San Francisco -2.5 on the road. The 44.5 total leaves room for volatility, especially if either team leans into their run game early.
Packers vs. Lions closes the late Sunday window. The Lions are slight underdogs at home (+106 ML), with a tight 48.5 total. Green Bay is favored by -1.5. With both teams being playoff hopefuls, this is among the most anticipated matchups in the NFC North.
Monday Night, Sep 8: Bills at Ravens, Bears at Vikings
Doubleheaders return with two strong matchups to end Week 1. Buffalo at Baltimore is the marquee showdown. The Bills, slight road favorites (-1.5), face a dynamic Ravens offense coming off a healthy offseason. The total is a slate-high 52.5.
The other game, Vikings vs. Bears, features Minnesota as -1.5 point favorites at home. The 43.5 total is modest, but line movement is expected based on QB performance in the preseason. Bears backers look to capitalize on their upgraded O-line, while the Vikings lean into explosive receivers.
Each of these matchups shows how the odds evolve based on public money and team updates in the final 48 hours before kickoff.
What the Lines Reveal This Season
Spreads in Week 1 reflect more than power rankings. They often mirror offseason sentiment. Lines like Broncos -7.5, Eagles -6.5, and Saints -5.5 show which teams gained offseason trust. Meanwhile, tight spreads in Packers-Lions and Falcons-Bucs suggest bookmakers need more proof before assigning a clear edge.
Totals offer another lens. Games like Bills-Ravens (52.5) and Dolphins-Colts (46.5) highlight scoring confidence. On the other end, Steelers-Jets (37.5) reveals skepticism about early rhythm.
Studying lines this week reveals how odds reflect early-season uncertainty. Bettors who follow the latest NFL news can often find value before markets fully adjust.
Reading the Market From Week 1 Moves
Early NFL lines help shape the entire betting season. Popular teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, and Bengals attract volume quickly, but sharp bettors often focus on quieter matchups. Spreads tighten by kickoff, especially in divisional games.
Week 1 gives sportsbooks data on how teams perform under pressure. It also resets expectations. Surprises in the opening weekend typically shift future lines dramatically, especially in games where underdogs win outright.
For bettors, it’s less about chasing Week 1 wins and more about interpreting how the market reacts. Those who understand the odds now will be better prepared heading into Week 2.
*Content reflects information available as of 28/08/2025; subject to change.