The NFL’s 2025 season is almost here, and sportsbooks have spoken. With early betting lines now posted, fans and analysts alike get a glimpse into how oddsmakers are projecting the season to begin.
These early spreads and totals tell a story, one rooted in roster upgrades, last season’s trends, and shifting team momentum.
Whether it’s a Super Bowl contender or a franchise in rebuild mode, Week 1 odds set the stage for what’s expected.
Here’s a breakdown of how the opening lines shape the narratives for every matchup on the slate.
Cowboys at Eagles: Philadelphia Starts Strong
The Eagles open as 7-point favorites at home against the Cowboys. That line speaks to dominance. Philadelphia outscored Dallas 75-13 in two blowouts last season and enters 2025 as the Super Bowl favorite. Dallas struggled to a 7-10 record without Dak Prescott for most of the year.
The addition of wideout George Pickens boosts the offense, but oddsmakers remain skeptical until proven otherwise.
Chiefs vs Chargers: Clash in Brazil
Kansas City enters the neutral-site opener in São Paulo as 3-point favorites over the Chargers. The Chiefs have won seven straight over their AFC West rival, though several were close.
LA surged last year under Jim Harbaugh, but until Justin Herbert proves he can outduel Mahomes, oddsmakers lean toward the defending division champs.
Giants at Commanders: Washington Heavily Favored
The Commanders opened as 7-point home favorites, thanks to second-year star quarterback Jayden Daniels. He led Washington to the NFC title game last season and set rookie records. The Giants, led now by veteran Russell Wilson, face the league’s toughest schedule and major roster questions, leaving the betting public unconvinced of a quick turnaround.
Bengals at Browns: Burrow’s Team to Back
Cincinnati enters Cleveland as a 5.5-point road favorite. Joe Burrow’s team missed the playoffs in 2024 but closed strong. The Browns remain somewhat of a mystery, with veteran Joe Flacco expected to start.
Given Cleveland’s turmoil and weak defense, the NFL odds reflect greater trust in Burrow’s ability to control this rivalry game.
Steelers at Jets: Rodgers Returns to New York
The Steelers are 3-point favorites on the road in Aaron Rodgers’ first start for Pittsburgh. Facing his former team in a hostile MetLife Stadium adds drama. The Jets now turn to Justin Fields under center, hoping rookie head coach Aaron Glenn can unlock his potential.
For now, the veteran presence of Rodgers gives Pittsburgh the edge.
Cardinals at Saints: Arizona on the Rise
Arizona is favored by 5.5 on the road against a Saints squad in flux. Kyler Murray returns to lead a revamped Cardinals defense, while New Orleans faces a bleak quarterback situation after Derek Carr’s surprise retirement.
NFL trends and betting strategies suggest Arizona has the edge, with rookies and unproven backups battling for the starting job, and New Orleans facing steep odds out of the gate.
Buccaneers at Falcons: Divisional Heat
Tampa Bay is a 2.5-point road favorite, even though Atlanta swept the season series last year. The Bucs still feature a top offense behind Baker Mayfield and a steady veteran core. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed flashes in 2024, but questions remain. The line reflects more confidence in Tampa’s stability.
Panthers at Jaguars: Narrow Home Edge
Jacksonville is favored by 3 points at home over the Panthers. Both teams feature former No. 1 picks at quarterback, and both added talent on the outside. Trevor Lawrence and Bryce Young have a chance to take big steps forward, but the Jaguars’ recent postseason experience gives them the slight edge early.
Raiders at Patriots: A Close Contest
The Patriots open as 3-point home favorites against the new-look Raiders. Pete Carroll and Geno Smith reunite in Las Vegas, while New England looks for improvement under Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Neither team is seen as a contender just yet, but oddsmakers trust New England’s defense and coaching continuity more than Vegas’s uncertain rebuild.
Dolphins at Colts: Near Even Odds
Indianapolis is a narrow 1.5-point favorite. That small margin reflects both the Dolphins’ high ceiling and concerns about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health. The Colts added Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, and a balanced roster gives them enough strength to hang tough at home. Expect line movement here if health reports shift.
Titans at Broncos: Rookie Test
Denver is the biggest Week 1 favorite, laying 7.5 points at home to the Titans. That gap reflects skepticism surrounding rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who leads a young and unproven Tennessee roster. The Broncos, meanwhile, return a top-tier defense and are coming off a playoff appearance led by breakout QB Bo Nix. This one could get ugly fast.
49ers at Seahawks: Margins Tight
San Francisco is a 1.5-point favorite in Seattle, a sign of doubt following last year’s injury-plagued season. The 49ers still have elite talent, but an aging core and disappointing 6-win campaign linger. The Seahawks retooled with Sam Darnold at quarterback and a new receiving duo. Expect a close, physical battle in the Pacific Northwest.
Lions at Packers: Surprise Underdogs
Green Bay is a 1.5-point favorite over the Lions at Lambeau. That line may surprise, given Detroit’s 15-2 record last year and a sweep of the division. But the Packers are solid at home and could bounce back after a frustrating 1-5 divisional mark. This game feels like a turning point for both teams’ seasons.
Texans at Rams: Fireworks Expected
With a 51.5-point total, this is projected to be the highest-scoring game of Week 1. The Rams are 3-point favorites over a Texans squad led by C.J. Stroud. While Stroud regressed slightly in 2024, LA’s late-season surge and the addition of Davante Adams have bettors expecting an explosive shootout.
Ravens at Bills: Heavyweight Bout
Buffalo opens as a 1.5-point favorite against Baltimore in the marquee matchup of the week. Both teams are loaded with talent and tied for the second-best Super Bowl odds behind Philadelphia. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson will face off again after last season’s thrilling playoff duel. Expect tight lines all the way to the coin flip.
Vikings at Bears: Monday Night Test
Chicago is favored by 1.5 over Minnesota in a matchup of young quarterbacks. Rookie J.J. McCarthy returns from injury to lead the Vikings, while the Bears hope Caleb Williams can rebound from a rocky first year.
With new head coach Ben Johnson and a retooled offensive line, Chicago gets the early nod from bookmakers.
Reading Between the Lines
Week 1 odds offer more than numbers; they reflect where confidence lies. Teams like the Eagles and Chiefs are rewarded for consistency, while clubs like the Titans, Saints, and Browns face long odds.
The spreads also show which quarterbacks are trusted and which rosters inspire skepticism. As the preseason rolls on and rosters take shape, these lines will evolve. But for now, they give a compelling glimpse into how the 2025 season might begin, highlighting the teams primed to surprise, dominate, or falter when the real games start.
*This article is based on information and analysis available as of 2025/07/29, and is subject to change. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting advice. Readers should consult official sources before making any wagering decisions.