NFL training camps have started, but there are some problems. Just a few days into the mandatory sessions, one big name is already absent: Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. While some players are mentally preparing for the season, others conflict with the office. McLaurin’s holdout, the release of the NFL Top 100 list, and the betting lines for Week 1 all indicate the season is right around the corner—and all the buzz for online NFL betting.
Let’s take a look at all of it. Sharpen your pencils, there are some hot and cold takes waiting for the bettors.
Terry McLaurin’s Holdout: A $30M Standoff?
Terry McLaurin skips the field completely. Not to be seen for the first controlled practices for the Washington team, McLaurin also missed the post-conditioning check-in. This is the same McLaurin who signed a 3 year, 68.3 million contract two offseasons ago. While the deal seemed team-friendly back then, McLaurin is now in line for a new contract—close to 30 million per year.
Washington, with new starting QB Jayden Daniels, was planning on utilizing McLaurin’s steady production. That plan may need to change. The team is incurring $50,000 in fines per day due to his absence. While those fines are negotiable for veterans and can be waived under certain circumstances, the penalties underscore the gravity of the situation.
The Commanders have not released any comments regarding this situation. That, in combination with McLaurin’s absence is fueling speculation. Things like contract disputes are one thing, but how the situation affects public perception as well as team morale is another. For gamblers, McLaurin’s presence or absence will impact the totals for team bets, passing yards props and spread bets involving Washington.
Trade Rumors Intensifying
Whenever a star player sits out, trade speculation follows. Within the last 72 hours, there has been buzz around new potential landing spots. The Raiders, Bills, Jets, and Patriots have been cited as potential candidates if negotiations in D.C. spiral out of control.
There is real buzz to the speculation. Some McLaurin reports suggest the Commanders are taking calls and testing the market without formally shopping McLaurin. The logic is if a trade happens that is beneficial to both sides and gets McLaurin off the books, the trade will be accepted. As of now, though, no trade is close to being final.
For now, bettors need to stay alert. Online betting sites are starting to change betting lines for McLaurin’s player prop futures. Most sportsbooks have released next-team-odds, and any potential trade would alter the WR pecking order on the new team. For instance, if he is traded to the Bills, his passing prop totals would spike, boosting win total odds, while lowering Washington’s predicted offensive production.
If you’re monitoring futures, check back often with your sportsbook. A trade could happen at any moment, and placing early bets could result in substantial value.
NFL Top 100: Who’s In, Who’s Mad
The NFL Top 100 player rankings based on players’ votes have just been published, sparking, as always, a strong reaction. While most fans roll their eyes at these lists, players do not. It’s peer-driven. It’s respect-based. And it fuels offseason motivation.
This year’s list featured some surprising risers, such as Luvu becoming a top 100 for the first time. He has been one of the most productive parts of Washington’s defense, and this appreciation helps fortify his recognition across the league. But there were notable snubs too. Terry McLaurin not only posted comparable numbers to other franchise-wide receivers, but he also has a strong career resume, yet apparently did not make the list.
Does it matter? Motivation-wise, yes. For betting, only sometimes. Generally, players on the rise perform their best in September—likely to justify that rank. Meanwhile, snubbed stars come out ready to fight, especially when they’re playing for a new contract.
Public perception around rankings also nudges betting behavior. A rise in player props and even MVP lines for top-ranked players whose names are touted. Others, especially in seasoned smart money, prefer to look at projected numbers and not who’s taking the most hype.
Week 1 Wagers: What to Watch
Let’s narrow it down. Week 1 matchups are available on the sportsbooks. Point spreads, moneylines, totals—all of it. And sharp bettors are already looking for value.
Here, McLaurin’s status impacts things more than anywhere else. If he sits out until the end of August, the forecast for Washington’s offensive game plan will scale down. And the team’s outlook for Week 1 will dramatically change. Soft adjustments have been made on the over/unders and WR yardage props, but nothing is finalized.
Wherever you stand, there’s value to grab. If you expect McLaurin to remain out past Week 1, the passing team totals would align better to unders and fading the Commanders on spread bets would be wise. If you expect the opposite, there’s value to be claimed before the market counteracts.
Besides only revolving around Washington, the entire Week 1 totals are impacted by team performances during camp, injuries, and the never-ending saga of contract disputes. Do your homework now, weeks before kickoff, and not a day before the game.
As the first week draws near, changes to NFL betting odds will be erratic. One play from a holdout, a preseason injury, or a breakout from a rookie; all bets will be affected. Every day, notice changes the odds. Be sure to keep an eye on the books and set notifications for passing yards as well as scoring props.
Von Miller to Washington: An Overlooked Signing?
As many Washington fans focused on the development of the quarterbacks on the team, the Commanders were busy sharpening their defense. Washington signed veteran pass rusher Von Miller to a one-year contract, bringing added veteran presence to the front seven which already includes Bobby Wagner and Luvu.
Is it the same Miller who tore it up in Denver? No. But he does not have to. From a film session, he can provide insights. Exercise edge contains and leads asa film room trusted overseer. In film sessions, he can provide valuable insights and on the field, he can be a trusted film room overseer.
Miller does not have to, but from a betting perspective, a team losing so many key players can have a bigger impact than expected. Additional time spent pass rushing can shift the percentage on third-down conversions, change time of possession, and influence the total points of a game. Depending on Miller’s snap count, props bets of the defense, but not limited to, sacks, fumbles, and defensive touchdowns can be relevant.
And to those targeting the over or under on Washington’s win total for the season? Small margin improvements in defensive stops per game can be pivotal in close games.
Hot Takes: Fallout Prediction
No frills here. This is a straightforward prediction.
- McLaurin gets paid. He is a must-have player according to the Commanders, which gives him a lot of leverage. His extension will probably come around the 2nd to 3rd week of camp.
- If not, he gets traded. This is a real possibility. A playoff team looking to add depth to its WR core would snag him. Multiple sportsbooks will have their lines shaken up.
- Von Miller stays under the radar until Week 3. Most of the attention he receives will not have him making highlight plays. He will be quietly boosting Washington’s defensive metrics come late September.
- Younger players motivated by the Top 100 will allow for the breakout seasons of first timers. Defensive linemen and defensive backs are the most promising.
- There is always a week 1 shocker. This time, I’m predicting it will be an underdog. New starting QBs and solid veteran O-lines will be good indicators.
The early lines are clearest in July, where ignoring emotional narratives lets you dive deep into confirmed injury reports, contracts, and depth charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What triggers a player holdout?
A: Most often, it’s a financial matter. Players are typically uncontracted or want an extension, or are seeking more guaranteed money. During camp holdouts, players risk financial penalties, yet sometimes it’s worth the gamble.
Q: What is the impact of Terry McLaurin’s absence on the Commanders’ offense?
A: It’s considerable. As their WR1, he is a security blanket for a rookie quarterback. Without McLaurin, expect short to intermediate passing concepts that rely heavily on the ground game.
Q: What is the impact of NFL Rule Changes and Betting Strategies?
A: NFL betting strategy shifts with the NFL’s outline. Changes to the rules, such as a focus on scoring penalties and the kickoff focus, increase the possibility of earning and lessen the rate of scoring.
Q: What does the NFL Top 100 list change for the bettors?
A: The answer is perception. The overused and popular perception is that players deemed Top 100 boost their MVP prop odds. Thoughtful players do not care about that and pay attention to the usage and context of the team instead of the rank.
Q: What is the ideal timing for placing bets for Week 1 games?
A: Investors should move fast and be bold. Prop bets and MVP markets start to heat up with the end of July, the ideal date. The risk is always present when waiting for the start of the preseason, thus thrusting a gamble on the low-end odds.
Camp Chaos = Earning Potential
The McLaurin saga isn’t just a storyline for D.C. fans. It serves as a case study in how camp drama affects real money in the sportsbooks. The trick is to stay focused on injuries, rest days, team rotations, and the lines.
These next few weeks are the most advantageous for props. Exploit the waiting period before the information is widely available. For those betting on props and even preseason action, knowledge of roster conflicts, training camp drama, and staffing changes provides a huge competitive advantage.
Track player movement during the activities. Make heavy bets pending critical confirmations. And above all—regard online NFL betting as the sport that it is: a calculated, real-time, and ever-evolving contest.
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Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: July 23, 2025
Last updated: July 24, 2025