The 2025 NFL offseason has been anything but quiet. From massive trades to aggressive free agent grabs, franchises are going all in — and it’s already reshaping betting markets across reliable NFL betting sites. Let’s cut straight to it.
Pittsburgh Reloads for a Title Run
The Steelers came out swinging this offseason. After a lackluster playoff push in 2024, Pittsburgh pulled off a series of headline moves that now position them as one of the most overhauled contenders in the AFC.
They acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Jets, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. But they didn’t stop there. The Steelers also brought in star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seahawks and cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins. Throw in tight end Jonnu Smith and the signing of veterans like Darius Slay, and this team isn’t just trying to compete — it’s clearly swinging for a Super Bowl before Rodgers finally hangs it up.
Pittsburgh’s win total on betting markets has jumped significantly. The addition of Metcalf adds explosiveness, Ramsey shores up a defense that struggled in the second half last year, and Rodgers gives them elite quarterback play — assuming health holds.
On the other side, the Dolphins got safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back in the Ramsey deal, a familiar face who can help guide a young secondary.
Commanders Get Serious with Samuel and Tunsil
Washington’s front office made two of the smartest offseason moves no one’s talking about — trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the 49ers and acquiring left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Texans.
These weren’t flashy moves. But they were smart. With rookie QB Jayden Daniels now locked in as the starter, surrounding him with veteran talent is the fastest way to raise his floor and give the Commanders a chance in a tightly contested NFC East.
Samuel is a game-breaker — fast, tough, and versatile. Tunsil gives Daniels much-needed blindside protection. Both players instantly raise the value of Washington overs, passing props, and divisional futures. Reliable NFL betting sites have noticed: The Commanders’ division odds and playoff chances have shortened in the last few weeks.
49ers, Seahawks, and Bears Go Different Directions
San Francisco surprised many by offloading Samuel for only a 2025 fifth-round pick. But GM John Lynch is betting on youth, cap flexibility, and development. The 49ers also moved on from several high-salary veterans including Javon Hargrave and safety Tashaun Gipson, and are leaning hard into internal depth.
Seattle, meanwhile, began clearing house. They sent Metcalf to the Steelers and Geno Smith to the Raiders, signaling a reset. The Seahawks are expected to start newly signed Sam Darnold at quarterback — at least early in the season. This leaves their passing game unproven, and sportsbooks are reacting accordingly. Seattle’s win total has dipped, and the team now has the longest odds in the NFC West.
Then there’s Chicago. They didn’t make the loudest moves, but they made the right ones. The Bears’ top priority this offseason was protecting rookie QB Caleb Williams, and they nailed that goal by trading for Joe Thuney (Chiefs) and Jonah Jackson (Rams). Two starting guards who instantly upgrade the interior line.
The Bears also added offensive skill players in free agency and are rumored to still be shopping for a WR2. With Williams in place, the arrow is pointing up.
Dallas & New England Shuffle the Deck
The Cowboys made a big move by acquiring George Pickens from the Steelers. They gave up some future draft capital, but got a young, athletic wideout who can stretch the field. With CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks already in place, Pickens adds another vertical threat.
Meanwhile, the Patriots were among the biggest spenders in the league, dropping around $282 million in total contract value. They signed edge rusher Harold Landry, guard Morgan Moses, and others to reload both lines. New England appears committed to giving rookie QB Drake Maye a legitimate support structure, even if they still lack a top-tier wide receiver. That need could be addressed in July or in late-camp cuts.
This is where Superbowl betting strategies come into play. Teams like the Steelers and Bears are being undervalued in futures markets. If you believe the roster upgrades will click early, betting them before preseason movement spikes could be the sharp move.
Veteran QB Carousel Continues
This offseason wasn’t just about young quarterbacks — plenty of familiar names found new homes:
- Russell Wilson is now in New York, taking over as starter for the Giants. After a brutal stint in Denver and a short run in Pittsburgh, this is a fresh start.
- Justin Fields joins the Jets as a high-upside backup to Tyrod Taylor. Could take over if the veteran stumbles.
- Geno Smith is now a Raider, competing with Aidan O’Connell.
- Sam Darnold, as noted, heads to Seattle. It’s likely a bridge situation until the team finds their long-term guy.
These shifts don’t just affect team futures — they impact player props, WR fantasy values, and in-game betting markets. Knowing who’s under center — and how likely they are to hold the job — matters more than ever.
Rams Add Offense, Chiefs Stay Quiet
In a surprise twist, the Rams added star wideout Davante Adams, taking him from the Raiders to Los Angeles to pair with Puka Nacua. That move significantly boosts the ceiling for Matthew Stafford’s offense, assuming health. The Rams have become a dark horse NFC contender with this acquisition.
On the flip side, the Chiefs — fresh off a Super Bowl loss — have been mostly quiet. They let Thuney walk, made some small moves on defense, and still haven’t replaced L’Jarius Sneed. There’s buzz they may make a move closer to camp, but for now, it’s status quo in Kansas City.
Under-the-Radar Moves to Know
- Eagles quietly rebuilt their defensive backfield and added multiple rotation pieces.
- Texans focused on mid-tier veterans and depth across the roster.
- Browns made key re-signings and should be near full health entering 2025.
- Falcons and Titans still feel incomplete. Both could be active in late-summer additions.
These are the teams that might be betting market sleepers. They didn’t grab headlines, but some have room to grow. Watching training camp injuries and updates here can offer real betting value on season-long win totals and props.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which offseason trade had the biggest impact on Super Bowl odds?
A: Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh, followed by the Metcalf trade and Rodgers acquisition. Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl odds shifted significantly across books.
Q: Are rookie QBs good betting targets early in the season?
A: They can be, especially for unders on passing yards or INT props. But rookies with good protection and weapons (like Caleb Williams) offer over value too.
Q: Which free agency signing was the biggest steal?
A: Jonah Jackson to the Bears or Deebo Samuel to Washington (via trade). Both move the needle without costing premium assets.
Q: How do I track trades and free agent signings in real time?
A: Use NFL.com’s tracker, team Twitter/X feeds, and sportsbook updates. Lines often shift same-day for major deals.
Q: What are the key types of bets and strategies in NFL betting?
A: When it comes to NFL types of bets and strategies, focus on moneyline, point spread, totals, prop bets, and futures. Track injuries, line movement, and matchups. Hedge when value shifts and don’t chase public lines blindly.
Betting Moves Before the Books Adjust
The market adjusts fast. By now, win totals and Super Bowl odds reflect the biggest trades. But there’s still value:
- Steelers division winner and AFC futures still haven’t caught up to their depth chart.
- Commanders playoff odds are long despite their roster upgrade.
- Rams WR props are a sneaky play with Adams and Nacua on the same field.
- Giants and Jets QB props depend on volatility — perfect for live betting strategies.
The trick is not to follow the hype — it’s to track the data. Look at targets, OL rankings, defensive snaps. That’s what moves betting markets, not headlines.
Follow the Trades, Follow the Value
This wasn’t a typical offseason. It was a shakeup. Stars changed coasts. Hall of Fame QBs found new homes. And franchises reset their priorities.
That creates opportunity.
NFL betting isn’t just about picking a winner. It’s about timing, context, and value. The 2025 offseason gave us a dozen new variables to track — and a dozen new angles to exploit. Stay sharp, use reliable NFL betting sites, and don’t wait for kickoff to make your smartest bets. The edge? It’s now.
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 2, 2025
Last updated: July 3, 2025