Kickoff weekend is now scheduled. NFL betting websites are already active – spreads are up, player props are shifting, and teaser bets are already set. The NFL doesn’t ease into 2025, however. It drops two of the biggest matchups right out of the gate. 2025 is going to be huge for the NFL.
On Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys head to Philadelphia to face the defending champion Eagles. It’s a division showdown, national stage, and big-money betting window. Everything a sports fan could dream of. Then on Friday, for the first time, the Chiefs and Chargers face off in Brazil. Yes, Friday night football – in South America – streaming for free on YouTube. The stakes, the exposure, and the energy are through the roof.
Let’s cut to the chase. We will go over the important information that is needed before the first whistle blows. No fillers or extra information, just what the fans, bettors, and sportsbooks need to know at the moment.
Cowboys at Eagles – Thursday, September 4
The NFL didn’t need to think long about the opener. They chose blood — Eagles vs Cowboys, two NFC East rivals and playoff foes, battling under the lights at Lincoln Financial Field.
No easing up for Philadelphia even after a Super Bowl run, Jalen Hurts has a “locked in” receiving corps, the offense under head coach Nick Sirianni stays aggressive, and the Eagles’ line is still elite. Philadelphia has rebuilt its defense with young playmakers.
Dallas enters with something to prove, again. Dak Prescott is still under pressure, Tony Pollard is out, and the focus shifts to CeeDee Lamb, along with the revamped tight end group. On defense, Hurts’ dual-threat prowess will test the unit, while Micah Parsons is still one of the most game-breaking talents in the league.
The early betting line set, tight, sharp movement is expected with injury updates or shifts in betting momentum.
Casual betting is tough; early props on quarterback yardage, first-half totals, and team-specific scoring are where the edge could lie.
Chiefs vs Chargers – Friday, September 5 in Brazil
This will be remembered as history. The NFL has scheduled its first-ever Friday night game in Brazil, placing it at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo. This isn’t just a random game either; it’s Mahomes vs Herbert, the two strongest arms in the AFC, battling it out in front of a worldwide audience.
The Chargers open the season with Jim Harbaugh as head coach, and everything about the team’s structure seems different. Expect tighter end usage, more balanced offensive looks, and heavier run-game elements. The real question is if any of that translates to Week 1 execution against Kansas City.
Kansas City is still the favorite, aiming for its 3rd Super Bowl in 4 years. Travis Kelce’s healthy, Rashee Rice is likely to suit up barring any legal issues, and the defense, while younger, looks faster. Mahomes’ presence is still the single most reliable weapon in football, so Kansas will be fine.
For this game, Team and league partnerships have evolved to the point where it is possible to watch and place bets seamlessly. Now that the global feed is free, expect a heavier-than-usual focus on live betting for this game as it starts at a very reasonable time for international fan engagement. Sportsbooks have a casual approach, so they’ll set up same-game parlays and player prop bets for this one. Touchdown scorers, passing yards, and maybe outcomes for the first drive will be on the table as predictions.
It’s got a lot of sparkle, but it’s also genuine football with division consequences.
Bigger Than a Game
The NFL matched up these games for a reason, and they are more than just headline games; they are business moves, plot developments, and set the company’s narrative.
Eagles vs Cowboys could shift the NFC East. Philly winning at home would confirm their status, while a Dallas upset would trigger a panic cycle in the city of champions.
Chargers vs Chiefs is a test for the NFL’s plan for international expansion. Brazil is a new market. The game is more than a game
Both games will influence the betting numbers for the first time, and you will see a quick reaction from the public. The smartest move would be the opposite.
Other Week 1 Games Worth Watching
Sunday has a packed schedule, along with some games that have real playoff stakes even at this point.
- Bills at Ravens (Sunday Night Football): Both are playoff contenders and have one to two elite quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson has a good chance of winning at home. What about Allen? He will be watched without Diggs. Buffalo’s strategy game plan will be a hot topic.
- Packers at Lions: Classic NFC North beef. The full season starts now for Jordan Love. The Lions are not underdogs anymore after their deepest playoff run in years.
- Jets at 49ers (Monday Night): Game highlight: Aaron Rodgers is back. New Yorker’s defense is not easy to underestimate. The Niners are perhaps the most complete team in football. This is the Monday Night anchor for a reason.
These will serve as the foundation for teaser lines, totals parlays, and even bets spanning the whole weekend. Player props for Sunday might spill over to be interlinked with Friday and Thursday matchups. This is a week where one can plan ahead and not act on a whim.
A smart bettor isn’t chasing hype—sustained NFL betting strategies off in the long-term. For Week 1, that means:
- Ignoring preseason noise.
- Tracking line shifts every day (especially with the Brazil game’s schedule shift).
- Grabbing early lines if the value is sharp.
- Injury report watching vs. public betting percentage scrutiny.
- Having wagers based on specific players, not teams.
It’s all about discipline. No need to force the opener. Seek the edge or wait until the board improves.
Betting Focus: Things to Actually Track
Forget the summaries. This is what should catch your attention.
While betting on the Brazil game, remember: because the broadcast is stream-based, expect delays. Make the most out of the lagging odds.
Week 1 tends to be unpredictable because of the rookie usage and new coaches. Focus on rushing attempts, receptions, and QB carries instead of touchdowns.
Expect teams to come out conservative during the first week. Conditioning, coaching, and prep show in the second half. Pay attention to halftime spreads.
These six QBs — Hurts, Prescott, Mahomes, Herbert, Allen, and Jackson — are sure to be the reason the lines are moved come Sunday night. Their stats are important early in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Quarterback Performance Impacts NFL Betting Odds?
A: Quarterbacks control pace, scoring, and turnover risk. A hot QB shortens lines, raises totals, and boosts team props. One bad quarter can swing NFL betting odds quickly.
Q: Why does the NFL play games internationally now?
A: To grow revenue, expand its global fanbase, and create fresh media opportunities. It also adds unique scheduling twists for sportsbooks.
Q: Should I avoid betting Week 1?
A: Not necessarily. There’s value if you know what to look for — especially in overreactions to off-season narratives or overhyped rookies.
Q: Is live betting better than pregame in Week 1?
A: It can be. Early weeks are unpredictable. Watching the first quarter before locking in bets helps you adjust to actual team identity and tempo.
Q: What are good prop targets early in the season?
A: Rushing attempts, QB carries, and short-yardage props are better than TDs or receiving yard over/unders. Coaches play it safer early on.
No Warm-Ups in Week 1
There’s no feeling-out process this year. No soft openers. No throwaway games. The league jumps right into Eagles vs Cowboys, then packs its bags for Brazil with Chiefs vs Chargers.
If you’re betting Week 1, do it with purpose. Don’t trail public hype. Get into the numbers, track the lines, and use NFL betting sites with sharp pricing and good live-bet functionality.
Game week is here. Fire smart, fire small, and let the season play out — but don’t miss your opening.
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: August 25, 2025
Last updated: August 25, 2025