NFL Week 1 Betting Insights: Expert Picks and Prop Bets for the 2025 Season

Arizona Cardinals -6.5 (-110) at New Orleans Saints

Betting big favorites in Week 1 can be worrisome. However, the Cardinals match up wonderfully against the Saints. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler struggled last season, and the Cardinals' defense is well-suited to challenge the Saints' passing game. Arizona's unique running game will exploit the Saints' light boxes and susceptible run defense. Kyler Murray tends to perform stronger early in the season, making a drubbing of the Saints a likely start.

Chicago Bears money line (+100) vs. Minnesota Vikings

The opening 'Monday Night Football' matchup sees the Vikings and Bears, two hard-to-forecast teams, meet in Chicago. J.J. McCarthy's first NFL start in a prime-time road divisional game is a towering ask. The Bears' offense, under new head coach Ben Johnson, has a favorable matchup against the Vikings' defense. Caleb Williams has the talent to exploit this tricky defense, making the Bears a solid pick.

Seattle Seahawks +2.5 (-110) vs. San Francisco 49ers

Despite the 49ers' easy schedule and postseason potential, they shouldn't be heavily favored in Week 1 in Seattle. The 49ers had an injury-riddled offseason, while Seattle rolls back one of the league's best defenses from the latter half of 2024. New Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak's reliance on running the football and explosive plays off play-action will challenge the 49ers' run defense.

New York Giants +6.5 (-120) at Washington Commanders

The Commanders narrowly beat the Giants in their two meetings last season. With Russell Wilson now at quarterback for the Giants and significant defensive improvements, New York is poised to challenge Washington. The Commanders' potential regression and the Giants' strong defensive unit make the Giants a valuable pick.

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots over 43.5 total points (-115)

Key injuries in the Patriots' secondary, including Christian Gonzalez, make the Raiders' improved passing attack a significant threat. The Raiders' defense, with its questionable cornerbacks, will struggle to contain the Patriots' offense. Expect a high-scoring game with the over being a solid bet.

Walder's Defensive Props

• Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Vikings, under 0.5 sacks (+100): Variance was likely on Van Ginkel's side last season, and chasing Caleb Williams, who had a sack problem, makes the under a good bet.
• Brian Burns, LB, Giants over 0.5 sacks (+190): Facing Jayden Daniels, who posted a higher-than-average sack rate, Burns is likely to capitalize on this matchup.
• Micah McFadden, LB, Giants, over 5.5 tackles plus assists (-140): The Giants' likely trailing position means more run defense opportunities for McFadden.

Props for RBs, WRs, and QBs

• Josh Jacobs under 72.5 rushing yards (-115): The Lions' commitment to stopping the run makes it difficult for Jacobs to clear this number.
• Lamar Jackson under 7.5 rushing attempts (+115): The Bills' defensive strategy will discourage Jackson from tucking and running.
• Jahmyr Gibbs 4+ receptions (+140): The Packers' high zone coverage rate makes Gibbs a strong candidate for multiple receptions.

These expert picks and prop bets provide valuable insights for NFL Week 1 betting in the 2025 season. Stay tuned for more weekly updates and analysis.