NFL Week 1 (2025) Game Preview: Matchups, Storylines, Betting Odds & Predictions
Meta Description
The 2025 NFL season will kick off with a slew of explosive Week 1 contests, including Eagles vs. Cowboys, Chiefs vs. Chargers in Brazil, Ravens vs. Bills, and more.
Check out every game’s storylines, key players, betting odds, and full predictions.
Introduction
After months of waiting, training camps, and preseason teasers, the NFL 2025 regular season is finally here. Week 1 will begin with a major dramatic twist when the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles take on their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys,
in the primetime opener. The following night, football will make history with its first regular-season match in South America, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Overall, Week 1 will feature rivalries, international showdowns, new quarterback battles, and matchups that could shape playoff seeding in the months to come.
Whether you’re a casual fan, fantasy football player, or betting enthusiast, this week sets the tone for every matchup to come.
Let’s take a deeper look at each contest, highlight players to watch, and provide predictions, betting odds, and fantasy insight.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys (Thursday Night Kickoff)
The Story
The NFL couldn’t have started off better: a matchup between two of the league’s most storied rivals. The Eagles are riding high after their Super Bowl win, while the Cowboys are desperate to prove they’re one of the true contenders.
The Eagles’ X-factor: Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability, combined with a great offensive line.
Cowboys’ challenge: Protecting Dak Prescott from Philadelphia’s dangerous pass rush.
Betting Prediction
Spread: Eagles –6.5
Total Points: 48.5
Pick: Eagles will win, but Cowboys will cover the spread.
Fantasy Spotlight
Must-Have Starters: Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb.
Sleeper: Eagles’ TE Dallas Goedert can take advantage of Dallas’ linebacker coverage.
Prediction: Eagles 28 – Cowboys 24
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Brazil Showcase)
Story
For the first time, the NFL is heading to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a regular-season matchup. Two AFC West rivals will face off, making this matchup historic and extremely important.
Chiefs’ strength: Patrick Mahomes is still the biggest game-changer, and now new WR Xavier Worthy adds to his speed.
Chargers’ motivation: Justin Herbert enters 2025 with a new offensive system designed to maximize his arm talent.
Betting prediction
Spread: Chiefs –3.5
Total points: 52
Pick: The over looks attractive on this offensive showdown.
Fantasy spotlight
Must-have starters: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen.
Sleeper: New WR Xavier Worthy could explode in Week 1.
Prediction: Chiefs 30 – Chargers 27
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills (Sunday Night Football)
Story
A true heavyweight matchup under the lights. Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen has become one of the league’s best quarterback matchups.
Ravens’ edge: A blistering rushing attack featuring Lamar and rookie Keon Coleman.
Bills’ question mark: Can Josh Allen’s lineup step up after Stefon Diggs’ departure?
Betting prediction
Spread: Bills -1.5
Total points: 46.5
Pick: Bills in a close contest at home.
Fantasy spotlight
Must-have starters: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Mark Andrews.
Sleeper: Bills RB James Cook has a favorable matchup.
Prediction: Bills 27 – Ravens 24
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Story
The AFC North has always been about physical and high-stakes football.
Bengals’ strength: Joe Burrow is back healthy, and Ja’Marr Chase is ready to rip apart secondary batters.
Browns’ quarterback drama: Veteran Joe Flacco starts, but rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are in the background.
Betting prediction
Spread: Bengals -6
Pick: Expect the Bengals to cover easily.
Fantasy spotlight
Must-have starters: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase.
Ignore: The Browns’ WRs because of quarterback uncertainty.
Prediction: Bengals 31 – Browns 20
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Story
The NFC North’s fiercest rivalry is flaring up at Lambeau Field.
Packers’ edge: Jordan Love continues to grow as the franchise quarterback.
Lions’ challenge: Their tough running game will face off against Green Bay’s front seven.
Betting prediction
Spread: Packers -1.5
Pick: Packers in a thrilling contest.
Fantasy spotlight
Must-have starters: Jordan Love, Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Sleeper: Packers RB AJ Dillon in the short-yardage/red-zone.
Prediction: Packers 24 – Lions 23
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets
Story
Two strong teams will clash in the Meadowlands.
Steelers’ weapon: T.J. Watt is leading a tremendous pass rush.
Jetz Concern: Quarterback Justin Fields’ accuracy has been a topic of discussion in the preseason.
Betting Prediction
Spread: Jetz -2.5
Pick: Upset Alert—Steelers have the edge on defense.
Fantasy Spotlight
Must-Have Start: Steelers D/ST, Garrett Wilson.
Sleeper: Najee Harris could play a key role in a goal-line touchdown.
Prediction: Steelers 21 – Jetz 13
Raiders vs. Patriots
Story
A battle between two franchises in the rebuilding era.
Patriots odds: The start of a new quarterback era, but questions remain.
Raiders edge: A young quarterback group is breathing new life into their offense.
Betting odds
Spread: Patriots -1
Pick: Raiders upset on the road.
Fantasy spotlight
Sleeper: Raiders RB Zamir White could make a surprise performance.
Prediction: Raiders 20 – Patriots 17
New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals
Story
Quarterback intrigue takes center stage.
Saints bold move: rookie Spencer Rattler named starter over Tyler Shough.
Cardinals’ expectation: Kyler Murray must prove his consistency.
Betting prediction
Spread: Cardinals –2.5
Pick: Saints surprise in Week 1.
Fantasy spotlight
Sleeper: Saints WR Chris Olave could thrive with Rattler’s aggression.
Prediction: Saints 28 – Cardinals 24
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Story
The NFC West is always a strong one.
49ers’ advantage: Kyle Shanahan’s balanced attack with Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel.
Seahawks’ challenge: Geno Smith must avoid turnovers.
Betting Prediction
Spread: 49ers –4.5
Pick: 49ers cover comfortably.
Fantasy Spotlight
Must-Have Starters: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel.
Prediction: 49ers 27 – Seahawks 17
Key Betting Trends for Week 1
Bengals and Packers: The SportsLine model likes to cover them.
Survivor Pool: Avoid the Cardinals; risky despite being the favorite.
Totals: Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup most likely to go over.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
New players to watch: Xavier Worthy (Chiefs) and Spencer Rattler (Saints) could be immediate impact players.
Running back alert: James Cook (Bills), Najee Harris (Steelers), and AJ Dillon (Packers) all have favorable Week 1 matchups.
Starting defense: Eagles, Steelers, and 49ers.
Final thoughts
The first week of the 2025 NFL season is a treat for fans: From historic rivalries to international showdowns and the debut of a new quarterback, the league wastes no time in delivering drama.
Whether you’re watching Jalen Hurts take on Dak Prescott, Mahomes make a splash in Brazil, or watching rookies like Spencer Rattler make their first impressions,
this week is a perfect reminder of why the NFL dominates the sports calendar.
The road to Super Bowl LX begins now. Buckle up—it’s going to be an exciting ride.
