NFL Week 1 Recap: Betting Insights and Takeaways for Every Game

The 2025 NFL season kicked off with a bang, delivering thrilling comebacks, shocking upsets, and standout performances. For bettors, Week 1 provided a wealth of information to analyze for future wagers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of every game, focusing on the key betting takeaways and what to look for in Week 2.

Philadelphia Eagles 24, Dallas Cowboys 20

Betting Takeaway: The defending champion Eagles showed resilience, but the Cowboys covered the spread, making for a tense start for Philly bettors. The close score suggests that while the Eagles are still a top team, they may not be the dominant force they were last season, especially against divisional rivals. Bettors should be cautious with large spreads on Eagles games until they show more consistency.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Eagles were -6.5 favorites, so the Cowboys’ 4-point loss was a win for anyone who took Dallas with the points. The total of 44 points was just under the 46.5 line, rewarding under bettors.

Player to Watch: Jalen Hurts was a dual-threat force with 2 rushing touchdowns, but Dak Prescott’s 188 passing yards and CeeDee Lamb’s 110 receiving yards show the Cowboys’ offense can still be potent. Lamb is a strong candidate for receiving yardage props in Week 2.

Los Angeles Chargers 27, Kansas City Chiefs 21

Betting Takeaway: The Chargers pulled off a significant upset in the NFL’s first-ever game in Brazil, winning as underdogs. This result is a major early-season indicator that the AFC West could be more competitive than anticipated. Bettors who took the Chargers on the moneyline were rewarded handsomely. The Chiefs’ offense, while still potent, showed some vulnerabilities that could be exploited in future matchups.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Chiefs were favored by 3.5 points, making the Chargers’ outright win a profitable one for underdog bettors. The total of 48 points went just over the 47.5 line, a narrow win for over bettors.

Player to Watch: Justin Herbert was exceptional, throwing for 318 yards and 3 touchdowns, outshining Patrick Mahomes. Herbert is a strong early contender for MVP, and his connection with his receivers makes them all valuable in prop betting markets. On the Chiefs’ side, Hollywood Brown had a strong debut with 10 catches for 99 yards, establishing himself as a reliable target for Mahomes.

Buffalo Bills 41, Baltimore Ravens 40

Betting Takeaway: This was a wild, high-scoring affair that went down to the wire. The Bills’ dramatic comeback win shows their offense is as explosive as ever, but their defense struggled to contain the Ravens. For bettors, this game was a dream for anyone who took the over, which was easily surpassed. The close margin also highlights the volatility of two high-powered offenses facing off.

Key Stat for Bettors: The total of 81 points flew past the over/under line of 52.5. The Bills were slight favorites, and their one-point victory meant they failed to cover the spread, a win for Ravens bettors who took the points.

Player to Watch: Josh Allen was spectacular, throwing for 394 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 2 rushing touchdowns. He is a top MVP candidate and a must-watch for player props. For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson was equally impressive, and his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a constant threat.

Indianapolis Colts 33, Miami Dolphins 8

Betting Takeaway: The Colts delivered a stunning blowout victory, making a strong statement to start the season. The Dolphins, who were favored in this matchup, were completely outplayed on both sides of the ball. This result is a major red flag for Miami and a sign that the Colts could be a surprise contender in the AFC South. Bettors who backed the Colts were rewarded with a dominant performance.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Colts easily covered the spread as underdogs, and the total of 41 points stayed under the 45.5 line. The Dolphins’ offensive collapse was a major factor in the under hitting.

Player to Watch: Daniel Jones had a fantastic debut for the Colts, scoring three touchdowns and looking comfortable in his new offense. He could be a valuable quarterback in fantasy and for betting props if he continues this level of play. On the other side, Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles are a major concern for the Dolphins.

Pittsburgh Steelers 34, New York Jets 32

Betting Takeaway: This was another close, high-scoring game that went down to the wire. The Steelers, led by a resurgent Aaron Rodgers, managed to hold off the Jets in a thrilling contest. For bettors, this game was a classic example of two evenly matched teams where taking the points was the safer bet. The high score also rewarded over bettors.

Key Stat for Bettors: The total of 66 points soared over the 48.5 line. The Steelers were favored by 3 points, and their 2-point victory meant they failed to cover the spread, a win for Jets bettors who took the points.

Player to Watch: Aaron Rodgers was impressive in his Steelers debut, throwing for 4 touchdowns and showing he still has plenty left in the tank. He is a player to watch for passing props. For the Jets, Justin Fields had a solid debut, and his dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous player.

Washington Commanders 21, New York Giants 6

Betting Takeaway: The Commanders secured a comfortable victory over the Giants, easily covering the spread as favorites. The Giants’ offense struggled mightily, a major concern for a team with high expectations. Bettors who backed the Commanders were rewarded with a stress-free win.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Commanders covered the 7.5-point spread with ease, and the total of 27 points stayed well under the 42.5 line. The Giants’ offensive ineptitude was the primary reason for the under hitting.

Player to Watch: Deebo Samuel had a strong debut for the Commanders, leading the team in receiving and adding a rushing touchdown. He is a versatile weapon who will be a key part of their offense. For the Giants, Russell Wilson’s debut was a disappointment, and he will need to play much better for the Giants to have any success.

Jacksonville Jaguars 26, Carolina Panthers 10

Betting Takeaway: The Jaguars secured a comfortable win over the Panthers, covering the spread as favorites. The Panthers’ offense struggled, which is a concern for their outlook this season. Bettors who backed the Jaguars had a straightforward win.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Jaguars covered the 6.5-point spread, and the total of 36 points stayed under the 44.5 line. The Panthers’ offensive struggles were a key factor in the under hitting.

Player to Watch: Travis Hunter made his two-way debut for the Jaguars and showed flashes of his potential. He is a player to watch as he develops. For the Panthers, Bryce Young’s struggles are a major concern, and he will need to improve for the team to be competitive.

Cincinnati Bengals 17, Cleveland Browns 16

Betting Takeaway: The Bengals squeaked out a narrow victory over the Browns in a low-scoring, defensive battle. This game was a classic AFC North slugfest, and it was a good reminder that divisional games are often tight. For bettors, taking the points with the underdog was the right move.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Browns covered the 5.5-point spread, and the total of 33 points stayed well under the 48 line. The defensive nature of the game was the main reason for the under hitting.

Player to Watch: Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense struggled, but they did enough to get the win. They will need to be much better to compete with the top teams in the AFC. For the Browns, their defense looks formidable, and they will be a tough opponent for any team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, Atlanta Falcons 20

Betting Takeaway: The Buccaneers won a close game against the Falcons, but they failed to cover the spread as favorites. This was a tight divisional game that could have gone either way, and it was a good reminder that divisional underdogs are often a good bet.

Key Stat for Bettors: The Falcons covered the 4.5-point spread, and the total of 43 points stayed under the 45.5 line. The close nature of the game was the main reason for the under hitting.

Player to Watch: Baker Mayfield had a solid game for the Buccaneers, and he has a new weapon in rookie Emeka Egbuka, who had a strong debut. For the Falcons, their late-game collapse was a major disappointment, and they will need to be better in close games.

Conclusion

Week 1 was full of surprises and close games, which is great news for bettors. Underdogs had a strong showing, and many games went under the total. As we head into Week 2, it will be interesting to see which teams can build on their early success and which teams will bounce back from disappointing starts. Be sure to check back with bet105 for all the latest odds and analysis for Week 2 of the NFL season.