The complete 2025 NFL schedule is out. And we also have odds for every Week 1 game, giving us an opportunity to get a jump on the matchups that draw our attention.
The days following the schedule release also present an opportunity to evaluate updated team win totals and futures to see if there is any early betting value.
So which NFL bets stand out?
We asked our team for the early bets they are making for the new season. Here's what caught their eye.
Odds current as of publication time, courtesy of ESPN BET.
My first bet for Week 1
Chicago Bears -1 vs. Minnesota Vikings
8:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 8
Matt Bowen: I'll take the Bears in the Monday night opener at Soldier Field. Let's look at Ben Johnson's offense here, one featuring an upgraded front with key additions in the route tree for quarterback Caleb Williams. Creativity in the call sheet, rhythm throws and explosive play opportunities. Plus, let's not forget about a Chicago defense under new coordinator Dennis Allen that will change the picture post-snap, while using overload pressure to heat up the pocket versus Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will be making his first pro start. This feels like a Bears winner.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ML (-135) at Atlanta Falcons
1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 7
Ben Solak: I'll be all over the Buccaneers this offseason. They return all 11 starters on offense and add WR Emeka Egbuka as insurance to account for Mike Evans' age and Chris Godwin's return from injury. They poured resources into the defense post-draft and added Haason Reddick as a pass-rush ringer as well. The Falcons will start Michael Penix Jr., who only has three starts to his name and has yet to see a blitz-happy Todd Bowles defense. Bowles' secondary was shredded by Kirk Cousins in last year's games against the Falcons, but I'd wager Penix is far more easily flustered and confused by Bowles' chaos-oriented scheme than Cousins was. I'm happy to buy early and low on a Buccaneers team that should prove a legit NFC contender.
Denver Broncos -7 vs. Tennessee Titans
4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 7
Tyler Fulghum: The classic rookie QB making his first career start on the road handicap. Cam Ward's first assignment as an NFL starter will come in Denver against a defense that added CB Jahdae Barron to pair with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. The Broncos could have a top-5 defense in 2025. And Bo Nix and Sean Payton should have no problem scoring against a Titans defense that is not yet fully formed.
Early futures bets
Los Angeles Chargers to win AFC (+1000)
11-6, second in AFC West in 2024, lost in wild-card round
Bowen: Outside of the big four in the AFC -- the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals -- I'd give the Chargers the best shot to make a deep run in the playoffs. Quarterback Justin Herbert enters his second season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Look for Herbert to make a jump here. The club made upgrades on offense with rookie running back Omarion Hampton and guard Mekhi Becton, two players who can boost the run game, and receivers Tre Harris and Mike Williams give Herbert more vertical stretch ability on the perimeter. Outside linebacker Joey Bosa was released this offseason, but the core of the defense that allowed a league-low 17.7 points per game returns in '25. Play the upside here with a team that has the pieces to win in January.
Green Bay Packers to win NFC (+1000)
11-6, third in NFC North in 2024, lost in wild-card round
Eric Moody: The Packers are built for a serious run at the NFC title in 2025. Quarterback Jordan Love took another step forward in 2024, showing improved decision-making and proving he can win on the road in the playoffs. Green Bay's young core now has postseason experience and the team added key pieces this offseason, including first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden and standout offensive guard Aaron Banks. The Packers defense could be even better in their second season in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme. Green Bay has the league's easiest NFC North schedule, and when you pair that with the home-field advantage of Lambeau Field and their rising stars, this Packers team could make a significant leap in 2025 (no pun intended).
Los Angeles Rams to win NFC West (+160)
10-7, first in NFC West, lost in divisional round
Moody: The Rams are well-positioned to repeat as NFC West champions in 2025. With a healthy Matthew Stafford, dynamic playmakers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and an improved defense led by Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, the Rams have both star power and depth. Head coach Sean McVay remains one of the league's top offensive minds, and the division looks weaker with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in transition. The defending NFC West champs have a first-place schedule in 2025 but favorable matchups against the NFC and AFC South. Barring injuries, a third straight 10-win season and another division title look quite achievable.