Sophia
The anticipation is palpable as Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off, promising a thrilling slate of games that will set the tone for the championship chase. From high-stakes divisional clashes to international showdowns, football fans and bettors alike are gearing up for an action-packed start. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the premier matchups, highlight the most lucrative sportsbook promotions, and offer expert insights to help you make informed decisions.
The season opener features a monumental NFC East rivalry as the Eagles (-7.5) face the Cowboys on Thursday, September 4th. The excitement then shifts to Brazil for a Friday showdown between the Chiefs and Chargers (+3). Sunday’s packed schedule culminates with a marquee AFC East clash: Bills vs. Ravens on Sunday Night Football, where the Bills are favored by 1.5 points with an over/under of 51.5. The week wraps up with Vikings vs. Bears on Monday Night Football, promising a fitting end to a spectacular opening week.
Beyond these headliners, other intriguing matchups include Buccaneers vs. Falcons and 49ers vs. Seahawks, featuring four teams with legitimate postseason aspirations. For those looking to dive into the betting action, understanding where and how to place your wagers, along with the best available promotions, is crucial.
Unlock Value: Top Sportsbook Promotions for Week 1
As the NFL season kicks off, sportsbooks are rolling out enticing offers for new users. These promotions can significantly boost your bankroll, providing bonus bets or profit boosts to enhance your Week 1 experience. Here’s a breakdown of the leading offers:
| Brand | Promo | CBS Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets instantly + over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket | Just click here |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses | CBSSPORTS |
| bet365 | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets win or lose | CBSBET365 |
| Caesars | Bet $1, double your winnings your next 20 bets | CBS20X |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins | Just click here |
| Fanatics | Get $100 No Sweat Bet in FanCash on every Game Day | Just click here |
Bonus Bets Galore: DraftKings, bet365, and FanDuel
For those looking for immediate returns, the DraftKings promo code, bet365 bonus code, and FanDuel promo code are excellent choices. DraftKings stands out by offering $300 in bonus bets instantly after a $5 wager, plus a significant discount of over $200 on NFL Sunday Ticket – a deal that’s hard to beat for dedicated fans. Bet365 offers flexibility with either $200 in bonus bets for a $5+ wager or a first bet safety net up to $1,000. FanDuel’s latest promo gifts new users $300 in bonus bets if their initial $5+ wager proves successful.
Safety Nets and Profit Boosts: BetMGM, Fanatics, and Caesars
BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook offer a different approach, providing bonus bets as a safety net if your first wager doesn’t pan out. Fanatics allows users to secure $100 No Sweat Bets in FanCash on every Game Day from August 23rd to October (New York users are limited to $25). The BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS provides up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses, offering substantial protection. For users in New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Michigan, a unique BetMGM promotion awards $150 in bonus bets if your first $10+ bet wins.
Caesars Sportsbook takes a distinct route with its promo code CBS20X, focusing on profit boosts rather than bonus bets. After placing a $1+ wager, you receive 20 100% profit boost tokens, allowing you to double your winnings on subsequent bets—a compelling offer for those confident in their picks.
Expert Picks for NFL Week 1: Insights from SportsLine
For bettors seeking an edge, SportsLine’s advanced computer model has proven its mettle, simulating every NFL game 10,000 times. This model has generated a profit of well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception, boasting an impressive 31-15 record on top-rated picks in 2024. Here are some of its top projections for Week 1:
Seahawks ML (+116) vs. 49ers: An NFC West Upset Alert
The Seattle Seahawks open their season at home against a San Francisco 49ers squad that, despite the return of Christian McCaffrey, is grappling with significant injury concerns. Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains sidelined with a knee injury, and fellow receiver Jauan Jennings has been absent from training camp due to a calf injury and contract disputes. Making his Seattle debut, Sam Darnold, fresh off a three-year, $100.5 million contract, aims to silence doubters. Last season, Darnold defied expectations, throwing for 4,319 yards and leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record. The SportsLine model projects Seattle to win in nearly 60% of simulations, indicating strong value at plus-money odds.
Buccaneers (-2.5) vs. Falcons: Tampa Bay’s Underrated Dominance
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have consistently defied expectations, securing four consecutive NFC South championships. Despite losing offensive coordinator Liam Coen to the Jaguars, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are accustomed to adapting, as their last two offensive coordinators also departed for head coaching roles. Mayfield and his squad have a proven track record of winning under various play-callers, a trend the model expects to continue in Week 1. While there’s buzz around Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who averaged 32 points per game in his three late-season starts last year, Atlanta went 1-2 in those games, with their sole win against the 3-14 Giants. As a young, inexperienced quarterback making his first Week 1 NFL start, Penix Jr. faces a well-prepared Tampa Bay defense. The model projects Tampa Bay to cover the spread in over 60% of simulations.
Commanders (-6) vs. Giants: Washington’s Offensive Firepower
The Washington Commanders enter Week 1 with a fully healthy complement of playmakers, thanks to a new contract for star receiver Terry McLaurin. This is a significant boost for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who thrived with McLaurin as his WR1, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Commanders to a 12-5 season and an NFC Championship Game appearance. Washington was a strong bet against the spread last season, going 12-7-1 ATS (including playoffs). They were particularly dominant at home, posting a 7-2 ATS record, including 6-2 as a home favorite. In contrast, the Giants struggled as road underdogs, going 2-5 last season. The model projects the Commanders to cover the spread in over 60% of simulations, making this an A-rated pick.
Betting Responsibly: A Crucial Reminder
While the excitement of NFL betting is undeniable, it’s paramount for all bettors to practice responsible gaming. Avoid dangerous habits like chasing losses, and utilize the tools provided by sportsbooks, such as time and wager limits, to manage your betting activity. Should you need assistance, national resources like The National Council on Problem Gaming, Gamblers Anonymous, and 1-800-GAMBLER are readily available to provide support and guidance.
