The early weeks of the NFL season often come with fireworks. From high-profile rivalry games to international showcases, Weeks 1–3 of the 2025 schedule offer several matchups that could shape not only division races, but betting strategies. Teams are still finding rhythm, lines move quickly, and unexpected storylines emerge.
For bettors, this stretch is less about chasing trends and more about recognizing opportunity. Whether it’s a tested franchise looking for redemption or a rising team with something to prove, these early contests offer valuable insight into form, roster stability, and coaching influence.
Week 1: High Stakes From the Start
Opening week delivers a primetime NFC rivalry, a neutral-site AFC showcase, and multiple Sunday matchups with playoff-caliber implications. Each game offers bettors a chance to gauge readiness.
Cowboys vs. Eagles – September 4
Philadelphia opens its season at home against longtime rivals Dallas. The Eagles posted a dominant 8-1 home record last year and return with most of their core intact. Dallas needs early composure after a shaky 2024, but will have its hands full with Jalen Hurts and a stacked defense. Bettors should look closely at the turnover battle, which has tilted this rivalry in recent years.
Chiefs vs. Chargers (Brazil) – September 5
Kansas City faces Los Angeles in São Paulo, marking the NFL’s first regular-season game in Brazil. Though labeled a Chargers home game, the international venue neutralizes any home-field advantage. The Chiefs, fresh off a strong finish in 2024, are expected to capitalize on stability and continuity. Bettors may want to monitor travel impact on execution and offensive rhythm.
Ravens vs. Bills – September 6
This clash between two AFC heavyweights promises postseason intensity. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen bring top-tier quarterback play, but Buffalo’s home-field advantage could be a difference-maker. Keep an eye on how both defenses handle mobile quarterbacks—an area where past matchups have been decided early.
Week 2: Rising Pressure and Regional Clashes
The second week builds tension across the league with key divisional contests.. Bettors should begin spotting trends in offensive consistency and defensive breakdowns.
Commanders vs. Packers – September 11
Green Bay hosts Washington after a strong 11-win campaign, looking to assert control early in the NFC North. The Commanders, coming off a 12-5 season, bring physicality and defensive pressure that could shape the pace. This one could hinge on quarterback efficiency in the red zone.
Jaguars vs. Bengals – September 14
Cincinnati welcomes Jacksonville in an important AFC game. Joe Burrow will aim to bounce back from a below-expectation year, while the Jaguars try to validate their offensive progress. Watch for sharp movement if either team shows instability in the secondary ahead of kickoff.
Eagles vs. Chiefs – September 14
This rematch of conference powerhouses is one of the most anticipated games of the month. With both teams coming off 15-2 records in 2024, the matchup brings postseason-level stakes. Both offenses can strike quickly, but defenses may quietly determine the winner. Both teams are expected to stay near the top of the NFL standings 2025, making this a valuable early barometer for conference dominance.
Week 3: Separation Begins
Week 3 starts to pull teams apart. Some franchises solidify their identity while others face uncomfortable questions.
Dolphins vs. Bills – September 18
Buffalo welcomes division rival Miami in what could shape the AFC East. The Dolphins struggled on the road last year and face one of the league’s most structured defensive units. Bettors might want to assess Miami’s offensive tempo outside of Florida.
Chiefs vs. Jets – September 20
Kansas City visits MetLife Stadium in a matchup that favors the Chiefs, but the Jets’ secondary could keep things close. With both teams drawing heavy media focus, the latest NFL news may quickly influence public perception and betting angles.
Packers vs. Browns – September 21
Green Bay visits Cleveland in a balanced contest that could go either way. The Browns bring potential on defense but must improve consistency. Green Bay’s offensive stability may tilt the game, especially if they avoid early turnovers.
Jets vs. Buccaneers – September 21
Tampa Bay hosts a Jets team still looking for footing. After a rough 2024, the Jets come in with renewed urgency but must overcome early pressure from a well-balanced Buccaneers squad. Defensive depth could play a decisive role in betting outcomes.
Early Betting Tips for Weeks 1–3 Matchups
The first three weeks of the NFL season are unpredictable, but that also makes them a prime window for sharp betting decisions. With teams adjusting to new rosters, coaching systems, and game-day conditions, these early matchups often create pricing inefficiencies. Here are eight focused tips to help guide your wagers during this volatile period:
- Ignore preseason results when setting expectations for regular-season matchups.
- Home teams with returning quarterbacks offer more consistency in the first three weeks.
- Avoid betting on teams with new coaching staffs playing on the road.
- Track late-week line movement to spot sharp money or key injury news.
- Be cautious with divisional games—familiarity often leads to tighter, lower-scoring outcomes.
- Look for value in under-the-radar matchups with limited media coverage.
- Give extra weight to offensive line continuity when evaluating early point spreads.
- Fade overhyped rookies in their first starts, especially against veteran defenses.
Early Lines Reveal True Contenders
The NFL season begins with intensity, but smart betting requires patience. Early games show who’s organized, who’s guessing, and who’s already behind the curve. The matchups featured here offer windows into team identity, coaching quality, and matchup dynamics that will shape future lines.
From neutral-site spectacles to classic divisional grinds, Weeks 1 through 3 set the tone not just for standings, but for strategy. Successful bettors won’t just watch but will read the patterns as they unfold.