The first three weeks of the NFL season are often the most unpredictable, but that’s what makes them profitable. With new systems, fresh rosters, and no weather disruptions yet, the early schedule gives bettors a chance to act before lines stabilize. Some games offer value based on history. Others present favorable totals due to defensive mismatches or coaching shifts.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most interesting early-season NFL matchups that offer viable betting angles from Week 1 to Week 3.
Week 1 Matchups
Several openers feature familiar rivalries as well as emerging offenses. These games carry momentum-setting stakes and offer early indicators for futures as well.
Cowboys at Eagles – Thursday, September 4
Philadelphia returns with an elite offensive unit, while Dallas brings a deep receiving corps and top-10 scoring history. Last year’s meetings both cleared 40 total points. With two aggressive coaching staffs and new defensive looks, this is one of Week 1’s most volatile totals.
Early in the season, explosive plays tend to define the game. That favors both quarterbacks in a matchup that rarely disappoints on national TV.
Chiefs vs. Chargers – Friday, September 5
Kansas City and Los Angeles head to Brazil for the first neutral-site game of the year. With no home crowd advantage, expect clean communication and fast-paced execution. Both quarterbacks rank top five in deep passing efficiency.
This is also the kind of high-visibility matchup that draws attention across major platforms offering NFL betting online, especially when played at a neutral venue. Bettors should track movement on first-half totals and look for alternate lines ahead of kickoff.
Buccaneers at Falcons – Sunday, September 7
Tampa Bay plays at pace, while Atlanta remains committed to the run. These conflicting styles often lead to unbalanced quarters and mismatched pace. Tampa has covered four of the last five meetings.
Early red zone data suggests Atlanta struggles to finish drives again, look for alternative spreads on Tampa or second-half total points.
Ravens at Bills – Sunday, September 7
The Ravens and Bills are projected playoff teams with explosive offenses and mobile quarterbacks. Buffalo’s secondary is adjusting to key departures, while Lamar Jackson remains one of the most difficult quarterbacks to scheme for early in the year.
Games like this also shape AFC odds. A dominant win could shift future lines or playoff seeding markets. Keep an eye on line movement and the injury report through Friday.
Bengals at Browns – Sunday, September 7
This AFC North matchup features two quarterbacks with something to prove. Joe Burrow is back at full health, while Cleveland’s offense must show consistency. Cincinnati has covered well at home against Cleveland in recent years.
These teams know each other well, but Week 1 chaos often leads to high-scoring quarters. If the total opens under 44, value may emerge on the over, depending on red zone efficiency trends.
Bears at Vikings – Monday, September 8
Chicago’s revamped defense closed 2024 on a strong note, while Minnesota continues to rely on offensive precision. The indoor setting supports scoring stability, which favors Minnesota’s tempo-based system.
If injury reports lean clean and the total stays below 44, this could be a sneaky over spot. Both teams have struggled to close out games late, making fourth-quarter points more likely.
Week 2 Matchups
In Week 2, NFL teams reveal whether the Week 1 results were a trend or an outlier. Bettors who act on early reads can find spreads and totals with upside.
Patriots at Dolphins – Sunday, September 14
Miami has dominated recent meetings with New England, especially in early-season heat. The Dolphins’ speed stretches opposing defenses horizontally, and the Patriots haven’t adjusted well to that dynamic.
This game also matters for those watching division standings, as early results in the AFC East have proven decisive in the last three years.
Seahawks at Steelers – Sunday, September 14
This matchup offers an underrated mix of youth and explosiveness. Seattle has the speed advantage, but Pittsburgh’s defense creates pressure early and plays well at home.
Games like this often reward those tracking NFL research more closely than public narratives. Prop markets, especially for passing attempts and sack totals, may hold untapped value if you’re watching matchup data instead of media buzz.
Week 3 Matchups
By Week 3, betting lines begin to reflect public narratives, but not always accurately. That opens opportunities if you act early in the week.
Lions at Ravens – Tuesday, September 23
A rare Tuesday game closes the Week 3 slate as Detroit visits Baltimore. The Lions enter as one of the NFL’s top scoring teams, while Baltimore looks to tighten red zone defense.
This is a totals-focused matchup. The weather won’t be a concern, and both offenses use tempo to control possession. If the total opens under 47, early movement may push it up before Sunday night.
Rams at Eagles – Sunday, September 21
The Rams and Eagles have two of the league’s most efficient first-quarter offenses. Bettorss and fans will note that these defenses gave up a combined 650 points in 2024. This matchup should attract attention from those focused on totals.
Consider alt lines or same-game parlays if key offensive starters remain healthy. Game script suggests a fast start, so first-half totals and passing yard props hold value here.
Cowboys at Bears – Sunday, September 21
This is a potential trap spot for Dallas. Chicago tends to perform better at home and is now using a quicker-release passing system. Dallas historically struggles against misdirection and rollouts.
If line movement pushes Dallas past a touchdown favorite, the number may become inflated. Monitor spread percentages as public money leans heavily on popular road favorites early in the season.
Broncos at Chargers – Sunday, September 21
The Denver Broncos quietly improved their offensive line, while the Chargers bring back a top-10 scoring unit. Russell Wilson showed signs of life late last year.
This game could break open if either team scores early. Expect volatility in totals markets. Late-week overs may offer value if both teams enter healthy and confident.
Capitalizing on Early-Season Volatility
The opening three weeks offer windows of opportunity that disappear by October. Mispriced lines, public overreactions, and shallow injury reports create favorable setups for those who do their homework.
Coaches are still testing game plans. Defenses haven’t settled, and offensive rhythm develops quickly for teams with returning quarterbacks. If you’re selective and sharp, the first three weeks are less about guesswork and more about capitalizing on uncertainty.
