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Mike Vrabel’s 5 Bold NFL Week 1 Picks Stun Bettors!
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Vrabel’s Patriots Debut Highlights 5 Powerful NFL Week 1 Best Bets
The main course of the 2025 NFL season is finally here. After a small taste of action on Thursday and Friday, the first full Sunday of games is set to kick off, and bettors are scrambling for last-minute advice. For those finalizing their cards, we’re revealing five powerful best bets to target before the weekend action begins.
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1. Las Vegas Raiders +2.5 vs. New England Patriots
The Mike Vrabel era begins in New England amidst a wave of optimism. The Patriots have aggressively rebuilt after two dismal 4-13 seasons, with the hiring of the disciplined Mike Vrabel as head coach being the centerpiece. His leadership, combined with key free agent additions and a second-year leap from quarterback Drake Maye, has expectations soaring.
However, the visiting Las Vegas Raiders are flying under the radar with their own stellar offseason. The savvy hiring of coach Pete Carroll and the acquisition of stable quarterback Geno Smith provide instant credibility. Smith’s familiarity with Carroll’s system should jump-start an offense featuring talents like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
The decisive factor, however, is a significant injury in the Patriots’ secondary. All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez is ruled out with a hamstring injury, creating a major vulnerability for Geno Smith to exploit. While Mike Vrabel will have his team competitive, this opener is destined to be a nail-biter.
The Pick: Raiders +2.5 (via <a href=”https://www.betmgm.com” target=”_blank”>BetMGM</a>)
Projected Score: Patriots 23, Raiders 21
2. New York Jets +1.5 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ignore the historical trends for a moment. While Pittsburgh has dominated recent Week 1 road games and the Jets have been historically poor in September, New York holds value as a home underdog.
The major question mark is 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers’ fit in Pittsburgh. Coming off his worst statistical season, Rodgers didn’t have the benefit of a full offseason or preseason reps with his new receiving corps, lacking the built-in chemistry he enjoyed with Davante Adams. Facing a Jets defense that practiced against him for years is a brutal first test.
Expect Justin Fields and the Jets’ defense to control the tempo with a run-heavy approach, frustrating the still-gelling Steelers offense and securing an upset cover at home.
The Pick: Jets +1.5
3. Denver Broncos -8.5 vs. Tennessee Titans
This pick is all about a massive mismatch. The Denver Broncos, led by sophomore sensation Bo Nix, are a popular breakout candidate for 2025. With offensive additions like Evan Engram, RJ Harvey, and J.K. Dobbins, plus key defensive upgrades with Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, this roster is loaded. Their defense, already top-three last year, has a chance to be the league’s best.
They face a Tennessee Titans team led by rookie QB Cam Ward that went an abysmal 2-15 against the spread (ATS) last season—the worst mark since at least 1970. Conversely, Denver was a perfect 8-0 ATS as a favorite in 2024. These trends are too powerful to ignore for Week 1.
The Pick: Broncos -8.5 (via <a href=”https://www.fanduel.com” target=”_blank”>FanDuel Sportsbook</a>)
Projected Score: Broncos 27, Titans 17
The Bottom Line
The first Sunday of the NFL season is always unpredictable, but targeting these specific matchups provides a strong foundation for your betting slate. From Mike Vrabel‘s challenging debut to Denver’s powerhouse potential, these five bets offer incredible value for Week 1.