The 2025 NFL season is here with some great games on the Week 1 slate. This is a look at my favorite player prop bets for NFL Week 1. You can place all of these bets on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
NFL Week 1 Player Props
Giants at Commanders: Malik Nabers Longest Reception o25.5 Yards (+100)
Malik Nabers was one of the breakout stars in the NFL last season. Despite having lackluster quarterback play, Nabers finished seventh in the NFL in receiving yards in 2024. He also only played 15 games, while every player ahead of him on that list played all 17 games. Nabers is a great route-runner, can turn on the jets and has fantastic hands. He was able to connect on deep balls last year whenever he had somewhat competent quarterback play.
This season, he has Russell Wilson at quarterback, who has been one of the best deep ball passers in the NFL over the past decade. Wilson should look to take some deep shots to his new top target in this game. The Commanders also lost some key figures in their secondary from last season, including Jeremy Chinn and Benjamin St-Juste. Nabers should be able to attack this secondary and connect on at least one deep shot.
Jaguars vs. Panthers: Brian Thomas Jr. o5.5 Receptions (-111)
Along with Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. was one of the rookie stars of last season. While Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. had most of the acclaim coming out of college, Brian Thomas Jr. flew under the radar after getting drafted by Jacksonville. However, it is Thomas who not only led all rookies in receiving yards but also finished third in the entire NFL behind only Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Thomas had at least seven catches in each of his final five games of last season, and should get at least six receptions in Week 1 this season.
The Panthers had the worst secondary in the NFL last season, ranking dead last in defensive EPA/dropback. Trevor Lawrence should be able to attack the Carolina defense, with Thomas being the beneficiary. Travis Hunter is the exciting new piece in Jacksonville, but the defensive attention being paid to Hunter should only benefit Thomas even more this season.
Packers vs. Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs Anytime Touchdown (-115)
Jahmyr Gibbs led the NFL with 20 total touchdowns last season. He was tied for the NFL lead of 16 rushing touchdowns and added four more through the air as well. Gibbs is a part of the best running back duo in the NFL alongside David Montgomery. However, last season, Gibbs established himself as the clear go-to back. Gibbs’ explosive rushing ability, paired with his skill in the receiving game, makes him one of the most dangerous players in the NFL.
This should be a great game between the Lions and Packers, especially with Micah Parsons making his Green Bay debut. This Packers’ defense is going to be dangerous, so Dan Campbell should lean on his running backs. It will be a hostile road environment for Detroit against a great team. So, the Lions should hand the ball to Gibbs and utilize him in the passing game to take the pressure off Jared Goff. Gibbs should start the season with a touchdown in this exciting divisional game.
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Drake London o80.5 Receiving Yards (-111)
My favorite player prop for Week 1 is for Drake London to have over 80.5 receiving yards. London is one of the league’s most underrated players and could establish himself as a superstar this season. Last year, London finished third in the NFL in receptions and fourth in receiving yards. He has improved every year that he has been in the league and will hopefully have stable quarterback play for the first time in his career. Last season, Kirk Cousins was performing well for a while, but started to tail off down the stretch. Then, Michael Penix Jr. stepped in at quarterback for the final couple of games. Penix showed what he is capable of in the team’s season finale against Carolina, throwing for 312 yards and two scores along with a rushing TD.
London had 10 catches, including both touchdowns, for 187 yards in that game against the Panthers. In the prior game with Penix at the helm, London had 106 receiving yards against Washington. London and Penix instantly clicked, and now they have had a full offseason to develop that connection further. Drake London has also tormented the Buccaneers in the past. He had 12 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown when Atlanta hosted Tampa Bay last season, and had 10 catches for 172 yards when they hosted them the year prior. Atlanta is hosting Tampa Bay in their season opener, and it should be a monster game for London again, taking him over this receiving prop.
