NFL Week 1 is here, and with it comes the excitement of a new season and the thrill of sports betting. FanDuel Sportsbook is offering an enticing promotion: “Get $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 bet.”
This is a fantastic opportunity for new users to get started, and with a little strategic betting, you could turn that $5 into a substantial bonus. Let’s dive into some of the best bets for Week 1, keeping that FanDuel promo in mind.
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The FanDuel Promo: A Closer Look
Before we get to the picks, let’s understand the FanDuel offer. You place a $5 bet, and if it wins, you get $300 in bonus bets. This means your initial $5 bet needs to be a confident one.
We’re looking for strong favorites with a high probability of winning, even if the payout on the $5 bet itself isn’t massive. The goal is to secure that $300 bonus.
NFL Week 1 Best Bets for Your $5 Wager

When looking for a reliable $5 bet to trigger the bonus, we want to target games with a clear favorite and minimal upset potential.
- Baltimore Ravens (-9.5) vs. Houston Texans: The Ravens are a perennial contender, especially at home, and they face a Texans team in full rebuild mode with a rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, making his first start. While Stroud has potential, M&T Bank Stadium is a tough place for a rookie debut. The Ravens’ defense is formidable, and their run game, led by Lamar Jackson, will be a handful. This feels like a relatively safe bet for Baltimore to win outright, even if covering the spread is a bit more uncertain for the $5 bet. We’re prioritizing the win here.
- Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) vs. New England Patriots: The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl appearance and return a stacked roster on both sides of the ball. The Patriots, while always well-coached, have a less explosive offense. This game is on the road for the Eagles, but their talent differential is significant. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offensive line should be able to control the line of scrimmage, and their defensive front will pressure Mac Jones. The Eagles are a strong candidate for an outright win.
- Minnesota Vikings (-6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Vikings are at home and boast one of the league’s most dynamic receivers in Justin Jefferson. The Buccaneers are starting the post-Tom Brady era with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. While Mayfield has experience, the Bucs’ offense is expected to take a step back. The Vikings’ offense should be able to move the ball effectively against a Buccaneers defense that is still solid but might be on the field more often. A home win for Minnesota seems very plausible.
Higher Payout, Higher Risk (For Your Bonus Bets)

Once you’ve secured your $300 in bonus bets, you can afford to be a bit more adventurous. Here are some Week 1 bets that offer better payouts and could be worth a look with your bonus funds.
- San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: This is a fantastic early-season test for both teams. The 49ers have a loaded roster and an elite defense. The Steelers, however, are tough at home and Mike Tomlin always has his team ready. While the 49ers are favorites, the Steelers could keep it close or even pull off an upset. Betting the Steelers moneyline (+125) with a bonus bet offers good value if you think they can defend their home turf.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts: The Jaguars are a trendy pick to win their division again and Trevor Lawrence is poised for a big year. They face a Colts team with a rookie quarterback in Anthony Richardson. While the Jaguars should win, rookie QBs often surprise. Consider the Colts to cover the spread (+4.5) or even their moneyline (+180) as a riskier play with your bonus bets if you believe in the rookie’s potential.
- New York Jets (-2.5) vs. Buffalo Bills: This “Monday Night Football” clash features the highly anticipated debut of Aaron Rodgers with the Jets against the perennial AFC East champion Bills. This game has all the makings of a defensive battle. The Jets defense is elite, and Rodgers elevates their offense significantly. While the Bills are strong, the Jets at home with Rodgers could absolutely win this game. The Jets moneyline (+120) offers good value for a bonus bet.
NFL Week 1 Best Bets🔥Player Prop Picks, Parlays, Predictions FREE Today
Building a Parlay with Your Bonus Bets
If you’re feeling even more daring with your bonus bets, consider a small parlay. Parlays offer higher payouts but require all legs to hit.
- Parlay Idea: Eagles ML + Ravens ML + Vikings ML
- This parlay combines three of our earlier picks for outright wins. The odds would be considerably higher than betting them individually, offering a potentially larger return on your bonus bets.
Responsible Betting
Remember, sports betting should always be fun and responsible. Only wager what you can afford to lose. The FanDuel promo is a great way to kickstart your betting journey, but always gamble responsibly.
Good luck with your Week 1 bets, and may your $5 wager turn into $300 in bonus bets!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please gamble responsibly.
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