Preseason Week 1 Takeaways: Rookies Shine, Injuries Loom, and Betting Markets React
The first week of the 2025 NFL preseason brought the full range of emotions—rookies showing flashes of greatness, established stars navigating injury scares, and coaches revealing early playbook wrinkles. For active fans and bettors alike, this week offered valuable insight into roster battles, player roles, and potential betting angles heading into the regular season.
Jalen Milroe’s Dual-Threat Debut in Seattle
Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe wasted no time making an impression. The former Alabama standout showcased the same dynamic skill set that made him a second-round pick—poise in the pocket combined with explosive mobility. Milroe completed 6-of-10 passes for 61 yards and added 38 rushing yards on three attempts, including a dazzling 27-yard scramble on a zone-read keeper that drew loud cheers from the Lumen Field crowd.
Coaches also gave Milroe limited exposure to deep shots, choosing to test his timing on quick outs and crossers. His decision-making under pressure was notable for a rookie in his first NFL action. Head coach Mike Macdonald hinted postgame that Milroe could see situational packages during the regular season.
Betting Angle: Mobile quarterbacks often become valuable in player prop markets—especially rushing yards, anytime touchdowns, and longest rush. If Seattle incorporates designed QB runs, Milroe’s over/under rushing lines early in the season could be soft.
LaJohntay Wester Electrifies Ravens Special Teams
If preseason football is about earning a roster spot, LaJohntay Wester just improved his odds in a big way. The undrafted rookie from Florida Atlantic took an 87-yard punt return to the house, weaving through multiple defenders and breaking two tackles before sprinting into the end zone.
Wester’s impact wasn’t limited to special teams—he also caught two passes for 41 yards, showing that he can contribute as a slot receiver. Baltimore’s special teams coordinator Chris Horton praised his “fearless field vision” and ability to accelerate through seams, hinting that Wester may be more than just a preseason highlight.
Betting Angle: Special teams plays are volatile but can swing game totals and even cover spreads. If Wester secures a permanent return role, Baltimore games could see hidden value in “longest punt return” props and possibly even alternate scoring markets.
Anthony Richardson’s Injury Raises Colts Questions
The Indianapolis Colts suffered an early scare when starting quarterback Anthony Richardson exited with a dislocated pinkie after a sack by Ravens pass rusher David Ojabo. While X-rays came back clean and Richardson is expected to return to practice soon, the incident raises durability concerns after he missed significant time last season with a shoulder injury.
In his absence, veteran Daniel Jones stepped in but struggled to generate offense, going 10-for-21 for 144 yards without leading a scoring drive. Head coach Shane Steichen maintained that Richardson remains the Week 1 starter, but the QB depth chart could see movement if minor injuries linger.
Betting Angle: Books have already started adjusting early-season Colts spreads and props, particularly in matchups where QB mobility is a factor. Richardson’s health could also influence overs/unders on team total points.
Other Notable Week 1 Highlights
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Defensive Pressure in Dallas: The Cowboys’ front seven generated consistent pressure, recording 5 sacks against Jacksonville. Bettors targeting sack props may want to note the aggressive blitzing packages Dan Quinn used.
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Rookie Running Backs Flash: Several first-year backs, including Kansas City’s Jaden Jenkins and New Orleans’ Tyrese Miller, showed promise in limited touches—potential fantasy and prop betting gems if depth chart shifts occur.
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Kicker Battles Intensify: Chicago and Cleveland saw their kicker competitions heat up, with both teams hitting field goals from beyond 50 yards.
Takeaways for Bettors
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Rookie Roles Are Forming: Milroe and Wester’s performances suggest they may have specific packages or roles this season—valuable for prop betting.
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Injury Watch Is Critical: Richardson’s brief exit is a reminder that early injury reports can shift market lines, especially for quarterback-driven spreads.
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Special Teams Can Swing Lines: Touchdowns from non-offensive plays can break unders and swing close spreads in unexpected ways.
