Early NFL Props to Target for Week 1: Jonathan Taylor, Dak Prescott Among Best Bets

• The 2025 NFL season kicks off Thursday with Dallas visiting the defending champion Eagles
• Week 1 presents prime player prop opportunities with line value across multiple matchups
• Check out our top three NFL player props to target for opening week action

The wait is finally over. NFL football returns Thursday night when the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to face the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. With 32 teams in action and betting markets still adjusting to offseason changes, Week 1 delivers some of the best player prop value you’ll find all season.

After breaking down matchups, injury reports and line movements, I’ve locked in three plays that offer the best combination of projection edge and situational advantages. Here’s where to put your money for Week 1.

NFL Week 1 Player Props to Target

Odds as of September 2, 2025, at top-rated NFL betting apps. See which sportsbook is offering these odds at the end of each prop section.

NFL Player Prop Pick: Jonathan Taylor Rushing Yards

This line in the NFL player props seems pretty low to me (especially at FanDuel). Taylor closed out 2024 on an absolute tear, averaging 156 rushing yards on 29 carries per game over his final four contests. Sure, he won’t see 29 carries in Week 1, but he shouldn’t need anywhere close to that volume against this Dolphins defense.

I’m projecting Miami’s run defense as a bottom-5 unit with major concerns at linebacker. The Dolphins allowed 4.4 yards per carry last season and got worse this offseason, losing key pieces like Calais Campbell without meaningful replacements. They’re particularly vulnerable against power running schemes – exactly what Indianapolis runs.

The upgraded quarterback situation should help this prop cash too. Daniel Jones provides way more competence than Anthony Richardson’s 45% completion rate from last year. Even some minor improvement in the passing game will open up running lanes that Taylor can exploit.

I’ve got Taylor’s Week 1 rushing yards projected right around 95, which gives us 15 yards of cushion above this line. Playing at home in the dome eliminates weather variables, and the Colts should control this game against a Dolphins team that historically struggles on the road.

• Early Bet: Jonathan Taylor over 78.5 rushing yards (-114 at FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5 & Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $300

BET NOW

NFL Player Prop Pick: Dak Prescott Passing Attempts

The Cowboys enter Thursday night as 7.5-point underdogs, and that spread tells you plenty about how this game should unfold. Without Micah Parsons after his trade to Green Bay, Dallas’ defense looks vulnerable against a loaded Eagles offense featuring Saquon Barkley behind an elite offensive line.

When Philadelphia jumps ahead early – and they probably will – the Cowboys have to abandon any pretense of balance. Prescott will need to throw the ball early and often to keep pace.

The addition of George Pickens really changes Dallas’ offensive dynamic. For the first time in years, Prescott has a legitimate deep threat to pair with CeeDee Lamb. While the Eagles’ secondary remains solid, losing Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox creates opportunities downfield that didn’t exist last season.

Prescott hit this line in half his healthy games last year without this level of negative game script or these weapons. The forecast shows possible light showers with 60% coverage, but nothing severe enough to impact passing volume. At plus money, I’m all over this Prescott prop for what should be a pass-heavy game plan.

• Early Bet: Dak Prescott over 36.5 pass attempts (-108 at FanDuel)

NFL Player Prop Pick: David Njoku Receiving Yards

The Joe Flacco connection is something special for Njoku. When the veteran quarterback took over in Cleveland during the 2023 season, Njoku went from afterthought to focal point. In their five games together, Njoku averaged over nine targets per game and cleared 90 receiving yards on three occasions.

Those numbers came while competing for targets with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman. This year’s receiving corps lacks that same depth, which should mean more concentrated targets for Njoku.

Cincinnati’s defense is the perfect matchup we want here. The Bengals’ secondary ranks in the bottom eight according to PFF, and they made zero significant upgrades. Their preseason performance was concerning too – they made Eagles backup Tanner McKee look like an MVP candidate.

Cleveland’s rushing attack has questions with rookie Quinshon Judkins dealing with legal issues. That should push more offensive responsibility onto Flacco’s arm. With his passing yards line set around 238, Njoku only needs about 18% target share to clear this number. Based on their history together, I’m taking that every day.

Playing at home in Cleveland gives the Browns a familiar environment for Flacco to operate. Look for these two to connect multiple times in a game featuring one of the higher Week 1 totals (47.5). Grab this Njoku prop at BetMGM, as DraftKings and FanDuel have already moved his line over 50.

• Early bet: David Njoku over 48.5 receiving yards (-115 at MGM)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET $1,500
BACK

BET NOW