The release of the schedule for the 2025-2026 NFL season signifies that professional football is right around the corner. The time is ripe for sports bettors to take advantage of futures wagers before the season commences. The Don Best crystal ball has been activated and has identified several wagers in which bettors should strongly consider investing.

Don Best Predictions

(1) Pittsburgh Steelers Over 8.5 Wins (-120); New England Patriots Under 8.5 Wins (+100):

The Steelers winning at least nine games has been an incredibly safe bet during the Mike Tomlin era even with their lack of success in the postseason. The Steelers have cleared eight wins in fifteen of the last eighteen years that Tomlin has been their coach. The pattern should continue this season as Aaron Rodgers represents a significant upgrade at quarterback over last year’s tandem of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. D.K. Metcalf also is a much more accomplished #1 wide receiver than George Pickens while Jalen Ramsey should bolster the secondary. The Steelers’ improvement at quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback should be enough to keep the Steelers above .500, which is all that is needed to prevail on this team total wins market.

By contrast, the Patriots are undeserving of much of the hype that they have received this offseason. The Patriots’ new head coach, Mike Vrabel, has the same antiquated approach that plagued New England towards the end of the Bill Belichick era. Vrabel went 13-21 in his final two seasons as the head coach for the Titans in arguably the weakest division in the NFL. The lack of a competent running game for the Patriots puts far too much pressure on a second-year quarterback in Drake Maye and an aging wide receiver in Stefon Diggs who is coming off a serious injury. The Patriots may improve from their paltry showing in the 2024-2025 season but they should still finish below .500.

(2) Matthew Stafford-Most Regular Season Passing Yards (+1600):

At 16-to-1 odds, Matthew Stafford to lead the NFL in passing yardage is a great value bet. Stafford has been durable recently and has only missed three starts combined the last two seasons. Stafford has almost passed for 4,000 yards the last two seasons even with the collapse in production from former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp. This offseason, the Rams effectively replaced Kupp with Davante Adams, who was still able to garner 1,000 receiving yardage seasons even with the moribund offenses of the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. The upgrade with Adams over Kupp and the continued growth from star wide receiver Puka Nakua will help Stafford generate significant passing yardage.

The Rams may also rely on more on Stafford’s passing this season. The Rams’ running backs are average and their lead running back, Kyren Williams, developed a fumbling problem last season. The AFC West is expected to be more competitive this season, which will lead to the Rams placing a greater onus of the offense on their quarterback. The Rams’ defense under the leadership of Jared Verse is considered a strong unit, which will provide Stafford with more offensive possessions to compile passing yards.

• Baltimore Ravens To Win the AFC Conference (+350):

This year’s Ravens team may just be too deep and talented for Lamar Jackson’s checkered playoff history to matter. The Ravens already boasted the most talented roster in the AFC and their additions of former Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander will help shore up two positions for which the Ravens have been vulnerable in the past. What has stung the Ravens in previous postseasons is the variance of multiple position groups, in addition to Jackson at quarterback, struggling in a single game when 60 minutes determines your postseason fate. The Ravens’ increased depth greatly reduces the possibility of another postseason meltdown.

The Ravens will also approach this regular season more seriously than last year. Losses to the bottom feeder Raiders and Browns led to last year’s Ravens team having to go on the road in Buffalo for the AFC Divisional Round. The Ravens have a clearer understanding as to the importance of securing home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. With the Chiefs finally showing signs of regression and the failure of the Bills to add any offensive star power to help Josh Allen, the Ravens are in strong position to finish the regular season with the best record in the AFC, which will only enhance their chances of winning the AFC.

Conclusion

The 2025-2026 NFL season is shaping up to be yet another unforgettable one, with intense competition, breakout stars, and thrilling games each week. For bettors, staying informed about team dynamics, player performances, and emerging trends will be crucial for making smart wagers. Whether you're eyeing futures bets or week-to-week matchups, this season offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the action and potentially cash in on your predictions. Let the season begin!

This betting preview aims to provide valuable insights for NFL fans and bettors alike. Always gamble responsibly and enjoy the 2025-2026 NFL season!

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