Sportsbooks Deploy Aggressive Promos for NFL Week 1 Launch
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Major operators including DraftKings and FanDuel lead a push for new users as the 2026 season opens with high-total matchups.
The NFL returns for Week 1 on September 13, prompting a surge in acquisition offers from major sports betting operators, as CBS Sports first reported. According to CBS Sports, DraftKings is offering new users $200 in bonus bets following a $5 wager, while FanDuel is providing $350 in bonus bets. Other significant industry offers include BetMGM providing up to $1,500 in bonus bets via the code CBSSPORTS and Fanatics Sportsbook offering up to $1,000 in FanCash through the code CBSFAN26.
Market activity is centered on a 13-game Sunday slate and a Monday night finale. CBS Sports reports that the highest over/under on the Week 1 board is 49.5 points for the Saints vs. Lions matchup, though a separate preview for the Buccaneers vs. Bengals game lists a higher over/under of 51.5.
Key betting lines for the opening weekend include:
* **Cowboys vs. Giants:** Dallas enters as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 48. * **Broncos vs. Chiefs:** Kansas City is a 2.5-point favorite for the Monday night matchup. * **Saints vs. Lions:** Detroit is listed as a -7 favorite in the schedule, though a game preview lists the spread at -6.5. * **Cardinals vs. Chargers:** Los Angeles is a 9.5-point favorite. * **Browns vs. Jaguars:** Jacksonville is an 8.5-point favorite.
CBS Sports notes that online sports betting is currently legal in Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 30 states, with operators such as bet365, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars competing for market share through these early-season promotional windows.