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Who’s Going No. 1? Breaking Down the 2025 NFL Draft Favorites

  • Get the best 2025 NFL Draft odds at BetUS
  • Shedeur Sanders is the betting favorite to be picked first
  • Cameron Ward and Travis Hunter offer value odds to go first

 

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be anything but predictable. Thanks to a volatile season finale and a handful of teams still vying for the dubious honor of “worst in the league,” the draft order is as clear as mud. The New York Giants, bless their hearts, have the inside track on the top pick after their inspiring march to irrelevance. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to briefly remember how to play football, winning a game and tumbling down to the No. 6 spot. Thanks for the chaos, Raiders.

Who’s Going No. 1? Breaking Down the 2025 NFL Draft Favorites
Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes / Andrew Wevers/Getty Images/AFP

At the heart of this draft are three standout prospects, each with compelling cases to be selected first: Shedeur Sanders, Cameron Ward, and Travis Hunter. Let’s break down some NFL expert predictions on why each could be the top pick—and why your favorite team might regret not tanking harder for one of them.

 

My 3 Betting Favorites for the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Shedeur Sanders (-200): The Safe Bet with Superstar Pedigree

Shedeur Sanders leads the NFL odds as the heavy favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. The Colorado star is polished, poised, and built for the NFL spotlight. His 2024 season stats are ridiculous: 3,926 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, only eight interceptions, and a nation-leading 74.2% completion rate. He’s the football equivalent of ordering pizza—it’s not flashy, but you know exactly what you’re getting.

Sanders brings a high floor to the table, making him a safe choice for the risk-averse teams at the top of the draft. He’s the kind of quarterback who won’t singlehandedly lose you games but might not wow you with jaw-dropping plays like his competitors. That’s not a knock—it’s just that his game is more reliable than spectacular.

If the Giants land the No. 1 pick (which feels like a lock at this point), Sanders would be a great fit. After all, New York hasn’t seen a quarterback complete 74% of their passes since, well, never.

 

2. Cameron Ward (+150): The Boom-or-Bust Gunslinger

Cameron Ward is the draft’s wild card, and his meteoric rise up the odds board has been a thrill to watch. Just two weeks ago, he was sitting at +750. Now he’s second in the running at +150, making him the trendy pick for teams that want to swing for the fences.

Ward is an electrifying playmaker, racking up over 4,000 yards passing and 36 touchdowns for Miami this season. He leads the nation in passing TDs, showcasing his ability to light up a scoreboard. His arm is a weapon, his pocket presence is impressive, and his improvisation can make defensive coordinators lose sleep.

But here’s the catch: Ward’s game isn’t without its chaos. His loose mechanics can lead to unnecessary sacks and turnover-worthy throws when things go off-script. Drafting him is like buying a used Ferrari—it might be thrilling, but you better hope it doesn’t break down.

Still, Ward’s upside is too tantalizing for teams willing to gamble to ignore. If the Giants make NFL news and pass on Sanders, Ward could easily end up No. 1, especially if a quarterback-needy team trades up to snag him.

 

3. Travis Hunter (+350): The Do-It-All Phenom

Travis Hunter might be the most exciting player in this draft class. A true two-way superstar, he’s equally dominant as a cornerback and wide receiver. At 6’1” and 185 pounds, Hunter’s blend of speed, ball skills, and versatility make him a unicorn in modern football.

Let’s start with his defensive chops: Hunter has elite coverage skills and the athleticism to lock down receivers in any system. His tackling is solid, his instincts are sharp, and his ability to jump routes could make him a Pro Bowler from Day 1.

On offense, Hunter is just as dangerous. His acceleration and hands are elite, and he’s the kind of player who can make a quarterback look better simply by existing. If he were just a receiver, he’d still be a top-10 pick.

The only knocks on Hunter are nitpicky. His lean frame could use bulking up, and his reliance on athleticism sometimes masks technical flaws. But these are minor critiques for a player whose ceiling is as high as it gets.

Hunter’s NFL betting line might be the longest of the three, but if a team is looking for a game-changer on both sides of the ball—or simply someone to sell jerseys—he’s worth a look at No. 1.

 

Final Thoughts

The race for the No. 1 pick is shaping up to be a fascinating debate between safety, upside, and versatility. Shedeur Sanders offers consistency and polish, making him the favorite in 2025 NFL draft betting picks. Cameron Ward is the high-ceiling risk-taker who could make or break a franchise. And Travis Hunter? He’s the Swiss Army knife every team wishes they had.

As the 2024 season winds down, much will depend on how the draft order shakes out. If the Giants hold on to the top spot, Sanders seems like the logical pick. But don’t be surprised if a bold front office trades up for Ward’s potential or takes a chance on Hunter’s unique skill set.

No matter what happens, one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL Draft will be as unpredictable as it is exciting. Let the speculation begin.

 

Questions of the Day

Who was the #1 Draft Pick in 2024?


QB Caleb Williams went to the Chicago Bears with the first pick in last year’s NFL Draft.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.

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