For some of you, the September 4^th NFL kickoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl champion Philadelphi Eagles can’t come fast enough. And, if that’s you, then it’s time to start handicapping the opening week of the 2025-26 NFL season.

You really can’t go wrong with planning your NFL bets in advance. Sure, we still have a lot of data points to factor in like the entire slate of NFL Preseason action. Yet, let’s not dismiss the opening NFL odds for Week 1 because there could be some hidden value there.

With that said, let’s take our first look at the NFL Week 1 schedule and make our early NFL picks for the opening week of the upcoming season.

NFL Week 1 Schedule

NFL Week 1 Odds

The opening odds for Week 1 of the 2025-26 NFL season has revealed early indications of what the top sports betting sites think about all 32 NFL teams.

Before we dive into the early NFL Week 1 lines, let’s take a look at some of the overall betting trends from last year. These trends were for the regular season only. And, they could be a data point to use in our early handicapping of the Week 1 odds.

Speaking of handicapping, if you need extra assistance this season, then check out the industry’s best membership for free. You will get access to all of the best handicappers for the NFL and every major sport.

Score on Every NFL Bet
With Our Elite

Handicapping Membership!

Get Free Trial

Favorites went 194-78 SU and 142-122-8 ATS last year. That means Underdogs went 122-142-8 ATS. If you like betting on NFL Underdogs, we take a look at the best dogs each week throughout the season.

Home Teams were 145-127 SU and 135-129-8 ATS last season. Home Favorites went 114-47 SU, but the Road Underdogs went 72-85-4 ATS. Road Favorites were 80-31 SU and 57-50-4 ATS. The Under hit at a 53% clip last year in 144 of 272 total regular season games.

For Week 1, the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders are the biggest favorites to kick off the season. All three teams are also playing at home.

The Arizona Cardinals (-205) are the biggest Road Favorite in Week 1 as they head to Louisiana to take on the New Orleans Saints. The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills have the largest Total in Week 1 at 51.5 points.

Make sure to check back throughout the summer, preseason and week of to get the latest NFL odds for Week 1.

NFL Week 1 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full Week 1 slate of matchups and make our early NFL picks for each game.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

The 2025-26 NFL season kicks off with a Thursday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.

Dallas will see a healthy Dak Prescott return to action, with a retooled offense. The addition of George Pickens gives the Cowboys one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.

The Eagles are coming off an impressive Super Bowl victory and feature one of the best rosters in the league. In fact, they remain the odds-on favorite to win the NFC Championship.

This opening week matchup marks the 132^nd time that these rivals have played against each other. The Cowboys lead the series with a 74-58 record. However, the Eagles swept Dallas last season and outscored them 75 to 13.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

Since this is the first NFL game of the season, you can be sure that there will be hundreds of game and player prop bets.

With that said, the Eagles are the better team on paper and bring more cohesiveness into this matchup. It’s hard to think that Dallas can go in and spoil Philly’s party.

I do believe Dallas will be more competitive this year. However, that will start after they get smacked around in Week 1.

Philly is 5-1 SU and 5-1 ATS in home games versus Dallas. They went 11-0 SU at home last season.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-325), Eagles -7 (-110), Over 46.5 (-110)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

The first NFL International Game of the season is a battle of AFC West rivals. Although the Los Angeles Chargers are the home team, both squads will be playing on the road in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Chiefs and Chargers have played against each other 130 times, with just one postseason matchup. The Kansas City Chiefs hold the advantage with a 71-51-1 all-time record. However, they have dominated the Chargers in recent years.

Kansas City has seven straight games over Los Angeles. Last year, the games were decided by one score as the Chargers appear to have closed the gap.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

Both of these teams made the Playoffs last year. I expect both to make the postseason again this year. I also believe the Chiefs will maintain their strangle hold on the AFC West.

As for this game, you have to ride the hot hand of Patrick Mahomes and company until Justin Herbert and the Chargers can win one. KC is 19-3 SU versus the Chargers since 2013.

Bet: KC Chiefs -148, Chiefs -3 (-110), O 44.5 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Odds

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South last year, as they held off the Atlanta Falcons. So, what do the NFL schedule makers do? They pit the two rivals in a Week 1 matchup.

However, it’s the Falcons that hold a slight edge in the series. Currently, Atlanta is 32-31 all-time against the Bucs. Additionally, the Falcons swept Tampa Bay last year and have won four out of the last five meetings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Predictions

This will be an early indication as to how each team looks on the season. With that said, I like what the Falcons have done to build up a solid team around young QB Penix.

This offense should explode in 2025, and I expect that to start in Week 1. The Over is 8-1 in the last nine games between these divisional rivals at Atlanta. Additionally, I like for the Falcons to win the game and cover the spread. Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in last six games versus the Bucs.

Bet: Atlanta Falcons +120, Falcons +2.5 (-110), O 48.5 (-110)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

This AFC North clash features two teams at polar opposites of the conference hierarchy. The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to be a player in the AFC Championship conversation. The Cleveland Browns are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league.

The Bengals hold the edge in this series with an all-time record of 55-48. They’ve also won four of the last five meetings and swept the Browns last year by the score of 45 to 20.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

I see no reason to think that the Browns will win this game. Cleveland looks to have one of the worst rosters on paper and have five players battling for the starting QB job. This isn’t a well-run organization.

Although the Bengals have their own front office issues this offseason, Cincy is by far the better team. Look for Cincy to start off the season with a statement win over their in-state rival.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals -230, Bengals -5.5 (-110), O 44.5 (-110)

Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

One of the most intriguing matchups in Week 1 is the Miami Dolphins heading out on the road to face the Indianapolis Colts.

These old AFC divisional rivals have played against each other 77 times. The Dolphins hold the advantage with a 48-29 record. Their last meeting came in 2024, when the Colts won 16-10. Indy has won four of the last five meetings and eight of the last 10.

Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

I see the Colts being emotional and inspired to win the game for their former owner Jim Irsay who recently passed away.

They will ride this wave of motivation to victory. Indy is 5-1 ATS in their last six September games. They’re also 8-2 SU in their last 10 AFC East matchups. I’m also going with the Over as it’s 13-5 in the last 18 games at Indy.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts -120, Colts -1.5 (-110), O 45.5 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots Odds

This opening week matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots marks the 39^th all-time meeting. It also marks two rebuilding franchises with new head coaches.

The Patriots hold a series advantage with a 20-17-1 record. Yet, the Raiders have won the last two games.

With that said, the Patriots are 6-2 SU in last eight versus the Raiders. LV is just 3-13 SU in their last 15 road games. New England is 5-1 SU in last six home games.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. New England Patriots Predictions

At this point in time, prior to the preseason, I just don’t see the Raiders being a good team. The opposition will crowd the box to stop Jeanty and the LV running game, which will force an inferior offensive line to try and protect Geno Smith in a weak passing game.

Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye, and company will start off their season with a big home win.

New England Patriots -162, Patriots -3.5 (-110), U 43.5 (-110)

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

The Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints have played against each other 32 times. And, the all-time record is tied at 16 wins apiece.

Their last meeting came in 20220, where the Cardinals won at home. Neither team was good last year, but one of them has the potential to make a run in their division this year – the Cardinals.

The Saints are in disarray after Kellen Moore became head coach and Derek Carr was forced to retire due to an injury. They have very little experience at QB, an inferior overall roster, and are on the clock for the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

I’m throwing out all of the recent betting data and just looking at both rosters on paper. The Cardinals have the advantage in every position group on both sides of the ball.

I expect Arizona to shut down the Saints’ running game and forcing a young QB to try and beat them. That won’t happen. Look for Kyler Murray and company to put up some numbers on the board and stat boxes, as Arizona wins by at least a touchdown.

Bet: Arizona Cardinals -205, Cardinals -4.5 (-110), U 42.5 (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets Odds

In years past, this AFC clash would be exciting to watch. But that’s not the case this season. The New York Jets are not going to be a good football team as they rebuild from last year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, even without any legitimate starting QB on their roster as of this writing, could win this game just from their elite defense alone.

Pittsburgh holds a commanding lead in the all-time series with a 21-7 record. These two teams met last year and the Steelers won 37 to 15. I could see a similar score in this week’s matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets Predictions

Pittsburgh is 13-7 ATS and 12-6 SU against the Jets. They’re also 5-1 ATS in their last six September games. I expect those trends to continue. Pittsburgh is the better team on paper and in reality.

I like the Under for this game as well, considering the Jets offense will be overpowered by the Steelers’ elite defense. Also, the Under is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings between these two teams.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers -148, Steelers -2.5 (-110), U 39.5 (-110)

New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders Odds

This will be an intriguing NFC East battle between two long-time rivals. The Washington Commanders shocked the league last season as they made it to the NFC Championship game with a rookie QB.

Since then, Washington has added more talent to this roster including trading for Deebo Samuel at wide receiver.

The New York Giants have tried to retool both sides of the ball. They also added Russel Wilson as their starting QB, which should give them the steadiness they need at QB unlike throughout the Daniel Jones era.

This Week 1 matchup marks the 187^th time that these two teams have played against each other. The Giants lead the series with an all-time record of 108-73-5. Yet, Washington swept the Giants last season in two very close games.

New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders Predictions

I see Russ cookin’ in New York. However, I don’t see that translating into wins right away. Washington is the better team and should win this game at home.

Yet, the Giants will cover the spread. They’re 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games versus the Commanders and 6-1 ATS at Washington. I also like the Over as it’s 5-0 in Washington’s last five home games, 12-6 in their last 18 games, and 4-2 in their last six Week 1 games.

Bet: Washington Commanders -270, Giants +7 (-110), O 45.5 (-110)

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

This will be an intriguing matchup of cat teams, despite both franchises entering the season in rebuild mode. It marks just the 9^th time that the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars have played against each other. Both teams have won four games apiece.

Yet, the Panthers are 3-1 SU in the last four head-to-head meetings. The Jaguars are 0-5 SU in their last five NFC games and 1-4 SU in their last five home games.

Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

Despite what the odds say, I think this match is even. The Jaguars have just as many question marks as the Panthers do.

With that said, I will give the Jags an edge at home to start the season. But I do like the Panthers to cover the spread as Jacksonville is 1-4 ATS in their last five games as the favorite and 2-4 ATS in their last six September games.

Also, until we see a few weeks of both offenses, I’m taking the Under for this matchup. Jacksonville has seen the Under go 7-1 in their last eight NFC South games and the Under has also gone 6-0 in Carolina’s last six AFC South meetings.

Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars -162, Carolina +3.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)

Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos Odds

This game has the biggest disparity in odds for the entire opening week of the season. In their 44^th all-time meeting, which includes when the Tennessee Titans were the Houston Oilers, the Titans lead the series with a 25-18-1 record.

Additionally, Tennessee has won three of the last four meetings between these two teams. Unfortunately, they bring a rookie QB into a tough environment, and against an elite defense.

Those are ingredients for disaster!

Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos Predictions

And, a disaster is what I expect. The Denver Broncos have a superior roster and are coming off a Playoff berth despite being picked to finish last in the AFC West last season.

Denver will crush the Titans in Week 1 by at least 10 points. The Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games versus Tennessee. I also like the Under as I don’t see this Titans offense scoring many points against the Broncos.

Plus, the Under is 11-3 in Denver’s last 14 September games and 7-1 in their last eight AFC South contests.

Denver Broncos, -360, Broncos -7.5 (-110), U 43.5 (-110)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

When the lines opened, I was surprised to see that the San Francisco 49ers were favored over the Seattle Seahawks in this NFC West rivalry game.

These aren’t the same 49ers as they saw a mass exodus during the offseason on both sides of the ball. Seattle might be led by new QB Sam Darnold, but they bring back more consistency on both sides of the ball compared to San Francisco.

Seattle holds the all-time advantage in this series with a 31-23 record. Yet, the 49ers have won six of the last seven meetings.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Predictions

Until I see the 49ers win a tough road game this season, I’m picking against them. There are too many question marks on this offense. And, there are gaping holes on the defense.

Seattle has some question marks as well, but they do have the 12^th man to support them in this Week 1 matchup. The 49ers are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games, 1-6 ATS in their last seven NFC games, and 1-6 SU in their last seven NFC West games.

Seattle is 6-2 SU in their last eight games, 5-2 SU in their last seven NFC games, and 4-1 SU in their last five NFC West games. Take Seattle to win the game, but avoid the Total until we see how both offenses look.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks +100, Seahawks +1.5 (-110), Total (pass)

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

In my opinion, this NFC North battle is the second-best game of Week 1, just behind the Ravens vs. Bills. It’s also one of the oldest rivalries in football as this opening weekend game marks the 192^nd time that these long-time rivals have played against each other.

Currently, the Packers hold a commanding lead with a 106-78-7 record. Yet, the Lions have won six of the last seven meetings including sweeping Green Bay last season.

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

I expect this game to deliver on being the semi-main event of Week 1. Both rosters are very talented. I am surprised to see the Lions as the underdog and feel that they offer far too much value to overlook.

The Lions are 12-4 ATS and 6-1 SU against Green Bay. They’re also 8-0 SU in their last eight road games. I like the Over as well. It’s gone 4-1 in Green Bay’s last five September games and 5-1 in Detroit’s last six games.

I’m taking this explosive Lions offense and their healthy defense to pull off the road victory at Lambeau Field.

Bet: Detroit Lions -105, Lions +1.5 (-110), O 48.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

This AFC vs. NFC clash is the one game that I feel is flying under the radar the most. Both teams are contenders in their respective divisions and both made the Playoffs last year.

The Houston Texans should run away with the AFC South once again despite the Colts closing the gap. The NFC West is wide open and I expect the Los Angeles Rams to be the one left standing at the end of the season.

The Rams are favored in this 6^th all-time meeting. They also hold the advantage in this series with a 4-1 record, which includes winning three in a row versus the Texans.

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

This is going to be an exciting game on Sunday evening. I would rank it as the 4^th or 5^th best game of the opening week.

I like the Rams in this matchup. The addition of Davante Adams is going to make this offense extremely difficult to stop. And, LA’s defense will take another step forward after their young players made big strides last year.

Plus, the Rams are 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS against the Texans. Houston is 2-11 SU in their last 13 NFC West games and 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven September games.

LA went 10-4 SU in home games last year and saw the Under go 4-2 in their last six games. The Under was 8-4 in Houston’s last 12 games on a Sunday.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams, -155, Rams -3 (-110), U 45.5 (-110)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

This Sunday Night Football game is the main event of Week 1. And, you can head over to our SNF weekly coverage to get a full breakdown of this rivalry and opening week matchup.

To summarize, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are AFC Conference contenders and the winner of this matchup will have a huge tiebreaker moving forward.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

I like the Buffalo Bills to win this game at home in front of their rabid fan base. The perennial AFC East champs have a retooled defense and have won their last few games at home over the Ravens. I expect that trend to continue this week.

Bet: Buffalo Bills -122, Bills -1.5 (-110), O 51.5 (-110)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Odds

Just like with the SNF matchup above, you can head over to our Monday Night Football weekly coverage to get a full breakdown of this MNF divisional game.

The oddsmakers feel that this game will be a close one and I expect the odds to flip-flop all the way up to kickoff on Monday, September 8.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Predictions

As for the winner, I like the Chicago Bears to start off the season with a roar as they come out of hibernation to begin the Ben Johnson era.

Chicago has rebuilt the offensive line and added some serious firepower in their skilled positions.

On the other side, we don’t know what Minnesota really has with JJ McCarthy at quarterback. And, if Chicago can protect Williams, then the Bears should be able to pick apart a suspect Vikings’ secondary.

Bet: Chicago Bears -120, Bears -1.5 (-110), O 45.5 (-110)

NFL Week 1 Best Bets

The following is our best bets for NFL Week 1:

• Buffalo Bills (-120)
• Detroit +1.5 (-110)
• Denver Broncos (-360)

The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are playing at home in Week 1, while the Detroit Lions are on the road. Yet, I think all three of these teams are the better teams in their respective matchups.

Buffalo has owned the Ravens in their last handful of home games, the Broncos will face a rookie QB at home against an inferior team, and the Lions have owned their rivalry over the Packers in recent years.

If you follow our NFL best bets for Week 1 and put all three wagers into a parlay, then you would win $347.21 on a $100 parlay bet.

And, if you like to bet on parlays, then check out our best NFL parlays for each and every week.