NFL Week 1 Picks: Early Predictions for Every Game

Are you ready for some football? The next Sunday without football will take place next February, as the slate of preseason games begins this week with the Hall of Fame Game. As you consider your NFL Week 1 betting picks for the early part of the season, we’ve put together a set of picks for each of the first week’s matchups. Take a look at our impressions as you decide which side you will take.

NFL Week 1 Picks: Early Predictions for Every Game

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Thursday, September 7

Kansas City (+7) at New England (49 O/U Total)

No one goes into games better prepared for an opponent’s shortcomings than Bill Belichick, and few quarterbacks are easier to frustrate than Kansas City’s Alex Smith. The Chiefs have a decent defense, but they won’t be able to keep up with a Patriots offense that should return Rob Gronkowski at tight end. Give me the Patriots to win and cover.

Sunday, September 10

N.Y. Jets (+6) at Buffalo (41)

The J-E- T-S come into the season with some real issues at quarterback, but then again so do the Bills. Will Tyrod Taylor have the confidence to lead the Bills after his late-season benching last year? Cardale Jones is no longer there as a backup option, which means that EJ Manuel is the only other option. I see this game turning into a real grind-fest. That’s a big line for those Bills, even as bad as the Jets are. Instead of wagering on that line, I’m taking the under.

Atlanta (-6) at Chicago (51)

I see the Falcons coming out with a big chip on their shoulder, ready to take a much less experienced (and talented) Bears team to the woodshed in the opener. Other teams will expose the Falcons’ flaws, but I see them rolling out to a big win at Soldier Field.

Jacksonville (+4.5) at Houston (43)

I keep getting excited about the Jaguars until I remember that Blake Bortles (with five picks in the team’s first padded practice this past week) is their quarterback. Houston will either have Deshaun Watson or Tom Savage at the helm, which isn’t much better, but Houston has a more solid defense. Give me the Texans to win and cover.

Philadelphia (+3) at Washington (47)

The Eagles have the better defense, but Kirk Cousins comes in as the more seasoned quarterback. If Carson Wentz can start his sophomore season off with the same poise that he showed down the stretch in 2016, though, the Eagles should be able to come in here and pick apart that Redskins secondary — and take a win.

Arizona (+3) at Detroit (50)

Matthew Stafford is entering his final contract year with the Detroit Lions, and all signs from training camp are showing that Stafford is ready for a monster year. The Cardinals fell off the table last year under Carson Palmer, and the Lions look ready to dominate this opener.

Oakland (-1) at Tennessee (53)

It’s Derek Carr’s year to shine, and with Marshawn Lynch carrying the ball, the Oakland Raiders should have a truly two-dimensional offense. The Titans will be improved this year, thanks to the growth of Marcus Mariota, but they won’t be enough to stop Oakland in NFL Week 1.

Tampa Bay (+1.5) at Miami (48)

This will be Jameis Winston’s coming-out party, as he welcomes star wideout DeSean Jackson to the offense. Miami is coming off a playoff season, so you’ll want to pay attention to how Ryan Tannehill looks in the preseason. Looking at this game now, though, I’m taking the Bucs.

Baltimore (+1) at Cincinnati (43.5)

I’m reading that Joe Flacco’s back injury is just minor — and if that’s right, the Ravens should come out and absolutely spank a Bengals team that is already headed to a dumpster fire.

Pittsburgh (-9) at Cleveland (47.5)

The Browns should be better this season, but will they be ready for the Steelers by Week 1? I see that young Cleveland defense keeping things close in the first half, but then Big Ben should lead the Steelers to pull away for a win and cover after the intermission.

Indianapolis (-3) at L.A. Rams (48)

The Rams haven’t done much to solidify that offensive line, and even though the Colts don’t have a great pass rush, they should have what they need to slow down Jared Goff in his first opener — and take the win and cover.

Seattle (+3) at Green Bay (51)

Seattle is much better at home than on the road, and the Packers have the most clutch quarterback in the NFC. I like the Packers to pick up a win and cover as Aaron Rodgers gets the last laugh against that Legion of Boom.

Carolina (-4.5) at San Francisco (49)

I’m still waiting for Carolina to wake up from their Super Bowl 50 hangover. The 49ers don’t have what it takes on either side of the ball to stop even a distracted Panthers squad, though, so give me Carolina to win and cover in NFL Week 1.

N.Y. Giants (+5) at Dallas (50.5)

New York beat Dallas twice last year. Dallas let five defensive starters go and used backups and the draft to replace them. New York has Victor Cruz back at full strength alongside Odell Beckham Jr. Ezekiel Elliott is likely to start the season on a suspension. All of these are ingredients for a big Giants win.

Monday, September 11

New Orleans (+3) at Minnesota (48)

Can Drew Brees outduel Sam Bradford? Yes, every day of the week. But can the Saints do anything impressive outside of the French Quarter? That Viking defense is good enough to contain the Saints on the road. Give me the Vikings to win and cover.

L.A. Chargers (+4) at Denver (44)

Will Philip Rivers be rejuvenated in his first season away from San Diego? Or will he continue his star-crossed ways from 2016? The Denver defense will make things hard for him — but can either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch move the ball for the Broncos? Give me the Chargers pulling off the upset in Denver for NFL Week 1.