The wait is over. The 2026 NFL regular season is about to kick off with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots on Wednesday, Sept. 9, followed by the NFL's first-ever game in Australia featuring NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
The first picks and predictions are already rolling in after the schedule makers gave fans a bevy of intriguing matchups to sort through during the opening batch of games.
Here's a look at the early expert picks, predictions and odds for every game during Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season:
NFL Week 1 game predictions, picks
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10:45 a.m. ET.
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
- Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Lumen Field (Seattle)
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Seahawks (-3)
CBS Sports: Seahawks 27, Patriots 17
"Since hiring (Mike) MacDonald, the Seahawks have made a habit of demoralizing AFC teams ... New England
might have gotten better this offseason, but not by 16 points. The Patriots' two biggest problems heading into Week 1 are both related to the pass rush: on defense, they have no proven pass rush, and on the other side of the ball, I don't think their offensive line can stop Seattle's pass rush."
Sports Illustrated: Seattle wins Super Bowl rematch
"The Patriots had a historically easy schedule last season and went 7-3 in one-score games. They had things break their way in the postseason, playing nothing but injured teams throughout the AFC side of the bracket. Now, they have a much tougher schedule, and it will be hard for them to replicate the same success in close games."
Watch Seahawks vs. Patriots on Peacock
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
- Time: 8:35 p.m. ET
- Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (East Melbourne, Australia)
- TV: None
- Streaming: Netflix, NFL+
- Spread: Rams (-3.5)
Sporting News: Rams 27, 49ers 17
"The Rams will debut their Aaron Donald-Myles Garrett defense Down Under. ... The 49ers' offense has been riddled by some injuries and has some offensive line concerns, which doesn't bode well for them keeping Donald and Garrett from putting pressure in Brock Purdy's face. The Rams' offense also faces a 49ers' defense in transition with Matthew Stafford having all the principal players back in a balanced, explosive attack."
Arizona Republic: Rams 27, 49ers 23
"The Rams are the favorite to win the Super Bowl and could have an elite defense with Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett. The defense will make a big play or two to seal a big NFC West win in Week 1 against San Francisco."
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Reliant Stadium (Houston)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, Fubo
- Spread: Bills (-1)
BetMGM: Take the Texans
"When these teams met in Week 12 last year, Buffalo’s offense struggled immensely. ... Buffalo’s normally reliable offensive line faces one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. The Bills ranked fourth in PFF’s pass-blocking grades, but posted their worst grade against Houston. The same occurred when these teams played in Week 5 of the 2024 season. Buffalo averaged a 74.7 offensive pass-blocking grade, which fell to 57.8 against the Texans."
Bleacher Report: Texans win
"The Houston Texans have no business being home underdogs against Buffalo in Week 1. Houston had the league's top-ranked defense a year ago and looks to be even better this season, at least on paper. Should the Texans trust C.J. Stroud to go play-for-play against Allen? Of course not, but if their defense is close to midseason form, a little smart game management should be enough to get the win."
Watch NFL Week 1 games with Fubo
Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Bears (-3)
Sports Illustrated: Panthers pull off an upset
"This Bears team went 7-4 in one-score games last season, and six of their wins came in games where they were down with two minutes or less to go. They also led the entire NFL in average turnover differential per game at +0.9. Those two factors alone are going to be extremely difficult to replicate, so they'll have to be a much better team to have another strong record."
Sporting News: Bears 33, Panthers 20
"On paper, this is a matchup between two NFC division winners from last season who both lost to the Rams in close playoff games. In reality, it's one ascending 11-6 Super Bowl contender (Chicago) being hosted by an 8-9 team (Carolina). Ben Johnson's offense will jump into overdrive out of the gate and around Bryce Young, the Panthers simply don't have the firepower to keep up with Caleb Williams."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Bengals (-3.5)
Arizona Republic: Bucs 24, Bengals 23
"Some expect a much-improved season from the Bengals (they are 14th in Super Bowl odds). We need to see it first before we'll believe. Baker Mayfield can outduel Joe Burrow in Week 1."
Sports Illustrated: Bucs cover
"Much like people are too focused on the Saints' second half of the 2025 season, people are too quick to forget the Buccaneers' first half of last season. They were the clear best team in the NFC South and were up there as one of the better teams in the NFC. Unfortunately, injuries, close losses, and a banged-up Baker Mayfield caught up to them, but I'm back in on the Bucs heading into this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals have a history of starting slow in the Zac Taylor era."
New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Ford Field (Detroit)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Lions (-7)
ESPN: Saints cover on the road
"Quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 1,172 yards in his final four games as a rookie last season, and I really like his fit in Kellen Moore's offense. Shough is a rhythm thrower who can target the middle of the field versus the Lions' defensive scheme. The Saints can cover on the road."
Sporting News: Lions 24, Saints 20
"The Saints' offense will come in confident to start Kellen Moore's second season with Tyler Shough building on his rookie finishing momentum. Travis Etienne sparking the running game and being an outlet receiver will help plenty. The Lions' defense is a work in progress again around Aidan Hutchinson and Jared Goff is adjusting to a new offense. Detroit finds enough pop with Jahmyr Gibbs to win a dome team battle."
New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Titans (-1.5)
New York Post: Jets win outright
"Quarterback, running back, offensive line, wide receiver, secondary (both are terrible), and linebackers all project as better units for Gang Green. Target the Jets to win outright and the under, considering both teams’ expected struggles putting up points this season."
Arizona Republic: Titans 20, Jets 17
"First one to 20 wins? This game has the lowest point total of the week, at just 39.5 points. Cam Ward and company eke out a win at home for the Titans."
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Ravens (-3.5)
Sports Betting Dime: Take Colts as home underdog
"Indianapolis scored 27.4 points per game last year, topping Baltimore’s 24.9 average. The Colts also dominated with a 65.2% red zone efficiency. Backing a home underdog with proven 2025 execution offers serious value."
Arizona Republic: Colts 27, Ravens 24
"Is this the year Lamar Jackson finally leads the Ravens to the Super Bowl? The Ravens are once again among the preseason favorites to win the title. A healthy Daniel Jones is more than capable of upsetting Baltimore in Week 1."
Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Steelers (-3.5)
Sporting News: Steelers 24, Falcons 14
"These teams met in Week 1 of 2024, with the Steelers winning 15-10 at Atlanta. This game could also be a defensive slog, with the Falcons not inspiring with their QB situation to support Bijan Robinson as much as needed. The Steelers have the debut of coach Mike McCarthy working with Aaron Rodgers again to ease the offensive change, with more pop in the passing game."
Sports Illustrated: Falcons cover
"The Falcons have a higher upside with offensive weapons like Bijan Robinson and Drake London. The Steelers unfortunately have to rely on Aaron Rodgers for another season."
Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Jaguars (-8.5)
ESPN: Ride the Jaguars
"The Jaguars went 12-5 against the spread last season and covered 78% of their home games, while Cleveland was just 2-6 against the spread on the road. Deshaun Watson is making his first regular-season start since 2024, and the Jaguars' defensive front should be able to pressure him and force the Browns to play from behind."
New York Post: Browns cover
The offseason darlings, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have a high-flying, well-paced offense that scores in bunches. Though the Browns’ defense would like to have a word. Myles Garrett is gone, but that doesn’t mean the world is falling. Jared Verse replaces him and is very capable, while the Browns still have Denzel Ward, Carson Schwesinger, and Mason Graham. This defensive line will give teams fits."
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+, Fubo
- Spread: Vikings (-1.5)
BetMGM: Pick the Vikings
"If there’s a unit that should take a step forward from both games last year, it’s the Vikings offense. Presuming Kyler Murray starts, it should open up the passing game against weak Green Bay corners. Late last year, bettors saw the secondary struggle without a coherent pass rush. From Week 13 onward – a sample that includes Parsons – the Packers ranked ... 29th in defensive success rate."
Covers.com: Vikings win
"The blitz-heavy Vikings will face a Packers offensive line with question marks beside starters Aaron Banks (knee) and Zach Bako-Bewele (knee), and Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love dipped to a pedestrian 41.6 completion percentage for 5.0 yards per target when pressured last season. Playing without key starters Micah Parsons (knee) and Josh Jacobs will also be a huge hit to the Packers. On the flip side, Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray has a top-tier receiver corps at his disposal for the first time of his career, and his 67.1 career completion percentage and mobility will thrive in head coach Kevin O'Connell’s offense."
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Eagles (-4.5)
Sporting News: Eagles 27, Commanders 20
"The Commanders have had too much offseason drama with Jayden Daniels than desired at the time their offense is changing under David Blough, including a new-look receiving corps with Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo. The Eagles have been rather solid in their transition minus A.J. Brown, ready for Jalen Hurts to deliver a new brand of balance and efficiency under Sean Mannion. Dan Quinn is hoping for bigger things from the Commanders' defense, but for now, Vic Fangio needs to worry much less for the Eagles."
Arizona Republic: Eagles 27, Commanders 21
"Jayden Daniels' return for Washington is obviously huge, but it won't be enough for the Commanders to upset the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field."
Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Raiders (-3.5)
CBS Sports: Raiders 20, Dolphins 13
"Since they have $181.6 million in dead cap space, that means the Dolphins only had $120 million to spend on the rest of their team, which is how you end up with a roster that has 12 rookies. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley has already admitted that success in 2026 won't be defined by wins. And that's exactly what you would say when you don't plan on winning many games. This might be the Dolphins' best chance at a win all season, but they're still going to lose by at least a touchdown."
Sports Illustrated: Raiders cover
"The Miami Dolphins completely stripped both their roster and coaching staff this offseason and are starting fresh ... Meanwhile, the Raiders are a couple of years into their rebuild and are now looking to take a step forward. They have offensive weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, and while Kirk Cousins is past his prime, he's more than a serviceable option at quarterback until Fernando Mendoza is ready to take over."
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube)
- Spread: Chargers (-9)
Arizona Republic: Chargers 30, Cardinals 21
"The Mike LaFleur era begins with a tough test against the Chargers. Arizona is the biggest underdog of the week. Can the Cardinals just keep it close?"
Bleacher Report: Chargers win big
"However, the Los Angeles Chargers are mostly healthy, they'll be well-prepared for the regular season, and they should be more offensively potent under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. Against an Arizona Cardinals defense that ranked 27th overall a year ago, McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert should put on a show.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Cowboys (-3)
Sporting News: Giants 27, Cowboys 24
"The John Harbaugh era begins in New York to turn the page, while Odell Beckham Jr. back playing for the Giants in prime time against the Cowboys is a welcome throwback. Jaxson Dart is set up for a nice Year 2 in the new offense of Matt Nagy. Between OBJ, a healthy Malik Nabers and new tight end Isiah Likely, Dart has plenty of weapons at home to match what Dak Prescott can do with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and others. New York sets the tone for a promising first season under Harbaugh."
Covers.com: Take the Cowboys
"The Dallas offense has oodles of continuity after averaging 27.7 points per game last season, and the offseason commitment to bringing in talent on the defensive side of the ball will provide an upgrade to a stop unit that allowed the third-most yards and most points per game."
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Date: Monday, Sept. 14
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
- TV: ABC, ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Chiefs (-2.5)
CBS Sports: Broncos 23, Chiefs 21
"Even if (Patrick) Mahomes is on the field, I don't think he's quite going to be 100% yet and Denver's defense is the last one you want to be facing if you're not 100%. There's also a chance that the Chiefs won't have their starting left tackle (Josh Simmons), so if Mahomes still isn't 100% mobile, that could create another issue."
Covers.com: Broncos cover
"Distractions in sports tend to be overrated, but the Kansas City Chiefs have A LOT going on headed into the new season. It's fair to question what version of Patrick Mahomes we'll get in Week 1 after tearing his ACL and LCL late last season. The fact that he's coming off a bad season (by his standards) and will be playing one of the league's top defenses adds to those concerns. Denver is coming off a season where they went 5-1 against the spread as an underdog. Expect them to be ready to compete and keep this game within the number against a Chiefs team that could need time to find its footing."
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 1 game picks: Odds and expert predictions for every matchup
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