🏈 NFL Week 1 Odds & Early Picks for Every Game: 2026 NFL Schedule Predictions

The NFL schedule for the 2026-27 season has officially been released, and while there are still several months until the Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks kicks off the season, it's time to get excited.

With the NFL schedule release here, we're already breaking down the NFL Week 1 odds & picks for every game. From the Patriots vs. Seahawks on Wednesday, Sept. 9, to the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, my best bet features another pair of Super Bowl contenders.

🏈 NFL Week 1 odds for every game

NFL Week 1 odds via FanDuel as of Thursday, May 14. All times Eastern. 

🎯 Best Week 1 bet to make now

See all of our NFL picks based on the latest NFL odds for the 2026 season.

Texans +1.5 vs. Bills

Two of the NFL's best teams clash in Week 1, and while the Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen, it's the Houston Texans who should be favored. Not only is DeMeco Ryans' team at home, but his defense, which led the league in EPA per play (-0.13) and was No. 2 in success rate (37.97%), got even better with the addition of Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter harassing Allen, he's going to have a hard time getting into a rhythm, especially if DJ Moore can't separate against Derek Stingley Jr. This is worth betting now because I'm expecting our best sports betting sites to see plenty of movement on this line, and for Houston to be favored by the time Week 1 rolls around. 

💰 More NFL Week 1 picks to bet

While the above bet is my strongest play right now, I'd also recommend betting the following teams early to get ahead of the market:

Rams -2.5 vs. 49ers

Playing an NFL game down under is pretty extreme, given the time difference and distance the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have to travel, which is why I think this game will favor defense. In my initial 49ers vs. Rams prediction for this game in Melbourne, Australia, I mentioned that I would bet L.A. sooner rather than later because I expect Sean McVay's team to be closer to -3.5 by Week 1.

The Rams' defense finished top 10 in EPA per play (-0.069) and success rate (41.8%) last season, and that was before Les Snead acquired Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. And it doesn't hurt to have reigning MVP Matthew Stafford throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. 

Ravens -3.5 vs. Colts

In Jesse Minter's first game as the Baltimore Ravens head coach, his defense should put plenty of pressure on Daniel Jones, who will be returning from a torn Achilles tendon. Baltimore bolstered its front seven with Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young, while adding help to the offense for Lamar Jackson with Vega Ioane at guard and a pair of wide receivers in Elijah Sarratt and Ja'Kobi Lane. If Jones isn't ready, it might be Anthony Richardson Sr. under center, which would move Baltimore to a much bigger favorite.

Steelers -2.5 vs. Falcons

In a battle of retread head coaches with questions around the QB position, I'm taking Mike McCarthy to come out on top. Is Aaron Rodgers going to be on the field in Week 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers? My guess is yes, and he has a lot more help around him in 2026 with the additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard. Meanwhile, if Tua Tagovailoa is starting for Kevin Stefanski, Pittsburgh could be a 3.5-point favorite in September. 

Buccaneers +3.5 vs. Bengals

This is a fun Week 1 matchup because it pits the team that traded its first-round pick away for a proven commodity (Cincinnati Bengals with Dexter Lawrence) against the team that got the steal of Round 1 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Rueben Bain Jr.). Todd Bowles' defense loaded up in the draft and should come out attacking Joe Burrow in his return from injury. In a matchup of Heisman Trophy winners, I don't think Baker Mayfield gets the win, but I do think he keeps it close.

🏈 ATS picks for every Week 1 game

Here's how I'd bet the rest of the NFL Week 1 schedule, ordered by kickoff time:

Patriots vs. Seahawks pick

The Mike Vrabel situation in New England remains a dark cloud over the Super Bowl runners-up, while the Seahawks have had a quiet but solid offseason. Adding Jadarian Price in Round 1 at running back should help cover for the loss of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, and Mike Macdonald's defense will be one of the best yet again. 

Prediction: Seahawks -4.5

Bears vs. Panthers pick

While both the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers made the playoffs last season, it's safe to say there's much more optimism in the Windy City than in the Queen City. With Ben Johnson calling plays, Caleb Williams should continue to thrive, and landing Dillon Thieneman in the first round was a slam dunk for Dennis Allen's defense.

Prediction: Bears -2.5

Saints vs. Lions pick

The New Orleans Saints are all in on Tyler Shough this season, as they should be, and they added another weapon for him opposite Chris Olave. With Olave and Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans' passing attack can push a Detroit Lions secondary that remains a major question for Dan Campbell heading into the season.

Prediction: Saints +7

Browns vs. Jaguars pick

While the Jacksonville Jaguars' questionable offseason points to them being a regression candidate, starting the season against the Cleveland Browns should put smiles on the faces of Duval Nation. Todd Monken will either have Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders under center, and Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker can tee off on whoever is QB1 in Cleveland.

Prediction: Jaguars -7.5

Jets vs. Titans pick

The Robert Saleh revenge game comes immediately with the Tennessee Titans hosting his former team, but this game will likely be ugly. While both the Titans and New York Jets added offensive weapons in the offseason, I'm expecting this to be a low-scoring bar fight of a game between two defensive-minded head coaches. 

Prediction: Jets +2.5

Cardinals vs. Chargers pick

The Arizona Cardinals might end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft (hello, Arch Manning) with how hard their schedule is and how bad their roster looks. Justin Herbert and Co. are poised for a big opening game in Mike McDaniel's offense against an Arizona defense that has one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL.

Prediction: Chargers -9.5

Dolphins vs. Raiders pick

These are two of the weakest rosters in the NFL, and while there's far more hope in Sin City with the Las Vegas Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza, Klint Kubiak is expected to start Kirk Cousins in Week 1. If Jeff Hafley's defense can pressure him, it's going to be a long day for the veteran QB. And if De'Von Achane creates enough explosive plays, the Miami Dolphins will keep this game close.

Prediction: Dolphins +3

Packers vs. Vikings pick

Although the Minnesota Vikings should be better with Kyler Murray at QB, I'm not sure they're going to be good enough in Week 1 to compete with the Green Bay Packers. A healthy Jordan Love is a top 10 QB, and if Micah Parsons is back on the field, Green Bay's defense can wreak havoc against Murray and a run game that leaves a lot to be desired. 

Prediction: Packers -1.5

Commanders vs. Eagles pick

There are plenty of questions about the job security of both Dan Quinn and Nick Sirianni heading into the season, but the Philadelphia Eagles are clearly in better shape. Howie Roseman added to the defense with Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen, while drafting Makai Lemon to help replace the likely-to-be-traded A.J. Brown. The Washington Commanders, on the other hand, still have a huge hole at wide receiver.

Prediction: Eagles -4.5 

Cowboys vs. Giants pick

John Harbaugh's debut in the Big Apple comes in prime time against a Dallas Cowboys team that spent the offseason trying to fix its defense. Adding Caleb Downs in the draft for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is an X-factor, and I don't see the New York Giants' offense being able to keep up with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens.

Prediction: Cowboys -2.5

Broncos vs. Chiefs pick

Both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are banking on their star quarterbacks returning to the field healthy. And while it does seem like Patrick Mahomes will be good to go coming off a torn ACL, I don't think Bo Nix and Sean Payton will go down quietly. The combo of Jaylen Waddle and Denver's defense should scare KC's questionable secondary and wide receiver corps.

Prediction: Broncos +2.5