Several playoff teams from the previous season are drawing extra attention this weekend, highlighted by explosive offenses from the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Here are the Week 1 selections and predictions for the remaining games on the slate.
NFL Week 1 picks & predictions
Thursday, September 10
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (8:35 p.m., Netflix)
– The 49ers and Rams are heading into this cross-continental showdown with playoff ambitions once again in sight. The Rams arrived in Australia just a day before kickoff, while San Francisco has been on-site longer and preparing for the trip.
– Outlook: The Rams have a solid defensive foundation and a veteran quarterback who can keep momentum, but the 49ers’ star power and stability on offense give them the edge.
– Pick: Rams 27, 49ers 20
Sunday, September 13
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m., CBS)
– Baltimore’s offense has a strong rushing attack and a poised approach under a new head coach. Indianapolis hopes to rebound and build around a healthy, dynamic offense, but containing Lamar Jackson will be a tall task.
– Pick: Ravens 30, Colts 21
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (1 p.m., CBS)
– Buffalo is ushering in a new era with Joe Brady guiding the offense. With Josh Allen, DJ Moore, and a dynamic ground game, the Bills aim to elevate their scoring profile.
– Houston’s defense is stout, and how well the offense adapts to new schemes will be telling early on.
– Pick: Bills 24, Texans 14
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m., CBS)
– Jacksonville looks to build on a strong 2025 campaign, with Trevor Lawrence commanding the offense and a deep receiving corps. Cleveland faces questions around quarterback play and overall consistency after a challenging offseason.
– Pick: Jaguars 31, Browns 17
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans (1 p.m., CBS)
– Both teams made bold moves in the 2026 draft and offseason. The Jets aim to reestablish a formidable defensive presence and pressure the quarterback, while Tennessee seeks to spark its offense with its young nucleus.
– Pick: Jets 31, Titans 20
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m., Fox)
– Pittsburgh’s offense is bolstered by experience and coaching familiarity, giving them an edge in Week 1. Atlanta’s offense has shown flashes, but consistency remains a hurdle.
– Pick: Steelers 27, Falcons 10
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m., Fox)
– Caleb Williams leads a Bears offense that has the potential to become a high-scoring unit, helped by a faster-paced system and strong receivers. Carolina is evaluating Bryce Young’s development, and the game could highlight how far the Panthers have come offensively.
– Pick: Bears 34, Panthers 26
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (1 p.m., Fox)
– A high-octane matchup between two offenses with playmaking talent. Detroit’s young core—Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown—poses a continual challenge, while New Orleans seeks to maximize offensive output through Shough and emerging weapons.
– Pick: Lions 34, Saints 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals (1 p.m., Fox)
– Cincinnati aims to assert dominance early, leveraging an explosive offense to compensate for defensive concerns. Tampa Bay’s offense has added firepower, but stopping Cincinnati’s pace will be crucial.
– Pick: Bengals 28, Buccaneers 27
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers (4:25 p.m., CBS)
– Arizona enters a transition with a new leadership approach and a mix of weapons, including a strong receiving corps. The Chargers, under a creative play-caller, should demonstrate their offensive firepower, anchored by a solid line and a star quarterback.
– Pick: Chargers 34, Cardinals 26
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (4:25 p.m., CBS)
– The NFC North promises to be competitive, with both teams featuring talented playmakers. Minnesota looks for stability from its offense, while Green Bay has reshaped its receiving corps and offensive approach.
– Pick: Vikings 24, Packers 21
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m., Fox)
– The Dolphins lean on a dynamic offense and a creative scheme. The Raiders face roster uncertainties, and a Week 1 start could reveal how quickly they adapt to new schemes and leadership.
– Pick: Dolphins 24, Raiders 18
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m., Fox)
– Philadelphia aims to maintain a rising standard on offense, while Washington grapples with roster changes and organizational questions. The Eagles’ offense, featuring a potent rushing threat, should generate scoring opportunities.
– Pick: Eagles 31, Commanders 21
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (8:20 p.m., NBC)
– The Cowboys enter the season with a renewed defensive identity and high expectations. The Giants’ offense hinges on improved line play and health, with quarterback decisions under scrutiny.
– Pick: Cowboys 27, Giants 17
Monday, September 14
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC)
– Kansas City remains the team to beat, but Boston Payton’s squad is equipped with a versatile offense and a strong supporting cast. Denver’s roster features playmakers who can disrupt defensive schemes and challenge the defending champions.
– Pick: Broncos 37, Chiefs 20
Note: This summary preserves the core matchups and analysis from the season preview while presenting a concise, publication-ready version of Week 1 predictions. It omits promotional or original publisher references and any extraneous disclosures, focusing solely on the games, the teams, and the projected outcomes. The article remains informative and suitable for readers seeking quick, expert-colored insights into Week 1 action.
