NFL 2025 Season Week 1 Picks and Predictions

NFL Week 1 picks and predictions for the 2025 season! I’ll break down every game, provide score predictions, and analyze the betting lines. Let’s dive into the action, starting with the season opener.

Thursday Night, 8:20 PM ET: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL kicks off with a high-energy NFC East clash in Philadelphia. The Super Bowl champion Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Saquon Barkley, host the Dallas Cowboys, who just traded away Micah Parsons for draft picks, signaling a potential lack of confidence in their 2025 campaign. Dak Prescott and new addition George Pickens lead a still-potent Cowboys offense, but the Eagles are favored by 8.5 points (up from 6.5 earlier). While there’s value on Dallas in a divisional Week 1 game, I’m picking the Eagles to win and cover, 31-20, in a higher-scoring affair. Expect Philadelphia’s firepower to overwhelm a Cowboys team in transition.

Friday Night (Brazil Game): Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The NFL’s Brazil game pits Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs against Justin Herbert and the Chargers on a neutral site. Kansas City is favored by 3.5 points. Despite Mahomes’ statistically uneven last two seasons, the Chiefs have won tight games consistently. The Chargers, with questions on offense and a rookie running back (Hampton), face an uphill battle. I’m taking the Chiefs to win, 25-20, just covering the spread in a competitive matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

In the NFC South, the Buccaneers visit Atlanta as 2.5-point favorites with a 54% chance to win. Baker Mayfield has been solid for Tampa, and their offense, featuring young receiver Emeka Egbuka, should edge out a young Falcons squad. This game could go either way, but I’m picking Tampa Bay to win, 24-21, covering the spread on the road.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

The battle for Ohio sees Joe Burrow and the Bengals, favored by 5.5 points, take on the Browns in Cleveland, where Burrow has historically struggled. With Joe Flacco starting and a formidable Browns defense led by Myles Garrett and rookie Mason Graham, I expect a close game. Cincinnati wins, 20-17, but Cleveland covers the spread with Week 1 energy at home.

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

The Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, face the Colts, who start Daniel Jones instead of Anthony Richardson. Indianapolis is a 1.5-point favorite with a 50.7% chance to win per ESPN’s FPI, but Miami’s superior firepower gives them the edge. I’m taking the Dolphins to win outright, 24-21, in a toss-up game.

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots

The Raiders, with rookie star Ashton Jeanty, travel east to face a rebuilding Patriots team featuring second-year QB Drake Maye and rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson. New England is favored by 2.5 points, and I like their energized home crowd to fuel a surprising 13-point win, 27-14. The Patriots’ young core steps up in Week 1.

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints

Arizona, favored by 6.5 points, visits a Saints team projected to be among the league’s worst, potentially tanking for a top draft pick like Arch Manning. Despite New Orleans’ home-field advantage and Week 1 optimism, Arizona’s talent prevails. I’m picking the Cardinals to win, 23-20, but the Saints keep it close, covering the spread.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets

In a quirky matchup, Aaron Rodgers (now with Pittsburgh) faces his former Jets team, while Justin Fields (now with the Jets) takes on his old Steelers squad. The Jets, 2.5-point underdogs, boast underrated offensive weapons in Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. I’m taking New York to win outright, 24-21, capitalizing on home-field advantage and Rodgers’ decline.

New York Giants at Washington Commanders

Russell Wilson and the Giants face Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, who are favored by 6.5 points. Washington’s young talent shines, but the Giants, with Malik Nabers, keep it competitive. I’m picking the Commanders to win, 24-21, on a late field goal, with New York covering the spread.

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars, favored by 3.5 points, host a Panthers team with a developing Bryce Young but a weak supporting cast. Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, bolstered by Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., should exploit Carolina’s deficiencies. I’m taking the Jaguars to win and cover, 27-23.

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos

Top overall pick Cam Ward makes his NFL debut for the Titans against Bo Nix and the Broncos, who are 8-point favorites at home. Denver’s raucous Mile High atmosphere and Ward’s shaky preseason tilt this game in their favor. I’m picking the Broncos to win and cover, 28-17.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

In a tight NFC West battle, the 49ers are 2.5-point favorites on the road. Seattle’s home-field advantage and San Francisco’s streaky 2024 season make this a coin flip. I’m taking the Seahawks to win outright, 23-21, as a slight underdog in a near-pick’em game.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

The Lions, coming off a 15-2 season, face Jordan Love and the Packers, who are 2.5-point favorites. Despite Green Bay’s home-field advantage, Detroit’s consistency and Jared Goff’s reliability give them the edge. I’m picking the Lions to win, 24-21, covering as underdogs.

Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams

The Rams, favored by 3.5 points with a 56% chance to win, host C.J. Stroud and the Texans. This game is tough to call, but I’m taking the Rams to win, 27-24, with Houston covering the spread.

Sunday Night, 8:20 PM ET: Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

In a marquee matchup, Josh Allen (coming off an MVP season) and the Bills host Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Buffalo, favored by 1.5 points with a 51% chance to win, benefits from their final season in their old stadium. I’m picking the Bills to win a thrilling game, 26-23, in a near-toss-up.

Monday Night, 8:15 PM ET: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

The Bears, led by a more experienced Caleb Williams, host the Vikings, who start a young QB in a tough road environment. Chicago, surprisingly a 1.5-point underdog, has drawn sharp money. I’m taking the Bears to win outright, 24-20, capitalizing on home-field advantage.

That’s it for my Week 1 picks! Let me know your thoughts and predictions!