NFL Week 1 Best Bets: Season Begins With Super Bowl Rematch Between Seahawks, Patriots
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The 272-game NFL Betting season begins on Wednesday, September 9, in Seattle with exactly the same matchup we saw last February in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks play the New England Patriots in prime time. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. on NBC. That game tops the list in our Week 1 NFL Best Bets.
Wagering on Week 1 can be treacherous. The Seahawks hit .750 on the line last season, covering in 15 of their 20 games. But they failed to cover as 1.5-point underdogs in a 17-13 loss to San Francisco. The AFC Champion Patriots went 14-7 on the line last season. They played perhaps their worst game of the regular season in Week 1 by losing to Raiders in Foxboro 20-13 as 2.5-point favorites.
The Seahawks closed as 4.5-point favorites in Super Bowl 60. They demolished the Patriots 29-13 in a game that was never close – at least in terms of how it felt to watch. This time, Seattle lands as 3.5-point favorites against New England.
Meanwhile, 10 of the league's 32 teams have new head coaches this year. That means even more uncertainty in Week 1.
Rams Begin Down Under As Super Bowl Favorites
The Los Angeles Rams broke from the pack to stand alone as Super Bowl favorites following their acquisition of Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Browns. The Rams check in as +550 via the OddsJam consensus to win Super Bowl 61 on Valentine’s Day at SoFi Stadium, their home stadium. In case you missed it, that game is on ESPN.
The Rams open up Down Under on Thursday, September 10 (in the U.S.) in Melbourne, Australia, against the 49ers. You’ll need a Netflix subscription to watch that game – outside of LA, San Francisco, or the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Elsewhere in Week 1, the Washington Commanders visit Philadelphia in the 4:25 p.m. Sunday marquee game on Fox. Over at CBS, Tony Romo remains sidelined following his OWI arrest. J.J. Watt moves up to sit next to Jim Nantz on the network’s top game each week. In Week 1, the duo will call either the Buffalo-Texans game in Houston, or the Packers-Vikings tilt in Minneapolis.
NBC returns on Sunday night with the Cowboys visiting MetLife and the Giants. Jax vs. Dak. Both teams enter the season riding a tsunami of optimism. And both likely wash out by Week 18 amid a sea of tears.
Week 1 NFL Best Bets: Odds & Best Bets
NFL Week 1 Best Bets
Bookies.com Picks · FanDuel Odds Via OddsJam
Week 1 NFL Best Bets: Game-By-Game Breakdown
Wednesday, September 9
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Buzz: After the Seahawks and "The 12th Man" celebrate their Super Bowl 60 romp over the Patriots, reality awaits in the Pacific Northwest. Sam Darnold won't be catching anyone off guard this season. And he's without Kenneth Walker, who ran off to Kansas City. The Patriots, meanwhile, bulked up their offense (adding A.J. Brown) and solidified their defensive front. CB Christian Gonzalez may well be playing under duress, but that means he's auditioning for his next deal. Drake Maye under Year 2 of Josh McDaniels could be scary good. This number opened as high as Seattle -6 at some books. But sharp bettors pushed it down all the way to 3, before it settled back to 3.5. This one sets up as one of those unexpected Week 1 upsets.
Best Bet: Patriots ML (+165) Bet 365 via OddsJam
Thursday, September 10
San Francisco 49er vs. Los Angeles Rams, 8:35 p.m. (Netflix)
Melbourne, Australia
Buzz: The Rams visit Australia to begin a season they hope - and oddsmakers believe - ends with a Super Bowl champion back home at SoFi Stadium. Reigning league MVP QB Matthew Stafford leads the team's offense. And the Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett anchors the defense. Hard for even Sean McVay to screw that up - presuming everyone (see Puka Nacua) stays healthy. The 49ers should play all their games 7,870 miles away from that mysterious power station near Levi's Stadium. (see Superman & Kryptonite). The 49ers have been decimated by crucial injuries in recent seasons. They should be at their best in the season-opener. Take the points. Leave the dingo. But not the baby.
Best Bet: 49ers +3.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
Sunday, September 13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Buzz: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pirate Ship ran aground this offseason. QB Baker Mayfield lost his best target as Mike Evans caught on with the 49ers. The defense lost its core in LB Devin White, now in Detroit. If this game took place in Week 3, the always-picked-as-the-surprise-team-to-win-the-AFC Bengals would be a lock. Even with the tumult of Week 1 as a headwind, this is the sort of game the Bengals do need to win if they want to return to contender form. Tampa's middling offense should keep this one under the total.
Best Bet: Under 51.5 Points (-108) FanDuel via OddsJam
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Buzz: The Saints-Lions is one of two last-place matchups in Week 1. The other is the Jets-Titans. The Saints roll into Ford Field with NFL sophomore Tyler Shough as their starting QB. The offense added RB Travis Etienne and first-round WR Jordyn Tyson. After a disappointing 9-8 finish, the Lions boosted their defensive core with LB Devin White, late of Tampa Bay. The Lions have a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing. That means some offensive frustration and misfires early in the season. The Lions held the best record ATS combined in the NFL from 2022-24 before falling to 8-9 last season. The Saints defense keeps it close, here, as well.
Best Bet: Saints +6.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: The Jets-Titans marks one of two last-place matchups in Week 1. The other being Saints-Lions. This one has more storylines than "The Odyssey." The Jets begin their 58th consecutive since winning a Super Bowl. QB Geno Smith leads Gang Green's offense. The Jets landed in full-rebuild mode this season. Their focus is the 2027 draft and those three picks they have in Round 1. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh makes his debut as the new coach of the Titans, in what will be their final year at Nissan Stadium. And former Giants head coach Brian Daboll takes charge of the Titans' offense. . The Titans - 4-12-1 ATS last season - have a "turnaround feel" this year. Stay on this number, as long as it remains under 3.
Best Bet: Titans -2.5 (-110) FanDuel via OddsJam
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: For the first time since 2008, the Baltimore Ravens had a new head coach. Jesse Minter comes to Baltimore from the Chargers, where he served as defensive coordinator. Minter put the offense in the hands of 29-year-old coordinator Declan Doyle, who ran the Bears offense last season. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Doyle are separated by just 9 months in age. Don't expect too much from this offense until the leaves turn. Shane Steichen's Colts have both QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce coming off injuries. Jonathan Taylor can only do so much on his own. Jackson launches another MVP campaign in the opener and passes the Sauce early and often.
Best Bet: Ravens -3.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Buzz: Both teams roll out new head coaches this season. Mike McCarthy debuts as the Steelers fourth coach since 1969. Mike Tomlin previously led the team since 2006. Tomlin migrated to NBC's Sunday Night Football lineup this offseason after being unable to get Pittsburgh a playoff victory in his past 6 tries. The reunification of Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy, his former coach in Green Bay, has NFL storytellers drooling. The Falcons land in Pittsburgh with a new head coach, Kevin Stefanski (late of the Browns), a new OC in Tommy Rees, and a new QB in Tua Tagovailoa. Not a good spot to break all that offense in against the Steelers on the road.
Best Bet: Under 41.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Buzz: A surprisingly competitive Week 1 game has two defending divisional champions looking to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. Carolina and Chicago over-performed against the line and finished 2nd and 3rd on the number in the NFC, respectively. Oddsmakers tightened things up for both this season. Panthers QB Bryce Young needs to limit turnovers (11 picks last season) while the rest of the offenses catches up. The Bears and Caleb Williams must bounce back from a heartbreaking divisional round playoff loss at home. Williams and new OC Press Taylor drew the Panthers top-tier defense in Week 1. Welcome to Opposite Week.
Best Bet: Panthers +2.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: The Browns remained poised to continue their decades-long run of mediocrity in 2026. They dealt all-universe defensive end Myles Garrett to the Rams. New head coach former Ravens OC Todd Monken gets to build this team from scratch. The Browns QB room serves as the NFL's "Island of Misfit Toys" with QBs Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson vying for the QB1 spot. The Jaguars finally gave Trevor Lawerence stability this offseason. CB/WR Travis Hunter lurks as a potential "Comeback Player Of The Year" candidate. Expect temperatures in 90s at kickoff, with unrelenting humidity. Just perfect for a team from Cleveland. This game offers the 2nd longest line of Week 1 - and for good reason. The Browns were a respectable 9-8 ATS last year. We'll roll with the under, the weather and general Week 1 offensive ineptitude.
Best Bet: Under 40.5 (-104) FanDuel via OddsJam
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: Multiple sharp bettors - not to mention plain old fans - see this as a potential AFC Championship Game preview. According to Adam Bjorn of Betcris AZ and Prime Sports, his book has seen significant sharp money on both teams to reach and/or win the Super Bowl. The Bills remain a perennial favorite of recreational bettors. But the early sharp money on them this season could be a tell that Josh Allen finally gets to the Super Bowl this season. The AFC South champion Texans self-immolated in the playoffs against New England in January. C.J. Stroud's offense remains stacked. Houston's ferocious defense ranks atop the AFC. The Texans wait until after the New Year to disappoint. They come out bucking, flipping and spinning this year. You'd better hold on, Josh.
Best Bet: Texans ML (-110) FanDuel via OddsJam
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: Another Week 1 game with both new head coaches making their debuts. Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza begin his NFL career - likely watching Kirk Cousin start at QB for the Raiders. Both performed well during training camp. Raiders head coach Klink Kubiak doesn't seem like the type to rush Mendoza. And neither does part-time owner Tom Brady. Until the Raiders offensive line and running game can prevent Mendoza from getting mauled each week, he'll sit. The Dolphins ditched head coach Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa while entering complete-gut-job mode this offseason. Let us pray for Miami head coach Jeff Hafley, OC Bobby Slowik, and QB Malik Willis.
Best Bet: Raiders -3.5 (-110) FanDuel via OddsJam
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: Green Bay gets an immediate NFC North test on the road, but the Packers enter the season with the more established foundation. The Vikings opted for Kyler Murray over J.J. McCarthy as QB1. Murray makes it four different starting QBs for Minnesota since the start of last season. In a matchup that should be tight into the fourth quarter, Green Bay’s edge in quarterback play and offensive continuity makes it the choice. Even in Week 1. This one likely comes down to a last-second kick.
Best Bet: Packers +1.5 (-120) FanDuel via OddsJam
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: Tom Brady delivers his analysis from high above Lincoln Financial Field in the Fox Game of the Week. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni begins this season right back on the NFL Coaching Hot Seat. The distraction of A.J. Brown has departed for New England. Perhaps that helps to soothe the rocky relationship between QB Jalen Hurts and his coach. So should a new OC in Sean Mannion and, as always, Saquon Barkley, Washington should remain dangerous with Jayden Daniels, but a rebuilt Commanders defense faces a difficult first assignment
Best Bet: Eagles -5.5 (-105) FanDuel via OddsJam
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
Buzz: Sharp bettors support the Chargers to go over their projected win total of 9.5, in part because of new OC Mike McDaniel guiding Justin Herbert to the next level of play. The Chargers dictate the pace here game behind Jim Harbaugh’s physical approach, facing perhaps the NFC's weakest defense. Meanwhile, LA's top-10 defense limits the scoring. And the points total. Arizona begins another rebuild with head coach Mike LeFleur, QB Jacoby Brissett and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Asking that untested offense to keep pace against the the Bolts on road is unreasonable. Hence the double-digit spread. A no-no in Week 1.
Best Bet: Under 46.5 (-110) FanDuel via OddsJam
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Buzz: The NFL gifted NBC with a spectacular bookend to the season-opener on Wednesday night. Big Blue got its most-wanted coach in John Harbaugh. He's tasked Matt Nagy with overhauling the offense, led by QB Jaxson Dart, dishing the ball to a healthy Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys ripped off 9 straight wins over the Giants before losing last season's meaningless finale. While the Giants revamped their offensive this offseason, the Cowboys simply fine-tuned theirs. Big Blue carries at least a half-dozen new starters on defensive. This one opens for both offenses in the 4th quarter.
Best Bet: Over 48.5 Points (-104) FanDuel via OddsJam
Monday, September 14
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Buzz: The NFL steps back in time - all the way to 2024. Patrick, Brittany, Travis and Taylor capture the spotlight in prime time as ESPN enters "ludicrous speed" in hyping its Super Bowl 61 telecast. A healthy Patrick Mahomes won't have to do all the heavy lifting and running with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker carrying the ball 25 times a night. Look for Travis Kelce to play a lesser role this season. But who cares as long his new bride cheers on from the luxury box. The Broncos ended KC's nine-year reign in the AFC West but snowed out in the AFC Championship by the Patriots and an injury to Bo Nix. The Broncos defense may be the NFL's best this season. And it shows on this night.
Best Bet: Broncos +2.5 (-104) FanDuel via OddsJam
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