NFL Week 1 Predictions: Best Bets, Odds & Prop Picks

The 2026 NFL regular season officially kicks off on Wednesday night with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Next up is a historic Thursday clash in Melbourne, Australia, between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.

There are plenty of interesting matchups this weekend, including the Sunday Night Football in New York, where the Giants meet their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Week 1 closes on Monday night with a Broncos vs. Chiefs matchup that will feature the comeback of three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes, who recovered from this injury.

Check out all the NFL odds and picks.

Week 1 Best Bets & Top Value Angles

• Best Moneyline: Rams
• Top Spread Pick: Bears -2.5 @ Panthers
• Top Value Over/Under: Buccaneers vs. Bengals OVER 49.5

Key Fixture Breakdown & Predictions

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New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks Picks & Odds

Kickoff: Sunday, September 13 | 1 PM ET | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Match Preview

Bears won the NFC North last year, and they looked pretty good. Their defense got a few additions this summer, the biggest one being the first-round safety, Dillon Thieneman. On the offensive side of the ball, Caleb Williams runs things, and that’s where Chicago looks very good. Meanwhile, the Panthers won the NFC South, though with a negative record, due to, let’s say, multiple factors working in their favor. RB Rico Dowdle left Charlotte, and we think that the Panthers have no chance of winning this one.

• Best Bet: Bears -2.5

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Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders Picks & Odds

Kickoff: Sunday, September 13 | 4:25 PM ET | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

Match Preview

Miami entered a massive rebuild. They pretty much have to start from scratch, and this season is already sacrificed for them. On the other hand, the Raiders took Kirk Cousins to mentor Fernando Mendoza. Still, Cousins will be the starter, and given the Raiders’ offensive arsenal (Bowers, Jeanty), we expect him to use that. Plus, the LVR have a better defense than the Dolphins and also play at home.

• Best Bet: Raiders

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Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants Picks & Odds

Kickoff: Sunday, September 13 | 8:20 PM ET | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Match Preview

Sunday Night Football features a classic NFL matchup between two fierce NFC East rivals at MetLife Stadium. John Harbaugh’s team is very gifted offenisvely, but their defense will need some time to grow with all the rookies added. That’s why it is very wise to bet on the Cowboys’ victory, with the team from Dallas featuring arguably the best receiving duo in the league, Pickens-Lamb, and the former NFL passing yards leader, Dak Prescott.

• Best Bet: Dallas Cowboys

NFL Week 1 Best Prop Bets

Mahomes Sacked 2+

Remember, the Broncos had the most sacks last year, 68. Chiefs did try to improve QB protection, but still, with Nick Bonito and the boys on the other side, even the best protections are in trouble, let alone average ones. Given that Mahomes won’t try to run or scramble, he would rather simply take the sack, keep the ball, and prevent himself from injury.

Rico Dowdle Anytime TD & 40+ Rushing Yards

Dowdle is the player Steelers love to have. Workhorse, strong, with angry running. Mike McCarthy is the new head coach, and he also loves players like these. That’s why we expect to see Dowdle being very busy alongside Jaylen Warren. Also, let’s face it: Dowdle has a better pedigree, and McCarthy knows him from when they were in Dallas. That’s why it’s pretty possible to see him become No.1 RB quickly.