Sophia
Welcome back, football fanatics! After a rollercoaster of a season last year, a new NFL campaign dawns, bringing with it renewed hope, fresh narratives, and, for me, a commitment to vastly improved predictions. My 2024 picks may not have been my finest hour, but like every team and fan base, I’m approaching Week 1 with a clean slate and boundless optimism.
This season promises to be electrifying, with intriguing matchups, high-stakes debuts, and potential playoff implications right from the start. From Super Bowl contenders clashing to rookie quarterbacks stepping into the spotlight, the opening weekend is packed with drama. Let’s dive into the action, break down the key matchups, and unveil my Week 1 predictions.
Thursday Night Thriller: Cowboys at Eagles
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-8)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
The reigning NFC Champion Eagles kick off their season at home, a fitting start for a team that looks poised for another deep playoff run. Despite the Cowboys trading Micah Parsons last week, I believe Dak Prescott will keep Dallas competitive. However, the Eagles’ formidable roster and home-field advantage should see them start 1-0.
Pick: Eagles 27, Cowboys 24 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Friday Night Football in Brazil: Chiefs vs. Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) at Los Angeles Chargers (in Brazil)
Friday, 8 p.m. ET on YouTube
The Chiefs appear to have shored up their offensive line, a critical development given the Chargers’ significant loss of Rashawn Slater for the season. This means more time for Patrick Mahomes, and that’s a terrifying prospect for any defense. Expect Mahomes to begin his MVP campaign with a stellar performance in Brazil.
Pick: Chiefs 30, Chargers 21 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook (New users get $300 in bonus bets and over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Click here to get started.)
Sunday Early Slate: Key Divisional Battles and Debuts
NFC South Showdown: Buccaneers at Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) at Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
This divisional clash is a crucial opener. While both teams face offensive line injuries, I’m betting on Baker Mayfield to lead the Buccaneers to a strong start. The Falcons’ defensive questions, coupled with Michael Penix Jr.’s likely struggle to keep pace, will tip this in Tampa Bay’s favor.
Pick: Bucs 28, Falcons 24 | Odds via BetMGM
Battle of Ohio: Bengals at Browns
Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) at Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
The “Battle of Ohio” brings Joe Burrow against Joe Flacco, a clear advantage for the Bengals. Cincinnati’s offense should pick up where it left off, putting up big numbers. While their defense has question marks, the Browns won’t be able to match Burrow’s firepower.
Pick: Bengals 30, Browns 27 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Dolphins at Colts: High-Scoring Affair?
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
Daniel Jones makes his Colts debut against a Dolphins secondary that isn’t elite. This sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring game. With Tyreek Hill expected back and healthy, Miami’s offense should also find success. Look for the Colts to edge out a win at home.
Pick: Colts 33, Dolphins 30 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Panthers at Jaguars: Coen’s Debut
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
Liam Coen makes his head coaching debut for the Jaguars, promising an invigorated offense. Trevor Lawrence should shine, and keep an eye on Travis Hunter’s usage. While Bryce Young and the Panthers have optimism, I foresee the Jaguars getting the better of them at home.
Pick: Jaguars 27, Panthers 21 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Raiders at Patriots: New Coaching Eras Begin
Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (-2.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This game marks the debut of Pete Carroll leading the Raiders and Mike Vrabel as the Patriots’ new head coach. While New England should be improved, I believe Geno Smith will do enough to lead the Raiders to a late victory, giving Carroll some sweet revenge.
Pick: Raiders 24, Patriots 23 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Cardinals at Saints: Road Victory for Arizona?
Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) at New Orleans Saints
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
Opening on the road is always a challenge, but the Cardinals’ improved defense should be a difference-maker against a Saints team not expected to contend. They’ll limit Spencer Rattler and grind out a tough road victory.
Pick: Cardinals 23, Saints 20 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Steelers at Jets: Rodgers’ Return vs. Fields’ Revenge
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) at New York Jets
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This game is packed with storylines: Aaron Rodgers’ highly anticipated return to face the Jets, and Justin Fields facing his former team. Expect a defensive slugfest, with the Jets finding a way to win at home in a significant upset.
Pick: Jets 20, Steelers 16 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Giants at Commanders: Wilson’s Debut vs. Daniels’ Sophomore Jump
New York Giants at Washington Commanders (-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
Russell Wilson makes his Giants debut, with rookie Jaxson Dart looming. He’ll need a strong start. Jayden Daniels, after an impressive rookie year, leads the Commanders. While the Giants’ pass rush could trouble Daniels, Washington should secure a close victory.
Pick: Commanders 26, Giants 23 | Odds via BetMGM
Sunday Afternoon Action: West Coast and Divisional Showdowns
Titans at Broncos: Rookie QB’s Tough Start
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-7.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
Cameron Ward’s first NFL start for the Titans comes against one of the league’s best defenses in a hostile environment. That’s a brutal initiation. Bo Nix should find success for Denver, and the Broncos’ defense will shut down Ward, leading to a comfortable win.
Pick: Broncos 26, Titans 13 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
49ers at Seahawks: NFC West Rivalry
San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
The 49ers have dominated this series recently, and with key players like Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams healthy, they are formidable. Sam Darnold’s first start for Seattle makes this challenging. While playing in Seattle is tough, the 49ers know how to win there and will do so again.
Pick: 49ers 23, Seahawks 17 | Odds via BetMGM
Lions at Packers: NFC North Battle
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-2.5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This is a fantastic way to open the season, pitting two of the NFC’s top teams against each other. The Lions have new coordinators, while the Packers’ acquisition of Micah Parsons from Dallas is a game-changer, even without a full camp. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Jordan Love leading the Packers to a late victory.
Pick: Packers 35, Lions 30 | Odds via BetMGM
Texans at Rams: Stafford’s Health a Concern?
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams (-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
Matthew Stafford’s limited summer due to a back injury is a concern, despite assurances he’s fine. He faces a fierce Texans defense. C.J. Stroud aims to rebound from his “sophomore slump,” but his offensive line remains a question mark. The Rams’ pass rush will get to Stroud, securing a home win.
Pick: Rams 23, Texans 17 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday Night Football: Super Bowl Contenders Clash
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (-1)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
This is the marquee matchup of Week 1, featuring two legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Ravens will be seeking revenge after their playoff loss to the Bills last year. However, opening on the road against a formidable opponent like Josh Allen and the Bills is a tough ask. Buffalo will win a hard-fought, close game.
Pick: Bills 34, Ravens 31 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Monday Night Football: Rookie vs. Rookie Head Coach
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN (Stream: Fubo – try for free)
J.J. McCarthy makes his first NFL start for the Vikings, while Ben Johnson debuts as the Bears’ head coach. Chicago’s offense, under Johnson and with Caleb Williams, should be significantly improved. McCarthy’s first road start will be a challenge. Look for the Bears to pull off a small upset.
Pick: Bears 27, Vikings 21 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
There you have it – my full slate of Week 1 predictions. The NFL season is finally here, and I’m ready to turn the page and deliver winning picks. Enjoy the games!
