NFL Expert Picks for Week 1 of 2026

The NFL returns for the start of the 2026 regular season, with the opening game slated for Wednesday night, reported as Sunday Night Football. Our team of NFL analysts will be predicting outcomes for every regular season match this year. When it comes to Week 1, the outcome remains uncertain, given the unpredictability of this season.

Last year’s opening game saw the Raiders emerge victorious over the Patriots, while the Broncos faced a tough match against the Titans, indicating that outcomes can be unpredictable. Each week, we will track the panel's overall records to keep ourselves accountable for our predictions. Let’s get this football season underway.

The first match features the Patriots against the Seahawks, while the Seahawks are predicted to triumph. The 49ers are expected to beat the Rams, with the Rams again predicted to win. The Falcons are expected to outplay the Steelers, who are also predicted to win. The Buccaneers are anticipated to defeat the Bengals, while the Bengals are predicted to triumph.

The Bears are expected to conquer the Panthers, with the Panthers also predicted to win. The Saints are expected to defeat the Lions, with the Lions also predicted to prevail. The Jets are expected to beat the Titans, while the Titans are predicted to win. The Ravens are expected to triumph over the Colts, with the Colts also predicted to prevail.

The Browns are expected to outplay the Jaguars, while the Jaguars are predicted to win. The Bills are expected to defeat the Texans, with the Texans also predicted to win. The Cardinals are expected to outplay the Chargers, with the Chargers also predicted to win. The Commanders are expected to defeat the Eagles, while the Eagles are predicted to win. Finally, the Packers are expected to defeat the Vikings, with the Vikings also predicted to win.