The NFL’s first week brings a full slate of games, and there’s no easing into the season. From Wednesday night to Monday night, the opening stretch is packed with matchups that could set the tone right away.
One of the headline games lands on Wednesday, when the New England Patriots visit the Seattle Seahawks at 5:20 p.m. on NBC. The Patriots would love some revenge for their Super Bowl loss to Seattle, but the 12th Man gives the Seahawks a major edge at home. Sam Darnold is expected to do enough to get the champions through with a win to start the season.
Thursday Night Football shifts to Melbourne, Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams at 5:35 p.m. on Netflix. The Rams are favored to win the Super Bowl and are projected to bring an elite defense with Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett.
That side of the ball is expected to come up with a key play or two and help seal a big NFC West victory. Prediction: Rams 27, 49ers 23.
Sunday’s early window is loaded with games that could go either way. In Chicago, the Bears head to Carolina at 10 a.m. on FOX, with Caleb Williams expected to make a major Year 3 jump after throwing for 27 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 3,942 yards in 2025. Prediction: Bears 30, Panthers 20.
The Buccaneers and Bengals also meet in a game that has some people expecting a leap from Cincinnati, though the skepticism is still there. Baker Mayfield is picked to outduel Joe Burrow. Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Bengals 23.
Detroit’s offense is expected to show up, too. The Lions may be flying a little under the radar in preseason Super Bowl odds, but Jared Goff and company still bring plenty of firepower, and the Saints are the ones likely to feel it. Prediction: Lions 33, Saints 20.
Buffalo at Houston has the feel of one of the week’s tightest games, with the Bills favored by just a point in early odds on the road. Josh Allen is expected to come through late. Prediction: Bills 23, Texans 20.
The Ravens and Colts meet in another intriguing matchup. Baltimore remains one of the preseason favorites to win it all, but a healthy Daniel Jones gives Indianapolis a real chance to spring the upset. Prediction: Colts 27, Ravens 24.
Jacksonville is projected to lean on its defense at home against Cleveland, with pressure on Deshaun Watson expected to swing the game. Prediction: Jaguars 28, Browns 17.
Pittsburgh also gets a Week 1 game with a storyline worth watching, as Aaron Rodgers reunites with Mike McCarthy. Still, the Steelers’ defense is the unit expected to make the difference. Prediction: Steelers 21, Falcons 17.
And in a game with the week’s lowest total at 39.5 points, the Titans are picked to edge the Jets in a tight one. Cam Ward and company are forecast to squeeze out a home win. Prediction: Titans 20, Jets 17.
The late window brings another round of heavy hitters. Arizona visits the Chargers at 1:25 p.m. on CBS, and the Cardinals are the biggest underdog of the week.
The Mike LaFleur era starts with a tough test, and the question is simply whether Arizona can keep it close. Prediction: Chargers 30, Cardinals 21.
Miami travels to Las Vegas at 1:25 p.m. on FOX, where both teams are working with new quarterbacks and plenty of familiar questions. Kirk Cousins throwing to Brock Bowers is viewed as the difference for the Raiders. Prediction: Raiders 23, Dolphins 17.
Minnesota hosts Green Bay in another game with real weight in the NFC picture. Kyler Murray gets a fresh start in Minnesota, and his legs are expected to matter enough to help the Vikings win at home. Prediction: Vikings 24, Packers 20.
Washington’s return of Jayden Daniels is described as huge, but not enough to lift the Commanders past the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Sunday night features Dallas at the Giants at 5:20 p.m. on NBC. The Cowboys are a 3-point road favorite, but John Harbaugh will have his team ready in Week 1, and Jaxson Dart is projected to make enough big plays to help New York pull the upset. Prediction: Giants 30, Cowboys 27.
The week wraps up Monday night in Kansas City, where the Broncos face the Chiefs at 5:15 p.m. on ESPN. Sean Payton’s 7-4 coaching record against Andy Reid makes this one interesting, but Reid having the offseason to prepare is expected to matter. Prediction: Chiefs 27, Broncos 24.
In Other News...
Steelers Cut Just Drew Immediate Interest From Another Team
The Cardinals added some familiar depth to the secondary, signing cornerback D'Shawn Jamison to the practice squad after he worked out for the team. Jamison had just been waived by the Steelers during final roster cuts and arrives with experience from both Pittsburgh and Carolina, where his value has largely come on special teams.
Arizonas cornerback room has been stretched a bit, with five players on the active roster and one starter currently injured. That made the workout worth watching, and Jamisons quick landing spot suggests the Cardinals were looking for someone who could help right away while adding another layer of insurance to a thin position group. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Opener Picture Is Shifting As Key Roster Decisions Take Shape
The Cardinals opener picture is starting to come into focus as Mike LaFleur sorted through a few of the roster issues hanging over camp. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is making steady progress from a high-ankle sprain, and the team is still sorting out Garrett Williams status before the season opener, two developments that keep the secondary and backfield in the spotlight as the start of the year approaches.
LaFleur also said James Conner was moved to injured reserve to give him more time to recover, a decision that underscores how carefully the Cardinals are managing the early part of the season. Across the league, Lions GM Brad Holmes offered a similar update on Isiah Pacheco, saying the back injury has been improving without attaching a timetable, a reminder that a lot of teams are heading toward opening day with key pieces still in flux. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Face A Week 1 O-Line Question They Cant Ignore
The Cardinals have spent most of August trying to settle the details along their offensive line, and Isaiah Adams knee injury has now pushed one of the biggest questions right to the front. Adams, the projected starter at right guard, got hurt before a preseason game, leaving his status for Week 1 against the Chargers up in the air at a spot where continuity matters and the margin for error is thin.
Mike LaFleur said Adams is progressing and doing well, but next weeks practice work will be the real test of whether he is ready to go. In the meantime, Jon Gaines has stepped in at right guard, and Arizonas options beyond him are limited because of other injuries, which makes this one of those early-season situations the Cardinals cannot afford to let drift too long. [Read more 🡒]