NFL Week 1 Sunday Predictions

The 2026 NFL season is in full swing. Week one is filled with divisional rivalries, rematches, and potential playoff/Super Bowl matchups. Here’s who will win each game on the first NFL Sunday of the year. 

Saints vs Lions: Lions

Detroit still has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and it might be too much for New Orleans to handle. Even though Tyler Shough has showed tremendous upside, the Saints’ offense still has some work to do.

Buccaneers vs Bengals: Bengals

Cincinnati has improved their once lackluster defense to a solid one. With the addition of All-Pro Dexter Lawrence, their pass rush instantly changes. Not to mention, the core four of Joe Burrow, Jamarr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown on the offense. Tampa Bay is absolutely no slouch, but the Bengals have the edge. 

Browns vs Jaguars: Jaguars

Jacksonville made it to the playoffs last season and they’re looking to make it back this year. With a solid game on both sides of the ball, a struggling (again) Cleveland Browns team won’t be able to keep up.

Ravens vs Colts: Ravens

Baltimore is entering another year being contenders, and that’s for good reason. They have a two-time MVP in Lamar Jackson, one of the greatest running backs of all time in Derrick Henry, and an elite defense. The Colts are still trying to figure out how to win games, and this won’t be one of those days. 

Jets vs Titans: Jets

This is truly a battle of which team is worse. The Jets have the slight edge due to veteran presence. Tennessee has a very young unit, especially on the offensive side of the ball. 

Bills vs Texans: Texans 

This may be one of the best games of the day. Although Buffalo has the former MVP in Josh Allen, Houston has one of the best defenses we’ve seen in a long time. Allen is 1-4 against the Texans in his career, and 1-5 is looming. 

Falcons vs Steelers: Steelers 

Atlanta has huge question marks at the head coach and quarterback positions. Pittsburgh may not be a championship contender, but they know how to win games. Their defense alone can contain the questionable Falcons offense. 

Bears vs Panthers: Bears 

Chicago is coming off a fairytale season that almost ended in a trip to the NFC Championship game. Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson are hungry for more, but Carolina is a great test with immense hunger as well. Both teams went on to win their divisions last season, and are looking to do so again. For week one, it’s simple, Chicago has a better quarterback and coach duo. 

Packers vs Vikings: Vikings

Minnesota still has an elite defense, and they’ve added a competent quarterback in Kyler Murray. Green Bay’s offense simply lacks the proper weapons to run the table this year, and the Vikings match up almost too well with them. 

Dolphins vs Raiders: Raiders

Miami is pretty much fighting for the top pick in next years’ draft. Although the Raiders aren’t too hot either, they are just the better team than the Dolphins right now. 

Cardinals vs Chargers: Chargers 

The Chargers are flat out the better team than Arizona right now. The Cardinals are in rebuild mode, and this season will primarily be about proving their worth. Justin Herbert is highly motivated due to this make or break year. 

Commanders vs Eagles: Eagles

Philadelphia has been hot in week one in recent years, and Washington isn’t slowing them down. Although both teams look a bit different than last year, the Eagles just have a better team from top to bottom. 

Cowboys vs Giants: Cowboys 

This heated divisional rivalry will prove once again that the Cowboys are a better squad. Dallas has built an impressive offense and defense over the last year, and the Giants are a team full of youth trying to figure it out.