The NFL season kicks off with 16 exciting matchups spread across four days, starting Thursday night with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. Game Schedule and Winner Prediction Week 1.
Week 1 features games from Thursday, September 4th through Monday, September 8th, with expert predictions favoring close contests including Eagles over Cowboys 24-21, Chiefs over Chargers 27-23, and Ravens over Bills 30-27.
See Game Schedule and Winner Prediction Week 1
This opening week sets the tone for the entire season with division rivals clashing and playoff contenders testing their strength.
Several games stand out as potential season-defining moments. The Thursday night Eagles-Cowboys battle kicks things off in prime time, while Friday brings an international flavor with the Chiefs facing the Chargers in Brazil. Sunday delivers the bulk of action with 13 games, including marquee matchups like Ravens at Bills and Lions at Packers.
The NFL Week 1 predictions from experts show many games expected to be decided by a touchdown or less. Teams with established quarterbacks and strong defenses appear to have early advantages, while several road underdogs could surprise in hostile environments.
Key Takeaways
- Week 1 spans four days with 16 games, starting Thursday night with Cowboys at Eagles and ending Monday with Vikings at Bears
- Most expert predictions favor close games with many contests expected to be decided by seven points or fewer
- Established teams with proven quarterbacks and solid defenses are getting the edge in early predictions across multiple matchups
NFL Week 1 Schedule: Game Matchups and Dates
The NFL Week 1 schedule features 16 games spread across four days, beginning with Thursday Night Football and concluding with Monday Night Football. Several marquee matchups highlight the opening week, including divisional rivalries and high-profile quarterback showdowns.
Thursday Night Football and Opening Matchup
Thursday Night Football kicks off the 2025 NFL season with a prime-time showcase game. The league typically schedules a compelling matchup for this opening slot to generate maximum viewership and excitement.
Game Details:
- Date: Thursday, September 5, 2025
- Time: 8:20 PM ET
- Network: NBC/Amazon Prime Video
The Thursday opener sets the tone for the entire season. Teams playing on Thursday Night Football get extra rest before their Week 2 matchup but face the challenge of shorter preparation time throughout the season.
This game receives extensive media coverage and analysis. Players and coaches often discuss the pressure of playing in the season’s first prime-time slot.
International and Neutral Site Games
The NFL continues expanding its global reach with international games during Week 1. These contests bring American football to fans worldwide and help grow the sport’s popularity.
International Game Schedule:
- London Game: One matchup at Wembley Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Germany Game: Potential game in Munich or Frankfurt
- Time: Various kickoff times to accommodate local audiences
Teams playing internationally face unique challenges including travel, time zone changes, and unfamiliar playing surfaces. The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles have previously participated in international games.
The league rotates which teams play overseas each season. These games typically feature competitive matchups designed to showcase NFL talent to international audiences.
Sunday Afternoon Game Slate
Sunday afternoon delivers the bulk of Week 1 NFL games with multiple kickoff windows. The 1:00 PM ET and 4:25 PM ET time slots feature the majority of matchups.
Key Sunday Matchups Include:
| Time Slot | Notable Games | Networks |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM ET | 8-10 games | CBS, FOX |
| 4:05/4:25 PM ET | 3-4 games | CBS, FOX |
Anticipated Matchups:
- Dallas Cowboys hosting a division rival
- Kansas City Chiefs defending their championship
- Baltimore Ravens featuring Lamar Jackson
- San Francisco 49ers with their high-powered offense
The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers also feature in compelling storylines. Sunday afternoon games allow fans to watch multiple contests through RedZone coverage.
Regional broadcasting restrictions apply based on geographic location and team popularity.
Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football
Sunday Night Football presents the week’s premier matchup on NBC. This game receives the highest production value and largest television audience.
Sunday Night Details:
- Time: 8:20 PM ET
- Network: NBC
- Features: Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth commentary
Monday Night Football concludes Week 1 with ESPN’s signature broadcast. The New York Jets frequently appear in prime-time slots due to their large market appeal.
Monday Night Schedule:
- Time: 8:15 PM ET
- Network: ESPN
- Format: Single game showcase
Both prime-time games feature enhanced graphics, extended pregame coverage, and celebrity appearances. Teams playing in these slots receive additional national exposure and marketing opportunities.
The Jets and Eagles represent franchises that commonly appear in Monday Night Football games due to their passionate fan bases and market size.
Game-By-Game Predictions: Who Will Win Each NFL Week 1 Matchup
NFL Week 1 features several marquee matchups between elite quarterbacks and playoff contenders, while rookie signal-callers make their professional debuts across multiple franchises. Several games project as potential upsets with tight point spreads.
Predicted Winners for Marquee Matchups
Thursday Night Football kicks off with the Philadelphia Eagles hosting Dallas Cowboys. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense should edge out a close contest at home.
The Kansas City Chiefs vs Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil represents the week’s premier matchup. Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City as favorites despite the neutral site. Expert predictions favor the Chiefs 27-23 in this AFC West showdown.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills highlights Sunday Night Football. Josh Allen and the Bills get the edge at home in what could be a playoff preview. However, some predictions lean toward the Ravens pulling off the road victory 30-27.
The Houston Texans travel to face the Los Angeles Rams. C.J. Stroud looks to build on his rookie success, but the Rams’ home field advantage gives them the nod.
Upset Picks and Closest Games
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars presents an upset opportunity. Bryce Young and the Panthers could surprise Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars on the road. Predictions show the Panthers winning 23-20 in a tight contest.
The New England Patriots hosting Las Vegas Raiders offers another potential surprise. The Patriots’ home opener could energize the team to victory over the visiting Raiders.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers shapes up as the closest NFC North battle. The Lions enter as slight road favorites in this divisional rivalry game. Most experts predict Detroit continues their recent success against Green Bay.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks features two teams with playoff aspirations. The Seahawks’ home field advantage could prove decisive in an expected one-point game.
Key Quarterback Debuts and Roster Moves
Caleb Williams makes his highly anticipated NFL debut for the Chicago Bears against Minnesota Vikings. The rookie faces immediate pressure in a Monday Night Football spotlight game.
Jayden Daniels gets his first professional start as the Washington Commanders host New York Giants. Daniel Jones and the Giants present a tough divisional test for the rookie quarterback.
Bo Nix leads the Denver Broncos against Tennessee Titans in his debut. The rookie faces a manageable opponent to begin his NFL career.
Russell Wilson joins the Pittsburgh Steelers for their season opener at New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers returns from injury for the Jets in this quarterback storyline matchup.
Sam Darnold takes over Minnesota Vikings duties with J.J. McCarthy sidelined. The veteran quarterback faces the Bears in a crucial NFC North game.
Divisional and Conference Showdowns
AFC East features two key matchups. The Miami Dolphins visit Indianapolis Colts in an interconference game, while the Bills host the Ravens in a premier AFC clash.
NFC South action includes Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons. Baker Mayfield leads the Buccaneers against a Falcons team looking to rebound from last season’s struggles.
The AFC North sends multiple teams on the road. Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland Browns in an Ohio rivalry game featuring Joe Burrow. Pittsburgh Steelers visit the New York Jets in AFC play.
NFC West rivalry resumes with Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints. The Cardinals seek an early division statement against the Saints’ home crowd.
Washington Commanders host New York Giants in NFC East divisional play. This matchup could set early tone for the division race between two rebuilding franchises.
NFL Week 1 Storylines and Key Players to Watch
Several quarterback battles will shape Week 1 outcomes, while rookie players make their professional debuts. New coaching staffs and offensive coordinators bring fresh schemes to multiple franchises.
Quarterback Battles and Debuts
Caleb Williams takes the field for Chicago in Monday Night Football against Minnesota. The former USC star faces immediate pressure in a division matchup. Williams brings elite arm talent but must adjust to NFL speed.
Jayden Daniels starts for Washington against the Giants. His dual-threat ability changes the Commanders’ offensive approach. Daniels showed accuracy and mobility throughout preseason games.
The Panthers begin the Bryce Young era in Year Two. Young struggled as a rookie but gained valuable experience. Carolina’s improved offensive line should help his development.
Bo Nix earned Denver’s starting job over veteran competition. The former Oregon quarterback brings leadership and accuracy. Nix faces a tough test against Tennessee’s defense.
Rookie Impact Players in Week 1
Brian Thomas Jr. gives Jacksonville a deep threat opposite Calvin Ridley. The LSU product runs precise routes and creates separation. Thomas could see significant targets in Week 1.
Several rookie quarterbacks sit behind veterans but may see action. Spencer Rattler backs up Derek Carr in New Orleans. J.J. McCarthy remains on injured reserve for Minnesota.
Cam Ward didn’t get drafted but signed as an undrafted free agent. He brings college production but faces long odds reaching active rosters. Ward’s mobility impressed scouts during workouts.
First-round picks at other positions will make immediate impacts. Rookie offensive linemen start across multiple teams. Defensive rookies earned starting roles through training camp performances.
Coaching Changes and Offensive Coordinators
Mike MacDonald takes over Seattle’s defense after Baltimore success. His aggressive scheme changes the Seahawks’ approach. MacDonald coached one of the NFL’s top defenses last season.
Ben Johnson remains Detroit’s offensive coordinator after interview cycles. His creative play-calling helps maximize talent. Johnson designs unique concepts that stress opposing defenses.
Several teams hired new offensive coordinators this offseason. These coaches bring different philosophies to established rosters. Week 1 reveals how quickly players adapt to new systems.
Head coaching changes affect team culture and game plans. New staffs spent months installing their systems. Early season games test preparation and player buy-in.
First-time coordinators face pressure to prove themselves. Veteran coaches adapt schemes to available personnel. The transition period often determines early season success.
Betting Insights and Week 1 Odds Analysis
Week 1 presents tight betting lines with 11 games featuring spreads of three points or less, while the Philadelphia Eagles open as heavy favorites in their Super Bowl title defense. Several games offer potential value plays for bettors looking beyond the obvious picks.
Point Spreads and Moneylines
The NFL Week 1 betting odds show remarkable parity across most matchups. Only two games feature spreads of seven points or more.
Largest Spreads:
- Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos (-8) vs Tennessee Titans
The AFC Championship contenders Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills meet in the week’s marquee matchup. The Bills hold just a 1.5-point home advantage with the highest over/under at 52.5 points.
NFC South teams show mixed betting confidence. Tampa Bay opens as slight 1.5-point road favorites against Atlanta. The Falcons represent one of several home underdogs in Week 1.
Closest Lines:
- Miami at Indianapolis (-1)
- Minnesota at Chicago (-1)
- San Francisco at Seattle (+1.5)
Value Bets and Upset Specials
Sports betting markets reveal several potential upset opportunities where underdogs offer strong value. The Kansas City Chiefs lay only 2.5 points against the Chargers in Brazil.
Home underdogs traditionally perform well in NFL openers. The Cowboys (+7), Falcons (+1.5), and Seahawks (+1.5) all receive points at home.
Best Upset Candidates:
- Dallas Cowboys (+250 moneyline)
- Los Angeles Chargers (+135 moneyline)
- Atlanta Falcons (+115 moneyline)
The FPI predictions favor different teams than betting lines in several games. Detroit visits Green Bay as small underdogs despite FPI giving them a 51.9% win probability.
Low-total games under 44 points could provide over value. The Steelers-Jets matchup sits at just 39.5 points, the week’s lowest total.
Frequently Asked Questions
NFL Week 1 brings together 16 games spanning from Thursday night through Monday night. Experts predict close contests in several matchups, with viewing options available across multiple networks and streaming platforms.
What are the expert predictions for the winners of NFL Week 1 games?
Expert predictions for NFL Week 1 show the Eagles defeating the Cowboys 24-21 in Thursday night’s opener. The Chiefs are favored to beat the Chargers 27-23 in their Brazil matchup.
Sunday’s early games feature several predicted upsets. The Dolphins are expected to handle the Colts 31-20, while the Cardinals should beat the Saints 27-16.
Late Sunday games include the Lions over the Packers 27-24 and the Seahawks edging the 49ers 24-23. The Ravens are predicted to win a close Sunday Night Football game against the Bills 30-27.
Monday Night Football predictions favor the Vikings over the Bears 21-20 in what should be a tight NFC North battle.
Which NFL Week 1 matchups are considered must-watch this season?
The Cowboys at Eagles Thursday night game kicks off the season with two NFC East rivals. Both teams made significant changes during the offseason and this divisional matchup always delivers drama.
Chiefs versus Chargers in Brazil represents historic international football. The defending champions face a division rival in an unprecedented South American setting.
Ravens at Bills on Sunday Night Football features two playoff contenders. Both teams have championship aspirations and elite quarterbacks leading high-powered offenses.
Lions at Packers showcases the NFC North rivalry between two teams expected to compete for the division title. The Packers host Detroit in what could determine early playoff positioning.
What television schedule is set for viewing NFL Week 1 games?
Thursday Night Football airs on NBC at 5:20 p.m. MST with streaming available on Peacock. The Cowboys visit the Eagles in the traditional season opener format.
Friday’s Brazil game between the Chiefs and Chargers streams exclusively on YouTube at 5 p.m. MST. This marks the first NFL regular season game played in South America.
Sunday features games across FOX and CBS networks starting at 10 a.m. MST. Eight early games air simultaneously on both networks with regional coverage determining specific broadcasts.
Late Sunday games begin at 1:05 p.m. and 1:25 p.m. MST on FOX and CBS. Sunday Night Football starts at 5:20 p.m. on NBC with Peacock streaming.
Monday Night Football airs on both ESPN and ABC at 5:15 p.m. MST. The Vikings visit the Bears in the traditional Monday night doubleheader format.
Where can I find reliable NFL picks for free for Week 1 matchups?
Multiple sports websites offer free NFL Week 1 predictions from expert analysts. These sites provide game-by-game breakdowns with score predictions and reasoning.
ESPN offers comprehensive coverage including picks, odds, and injury reports for all 16 games. Their analysis covers key matchups and potential X-factors for each contest.
Major sports networks publish weekly prediction articles with expert panels. These typically include former players, coaches, and longtime NFL analysts sharing their insights.
Fantasy football sites also provide picks with additional context about player performances. These predictions often focus on statistical projections and matchup advantages.
How do NFL pick’em predictions fare for the opening week of the season?
Opening week predictions historically show mixed results due to limited preseason information. Teams often look different than expected after roster changes and coaching adjustments during the offseason.
Professional handicappers maintain detailed records of their Week 1 performance against the spread. Last season’s records show 139-126-7 against the spread and 130-137-5 on totals.
Week 1 typically produces more upsets than later in the season. Teams with new systems or significant personnel changes often struggle initially, creating value for savvy bettors.
Home field advantage appears less significant in opening week games. Teams have not yet established rhythm and crowd noise impacts players less than in high-stakes late-season contests.
What are the opening odds for NFL Week 1, and how might they influence betting?
Opening lines for Week 1 reflect limited information compared to mid-season games. Oddsmakers rely heavily on offseason moves, coaching changes, and projected team strength rather than current form.
Early betting action often moves lines significantly before kickoff. Sharp bettors target perceived value in opening numbers before public money influences the spreads.
Totals betting shows particular volatility in Week 1 games. New offensive coordinators and defensive schemes create uncertainty about scoring patterns and pace of play.
Line movement throughout the week indicates where smart money flows. Reverse line movement, where odds shift against public betting percentages, often signals professional wagering activity.
