2026 NFL Season Opens with Rams vs. 49ers in Historic Australia Game

The 2026 NFL season is officially underway, and the action continues on Thursday with the first-ever NFL Australia Game, which is another chance to take advantage of the top promo codes on some of the best betting apps. The Los Angeles Rams will take on the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, with kickoff scheduled for 8:35 p.m. ET. The latest 49ers vs. Rams odds list the Rams as 3.5-point favorites, and the over/under is 47.5 points. You can also wager on numerous Rams vs. 49ers props or any of the other Week 1 NFL lines. The Rams will be without Aaron Donald (rest), while the 49ers will be missing defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who's out for the season with a knee injury. Claim the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after making a $5 wager:

Our Week 1 NFL betting guide highlights some of the top NFL betting trends, previews every game on the Week 1 NFL schedule, and also gives you step-by-step instructions to claim the latest NFL promos and boost your bankroll.

The NFL previously played a preseason game back in 1999 when the Los Angeles Chargers took on the Denver Broncos. That contest was played at Stadium Australia in Sydney and drew nearly 74,000 fans, but attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Southern Hemisphere's largest stadium, could approach 100,000. They'll come to watch two NFC West rivals duke it out, and both are coming off 12-win seasons in 2025, where they were eliminated from the NFL playoffs by the Seattle Seahawks.

The first week of the NFL season includes five divisional matchups overall, including Vikings vs. Packers at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday and Chiefs vs. Broncos on Monday Night Football. Minnesota is favored by 1.5 at home, and the over/under for that Week 1 NFL matchup is 44.5 points, while Kansas City is favored by 2.5 at home against Denver, and the over/under is 43.5 points. Use the FanDuel promo code to get $350 in bonus bets for NFL games:

If you're wondering how to bet on the NFL, or where to bet on NFL Week 1, our 2026 NFL Week 1 betting guide highlights some of the best NFL promo codes, including the FanDuel promo code, DraftKings promo code and bet365 bonus code. You can use these sign-up bonuses to significantly boost your bankroll, and we'll also offer an intro to NFL wagering that gives you everything you need to know before you begin NFL betting. Bet on the NFL with the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets:

How to bet on NFL Week 1

NFL action creates plenty of betting options, such as winners, spreads, totals, player props, and game props, for online sports betting apps to utilize, and those looking to bet on NFL Week 1 will have no shortage of betting markets. Online sports betting is now legal in more than 30 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and it's straightforward to register for online betting sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook and Caesars. With the NFL regular season finally here, top sports betting apps are offering sportsbook promos that could help you boost your bankroll ahead of one of the most wagered-on sports in America.

Bet on every NFL game by claiming the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager:

2026 NFL Week 1 schedule

Thursday, Sept. 10

49ers vs. Rams (-3.5, 47.5), 8:35 p.m. ET from Melbourne, Australia

Sunday, Sept. 13

Saints vs. Lions (-7, 49.5), 1 p.m. ET

Buccaneers vs. Bengals (-3.5, 50.5), 1 p.m. ET

Ravens vs. Colts (+3.5, 48), 1 p.m. ET

Browns vs. Jaguars (-8.5, 40), 1 p.m. ET

Jets vs. Titans (-1.5, 38.5), 1 p.m. ET

Bills vs. Texans (+1.5, 44.5), 1 p.m. ET

Falcons vs. Steelers (-4.5, 41.5), 1 p.m. ET

Bears vs. Panthers (+3, 46.5), 1 p.m. ET

Packers vs. Vikings (-1.5, 46.5), 4:25 p.m. ET

Dolphins vs. Raiders (-3, 40.5), 4:25 p.m. ET

Cardinals vs. Chargers (-9.5, 47.5), 4:25 p.m. ET

Commanders vs. Eagles (-5.5, 44.5), 4:25 p.m. ET

Cowboys vs. Giants (+3, 48), 8:20 p.m. ET

Monday, Sept. 14

Broncos vs. Chiefs (-2.5, 43.5), 8:15 p.m. ET

NFL Week 1 game previews

49ers vs. Rams preview

49ers vs. Rams kickoff time:8:35 p.m. ET on Thursday49ers vs. Rams spread:Los Angeles -3.549ers vs. Rams Over/Under:48.549ers vs. Rams money line:Los Angeles -200, San Francisco +170

The 49ers and Rams are meeting in a historic matchup at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Thursday night. Los Angeles is arriving just one day before the game, while San Francisco opted to arrive a week before the game to adjust to the 17-hour time difference. This is expected to be one of the best matchups of the season, pitting Rams head coach Sean McVay against 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. The Rams made a splash in the offseason by adding defensive superstar Myles Garrett, while the 49ers have been dealing with injuries during the preseason. Bet on the NFL with the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets:

Saints vs. Lions preview

Saints vs. Lions kickoff time:1 p.m. ET on SundaySaints vs. Lions spread:Detroit -6.5Saints vs. Lions Over/Under:49.5Saints vs. Lions money line:Detroit -330, New Orleans +265

The Saints went 4-1 in their final five games last season, and after opening 1-7 with Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback, they went 5-4 over nine games with Tyler Shough as QB1. Shough, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, enters his first season as the full-time starter as Kellen Moore embarks on his second season as head coach. The Lions are coming off a 9-8 finish after back-to-back seasons with at least 12 wins. Detroit has had a winning record in each of its last four seasons under head coach Dan Campbell, and the Lions had the No. 4 scoring offense at 28.3 points per game last year. Bet on the NFL by claiming the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager:

Buccaneers vs. Bengals preview

Buccaneers vs. Bengals kickoff time:1 p.m. ETBuccaneers vs. Bengals spread:Cincinnati -3.5Buccaneers vs. Bengals Over/Under:51.5Buccaneers vs. Bengals money line:Cincinnati -210, Tampa Bay +176

Tampa Bay's streak of five straight NFC South titles came to an end last season in an 8-9 campaign. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was unable to reach a contract extension with the Buccaneers this offseason, so his performance in a contract year will be a significant storyline to watch this season. And this year he'll be playing without star wide receiver Mike Evans, who signed with the 49ers. The Bengals have been notoriously slow starters, losing three straight season openers before squeezing past the Browns, 17-16, last year. There's no debating the Bengals' offensive ability with Joe Burrow at quarterback, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at receiver, and Chase Brown in the backfield. They also boosted their defense, trading their first-round pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence and signing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe after having the 30th-ranked scoring defense last year at 28.9 ppg allowed. Claim the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code CBSFAN26 here to get up to $1,000 in FanCash:

Ravens vs. Colts preview

Ravens vs. Colts kickoff time:1 p.m. ETRavens vs. Colts spread:Baltimore -3.5Ravens vs. Colts Over/Under:48.5Ravens vs. Colts money line:Baltimore -186, Indianapolis +156

The 18-year John Harbaugh era as the Ravens' head coach has come to an end, and Week 1 marks Jesse Minter's first game as Baltimore's head coach. Minter has ties to Harbaugh's brother, Jim, serving the last two years as the Chargers' defensive coach after following Jim from Michigan, where Minter also served as defensive coordinator. The Ravens should have a healthy Lamar Jackson at quarterback, a fresh Derrick Henry in the backfield, and a newly paid Zay Flowers to lead the offense. The Colts opened last season on fire, going 7-1 and winning eight of 12 games before Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending right Achilles tear. Jones is back and healthy to start Week 1, though. Claim the Caesars Sportsbook promo code CBSDYW here and double your winnings on 10 bets:

Browns vs. Jaguars preview

Browns vs. Jaguars kickoff time:1 p.m. ETBrowns vs. Jaguars spread:Jacksonville -7.5Browns vs. Jaguars Over/Under:40.5Browns vs. Jaguars money line:Jacksonville -420, Cleveland +320

Todd Monken, most recently the Ravens' offensive coordinator, takes over as Cleveland head coach with the Browns coming off a 5-12 season. The Browns will look significantly different this season, most notably due to trading reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are coming off a significant turnaround in Year 1 of the Liam Coen era. Jacksonville went 13-4 and won the AFC South last year after a 4-13 record the year before. Trevor Lawrence threw for 4,007 yards for Jacksonville, which was tied for the fifth-best scoring offense at 27.7 points per game. The Jaguars went 4-1 ATS as a home favorite last season. Claim $365 in bonus bets with a $10 bet by signing up for bet365 Sportsbook with the promo code CBSBET365:

Jets vs. Titans preview

Jets vs. Titans kickoff time:1 p.m. ETJets vs. Titans spread:Tennessee -2.5Jets vs. Titans Over/Under:39.5Jets vs. Titans money line:Tennessee -134, New York +114

Geno Smith begins his second stint as the Jets' quarterback. Smith was a second-round pick by the Jets in the 2013 NFL Draft, but he was benched after going 11-18 over his first two seasons. Smith later found a mid-career resurgence in Seattle, and New York traded for him this offseason from the Raiders to lead the offense in Year 2 under head coach Aaron Glenn. However, the Jets will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline with Robert Saleh, who coached New York for three-and-a-half seasons before being fired in 2024, leading the Titans. Saleh is flanked by former Giants head coach Brian Daboll at offensive coordinator. The Titans brought in offensive reinforcements for Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, most notably drafting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate No. 4 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Sign up at Hard Rock Bet and get $100 in bonus bets:

Bills vs. Texans preview

Bills vs. Texans kickoff time:1 p.m. ETBills vs. Texans spread:Houston -1.5Bills vs. Texans Over/Under:44.5Bills vs. Texans money line:Houston -110, Buffalo -106

The Bills are the preseason favorites to win the AFC, which is one of the few things Josh Allen has yet to achieve in the NFL. Buffalo had the No. 3 scoring offense at 28.3 points per game last season. James Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards, and he's scored 32 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. Joe Brady, who was Buffalo's offensive coordinator last year, takes over for Sean McDermott as head coach for a Buffalo team that won 12 games last season, marking its seventh straight year with at least 10 victories. However, this is your classic offense vs. defense matchup, as Houston had the No. 2 scoring defense at 17.3 points per game allowed, while allowing the fewest yards (271.9 per game). The Texans went 12-5 for their third straight double-digit win season. Use the FanDuel promo code to get $350 in bonus bets for NFL games:

Falcons vs. Steelers preview

Falcons vs. Steelers kickoff time:1 p.m. ETFalcons vs. Steelers spread:Pittsburgh -3Falcons vs. Steelers Over/Under:41.5Falcons vs. Steelers money line:Pittsburgh -156, Atlanta +132

Tua Tagovailoa is set to start the opener in his first year in Atlanta after five seasons with the Dolphins. He'll have strong playmakers around him in running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Atlanta went 8-9 last season for its eighth straight losing campaign, and Kevin Stefanski, who helped turn around the Browns at times as head coach, begins his first season with the Falcons. Meanwhile, the Steelers begin the retirement tour of Aaron Rodgers, who is paired up with his former head coach in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy. The Steelers won the AFC North at 10-7 last season for their third straight double-digit-win season. It's going to be strange seeing someone other than Mike Tomlin as head coach in Pittsburgh, as Tomlin was in charge for 19 years. Bet on the NFL with the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets:

Bears vs. Panthers preview

Bears vs. Panthers kickoff time:1 p.m. ETBears vs. Panthers spread:Chicago -2.5Bears vs. Panthers Over/Under:45.5Bears vs. Panthers money line:Chicago -152, Carolina +128

The first year of the Ben Johnson era as Chicago head coach resulted in an NFC North-champion 11-6 season. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, threw for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions as Chicago had the No. 9 scoring offense (25.7 ppg) on the fourth-most yards (375.7 per game). Meanwhile, the Panthers are also coming off a division title; however, they did so in an 8-9 season in the NFC South. Dave Canales enters his third year as Carolina's head coach with Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, entering Year 4 as the team's QB1. Bet on the NFL by claiming the latest DraftKings promo code, where new users get $200 in bonus bets after your first $5 wager:

Packers vs. Vikings preview

Packers vs. Vikings kickoff time:4:25 p.m. ETPackers vs. Vikings spread:Minnesota -1.5Packers vs. Vikings Over/Under:44.5Packers vs. Vikings money line:Green Bay -100, Minnesota -119

Two NFC North rivals go head-to-head in Minnesota to open the 2026 NFL season and both franchises are coming off nine-win seasons. However, the Vikings missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record while the Packers snuck into the postseason with a 9-7-1 mark before being eliminated by the Bears in the first round. Now Minnesota turns to Kyler Murray as its new starting quarterback and Kevin O'Connell is hoping that improved QB play can help elevate the Vikings closer to their 14-win form in 2024. Meanwhile, Green Bay spent its offseason trying to plug up defensive holes that were the root cause of a five-game losing streak to end the season by acquiring veterans Javon Hargrave and Zaire Franklin. Claim $365 in bonus bets with a $10 bet by signing up for bet365 Sportsbook with the promo code CBSBET365:

Dolphins vs. Raiders preview

Dolphins vs. Raiders kickoff time:4:25 p.m. ETDolphins vs. Raiders spread:Las Vegas -3.5Dolphins vs. Raiders Over/Under:40.5Dolphins vs. Raiders money line:Las Vegas -200, Miami +168

Jeff Hafley and Klint Kubiak are both first-time head coaches, and they'll match wits in their debut in Miami on Sunday. Hafley was a defensive coordinator in Green Bay last season, and Kubiak was the offensive coordinator in Seattle. Both will have their work cut out, with Miami coming off a 7-10 season and Las Vegas going 3-14 in 2025. Both franchises will also be installing new starting quarterbacks, with Malik Willis following Hafley from Green Bay to Miami, and Las Vegas expected to turn to veteran Ki