
SportsLine's advanced computer model has released its Week 1 NFL betting predictions for the 2026 season, highlighting strong picks like the Jaguars covering as 7.5-point favorites against Cleveland and the Eagles covering as 5.5-point favorites against Washington, based on simulations showing over $7,000 in returns since inception.
AI-generated summary
SportsLine's computer model simulates NFL games 10,000 times to generate betting predictions and has returned over $7,000 for $100 players since its inception, entering the 2026 season with a 53-37 record on top-rated picks dating back to 2024.
The NFL never shies away from loading up the opening week with must-see matchups, and the Week 1 NFL schedule, which begins in just four days, is no different. From divisional battles like Chiefs vs. Broncos (+2.5) and Cowboys vs. Giants (+2.5) to Aaron Rodgers' last ride in Steelers vs. Falcons (+3.5), you have a bevy of intriguing options to place Week 1 NFL bets on. Meanwhile, Dolphins vs. Raiders is a matchup that may not garner as much interest as the aforementioned, but it still carries intrigue for Week 1 NFL picks as the only opening game guaranteed to have two new starters under center. Bet NFL games at DraftKings. Claim their new user offer here:
Miami's Malik Willis will duel with Kirk Cousins, as the veteran gets the starting nod, while No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will begin the 2026 NFL season as the backup. Vegas, who went 7-10 ATS last year, is a 3.5-point favorite per the latest Week 1 NFL odds, as it's one of a dozen games with an NFL spread under 4 points. All of the updated Week 1 NFL lines are listed below, and SportsLine's advanced computer model has all the NFL betting advice and NFL predictions you need to make the best Week 1 NFL picks now.
The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on betting sites on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters the 2026 NFL season on a 53-37 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Anybody following its picks at NFL betting sites could have seen strong returns.
Now, it has turned its attention to the latest Week 1 NFL odds and NFL betting lines and locked in betting picks for every NFL matchup. Head here to see every pick.
Top Week 1 NFL predictions
We can tell you one of the model's strongest Week 1 NFL picks for the best betting apps is that the Jaguars (-7.5, 40.5) cover at home versus Cleveland in a Sunday 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The model has the Jags prevailing versus the spread nearly 60% of the time, continuing the success they had last year with a league-best 12-5 ATS mark in the regular season. Jacksonville was even more proficient versus the line at home, covering in 78% of games, also the best record in the NFL, while Cleveland was 2-6 ATS on the road, which was the second-worst mark in the NFL. SportsLine's model also has the Over hitting in 64% of simulations. See which other teams to pick here.
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Another one of its Week 1 NFL predictions: the Eagles (-5.5, 44.5) cover versus the Commanders on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Philadelphia has won eight of its last nine versus Washington in games that Jalen Hurts has started and finished. He should have continued production versus Washington's defense which ranked dead last in yards allowed last year and is in transition, with up to eight new starters and moving from a 4-3 base to a 3-4. Add in that Jayden Daniels may use his legs less to avoid the injuries he suffered in 2025, and the fact that Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil (triceps) is out, and Philly is forecasted to cover the spread in nearly 60% of simulations in an A-rated pick. See which other teams to pick here.
How to make Week 1 NFL picks
The model has also made the call on who wins and covers in every other game on the Week 1 NFL schedule and just revealed multiple underdogs that outright win, potentially giving you a huge payday. You can only get every pick for every game at SportsLine.
So what Week 1 NFL picks can you make with confidence, and which underdogs should you lock in now? Check out the latest NFL odds below, then visit SportsLine to see which teams win and cover the spread, all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $7,000, and find out.
Week 1 NFL betting odds, lines, spreads, scores
Get Week 1 NFL picks at SportsLine
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Jacksonville Jaguars will cover the 7.5-point spread as home favorites against Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Likely · Within days
Philadelphia Eagles will cover the 5.5-point spread as favorites against Washington Commanders in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Likely · Within days

The Texas Longhorns, ranked fourth nationally, open their 2026 college football season against the Texas State Bobcats at Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Texas is a 29.5-point favorite, and the SportsLine Projection Model predicts the game will go Under 60.5 total points, forecasting 49 combined points based on 10,000 simulations. Texas State returns starting quarterback Brad Jackson and two 1,000-yard receivers, while Texas features new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and aims to reach the College Football Playoff after missing it in 2025.

SportsLine's predictive model has simulated all Week 1 NFL games 10,000 times, projecting exact scores and highlighting key matchups such as the Rams as 3.5-point favorites over the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, and the Eagles as -5.5 favorites against the Commanders, with detailed player projections for Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and others.

WWE's iconic 'Saturday Night's Main Event' moves to Sunday night for the first time in its 40-year history, taking place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on September 6, 2026. The event features Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton and Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker as top matches, with Lil Yachty making his in-ring debut against Baron Corbin in a five-minute time-limit match that could earn Trick Williams a United States title shot.

SportsLine's predictive model has identified top 2026 Fantasy football sleepers, including New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (ADP 92, projected TE9), Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (29, four straight 1,000-yard seasons), and an unnamed wide receiver projected as a top-10 option ahead of stars like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson. The model, which accurately forecasted De'Von Achane's RB6 finish in 2025, has simulated the 2026 NFL season 10,000 times and is now offering rankings and cheat sheets via SportsLine membership, which includes Paramount+ Premium.

The 2026 Apple Cup between Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies opens the season for both teams, with the Huskies as 23.5-point favorites and the over/under set at 50.5 points. SportsLine's projection model, simulating the game 10,000 times, recommends going Under on the total, citing that four of the last seven meetings produced 45 points or fewer. The model also indicates one side of the spread hits over 60% of the time. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET at Husky Stadium in Seattle.

Lane Kiffin makes his LSU head coaching debut as the 11th-ranked Tigers face Clemson in a Week 1 college football matchup, with betting expert Eric Cohen recommending the Under 50.5 total points due to tough night-game atmosphere in Baton Rouge and both teams' early-season adjustments.