Before the first Sunday of the 2025 regular season kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the lines for the NFL Week 1 games.
You can CLICK HERE for straight up NFL picks without regard to the spread. You can find all of the NFL betting lines via FanDuel.
My overall record last season was 138-144-3, which was well behind the collective BGN community at 156-126-3. Let’s see if you can beat me once again.
Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds.
NFL WEEK 1 GAMES
NEW YORK GIANTS at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (-6.5): The Commanders are primed for regression. That said, it’s impossible to give the Giants the benefit of the doubt when it comes to winning the game. Especially when they’re missing their left tackle. But New York typically puts up a good fight against Washington, so, the G-Men will cover in a loss. PICK: Giants +6.5
CAROLINA PANTHERS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (-4.5): Other than Travis Hunter, what am I supposed to really like about the Jags? They should benefit from more luck this season since they lost a lot of one-score games in 2024. But the Panthers feel frisky to me. PICK: Panthers +4.5
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-3) at NEW YORK JETS: Fading Justin Fields is typically a worthwhile strategy. The Jets haven’t great vibes in a long time and it feels like it could be another long season for them with Alijah Vera-Tucker already out for the season. PICK: Steelers -3
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-2.5): The Raiders’ defense is suspect but the combination of Pete Carroll, Geno Smith, and Ashton Jeanty will have Las Vegas looking more competent. I like Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye should take a step forward … but New England’s roster still lacks talent. Plus, Christian Gonzalez is injured. PICK: Raiders +2.5
ARIZONA CARDINALS (-6.5) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: The Saints’ outlook is bleak. In true Jonathan Gannon fashion, the Cards will probably be a team that’s able to beat bad opponents but lose to the good ones. PICK: Cardinals -6.5
CINCINNATI BENGALS (-4.5) at CLEVELAND BROWNS: The Bengals’ offense should be very good. But Jim Schwartz can challenge it. And that Bengals defense seems pretty bad still. Can’t shake Cincy’s starters struggling against the Eagles’ backups in the preseason. PICK: Browns +4.5
MIAMI DOLPHINS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (-1.5): The Dolphins have terrible vibes. The Colts have Daniel Jones. I guess I’ll just take the points and hope for the best. PICK: Dolphins +1.5
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-1.5) at ATLANTA FALCONS: No Tristan Wirfs is a concern but the Bucs still have big-time potential on offense. I’m not buying the Falcons. PICK: Buccaneers -1.5
TENNESSEE TITANS at DENVER BRONCOS (-8.5): Not an easy spot for Cam Ward in his NFL debut. On the road and in the altitude against a tough defense. Sean Payton will have his team ready for a strong Week 1 showing. PICK: Broncos -8.5
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-1.5) at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: The Christian McCaffey injury situation is not very good vibes. That said, I have a tough time betting on Sam Darnold. PICK: 49ers -1.5
DETROIT LIONS at GREEN BAY PACKERS (-1.5): This one will probably come down to the wire. Dan Campbell as an underdog feels like a bet worth making. Especially with the Lions shifting away from Packers -2.5. PICK: Lions +1.5
HOUSTON TEXANS at LOS ANGELES RAMS (-3): Too much uncertainty with Matthew Stafford. The Texans figure to bounce back after some regression in 2024. PICK: Texans +3
BALTIMORE RAVENS (-1.5) at BUFFALO BILLS: Josh Allen getting points at home feels too good to be true. Too tempting not to take this rare opportunity. PICK: Bills +1.5
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (-1.5) at CHICAGO BEARS: The Vikings are poised to regress and J.J. McCarthy is an unknown. Plus, Ben Johnson should present problems for Brian Flores. He certainly did when he was with Detroit. PICK: Bears +1.5