The NFL schedule release is both exciting and torturous. While we get a roadmap for the upcoming season, the realization that we must wait months for actual games creates a teasing anticipation. The good news? We can start analyzing betting strategies for Week 1 right now.
It's wise to wait closer to the season kickoff before placing bets due to potential injuries. However, getting a sense of how oddsmakers view the league early is valuable. Below are all the initial odds with way-too-early leans for each game.
NFL odds courtesy of DraftKings.
Week 1 Matchups and Odds
Thursday, September 4
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne) — 49ers +130, Rams -155
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers — Cardinals +455, Chargers -625
Friday, September 5
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks — Patriots +160, Seahawks -192
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions — Saints +260, Lions -325
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans — Bills -112, Texans -108
Saturday, September 6
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts — Ravens -185, Colts +154
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers — Bears -135, Panthers +114
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals — Buccaneers +164, Bengals -198
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers — Falcons +145, Steelers -175
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans — Jets +142, Titans -170
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars — Browns +230, Jaguars -285
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles — Commanders +195, Eagles -238
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders — Dolphins +150, Raiders -180
Sunday, September 7
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings — Packers -125, Vikings +105
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants — Cowboys -130, Giants +110
Monday, September 8
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs — Broncos +130, Chiefs -155
Early Picks and Analysis
Patriots at Seahawks (-3.5)
The last meeting between these teams wasn't close—Seattle blew out New England in Super Bowl LX, 29-13, to win the Lombardi Trophy. While Seattle lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, they remain among the biggest threats to repeat as champions in 2026.
This marks the 12th Super Bowl rematch the following season, with the Super Bowl winner going 8-3 straight-up in those games. With the championship banner being unveiled, Lumen Field should provide a stellar atmosphere.
Way-too-early pick: Seahawks -3.5
49ers at Rams (+2.5)
Way-too-early pick: 49ers +2.5
Saints at Lions (-7)
I'm high on Tyler Shough and fascinated to see how he fares as New Orleans' clear-cut full-time starter in his second NFL season. This is a tough draw in the opener as they head to Detroit to face a Lions team that is licking its wounds after taking a step back in 2025.
Despite missing the playoffs last year, Dan Campbell's team still has the foundation of a heavyweight in the NFC and should come out firing. Despite their struggles a year ago, Detroit still had an average margin of victory at Ford Field of 9.5, making the touchdown spread palatable.
Way-too-early pick: Lions -7
Bills at Texans
Way-too-early lean: Texans