NFL Week 1 Picks, Predictions, Best Bets for Cowboys vs. Browns, Broncos vs. Seahawks

NFL Week 1 Picks, Predictions, Best Bets for Cowboys vs. Browns, Broncos vs. Seahawks article feature image
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Action Network/Getty Images. Pictured: DK Metcalf (left) and Dak Prescott.

Football is back, and so are our experts NFL picks and best NFL predictions for Week 1.

NFL Week 1 Sunday kicksedoff with 8 games in the 1 p.m. ET slate, but now, we're getting ready for the 4 marquee matchups in the 4 p.m. ET and 4:25 p.m. ET late afternoon window. Our NFL best bets feature 2 picks against the spread on Sunday, for those late games — and we're sorry in advance, Dallas Cowboys fans. (Browns and Seahawks fans, we hope we don't put the jinx on you.)

Let's dive in with everything you need to know for NFL Week 1: the latest NFL odds, Week 1 predictions for Sunday, our expert's picks, the full schedule, start times, and TV channels, and most importantly, our best NFL Week 1 bets.


Best NFL Week 1 Bets for Cowboys vs. Browns, Broncos vs. Seahawks

GameTime (ET)Pick
Denver Broncos LogoSeattle Seahawks Logo
4:05 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys LogoCleveland Browns Logo
4:25 p.m.
Houston Texans LogoIndianapolis Colts Logo
1 p.m.
Carolina Panthers LogoNew Orleans Saints Logo
1 p.m.
Tennessee Titans LogoChicago Bears Logo
1 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals LogoBuffalo Bills Logo
1 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings LogoNew York Giants Logo
1 p.m.
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game.

Kyle Murray's Broncos vs Seahawks Week 1 Prediction: Denver Is No Match for Seattle

Denver Broncos Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
4:05 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks Logo
Seahawks -6 (-110)
bet365 Logo

By Kyle Murray

Rookie QB Bo Nix received a ton of praise in preseason and training camp en route to winning the starting job, and that all might be justified.

However, Seattle is a very difficult place to play, arguably the most difficult in the NFL. Historically, rookie quarterbacks have not performed well against the spread in their debuts. Denver will likely struggle to put up points with a lackluster roster, especially on offense, and in a tough environment.

There's a lot to be excited about for the Seahawks, as well, with some exciting young weapons at new head coach Mike Macdonald's disposal. Seattle should be able to score quite easily against a Denver team that ranked 30th in defensive DVOA last season.

Pick: Seahawks -6 (-110)


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Kevin Roth's Cowboys vs Browns NFL Week 1 Pick

Dallas Cowboys Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
4:25 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns Logo
Browns -2.5 (-105)
Caesars Logo

By Matt Trebby

I’m backing a few trends from Evan Abrams’ NFL Week 1 betting primer, which is a must-read for any bettor.

1) Dak Prescott has lost seven straight games against the spread as an underdog. Their last win as a ‘dog was in September 2021 against the Chargers.

2) Prescott is 29-11 against the spread in his career against the NFC East. Against every other division, though, he’s just 36-43-2. He’s the third-least-profitable QB in the NFL his spot since he was drafted, ahead of only Brock Osweiler and Derek Carr.

3) A similar trend to the one above, but the other way around — and it backs the Browns.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski is 8-16 against the spread in his coaching career against AFC North opponents. Against non-divisional opponents, he’s 25-19-1.

Overall, Prescott needs to prove he can play well against a good defense on the road before I’m willing to bet on him in this situation. I’m not sold on Deshaun Watson, but the Browns defense should give Prescott hell en route to a win and cover.

Pick: Browns -2.5 (-105)


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Best NFL Bets Week 1

Simon Hunter's Texans vs Colts NFL Pick: Fade the Public

Houston Texans Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
1 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts Logo
Colts +3 (-115)
BetMGM Logo

By Simon Hunter

I loved this game back in May, and I'm even more in love with it now.

I already knew Houston would be everyone’s darling during the offseason, but I didn’t realize just how much that would be the case. I talked to a couple of bookmakers who said this game will basically decide their Sunday. They're happy in their position of relying on the Colts, and I'm with them.

All the trends also point to this Colts team, which is much better on defense than people give it credit for. Divisional home 'dogs are 22-7 against the spread (ATS) in Week 1 since 2010, including 9-2 ATS since 2018 and 17-4 ATS since 2012.

Add in a top-three offensive line in the ground game leading the way for a mobile quarterback in Anthony Richardson and an elite running back in Jonathan Taylor, this sets up well for Indy to spread out and attack Houston.

Take the points. Home divisional 'dogs in Week 1 are an automatic bet for me.

Pick: Colts +3 (-115)


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John LanFranca's Panthers vs Saints NFL Prediction: Carolina to Cover

Carolina Panthers Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
1 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints Logo
Panthers +4 (-110)
BetMGM Logo

By John LanFranca

No matter how much the game of football changes, my handicap will always start in the trenches. I have been salivating at the opportunity to fade this Saints offensive line, and the Panthers present the perfect opportunity.

Trevor Penning played exactly zero snaps at right tackle last season, and that's his new position for the Saints. He has struggled so badly that a rookie has been installed on the left side in his place — a rookie who will be making his first start in the NFL at left tackle. You'd think Penning would at least have the benefit of playing next to veteran right guard Cesar Ruiz, but Ruiz's play dropped off last season to the tune of the lowest rating of his career, according to Pro Football Focus, ranking 63rd of 79 qualifying guards.

Left guard is also a question mark and could end up being a rotation, while veteran Lucas Patrick, a former center who ranked 30th of 36 qualifying centers last season, will now get the nod at a position he has never played.

It's clear that the Saints O-line is a mess.

In addition, Dave Canales is a coach who I'm looking to back. He had his hands in the resurrection of Geno Smith in 2022 and Baker Mayfield in 2023. When Canales was the offensive coordinator of Tampa Bay last season, the Bucs were 8-3 against the spread as underdogs. In 2021 and 2022, he served as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Geno Smith, who covered eight of the 13 games when he was an underdog.

Pick: Panthers +4 (-110)


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Charlie DiSturco's Titans vs Bears Best Bet: Not So Fast, Chicago

Tennessee Titans Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
1 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears Logo
Titans +3.5 (-105)
BetMGM Logo

By Charlie DiSturco

The Hard Knocks hype is real around Bears camp. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, has sky-high expectations, but the same cannot be said for the Titans, who are about to enter Year 1 of the Brian Callahan era.

I’m high on Callahan implementing a strong offensive approach after being hired from the Bengals, for whom he was the offensive coordinator. I have my qualms with Will Levis, but his supporting cast is incredibly talented and should be able to keep Tennessee within striking distance.

DeAndre Hopkins has returned to practice after suffering a knee injury and will be a game-time decision for Sunday. Regardless of whether he suits up, the Titans brought in Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd to make plays for Levis.

I'm more than happy to fade Williams here. Per Action Network's Evan Abrams, there have been 27 No. 1 overall picks who were quarterbacks since the merger in 1970. In their first starts, they're an abysmal 4-22-1 straight-up and 7-20 against the spread.

Even with the Bears boasting a talented offense, it’s a lot to ask from a rookie to be thrust directly into the spotlight. I'm trusting Levis will keep this game close behind a revamped offensive line and talented group of playmakers in Week 1.

Pick: Titans +3.5 (-105)


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Sam Farley's Cardinals vs Bills NFL Prediction: Bet This Popular 'Dog

Arizona Cardinals Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
1 p.m. ET
Buffalo Bills Logo
Cardinals +6.5 (-105)
bet365 Logo

By Sam Farley

There's huge positivity around the Cardinals this season — and for good reason.

Arizona has a healthy Kyler Murray to start the season, and the public has perhaps forgotten how good he can be, having previously been in the MVP conversation when at his best. Combine that with a solid RB room and a pass-catching corps featuring Trey McBride, who shined last season, and Marvin Harrison Jr., who should instantly be one of the best WRs in the league, and this Cardinals team has the potential to be a spoiler in the NFC throughout the season.

This could be a hugely powered offense and despite question marks over their defense, Arizona should be able to hang with a Bills team that looks weaker than last season.

Pick: Cardinals +6.5 (-105)


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Simon Hunter's Vikings vs Giants Week 1 Pick: Pinch Your Nose & Bet New York

Minnesota Vikings Logo
Sunday, Sept. 8
1 p.m. ET
New York Giants Logo
Giants +2 (-110)
DraftKings  Logo

By Simon Hunter

I can’t believe I get to bet against Sam Darnold as a road favorite. In that role, he's 5-9 straight-up as a road favorite and 9-19 on the road.

The hate has gone too far on this Giants team. Daniel Jones isn’t as bad as everyone makes him out to be, and he's healthy with one of the better coaches in the league calling the shots.

Brian Daboll is 22-13-1 (63%) against the spread as Giants head coach. That 63% is the highest among all head coaches over the last 20 years with a minimum of 10 games under their belt.

Daboll has had four different QBs start a game as the G-Men's head coach, and all four are above .500 ATS in those starts. Now, he has his QB1 back, one who led New York to a win in the playoffs two seasons ago.

To me, this year's Giants squad will be his most talented since being hired. These are the best wide receivers Jones will have at his disposal, and the offensive line will be better than it's ever been to protect the quarterback.

Hold your nose and take the plus number. It might be the only time all year you get to fade the Vikings as favorites.

Pick: Giants +2 (-110)

NFL Week 1 Odds

Odds via our live, updating NFL odds page. Be sure to shop around for the best lines when making your bets.

NFL Schedule Week 1

Broncos at Seahawks

Broncos Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
4:05 p.m. ET
CBS
Seahawks Logo
Broncos Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+6.5
-110
42
-110o / -110u
+235
Seahawks Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-6.5
-110
42
-110o / -110u
-290
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Expert Pick: Seahawks to cover the spread

Raiders at Chargers

Raiders Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
4:05 p.m. ET
CBS
Chargers Logo
Raiders Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3
-115
40
-110o / -110u
+135
Chargers Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3
-105
40
-110o / -110u
-160
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Expert Pick: Under

Cowboys at Browns

Cowboys Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
4:25 p.m. ET
FOX
Browns Logo
Cowboys Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+2.5
-110
41.5
-110o / -110u
+115
Browns Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-2.5
-110
41.5
-110o / -110u
-135
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Cowboys to cover the spread

Commanders at Buccaneers

Commanders Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
4:25 p.m. ET
FOX
Buccaneers Logo
Commanders Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3.5
-105
42.5
-110o / -110u
+165
Buccaneers Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3.5
-115
42.5
-110o / -110u
-200
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Commanders to cover the spread

Rams at Lions

Rams Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
8:20 p.m. ET
NBC
Lions Logo
Rams Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+4.5
-110
52.5
-110o / -110u
+185
Lions Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-4.5
-110
52.5
-110o / -110u
-225
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Sunday Night Football
  • Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Channel: NBC
  • Expert Pick: Sam LaPorta over on receiving yards

Jets at 49ers

Jets Logo
Monday, Sep 9
8:15 p.m. ET
ABC/ESPN
49ers Logo
Jets Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+4
-110
43.5
-110o / -110u
+170
49ers Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-4
-110
43.5
-110o / -110u
-205
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Monday Night Football
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Channel: ABC/ESPN
  • Expert Pick: Game To Go To Overtime (+1700)

Steelers at Falcons

Steelers Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
FOX
Falcons Logo
Steelers Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+4
-110
42.5
-110o / -110u
+170
Falcons Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-4
-110
42.5
-110o / -110u
-205
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Under

Jaguars at Dolphins

Jaguars Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
CBS
Dolphins Logo
Jaguars Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3.5
-115
49
-110o / -110u
+155
Dolphins Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3.5
-105
49
-110o / -110u
-185
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Expert Pick: Jags to cover the spread

Vikings at Giants

Vikings Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
FOX
Giants Logo
Vikings Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-1
-110
41
-110o / -110u
-120
Giants Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+1
-110
41
-110o / -110u
+100
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Vikings to cover the spread

Titans at Bears

Titans Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
FOX
Bears Logo
Titans Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+4
-110
44
-110o / -110u
+165
Bears Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-4
-110
44
-110o / -110u
-200
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Titans to cover the spread

Panthers at Saints

Panthers Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
FOX
Saints Logo
Panthers Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3.5
-110
41.5
-110o / -110u
+160
Saints Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3.5
-110
41.5
-110o / -110u
-190
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Panthers to cover the spread

Cardinals at Bills

Cardinals Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
CBS
Bills Logo
Cardinals Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+6.5
-105
46
-110o / -110u
+245
Bills Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-6.5
-115
46
-110o / -110u
-305
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Expert Pick: Under

Patriots at Bengals

Patriots Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
CBS
Bengals Logo
Patriots Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+8
-110
41
-110o / -110u
+325
Bengals Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-8
-110
41
-110o / -110u
-425
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: FOX
  • Expert Pick: Patriots to cover the spread

Texans at Colts

Texans Logo
Sunday, Sep 8
1 p.m. ET
CBS
Colts Logo
Texans Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3
-110
49
-110o / -110u
-160
Colts Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3
-110
49
-110o / -110u
+135
Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.
bet365 Logo
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS
  • Expert Pick: Colts to cover the spread

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About the Author
Action Network is a team of seasoned sports betting experts specializing in a broad range of sports, from the NFL and NBA to less mainstream options like cricket and darts. Their staff includes well-known analysts like Sean Koerner and Stuckey, recognized for their accurate predictions and deep sports knowledge. The team is dedicated to delivering expert analysis and daily best bets, ensuring bettors are well-informed across all major sports.

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