The NFL is back, and Week 1 wastes no time throwing heavyweight bouts our way. Lines are tight across the board, injuries and suspensions are already shaping game plans, and a Monday night blockbuster in Buffalo caps the weekend. Buckle up — here’s how the slate sets up, with picks straight up and against the narrative.

HOT GAME OF THE WEEK

RAVENS AT BILLS (BUF -1.5, O/U 51.5)

Star power and stakes right out of the gate. Thurman Thomas is hyping Josh Allen’s title window, and Buffalo gets Khalil Shakir back at practice, while Baltimore’s TE depth is thinner with Isaiah Likely not expected early in the season. Lamar vs. Allen under the lights with the week’s highest total is appointment viewing.

Prediction: Bills 30, Ravens 27

COWBOYS AT EAGLES (PHI -7, O/U 46.5)

All eyes on Micah Parsons after he reportedly sought a second opinion on his back, though Dallas coaches said he’s cleared to practice. Philly’s receiving duo — A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (groin) — practiced Thursday, a timely boost for Jalen Hurts in a primetime opener at the Linc.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17

CHIEFS AT CHARGERS (KC -3, O/U 45.5)

Kansas City hits SoCal without Rashee Rice (six-game suspension), but Patrick Mahomes has made a career out of elevating whoever’s active. Division games tilt tight — Justin Herbert keeps it live late — yet KC’s situational excellence travels.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 20

BUCCANEERS AT FALCONS (TB -2.5, O/U 47.5)

Tampa’s Cade Otton (leg) is iffy for Week 1, narrowing the Bucs’ red-zone options. Atlanta gets Darnell Mooney (shoulder) back at practice and should lean into a physical run script at home.

Prediction: Falcons 23, Buccaneers 20

RAIDERS AT PATRIOTS (NE -2.5, O/U 42.5)

New England snapped up Tommy DeVito after the Giants waived him, but Week 1 likely comes down to defense and turnovers. In a grindy game, the Raiders’ skill talent makes one more explosive play.

Prediction: Raiders 19, Patriots 17

BENGALS AT BROWNS (CIN -6, O/U 47.5)

Cincinnati’s continuity shows up early. Joe Burrow has the weaponry to pressure Cleveland’s secondary for four quarters, even if this is choppy to start.

Prediction: Bengals 28, Browns 20

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CARDINALS AT SAINTS (ARI -6.5, O/U 42.5)

The market is bullish on Arizona out of the gate. If the Cards’ revamped offense starts fast, New Orleans will need chunk plays to keep pace — a tall order in Week 1.

Prediction: Cardinals 26, Saints 17

STEELERS AT JETS (PIT -3, O/U 38.5)

Pittsburgh made several “Top 10 entering Week 1” lists and still leans on its identity: defense and timely explosives. Rookie QB Will Howard to IR doesn’t impact Week 1, but the news underscores Pittsburgh’s depth decisions. Low total favors the more mistake-free side.

Prediction: Steelers 20, Jets 16

DOLPHINS AT COLTS (IND -1.5, O/U 46.5)

Tyreek Hill (oblique) returned to practice and is on track; De’Von Achane (calf) is expected to suit up, while Jaylen Wright (leg) is out multiple weeks, opening snaps for rookie RB Ollie Gordon II. That speed stress may be the difference indoors.

Prediction: Dolphins 27, Colts 24

PANTHERS AT JAGUARS (JAX -3, O/U 46.5)

Carolina shipped Adam Thielen to Minnesota, thinning veteran WR presence. Jacksonville says Travis Hunter is healthy and added Tim Patrick for depth — nice complements to a QB-friendly script in Week 1.

Prediction: Jaguars 24, Panthers 16

GIANTS AT COMMANDERS (WAS -6, O/U 45.5)

Malik Nabers says his recent issue was “minor,” a positive for the Giants’ downfield intent. Washington’s defense at home and a steadier trench profile tilt this one.

Prediction: Commanders 23, Giants 17

49ERS AT SEAHAWKS (SF -2.5, O/U 44.5)

San Francisco may be without Jauan Jennings (calf/contract), but they added Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the WR room. With Brock Purdy under center and the Niners’ pass rush fresh, San Francisco edges a close NFC West opener.

Prediction: 49ers 24, Seahawks 21

TITANS AT BRONCOS (DEN -7.5, O/U 41.5)

Denver WR Marvin Mims’ groin bears watching, but the Broncos’ defense and altitude advantage should squeeze a Titans offense still seeking rhythm.

Prediction: Broncos 23, Titans 13

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LIONS AT PACKERS (GB -1.5, O/U 48.5)

Jordan Love is a full participant, while Jayden Reed (Jones fracture) plans to play through; expect snap/usage monitoring but impact when on the field. Detroit’s culture remains strong despite coaching departures, yet Lambeau and late down execution nudge Green Bay.

Prediction: Packers 27, Lions 24

TEXANS AT RAMS (LAR -2.5, O/U 44.5)

Houston’s Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) carries real uncertainty; if he’s limited or out, that shifts early-down balance to C.J. Stroud’s arm. The Rams’ pass rush at home makes the late difference.

Prediction: Rams 26, Texans 23

VIKINGS AT BEARS (MIN -1.5, O/U 43.5)

Minnesota reunites with Adam Thielen, adding a savvy chain-mover to their set. Chicago’s Tyson Bagent story is awesome, but Week 1 comes down to the Vikings’ ability to finish red-zone trips.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Bears 23

Week 1 Matchups, Odds, Location, Status

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