Way-Too-Early NFL Week 1 Predictions

Below, bettors can find a pair of early NFL Week 1 predictions based on NFL odds.

The opening week features a wide range of lines. Spreads go as high as 10.5 in Chargers vs Cardinals. Half of the 16 games feature a dog priced at +3 or higher.

Over the last two years, favorites enjoyed a narrow edge in Week 1. Since the kickoff rule change, favorites are 17-15 ATS in Week 1. Regarding totals, unders are 19-13.

Let’s dive into my early Week 1 predictions. Odds are reflective at time of writing and are subject to movement.

2 Early NFL Predictions Week 1

Vikings vs Packers Prediction: Minnesota Vikings Moneyline (+105)

Minnesota and Green Bay split the season series last year with some fortuitous matchups.

Green Bay won at home against Max Brosmer before Minnesota defeated a Clayton Tune-led Packers team in Week 18. At full strength, I give a narrow advantage to the Vikings.

Micah Parsons appears set to miss the first month of the season following a torn ACL. It leaves Green Bay’s defense vulnerable without a pass rush.

Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson should effectively exploit a weak Packers secondary, too. Last season, Green Bay finished 18th in pass defense DVOA, including 25th against WR1s.

Kevin O’Connell’s scheme should exploit that advantage at home, where Minnesota has enjoyed recent success. At home, O’Connell owns a 21-12 SU record.

Defensively, I like the matchup for Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense against a potentially vulnerable Packers line. Those factors lead me to Minnesota as a home underdog.

Jaguars vs Browns Prediction: Cleveland Browns Spread (+7.5)

To me, this is too many points for Jacksonville against a good defense. Even if they win the game, covering by eight or more feels unlikely.

How the Browns offense looks under Todd Monken remains the big question. However, I’m willing to entertain the possibility they move the ball on a semi-fraudulent Jaguars defense.

Last year, Anthony Campanile’s defense relied on turnovers to get off the field. If those turnovers suddenly dry up, it could leave a questionable secondary vulnerable.

Offensively, Jacksonville begins the 2026 season without Travis Etienne. The rushing attack tailed off at the end of last season and faces a very good Browns rush defense.

Cleveland’s front seven should also exploit Jacksonville’s offensive line, especially Myles Garrett.

The last hint here is the total. At 40.5, Browns-Jaguars features the second-lowest over/under on the board. If it proves low-scoring, I predict Cleveland stays within the number.