Noah Sousa's 2026 Week 1 NFL predictions
Writer Noah Sousa gives his picks for week one of the 2026 NFL season Sunday Slate along with bold predictions, a lock of the week and underdog picks
Regular picks:
Early Game Slate
Ravens 34- 23 Colts
Saints 17- 31 Lions
Bears 24- 20 Panthers
Buccaneers 20-34 Bengals
Falcons 13- 20 Steelers
Jets 17-20 Titans
Bills 23- 30 Texans
Josh Allen has a record of 1-4 vs the Texans in both the regular and postseasons, with his last win vs Houston being in 2021
Jaguars 27-10 Browns Lock of the week
Clevland has had an interesting off season with a coaching change and controversy at quarterback meanwhile Jacksonville was very mixed with key departures hurting this team from a year ago however, Jacksonville has had less question marks and is looking to get back to the postseason and I think 2026 will start of good for the Jaguars.
Late Game Slate
Commanders 23-27 Eagles
Cardinals 20-27 Chargers
Packers 24-23 Vikings
Dolphins 20-17 Raiders Under Dog pick
Sunday Night football
Cowboys 34-27 Giants
Bold prediction: Malik Nabers will go for more than 100 yards and score at least one touchdown
Broncos 27-24 Chiefs Upset pick of the week
Denver's Strong defense can stop a Chiefs offense that has some major question marks with a vulnerable offensive line and Patrick Mahomes coming of a torn ACL, Denver's biggest advantage on the road will be making the 3-time super bowl champ uncomfortable which will be critical for a win in arrowhead.