Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season is loaded with storylines, potential upsets, and must-watch matchups. On this Week 1 Pick ‘Em podcast, Wade and Ryan break down the entire slate with sharp analysis, betting angles, and their official predictions.
The boys are back and ready for a rambunctious and ruckus season, not to mention a whole fun slate of international games. Are you ready for some football?
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams-Australia
The Rams open as 3.5-point favorites with a 48.5 total in what the Ryan calls the “travel insurance bowl.” San Francisco arrives relatively healthy with Christian McCaffrey, new addition Mike Evans, and a defense that looks improved. The Rams carry higher expectations after major offseason moves, but the travel factor and early-season rust could play a role. Both hosts expect a lower-scoring, tighter game than the total suggests.
Predictions: Ryan takes the 49ers 23-20 in an upset. Wade has the Rams winning 24-21 with the 49ers covering the spread.
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
Chicago is a 3-point favorite (47.5 total) in a matchup of former top draft picks. Ben Johnson’s offense is entering Year 2 with Caleb Williams, and the Bears need strong starts in the NFC. Carolina spent money to protect Bryce Young and has young talent on the outside, but the hosts see potential growing pains for the Panthers. Expect Chicago to control the tempo.
Predictions: Ryan picks the Bears 27-21. Wade goes bigger with the Bears 30-18.
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore is favored by 3.5 points (47.5 total). A new defensive coordinator and questions around Daniel Jones’ readiness after an Achilles injury make this a statement opportunity for the Ravens. Derrick Henry’s early-season form and Lamar Jackson’s bounce-back potential are major talking points. Both hosts lean toward Baltimore asserting itself.
Predictions: Ryan has the Ravens 31-22. Wade picks Baltimore 28-20.
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is favored at home. Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy reunite with better supporting pieces and an improved offensive line. Tua Tagovailoa faces a defense that should generate consistent pressure. The hosts like Bijan Robinson’s receiving work as one of the few reliable Falcon outlets but see the Steelers pulling away.
Predictions: Ryan takes the Steelers 30-20. Wade has Pittsburgh 27-16.
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are heavy 8.5-point favorites (40.5 total) in the Florida heat. Trevor Lawrence and the second-year system under Liam Coen face a Browns team dealing with significant quarterback uncertainty. Both hosts view this as a potential early-season statement game for Jacksonville.
Predictions: Ryan goes Jaguars 33-16. Wade has Jacksonville 26-13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati is a 3.5-point favorite with a high 50.5 total. Baker Mayfield’s motivation around his contract situation and a healthier Buccaneers roster create real upset potential. The hosts expect a competitive, high-scoring game that could come down to the final possession.
Predictions: The guys land on the exact same score — Buccaneers 30-27.
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is a slight 1.5-point home favorite (39.5 total). Robert Saleh’s return against his former team adds extra juice. The Jets have improved their offensive line and feature Geno Smith, while the Titans look to build around Cam Ward. The hosts split on the winner in what they expect to be a close, lower-scoring contest.
Predictions: Ryan takes the Titans 24-20. Wade flips it with the Jets 24-20.
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
Detroit is a 7-point favorite (49.5 total) in a dome environment. The Lions need an offensive statement after last season, while Tyler Shough and the Saints’ weapons could keep the scoreboard moving. Secondary questions on both sides point toward a shootout.
Predictions: Ryan has the Lions 35-28. Wade picks Detroit 31-25.
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Buffalo is a 1.5-point road favorite (44.5 total) in a venue that has been difficult for Josh Allen in recent years. Houston’s defense remains a major concern for the Bills, but Buffalo arrives healthier than in previous meetings. Expect a physical, lower-scoring battle.
Predictions: Ryan goes Bills 23-20. Wade takes the Texans 24-23.
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are 10-point home favorites (47.5 total), the largest spread of the weekend. Justin Herbert and a healthier offensive line face a Cardinals team with talent at skill positions but questions up front. Both hosts feel the double-digit number is steep for Week 1.
Predictions: Ryan has the Chargers 33-26. Wade picks Los Angeles 30-24.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is a 1.5-point home favorite (46.5 total) in an important NFC North opener. Kyler Murray’s debut under the Vikings’ coaching staff meets a Packers team dealing with injuries and consistency questions. Expect a tight, physical division game.
Predictions: Ryan takes the Packers 24-21. Wade goes Vikings 27-24.
Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are 3.5-point favorites. Kirk Cousins faces a disruptive defensive front, while Miami’s running game and dual-threat options offer some intrigue. Both hosts anticipate a low-scoring, grind-it-out style of game.
Predictions: Ryan picks the Dolphins 21-20. Wade has the Raiders 18-16 with Miami covering.
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is favored by 5.5 points (44.5 total). The Eagles’ defense should create problems for Jayden Daniels, while Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley look to bounce back at home. This is a familiar NFC East matchup with clear implications.
Predictions: Ryan has the Eagles 31-17. Wade picks Philadelphia 31-21.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Dallas is a 3.5-point favorite (48.5 total). Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens face a Giants team with multiple injury and consistency questions in John Harbaugh’s debut. The hosts expect the Cowboys’ offence to create separation.
Predictions: Ryan goes Cowboys 40-22. Wade has Dallas 30-13.
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is a 2.5-point home favorite (43.5 total) on Monday night. Patrick Mahomes returns from a late ACL tear against a strong Broncos defence. Both guys lean toward a lower-scoring, physical AFC West battle with Denver smelling opportunity.
Predictions: Ryan takes the Broncos 24-21. Wade has Denver 26-23.
Of course, it’s Week 1-so who the heck knows what’s going to happen in the league? Maybe Colin Kaepernick will be in the league by Week 4? Paging Joe Flacco!
Here’s a link to the podcast, so you can listen to it yourself, or share it friends and enemies. It’s episode number 399, so we hope you’ll share it!
