As the old saying goes, “Good teams win, great teams cover.” NFL Week One is finally here, and the schedule makers provided us with an incredibly intriguing slate to start the season, from intense divisional matchups to exciting rookie debuts.

Below, we will be breaking down our NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread while also going through the NFL Week 1 schedule. So without further ado, let's dive in!

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread + NFL Week 1 Schedule Predictions

For the NFL Week 1 Schedule, we have all 32 teams playing in 16 games, including an exciting international game for some rare Friday Night Football. In the following section, you will find my predictions, with my NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread highlighted in bold. All lines are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread: Arizona Cardinals -6.5 (-104 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Arizona vs. New Orleans provides us with one of the largest spreads of the week, and yet I am still shocked that it is not larger. The Cardinals quietly had one of the strongest offseasons of the year, essentially maintaining their entire offensive roster and making massive upgrades on defense. In what was one of the weakest defensive line units just a year ago, it now features names like Walter Nolan, Calais Campbell, and Josh Sweat. Head coach Jonathan Gannon was able to elevate his lackluster defensive talent in the past; now with big names on that side of the ball, the Cardinals could wind up as one of the top defensive units in 2025.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints have a new coach, a new scheme, and a lot of question marks under center. Entering year two, Spencer Rattler won the starting quarterback job for the Saints against rookie Tyler Shough in what was one of the least inspiring quarterback battles in recent memory. The Cardinals finished 2024 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games; meanwhile, the Saints finished 4-6. With both rosters heading in opposite directions, I am hammering the Cardinals at -6.5, as I think this game could be a blowout.

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread: New York Giants +5.5 (-102 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

This one might prove to be a shocker, but I love the value that we are getting on the GMen here. Last season, despite their lackluster roster talent, questionable quarterback play, and the season being all but finished from the start, the New York Giants played the Washington Commanders incredibly close in both of their matchups, losing by a combined eight points between the two meetings. 

Fast-forward to 2025, and the Giants have more stability at the quarterback position, one of the most talented defenses in the NFL on paper, and perhaps a little bit of excitement? Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are not a sneaky underdog anymore. After their miraculous playoff run and NFC Championship appearance, the spotlight is on second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels to repeat or exceed his impressive rookie season. I think that Russ and the Giants will at least be able to keep this one close and open NFL fans' eyes in regards to the talented roster Joe Schoen was able to construct in New York.

 

 

 

How to Bet on NFL Week 1 Picks Against The Spread with Today's DraftKings Promo

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Just sign up now to DraftKings Sportsbook, place a bet $5 or more on one of our picks against the spread (or anything else that you would like), and successful or not, you’ll receive $300 worth of bonus bets and $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket! You don’t even have to worry about it winning!

 

 

 

NFL Week 1 Schedule

To make sure you get your NFL Week 1 Picks in before kickoff, we have listed when each game will be played for your convenience:

Thursday Night Football (September 4th, 8:20 PM ET):

  • Cowboys vs. Eagles 

Friday Night Football (September 5th, 8:00 PM ET):

  • Chiefs vs. Chargers (Brazil)

Sunday, September 7th, 1:00 PM ET:

  • Dolphins vs. Colts
  • Steelers vs. Jets
  • Panthers vs. Jaguars 
  • Cardinals vs. Saints 
  • Giants vs. Commanders
  • Buccaneers vs. Falcons 
  • Bengals vs. Browns 
  • Raiders vs. Patriots 

Sunday, September 7th, 4:05 PM ET:

  • 49ers vs. Seahawks 
  • Titans vs. Broncos 

Sunday, September 7th, 4:25 PM ET:

  • Lions vs. Packers 
  • Texans vs. Rams

Sunday Night Football (September 7th, 8:20 PM ET):

  • Ravens vs. Bills 

Monday Night Football (September 8th, 8:15 PM ET):

  • Vikings vs. Bears 

Be sure to come back and check out our NFL Week 1 Picks Straight Up, or take advantage of our DraftKings promo by signing up now!