The Silcoff Selections: NFL Week 1 Predictions – Straight Up & Against the Spread

After months of waiting, we are finally back! Week 1 is here, which means it is time for season two of my weekly picks article, where I will attempt to pick every NFL game by selecting a straight-up winner as well as who will cover each NFL game up until the Super Bowl.

All year long, I will provide my weekly straight-up picks for each game, as well as provide a score; therefore, I do plan on listing my straight-up record, as well as my record against the spread. I am looking forward to another great football season, so without further ado, let's get this thing going!

Note: All Lines Are From Bet365 as of 10:30 AM PT on Sep 3, 2025

Last Season Records:

Reg Season-Straight Up: 182-90

Reg Season-Against The Spread: 133-132-7

Playoffs-Straight Up: 9-4

Playoffs-Against The Spread: 6-6-1

Thursday Night Kickoff: Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles I Line: Eagles -8

The 2025 NFL regular season begins with an NFC East showdown as the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host their division rival, the Dallas Cowboys, in a battle that appears to be between two franchises going in completely opposite directions. On paper, this should be an Eagles blowout, as Dallas has arguably the worst defense in the NFC after dealing Micah Parsons to the Packers, while the Eagles going into the season have the most complete roster in the NFL. That being said, divisional Week 1 battles tend to be a lot closer than people typically expect because the teams are so familiar with each other. While I don't see any scenario where the Cowboys actually win this game, I like them to keep the Eagles on their toes throughout the night, where ultimately Philadelphia picks up the W.

Score Prediction: Eagles 28, Cowboys 21

ATS Pick: Cowboys +8

Friday Brazil Game: Kansas City vs Los Angeles Chargers I Line: Chiefs -3

For the second straight season, the NFL is giving us a Friday game in Brazil in Week 1, and this time it's an AFC West battle between the Chiefs and Chargers. Coming right out the gate, I do expect both these teams to be very well prepared, as Andy Reid and Jim Harbaugh teams typically do start off hot, but Patrick Mahomes being the king of September with a 19-4 record is the deciding factor to me, as well as key injuries to the Chargers' offensive line with Rashawn Slater out for the season after going down in training camp. Kansas City escapes Brazil with a 1-0 start to the season.

Score Prediction: Chiefs 24, Chargers 20

ATS Pick: Chiefs -3

Early Sunday Slate: Rodgers Return to MetLife Highlights Early Games

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Jets I Line: Steelers -2.5

The first early Sunday slate of the season will be highlighted by Aaron Rodgers making his Steelers debut against his former team, the New York Jets, who are beginning a new era under head coach Aaron Glenn. I expect the Jets to keep it close and even take a lead into halftime, with Justin Fields using his legs to control the time of possession as he faces his former team. But in the end, I think Rodgers will deliver a late game-winning drive to get Pittsburgh to a 1-0 start in what I expect to be a defensive battle in the Meadow Lands.

Score Prediction: Steelers 22, Jets 16

ATS Pick: Steelers -2.5

Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts I Line: Colts -1

It’s funny to me that one of the picks I am most confident in this week lies in the hands of one of the teams I am least confident in going into the season. I think the Dolphins will make easy work of the Colts this weekend.

And no, it’s not just because Daniel Jones is now the Colts starting quarterback (but that does help) it’s because of just how bad their secondary is. I think Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Tua Tagovailoa will run roughshod over this Colts defense as Miami starts the year 1-0.

Score Prediction: Dolphins 30, Colts 20

ATS Pick: Dolphins +1

Las Vegas Raiders @ New England Patriots I Line: Patriots -2.5

Of all the games in the early window, this is the one I’m most excited to watch. I have fairly high expectations for both the Patriots and Raiders in 2025, and even though they both picked at the top of the draft last year, I truly believe at least one of them will reach the postseason this season.

New coaches Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll are two of the league’s best, setting up an intriguing chess match on the sidelines. That said, the deciding factor for me is the weight of expectations being placed on the Patriots and rookie quarterback Drake Maye. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re at least brought back down to earth in Week 1.

New England is also expected to be without top defensive player Christian Gonzalez, who’s nursing a hamstring injury. If he’s out, the Raiders’ new-look offense could shine, with Geno Smith targeting Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty making a strong debut.

The Patriots’ offensive line should be improved in 2025, but it’s still very much a work in progress—and against a game-wrecker like Maxx Crosby, that could spell trouble.

You need a couple of upsets in Week 1, and I like the Raiders to go on the road and pull one off.

Score Prediction: Raiders 23, Patriots 21

ATS Pick: Raiders +2.5

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns I Line: Bengals -5

No team in the NFL needs a Week 1 win more than the Bengals. Slow starts have plagued Joe Burrow and company the past two seasons, and under Zac Taylor, Cincinnati is just 7-14-1 in the opening month of the season. The Browns have historically been a tough matchup, but this time the talent gap feels too wide. Cleveland will push the Bengals, but I just don't see any scenario with Joe Flacco out duels Joe Burrow in what almost feels like a must-win for Cincy. The Bengals take Round 1 in the 2025 Battle of Ohio.

Score Prediction: Bengals 27, Browns 20

ATS Pick: Bengals -5

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints I Line: Cardinals -6.5

This game feels very similar to Bengals-Browns to me but unlike Cincinnati, Arizona is a team that usually starts fast, and they'll need to do that once again if they want to the .The Saints are projected to be one of if not the worst teams in the NFL this season but they do have some quality veterans who will give everything they have early on in this season, but eventually the Cardinals’ playmakers should take over. Arizona pulls away late to secure an important opening win.

Score Prediction: Cardinals 27, Saints 14

ATS Pick: Cardinals -6.5

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders I Line: Commanders -6

After their improbable run to the NFC Title Game last season, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders open 2025 at home against the New York Giants. Call me crazy, but I think New York goes on the road and pulls off the upset.

I’m really buying into the vibes around this Giants team—they looked connected and energized throughout the preseason. Meanwhile, Washington’s camp was clouded by distractions, most notably Terry McLaurin’s contract holdout.

I expect the Giants’ elite pass rush to make life difficult for Daniels all afternoon, keeping him uncomfortable. While on offense, Russell Wilson connects with Malik Nabers on a couple of deep shots, and New York hands Washington an 0-1 start.

Score Prediction: Giants 28, Commanders 24

ATS Pick: Giants +6

Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars I Line: Jaguars -3.5

I’m going to be honest, I usually hate AFC and NFC South football, but at least for now this game has my eye. Both the Panthers and Jaguars should have some level of optimism going into the season. In Carolina, Bryce Young finished last season strong, giving Panthers fans hope for 2025. In Jacksonville, it’s the start of the Liam Cohen era as he coaches his first game as head coach. This will also be the debut of No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, and it will be fascinating to see how the Jaguars use him on both sides of the ball.

At the end of the day, this game comes down to a couple things for me. I just think Jacksonville has better weapons than Carolina, with Brian Thomas Jr. and Hunter potentially forming one of the better young receiving duos in the NFL. Also, this is the most important year of Trevor Lawrence’s career, and if he’s going to give fans any hope for a good season, he needs to start off hot. Cohen draws up a great game plan to help Lawrence pick apart this Panthers secondary, and Jacksonville gets a tight win at home.

Score Prediction: Jaguars 27, Panthers 23

ATS Pick: Jaguars -3.5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons I Line: Buccaneers -2.5

If you’ve seen my previous articles and videos, you know how I feel about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going into 2025. I’ve picked the Buccaneers to win the NFC this season and reach the Super Bowl—that’s how good I think this team is. On the flipside, as much as I really do like Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., I’m just not a believer in the franchise as a whole. They’re one of those “I’ll believe it when I see it” type of teams.

That being said, I was originally planning on picking the Falcons to win this game, as it was uncertain if Bucs offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs would play. While that still is uncertain, the matchup advantage Atlanta was going to have has now somewhat been wiped out with tackle Kaleb McGary out for the season. If these teams are on a relatively even playing field going into this one, give me the team I trust more. The Buccaneers win their season opener on the road.

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Falcons 24

ATS Pick: Buccaneers -2.5

Sunday Afternoon Slate: Parsons Makes Packers Debut in NFC North Clash With Detroit

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers I Line: Packers -2.5

One of the better games of Week 1 is in the afternoon slate as the Green Bay Packers host their division rival, the Detroit Lions, at Lambeau Field. After trading for and signing star pass rusher Micah Parsons, expect Lambeau to be rocking if Parsons does indeed make his Packers debut, as he has been dealing with a back injury throughout most of training camp.

In Detroit, the story of their offseason has been how they will manage the loss of their coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who went on to become the head coaches of the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. Personally, I think the coordinators leaving has been a bit overblown because of how good this roster actually is, but I could see them starting off slow as they adjust to life without them. If Parsons does indeed play, I think Green Bay feeds off the energy from their home crowd to win what I expect to be an epic opening game at Lambeau Field.

Score Prediction: Packers 27, Lions 26

ATS Pick: Lions +2.5

Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos I Line: Broncos -8.5

Listen, I am very high on Titans quarterback Cam Ward, who will be making his NFL debut in this game. I also think the Titans will be far more competitive than people expect throughout this season. That being said, I just think this is an awful matchup for Ward and the Titans in Week 1.

I think the Broncos could very well end up having the best defense in all of football this season, and overall they’ll be one of the best teams in the league, as I have them finishing only a game behind Kansas City in AFC West predictions. I expect the Broncos defense to force Ward into a couple rookie mistakes and turnovers, while Bo Nix and the offense take advantage of short-field opportunities in what should be a dominant Week 1 victory.

Score Prediction: Broncos 28, Titans 13

ATS Pick: Broncos -8.5

Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams I Line: Rams -3

I am going to be honest, the only thing I know about this game is that it will be one of the more physical ones of opening weekend. I have no idea what to expect from either offense in this game. Matt Stafford’s back injuries worry me a ton, and going up against a dominant Texans defense, specifically pass rush could be scary to watch.

That said, the Texans’ offensive line is so bad that I could say the same about CJ Stroud who I think will be fighting for time all day going up against the likes of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. At the end of the day, I’m going with the quarterback I know is healthier and the team with the better defense. The Texans win a very ugly, low-scoring game on the road.

Score Prediction: Texans 17, Rams 14

ATS Pick: Texans +3

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks I Line: 49ers -2.5

Before I even start, let me acknowledge that I am a Seattle Seahawks fan, and while I probably will pick the Seahawks to win more games than I should throughout the season, I will try to be reasonable. I really do think the Seahawks can and should win this game.

The 49ers will be going into this without receiver Brandon Aiyuk and maybe even without Jauan Jennings. If that’s the case, I think the Seahawks defense will show they are for real in year two of Mike Macdonald’s system, while the new offense under Klint Kubiak will show off its new identity that focuses on zone run blocking. Sam Darnold, in his Seattle debut, does just enough, and the Seahawks win a huge division battle in their home opener.

Score Prediction: Seahawks 23, 49ers 22

ATS Pick: Seahawks +2.5

Sunday Night Football: Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills I Line: Bills -1

The first Sunday Night Football game of the year takes us to Orchard Park as last year’s two MVP favorites, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, face off in a playoff rematch. The Ravens travel to Buffalo, where their season ended last year in the Divisional Round. Once again, I fully expect Jackson and Allen to be in the mix for the MVP race throughout the season.

After Week 1, I think Allen will be slightly ahead, as I have the Bills winning this primetime showdown. Truth be told, I just trust Allen far more than Jackson in these big games, which is why I give Buffalo the slight edge in what should be a great game to kick off Sunday Night Football.

Score Prediction: Bills 26, Ravens 24

ATS Pick: Bills -1

Monday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears I Line: Vikings -1.5

The Week 1 finale kicks off a new beginning for both the Bears and Vikings. In Chicago, after years of being known as the best offensive coordinator in the NFL and one of the most sought-after potential head coaches in recent memory, Ben Johnson makes his debut on the sidelines as an NFL head coach. On the other sideline, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, finally makes his NFL debut after missing all of last season due to knee surgery. Personally, I do not think there is a bigger x-factor at the quarterback position than McCarthy in the entire league this season. If Kevin O’Connell can coach him up and make him at least Kirk Cousins-esque, the Vikings could have a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run. On the flipside, if he struggles, they may regret letting Sam Darnold walk away for nothing after a 14-win season in 2024.

If the Vikings are going to win this game, they will need their elite defense to bother Caleb Williams and force him to hold onto the football longer than he wants. While I do think Minnesota will do this fairly well, it is a lot to ask of McCarthy to make his NFL debut on Monday Night Football at an iconic venue like Soldier Field, which will be as loud as it’s been in recent years. With their new coach and quarterback duo bringing the team a new sense of hope, Williams, Johnson, and the Bears take down their NFC North rival in primetime to kickoff their 2025 season.

Score Prediction: Bears 20, Vikings 19

ATS Pick: Bears +1.5

Straight Up/Moneyline Picks:

• Eagles

• Chiefs

• Steelers

• Dolphins

• Raiders

• Bengals

• Cardinals

• Giants

• Jaguars

• Buccaneers

• Packers

• Broncos

• Texans

• Seahawks

• Bills

• Bears

Picks ATS:

• Cowboys +8

• Chiefs -3

• Steelers -2.5

• Dolphins +1

• Raiders +2.5

• Bengals -5

• Cardinals -6.5

• Giants +6

• Jaguars -3.5

• Buccaneers -2.5

• Lions +2.5

• Broncos -8.5

• Texans +3

• Seahawks +2.5

• Bills -1

• Bears +1.5