Sam Farmer predicts Rams edge 49ers in Australia and Broncos upset Chiefs in Week 1

Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer released his Week 1 predictions for the 2026 season, outlining picks and score forecasts for each game. Farmer, who posted a 181-104 record last season, highlighted a 27-23 win for the Los Angeles Rams over the San Francisco 49ers in a Thursday night matchup in Australia. He also projected a 24-20 victory for the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night.

Among other selections, Farmer favored the Seattle Seahawks to beat the New England Patriots 24-20, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Cincinnati Bengals 27-24, and the Detroit Lions defeating the New Orleans Saints 30-20. He predicted the Buffalo Bills would lose to the Houston Texans 21-24, the Baltimore Ravens to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 27-21, and the Pittsburgh Steelers to edge the Atlanta Falcons 24-20.

Farmer’s picks also included the Chicago Bears falling to the Carolina Panthers 24-27, the Cleveland Browns losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-27, and the New York Jets being beaten by the Tennessee Titans 18-21. He projected the Los Angeles Chargers to win over the Arizona Cardinals 27-20, the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the Miami Dolphins 23-20, and the Green Bay Packers to beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-21.

In the evening slate, Farmer chose the Dallas Cowboys to overcome the New York Giants 30-17 and the Philadelphia Eagles to defeat the Washington Commanders 28-17.

"Justin Herbert looks comfortable in the system of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel," Farmer wrote, noting the Chargers' offensive outlook.

"Patrick Mahomes is coming off knee surgery, and Andy Reid will need to scheme around what he can’t do yet," he added regarding the Chiefs.

Farmer’s analysis includes notes on player health, coaching changes, and travel factors that could influence early-season performance.