NFL Week 1 Betting Picks Highlight Underdogs Including Texans
Analysts preview Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, offering spread predictions for ten games and emphasizing three underdog bets, notably the Houston Texans against the Buffalo Bills.
Analysts have released their final spread recommendations for the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, covering all ten matchups on the slate. The picks focus on teams they view as having favorable odds against the bookmakers, with particular attention to three underdogs.
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cleveland Browns are projected to lose by more than eight points, reflecting the Jaguars' strong defensive performance in the previous season and the Browns' poor road record against the spread. In the Washington–Philadelphia game, the Eagles are favored by six points, supported by a 9-1 record in their last ten Week 1 contests and a healthy offensive line.
A notable upset prediction involves the Denver Broncos covering a 2.5-point spread at Kansas City, based on concerns about quarterback Patrick Mahomes' recovery from a knee injury and the Chiefs' offensive-line challenges. The most highlighted underdog bet is the Houston Texans receiving a 1.5-point boost against the Buffalo Bills. Analysts cite the Texans' top-ranked defense and the Bills' historically weak road performance against Houston as reasons for the favorable outlook.
Additional recommendations include the New York Jets as 1.5-point underdogs to the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers as six-point favorites over the Falcons, and the Vikings as 1.5-point favorites against the Packers. All odds are sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook.