As the 2026 NFL regular season kicks off, fans finally settle in, ready to enjoy a full day of football. This article dives into the best last-minute bets for Week 1, highlighting several underdog teams that could surprise in their matchups.

Key Matchups and Predictions

1. Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars

   • Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS)
   • Projected Score: Jaguars 30, Browns 17
   • Pick: Jaguars -8.5
     Deshaun Watson's shaky preseason raises concerns for the Browns, who face a strong Jaguars defense. The Jaguars are on a roll, having covered their last eight games last season.

2. Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

   • Kickoff: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
   • Projected Score: Eagles 30, Commanders 20
   • Pick: Eagles -6
     The Commanders struggle with injuries, while the Eagles have a strong track record in Week 1, winning five straight.

3. Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

   • Kickoff: Monday, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
   • Projected Score: Broncos 24, Chiefs 20
   • Pick: Broncos +2.5
     The Broncos, returning to full strength, face a Chiefs team with concerns about Patrick Mahomes' mobility following a serious knee injury.

4. Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

   • Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS)
   • Projected Score: Texans 26, Bills 23
   • Pick: Texans +1.5
     C.J. Stroud leads the Texans against a Bills team struggling with defensive matchups. The Texans' defensive strength could be key in this upset.

5. New York Jets at Tennessee Titans

   • Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS)
   • Projected Score: Jets 24, Titans 20
   • Pick: Jets +1.5
     The Jets' upgraded roster may surprise the Titans, who are still finding their rhythm.

Additional Predictions

• Falcons at Steelers: Steelers 24, Falcons 17 (Pick: Steelers -6)
• Ravens at Colts: Ravens 26, Colts 23 (Pick: Colts +3.5)
• Bears at Panthers: Bears 27, Panthers 20 (Pick: Bears -3)
• Saints at Lions: Lions 33, Saints 21 (Pick: Lions -7)
• Buccaneers at Bengals: Bengals 30, Buccaneers 23 (Pick: Bengals -3.5)
• Cardinals at Chargers: Chargers 27, Cardinals 20 (Pick: Cardinals +9.5)
• Packers at Vikings: Vikings 24, Packers 20 (Pick: Vikings -1.5)
• Dolphins at Raiders: Raiders 21, Dolphins 20 (Pick: Dolphins +3)

As the season unfolds, these insights aim to guide fans and bettors alike in the thrilling world of NFL action.