The first Sunday of the 2026 NFL regular season is finally here. It’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some football. Before the first Sunday festivities of the year kick off, here are our gambling picks for the Week 1 slate.
Let us know what you think about our picks in the comments section.
Three Game Picks of the Week
2026 Record 0-0
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1) Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers -5.5
Mike McCarthy’s gets a soft landing in his Steelers coaching career as Pittsburgh hosts the Atlanta Falcons to kick off their regular season. After naming Tua Tagovailoa their starting quarterback last week, Atlanta suffered some tough news on Friday as the veteran was ruled out of this matchup with an oblique injury.
Former Cowboy Cooper Rush will start in his place, and while Tagovailoa is not the player he once was, it is a clear downgrade at the most important position in football. McCarthy has plenty of familiarity with Rush from their time together in Dallas, and there is a good bet the new head coach will use that to his advantage on Sunday.
The Steelers may not be a sure-fire playoff team, but the McCarthy/Rodgers combo will make them competitive all season long. Both Rodgers and McCarthy have always fared well in Week 1, posting 12-6 and 11-7 in season openers, respectively, during their careers. Look for that trend to continue on Sunday and the Steelers to cover with a big win.
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2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals and Buccaneers are two of the more fascinating teams to watch this upcoming season. Finally back fully healthy, Cincinnati will look for defensive improvement to complete their top-of-the-league offense. On Tampa Bay’s side of things, with quarterback Baker Mayfield signed to a brand-new long-term deal, the Bucs will try to make the playoffs for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.
While Cincinnati clearly has a top-tier offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, they did not make nearly enough improvements on the defensive side of the ball to be a 3.5-point favorite in this game. Tampa Bay has consistently been one of the tougher teams in football, and they have a good chance to hang around in this game. Take Tampa and the points in this one.
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3) Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles -5.5
The other NFC East matchup this Sunday will feature the Washington Commanders traveling to take on the Philadelphia to face off against the Eagles. Philadelphia is looking to continue their dominance of the division, hoping to three-peat as NFC East champs in 2026.
Looking to bounce back from a disaster of a 2025 season, the Commanders have already suffered some serious injuries before the start of the regular season. Arguably the most significant of which was losing starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a triceps injury that will keep him out for a significant time.
Philadelphia may have the best defensive line in all of football, and that is a bad matchup for this reeling Commanders’ offensive line. They may be able to figure things out down the road, but there is no way to trust Washington to hang in this game if they are not able to block up Philadelphia’s defensive front. Take Philly to start the regular season with a bang and cover the 5.5.
Cowboys Corner
Dallas Cowboys -2.5 at New York Giants
The Pick: CeeDee Lamb 6+ receptions (-140)
In 12 career games against the Giants, CeeDee Lamb has caught six or more passes seven times. After an uncharacteristic year last season, Lamb is going to come out with something to prove at the start of the regular season. Look for Dallas to get Lamb involved early and often on Sunday.
Three-Leg Parlay
2026 Parlay Record: 0-0
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Amon-Ra St. Brown anytime TD
Dak Prescott 250+ passing yards
Kansas City Chiefs ML
(+427)
