RealTalkAJ

Looking ahead to Week 1 of the 2025–2026 NFL season, I’ve got a couple of predictions that stand out after what we saw in preseason.

Granted, there were 3 weeks of it that I haven’t discussed but I’m asking for grace at this point.

All the teams are having a clean slate going into this week and they’re set as much we can tell.

But let’s jump to the first official game that happens with Thursday Night Football.

First, I think the Eagles are going to comfortably handle the Cowboys.

Dallas is without Micah Parsons, which leaves a major hole in their defense, and going up against the defending Super Bowl champs at full strength feels like a recipe for trouble.

Philly just looks too polished and too complete right now.

As for the Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup, I expect it to be much tighter than most people are predicting.

The Chargers had a really commanding preseason win over the Lions, showing flashes of a team that’s tougher than their critics give them credit for.

The Chiefs are still the Chiefs, but this one could turn into a much more competitive game than the casual fan might expect.

Thoughts leading to Week 2

I’m gonna be watchful of the games happening on Sunday and plan to update this post accordingly.

There’s interest in seeing the Titans play with them having the number 1 draft pick and all.

Expect more predictions as the week goes on.

Here’s the rest of the matchups I’m planning on making predictions on before kickoff:

• Cardinals v. Saints
• Dolphins v. Colts
• Raiders v. Patriots
• Steelers v. Jets
• Giants v. Commanders
• Panthers v. Jaguars
• Bengals v. Browns
• Buccaneers v. Falcons
• 49ers v. Seahawks
• Titans v. Broncos
• Lions v. Packers
• Texans v. Rams
• Ravens v. Bills
• Bears v. Vikings

Cardinals vs Saints isn’t a matchup I’m too familiar on but I can say that Kyler Murray has great potential. I’ll have his team taking this game up to this point.

Dolphins v. Colts

Dolphins got this one.

Raiders v. Patriots

Raider Nation baby!

Steelers v. Jets

I got Steelers here. Don’t sleep on the Jets here though. It won’t surprise me if they win. I’m expecting a lot of ‘go’ from their quarterback and Sauce to make it happen. Add in the fact that Jets also have Davante Adams—won’t surprise me at all if they find a way.

Giants v. Commanders

Giants are gonna start off strong but I’ll take Commanders. Jayden Daniels is just too clutch for me not to pick.

Panthers v. Jaguars

Sorry Bryce, I got the Jaguars here.

Bengals v. Browns

I got the Browns here.

Buccaneers v. Falcons

Buccaneers should win comfortably.

49ers vs. Seahawks

Titans vs. Broncos

Going with Ward for this one. He’s coming out the gate swinging.

Lions vs. Packers

Sign me up for the hype. Micah’s debut’s gonna be successful. Packers win here!

Texans vs. Rams

Rams and don’t ask me why please.

Ravens vs. Bills

Bills are always tough but I’m going with the Ravens here.