Let me begin the 2025 NFL picks column with a factual assertion:
My picks stunk final yr.
It was not my greatest season when it got here to NFL picks. I wasn’t the worst of my CBSSports.com consultants picks crew, however it wasn’t superb. None of us actually had been.
That adjustments now.
It is a new season, which implies like each fan base and each workforce, optimism is part of my equation. I will likely be higher. I’ve to be higher.
Week 1 picks are at all times a problem, however I really feel fairly good about these. The file is 0-0 proper now, so the slate is clear.
New season. New hope. Loads of perception in my picks.
Final season is within the rear-view mirror, so let’s get this rattling season began — an stop displaying my 2024 file.
All instances ET
Guess NFL Week 1 video games at DraftKings, the place new customers get $300 in bonus bets and over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Click on right here to get began:
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. on NBC (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The Eagles are the defending champs, which is why they open at residence right here. They’re once more loaded and have the look of a workforce that may repeat. The Cowboys are coming off buying and selling Micah Parsons final week, which might impression the workforce psyche, however I do not assume it is going to. Dak Prescott will maintain Dallas in it, however the Eagles get to 1-0.
Choose: Eagles 27, Cowboys 24 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Friday, 8 p.m. ET on YouTube
The Chiefs seem to have solved their offensive-line points whereas the Chargers suffered a giant loss there dropping Rashawn Slater for the season. That issues. Patrick Mahomes with time is a foul factor for a protection. and he can have that right here as he will get off to a quick begin in a season the place he’ll rack up huge numbers once more. Chiefs take it.
Choose: Chiefs 30, Chargers 21 | Odds by way of DraftKings Sportsbook (the place new customers get $300 in bonus bets and over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The Bucs are the favorites within the division, however the Falcons are thought of the highest risk. That makes this a giant opener. Each groups have accidents on their offensive traces, which might impression the sport, however I believe Baker Mayfield is prepared for a giant yr. The Falcons nonetheless have some defensive questions, which can present up. Michael Penix Jr. will not sustain. Bucs take it.
Choose: Bucs 28, Falcons 24 | Odds by way of BetMGM
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The battle of Ohio is at all times fascinating, and this one must be no totally different. That is Joe Flacco in opposition to Joe Burrow, which is a giant edge for the Bengals. They need to proceed the place they left off final yr rolling up huge offensive numbers. The protection has questions, however the Browns will not be capable of sustain. It is shut, however Burrow wins it.
Choose: Bengals 30, Browns 27 | Odds by way of FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This will likely be Daniel Jones making his Colts debut at quarterback in opposition to a Miami secondary that is not precisely crammed with premier playmakers at nook. It is an important likelihood for Jones. The Dolphins ought to be capable of have success throwing it on the opposite facet, particularly if Tyreek Hill is again wholesome. Search for a high-scoring recreation, with the Colts discovering a method at residence.
Choose: Colts 33, Dolphins 30 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
That is the debut for Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who ought to enliven the offense. Search for Trevor Lawrence to play properly right here and regulate the Travis Hunter utilization. The Panthers be ok with Bryce Younger after final season, however I believe the Jaguars get the most effective of him right here. Jaguars take it.
Choose: Jaguars 27, Panthers 21 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This can be a lengthy first journey for the Pete Carroll-led Raiders. The Patriots can have Mike Vrabel making his debut as coach as properly. The Patriots must be improved this season, however I believe Geno Smith will do sufficient right here to drag it out late. Carroll will get extra revenge in opposition to the workforce that fired him.
Choose: Raiders 24, Patriots 23 Odds by way of FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
Opening on the street within the NFL is at all times a tricky factor to do, even when it is a Saints workforce that is not anticipated to be that good. The Cardinals will likely be a lot improved over final season on protection, and I believe that reveals up on this one. They’ll restrict Spencer Rattler as they get a street victory, however it will not be straightforward.
Choose: Cardinals 23, Saints 20 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
That is the return of Aaron Rodgers to face the Jets in what must be the highest storyline to spotlight the sport. Nevertheless it’s additionally Jets quarterback Justin Fields in opposition to his former workforce from final season. This has the look of a defensive battle with the Jets discovering a method at residence.
Choose: Jets 20, Steelers 16 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
Russell Wilson makes his Giants debut at quarterback, and does so with rookie Jaxson Dart trying over his shoulder. He higher play properly early. The Commanders will counter with Jayden Daniels in his second season after a powerful rookie displaying. The Giants can get after the quarterback, which may very well be an issue for Daniels. The Commanders will win it, however it’s shut.
Choose: Commanders 26, Giants 23 | Odds by way of BetMGM
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
This will likely be Cameron Ward’s first NFL begin for the Titans, and he is making it in opposition to one of many league’s greatest defenses in one of many hardest locations to play. That is robust sledding. I search for Bo Nix to have success throwing it for Denver on the opposite facet. The Broncos get off to a quick begin, whereas the protection closes the door by limiting Ward.
Choose: Broncos 26, Titans 13 | Odds by way of DraftKings Sportsbook
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The 49ers have gained seven of the final eight on this sequence, however Seattle gained the final one final November. These groups are loads totally different now. The 49ers had been banged up final yr, however Christian McCaffrey and left sort out Trent Williams are two of their stars who’re again. That may matter. The Seahawks can have Sam Darnold making his first begin at quarterback. It is at all times robust to play at Seattle, however the 49ers know win there. They’ll once more.
Choose: 49ers 23, Seahawks 17 | Odds by way of BetMGM
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
These are two of the higher groups within the NFC, which is an effective way to open the season. The Lions have two new coordinators on offense and protection, which is one thing to observe. The Packers seem like all-in with the transfer to get Micah Parsons from Dallas. How a lot can he impression this recreation with out collaborating in camp is a giant query. This has the look of a recreation with numerous factors with Jordan Love pulling it out late.
Choose: Packers 35, Lions 30 | Odds by way of BetMGM
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
Rams quarterback Matt Stafford has been restricted all summer time with a again damage, which needs to be a priority. However he’ll begin they usually say he is positive. He faces a fierce Texans protection. C.J. Stroud is making an attempt to bounce again from his sophomore droop, however his offensive line may not be a lot better than it was a yr in the past. The Rams get after him and win it.
Choose: Rams 23, Texans 17 | Odds by way of FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. on NBC (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
That is the premier recreation of the week, that includes two of the Tremendous Bowl favorites. The Payments beat the Ravens within the playoffs final yr, so Lamar Jackson and gang are searching for payback. I do not assume they get it. Being on the street on a Sunday evening in your opener is a tricky factor to beat, however it’s actually robust due to the opponent. Josh Allen and the Payments will win an in depth one.
Choose: Payments 34, Ravens 31 | Odds by way of Caesars Sportsbook
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
This will likely be J.J. McCarthy making his first NFL begin at quarterback for the Vikings, whereas Ben Johnson makes his teaching debut for the Bears. The Chicago offense with Caleb Williams must be higher with Johnson, whereas McCarthy is a giant unknown. Making your first begin on the street is at all times robust. This will likely be no totally different. Bears take it in a small upset.
Choose: Bears 27, Vikings 21 | Odds by way of FanDuel Sportsbook
