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 might be higher. I’ve to be higher.
Week 1 picks are all the time a problem, however I really feel fairly good about these. The report 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 — and give up exhibiting my 2024 report.
All occasions ET
Guess NFL Week 1 video games and NFL odds at DraftKings, the place new customers get $300 in bonus bets and over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket. Click here to get started:
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 an enormous opener. Each groups have accidents on their offensive traces, which may impression the sport, however I feel Baker Mayfield is prepared for an enormous yr. The Falcons nonetheless have some defensive questions, which can present up. Michael Penix Jr. will not sustain. Bucs take it.
Decide: Bucs 28, Falcons 24 | Odds through BetMGM
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The battle of Ohio is all the time attention-grabbing, and this one needs to be no totally different. That is Joe Flacco in opposition to Joe Burrow, which is an enormous 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 have the ability to sustain. It is shut, however Burrow wins it.
Decide: Bengals 30, Browns 27 | Odds through FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This might be Daniel Jones making his Colts debut at quarterback in opposition to a Miami secondary that is not precisely stuffed with premier playmakers at nook. It is an ideal probability for Jones. The Dolphins ought to have the ability to have success throwing it on the opposite aspect, particularly if Tyreek Hill is again wholesome. Search for a high-scoring recreation, with the Colts discovering a means at house.
Decide: Colts 33, Dolphins 30 | Odds through 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 brighten up the offense. Search for Trevor Lawrence to play properly right here and keep watch over the Travis Hunter utilization. The Panthers be ok with Bryce Younger after final season, however I feel the Jaguars get the perfect of him right here. Jaguars take it.
Decide: Jaguars 27, Panthers 21 | Odds through 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 could have Mike Vrabel making his debut as coach as properly. The Patriots needs to be improved this season, however I feel Geno Smith will do sufficient right here to tug it out late. Carroll will get extra revenge in opposition to the workforce that fired him.
Decide: Raiders 24, Patriots 23 Odds through FanDuel Sportsbook, the place new customers get $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 bet:
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
Opening on the street within the NFL is all the time a tricky factor to do, even when it is a Saints workforce that is not anticipated to be that good. The Cardinals might be a lot improved over final season on protection, and I feel that reveals up on this one. They may restrict Spencer Rattler as they get a street victory, however it will not be simple.
Decide: Cardinals 23, Saints 20 | Odds through Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
That is the return of Aaron Rodgers to face the Jets in what needs to be the highest storyline to spotlight the sport. However 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 means at house.
Decide: Jets 20, Steelers 16 | Odds through 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 formidable rookie exhibiting. The Giants can get after the quarterback, which could possibly be an issue for Daniels. The Commanders will win it, however it’s shut.
Decide: Commanders 26, Giants 23 | Odds through BetMGM
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
This might 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 powerful sledding. I search for Bo Nix to have success throwing it for Denver on the opposite aspect. The Broncos get off to a quick begin, whereas the protection closes the door by limiting Ward.
Decide: Broncos 26, Titans 13 | Odds through DraftKings Sportsbook
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
The 49ers have received seven of the final eight on this collection, however Seattle received the final one final November. These groups are quite a bit totally different now. The 49ers had been banged up final yr, however Christian McCaffrey and left deal with Trent Williams are two of their stars who’re again. That may matter. The Seahawks could have Sam Darnold making his first begin at quarterback. It is all the time powerful to play at Seattle, however the 49ers know how one can win there. They may once more.
Decide: 49ers 23, Seahawks 17 | Odds through BetMGM, the place new customers get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses:
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 an enormous query. This has the look of a recreation with lots of factors with Jordan Love pulling it out late.
Decide: Packers 35, Lions 30 | Odds through 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 must be a priority. However he’ll begin they usually say he is wonderful. He faces a fierce Texans protection. C.J. Stroud is making an attempt to bounce again from his sophomore stoop, however his offensive line won’t be significantly better than it was a yr in the past. The Rams get after him and win it.
Decide: Rams 23, Texans 17 | Odds through 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 Super Bowl favorites. The Payments beat the Ravens within the playoffs final yr, so Lamar Jackson and gang are in search of payback. I do not assume they get it. Being on the street on a Sunday night time on your opener is a tricky factor to beat, however it’s actually powerful due to the opponent. Josh Allen and the Payments will win a detailed one.
Decide: Payments 34, Ravens 31 | Odds through Caesars Sportsbook
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN (Stream: Fubo — attempt without cost)
This might 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 needs to be higher with Johnson, whereas McCarthy is an enormous unknown. Making your first begin on the street is all the time powerful. This might be no totally different. Bears take it in a small upset.
Decide: Bears 27, Vikings 21 | Odds through FanDuel Sportsbook
