Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The 2026-2027 NFL regular season has arrived. The league has blessed NFL fans with one opening game on Wednesday and Thursday this season.
Early into this season, the major headlines are how the Packers will fair with Micah Parsons working his way back while losing Josh Jacobs’ services for the foreseeable future, how the Lions bounce back after last season’s disappointing season, and how quickly Patrick Mahomes regains form following knee surgery late into last season.
Here are seven bold predictions for Week 1 of the 2026-2027 season.
MORE: Bold NFL rushing yard predictions for 2026-2027
Chicago starts fast @ Carolina
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Following last season’s success, the Bears earn their first win of the season. Caleb Williams throws three touchdown passes in Carolina. Tight end Colston Loveland leads all receivers with 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Cincinnati’s new-look defense pays dividends
Any glimpse of an average defense and the Bengals can contend. The team brought in a plethora of defensive talent to help alleviate deficiencies. Cincinnati’s offense shines, but it is the defense that steals the show against Tampa Bay. The Bengals’ defense forces three turnovers en route to their Week 1 victory.
Tennessee’s defense leads to first win
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh addresses the media after team practice Vanderbilt Health Football Center Tuesday, Sept. 1,
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh addresses the media after team practice Vanderbilt Health Football Center Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Jets and Titans were two of the league’s worst teams a season ago. Both franchises are hoping to rebound after last season’s woes. New Tennessee head coach Robert Salah has the defense rolling and takes care of business against the Jets. It’s a good start for a team that won three games during the 2025-2026 season.
Jacksonville trounces Cleveland
The Jaguars enter the season after 13 wins led to the AFC South last season. They start quickly against the Browns, scoring on their first three possessions. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence finishes the game with 250 passing yards and three touchdowns.
MORE: Bold predictions for Patriots vs Seahawks NFL Wednesday night season opener
Buffalo earns a tough victory
NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) salutes before an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Bills were up to the task as they headed to Houston to take on one of the league’s best defensive units. It’s a fight throughout all four quarters with teams trading field goals and scoring two touchdowns each. However, the Bills earn the victory on a game-winning field goal.
The Colts upset the Ravens
The Indianapolis Colts entered Sunday’s game as dogs at home. The team has many questions as last season saw a complete meltdown following quarterback Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury.
However, the team starts quickly scoring on their opening drive. They enter the fourth quarter playing from behind but find a way to win the highly contested Week 1 game.
Omarion Hampton has a day
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Chargers face a Cardinals defense that was atrocious at stopping the run during the 2025-2026 season. Unfortunately for Arizona, the team has a tough time right out of the gate this season. Los Angeles running back Omarion Hampton has a field day, rushing for 125 yards with two trips to the end zone.
The Chargers hand the Cardinals a 38-10 loss on the road. This is the perfect start for a Chargers team looking to compete in the highly competitive AFC West division.
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