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NFL.com analysts provide bold predictions -- spanning everything from team-based takes to fantasy forecasts -- for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
NOTE: All statistics come courtesy of Next Gen Stats, unless otherwise noted.
Justin Jefferson dominates Packers with 200-plus receiving yards.
The last time the Vikings hosted the Packers in Week 1 -- back in 2022 -- Jefferson torched the Green Bay defense for 184 yards and two TDs on nine catches. Four years later, Jefferson bests that outing by eclipsing 200 receiving yards in his first game with Kyler Murray under center.
Raza Umerani
Seasonal Fantasy Football Researcher
Texans shut out Bills.
Josh Allen is no stranger to Superman comparisons. In this analogy, though, the Texans are his kryptonite. In his two games against DeMeco Ryans' Houston defense, Allen is 0-2 with a 51.6 percent completion rate, 384 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He posted a 62.2 passer rating in those contests while facing 31 pressures and taking nine sacks -- eight of which came in last year's matchup. This Texans D is ready for a legendary season, and Buffalo might have some wrinkles to iron out in Joe Brady's first game as head coach, leading to Allen's first shutout since his rookie season.
Ben McWilliams
Manager, NFL Research
Malik Willis runs wild in Dolphins debut.
Willis is set to begin a season as a franchise quarterback for the first time in his career after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Dolphins. In his six career starts, the dual-threat QB has averaged just under 45 rushing yards per game. Miami's single-game record for rushing yards by a QB is 65, set by Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2019. Not only does Willis top Fitzy’s total but he hits the century mark against the Raiders on Sunday.
Bobby Kownack
Digital Content Producer
What happens in Vegas ... benefits bold fantasy owners!
Malik Willis doesn't exactly enter this season as a fantasy darling, fronting the league's thinnest roster. But for the adventurous types -- or those of you in two-QB leagues -- I agree with that commentary just above from Ben McWilliams. Malik is about to rush for 100 yards and a touchdown in Las Vegas. The Dolphins' top three wide receivers are a pair of third-round rookies, Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas, and Malik Washington, who has 72 career receptions. Starting tight end Greg Dulcich trails Washington in that category by five. It's bound to be a work in progress generating offense in Miami. The Fins obviously will lean heavily on superstar running back De'Von Achane, but how else can they move the chains? With Willis' legs.
Dan Parr
Senior Editor, Draft Strategy
Backup TE steps up in Brock Bowers' absence.
With Bowers ruled out after undergoing a knee procedure, the Raiders will be missing their top offensive weapon against the Dolphins. It turns out first-year head coach Klint Kubiak has a plan for that scenario. Backup TE Michael Mayer steps into the spotlight and delivers, reeling in two touchdown grabs -- more than he had in the last two seasons combined -- to lead Las Vegas to a victory over the rebuilding Dolphins.
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Jared Goff leads all fantasy scorers in Week 1.
The Lions QB is generally underrated, but he's particularly exceptional at home and against zone coverage. He's averaged the fourth-most fantasy points per game at home since 2022 and was second in passing yards, touchdowns and fantasy points against zone last year. On Sunday, Goff's at Ford Field against a very zone-heavy Saints defense. Good player plus great context equals elite fantasy output.
Carolina opens season with upset win.
The Panthers build off their 3-1 preseason showing with Bryce Young and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan connecting for a pair of touchdowns to lift the home underdogs over the Bears.
Jets intercept a pass!
That prediction certainly doesn't appear bold at first blush. But as long-suffering Jets fans are well aware of at this point -- sorry to pile on, y'all -- New York just became the first team to go an entire season without an interception since the league began recording the stat in 1933. Gang Green hasn't logged an INT since Week 18 of 2024, when safety Ashtyn Davis actually snagged a pair. Davis is a 49er now, but the Jets traded for a safety with some real ball-hawking chops in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Sure, the ninth-year pro isn't as prolific a takeaway artist as he used to be -- with two total interceptions over the past three seasons -- but he had multiple picks in each of his first five NFL campaigns, including a league-high six in 2022. With Titans QB Cam Ward still experiencing growing pains in his second season -- and first under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll -- Minkah ends the Jets' INT drought, giving the franchise a new kind of Fitzmagic.