The 2026 Hall of Fame Game kicks off on Thursday, marking the official start of the upcoming NFL season.
Yes, there is still more than a month between now and the first regular season game on Sept. 9, but it's important to remember that NFL odds for Week 1 have been open since May, allowing savvy bettors ample opportunities to pounce on soft numbers.
While most casual bettors will opt to wait until much closer to Week 1 to make their picks, professionals have been quietly shaping lines for a handful of these games, including:
- New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Here are the three NFL predictions already attracting smart money for Week 1.
3 NFL Predictions for Week 1
*Odds as of Monday, Aug. 3
Patriots vs. Seahawks Prediction
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
Week 1 opens with a Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Seahawks — a game that the sharps have not been shy about betting.
Seattle is a 3.5-point spread favorite against New England with an over/under of 44.5 according to the latest NFL odds.
