As the excitement builds in Philadelphia, the 2025 NFL regular season is set to kick off this Thursday. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will be hosting their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in what is expected to be an electric start to the new season.

The opening week of the NFL season spans from Thursday through Monday, featuring a variety of matchups that fans are eagerly anticipating. Among these matches is a unique international game on Friday set in São Paulo, where the Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Additionally, Sunday Night Football brings us a thrilling contest between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, who are slight favorites by 1.5 points.

This year’s opening weekend is packed with heavyweight battles, including the Detroit Lions favored by 2.5 points against the Green Bay Packers and another interesting game as the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Seattle Seahawks, also with a 2.5-point spread. With 16 games on the schedule for Week 1, it’s crucial for both fans and bettors to pay close attention to the odds and matchups.

Before deciding how to place your bets for each game, it’s valuable to consult the insights from a computer simulation model that analyzes every game by running 10,000 simulations. This model has seen significant success, boasting over $7,000 in gains for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since it began, finishing 2024 with an impressive 31-15 record on those picks.

This week’s predictions highlight several games, including a strong inclination that the Washington Commanders will cover their 6-point spread as home favorites against the New York Giants. The Commanders enter the season on a high note after reaching the NFC Championship Game last year, maintaining strong ambitions for this season.

Led by Jayden Daniels, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Commanders are poised for success. The addition of All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel adds to their offensive arsenal, while their defense is solidified by veteran presence Von Miller.

For fans and bettors wanting to stay ahead, the simulation model has also produced three other highly-rated picks for Week 1, including an enticing underdog that is likely to come out on top. It’s clear that the opening weekend of the NFL season is shaping up to be filled with excitement and surprises.

To keep up with the action and see these predictions, make sure to check the latest updates on your favorite matchups. The NFL season has a lot in store for everyone as we dive into Week 1.