Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9
NFL Analysts Release 16 Week 1 ATS Picks, Backing Rams by 3.5 in Australia
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

NFL Analysts Release 16 Week 1 ATS Picks, Backing Rams by 3.5 in Australia

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9

Summary

  • Sixteen Week 1 against-the-spread picks were published, with the Rams favored to cover 3.5 points against the 49ers in Melbourne and the Seahawks picked to beat New England by 3.
  • The Rams call rests on Myles Garrett, new cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, plus Matthew Stafford’s strong numbers against zone from a clean pocket as San Francisco enters with line and pass-rush concerns.
  • Five best bets were highlighted: Steelers -3.5, Ravens -3.5, Panthers +3, Jaguars -8.5 and Broncos +2.5, while Tampa Bay was tagged the upset special at +170 against Cincinnati.
  • The broader Week 1 outlook was framed as unusually open despite hype around Los Angeles and defending champion Seattle, with no rookie quarterback set to start an opener for the first time since 2022.

Insights

Can massive new contracts for stars like Baker Mayfield guarantee Week 1 success amidst early-season chaos?
Will devastating offensive line injuries derail heavily favored teams before the 2026 NFL season even truly begins?
How will Aaron Donald's mysterious absence in Australia shift the balance of power in the tight NFC West opener?