Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 9

PFT Publishes 16 Week 1 NFL Picks as 2026 Season Opens With Amusement-Only Betting Warning

Updated

Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 9

PFT Publishes 16 Week 1 NFL Picks as 2026 Season Opens With Amusement-Only Betting Warning

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Sep 9

PFT rolled out 16 Week 1 picks for the 2026 NFL season and said it will stop making against-the-spread selections, framing its forecasts as entertainment rather than betting advice.
The shift stems from concern that legalized app-based gambling has normalized a losing habit, prompting repeated warnings to bet only what you can afford to lose and never chase losses.
Its headline calls included Patriots 24-21 over the Seahawks in Wednesday’s opener, Rams 24-13 over the 49ers in Australia, and Texans 20-16 over the Bills.
Other notable picks backed the Eagles over Washington, Vikings over a Packers team missing Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, and Chiefs 20-17 over the Broncos behind Patrick Mahomes’ return.

Sources

NBC Sports9h ago

PFT Releases Week 1 2026 NFL Picks with Amusement-Only Gambling Stance

Pro Football Network16h ago

Katz's Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 1: Baker Mayfield, Tetairoa McMillan, DJ Moore, and Others

nflpickwatch.com9h ago

Week 1 2026 Straight Up Money Line NFL picks from every media expert | NFL Pickwatch

6 Sources

With Mahomes returning and massive coaching shifts, how will unpredictable Week 1 dynamics punish bettors ignoring the new entertainment-only warning?

Why did a prominent NFL writer suddenly abandon betting picks, and could this spark a media rebellion against sports gambling?

Are dramatic betting line shifts exposing the hidden risks that finally forced experts to label sports gambling a financial trap?