The NFL schedule release is always a bittersweet moment for football fans. On one hand, we finally get to map out the season ahead and circle the must-watch matchups. On the other, it's a cruel reminder that we're still months away from kickoff. But for those who love the game—and the strategy that comes with it—the schedule drop also means it's time to start thinking about Week 1 betting angles.
Now, let's be clear: nobody should be placing serious bets this far out. Between training camp battles, preseason injuries, and roster cuts, a lot can change between now and opening day. But that doesn't mean we can't get an early read on how oddsmakers are viewing the league. Here's a look at some of the most intriguing Week 1 matchups and our way-too-early leans.
New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks (Wednesday Night)
This opener carries extra weight as a Super Bowl LX rematch. The Seahawks dominated the Patriots 29-13 in February, and while they lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to free agency, Seattle remains one of the top contenders for the 2026 title. It's no surprise to see them installed as 3.5-point home favorites. History is also on their side: Super Bowl winners are 8-3 straight-up in the following season's rematch. With the championship banner going up at Lumen Field, the atmosphere will be electric. The Patriots are a team on the rise, but walking into that environment in Week 1 is a tall order. Seattle looks like the smart early lean.
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday, in Melbourne)
The NFL is going global for this one, with the first-ever regular-season game in Australia. But beyond the historic setting, this is a massive NFC West showdown. These rivals split their 2025 series, and both are expected to be in the playoff mix again. The 49ers dealt with a nightmare injury campaign last season, but a healthier roster could flip the script. The Rams, meanwhile, are coming off a strong year and will have home-field advantage in name only—this neutral-site game in Melbourne will test both teams' travel and preparation. It's a tough one to call this early, but the divisional stakes make it a must-watch from the jump.