After a lengthy 205 days since the Philadelphia Eagles triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the excitement of a new NFL season is finally upon us. Your NFL office pool selections for Week 1 are all set and primed for action. Our performance last season stood at 142-125-5 against the spread, an improvement from our previous year’s record of 136-128-8. Securing wins in your against-the-spread office pools demands ongoing commitment, and remember that one week—whether fortunate or unfortunate—won’t define your entire season. Doc’s Sports is committed to providing against-the-spread office pool predictions for every game this season, assisting you in amplifying your chances of emerging victorious.
Explore Doc’s Sports for expert NFL predictions on every game via our dedicated NFL predictions page.
Dallas Cowboys (+6.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This week, we’re opting to back the Dallas Cowboys against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Eagles. While Philadelphia deserves to be favored at home, this margin seems excessive for the season’s opening week. After facing multiple injuries last season, the Cowboys are now at full strength, bolstered by savvy offseason acquisitions. Expect a game closer than the spread suggests, with Dallas potentially stealing an outright win. Projected score: Cowboys 24, Eagles 21.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The line for the Chiefs is surprisingly soft for their upcoming international clash in Brazil against the Chargers. While the overseas setting often adds complexity, Kansas City unequivocally showcases strength on both offense and defense. Following a lackluster performance in the Super Bowl, they come into this game with heightened motivation. The Chargers, struggling with their offensive line due to Rashawn Slater’s preseason injury, may find this game slipping away quickly. Projected score: Chiefs 28, Chargers 13.
Washington Commanders (-6.5) vs. New York Giants
With Terry McLaurin’s new contract in hand, Washington is ready to focus on their Week 1 showdown. Though the Giants have improved defensively, the Commanders’ offensive line should mitigate New York’s pass rush effectively. A rejuvenated Jayden Daniels is anticipated to have a breakout second season, propelling Washington to a two-score home victory. Projected score: Commanders 27, Giants 17.
Carolina Panthers (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
While the Panthers’ defense needs enhancement, the Jaguars don’t have a valid case to be field goal favorites against any opponent. Jacksonville has yet to achieve the success envisioned since drafting Trevor Lawrence. Despite any generosity from the Panthers’ defense, it will be Bryce Young leading his team to victory in what promises to be a shooting match. Look out for a thrilling finish where Carolina clinches it with a late field goal. Projected score: Panthers 38, Jaguars 35.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. New York Jets
The Steelers are keen to see if Aaron Rodgers can resolve their ongoing quarterback struggles. With a strong defense poised to challenge his former team, this is a matchup well-suited for the Steelers. Unfortunately for the Jets, expectations for a respectable season appear dim, starting with a defeat in Week 1. Projected score: Steelers 23, Jets 17.
New England Patriots (-2.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Drake Maye, often overshadowed in a competitive rookie class, is set to make significant strides this season in New England. The Patriots have made vital improvements during the offseason and will gear up for a commendable win at home. The Raiders, structured under a new offense, may take time to find their rhythm, making them ripe for fading in these early weeks. Projected score: Patriots 27, Raiders 13.
New Orleans Saints (+5.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Saints are anticipated to struggle this season, facing challenges at the quarterback position and mounting injuries even before play begins. However, the Cardinals certainly can’t afford to be heavy road favorites following a lackluster previous year. Although Kyler Murray hasn’t realized his pre-draft expectations, he will keep this game closely contested against the Saints. Projected score: Cardinals 20, Saints 17.
Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
Joe Flacco’s experience might not be sufficient to match the prowess of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Although the Bengals’ defense may falter, their offensive capabilities more than compensate for any shortcomings. This is a hefty spread for a divisional clash, yet the Browns’ offensive capabilities are unlikely to keep pace. Projected score: Bengals 38, Browns 20.
Miami Dolphins (+1.5) vs. Indianapolis Colts
In what appears to be a near toss-up, we favor the Dolphins on the road. Miami’s offense presents a challenge for an Indianapolis team that excels at stifling the run rather than the pass. While Daniel Jones navigates his inaugural game under new helm, this contest will be fiercely competitive, but we believe the Dolphins can secure the win and end up covering the spread. Projected score: Dolphins 21, Colts 20.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ offseason woes, particularly with Kirk Cousins’ expensive contract, limited their capacity to enhance their defense. This sets the stage for a disheartening season. With Baker Mayfield holding a deep pool of receiving talent, the Buccaneers’ offense should command a decisive victory in Atlanta. Projected score: Buccaneers 30, Falcons 21.
Denver Broncos (-7.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Sean Payton is recognized for his effectiveness against rookie quarterbacks, and Cam Ward is going to experience significant challenges in his NFL debut. This Broncos squad aims to disrupt the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West, starting with a robust showing in Week 1. The Titans, who earned a dismal record last year, are likely to stumble in all aspects of gameplay. Projected score: Broncos 29, Titans 11.
Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers
The line for Seattle at home seems unjust. Despite the 49ers grappling with offensive injuries and defensive gaps, they are still treated as road favorites. Meanwhile, Seattle’s revamped offense, while still integrating, should find success, and their defensive stability will pose issues for San Francisco. Sam Darnold, eager to prove himself, is expected to have a solid first outing with the Seahawks. Projected score: Seahawks 17, 49ers 14.
Detroit Lions (+1.5) vs. Green Bay Packers
It’s quite surprising to see the Lions as underdogs against the Packers in Week 1. Despite a heartbreaking NFC championship game marked by a 4-0 turnover differential, the Lions have significantly improved across offense, defense, and special teams. With new coordinators harnessing their formidable roster, they are well-positioned to emerge victorious at Lambeau Field. Projected score: Lions 28, Packers 25.
Houston Texans (+2.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are touted as serious contenders in the NFC this season, but the Texans hold similar expectations in the AFC. With Matthew Stafford continuing to decline, the newly assembled offense may take time to coalesce. The Texans return largely intact from last year, now healthier, and are set to announce their presence with a significant Week 1 win. Projected score: Texans 30, Rams 17.
Baltimore Ravens (+1.5) vs. Buffalo Bills
As slight favorites at home, the Bills are facing a formidable challenge from the Ravens in this anticipated Week 1 matchup. A well-rested Lamar Jackson paired with Derrick Henry presents a daunting offensive threat, contrasting against the Bills’ relatively shallow offensive depth. Expect a tightly contested game, but the Ravens’ overall strength should lead them to victory. Projected score: Ravens 24, Bills 21.
Chicago Bears (+1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Chicago experienced its fair share of gut-wrenching defeats last season, while the Vikings consistently clinched narrow wins. With a new coach and a renewed outlook, the Bears are being regarded as potential Super Bowl sleepers with Caleb Williams at the helm. JJ McCarthy shouldn’t be favored on the road against Chicago’s tenacious squad, allowing the Bears to spring a minor upset at home. Projected score: Bears 27, Vikings 20.
Season Record: 0-0
Last Season Record: 142-125-5
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