The Start of the 2025 NFL Season

The 2025 NFL season has officially kicked off, and the Bleacher Report expert panel is here to deliver their predictions for every Week 1 matchup. Featuring analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton, and Brent Sobleski, alongside editors Wes O'Donnell and Ian Hanford, the panel is ready to provide competitive insights after a successful prior year.

Last season, the group collectively achieved a commendable record of 128-95-6 against the spread on consensus picks, with O'Donnell leading the way with an impressive 149-115-8 record. This year, however, they're taking a different approach by making individual picks rather than consensus selections, leading to five unique selections for this week's games.

Panel Predictions for Key Matchups

Eagles vs. Cowboys

DraftKings Line: Eagles (-8.5)

Davenport: Cowboys (+8.5) - The Cowboys might not be as bad as this spread suggests, particularly with key players still in place.

O'Donnell: Eagles (-8.5) - The defending champions are expected to dominate without Micah Parsons in the Cowboys’ lineup.

Predictions: Cowboys: Davenport, Sobleski; Eagles: Gagnon, Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell

Chiefs vs. Chargers

DraftKings Line: Chiefs (-3)

Gagnon: Chargers (+3) - The Chiefs have struggled against division rivals in the past.

Knox: Chiefs (-3) - Expectations are high for a powerful Kansas City offense to perform well.

Predictions: Chiefs: Hanford, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell; Chargers: Davenport, Gagnon, Sobleski

Giants vs. Commanders

DraftKings Line: Commanders (-5.5)

Hanford: Commanders (-5.5) - New York's struggle on home openers puts them in a tough spot.

O'Donnell: Giants (+5.5) - With improvements in their defense, the Giants might keep the game tight.

Predictions: Giants: Davenport, Gagnon, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski; Commanders: Hanford

Bengals vs. Browns

DraftKings Line: Bengals (-5.5)

Hanford: Browns (+5.5) - The Bengals’ early struggles could resurface against a determined Browns team.

Sobleski: Bengals (-5.5) - With a healthy Joe Burrow, the Bengals should edge this matchup.

Predictions: Bengals: Davenport, Gagnon, Knox, Moton, O'Donnell, Sobleski; Browns: Hanford

Looking Ahead

As the NFL season opens, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike for exciting matchups filled with potential upsets and standout performances. Tune in to see how this competitive spirit plays out in Week 1 of the NFL season!