The National Football League is set to kick off its 2026 season, and veteran handicapper Dave Blezow of the New York Post is back with his predictions for Week 1. Blezow, who has been making NFL picks since 1994, announced that this will be his final season offering weekly game selections before retiring.
Key Matchups and Predictions
In the highly anticipated Week 1 matchups, Blezow has outlined his picks against the spread for every game. Among his top selections are the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
Blezow predicts the Dallas Cowboys, favored by 3 points, will defeat the New York Giants. He acknowledges the potential impact of new Giants head coach John Harbaugh but expresses skepticism about a quick turnaround for the team, citing Harbaugh's past with the Ravens.
New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans
Blezow favors the New York Jets, who are 1.5-point underdogs, to beat the Tennessee Titans. He notes the coaching change in Tennessee, with former Jets personnel now with the Titans.
Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers
The Chicago Bears are predicted to cover the 3.5-point spread against the Carolina Panthers. Blezow points to the Bears' strong turnover differential from the previous season and expects improvement from their offense.
Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
Blezow has the Detroit Lions, favored by 7 points, defeating the New Orleans Saints, designating them as his NFC Super Bowl team.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
With the Ravens favored by 3.5 points, Blezow picks them to win against the Indianapolis Colts, calling it his "Lock of the Week."
Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Blezow sides with the Atlanta Falcons, who are 4.5-point underdogs, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
The Buffalo Bills, favored by 1.5 points, are Blezow's Super Bowl pick, and he expects them to win their Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Blezow anticipates a close game, selecting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 3.5 points against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Blezow is opting for the Cleveland Browns, who are 8.5-point underdogs, to cover the spread against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders
The Philadelphia Eagles are favored by 5.5 points, and Blezow predicts they will win and cover against the Washington Commanders.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins
Blezow selects the Las Vegas Raiders, favored by 3 points, to defeat the Miami Dolphins, expressing some caution about the Dolphins' outlook.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Los Angeles Chargers are heavily favored by 9.5 points, and Blezow predicts they will cover the spread against the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
Blezow picks the Minnesota Vikings, favored by 1.5 points, to win against the Green Bay Packers, noting the Packers' struggles in games where a key player was absent last season.
Monday Night Football
For the Monday Night Football opener, Blezow is taking the Denver Broncos with 2.5 points against the Kansas City Chiefs, citing the Broncos' defense and offensive additions.
Blezow, who won The Post's NFL betting standings in 2021 and the playoffs in 2023, has made picks dating back to 1994. He will announce his final Super Bowl winner at the end of this season before retiring to focus on golf, tiki bars, and poker rooms.