NFL Week 1 Predictions: Stat Projections and Upset Picks for Sunday and Monday Games

ESPN analysts project Detroit's Aidan Hutchinson to record 2.0 sacks and seven pressures against the Saints during NFL Week 1.

NFL analysts have released 15 predictions for the remaining Week 1 schedule following victories by the Seahawks and 49ers. Seth Walder projects Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to record 2.0 sacks, seven pressures, and a 25% pass rush win rate against a New Orleans Saints offense that saw quarterback Tyler Shough take sacks at an 8.3% rate last season. Additionally, Walder expects Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to finish with five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.

Betting analyst Pamela Maldonado identifies two potential upsets, picking the New York Jets (+1.5) to defeat the Titans and the Denver Broncos (+2.5) to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets' pass rush, featuring No. 2 pick David Bailey and Will McDonald IV, faces a Tennessee offensive line ranked 26th by Mike Clay. In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes returns from major knee surgery to lead an offense that Denver's defense looks to neutralize on Monday night.

Fantasy projections from Eric Moody highlight Michael Mayer as a sleeper at tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders. With Brock Bowers sidelined due to a meniscus trim, Mayer is expected to see increased targets from quarterback Kirk Cousins against a Miami Dolphins defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position last year. In Carolina, wide receiver Jalen Coker is projected for the second-most targets on the team behind Tetairoa McMillan in a matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Touchdown predictions from Matt Bowen include Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson scoring against the Giants and Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift finding the end zone against a Panthers defense that surrendered 19 rushing scores in 2025. Ben Solak further predicts the Jets will record their first interception since the 2024 season against Titans quarterback Cam Ward.