AP’S WEEK 1 NFL PICKS FOR BET REGAL

Green Bay (-1) at Minnesota

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were routed 38-3 by the Saints in Week 1 last year. The two-time reigning NFL MVP has something to prove without All-Pro receiver Davante Adams. Packers spoil the debut of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.
BEST BET: PACKERS, 26-23

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (-7)

The AFC champion Bengals solidified their offensive line after losing to Donald and the Rams in the Super Bowl. They’ve won three in a row against the Steelers, who turn to Mitchell Trubisky after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Under coach Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh is 18-6-2 against the spread as an underdog in division games.
PREDICTION: BENGALS, 23-18

Philadelphia (-5) at Detroit

The Eagles restocked their roster after making the playoffs last season, adding key players on both sides. The Lions are expecting to build on their 3-3 finish down the stretch in coach Dan Campbell’s rookie season.
PREDICTION: EAGLES, 26-17

Indianapolis (-7) at Houston

Matt Ryan’s debut with the Colts should be a successful one. Indianapolis outscored Davis Mills and the Texans 62-3 in two games last season.
PREDICTION: COLTS, 31-17

New Orleans (-5.5) at Atlanta

Jameis Winston is back, and the Saints begin their first season without retired coach Sean Payton against the rebuilding Falcons. Marcus Mariota takes over for the departed Ryan after Atlanta’s bid to lure Deshaun Watson failed. The Falcons were 0-7 against the spread at home last season.
PREDICTION: SAINTS, 27-16

Baltimore (-6.5) at New York Jets

The Ravens lost their last six games last season after an 8-3 start but are healthier now and have the superior talent. There’s excitement surrounding the Jets following an impressive draft, but New York has lost 12 in a row in September and is 1-11 against the spread in those games.
PREDICTION: RAVENS, 30-16

New England at Miami (3.5)

The Dolphins gave Tua Tagovailoa more protection and playmakers, including Tyreek Hill. Mac Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie. Mike McDaniel makes his coaching debut against Bill Belichick.
PREDICTION: PATRIOTS, 20-17

Cleveland at Carolina (-1)

Baker Mayfield wins his Super Bowl in Week 1.
PREDICTION: PANTHERS, 24-20

San Francisco (-6.5) at Chicago

Trey Lance and Justin Fields face off in a matchup featuring two of the five quarterbacks chosen in the first round of the 2021 draft. Lance ended up in a better spot with a dominant run game to help him.
PREDICTION: 49ERS, 31-16

Jacksonville at Washington (-3)

Carson Wentz plays his first game with the Commanders against his former coach in Philadelphia, Doug Pederson. The Jaguars will be a better team with a Super Bowl champion coach. Washington has also improved with Wentz.
PREDICTION: COMMANDERS, 24-16

Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5)

The Raiders gave Derek Carr another playmaker in Adams. But he needs more protection, especially against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Raiders ended the Chargers’ season with an overtime victory in the final game of the regular season. Justin Herbert helps them get revenge.
PREDICTION: CHARGERS, 31-23

New York Giants at Tennessee (-5.5)

Old-school football fans should like this one. Expect to see a lot of Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
PREDICTION: TITANS, 24-17

Kansas City (-6.5) at Arizona

The Chiefs have won seven straight season openers. Patrick Mahomes helps them make it eight in a row against the banged-up Cardinals.
PREDICTION: CHIEFS, 34-26

Tampa Bay (-2.5) at Dallas

Tom Brady is back minus Rob Gronkowski and a pair of starting offensive linemen. The Cowboys nearly pulled off the upset in the NFL opener at Tampa last year.
PREDICTION: BUCCANEERS, 27-24

Denver (-6.5) at Seattle

Russell Wilson makes a triumphant return to Seattle in his new orange colors.
PREDICTION: BRONCOS, 31-13

(Associated Press, Rob Maaddi/Photo: StadiumJourney.com)