NFL AI Predictions for Preseason Week 1: ATS Picks & Score Predictions for Every Game

After a thrilling NFL preseason opener last week, all 32 teams are in action this week for Week 1 kicking off tonight and continuing through Saturday.

As part of our NFL AI predictions series for the 2026 season, I trained an AI model using the latest version of ChatGPT to predict the final score for all 16 games this week — sourced from real-time information about playing time projections and matchup data while comparing our AI projections to the latest odds across prediction market apps.

We'll be predicting all three weeks of the preseason as well as every matchup throughout the NFL regular season and playoffs. The following picks and analysis were created using our ChatGPT simulation to complement the rest of our NFL moneyline picks for preseason Week 1.

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NFL AI picks for Week 1 (preseason)

The following projections and analysis were generated by the latest GPT-5.6 Sol Pro model using training parameters and current and historical information. They have been reviewed for factual accuracy and are intended for entertainment purposes.

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NFL preseason Week 1 AI predictions

Lions vs Bengals AI prediction

Cincinnati should have the early advantage with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and other starters expected to see action while Detroit sits Jared Goff. That opening edge should create enough separation for the Bengals before the game turns over to the reserves.

Score prediction: Bengals 27, Lions 16

Packers vs Steelers AI prediction

Green Bay is giving Jordan Love and its healthy starters live work, while Pittsburgh isn't expected to play Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt, or Cameron Heyward. The Packers should control the opening portion before a more unpredictable reserve-heavy second half tightens the margin.

Score prediction: Packers 23, Steelers 17

Colts vs Patriots AI prediction

Anthony Richardson gets the first half for Indianapolis while Drake Maye sits for New England, creating one of the clearest quarterback-rep advantages on the slate. Richardson's volatility still leaves room for mistakes, but Indianapolis should generate more sustained offense over four quarters.

Score prediction: Colts 24, Patriots 14

Chargers vs Texans AI prediction

With Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud out of the equation, this quickly becomes a reserve-quarterback game. Davis Mills gives Houston a steadier offensive floor, while the Texans' defensive depth should challenge a Chargers offense breaking in a new system.

Score prediction: Texans 24, Chargers 10

Cardinals vs Raiders AI prediction

Both teams have unusually capable preseason quarterback rotations, making this one of the better candidates for offense. Kirk Cousins starts for Las Vegas before No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza gets an extended look, giving the Raiders just enough four-quarter stability to edge an Arizona team that's already played once this preseason.

Score prediction: Raiders 28, Cardinals 24

Titans vs 49ers AI prediction

Tennessee's participation plan is the separator, with Cam Ward and the starters expected to play multiple series while San Francisco holds back much more of its established lineup. That should give the Titans an advantage across a larger share of the game than a normal preseason matchup.

Score prediction: Titans 26, 49ers 16

Broncos vs Falcons AI prediction

Bo Nix will sit while Jarrett Stidham handles roughly the first half for Denver, while Atlanta will give Tua Tagovailoa and its starters around 10 plays before turning to Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. The Falcons' quarterback plan provides just enough stability to win a lower-scoring game.

Score prediction: Falcons 20, Broncos 16

Buccaneers vs Jets AI prediction

New York is giving Geno Smith and its starters live game work, while Tampa Bay plans to rest most of its key starters. That participation gap gives the Jets the clearest path on the slate to building an early lead and extending it once the depth players take over.

Score prediction: Jets 30, Buccaneers 13

Dolphins vs Commanders AI prediction

Malik Willis is expected to get plenty of live work for Miami, while Washington's game participation remains less defined after Jayden Daniels and the starters got substantial reps in the joint practice. That clearer quarterback plan gives the Dolphins a modest edge.

Score prediction: Dolphins 23, Commanders 16

Panthers vs Bills AI prediction

Carolina already has a full preseason game under its belt and will now give Bryce Young and the first-team offense roughly 10 to 20 snaps. Buffalo is also expected to give its defense meaningful live work, pushing this toward a slower, field-position-driven game once the opening units leave.

Score prediction: Panthers 16, Bills 13

Browns vs Bears AI prediction

Cleveland has one of the cleanest quarterback plans of the weekend, with Deshaun Watson set for the first half before Shedeur Sanders takes over. That continuity should produce enough sustained offense for the Browns to create separation.

Score prediction: Browns 27, Bears 20

Vikings vs Giants AI prediction

Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are both expected to play for Minnesota, with Carson Wentz also available in one of the deepest quarterback rooms on the slate. That amount of competent quarterback play should keep the Vikings moving the ball even after the opening units leave.

Score prediction: Vikings 30, Giants 24

Rams vs Chiefs AI prediction

Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play, but Kansas City can still evaluate Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, and Chris Oladokun. The Rams are handing first-round rookie Ty Simpson his first NFL game action, leaving Kansas City with the more stable reserve-quarterback environment.

Score prediction: Chiefs 24, Rams 13

Jaguars vs Saints AI prediction

Both teams are prioritizing joint-practice work over preseason game reps, with Jacksonville sitting most veterans and starters and New Orleans expected to do the same, including quarterback Tyler Shough. That pushes this game toward the deepest parts of both rosters and the lowest-scoring script of the weekend.

Score prediction: Saints 17, Jaguars 9

Eagles vs Ravens AI prediction

Established starters are expected to play little or not at all, turning this matchup into a test of quarterback and roster depth. Philadelphia has an unusually experienced reserve battle between Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee, giving the Eagles enough passing stability to create separation after halftime.

Score prediction: Eagles 23, Ravens 13

Cowboys vs Seahawks AI prediction

This is one of the more volatile games on the slate, with Dallas able to evaluate Sam Howell and Joe Milton III while Seattle has Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe behind Sam Darnold. Multiple quarterbacks on both sides can create explosive plays against reserve defenses, but Seattle's depth produces the deciding drive late.

Score prediction: Seahawks 27, Cowboys 23

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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