The 2025 NFL season is finally here, and with it comes the annual tradition of experts making bold predictions, shocking picks, and controversial calls that spark heated debates across fanbases. CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco, never one to shy away from throwing gasoline on the fire, has dropped his Week 1 picks—and his forecasts are already setting the internet ablaze.

Prisco, who openly admitted that his 2024 season was a disaster in terms of accuracy, is promising redemption this year. “My picks stunk last year,” he confessed, before quickly turning the page: “That changes now. It’s a new season, new slate, new hope.”

Let’s break down his most headline-worthy Week 1 calls—and why they might be the talk of every tailgate, sports bar, and Monday morning group chat.

Eagles vs. Cowboys: Defending Champs Survive… Barely

The NFL wasted no time throwing a blockbuster matchup on opening night, with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting their hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas comes in shaken after trading away Micah Parsons—a move still shocking the league. Yet Prisco believes Dak Prescott will keep his team competitive even without the superstar defender.

Final prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 24.

Close game. Too close for comfort. For Eagles fans expecting a blowout, Prisco is sounding the alarm: “They’ll get the win, but Dallas won’t make it easy.”

Chiefs vs. Chargers in Brazil: Mahomes Set to Dominate

The NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil features Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Prisco points to the Chargers’ massive loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater as a game-changer. “Mahomes with time is a bad thing for a defense. And he’ll have that here,” he wrote.

Final prediction: Chiefs 30, Chargers 21.

Translation: get ready for a vintage Mahomes prime-time showcase, this time under the South American lights.

Bucs vs. Falcons: Baker Mayfield Breakout?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the year as NFC South favorites, while the Falcons are considered their biggest threat.

Prisco, however, believes Baker Mayfield is poised for a huge season. He sees Atlanta’s defense crumbling late and rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. unable to keep pace.

Final prediction: Bucs 28, Falcons 24.

Could this be the start of a Mayfield revenge tour?

Battle of Ohio: Burrow Outduels Flacco

Nothing gets the juices flowing like Bengals vs. Browns. But this year, it’s not Joe Flacco the Baltimore Raven—it’s Joe Flacco the Cleveland Brown, squaring off against Joe Burrow.

Prisco’s take: Burrow’s Bengals offense is too explosive, even if Cleveland keeps things close.

Final prediction: Bengals 30, Browns 27.

Expect fireworks in Ohio, but only one Joe walks away smiling.

Colts vs. Dolphins: Daniel Jones Makes a Statement

Daniel Jones’ career revival takes center stage as he makes his Indianapolis Colts debut against the high-octane Dolphins.

Prisco isn’t buying Miami’s defense, predicting a shootout with Jones stealing the spotlight.

Final prediction: Colts 33, Dolphins 30.

Jones may finally have the fresh start he’s needed—and Colts fans could become believers overnight.

Panthers vs. Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Bounces Back

New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen brings offensive energy Jacksonville has been missing. Add a healthy Trevor Lawrence and the versatile Travis Hunter, and Prisco likes their chances.

Final prediction: Jaguars 27, Panthers 21.

Tough debut for Bryce Young’s Panthers in what feels like a proving year.

Raiders vs. Patriots: Carroll vs. Vrabel Showdown

The Pete Carroll–led Raiders march into New England to face Mike Vrabel’s Patriots.

It’s a coaching clash full of storylines, but Prisco thinks Carroll gets sweet revenge on the franchise that once fired him.

Final prediction: Raiders 24, Patriots 23.

New England may be improved, but this heartbreak would sting.

Saints vs. Cardinals: Road Test for Arizona

The Arizona Cardinals are heavy favorites against a Saints squad in transition. But Week 1 road openers are always tricky.

Still, Prisco likes Arizona’s improved defense to edge it out.

Final prediction: Cardinals 23, Saints 20.

A narrow escape for the Cards, but a win’s a win.

Jets vs. Steelers: Rodgers vs. Fields Drama

One of the most fascinating Week 1 storylines: Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers, faces his old team—the New York Jets, led by Justin Fields.

Prisco predicts a gritty, low-scoring battle, but one that ends with New York’s defense sealing it at home.

Final prediction: Jets 20, Steelers 16.

If this happens, Rodgers’ new chapter in Pittsburgh begins with heartbreak.

Commanders vs. Giants: Wilson’s Rough Debut

Russell Wilson’s first start for the Giants could get ugly against a Commanders squad led by second-year QB Jayden Daniels.

Prisco believes Washington’s balance wins out.

Final prediction: Commanders 26, Giants 23.

Wilson may already feel the heat from rookie Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings.

Broncos vs. Titans: Rookie QB Nightmare

The Titans are throwing rookie QB Cameron Ward into the fire—against Denver’s elite defense, in Mile High, no less.

Prisco doesn’t see it ending well.

Final prediction: Broncos 26, Titans 13.

This could be a long season in Tennessee.

49ers vs. Seahawks: Familiar Territory

The 49ers have owned this rivalry, winning seven of the last eight against Seattle. Prisco expects that trend to continue, especially with Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams back.

Final prediction: 49ers 23, Seahawks 17.

Seattle fans won’t like it, but the Niners still look like the NFC’s juggernaut.

Packers vs. Lions: High-Scoring Classic

Detroit vs. Green Bay rarely disappoints, and this one should be no different.

The Packers’ big swing—trading for Micah Parsons—adds intrigue, but Prisco believes Jordan Love will ultimately carry Green Bay late.

Final prediction: Packers 35, Lions 30.

Book it now: Game of the Week material.

Rams vs. Texans: Defense Wins

Matt Stafford’s health is a concern, but Prisco trusts the Rams’ defense to frustrate C.J. Stroud in L.A.

Final prediction: Rams 23, Texans 17.

Not flashy, but enough to get it done.

Bills vs. Ravens: Sunday Night Shootout

The Week 1 finale is a heavyweight bout: Josh Allen’s Bills hosting Lamar Jackson’s Ravens.

Prisco expects fireworks but gives Buffalo the slightest edge, pointing to their playoff win over Baltimore last year.

Final prediction: Bills 34, Ravens 31.

Circle this one: It might be the first classic of 2025.

Vikings vs. Bears: Rookie QB Nightmare

Monday night delivers drama as rookie J.J. McCarthy makes his NFL debut for the Vikings—on the road in Chicago.

Prisco isn’t optimistic. Caleb Williams and the Bears’ revamped offense spoil McCarthy’s big night.

Final prediction: Bears 24, Vikings 20.

Minnesota fans may need patience. Lots of it.

Bottom Line

Pete Prisco’s Week 1 picks are bold, controversial, and destined to anger at least half the league’s fanbases. But that’s the beauty of opening week: anything can happen.

One thing’s for sure—if these predictions hold true, the 2025 NFL season will start with fireworks, heartbreak, and storylines fans won’t stop arguing about until February.