TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 29: Tom Brady (12) of the Buccaneers shakes hands with Patrick Mahomes (15) of the Chiefs after the regular season game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 29, 2020 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
We’ve made it. The 2021 NFL season is finally here and as promised, the Complex Sports weekly NFL picks are back. You never really know, but on paper, this looks like one of the wildest NFL seasons we’ve ever seen. There’s so much talent across theleague and storylines all over the place, from Tom Brady trying to repeat, to the Chiefs bouncing back, and many more.
If you’re new to our picks, they’re simple. We do straight up across the board, while Adam and Chopz also give you ATS picks if you like to entertain yourself with that kind of thing. Zion is the defending champion and looking to keep his hot streak going. Week 1 is always tough, but there are some awesome matchups on the board. We have Browns vs. Chiefs, WFT vs. Chargers, Steelers vs. Bills, Dolphins vs. Patriots, Packers vs. Saints, and much more. The list of potential marvelous games goes on and on.
Check out our full Week 1 picks below.
Cowboys at Buccaneers
Point Spread: Buccaneers -8.5
Network: NBC
Chopz: Straight up this is pretty easy, I think. The Bucs win and I think they cover the -8 spread.
Angel: Bucs win. Cowboys cover.
Zion: Cowboys start the year 0-1.
Adam: Buccaneers because even my man Skip Bayless won’t pick his beloved Boys in this matchup.
Cardinals at Titans
Point Spread: Titans -3
Network: CBS
Chopz: I think the Titans win this one at home, but it will probably be close.
Angel: Titans win and cover.
Zion: Titans win.
Adam: Swerving and going with the Cardinals on the road here since—newsflash—that Tennessee defense was brutal last season and I’ll believe it’s officially fixed, with its six new starters, when I see it.
Seahawks at Colts
Point Spread: Colts +2.5
Network: FOX
Chopz: I’m tempted to take the home underdog here, but the Colts have been a mess since camp opened. I’ll take Seattle.
Angel: No way the Colts win this game. Hawks win and cover.
Zion: Seahawks.
Adam: Might pick against all the anti-vax QBs outta principle this season. Get vaccinated already if you haven’t. So give me Mr. Unlimited and the Seahawks.
Vikings at Bengals
Point Spread: Vikings -3
Network: FOX
Chopz: Taking the Vikings seems like a major risk because Captain Covid Kirk Cousins could be ruled out at any moment, but I’ll roll with them here.
Angel: I’m going Bengals with the upset.
Zion: Vikings.
Adam: Well, if I’m sticking to my guns...Bengals because Captain Covid is a certified clown talking about preferring to set up a plexiglass barrier around where he sits in the Vikings facility than get a perfectly safe, effective, and FDA approved shot.
Eagles at Falcons
Point Spread: Falcons -3.5
Network: FOX
Chopz: Feels like a coin flip and the coin landed on Falcons.
Angel: My heart is saying Eagles while my brain is asking who the eff cares? I’ll take Philly on the road. Scared money don’t make money, we gettin’ paid this Sunday.
Zion: Eagles.
Adam: Maybe Matt Ryan deserves more respect. He’s quietly surpassed the immortal Peyton Manning for most passing yards by player in his first 13 seasons. Atlanta since this one’s a home game.
Jaguars at Texans
Point Spread: Jaguars -2.5
Network: CBS
Chopz: I actually don’t think the Texans will be 0-17 bad like some think, but the Jaguars should win this game.
Angel: I think the Jags are gonna struggle mightily this year. I’ll take the Texans with the upset.
Zion: Jaguars in the Toilet Bowl.
Adam: Who cares? Jaguars.
Steelers at Bills
Point Spread: Bills -6.5
Network: CBS
Chopz: I’ll take the Bills to win this. I think they’re the better team and will be at home in front of a crazy Buffalo crowd. Those poor tables. Also, how crazy is it that this Week 1 schedule is so stacked that this is an early slate game. Wild.
Angel: Bills win and cover in an early statement game.
Zion: Bills win in a shootout.
Adam: The Bills have beat the Steelers twice—by 11 last season and by seven in 2019—over the past two seasons. Make it three times in three seasons.
49ers at Lions
Point Spread: 49ers -7.5
Network: FOX
Chopz: Give me the 49ers. They’re the better team and should win.
Angel: Niners.
Zion: Niners.
Adam: I’m taking too many favorites in Week 1 and need to start taking some flyers. But I can’t justify taking Detroit over San Francisco. 49ers, please.
Jets at Panthers
Point Spread: Panthers -5
Network: CBS
Chopz: The Sam Darnold revenge game is going to be very real. I’ll take the Panthers here.
Angel: Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson are gonna connect like the good ole days and get revenge on the Jets.
Zion: Panthers. CMC big game.
Adam: Don’t get it confused. This is the Robby Anderson Revenge Game. The wide out the Jets egregiously let waltz to the Panthers two years ago because they didn’t think he was worth the money scores twice as the Panthers, and Sam Darnold, smoke that suspect Gang Green defense.
Chargers at Washington Football Team
Point Spread: Chargers -1
Network: CBS
Chopz: This is my favorite game of the week from a betting perspective. Hammer Washington.
Angel: Chargers are supposed to be the truth, but I think they lose on the road to an underrated football team. *winks*
Zion: Chargers.
Adam: It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when Ryan Fitzpatrick throws a back-breaking second half interception. Chargers on the road, even though it’s a west coast team playing early on the east coast.
Dolphins at Patriots
Point Spread: Patriots -2.5
Network: CBS
Chopz: I know Mac Jones looked great in preseason and camp, but I think the Dolphins win this one on the road. The real question is who is Nick Saban rooting for in this game?
Angel: I’m taking the Patriots at home.
Zion: Dolphins.
Adam: Dolphins have won two of the past three. Make it three of the past four.
Browns at Chiefs
Point Spread: Chiefs -6.5
Network: CBS
Chopz: Homer alert: give me the Browns, baby.
Angel: Chiefs and they win in a blowout.
Zion: Chiefs win big.
Adam: Would rather watch Baker Mayfield star in Progressive commercials than take snaps under center. Chiefs, but closer than the experts expect.
Broncos at Giants
Point Spread: Broncos -3
Network: FOX
Chopz: I actually like the Broncos on the road here. They have an elite defense and the Giants have some serious offensive line issues.
Angel: The Broncos are good now? Give me THE G-MEEENNNN. Shout out Danny Dimelo and Saquon, we going 9-8 this year, maybe making the playoffs. Baby steps!
Zion: Giants.
Adam: O/U 1.5 fumbles for Danny Dimes against that Denver D. Take the over and the Broncos.
Packers at Saints
Point Spread: Packers -4
Network: FOX
Chopz: I’ll go with the Packers to win this one.
Angel: Aaron Rodgers is on a mission. Give me the Packers.
Zion: Packers win.
Adam: The game’s at Jacksonville thanks to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Safe assumption the Saints have had some other things on their mind for the past few weeks meaning the post-Drew Brees era will not begin with a win.
Bears at Rams
Point Spread: Rams -7
Network: NBC
Chopz: Rams cruise and Bears fans wonder when they’ll see Justin Fields.
Angel: Rams destroy the Bears and force Matt Nagy to go with the QB that can physically move Week 2.
Zion: Rams.
Adam: Want to get cute and take the Bears, but let’s not forget who’s under center. Rams by a lot.
Ravens at Raiders
Point Spread: Ravens -4.5
Network: ESPN
Chopz: Upset alert: give me the Raiders to win at home.
Angel: I like the Raiders at home in front of those rabid fans (hopefully they make the trip).
Zion: Ravens.
Adam: Yung Zion’s main man Lamar Jackson takes an L on Monday Night Football.