 on the sideline against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/J.J.-McCarthy-6.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=576,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/J.J.-McCarthy-6.jpg”><figcaption><span>Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) on the sideline against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>
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Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 NFL regular season is almost here.
Thursday night officially marks the start of the new season, and it is the best time of the year because every fanbase can be filled with hope. It also means it’s time to start a new season of NFL picks. Here are my picks for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.
Week 1 NFL Picks
 throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/USATSI_21393037.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/USATSI_21393037.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/USATSI_21393037-788×526.jpg” alt=”Week 1 NFL Picks” ><figcaption>Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<h4>Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles</h4>
<ul>
<li>Spread: Eagles -8.5</li>
<li>O/U: 47.5 points</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Frey’s Pick: Eagles -8.5</strong></p>
<p>The season gets started with an NFC East rivalry as the Philadelphia Eagles begin their Super Bowl defense against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia’s defense will cause trouble for Dak Prescott, and it feels like a lot of the air has been taken out of Dallas following the Micah Parsons trade. Eagles win big.</p>
<h4>Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers</h4>
<ul>
<li>Spread: Chiefs -3.5</li>
<li>O/U: O/U: 46.5 points</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Frey’s Pick: Chargers -3.5</strong></p>
<p>The Los Angeles Chargers saw a big rebound in 2024 during Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach, and now, they can make a big statement to begin 2025. This has the feel of the Chiefs’ Week 1 loss to the Lions a couple years ago.</p>
<h4>Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons</h4>
<ul>
<li>Spread: Buccaneers -2.5</li>
<li>O/U: 47.5 points</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Frey’s Pick: Buccaneers -2.5</strong></p>
<p>The Buccaneers are going to be good this year despite losing Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan at least for the time being. Emeka Egbuka will be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year in a big role, and Baker Mayfield has torched the Falcons throughout his career. </p>
<h4>Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns</h4>
<ul>
<li>Spread: Bengals -5.5</li>
<li>O/U: 47.5 points</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Frey’s Pick: Bengals -5.5</strong></p>
<p>Maybe Cleveland’s defense can cause some trouble for the Bengals’ offensive line, but I just don’t see how this Browns offense is going to keep up with Cincinnati and all the weapons that the Bengals have at their disposal.</p>
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<figure><img bv-data-src=)
J.J. McCarthy makes his first start at quarterback for the Vikings. Ultimately, Minnesota’s defensive front should give fits to Chicago’s offensive line and Caleb Williams, so the Vikings pull off this win at Soldier Field.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey