Preseason football is officially behind us, and the NFL is back with all 32 teams in action for Week 1.

The season kicks off Thursday night as the Chiefs host the Ravens, and then continues Friday as the Packers and Eagles travel to Brazil for the league’s first ever game in South America.

Saturday is reserved for college football, but the NFL will be back Sunday with 13 games. The week will be capped off with an intriguing showdown between the Jets and 49ers on Monday night.

Each week, ITS will be picking every game against the spread and designating one game as the “Lock of the Week.” We’ll keep track of our record. Every game will have a “confidence meter” that will be measured using a five-star system. One star shows low confidence, while five stars is reserved for the Lock of the Week.

Without further ado, here are the picks:

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (-3)

Thursday, September 5, 8:20 p.m. ET

The last time Lamar Jackson and the Ravens took the field, it was against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game where they lost 17-10 despite holding Kansas City scoreless in the second half. A poor gameplan and terrible offensive execution led to Baltimore not being able to move the ball. For all of the Chiefs’ postseason success, they haven’t exactly been flawless in the regular season. Expect the Ravens to play with a chip on their shoulder and feed the newly signed Derrick Henry. Keep in mind that Kansas City might have a Super Bowl hangover, and they lost to Detroit at home on Thursday night of Week 1 last season.

Pick: Ravens +3 ⭐⭐

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)

Friday, September 6, 8:15 p.m. ET

These two teams were trending in very different directions at the end of the 2023 season. Philly lost five of its last six regular season games, while the Green Bay won five of its last six and proceeded to trounce Dallas in the Wild Card round. The Eagles signed star running back Saquon Barkley in the offseason, adding to their explosive offense. Green Bay also brought in a star running back in Josh Jacobs. I anticipate the Eagles offense showing out in Brazil. The Packers have high expectations this season after nearly making the NFC Championship game, but I think they’re a bit overhyped. After all, Philly needs this game more than Green Bay does, as it counts for one of their home games.

Pick: Eagles -2.5 ⭐⭐

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills (-6.5)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

I’m excited to see what Arizona’s offense can do with the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr., who was a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State. With a healthy and refocused Kyler Murray, Arizona could light up the scoreboard. On the other side, Buffalo lost more than they gained this offseason, as Stefon Diggs departed for Houston. The Bills will also be without star linebacker Matt Milano, who is still recovering from a bicep injury. If this game were later in the year and in snowy conditions, I’d say Buffalo is a lock. But it’s Week 1 and Arizona is playing with house money, so give me the Cards to cover.

Pick: Cardinals +6.5 ⭐⭐

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (-3.5)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Two explosive offenses will meet in this all-Florida affair. Each team underachieved last season, with the Jags missing the playoffs by one game and the Dolphins being decimated by the Chiefs in the Wild Card round. This isn’t a game I would choose to bet because of the unpredictability of each team, but it should be one of the weekend’s more entertaining matchups. Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence went head-to-head in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, where Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers got the win. That was years ago, and both quarterbacks have yet to achieve their full potential in the NFL. However, I think the difference in this game will be Miami’s underrated defense. They’ll do just enough to cover.

Pick: Dolphins -3.5 ⭐

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-4)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

The NFC South is the forgotten division in the NFL, and for good reason. The Panthers may very well be the worst team in the league again this season, and the division winner often has a worse record than the Wild Card teams. The Saints usually play well at home, and they have a plethora of offensive weapons that should be able to carry them past Carolina even if Derek Carr doesn’t play well. Even though Carolina’s defense is respectable, so is that of New Orleans, and I just can’t see the Panthers putting up enough points on the road to keep this one close.

Pick: Saints -4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Bengals star wideout Ja’Marr Chase finally returned to practice Wednesday, so it looks like he’ll be ready to go for the season opener. This is a tough spot for Jerod Mayo in his first game as New England’s head coach, as his team rivals the Panthers for the title of “least talented in the league.” Cincinnati will look to start off hot after missing out on the playoffs last season, so expect them to be extra motivated. I’m taking the Bengals here, even though 7.5 points is a lot and Pats quarterback Jacoby Brissett has proven that he can win games in the NFL.

Pick: Bengals -7.5 ⭐⭐⭐

Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Pittsburgh isn’t the same team on the road as they are back home, and they’ll head to Atlanta to face a Falcons team that is loaded with young weapons and led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson, and receiver Drake London are poised for breakout seasons if Cousins, who is coming off of a torn Achilles, can perform as he did in Minnesota. The Steelers are trotting out an aging Russell Wilson and an offense that only has one notable receiver, George Pickens. Good luck. This is my Lock of the Week.

Pick: Falcons -3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lock of the Week 🔒

Houston Texans (-2.5) at Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Indianapolis last took the field in Week 18 of 2023, where C.J. Stroud and the Texans came into their house and won 23-19, securing the AFC South. Indianapolis will start the season with quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, both of whom are finally healthy (for now). On the other side, the Texans added weapons in the offseason, namely Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs, who will add to their already explosive offense. This is a big game for both teams out of the gate, as the winner will secure a division win in a wide-open AFC South. I trust Stroud and Houston to get it done.

Pick: Texans -2.5 ⭐⭐

Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears (-4)

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

The new-look Chicago Bears will take on the Titans at Soldier Field in a season opener that is compelling for a variety of reasons. Quarterback Caleb Williams is inheriting an offense that is loaded with talent. Chicago added running back D’Andre Swift in the offseason, as well as receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze to complement D.J. Moore. Chicago’s defense morphed into one of the league’s top units by season’s end. The Titans also added a veteran receiver in Calvin Ridley in addition to running back Tony Pollard. Both of these teams look vastly different than they did in 2023, but I’ll give Chicago the nod not only because they’re at home, but because I believe they are much more talented.

Pick: Bears -4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) at New York Giants

Sunday, September 8, 1:00 p.m. ET

Even though they’re at home, I simply can’t pick New York here. Outside of Carolina and New England, the Giants have my vote for the worst team in the NFL. They ranked dead last in yards per play in 2023 and addressed the issue by getting rid of their best offensive player, Saquon Barkley. I feel bad for Malik Nabers, a standout wide receiver who was New York’s first round draft choice. Hopefully they don’t waste his talent like they did Barkley’s. Minnesota is trotting out Sam Darnold at quarterback, which is concerning. But they’re better all around.

Pick: Vikings +1.5 ⭐⭐⭐

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks (-6)

Sunday, September 8, 4:05 p.m. ET

Broncos’ rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to impress. After a stellar preseason, Nix was named starter and team captain. When he played at Auburn, he showed flashes of greatness but was turnover prone and couldn’t win games, making him the butt of many jokes on social media. However, he matured at Oregon and looks to be a promising NFL prospect. Unfortunately for Nix and the Broncos, they are heading into a hostile environment to face the Seahawks in Week 1. Seattle strikes me as a team that is slightly above average but can never get over the hump, especially with Geno Smith at quarterback. I’m torn on this one. Six points seems like a lot, so I’ll reluctantly take Denver.

Pick: Broncos +6 ⭐

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

Sunday, September 8, 4:05 p.m. ET

Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are in rebuild mode, and their resources are slim. Their receiver room consists of Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey and D.J. Chark. They’ll go as far as star quarterback Justin Herbert can take them. The Raiders, on the other hand, will be starting Gardner Minshew in hopes that he will be able to distribute the ball to receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers better than backup Aidan O’Connell could last season. Neither offense is great, but the difference in this game will be the Raiders defense. I can see the Chargers struggling to score points in this one.

Pick: Raiders +3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

Sunday, September 8, 4:25 p.m. ET

First overall pick Jayden Daniels’ first NFL test will come against the Buccaneers, who are coming off of a successful 2023 season. I think the Bucs are better than they get credit for, and I’m concerned about the Washington offensive line. Daniels likes to scramble, and with his small frame, could be taking a lot of hits if the line can’t hold up. Baker Mayfield was a pleasant surprise for Tampa Bay last season, and with the re-signing of star receiver Mike Evans, their offense should be potent. I’m surprised this spread is only three points.

Pick: Buccaneers -3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns (-2.5)

Sunday, September 8, 4:25 p.m. ET

Playing in Cleveland is never easy, especially for a dome team like Dallas. The Browns lead the all-time series 16-13 against the Cowboys, including a 9-5 record at home. Each of Dak Prescott’s worst three games last season came on the road against teams that play in outdoor stadiums. Plus, Cleveland’s defensive line and secondary are the strengths of the team. If Deshaun Watson can at least put some points on the board, the Browns have an excellent chance of winning this game.

Pick: Browns -2.5 ⭐⭐⭐

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-3.5)

Sunday, September 8, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Rams head back to Ford Field, where they were eliminated by the Lions in last season’s NFC Wild Card round. Detroit failed to cover the spread in that game, and I could see the same thing happening again. Both teams have high-powered offenses with weapons at every position, and this has the potential to be the game of the week. I think it’ll be extremely close, and the revamped Rams secondary could prove to be a success. I’m not confident, but I’ll take Los Angeles to cover.

Pick: Rams +3.5 ⭐

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)

Monday, September 9, 8:15 p.m. ET

This week’s marquee matchup pits Aaron Rodgers and the Jets against Brock Purdy and the 49ers. How will Rodgers look after his injury? Will he have chemistry with Garrett Wilson? Can the Jets defense play as well on the road as it does at home? Will Breece Hall get enough touches? There are tons of question marks in this game, but the common denominator is that they all surround the Jets. We know what San Francisco is capable of after their Super Bowl run last season. They have the best running back in the league, a blossoming star at quarterback, and an elite wideout in Brandon Aiyuk. Oh, and their defense is one of the best in the league. Lots of people are taking the Jets here, but I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m confident in the 49ers.

Pick: 49ers -4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐