Bold predictions for NFL Week 1: Josh Allen stumbles, Dolphins surprise

Week 1 of the 2026-27 NFL season is officially here, but we can't get started until we get some hot takes off our chests. As we look ahead to the first slate of games, we've cooked up three bold predictions that will make us look like fools or geniuses on Monday morning. 

Here's hoping for the latter. 

The Houston Texans beat the Buffalo Bills by double digits

The Bills rarely get blown out in the Josh Allen era. In fact, Buffalo has lost by double digits only three times over the last three regular seasons. This would be a surprising result in Week 1, but there's a clear pathway to an easy Texans win here. 

Sure, Buffalo's offense is still a juggernaut, but it won't be easy to score points against this elite Houston defense. In Allen's last two games against the Texans, he's a combined 33-64 (51.5 percent) for 383 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. 

The Bills defense was already shaky, and it will probably take a step back in 2026 without Sean McDermott running the show. We might be sounding the alarm in Buffalo after Week 1. 

The lowly Miami Dolphins upset the Las Vegas Raiders

Miami tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the lowest win total in the NFL this season (3.5). No one is giving the Dolphins a chance to be competitive in 2026, but they're going to be undefeated after Week 1. 

The Dolphins project to have a strong running game led by dual-threat QB Malik Willis, dynamic RB De'Von Achane and an underrated offensive line. This offense should be able to dominate possession and shorten the game.

As for the Raiders offense, there isn't much to be excited about. Ashton Jeanty is still working back from an ankle sprain, and star tight end Brock Bowers won't be available on Sunday after undergoing minor knee surgery. That means 38-year-old Kirk Cousins will be trying to move the ball with Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Michael Mayer as his top weapons.