Week 1 picks: Who we like in Raiders-Patriots matchup and around NFL

It’s finally here, the 2025 NFL season begins tonight with a big NFC East matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and defending champion Philadelphia Eagles!
Holder’s picks: LV +2.5, LV ML, Over 43.5
Both the Raiders and the Patriots underwent a lot of changes this offseason, which could lead to both teams having a slow start to begin the season. But I’ll put my money on the more experienced quarterback, with Geno Smith leading the charge in Las Vegas while Drake Maye has to learn his second offense in as many years. Granted, that’s also a good argument to take the under, so consider that a bit of a hedge as I don’t have a ton of faith in the Raiders’ defense.
Moving on to S&BP’s Pick’em competition, below is a look at how our writers finished last season.
Ray took home the writer’s trophy last year, edging me out by 5.5 games. So, it’ll be important for Bill and me to get off to a hot start to challenge the defending champ.
We had a tie for the community and overall championship last season, where both Bodega Bay Raider and Running With the Night finished with 207 correct picks. So, those two have some unsettled business from last season, and we should have some new contenders this year to challenge those two.
On an administrative note, our group (run by my good friend Mooniac) is completely full heading into the season. However, Mooniac will be removing people from the group if they aren’t making picks at the beginning of the season, so make sure to stay on top of your picks every week if you want to compete. Otherwise, you’ll get the boot, and we’ll give your spot to someone else.
As a reminder, get your picks in ASAP with the game tonight at 5:20 pm PST. Also, don’t forget about the Friday night matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. You don’t want to let it slip your mind and then lose the competition by one pick!
Best of luck with your picks, and I look forward to competing against you all again!



