NFL Week 1 Predictions 2021: Upset Picks Include Steelers, Jets As Straight Up Winners

Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season is bound to feature some upsets that few saw coming. A reigning division champion is one of the schedule’s biggest underdogs while multiple teams that suffered double-digit losses last year have been made clear favorites Sunday.

Here are three upset picks for the NFL’s opening weekend with betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+235) at Buffalo Bills

Pittsburgh’s defense gives it a real chance to walk out of Buffalo with a victory. Despite losing to the Bills a season ago, the Steelers only allowed 20 points of offense while limiting Josh Allen to his third-worst passer rating of the season.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still has something left in the tank. The Bills defense ranked 25th last year when it allowed 4.7 yards per carry, and rookie running back Najee Harris could start his NFL career on a strong note.

New York Jets (+210) at Carolina Panthers

Sam Darnold was one of the NFL’s worst quarterbacks in all three of his seasons with the Jets. Will he really be that much better in Carolina, especially facing off against his former team?

The Panthers are coming off a pair of 5-11 seasons and could have a poor offensive line. If the preseason is any indication, Zach Wilson will be the best quarterback on the field Sunday.

New York Giants (+134) vs. Denver Broncos

There are reasons to be optimistic about Denver in 2021, but it's questionable for the Broncos to be laying close to a field goal on the other side of the country. The Broncos are 9-23 on the road over the last four years.

New York had a better overall record than Denver last season with an above-average defense. The unit could make life difficult for Teddy Bridgewater. The quarterback will be playing his first game in a new offense after going 4-11 as a starter with just 15 touchdown passes in 2020.