Sep 7, 2026 · 2h 21m
Bill Simmons and Sal turn Week 1 into a futures market
Guess the Lines Week 1, Plus Favorite NFL Futures With Cousin Sal
Their picks reveal how early-season uncertainty, quarterback questions, travel, and last year’s surprises shape NFL betting decisions.
- 1Simmons and Sal test every Week 1 matchup against injuries, travel, quarterback uncertainty, and the danger of early overreaction.
- 2Their futures draft backs Seattle, Houston, Tampa Bay, Dallas, and the Chargers while fading Washington, Atlanta, Minnesota, and Miami.
- 3The football analysis gives way to stories about beaches, Boston walks, family disputes, and Fenway Park food.
Don't miss
The hosts reveal their contrasting Super Bowl futures: Sal takes the Rams over the Bills, while Bill backs Seattle over Houston at a long price.
The brief
Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal revive their 20-year Guess the Lines ritual, using Week 1 to test betting principles against injuries, travel, and quarterback uncertainty.
The matchup tour ranges from Seattle–New England and Rams–49ers in Australia to Cowboys–Giants and Chiefs–Broncos, with divisional underdogs and overreactions under scrutiny.
The futures draft turns those impressions into positions: Seattle, Houston, Tampa Bay, Dallas, and the Chargers draw support, while Washington, Atlanta, Minnesota, and Miami become fades.
Awards, props, win totals, playoff exclusions, and Super Bowl picks expose the tension between long-shot value and the uncertainty of early-season markets.
After Sal picks the Rams over Buffalo and Bill takes Seattle over Houston, the football conversation drifts into beach chaos, Boston walks, family, and Fenway mustard.
Featuring
Ringer Wise Guys
Cleveland Browns
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas CowboysListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.