| Chiefs |
over |
Lions |
I think Detroit is gonna shock a lot of people this year, but right off the bat they get the Super Bowl champs who are the favorites to go back again this year. Mahomes keeps the Chiefs ahead, even if Kelce may be sidelined with his knee injury. |
| Panthers |
over |
Falcons |
Toss-up on a Week 1 NFC South division game. Gonna be a tough pick, but I like me some Frank Reich coaching up the rookie Bryce Young to dazzle us with a close win. The hype is gonna be real, folks. |
| Bengals |
over |
Browns |
Going from a Week 1 NFC South to an AFC North matchup, this one I'm more confident in. Despite how you feel personally about Watson, he does make the team better on offense. I don't think he'll be a match for Burrow, but he'll make it interesting. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Colts |
If the Jags can maintain the momentum they had from last season, they should be able to compete well in their own division. This matchup against Indy, going up against rookie Anderson will be interesting to watch, with or without Taylor running the ball. |
| Vikings |
over |
Buccaneers |
Baker looks like he'll hold on to the starting QB job over Trask. He should have enough help from his O-line, receivers and RBs to keep his team in it, but comparing to Cousins, he will end up being the less efficient QB in a close matchup. |
| Saints |
over |
Titans |
Carr is happy in the Black & Gold, and will have his pick of offensive weapons in Week 1, minus Kamara serving a suspension. Look for potentially big plays from Thomas, Olave, and maybe even Graham, as the high-ranking defense contains Tannehill and Henry. The Dome with be rocking! |
| 49ers |
over |
Steelers |
Barely picking Purdy over Pickett in this matchup. He has more reliable all-around support, skill players in the blocking and running game. Pickett is someone to watch, but there's an early sophomore slump against Bosa and friends. |
| Commanders |
over |
Cardinals |
Murray out with his knee will have us watching Tune throw for the Cards to someone not named Hopkins. This will be Howell's game to lose. |
| Ravens |
over |
Texans |
Stroud was uncertain in the preseason, but that's not something you can confidently carry over into games that matter. Baltimore is an extremely tough defensive draw in his first game as the Ravens' secondary is nasty, even without Humphrey. He'll need to worry about their LBs, led by Queen and Smith. Meanwhile, Lamar will roll out to a hot start. |
| Packers |
over |
Bears |
I think Love sat under Rodgers long enough to be ready for this matchup. His new weapons are performing well and there's good support with the blocking and running game. Fields and the Bears' offense is also buzzing to have a little more offensive playmaking ability. Green Bay has a slightly better overall defense, giving them a close division win. |
| Broncos |
over |
Raiders |
As a Saints fan living in Colorado, Denver is the AFC team I root for. Add to that the fact that my former HC and half the Saints roster is now at Mile High; I'm a little biased. Payton is looking for a rebound year from Wilson and beating a division opponent at home could be the spark he needs. |
| Eagles |
over |
Patriots |
Philly took big personnel hits in the offseason but are hoping both the young blood they acquired will help compensate in their quest to repeat as NFC champs. The Pats' defense is a tough first assignment and their offense under O'Brien will grind away with a few more big plays to stay in the game. |
| Chargers |
over |
Dolphins |
This one should be fun. Tua and the Phins' offense looks ready to explode again. While Herbert has been getting rave reviews under OC Moore. This should lead to a shootout with high-volume downfield passing to Ekeler, allowing them to outlast the mirrored onslaught. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Rams |
The Rams are breaking down again. McVay is trying to keep things together for one more season, but he may not have enough healthy, reliable personnel. The Seahawks look ready to build on last year's surprise with Geno Smith and some offensive reinforcements alongside added defensive playmaking. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Giants |
First of two games at MetLife. Dallas is trying to play better complementary and more efficient football by meshing a run-oriented approach with Dak returning to his passing chops to Cooks joining Lamb. The Giants are in a similar mode with Jones and Barkley. Dallas' execution is better here, winning a close road division matchup. |
| Jets |
over |
Bills |
Zero confidence in this pick; just buying in to the hype. Rodgers on the field making plays to help a budding dominant defense under HC Saleh will be something to see. The Bills are remixing offensively a little and making up for some lost pieces. The Jets will build on already being put together well around the QB and come away with a narrow win. |
That's Week 1 in a nutshell.