NFL Week 1 Predictions
As a reigning office Weekly Pick 'Em winner, I think it's safe to call myself the authority in NFL predictions. Week 1 is the toughest to predict because I'm mostly basing off of how teams were last season with the exception of a few acquisitions, but I'm not here to make excuses. Let's get to it.
ATL@PHI (-1): I'm expecting a big year from the Falcons where last year feels more like a fluke than the 2016 season. I think the Eagles will be awesome towards the end of the season, but a combination of injuries/Super Bowl hangover give them a couple early losses. Falcons +1 and outright.
PIT@CLE (+3.5): The Browns are going to be better, but I still don't think very good. A weird week for Pittsburgh, but they handle business here and win by a touchdown at worst.
CIN@IND (-3): As a Colts fan, this line feels really off. Bengals' defensive line is going to give the Colts fits. Bengals +3 and outright.
TEN@MIA (+1.5): I don't think the Dolphins are good. I think the Titans are pretty good. In their first game under Vrabel, Titans win by a couple touchdowns.
SF@MIN (-6.5) What an awesome week 1 matchup. I'm not as sold on the 49ers as others are, I'm expecting Vikings 23-13.
HOU@NE (-6.5): Hard to know how Houston is going to look, but Pats handle business as they always do.
TB@NO (-9.5): I know the Saints offense wasn't very explosive last year, but I can't see a scenario where this game is within 2 TDs. Mike Thomas gets 600 yards and the Saints cover.
JAX@NYG (+3): There's no real reason to feel this way, but for some reason I'm convinced the Giants are winning this game outright.
BUF@BAL (-7.5): The Bills defense is better than people realize - this team was pretty good last year. I'm expecting a Ravens win but Bills cover.
KC@LAC (-3.5): It always feels like the Chiefs are excellent to start the year. Given that Mahomes is making his first real start and the Chargers are able to generate a ton of turnovers, there's reason to think this will be close at worst. I'd stay away from betting, but if I had to pick I'd go Chargers by 3.
SEA@DEN (-3): I'll take the Broncos -3. Going to be interesting to see what their offense looks like, but I think the defense will look much better than it did last year.
WAS@ARI (-1): Redskins outright. I don't have much faith in Arizona, and I think the Redskins will feel refreshed after moving on from Cousins
DAL@CAR (-3): This line feels very off. I think Carolina wins by 10.
CHI@GB (-7.5): The Bears may be good eventually, but I'm not expecting less than a week with Khalil Mack to turn them into a dynasty. Packers by double digits.
NYJ@DET (-6.5): Lions win, Jets cover. What a gross Monday night game.
LA@OAK (-4): This is going to be so ugly. Rams by 1000.