After what seemed like an eternity the first week of the regular season is finally here. After getting some brief excitement from the Thursday night game the first NFL regular season Sunday is upon us. Let’s take a look at each game during an exciting first week of the season.
Panthers At Jaguars (Carolina -3):
This just has sucker bet written all over it. Is it possible that the Vegas line makers know something that we don’t? Carolina seems like a sure fire win at only -3 but I am predicting that the Jacksonville Jaguars will upset the Panthers in week one. When you think about it is Carolina really the better team? The loss of Kelvin Benjamin cannot be understated as rookie 2nd round pick Devin Funchess is expected to fill that role. The only problem is he hasn’t even been named the starter and is probably more of a tight end running a 4.70 at this year’s NFL Combine. With Benjamin’s injury Carolina will lean on the running game more. Jacksonville’s defensive front has been improving under former Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, while quarterback Blake Bortles progressed significantly over the final 4 weeks of the 2014 season. My gut tells me Jacksonville pulls off the upset in a low scoring affair.
PREDICTION: Jaguars defeat Panthers 16-13
Packers At Bears (Green Bay -6.5)
I’m sorry but this line is too low. I don’t see any way Chicago can remain within a touchdown of Green Bay, at least recent history has shown us thus far that Green Bay should cover the spread. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is 1-11 lifetime against the Pack often times getting blown out in the process. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay’s quarterback, owns the Bears throwing for a combined 10 touchdowns in both of their games last season. I expect this game to be a blow out as Rodgers looks like he has that eye of the tiger look ready to prove the doubters after losing Jordy Nelson for the season.
PREDICTION: Packers defeat Bears 31-13
Chiefs At Texans (Houston -1)
The Texans were one of the teams who really impressed me this preseason thanks in large part to hard knocks. Head coach Bill O’Brien has this group believing in themselves. The former head man at Penn State is the former quarterback coach for the New England Patriots as you can see he has a real grasp for running his Texans offense. I believe the Texans are playoff bound this year by starting off the year beating the Chiefs at home. I believe Houston’s improved defense will limit Kansas City’s offense especially with KC’s limited weapons. Brian Hoyer will lead the Texans in week one but I believe backup Ryan Mallet will eventually be given the reigns.
PREDICTION: Texans defeat Chiefs 24-10
Colts At Bills (Indianapolis -2.5)
Yes Buffalo has a great defense, yes Tyrod Taylor has the potential to make the Bills special but not this week. Rex Ryan has brought a sort of swagger to the Bills but they need a rude wake up in order to get their minds right for the upcoming season. Buffalo’s weather is often times tough to play it but should not be a factor so early in the season. Colts star Andrew Luck is my favorite for MVP this season and will start off strong in week 1.
PREDICTION: Colts defeat Bills (34-24)
Dolphins At Redskins (Miami -3.5)
The Redskins are arguable facing the most turmoil in the league following the Robert Griffin fiasco. With Kirk Cousins the Skins may have a better chance of winning yet I still have the Dolphins taking care of business. Miami’s defense should limit the Washington offense.
PREDICTION: Dolphins defeat Redskins 21-10
Browns At Jets (NY -3.5)
9-6, 10-7, pick your poison in this low scoring affair. Will any team put up over 17? Probably not. When picking this game I find myself siding with the Jets because of that new shiny Jets secondary. Will Revis and Cromartie really let Josh McCown beat them? Chris Ivory and the running game should be enough offensively to get the job done, covering the 3.5 point spread will be no easy task.
PREDICTION: Jets defeat Browns 13-7
Seahawks At Rams (Seattle -4)
Seahawks have to cover that right? Think again, the Rams are playoff bound this season and will cover the 4 point spread. With Kam Chancellor not playing the Rams could actually steal this game at home today. St. Louis may actually have the better defense and will keep this game within a field goal. The only concern for St. Louis rests on the offense where both backs Todd Gurley and Tre Mason will be out. I see this game coming down to a field goal where the Seahawks pull it out.
PREDICTION: Seahawks defeat Rams 20-17
Saints At Cardinals (Arizona -2.5)
Carson Palmer is back! Arizona had the best record in football with Palmer under center a year ago. With Palmer back Arizona’s offense should thrive especially squaring off against New Orleans weak defense. John Brown could have a big game against the Saints defense as I expect the Cards to take care of business at home.
PREDICTION: Cardinals defeat Saints 27-21
Lions At Chargers (San Diego -3)
This game is a pure toss up. Both teams are close talent wise and should have an interesting battle of rookie runningbacks in Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah. In the end I believe the Chargers will pull it out at home but believe Calvin Johnson could have a big game as he is tired of hearing he no longer is the league’s best.
PREDICTION: Chargers defeat Lions 31-28 Overtime
Bengals At Raiders (Cincinnati -3.5)
Is it upset city in the NFL? The Raiders have what it takes to bring down the Bengals in week one. Many may see this game going towards Cincy but I believe the Bengals will take a step back this season as they own the league’s most mediocre team lead by Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton. The league may find out how good Amari Cooper is finding a way to grab two touchdowns at home.
PREDICTION: Raiders defeat Bengals 26-24
Ravens At Broncos (Denver -4.5)
Have to take the points in this one. September Peyton Manning is really good but Baltimore is one team that has their number. Jacoby Jones’ hail mary still haunts Manning to this day. There is a bit of a rivalry going on with former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak leaving Baltimore to become the Broncos head coach. Truly this game has me stumped but 4.5 is simply to many points.
PREDICTION: Ravens defeat Broncos 31-30
Titans At Buccaneers (Tampa Bay -3)
Mariota vs. Winston, Winston vs. Mariota. The two worst teams will face off in a battle of rookie quarterbacks. I have been on the record as saying Mariota will not make it in the league even claiming back up Zach Mettenberger is even better than him. I have also claimed Tampa Bay will make the playoffs under Winston in 2015. For those things to come true the Bucs will defeat the Titans in week one plain and simple.
PREDICTION: Bucs defeat Titans 28-16
Giants At Cowboys (Dallas -6)
We know this game will come down to the wire but who will win? Gimme the points in this one at 6 is simply to much. Eli and the Giants are bound to take one from the Cowboys so way not in week one on the road. The Cowboys running game may need a few weeks to get in the swing of things as well.
PREDICTION: Giants defeat Cowboys 38-35
