Saulsie’s Week One Predictions For The NFL

As week one of the NFL season approaches, It’s time to make a set of predictions based on how I view the games coming up and give you some insight on each team.

Thursday Sep. 7th:

Chiefs at Patriots:

The Patriots opening at home against a stagnant Chiefs offense could cook up for a bad opening night. Tom Brady receiving Brandin Cooks as a weapon could prove fatal as the speedy receiver will most likely receive a good amount of targets. You also have to account for how the Chiefs have no clue how the Patriots will use Cooks. I’m looking for the Patriots to not only cover the spread but nearly double it. I’m going New England 27–10

Sunday Sep. 10th:

Steelers at Browns:

The Cleveland Browns might be the second worst team in the NFL thanks to the Jets being atrocious. Look for Big Ben to find Martavis Bryant on deep routes and Antonio Brown on breakout screens and slants. Le’Veon Bell will get in the mix as well but probably won’t get a full workload if we’re to believe Tomlin. I’m going Steelers 35–6 with a big game from Ben.

Jets at Bills:

Look. Even Jets fans don’t want to be Jets fans right now. Their quarterback situation is less than terrible and their defense just lost their best pass rusher. Look for Lesean McCoy to run wild and new wide receiver Zay Jones to breakout. This may be the sole game Tyrod Taylor doesn’t throw an interception as well. I’m going Bills 24–7 to open up the season.

Falcons at Bears:

While I don’t think Atlanta will be the powerhouse they were last year, look for them to still be a solid 10 win team. The Bears are on the rise but I still think they need a few years to become fully relevant again (although I am on the Trubisky bandwagon). Look for the Bears to play it close in this game at Soldier Field. I’m going Falcons 20–14.

Ravens at Bengals:

The Ravens will have a dominant defense again this year, looking back for their secondary to be huge ballhawkers. I still don’t think Andy Dalton is worth what he’s being paid for, and the Bengals running back situation is cloudy. This might end up being a big defensive game with multiple turnovers and punts if Joe Flacco and the Ravens can’t click on offense. Regardless, I’m going Ravens 14–10.

Cardinals at Lions:

This game is probably the second best matchup in week one on terms of skill level. Matthew Stafford is on a campaign for gaining elite status and David Johnson is a mad man in the backfield. Look for this becoming a match of two great offenses going at it from different styles. I think the Lions defense just might be enough to contain David Johnson at home, so I’m going to go Lions 27–24 with Stafford accomplishing a 4th quarter comeback to open up the season.

Jaguars at Texans:

I still believe that Bortles just hasn’t had the right coach. Tom Coughlin is that coach. The only issue is that Houston will be playing for a lot more than a football game. I believe J.J. Watt will want to carry his team. Tom Savage will be looking to have himself a day if he plays smart. Look for Bortles to struggle, J.J. to get a pair of sacks, and Houston to emerge victorious 17–3.

Raiders at Titans:

The Raiders and Titans are two not-so-dark horse teams in the NFL. Marcus Mariota is a highly talented quarterback who can make big plays against a questionable defense in the Raiders. The only issue is that Derek Carr is the other quarterback facing an even more questionable defense for Tennessee. Look for both quarterbacks to display their talent as the game goes to the wire. I’m going Oakland 24–21.

Eagles at Redskins:

The Eagles and Redskins have some bad blood against eachother. Carson Wentz had a bad second half stretch last year, but I believe that he has had his growing pains and is ready for a sophomore year rally. Kirk Cousins is looking to prove that he is worth the money, so look for both quarterbacks to fire off on all cylinders. This will come down to the running back inclusions, which I give the edge to Philly. Look for Wentz to make a late drive to win the game. Eagles 17–13.

Colts at Rams:

With Andrew Luck being out it puts the Colts in a bad spot. Jared Goff wasn’t the prince who was promised last year, but maybe he has made moves in training. Todd Gurley is still a top rated running back, so look for him to run on a weak Colts defense. I think the Rams cover the spread as they find a way to grab a couple of turnovers. Rams 12–6.

Seahawks at Packers:

Aaron Rodgers is a bad bad man let me tell you. Even against the Seahawks defense which is looking a bit re-juvinated with Earl Thomas back in for the LOB. Ty Montgomery is looking like he might actually make a good running back and Jordy Nelson is looking healthy. Russell Wilson has the argument however that with Thomas Rawls, CJ Procise, and Doug Baldwin that they can go into Green Bay and steal a win. I disagree with that as The cheese squad is going to be rowdy. Look for a big game from Rodgers as the Packers coast to a score of 27–21.

Panthers at 49ers:

Cam Newton might be on his way to another season of dabs and touchdowns. Kelvin Benjamin finally worked on speed to go with his freakish body structure. The defense is looking as healthy as possible, and with two-headed monster Stewart and Mccaffrey, look for Carolina to have no trouble. Garçon might haul in a few bombs to score but they’ll most likely be in garbage time. Carolina coasts 28–17

Giants at Cowboys:

Oh boy, Zeke is active. Not only is my fantasy team happy, but so is Dak Prescott. While Elliot might only be active for one week, look for him to make a statement against the Giants. Eli Manning is back for another year and I think he will be able to lead the G-men to the playoffs this year. Dak is going to be a manager for this game to throw the occasional deep ball to Dez, and the short first down throws to Cole Beasely. Look for the Giants to make it a close game, but the Cowboys pull through 35–28.

Monday Sep. 11th:

Saints at Vikings:

If there’s a defense that can contain Drew Brees, it’s Minnesota. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are looking to fight for the number one receiver spot this year, and Dalvin Cook is looking to get the rock plenty of times. Willie Snead being suspended and Brandin Cooks in New England put a hit on the receivers game. Look for Brees to have a Brees game despite the blow. I think Minnesota pulls out a close one while Adrian Peterson runs for a touchdown in his homecoming game against his former team. Vikings prevail 20–17.

Chargers at Broncos:

The final game of week one is a great matchup. The Chargers always seem to play it close, and last year they were never able to finish. I don’t think this year will be all that different and while Phillip Rivers will have a decent day, I think Melvin Gordon gets off to a slow start. Look for this to be a low scoring game full of running and short pass play. I think the Broncos pull this one out in Denver 13–10 with a late field goal from Brandon McManus.

There you have it, my full weekly predictions for week one. Next week we will come and see how I did and predict the games of week two. See you all then.