NFL Week 1 Predictions
Tomorrow night will kick off the start of a brand new NFL season! See Overtime Sports’ game-by-game week one predictions for the NFL!
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots: 31–20 Patriots
Even with the loss of Julian Edelman for the season, Brandin Cooks and a healthy Rob Gronkowski should be more than enough to keep New England a step above the rest. As good as their defense can be, Alex Smith and the offense won’t be enough to keep up with a loaded Patriots team.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: 27–10 Bills
This Jets team might be one of the worst in history, and it will be a mystery as to how they’ll be able to score many points in 2017. Buffalo is simply better than the Jets all around.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears: 33–10 Falcons
As bad as the Jets are, the Bears give them a run for their money. Atlanta’s young defense came along towards the end of last season. If the defense continues its development under Dan Quinn, 2016 MVP Matt Ryan should have a lot less pressure on him.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: 23–20 Ravens
The Ravens defense, which was top ten in yards and points allowed in 2016, should be just enough to get Baltimore a week one road win.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns: 33–14 Steelers
The Steelers are expected to compete for a Super Bowl title in 2017 while the Browns will simply try to develop their young quarterbacks and improve on their 1–15 record. Cleveland will simply be overpowered by the likes of Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Martavis Bryant.
Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: 24–20 Cardinals
Arizona is coming off a disappointing 2016 season after an NFC title game appearance, but Bruce Arians is still one of the better coaches in this league. The Lions won’t be able to keep relying on late comebacks to win games.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: 26–12 Texans
No matter who the Texans start under center for this game, their top ranked defense from a year ago (which was without JJ Watt at the time) will overpower the underwhelming Jaguars offense. As the Blake Bortles era in Jacksonville appears to be in its twilight, he will have very few chances to redeem himself this season.
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans: 30–24 Raiders
One of the more difficult games to pick from the week one slate, I’m going with the Raiders because of their ability to win close road games last season. A healthy Carr, a good offensive line, Marshawn Lynch, and Amari Cooper will help create one of the most explosive Raiders offenses in franchise history.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins: 28–24 Redskins
Kirk Cousins and the Washington offense ranked third in yardage in 2016. Even with a decent defense, Carson Wentz won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard.
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams: 20–13 Rams
Andrew Luck’s absence will have a huge impact on this game, and the rest of the Colts’ season if it lingers. Aaron Donald and the Rams defense will hold the undermanned Indianapolis offense long enough to give Jared Goff an opportunity to grab a week one victory.
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers: 31–23 Packers
Even with all of the injuries they suffered, especially in the secondary, Aaron Rodgers was able to drag the Packers from a 4–6 start to the NFC title game in 2016. Rodgers will build off his MVP-caliber season with a home victory over a Seahawks team that, even with Russell Wilson’s health, won’t be able to catch up at Lambeau.
Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers: 38–10 Panthers
San Francisco will simply be over-matched in every aspect by a Panthers team looking to retake the NFC South. Cam Newton will be difficult enough to stop, and a weak 49ers offense, even with Kyle Shanahan, won’t have nearly enough firepower to stay competitive.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: 21–17 Giants
Another very tough game to choose, but the Giants defense will once again ground the Cowboys offense despite the surprise appearance of running back Ezekiel Elliott. New York has the defense to win the NFC East, it will simply be up to Eli Manning to keep the offense running on pace.
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings: 28–27 Vikings
Adrian Peterson’s return to Minnesota, where he spent the first ten seasons of his career, should be highly anticipated. A strong Vikings defense will be just enough to hold Drew Brees and company to under 30 points, which will give Sam Bradford enough chances to capitalize and bring home the win for Minnesota.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos: 30–17 Broncos
Defense still reigns supreme in Denver, Colorado, and Monday will be no different. Phillip Rivers may have some weapons around him, but he won’t be able to keep up while facing a defense that was top four in both yards and scoring last season. Second year starting quarterback Trevor Siemian, who threw for 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year, should progress in 2017 and see his touchdown to interception ratio increase.
