Week 3 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Wow. Week 2 was….rough to say the least. Not because of any upsets but because the injury bug showed up to bite some teams real early in the season. It’s Week 3, and it feels like some teams’ destinies have already been fulfilled because they don’t have their key players anymore (looking at the Giants, 49ers on this one). Regardless, 2020 has been filled with adversity and, just like in life, the best will come out strong from the adversity. Let’s see how it affects Week 3!

Sanders went 14-2 last week putting him to 23-9 on his picks for the season. He also picked the Jaguars to win on TNF and will start 0-1 on the week.

PIT Steelers vs HOU Texans

Lot of hulabaloo on the national media that the Steelers defense isn’t as good as it has looked and that the Texans offense will eventually bounce back because of Deshaun Watson. While I certainly give more credibility to the latter theory than the first, it just doesn’t seem like the Texans have figured out how to consistently move the ball on offense without Hopkins. That worries me when they’re playing against a Steelers offense who, as a matter of fact, IS JUST AS GOOD as they have been looking. Sorry. This Steelers defense is for real. Any national media head saying otherwise just wants attention. Despite the fact the Texans MUST win this game or suffer the potential of digging themselves a hole too early, the better team and better head coach lies on the Pittsburgh side of this matchup.

Steelers 31 Texans 20

PHE Eagles vs CIN Bengals

It’s pretty crazy to me that the Eagles are 0-2 and, even worse, I myself am beginning to have some doubts of Carson Wentz. I’ve been a longtime defender of Wentz, but you can’t be playing as poorly as you have been. We’ve seen QBs play with worse offensive lines *cough* Tom Brady *cough* Andrew Luck, and perform much better. If you’re gonna be payed like a top 10 QB, you need to play like one. Speaking of QB play, how about Joe Burrow? I’ve been quite impressed with how the guy has carried himself on the field. Rookie mistakes can be excused when it’s so clear you have a handle on the offense. I love that. It’s also why I’m picking the Bengals in an upset pick. Whew. 0-3 for the Eagles? Quite possibly. Also, for the record. I think Joe Burrow is a backwards hat kinda guy.

Eagles 20 Bengals 24

NE Patriots vs LV Raiders

This has the potential to be the best game of the morning. The Raiders came out and punched the Saints in the mouth last weekend while the Patriots were just a yard away from stealing a win in Seattle despite Russell Wilson heroics. Looks like a great morning game to start the day out. The key here will be, I believe, which offense operates more heroically. Yes, I said heroically. To me, the team who puts the ball into the endzone with 30 seconds left go, wins this game. It’s gonna be a tight game. Two solid defensive lines. Two good QBs. Two great coaches. Only one gameplan takes the W.

Patriots 28 Raiders 24

TEN Titans vs MIN Vikings

I’m coming out and telling you in the first sentence that I’m picking the Titans to win. Which, according to one superstitious Vikings fan that I know in particular, means the Vikings are going to secure their first win. Jokes and superstition aside, I’m genuinely shocked at how poor this Vikings team has looked. The talent is there so I have no clue why they aren’t putting up any fight in the first part of the season. Meanwhile, the Titans have won both a shoot-out AND an ugly game. The Titans are already ready to go for whatever comes at them. Did you know Tannehill has also thrown for 32 TDs and 5 INTs ever since he took over for Mariota? It’s incredible just how well oiled this Tennessee machine is despite not being stacked with elite talent. The Vikings on the other hand look lost on offense, and can’t seem stop the run on defense at all. And here comes Derrick Henry. Ugh. I had Minnesota going 10-6 which is still possible but feels improbable if they drop to 0-3 like I’m thinking. Woof.

Titans 33 Vikings 20

CLE Browns vs WAS

Listen, what Washington has going on just isn’t inspiring. The team will remain a bit competitive as long as Ron Rivera is the coach and the defensive line keeps mauling their opponents. However, the Browns have a decent line, and a ton of talent on offense to handle Washington’s defense. Truly, more than any game he’s ever played, this game comes down to Mayfield’s decision-making. If he protects the ball, and takes what is given to him, this game should be on easy W. The Browns defense can handle Dwayne Haskins and Co. The question is if Mayfield can keep up his side of the bargain. The reality of it all is, you gotta beat mediocre teams if you want to be seen as a franchise QB.

Browns 28 WAS 16

LA Rams vs BUF Bills

The game I am most excited for is this one. This one right here. This better be on your tv if you’re simply a lover of football. Early on, this is a great non-conference matchup. Josh Allen has been beyond impressive and can step into the top 10 to top 8 QB conversation if he continues his stellar play. Meanwhile, the Rams have shown themselves to be reminiscent of the team they were in 2018. A few believe that Josh Allen will revert a bit back to his bone-headed ways against a better defense. There’s something to be said about Allen having played some, let’s call them, donut-hole defenses. However, I think this transformation is real. The Bills defense is good enough to handle Woods, Kupp, and Goff. I am, however, rolling the dice that the Bills offense is good enough to not let Aaron Donald ruin their day.

Rams 20 Bills 24

SF 49ers vs NY Giants

It would be a lie of I told you that I think the Giants have a shot at this game because the 49ers are banged up and Nick Mullens is starting. If anything, I’m still confident the 49ers take this game away, hands down. Why? Daniel Jones hasn’t improved at all from his rookie season. He’s still the QB who makes some wow throws but keeps giving the ball to the opposing defense. You can’t do that. You lose games when you do that. Against the 49ers team? Yeah. Good luck winning a game where you keep giving the ball away to the 49ers. Daniel Jones will be the 49ers MVP this game.

49ers 20 Giants 13

ATL Falcons vs CHI Bears

You know what? What if I just didn’t talk about the Falcons blowing leads. That story has been blown over (ha) many times this week. On to the Chicago Bears for these Falcons who are looking for their first win against a team who hasn’t experience a loss yet. By standings, this game looks rough considering the Bears are 2-0 and Falcons 0-2. However, on paper, the Bears barely squeaked by with two wins, while the Falcons carry an offense that could just run over this Bears defense. This game really comes down to whether the Bears offense can score more points than the Falcons offense. As the young kids say, “Press X to doubt.”

Falcons 35 Bears 24

LA Chargers vs CAR Panthers

Quite odd circumstances for Justin Herbert to become the starting QB for the Chargers. Regardless, he showed up and almost beat the SB defending champions. Keyword: almost. Herbert looked fine in his debut. And I’m sticking with the word fine. He missed some key throws and made some odd decisions that I can excuse because it was his first game, but regardless, it didn’t sell me on him either. However, I am sold on Teddy B as an NFL starter and I certainly think, despite McCaffrey being gone, that Bridgewater can win a game for the Panthers. Guess that’s how I view this game, despite the analysis being a little shallow.

Chargers 20 Panthers 23

IND Colts vs NY Jets

The Jets are still being coached by Adam Gase. The Colts are being coached by Frank Reich. That’s honestly all you need to know for why the Jets aren’t winning this game. If you want something better than that, I can tell you that the Colts have a more balanced roster than the Jets. The Colts could win the game through a defense stepping up, Rivers turning back the clock, or the run game grinding through the Jets defense. The Jets win condition? I honestly could not tell you. Maybe someone has an idea. I sure don’t. Not when Adam Gase is the coach of the Jets. Poor Sam Darnold.

Colts 30 Jets 16

SEA Seahawks vs DAL Cowboys

Take. A. Freakin. Bow. Dak Prescott. Wow was I impressed by Prescott’s poise and his ability to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. However, that’s not happening against better teams and better head coaches. For the Cowboys to beat the Seahawks, the playcalling will have to be creative, and the execution of the Cowboys will have to be on par, if not better than the execution of the Seahawks. Considering just how awful the Cowboys looked against the Falcons and their average performance against the Rams, I just don’t foresee a scenario where the Seahawks allow the Cowboys to win on Sunday afternoon. Expect Russell Wilson to be cooking up a delicious Texas BBQ for a Seahawks W.

Seahawks 31 Cowboys 28

TB Buccaneers vs DEN Broncos

Well. My hype train for the Broncos crashed, leaked oil, started burning, and then just exploded. It started with Von Miller getting hurt, Courtland Sutton being out for the season, and then Drew Lock being out for several weeks? Damn. That sucks. It’s great news for the Buccaneers who can get a jump on the Saints this week by winning against an injury-riddled team while the Saints are playing against an NFC powerhouse. The story here, will be how efficient the Bucs offense looks. Will the Week 1 Bucs show up or will the Week 2 Bucs show up? I’m guessing the Week 2 offense does.

Bucs 28 Broncos 17

AZ Cardinals vs DET Lions

This game….feels like a trap game for Arizona. Previously 5-10-1, this team starts 2-0, has another easy team up on the schedule aaannnndddd they lose. That’s typical of 2-0 teams who don’t look like 2-0 teams. However, the Cardinals have looked pretty good. Not great like I think they will be, but they’ve looked good. I think that continues against the Lions. HOWEVER! Big however here. The Lions have an offense that can explode. This Cardinals offense is built to win a shootout. Question is, will they do it? I certainly believe the Lions are gonna score quite a few points this game. Then again, I also believe a Kliff Kingsbury offense can beat a Matt Patricia defense. Let’s see it K1. 

Cardinals 35 Lions 33

GB Packers vs NO Saints

Just a month ago, I was incredibly excited for this matchup. Following 2 weeks of football, the Packers appear to be in just a different class than the Saints do. I definitely feel like the Saints have a chance if they can have Kamara run the ball down the Packers throat. However, I feel like that’s the only way the Saints win. On the other hand, the Packers can win through Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, or just the Packers pass rush overwhelming Drew Brees. There’s far more opportunities for the Packers to steal a win on the road, than there is for the Saints to keep the win at home. That’s how it’s looking to play out. We’ll see if Sean Payton has anything to say about that.

Packers 31 Saints 24

KC Chiefs vs BAL Ravens

I could rant about how this game should a SNF game in Week 9 and not a MNF game for Week 3, but I’m not the schedule-maker. This is a game that has game of the year hype around it. However, with it being in Week 3, I really don’t feel like either team is at full-potential. And I feel that way moreso for the Chiefs than the  Ravens. The Ravens have continued where they left off in the regular season running opponents over and smothering them on defense. However, the Ravens have done nothing spectacular despite winning both games by double digits. The same can be said for the Chiefs in that they have done nothing spectacular in either of their first two wins. If we’re trying to judge this matchup based upon the first two weeks of production, I’m gonna tell you that Baltimore has been playing better. This reminds me of a matchup where two teams meetup, one wins handily, but then they meet in the post-season, and the team who previously lost gets an upset win. I’m picking Baltimore for this round, but won’t be shocked if KC beats BAL again come post-season time.

Chiefs 27 Ravens 33

Week 2 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Week 2 is here baby. And it started off with a fiery game of the Bengals vs Browns? Yes, that game was quite entertaining despite the teams. Welcome to 2020 everyone! Regardless, there were plenty of upsets last week and most that I couldn’t predict at all. In fact, I only got 1 of my 3 upset picks correct last year. Does that mean I’m a hack? Certainly not. Does it mean I’m bad at guessing? Possibly. Despite that, am I still confident in going 16-0 this week? Absolutely. So read below to hear how every match is going to go.

Sanders went 9-7 last week putting him to 9-7 on the season. He also picked the Browns to beat the Bengals on Thursday putting him to 1-0 on the season this week.

TEN Titans vs JAX Jaguars

The Jaguars won a fantastic match last week. I admit that I was wrong in having the Jaguars as my 0-16 team. I did say they would win a couple games because of Gardner Minschew but I really didn’t expect that to happen Week 1. I also don’t expect them to pick up a win here either. Consider my mind fully changed if JAX starts 3-0. This should be a game where the Titans find a groove offensively. After all, the Colts did move the ball pretty well last week. They just couldn’t score because of 2 Philip Rivers interceptions. That shouldn’t happen with Tannehill. The game will still probably be close and ugly as neither team is balanced on both respective sides of the ball.

Titans 20 Jaguars 17

TB Bucs vs CAR Panthers

Don’t get it twisted. The Bucs straight up lost to arguably the best team in the NFC. But also, the Panthers gave up 34 points to an offense that was outside the top 10 last season. The weakness of this Panthers team is it’s defense under an offensive minded head coach. Sounds like a great opportunity for a Tampa Bay offense to take advantage of. The matchup last week said the Bucs would take an L last week. This week, it says they take their first dub.

Bucs 28 Panthers 24

PIT Steelers vs DEN Broncos

This game feels so obvious just looking at the matchup, that I couldn’t possibly be surprised if this is the type of Mike Tomlin Steelers game where they play down to their opponent. However, it’s Week 2, and it also seems like the type of game where people jump ship on the Broncos if they start 0-2. Either way, it’s a brilliant matchup of a potentially explosive offense vs a lockdown defense. Courland Sutton, Jerry Juedy, Noah Fant and Melvin Gordon vs Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Hayward. Both sides in the matchup are fully loaded. Historically, these type of matchups favor the lockdown defense. Steelers start Big Ben’s return tour 2-0.

Steelers 28 Broncos 21

PHE Eagles vs LA Rams

This one will be short, because of how apparent it’s been the last two seasons and in Week 1 that a defensive line can just swallow up an offense whole. If the WAS football team is allowed to just slam Carson Wentz for 8 sacks, what makes me think the Rams won’t do the same with Aaron Donald and a better secondary. People, this is Aaron Donald. If the Eagles don’t show up on offense this week, they don’t stand a chance of winning this game. Oh, and by the way, welcome back Jared Goff and Co. Y’all looked just fine last Sunday night.

Eagles 21 Rams 30

BUF Bills vs MIA Dolphins

Rough start for the Dolphins where they had to play in New England, and now have to play the hard-nosed Bills. I’m not saying the Bills are better or worse than New England, however, they do have the better, meaner, tougher defense. This Miami offense doesn’t look built to beat a defensive bully. Aside from that, I’m sure more people will talk about how Josh Allen looked great last week. Because he did. Let’s see him do it two weeks in a row before I jump on board the Josh Allen hype train. This Bills hype train runs through the defense, whether mainstream media is telling that to you or not. Sorry Dolphins fans, that’s rough starting a journeyman QB vs two stellar defenses. However, I love Brian Flores, and do think he’ll make a game plan that keeps this game close.

Bills 20 Dolphins 19

IND Colts vs MIN Vikings

This game is a tough one for me to pick. I can already hear the angry Vikings fans in my head. There were quite a few mad last week at their team’s performance. And they should be. The Vikings looked awful the entire first half of the game, and then got to participate in the second half, because Green Bay had already put the game away. They face a Colts team who had a ton of offensive production, and yet only scored 20 points. Sound familiar Chargers fans? It’s rough to pick a game where I like both teams, but never imagined either starting 0-2. That being said, I think the future looks brighter, sooner for the Vikings than it does the Colts. Call it more trust in Cousins than Rivers.

Colts 27 Vikings 28

GB Packers vs DET Lions

If last year was any indication, I should be picking this to be a tight game. The Lions held the lead for 120 minutes in both games. So they won both games, right? Nah, they took 2 L’s in games where they never gave up a lead to Green Bay. That’s the most Lions thing I have ever typed it’s ridiculous. Often, I like to give a head coach 2-3 years before I judge them. Heading into Year 3, I can’t trust a Matt Patricia lead Lions team at all. And they’re playing a pissed-off Aaron Rodgers? In Lambeau Field? Yeah...good luck with that.

Packers 38 Lions 17

SF 49ers vs NY Jets

The 49ers are in an injury-riddled nightmart. I can’t remember seeing a team this banged up since the Chargers. It’s unbelievable how bad their situation looks. It’s not bad enough for me to pick them against the Jets. The ADAM.GASE. LED. JETS. No thank you. I want no part of that Jets team. Adam Gase is going to ruin Sam Darnold’s career if they keep up the effort they’ve been putting up. Which looked like no effort against the Bills. In shocking news, Kyle Shanahan will outcoach Adam Gase.

49ers 20 Jets 13

ATL Falcons vs DAL Cowboys

I know an 0-2 start isn’t the worst thing in the world. But, I can’t see a scenario where either one of these teams bounces back from an 0-2 start. It’s the kinda game that you need to win early to get some confidence going. What’s funny, is neither of these teams look like they have grown from their narratives of last year. The Falcons looked like the same old team that gave up early leads and didn’t become competitive till the game was already over. The Cowboys played a good game where Dak and Zeke played decent games and yet couldn’t score when it absolutely matter (poor 4th Q call aside). All this being said, I think the Cowboys can pull away with a win. If not, I’m very concerned for them.

Falcons 24 Cowboys 26

NY Giants vs CHI Bears

Do I REALLY believe the Bears finally see Trubisky as a franchise-QB? Not at all. I would need to see a stellar season from Trubisky to believe in that. But also, I can’t keep watching Daniel Jones move the ball, only to turn it over to the defense. Neither QB instills any confidence into me wanting to make a pick, so I turn to the defense for answers. The Bears still have a pretty good defense. The Giants I can not say the same for. That’s rough.

Giants 16 Bears 19

AZ Cardinals vs WAS 

This game is a little unpredictable. WAS has a nasty front-seven as Carson Wentz can tell you first-hand. That leads me to believe they can control a game anytime they get going. However, the Cardinals have the antidote in a mobile QB. Kyler is one of the sole reasons I have this Cardinals team winning this division. He’s also the reason I believe the Cardinals can negate the strength of this WAS team. Being mobile and escaping pressure helps an O-line handle monstrous D-lines. I’d know as a Ravens fan. I’d also know because Kyler has done it now for 3 games against that monstrous 49ers D-line.

Cardinals 24 WAS 17

KC Chiefs vs LA Chargers

Kinda crazy how the Chiefs just cruised to a dominant 34-20 win without even looking dominant. Also kinda crazy that the Chargers won a game because of a missed field goal as they are normally on the losing side of those kinda plays. All that being said, it’s hard to imagine a game where the Chargers find themselves ahead in the 4th Quarter against this multi-dimensional and dynamic Chiefs offense. If I was a gambling man, this is the game I would bet on. The Chargers already miss Derwin James, and his absence will feel even worse this game.

Chiefs 31 Chargers 20

BAL Ravens vs HOU Texans

Will this game end up 41-7 like last year? Well….no. But, the Texans got worse in the offseason while the Ravens got better in the offseason. So how do you look at this matchup? Week 1 showed that Lamar only looked better as a passer while it showed for the Texans that they miss having an X receiver. Hmm. I wonder why. Jokes aside, I can’t imagine a scenario where the Texans magically find an answer on defense for the complex Ravens offense. They couldn’t find it last year and I doubt they find it this year.

Ravens 38 Texans 27

SEA Seahawks vs NE Patriots

My favorite matchup this week. Four months ago, I thought this was a terrible choice for SNF and I now know why they did it. They are STIL TO THIS DAY marketing it as a Super Bowl rematch for a Super Bowl that happened FIVE YEARS GO!!!! WHY!!!! These teams are so different years later and the franchise guys back then on both teams don’t play on these teams anymore. However, it’s a fantastic matchup because we get to see Newton vs Wilson. Personally, I think you’re a fool if you choose against Wilson these days. Then again, it can be foolish to pick against Bill Bellichick. On paper, this could be one of the best games of the year, and I’ll give it to the team that has more explosive potential on offense.

Seahawks 35 Patriots 28

NO Saints vs LA Raiders

It’s nice to see that the Raiders offense picked up where it left off last year. Jon Gruden and Derek Carr lead an efficient offense that employs Josh Jacobs as their No. 1 playmaker and it led to 34 points. Nice. But, they’re asked to take on a much tougher task as they take on the most complete team in the NFC right now. The Saints are a well-balanced team that can make defensive plays and use it’s versatile offense to confuse opposing defenses. I find it hard to believe that the Raiders will be well-equipped to deal with that kind of versatility.

Saints 35 Raiders 24

Week 1 NFL Predix

 

By Jacob Sanders

Week 1 has arrived. After a year in 2020 where everything has been turned upside down, some things have slowly gone back to normal. While not everything is as it used to be, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy your team still play. Sure, the crowd noises may not be as loud (due to no crowds), and the vibe will feel a little different, the teams are still here to compete and give each other their 100% effort. The same goes for me as I give it my best effort to get my picks down with 100% accuracy (that’ll never happen). Anyhoo, why am I still talking?! Let’s get to Week 1!

Sanders is 1-0 on the season so far. He picked the Chiefs to win the season starter 34-23. The game ended 34-20 (so close!).

PHE Eagles vs Washington

Washington had a nightmare summer. From name changes to accusations to players being arrested (and then cut from the team) and everything in between, Washington looks toward having a down year already. However, there is some positives to build on with Alex Smith back, Dwayne Haskins getting a shot to start full-time, and rising stars like Terry McLaurin. Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for the Eagles. They’ve reloaded for a chance at another title run with a healthy Carson Wentz and an offense they have attempted to give more star power to. We have no idea if it’ll workout, but as of right now, you pick the team who has the better head coach and quarterback in this moment.

Eagles 23 Washington 13

NE Patriots vs MIA Dolphins

There’s quite a difference in the stories of these two teams. One team is attempting a “comeback” story with a comeback player after losing the GOAT to the Bucs. The other team is attempting to establish themselves as contenders for the AFC East in a post-Tom Brady era. There’s not a whole lot to read into this matchup. On paper, the Patriots lost a lot of talent to both free agency and COVID-19 opt-outs while the Dolphins went out and spent more money than they knew what to do with. Who wins? Honestly, it definitely feels like the Dolphins are the pick here. But am I really going to pick against the best coach of all-time and a former MVP-QB who has a chip on his shoulder with something to prove? No way.

Patriots 20 Dolphins 17

MIN Vikings vs GB Packers

Ah yes, the prime morning game of Week 1. Who doesn’t love a good clash in the NFC North. Both of these teams made the playoffs last year, and both are ready to go back at it again but each have their own reasons. The Vikings had a massive overhaul in the offseason while the Packers….did almost nothing. Not to say that the Packers didn’t create some headlines this offseason, but they certainly took the “reload and try again” road after finishing 13-3 and getting bashed in the NFC championship game. There’s something to be said that Aaron Rodgers could be on a type of revenge tour this year to give the Packers FO a massive headache and some regret for drafting Jordan Love. However, for Week 1, the Vikings have been beating GB at home for 4 of the last 5 years. I don’t think that trend changes here with how each team’s offseason went.

Vikings 27 Packers 26

NY Jets vs BUF Bills

I may not be one of those people who’s on the Bills hype train in terms of Josh Allen coming out and having his best season to take the Bills to 12 wins. However, I am on the hype train that this defense is so talented, and McDermott is such a good coach, that they’ll get 10+ wins this season. How about that? Too safe? Probably. However, the Bills look to be a much more well-rounded and well-coached team than let’s say, a team like the Jets. I like Sam Darnold. And that’s pretty much all I can say about this Jets team? Man. They’ve gotta show me something this year if I’m to believe the Jets can give Sam Darnold what he needs to win. And they haven’t done that yet.

Jets 17 Bills 20

IND Colts vs JAX Jaguars

Every year, I’ve got a team that I carry zero belief in until they win a game or two. In other words, there’s always an 0-16 candidate for me each year. Obviously, an 0-16 season comes rarely so being a candidate doesn’t mean your a candidate. However, that does mean I’m picking against JAX nearly every game unless some miracle happens. They’ve left the cupboard empty, and left Gardner Minschew with nothing to work with. The Colts on the otherside, signed a potential HOF QB to their roster and this Colts roster is already designed to win. Coming out and beating a talentless Jags team will provide a lot of confidence for an Indianapolis team ready to go back to being contenders.

Colts 31 Jags 19

DET Lions vs CHI Bears

I have to admit. I laughed when I saw this matchup. It’s quite the coinflip. You could argue for either team, and I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with your take. However, the Bears have Mitch Trubisky starting Week 1. Different year, same nightmare for Bears fans where they have to watch a QB who clearly isn’t their future. On the other side of the field, the Lions at least have a QB who’s coming back from injury and should be fresh to go. The Lions lost some talent, but they also had a decent draft. There’s potential for this Lions team. And they’ve got enough to beat up on the Bears at home.

Lions 31 Bears 24

LV Raiders vs CAR Panthers

What a weird Week 1 matchup. Not only is it a non-divisional game, but it’s also a non-conference game as well between two teams who really don’t have a clear direction they are headed. Are they good? Are they bad? No one can tell you for sure. However, if I had to guess, the Panthers may need some time to get rolling. The Raiders? They need a defense. When you look at their offensive efficiency last year? It was good enough for one of the tops in the League. And yet they couldn’t win games. Defense and situational football matters. For the Raiders, they may have caught a break in facing a team with a rookie HC and a new QB.

Raiders 24 Panthers 17

CLE Browns vs BAL Ravens

I sat here and tried to think of how I couldn’t sound bias on this one. Typically, it’s easy to not sound bias for Baltimore. But now, they’re a superstar team and I’m a sucker for superstar teams, regardless if it’s the Ravens or another team (looking at the Chiefs/Saints). At the same time, I’m also one of the few people who are very high on the Browns going into this season. Their roster is loaded. Let me say that again. The Cleveland Browns roster is LOADED. They just need some guidance and direction which I believe they have in rookie HC Kevin Stefanski. This matchup seems like it will be a hype matchup. However, I AM concerned that the Browns secondary is injury-riddled already. That’s bad when you need the defense to be able to combat against the slew of weapons Baltimore has. I think BAL continues their regular season success they’ve had for quite some time now.

Browns 24 Ravens 27

SEA Seahawks vs ATL Falcons

This right here, is the most interesting matchup of the morning games. We really have no idea where each team is headed. The Seahawks were a playoff team, but mostly because of Wilson’s best year yet as the QB of Seattle. Meanwhile, the Falcons had a late season surge that proved to be formidable but not enough. I truly do love Russell Wilson and view him as a top 2 QB (#1 for me personally). But, I can’t help but wonder how the rest of the Seattle roster will pan out. At the same time, what do the Falcons have going for them? Will their defense finally click again? Matt Ryan should continue the success he has always had but is there enough firepower on offense? Will the Todd Gurley signing workout?. There’s too many questions I have about both of these teams to make a definitive decision. So I’m going with the team who has the best quarterback in the NFL, in my opinion.

Seahawks 31 Falcons 28

LA Chargers vs CIN Bengals

Everyone is going to be excited for Joe Burrow’s first game. I don’t blame them. In fact, I do believe his first NFL game will be a win. Consider this my “upset” pick for the week. Also consider the fact I don’t trust the Chargers in beating a team who has a ton of upside while they downgraded at QB, lost their star defensive player to injury, and really have nothing going on for special teams. This one is short and sweet, but that’s really all I gotta say on this one.

Chargers 17 Bengals 24

AZ Cardinals vs SF 49ers

Welp. This is the one I’d get hate mail for if I was a bigger author/analyst. I’m outright picking the Cardinals to win this game. I believe in the year 2 growth of Murray. I believe that the Hopkins trade will open up the offense even more and allow Murray to set the League on fire this year. They’ve got a real tough task in facing the NFC Super Bowl representative the 49ers. The 49ers have a monstrous D-line who are ready to eat Murray alive. They’re also injury-riddle on offense and lack firepower. Barring the 49ers D-line just absolutely destroying the Cardinals offense, everything is in favor for the Cardinals to come out on top in a tight game.

Cardinals 24 49ers 21

NO Saints vs TB Buccaneers

I’ve had a lot of time to think about this one. The hype is their. It’s Drew Brees vs Tom Brady. It’s the Bucs potentially explosive offense against the Saints explosive offense. But. There is one massive difference between both of these teams. The Saints have proven they have a defense who can contend with bigger offenses. They have star players who can control the game. The Bucs don’t necessarily have that. While the Bucs defense did improve as the season went on last year, we have no real idea if it’s up to the task that a “Brady vs Brees” matchup presents. If you ask me, I don’t think they are. On top of that, I expect TB12 to be a little rusty out of the gates, considering he’s got a brand new offense with brand new players. Seems like a recipe for a Saints win.

Saints 35 Bucs 27

DAL Cowboys vs LA Rams

Intriguing pick for the first SNF game of the season, considering the schedule makers could have billed the Vikings-Packers game or Bucs-Saints here. Nevertheless, this isn’t the worst pick for SNF either. This game carries some weight in terms of early NFC seeding AND seeing if either team can bounceback from a disappointing 2019 season. The Cowboys come in with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy while the Rams come in with the brilliant Sean McVay. Both coaches have a mind for offensive football which tells me this one appears to be a shootout. If this game does become a shootout, I’ll take the Cowboys then. Better QB. Better WR group. Better O-line.

Cowboys 33 Rams 27

PIT Steelers vs NY Giants

Let’s be quite honest here. We know who the Steelers are coming in. They’re a defensive team coming in with their franchise QB returning. We have no clue who the Giants are. How will new HC Joe Judge look in his first debut? How will a Daniel Jones offense guided by Jason Garrett look? Will the Giants defense finally stop opponents from scoring? The answer to all 3 questions: who knows. So this is a game where I take certainty over uncertainty. Mike Tomlin is still one of the best coaches in this game, and his defense is prepared to give Daniel Jones a rough start to Year 2.

Steelers 20 Giants 10

TEN Titans vs DEN Broncos

I was very ready to pick the Broncos in the opener. In fact, I still kinda am. However, the Von Miller loss is a massive blow to what could have been a fantastic season for the Broncos. I do believe Drew Lock will make himself the starter of Denver’s future for years to come. Will he be some all-star? My guess is no but I view him as a QB who can win with talent around him, and the Broncos gave him all the talent he can handle. Meanwhile the Titans didn’t necessarily blow anyone away this offseason. They resigned their own players but also lost a couple key players in Logan Ryan and Jurrell Casey. I think this hurts them enough for me to still pick the Broncos, despite the fact the Titans O-line will have less headaches without Von Miller in the game. That, and I’m not fully buying into the Ryan Tanehill comeback story just yet.

Titans 23 Broncos 24