NFL picks Week 1: Falcons-Eagles and every other game
Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Atlanta Falcons helmets on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Between now and the end of the season, I will be predicting every regular season game. I might be horribly wrong, I might get lucky, who knows? But it’s going to be fun to see how it all pans out. Each game will feature the lines, according to BOVADA. So let’s get going.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Atlanta Falcons
It’s all change for the Atlanta Falcons this year as they enter the Dan Quinn era. This is a tough way to start though against the high-speed Eagles offense, and it could be too much to handle for the new-look defense. Points will be scored either end, but the Eagles will have too much.
Pick: Philadelphia 35, Atlanta 28
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-7)
With Tom Brady’s four-game suspension nullified, the Patriots will be energized and too strong for a poor Pittsburgh defense. Operating without Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant will put this game out of reach, and the Super Bowl party continues.
Pick: New England 42, Pittsburgh 18
Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Buffalo Bills
It’s far from an easy start for Andrew Luck and the Colts against one of the league’s top defenses, but I can’t see how the Bills will move the ball. LeSean McCoy’s status is up in the air, and even if he does play he won’t be at full strength.
Pick: Indianapolis 17, Buffalo 9
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets (-3)
The Browns are a mess and the Jets should be too strong. Cleveland will struggle to score on a dominant defense, while Ryan Fitzpatrick will do enough to feed the ball to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker to pick up the victory.
Pick: New York 24, Cleveland 6
Carolina Panthers (-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Right now, the Panthers’ offense is in pieces. Until a wide receiver emerges, they will struggle to move the ball. This Jaguars defense is no joke, either. Still, Carolina will escape with victory.
Pick: Carolina 13, Jacksonville 10
Green Bay Packers (-7) at Chicago Bears
This won’t be as easy as many believe it will be. The Bears have a new coach and a new system, and it’s a divisional game. Not to mention the Packers have started slowly in recent years. Still, the injuries Chicago have at receiver will hurt and Aaron Rodgers will lead the Pack to 1-0 for the first time since 2011.
Pick: Green Bay 38, Chicago 24
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (-1)
This is really tough to call with two strong defenses. The Texans are at home, but their offense could struggle without Arian Foster early on and with Brian Hoyer leading the way.
Pick: Kansas City 17, Houston 9
Miami Dolphins (-4) at Washington Redskins
The Dolphins should get off to a comfortable start against a poor Redskins team. Miami backs up a strong defense with a multi-talented offense, and they should ease into the 2015 season.
Pick: Miami 32, Washington 7
Seattle Seahawks (-4) at St. Louis Rams
The Rams are a tough team to beat on the road and a team I tip to make a playoff push. I see a defensive battle with St. Louis causing an upset.
Pick: St. Louis 19, Seattle 16
Next: The late games