NFL Predictions for Week 1

So I haven’t made one of these in a while and I’m going to match myself up with the pros this NFL season and pick victors week to week. Here is week 1:

Cowboys Vs Giants    

On paper I think this matchup is very even.  Both defenses have potential to shut you down although consistency has been an issue past.  The fragile running backs are explosive as I’m sure the Cowboys are more excited than anybody to be getting Demarco Murray back out there.  Lets face it though this game will come down to the last quarter and who is more poised (the best by far last year in that quarter by the way) to lead their team to victory than Eli Manning.  Even a banged up Nicks is one of the best in the NFL and Cruz lived and died on his big play making ability last year.  I’ve always rooted for Romo unless he pulls another broken rib performance out of the bag I don’t see it likely that he will overcome the 2 time Super Bowl winner.

Winner: Giants

Colts Vs Bears

I’m very excited to see what what the touted Andrew Luck can do in the NFL.  Although Chicago’s defense isn’t as intimidating without the presence of Urlacher in the middle but still is good enough to put pressure on the rookie.  This Bear’s team is good folks.  Last year they were on a roll before Cutler (who was having one of his better years) went down with a thumb injury and Forte (who was one of the yards from scrimmage leaders) went down as well.  Add in a blast from Denver’s past, Brandon Marshal and you have a potentially scary offense.  Luck just doesn’t have the supporting cast to keep up.

Winner: Bears

Eagles Vs Browns

The dream team is talented but I don’t see them winning a Super Bowl this year.  This is mainly because of Vicks health issues.  That being said its just week one and everyone should be poised to put the smack down on the Browns to get the smack talk starting.  The Browns are starting their 28 year old rookie Weeden and are without their highly anticipated rookie Trent Richardson who is recovering from surgery.  The Eagles shouldn’t have too much trouble with this one.

Winner: Eagles

Rams Vs Lions

The Lions finally put it all together last year, had a winning record and squeaked into the playoffs.  Their season completely is hinging on Stafford's ability to stay on the field however.  When he’s on the Stafford/Johnson duo is formidable.  The Rams took a step backwards last year as it was Bradford’s turn to have a injury ridden season.  The Rams have the always consistent Steven Jackson but it is matched up against the intense Suh.  Look for the Lions to air it out to keep Jackson at bay.

Winner: Lions

Dolphins Vs Texans

Fantasy hero Arian Foster looks to take down Miami single handedly which he could very well do.  Ben Tate could even help out a bit too.  With a healthy Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub the Texans look to pull away.  Ryan Tannehill gets his first NFL start but simply lacks the weapons to catch up if their fall behind early.

Winner: Texans

Falcons Vs Chiefs

The Falcons have come out and said they will be airing it out more this year.  Hurry up and draft Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in your fantasy draft now!  The Cheifs who were ready to make some noise last year fell on their face due to the Charles injury (and later Cassel).  I like the Chiefs to surprise some people mainly by leaning on their running game with Charles and the hopeful Hillis.  If those two guys get going and keep the ball away from Ryan and his potent receivers and consistent Turner, look out.

Winner: Chiefs

Jaguars Vs Vikings

The Jags should still be able to run the ball with the help of the electric Rashad Jennings.  Odds are this will be a low scoring affair.  Gabbart looks to kick off his sophomore year with the help of rookie Justin Blackman.  Gabbarts counterpart Ponder had the better year last year and has better options in the backfield with Peterson and at receiver with a migrainless Harvin.  I still haven’t been convince Gabbart is the answer so I’m going to have to go with Minnesota. 

Winner: Vikings

Redskins Vs Saints

Everyone wants to see what RG3 can do in the NFL including New Orleans.  Promise their is no bounty on him.  The saints are without mastermind Sean Peyton, they have a new D Coordinator, players are suspended and Robert Meachem is now a Charger!  They’ll be fine.  I’ve always gave more praise to Brees for their success than Peyton (although he is very good too).  RG3 will most likely try to do too much too quick and get careless with the ball.

Winner: Saints

Bills Vs Jets

The Bills were on a roll when all of the sudden Ryan Fitzpatrick got a huge deal.  Then the turnovers came and Fred Jackson couldn’t stay on the field.  The Jets underperformed and decided that Tim Tebow was the answer.  With the addition of Tebow and Sparano the Jets most likely will look to running the ball much more.  This only helps their defense as it did Denver’s last year and keeps the ball way from the Bills offense. 

Winner: Jets

Patriots Vs Titans

Brady.  Gronk.  Welker.  Hernandez.  Locker.  Johnson.  Britt.  Superbowls and offensive juggernauts vs a young quarterback utilizing playmakers with character issues.  I think I’ll take the proven ones here.

Winner: Patriots

Seahawks Vs Cardinals

Each team has some talent but a whole lot of issues.  While the Seahawks stockpile back up quarterbacks the explosive rookie Wilson gets the nod.  Meanwhile the “but all I do is turn it on in the forth quarter and win” Skelton wins the battle over Skelton.  Both defenses are improved and on the rise so the big difference maker to me is the running game.  Lynch should be out.  Beannie and the exciting Williams need to step it up big time for Arizona to win.

Winner: Cardinals

49ers Vs Packers

The 49ers in my opinion will take a step backwards this year.  Alex Smith will revert back to being a game manager and the “ra ra” of Jim Harbough will fizzle.  The Packers are one of the best in the NFL and I look for their offense and the play makers on their defense to showcase it on Sunday.

Winner: Packers

Panthers Vs Buccaneers

Cam Newton shocked many NFL fans with the numbers he posted last year.  With a lackluster defense though the team struggled to find wins.  The Bucs who showed glimpses of potential the year before took a step backwards last year.  With Bucs organization questioning if Josh Freeman is the future, I think I’ll go with the Madden’s second place finisher and his talented backfield and white out. 

Winner: Panthers

Steelers Vs Denver

This is one of the more intriguing match-ups of the week. Manning’s return to football vs the always difficult Steelers squad.  How will Manning manage the lack of weapons when facing a tough Pittsburgh defense.  Lets face it, although Decker and Moore are nice receivers, their are no Wayne and Harrison.  Big Ben on the other hand has plenty of targets.  We all know the speed and playmaking ability of Wallace but last year Brown showed he can contribute heavily as well.  I’m rooting for ‘ya but sorry Peyton not this week.

Winner:  Steelers

Bengals Vs Ravens

This rivalry had some nice match-ups last year.  Dalton proved that he can hang with the big boys and we saw first hand how talented AJ Green and tight end Gresham can be.  The Ravens look to lean once again on Ray Rice who tore it up last year.  With Ray Lewis at the helm, no matter the age, I cannot doubt the Ravens defense.  And although the Bengals D was stout with the yardage last year they just didn’t create enough turnovers.  If Flacco can get any sort of lead, I see Dalton trying to force passes.

Winner:  Ravens

Chargers Vs Raiders

This matchup could put up some points.  Oakland has hoarded speed the past few years and plan on it showing some dividends here shortly.  With a full offseason under his belt Carson Palmer looks to make an improved effort to running the Oakland offense.  A healthy McFadden returns to the fold (maybe if it is only for half the season) which is a scary thought for week 1 and the Chargers.  Although I don’t see Rivers being as pick happy and although the switch of Jackson for Meachem isn’t all that bad, the loss of Mathews for the first few weeks hurts.  I see the Raiders pulling this one out IF their defense holds off on stupid penalties (which never seems to be the case). 

Winner: Raiders


Hopefully that wasn’t too bad.  I know it was kind of a QB heavy analysis but it is week one and I haven’t done as much research as I should have before writing this.  Anyways feel free to rip my picks apart and when I do this again next week, I’ll include my record.  Thanks for reading!  Enjoy week one of the NFL, I know I will!!!