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With the start of the NFL season fast approaching, I take a look at all of the week 1 matchups and predict who will get their first win of the season.
Falcons vs Eagles
What a great game to kick off the 2018 NFL season. The reigning Superbowl champions against the 2016 runners-up. There is still some concern about Carson Wentz’s availability, meaning Nick Foles could be taking the snaps behind centre. I see the Falcons firepower being slightly too much for the reigning champs.
FALCONS WIN
Bills vs Ravens
In a slightly less glamorous matchup, The Bills visit Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The Bills have to decide between Nathan Peterman and Josh Allen under center. Whoever ends up being the starting QB for the Bills could well be in for a rough day. The Ravens had a league high 22 interceptions in 2017, as well as 41 sacks. Pair that with a porous Buffalo Offensive Line and an inexperienced QB, and it could be a long day at the office for the Bills Offense.
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RAVENS WIN
Steelers vs Browns
I’m predicting a good season for the Cleveland Browns, at roughly the 6-8 wins mark. But playing against the Steelers in week 1 is a tough start to the season. Despite the browns strengthening in all areas, I see the Steelers firepower being too much Hue Jackson’s team. Keep an eye on Antonio Brown giving no.4 overall pick, Denzel Ward, a rough introduction to the NFL.
STEELERS WIN
Bengals vs Colts
This is a battle between two teams who could be propping up their divisions come the end of the season. I see this one being a tight contest between two evenly matched teams. If the Bengals have AJ Green, John Ross, Joe Mixon and Tyler Eifert all healthy, then I think they will be just too much for the Colts D to handle.
BENGALS WIN
Titans vs Dolphins
The Titans travel Miami for their week 1 matchup against the Dolphins. Mariota needs to step up in 2018, and he has a chance to under new Offensive Coordinator Matt LaFleur. LaFleur’s offense will be more adventurous than the ‘exotic smashmouth’ that was ran in 2017. The Titans have more talent than the Dolphins all around the pitch. Titans by 2 scores.
TITANS WIN
49ers vs Vikings
This should be a great match. The 49ers looked strong with Garoppolo under center last season, whilst the Vikings have one of the best all round squads in the NFL. It will be exciting to see Kirk Cousins and how he has bonded with Diggs and Thielen. It will also be interesting to see how Jerick McKinnon is utilised in the 49ers offense. Will he be the workhorse back that many have projected him to be? This will be a tight one, but the Vikings will hand handsome Jimmy his first loss.
VIKINGS WIN
Texans vs Patriots
The exciting young upstart vs the crafty veteran. Deshaun Watson take the Texans to Foxboro to face off with the New England Patriots. If Watson can reproduce his form from his electric, but short 2017 campaign, then the Texans will be a force in this league. The Patriots will always be there or there abouts with Tom Brady at the helm. This will be an exciting game that could go down to the wire. I predict a Patriots win….just
PATRIOTS WIN
Buccaneers vs Saints
It’s a harsh start to the season for the Tampa bay Bucs. Not only are they missing their QB, Jameis Winston, but they also have to play one of the most loaded teams in the NFL. The Saints were just a miracle away from reaching the Conference finals last season. This season they will look to go even further, with Alvin Kamara leading the back field with the suspension to Mark Ingram. The Saints simply have too much for the Bucs to handle, on both sides of the ball.
SAINTS WIN
Jaguars vs Giants
I cannot wait for this game. Week 1 pits the NFL’s best defense against one of the most exciting offenses in the league. Everyone is keen to see Saquon Barkley debut in this league, but it could be somewhat of a baptism of fire for the no.2 overall pick. Another great matchup to keep an eye on will be All Pro CB Jalen Ramsey against the highest paid WR in the league, Odell Beckham Jr. I can see the Jaguars just pinching this one.
JAGUARS WIN
Chiefs vs Chargers
This should be another exciting game. Pat Mahomes has his first meaningful start under center for the Chiefs against a tough Chargers defense. Can he make the most of the talented quartet around him? The Chiefs defense has lost a lot of key pieces, so I see Phil Rivers and Melvin Gordon carving them up. This could be a high scoring affair.
CHARGERS WIN
Redskins vs Cardinals
Alex Smith takes is first snaps as a Redskin, with Adrian Petersen lining up just behind him. The future Hall of Famer was signed to help replace the loss of Derrius Guice this offseason. Meanwhile on the other side, David Johnson returns after a lost 2017 season. Can he return to his dominant 2016 form? It looks like he will have Sam Bradford under center to start the season. I think this will be a narrow win for the Cards.
CARDINALS WIN
Cowboys vs Panthers
Cam Newton vs Dak Prescott. Zeke vs CMC. Gallup vs Moore. There are a few intriguing matchups in this game, which again, could be a close one. I’m intrigued to see how the Panthers use Christian McCaffrey. Will they use him as the workhorse back that they have teased in preseason? Or will he revert back to his passing down role that he excelled in in 2017? I see Cam outplaying Dak and engineering a win.
PANTHERS WIN
Seahawks vs Broncos
For me, this game comes down to the availability of Doug Baldwin. The Seahawks WR has been struggling with a knee injury in preseason. If he misses the game, then I can see the Broncos D steamrolling poor Russell Wilson. On another note, Vance Joseph, please play Royce Freeman ahead of Devontae Booker.
BRONCOS WIN
Bears vs Packers
The lead up to this NFC North matchup will be dominated by the talk of Aaron Rodgers new contract. The Packers QB has signed a new long term deal, securing his future in Wisconsin. The Bears boast an underrated defense, as well as a highly talked up offense containing new signings, Allen Robinson and Trey Burton. I think Rodgers masterminds another win against the Trubisky led Bears.
PACKERS WIN
Jets vs Lions
Sam Darnold looks like he will be starting his first game in the NFL, with Josh McCown backing him up. The Jets will look to build on last season, where they outperformed most people’s projections. Matt Patricia takes charge of his first game as a head coach, since making the move from the Patriots. Matthew Stafford and his weapons on offense, will have too much for the Jets defense.
LIONS WIN
Rams vs Raiders
The Rams made some serious moves this offseason, signing Talib, Suh, Peters and Brandin Cooks. They are clearly in ‘win now’ mode and will look to barge through a Raiders team that could be without their key defensive player, Khalil Mack. I fear Derek Carr may struggle against the Rams star studded defense.
RAMS WIN
