Fansided

NFL Week 1: Staff predictions and picks

By Matt Verderame

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The FanSided staff makes its Week 1 NFL picks, with celebrity and sports superfan Mia Khalifa stopping by to give her selections on all the action.

We made it. The NFL offseason is over and tonight, Week 1 of the NFL season is upon us with the Denver Broncos hosting the Carolina Panthers. It’s the first time we have seen a rematch of the Super Bowl i Week 1 since 1970, when the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs got together.

Here’s how we see the first weekend playing out, both straight up and against the spread:

Screen Shot 2016-09-07 at 5.47.03 PM
Screen Shot 2016-09-07 at 5.47.03 PM /

Since it’s Week 1 and you may not be familiar with these fine individuals, here’s the rundown:

  • Jim Cavan: FanSided Editor-In-Chief
  • Patrick Allen: FanSided VP of Content
  • Mike Dyce: FanSided Senior Director of Editorial Operations
  • Matt Verderame: FanSided NFL Editor and Expert
  • Josh Hill: FanSided.com editor
  • Kayla Knierim: FanSided video personality
  • Tyler Brooke: FanSided editorial staff
  • Patrick Schmidt: FanSided’s Entertainment and College Football Editor
  • Mia Khalifa: Celebrity and sports superfan
  • Sports Asylum: Our loyal readers and commenters on all things sports

To summarize, the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers are earning clear sweeps across the board. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles got all votes but one, with Khalifa believing in Philip Rivers and the Chargers on the road.

Khalifa, a noted Washington Redskins die-hard, sees her team getting to 1-0 in a Monday Night Football contest against the Steelers. She also believes the Seahawks will cover their considerable spread of 10.5 points.

Next: 2016 NFL season: Epic season preview

The Oakland Raiders are the only underdog who got the majority of our votes, getting six of the 10 decisions. Many believe the Raiders can overtake the Broncos in the AFC West, and getting a win at the Superdome would be a great way to get the season going.

Check back each week for our FanSided NFL picks, with our entire staff, Mia Khalifa and the Sports Asylum.

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