Fansided

The Armchair Quarterback’s guide to the NFL Week 1

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Seattle Seahawks line up for a play during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Seattle won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Seattle Seahawks line up for a play during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Seattle won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

This is one of the most interesting games on the first week of NFL action. No week one game is ever a “must win”, but this is a big game for Baltimore none the less. The Bengals are the defending division champs and if the Ravens want to challenge them for that spot this season they really need a win when they face off in Baltimore. I’ve gone back on forth on this game, but my gut says that the Bengals pull off a huge divisional road win in week one. I think Hue Jackson will help stabilize Andy Dalton and the return of Geno Atkins is huge for their defense. While I think this game is basically a coin flip, I’m putting my money on the Bengals.

Bengals 24 Ravens 23

Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears

Let me start by saying here that I’m a big fan of the Bears offense this season. I think if Jay Cutler stays healthy (a big if) they can be one of the top offenses in all of football. So while I think the Bills have a good defense, I just think the Bears have too many weapons to stop. Then when you add in my lack of faith in EJ Manuel and the fact that the game is in Chicago and this one was pretty easy for me. I think Buffalo may win some games this season by running the ball and playing tough defense, but I just don’t think that plan will work when they have to keep up with Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, etc.

Bills 23 Bears 31

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