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 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a sack against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos won 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a sack against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Broncos won 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Redskins at Houston Texans

This looks like it could be a very close game to me, not necessarily a “good” game, but close. The Redskins have an incredibly talented QB in RG3, but he still doesn’t seem to have found the comfort level he had his rookie season. The Texans on the other hand don’t really have a QB to speak of. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a placeholder who the Texans hope can just not mess things up for their run game and defense. I do believe the Texans defense will be much improved from last season and J.J. Watt and rookie Jadeveon Clowney should keep RG3 running for his life. The bottom line is if RG3 has a great day the Redskins will likely win. If he doesn’t, they’ll likely lose. Based on what I saw in preseason I’ll pick the Houston defense to hold him off at home in a very close contest.

Redskins 20 Houston 21

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs

As a Kansas City fan, this game scares me to death. While most experts aren’t expecting much out of the Titans this season, I really like the Ken Whisenhunt hire for them. Jake Locker looked pretty good while healthy last season and Whisenhunt did wonders for Phillip Rivers last season in San Diego. The clear key in this one is if Kansas City’s pass rush can get to Locker. If KC keeps Locker uncomfortable all day then Alex Smith (with a lot of Jamaal Charles) should be able to put up enough points to win, but if Locker goes crazy on a questionable KC secondary things could go poorly for the Chiefs. The last think KC wants this season is Smith playing from behind and having to constantly throw the ball behind a shaky offensive line. I’m giving the Chiefs the benefit of the doubt at home, but with Dwayne Bowe and starting tackle Donald Stephenson both out due to suspension this game could go down to the wire.

Titans 23 Chiefs 27

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