Fansided

NFL Week 1: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Russell Wilson
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks (-10.5)

Pick: Seattle 23, Miami 15

This is the biggest line of the week and for good reason. Miami has to travel all the way across the country and face a team far superior to it. However, the Seahawks have some issues. The offensive line is horrid, something the Dolphins could exploit. Seattle should win fairly easily, but a cover could be asking too much.

New York Giants (-1) at Dallas Cowboys

Who knows what to expect in this game? The Giants should be able to score some points on a disgraceful Dallas defense. Can Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott do the same thing against New York’s new-fangled defensive group? The guess here is while both rookies impress, they make a few costly errors.

Pick: New York 27, Dallas 19

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts (-3.5)

Both offenses should move the ball with ease. This contest is a toss-up, with the advantage being given to the home team. The Colts have Andrew Luck back in the saddle and playmakers in T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief on the outside. If Detroit can run the ball, it can win, but that’s been something not seen by the Lions in some time.

Pick: Indianapolis 28, Detroit 27

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals (-6)

The Patriots are always dangerous, but it’s tough to see them beating the Cardinals without Tom Brady. Arizona might have the most talented roster in football, and provided Carson Palmer remains upright, it a Super Bowl threat. Bill Belichick keeps it close, but can’t pull out the win.

Pick: Arizona 23, New England 16

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) at Washington Redskins

This is going to be must-watch on Monday night. Pittsburgh is without Martavis Bryant and Le’Veon Bell (both suspended) but it can still score with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown. That said, the Redskins have their full arsenal and should prove too much for a porous Steelers secondary.

Pick: Washington 28, Pittsburgh 24

Los Angeles Rams (-2.5) at San Francisco 49ers

Damnit, if you can’t get excited about Blaine Gabbert and Case Keenum, get out. San Francisco and Los Angeles are not the sexiest teams, or the best, or the most entertaining, but, they still play in the NFL!

Pick: Los Angeles 16, San Francisco 9

Home/NFL