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NFL Week 1: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 01: Travis Kelce
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 01: Travis Kelce /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 26: Drew Brees
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 26: Drew Brees /

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)

If not for the Jets and Bills, the Colts would be talked about as having the league’s worst roster. Indianapolis is mediocre with Andrew Luck, but absolutely atrocious without it. On the other side, the Rams hope to see vast improvement from Jared Goff, especially while Aaron Donald continues his holdout. Los Angeles should have enough to win here.

Pick: Los Angeles 16, Indianapolis 13

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (-3)

This is the best game of the week. Seattle has the NFL’s top defense, especially after acquiring the enigmatic Sheldon Richardson. Conversely, nobody stops Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense, especially at Lambeau Field. Mason Crosby could be the difference in the final seconds.

Pick: Green Bay 26, Seattle 24

Carolina Panthers (-5.5) at San Francisco 49ers

The Kyle Shanahan era begins against Cam Newton and the Panthers. San Francisco’s defense will be much better than people expect, but the offense is a serious work in progress. The Panthers should win this one, but it won’t be easy.

Pick: Carolina 22, San Francisco 17

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-4)

Last year, the Cowboys lost three regular-season games. Two of them came against the Giants, who throttled Dak Prescott and Co. with smothering man-coverage. New York should put up plenty of points, and while Dallas has elite offensive talent, it may meet its defensive match in Big Blue.

Pick: New York 30, Dallas 23

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-3)

Adrian Peterson’s return will get all the headlines, but this is really about a great New Orleans offense going against Minnesota’s fantastic defense. Ultimately, give me the better defense and home-field advantage in a tight game.

Pick: Minnesota 23, New Orleans 21

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos (-3)

An AFC West battle to close out the slate. What to make of either team? Both have new head coaches and talent in some spots while major issues in others. The biggest mismatch here is Denver’s pass rush against the Chargers’ offensive line. It could be enough to make up for Trevor Siemian against Philip Rivers.

Pick: Denver 20, Los Angeles 19

Last Year: 161-95
This Year: 0-0