Fansided

NFL Week 1: Staff predictions and picks

By Matt Verderame

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) gestures to a fan in the stands during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) gestures to a fan in the stands during a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at AT /
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It’s that time of year again, and the FanSided staff is getting after it with our Week 1 picks for the 2017 NFL season. Please, don’t bet with these.

Who is going to win this week? Which teams are going to pull off upsets? We have absolutely no idea, but presented below are the best guesses we have. Hopefully we get some right!

Also, in case you are wondering who all these people are making picks, a quick directory…

"Patrick Allen – Runs the placeMike Dyce – Cowboys fan who helps run the placeMatt Verderame – NFL editor, expert; sad Chiefs fanJosh Hill – Assistant NFL editor and depressed Bucs fanKayla Knierim – Video talentMark Carman – Video non-talentJake Walerius – Fútbol fan who got roped into making football picksPatrick Schmidt – College Football editor/expert; sad Bears fanJack Jorgensen – College Football editor/expert; fan of any winning teamCody Williams – Manager of NFL Spin Zone; dope hairJoel Wagler – Senior Sports Director; grumpy old manPhil Watson – NFL Division Director; felt compelled to do theseMichael Collins – College football director; respectable"

Ultimately, we all believe the Buffalo Bills are going to start 1-0. Not because the Bills are good, but because the New York Jets are that bad. We also have clean sweeps in favor of the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, while the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons only had one dissecting vote.

Next: Top 25 Super Bowl performances of all-time

Surprisingly, the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks got very little love, despite being universally picked to win their divisions. Tough opponents in Week 1, to be sure, but still an appalling lack of respect.

So which game(s) are we most wrong about? Let us know in the comments!