NFL Week 1 2018: Picks and predictions

NEW ORLEANS, LA. - DECEMBER 24: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) points out Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first quarter on December 24, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans Saints defeated Atlanta Falcons 23-13. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 10: Jalen Ramsey No. 20 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after an interception during the first half of their game against the Seattle Seahawks at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) at New York Giants

If you’re looking for a sleeper, feast your eyes on the Giants. New York has a loaded offense with Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard. If the defense simply rebounds to average, the Giants will win games. The Jaguars have a loaded defense, but Blake Bortles doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.

Pick: New York 20, Jacksonville 16

Houston Texans at New England Patriots (-6.5)

This might be the best game of Week 1. The Patriots have a middling roster once you get past Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, but those guys make up for plenty of sins. Meanwhile, the Texans are talented at every position group save the offensive line. Maybe an AFC Championship Game preview?

Pick: New England 33, Houston 28

Tennessee Titans (-1) at Miami Dolphins

The Titans are impossible to figure. Tennessee should be very tough defensively, but can Marcus Mariota and the offense round into form. Getting Miami should be a gift to start the season, because the Dolphins are without an identity. Are they a run-first offense, a pass-happy group, defensive oriented? Tough to say.

Pick: Tennessee 17, Miami 12

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-3)

How in God’s name are the Colts favored? It’s great to see Andrew Luck back healthy, but the rest of that roster leaves plenty to be desired. Meanwhile, the Bengals have a terrific defense that should carry the day come Sunday.

Pick: Cincinnati 30, Indianapolis 17

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) at Cleveland Browns

It’s very, very tempting to pick the Browns here. Pittsburgh is emotionally reeling from the Le’Veon Bell fiasco, and the defense never recovered from losing Ryan Shazier. The Steelers, on paper, should win, but this isn’t going to be a cakewalk as it has been in years past.

Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Cleveland 20