Fansided

NFL Week 1 2018: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

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)
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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) completes a 51-yard pass for his first career completion, against the Denver Broncos, on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Sports Authority Field in Denver. The Chiefs won, 27-24. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) completes a 51-yard pass for his first career completion, against the Denver Broncos, on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Sports Authority Field in Denver. The Chiefs won, 27-24. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)

Does anybody punt in this game? The Chiefs may have the best offensive personnel in the game with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and Kareem Hunt. If Patrick Mahomes lives up to expectations, look out. As for the Chargers, Philip Rivers remains elite, the pass rush is nasty and Keenan Allen is a beast. This could go either way, but give me the team that has beaten the other eight straight times.

Pick: Kansas City 31, Los Angeles 30

Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals (-1)

Both the Redskins and the Cardinals have new quarterbacks, and not much hype coming into 2018. The Cardinals are being universally picked as an afterthought, but they have David Johnson returning and a future in Josh Rosen. As for Washington, Alex Smith will be a product of what’s around him.

Pick: Arizona 24, Washington 20

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos (-3)

This was a tough game to pick. The Seahawks are much better with their coach-quarterback duo, which is usually the biggest indicator of a solid team. Still, the Broncos have a better roster and while Denver has issues, Seattle has them everywhere you look.

Pick: Denver 17, Seattle 16

Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

Carolina gets overlooked every year, but the Panthers can really play. Cam Newton should be invigorated by the presence of D.J. Moore and new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. The Cowboys’ only hope in this one is to get Ezekiel Elliott going, because the receivers aren’t scaring anybody.

Pick: Carolina 22, Dallas 17

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)

The Packers are going to score plenty of points this season with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The difference from past season’s is they might have a secondary with rookies Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson on the corners. Chicago should be much-improved in its own right with the additions of Khalil Mack, Trey Burton, Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. The question is, how good is Mitchell Trubisky?

Pick: Green Bay 31, Chicago 20

New York Jets at Detroit Lions (-6.5)

The Jets are going to be better this season. New York finally has a quarterbacking Sam Darnold and the defense should be fierce. That said, this is a tough spot, going on the road for a home opener against Matthew Stafford and the Lions.

Pick: Detroit 24, New York 21

Los Angeles Rams (-4.5) at Oakland Raiders

Jon Gruden has a complete diaster in Oakland, from trading Khalil Mack to cutting Martavis Bryant after sending a third-round pick to the Steelers back in April. Conversely, the Rams loaded up this offseason with Brandin Cooks, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. Frankly, this is no contest.

Pick: Los Angeles 38, Oakland 14

Record

Last year: 166-90
This year: 0-0