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NFL Week 1 2020: Picks and predictions

By Matt Verderame

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)

A great game — and an important one — to get 2020 rolling. The Vikings need it more than the Packers, considering it’s a home date for them. For Aaron Rodgers, this is a first chance to prove drafting Jordan Love was a mistake. Unfortunately for him, he’s on the team with lesser talent.

Pick: Minnesota 28, Green Bay 24

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-6)

It’s tempting to go with the Dolphins here. Tua Tagovailoa has looked great, the team finished 5-4 over its final nine games last year, and Brian Flores is a great coach. Arrow up, right? Yes, but the Patriots are still the best-coached team in football, and Cam Newton has plenty to prove.

Pick: New England 22, Miami 19

Philadelphia Eagles (-6) at Washington Football Team

The Eagles are already dealing with injuries, as both guard Brandon Brooks and tackle Andre Dillard are out for the season. Washington actually presents a problem in that regard with an excellent defensive front, but the Football Team’s offense is putrid.

Pick: Philadelphia 24, Washington 17

Las Vegas Raiders (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers

We should see plenty of offense and limited defense from both sides. The Raiders and Panthers are similar in that the defenses are young, the offenses are loaded with weapons and the quarterbacks are average. The difference here? Experience on the sideline.

Pick: Las Vegas 27, Carolina 23

Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL on paper, while the Colts should make a run at the playoffs. This is our first look at Philip Rivers without the lightning bolt on his helmet, and his performance likely tells us the most about Indianapolis’ long-term forecast this season.

Pick: Indianapolis 30, Jacksonville 13

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-8)

The Browns might have the best skill-position players in football after Kansas City. However, the Ravens have a duo of phenomenal cornerbacks in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. The front is also improved with Calais Campbell joining the group. Cleveland also has to stop Lamar Jackson from running all over, something nobody did last year.

Pick: Baltimore 26, Cleveland 20

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