NFL Week 1 2021: Picks and predictions for every game

Rematch of the AFC Divisionals … won by Chad Henne? Cleveland might have the most talent in football. The Chiefs are the most explosive, and now have a rebuilt offensive line to protect Patrick Mahomes. This comes down to Cleveland getting non-stop pressure on the former MVP. Can the Browns do it?

Pick: Kansas City 31, Cleveland 26

Do you trust Bill Belichick to slow down Tua Tagovailoa? The answer here is yes, as he flummoxes even the most veteran of quarterbacks. Mac Jones won’t be asked to do much, the Patriots will run the ball and win with defense.

Pick: New England 17, Miami 16

Moved to Jacksonville due to the impacts of Hurricane Ida.*

Being a neutral-site game, the Packers catch a break. Green Bay is the better team, but could have been upset in the raucous Superdome. Now? Feels like the Saints will keep things intriguing, but the Packers have more talent and the far better quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.

Pick: Green Bay 34, New Orleans 27

If you love great quarterback play, turn the channel. The Giants and Broncos are both excellent defensively and have playmakers galore, but nobody to get them the ball. It’s like owning an amazing house but not having a key.

Pick: New York 23, Denver 21

Andy Dalton isn’t beating the Rams with his supporting cast. And if Los Angeles loses this game, the questions — fair or not — are going to immediately start about Matthew Stafford. The Rams should be able to win by pressuring Dalton alone.

Pick: Los Angeles 27, Chicago 10

The Raiders finally get to welcome fans in to the Death Star known as Allegiant Stadium. Is the emotion enough to spring an upset on the injury-riddled Ravens? Probably not. Lamar Jackson will do unspeakable things to Las Vegas’ defense.

Pick: Baltimore 38, Las Vegas 28