As the NFL gets underway once again, it seems prudent to temper expectations, both for expectant Superbowl visitors and playoff hopefuls by going through each game week to week. And so, I will begin by starting with Week One, and another article to come out next week in time for Thursday Night Football in Week Two.
Falcons @ Eagles (Already Played, 12 - 18)
Although I am too late to predict the result of this one, the Eagles managed to pull out a tight win against another side that will once again be looking to make a deep playoff run. Whether or not this tight defeat where the Falcons were thwarted on the last play remains to be seen in a NFC South conference that looks as tough as ever with both the Panthers and the Saints looking strong.
Bills @ Ravens
Whilst Buffalo have been suffering from a QB crisis in being unable to decide who will start, I do not think that this will make a difference, certainly in this opening game. Offensive line failures throughout the pre-season will probably hinder the Bills in there attempt to open the season with a win. This one should go to the Ravens quite comfortably.
Win prediction: Ravens by 7-14 points
Steelers @ Browns
I expect this one to be much closer than people might expect. With the addition of an offensive co-ordinator, as well as new star Baker Mayfield, the Browns should do much better this season than the 0-16 they ended with last year. But even with this, I expect Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown to lead the Steelers to victory here, if only just.
Win prediction: Steelers by 3-7 points
Bengals @ Colts
This matchup should be as close as it was last season, where the Bengals one 24-23 in week eight. Should Eifert be fit for the Bengals, it could make life hard for a Colts defense that is switching to a new 4-3 scheme this year. Whoever wins this, it should be close. But I'm sticking my neck out for the Colts.
Win prediction: Colts by 1-3 points
Titans @ Dolphins
Despite the moves in QB that the Dolphins have made this season, I'm not personally convinced by them. Tannehill is still set to start, but the signing of Osweiler doesn't really convince me that they are being ambitious about this season. Titans to win.
Win prediction: Titans by 3-7 points
49ers @ Vikings
Between these two teams, I think it is going to be a good game. I expect to see Garoppolo continue the form in which he ended last season. Saying that however, the Vikings were a playoff team for a reason, and the signing of Kirk Cousins in the offseason means I think they will be a force this year. Though there are some concerns at center for the Vikings, they should see off the 49ers on their own turf.
Win prediction: Vikings by 3-7 points
Texans @ Patriots
Should there be any doubt about this won. Even though DeShawn Watson is healthy, and JJ Watt's skill, I don't think that the Texans have what it takes to beat the Patriots. Though a lot will depend, as always, on Tom Brady, the Patriots should easily see out this opening game.
Win prediction: Patriots by 7-14 points
Buccaneers @ Saints
The Saints should have little trouble in beating the Buccaneers, arguably the weakest team in the division. This is a game where Drew Brees and co. should be able to show off their offensive strengths, and win by a good margin.
Win prediction: Saints by 7-14 points
Jaguars @ Giants
Although the Giants re-signed Beckham Jr, I think the Jaguars defense should be strong enough to be hold off the Giants offense, especially if they improve on their performances from last year that almost got them to the Superbowl.
Win prediction: Jaguars by 3-7 points
Chiefs @ Chargers
I feel that the Chiefs should just get the victory here. The Chargers have been dealing with a lot of injuries this pre-season, and the news that Joey Bosa is also out for this game will not have helped. Injuries could well end the season for the Chargers before it truly begins. Chiefs to win.
Win prediction: Chiefs by 3-7 points
Redskins @ Cardinals
This is a tough one to call, but I think Alex Smith could provide the difference in this game. I think the Cardinals will take time to readjust to a new coach here.
Win prediction: Redskins by 3-7 points
Cowboys @ Panthers
This one should probably be another close game, but I'm going to call it for the Cowboys, where I think their running game with Elliott should win the game for them.
Win prediction: Cowboys by 3-7 points
Seahawks @ Broncos
I think the Broncos will win this one. Chubb and Von Miller should be a lethal combination for their defensive game, and we should see that in action against Russell Wilson.
Win prediction: Broncos by 3-7 points
Bears @ Packers
Even with the acquisition of Khalil Mack, this game will prove too difficult for the Bears, as the Packers use Aaron Rodgers to guide a path to victory, though that could potentially change if Mack is on his game and can get on through to Rodgers early and often.
Win prediction: Packers by 7-14 points
Jets @ Lions
In this matchup, I'm going to favour the Lions over the Jets, a team who got their hopeful pick in the draft swiped by the Browns. I think Darnold could have a tough time in his first NFL game should he start, with the Jets still very much on the fringes of the NFL.
Win prediction: Lions by 3-7 points
Rams @ Raiders
The return of Gruden was well publicised in the off-season, but I do not think that the Raiders have what it takes to beat the Rams this year, even at home. I make the Rams one of the best teams in the NFL, and I think they will show it here with a dominant performance.
Win prediction: Rams by 7-14 points.
So, there you have it.
My first weeks worth of predictions for the NFL. There are some very tight games where I feel I could be wrong very easily, such as the Bengals-Colts matchup that was incredibly close last year. I'll review my own performance in midweek, and look forward to the next set of fixtures as well. Until them, enjoy the games, and let the season commence!
About the Creator
Alex Kemp
An MA US Politics student from the UK who also runs a sports show on student radio. Simply writing on things that I enjoy.
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