NFL

Raider Ramble’s NFL Week One Picks

Football is finally back! Let’s take a look at our picks here at the Raider Ramble for opening week in the NFL.

All teams are starting with high expectations; the question is, how will they perform? The first week is always one of the hardest to predict, but hey, let’s give it a shot anyway.

San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions

What we have here in this game is a contender against a true pretender. The latter will be lucky to win six games this year. San Francisco should blow out the Lions and start their season 1-0.

Verdict: 49ers

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is well-favored in this NFL matchup though both teams are well structured. However, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs will get it done for the Bills in what will surely be a fun game.

Verdict: Bills

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans

The No. 1 overall pick, Trevor Lawrence, will be making his NFL debut against a Texans team that won’t have Deshaun Watson, who’s inactive as a healthy scratch. This game will not be pretty but the Jaguars will claw their way to victory.

Verdict: Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers vs Washington Football Team

In what will be a low-scoring affair, this game will come down to the final seconds. Considering the Chargers’ coaching overhaul, that might end being the deciding factor in giving Washington the win. However, this shouldn’t discourage Chargers fans heading into the matchup.

Verdict: Washington Football Team

Seattle Seahawks vs Indianapolis Colts

The Colts roll into this one with both a good defense and running game. Nevertheless, Wilson is just going to be too much to handle throwing to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Carson Wentz will not be terrible by any means though Seattle’s defense played exceptionally well down the stretch last year.

Verdict: Seahawks

New York Jets vs Carolina Panthers

The Sam Darnold revenge game. Look for the Panthers to win with McCaffrey leading the way. The Jets will have a new quarterback and head coach so expect some mistakes to help Carolina. 

Verdict: Panthers

Minnesota Vikings vs Cincinnati Bengals

While Joe Burrow was good before his injury, the Bengals’ O-line didn’t improve enough this offseason. Rookie Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t looked too inspiring so far either. This game will be close early on but look for Minnesota’s offense to help them run away in the end.

Verdict: Vikings

Arizona Cardinals vs Tennessee Titans 

This one will be a shootout. Even though the Cardinals have a better defense, it won’t be enough to hold off Tennessee’s offense. The Cardinals offense will make this close, but not close enough.

Verdict: Titans

Philadelphia Eagles vs Atlanta Falcons 

Another shootout here as well. Both teams are set up well on offense but nothing too great on defense. Despite Atlanta’s infamous history of choking games, they should be the safer bet to make. 

Verdict: Falcons

Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs

This is one of the top games this weekend. The Browns’ running backs, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, will be key against the Chiefs. Mahomes and company will still rise to the occasion and get the job done dramatically.

Verdict: Chiefs

Green Bay Packers vs New Orleans Saints 

Jameis Winston’s comeback won’t have a perfect beginning. Aaron Rodgers will be out for blood to start his “last dance” with Green Bay. Expect the Packers to win by a healthy margin, thanks to some good football on offense and defense.

Verdict: Green Bay

Denver Broncos vs New York Giants

If you like high-scoring games, this may be hard to watch. Both teams bolster quality defenses, but the deciding factor will be how the quarterbacks play. Teddy Bridgewater is much less likely to turn the ball over than Daniel Jones, which is why Denver will walk away with a win.

Verdict: Broncos

Will there be any upsets during NFL Week 1?

Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots

We are going for an upset with this pick. In this battle between Alabama quarterbacks Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami defense will get the best of Jones. Tua will play well enough to get the win.

Verdict: Dolphins

Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams

This one can get ugly. Chicago’s O-line looked shaky in the preseason, so if that carries into Sunday night, the Rams defense is going to eat. It will be interesting to see if Justin Fields gets any playing time.

Verdict: Rams

What about the NFL’s opening edition of Monday Night Football?

Baltimore Ravens vs Las Vegas Raiders

A couple of weeks ago, this game leaned in Baltimore’s favor. However, things have changed after all the injuries they’ve suffered on both sides of the ball. Now, the Raiders have a more realistic shot. The Raiders have also won their last three games on Monday Night Football, and I’m going with them to make it four.

Verdict: Raiders

Well, there you have it, Raider Nation, our picks for opening week in the NFL. As always, Ramble On!

*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

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