Week 1 of the NFL season is the toughest time to pick games, I say it every year, but it’s true.
That’s why we usually stink.
We think we know our teams coming out of training camp and preseason, but do we really? We can’t learn anything from the preseason games so we’re just relying on what we know from the roster, especially when it comes to who’s going to play.
Every year I say I want to get off to a fast start with these selections, but apparently that doesn’t happen every year.
It’s time for a change.
I love this week’s cards and I love a lot of dogs, so let’s start off the week on a good note with lots of barking dogs and some quick winners.
NFL Week 1 predictions? It’s not complicated, just take a look.
Thursday, 8:20pm ET (NBC, fubo)
This AFC Championship Game rematch features two of the best players in the NFL. Lamar Jackson will play behind a rebuilt offensive line that could be an issue early in the season against teams that like to blitz. The Chiefs will have a better offense this year than they did a year ago, and that will show here. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs defense are both off to good starts. The Chiefs win.
Prediction: Chiefs 24, Ravens 18
Friday, 8:15pm ET (Peacock)
This first NFL game in Brazil will feature two of the best teams in the NFL. The Packers discovered last season that Jordan Love can be their workhorse and that will continue in this game. The Eagles have beefed up their secondary but played horribly against the pass last year. The Packers are looking to see Love play big time and the Packers’ aggressive new defense do well.
Prediction: Packers 33, Eagles 28
Sunday, 1pm ET (Fox, fubo)
Both teams have new veteran quarterbacks, so it’s Russell Wilson vs. Kirk Cousins. Wilson and the Steelers had a bad preseason, but Cousins didn’t play and is just returning from a torn Achilles. The Steelers defense will be a tough matchup, but I think the Falcons can turn Wilson over and get a short field. I think the Falcons will win at home.
Prediction: Falcons 23, Steelers 17
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
The Cardinals were a spunky team last season and will be even better in 2024. But a road game against a Super Bowl contender is a tough start. The Bills have a lot of new faces, but Josh Allen is still Josh Allen. Still, Arizona will be a close game. The Bills will have a tough time.
Prediction: Bills 27, Cardinals 24
Sunday, 1pm ET (Fox, fubo)
The Bears have high hopes for Caleb Williams this summer. But this will be his first start. It’s a tough game for a rookie. The Titans will start Will Revis in new coach Brian Callahan’s first game. I think the Titans will win a close game, but the Bears will win in the final minutes.
Prediction: Bears 23, Titans 21
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bengals’ Joe Burrow is back healthy and has quickly emerged as a favorite to win. Playing at home gives them an added advantage against the Patriots, who have a limited roster. New head coach Jerrod Mayo will force this team to play tough football, but Burrow will likely take control in the second half as Jacoby Brissett struggles.
Prediction: Bengals 26, Patriots 17
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
This is a rematch of last year’s game, when the Texans won in Week 18 to clinch a playoff berth. The Colts were without Anthony Richardson in that game, but now he’s back at quarterback. CJ Stroud should thrive in his rookie season in 2023, but opening the season on the road will be tough. The Colts will hang in there and find a way to win late.
Prediction: Colts 24, Texans 23
Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
This will be a high-scoring game. Both teams should be great on offense, but their defenses may take some time. Miami has speed and will be a pain for the Jacksonville defense, but the Jaguars will also score against a Miami pass rush that will be missing key players. The Jaguars will win with a field goal late in the game.
Prediction: Jaguars 34, Dolphins 31
Sunday, 1pm ET (Fox, fubo)
New head coach Dave Canales will try to inspire second-year quarterback Bryce Young, but playing in New Orleans is no easy feat. The Saints should be good defensively, but they have some line issues that could affect their offense. Still, the Saints defense will likely hold off Young and the Panthers offense, and the Saints will win.
Prediction: Saints 29, Panthers 16
Sunday, 1pm ET (Fox, fubo)
Sam Darnold is the quarterback for the Vikings, playing in the stadium where he started his career with the Jets. The Giants will have Daniel Jones back after recovering from a torn ACL. The Giants defense will be strengthened this season with the addition of Brian Barnes. They will force Darnold into a few turnovers, which will lead to points. The Giants will win.
Prediction: Giants 23, Vikings 21
Sunday, 4:05pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Jim Harbaugh will be making his head coaching debut with the Chargers, which means the team will be more physical. Justin Herbert has returned from a foot injury, but how healthy is he now? With Gardner Minshew starting for the Raiders, the Chargers will have a big advantage at quarterback. Thanks to Herbert’s good play, Harbaugh will likely win his first game as head coach of the team.
Prediction: Chargers 28, Raiders 17
Sunday, 4:05pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Bo Nix will be making his debut as the Broncos’ quarterback in perhaps the toughest place to play. It’s going to be a raucous game. This will also be the debut for new Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald, who has seen the quarterback from the defensive end many times. This could be a problem for the Knicks. Look for Seattle to pull off a big win.
Prediction: Seahawks 30, Broncos 17
Sunday, 4:25pm ET (Fox, Fubo)
Deshaun Watson is injured but will be the starting quarterback for the Browns. The Cowboys will have CeeDee Lamb back after his contract expired, which will be huge. Cleveland is a tough place to play in the season opener, but the Cowboys should be up to it. Look for the defense to attack Watson and force turnovers to help the Cowboys win a tough road game.
Prediction: Cowboys 22, Browns 20
Sunday, 4:25pm ET (Fox, Fubo)
This will be the first start for Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. It’s never easy facing a Todd Bowles defense, but it’s even tougher to start on the road in your first game. Look for Baker Mayfield to come out victorious against the Commanders defense. The Buccaneers will win.
Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Commanders 20
Sunday, 8:20pm ET (NBC/Peacock, fubo)
This is a rematch of last season’s playoffs, which the Lions won. Matthew Stafford’s return to Detroit is less of a talking point now. The bigger talking point for the Rams is their defense, now without the retired Aaron Donald. The Lions play physical up front, so I think they’ll come charging at the Rams to take control of the game. The Lions will win with great play from Jameel Gibbs.
Prediction: Lions 28, Rams 21
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN, fubo)
It’s a long road trip for the Jets to face the team in their season opener on Monday night. It will be a big challenge facing the defending NFC champions. But the Jets have Aaron Rodgers back, and he has struggled against the 49ers in his career. The Jets will play a close game, but the 49ers will likely win in the final minutes.
Prediction: 49ers 23, Jets 21