NFL Week 1 Picks

As the season progresses, I might have longer write-ups for individual games. For now, I'm just pointing out general impressions.

Chiefs (+9.0) @ Patriots

I'm certain the Chiefs will cover even if they lose, but I still predict a relatively close game.

Jets @ Bills (-7.5)

The Jets are just terrible, I don't feel okay picking them any time soon. Also, I have Shady McCoy on my fantasy so I want him to go for 25 rushes, 168 yards and 2 TDs. At least.

Cardinals (-1.5) @ Lions 

As I think will be the case with the Panthers, the Cardinals are too good of a team to have another sub-500 season. I have no grasp on the Lions yet though. I see the talent, especially on offense, but I don't know whether it'll come together.

Eagles (-1.5) @ Redskins

Extremely surprising line, as I think the Redskins and my team, the Eagles, are very closely matched and homefield usually reigns supreme in such cases. I like my team still, so I'll take it in a very close game.

Jaguars @ Texans (-6)

Perhaps the toughest matchup for me to pick this week. Ultimately, the Jaguars almost always disappoint and JJ Watt is back. So there.

Raiders (+2) @ Titans

Another very interesting matchup. The Titans are supposed to be much better this year and the Raiders are picked by many experts to regress a little bit. This is probably why the line is in the Titans' favour. I'm not sold just yet, although I do expect a very close game.

Steelers (-9) @ Browns

The Steelers are arguably the most loaded team in the league on offense and are more than competent on defense. The Browns are the Browns.

Falcons (-7) @ Bears

I really like the Bears and I would love to see them be a good football team again, but the Falcons are much, much better. This might be a blowout.

Ravens @ Bengals (-3) (PUSH)

Seems like the perfect line for this matchup, one of the most interesting of the weekend for me (the Ravens are my "official" favourite AFC team).

Colts @ Rams (-3.5)

This is one game I have zero interest in. The Rams' defense should reign supreme over the Colts.

Panthers (-5.5) @ 49ers

I believe in a Panthers' bounce back season this year. If Cam and Luke are healthy, they should be right there with the Packers and Seahawks atop the NFC in January.

Seahawks (+3.0) @ Green Bay

This is the best game of the week, and I can't see any of these team winning by more than 3-4 points. I trust the Seahawks slightly more than I do the Packers though as, in my book, defense trumps offense most of the time.

Giants (+4) @ Cowboys

I know Ezekiel is playing this weekend, but the Giants play the Cowboys so well. I feel they are arguably the best team in the always very competitive NFC East. This is going to be a fun one!

Saints @ Vikings (-3.5)

Two teams I know very little about here, as both have been mediocre for a few years now and aren't usually featured at length in podcasts or on national TV (not that it matters this year for me). I do however trust defensive teams more than offensive ones.

Chargers @ Broncos (-3.5)

I don't have a good feel on either these teams I don't watch that regularly, but I know the Broncos have an insanely talented defense. Also this game is so late there's no chance I'm watching more than maybe a quarter.