A look at week one of NFL matchups

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Every week for the last couple of years some friends and I have try to pick the winners from each NFL game.  We’re doing the same thing this season and I’m hoping to at least hit 70% this year.  I don’t pick against the spread, this is just trying to pick the winner of each game.  And, here we go:

Falcons at Eagles:  Carson Wentz won’t be starting for the Eagles.  That in itself makes for some uncertainty.  I’m hoping the Eagles will have a Super Bowl hangover.  Look for Matt Ryan and the Falcons to get off to a fast start. Pick:  Falcons

Bucs at Saints:  With or without Jameis  Winston, I like the Saints over the Bucs.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is a decent backup QB, but I don’t like him to lead an underdog to a win.  I’m still watching for Drew Brees slippage, but there wasn’t any evidence of it last year.  Pick:  Saints

Steelers at Browns:  The Browns will win a game or maybe even a few this year, just not this one.  Ben Roethlisberger may not have Le’Veon Bell to share the offensive load but the Steelers should still have enough to take this one.  Pick:  Steelers

Texans at Patriots:  Someday Tom Brady will be over the hill, but I until I see some evidence of his demise, I’m not inclined to throw dirt on him just yet.  The return of Texans QB, DeShaun Watson should be interesting and I’m curious to see how the Texans defense performs.  The bottom line, I like the Pats.  Pick:  Patriots

Bills at Ravens:  I’m not a fan of Joe Flacco, but I’m even less of a fan of Bills QB, Nathan Peterman.  I’ve called Peterman the Urban Sombrero of NFL QBs.  Bonus points if you get the Seinfeld reference.  Later in the season I’d pick the Bills, but for now, I’ll go with the Ravens.  Pick:  Ravens

Jaguars at Giants:  I’m looking forward to the debut of Saquon Barkley but it won’t be enough against the Jags.  Eli Manning has won two Super Bowls, but I’ve never thought of him as an elite QB.  As Eli nears the end of his career, his best move is to hand the ball to Barkley.  Of course, Blake Bortles isn’t an elite QB either, but that isn’t as big an factor for the Jags because of their defense.  Bortles can hand the ball off to Leonard Fournette and the Jags should get their season off on a winning note.  Pick:  Jaguars

49ers at Vikings:  The Vikings are a well coached, good defensive team.  I’m not sold on Kirk Cousins as a QB but he has enough tools at his disposal to put points on the board. Jimmy Garoppolo gave the 49ers plenty of hope during the last past of 2017 season and provides reason for optimism in 2018.  I just don’t think the 49ers will win Sunday.  Pick:  Vikings

Bengals at Colts:  Andrew Luck returns as the Colts QB.  The question is whether he will be the Andrew Luck of old.  I don’t like his chances, at least in week one.  Andy Dalton will probably be the Andy Dalton of old for the Bengals.  That’s not necessarily a good thing.  I think Dalton will be good enough on Sunday, however.  Pick:  Bengals

Titans at Dolphins:  I don’t like the Dolphins matchup against the Titans defense.  I do, however, like the Titans ground game against the Dolphins.  The air game of both teams is unexciting.  Pick:  Titans

Chiefs at Chargers:  Every year I have no idea of what to expect out of the Chargers.  This year is no exception.  The QB matchup is exceptionally interesting in this game.  Philip Rivers continues to defy the aging process, but can he continue?  Chiefs QB, Patrick Mahomes is one of the most promising young QBs in the NFL.  Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins provide him with deep threats.  I still like the old guy.  And I’ll probably regret it Monday.  Pick:  Chargers

Seahawks at Broncos:  This looks like a tough matchup for the Seahawks.  I look for Russell Wilson to run for his life a lot.  I don’t think the Seahawks ground game can keep the Broncos defense honest.  Broncos QB, Case Keenum, will have a sound running game to work with, which should open up the airways.  Pick:  Broncos

Cowboys at Panthers:  I not a fan of the Cowboys prospects this season.  Cowboys RB, Ezekiel Elliott could have his work cut out for him against the Panthers defense.  Panthers QB, Cam Newton isn’t a particularly great passer, but he’ll be good enough Sunday.  Pick:  Panthers

Redskins at Cardinals:  Alex Smith gets his first start at QB for the Redskins.  Sam Bradford will try to stay in one piece behind center for the Cardinals.  I like the Cardinals defense better than the Redskins and maybe Bradford can finish the game. Pick:  Cardinals

Bears at Packers:  I wish I was better at picking Bears games.  I think the Bears would stand a better chance of beating the Packers later in the season when Kahlil Mack and Roquan Smith are better integrated into the Bears defense.  Plus, Aaron Rodgers always seems to be the Bears.  I hope I’m wrong, but I’m picking the pack.  Pick: Packers

Jets at Lions:  Sam Darnold makes his Jets debut Monday night.  Meanwhile Lions QB, Matt Stafford will be looking for ground support for what seems to be the 27th year.  Look for the Lions to take this game and set their fans up for disappointment later in the year.  Pick:  Lions

Rams at Raiders:  The Rams look to be a Super Bowl contender while the Raiders look to be in disarray.  The loss of Kahlil Mack will hurt the defense and I’m still not sold on Derek Carr as an upper level QB.  I’m also not convinced of Jon Gruden’s ability to get the Raiders franchise back on track.  Pick: Rams

You might also enjoy my baseball project:  https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Players-Remembered-Longtime-Franchises-ebook/dp/B07BKR4DMF

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