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The 2019 NFL kicks off Thursday night when the Packers play the Bears at Soldier Field. I usually find the first week of the season the most unpredictable. Many teams’ starters have barely seen the field during the preseason. With that caveat in mind, here’s my stab at picking the winners in the first week’s games.
Green Bay at Chicago: The Bears have the most talent by a wide margin, but the Packers have Aaron Rodgers at QB. I think the Bears prevail, but I’m having Aaron Rodgers flashbacks about Rodgers torching the Bears. Winner: Bears
Redskins at Eagles: The Redskins are on the road and I don’t see a lot of offensive talent on the roster. The Eagles look to have more playmakers. Winner: Eagles
Rams at Panthers: I don’t know what to expect from Todd Gurley or Jared Goff for that matter. Still, I’m not a big fan of Cam Newton. Overall I’ll take the Rams. Winner: Rams
Falcons at Vikings: The Falcons look like a team going in the wrong direction to me. . I love the Falcons receivers, but I have reservations about the Falcons ground game and Matt Ryan come to think of it. Vikings QB, Kirk Cousins, is coming off a disappointing season but I think the Vikings have enough to get the win Sunday. Winner: Vikings
Bills at Jets: In a battle of sophomore QBs, I’ll take Sam Darnold over Josh Allen. I do that mostly because Darnold has Le’Veon Bell in his backfield and the Jets are playing at home. Winner: Jets
Titans at Browns: The Browns trot out one of the most potentially dynamic offenses in the NFL while the Titans’ offense looks pedestrian. The Browns came on strong last season after Baker Mayfield was given the reins of the offense. Look for the Browns to get off to a winning start. Winner: Browns
Chiefs at Jaguars: Nick Foles should improve the Jags offense, while it’s hard to expect Patrick Mahomes to improve on, or even maintain what he did last season. Still, Mahomes is the most dynamic player in the NFL. I’m going with Mahomes and the Chiefs. Winner: Chiefs
Ravens at Dolphins: Both QBs are wild cards. Lamar Jackson is a mobile, big play guy while Ryan Fitzpatrick blows hot and cold. I’m taking the Ravens in this one primarily because of their defense. Having the best kicker in the NFL in Justin Tucker doesn’t hurt either. Winner: Ravens
Bengals at Seahawks: Marvin Lewis may be gone as the Bengals head coach, but Andy Dalton remains the Bengals starting QB, that probably has to change for the Bengals to progress. Meanwhile, the identity of the Seahawks receiving corps is unsettled for opening day, but look for Russell Wilson to make do with whoever is available. Winner: Seahawks
Colts at Chargers: The retirement of Andrew Luck will be felt immediately. As for the Chargers, at some point Philip Rivers will start to show his age. I just don’t think it will be Sunday. Melvin Gordon will be missed, but not enough to change Sunday’s outcome. Winner: Chargers
49ers at Buccaneers: I’m not a big fan of Jameis Winston so whenever the Bucs are playing a team that seems about equal to them, I pick the other team. Sunday’s game is no exception. Jimmy Garappolo seems like he’s making a nice recovery from last season’s season ending knee surgery. Based on those things, I’m picking the Niners. Winner: 49ers
Giants at Cowboys: Saquon Barkley may be the best back in the NFL but it won’t be enough Sunday. Giants QB, Eli Manning, has some tools to work with but at this point in his career, he’s hardly a craftsman. Cowboys QB, Dak Prescott, also has some weapons and is a step up from Eli Manning. Winner: Cowboys
Lions at Cardinals: For me, the Lions are one of the toughest teams in the NFL to predict. Kyler Murray also makes the Cardinals unpredictable. The Cardinals offensive line was porous last season and Murray’s mobility will probably be put to the test. I’m going with the Lions, but not with a lot of confidence. Winner: Lions
Steelers at Patriots: Is this the year Tom Brady starts breaking down? That question has been asked for about seven years and thus far the answer has always been no. Until I see evidence indicating otherwise, I’ll assume Tom Brady is still Tom Brady. Ben Roethlisberger is also not without question marks. The Pats are listed as a six point favorite, which surprises me. I like the Patriots, but not with the certainty a six point spread would indicate. Winner: Patriots
Texans at Saints: Drew Brees cooled off in the second half of the 2018 season, will that trend continue? I don’t know, but even if it does, beating the Saints in New Orleans is a daunting task. I like DeShaun Watson and his receiving corps, just not on Monday night. Winner: Saints
Broncos at Raiders: Everything about the Raiders says train wreck. Having said that, I don’t find the Broncos to be that impressive either. Don’t look for Joe Flacco to be a difference maker in Denver. He does, however have a decent running game to work with and new head coach, Vic Fangio has talent to work with on defense. I was tempted to pick the Raiders to pull off one of their few wins this season, but I just couldn’t make myself do it. Winner: Broncos
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