NFL 2018: Week 1 Predictions

Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons

Jaguars vs Giants

I cannot wait for this game. Week 1 pits the NFL’s best defense against one of the most exciting offenses in the league. Everyone is keen to see Saquon Barkley debut in this league, but it could be somewhat of a baptism of fire for the no.2 overall pick. Another great matchup to keep an eye on will be All Pro CB Jalen Ramsey against the highest paid WR in the league, Odell Beckham Jr. I can see the Jaguars just pinching this one.

JAGUARS WIN

AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars v New England Patriots
AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars v New England Patriots

Chiefs vs Chargers

This should be another exciting game. Pat Mahomes has his first meaningful start under center for the Chiefs against a tough Chargers defense. Can he make the most of the talented quartet around him? The Chiefs defense has lost a lot of key pieces, so I see Phil Rivers and Melvin Gordon carving them up. This could be a high scoring affair.

CHARGERS WIN


Redskins vs Cardinals

Alex Smith takes is first snaps as a Redskin, with Adrian Petersen lining up just behind him. The future Hall of Famer was signed to help replace the loss of Derrius Guice this offseason. Meanwhile on the other side, David Johnson returns after a lost 2017 season. Can he return to his dominant 2016 form? It looks like he will have Sam Bradford under center to start the season. I think this will be a narrow win for the Cards.

CARDINALS WIN


Cowboys vs Panthers

Cam Newton vs Dak Prescott. Zeke vs CMC. Gallup vs Moore. There are a few intriguing matchups in this game, which again, could be a close one. I’m intrigued to see how the Panthers use Christian McCaffrey. Will they use him as the workhorse back that they have teased in preseason? Or will he revert back to his passing down role that he excelled in in 2017? I see Cam outplaying Dak and engineering a win.

PANTHERS WIN

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