NFL Week 1 Picks

Football season is now in full gear. College started in earnest last week, and the NFL starts this week. With that, of course, comes my weekly NFL picks column. If you think my college football pick column is just me randomly guessing, my NFL column is even more so. So, with that being said,let's begin!

(Note: Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday
Panthers 32, Broncos 17 (8:30 PM, NBC)
The NFL season kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch. Cam Newton and company look to lead Carolina to another Super Bowl Appearance. while Denver starts a new era at quarterback. It'll be interesting to see how Trevor Siemian does in his first start.

Sunday
Browns 24, Eagles 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
This is a bit of an "upset pick". The Browns probably won't be great, especially defensively, but the offense, featuring RGIII, a solid running back tandem, and a talented group of receivers has explosive potential. Plus, the Eagles aren't good, and are starting rookie quarterback Carson Wentz.
Packers 28, Jaguars 21 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Jaguars should be an improved team this year, as they have a rising young offense and key additions on defense. But Green Bay is still Green Bay, with Aaron Rodgers, a reportedly slimmed-down Eddie Lacy, and a now-healthy Jordy Nelson.
Bills 27, Ravens 17 (1:00 PM, CBS)
If everyone's healthy, Buffalo has a good offense. Dual-threat Tyrod Taylor, beastly receiver Sammy Watkins, and "Shady" McCoy are very skilled. The Ravens have too many questions on both sides of the ball, starting with Joe Flacco and Steve Smith, both of whom are coming back from injury.
Bears 13, Texans 31 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Bears were not good last season, and probably won't be good defense. The Texans sneaked into the playoffs on the strength of their defense, then added quarterback Brock Osweiler, running back Lamar Miller, and rookie receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller in the off season.
Buccaneers 34, Falcons 24 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The young Bucs could be good, as Jameis Winston continues to improve with his towering pass-catchers, and the good young defenders (such as Lavonte David and Vernon Hargreaves) keep getting better. I think they can knock off Atlanta on the road. Vikings 13, Titans 17 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Both of these teams feature conservative offenses that are run-heavy, especially now that Teddy Bridgewater is out for the Vikings. Minnesota traded for Sam Bradford, but apparently are starting Shaun Hill this week. Good luck with that.
Bengals 28, Jets 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
This could be a good game, as both teams have strong defenses and solid offenses. Two storylines to watch will be how the Bengals do without offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and receivers Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones, and how new Jet running back Matt Forte performs.
Raiders 27, Saints 38 (1:00 PM, FOX)
This is another potentially good match up. As I mentioned on HAC 3 Strikes (the podcast I co-host; check it out), both teams seem to be in the same "tier", with Oakland on the rise. However, the Saints are still good, and they added some talent to help out Drew Brees.
Chargers 17, Chiefs 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Chargers improved defensively (drafting pass-rusher Joey Bosa third overall) and offensively (signing deep threat Travis Benjamin), but the Chiefs are still a solid (if unspectacular) team, especially defensively.
Dolphins 12, Seahawks 30 (4:05 PM, CBS)
The Dolphins, under new coach Adam Gase, have the potential to be good (especially offensively), but the Seahawks are an elite team with just one really big question mark (the offensive line), and they'll be playing at home, in the loudest stadium in the NFL.
Lions 20, Colts 17 (4:25 PM, FOX)
Both of these teams have plenty of question marks, as well as some very good talent. Andrew Luck returns for the Colts, but their already-suspect defense may struggle without Pro Bowl corner Vontae Davis (even after they signed veteran Antonio Cromartie to fill in).
Giants 42, Cowboys 35 (4:25 PM, FOX)
Their are few things that are guaranteed in this world. Death, taxes... and a close, high-scoring football game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. This should be another barn-burner, even with Dallas starting rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback. Patriots 21, Cardinals 34 (8:00 PM, NBC)
These two elite teams meet in the first Sunday night contest of the season, but New England will be on the road without Tom Brady. The vaunted Arizona secondary shouldn't have nearly as much trouble with a Jimmy Garoppolo-led team.

Monday
Steelers 22, Redskins 17 (7:10 PM, ESPN)
The first Monday night game of the season could be a close one, between a Washington team that added All-Pro corner Josh Norman and rookie receiver Josh Doctson in the off season and a Steelers team without Le'Veon Bell (three game suspension) and Martavis Bryant (season suspension).
Rams 20, 49ers 10 (10:20 PM, ESPN)
The first week ends with a marquee match up between two playoff contenders game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Both have less-than-stellar quarterback situations, with Blaine Gabbert facing off against Case Keenum (1st overall pick Jared Goff is third-string).