FAVORITE TEAMS

SAINTS AT FALCONS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

It’s the third all-time meeting between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, and the first since they played each other as a Buccaneer and Titan in their rookie season in 2015. Jameis is currently 0-2 against Marcus Mariota and was blown out in both meetings in college and pro. The game should have an interesting outcome and Winston should finally have his first win over Mariota, but be careful. The Falcons could be a bit tricky.

MY PICK: SAINTS

49ERS AT BEARS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

I can’t say the Niners will run away with this one. This roster is built for another playoff run, but there’s issues on the offensive line that may determine the outcome. They aren’t the only ones though because the Bears have offensive line issues too. We may see similar things happen, but it comes down to who plays better at quarterback and Justin Fields has a tad more experience as a starter than Trey Lance. However, Lance is surrounded by talent and the Niner defense has more to gain. Expect San Francisco to escape an upset in Chicago.

MY PICK: 49ERS

STEELERS AT BENGALS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

This game should be obvious, but not obvious at the same time. The Bengals will test the Steelers’ offense throughout the game. If Pittsburgh wants this win, it may take a huge motivation after they honor Dwayne Haskins’ passing before the game, and it could be huge to start this season. Until we sit it, Cincinnati is a safe bet to win.

MY PICK: BENGALS

EAGLES AT LIONS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

The Eagles are the most interesting team to watch this weekend with all the additions and the draft picks. But so are the Detroit Lions since Dan Campbell took over. Detroit was competitive last season and it’s possible they’ll compete with Philly at home. The Lions’ priority is stopping the run at all cost, which includes containing Jalen Hurts in the pocket. Doing that causes the game to be much closer for the Lions’ opportunity for a shocking upset win.

MY PICK: EAGLES

PATRIOTS AT DOLPHINS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

This is an opportunity for Miami to capitalize since New England’s questionable since the offseason. Whoever is the offensive play caller has work cut out for him since Josh McDaniels is coaching for the Raiders. This makes it easier for Miami’s defense to potentially punish the Patriots throughout the game. The Dolphins’ offense can easily control the field all game long with Mike McDaniel’s heavy run strategy. Expect this to be a long day for New England down in South Beach.

MY PICK: DOLPHINS

RAVENS AT JETS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

Since Zach Wilson’s out for three weeks, Joe Flacco’s the starter against his former team this weekend. New York has the potential to be a competitive team this season, but probably not this weekend against Baltimore unless Lamar Jackson struggles, the run game fails to get some motor, and the defense has little to no motivation to play.

MY PICK: RAVENS

JAGUARS AT COMMANDERS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

The Jaguars could redeem themselves and seeing good ol’ Carson Wentz in the season opener could be a big motivator. They booted him and the Colts out of the playoffs while Jacksonville maintained their 1st overall pick in the last game of the season. Since Chase Young is still out, Jacksonville could take a step forward and Trevor Lawrence could lead this team to victory on the road.

MY PICK: JAGUARS

BROWNS AT PANTHERS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

The Panthers welcome Cleveland and Baker Mayfield’s eager to host his former team. He may not say it, but he’s ready to kick the Browns’ ass. As long as he and Christian McCaffrey say healthy and efficient, they have that opportunity. Cleveland has a good roster to compete, but without a legit quarterback, there’s no telling how Cleveland will play. Watch out for Amari Cooper to get plenty of targets though. Otherwise, I’m not sure if Cleveland can accomplish this weekend unless they pressure Baker and contain Christian McCaffrey for the entire game.

MY PICK: PANTHERS

COLTS AT TEXANS – 10AM PT/1PM ET

Colts will be challenged on the road for sure. It might be shaky from the beginning, but they’ll eventually find their footing and run over Houston. The only issue is not having Shaq Leonard on the field and whether or not it may affect this defense. Otherwise, expect Matt Ryan and Johnathan Taylor to play some solid football.

MY PICK: COLTS

GIANTS AT TITANS – 1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET

Let’s hope the Giants made some improvement anywhere because it’ll be a long day against Tennessee’s revamped defense along with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry on offense. Maybe New York will keep it close. Their goal is forcing turnovers on Tannehill and containing Henry from gaining big yardage. That’s a tall ask from New York.

MY PICK: TITANS

PACKERS AT VIKINGS – 1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET

The Packers are playing with new receivers while the Vikings have a new coach and a defense recovering from injury. This is the Game of the Week with a potential upset in the making. Minnesota tends to get under Green Bay’s skin early in the season. They’re at home with a revamped defense after two nice additions at linebacker (former Packer Za’Darius Smith and former Cardinal Jordan Hicks). Most of Green Bay’s receivers are green as grass with only Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins as reliable targets. They may not have Allen Lazard for this game due to injury. The receivers might not be on the same page with Rodgers and the run game could be looked at too often, which Minnesota could leverage with their front seven.

MY PICK: VIKINGS

CHIEFS AT CARDINALS – 1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET

Kansas City is under new management with their defensive backs and receivers. How fast they pick up remains to be seen. Arizona lost Chandler Jones to Vegas, Chase Edmonds to Miami, Christian Kirk to Jacksonville, and Jordan Hicks to Minnesota. They’re looked as the third straight NFL team to host the Super Bowl, but there’s too much pressure and those personnel losses could hurt their chances. Also, is Kyler Murray 100% good with the organization after a weird offseason? Patrick Mahomes may have new targets, but it’s more beneficial for his options with an experienced offensive line.

MY PICK: CHIEFS

RAIDERS AT CHARGERS – 1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET

The ending to the Chargers’ final game of the season was bittersweet, but now 2022 may be a different story. Both teams upgraded their roster, but Los Angeles had a more significant upgrade in areas needed to be a threat. While the Raiders added Davante Adams and Chandler Jones, Los Angeles added Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson and rookie Zion Johnson. Vegas is looking for a playoff return while the Chargers are expected to be there. It’ll be a great matchup, but Los Angeles should equalize this time.

MY PICK: CHARGERS

BUCCANEERS AT COWBOYS – 5:20PM PT/8:20PM ET

Tom Brady’s Bucs and Dallas meet for the second straight season opener on primetime. This time it’s Sunday night. Both had an interesting offseason. They’re suffering with offensive line issues. The Bucs don’t have Godwin while Dallas lost Amari Cooper to Cleveland, Cedrick Wilson to Miami and are without Michael Gallup due to injury. However, both teams have a quarterback, a running back, other receivers, and defense. But I will not go against Brady for Sunday Night. The offensive line will cooperate with Brady and protect him as best as possible. Also, Dak Prescott doesn’t have Amari Cooper and there’s no clue if Zeke Elliott will play like himself again.

MY PICK: BUCCANEERS