FAVORITE TEAMS

5) BENGALS AT BROWNS – 10AM PT/1PM ET [CBS]

With a late offseason full of injury and holdout news across the NFL, Joe Burrow’s was one of the biggest. He’s a full participant and a full go for Sunday. He’ll finally have some protection from one of the best offensive linemen in the league in tackle Orlando Brown Jr., but it’s up to Burrow himself to stay healthy for 17 games. Deshaun Watson should be comfortable with the Browns, which benefits the offense. He’ll be accompanied by Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, Myles Garrett, and company to try shocking the NFL world. Can he overcome playing in Cleveland when so many previous quarterbacks were plagued there for two decades??? The Browns haven’t lost a home game to Cincy since 2018 and Watson has yet to lose a home game in his career against Cincy. Surprisingly enough, it’ll continue but the result should be a one-score game.

MY PICK: BROWNS

4) COWBOYS AT GIANTS – 5:15PM PT/8:15PM ET [NBC]

Nothing like a primetime game between Dak Prescott and Danny Dimes. This rivalry’s likely to be physical and entertaining. While Dak’s dealt with some offseason drama about his pressure to play more efficiently, Saquon Barkley nearly held out to where he wouldn’t even play a down like Jonathan Taylor. Both are likely focused and ready to put their team into playoff position again. Both have great defenses, but quarterback play is won by Dallas while the run game is won by New York. However, given the history with Dak and the Giants, Dak hasn’t lost to New York since his rookie season in 2016 (11-0). As long as he’s the starter on the field, Dallas continues their run against New York. Can Jerry Jones accept that?

MY PICK: COWBOYS

3) LIONS AT CHIEFS – 5:20PM PT/8:20PM ET [NBC ON THURSDAY]

The “New Look” Lions travel to Kansas City for one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 1. Jared Goff and Pat Mahomes tangoed before in 2018 (when Goff was a Ram) in an insanely high-scoring game, which the Rams won 54-51. Imagine this having similar results tonight. Super Bowl champ Mahomes leads a team that might be limited on experience. Travis Kelce might not play after his hyperextension and receiver Kadarius Toney is questionable. The Lions should be another year improved with most of the offense returning. Both defenses will be tested, and while the Chiefs are favored, the Lions in the past two seasons came up short against the 49ers and Eagles in near comeback victories. The Chiefs have a suspect defense and Chris Jones is unlikely to suit up while still waiting for a new contract or Week 8. I’m crazy for this, but the Lions could upset Kansas City with their offense dominating the trenches and their defense doing enough to contain the receivers and forcing Mahomes in an uncomfortable spot late in the game.

MY PICK: LIONS

2) BILLS AT JETS – 5:15PM PT/8:15PM ET [ESPN/ABC/ESPN+ ON MONDAY]

When a Monday Night Football game features Cali boys Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers representing the state of New York/New Jersey in this pivotal AFC East rivalry, it’s a must watch. Rodgers steps foot into his new home of the Meadowlands with a group of skills players across the board. Josh Allen’s hopeful that the Bills recover from a postseason loss and try leading his team back and then some. Allen has most of his guys from last year, but James Cook is the new starter alongside free agent pickup Damien Harris. The Bills’ electric offense tangles with the Jets’ monstrous defense, but the intriguing situation is Rodgers vs. the Bills defense. Despite the struggles that may come from New York’s offensive line, Rodgers is surgical enough to cut through their defense with plenty of skills players he trusts. Josh Allen may do work on his end, but it might not be enough to overcome the Jets defense with extreme confidence by Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley, and Sauce Gardner.

MY PICK: JETS

1) 49ERS AT STEELERS – 10AM PT/1PM ET [FOX]

This should be one of the best matchups of the week that’s not getting enough love as the Lions/Chiefs and Bills/Jets are. It’s likely a thriller and a low-scoring affair based on both teams having great defenses. Nick Bosa ensured the Niners’ defensive strength with a contract extension. Pittsburgh’s young offensive roster looks to improve in Year 2 under Kenny Pickett. The offensive line’s production is key to their chances of victory. Defense will keep the game close, and Watt will be sure San Fran doesn’t get many opportunities. This game is likely decided by both quarterbacks, and which one will have better production against two great defenses. Pickett may have leverage, but if Brock Purdy plays like himself with confidence before the injury with his array of weapons, this is the 49ers’ game to win.

MY PICK: 49ERS

OTHER GAMES:

PANTHERS AT FALCONS

JAGUARS AT COLTS

BUCCANEERS AT VIKINGS

TITANS AT SAINTS

CARDINALS AT COMMANDERS

TEXANS AT RAVENS

PACKERS AT BEARS

RAIDERS AT BRONCOS

EAGLES AT PATRIOTS

DOLPHINS AT CHARGERS

RAMS AT SEAHAWKS

COWBOYS AT GIANTS