Week One Picks

Adrian's Picks
New England v. Buffalo – Patriots

Cincinnati v. Chicago – Bengals

Miami v. Cleveland – Browns

Atlanta v. New Orleans – Falcons

Tampa Bay v. New York Jets – Buccaneers

Tennessee v. Pittsburgh – Steelers

Minnesota v. Detroit – Lions

Oakland v. Indianapolis – Colts

Seattle v. Carolina – Seahawks

Kansa City v. Jacksonville – Chiefs

Arizona v. St. Louis – Cardinals

Green Bay v. San Francisco – 49ers

New York Giants v. Dallas – Cowboys

Philadelphia v. Washington – Redskins

Houston v. San Diego – Texans

Week 1 Breakdown:  There are a lot of interesting matchups in Week 1 this season, but I’m going to briefly focus on a couple. The Miami v. Cleveland game is very interesting. In a very week AFC, this game squares off two teams that could very easily claim a wild card when the season’s all said and done. The Browns have recently been the joke of the NFL, but with a solid defense they could make waves this year. Another game to watch is the Atlanta v. New Orleans game. At home and with their leader, Sean Peyton, back, the Saints will obviously come out with a lot of emotion. But the Falcons are simply a better team and the Saints can’t play defense. This is Atlanta’s division now. The last interesting game is the Philadelphia v. Washington game. We will get to see two things we didn’t see in the preseason, the full Chip Kelly offense and RGIII. The Eagles will be improved offensively, but their defense is in year one of what is normally a three year process of switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4. The Skins win this one.

Michael's Picks

New England v. Buffalo – Patriots

Cincinnati v. Chicago – Bengals

Miami v. Cleveland – Cleveland

Atlanta v. New Orleans – Falcons

Tampa Bay v. New York Jets – Buccaneers

Tennessee v. Pittsburgh – Steelers

Minnesota v. Detroit – Lions

Oakland v. Indianapolis – Colts

Seattle v. Carolina – Seahawks

Kansa City v. Jacksonville – Chiefs

Arizona v. St. Louis – Rams

Green Bay v. San Francisco – 49ers

New York Giants v. Dallas – Cowboys

Philadelphia v. Washington – Redskins

Houston v. San Diego – Texans

Michael’s Week 1 Breakdown: If there is anyone in this league capable of slowing down explosive defensive end Cameron Wake, it would be Cleveland’s Joe Thomas, who may be the league’s most technically proficient tackle. Brandon Weeden has shown us some flashes this preseason, and I like the Browns’ chances of shutting down Tannehill’s passing game.

#7 overall pick Johnathan Cooper had a chance to add an elite presence to a Cardinals offensive line that sorely needed one, but now that he is our for the year I don’t see anyone that can block Chris Long, Robert Quinn, and Michael Brockers. If the Cardinals hope to score this game, Rashard Mendenhall is going to have to turn back the clock and pound tough yards out, something James Laurinitis is more than capable of preventing.

There is not a single position group at which the Raiders have even a close to average collection of talent. I’m intrigued by what dual-threat QB Terrelle Pryor can do with a back like Darren McFadden, but until I see proof that this offense is going to be better than everyone predicts it is impossible to not pick the Colts to win today.