NFL Week 1 Picks

My Overall Record: 1-0

New Orleans @ Atlanta

The Falcons have too many holes between their offensive line and running back situation to keep up with the high-powered Saints.

Pick: New Orleans 33, Atlanta 24

Cincinnati @ Baltimore

A.J. Green torched the Ravens in both games that these two teams met a year ago. Baltimore will be without Ray Rice, and I think the Bengals are currently the team to beat in that division.

Pick: Cincinnati 27, Baltimore 20

Buffalo @ Chicago

Between E.J. Manuel’s struggles and the nagging injuries of Sammy Watkins, the Bills just aren’t where they need to be yet to have a chance of going on the road and upsetting the Bears.

Pick: Chicago 31, Buffalo 13

Washington @ Houston

The Texans offense may have its issues at the quarterback position, but their defense should be strong again after getting some key players back healthy over the off-season. I don’t like the direction that Robert Griffin has gone in his development, and I think the Redskins begin the year by falling on their faces in Houston.

Pick: Houston 21, Washington 17

Tennessee @ Kansas City

Andy Reid and the Chiefs built themselves a winning record by taking advantage of a soft schedule, and they open up the year with what should be a layup at home. The Titans just don’t have any kind of explosiveness within their offense.

Pick: Kansas City 23, Tennessee 13

New England @ Miami

Brady has a full compliment of healthy weapons to start the year, which should translate into a road win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Pick: New England 31, Miami 20

Oakland @ New York Jets

The Jets have a brutally difficult schedule in the first half of the year, so this is a must-win for them. Oakland, who is starting rookie Derek Carr, should have no business going on the road and winning this game.

Pick: New York 27, Oakland 16

Jacksonville @ Philadelphia

The Jaguars are improving, but there’s too much inexperience on this group for things to come together for a win on the road against the Eagles’ established offense.

Pick: Philadelphia 30, Jacksonville 13

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh

The Steelers should be determined to start the year off right following a couple of disappointing years.

Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Cleveland 10

Minnesota @ St. Louis

The Rams have to be feeling devastated following the loss of Sam Bradford. Shaun Hill should be decent in relief, and the Rams should do just enough at home to get by the Vikings.

Pick: St. Louis 23, Minnesota 20

San Francisco @ Dallas

The 49ers should cut right through the Dallas defense on their way to an Opening Day win. Dallas has the offensive talent to keep things interesting, but the 49er defense should still be able to force them into a couple turnovers that will swing the tide of the game.

Pick: San Francisco 30, Dallas 21

Carolina @ Tampa Bay

The Panthers are another team that I think have gone backwards in the off-season. Cam Newton is already banged up, and has very few weapons to work with. The Tampa Bay offense should be much improved with the additions of Josh McCown and Mike Evans, combined with the return of Doug Martin. I think the new-look Bucs under Lovie Smith come out and upset the Panthers at home this week.

Pick: Tampa Bay 23, Carolina 17

Indianapolis @ Denver

Manning and Luck face each other at least one more time in the regular season, and may possibly see each other again in January. Bet against Peyton Manning in the playoffs, not in the regular season.

Pick: Denver 31, Indianapolis 27

New York Giants @ Detroit

It should be a long night for the Giants. The Lions’ offense should put up a lot of points on their weak defense, and the New York offensive line will struggle to keep Eli upright.

Pick: Detroit 30, New York 17

San Diego @ Arizona

The Cardinals defense is missing too many key pieces from a year ago, Mike McCoy his offense should be able to do enough to get by them on the road.

Pick: San Diego 21, Arizona 20