2020 NFL Week 1 Predictions

2020 NFL Week 1 Predictions

Seahawks -2 over Falcons, 27-24

-I have a bad feeling about the Falcons this year, they will probably score a lot of points, win 7 games, and in week 15 we’re all going to wonder why Julio only has 3 touchdowns. I think Seattle has a great run this year, and it starts in week 1.

 

Ravens -7.5 over Browns, 33-20

-The Ravens are just a much better team. The Browns will much more resemble a professional organization this year, but it won’t be enough versus the reigning MVP and one of the two kings of the AFC.

 

Bills -6.5 over Jets, 20-13

-I hear it’s important to occasionally have meetings and practices in person for professional sports teams. I wouldn’t think I would have to say this, but the Jets didn’t do this. I don’t like the Bills, like so many people do, but it’s the Jets and it’s less than a touchdown.

 

Raiders -3 over Panthers, 23-19

-Las Vegas (!) is somehow the team here with more continuity. That is my goal this year, and the lens I am using, to predict winners. Carolina has some pieces I like but returning less than 50% of its skill snaps is a lot to turn over for a team.

 

Lions -2.5 over Bears, 27-22

-I sneaky like the Lions this year, a lot of it based on how well Stafford played in the last eight games last year. Combined with the Bears still playing Trubisky, I’m taking the Lions…especially under a field goal.

 

Colts -7.5 over Jags, 22-13

-Sigh…I don’t love the Colts, but wow is this Jags team going to be bad. Am I relying on Gardner Minshew in fantasy this year? Yes I am.

 

Packers +3 over Vikings, 24-23

-I believe in the system of the Packers, the excellence of Davante Adams, and am worried about the turnover on the Vikings defense.

 

Pats -7 over Dolphins, 30-22

-Ok look everyone, I’m not picking them to win the SB, or win 13 games. But I really disbelieve a relatively healthy, and relatively skilled team, with Bill doesn’t hit double-digit wins. It’s still Miami in a rebuilding phase, and still a Patriots home game.

 

Eagles -5.5 over Washington Professional Football Franchise, 27-19

-I could talk about how the Eagles are just more talented, or that I wish the Eagles could have a fully healthy offensive skill position roster, but I don’t have time here. I could also talk about the comeback story of Alex Smith, which is an awesome story. However, I have to address that for a decade writing this column, I have refused to call Washington by its offensive name, and they have finally dropped it. However, I’ve been calling them the Washington Professional Football Franchise because I didn’t know what they were going to pick as a new name. Turns out, neither did they.

 

Chargers -3 over Bengals, 27-23

-Chargers are just more talented, and Tyrod will remind people that he is a fairly competent QB. The Bengals will be feisty this year and probably score more points than people think. The over for this game is 42, and I’d probably hit that hard.

 

Saints -3.5 over Bucs, 35-31

-Mike Evans’ injury is one hesitation, as is the lack of familiarity for the Bucs. I also like that Kamara got his deal done and the Saints are just loaded for this year.

 

Cards +7.5 over 49ers, 24-26

-First, I really hope if this game cannot be safely played, it is not. If it is, I think the Cards are going to surprise some people with a loaded offense versus a team that, while solid, probably overachieved in its SB run last year. I’ll take the points with the spread so large.

 

Rams +3 over Cowboys, 34-32

-I know I’m probably going to be in the minority here, but I like the Rams and don’t particularly like the Cowboys, so this wasn’t a very difficult pick for me. The Rams had many injuries and issues last year, and in a tough division still won 9 games. I’ll take them in a shoot-out.

 

Steelers -6 over Giants, 24-13

-I don’t love the Steelers, but the Giants might be the worst team in Football (next to the Jags).

 

Titans -3 over Broncos, 22-14

-I like Drew Lock and want to like the Broncos, but there has already been so many injuries for them. The Titans are a physical up and coming team that is probably going to cream them Monday night.

 

 

Record this Year:

Straight Up: 1-0

By Spread: 0-1

 

Record in 2019:

Straight Up: 152-93

By Spread: 128-114

 

Lifetime Record:
Straight Up: 1554-854
By Spread: 1284-1134