The 2020 NFL season is finally here. Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for Week 1.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Mike: Chiefs 38, Texans 35
Football is back. Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson both show they were worth their massive contract extensions and come out firing. Expect a high-scoring shootout with the defending Super Bowl champions pulling out the win.
Joe: Chiefs 34, Texans 17
The Texans drew the short straw as they are forced to play the defending champs to kick-off the season.
Andersen: Chiefs 31, Texans 17
The Texans and Deshaun Watson will boast some exciting plays, but there’s no way they’re stopping the Chiefs in the season opener.
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
Mike: Bills 24, Jets 14
Both teams start the game slowly and enter halftime with less than 20 total points scored. However, in the second half, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs get going and the Bills pull away, winning by double-digits.
Joe: Bills 21, Jets 20
This will be a typical low-scoring divisional matchup. The home team has the edge in this one.
Andersen: Bills 21, Jets 6
The Bills’ top-three defense is surely salivating as they prepare for Sunday’s clash against the Jets, who own one of the worst offenses in football. The Bills will pull ahead early and won’t look back.
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Mike: Packers 24, Vikings 17
After an offseason in which the Packers did everything to anger Aaron Rodgers, he comes out connecting with Davante Adams early and often. With the addition of Yannick Ngakoue, the Vikings’ defense keeps them in the game but ultimately falls short to the Packers, who win easily.
Joe: Vikings 31, Packers 20
This could be the beginning of Aaron Rodgers’s farewell tour. Kirk Cousins has more weapons at his disposal and the Vikings will pull away if the offensive line can keep their commander upright.
Andersen: Vikings 20, Packers 19
These two NFC North rivals open the year with a Week 1 thriller. They’ll exchange blows back-and-forth before the Vikings make a late defensive stop to secure the victory.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Football Team
Mike: Eagles 31, Washington 17
Carson Wentz and DeSean Jackson do exactly what they did in Week 1 last season and destroy the Washington secondary. Dwayne Haskins is forced to chase points but shows great improvement from last season. Terry McLaurin gets the best of Darius Slay, but the Eagles get the easy win.
Joe: Eagles 27, Washington 17
The Eagles defense will keep Dwayne Haskins and the Washington offense out of rhythm. Expect a big game from Miles Sanders.
Andersen: Eagles 23, Washington 10
Fresh off a dramatic offseason, Washington struggles against Philadelphia. Dwayne Haskins will show more poise than last year, but he will fail to put up the points needed to get his team the Week 1 win.
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Mike: Ravens 30, Browns 14
Lamar Jackson kicks off the season by reminding people why he was the MVP last season. He throws for over 250 yards and rushes for another 75. The Browns’ offense tries to limit the amount of time Jackson is on the field by running the ball, but the Ravens’ defense repeatedly stops them. The Ravens win easily.
Joe: Ravens 40, Browns 27
Similar to the Texans, the Browns got unlucky by opening against reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and his Ravens. After going one-and-done in the playoffs, Baltimore has a huge chip on its shoulder.
Andersen: Ravens 27, Browns 17
Both teams’ rushing attacks will result in a quick game with less scoring production than expected. Nevertheless, Baltimore will prevail as reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and co. open the year 1-0.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike: Colts 28, Jaguars 14
The tank for Trevor Lawrence run begins in Jacksonville. The Colts’ running game of Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor both rush for over 50 yards and score once. Philip Rivers looks rejuvenated, and the Colts’ offense has their way with the Jaguars. Gardner Minshew scores twice but also throws two interceptions as the Colts’ defense sacks him at least four times.
Joe: Colts 24, Jaguars 20
Philip Rivers makes his Colts debut against division rival Jacksonville. The Jaguars, behind Gardner Minshew, will keep it close on the scoreboard.
Andersen: Colts 31, Jaguars 17
The Colts will pick up the early lead and never look back. Jacksonville might add a late touchdown in garbage time to make the game look like less of a blowout, but the on-field performances will speak for themselves. The Jaguars are going to be painfully bad.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers
Mike: Panthers 24, Raiders 17
Two teams that will display a completely different offense than last season face off in this game. Teddy Bridgewater proves the doubters wrong and tosses two touchdowns, one to D.J. Moore and the other to Christian McCaffrey. Josh Jacobs has a big day with over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown. However, despite Jacobs’ best efforts, the Raiders’ defense has no answer for CMC.
Joe: Panthers 27, Raiders 17
Teddy Bridgewater with a big opening week from Christian McCaffrey will come out victorious in his Panthers debut.
Andersen: Panthers 24, Raiders 16
The Panthers’ offense gets a fresh face at quarterback after Kyle Allen struggled last year. Teddy Bridgewater will find Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Robby Anderson often while the defense holds its ground against a Raiders offense that will look lost in their first game in Las Vegas.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Mike: Lions 24, Bears 14
After missing half of 2019 with a back injury, Matthew Stafford comes out with a bang. The duo of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones combine for two touchdowns as the Bears’ defense struggles to get pressure on Stafford. Mitchell Trubisky plays good enough to keep Nick Foles on the bench but not good enough to win the game.
Joe: Lions 17, Bears 13
In Mitch, the Bears still trust (apparently). But the new-look Lions defense will complement a solid showing from Matthew Stafford and co.
Andersen: Lions 20, Bears 10
Mitchell Trubisky won’t look as bad as Bears fans fear and the Lions’ offense won’t be as electric as expected. While just a fluke, this balance should make for some exciting football. In the end, though, Detroit will hang on to win by 10.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons
Mike: Falcons 38, Seahawks 28
Even after trading two first-round picks for Jamal Adams, the Seahawks’ defense can’t slow down Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense. Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley both go for over 100 receiving yards and combine for three touchdowns. Russell Wilson has his way with the Falcons’ defense but gets little help from his own.
Joe: Seahawks 24, Falcons 21
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks spoil the Falcons’ home opener.
Andersen: Seahawks 27, Falcons 24
If you’re expecting Jamal Adams and the Seahawks’ secondary to shut down Atlanta’s scary wide receiver corps, think again. This game will be close until the final minutes, but a late four-and-out for the Falcons will seal the deal, bumping the Seahawks to 1-0.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Mike: Dolphins 16, Patriots 10
In their first game without Tom Brady, the Patriots’ offense looks completely different. Cam Newton looks healthy but not elite anymore. The Patriots struggle to pick up first downs at times during the game, but their defense keeps them in the game. Ryan Fitzpatrick turns into Ryan Fitzmagic, and the Dolphins pull off the upset in a low scoring game.
Joe: Dolphins 27, Patriots 20
The one thing that would make this game even better would be if it were Tua versus Cam. Ryan Fitzpatrick will make enough plays to prove he still deserves the starting job.
Andersen: Patriots 24, Dolphins 22
Brian Flores will exhibit a trick play or two against his former colleague, Bill Belichick, in hopes of pulling off yet another upset of New England. The quarterback play will be better than expected on both sides, but the excellence of the Patriots’ defense gives them a slight edge.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Mike: Chargers 16, Bengals 10
With Mike Williams likely out for the game, the Chargers will need to rely on their defense. In his first NFL game, Joe Burrow will not look like the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and is instead welcomed to the NFL with two interceptions and four sacks. The Chargers’ defense smothers the rookie while Tyrod Taylor scores just enough to win the game.
Joe: Bengals 20, Chargers 14
The Chargers’ defense will look to ruin Joe Burrow’s long-awaited NFL debut, but their loss of Derwin James will be a tough one to overcome in Week 1.
Andersen: Chargers 17, Bengals 16
This should be a truly exciting game to watch with Joe Burrow and his young offense countering an experience but somewhat pieced-together Chargers unit. The prowess of Anthony Lynn at the helm gives the Chargers the win in Week 1, but don’t be surprised if the difference in this game is just one penalty, call, or play.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Mike: Cardinals 28, 49ers 14
DeAndre Hopkins faces off against Richard Sherman in what might be the best individual matchup of Week 1. The 49ers’ defense starts the game off cold and clearly misses DeForest Buckner. Meanwhile, Kyle Murray comes out firing, connecting with both Hopkins and Christian Kirk for a touchdown in the first half. Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t able to keep up with Murray, and the Cardinals look like the reigning NFC champions.
Joe: Cardinals 24, 49ers 21
The Cardinals’ receiving corps added arguably the best receiver in football in DeAndre Hopkins. Meanwhile, the Niners’ receivers look quite different than last season. Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake will be the difference-maker in the game.
Andersen: 49ers 27, Cardinals 24
There’s been a lot of hype around the Cardinals, but you’d be foolish to doubt the reigning NFC champions. Expect this game to mirror San Francisco’s neck-and-neck thrillers from last season against Seattle with the Niners pulling ahead in this one.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Mike: Saints 24, Buccaneers 20
In a battle of future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Drew Brees face off for the first time as division rivals. Despite expecting two high-powered offenses, both teams struggle to score early in the game. After some halftime adjustments, both offenses get going, but the Saints get pressure on Brady and pull out a win.
Joe: Buccaneers 38, Saints 34
This game will be a shootout between two future Hall of Famers. Brady and the Bucs come out on top.
Andersen: Saints 27, Buccaneers 23
The Saints will pull out to an early lead, silencing the Buccaneers’ offense early on. Halftime adjustments will result in a huge production spree for the Buccaneers, whose defense and offense will come out of the break firing on all cylinders. However, it won’t be quite enough as the Saints take the win in the first of several epic battles between these two legendary signal-callers.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams
Mike: Rams 27, Cowboys 23
While all eyes will be on Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense, Jared Goff and the Rams will come out of the gate firing. Goff connects with Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson for a touchdown, while Aaron Donald gets two sacks on Prescott. The Cowboys come back and make a game of it but ultimately lose a close, semi-high-scoring game.
Joe: Cowboys 24, Rams 21
The Rams’ defense will keep Prescott and the Cowboys in check throughout most of the game. However, in the end, it will get away from them.
Andersen: Cowboys 23, Rams 23
Predicting a tie is the equivalent of asking to fail, but here we are. There are so many storylines and players to watch entering this game, and the back-and-forth madness that is set to ensue on Sunday will surely be exciting. The first game at SoFi Stadium will be epic.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants
Mike: Steelers 28, Giants 13
Ben Roethlisberger comes out firing and looks healthy. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson both score a touchdown and go for over 75 receiving yards. The Steelers’ defense makes Daniel Jones see ghosts and pick him off three times while sacking him five times.
Joe: Steelers 21, Giants 17
Big Ben makes his return. Saquon Barkley is 100 percent. The Steelers defense will be the deciding factor.
Andersen: Steelers 20, Giants 16
Daniel Jones will show flashes of promise but ultimately fall victim to the Steelers’ league-best defense. On the other side, Ben Roethlisberger will impress in his return to the field after missing most of 2019 due to injury.
Tennessee Titans vs. Denver Broncos
Mike: Broncos 30, Titans 13
After being the surprise team of the league last season, the Titans are now the hunted. Meanwhile, the Broncos jump out to an early lead as Drew Lock connects with Jerry Jeudy for the Broncos’ first touchdown of the season. Lock goes on to throw two more scores. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill and the Titans’ offense struggles to get going against an underrated Broncos’ defense.
Joe: Titans 28, Broncos 20
Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, and company take on former teammate Jurrell Casey. The Titans offense is pretty much the same as last season. While the Broncos have some new parts.
Andersen: Titans 27, Broncos 18
Just one week ago, the Broncos would have been the clear choice here. But with Jadeveon Clowney joining the Titans and Von Miller likely out for the year, the tables have turned. Expect both offenses to impress with defense being the difference-maker as the Titans secure a 1-0 record.
Point Totals
Mike: N/A
Joe: N/A
Andersen: N/A
Records
Mike: N/A
Joe: N/A
Andersen: N/A
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