NFL Predictions Week One: New England Patriots Win A Tough One In Miami

Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back

(33) in the second half against the Oakland Raiders during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Saints 31 Falcons 17

Atlanta won’t be nearly as bad as they were last year, but they are still way out of New Orleans’ league. Drew Brees will once again lead one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, and he is also backed by a top-five defense. I am a big fan of Matt Ryan, but he won’t be able to outscore Brees in this one.

Rams 20 Vikings 16

Prepare for an ugly contest if you will be tuning in to this game. If Adrian Peterson takes over this game (like he has done many times in the past), I think Minnesota might be able to get a win. But I just don’t see how the Vikings will be able to get past that terrifying Rams front, who will produce a few key turnovers as the game progresses.

Steelers 23 Browns 13

The AFC North isn’t very good as an overall division, but man it is going to be a competitive race. Pittsburgh definitely has the overall edge over the Browns, but I wouldn’t count on a rout in this one. Cleveland’s defense will keep them in the game for awhile, but ultimately, their lack of offensive prowess will be their downfall.

Eagles 34 Jaguars 20

Nick Foles‘ offense is not going to be nearly as explosive as it was last year, but Philadelphia will have no problem with the Jaguars. Expect LeSean McCoy to have an absolute field day on Sunday.

Jets 28 Raiders 20

I don’t really have a good reason for picking the Jets, other than they might just suck a little less than Oakland will. These two teams are not going to be good in 2014, and this game may end up being key to deciding who gets the number one pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Geno Smith struggled last year, but this is actually a good team for him to face in the opening game of 2014. Oakland’s pass defense is mediocre, which will give Smith a chance to ease into the season.