The NFL was back at its breathtaking best in Week 1, bringing us plenty of highlights, drama and some unfortunate injuries. We had a game for the ages on Sunday Night Football and I’m still wondering how the Packers managed to pull that one out. All four of last year’s conference finalists kicked off their campaign with a victory, whilst the lowly Cleveland Browns managed their best result since 2016. Now that some of the kinks have been ironed out, let’s hope for some even better games in Week 2.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Heinz Field
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers head home in Week 2 after blowing a disappointing 14-point lead to only tie against the Browns. After throwing an uncharacteristic 5 turnover performance last week, star Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will need a better showing this week against the formidable Chiefs secondary. Filling in for the still absent Le’Veon Bell, Running Back James Conner performed admirably, rushing for 131 yards and 2 Touchdowns. On defence, TJ Watt was everywhere as he registered a team-high 3 sacks on their way to seven in total. Young Linebacker Vince Williams chipped in with 12 tackles last week and is another player to watch.
Kansas City Chiefs
Led by four touchdowns from Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs started their season in style with a 38-28 win over the L.A Chargers. Star receiver Tyreek Hill was dominant in Week 1, registering 169 yards receiving to go with two touchdowns. He didn’t stop there though, logging a further 91-yard punt return Touchdown. The solid 1-2 punch of Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware offer another element to the running game. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens registered 14 tackles in Week 1, whilst veteran Safety Ron Parker notched up an impressive 9 tackles to go with an interception.
Prediction: Steelers -4 $1.92
Coming off disappointment last week, I see the Steelers bouncing back here with a win in their home opener. I firmly expect to see Ben Roethlisberger bounce back this week after his costly 5 turnover performance. Similarly, I predict the exotic Steelers defence to trouble Mahomes with some different looks. Steelers 27-17 Chiefs.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), FedEx Field
Washington Redskins
Underrated Redskins Quarterback Alex Smith got his season off to a flyer last week with 255 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 24-6 Redskins win. Star Running Back Adrian Peterson also started 2018 with a bang, managing a whopping 166 yards from scrimmage to go along with a Touchdown. The Redskins defence destroyed the Cardinals last week, holding them to just over 200 yards of offence and only 6 points. Zach Brown, D.J. Swearinger and Mason Foster all got in on the act in a very complete performance.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback Andrew Luck performed well in his comeback last week, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. However, it just wasn’t enough as the Colts dropped one at home 34-23 against the Bengals. In an offence devoid of weapons, Tight End Eric Ebron and Receiver Ryan Grant will have to step up. The Colts defence didn’t fare too well, with Bengals RB Joe Mixon picking up yards at will. German Defensive End Margus Hunt was a rare bright spot, picking up 2 sacks on the afternoon.
Prediction: Redskins -6 $1.92
The Redskins are the better team on both sides of the ball here. They put on a dominant performance in Week 1 and I believe they’ll only get better going forward. I expect a comfortable win here for Alex Smith, Adrian Peterson and co. Redskins 31-13 Colts.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), MetLife Stadium
New York Jets
The Jets shocked everybody on Monday night, dropping 48 points on the road against the Lions. Rookie QB Sam Darnold rebounded from an early pick-six to make two great touchdown throws. New Running Back Isaiah Crowell put in an impressive performance, going over 100 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 carries. The Jets defence was on their game all evening, allowing just one offensive touchdown. Buster Skrine, Darron Lee and star Safety Jamal Adams were the standouts in a truly dominant showing.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins successfully battled both the Titans and the weather last week on their way to a 27-20 win. Star Wideout Kenny Stills managed over 100 yards and two touchdowns, whilst veteran Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake complimented each other well in the backfield. The Dolphins pass defence really stepped up in week 1, managing 3 crucial interceptions. Star Safety Reshad Jones managed two of these, whilst Linebacker Kiko Alonso combined his pick with a further 6 tackles.
Prediction: Dolphins +3 $1.88
After that surprise showing in Week 1, I believe the Jets are a bit overvalued here. I expect the Dolphins pass defence to have another field day here and use their running game to great effect on offence. Dolphins 20-14 Jets.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Lambeau Field
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings got their season off to a strong start last week with a 24-16 home win over the 49ers. New QB Kirk Cousins put in an assured performance, throwing for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adam Thielen also chipped in with over 100 yards receiving and Running Back Dalvin Cook had 95 yards from scrimmage in his return from injury. The strength of this Vikings team lies primarily in their defence. They picked off Jimmy Garoppolo 3 times last week, including a pick-six from Mike Hughes. One of the best units in the NFL, they can make a strong statement with a win this week.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers staved off his knee sprain to throw 3 4th quarter touchdowns in a 24-23 win over the Bears in Week 1. Star receivers Randall Cobb and Devante Adams were right in the thick of things, combining for a whopping 280 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers defence recovered well in week 1 and only allowed 1 offensive touchdown. Expect defensive stalwarts Nick Perry, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Tramon Williams to make life difficult for the Vikings offense.
Prediction: Vikings +1 at $1.92
For me, the Vikings are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. They have a truly elite defence and have upgraded at QB with Kirk Cousins. With doubts around Aaron Rodgers’ status, I believe they go into Lambeau and win this outright. Vikings 24-20 Packers.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), New Era Field
Buffalo Bills
The only way is up for the Bills after their dreadful 47-3 trouncing at the hands of the Ravens. Nathan Peterman has likely played himself out of contention after a truly pathetic performance, handing the keys to franchise QB Josh Allen. Expect the Bills to lean heavily on Pro Bowl RB LeSean McCoy to lighten the load on the rookie. Whilst they weren’t helped by their offense, it was quite a poor showing by the Bills defence in Week 1. Buoyed by their home crowd and stars such as Kyle Williams and Tre’Davious White, I expect a bounce back performance here.
LA Chargers
It was a disappointing start to the season for the Chargers, who were lit up by debut QB Patrick Mahomes in a 38-28 loss to the Chiefs. The ageless Phillip Rivers still managed a solid start to the campaign, throwing for over 400 yards and two scores. Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon both enjoyed over 100 yards each through the air, with Gordon rushing for a further 64. The game was really lost by a poor performance by the Chargers defence. Their typically strong pass defence must like their chances this week against a rookie QB.
Prediction: Bills +7 $1.96
The Bills are the ugly duckling of the league right now and that’s why I’m taking them. Buoyed by their raucous home crowd, I expect their running game and defence to keep this one competitive. Chargers 21-17 Bills.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Nissan Stadium
Houston Texans
The Texans played the Patriots tough last week, but ultimately fell short 27-20. Star QB Deshaun Watson had a mixed return, managing only 152 yards passing, however he did look explosive in the running game. Expect him to look for star wideout DeAndre Hopkins early and often in this one. The Texans defence struggled to contain the Patriots passing game in Week 1. However, I expect JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Tyrann Mathieu and co. to put in a better showing against a weak Titans passing offence.
Tennessee Titans
Both Marcus Mariota and Blaine Gabbert struggled last week as the Titans fell 27-20 to the Dolphins. With Mariota questionable, expect them to lean on the 1-2 punch of Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis in the running game to move the chains. The Titans have a strong defence that really propelled them to the playoffs last season. With players like Jurell Casey, Wesley Woodyard and Logan Ryan at every level of the defence, Texans hotshot QB Deshaun Watson will likely have his hands full.
Prediction: Texans -2.5
The biggest mismatch in this game is the excellent Texans pass defence against a struggling Titans passing offense. I expect a strong defensive performance from the Texans, whilst Watson and Hopkins will produce enough magic on offense to get the W. Texans 20-13 Titans.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were shocked last week, giving up over 500 yards and 48 points in a loss to the Bucs. Star Quarterback Drew Brees gave everything he had, throwing for 439 yards and three scores. After only gaining 43 yards rushing last week, expect a more balanced approach from the Saints offense this week. After being truly embarrassed last week, the Saints defence has no choice but to turn it around. Up against a relatively poor Browns passing offense, I must say that I like their chances.
Cleveland Browns
After going 0-16 last year, the Browns managed their best performance since 2016 in a week 1 tie with the Steelers. New Receiver Jarvis Landry was the only real bright spot on an offense that looked bereft of ideas. The Browns have done quite a good job building their defence. Youngsters Myles Garret, Jabrill Peppers and Denzel Ward look to be building blocks for the future.
Prediction: Saints -9 $1.92
Despite a poor week 1 performance, the Saints are one of the best teams in the NFL. I expect their defence to bounce back and contain a weak Browns offense, whilst Drew Brees is almost a lock for at least 30 points in the Super Dome. Saints 38-17 Browns.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons battled hard but ultimately came away with a narrow loss to the reigning champion Eagles. Superstar Wideout Julio Jones had a spectacular performance with 169 receiving yards but the rest of the offense seemed to struggle. Things are unlikely to get much easier this week against a strong Panthers front seven. Conversely, the Falcons defence really brought it last week, allowing only 119 passing yards. Desmond Trufant, Ricardo Allen and Robert Alford make up a strong secondary that will prove difficult to score on.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers ran and defended their way to an imposing 16-8 win over the Cowboys in Week 1. Cam Newton did a great job managing the game, whilst young Running Back Christian McCaffrey had a solid 95 yards from scrimmage. The Panthers defence was really the catalyst behind this Week 1 win. Defensive Linemen Kawann Short, Mario Addison and Wes Horton led from the front, combining for 5 sacks. All-Pro Linebacker Luke Kuechly also marshalled the defence well on his way to 13 tackles.
Prediction: Panthers +6 at $1.92
I believe the gap between these two is closer than a 6-point spread would suggest. Expect a typically strong performance from the Panthers defence in what promises to be a physical and competitive game. Falcons 23-20 Panthers.
Monday, September 17, 3am (AEST), Raymond James Stadium
Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning champion Eagles ground their way to a tough 18-12 win over the Falcons in Week 1. Running Back Jay Ajayi carried the load for the offense with two touchdowns as stand-in Quarterback Nick Foles struggled. Big plays were tough to come by as Foles looked off the mark with his throws. The Eagles defence was back to their usual best, making Pro-Bowl QB Matt Ryan look ordinary. They also did a great job of keeping the potent Falcons rushing attack at bay.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Led by Ryan ‘Fitzmagic’ Fitzpatrick, the Bucs offence shocked the NFL world last week, dropping 48 points on the highly rated Saints. Receivers Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson showed their quality, combining for just under 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. The typically strong Bucs defence wasn’t at their best however, allowing 40 points and over 400 yards passing. That being said, I expect standout players such as Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander and Gerald McCoy to put in a much better showing this week.
Prediction: Eagles -3 at $1.88
I’d love to say that Fitzmagic will keep up this level of play, but the Eagles defence is just too good. They’re also much better offensively than they showed last week, and I expect a much more complete performance. Eagles 20-14 Buccaneers.
Monday, September 17, 6.05am (AEST), Levi’s Stadium
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers put in a resilient performance last week, coming close to the highly rated Vikings. Jimmy Garoppolo endured his first loss as a starter in a disappointing 3 interception performance. Youngsters George Kittle and Dante Pettis combined for over 150 receiving yards after the injury to star wideout Marquise Goodwin. The 49ers defence performed admirably against a strong Vikings offense. Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner managed an impressive 2.5 sacks, whilst rookie Linebacker Fred Warner totalled 12 tackles in his NFL debut.
Detroit Lions
The Lions come off probably the most disappointing performance of all, being thrashed by the Jets 48-17 with the whole country watching. Often maligned QB Matt Stafford struggled, throwing 4 interceptions in an ugly performance. The running game didn’t pick up the slack either, totalling only 39 yards on the day. Giving up 48 points to a rookie QB doesn’t bode well for the Lions either, with Quandre Diggs’ pick-six being the only notable highlight. Nevertheless, you’d expect a defence featuring Ziggy Ansah and Darius Slay to bounce back soon.
Prediction: 49ers -6 at $1.92
In my opinion, the 49ers have a better team, better coaching staff and a better Quarterback. I expect Jimmy Garoppolo to rebound in this home opener and the 49ers upstart defence to contain Matthew Stafford. 49ers 27-17 Lions.
Monday, September 17, 6.05am (AEST), Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
L.A Rams
The Rams come into their home opener fresh off of a dominant 33-13 win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football. Superstar Running Back Todd Gurley led the way, totalling 147 yards from scrimmage and a Touchdown. Young QB Jared Goff also threw for 233 yards and a score in a professional performance. The Rams renowned defence was also very much on display. Star Cornerback Marcus Peters had himself a 50-yard pick-six, whilst their dominant defensive line disrupted the Raiders offense all night.
Arizona Cardinals
After a 24-6 home massacre against the Redskins last week, things don’t get any easier for the Cardinals in Week 2. New QB Sam Bradford struggled immensely, throwing a pick on his way to a 4.5 yard per attempt average. The ageless Larry Fitzgerald and star Running Back David Johnson offer Cardinals fans a glimmer of hope. Moreover, the Redskins offense had their way with the Cardinals defence last week. The Cardinals only real chance here is that defensive stalwarts Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson can somehow contain this Rams offense.
Prediction: Rams -13 at $1.92
I firmly expect the Rams to be in Superbowl contention this year. After a dominant win in week 1, I expect them to put in another professional performance in a game where they have an extreme talent advantage. Rams 34-14 Cardinals.
Monday, September 17, 6.25am (AEST), TIAA Bank Field
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars put in a professional performance in week 1, grinding their way to a 20-15 road victory over the Giants. Blake Bortles struggled but did just enough, going for 218 yards of offense and a Touchdown. Star Running Back Leonard Fournette will need to be back to his best this week. The dominant Jaguars defence is one of the best that the league has to offer. Calais Campbell and Marcell Dareus are a handful for any offensive line, whilst star CB duo Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye prevent the big plays on the back end.
New England Patriots
Fresh off of a week 1 victory over the Texans, the Patriots head on the road for a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship. Tom Brady was excellent as usual with 277 yards and 3 touchdowns, whilst Rob Gronkowski was back to his best with 123 receiving yards and a score of his own. The Patriots defence needs to dominate their matchup to ensure a win here. Look for Trey Flowers and Lawrence Guy to provide the pressure up front, with Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty manning the secondary.
Prediction: Patriots -1.5 at $1.96
In most areas of the field, the Jaguars have the advantage. However, the Patriots have a monumental edge at the key positions of Quarterback and Head Coach. I expect the Patriots defence to dominate Blake Bortles and Co. whilst Belichick and Brady carry the Pats’ offense. Patriots 23-17 Jaguars.
Monday, September 17, 6.25am (AEST), Broncos Stadium At Mile High
Denver Broncos
The Broncos got their 2018 campaign underway with a narrow 27-24 victory over the Seahawks. New QB Case Keenum delivered a mixed performance in his debut, throwing for 329 yards and 3 touchdowns, but also throwing three interceptions. Phillip Lindsay and Emmanuel Sanders were both standouts, each topping 100 yards from scrimmage to go with a Touchdown. Von Miller was the best player on the field on defence, totalling 3 sacks and wreaking havoc all afternoon. Stars Chris Harris, Brandon Marshall and Darian Stewart also combine to make this a dominant unit.
Oakland Raiders
Jon Gruden endured a disappointing return to coaching as his Raiders outfit suffered a 33-13 loss to the strong LA Rams. Maligned Quarterback Derek Carr struggled on his way to 3 interceptions, whilst Marshawn Lynch could only muster 41 yards on the ground. The Raiders defence didn’t fare much better in week 1, combining for 1 sack and 0 interceptions. After trading superstar Kahlil Mack in the off-season, I just don’t see where the pressure comes from this weak unit.
Prediction: Broncos -6 at $1.92
Mile High Stadium offers one of the best home field advantages in the NFL. I expect the Broncos to build off of their Week 1 win with a comfortable home win against the Raiders. The sheer force of their defensive front seven will just prove to be too much. Broncos 28-20 Raiders.