National Football League

2016 NFL Picks, Predictions For Week 1

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The 2016 season is finally set to get under way, which means it’s time to take a look at how Week 1 could pan out with my NFL picks and predictions.

The 2016 NFL picks and predictions are in for Week 1, which is set to kick off on Thursday with a Super Bowl 50 rematch between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

However, if you’re not a fan of one of those teams, there’s no need to fret—there are 15 other games on the schedule for Week 1. There are sure to be several worthwhile matchups as we wait to see how some of the NFL’s most intriguing rosters have shaped up in 2016.

Will we see an upset or two? You better believe it, especially without a true gauge for how good teams are at this point. You can also bet on at least a few surprise performances from young, unheralded talents. It’s just part of the fun that is the NFL season getting under way.

Put simply, there’s a lot to look forward to this week. That’s part of why I’ve put together my predictions for the slate of 16 games. Just remember that these are all my personal opinions; I take no blame for you losing big money if you make bets based on my selections.

So here they are, my NFL picks for Week 1.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers (0-0) at Denver Broncos (0-0)

No matter who wins this one, it’s sure to be an exciting showdown. A rematch of Super Bowl 50 to get this season started, and it’s got a lot of intriguing storylines. First and foremost, how will the Broncos fare with a new quarterback under center? Trevor Siemian won the starting job during training camp and the preseason, and has some huge shoes to fill. Can he carry the Denver offense to victory?

I’m hesitant to answer that question with “yes,” but I still find it hard to go against this Denver defense. They have so many talented playmakers, even after losing several stars this offseason. It’s going to be a tall task for Cam Newton and Co. to overcome.

So in the end, I just see the Broncos squeaking out a win in this one. The Panthers obviously have their own excellent defense, but Denver’s is a smidgen better. I also have a feeling Siemian will step up and knock it out of the park in his first official NFL start.

Pick: Broncos

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

If we were going off of how the preseason went, this would be an awesome matchup. The Falcons finished the preseason with the top overall offense, while the Buccaneers ended with the second-best overall defense. Unfortunately for these two teams, the regular season is a whole different beast.

I think both of these teams have the potential to compete for a playoff spot in 2016. However, if I had to pick one based on overall talent, I’d go with the Buccaneers. I love the young core of talent on Tampa Bay’s offense, and the defense is overflowing with upside.

Meanwhile, the Falcons offer far more talent on offense than defense. Even with Dan Quinn trying to work his magic on the Atlanta defense, there just aren’t enough proven playmakers. Slowing down the likes of Jameis Winston, Doug Martin and Mike Evans is simply going to be too tall a task. It should be an exciting opener for both teams, but Tampa Bay comes out on top.

Pick: Buccaneers

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-0)

Adjusting to the loss of Teddy Bridgewater is going to be tedious for the Vikings. Fortunately, they start their season against a team they’re more than capable of beating—if the defense comes to play.

Believe it or not, the Titans are no slouch as we head into 2016. They’ve made some serious strides in the last few months, especially on the offensive side of the football. However, I’m not sure they have enough firepower to overcome the overwhelming talent of the Minnesota defense. Can Marcus Mariota take the next step in his maturation? Will we see the DeMarco Murray of 2014 or 2015? So many questions, and we won’t have any answers until Sunday.

The Vikings have their own issues, though. With Bridgewater out, can Shaun Hill step up while Sam Bradford gets up to speed? He’ll likely only start one game, which should mean the Vikings will rely heavily on Adrian Peterson to carry the offense. Luckily, the defense should do enough to secure a win. This will be closer than many expect, but the Vikings should come out on top.

Pick: Vikings

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns (0-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-0)

Honestly, I’m not very excited about what either of these teams bring to the table in 2016. Both have new head coaches, are headed in new directions and have new starting quarterbacks. It’s great that both franchises are making moves, but rebuilds are often slow, steady processes that don’t happen overnight.

Still, someone has to win, right?

In this situation, I think it’ll be the Browns as crazy as it seems. The team is headed in the right direction with new leadership and a capable starter under center. They’ve made some intriguing moves this offseason, and continue to stockpile promising prospects on both sides of the football.

The Eagles are in a similar situation, but are still up in the air at quarterback now that they’l start rookie Carson Wentz.. There are also some question marks in terms of the depth at wide receiver. In the end, I believe Cleveland pulls off the Week 1 upset with a strong showing—especially from Robert Griffin III.

Pick: Browns

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals (0-0) at New York Jets (0-0)

I was really torn on this one. One team has an exceptional offense and an above-average defense, while it’s vice versa for the other. So you better believe this one will come down to the wire on Sunday. When it’s all said and done, though, I believe the Bengals will leave with the win. Even in hostile territory, I think Cincinnati has a slight advantage due to their outstanding offense that features a plethora of playmakers.

You’ve got Andy Dalton throwing to A.J. Green and Brandon LaFell, and the duo of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard killing it on the ground. Sure, the Jets defense is among the best at stopping the run, but they’re going to have their hands full against a Cincinnati offense that should be among the league’s best in 2016.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall will give the Bengals everything they’ve got. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll be enough to start the season off with a win. The New York defense will give up a few too many big plays, and Cincinnati will claim victory in a close one.

Pick: Bengals

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)

I’d like to tell you that the Saints stand a real chance of winning this game. If I told you that, though, I’d be lying. Based on the talent of these two rosters, this should be a cakewalk for the rapidly-improving Raiders.

Sure, New Orleans has some exciting offensive weapons. Mark Ingram can move the ball with ease (at times), and the receiving unit is bursting with high-upside youngsters. Drew Brees is getting old, but he’s still more than capable of racking up big yards through the air. Unfortunately, the defense is a mess right now.

The starting cornerbacks have a total of 16 appearances between them. Two of the three starting linebackers are aging, overrated veterans who were tossed aside by their previous teams. It’s not looking good for this Saints defense, which finished second-worst in the NFL last year.

On the other hand, the Raiders are being considered Super Bowl sleepers. The offense is full of uber-talented playmakers, and the defense saw serious improvement this offseason. When all is said and done, Oakland will have cruised to a Week 1 victory.

Pick: Raiders

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers (0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)

Both of these teams have their pros and cons. They both offer solid offenses with a couple of stars, but noteworthy holes. Unfortunately, on the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs have a huge advantage over the Chargers.

With players like Dontari Poe and Marcus Peters flying around the field, Kansas City shouldn’t have too much trouble slowing the San Diego offense. Sure, Philip Rivers will make plenty of plays. Melvin Gordon may score his first regular season touchdown. That doesn’t mean they’ll find the end zone enough to beat the Chiefs on the scoreboard, though.

Don’t get me wrong—Kansas City has its own offensive shortcomings. Alex Smith will never be anything more than an above-average starter. Jamaal Charles may not play in Week 1, which will leave Spencer Ware as the starter. The offensive line also has its issues, especially at left tackle.

Still, it won’t be enough to nullify their edge over the Chargers. It’s going to be a close contest between these AFC West rivals. However, their defense and home-field advantage will give the Chiefs the boost they need to start this season off on the right foot.

Pick: Chiefs

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills (0-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-0)

In terms of overall talent, I believe these teams are fairly even. Both appear capable of earning a trip to the playoffs, but need some stars to shine and a little luck in order to do so. Sadly how it goes, tough, is that only one can start the 2016 season off in the win column. My prediction is that the Ravens will be that team.

Baltimore has some holes, especially on the defensive side of the football. However, the offense is more than capable of making up for those shortcomings. Joe Flacco is back and healthy. Moreover, the Ravens have a stable of quality running backs and the receiving unit offers a ton of upside. If the offensive line can hold up, scoring points shouldn’t be an issue.

Meanwhile, there hasn’t been much positive coming out of the Bills’ camp the last couple of months. Mainly driven by off-the-field issues, Buffalo has watched several players go out of commission to start the season. It’s not a good way to kick off a 2016 campaign that could go in two very different directions for Rex Ryan and his squad. I honestly think this one could be a bit of snoozer, especially if Flacco struggles to get back into the swing of things. However, even if that is the case, the Ravens should find a way to win this one.

Pick: Ravens

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears (0-0) at Houston Texans (0-0)

I think both of these teams are headed in the right direction, but one is much further along than the other. The Texans knew they needed some upgrades on offense this offseason, and they didn’t hesitate. They stole Brock Osweiler from the Broncos, added a quality running back in Lamar Miller and spent a first-round pick on the speedy Will Fuller. When you consider the Texans already had a dominant defense, it seems like all of the pieces are in place.

The Bears, meanwhile, are still a ways away. They took a few strides this offseason, making significant upgrades to the defense. The additions of Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman and Leonard Floyd could all have big impacts in Chicago. Unfortunately, the offense is still a concern.

This should be a good game, but I have to give the edge to the Texans. I just don’t see the Bears being able to put enough points on the board against this Houston defense, especially with J.J. Watt expected to play (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).

Pick: Texans

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers (0-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0)

It might not have seemed possible a year or two ago, but I believe this could be a rather exciting matchup.

The Packers are expected to be contenders as usual in 2016. They’ve still got Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy lost weight and Jordy Nelson is back. The defense has some holes, but it’s strong enough to keep the scoreboard leaning in Green Bay’s favor.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ arrow is pointing in an unmistakably upward direction. Blake Bortles appears ready to emerge as a franchise quarterback, Allen Robinson is one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers, and the defense underwent serious upgrades this offseason with the additions of Malik Jackson, Tashaun Gipson and Jalen Ramsey.

Unfortunately, it won’t be enough this time around. The Packers are too powerful at this point, and Jacksonville still needs more time to click with so many new faces.

The Jaguars are a team on the rise, but that rise won’t start in Week 1. They’ll show some flashes of competitiveness and put up some solid numbers, but they aren’t ready to battle with the likes of Green Bay at this moment.

Pick: Packers

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins (0-0) at Seattle Seahawks (0-0)

I’m sorry Dolphins fans, but there isn’t much to be excited about heading into 2016. That’ll ring true in Week 1, when they fall to a Seahawks team that is light years ahead in terms of competitiveness.

Sure, the Dolphins have a decent quarterback, a couple of quality receivers and a strong offensive line. They also have some exceptional defensive linemen, but the linebackers and cornerbacks are average at best and there’s little to be excited about in the running game.

Even with a new head coach leading the charge, this team is still a ways off from being a contender. On the other hand, the Seahawks are still among the NFL’s best teams.

The departure of Marshawn Lynch hurts, but the offense is still more than capable of blowing games wide open. And we all know how dominant the Seattle defense can be when they’re clicking. This one might not be a blowout, but it’s not going to give Miami fans much confidence moving forward.

Pick: Seahawks

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants (0-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-0)

The Giants took several steps forward this offseason. They revamped the coaching staff, spent big money during free agency and drafted some prospects capable of contributing immediately. Unfortunately, that won’t be enough to overcome the Cowboys at home.

Now don’t get me wrong–this Dallas team has its own fair share of issues. They’re no shoe-in for the NFC East crown, and still need more help before we can even consider them a potential playoff team in 2016.

However, I really like the idea of Dak Prescott starting at quarterback. The rookie was a star during the preseason, and now gets the opportunity to lead the Cowboys into the regular season with Tony Romo injured. I’m confident he’ll answer the call and begin his NFL career with a bang.

The Giants defense will give him all of the opposition he can handle. The New York offense will also enjoy plenty of success against the deprived Dallas defense. It’s going to be a hard-fought game, as most NFC East matchups are.

However, when all is said and done, the combo of Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant should land the Cowboys in the win column.

Pick: Cowboys

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)

This is another one I struggled to decide a victor for. Both of these teams are on a fairly even playing field, with neither looking like a strong contender heading into 2016. However, I had to give the advantage to one.

That would be the Colts. And the reason for that is simply due to them having a healthy Andrew Luck on their side. Both teams have significant holes throughout their rosters, but both are capable of scoring in bunches. However, the presence of Luck will make life a little easier for Indianapolis.

Now I’d expect Matt Stafford and the Detroit offense to find the end zone at least a couple of times. Even with Calvin Johnson out of the picture, the playmaking potential is there to light up the scoreboard–if the blocking holds up.

My guess is it will, especially with the Colts’ underwhelming defense.

It’s not going to be a pretty game, and there will be plenty of mistakes made. In the end, though, Luck will make enough plays to get Indianapolis its first win of the 2016 campaign.

Pick: Colts

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots (0-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-0)

Here it is–the first test to determine whether or not the Patriots can survive without Tom Brady. It’ll also be the first opportunity for the Cardinals to prove they’re still contenders nearly booking a trip to Super Bowl 50. If you ask me, the latter will be the end result.

The Cardinals are an outstanding football team right now. The offense was the best in the NFL last year, and should get even better this year as David Johnson continues to blossom as one of the league’s best young backs. Oh yeah, and Arizona sports a relatively unaltered defense that finished 2015 ranked fifth in the NFL.

Meanwhile, the Patriots will send quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to battle in his first start. He’ll be without top running back Dion Lewis (PUP), and should also be missing his second-best receiver in Danny Amendola. It’s not an ideal situation for a young gunslinger to be in.

New England will undoubtedly put up a fight, and Garoppolo will shine. However, even if that is the case, I don’t think the Patriots are ready to hand the Cardinals a loss to start the year. The defense will likely be without its top two pass rushers, which will make slowing Carson Palmer and Co. too large of a challenge.

This is the matchup of the week, and sparks will fly. In the end, the Cardinals will reign supreme.

Pick: Cardinals

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) at Washington Redskins (0-0)

Personally, I think this Redskins team will surprise in 2016. Kirk Cousins has the makings of a franchise quarterback, he’s got an overwhelming arsenal of weapons to work with, and the defense saw significant improvements this offseason.

With that being said, I don’t think they have enough to outlast the Steelers in Week 1.

Even with Le’Veon Bell suspended, Pittsburgh’s entire roster is bursting at the seams with talent. Ben Roethlisberger appears primed for a big year, especially when he’s throw to a highly motivated Antonio Brown. My only concern sits in the secondary, with minimal improvements made to the league’s 30th-ranked pass defense.

That’s why this will be an excellent way to kick off Monday night’s double header.

I’m anticipating a high-scoring affair, with both offenses putting up huge numbers and stuffing the stat sheets. However, I have to give the advantage to the Steelers, a team that has more offensive firepower and more playmakers on the defensive front.

Pick: Steelers

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams (0-0) at San Francisco 49ers (0-0)

I really don’t think either of these teams can truly contend in 2016. However, starting 1-0 would obviously be a step in the right direction for one of them.

Based on what I’ve seen in the past few months, I’d have to give the edge to the Rams in this one. This will be their first regular-season outing since the move, and the team would obviously love to get a divisional win to christen their return to Los Angeles. I’m confident that’ll happen.

The 49ers will be expecting a subpar starter in Blaine Gabbert to shine against one of the NFL’s best defensive lines. That’s not going to happen, especially with a couple of question marks along their offensive line. Oh, and it doesn’t help that San Francisco’s wide receiver corps isn’t exactly star studded.

The Rams may have their own issues, but they do offer the elite talents of Todd Gurley. They also have a decent starting quarterback in Case Keenum, and a defense with plenty of stars.

Look for Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and the rest of the Los Angeles defensive front to wreck havoc on the 49ers’ backfield. That should be enough to secure a W in the opener.

Pick: Rams

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