Falcons at Bears - A new season begins for both teams, and both teams want to put some bad memories from last season behind them. For the Falcons, specifically, it is the memory of blowing that enormous 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, being so close to a championship, and letting it slip from their grasp. For Chicago, it was basically the entire season that they would like to forget, as they were among the very worst teams in the league last year. Maybe Chicago can pull off an upset, but I very much doubt it. The Falcons still have a very talented team determined to get this new season off on the right track. I see no reason to expect that they will not do it, either. My pick: Atlanta
Raiders at Titans - Both teams bounced back from years of ineptitude to enjoy winning seasons last year, although in both cases, their star quarterbacks were hurt right at the end, derailing any chance at some breathtaking accomplishments. For the Titans, the loss of Mariota effectively ended their chances at winning their division, or even at qualifying for the playoffs. As for the Raiders, a regular season that had to be incredibly satisfying wound up being a huge disappointment at the end. Carr was injured and out for the season, and the Broncos beat Oakland in the regular season finale, preventing the Raiders from winning the division and getting a home game in the playoffs. Then, the Raiders lost the Wildcard Game at Houston. Now, both teams have a chance to open up in a positive manner. Home field advantage could figure prominently, and possibly, so might the weather, if the winds and rain from Hurricane Irma reach that far. This is a tough one to call, but for some reason, I think the Raiders might do it. My pick: Oakland
Ravens at Bengals - The Ravens made some serious moves in the last few seasons, particularly on defense. Now, they might just have the nastiest defense in the league. Also, they have Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl winning quarterback who has been inconsistent, but when he's good, he's damn good! Then there are the Bengals, a team that had been remarkably consistent for years until last season. They were always good, but not that good. Now, both teams hope to bounce back from disappointing seasons last year, but I think the Ravens might just be better. They will likely prove it in this contest. My pick: Baltimore
Steelers at Browns - A rough way for the Browns to start this season. I would love to predict an upset here, but...the Steelers have had all offseason to prepare for this game, and are playing a relatively weak team. Pittsburgh has a dangerous offense and a solid defense, and is disciplined and well-coached. Cleveland is...well, Cleveland. It would be nice to break down this game a little more, and explore why I will predict the results the way that I have. But it comes down to this: you have Pittsburgh, a team of remarkable success. Then, you have Cleveland, a traditional doormat, going through their usual problems. Expect the Steelers to win, of course. My pick: Pittsburgh
Jaguars at Texans - Jacksonville escapes a hurricane in their home state to go to an area completely ravaged by another recent hurricane. This might be an emotionally charged game for both teams. Still, the Jaguars are a pretty terrible team, and the Texans, while not great, won the division the last two seasons for a reason. Like with the Browns, the Jaguars have a host of problems to deal with, and that likely means the Texans take this one. My pick: Houston
Jets at Bills - The beginning of a long season for the Jets begins up in Buffalo's Orchard Park. Buffalo is not exactly a Super Bowl favorite either, but the Jets look very vulnerable - particularly on offense. I expect a relatively low scoring contest, but at the end of the day, with home field advantage working for them, the Bills should win this one. My pick: Buffalo
Cardinals at Lions - The Lions were a playoff team last year, although it sometimes does not feel that way. Arizona missed the playoffs despite high expectations early on, and they hope to bounce back to make a serious run towards the playoffs this year. Detroit can be a tough place to play, but I think the Cardinals will bounce back to be one of the better teams again this season, and this season starts today, of course. That is why the Cardinals will win. My pick: Arizona
Eagles at Redskins - Washington hosts Carson Wexler and the Philadelphia Eagles to open the season. Washington has been a decent team in recent years, and they made a serious run at the playoffs last season, falling just short of qualifying. The Eagles, meanwhile, started off red hot last season, then kind of got colder as the season wore on. A lot of people are expecting the Eagles to make some noise this season, and they should indeed be intriguing, but Washington is at home, and is likely better. Thus, they should win this particular contest. My pick: Washington
Colts at Rams - A strange opening game for both teams. The Colts go out west to the City of Angels. Hard to believe that Los Angeles went from zero teams to two in such a quick time span. However, neither team is very good, and the Rams just do not likely have the weapons to be highly competitive. The Colts, in the meantime, have some serious talent, especially on offense. They may or may not bounce back enough to reach the playoffs, but they should have enough to at least win this game. My pick: Indianapolis
Panthers at 49ers - Carolina had an awful year last season, following an incredible 2015 season that saw them go all the way to the Super Bowl. San Francisco, in the meantime, suffered through one of the worst seasons in franchise history last year, and they are expected to be not much better this season. The Panthers, I expect, will enjoy a much better season, but it has to start right away, with this game. Carolina cannot lose a game to one of the worst teams on opening day, and feel good about the new season. So, I see the Panthers playing solidly, and getting a convincing win against the 49ers in this one. My prediction: Carolina
Seahawks at Packers - Wow! This is one of the best games for the opening weekend. The Seahawks and the Packers. Both teams have won fairly recent Super Bowls, and both teams have qualified for the playoffs every season since 2012 (and 2009, specifically, for Green Bay). Plus, they have a rivalry together. However, the Packers still seem to have the revenge factor on their side, and this game is being played at Lambeau Field, which almost always is a big advantage for them. Still, the Seahawks cannot be overlooked, even if they are not what they once were. I like the Pack in a back and for contest in this one. My pick: Green Bay
Sunday Night Football Giants at Cowboys - This is a tough one. Both teams are expected to be contenders. The Giants have a very tough defense, but then again, Dallas has a powerful offensive line. New York swept the Cowboys last season, accounting for both of the meaningful regular season losses that the 'Boys suffered during last year's regular season. Of course, it is a question mark how all of the offseason drama surrounding Zeke will play out, especially in this, the opening game. These two teams are so close to one another, it is hard to make this prediction with any measure of confidence. My pick: NY Giants
Monday Night Football Saints at Vikings - Minnesota wants to get back on track after a dismal season last year. Their defense was tough not so long ago, and they still might have something there. But it will be tested severely against the Saints, who had one of the most explosive offenses last season. The problem with New Orleans was their defense, and even if they score a lot of points, they still might lose. Still, I predict that they will pull this one off, stunning Minnesota. My pick: New Orleans
Monday Night Football Chargers at Broncos - Once again, a team moves to Los Angeles, then opens the season with a nationally televised, late Monday Night Football season opener on the road. The Chargers go to Denver to play the Broncos, who won the Super Bowl two years ago, but had a disappointing title defense last season, missing the playoffs. I expect the Broncos to get back on track this season, and it begins here, with what will likely be a convincing enough win against the Chargers. My pick: Denver
Buccaneers at Dolphins, moved to Week 11 due to Hurricane Irma
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