2014 #NFL Week 1 picks (149-106-1, Super Bowl in 2013): SEA, ATL, CIN, CHI, HOU, KC, NE, NYJ, PHI, PIT, STL, DAL, CAR, DEN, DET, SD
— Law Murray (@1maddskillz) September 4, 2014
I’ll keep this short, since the big post that you all should be seeing from this site this week is the Hypothesis Report!
Seattle already won, because Green Bay’s run defense is among the decade’s worst.
The Falcons always challenge the Saints in Atlanta, and with all of Atlanta’s skill players healthy, I’m expecting what may be their best performance of the season.
Baltimore usually owns Cincinnati at home, and they will again unless QB Andy Dalton gets off to an efficient, effective start on the road.
The season hasn’t even started yet and the Bills are in a state of widespread dysfunction. The Bears are used to new Buffalo DC Jim Schwartz and his defense, but I’m watching to see if Buffalo QB EJ Manuel gets off to a good start.
I’m watching for the Houston pass rush at home against Robert Griffin III. I have not liked what I saw from Griffin in the pocket over the course of his Shanahan years, and it didn’t get better this preseason.
The Chiefs were able to knock off the Titans last season in Tennessee, though the Titans have changed their entire defense up. It should be the Jamaal Charles show.
The last time New England opened the season in Miami, Tom Brady threw for over 500 yards. He may not get half that this time around, but all eyes should be on whether or not Ryan Tannehill gets any protection from his offensive line.
Geno Smith had a rough rookie season, but the Jets put up 37 points when Oakland showed up last season. Once again, the Raiders are going with a rookie QB (Derek Carr) for Rex Ryan to toy with.
Philadelphia has one of the most vanilla defenses in the league, but opening at home against the impotent Jaguars offense should allow them to put this game away early. Jacksonville should sell out to stop LeSean McCoy, which should open things up for TE Zach Ertz.
The Steelers only lose to Cleveland when they turn the ball over eight times with backups or when the temperature is Arctic. Which means Cleveland has a chance if they can get to Ben Roethlisberger and the football. Pittsburgh WR Antonio Brown burned CLE CB Joe Haden on multiple occasions last season.
Prepare for the Shaun Hill/Kurt Warner references for the Rams this season! I’m expecting Matt Cassel to cough up the ball in critical situations in Saint Louis.
If Tony Romo’s back is ready to go, Dallas should win a shootout.
Cam Newton is a gametime decision in Tampa Bay, but I’m not sure the Buccaneers can block the Panthers up front.
The Broncos defense should destroy Indianapolis up front, while Robert Mathis is suspended for this game, robbing the Colts of a major factor from their win against the Broncos last season.
The Lions defensive line should dominate the Giants.
The Chargers should be able to take advantage of Arizona’s in-flux defense, especially if they get TE Ladarius Green involved. Arizona pretty much refused to defend TEs last season.
-1SKILLZ