NFL Week One Cheat Sheet
We are past Labor Day, the summer is officially over, and the NFL is finally here.
That also means that school has started, youth sports has started, and dance classes have started.
Everyone's schedule just got a little busier. I spent a good part of my day yesterday driving around Fairfax County, Virginia to support U10 girls soccer and high school cross country. Today it is raining here, and once I get this blog out, the only thing I have on my schedule beyond a few minor errands is the NFL.
Let's get this Week 1 Cheat Sheet completed and enjoy today's games.
Buffalo at (-7.5) Baltimore: The Bills will be starting Nathan Peterman at quarterback this week. He didn't play a lot last year, but when he did he threw an interception on 10 percent of his throws. The Ravens led the NFL in interceptions in 2017. Matt Parrino of NewYorkUpstate.com reports the Buffalo defense look bad in their third preseason game (the full dress rehearsal) against the Cincinnati Bengals, too. Baltimore is a straight up mediocre 40-40 since winning the Super Bowl in February 2013, but they are good enough to win Sunday at home. -- RAVENS
San Francisco at (-6.5) Minnesota: The Vikings finished the season a game away from the Super Bowl last year so they threw $84 million at former-Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. The multi-million dollar quarterback gets to start his season at home against a broke-ass defense. San Francisco added former-Seahawk CB Richard Sherman to that defense, ranked 25th in points allowed last year, but they will be missing key LB Ruben Foster Sunday, according to Adam Rauzino of WinnersandWhiners.com. Once their defense gets solidified, the Niners with QB Jimmy Garopollo are going to be a very tough team to beat, but there is still a little work to be done. -- VIKINGS
Houston at (-6.0) New England: Quarterback Tom Brady is 41 years old, but also the reigning NFL MVP. Do we really need to talk about the Patriots roster any deeper than that? They...have...Tom...Brady! Houston is returning QB Deshaun Watson from a season-ending injury last year, and also returning DE J.J. Watt and LB Whitney Mercilus, who both ended last season on the injured reserve. Sarah Barshop of ESPN says Houston is 0-7 against New England since the 2009 finale, but the Texans almost beat the Pats Week 3 last September. The streak continues. -- PATRIOTS
Pittsburgh (-4.0) at Cleveland: The last three games between these rivals have been decided by 4, 3, and 3 points. This lopsided rivalry hasn't been close in total wins and losses, but it sure has produced close games of late. Cleveland brought in a QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Carlos Hyde and WR Jarvis Landry in the offseason to boost their offense, but Pittsburgh star RB Le'Veon Bell still hasn't joined his teammates in camp, according to Henry McKenna of TheBigLead.com. The Browns are improving and have to be close to victory against Steelers, but I just don't have the guts to call it just yet. -- STEELERS
Cincinnati at (-2.5) Indianapolis: I have a rule for myself in my pick 'em leagues -- I don't pick a Colts victory unless I feel absolutely certain they will win. The offseason reports had me feeling so good about Indianapolis that I actually predicted them to make the playoffs as a wild card. Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star penned a column Thursday that made me feel much less optimistic about this year. If Vegas was certain the Colts would win a home game, they would have favored them by more than three. If they aren't certain, neither am I. -- BENGALS
Jacksonville (-3.0) at New York Giants: New York had a horrible rushing game last year, and #1 WR Odell Beckham, Jr. missed 12 of 16 games to help derail the passing attack. Beckham is back and will be paired with 1st round draftee RB Saquon Barkely from Penn State to boost both efforts on offense. We all know about the Jaguars 2nd ranked defense, and their 6th ranked offense powered by an excellent running game. You can assume the Giants offense will improve, but what about their defense that Dan Schneier of 247Sports.com says has gone through massive changes? Can they stop the run? I bet they can if that offense is just a little bit better, which they are. -- GIANTS
Tampa Bay at (-9.5) New Orleans: The defending NFC South champion Saints had the 2nd best offense in the league last year, and will throw veteran QB Drew Brees, rising-star WR Michael Thomas, and do-everything RB Alvin Kamara. The Buccaneers defense was the worst in the league last year at 378 yards per game. Tim Williams of SportsTalkFlorida.com thinks Tampa improved its pass rush, but pass coverage remains problematic. Oh, did I forget to mention Buccaneer QB Jameis Winston will be serving the first game of his three game suspension Sunday? -- SAINTS
Tennessee (-1.0) at Miami: I will do everything I can today not to end up trapped in front of a television showing this game. Miami QB Ryan Tannehill will return to the field after missing all of the 2017 season with a knee injury. Since he last saw the field, the Dolphins traded top receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland and the best remaining receiver, Devante Parker is doubtful this Sunday. Tennessee. The Titans offense is nothing spectacular either, but new head coach Mike Vrabel has supposedly adjusted the offensive scheme to capitalize on QB Marcus Mariota's dual-threat strengths, according to Erik Bacharach of the Nashville Tennessean. -- TITANS
Redskins at (-1.0) Cardinals: Washington is 0-4 in openers under coach Jay Gruden. J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports says new Redskins QB Alex Smith is excellent in openers, however. Maybe Smith can change the luck of the uninspiring home team along the Potomac. I am not buying into any change to the positive for Washington until they convince me. -- CARDINALS
Kansas City at (-3.0) Los Angeles Chargers: And this is a perfect game to get trapped watching. Last year's AFC West champions from Kansas City jettisoned the quarterback that took them to the playoffs four out of the last five years for second-year man Pat Mahomes. Los Angeles kept their 14-year veteran QB Philip Rivers who hasn't gotten them to the playoffs since after the 2013 season. Matt Lane of ArrowheadPride.com says Rivers and the Chargers always have problems with the Chiefs defense ever since former Army coach Bob Sutton became the coordinator. I think the veteran quarterback finally makes it happen today. -- CHARGERS
Dallas at (-2.5) Carolina: Panther QB Cam Newton is an elite talent, and RB Christian McCaffrey compiled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards last year, but there are questions about the Carolina offensive line and the receiver corps is unimpressive. The Cowboys tandem of QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott is just as, if not more potent, but they are also operating behind a suspect offensive line, according to Stefan Stevenson of the Dallas Star-Telegram. Dallas even had a slightly better rated defense last year. For a season opener, I will take the more experienced quarterback at home. -- PANTHERS
Seattle at (-3.0) Denver: Fascinating little tidbit from the CBSSports.com preview of this game: Seattle is 1-4 opening on the road under coach Pete Carroll. The once vaunted Seahawks defense is being revamped and the Legion of Boom no longer exists. Denver's defense looks to be an improved one with the addition of rookie DE Bradley Chubb, and Alistair Corp of FieldGulls.com thinks the linebacker corps of Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall is better than last year's version, too. For Seattle to win this game, they will need some serious magic from QB Russell Wilson. -- BRONCOS
Chicago at (-7.5) Green Bay: The Chicago Bears historically have been about a linebacker and a running back playing physical football in the harsh conditions along Lake Michigan. Last year they had Indiana University product RB Jordan Howard rushing for more than a 1,000 yards, but only the 30th ranked defense in the league. But...they just added one of the best linebacker/defensive end hybrids in the game -- Khalil Mack. The problem for that defense is Green Bay has one of the best quarterbacks in the game and are playing at home. Even Sam Householder of WindyCityGridiron.com will tell you the Bears aren't winning today. They will be a heck of a lot more interesting to watch this year. -- PACKERS
New York Jets at (-6.5) Detroit: The Sam Darnold era begins Monday for the Jets. He will be the youngest starting quarterback in the history of the NFL at 21 years and 97 days. Detroit snagged the fourth most interceptions in the league last year and make for a tough first opponent for the young quarterback. Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay leads the secondary of the Lions defense that will most likely employ some new wrinkles under rookie head coach Matt Patricia. I do not agree with Michael Pallas of NFLSpinZone.com who says New York will win by 10 points today. -- LIONS
Los Angeles Rams (-4.0) at Oakland Raiders: The Rams are a sexy pick to make the Super Bowl this year. They brought in WR Brandin Cooks to boost an already excellent offense, and DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Marcus Peters, and CB Aqib Talib to improve the defense. The Raiders coaxed Jon Gruden out of retirement -- with a $100 million contract -- to coach the flailing Oakland-soon-to-be Las Vegas-base franchise. That money can't buy the Raiders a win this week though. -- RAMS
That also means that school has started, youth sports has started, and dance classes have started.
Everyone's schedule just got a little busier. I spent a good part of my day yesterday driving around Fairfax County, Virginia to support U10 girls soccer and high school cross country. Today it is raining here, and once I get this blog out, the only thing I have on my schedule beyond a few minor errands is the NFL.
Let's get this Week 1 Cheat Sheet completed and enjoy today's games.
Saturdays in the fall are spent watching these games and other youth sporting events. Sundays are thankfully unencumbered.
Buffalo at (-7.5) Baltimore: The Bills will be starting Nathan Peterman at quarterback this week. He didn't play a lot last year, but when he did he threw an interception on 10 percent of his throws. The Ravens led the NFL in interceptions in 2017. Matt Parrino of NewYorkUpstate.com reports the Buffalo defense look bad in their third preseason game (the full dress rehearsal) against the Cincinnati Bengals, too. Baltimore is a straight up mediocre 40-40 since winning the Super Bowl in February 2013, but they are good enough to win Sunday at home. -- RAVENS
San Francisco at (-6.5) Minnesota: The Vikings finished the season a game away from the Super Bowl last year so they threw $84 million at former-Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. The multi-million dollar quarterback gets to start his season at home against a broke-ass defense. San Francisco added former-Seahawk CB Richard Sherman to that defense, ranked 25th in points allowed last year, but they will be missing key LB Ruben Foster Sunday, according to Adam Rauzino of WinnersandWhiners.com. Once their defense gets solidified, the Niners with QB Jimmy Garopollo are going to be a very tough team to beat, but there is still a little work to be done. -- VIKINGS
Houston at (-6.0) New England: Quarterback Tom Brady is 41 years old, but also the reigning NFL MVP. Do we really need to talk about the Patriots roster any deeper than that? They...have...Tom...Brady! Houston is returning QB Deshaun Watson from a season-ending injury last year, and also returning DE J.J. Watt and LB Whitney Mercilus, who both ended last season on the injured reserve. Sarah Barshop of ESPN says Houston is 0-7 against New England since the 2009 finale, but the Texans almost beat the Pats Week 3 last September. The streak continues. -- PATRIOTS
Pittsburgh (-4.0) at Cleveland: The last three games between these rivals have been decided by 4, 3, and 3 points. This lopsided rivalry hasn't been close in total wins and losses, but it sure has produced close games of late. Cleveland brought in a QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Carlos Hyde and WR Jarvis Landry in the offseason to boost their offense, but Pittsburgh star RB Le'Veon Bell still hasn't joined his teammates in camp, according to Henry McKenna of TheBigLead.com. The Browns are improving and have to be close to victory against Steelers, but I just don't have the guts to call it just yet. -- STEELERS
Cincinnati at (-2.5) Indianapolis: I have a rule for myself in my pick 'em leagues -- I don't pick a Colts victory unless I feel absolutely certain they will win. The offseason reports had me feeling so good about Indianapolis that I actually predicted them to make the playoffs as a wild card. Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star penned a column Thursday that made me feel much less optimistic about this year. If Vegas was certain the Colts would win a home game, they would have favored them by more than three. If they aren't certain, neither am I. -- BENGALS
Jacksonville (-3.0) at New York Giants: New York had a horrible rushing game last year, and #1 WR Odell Beckham, Jr. missed 12 of 16 games to help derail the passing attack. Beckham is back and will be paired with 1st round draftee RB Saquon Barkely from Penn State to boost both efforts on offense. We all know about the Jaguars 2nd ranked defense, and their 6th ranked offense powered by an excellent running game. You can assume the Giants offense will improve, but what about their defense that Dan Schneier of 247Sports.com says has gone through massive changes? Can they stop the run? I bet they can if that offense is just a little bit better, which they are. -- GIANTS
Tampa Bay at (-9.5) New Orleans: The defending NFC South champion Saints had the 2nd best offense in the league last year, and will throw veteran QB Drew Brees, rising-star WR Michael Thomas, and do-everything RB Alvin Kamara. The Buccaneers defense was the worst in the league last year at 378 yards per game. Tim Williams of SportsTalkFlorida.com thinks Tampa improved its pass rush, but pass coverage remains problematic. Oh, did I forget to mention Buccaneer QB Jameis Winston will be serving the first game of his three game suspension Sunday? -- SAINTS
Tennessee (-1.0) at Miami: I will do everything I can today not to end up trapped in front of a television showing this game. Miami QB Ryan Tannehill will return to the field after missing all of the 2017 season with a knee injury. Since he last saw the field, the Dolphins traded top receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland and the best remaining receiver, Devante Parker is doubtful this Sunday. Tennessee. The Titans offense is nothing spectacular either, but new head coach Mike Vrabel has supposedly adjusted the offensive scheme to capitalize on QB Marcus Mariota's dual-threat strengths, according to Erik Bacharach of the Nashville Tennessean. -- TITANS
Redskins at (-1.0) Cardinals: Washington is 0-4 in openers under coach Jay Gruden. J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports says new Redskins QB Alex Smith is excellent in openers, however. Maybe Smith can change the luck of the uninspiring home team along the Potomac. I am not buying into any change to the positive for Washington until they convince me. -- CARDINALS
Kansas City at (-3.0) Los Angeles Chargers: And this is a perfect game to get trapped watching. Last year's AFC West champions from Kansas City jettisoned the quarterback that took them to the playoffs four out of the last five years for second-year man Pat Mahomes. Los Angeles kept their 14-year veteran QB Philip Rivers who hasn't gotten them to the playoffs since after the 2013 season. Matt Lane of ArrowheadPride.com says Rivers and the Chargers always have problems with the Chiefs defense ever since former Army coach Bob Sutton became the coordinator. I think the veteran quarterback finally makes it happen today. -- CHARGERS
Dallas at (-2.5) Carolina: Panther QB Cam Newton is an elite talent, and RB Christian McCaffrey compiled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards last year, but there are questions about the Carolina offensive line and the receiver corps is unimpressive. The Cowboys tandem of QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott is just as, if not more potent, but they are also operating behind a suspect offensive line, according to Stefan Stevenson of the Dallas Star-Telegram. Dallas even had a slightly better rated defense last year. For a season opener, I will take the more experienced quarterback at home. -- PANTHERS
Seattle at (-3.0) Denver: Fascinating little tidbit from the CBSSports.com preview of this game: Seattle is 1-4 opening on the road under coach Pete Carroll. The once vaunted Seahawks defense is being revamped and the Legion of Boom no longer exists. Denver's defense looks to be an improved one with the addition of rookie DE Bradley Chubb, and Alistair Corp of FieldGulls.com thinks the linebacker corps of Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall is better than last year's version, too. For Seattle to win this game, they will need some serious magic from QB Russell Wilson. -- BRONCOS
Chicago at (-7.5) Green Bay: The Chicago Bears historically have been about a linebacker and a running back playing physical football in the harsh conditions along Lake Michigan. Last year they had Indiana University product RB Jordan Howard rushing for more than a 1,000 yards, but only the 30th ranked defense in the league. But...they just added one of the best linebacker/defensive end hybrids in the game -- Khalil Mack. The problem for that defense is Green Bay has one of the best quarterbacks in the game and are playing at home. Even Sam Householder of WindyCityGridiron.com will tell you the Bears aren't winning today. They will be a heck of a lot more interesting to watch this year. -- PACKERS
New York Jets at (-6.5) Detroit: The Sam Darnold era begins Monday for the Jets. He will be the youngest starting quarterback in the history of the NFL at 21 years and 97 days. Detroit snagged the fourth most interceptions in the league last year and make for a tough first opponent for the young quarterback. Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay leads the secondary of the Lions defense that will most likely employ some new wrinkles under rookie head coach Matt Patricia. I do not agree with Michael Pallas of NFLSpinZone.com who says New York will win by 10 points today. -- LIONS
Los Angeles Rams (-4.0) at Oakland Raiders: The Rams are a sexy pick to make the Super Bowl this year. They brought in WR Brandin Cooks to boost an already excellent offense, and DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Marcus Peters, and CB Aqib Talib to improve the defense. The Raiders coaxed Jon Gruden out of retirement -- with a $100 million contract -- to coach the flailing Oakland-soon-to-be Las Vegas-base franchise. That money can't buy the Raiders a win this week though. -- RAMS
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