This is not a drill! The NFL is finally back this week with the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos kicking off the season with a rematch of last February’s Super Bowl. Sound the alarm, plan accordingly,, gather the troops and enjoy the ride. But before all of that, let’s first take a look at three games we think the underdogs have a legitimate shot of emerging victorious.
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
NFL Week 1 Sleepers Predictions
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3) at Atlanta Falcons (-3); total: 47.5 (Sun, Sep. 11, 1:00 PM ET)
Jameis Winston should be better and so is Mike Evans, who’s proven to be a stud in two years in the league. Evans is tough to cover given his 6-5 frame and with Atlanta lacking an imposing secondary piece besides Desmond Trufant, Winston and Evans along with Vincent Jackson could be in for a killing this Saturday. The trio will test Atlanta’s defense, which was just 18th last season in passing yards allowed. Note that the Bucs defeated the Falcons twice in 2015.
Why the Bucs will lose: Well, the Bucs might just be served a taste of their own medicine. While we talked about the possibility of Tampa Bay’s offense wrecking Atlanta, the Falcons could do the same to the Bucs. The Bucs’ stop unit was 26th last season in scoring defense. Moreover, Atlanta’s pass protection is regarded as among the best in the league heading into the 2016 season so the Bucs consistently breaking through that unit and getting to Mat Ryan is something that’s unlikely to happen.
Writer’s Prediction: Atlanta (-3) wins, 25-23.
2. Cleveland Browns (+4) at Philadelphia Eagles (-4); total: 41.0 (Sun, Sep. 11, 1:00 PM ET)
Why the Browns will win: We still don’t know for sure what kind of Robert Griffin III will show up for the Browns this season. At least, we’ve already seen him play and dominate in the NFL before unlike Carson Wentz of the Eagles, who’s now QB1 for Philly following its trading away of Sam Bradford. It could be the running backs, however, who would lead the Browns in this game.
Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell give the Browns a potent backfield combo, which could puncture the Eagles’ defense that was the worst in stopping the run last season, allowing 134.6 rushing yards per game and 10 touchdowns.
Why the Browns will lose: Apart from the Browns being the Browns, there are a number of good reasons why Cleveland will drop its Week 1 assignment. For one, they suck on defense. It’s not that they lack talent on their stop unit, but it’s more because their defensive line lacks leadership and experience. Philly presents not much of a threat offensively with DeMarco Murray and Sam Bradford gone but against a loose Cleveland defense, Ryan Mathews and Jordan Matthews could play like Pro-Bowl players.
Writer’s Prediction: Cleveland (+3) wins, 27-24.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Washington (+3); total: 41.0 (Mon, Sep. 12, 7:10 PM ET)
Why the Redskins will win: It’s not going for opponents to underestimate Kirk Cousins. Cousins, depending on who you ask, is either overrated or underrated, but his 69.8 percent completion rate and passed for over 4,000 yards with 29 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Redskins fans sure likes that.
The passing attack of the Redskins with a much more confident Cousins on top of things is expected to be even better this season. Cousins’ targets are no jokes with the Jordan Reed, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and rookie Josh Doctson looking for catches. This group has more than a potential to torch Pittsburgh’s defense that still has so much to prove following a disappointing showing in 2015.
Defensively, the addition of Josh Norman in the ‘Skins’ secondary should go a long way in containing Pittsburgh’s deadly receivers.
Why the Redskins will lose: There are a few key pieces missing in the Steelers’ offense but they still have Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown—the team’s two best players. So long as Big Ben is there and Brown roaming downfield, the Steelers will always have a shot in beating teams like the Redskins, who may not be bad but are not great either. The Steelers have also performed well of late when they’re the favorites by four points or more, going 7-3 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in 10 games under that circumstance dating back to 2013.
Writer’s Prediction: Washington (+3) wins, 29-23.
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