2019 NFL Week One Game Predictions

Five Minutes Spare’s Game Predictions for the Opening Week of the 100th NFL Season.

MVP candidate Aaron Rogers will lead the Packers in the opening game of the 100th NFL season
Editorial credit: MPH Photos / Shutterstock.com

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (spread -3)

The NFL has picked a classic match-up to open the league’s 100th season with its two oldest rivals meeting up at Soldier Field. The Bears had one of the best defences in the NFC last season and once again should be good that side of the ball. However this is a different Green Bay Team in 2019 with a new Head Coach, a fresh approach on offense and a much-improved defense. The game could come down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes and given the choice between Aaron Rodgers & Mitchell Trubisky,  we would go with Rodgers every time. Green Bay to pick up a huge road win.

Prediction Green Bay Packers 24 – Chicago Bears 17

 

Los Angeles Rams (spread -3) @ Carolina Panthers

The Rams open the season with a cross country road game against the Panthers who will have Cam Newton fully fit again (hopefully). The Rams didn’t show up in the Superbowl last year but were otherwise and still are a loaded team and they can edge this one, but may not cover the spread.

Prediction Rams 23 – Panthers 21

 

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns (spread -5)

Cleveland has a roster full of talented individuals and after last seasons turn around they are at the shortest odds for the Super Bowl that I can remember. We will know a whole lot more about the Browns chances after this one.

Prediction Browns 27 – Titans 20

 

Kansas City Chiefs (spread -4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

A classic clash of styles – Chiefs high octane offense led by Patrick Maholmes against possibly the best defense in the AFC; a treat for the neutral. A big quetion mark hangs over the Jags new offense led by Nick Foles – if it is even average then Jacksonville might be dark horses. At this stage, we will wait and see

Prediction Chiefs 28  – Jaguars 21

 

Baltimore Ravens (spread -5.5) @ Miami Dolphins

Baltimore look by far the better team – even if Lamar Jackson remains an unknown quantity at QB and should win this one. However, opening on the road in the heat won’t be easy.  Also, Ryan Fitzpatrick will probably start at quarterback for the Dolphins and he usually begins the season well. Could be a lot closer than the spread would indicate but the Ravens should edge it

 

Prediction Ravens 17 – Dolphins 13

 

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings (spread -4)

Matt Ryan loves playing in a dome and the Falcons have got to be better on defense this season, but can they hold up against the Vikings offense? Probably not, although they could hold it to within the spread.

Prediction Vikings 26 – Falcons 23

 

Buffalo Bills @ NY Jets (spread -3)

This game could come down to which of the two young QBs has made the biggest step up. The Jets being at home probably have the edge, but is could be close.

Prediction Jets 28 – Bills 26

 

Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles (spread -8.5)

The Eagles are probably the best team in the NFC East and genuine contenders for the Super Bowl, while the Redskins head into the season with a host of question marks on both sides of the ball. This could get ugly especially if the Eagles get on the board early.

Prediction Eagles 37 – Redskins 13

 

Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angles Chargers (spread -7)

Losing Andrew Luck to retirement so close to the start of the season is not ideal and although Jacoby Brissett will win them some games this is a tall ask right out of the gun. Philip Rivers is arguably the best QB currently playing not to have reached a Super Bowl and this could be their year. They will get off to a good start.

Prediction Chargers 36 – Colts 21

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks (-9.5)

The Bengals have a new head coach (Zac Taylor) and the offense will be missing their best player, AJ Green. BAn unproven coach with a weakened squad going to one of the hardest stadiums to win at probably justifies the big spread. The Seahawks front seven looks good and they should cover the spread in a relatively low scoring game.

Prediction Seahawks 21 – Bengals 10

 

Detroit Lions (spread -2.5) @ Arizona Cardinals

Two teams who could end up bottom of their respective divisions – not because they are really bad but because competition in them is very strong. There will be a lot of interest as its Kyler Murray’s first game. Could be close but the Cardinals should edge it at home.

Prediction Cardinals 23 – Lions 20

 

NY Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (spread -7)

The Cowboys have sorted Ezekiel Elliott’s contract and will now expect some payback back. The Giants may not be as bad as many think, but winning this one on the road looks a tall order. The spread looks about right.

Prediction Cowboys 30 – Giants 23

 

San Fransisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (spread -0.5)

A long road trip to open the season is never ideal, however, the 49ers will have quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back and look like being a decent team in 2019.  Tampa Bay will get better under new head coach Bruce Arians, however, it will take a bit of time. Neither defense looks lights out so this could be a high scoring game.

Prediction 49ers 36 – Bucs 31

 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots (spread -6)

Pittsburgh might just about be a better team in 2019 despite the loss of Antonio Brown gone and the Le’Veon Bell (who both brought the drama big time) and are contenders in the AFC. However this is a road game at the all-conquering Patriots and Tom Brady is 11-3 in his career against the Steelers. New England should win what may be a precursor of a postseason meeting.

Prediction Patriots 30 – Steelers 21

 

Houston Texans @ New Orleans Saints (-7)

The Texans needed to protect Deshaun Watson and trading for Laremy Tunsil might mean he survives the season. The Texans are a potential postseason team but this is a tough opener. The Saints however, are one of the favourites for the Super Bowl and hard to beat at home. They should take this by at least the spread.

Prediction Saints 33 – Texans 23

 

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders (spread -0.5)

Denver has addressed their QB issues by adding Joe Flacco and he will have more weapons and as least as good a defense to lean on as he had in Baltimore. Oakland should be better than last year, but are already seeing what a poison chalice Antonio Brown is. Should be close but Denver is the pick to edge it.

Prediction Broncos 21 – Raiders 18

 

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