Forecaster Frank's NFL Week 1 Picks: Kickoff Time
Last year, after a bad start, I ended 140-139-6
Thursday Night Opener
- KC -3 (o/u 47)
- Chiefs 24 Ravens 16
The Chiefs are getting used to hosting this game, with three Lombardi Trophies in the last five years. Expect a big game from Patrick Mahomes as Lamar Jackson struggles under the lights.
Brazil Friday Night Lights
- GB +2 (o/u 49)
- Packers 27 Eagles 17
Nothing says the NFL like risking player safety by sending them on a nine-hour flight to Sao Palo. In Sao Paolo, players are advised not to leave the hotel at the risk of being killed or kidnapped. Meanwhile, two teams wearing green are playing in a city where green is outlawed because it can lead to gang violence. Hey, one more football game for streaming is all worth it.
Sunday at 1
- Pit +3.5 (o/u 42)
- Falcons 20 Steelers 17
In the second-hand store game of the week, the Steelers have Russell Wilson under center against Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Falcons in the off-season. Both quarterbacks are past their prime, and scoring will be at a premium. Look for this game to come down to a Younghoe field goal in the final seconds.
- Buf -6.5 (o/u 47)
- Bills 34 Cardinals 17
For Kyler Murray, this season is his last chance to impress Arizona. Starting in Buffalo is not easy, as Josh Allen needs to get off to a fast start and quiet some of his doubters.
- Chi -3.5 (o/u 44.5)
- Bears 27 Titans 10
A new era begins in the Windy City as Caleb Williams, the top pick in the draft, makes his first start. Excitement is high for the Bears this season, and this game will not do anything to dissuade that as the Bears roll over the rebuilding Titans.
- Cin -8.5 (o/u 41)
- Bengals 37 Patriots 11
The Bengals had a rough season last year as Joe Burrow struggled to stay on the field. At one time, the Patriots were regulars on Thursday night openers. Now, they are the team most fans are fading in their eliminator pools. The Bengals win this game with ease.
- Hou -3 (o/u 48.5)
- Texans 37 Colts 16
The Colts have not won a season opener since 2013. This futility streak includes a loss to the Jaguars in 2020, team that went 1-15. The Texans are loaded and have added some long deep threats for C.J. Stroud and could be ready for greatness.
- Mia -3.5 (o/u 49)
- Dolphins 34 Jaguars 27
The Dolphins enter the season with a ton of pressure, as they need to take the next step. Their speed is an assesst but their defense is a question, as Bradley Chubb and Jaeylen Phillips are recovering from their late season injuries. Miami will score, and when they can outscore their opponents, they will win.
- NO -4 (o/u 41.5)
- Saints 30 Panthers 13
The Saints occasionally have games where fans are allowed to delude themselves that they could be contenders. This is one of those games. The Panthers are a mess, and will not be much better than the team that went 2-15 last year.
- NYG +1.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Giants 16 Vikings 9
The Vikings are banking on Sam Darnold to carry the team, while J.J. McCarthy recovers from knee surgery. They also have a banged up offensive line. This is not a good recipe facing a solid defense like the Giants posses.
Sunday Late Starts
- LAC -3 (o/u 40)
- Chargers 24 Raiders 13
The Jim Harbaugh era begins for the Chagers as they face the division rivals from Vegas. Chagrers fans may have enough excitement to help keep the Raiders from taking over the building again. Look for Justin Herbert to shine, as the Raiders don't have the firepower to win games like this on the road.
- Den +6 (o/u 41.5)
- Seahawks 17 Broncos 13
Neither team is set to have a good season, but the Seahawks should not be six point favorites against anybody. Expect a messy game, as both teams will struggle to move the ball in a Sunday snoozer.
- Dal +2.5 (o/u 41)
- Cowboys 20 Browns 17
The Cowboys traditionally get off to quick starts, and have an excellent history in Week 1. The Browns do have a strong defense that could make like hell for Dak Prescott, but without Nick Chubb, and they muster enough offense? The answer is no, as Dallas gets the upset.
- TB -3.5 (o/u 42.5)
- Buccaneers 27 Commanders 13
The Commanders are starting fresh with rookie Jayden Daniels at quarterback. This team will struggle early, but I expect them to grow during the year. The Buccaneers are catching them at the right time, as they get enough from Baker Mayfield to enjoy a season opening win.
Sunday Night
- Det -4.5 (o/u 52)
- Lions 30 Rams 10
The Lions are ready for launch. After narrowly missing a trip to the Super Bowl, fans in Detroit have never been more excited at the start of the season. Look for Aidan Hutchinson to begin making a case for Defensive Player of the Year as he will have Matthew Stafford on the run all game.
Monday Night
- SF -4.5 (o/u 43.5)
- 49ers 30 Jets 10
Last year the Jets opened Monday night at home before Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the third play from scrimmage. He will last the entire game, but will show rust against the Niners aggressive pass rush.
