Steelers vs. Patriots

Throw out all of the deflategate drama, Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck are back whether you like it or not. LeVeon Bell is a grown man, but this grown man isn’t allowed to play for the first two weeks. Rob Gronkowski is still playing for the Patriots, as far as I know. New England is almost unbeatable at Gillette Stadium as well.

Patriots – 31

Steelers – 21

Colts vs. Bills

Rex Ryan will have Buffalo rocking in his head coaching debut. I think the Bills will be an underrated team this year. Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy could really rack up some yardage on the ground with the option. But, this is the Indianapolis Colts we’re talking about. Andrew Luck has a running back this year in Frank Gore. That will open up the passing game and with Andre Johnson coming in to team up with T.Y. Hilton, I don’t see Indy losing this one. Closer than you think, though.

Colts – 24

Bills – 17

Panthers vs. Jaguars

The Jaguars are still a couple years away from being competitive. Cam Newton will need help from other players, including rookie Devin Funchess and Ted Gin Jr. I’m not sure about Carolina’s offense this year. It all depends on if Cam Newton can progress into an NFL style quarterback. I don’t think Carolina will have trouble with Jacksonville, though. Blake Bortles is a solid quarterback and T.J. Yeldon will ease the load for Denard Robinson. Carolina wins by two touchdowns.

Panthers – 28

Jaguars – 14

Chiefs vs. Texans

Houston will be rowdy for their opener. Their defensive line is one of the best in the NFL. With Jadeveon Clowney healthy and the addition of Vince Wilfork, look for Houston to wreak havoc on Alex Smith and the Chiefs. Jamaal Charles is a stud, but with Wilfork clogging the holes for Houston, I believe Houston wins.

Chiefs – 16

Texans – 24

Seahawks vs. Rams

This is a low-scoring affair. Both teams have nasty defenses. Both running backs will get a hefty amount of carries. Russell Wilson ran all over St. Louis last year, and he’ll rack up a good amount of yardage this year, as well. But St. Louis will create a crucial turnover late. Rams win in a nail biter.

Seahawks – 21

Rams – 28

Saints vs. Cardinals

Carson Palmer is back for Arizona, which is huge. But I think the new running attack of Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller for the Saints will make up for the absence of Jimmy Graham. Brandin Cooks is a underrated player and I think he’ll have a nice game. Saints win by a field goal.

Saints – 17

Cardinals – 14

Bengals vs. Raiders

Latavius Murray will rush for over 100 yards, and the Raiders will run away with this one. Andy Dalton will continue his inconsistency into this year as the Bengals will cough up the football too many times. Raiders by 10.

Bengals – 20

Raiders – 30

Giants vs. Cowboys

Good ole fashion rivalry in the NFC East: The New York Football Giants will look sharp, and Odell Beckham Jr. will have two touchdown grabs. Even though Tony Romo said he’s in the best shape of his career, I still think he doesn’t win the opener. Giants by four.

Giants – 28

Cowboys- 24

Browns vs. Jets

Please try to not fall asleep while watching this game. I had the toughest time trying to decide on this one. I say the Jets and Fitzpatrick somehow find a way to win. Jets by seven.

Browns – 13

Jets – 20

Packers vs. Bears

Jordy Nelson is gone, but Aaron Rodgers will make up for it and spread the ball around to his wide outs including local Michigander Jeff Janis. Eddie Lacy will run through the teeth of the Bears defense, and Jay Cutler will throw two picks. Packers by 17.

Packers – 34

Bears – 17

Dolphins vs. Redskins

Washington will have their hands full with that front four of Miami’s. The Dolphins have the best defensive line in football and will make Kurt Cousins look like a boy amongst men out there. Tannehill throws three touchdowns and Miami takes this one easily.

Dolphins – 28

Redskins – 10

Lions vs. Chargers

Detroit will come out to a hot start and run the football well in the first half. Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah will both have a touchdown, and Eric Ebron will look solid in his sophomore opener. Phillip Rivers will miss Antonio Gates in the red zone, and I think Detroit will create a turnover or two to help them in the second half. DeAndre Levy will have at least ten tackles. Rivers will march their offense down the field late but stall as Detroit stiffens up in the red zone. Detroit by four.

Lions – 24

Chargers – 20

Ravens vs. Broncos

C.J. Anderson will look stellar in Gary Kubiak’s new run-first offense. Peyton Manning will manage the game and throw three touchdowns as Denver stomps on Baltimore.

Ravens – 10

Broncos – 34

Titans vs. Buccaneers

Mariota vs. Winston. The top two rookie quarterbacks will go back and forth but Mariota will look more comfortable in the pocket. Tennessee wins on the road as Mariota controls the second half.

Titans – 20

Buccaneers – 10

Eagles vs. Falcons

Chip Kelly’s bold decision on bringing in Sam Bradford pays off in the opener. Bradford throws good enough, and Murray rushes for a buck twenty five. Ryan Mathews brings life to Philly’s red zone run game and scores a touchdown in his debut. Matt Ryan throws two picks.

Eagles – 28

Falcons – 14

Vikings vs. 49ers

The 49ers look awful as half of their defense is either suspended, injured, or both. Adrian Peterson walks all over San Fran and rushes for two touchdowns. Teddy Bridgewater hushes critics and throws for 250 yards. Colin Capernick will never look the same without Harbaugh. Minnesota by 21.

Vikings – 35

49ers – 14