NFL Week 1: Schedule, Game Predictions and Betting Odds

Football is back! We’ve endured the offseason, preseason and the conclusion of #Deflategate and will now be handsomely rewarded with some great Week 1 matchups. The 2015 regular season will open with a doozy between what could be a preview of the AFC Championship game between the Steelers and the Patriots. Two prolific offenses and two defenses that leave much to be desired, this could be a high-scoring event. Elsewhere in the schedule, the NFL has pitted the Titans against the Buccaneers, which will give the world their first look at the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks in the draft going head-to-head. Who gets their first NFL win under center, Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota? It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Check out our NFL week 1 betting odds right here.

NFL Week 1 Schedule

Matchup	Date	Time
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots	10-Sep-15	8:30pm EST
Indianapolis Cots at Buffalo Bills	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Cleveland Browns at New York Jets	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams	13-Sep-15	1pm EST
Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers	13-Sep-15	4:30pm EST
New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals	13-Sep-15	4:05pm EST
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos	13-Sep-15	4:25pm EST
Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders	13-Sep-15	4:25pm EST
Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	13-Sep-15	4:25pm EST
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys	13-Sep-15	8:30pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons	14-Sep-15	7:10pm EST
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers	14-Sep-15	10:20pm EST

Thursday, September 10, 2015 Game Previews

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots
Odds: New England 7-point favorite Over/Under 52

This game will feature two quarterbacks with six Super Bowl rings between them, but it will be the rest of the team that will determine who comes out on top. Pittsburgh will be without star suspended running back Le’Veon Bell, which will force Ben Roethlisberger to rely on his arm to carry the Steelers against a suspect Patriots defense that no longer has Darrell Revis or Brandon Browner haunting the secondary. Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown could have a field day. The Patriots will have Tom Brady under center after his #Deflategate suspension was reversed, giving the Steelers’ aging defense a big task. It doesn’t look good for the Steelers, so I like the 7-point favored Patriots for this one.

Prediction: New England Patriots -7

Sunday, September 13, 2015 Game Previews

Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Odds: Indianapolis 2.5-point favorites Over/Under 46

The Bills head into this game with one of the best defenses in the league on paper. They’ll have a good litmus test against the Colts Andrew Luck in their opener. While Buffalo has the unproven quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, their offense includes running back LeSean McCoy and wideout phenom Sammy Watkins in comparison to the Colts aging free-agent signings in Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. The Colts are susceptible in the passing game and while Luck certainly gives Indianapolis an edge at the most important position on the field, the underdog Bills just might have enough on both sides of the ball to come away with the upset here.

Prediction: Buffalo Bills +2.5

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets
Odds: NY Jets 3-point favorite Over/Under 40

Two struggling teams, but one must win. The Browns have a new look, but the same troubles; another new quarterback in Josh McCown and lack of talent and depth throughout the roster. For the Jets, it’s not quite as bleak despite their starting quarterback Geno Smith being sidelined with a broken jaw. Ryan Fitzpatrick will be under center and will have the benefit of a very talented defense that should stifle the anemic Browns’ offense. While the Jets aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts, the Browns’ defense simply doesn’t have the firepower on the line or in the secondary to stop the Jets. New York is the 3-point favorite in this one and should start the season on a positive note with a win against the Browns.

Prediction: New York Jets -3

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Odds: Carolina 3-point favorite Over/Under 41.5

The Jaguars looked respectable in the preseason, but will it translate to the regular season when teams begin to game plan and starters play all four quarters? They’ll have a decent test against the reigning NFC South champs in the Panthers. Cam Newton will be without his favorite target in Kelvin Benjamin and may have to rely on his legs and running back Jonathan Stewart to move the chains. Jacksonville’s defense may have trouble containing the ground game, but could find their groove on the offensive side of the ball. With quarterback Blake Bortles having a full offseason to improve, he looks sharp and ready to take the leap in his second year. The Carolina defense should put him to the test with a stout run defense.

Prediction: Carolina Panthers -3

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Odds: Green Bay 7-point favorite Over/Under 49

In years past, this might have been a prime time game, but the Bears have recently fallen on hard times. A new coach with new offensive and defensive schemes will prove to be a lot for the Bears to overcome against one of the best teams in the league. The Packers are bringing a downright scary offense to the Windy City and despite losing Jordy Nelson for the year, Aaron Rodgers and company could feast on a talent depleted Chicago defense. If the Bears have any hope, it’s that Green Bay has done little to shore up their own defensive woes. Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler has been historically terrible against the Packers and with receiver Alshon Jeffery questionable with a calf injury and Kevin White out for the season, things could get ugly. Look for the heavily-favored Packers to roll at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Prediction: Green Bay Packers -7

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans
Odds: Houston 1-point favorite Over/Under 41

With both teams filling the quarterback position with true game managers in Alex Smith and Brian Hoyer, don’t expect this game to be won in the air. The overall edge on offense goes to the Chiefs as Smith is a slightly more competent signal caller than Hoyer and has the run support of one of the best running backs in the league in Jamaal Charles. Houston’s defense is more than capable of stifling Charles, but it might not be enough to get a win. The Texans are without star tailback Arian Foster, so while J.J. Watt should help slow down the Chiefs on offense, it’ll be difficult to overcome Houston’s deficiencies on offense. This will be a close, likely low scoring affair, but I’ll take the underdog Chiefs on the road.

Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs +1

Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins
Odds: Miami: 4-point favorite Over/Under 43.5

One team on the rise, another who could hit rock bottom this season. Washington’s bizarre preseason has been well-documented and could get even weirder for ‘Skins fans as the season progresses. Kirk Cousins will lead Washington’s offense against Miami’s frightening defense, a defense that got even better after adding Ndamokong Suh in the offseason. Look for Cousins to struggle, even though he should get good support from his defense to keep the game within reach. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been serviceable but hasn’t quite made the leap to elite. It could be due to the fact that his supporting cast lacks real playmakers at the skill positions. While it may soften the blow for Washington, the favored Miami Dolphins should do enough to cover the number.

Prediction: Miami Dolphins -4

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams
Odds: Seattle 4-point favorite Over/Under 40.5

The Rams always seem to play up when they take on the Seahawks, but it may not work out that way this time. The Rams rely on their defense to keep them in low scoring games and if they’re able to stop Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch, they may have a good chance to grab a win. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson lacks a true no. 1 receiver to throw to outside of tight end Jimmy Graham, but can also rely on a league leading defense to keep them in games. St. Louis simply doesn’t have enough firepower on offense. Newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles was lackluster in the preseason and doesn’t have the luxury of a top tier running back or big name receivers. This one could really get away from St. Louis if Seattle’s able to get Beast Mode rolling early.

Prediction: Seattle Seahawks -4

Detroit Lions at San Diego Chargers
Odds: San Diego 3-point favorite Over/Under 46

Many will be curious to see what Detroit’s defense looks like after losing several big names on their once fearsome defensive line, but it might not be an issue against the Chargers. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers offense struggled in the preseason. Without a real No. 1 receiver and rookie running back Melvin Gordon underwhelming in exhibition, the Lions can rely on their offense to get the job done. A surprising resurgence of the Lion’s running game should give a lot of support to receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, who should only be better working together this year. Quarterback Matt Stafford will need to minimize mistakes for Detroit, with a few turnovers at his hands likely being the difference maker against the favored Chargers.

Prediction: Detroit Lions +3

New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
Odds: Arizona: 2.5-point favorites Over/Under 48.5

The Saints underwent a small overhaul in the offseason in hopes of an immediate improvement after a disappointing 2014 season. Drew Brees may end up really missing Graham in the red zone.  Arizona is hopeful Carson Palmer can pick up where he left off before his season-ending injury last season, working with starting running back Andre Ellington and veteran receiver Larry Fitzgerald. If the offense gets rolling, they could pull away from a Saints defense that has holes, especially in the secondary. This game feels like it could get away from New Orleans.

Prediction: Arizona Cardinals -2.5

Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos
Odds: Denver4.5-point favorites Over/Under 48.5

As long as Peyton Manning is under center, the Broncos will usually be favored, especially at home. While Denver is transitioning to a new offensive scheme under new head coach Gary Kubiak, the offense should continue its torrid regular season pace with Manning at the helm. For Baltimore, defense will be the key to winning in a harsh Denver environment. The Ravens’ offense is good enough with quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Justin Forsett that they might keep this one close for a while, but Denver should have enough on both sides of the ball to come away with the win while covering the pointspread.

Prediction: Denver Broncos -4

Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders
Odds: Cincinnati 3-point favorite Over/Under 43.5

Every year the Bengals seem poised to become the next perennial contender, a force to be reckoned with, but somehow fall flat. They’ll have their chance to start off on the right foot in 2015 against the Raiders, who could put up more of a fight than many will expect. Second-year quarterback Derek Carr has looked sharp in preseason play, with rookie wideout Amari Cooper making an immediate impact on offense. Their inexperience could show against a solid veteran group in the Bengals defense, but Cincinnati could be in for the own rude awakening against Oakland’s young and hungry defense. Quarterback Andy Dalton should be able to command the offense past the Raiders’ defenders in this one. The Bengals are 3-point favorites against the Raiders and while Oakland has improved, they won’t have enough in Week 1.

Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals -3

Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Odds: Tampa Bay 3-point favorite Over/Under 41

These two teams made up the very bottom of the NFL basement last year, meaning this game should be interesting to see who has managed to improve the most over the course of the offseason. Both teams have major concerns on both sides of the ball and will be starting rookie quarterbacks in Winston and Mariota. Both offenses leave much to be desired, but the Buccaneers have a bit more fire power with star receiver Mike Evans on the roster. The Titans lack big name skill players, but the addition of Mariota could be enough to help Tennessee move the ball. Defensively, the Bucs have a competent defensive line with Gerald McCoy leading the way on the line. Not much has been done to improve Tampa Bay’s porous secondary, which gives Mariota an opportunity for a good first showing. The Titans defense will need to get in the backfield often in hopes of rattling a turnover-prone Winston. I don’t see it happening, and the Bucs should have just enough to squeak past the Titans as 3-point favorites.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Odds: Dallas 6-point favorite Over/Under 51.5

Another division rivalry that has recently lost its luster. The Giants could be on the verge of a rebuild, which means things could get ugly for New York in Dallas. Eli Manning has struggled the last few seasons, but does have a stable of receivers in Odell Beckham, Jr., Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle ready to help him out of his rut. They’ll need their running game to take some of the pressure off of the passing attack, but will likely have a hard time against an improved Dallas defense. The Cowboy’s offense is minus running back DeMarco Murray, but still has receiver Dez Bryant to make big plays. Quarterback Tony Romo could have a field day against the Giants depleted defense. Look for the ‘Boys to roll against the Giants and cover as 6-point favorites.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys -6

Monday, September 14, 2015 Game Previews

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Odds: Philadelphia 3-point favorite Over/Under 55.5

Mad scientist and Eagles head coach Chip Kelly made a lot of moves this offseason that had a lot of people scratching their heads. Week 1 will be a good opportunity to see if Kelly really knows what he’s doing at the pro level. Offensively, the Eagles should be much improved and equipped to take on a struggling Falcons defense. Running back DeMarco Murray is likely licking his chops at facing the Falcons’ poor run defense and quarterback Sam Bradford could be a different player in a new scheme. While Atlanta may struggle on D, its offense could spell trouble for Philadelphia. Receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White are big, physical receivers with enough speed to blow past the Eagles secondary. If quarterback Matty Ryan can find them downfield, we could be in for a shootout between two more-than-capable offenses and two less-than-stellar defensive units.

Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles -3

Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers
Odds: Minnesota 2.5-point favorites Over/Under 41.5

Many are expecting the Vikings to make a splash this year and the hype will continue after Week 1. They’ll face a 49ers team that experienced an exodus of talent unlike any we’ve seen in NFL history. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has lost the majority of his weapons, filling the void with aging veterans on the downside of their careers. The Vikings defense is improving and will have less to worry when stopping the run. They’ll need to take away the 49ers passing game in hopes of giving their offense more chances to score. Second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should be improved over his promising rookie season and has running back Adrian Peterson back in the line up that should greatly ramp up their offensive production. This is a great chance for the Vikings to steal a road win before cold-weather games make it harder to win away from home.

Prediction: Minnesota Vikings -2.5

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