NFL 2014 Season Week 1 Game Schedule & Predictions: Picking Winners for Every Weekend Game
The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2014 NFL season with a bang against the Green Bay Packers. The defending Super Bowl champions dominated the Packers 36-16 at Century Link Field. Here, Latin Post.com will be predicting a winner for every Week 1 weekend game:
The following games begin at 1 p.m. EST
1. Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears
The Bills haven't made the playoffs this century for a reason. They struggled on the road quite frequently and losing free safety Jairus Byrd is a big blow. Jay Cutler and company should take care of business at home at Soldier Field to kick off their season.
Prediction: Bears win
2. Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Nobody is really picking the Ravens to do much this season. They usually play best when they fly under the radar. The Bengals recently cut their best running back, Benjarvis Green-Ellis. Quarterback Andy Dalton will have to play even better this season with a new offensive coordinator, as Jay Gruden is now with the Washington Redskins.
Prediction: Ravens win
3. Washington Redskins at Houston Texans
Here is a 50/50 game. The Texans are coming off a season where they were so bad they received the No. 1 overall draft pick, and the Redskins had just three victories themselves. It's time for Robert Griffin III to start playing like he's capable of.
Prediction: Redskins win
4. Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Brian Hoyer is undefeated as a Browns starting quarterback. Unfortunately for him and Cleveland fans, that should end this weekend. The Steelers will take care of business at Heinz Field against a weaker team.
Prediction: Steelers win
5. Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback Nick Foles was fantastic last season, throwing 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He won't have to be that good to beat the Jaguars in Week 1, especially when he has LeSean McCoy behind him. Playing at home will also help.
Prediction: Eagles win
6. Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
Both of these teams had a pretty bad offseason. The Chiefs lost a lot of defensive players, and the Titans lost Kenny Britt and Chris Johnson. Alex Smith and Andy Reid should be able to win a close won at Arrowhead Stadium.
Prediction: Chiefs win
7. New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill has been improving for the Dolphins, and he did lead the Dolphins to a big victory over New England last season in week 15, 24-20. Patriots are the favorites in this game, but we're going with the upset pick.
Prediction: Dolphins win
8. Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams
The Rams are the better team on paper, but with Sam Bradford out (again) the Vikings have the green light. Running back Adrian Peterson will have a tough task against this defensive line, but the Rams offense is still rebuilding.
Prediction: Vikings win
9. New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Here is a nice little NFC South battle. These teams really don't like each other, and there's no doubt this game will be close. As good as the Falcons are, Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham will prevail on the road.
Prediction: Saints win
10. Oakland Raiders at New York Jets
As much heat as the Jets take, their defense is still good. Coach Rex Ryan is a defensive mastermind, and his teams play tremendous against rookie quarterbacks. Derek Carr will be starting for the Raiders.
Prediction: Jets win
The following games begin at 4:25 p.m. EST
11. Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This could be a tossup game because Panthers quarterback Cam Newton may not play. If Newton is unable to go, all bets are off. The Buccaneers had a busy off-season bringing in coach Lovie Smith and quarterback Josh McCown. They will have tough test against the Panthers defense.
Prediction: Panthers win
12. San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys
This is the most intriguing game of the weekend. The 49ers are the better team on paper, having made it to the last three NFC Championship games. But, they've looked terrible in the preseason and the Cowboys offense is one of the best in the league. This should be a great game.
Prediction: 49ers win
Sunday Night Football begins at 8:30 p.m. EST
13. Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
The Colts and Broncos will be playing one another on Sunday Night Football. The Colts won last season against the Broncos in a high scoring thriller, but the Broncos will return the favor Sunday. Expect Peyton Manning to be on his game.
Prediction: Broncos win
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