I’m refraining from calling this a “prediction” piece this season. Predictions indicate one firmly believes something will happen and isn’t afraid to stand behind that judgment. In the NFL, nothing is certain except Roger Goodell’s poor judgment. That said, I’ll offer some form of prognostication, even if it’s lighthearted and not entirely backed up by evidence, but I really have no interest in how “correct” I’ll be.
As usual, these picks are for fun and should in no way be used for actual wagering purposes. That is, unless you want to make a ton of money in a legal forum, because we know more stuff and things about football than you do or something.
On to the games!
Arizona Cardinals @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, September 15, 1:00 pm EST – FOX
The Ravens, despite welcoming former Raven and franchise icon Terrell Suggs back to Baltimore, are eager to prove their offensive fireworks last week weren’t a fluke. The Cardinals hope rookie quarterback Kyler Murray’s fourth quarter last week will become the norm and not the exception. Doubtful it happens this week.
Cardinals 17, Ravens 31
San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, September 15, 1:00 pm EST – FOX
The 49ers come equipped with the same quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo) that started the season for them, which seemingly hasn’t happened since the latter days of Steve Young. The Bengals seem to have regained some respectability despite a grinding loss in Seattle last week; I’ll become a believer only when this “rebound” actually transfers to wins.
49ers 24, Bengals 20
Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, September 15, 1:00 pm EST – FOX
The Steelers may or may not be declining, depending on who you talk to. More likely, the Steelers just need to game-plan more effectively on offense than they did last week. That should start against a jetlagged Seattle defense that struggled at home to beat the Bengals. If the Steelers score early, Seattle’s middling offense will have problems trying to keep up.
Seahawks 20, Steelers 27
Cleveland Browns @ New York Jets
Monday, September 16, 8:15 pm EST – ESPN
The Browns are angry at you for having expectations of good football from them, so after playing middling, uninspired football last week as a reminder of their recent foibles, they’re out to prove they possess some legitimacy, regardless of what you think. They should easily be able to do so against the injured/sick/undermanned Jets and backup QB Trevor Siemian, who seem to be in “two steps back” mode after injuries have already come close to ruining an otherwise promising season.
Browns 34, Jets 13
We’re officially into the season, fellas. These games actually count! Enjoy.
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