No Sleep Til Arizona: NFL Week One Predictions

The 2022 NFL season kicks off on Thursday. With so much player movement and changes, which teams will prevail during the first week?

After the Los Angeles Rams hoisted their second Lombardi, the rest of the NFL watched with a curious eye. For a team to actually roll the dice, trade draft capital for veterans, and actually win the Super Bowl is miraculous. However, most teams remain leery of this strategy. For everyone else, Week One is the one chance to get the season off on the preferred foot.

Bills at Chargers

For Buffalo, a victory against the defending Super Bowl champs sets off the season in the right way. On the other hand, Los Angeles lacks the star power of a year ago. Without Von Miller and Odell Beckham, Jr, the Rams will drop their home opener. Nine sacks and seven touchdowns just walked out of the door, without replacement. The loss of Miller hurts most because there isn’t another pass rusher to take the heat off Aaron Donald. Prediction: Bills

Jaguars at Commanders

Despite Carson Wentz’s shaky past, the Commanders took a chance. With that, he will lead a potentially explosive offense, filled with quality wideouts. Granted, we all know Terry McLaurin, yet rookie Jahan Dotson will thrive in the slot. McLaurin finally plays with a quarterback that can actually find him. Meanwhile, Jacksonville spent money on a blend of wideouts. Basically, Washington wins a shootout. Jacksonville’s corners cannot stay with the Commander wideouts. Prediction: Commanders

Saints at Falcons

In their defense, the Falcons dismantled their veteran core, choosing to build around younger talent. In contrast, the New Orleans Saints look like a legitimate threat to the Buccaneers. If you look at individual battles, whoever A.J. Terrell shadows will need to fight for every yard. Not to mention, he cut his missed tackles from thirten to six. Unfortunately, New Orleans can roll out four wideouts and two running backs. The Falcons, as constituted, do not have enough. Prediction: Saints

Eagles at Lions

Dan Campbell, by virtue of his turn of phrase and coaching style, endeared himself to the fanbase. Although this may be true, NFL games aren’t won with words. In fact, no team enjoyed a better offseason than Philadelphia. In one fell swoop, they strengthen all three levels of defense. Plus, trading for A.J. Brown gives Jalen Hurts a true number-one wideout. With only six career drops, Brown will automatically strike fear in defenses. Prediction: Eagles

Colts at Texans

Under Lovie Smith, Houston hopes to put their recent woes and messes behind them. Smith will foster a sense of order. Nevertheless, they enter this game woefully outmanned, facing a Colts team that seeks to regain their hold on the division. A change of scenery will aid Matt Ryan. Still accurate, Ryan benefits from an elite offensive line and game-breaking back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor paced the NFL with 1811 rushing yards, while catching 78.4 percent of his targets. Prediction: Colts

Giants at Titans

Without the aforementioned Brown, the Titans will continue to rely on Derrick Henry. On defense, the loss of Harold Landry hurts their pass rush. Luckily, they face a Giants squad that will rely on Daniel Jones to lead the offense. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will attempt to guide Jones through the season. Another case of talent disparity. Hopefully, Kafka inspires Jones to throw the ball down the field. The 6.6 yards per attempt remains cringeworthy. Prediction: Giants

Buccaneers at Cowboys

If you’ve watched every Tom Brady, one thing gives him fits: a constant pass rush. The teams that send a consistent rush will have a better-than-average chance. Outside of Micah Parsons, name another Cowboys defender that you trust winning versus a lineman. By the same token, people tout Trevon Diggs’ monster 2021. He is one cornerback. Tampa Bay deploys four wideouts that will abuse defenses. In 2021, Dallas surrendered twenty-three opposing touchdown passes.
Prediction: Buccaneers

Niners at Bears

Justin Fields brings limited offensive talent into this matchup. No Chicago wide receiver scares or threatens anyone. Worse, the offensive line appears porous. As a result, facing a swarming Niners’ front seven that attacks the edge does not bode well. On offense, Trey Lance takes the helm versus a defense that lacks a standout pass rusher. Prediction: Niners

New England at Miami

While Bill Belichick can gameplan for any team, the elements conspire against him. With the weather calling for muggy, humid weather, the Patriots stand at a disadvantage. Moreover, they face a Miami offense that wants to go vertical. Tua’s arm strength questions aside, the Dolphins will stretch the field. Yet, the player to watch feels like Mike Gesicki. he will test the New England defense not only down the seam but in the red zone. Prediction: Dolphins

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Steelers at Bengals

Instead of suffering a Super Bowl hangover, Cincinnati bolstered the areas that cost them that game. The offensive line should keep Joe Burrow upright versus a hellacious pass rush. On the other hand, the Bengals’ secondary will face receivers looking to attack them in the intermediate/deep sections of the field. Look for a higher-scoring affair. Prediction: Bengals

Browns at Panthers

The first edition of the Revenge Bowl series stops in Charlotte. Baker Mayfield, cast aside by Cleveland, looks to seek a bit of payback. The Browns, missing their franchise quarterback due to a suspension. On the field, Christian McCaffrey returns from injury. If he can regain any of his post-season form, the Panthers will exceed expectations.  Prediction: Panthers

2022 Predictions: 0-0