NFL Week One Predictions
Srikar Kalapala & Josh Xue
As the 2022-2023 season commences after a long offseason that featured a lot of player movement, teams are gearing up for the seventeen-game regular season in hopes to bring a Lombardi Trophy to their fanbase in February. The first hurdle for these teams is Week 1, which will feature potential Super Bowl matchups to fierce division games. Here are our predictions for which teams will start out hot, and who will falter under the spotlight.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills
Rams. This matchup features two of the marquee teams in the NFL and will be a heavyweight showdown that could be a potential Super Bowl matchup. The Rams, coming off a title, will start their championship defense, and the Bills will start a season in which they have Super Bowl aspirations. Their game last year was a very intense one that came down to the wire, and I think that will prove to be the case again. When you have two teams that feature great offenses and defenses, injuries can prove to be the difference maker, and I think with the injury to Tre’Davious White, the Rams receiving corps will feast on the Bills inexperienced cornerbacks enough to scrape out a win.
– Srikar Kalapala
Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles. These two teams played each other last year as well, and let’s just say it was never close. The Lions seem to have gotten a lot better this year, but so have the Eagles, as some even project them to win the division. I expect this game to be closer than it was the previous time they played, but I like Philly’s defense, and AJ Brown proves to be a force to be reckoned with. On top of that, Miles Sanders will be ready to go for this game unlike last year, which will prove to be a nightmare for Detroit’s defense.
– Srikar Kalapala
Lions. We got the chance to see what happens behind closed doors through HBO Max’s Hard Knocks. As far as I can tell Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell is the real deal. Expect a physically tough battle from Detroit as they go into this season with a chip on their shoulder coming off a terrible record from last season (3-13-1).
– Josh Xue
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers
49ers. As Trey Lance gets ready for this season, the Bears will be a great game for him to get adjusted. The Bears had one of the worst pass defenses last year and didn’t do much to improve it. This could be very problematic for them, as they go up against the likes of Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. The Bears also got rid of Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack, which also doesn’t help them at all. The only saving grace Chicago might have this season is a potential sophomore rise by Justin Fields, but in terms of this game, they might get blown out of the water if they aren’t careful.
– Srikar Kalapala
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Bengals. Although I’m high on Mitchell Trubisky doing well for the Steelers this season, the Bengals have had the Steelers number in the past couple of seasons. I think the young, feisty Bengals will come into the season with a vengeance after their Super Bowl loss, and their first prey will be the Steelers.
– Srikar Kalapala
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Dolphins. Although the Patriots were a great team last season, I think the Dolphins can be better than them this season due to their new addition, Tyreek Hill, as well as their lockdown defense. Mike McDaniels, their new head coach, will try to unlock Tua’s potential this season, which is a make-or-break year for the quarterback. However, due to Bill Belichick’s track record against first-year head coaches, I would not be surprised if the Patriots pull out a win.
– Srikar Kalapala
Patriots. Before his hire, I don’t think anyone really knew who Mike McDaniels was. He faces arguably the toughest coach in the league in his first game.
– Josh Xue
Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns
Panthers. I believe in the Baker Mayfield revenge game. After a lot of off-season drama, Cleveland traded Mayfield to the Panthers, and now he will be playing against his former team in Week 1. Cleveland’s quarterback situation is up in the air after the Deshaun Watson suspension, which probably means we will see them try to win by running the ball and playing great defense.
– Srikar Kalapala
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Colts. The Colts famously have not been a Week 1 team for years now, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans pull off the upset. However, the Colts’ talent on paper is too hard to ignore, and with their new addition of Matt Ryan at quarterback, will be enough to beat the Texans in a close game.
– Srikar Kalapala
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
Saints. This will be a game where it may come down to which defense can get more stops. Although the Falcons cornerbacks look good in Terrell and Hayward, I like the Saints defense as a whole against the paltry Falcons offense. In a game of field position, that could be the difference in the game.
– Srikar Kalapala
Falcons. With the big question mark looming over the QB room, Head coach Arthur Smith must make a decision whether to go with the rookie Desmond Ridder out of Cincinnati or the NFL-vet Marcus Mariota.
– Josh Xue
New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens. Even if Zach Wilson plays on Sunday, I don’t think the Ravens let this game go to a Jets team that hopes to be better than their 2021 season. The Ravens feature a hungry Lamar Jackson, as well as new additions, like Marcus Williams and first-rounder Kyle Hamilton, which will help them in a potential playoff run this year.
– Srikar Kalapala
Jets. Not exactly the off-season that Zach Wilson had envisioned(on and…off the field). As of Wed, Sept. 7, the Jets have announced Joe Flacco to start Week 1. The cougar rests for the season opener.
– Josh Xue
Washington Commanders vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Commanders. I think both teams could surprise a lot of people this season, but especially the Commanders. I think Carson Wentz can improve upon recent quarterback play and can lead that offense in an effective manner. I am also excited to see how Doug Pederson can develop Trevor Lawerence for the Jags, but in terms of this game, I like the Commanders due to their d-line presence, and their weapons offensively.
– Srikar Kalapala
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
Packers. The Packers might feature one of the best defenses this year, as it is hard to find weaknesses on any level. The offense, on the other hand, will look to be a work in progress without Davante Adams. However, they still have reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers, who will prove to be the difference against a Minnesota team looking for an upset.
– Srikar Kalapala
Tennessee Titans vs New York Giants
Titans. The Titans have been a perennial playoff contender for the past several years and will look to do so again. First order of business? Pouncing on the Giants, who feature a quarterback in Daniel Jones, who is in his make-or-break year. The Titans still feature one of the best running backs in the game in Derrick Henry, and this defense will have a hard time stopping him.
– Srikar Kalapala
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders
Chargers. I am really high on the Chargers this year. Not only do they feature one of the best young quarterbacks in the game in Justin Herbert, they have a great supporting cast around him on offense. Then in the offseason, they brought in players like JC Jackson and Khalil Mack to bolster their defense. However, the Raiders also improved their squad too, adding the likes of Davante Adams and Chandler Jones. But in a game that may have huge implications down the road in a tight AFC West, I think the Chargers take their revenge on the team that knocked them out of playoff contention a year ago.
– Srikar Kalapala
Raiders. There could be a twist in the tale for this new and improved Raiders squad. Don’t sleep on them this season as they will most likely turn many heads with their performances. Expect a majority of LV fans to take up SoFi for what could possibly be an electrifying game.
– Josh Xue
Arizona Cardinals vs Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs. Kansas City still possesses one of the most potent offenses in the league, and although the Cardinals have potential to be a great team this season, it won’t prove to be enough against Patrick Mahomes.
– Srikar Kalapala
Cardinals. Is Kliff Kingsbury already on the hot seat? Well, according to CBS Sports he already is. He is the third most likely HC to be out of the job this season. With a rather disappointing exit from the playoffs last year, Kingsbury must find a way to utilize the talent he has on the offensive side of the ball, and that starts with handing Kyler Murray ALL the keys to the Air Raid offense.
– Josh Xue
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Bucs. In Tom Brady’s “return,” I think the Bucs will escape with a close win in Dallas. Ceedee Lamb could have a rough first game as he goes up against Carlton Davis, and I like the Bucs defense better than the Cowboys for this first game. This game was very close last year in Tampa, and will be again in Dallas.
– Srikar Kalapala
Bucs. He just never goes away, does he? Tom Brady living the best life at age 45? 50? 55? Who cares! The man just doesn’t want to call it quits. Anyways, I think the Bucs are pumped to have him back (considering their alternatives) and I don’t think the hype isn’t going to die down any time soon. Sorry Cowgirls, this year…like any other year… is not YOUR year.
– Josh Xue
Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos
Broncos. As Seattle commences their rebuild, they will face a familiar face in franchise legend Russell Wilson. The Broncos will pounce on the Seahawks early, and this one won’t be close as the game goes on. The Broncos simply have too much star power on offense and defense, and it will be reflected on the scoreboard.
– Srikar Kalapala
Broncos. Broncos country… Let’s ride. Seahawks country… Let’s Dive? Broncos take the easy win in their opener against Drew Lock Geno Smith and Co.
– Josh Xue
