NFL Outlook-BenchCasters Analysts breakdown all games for NFL Week 1
By Christian S Rauh
September 5th, 2017
Thats right! The thing everyone has been waiting on since February is finally back! NFL Football!
We had a fantastic season last year, ending it historical fashion. The last time we saw NFL teams take the field was Super Bowl LI. The Atlanta Falcons took on the New England Patriots. Atlanta started the game off on fire, and carried that all the way into halftime, leading 28-3. This is where things changed directions, and as long as you haven’t lived under a rock the past few months, you know the rest. The Atlanta Falcons blew the lead, and were defeated in overtime by the score 34-28.
The Falcons haven’t lived this defeat down since that mid-winter Sunday, as social media, and reporters have constantly reminded Atlanta of this dreadful loss. The Falcons look to make a trip back to the big game, and to most experts, it’s quite possible we will get that opportunity.
On the New England side of the house, you would think the dynasty would have to end? Right? Well, don’t go holding your breath, after the Patriots victory, they have added some studs to improve there chances at another Super Bowl Championship. Will we see a rematch? It is possible, but 30 other teams will fight for the right to say otherwise.
Today at BenchCasters, we are going to break down all the games of Week 1, and predict who will win. So, how important is it to win your first game of the season? Well, four of the last 5 Super Bowl Champions have won there Week 1 games, starting them off on the right foot towards the Lombardi Trophy. (The only one to lose week 1 was the 2014 New England Patriots, vs Miami 12-7.
The five people who be breaking down this season are BenchCasters editors, and analysts. They are fans just like you, and each give their own original input on why they make what pick. Edward Sponeybarger, Jarae Thurmond, John Milanowski, Brian Pezon, and myself Christian Rauh will round out the group. We will keep track of all the results here at BenchCasters, and have standings every week after Week 1. BRAGGING RIGHTS IS AT STAKE!
Let’s break it down:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins-POSTPONED
First i would like to start off saying that usually during Week 1, everyone plays. This will be different this year however. The Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will reschedule there game to a date yet to be determined, due to the incoming storm of Hurricane Irma. The plan in place as it stands now, the teams will play Week 11, where both teams originally have a bye week.
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots-Thursday 9/7 8:30pm Eastern (NFL Network)
The defending champions will start off the season for the league, taking on the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday on NFL Network, here are our Predictions.
Last Game-2015 Divisional Playoffs- NE 27, KC 20
Spread: NE -9
Edward Sponeybarger-PATRIOTS WIN (27-17)- Fresh out the gates the defending champs are tested early with that ferocious KC defense. Alex Smith struggles down the stretch forcing the defense to tire. Tom Brady is one of the GOATS for a reason, leading the troops to victory.
Jarae Thurmond-PATRIOTS WIN
John Milanowski-PATRIOTS WIN- New England over the Chiefs here because i do think New England is the better team. Simple and sweet, but I could see both teams making playoffs at the end of the regular season
Brian Pezon-PATRIOTS WIN (27-10)- This game is more about the Chiefs struggle on offense then the Patriots being the dominant force most see them to be. Chiefs will rely heavily on the playmaking of second year man tyreek hill and rookie HB Kareem Hunt. New England will shut this down and get the easy win.
Christian Rauh-PATRIOTS WIN (34-16)- New England has done everything right this offseason with addressing there weak spots (if you want to call them weak) Cooks, and Gilmore will be solid from the start. Brady struggles on first few drives without Edelman but finds his groove with good play from Cooks and Hogan. Chiefs defense has made solid improvements this offseason and it shows, but is still no match for the defending champs. Smith throws 2 crucial interceptions for KC.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
The New York Jets Travel to Orchard Park, to take on AFC East Rivals Buffalo Bills.
Last Game- 2016 Week 17-NYJ 30, BUF 10
Spread: Buf -9.5
Edward Sponeybarger-BILLS WIN (13-7)- Not much to see here in this AFC East rivalry game. Bills barely win but more impressive is the athletic ability of this Jets defense. Bills WIN (13-7)
Jarae Thurmond-BILLS WIN
John Milanowski-BILLS WIN- The better team here is the Bills regardless who will start at QB for them. The Jets don’t have much talent on the roster and QB Josh McCown is known to make mistakes. This is not one of the games i have Jets winning, i don’t see them win no more than four.
Brian Pezon-BILLS WIN (28-7)- Once again this game is more about the Jets losing than the Bills winning. Neither team is too great but I will take Shady and that running game over that Jets defense any time. Bills defense will look dominant against this Jet’s high school looking offense.
Christian Rauh-BILLS WIN (20-13)- New York is in clear tanking mode, and it obvious to just about everyone, don’t let them fool you. They did grab Jermaine Kearse in a blockbuster trade with Seattle, he will get over 100 yards receiving in this one. Shady McCoy is going to go off this week, against a defense struggling to find the replacement for Sheldon Richardson. He rushes for 127 yards, and 1TD.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
Joe Haden and the Pittsburgh Steelers faces his former team and AFC North Rivals, Cleveland Browns. Rookie QB Deshone Kizer gets the nod for the Browns.
Last Game- 2016 Week 17-PIT 27, CLE 24
Spread: Pit -8.5
Edward Sponeybarger-STEELERS WIN (31-13)- With all the upside of Cleveland, this game against Pittsburgh will test this young team. Steelers depth on offense proves too much down the stretch and the Steel City starts off 1-0 with a bang.
Jarae Thurmond-STEELERS WIN
John Milanowski-STEELERS WIN– The Steelers high powered offense against a low ranked browns defense that doesn’t have much talent will be Cleveland’s downfall.
Brian Pezon-STEELERS WIN (30-17)- Story here is Joe Haden against his old team. Right? Can someone on the Browns exploid Haden? I think so, look for a Browns wide out to burn Hayden for a 50+ yard TD reception. Steelers offense is still among the best, the Killer B’s (ben, bell and brown) light up the stat sheet.
Christian Rauh-BROWNS WIN (27-24)- Thats right, you read that correctly, the Browns will shock the world Week 1. I believe there is a solid reason why Kizer was named the starter, and Osweiler got shipped out. Pittsburgh is an impressive team and this will there division all year, but they tend to struggle at times with Cleveland, Sunday will be no different, and KIZERMANIA will begin.
Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
The Oakland Raiders enter the Music City with newly acquired Marshawn Lynch who returns from retirement.
Last Game- 2016 Week 3- OAK 17, TEN 10
Spread: Ten -2.5
Edward Sponeybarger-RAIDERS WIN (28-14)- OAKLAND is just nasty. Not much else to say right now.
Jarae Thurmond-RAIDERS WIN
John Milanowski-RAIDERS WIN– Oaklands defensive line will be too much for Tennessee offensive front to handle.
Brian Pezon-TITANS WIN (33-28)- High scoring affair shows the lack of solid defense and high powered offenses. I will take that titans defense to be able to put together one more stop than the Raiders defense. Raiders are well rounded on offense but we haven’t seen how they work with Marshawn yet. Titans scary rushing attack will be going right against the Raiders weakest spot on their team. LINEBACKERS. Look for that to be the difference.
Christian Rauh-TITANS WIN (38-24)- Full of surprises in Week 1, but the Titans are the real deal, pay attention to them this season, they will be battling for a spot in the postseason down the stretch. Mariota finally has the support he needs to move into that next tier of Elite quarterbacks, and we will get a nice taste of it here on Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
Doug Marrone and the Jacksonville Jaguars will travel to the battered city of Houston who many will question if they are in a football mindset, after Hurricane Harvey.
Last Game- 2016 Week 15- HOU 21, JAX 20
Spread: Hou -5
Edward Sponeybarger-TEXANS WIN (16-6)- JJ Watt will be an absolute force.
Jarae Thurmond-TEXANS WIN
John Milanowski-TEXANS WIN– This one was tough for me to decide. Both teams having question marks at Quarterback, but I think Houston’s defense will have an explosive day, and that will be the deciding factor.
Brian Pezon-TEXANS WIN (17-6)- Houston will have a great defensive performance. I’m very on on this defense and how well they shut teams down from getting points. Offense will learn to keep them ahead when the defense only allows field goals. Offense will turn it over once and give Jags good field position but two field goals is all I see from Jacksonville. Texans get a good divisional win.
Christian Rauh-TEXANS WIN (31-3)- I think all the people who doubt JJ Watt and company are football ready will easily be put to rest after this week. Houston goes off the entire game, and doesn’t hold back on there division foe. The city of Houston gets a deserving victory. JJ Watt gets 3 sacks to start the season off in the lead for league.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins host Division rivals Philadelphia Eagles. Second year quarterback Carson Wentz looks to start off on the right foot and overcome the “Sophomore Slump.”
Last Game- 2016 Week 14- WAS 27, PHI 22
Spread: Phi -1
Edward Sponeybarger-REDSKINS WIN (20-14)-My game of the week(tied). Both teams have huge upgrades and are looking to win the NFC EAST. Washington eeks this one out though.
Jarae Thurmond-EAGLES WIN
John Milanowski- EAGLES WIN -This one was a no brainer for me. Eagles have a much better offense than the Redskins, and the Redskins defense is iffy at best who is also without Murphy.
Brian Pezon- EAGLES WIN (24-20)- Great division, great game. Eagles all around team is better, Philadelphia has less injuries. Murphy being hurt will limit their pass rush and Wentz will hook up with Alshon Jeffery and Eagles will out do the Redskins in this one.
Cardinals over lions this one come down to who offense is better and that would be the cardinals for me
Christian Rauh-EAGLES WIN (21-13)-Wentz will have a breakout season, with new weapons like Alshon Jeffery, they will beat Washington in Week 1. Redskins defense is hurting right now, especially with the loss of Murphy, and possible early retirement from Cravens.
Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals will fly into Motor City, and attempt to beat the highest paid player Matt Stafford, and the Detroit Lions.
Last Game- 2015 Week 5- ARI 42, DET 17
Spread: Ari -1.5
Edward Sponeybarger-LIONS WIN (24-21)-Arizona is an all in team this year will star players only getting older. It will interesting to see how they do early on against the Lions. I see this game being really close. I’ve got the Lions stealing one here.
Jarae Thurmond-LIONS WIN
John MIlanowski-CARDINALS WIN-This one will come down to whose offense is better, and to me that’s Arizona.
Brian Pezon- CARDINALS WIN (18-10)- It’s still early in the season so Cardinals are fresh and not needing their walkers and their life alert. Lions roster is less than impressive they don’t have anyone on either side of the ball that can win you a game or that will turn it on when the game is on the line. Yes I know Stafford leads the league with 4th quarter comebacks last year. But you have to throw against peterson and the honey badger to do it this week. 4th quarter drive comes up short with a Tyrann Mathieu INT.
Christian Rauh-CARDINALS WIN (37-20)- Carson Palmer and company have a lot to prove this year, and this might be the last year they can with stars aging quickly. This team on both sides of the ball is the most experienced in the league, and it will benefit them early on in non division play. Stafford, who just got paid, will under play, he will get no run support, and questions will rise as to if he was worth the contract.
Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
The defending NFC Champions will look to get their first win, after an embarrassing loss in the Super Bowl. Chicago tries to start the season off right, and get out of the gutter in the NFC North.
Last Game- 2014 Week 6 CHI 27, ATL 13
Spread: Atl -9
Edward Sponeybarger-FALCONS WIN (35-10)-The Falcons are mad and Chicago is first up on the list of redemption. Easy victory for Atlanta.
Jarae Thurmond-FALCONS WIN
John Milanowski- FALCONS WIN A easy pick Atlanta defense is too much for the Bears to handle and the fact that Glennon gets the start over rookie Trubisky will end in failure.
Brian Pezon- FALCONS WIN (35-10)- Atlanta comes out firing on all cylinders. That offense looks like they are going to light up the league this year, For this week that is true, both Freeman and Coleman have over 100 total yards each, Julio Jones has 10 catches 150+ yards and people will start chirping. Don’t forget people they are playing the Bears, THE BEARS.
Christian Rauh-FALCONS WIN (31-13)-If Mitchell Trubisky was named the starter, my score would be alot closer, but i would have the same result. Atlanta has gone half a year hearing about them losing the Superbowl, they are ready to get back into the win column. They will do that Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals-Sunday 9/10 1:00pm Eastern
Joe Flacco returns from injury, and looks to defeat AFC North rivals in Andy Dalton and the Bengals.
Last Game- 2016 Week 17 CIN 27, BAL 10
Spread: Cin -3
Edward Sponeybarger-RAVENS WIN (24-17)-Ravens are the dark horse this year, in my opinion. Looking to prove themselves, they dismantle the Bengals and show the world what they’re capable of. A late score by Cincy makes it appear close, but we know what really happened.
Jarae Thurmond-RAVENS WIN
John Milanowski- BENGALS WIN Another tough choice for me here, but with the question of health in quarterback Joe Flacco I have to go with the Bengals here. Baltimore and their defense have taken a step back in my opinion too.
Brian Pezon- RAVENS WIN (17-10)- Baltimore and Cincinnati will have great games this year. Both teams have similar rosters in that they both have underrated defenses and mediocre offenses. Neither team can run the ball all that well and both have running back by commision. Bengals have the better #1 receiver but Ravens have the better committee at Wide Out. So I choose this game by the better Quarterback. Flacco gets the game winning touchdown in the 4th quarter.
Christian Rauh-BENGALS WIN (21-17)-This game could go either way for me, but i have to give my W to Cincinnati. Andy Dalton has AJ Green and John Ross in his arsenal, add a running back by committee and they come out on top. Joe Flacco who was hurt all preseason will be returning as well, but it’s questionable that he will be 100%, only game time will tell, but with this fear, i have the Bengals on top close.
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams-Sunday 9/10 4:05 pm Eastern
The “Luckless” Colts will head to the LA Coliseum to take on a newly loaded Rams offense.
Last Game- 2013 Week 10 LAR(STL)38, IND 8
Spread: LAR -3.5
Edward Sponeybarger-RAMS WIN (35-10)-Colts stink, and the Rams have too much talent to lose this one.
Jarae Thurmond-RAMS WIN
John Milanowski- RAMS WIN Due to the fact that Luck is out and the colts defense is absolutely terrible i have the Rams winning.
Brian Pezon- RAMS WIN (17-9)- Los Angeles get their first win of the season in their home stadium verse the colts. Rams adding Watkins, Woods and Kupp to that wide receiver depth is big Everett at TE is being often overlooked. All these new toys for Goff in that offense will take it from 8 in the box every play and GURLEY will take this game over. Look out for 150+ yards out of Gurley also 2TDs.
Christian Rauh-RAMS WIN (28-6) The Colts are not a good team this year. Take out the Best player on that team in Andrew Luck to injury, and your terrible. I don’t see Indy making it to the endzone with backup quarterback Scott Tolzien, they will be terrible in the red zone. LA added some great weapons for an attempt for Goff to produce. He had a rough rookie season, but i see him finding his first victory here.
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers-Sunday 9/10 4:25 pm Eastern
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers take on The Legion of Boom and the Seattle Seahawks.
Last Game- 2016 Week 14 GB 38, SEA 10
Spread: GB -3
Edward Sponeybarger-PACKERS WIN (20-16)- Hell of a game on paper. I believe Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom are too much for Aaron Rodgers, Seattle wins close.
Jarae Thurmond-PACKERS WIN
John Milanowski- PACKERS WIN Both these teams are amazing, but I have more faith in Aaron Rodgers than Russell Wilson in this game, could be the deciding factor. We could be getting a preview of a future playoffs matchup without question.
Brian Pezon- PACKERS WIN (20-17)- This is one of the better matchups we get to see on a every year basis. This year will be just as good a close game for the entire game. A struggling Seahawks offensive line and a great Seattle defense will keep the points low on this one. I see a chess match for sure and I see Rodgers delivering the final kill shot to tight end Martellus Bennett to beat his brother Michael Bennett Seahawks.
Christian Rauh-SEAHAWKS WIN (28-24) The biggest blockbuster trade of the preseason was the trade of Jermaine Kearse to the Jets for Defensive front man Shelton Richardson. Adding Richardson to the defensive line with Michael Bennett and company will be crucial to the entire defense. This will drastically reduce the time Aaron Rodgers has in the pocket, and could make mistakes, i believe he does, Seahawks win.
Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers-Sunday 9/10 4:25 pm Eastern
After a extensive sweep of the front office. The 49ers led by new general manager John Lynch and new head coach Kyle Shanahan take on Cam Newton and the Panthers.
Last Game- 2016 Week 2- CAR 46, SF 27
Spread: Car -5.5
Edward Sponeybarger-PANTHERS WIN (31-13)-Will Cam return to his true form? Will this Niners team stake its claim? Nah… Cam or not, Christian Mccaffrey studs out and helps the Panthers BIG TIME!
Jarae Thurmond-PANTHERS WIN
John Milanowski- PANTHERS WIN The Panthers have a much better team than the rebuilding 49ers. I don’t see it as a blow out, but Carolina will leave on top.
Brian Pezon- PANTHERS WIN (28-10)- Carolina fell off a bit last year between their defense getting hit with key injury to the league’s best inside linebacker and they also took a big step back by starting two rookie corners and letting their best walk. They bounce back at full strength and Cam Newton looks to have fun again this year with the relaxed celebration rules and most importantly new OFFENSIVE WEAPONS.
Christian Rauh-PANTHERS WIN (41-20)-The 49ers will be an exciting team this year, but it won’t help them on the majority of scoreboards throughout the season. Cam Newton looks to come back to MVP after a below average season. Newton and company will win this one easy.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys-Sunday Night Football 9/10 8:30pm Eastern
Zeke can play! News of Elliott eligible for S.N.F. against division rival Giants could be huge! Can Eli and company hold them off?
Last Game- 2016 Week 14- NYG 10, DAL 7
Spread: Dal -4
Edward Sponeybarger-GIANTS WIN (27-17)-With all the drama in Dallas, the veteran Eli Manning will take advantage of the big lights and media-whirlwind surrounding the Cowboys. Look for the Giants strong defense and high level receiving core to dominate.
Jarae Thurmond-COWBOYS WIN
John Milanowski- GIANTS WIN This was a hard choice, but for me it comes down to the Cowboys secondary. Dallas corners will not be able to keep up with the Giants two headed monster with Odell Beckham Jr., and Brandon Marshall.
Brian Pezon- GIANTS WIN (37-28)- New York and Dallas are going to be great contenders in the NFC this year. This east will come down to these head to head matchups. The Giants defense is better than the Cowboys. Cowboys Offense is better than the Giants, but by how much? My opinion not enough, Giants will be able to shut down Dak and Zeke more than that Cowboys YOUNG secondary can stop OBJ, Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. Thats too much for two new corners and a new starting safety.
Christian Rauh-COWBOYS WIN (28-24) This game right here will be without a doubt the game of the week. Elliott will be eligible to play, and will go off. Dak Prescott will also play a fantastic game, throwing 2 touchdowns. The Giants will be in this game the entire time though, mainly due to the high level talent in there receiving core. Dallas wins, but not without a fight.
New Orleans at Minnesota Vikings-Monday Night Football 9/11 7:10 pm Eastern
Adrian Peterson wears Black and Gold in his return to Minnesota, in his first game against his former team.
Last Game- 2014 Week 4 NO 20, MIN 9
Spread: Min -3.5
Edward Sponeybarger-VIKINGS WIN (38-36)-Easy Breesy… Not so much. Minnesota looks strong and takes a high scoring game last minute.
Jarae Thurmond-SAINTS WIN
John Milanowski- SAINTS WIN I feel we will see a fantastic season from Drew Brees, as he opens the season. Adrian Peterson returning to Minnesota will be the story here, and he will thrive.
Brian Pezon- VIKINGS WIN (35-31)- Minnesota has a great defense for creating turnovers and creating great field position for their offense. This will come in hand more than once in this game. Brees is not a quarterback who usually has many mistakes. Vikings offense will take advantage of each mistake that Ingram, Kamara and Brees make. 3 fumbles and 1 INT will create easy 24 points for the offense or a return for a TD and will be the difference in the game.
Christian Rauh-SAINTS WIN (38-24)-Drew Brees will have to make due of losing his number 2 receiver Willie Snead, but he will manage. MIchael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr, will help with the damage from Sneads suspension. Adrian Peterson returns to Minnesota, in his first game after being let go. I believe he proves them wrong, and performs better than his replacement Dalvin Cook. Rookie Corner Marshon Lattimore for the Saints will also be dynamic to this victory, and will record his 1st career interception. Saints win.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos-Monday Night Football 9/11 10:20 pm Eastern
Philip Rivers and company play their first game as newly relocated Los Angeles Chargers against Von Miller and the Denver Broncos.
Last Game- 2016 Week 8 DEN 27, LAC(SD) 19
Spread: Den -3.5
Edward Sponeybarger-CHARGERS WIN (31-17)-Chargers have so much talent. This could be the year Philip Rivers shines and makes that push toward a superbowl. (remember that!)
Jarae Thurmond-CHARGERS WIN
John Milanowski- BRONCOS WIN The Chargers Offensive Line is a little weak, and against a good broncos defense will be dangerous for Rivers and company.
Brian Pezon- CHARGERS WIN (21-10)- Los Angeles Chargers win their first division game of the year getting nice pass rush on Trevor Siemian and rattling his cage. 5 sacks is my prediction for that group led by Bosa and Ingram. Look out Broncos your lack of a run game will hurt you here. “Go Chargers Go” best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice.
Christian Rauh-CHARGERS WIN (24-14)– With Denver starting former seventh round pick Trevor Siemian, I just don’t see anything special from this Broncos team. The Chargers who are hurting with injuries, no different than the past few years will find a win here, mainly from fantastic play from the Chargers pass rushing, and the reliable Philip Rivers.
As you see, not all of us agree, and that’s why we gave you different views on each game. We know how it is as fans to only hear one side of the story, here you get five!
We end this Article with the five of us making our Super Bowl predictions before a single game is played. Here they are, we’ll look back and see if any of us get it right!
Edward Sponeybarger- (AFC) Pittsburgh Steelers vs (NFC) New York Giants
I know the season has yet to start, but come on, who doesn’t sit around with their buddies drinking, talking to family at those summer get togethers, or envision in your mind the question “Who’s going to the Superbowl this season?.”
For me it’s easy to sit back and instinctually say NEW ENGLAND DUH! But it’s not that easy, TB or not.
There Is just so much more to it than that, though the AFC east is going to be a walk in the park for New England this season, I have my eye on another AFC foe.
The Pittsburgh Steelers! With all the additions, and the young guns on that defense looking to sprout, I don’t think it’s going to be farfetched that if they meet NE in the playoffs, they WILL get after TB much like the Giants did in the two’s SB meetings.
With that in mind my NFC choice is COMPLETELY biased to the NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS! The G-Men are looking better than ever and with all of their newest additions, I believe they will be a step above the rest of the NFC.
Jarae Thurmond- (AFC) Oakland Raider vs (NFC) Atlanta Falcons
Falcons vs Raiders they pull it off this year. Raiders beat Patriots in the snow just like the old “tuck rule” game in 2002. The Falcons beat the Cowboys in Atlanta for revenge from an odd regular season loss to Dallas at home.
John Milanowski- (AFC) New England Patriots vs (NFC) Seattle Seahawks
One last championship for Brady before he retires (not saying it’s after this season) and I think the Seahawks will beat Atlanta in the NFC championship game.
Brian Pezon- (AFC) New England Patriots vs (NFC) New York Giants
Patriots are the most complete team in the AFC, Raiders defense is weak, Texans offense isn’t fully together with a below average quarterback and Steelers secondary isn’t championship caliber. Same for the Giants most complete team in the NFC, Packers have no run game and a mediocre defense, Buccaneers are young and not ready to take that late playoff step yet, Seahawks offensive line is 1-2 injuries away from being the worst ever in NFL.
Christian Rauh- (AFC) Oakland Raiders vs (NFC) Green Bay Packers
The Oakland Raiders were a powerhouse last season, and in my opinion would have made it into the AFC Championship if Quarterback Derek Carr didn’t go down. They will finish with the second best record in the AFC behind the defending super bowl champs, but they will overtake them in the AFC Championship game. The Green Bay Packers are also another team that will be Solid this season. They will win their division easily, and finish with a first round bye going into the postseason. They defeat the New York Giants in the NFC Championship to face the Raiders.
The season is new, it’s exciting, and it’s going to bring lots of great stories here in the upcoming weeks. Keep following us here at www.BenchCasters.com for all your NFL and sporting news!