NFL Week 1 Picks: Steelers upset Bengals, Lions back to reality

Football season is finally here and we got you covered for your NFL Week 1 picks. The 2022 campaign kicks off tonight with an exciting matchup. The Buffalo Bills go on the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams look to defend their Super Bowl Championship against the Bills who are hungry for a Championship of their own.

Here is every matchup this week and predictions on who will win each game.

Thursday Night Football NFL Week 1 Picks

Buffalo Bills @ LA Rams

This is an excellent matchup to kick off the season. Both teams are Super Bowl contenders this season. They are loaded with what should be similar if not better rosters than last year. Josh Allen has done nothing but improve ever since entering the NFL. On the flip side, Matthew Stafford says his elbow is fine but we will find out tonight. I think the Rams will oddly regress this season and some of that might show tonight.

Winner: Buffalo Bills

Sunday NFL Week 1 Picks

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

The Super Bowl runner-ups get a tough AFC North test right away. The Steelers have a new quarterback and are going to surprise a lot of teams this year. I think they shock the NFL this Sunday with a win over the Bengals. The Bengals are a solid team but I am a believer that they overperformed in the playoffs last season.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions

The Lions are the feel-good story of the offseason after winning over everyone’s hearts by being featured on NFL Hardknocks. Some are even calling them “America’s team.” While they have definitely improved, the Eagles will put things back in perspective. One thing to watch out for is the rookie debut of Eagle’s defensive lineman Jordan Davis. He was my favorite player in the rookie draft class. Davis was an absolute beast in camp and his limited preseason game snaps.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

San Fransisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears

The 49ers have moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo. But how confident in Trey Lance are they that they kept Jimmy G as the highest-paid backup in the NFL? Nevertheless, the first matchup is against the Bears who are nothing short of a mess of a roster as it stands.

Winner: San Fransisco 49ers

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

The Patriots are on the rebound since losing All-Time great quarterback Tom Brady. For some reason, they struggle with Miami more than they should. The Dolphins are hoping to keep that tradition going. This time, with their new weapon Tyreek Hill.

Winner: New England Patriots

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers

This is as good as it gets for a week 1 matchup. The Browns traded away Baker Mayfield for Deshaun Watson after Mayfield helped turned the franchise around. He gets his revenge game right away and I expect the Panthers to feed off the energy.

Winner: Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

The Texans have been pretty bad recently. I expect them to be more competitive this season. I do not expect them to be competitive enough to take down the Colts in week 1. It will be interesting to see Matt Ryan on a new team for the first time during his career.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

The Saints are hoping to get back to being competitive. The return of Michael Thomas should help with that. The Falcons are entering a bridge year with Marcus Mariota. They will be more competitive than people think. Tthat starts Sunday with a win over the Saints.

Winner: Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets

The Ravens should easily handle the Jets who are out their quarterback Zach Wilson. He is out with a knee injury likely until week 4. The Ravens will take full advantage and come away with the win.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Washington Commanders

The Jaguars are starting over again after the Urban Meyer era was short-lived. This time their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a year of experience. On the other side, the Commanders are unpredictable so this is a toss up because I don’t know what to expect from either team.

Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

The Packers travel to Minnesota for a NFC North matchup to kick off the season. The Vikings are a tough team to beat at home. They are eager to launch the Kevin O’Connell head coaching era as they take on the reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers and company.

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants @ Tennessee Titans

The Titans will easily take care of the Giants on their home field. Expect Ryan Tannehill to come out precise as he tries to keep Malik Willis chatter as little as possible.

Winner: Tennessee Titans

Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers

This is going to be the first high scoring shootout of the season. Derek Carr is going to show off his new weapon in Devante Adams. Justin Herbert looks to take that leap into the elite quarterback conversation. Both teams improved all around and this is going to be one for the ages.

Winner: Las Vegas Raiders

Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals

This will be another high scoring affair. Like the Raiders and Chargers, these high powered offenses will come out swinging in week 1.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys

Tom Brady has been dealing with some personal issues. I have learned that makes Brady be at his best. He will have this team ready for battle and the unintended victim will be the Dallas Cowboys.

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monday Night Football NFL Week 1 Picks

Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks

This is another week 1 “revenge” game as Russell Wilson takes on the 12th man for the first time in his career. While Wilson doesn’t have much to be mad about it’s always fun to see someone return somewhere they spent their entire career. I don’t expect the Seahawks to be competitive this season and this should be nothing short of a blowout.

Winner: Denver Broncos

Dominique Clare
Dominique Clare

Dominique Clare is a Blogger, Sportswriter and Fitness Coach.. He is the founder of Sports and Fitness Digest.

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