THE PROGNOSTICATOR: Week 1

This game has already been played as I write this and we were WRONG! Gasp! In Chicago, after how Chicago man-handled Green Bay last year? Well.. hats off to you Aaron Rodgers — you still have it.

Favorite: Chicago Bears by 3.5
Prediction: Chicago Bears 27 – Green Bay Packers 20

I know Miami is home but let’s get real, is anyone picking Miami in this apart from Miami local media? I’m not in the Miami market but I’d love to hear the local sports radio and their reasons for why the Dolphins can win this one. Give the points and roll with Baltimore as all they’ll do is run and then run some more between Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram. There’s a big payday for both on the ground.

Favorite: Baltimore Ravens by 4.5
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 27 – Miami Dolphins 21

It is possible that I’m that lone voice in the wilderness but I just don’t see how New York wins this? I realize they have Le’Veon Bell but it will take time for the offensive line to get used to his “wait and see” running style. Buffalo is the underdog but what Buffalo has that will make them awfully hard to beat is a defense that is better than many are giving them credit for, as they will do a fine job limiting New York. The Jets also have some problems defensively and Buffalo’s ground game is not just a three-headed monster.. it’s a four-headed monster when you factor in Josh Allen. Buffalo will run, run, run while controlling the clock which the Jets won’t be able to counter.

Favorite: New York Jets by 3
Prediction: Buffalo Bills 23 – New York Jets 20

Tennessee is a little banged up and already missing players on offense that they need to succeed. Marcus Mariota just didn’t pass the sniff test to me this preseason and it should shock no one if Ryan Tannehill gets a shot eventually at trying to move the offense. Though Tennessee’s formula will be a simple one this year which will be to pound the ball with Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, control the clock, minimize mistakes and win it with their defense. If they only had the personnel to fit their scheme. Before anyone gets too excited about Tennessee, just realize they’re still in a rebuild and they will still have their ups and downs. Cleveland won’t look as good as the hype-train thinks they will as Tennessee can play good defense and Cleveland has a lot of new moving parts that are going to need some grease. Cleveland is at home which makes all the difference but many will be disappointed with their fantasy output to start the season.

Favorite: Cleveland Browns by 5.5
Prediction: Cleveland Browns 24 – Tennessee Titans 20

This game is actually fairly simple to get a read on. It’s Patrick Mahomes and his receivers straight up against Leonard Fournette. While Fournette will give Kansas City’s defense all it can handle, especially in Jacksonville, it’s Mahomes and Co. that present a very difficult obstacle for the Jaguars to try and contain.

Favorite: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.5
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 27 – Jacksonville Jaguars 20