THE PROGNOSTICATOR: Week 1

This game has already been played. Picking the Chiefs against the spread was a win but the Patriots losing — that we didn’t see.

Favorite: New England Patriots by 8.5
Prediction: New England Patriots 27 – Kansas City Chiefs 20

It is all about the Bills on the ground in this one. LeSean McCoy goes off in this. Bilal Powell makes a solid start as well, especially in PPR leagues. Both will be the focal points of their offenses and both will have room to roam. Primarily because of their success, everyone else in this contest is reduced to fantasy rubble.

Favorite: Buffalo Bills by 6.5
Prediction: Buffalo Bills 31 – New York Jets 17

It may not seem obvious but there are going to be two in particular, great games to watch this week and this Bengals/Ravens game will turn into one of them. The Ravens are going to look balanced on offense and will get a lot more production from a lot of “question mark” players than many will expect. Baltimore finally has the ability to stretch the field and that makes Danny Woodhead just that much more dangerous as defenses are going to have to pay attention to the deep routes, opening up a lot of play action underneath. The Bengals will answer with a strong opening from their passing game as the Ravens cornerbacks get tested in this one. Expect solid outings from Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert. I wouldn’t have the guts to do it, but the stars align for Giovani Bernard in this.. we’ll see if Marv Lewis sees it too.

Favorite: Cincinnati Bengals by 3
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 24 – Baltimore Ravens 23

I know that Ben Roethlisberger is all the rage this week given the matchup play but this is Le’Veon Bell‘s game and he’ll run up a huge number. It will take time for Cleveland to come together on both sides of the ball and the Steelers are built to try and win now. The Steeler defense has improved and they will open with a bang in Week 1.

Favorite: Pittsburgh Steelers by 9.5
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 24 – Cleveland Browns 14

The Titans have home field and a pounding running game between DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. If Henry ever gets his own starting role, he’ll keep it, he’s the best backup in the league. Expect the Titans to want to grind this one out and not take chances. The issue however, is that the Raiders can really throw the ball and the Titans secondary is not their strength. It is a tough matchup for Tennessee because there is little they can do to stop Derek Carr and friends from taking over the game.

Favorite: Even
Prediction: Oakland Raiders 27 – Tennessee Titans 20