Picking Winners Of The Closest NFL Games In Week 1
NFL Week 1 is finally here! With 16 games kicking off, there are a lot of exciting matchups to look forward to. Some games are easy to pick, but others are somewhat difficult. In this article, there will be five "close" games that will help you pick, especially if you're in leagues that play for money. Without further ado, here are the five quick picks!
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs (-3) - 8:20 p.m. | NBC
Pick: Kansas City (-3)
X-Factor (KC): Patrick Mahomes (QB) - the Super Bowl MVP won it all last season despite having a struggling receiving corp. Now, with speedy Xavier Worthy and the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster, this offense could be on a whole new level in 2024.
X-Factor (BAL): Lamar Jackson (QB) - Jackson is the most explosive quarterback in the NFL, and it will be incredible to see how Lamar's offense looks with Derrick Henry in the backfield.
Breakout Player: Xavier Worthy (WR)—The first-round pick has the potential to be the most electric receiver since Tyreek Hill's departure.
Bold Prediction: Patrick Mahomes will lead a game-winning drive capped off by a touchdown to Travis Kelce.
Tennessee Titans (+4.5) at Chicago Bears - 1 p.m. | FOX
Pick: Tennessee (+4.5)
X-Factor (TEN): Calvin Ridley (WR) - The former Jaguar makes his Titans debut, where he will likely be the top target of Will Levis.
X-Factor (CHI): Jaylen Johnson (CB) - While the Bears offense has a lot of studs, the X-Factor is truly Johnson, who has put himself in the category of best NFL defensive backs.
Breakout Player: Rome Odunze (WR) - The rookie wide receiver starts the season as WR3 behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. The Titan's secondary will focus on those two leaving Odunze open.
Bold Prediction: Caleb Williams will struggle in his debut, throwing two interceptions in the loss.
Green Bay Packers (+3) at Philadelphia Eagles (São Paulo, Brazil) - 8:15 p.m. | Peacock
Pick: Green Bay (+3)
X-Factor (GB): Kenny Clark (DT) - The underrated defensive star doesn't usually put up much on the stat sheet, but his pressure will affect the Eagles' offense, who are starting life without center Jason Kelce.
X-Factor (PHI): A.J. Brown (WR) - Brown is a test on the Packers secondary, who will have the return of cornerback Eric Stokes, who has been injured a lot since being drafted.
Breakout Player: Luke Musgrave (TE) - With backup tight end Tucker Kraft questionable, Musgrave has a chance to step up and prove he is a top target for Jordan Love.
Bold Prediction: Devonta Smith will accumulate 100 receiving yards.
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) - 4:25 p.m. | FOX
Pick: Tampa Bay (-3)
X-Factor (TB): Rachaad White (RB) - The 25-year-old is a threat in the run and receiving game after accumulating 1,500+ total yards last season.
X-Factor (WSH): Terry McLaurin (WR) - The underrated wide receiver has had plenty of quarterbacks in his short NFL career. Now he gets a shot with the second-overall pick Jayden Daniels, who threw 40+ touchdowns at LSU last season.
Breakout Player: YaYa Diaby (LB) - The 2023 third-round pick will start at linebacker this season which gives him an opportunity to breakout.
Bold Prediction: Baker Mayfield throws for 350 yards and three touchdowns for Tampa Bay.
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers (-3) - 4:05 p.m. | CBS
Pick: Los Angeles (-3)
X-Factor (LAC): Justin Herbert (QB) - The star quarterback is returning from a season-ending injury but will shine in his season debut.
X-Factor (LV): Maxx Crosby (EDGE) - This defensive star had 14.5 sacks last season.
Breakout Player: Joshua Palmer (WR) - The former third-round pick will be Herbert's top target after the departure of Keenan Allen.
Bold Prediction: The Chargers hold the Raiders to under 15 points after allowing 63 in the last contest during the 2023 season.
Comments