I’m refraining from calling this a “prediction” piece this season. Predictions indicate one firmly believes something will happen and isn’t afraid to stand behind that judgment. In the NFL, nothing is certain except Roger Goodell’s poor judgment. That said, I’ll offer some form of prognostication, even if it’s lighthearted and not entirely backed up by evidence, but I really have no interest in how “correct” I’ll be.
As usual, these picks are for fun and should in no way be used for actual wagering purposes. That is, unless you want to make a ton of money in a legal forum, because we know more stuff and things about football than you do or something.
On to the games!
Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, September 22, 1:00 pm EST – CBS
Fireworks! We’ll see a few during this game, as neither team has established much of a defensive presence this season. Even with a hobbled secondary, Baltimore is out to prove they can beat the AFC’s best, while the Chiefs look to widen their ever-expanding divisional lead at home. Look for lots of yards and lots of points.
Ravens 31, Chiefs 35
Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills
Sunday, September 15, 1:00 pm EST – CBS
The Bengals have an identity problem, as they struggle to decide if they’re the plucky-but-undermanned team we saw contending with the Seahawks Week 1, or the lowly bottom feeder being blown out at home by the 49ers Week 2. The Bills may or may not be a contender, but their 2-0 record, fueled mostly by excellent defense, isn’t a mirage. They’ll be heavily favored here for a reason.
Bengals 13, Bills 24
Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, September 15, 4:25 pm EST – CBS
Last week, I wrote “The Steelers may or may not be declining, depending on who you talk to.” Given the loss of their all-pro WR, RB and now QB over the last two seasons, it appears that discussion is moot. Second-year QB prospect Mason Rudolph takes the reins of a shaky offense that doesn’t travel well to the West Coast in the best of times. The 2-0 49ers look to extend their improbable start with their suddenly-good running game and more effective ball control from finally-healthy QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Steelers 10, 49ers 27
Los Angeles Rams @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, September 22, 8:20 pm EST – NBC
Facing off against last year’s NFC Super Bowl representative doesn’t shape up too well for the Browns with recent news of a banged-up secondary, but they should be able to keep with the Rams offensively if the protection for QB Baker Mayfield is solid. The Browns will most likely apply a pass rush on every down to make Rams QB Jared Goff move out of the pocket and his comfort zone. It’ll be close, but I have to go with the road team.
Rams 31, Browns 28
Eat, drink, watch. Enjoy!.
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