Jay’s NFL Picks for Week 1

Football is here baby!

Tonight, the Steelers take on the Patriots in Foxborough and just like that, the next NFL season is underway.

Every week I will try my best to predict the games straight-up, chances are I will be wrong often and you will let me know about it.

Without further ado, let's make some picks!

Thursday, Sept. 10:

Steelers vs. Patriots, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Tom Brady is less than two years away from turning 40. Having said that, if he picks up where he left off, the Super Bowl 49 MVP and the Pats pick up a win here.

Winner: Patriots, 34 - 31

Sunday, Sept. 13:

Packers at Bears, 1 p.m., FOX

Aaron Rodgers will take the field Sunday without his go-to receiver, Jordy Nelson, who is out for the year with a torn ACL. Simply put, this Packers' offense is too potent for Nelson's absence to lose this game. Green Bay wins a close one in Chicago.

Winner: Packers, 27 - 17

Chiefs at Texans, 1 p.m., CBS

Alex Smith hasn't thrown a touchdown to a receiver since January 4th, 2014. Bank on that to change this week. With Jeremy Maclin as his new toy, Smith will find the end zone through the air. As for the Texans, they're starting a quarterback that the freaking Browns didn't want, so I can't pick them here.

Winner: Chiefs, 17 - 13

Browns at Jets, 1 p.m., CBS

Jets win. Nothing to see here.

Winner: Jets, 17 - 10

Colts at Bills, 1 p.m., CBS

If you look around the web for week 1 picks, you'll surprisingly see the Bills picked as the winner here quite often. I just can't get on the Bills hype-train... Yet. I'm excited to see what Tyrod Taylor can do, but advantage goes to Andrew Luck and the Colts in Buffalo.

Winner: Colts, 31 - 20

Dolphins at Redskins, 1 p.m., CBS

The Redskins are an absolute mess. When compared to the Kardashians, Troy Aikman says that's an insult to the Kardashians. With Kirk Cousins at the helm and uncertainty abound, don't expect much from the 'Skins this season. The Dolphins, on the other hand, finally have steady quarterback play with weapons left and right, not to mention a scary defense that got scarier with the off season addition of Ndamukong Suh. Dolphins win handedly in Washington.

Winner, Dolphins, 27 - 17

Panthers at Jaguars, 1 p.m., FOX

I honestly can't imagine a situation where I'd pick the Jaguars this season... It will take second-year quarterback Blake Bortles putting up big numbers, with rookie T.J. Yeldon running his butt off. I can't pick them here, Panthers win in Jacksonville.

Winner: Panthers, 23 - 17 OT

Seahawks at Rams 1 p.m., FOX

Rams have improved on paper. They also have Nick Foles under center. They had the Seahawks' number last year in St. Louis. Am I about to pick the Rams here?? HECK NO. Seahawks win thanks to quality QB play from Russell Wilson, and (close your eyes Saints fans) Jimmy Graham will catch at least one touchdown in his first game with Seattle.

Winner: Seahawks, 24 - 10

Saints at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., FOX

It's no secret that the Saints simply play differently away from the dome. It's also worth noting that their "dome-field advantage" became non-existent last season. I'm intrigued to see how this Saints team fairs without Brees' favorite target, Jimmy Graham. If this game was in New Orleans, I would probably change this pick, but I'll go with the Cardinals in Arizona.

Winner: Cardinals, 31 - 27

Lions at Chargers, 4:05 p.m., FOX

Matthew Stafford must be simply giddy to have Calvin Johnson back and fully healthy. Couple that with the always dangerous Golden Tate and the super explosive Ameer Abdullah, the Lions could be deadly this season. They win in San Diego.

Winner: Lions, 38 - 31

Titans at Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m., CBS

I absolutely love this game. Winston vs. Mariota Pro Edition looks fantastic and I can't wait to see it. I think Winston looks sloppy and throws a couple picks, while Mariota plays it safe and throws zero interceptions but puts up unimpressive passing numbers. Lack of mistakes gives the edge to Tennessee in Tampa Bay.

Winner: Titans, 20 - 17

Bengals at Raiders, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Could this be the year Andy Dalton makes it over the hump and takes Cincinnati on a deep playoff run? Absolutely not, but the Bengals will win this game.

Winner: Bengals, 21 - 10

Ravens at Broncos, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Peyton Manning ended last season on a sour note after showing his age during the final stretch of the schedule. He rebounds quite nicely here tossing three touchdowns, and faithful Fantasy owners everywhere will be happy with their Manning selection... For now. Manning and the Broncos win the opener in Denver.

Winner: Broncos, 31 - 28

Giants at Cowboys, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Dallas is 6-0 in season openers vs The Giants, scoring over 30 points in every game. Of course, this will be the first opening game against New York that features Madden cover boy, Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants will keep it close, but Dallas will over-power this remade Giants defense.

Winner: Cowboys, 38 - 31

Monday Night Football, Sept. 14:

Eagles at Falcons, 7:10 p.m., ESPN

I don't think there is any more room on the Eagles' bandwagon. Fans were excited to see an exceptional preseason from their revamped squad. Sam Bradford looks good, as does last season's leading rusher DeMarco Murray, but can they stay healthy? They will win this game if those two are up to snuff.

Winner: Eagles, 41 - 38 OT

Vikings at 49ers, 10:20 p.m., ESPN

The Vikings have their guy back. Adrian Paterson will be the work-horse this year for a team in the Vikings that could really use his presence. Despite popular belief, Teddy Bridgewater had an impressive rookie season, without A.P. mind you. I think Minnesota goes to San Francisco and steals one against the unpredictable 49ers.

Winner: Vikings, 20 - 17

@JayWhatley