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May 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin oversees drills during Steelers rookie mincamp and orientation at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 bold predictions for Sunday

NFL Week 1 schedule: 5 bold predictions for Sunday

Matt Verderame NFL

With the NFL Week 1 schedule upon us, here are five bold predictions to consider as Sunday quickly approaches.

5. Christian McCaffrey has 200+ total yards

The Carolina Panthers are taking on the New York Jets in Charlotte this weekend, and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is healthy after an injury-marred 2020. The Jets don’t hav anybody at the linebacker spot capable of matching up with the Stanford product, who should get the ball on the ground and through the air with Sam Darnold calling his number. Look for a huge day.

4. The Atlanta Falcons don’t blow a late lead

Atlanta is the king of blowing games late. Last year, it felt like a weekly occurrence. This week, the Falcons take on the Philadelphia Eagles and are favored to walk away with a victory. However, the Eagles have some talent offensively in quarterback Jalen Hurts and rookie receiver DeVonta Smith, along with tight ends Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz. However, Atlanta has a better offense and although it’s likely a shootout, Matt Ryan should get the job done.

3. Patrick Mahomes throws four touchdowns vs. Browns

The Kansas City Chiefs pent their entire offseason rebuilding the offensive line after their disastrous performance in Super Bowl LV. The result is five new starters, including three rookies who have looked phenomenal all summer in center Creed Humphrey, guard Trey Smith and right tackle Lucas Niang. If Patrick Mahomes is given time to throw, he’s beating anybody, and while Cleveland has Myles Garrett there are questions in other spots.

2. Kirk Cousins throws for 400 yards against Bengals

Cousins has gotten a ton of heat throughout his career as being unwilling to throw down the field, and rightfully so. However, the Bengals have one of the worst defenses in the league, and with corner William Jackson III having left in free agency to join the Washington Football Team, it might be even worse. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen will get open consistently against Cincinnati, giving them ample chances for yardage after the catch.

1. The Steelers take the Bills to the wire

Pittsburgh is being forgotten about because it finished the regular season 1-4 and was blown out in the AFC Wild Card round to finish last year. However, the Steelers began things 11-0 with a fantastic defense. While they aren’t on the same level as the Bills or Chiefs in the AFC, Mike Tomlin’s crew is capable of winning any game. Pittsburgh is a deserved underdog in the road in Week 1, but expect this to be a very tight affair.

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