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Match day
You could not say it for a moment, huh? The Falcons and Eagles faced each other on Thursday night for the first time since one of the 2017 playoff quality matches – a divisive affair that was almost immediately overshadowed by a miracle in Minneapolis. A kind of memorable end there. But do not forget the latest series of games in Falcons-Eagles – a series of goals to play that ended with Julio Jones' runway exit. The Philly 15-10 win sparked the Eagles' unprecedented race to the Super Bowl glory.
.@Agles @Goblin green gets the 1on 1 v @ juliojones_11 and win the road and win win. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/c6XmdhmmZJ
Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL)
January 14, 2018
As Baldy shows, the Eagles have well deserved it. However, you can argue that the Falcons have challenged the champions more than the Vikings (quite, of course) or the Patriots (debate fodder).
Another clash of week 1 – which takes place in the aforementioned twin city – has its own unique story …
All in all, we have 16 games to play: division games, fun QB duels (Watson vs. Brady!) And fights with new faces in new places (like some smuggler you may know). So, take a look below, and do not hesitate to send your plug: @HarrisonNFL is the place
Elliot Harrison went 171-96 on his predictions last season. How will he go in 2018? Her choices for week 1 are below.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 9
Baltimore Ravens 27, Buffalo Bills 10
1 pm ET (CBS) | M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore)
This is the 16th most anticipated game of the week. The Buffalo offensive line will have to be assaulted both in the Ravens Commission race and in a rough first match. On this note, Nate Peterman can hardly afford to lose his composure under pressure or linger over mistakes, which is precisely what prevented him from the Chargers on his first start in the NFL. Look for a big dose of Alex Collins in this game, as worth 20 to 25 staves. Baltimore wins.
Jacksonville Jaguars 17, New York Giants 13
1 pm ET (FOX) | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
Slow start for the renovated giant offensive, especially the offensive line. The new and improved unit will face its toughest match all year from the start. The Jags will still eclipse 50 bags this year – or at least they seem to be headed in that direction. But make no mistake: this game is still a prime candidate for a week 1. In the absence of large Jacksonville receivers requiring slice coverage, Landon Collins should have some prime opportunities. Yes, Blake Bortles can not throw a lot.
New Orleans Saints 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
1 pm ET (FOX) | Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
The Saints' attack continues, albeit slowly, in this week's divisional match. Tampa has reworked his defensive front, which could make things a bit more difficult, especially without Mark Ingram. Alvin Kamara's workload should be quite heavy. And hey, Kamara got good results in two games against the Bucs last season: 19 races for 112 yards and two touchdowns; 12 catches for 168 yards and one touchdown. Oh, and did I mention the 106-yard take-off touchdown? Absolutely electric The situation of Bucs? Certainly not electric.
New England Patriots 34, Houston Texans 30
1 pm ET (CBS) | Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
This sucker could be a track meet, not tropooo different from last year 's tilt. Can Deshaun Watson once again perform his mad act of three touchdowns in each match? The Patriots' defense raises a lot of concern and offers many opportunities to the child. After narrowly escaping a win over the Texans last year, the New England defense tilted the scenario from Swiss cheese to the toughest unit in the league the rest of the season. Houston's defense will have trouble covering the backs of the Patriots. Give James White 10 catches.
Minnesota Vikings 28, San Francisco 49ers 16
1 pm ET (FOX) | United States Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
The era of Kirk Cousins begins with a quality home victory. Stefon Diggs will have a big game, it seems to me, because I do not trust the high school 49ers yet. Guess Richard Sherman will see a lot of Adam Thielen. Advantage: Thielen. The real battle to follow will be DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and this defensive front of the Niners against an O-line of Minnesota. The result may not all be subordinated to Jimmy G. Despite all the off-season hype, it's not Steve Young – at least not yet.
Miami Dolphins 24, Tennessee Titans 22
1 pm ET (FOX) | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
It's a hard game to call. Titans are a better team in general and especially in defense. That said, the heat can be a factor in these early season games in Florida. The dolphins will wear their whites, unsurprisingly. They are also better in the quarter than they were last season, when Jay Cutler was essentially removed from the stand to execute this attack. A huge factor for Miami this week (and, really, this year): receivers Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker, who have to compensate for the loss of Jarvis Landry. So, basically, they have to catch 1000 bubble screens. As for the tandems, look for Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis to solve Miami's problems.
Cincinnati Bengals 30, Colts of Indianapolis 22
1 pm ET (CBS) | Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
Andrew Luck is a fantastic player on the right. If there is a shadow of – or all – himself will be a determining factor both in this match and in the 2018 season in Indianapolis. Thinking the Bengals front will be too much for the Colts offensive line, forcing Luck to carry too much charge by himself. Especially with LT Anthony Castonzo hit. Cincy receivers should hay in these Indy bends, unless Frank Reich suddenly reveals a scary race. Doubtful.
Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Cleveland Browns 14
1 pm ET (CBS) | FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland)
Despite the low score, this should be an exciting affair. A large treat. One team is the traditional powerhouse of the division, the other a proverbial doormat that many think is about to lose that label. Both offenses have difficulty resolving. The Steelers are still waiting for their queen on the board, the "Veon Bell," so it will apparently be James Conner's baby this weekend. Cleveland must prove he can put the ball on the court with Tyrod Taylor at the helm. So what makes this North AFC fight so exhilarating? The energy in Cleveland, which I suspect to be something like this:
Los Angeles Chargers 37, Kansas City Chiefs 24
16:05 ET (CBS) | ROKiT Field at StubHub Center (Carson, California)
Anticipate a lot of attack in this classic AFC West. The Chiefs 'offense will average 28 points per game this year, but there could be some failures in what will be Patrick Mahomes' second career start. Kansas City's offensive lineup will be filled with Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Co., making Kareem Hunt an important figure in this game. If both teams meet, this will be an advantage for Anthony Lynn's team. Chiefs Eric Berry's security is doubtful to play for a defense that already has big side issues. The Bolts have Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and sophomore Mike Williams, who is ready to score after a rookie season lost. It should be too difficult for Mahomes to stay at least week 1.
Denver Broncos 28, Seattle Seahawks 14
4:25 ET (FOX) | Broncos Stadium at Mile High (Denver)
Trust the bouncing Broncos, with little confidence in passing Seahawks. Case Keenum should strengthen his team's chances this year after the poor quarterback played with Denver and he received it last season. Too often the defense has been asked to mitigate the negative effects of a fully compromised offense. It's funny, every time I think of Case Keenum, I think of those Case Logic CD bindings for all my LPs Faith No More in the 90s. Logic dictates that Russell Wilson might have to pull a rabbit from the A hat, unless Chris Carson jumps and wends his way through the seven before.
Carolina Panthers 24, Dallas Cowboys 21
4:25 ET (FOX) | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
A face familiar to Cowboy fans will debut as the Panthers' CO against Dallas on Sunday. Norv Turner, a major figure in the rise of the Cowboys' attack that dominated in 1992 and 1993, seeks to alter the attack led by Cam Newton. The ability – or the inability – of the QB to be a smuggler has been very important. Newton could improve in this area without giving up completely the traits that have made him a tough guy over the years. And he's still far superior to Dak Prescott as a full player, whatever. I can not wait to see what Turner does with Run CMC and Greg Olsen.
Arizona Cardinals 23, Washington Redskins 20
4:25 ET (FOX) | State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)
What to do with one of these teams right now? Both have new quarterbacks and new riders. Adrian Peterson has been in the league forever and will end up in the Hall of Fame, but no one knows how much he has left in the tank. The Cardinals were starless David Johnson for almost all of last season, with a multitude of players – including Peterson – trying to replace him. So, does DJ make the offense as new as 2016? Not exactly. Sam Bradford has to prove that he will go ahead. And go further in the sprint … Without John Brown, who is the vertical guy in this offense? I take the local team, especially with the Redskins first game with a new QB1, RB1 and WR1.
Green Bay Packers 23, Chicago Bears 20
ET20:20 (NBC) | Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wis.)
In agreement with Aaron Rodgers as a MVP pick, the winner of the 2014 and 2011 awards takes this final blow in the minutes that have passed. Do not see Green Bay running a lot on the Chicago seven front. Jordan Howard should not be suffering from such problems, as the Pack is so thin at the linebacker, but trust the youngster from Green Bay to thwart Mitch Trubisky.
MONDAY, SEPT. ten
Detroit Lions 27, New York Jets 23
19:10 ET (ESPN) | Ford Field (Detroit)
There are some people who feel that the Jets will provoke anger in Detroit. This puts a lot of confidence in Sam Darnold because the Lions attack will move the ball. One of the things to watch for in this game is the mix of the game being played. Todd Bowles and his staff will not be the only ones to provide support to their QB (talented) recruit, but also to spread the workload between RB1 projects Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. This same point of interest is also happening with Detroit. The Lions recruited Kerryon Johnson and signed LeGarrette Blount, with Theo Riddick still contributing. If Johnson is as efficient as many of his fans have predicted, Blount is a goal scorer and Riddick converts the passes into first attempts, this attack will purr the Motor City.
Key match: Leonard Williams, veteran Steve McLendon and rookie Nathan Shepherd against a strong Lions offensive line.
Los Angeles Rams 30, Oakland Raiders 16
10:20 ET (ESPN) | Oakland Coliseum (Oakland, California)
Have the Raiders been polished by the Bears in Khalil Mack's trade? Oakland fans certainly seem to think so. All things (financial) considered, trading made sense, but the absence of Mack leaves the Rams with far fewer concerns in this game. Ask left tackle Andrew Whitworth, a star in his own right. We'll see if the Rams attack is slow, since Sean McVay would have called Marc Bulger and Trung Canidate retired to avoid playing Jared Goff or Todd Gurley in pre-season. These guys, however, should find their place in this defense. Poor Derek Carr will have to throw 360 and three points, eventually turning into a gang with one man. His brother, David, told me that he had to do the same thing by playing Hoth on "Star Wars Battlefront". Really serious stuff According to unrelated information, Monday night, Marshawn Lynch could shoot a Marshawn Lynch 2014 and win 125 yards on the ground.
THURSDAY THURSDAY
Philadelphia Eagles 21, Atlanta Falcons 17
ET20:20 (NBC) | Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
Many people see Atlanta as a Super Bowl team. If that's the case, the Falcons can start by getting a win against the defending champions. They were lucky to avoid Carson Wentz for the second time in a row. The real question is whether the Atlanta attack in the second year of Steve Sarkisian can reverse an excellent defense – which even better this dead season – in their place. Say no
Historical Note: The first Falcon road game in September 1966 took place in Philadelphia. The new expansion team of the league lost 23-10. These two met in some terribly huge games, however. There was last year 's divisional bout with the now – famous sequence, and the 2004 NFC season game that sent the Eagles to their only Super Bowl under Andy Reid. Michael Vick burst onto the scene in 2002, but encountered a buzz from Brian Dawkins in the division. Atlanta's first game in the playoffs – a win, thanks to the Grits Blitz defense – was against Philly in 1978. These crazy Falcons defeated defending champion Cowboys the following week.
Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL.
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