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NFL Week 1 Predictions: Players of the Week

By Dan Salem

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We’re kicking off with NFL Week 1 predictions, your Players of the Week. From Fantasy Football to real life dominance, these players are about to bring it. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Check out more of the brothers in Seesaw Sports Debate on BuzzChomp. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

Every Sunday during the NFL season, we are each going to select two players we predict will be the players of the week. Sometimes this will be from a fantasy perspective; other times it will be a simply dominating performance, perhaps on the offensive or defensive line.

For week one, we have a number of intriguing matchups and tons of star players to choose from. Here are my picks for top performers:

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Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

The story of Jason Pierre-Paul has been well documented this offseason. What hasn’t been covered as extensively is the rest of the Giants defense. New York will be without Pierre-Paul as well as linebacker Jon Beason for this week one game against Dallas.

The Giants are also without a swath of defensive backs because of one injury after another. With little pass rush likely and no depth in the secondary, Dallas QB Tony Romo will be able to shred his opponent apart Sunday night. Even if Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie holds down Dez Bryant, Romo’s other weapons will wreak havoc.

Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali

The Kansas City Chiefs have an ideal matchup in week one. They head to Houston to face the Arian Foster-less Texans. With no running threat and no quarterback threat, the onus falls on Duane Brown and company along the offensive line to hold together for Houston to put up any points.

While the Texans may be able to generate a game plan to stop Kansas City’s top rusher, Justin Houston, look for Hali to reap the benefits of single-teams and open lanes. He’ll be spending a lot of time Sunday in the opponent’s backfield.

Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back

Eddie Lacy

(27) is brought down by Pittsburgh Steelers safety

Shamarko Thomas

(29)

during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

DAN:

The week one matchups are pretty sweet, and none more so than a classic battle between Green Bay and Chicago. That’s where I turn for my first stand out star of week one.

Packers running back Eddie Lacy

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The Bears are not what they used to be, and Green Bay will completely exploit their defense in this game. But as Aaron Rodgers still looks to find his groove in the passing game, the team leans heavily on Lacy and his dominance running the ball.

Lacy has been very consistent over his first two seasons, but now is when he truly breaks out. His four yards per carry average goes up, starting here in week one. The endzone will be his friend as well, since Chicago will be focusing on stopping Rodgers instead.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

The entire football world seems to be against Newton in week one, but Carolina is playing the lowly Jaguars. This is an ideal matchup for Newton to instill confidence into his revamped passing attack. Jacksonville is better, but not good enough to slow down Cam.

Newton needs to find his new favorite target, and that happens with ease in this game. The Panthers are still a good football team, because of Cam Newton.

Dan Salem is a Staff Writer for NFL Spinzone. He’s also Lead Editor, Staff Writer, and Featured Vlogger at BuzzChomp, and a New York Jets Analyst for Pro Football Spot. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Instagram.

Todd Salem is a Staff Writer for NFL Spinzone. He’s also a Contributing Editor at BuzzChomp, a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, and an Analyst for Tipster Labs, among others. Follow him on Twitter.

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