2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-0)

Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 PM ET

In all honestly, I won’t be surprised if we see a significant uptick in success for the Cleveland Browns this season. I’m not going as far as suggesting they’ll make the playoffs, but 5-7 wins isn’t out of the question. That would be a huge step forward for a team that went 0-16 a year ago.

With that said, they won’t get their first win here. They pulled a tough Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, even in the friendly confines of FirstEnergy Stadium. As much young upside as the Browns roster possesses, the Steelers should wipe the floor with them in Week 1.

There’s just too much firepower on this Pittsburgh offense. Ben Roethlisberger should have a field day through the air, taking advantage of a myriad of weapons out wide to light up this young Cleveland secondary. Even if Le’Veon Bell isn’t present, the Steelers can lean on James Connor and Jaylen Samuels to carry the rushing attack.

Don’t worry — it’ll get better for the Browns in 2018. They need to take their bumps before they can truly start to unleash some of this roster’s potential. Tyrod Taylor will make a couple of big plays and the defense won’t get completely run over, but it’ll be a cakewalk for the Steelers as they get this season started on the right foot.

Prediction: Steelers 27-7