2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)

Sunday, Sept. 9, 4:05 PM ET

This is one of those games that could be a real treat for fans. It may not be the most marquee of matchups, but it pits two AFC West foes against each other as both clubs look to gain an early edge in the race for a trip to the postseason.

If I’m being honest, though, I was very uncertain about this one. Both teams disappointed in 2017, and didn’t make any sort of overwhelming progress this offseason. The Chargers and Chiefs are both capable of compiling more wins than losses this season, but both also have a significant amount of potential to underwhelm.

So who gets the edge in this one? I’m giving it to Los Angeles. Why? Well they’ve got the better defense, better veteran quarterback and the lackluster home crowd halfheartedly cheering them on. It may not seem like a huge advantage, but Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon will find a way to make it work for them.

You know what would be a beautiful way for this one to end? Antonio Gates hauling in a last-second touchdown to secure the win, just days after being re-signed after it seemed as though his NFL career was all but over.

Either way, the Chargers come away with the victory in this divisional matchup.

Prediction: Chargers win 28-23