2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Dallas Cowboys (0-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-0)

Sunday, Sept. 9, 4:25 PM ET

I’m sure this take is going to garner me a decent amount of hate, but here we go: the Dallas Cowboys will not be good in 2018. It may be a hard pill to swallow, but best to get it out of the way instead of waiting until midseason to realize the playoffs aren’t happening.

The disappointment will come creeping in during the Cowboys’ Week 1 battle with the Carolina Panthers. It won’t seem that way at first, but by the time the final whistle blows, Dallas faithful everywhere will be wondering what’s become of this team.

So what does it mean for the Panthers? Well, for starters, they get to exit Week 1 with one notch in the “wins” column. That seems like a good way to start the campaign. It also means that a statement will be made on Carolina’s behalf that they’re for real. Cam Newton is as dangerous as ever, the defense is back to full strength and the offensive weapons are ready to do damage.

I’m not going to call the Panthers contenders in the NFC just yet. The potential is there, but the conference is also loaded at the top. For now, this will just have to be a positive development for Ron Rivera’s bunch.

Prediction: Panthers win 23-14