2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) at New York Giants (0-0)

Sunday, Sept.9, 1 PM ET

Understandably, there’s some excitement surrounding the New York Giants’ potential for a bounce-back season in 2018. Some offseason maneuvering and the addition of Saquon Barkley has Big Apple fans thinking big things for the G-Men this season.

It could end up being the case. I don’t deny that this roster got better in the last few months. Barkely brings a whole new dimension to the offense, Odell Beckham Jr. is healthy and motivated and Eli Manning could (maybe?) enjoy a late-career revival. All that could lead to a resurgence of sorts for the Giants. Unfortunately, it may not be enough to start the season on a high note.

On Sunday, New York faces one of the toughest defenses in the NFL. Loaded with plenty of playmaking defensive backs and enough defensive line talent to make any quarterback cringe, the Jacksonville Jaguars will surely give the Giants everything they can handle when the offense is on the field.

The only real question is whether or not Blake Bortles can keep the Jaguars in command. My guess is Jacksonville feeds Leonard Fournette early and often, allowing them to control the clock and let their defense handle the bulk of the burden. It’ll be close, but the win goes to the Jaguars.

Prediction: Jaguars win 13-10