2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)

Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 PM ET

There are a number of games I’m extremely confident in this week. This showdown between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is one of them, without a doubt.

Heading into Week 1, these teams are on complete opposite sides of the contention spectrum. The Buccaneers are just hoping they don’t get destroyed this season, while the Saints have their sights set on a Super Bowl berth. One squad has very high aspirations while the other may very well have its sights set on the No. 1 pick in 2019.

So, as you can probably guess, I’m giving this one to the Saints. If all goes as I’m expecting, it’ll be an ugly few hours for those hoping the Buccaneers will pull off the upset.

A garbage time touchdown or two will make this game appear closer than it actually is. The Saints’ starters will bully Tampa Bay all day long, putting the defense to shame before shutting the door on anything Ryan Fitzpatrick can throw at them. The Saints’ journey towards an NFC South championship begins on Sunday.

Prediction: Saints 35-21