2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 1

Houston Texans (0-0) at New England Patriots (0-0)

Sunday, Sept. 9, 1 PM ET

There’s a lot of hype building around the Houston Texans this offseason. More specifically, the internet is buzzing about the return of Deshaun Watson, who had the franchise looking like one worth worrying about before tearing his ACL last season.

Well, it’s time for the Texans to put up or shut up. Can Watson return to form in 2018? On Sunday, we’ll see if he can answer the call — against the reigning AFC champions. I’m guessing he can.

This one will be an epic Week 1 matchup between two teams that should be among the best in the AFC this season. The Texans, returning Watson and J.J. Watt, figure to see plenty of success if they live up to their potential. The New England Patriots are obviously a dangerous squad with Tom Brady still under center, but have some holes in the roster that could be exploited.

That’s what I’m predicting will happen in Week 1. Houston will come ready to play, entering Gillette Stadium with a plan to take down Brady, Bill Belichick and Co. After a late-game turnover by New England, Watson leads a clutch drive to set up a game-winning field goal that helps the Texans edge out the Patriots.

Prediction: Texans win 33-30