2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

Sunday, September 12, 1PM ET

In all honesty, my hopes aren’t high for either the Atlanta Falcons or Philadelphia Eagles this season. Both are going through a number of big changes, but one has a very clear advantage at a very important position — quarterback.

Matt Ryan, despite the decline in production and effectiveness, is still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. Furthermore, he’s the far superior talent when compared to Jalen Hurts. Plus, he’s got guys like Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts to throw to. Hurts has weapons too, but he’s not nearly as capable of taking advantage of them.

On the defensive side of the ball, both teams also aren’t exactly ready to slow down the top offenses in the league. I’d give a slight advantage to the Eagles, but it isn’t by much. Both teams will give up points in Week 1, which means it’ll come down to the more effective offense.

That would be Atlanta, with the combination of Ryan, Ridley and Pitts. They produce just enough points to sneak by with the opening weekend win in a battle of the birds.

Prediction: Falcons win 24-22