2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) at Houston Texans (0-0)

Sunday, September 12, 1PM ET

The future is now for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have their franchise quarterback and, uh, still look like a bottom-of-the-barrel squad. Regardless of what their overall season outlook is, Trevor Lawrence’s rookie season should at least start on a positive note.

That’s because the Jaguars are set to take on the Houston Texans in Week 1. Right now, the Texans are the consensus worst team in the NFL, with a roster nearly devoid of talent. Heck, their best player, Deshaun Watson, is the third-string quarterback and may not even play in 2021 — or be on the roster by season’s end.

Jacksonville is still rebuilding, but having Lawrence under center and James Robinson in the backfield should help. Their defense is still a major work in progress, especially at cornerback. Luckily for them, the Texans don’t exactly have a ton of weapons to threaten them with in Week 1.

Lawrence’s NFL debut is bumpy, but he does just enough to secure the win for the Jaguars. Regardless of how 2021 turns out for Jacksonville, at least they’ve got two games against Houston. Don’t bother tuning into this one unless you’re heavily invested in Lawrence’s development.

Prediction: Jaguars win 20-9