2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

New York Jets (0-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-0)

Sunday, September 12, 1PM ET

I know everyone is excited about the start of the Zach Wilson era for the New York Jets. And while the rookie gunslinger has shown enough this preseason to warrant the buzz, it’s the other quarterback who’s going to steal the show in Week 1.

This is Sam Darnold’s first opportunity to stick it to the team that wasted the first four years of his once-promising NFL career. It’s also a chance for the former USC star to prove he’s capable of shining now that he’s out from under Adam Gase’s grimy shadow. I’m thinking he’ll deliver for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

It’ll also help having Christian McCaffrey back and healthy after an injury-plagued 2020. The Panthers have the pieces to tally a strong amount of wins in 2021, and it starts with a showdown against the Jets that could come down to the wire.

The New York defense is underrated, and there’s no telling what sort of damage Wilson will do during his introduction to the NFL. Despite that, I’m giving the edge to the Panthers as they get an early-season win at home.

Prediction: Panthers win 26-20