2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1

San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Detroit Lions (0-0)

Sunday, September 12, 1PM ET

While a starter hasn’t yet been announced, signs points towards Jimmy Garoppolo getting the majority of the snaps under center in Week 1. Even if that weren’t the case, I’d still find it hard to imagine a scenario in which the Detroit Lions come away victorious.

There just isn’t anything to be excited about with this Detroit squad. Let’s look at the facts: Jared Goff is the starter (yawn), and he’s got nothing but young, raw players and scrubs to throw to. The best part of the Lions offense is the ground game, which is still relatively unproven compared. It doesn’t help that they’re set to battle with an exceptional San Francisco defense.

Regardless of who’s in at quarterback, the 49ers should still move the ball without too much trouble. They’ve got some exciting options in the passing game like George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has always been great at moving the pigskin on the ground. Expect a big game from San Francisco offense.

Goff will stumble in his first game with the Lions, and the ground game won’t give them enough energy to stay competitive. The 49ers win, and folks start jumping on the bandwagon.

Prediction: 49ers win 34-15