NFL Week 1: Bold predictions for every game on a loaded schedule

NFL Week 1 bold predictions for Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

Our first divisional match-up comes with two teams we aren’t exactly sold on but it’s here. The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a disappointing season and are trotting out Marcus Mariota at quarterback to replace current Colt Matt Ryan. What better test for the veteran quarterback than against one of the best defenses in the league; the New Orleans Saints? The prediction for this game isn’t pretty.

Marcus Mariota is sacked at least three times and fumbles the ball once.

Saints DE Cam Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and crew are hungry and they make Mariota pay. The Falcons still put together an effort but Mariota is going to go through some growing pains after sitting as a backup for the last couple of years.

Saints 21 Falcons 17

NFL Week 1 bold predictions for Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns

Now we know that Baker Mayfield will be starting for the Panthers however he will not be facing off against his true replacement, Deshaun Watson. Instead, Mayfield will go toe to toe against Watson’s backup, Jacoby Brissett. As if the whole “new team vs old team” narrative wasn’t juice enough here is a bold prediction for the match up.

Baker Mayfield dices up his former defense and throws for 3+ touchdowns.

Let’s be honest, we would all love to see this. Nothing against Brissett but the Browns are not being considered as the “good guys” in this scenario. Mayfield has never been more motivated to prove the doubters wrong and here is his golden opportunity.

The prediction has flipped.

Panthers 24 Browns 14