NFL Week 1: Bold predictions for every game on a loaded schedule
NFL Week 1 bold predictions for Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
0. 48. . 8:20 PM ET. 123. . Sunday, Sept. 11. 0
This is the same match-up that graced us for Thursday Night Football on Week 1 of the 2021 season. This battle won’t be as exhilarating but it should still provide solid entertainment. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady enters with a heavily damaged offensive line and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is without his star left tackle, Tyron Smith.
The bold prediction in this game once again focuses on the running backs, Ezekiel Elliott in particular.
Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t rush for more than 50 yards and doesn’t reach the endzone.
The headlines constantly circle around Elliott being past his prime and the Cowboys refusing to bench him and admitting the big contract was a mistake. Those two opinions are facts. Elliott is not the player he was and the contract is a mistake. This game will be the first time Jerry Jones starts to realize it and starts leaning towards Tony Pollard as the starter.
Regardless of the running back issue, the Cowboys won’t be able to muster up enough offensive firepower to beat Brady, regardless of the offensive line situation. Not a blowout but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy starts the season 0-1. Is Sean Payton still available?
Buccaneers 24-Cowboys 21
NFL Week 1 bold predictions for Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks
0. 45. . Monday, Sept. 12. 0. 36. . 8:15 PM ET
While this isn’t going to be the most competitive game of the week you can’t help but appreciate the nostalgia of Russell Wilson returning to Seattle to face his former team with his new one. The bold prediction for this new vs old style match-up isn’t Russell Wilson vs Geno Smith but it is on the defensive side of the ball.
Second-year cornerback Pat Surtain II puts on an absolute clinic.
Surtain II had four interceptions and 14 pass breakups last season and an additional jump in production is expected this season under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. All eyes may be on Wilson in this game but they will shift to Surtain II after he intercepts Smith and continues to dominant receivers throughout the game. This should be a low-scoring affair for the Seahawks and Wilson will fly back to his new home to celebrate a win in his old one.
Broncos 24 Seahawks 10
Those are the end of our bold predictions. Check back here after Week 1 concludes and see what hit! (Or didn’t)