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Early NFL picks, predictions for Week 1 of 2023 season

By Sayre Bedinger

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 21: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars scrambles against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

There were very few teams who closed out the 2022 season as strong as the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags caught fire after a close loss to the Denver Broncos in London last season, and as they caught fire, they also caught the attention of everyone in the NFL.

Not only did the Jags take a huge step forward as a franchise last season under Doug Pederson (who was robbed of NFL coach of the year) but the more important news is that Trevor Lawrence took a massive leap forward into the NFL’s elite. The former top overall pick had his ups and downs as a rookie, but looked every bit the part of a star franchise quarterback in year two.

The Jaguars now look like they could be a substantial threat in the AFC with Lawrence at the helm. The acquisition of Calvin Ridley at last year’s trade deadline flew under the radar, and this team made substantial investments on both sides of the ball the last few years that they are expecting to continue to progress in 2023.

For the Indianapolis Colts, the theme of 2023 is going to be “new”. They’re breaking in a new head coach and coaching staff (Shane Steichen). They’re breaking in a new QB (Anthony Richardson). They will have plenty to be excited about as Richardson develops, but it would be shocking to see them win this one at home against Jacksonville.

I know I said before that weird things tend to happen in Week 1, but I think the Jaguars are going to be ready to impress in Week 1 and get everyone excited about just how fun this season could be for them.

Prediction: Jaguars win 31-13

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