Week 1 NFL Score Predictions

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Every week, I'll release a prediction for every game in the NFL. Here's how I see things going down in Week 1.
Lions at Chiefs (Thursday)
It appears the Chiefs will be without Travis Kelce, but I'm not sure it will change the outcome of this one. Tight game through a half and some change.
Prediction: Chiefs 33, Lions 24.
Panthers at Falcons
A rookie QB hasn't won a Week 1 game in 21 years. Bryce Young doesn't have history on his side and with a beat-up receiver room, he's got an uphill battle in the season opener.
Prediction: Falcons 21, Panthers 16.
Texans at Ravens
The Ravens don't have a top-tier defense, but it's going to take a while for C.J. Stroud and this offense to click.
Prediction: Ravens 26, Texans 10.
Bengals at Browns
I'm not all that concerned with Joe Burrow's health. He seems to be in a good spot and that's enough for me to side with the Bengals in this year's first battle for Ohio.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Browns 17.
Buccaneers at Vikings
I am high on the Vikings, don't get me wrong. But this offense will have to adjust to life, post-Dalvin Cook and post-Adam Thielen. The Bucs keep it close in an ugly game to start the season.
Prediction: Vikings 19, Buccaneers 13.
Titans at Saints
The Titans lean on Derrick Henry and a couple of Derek Carr interceptions spoil a new era for the Saints.
Prediction: Titans 20, Saints 17.
Jaguars at Colts
Anthony Richardson will show flashes in between the 20s but can't finish off drives, resulting in three Colts field goals.
Prediction: Jaguars 27, Colts 9.
49ers at Steelers
The hype in Pittsburgh is real and for once, I'm buying it. I trust Kenny Pickett more than I do Brock Purdy, plain and simple.
Prediction: Steelers 21, 49ers 20.
Cardinals at Commanders
I feel bad for you if you have to watch this one. Check that, any Cardinals game for that matter.
Prediction: Commanders 28, Cardinals 7.
Raiders at Broncos
Denver will miss the playoffs again in 2023, but at least they get the Raiders right out of the gate to grab a win.
Prediction: Broncos 23, Raiders 17.
Dolphins at Chargers
This will be the best game of the weekend if you like offense. Back-and-forth affair that should come down to the wire.
Prediction: Chargers 34, Dolphins 28.
Eagles at Patriots
Super Bowl hangover? Maybe. Philly comes out flat in Week 1 against a team they should run through.
Prediction: Eagles 19, Patriots 17.
Packers at Bears
If this game is in Green Bay, I'd take the Packers by two scores. Plus, there's still too much unknown about Jordan Love.
Prediction: Packers 21, Bears 20.
Rams at Seahawks
Geno Smith puts up 320+ yards through the air as the Seahawks' offense clicks on all cylinders in a blowout win.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams 13.
Cowboys at Giants
Dak picks right up where he left off in 2022, turning the ball over multiple times, ultimately costing the Cowboys a divisional win.
Prediction: Giants 26, Cowboys 24.
Bills at Jets (Monday)
Let the overreactions begin. The Jets take down the Bills in the opener and do so comfortably.
Prediction: Jets 30, Bills 17.
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Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.