Week 1 NFL Game Predictions and Analysis. The Answers.

Sun, Sep 1, 2024
by SetTheNarrative.cappertek.com

Week 1 NFL Game Predictions and Analysis

1. Baltimore Ravens 26.5 - 19 Kansas City Chiefs

  • Analysis: The Ravens are expected to execute a well-balanced game plan, but their ground attack will be pivotal. Lamar Jackson will be utilized as a runner in this game to keep the Chiefs' defense on their heels.
  • Fantasy Insight: The Ravens should be among the top-scoring teams this week, making them an excellent option for fantasy players. Lamar Jackson should be one of the top scoring fantasy quarterbacks for week 1 as well.

2. Green Bay Packers 20 - 19 Philadelphia Eagles

  • Analysis: This matchup is anticipated to be a defensive struggle, with both teams relying on strategic plays to edge out the victory. Neither team will have a running game to speak of and will rely mainly on their passing game, wide receivers and tight-ends.
  • Fantasy Insight: The close score suggests a low-scoring affair, making either defense a strong start in fantasy.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers 20.5 - 19 Atlanta Falcons

  • Analysis: Expect a pass first approach from both Kirk and Russell. The running game will suffer allowing for George Pickens, Kyle Pitts and Drake London to reap the rewards.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both teams may struggle to score big, so starting the either defense could be beneficial.

4. Arizona Cardinals 28 - 25 Buffalo Bills

  • Analysis: The Cardinals are set to deploy a run-heavy scheme, featuring their star running back extensively. The Bills will also emphasize the run, leading to an intriguing ground battle. Over 22 touches predicted for RB Cook and RB Conner.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both teams will be among the highest scorers this week, making their offensive players valuable in fantasy.

5. Tennessee Titans 21.5 - 22.5 Chicago Bears

  • Analysis: The Bears edge out the Titans in a closely contested game, with Chicago relying on a balanced attack. Tennessee will keep it close but fall short.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both teams will rely on the passing game to score and move the ball. Either team's WRs and TEs can be useful to fill holes in your fantasy lineup but the running game will be limited.

6. New England Patriots 14 - 22 Cincinnati Bengals

  • Analysis: The Patriots will lean on their running game, but it won’t be enough to overcome the Bengals' potent offense. Cincinnati's defense should stifle New England.
  • Fantasy Insight: The Bengals' defense is a must-start against a Patriots team projected to score only 14 points. The Patriots starting RB is projected to have 22+ touches but with the patriots only scoring 14 points it's not a good choice when other options are probably available to you.

7. Houston Texans 26 - 21 Indianapolis Colts

  • Analysis: The Colts are expected to try and control this game with a dynamic ground attack. The Texans will emphasize the pass and will out-pace Indy in scoring.
  • Fantasy Insight: Houston is among the higher-scoring teams, making their wide receivers and TE an excellent fantasy play.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars 24 - 20 Miami Dolphins

  • Analysis: The Jaguars pull out a solid victory, but the Dolphins' run-first scheme will keep them competitive. Expect a steady dose of runs from Miami to control the clock and to keep it out of Lawrence's hands.
  • Fantasy Insight: The Dolphins lean on their rushing skills to keep this game within reach. Achane gets 22+ touches.

9. Carolina Panthers 23 - 25.5 New Orleans Saints

  • Analysis: In a closely contested matchup, the Saints’ offense will secure the victory. Carolina will keep it close but fall short.
  • Fantasy Insight: The Panthers' defense might struggle, so consider starting the Saints' key offensive players. 

10. Minnesota Vikings 25 - 24 New York Giants

  • Analysis: Minnesota edges out the Giants in a high-scoring affair. The Giants will focus on a run-heavy game plan, which should keep them in the game.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both teams' offensive players are valuable fantasy options this week, even Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold.

11. Las Vegas Raiders 18 - 18.5 Los Angeles Chargers

  • Analysis: Expect a defensive battle with limited scoring. The Raiders will stick to their run-first approach, but it won't be enough against the Chargers.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both defenses are strong fantasy starts, given the low-scoring nature of the game. Both team's kickers are also a good play.

12. Denver Broncos 23 - 27 Seattle Seahawks

  • Analysis: The Broncos' rookie quarterback Bo Nix will face a tough challenge in Seattle. Expect a close game, but the Seahawks' offense will be too much for Denver to handle.
  • Fantasy Insight: Denver will lean on their running game to keep Bo Nix' mistakes to a minimum. Denver's RB and Bo Nix make for an interesting choice if you need someone to fill a roster spot. DK Metcalf of the Seahawks is projected to have one of the highest fantasy scores for week 1.

13. Dallas Cowboys 21 - 20 Cleveland Browns

  • Analysis: Dallas edges out Cleveland in a tight game. Dallas emphasizing their ground attack, their running back should have a big day. That's correct. Zeke is back week 1.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both defenses could be a decent start if either team struggles to find the end zone. Zeke is a good flex option.

14. Washington Commanders 18 - 24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Analysis: The Buccaneers secure the win with a solid performance on both sides of the ball. Washington's offense, led by their rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, may struggle to score.
  • Fantasy Insight: Tampa Bay's defense is a strong fantasy start against a rookie-led Washington team. Tampa Bay's running back White as well as Washington's running back Brian Robinson Jr. will have over 22 touches.

15. Los Angeles Rams 26 - 25 Detroit Lions

  • Analysis: The Rams will rely heavily on their running game to secure a narrow victory over the Lions. Detroit will put up a fight, but the Rams' balanced attack prevails.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both teams will score well, making their offensive players valuable in fantasy.

16. New York Jets 23 - 21 San Francisco 49ers

  • Analysis: The Jets pull off a close win against the 49ers. San Francisco's run-first scheme will keep them competitive, but the Jets' balanced attack will come out on top.
  • Fantasy Insight: Both defenses could struggle, making this game a potential fantasy goldmine for offensive players.

Top Ten Scoring Teams for Fantasy Purposes

  1. Cardinals 28
  2. Seahawks 27
  3. Rams 26
  4. Saints 25.5
  5. Bills 25
  6. Vikings 25
  7. Lions 25
  8. Bucs 24
  9. Jax 24
  10. Giants 24

Top Three Lowest Scoring Teams

  1. New England Patriots (14 points)
  2. Las Vegas Raiders (18 points)
  3. Washington Commanders (18 points)

Fantasy Tip: Start the defenses of the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they are facing the lowest-scoring teams this week.


JP