Packers vs. Bears Week 1 predictions, picks for every NFL game

The Green Bay Packers will begin the season with a victory over the Chicago Bears.

How good is it to have football back? Week 1 is finally here, and the Green Bay Packers are ready for a Sunday night showdown with their oldest rivals, the Chicago Bears.

Each week I’ll be making my picks for every NFL game. Last season I went 167-89 with my predictions in the regular season. Considering how unpredictable this league can be, maybe that’s not so bad.

Which teams will make the perfect start to the 2018 season?

Chicago at Green Bay

The Packers will be one of them.

But this won’t be an easy contest by any means. The Bears are playoff contenders this year. I thought that before the Khalil Mack trade, and now that he’s there, Chicago has found the missing piece it needed on defense.

Vic Fangio’s defense should be among the best in the NFL this season, and with so much talent added on offense this year, the Bears have a lot of potential.

As this game is at Lambeau Field, and it might take a little while for the Bears to truly hit their stride, Green Bay gets the win.

David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga had great success against Mack in Oakland a few years back, and the Packers have all the pieces on offense to put up points against anybody.

With Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are a tough team to beat at Lambeau. And they pick up a huge divisional victory in the season opener.

Pick: Green Bay

Atlanta at Philadelphia

The previous two NFC champions take the field in Thursday night’s regular season opener. The Falcons fell short in the Super Bowl two years ago, and were eliminated by the Eagles back in January. Philadelphia, meanwhile, enter as champions.

Which team will be the most hungry? That would be the Falcons. Throw in the fact that Carson Wentz won’t be playing (I know Nick Foles won a Super Bowl last season), and this has the makings of a statement road victory for Atlanta.

Pick: Atlanta

Buffalo at Baltimore

Josh Allen isn’t ready to make his debut. But without Tyrod Taylor and just a week after trading away A.J. McCarron, the Bills turn to Nathan Peterman, who threw five interceptions in a game last year. Up against Baltimore’s defense, I can’t see Buffalo finding much success on offense.

Pick: Baltimore

Jacksonville at NY Giants

This one should be interesting. Both teams have spent high draft picks at the running back position in the past two years. Jacksonville used the fourth overall pick on Leonard Fournette in 2017, and New York went one better, selecting Saquon Barkley second overall this past spring.

The team that finds the most success on the ground could be the winner.

Pick: Jacksonville

Tampa Bay at New Orleans

With Jameis Winston, this would be a difficult game for the Buccaneers. Without him, it could be a long day. The Saints begin the season with a comfortable victory.

Pick: New Orleans

Houston at New England

The Patriots were stunned at home in the season opener last year, but they’ll make a stronger start this time around. Texans fans have a lot of reasons to be optimistic this year, but kicking off the season in New England isn’t easy.

Pick: New England

San Francisco at Minnesota

The Jimmy Garoppolo era is well and truly underway in San Francisco, but unfortunately for the 49ers, they run into arguably the best team in football Week 1.

Pick: Minnesota

Tennessee at Miami

The Titans have plenty of talent on paper. Under a new head coach, can they put it all together and go one better than last season’s divisional round defeat? They get off to a perfect start against the Dolphins.

Pick: Tennessee

Cincinnati at Indianapolis

Andrew Luck will be the focus of this game. After missing so much time, how close to his best will he be? Luck’s return is great news for the Colts, and at home he’ll lead them to victory.

Pick: Indianapolis

Pittsburgh at Cleveland

Whether Le’Veon Bell plays or not, the Steelers will win this game. But the Browns are certainly a team to watch in 2018. The days of winless seasons are behind them.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Kansas City at LA Chargers

If Patrick Mahomes steps up in his second year, the Chiefs have the potential to go a long way. But I love this Chargers roster. They have an explosive offense paired with an underrated defense featuring one of the league’s top secondaries. The Chargers are my AFC West pick, and they win their season opener for the first time since 2015.

Pick: LA Chargers

Seattle at Denver

After losing so much talent this offseason, we’ll learn a lot about the 2018 Seattle Seahawks this week. The Broncos have made some good moves this summer, and they’ll pick up the victory at home.

Pick: Denver

Dallas at Carolina

Ezekiel Elliott has averaged 105 yards and just under one touchdown per game in his first two seasons in the NFL. He’s the key to the Cowboys returning to the playoffs this year. Elliott will start fast and help Dallas upset Carolina on the road.

Pick: Dallas

Washington at Arizona

The Alex Smith era in Washington gets off to the perfect start with a road victory against the Cardinals.

Pick: Washington

NY Jets at Detroit

All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, who will be making his first start for the Jets. But it’s Matthew Stafford who will lead his team to victory. The Lions should be too strong at home.

Pick: Detroit

LA Rams at Oakland

The Rams paid their star defensive player and signed a few more. The Raiders traded theirs away. The Rams can go far this season, and they’ll get off to a good start on the road.

Pick: LA Rams