NFL Picks and Predictions: Monday Night – Week 1
Week one of the NFL season is underway. Here is some analysis and picks on the two Monday night games. NFL Picks and Predictions – Monday night
NFL Picks – Saints at Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings first unit offense struggled to score during the preseason. But the preseason doesn’t always carry over into the regular season. So I think the Vikings offense will start putting points on the board in week one.
However, the New Orleans Saints offense not only has the better quarterback in Drew Brees but they also have more weapons. Running back Adrian Peterson will do well against his old team, so Sam Bradford and the Vikings will be hard pressed to keep up.
But I don’t think they’ll have to. Because the Minnesota Vikings defense is better than the Saints. They have more pass rushers and their secondary has more talent. Drew Brees will move the ball but the Vikings defense will tighten in the red zone.
I look for Sam Bradford to be efficient in the passing game. Rookie running back Dalvin Cook will be effective running the ball opposite Peterson. They’ll score just enough and the Vikings defense will do the rest.
Winner: Vikings
Score prediction: 24-23 Vikings
Points spread: Vikings -3.0
Over/under: 48 – Under
7:10 pm – ESPN
NFL Picks – Chargers at Broncos
These are two familiar AFC West rivals but with two new head coaches. Anthony Lynn and his Chargers visit Vance Joseph and the Denver Broncos. The Broncos will look to set up their running game early to give quarterback Trevor Siemian options in play-action.
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The mission for Siemian is simple, take care of the football and let Von Miller and the Broncos defense do the heavy lifting. But that’s easier said than done, because the Chargers have a quarterback like Philip Rivers on the other side.
And Rivers has more weapons at his disposal on offense this season. However, I don’t think it will be enough yet. The Chargers defense is improving but the Broncos defense is still one of the best in the NFL.
So Rivers and the Chargers will keep things close, but the broncos defense will be too much for them. The Broncos will take the division win at home.
Winner: Broncos
Score prediction: 23-20 Broncos
Points spread: Broncos -3.0
Over/under: 43 – over
10:10 pm – ESPN