I know what you’re thinking. Why is the banner image for an NFL picks column a pug. Well, to that I’d say the NFL is like my pug¹ that ran away. He’s kind of annoying and I’d have more time for other activities without him, but here I am still looking at all these other pugs. Plus their faces look like they’ve run headfirst into stuff too much. So you know…

I don’t know where this is going. Let’s just get our first NFL picks column of the season! NFL Picks Week One here we come!

Kansas City Chiefs @ New England Patriots

Jason (0-0): I just don’t have faith in Alex Smith going into Foxborough and beating the Patriots in week 1.

Pick: New England Patriots

Steve (0-0): The Patriots will win because God has forsaken us.

Pick: New England Patriots

David (0-0):The Patriots already have the Chiefs practice film and its being played at New England so its going to be pretty hard for Tawm Brady and Co. to screw this one up.

Pick: New England Patriots

Tim (0-0): In the opening Thursday night game of the season, the defending Super Bowl Champion has won 8 of the last 10. And the 2 losses were from Flacco in 2013 and Eli in 2012. Patriots roll in this one and continue the celebration.

Pick: New England Patriots

Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans

Jason (0-0): The Titans are everyone’s favorite sleeper. The Raiders are everyone’s favorite. Plus they’re moving to Las Vegas soon. I’ll give the edge to the home team with the road team being over-confident.

Pick: Tennessee Titans

Steve (0-0): This one is a toss up for me.

Pick: Oakland Raiders

David (0-0): Derek Carr will have a chip on his shoulder this year since breaking his leg before the playoffs last year but this game will be a close win because the Titans will be better this year… maybe.

Pick: Oakland Raiders

Tim (0-0): Tennessee seems to be the popular surprise team. That’s a red flag. I’ll take the Vegas Raiders.

Pick: Oakland Raiders

Lock of the Week

Jason (0-0): Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

The home crowd is going to be pumped to have this game in Houston in the aftermath of hurricane Harvey and the opponent is the Jaguars. That’s enough for me.

Pick: Houston Texans

Steve (0-0): Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams

Because Rams.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts

David (0-0): Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions

I just don’t think Detroit got any better this year and Arizona has David Johnson.

Pick: Arizona Cardinals

Tim (0-0): Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

Who knows how long Blake Bortels will remain a starting QB. I have to pick against him for as long as I have the chance.

Pick: Houston Texans

Upset Special

Jason (0-0): Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

Someone always flops at home out of the gate. I’m going with Washington for that this year.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Steve (0-0): New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

I’m going with the Giants on the road to beat Dallas, assuming Elliott’s suspension isn’t overturned. Welp, that didn’t turn out right. Oh well, let’s roll with it.

Pick: New York Giants

David (0-0): Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

Because why not. Its week 1. Big Ben is a year older, Le’Veon Bell skipped out on the whole preseason, this is the chance for the Browns to get 1 of their 4 wins out of the way early.

Pick: Cleveland Browns

Tim (0-0): Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears

I was in Atlanta last week and the local sports radio voices are wayyyy too confident in this team. In the last 8 months, they blew a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl, went 0-4 in the preseason, and hired a new offensive coordinator who has had some we’ll call it non-football related issues. Not only do the Falcons lose this game, my bold prediction for the season is the Falcons finish below .500 and miss the playoffs.

Pick: Chicago Bears

1. The Rams