2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners
By Erik Lambert
Week one of the 2016 NFL season is almost at hand, so it’s time to get down to the fun part. Which teams will come away victorious?
Of course each year starts with the defending champions hosting a game to welcome the new year. Expecting the same outcome from a few months ago would be a bad bet to make though. If there is any lesson to learn about the NFL, it’s that things change a lot in a year. So who wins and who loses this Sunday?
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos
They’ll try to deny the fact, but there is no doubt that the Panthers view this opening game as a chance to get a measure of revenge for their humiliating loss in the Super Bowl. No doubt Cam Newton wants that more than anybody since it was his mistakes that largely cost them. This time though he’ll have Kelvin Benjamin back, a benefit he did not enjoy back in February. The Broncos defenses remains a force, but is Trevor Siemian prepared to handle his first serious trial by fire against Luke Kuechly and company?
Notable Injuries:
Ty Sambrailo (DEN) – The offensive tackle is needed to help stabilize what has been a lackluster offensive line since last season. Unfortunately a bothersome elbow problem has made life difficult for him. He returned to practice September 4th wearing a brace on it. Time will tell on how effective he can be with that.
Star Lotulelei (CAR) – No doubt there are lingering concerns surrounding the key Panthers defensive tackle. He’ll be needed to stiffen their run defense but he’s been held out all preseason due to a persistent hamstring injury. So far he remains questionable for the opener though odds say the team is being cautious and want him ready for this game.
Key Matchup:
Von Miller vs. Mike Remmers
This was the showdown that ultimately decided the Super Bowl. Star linebacker Von Miller absolutely abused Panthers right tackle Mike Remmers throughout the entire game for three of the Broncos’ six sacks in the game. This included the strip sack fumble that resulted in the first touchdown, ultimately setting the tone. No doubt Miller has visions of a repeat performance. Remmers can’t let that happen.
Prediction: Panthers win 21-14
Next: TB @ ATL