NFL Predictions: How Did Week 1's Picks Turn Out?

Last week, I made picks for all 16 NFL week one games, predicting the final scores for my first NFL predictions piece of the year. The first week or two is always the toughest, as this week showed.

But, I’m a man of truth and will admit my mistakes. Without further ado… here’s where things went right (and often, very wrong) for NFL week one.

Prediction: Patriots beat PIT, 24-21. Final: Patriots win, 28-21.

Prediction: Packers beat CHI, 31-17. Final: Packers win, 31-23.

Another fairly predictable game here. Green Bay was the better team and it showed.

You’d like to see them get going a bit more on defense — while they scored 31 points, the other side of the ball was shaky at times.

2-0, feeling pretty good.

Prediction: Texans beat KC, 20-16. Final: Chiefs win, 27-20.

Not too far off here. This figured to be an odd, difficult game to pick and it was.

But, the big surprise here has to come within the Chiefs offense. They moved it at will against Houston’s so-called improved defense. Concern for Bill O’Brien and Co.?

2-1, starting to slip, but not in an ugly loss.

Prediction: Jets beat CLE, 17-14. Final: Jets win, 31-10.

A good win here that wasn’t too far off score-wise. The Jets shouldn’t have scored 31 — but you can thank John Manziel’s three football turnovers for that…

Meanwhile, the Jets looked like a force to be reckoned with. Did anyone else see Chris Ivory running it at will against a very good Cleveland D? Impressive.

3-1, with a comfortable pick here.

Prediction: Bills beat IND, 33-30. Final: Bills win, 27-14.

I’m officially 1-0 this year on “Upset of the Week” picks. Buffalo earned this win by playing NFL style football, it’s that simple — a great home crowd, fantastic defensive play and just enough on offense.

Is 2015 going to turn into the Tyrod Taylor show? In his 5th NFL year, first starting, this kid looks like many thought he would. Rather impressive.

4-1 on the week, confidence growing… for now.

Prediction: Dolphins beat WAS, 28-13. Final: Dolphins win, 17-10.

This one was ugly, there’s no other way to put it.

Washington had very good signs on both sides of the ball, but the big story was how brutal Miami played for much of the game. Rhythm was off and things got messy early.

Buffalo might be the larger contender for the AFC East battle, surpassing Miami for the time being.

5-1, momentum is there. Thanks, 1:00 games.

Prediction: Jaguars beat CAR, 24-17. Final: Panthers win, 20-9.

We all knew this was going to be an ugly game — not too much to see here.

Nice for Carolina to get off to a start winning on the road while they’re without receivers. Now, time for the front office to help Cam Newton, who doesn’t have a chance without some added help.

5-2, but this was a coin flip. Not feeling awful about this one.

Prediction: Seahawks beat STL, 30-10. Final: Rams win, 34-31.

Upset of the week, but it really shouldn’t have been. I made the wrong pick and jumped the gun — I’ll admit it.

These games are always played close, and despite adding Jimmy Graham and having arguably a top-5 talented roster in the league, Seattle can’t put away the Rams.

You can thank Nick Foles — who looked rather impressive — for knocking me down to 5-3.

Prediction: Saints beat ARI, 23-20. Final: Cardinals win, 31-19.

Why do I put my faith in the Saints anymore? This team isn’t flashy anymore — they’re an 8-8 squad if things continue on the same path.

Arizona still doesn’t thrill me, but I remain steadfast in the thought that they’ll compete this season. Overall, not much to see here. Shoutout to Carson Palmer fantasy starters, though. 307 yards and three TDs for the sleeper play!

5-4, things are spiraling downhill very quickly.

Prediction: Lions beat SD, 28-24. Final: Chargers win, 33-28.

To be fair, this one was a true toss-up. Both teams had a shot and it was actually an exciting game.

In the end, the Lions still have to prove they can step up on defense to be a playoff contender. I believe in the offense, but the Chargers proved there’s still work to be done.

5-5 and we’re at .500. Not good. But, wait… there’s hope.

Prediction: Titans beat TB, 26-21. Final: Titans win, 42-14.

It’s the Marcus Mariota show, and we’re all along for the ride!

Seriously, could the rookie have looked any better on Sunday? Precisely and efficiently, he worked downfield and shredded the Tampa Bay secondary for four touchdowns. Some of his best work was in the red zone, truly proving this kid is ready for the big time.

6-5 with a spark!

Prediction: Broncos beat BAL, 31-24. Final: Broncos win, 19-13.

I’d like to buy a touchdown. Please. Someone … just cross the goal-line!

This one was odd, but proved a few things. Most notably, these two squads have two of the best defenses in the league. Eventually it’ll be the Manning and Flacco shows taking over, but for now, week one gave both Denver and Baltimore great building blocks to work with.

7-5 and on a roll. Have to make up for five mistakes…

Prediction: Bengals beat OAK, 35-10. Final: Bengals win, 33-13.

My lock of the week, and it wasn’t too difficult. Oakland’s team simply isn’t going to be up to par this season, especially with the most recent loss of Charles Woodson.

Hope isn’t high on the west coast, however this was a nice start for Cincinnati. Not the toughest test of the year; Andy Dalton will ultimately take this game and run with it. Good start.

8-5 — now we’re cooking.

Prediction: Cowboys beat NYG, 34-24. Final: Cowboys win, 27-26.

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin (L) talks to back judge Jim Quirk (63) in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

You want to spotlight on this game, but it’s too hard without feeling bad for Giants fans everywhere.

This is truly the one that got away. They should have won (they DID win), but yikes. Didn’t end well, and Dallas didn’t earn it. But, give credit to Tony Romo. He kept cool during the final drive, albeit with plenty of easy throws, and got the win.

9-5, but this doesn’t feel like an earned win.

Prediction: Eagles beat ATL, 41-17. Final: Falcons win, 26-24.

Let’s just not talk about this one. It’s still raw…

We have plenty of Eagles fans on the staff — so I’m not as upset as those guys. However, I am a bit shocked. Philly simply got going too late and Atlanta’s defense found a way to stifle Chip Kelly and Co. early, that’s all.

If the Eagles begin thriving one drive earlier, they win. Good momentum for the year, but this one hurts.

9-6 with a real bummer here.

Prediction: Vikings beat SF, 37-31. Final: 49ers win, 20-3.

37 points for Minnesota? What were you thinking, Joe? Week one form…

What an odd game. In one that many thought would be a shootout, this took twists and turns that nobody saw coming. Bridgewater struggles, 49ers defense allows just three points, and Colin Kaepernick looks like he can run a sub 4.0 40-yard dash.

Strange game — not worried about the Vikings yet. Bottom line, they need to get Adrian Peterson the football more often.

FINAL WEEK 1 RECORD: 9-7

OVERALL 2015 RECORD: 9-7

Joe and Erik recapped Week 1 of the NFL season this morning. Find the podcast below.

Check Out Football Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NFL Mocks Radio on BlogTalkRadio

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NFL Predictions: How Did Week 1’s Picks Turn Out?

By Joe Wedra | Sep 15, 2015