Matt Johnson

“On Sunday night, we think that same recipe and a defensive clinic from Steve Spagnuolo's group could pave the way to a two-score win.”

“However, we see reasons to believe the Minnesota Vikings can win in blowout fashion on Sunday afternoon.”

“Give us the upset in Week 7, with the Atlanta Falcons ending the San Francisco 49ers’ undefeated start to the 2026 NFL season.”

“This is certainly a game the Jets could mess around in and barely hang on in the end, but we’ll bet on the likes of Smith, Wilson, and New York’s pass rush to win it more decisively.”

“Cleveland is the better-coached team and it has more talent on both sides of the football, so the winner here feels obvious even if it should be a very close game.”

“We think Jaylen Warren can rip off a few runs of 20-plus yards in this one, reaching the 100-yard mark, and Pittsburgh’s defense can rattle Tyler Shough enough for the Steelers to win it at Stade de France.”

“However, we’ll take the Dallas Cowboys offense to bounce back on the national stage, with Dak Prescott accounting for three touchdowns in a tight victory that keeps Dallas’ NFC East title hopes alive.”

“That sets up a shootout, but the Green Bay Packers defense has proven itself more capable thus far at generating stops.”

“However, we have far too much confidence in Denver defensively to believe it will let this one slip away.”

“So, as long as Kirk Cousins doesn’t turn it over twice, we’ll take Las Vegas to win it at home.”

“Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely will put up some good numbers, but the Texans will outclass New York on Sunday afternoon at Reliant Stadium.”

“Darnold will turn it over twice and with Seattle also not able to run the ball effectively, the Chiefs win in Seattle on Sunday Night Football.”

“However, with Josh Jacobs rejoining the Packers’ offense in Week 7, we’ll give Green Bay the slight edge because of a higher level of confidence in its defense generating a few more stops.”

“At MetLife Stadium, we like the Giants' chances of improving to 4-1-1.”

“Better play-calling and a superior supporting cast should allow Trevor Lawrence to outduel C.J. Stroud in Week 6, resulting in a Jaguars victory.”

“After a humbling loss to Green Bay, we expect the Bears to rebound in Atlanta with a big win over the Falcons.”

“What leads us to pick the Panthers is the simple fact we have minimal faith in an Eagles offense that might be starting a fourth-string running back, all the while having issues with its own offensive line.”

“Cleveland can at least keep this game competitive, but Watson's penchant for turnovers and taking sacks will prevent any real hopes of winning this one at home.”

“This should be a winnable game for Indianapolis, and it's a 7-point favorite at home, but we'll take the Titans in an upset with Ward recording 2 passing touchdowns while Taylor is held under 100 rushing yards.”

“Plus, since Los Angeles now has the corners to put the clamps on Michael Wilson while paying extra attention to Trey McBride, this should be a cruise-control victory for Matthew Stafford and Co.”

“Kansas City's defense should be in control of this one throughout, allowing Patrick Mahomes and Kenneth Walker to just control the clock and take advantage of opportunities as they come.”

“Jayden Daniels will try to make things interesting, but Fred Warner is an All-Pro linebacker for a reason, and we have all the faith in the world that San Francisco's defense can keep Washington in check for most of the night.”

“In what should be another disastrous showing for Nix, the Broncos lose at home.”

“We’ve seen enough from Taylor to believe he will be the best quarterback on the field Saturday, and with how defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit has been up and down as of late, give us Mississippi State to pull off the upset in Baton Rouge.”

“Give us Missouri to come out on top in Oxford, with Roberts rushing for over 150 yards and two scores while Austin Simmons records a pair of touchdowns in a high-scoring game.”

“In a high-scoring game, we will take the team with the superior quarterback and running back (Caleb Hawkins) to come out victorious.”

“That, paired with the great coaching from the Bruins, will prove just enough of a difference to stay undefeated.”

“We just believe the Cougars’ offense is too short-handed to keep pace with CJ Carr and a Fighting Irish offense that now has an explosive ground game to pair with its aerial attack.”

“We think, thanks to an early interception, Alabama jumps out to a 14-point lead early and Tennessee plays catch-up mode the rest of the way.”

“Given how shaky the Texans\u2019 offense has been this season, barring Collins being at 100 percent, we think Dak Prescott can make just enough plays to beat Houston\u2019s defense.”

“The Raiders can make it interesting, but we don\u2019t trust Kirk Cousins enough to beat Mahomes head-to-head.”

“So, as long as Aaron Rodgers protects the football, the Steelers should leave Cleveland with a win to kick off Week 4.”

“Sam Darnold should have a clean pocket on Sunday afternoon, meaning time to hammer this Chargers\u2019 secondary with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in a convincing win for Seattle.”

“This is about as one-sided as a matchup as it gets, so all Kyler Murray really needs to do is not turn it over multiple times.”

“We\u2019re most skeptical of the Falcons defense and would side with Tyler Shough outperforming Michael Penix Jr. in a tight game that comes down to the final two drives in the fourth quarter.”

“It should be a great fireworks display to close out Sunday\u2019s action, with Gibbs and Jared Goff doing just enough to win.”

“Washington is not, however, adept at generating pressure and Daniel Jones can win this game from a clean pocket.”

“With the way Drake Maye has been playing as of late (45.9 ESPN QBR , 7 interceptions and 9 sacks taken), that\u2019s too much for the Patriots offense to overcome.”

“Cross-country travel and an early kickoff (10:00 AM PT/1:00 PM ET) do increase the chances of the Arizona Cardinals coming out sluggish in this one, but we think Trey McBride and Michael Wilson make enough plays to beat Jameis Winston.”

“If Liam Coen\u2019s ground game can be anywhere near as efficient as Jaylen Warren (7.5 yards carry) was against Cincinnati\u2019s front, Jacksonville should be able to come out on top over the Bengals.”

“With that acknowledged, even with Caleb Williams (hamstring) almost certainly missing Sunday\u2019s game, we have ample confidence in Ben Johnson finding a way to win with D\u2019Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai a week after Jahmyr Gibbs put up 164 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on New York.”

“This just feels like the quality of the 49ers\u2019 opponent will be too much to overcome, especially with Denver riding a wave of confidence thanks to second-half comebacks against the Jaguars and Rams.”

“The Ravens should win comfortably, assuming they don\u2019t blow another double-digit lead in the second half.”

“If Irving is cleared to start, the Buccaneers should win an ugly one.”

“This should be a close game, but we just see too many vulnerabilities with Philadelphia that the Rams can exploit.”

“While the 49ers should still be able to win on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, an extended absence could prove costly in the weeks to come.”

“Quite frankly, we think that mark could be surpassed in the third quarter.”

“If Moore comes out of the gate slowly and the Ducks fall into an early hole, USC can lean on its ground game for the win.”

“It helps the Gators’ chances that Kewan Lacy (shoulder) is likely out, but we’ll pick the best player in college football to carry Ole Miss to a win in The Swamp.”

“Give us the superstar quarterback at home on Saturday night.”

“We expect them to carry Boise State to victory on Saturday afternoon in Kalamazoo.”

“We're inclined to pick the Mountaineers in this one, believing that Hawkins Jr. comes through with 200-plus yards through the air with another 100-plus on the ground.”

“Give us the superstar quarterback at home on Saturday night.”

“The Volunteers' youth and inexperience will show in a Week 4 loss.”

“As long as Gunner Stockton protects the football, the Bulldogs should win convincingly on Saturday.”

“This should come down to the final drives in the fourth quarter, and we have freshman running back Savion Hitter delivering a big run that sets up the game-deciding score in Ann Arbor.”

“Penn State has the coaching edge and home-field advantage in Week 4, and we expect to see the Nittany Lions win convincingly with Becht delivering a three-touchdown performance.”

“With Texas A&M’s receiving corps lacking the true separators who can get open against the Tigers’ secondary, we have LSU rebounding with a win at home.”

“We’re inclined to pick the Mountaineers in this one, believing that Hawkins Jr. comes through with 200-plus yards through the air with another 100-plus on the ground.”

“Kansas City Chiefs 35, Miami Dolphins 17”

“Bijan Robinson will do his best to keep Atlanta in this one, but third-down woes result in more field goals than red-zone trips and that makes a difference in Green Bay’s 28-20 win in their home opener on Thursday Night Football.”

“Denver Broncos 24, Los Angeles Rams 20”

“Philadelphia Eagles 24, Chicago Bears 17”

“Baltimore Ravens 31, Dallas Cowboys 27”

“That’s not enough for Las Vegas to win in New Orleans.”

“In a low-scoring game, Mayfield and Kyler Murray both throw interceptions, but Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson make up for it as they propel the Vikings to the win.”

“San Francisco 49ers 35, Arizona Cardinals 24”

“Houston Texans 21, Indianapolis Colts 14”

“This feels like one of those matchups where the Seahawks offense takes advantage of short fields and a takeaway or two, easily dispatching Washington in a game that most NFL fans turn off in the third quarter.”

“A two-touchdown performance from Young paired with 4 sacks from the Panthers’ front seven paves the way to a 10-point win in Cleveland.”

“New York Giants 24, Tennessee Titans 17”

“Buffalo will demonstrate why it’s the superior team, winning at home by multiple scores.”

“It won’t be a stress-free win, but the Lions will be victorious at Ford Field on Sunday.”

“Jacksonville Jaguars 27, New England Patriots 21”

“Ultimately, we think the massive edge Cincinnati has at quarterback and the year-to-year strides it’s made defensively decide this one in Pittsburgh.”

“With Marcus Mariota likely starting in Week 3 for the Commanders, Seattle should be 3-0 this time next week, and every win matters because the 49ers are going to make this a fight to the finish for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and the NFC West crown.”

“Green Bay needed that comeback win against the Jets, and it should beat the Falcons on Thursday Night Football in Week 3.”

“We’re inclined to believe that regression is coming in Week 3 against the Saints and more losses will follow, but the fan base absolutely deserves to enjoy this undefeated start.”

“Set to face Arizona in Week 3, we’d expect the 49ers to make it three consecutive wins by 14-plus points.”

“That’s a bit worrisome entering a Week 4 matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners defense, especially amid continued lapses in coverage by the Bulldogs’ secondary, even if we still think Georgia wins next week.”

“Trey Smack is going to bring a 1-1 record back to Green Bay.”

“Texas A&M should win this one going away at home.”

“Look for Keelon Russell to put up over 200 passing yards against a Power 4 defense for the first time in his career, with Ryan Coleman-Williams and Loteir Brooks both finding the end zone as the Crimson Tide roll out to a 3-0 start.”

“In the end, a fourth-quarter interception by Brown allows the Gators to eat up more of the clock, and a last-minute comeback for Auburn falls short.”

“We expect Virginia to make it a 3-0 start to the season, with all three being double-digit victories.”

“On Friday night, we think Houston goes into Lubbock and proves who is the team to beat in the Big 12 Conference.”

“Home-field advantage and experience do matter here for South Carolina, but Mississippi State's win last Saturday in Minnesota and what Jeff Lebby is doing with this offense push us to picking the Bulldogs to come out on top.”

“However, even with the Rebels' home-field advantage, we think the best unit on the field wins this game and that's the LSU defense.”

“The Week 3 home loss to UNC will be an all-time low for Swinney.”

“While creating a defensive game plan for facing the Patriots has now been made much easier, we’ll take the dual-threat quarterback with a top-10 defense to win at home over Pittsburgh’s offensive offense.”

“Joe Burrow and Co. can push for 27 points in this matchup, so if Cincinnati’s defense can just force a takeaway, it can absolutely be a 2-0 start to the season for the Bengals with those victories coming against playoff contenders.”

“Ultimately, we’ll bet on Jordan Love’s big-play ability and his willingness to make downfield throws right before getting hit as the reasons the Packers survive a scare from the Jets.”

“That creates an avenue for New Orleans to win, but we think Jackson and Henry ultimately run their way to a 2-0 record against a defense that allowed 165 yards and 5 ypc in Week 1.”

“There’s a real possibility that 60-plus points combined is scored in this game, but we do have the Bears coming out on top because of Williams and Johnson.”

“Even with Drew Lock under center in Week 2, the Seattle Seahawks should feel great about their chances of a two-to-zero start to the season.”

“However, the talent disparity at quarterback between Justin Herbert versus Fernando Mendoza leads us to believe the Chargers avoid a major setback to their playoff hopes and win this one in the fourth quarter.”

“We expect Carolina to come out of this NFC South duel with a victory, but Bijan Robinson could change that if he can put up 180-plus scrimmage yards against a defense that allowed 291 rushing yards in Week 1.”

“The Jaguars win this one at home, with Lawrence making an early NFL MVP case with a two-to-zero start.”

“Already coming off a monumental win, we’ll pick the Giants to make it two in a row with a victory over the Rams on Monday Night Football.”

“Josh Allen wins a shootout against Jared Goff, with Buffalo coming out with a two-to-zero record but renewed concerns about its run defense.”

“Blowouts are fairly rare in the NFL, but this one has the recipe for a one-sided game from start to finish for the Philadelphia Eagles .”

“We've got the Vols rolling into Atlanta and taking full advantage of the Yellow Jackets in a transition year.”

“Ultimately, we think that Ohio State's ability to run the football more effectively paired with a huge return by freshman Legend Bey puts the Buckeyes in position to win this one.”

“The raucous environment at LaVell Edwards Stadium gives BYU another edge and with the improvements we have seen from Bachmeier as a passer, we believe the Cougars win this one by multiple scores.”

“As long as that happens, Boise State can win this one comfortably with Maddux throwing 4 touchdowns.”

“We think that’s coming on Sunday, with rookie kicker Trey Smack drilling the game-deciding field goal that sends Green Bay home with a 1–0 record.”

“Tennessee's offense will be shaking off some rust of its own, but we're confident that Brandon, Bishop and Mike Matthews can collectively outscore Georgia Tech.”

“While we have the Detroit Lions coming out on top in our NFL predictions for Week 1, don’t sleep on the possibility of an upset here.”

“Even if Jalen Hurts acclimates slowly to Sean Mannion’s system on the other side, Philadelphia can ride its defense and run game to a one-sided victory.”

“This is a coin-flip matchup, but we lean Green Bay.”

“As for the Miami Dolphins , this roster just isn’t good enough to win on the road.”

“With that acknowledged, the Cardinals’ defense gives them no shot to win against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.”

“We’ll be a bit bold with our NFL picks for Week 1, projecting a two-score win for New York.”

“We’re not betting against DeMeco Ryans’ defense considering its track record, but C.J. Stroud will give the Bills an opportunity to win this one.”

“With Sam Darnold protecting the football, that’s all Seattle needs to open the season with a win.”

“Maybe the Panthers’ passing game surprises us with a deep shot to Jalen Coker setting up a big score to flip this game, but the realistic outcome is the Bears winning at Bank of America Stadium in convincing fashion.”

“Even with Nick Bosa back, we just don’t see the talent nor depth on San Francisco’s defense to keep pace with the Rams offense and that feels even harder to do this season with Los Angeles now boasting Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie on its defense.”

“No game is a guaranteed win in the NFL, but the Jacksonville Jaguars cruising to victory in Week 1 at home against the Cleveland Browns feels like a virtual certainty.”

“It’s hard to picture a realistic scenario where the Falcons beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, unless Bijan Robinson goes nuclear.”

“This should be a back-and-forth game, but we suspect Joe Burrow is able to lead the Bengals on a fourth-quarter comeback for the victory in the home opener.”

“We also see Baltimore having a big advantage with its ability to run the football on Indianapolis, allowing the Ravens to cruise somewhat comfortably to a Week 1 victory on the road.”