For those who watch the FOX NFL pregame show or the CBS guys each week, we would like to introduce you to our first ever NFL Round Table. Every week, a handful of the best writers will debate and predict six games chosen and give their insight on what to expect.
Here at The Inscriber: Digital Magazine, we will keep standings posted as well for those who take part. So without further ado, Week 1 will include
Tennessee (0-0) at Pittsburgh (0-0)
Ekiert: Ben Roethlisberger has lost two straight season openers for the Steelers but has a 49-15 career record at Heinz Field. As many worry about the “Steel Curtain” this season, Tennessee does not fare too well in that department either entering the 2013 campaign. Chris Johnson may have himself a field day as the Steelers look to take over via long ball. There will be a lot of scoring, but no chance for Jake Locker to pull an upset here.
Prediction- Steelers, 34-20
Atlanta (0-0) at New Orleans (0-0)
Ekiert: This game may be stopped halfway through the first quarter so both teams can home, get their defenses and come back. Two of the best quarterbacks in the game will go head-to-head in the much-anticipated return of head coach Sean Payton. Steven Jackson may have to prove that he has something left in the tank after a somewhat “down” year in 2012. It won’t matter, this one will come down to Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Look for a pair of 400-yard passers.
Prediction- Saints, 42-35
Seattle (0-0) at Carolina (0-0)
Ekiert: This will be one of the top three games to watch this weekend. With Cam Newton returning for his third season in the NFL, and hosting a fellow young stud in Russell Wilson, it will be nice to see a battle of field position. The big question is, will Newton be able to handle the Seattle rushing attack? In close games like this one, it usually comes down to the best running game and Marshawn Lynch has that covered for the ‘Hawks.
Prediction- Seahawks, 19-13
Green Bay (0-0) at San Francisco (0-0)
Ekiert: A rematch of last year’s postseason showdown headlines the 4 o’clock games. Surely, Aaron Rodgers and company would like nothing more than to seek revenge and steal this one on the road but Colin Kaepernick may have other plans. Green Bay will have a new look this season with no Greg Jennings, but they bring in a feisty Eddy Lacey to lead the running attack. This could make the Packers offense much more sound in 2013, but Kaepernick has a new weapon of his own in Anquan Boldin, and he won’t be afraid to use him. Another close game.
Prediction- 49ers, 30-27
NY Giants (0-0) at Dallas (0-0)
Ekiert: What would Week 1 be without arguably the best rivalry in the NFL? Tony Romo will have his hands full with the pressure riding on his shoulders going into this season. But then again, when does he not have pressure on his shoulders? This should be an entertaining one to watch. Victor Cruz and Dez Bryant will put on a show, but this night will belong to the Giants in a nail-biter.
Prediction- Giants, 24-20
Washington (0-0) at Philadelphia (0-0)
Ekiert: John Machurek of the Inscriber will love me for this one. People really aren’t giving the Eagles a chance. Well, allow me to play the devil’s advocate on this game and place bets on Michael Vick. LeSean McCoy will keep his feet moving against an average Redskins front, opening things up for Vick. Yea, yea… RG III is like the new age… Michael Vick. The kid is fun to watch, no doubt, but I must have an upset in here somewhere, otherwise I would look like all of those boneheads on TV. Heck, for the sake of it all, let’s call it a game-winning field goal in the last seconds.
Prediction- Eagles, 26-24