NFL
By: Monte Perez
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. I try to tell fans not to get worked up over the 1st game of the year. But, The Packers, Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons have all made major changes this off-season. A lot can be learned this Sunday.
Week 1 Preview and prediction:
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (Packers favored by 1.5)”
4:25 PM Eastern on Fox TV.
Matt LaFleur enters his 4th season as the Green Bay Packers head coach.
He has compiled a record of:
- 13-3
- 13-3
- 13-4
The Packers are without two of their top 3 wide receivers from last season. Davante Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this off-season. Green Bay’s offense is going to be a run-first attack with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Their defense could be a top 7 unit this year if they stay healthy.
After 8 years on the sidelines, the Vikings decided to part way with head coach, Mike Zimmer. Former LA Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell will now lead this team. This should do wonders for a Vikings offense that has a ton of talent and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Both teams should make the playoffs, but I like the Vikings to with the NFC North. Look for Adam Thielen to have a huge game in this matchup.
Vikings 27… Packers 23.
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (Miami favored by 3.5)
1 PM Eastern on CBS TV.
The Patriots should have an elite defense but is there anyone on this offense that will keep defensive coordinators up at night? New England will struggle to score consistently all season long.
The Dolphins are entering the season with 1st-year head coach in Mike McDaniel. They also acquired veteran wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Is this the year that Tua Tagovailoa finally reaches his potential? The Dolphins should have a top 7 defense and a top 7 offense. All the pieces are in place for Tua to succeed. Miami should make the playoffs and it starts with a victory on Sunday.
Dolphins 23… Patriots 17.
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons, (Saints favored by 5.5):
1 PM Eastern on Fox TV.
For the first time in 15 years, the Saints enter the season without Sean Payton as their head coach. Former defense coordinator Dennis Allen takes over the reins on the sidelines. Jameis Winston will be the Saints’ starter and he has a ton of talent surrounding him on offense and defense.
The Falcons have low expectations this season, but they should be able to put up points with Marcus Mariota, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Pro football focus has Atlanta’s defense and offensive line ranked at the bottom of the NFL. If the Falcons win 8 games, it would be considered a step in the right direction.
The Saints have too many talented players and should win this game. The Falcons have too many question marks.
Saints 27… Falcons 20
Follow The Sports Whisperer on Twitter: MonteJp231 and on Tik Tok MontePerez231
Watch The Full Monte Sports Show
