The NFL is back, and for as much as we've prognosticated and hemmed and hawed and tried to predict what's going to happen, we are flying blind to some extent. Week 1 in particular tends to produce not only some surprises, but some results that prove to be anomalies. Last year, the Raiders beat the Patriots in Week 1.
The Steelers and the Jets(!) played one of the week's most entertaining games, a 34-32 comeback Pittsburgh win. McCarthy accounted for three fourth-quarter touchdowns to rally the Vikings past the Bears. Our knowledge will improve as the season does, and hopefully so will this column.
Each week, I'll have my best bets heading into the weekend, plus my full slate of picks. Here's Saquon Barkley's history in four games as an Eagle against the Commanders: No player has ever run for 110+ yards in five straight games against Washington, nor has any Eagle run for 110+ yards in five straight games against a single opponent, but Barkley will be the first. Philadelphia has revamped its run game, and its offensive line is as healthy as it's been in some time, perhaps dating back to two seasons ago, when Barkley ran for 2,005 yards and the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
Washington had a bumpy close to training camp/the preseason, and while its starters are OK, there are significant depth questions. Plus, while I am high on Sonny Styles, this is a very tough assignment for a rookie linebacker in his NFL debut. In a game that could have some stops and starts as both teams debut new offenses, Barkley ripping off a big run or two will give the Eagles a big boost.
While I'm not quite as bullish on Derrick Henry as I am on Barkley, I'm willing to bet on a solid day for the ageless wonder. The Colts do get a major boost in the form of a healthy DeForest Buckner, but this is, again, a spot where I worry about the linebackers. Akeem Davis-Gaither is on his third team in three years.
Jaylon Carlies played two defensive snaps last year. Rookies CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher have talent, but both emerged from the preseason as backups. The Ravens brought in certified ass-kickers in guards John Simpson and Olaivavega Ioane, which should mitigate the loss of center Tyler Linderbaum.
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