Durkin: Week 1 NFL Picks
By Dan Durkin--
(CBS) NFL fans can rejoice knowing that there will be NFL action every Sunday from now until next February.
After months theories and speculation, teams will start adding ones to their win/loss columns this Sunday.
Here's my take on how this weekend's action will play out.
(Home team listed in CAPS)
Packers 31, BEARS 20 (noon)
The Bears are rebuilding, while the Packers are built. Talent gap on full display.
Chiefs 24, TEXANS 16 (noon)
The Chiefs' defense will lock down an undermanned Texans offense.
JETS 20, Browns 13 (noon)
Ryan Fitzpatrick against Josh McCown tells the tale of this offensive struggle. The Jets should control the tempo on both sides of the ball.
Colts 24, BILLS 13 (noon)
This is a stiff early test for the high-flying Colts offense, but their offensive skill position players will be the difference.
Dolphins 27, REDSKINS 14 (noon)
The Dolphins' defense will dominate the line of scrimmage, and their speed on offense will overwhelm Washington.
Panthers 23, JAGUARS 17 (noon)
The Panthers' defense and run game will carry them to victory against the Jaguars.
Seahawks 20, RAMS 13 (noon)
Two of the league's fiercest defenses square off in what should be the most physical game of the weekend. Seattle has more offensive firepower, which will be the difference.
CARDINALS 27, Saints 24 (3:05 p.m.)
There will be plenty of flying pigskins in the desert air. The Cardinals will get vertical on the Saints' depleted secondary.
Lions 30, CHARGERS 27 (3:05 p.m.)
It will be a potential track meet in San Diego. The Lions' one-two punch at wide receiver will make the difference.
BUCS 20, Titans 13 (3:25 p.m.)
The top two picks from this past April's draft make their NFL debuts. The Titans lack offensive playmakers, which gives the Bucs the edge at home.
Bengals 24, RAIDERS 20 (3:25 p.m.)
The Bengals' offensive line will hold up against a strong Raiders' pass rush and exploit a porous secondary.
BRONCOS 31, Ravens 27 (3:25 p.m.)
Gary Kubiak leads the Broncos against his former team in what should be the game of the week. The Broncos have more playmakers on both sides of the ball.
COWBOYS 34, Giants 23 (7:25 p.m.)
The Cowboys' aerial attack will find little resistance against the talent-deficient Giants.
Eagles 34, FALCONS 31 (5:55 p.m. Monday)
Get your fantasy players active for this game, which should keep the scoreboard operator busy. The Eagles' tempo on offense will wear down an already suspect Falcons defense.
Vikings 24, 49ERS 16 (9:15 p.m. Monday)
The Vikings' running game and defense will dominate a 49ers team that's headed in the wrong direction.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.