NFL Week 1 Preview & Analysis

For the second straight season, the Sporting Base will preview some of the upcoming and fascinating games in the National Football League with analysis and predictions.

The week 1 games we will take a look are Houston at Kansas City, Green Bay at Minnesota, Chicago at Detroit, and Tennessee at Denver.

Houston @ Kansas City 

In a rematch of the AFC Divisional Playoff game, this will be the first game for the Chiefs since their Super Bowl victory in February. In the playoff win, the Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 51-31 after trailing Houston 24-0 to begin the game.

Why the Texans Win:

Houston is able to be strong mentally, and put the embarrassment of the playoff game behind them. This will be the debut of running back David Johnson in a Texans uniform. Johnson was acquired by Houston in an offseason trade, which saw wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins go to Arizona. Johnson will need to make a difference in his debut.

Why the Chiefs Win:

Simply put, due to the quarterbacking of Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs need the 2018 regular season version of Mahomes, who had a NFL high 50 touchdown passes. Like the Texans, the Chiefs will have a new running back this season. The Chiefs will play their first round draft pick–Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

My take:

There should be a lot of points scored in the contest. The pressure is definitely on the Chiefs, but the Texans will lose the impact that Hopkins brought to the receiving corps. Kansas City should come away with the W.

Green Bay @ Minnesota

In this NFC Central Division battle, the Green Bay Packers will begin the 2020 regular season on the road in Minneapolis. Both the Packers and Vikings are expected to contend for the division title this season after both making the playoffs a year ago. The Packers were at 13-3, and the Vikings were at 10-6.

Why the Packers win:

There will be no hungrier quarterback this season than Aaron Rodgers. There is no doubt that Rodgers has a bit of a chip on his shoulder and will be committed to keeping his job at quarterback after the Packers drafted Jordan Love with their first round pick.

Why the Vikings win:

Despite having three fewer wins than Green Bay in 2019, the Vikings were a +104, while the Packers were +63. If Kirk Cousins can build on his Pro Bowl season from a year ago, where he had a career-high quarterback rating of 107.4, the Vikings will be victorious.

My take:

This will come down to a battle of running backs. For some inexplicable reason, the Vikings trusts and uses Dalvin Cook more than the Packers trusts and uses Aaron Jones. Minnesota comes out victorious in a very tight battle.

Chicago @ Detroit 

In another all-NFC Central Divisional matchup, the Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears. Last season, the Bears reached the .500 mark at 8-8, while the Lions were at 3-12-1.

Why the Bears win:

Despite an inconsistent offense, the Bears only gave up 298 points in 2019, the least in the NFC.

Why the Lions win:

Detroit definitely has the edge offensively. Kenny Golladay has become an elite receiver, and if he is healthy (currently battling a hamstring ailment), the Lions will have an excellent chance.

My take:

The Bears defense is simply better and more intimidating than the Lions offense. Even though there are questions who will be the Bears quarterback as the season progresses (Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles), the Bears experience without the ball will come through.

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Tennessee @ Denver

The Titans got to the AFC Championship last year after having a record of nine wins and seven losses. The Broncos meanwhile were at seven wins and nine losses.

Why the Titans win:

Tennessee maintains their momentum from last year’s postseason where Ryan Tannehill had a NFL quarterback rating of 117.5. If Derrick Henry builds on his 2019 season, the Titans will not only win on Monday, but contend in the AFC South.

Why the Broncos win:

I was very impressed with the play of the Broncos at the end of last season. The Broncos won four of their last five games with Drew Lock shining at quarterback.

My take:

Denver is very tough at home as opponents adjust to the altitude of Colorado. The Broncos could be the team that surprises people the most in 2020. Do not be surprised at all if the Broncos come through with a Monday night stunner.

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