Way too early picks for Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season

The 2021 NFL schedule is out, and we think it’s never too early to offer picks and prognostications. With that in mind, we’re taking a look at five Week 1 contests coming up this September and offering our thoughts, just in case you want to lock in your action at this point. Let’s take a look!

Chargers -1.5 over Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team won the NFC East last year because, let’s face it, one team had to. This offseason, they’ve signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to be their starting quarterback, and while Fitz deserves plenty of respect for his ability to play well wherever he’s gone, he’ll be 39 this November.

Meanwhile, the Chargers will be led by new coach Brandon Staley and second-year signal-caller Justin Herbert, who had one of the best rookie campaigns by a quarterback in NFL history and figures to only get better with experience. I’ll take the Chargers here, as I just don’t think Washington will be able to score enough points to keep up.

Seahawks +2.5 over Colts

I respect Indianapolis very much, and if Carson Wentz is going to revive his career anywhere, it will be with the Colts and head coach/quarterback whisperer Frank Reich. With that in mind…assuming Russell Wilson remains Seattle’s quarterback, why should the Seahawks be getting points? They’re loaded with weapons, including wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and even a close win by Indianapolis means a cover for Seattle. I’ll happily take the points and hope Wilson stays in the Pacific Northwest.

Giants +1.5 over Broncos

The Giants were hampered by the loss of Saquon Barkley early in the 2020 season. However, Barkley figures to be at full-strength for the opener, and New York also added playmaking wide receiver Kenny Golladay. The offense wasn’t pretty last year, but they were behind the 8-ball for almost the entire season, and I wouldn’t be shocked if a healthier unit, led by a more seasoned Daniel Jones, takes a step forward.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are unsure if Drew Lock is the quarterback of the future and have come up in conversations about Aaron Rodgers (more on him later). Add in that the Giants are home, and I’ll gladly take a point and a half.

Saints -2.5 over Packers

By contrast to the Russell Wilson situation in Seattle, it’s very difficult to see a scenario where Aaron Rodgers returns to Green Bay, and only partially because no host of Jeopardy! ever had to worry about concussions while on the set. If Rodgers doesn’t return, Green Bay’s quarterback room will be a mess, especially if Jordan Love isn’t ready to lead an NFL offense.

Meanwhile, the Saints will open at home in one of the most raucous atmospheres in the league. All of this doesn’t seem like a recipe for success for the visitors.

Dolphins +1.5 over Patriots

Am I supposed to believe what’s left of Cam Newton and/or the rookie version of Mac Jones will be ready to go against a Miami team that went 10-6 a season ago with a rookie quarterback at the helm? The Dolphins were a surprising turnaround story a season ago behind head coach Brian Flores, and they’re a team on the rise.

On the other hand, New England sputtered throughout the 2020 campaign with plenty of offensive woes, and they’ll have their hands full with a tough Dolphins defense to kick off the season.