Wednesday 20 September 2017 17:05, UK
A new NFL season starts tonight, and with it, returns Sky Sports News NFL reporter Richard Graves' weekly predictions.
Richard will be looking to improve on his 6-8-2 record from last season, which saw him take on the fans of various NFL franchises each week. For 2017, he has a new set of opponents, starting with Sky Sports very own Premier League prediction expert and long-suffering New York Jets fan Paul Merson.
"I don't give the Jets much hope this year," said Merse. "At best, I'll give them six wins on the season but I fear that they're going to get off to a nightmare start.
"But I'll be watching all of the games this week. I love it. It's the second best week of the season - it's the start of the Premier League, then this."
So, here we go... It's Graves versus Merson for Week One predictions!
GRAVES PICKS: STEELERS
Merson: Steelers to win this one, all day long - it's just a case of how many they want to win by. The brown paper bags will be back out again in Cleveland.
The Steelers are looking good again and will be fighting it out in the AFC for the Super Bowl.
MERSON PICKS: STEELERS
Graves: This is a fascinating match-up to kick off the season in Lambeau Field, featuring two teams who had their deficiencies horribly exposed by the Atlanta Falcons in last year's postseason.
For Green Bay, the problem was defence - they couldn't stop anybody of note! Once again though, with Aaron Rodgers under centre, their offence looks loaded.
Super Bowl-winning tight end Martellus Bennett has arrived from New England to form an intimidating receiving corps of Jordy Nelson, Devante Adams and Randal Cobb. Expect Ty Montgomery to still see action in the backfield but with Eddie Lacy now on Seattle's roster, it'll be interesting to see how the Packers deploy rookie RB, Jamaal Williams.
Speaking of Lacy, he will be desperate to shine on his return to Green Bay. But, Seattle's offensive line has struggled for several years now and it remains to be seen whether it has improved. On the defence, safety Earl Thomas returns after missing much of last year through injury and gives the Seahawks leadership and a rangey coverage threat Rodgers must be aware of.
Still, this is Green Bay at home and the Seahawks on the road simply aren't the same team. This should be close but expect the Packers to edge it
GRAVES PICKS: PACKERS
Merson: The Seahawks have strengthened their defence this year, but the Packers have Rodgers! Again, like Brady, he's a quarterback who performs under pressure. When the game is on the line, with two minutes to go, that's priceless.
This is the game, the big game of the weekend. These two teams could definitely go all the way, but I'm going to edge to the Seahawks as they are my tip to win the Super Bowl this year.
MERSON PICKS: SEAHAWKS
Graves: The Giants beat the Cowboys in both of their 2016 meetings. They had the answer to the threat posed by rookie sensations Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott when no one else did and it was built on a defence which ranked second in points allowed. And the good news for the Giants is, that defence returns this year. It's on offence where they struggled last year, failing to score more than 19 points in each of their last six games of the season.
The Cowboys look set to have Elliott available before a six-game suspension looms. Can the Giants bottle him up again or will the NFL's leading rusher from 2016 finally have his day against their divisional rivals? On the other side of the ball, there are real concerns surrounding an inexperienced and untested Dallas defence which lacked a significant pass rush last season. However, the Cowboys likely won't have to score more than 24 points to win here and despite their defensive concerns, the home side have enough to edge this.
GRAVES PICKS: COWBOYS
Merson: This is another massive game! I like the Giants this year, and they beat the Cowboys twice last year - and they had a good year.
The Giants have strengthened in the offseason, bringing in a couple of wide receivers, including Brandon Marshall, so it will be hard to double up on Odell Beckham Jr now. They could be a dark horse for the Super Bowl, so I like the Giants to beat the Cowboys again this weekend.
MERSON PICKS: GIANTS
Graves: Adrian Peterson returns to Minnesota. Last year's injured-ravaged season was enough to convince the Vikings it's was time to part ways with their pro bowl running back. The Saints are gambling on there being something left in the tank and without doubt AP will be desperate to prove his old team were wrong to let him go.
The Vikings are a team built in the image of coach Mike Zimmer though with a strong defence. Don't forget, this team won their first five games last year before injuries caught up with them and they lost eight of their last 11. The Saints, meanwhile, are looking to emerge from a slump of three straight seasons with a losing record.
No team has ever appeared in the Super Bowl when it's city is the host venue. The Vikings are outsiders, but they have a chance.
GRAVES PICKS: VIKINGS
Merson: Peterson returns to his old team - he'll need to start well. I always found when playing back at an old ground, that it was so important to have a good start and then all of a sudden you can kick on. Otherwise, it's easy to go into your shell. The first quarter is important for him.
Also, watch out for Michael Thomas at wide receiver for the Saints. It's his second season and I think he'll be decent this year. Plus, they've got Drew Brees.
But I'm actually going to go for the Vikings in this one - their defence looks very good and, every now and then, all you need is a good defence to win a close game.
MERSON PICKS: VIKINGS
Graves: DeMarcus Ware's retirement and T.J. Ward's shock release are two notable losses from the defence that carried the Broncos to the Lombardi Trophy two years ago. However, they still have Von Miller, who is targeting breaking the single season sack record of 22.5.
It's been an off-season of change for the Chargers as well. They'll hope for a change of fortunes in a new city, having relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles, and with a new coaching team - Anthony Lynn comes in as head coach and Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator. But, the AFC West is a tough division and opening games don't come much tougher than opening night in Denver.
GRAVES PICKS: BRONCOS
Merson: The Broncos did a bit of Chelsea defending their Super Bowl. But I think, like Chelsea bounced back under Antonio Conte last year, the Broncos will be better in 2017. Another Super Bowl win might be a stretch though, I just think there are a few AFC teams better than them.
But, Denver at home, I fancy them to win this one. I can't say I'll personally be staying up late to watch this one though - 3.20am?!
MERSON PICKS: BRONCOS
Graves: The greatest comeback in Super Bowl history secured Tom Brady and the Patriots their fifth ring. He may be 40 years old now but Brady remains the yardstick for quarterbacks in the NFL and this year he's got a new supporting cast.
Julian Edelman is lost for the season but trades for Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett give this offence a deep threat. Also, Rob Gronkowksi is fully fit again and complimented by ex-Colts TE Dwayne Allen.
On defence, the Patriots retained all of the key pieces which formed the No 1 ranked unit in 2016 and then added to it - most notable in capturing the former Bills CB Stephon Gilmore. All told, on paper, this looks the best roster in the NFL heading into Week One.
The Chiefs appear to be looking to the future, taking quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the draft but, for now, this is Alex Smith's team. Expect to see electric wide receiver Tyreek Hill heavily involved in their offence while TE Travis Kelce will be Smith's go-to guy in the passing game.
At first glance, this appeals as a good season opener but on a night when the fans will pack into Gillette Stadium to hail their champions, expect the new season to start with a familiar result.
GRAVES PICKS: PATRIOTS
Merson: I don't see anything other than a Patriots win - they're just such a good team. I think they win this game by two touchdowns.
With Brady at quarterback again, they'll be in the mix for the Super Bowl again - he's as cool as a cucumber, as cool as the other side of your pillow.
MERSON PICKS: PATRIOTS
Week One continues on Sunday with three live games on Sky Sports Action as well as RedZone on Sky Sports Mix - all the action gets underway from 5pm.
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