Football season is almost here, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to start preparing for your pick em pool! For those unfamiliar with pick em pools, they are a fun way to compete with friends, family, and coworkers to see who can correctly predict the winners of each NFL game throughout the season. To help you get started, we have put together a printable schedule for Week 1 of the NFL season. This schedule includes all of the matchups, dates, and times for the first week of games, making it easy for you to keep track of everything. But why stop at just a schedule? We also have some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you have the best chance of winning your pick em pool. First and foremost, it’s important to do your research. This means staying up to date on the latest NFL news and trends, as well as taking a closer look at each team’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, if a team is coming off of a strong preseason, they may be more likely to continue that success into the regular season. Another key factor to consider when making your picks is home-field advantage. Studies have shown that teams tend to perform better when playing in front of their home crowd, so this is definitely something to keep in mind when making your selections. Of course, it’s also important to have a bit of strategy when making your picks. Some people prefer to go with the favorites, while others like to take risks and pick underdogs. There is no one right way to go about it, so it’s all about finding a strategy that works for you. With all that said, let’s take a closer look at the Week 1 schedule. Sunday, September 12 Game 1: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans This game features two teams that struggled last season, with the Texans finishing with the worst record in the league. While both teams have undergone some changes since then, it’s tough to say which one has improved more. Ultimately, we think the Jaguars will come out on top in this one, thanks in part to their improved defense. Game 2: Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team This game could be one of the closest of the week, as both teams have solid rosters and are looking to make some noise this season. The Chargers have a new head coach in Brandon Staley, who will be looking to get the most out of young quarterback Justin Herbert. However, we predict that the Washington Football Team will come out victorious in this one, thanks in part to their strong defense and experienced quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Game 3: Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts This game features two teams that are always in the playoff conversation. The Seahawks are led by superstar quarterback Russell Wilson, while the Colts have a stout defense and a new quarterback in Carson Wentz. While this game could go either way, we think the Seahawks will have the edge thanks to Wilson’s ability to make big plays. Game 4: Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals The Vikings are expected to bounce back after a disappointing 2020 campaign, while the Bengals are hoping to see some growth from second-year quarterback Joe Burrow. While the Bengals are certainly capable of pulling off the upset, we predict that the Vikings will come out on top thanks to their experienced roster. Game 5: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions The 49ers are a team to watch this season, as they have a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo back at quarterback and a strong defense. On the other side, the Lions will be looking to turn things around after a tough 2020 season. While the Lions have made some improvements, we think the 49ers will ultimately come out on top in this one. Game 6: Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans The Cardinals are one of the most exciting teams in the league thanks to their high-powered offense led by Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. However, the Titans have one of the league’s most dominant running backs in Derrick Henry, which could give them the edge in this matchup. Ultimately, we predict that the Titans will win this one, but it should be a close game. Game 7: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills This game features two teams that made the playoffs last season, with the Bills looking to build on their success and the Steelers hoping to bounce back after a tough end to the year. While the Steelers have a talented defense, we predict that the Bills’ high-powered offense led by Josh Allen will be too much for them to handle. Game 8: New York Jets at Carolina Panthers The Jets are hoping that rookie quarterback Zach Wilson can help turn around the franchise, but they will have their work cut out for them in Week 1 against the Panthers. Carolina has a strong defense and some talented playmakers on offense, which should give them the edge in this one. Game 9: Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons Both of these teams had disappointing seasons in 2020, but they will be looking to turn things around this year. While the Falcons have one of the best wide receivers in the league in Julio Jones, we predict that the Eagles’ strong defense will be able to contain him and lead Philadelphia to victory. Game 10: Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs This game could be one of the most exciting of the week, as it features two teams that made the playoffs last season. The Browns have one of the best running back tandems in the league with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, while the Chiefs are led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While the Browns could certainly pull off the upset, we predict that the Chiefs will come out on top thanks to their talented offense. Monday, September 13 Game 11: Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders This game will be played in Las Vegas’ new Allegiant Stadium, which should make for an exciting atmosphere. While the Raiders have some playmakers on offense, we predict that the Ravens’ dominant defense will be too much for them to handle. Game 12: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears This game could be another close one, as both teams have solid rosters and are hoping to make some noise this season. The Rams have a talented defense led by Aaron Donald, while the Bears have a new quarterback in Andy Dalton. While this game could go either way, we predict that the Rams will come out on top thanks to their overall talent level. And there you have it: our predictions for Week 1 of the NFL season. Of course, anything can happen on any given Sunday (or Monday), so make sure to tune in and see how everything plays out. Good luck with your pick em pool, and may the best football fan win!
