"Same old Browns" was a popular refrain on social media. Baker Mayfield looked more like his 2019 version than his rookie one in barely completing 50 percent of his passes for 189 yards and a pick on the opening drive. The Ravens led 24-6 at the half and likely would have won by 50 points had they chosen to and not pulled Lamar Jackson in the fourth quarter. On Monday, the Browns dumped Austin Seibert after he missed two kicks in the game (not like it would have mattered) and promoted kicker Cody Parkey from their practice squad.
Stefanski is the clear favorite among these three head coaches to win first, though, as the Browns are -6 on Thursday night against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. If Cleveland doesn't win that, it should be favored again Week 3 at home vs. Washington.
Rhule's Panthers were 3-point home underdogs against the Los Vegas Raiders and lost a very entertaining 34-30 shootout. Carolina rallied from down 27-15 entering the fourth to lead 30-27 about midway through, but Josh Jacobs scored the winning TD with about four minutes left. Teddy Bridgewater finished 22 of 34 for 270 yards and one touchdown in his Carolina debut. The Panthers' offense looked fine, but a defense starting four rookies struggled – especially early on.
The Panthers are +9 for Week 2 at Tampa Bay in Tom Brady's home Bucs debut. Realistically, the Panthers probably aren't winning before Week 4 at home vs. Arizona.
Finally, Judge's Giants were mostly dominated Monday night in a 26-16 home loss to Pittsburgh, which covered the 6-point spread. Daniel Jones' turnover problems continued, with two picks – including a killer at the Steelers' goal line in the third quarter after a 19-play Giants drive. Saquon Barkley was held to a laughable 6 yards rushing on 15 carries. Barkley was hit behind the line of scrimmage 11 times.
New York is +4.5 this Sunday at Chicago in the Bears' home opener. The Giants' in theory could pull the upset, but in reality their best chance at Judge's first win is Week 6 at home vs. Washington.
Who wins every NFL game this week? And which teams cover more than 50 percent of the time? Get picks here from the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times and ranked in the Top 10 on NFLPickWatch three of the past four years on straight-up NFL picks.
