NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs 1 PM CBS

Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) escapes the tackle of Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (58) and defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: The Tennessee Titans are looking to build on a second place AFC South finish. The team will be led by quarterback Jake Locker. Locker has experienced his fair share of inconsistencies and also dealt with a Lisfranc injury to his right foot which ended his 2013 season after seven games. The Chiefs went 11-5 in the AFC West last season to the surprise of many. Now they will no longer be overlooked. 11 members from last year’s team are now gone including Dexter McCluster and offensive guard Geoff Schwartz who Pro Football Focus named its top free agent guard.

Why Tennessee will win: I do believe that Bishop Sankey will develop to be a great running back with the Titans. In 2013, he had 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns for Washington. With this total he passed Corey Dillon, setting the school record for most yards in a season. He was selected in the second round of this year’s draft and will get the opportunity to rise to the occasion, something I believe he will do.

Why Kansas City will win: There is no Dwayne Bowe for week one, but the Chiefs still have plenty to be happy about. Quarterback Alex Smith passed for a career high 3,313 and 23 touchdowns. Head coach Andy Reid made him relevant once again . Jamaal Charles [1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013] will continue to be needed and Donnie Avery [2,685 yards in five seasons] will likely be an important part of the week one offense.

Final score: Chiefs 24 Titans 20