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

Buffalo Bills @ Chicago Bears 1 PM Fox

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs and is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) in the first quarter during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up The Bills are a little bit of a mystery to me and it will be on EJ Manuel to lead this team. He did a good job but an injury derailed his progress. Gone is Stevie Johnson who was the Bills top receiving option and in his place is Sammy Watkins. The Bears had an 8-8 season and lost the final two games of the season including a lifeless 54-11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, which cost them a playoff spot. Matt Forte leads a Bears team that is eager to redeem themselves from last season’s finish.

Why Buffalo will win: If he can stay healthy, I am a huge Sammy Watkins fans. Steelers fans will remember the juke he put on Cortez Allen before scoring a touchdown when the two team practiced together during the preseason. Watkins was the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and in three seasons with Clemson had 3,391 receiving yards, 1,376 kick return yards and 27 total touchdowns. Watkins has enormous potential which the Bills sorely need.

Why the Bears will win: I am a huge fan of the Bears offense, specifically their wide receivers. Alshon Jeffery [89 receptions, 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns] became one of Cutler’s favorite targets and when combined with Brandon Marshall [1,295 yards last season], who has become a consistent player, then you may have the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. Add that with Matt Forte who had career highs with 1,339 rushing yards, 594 passing yards and 12 touchdowns and you have a reliable offense. If Jay Cutler can stay healthy, then this team will be dangerous.

Final score: Bears 41 Bills 18