NFL Picks Week 1: Underdogs That Will Score Season-Opening Upsets

The first week of the NFL season is prime time for upsets; it's just identifying them that's the tricky part. 

In the topsy-turvy world of the NFL, it is nearly impossible to gauge which teams will surprise by either exceeding or falling short of expectations. 

Still, there are three spreads this upcoming week that are especially vulnerable to have the wrong team favored. 

*Odds according to FootballLocks on 9/3.

Buffalo Bills over New York Jets in New York

Spread: Jets (-3)

The Jets have been a disaster in the preseason. They didn't score more than 12 points in any of their four games, and there is little reason to believe that is going to improve once the real games start. 

Meanwhile, the Bills' offense has not been exactly lighting it up. Other than the 32 points they put up in the essentially meaningless fourth preseason game, the most they scored in the preseason is 14.

However, the starters did muster a touchdown against Pittsburgh in the third game. The Bills have the speed to give the slow Jets defense problems, and the improved Bills defense should be able to contain this toothless Jets offense. 

Prediction: Bills 24, Jets 10

Pittsburgh Steelers over Denver Broncos in Denver

Spread: Broncos (-1)

Going against the Steelers is a tough way for Peyton Manning and the new-look Broncos offense to begin the season. 

They will benefit from being at home, but expect the Steelers' defense to make life miserable for a Broncos offense that is still trying figure out the new moving parts. 

Defensively, Denver has looked solid, and their pass rush should give Pittsburgh's questionable offensive line fits, but the Steelers will find some success in the ground game with their new commitment to run. 

Prediction: Steelers 20, Broncos 17

Arizona Cardinals over Seattle Seahawks in Arizona 

Spread: Seahawks (-2.5)

Rookie Russell Wilson will be making his first start on the road. This is not a recipe for success in the NFL. 

Yes, the Seahawks were undefeated in the preseason and the Cardinals went just 1-4, but they surely have a few defensive tricks up their sleeve to baffle Wilson. 

They will force him into some costly turnovers and rely on Larry Fitzgerald to pluck some wobbly John Skelton passes out of their air to provide them with enough offense. 

Prediction: Cardinals 17, Seahawks 13