MIAMI at ATLANTA: The first game on the schedule is the toughest one. It’s hard not to like both these teams – both are balanced on offense and solid on defense. Atlanta wins at home in a well-played squeaker, 27-24.
KANSAS CITY at BALTIMORE: Baltimore is big and mean, and Kansas City is neither. Matt Cassel is questionable but should play after practicing all week. Whether he walks off the field or is hauled off in an ambulance is more questionable. Ravens, 28-6.
PHILADELPHIA at CAROLINA: Carolina will run, and the Eagles will pass. Philly’s young receiving tandem in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin will kick the hype-machine into gear for Philadelphia. Eagles win on the road, 24-17.
DENVER at CINCINNATI: Denver has been a horrific trainwreck since Sheriff Josh McDaniels kicked open the saloon doors, but Cincy’s going to have to prove it. Kyle Orton’s ‘open dislocation’ on his index finger was gruesome, although he’s tougher than he’s given credit for. Broncos 20, Bengals 10.
MINNESOTA at CLEVELAND: Should be an easy win for the Purple with Adrian Peterson frothing at the mouth. Favre could still be rusty, but Jared Allen and the freshly-acquitted Williams Wall could win this by themselves. Vikings win easily, 35-13.
UPSET SPECIAL: NY JETS at HOUSTON: The Texans seem like the perfect patsy for early-season positivity for Mark Sanchez. But it will be the defense who wins this one for the Jets. It’s also just a bigger game for New York, who will upset a hopeful Houston team. Jets 23, Texans 13.
JACKSONVILLE at INDIANAPOLIS: No explanation needed, although I do remember Indy dropping the opener against the underachieving Bears last year. Won’t happen again. Colts 35, Jags 14.
DETROIT at NEW ORLEANS: If the Lions somehow keep this close it will be a shocker – Matt Stafford’s first start, and New Orleans has a lot to prove. New Orleans by at least three TD’s, and they could run it up even more to make a statement. Saints, 34-6.
DALLAS at TAMPA BAY: I’m tempted to pick the Bucs, but that’s my bias against the Cowboys talking. The ‘Boys have a nice little weekend in Florida, maybe they take in Busch Gardens. Too bad the road beef comes from retirement communities. Cowboys 30, Bucaneers 17.
SAN FRANCISCO at ARIZONA: I like the 49’ers to be a turnaround team this year, but not this week. They’ll play better than most think though, and may eventually challenge for the division if the Cards keep the Super Bowl-loser curse alive. Cardinals 27, 49’ers 21.
WASHINGTON at NY GIANTS: Look for this game to be a surprising squeaker. The R*dsk*ns will play tougher defense with Albert Haynesworth trying to prove he’s not a big-contract bust. The Giants will try to make a statement but meet a tougher-than-expected challenge: Giants 21, Washington 20.
WEEK 1 ‘TOILET BOWL’: ST. LOUIS at SEATTLE: You shouldn’t be high on Seattle this season, but you have to respect their stadium. The Rams might play the best road game all year, but they’ll still lose, 20-17.
CHICAGO at GREEN BAY: I’m buying the Packer hype along with everyone else. Although I’m starting to have my doubts – their defense was garbage last year and if the 3-4 defense really was a magic wand, everyone would run it; on defense, players matter more than scheme. But this is a big, big game for everyone, and the Pack prevails. Green Bay 28, Bears 27.
MONDAY NIGHT:
BUFFALO at NEW ENGLAND: New England takes out frustration from last year’s playoff-less season on the hapless and disorganized Bills. Don’t be surprised if T.O. erupts already, and don’t be surprised at a shutout. In fact, I’m calling one: Patriots 35 to Zip.
SAN DIEGO at OAKLAND: When the NFL schedules these Week 1 Monday Night double-headers, why is the west-coast game always terrible? Maybe because lately there’s usually only one good team on the west coast. No need to stay up for this one, Chargers 34, Raiders 13, and Oakland’s TD comes in garbage-time.
