Here are some predictions that are sure to get me yelled at in the comments section come Sunday and Monday night…
Sunday, 1:00PM ET
Broncos at. Jaguars
I’ve seen more firepower out of a soaking wet pistol than what these two teams produce on offense. The Broncos are going to have trouble generating a pass rush all season, but it won’t matter in Week 1 because the Jaguars don’t have anybody to stop. We’re going to find out by the end of the first quarter whether or not Jacksonville is hiding an injury to Maurice Jones-Drew.
Odds: Jaguars –2.5
Prediction: Broncos 17-13
Raiders at Titans
The new-look Raiders are going to be more competitive this season, but they still have a ton of issues on the offensive line. This game goes down to the wire, but the Titans eek one out at home.
Odds: Titans –6
Prediction: Titans 20-17
Bengals at Patriots
The key to the Bengals’ season is not T.O. getting along with Chad Ochocinco – it’s whether or not Carson Palmer can lead an improved passing game. The Patriots have issues on defense, but they’re awfully tough to beat at home.
Odds: Patriots –4.5
Prediction: Patriots 23-20
Browns vs. Buccaneers
It’s amazing to think that one of these two teams will still be undefeated after the first week of the season.
Odds: Bucs –3
Prediction: Browns 16-13
Colts at. Texans
If the Texans hope to make the playoffs this year, they better learn how to beat teams in their own division – starting this Sunday with the Colts. Thanks to Houston’s inexperienced secondary, I don’t see the Texans getting the Indy monkey off their backs this week.
Odds: Colts –1
Prediction: Colts 30-21
Lions at Bears
I can’t wait to see the fireworks that go off in downtown Chicago this Sunday when Jay Cutler runs Mike Martz’s offense for the first time in a live game (one that counts). The duo shouldn’t have any problems moving the ball against a brutal Detroit secondary, however.
Odds: Bears –7
Prediction: Bears 21-17
Falcons at Steelers
Teams are going to find ways to beat the Falcons through the air this year, but Dennis Dixon will have his fair share of problems against a fast Atlanta defense. This isn’t a good matchup for either team’s offense.
Odds: Falcons –1
Prediction: Falcons 13-10
Dolphins at Bills
The Dolphins are my sleeper team in the AFC this year, although I’m highly intrigued about how C.J. Spiller will fair in his NFL debut. I think the changes Miami made on defense will propel them in their opener.
Odds: Dolphins –3
Prediction: Dolphins 23-20
Panthers at Giants
The Giants should be better defensively this year, but they’re going to get a stiff test right off the bat thanks to the Panthers’ outstanding running game. In the end though, the G-Men won’t lose in their new digs and they have payback on their minds after Carolina waxed them in New York last season.
Odds: Giants –6.5
Prediction: Giants 30-17
Sunday, 4:00PM ET
Packers at Eagles
Does anyone else feel like this is a trap game for Green Bay? Everyone and their cousin seems to be high on the Packers this year and I’ve seen more than a handful of Super Bowl predictions that list Green Bay as the NFC representative. So it only makes sense in this twisted world we call the NFL that the Pack drop their opener.
Odds: Packers –3
Prediction: Eagles 27-24
Cardinals at. Rams
I’m sure there are plenty of people that are waiting for Sam Bradford to be a disaster without having any weapons in the passing game and behind a weak offensive line. But the O-line isn’t as bad as many think and at least he’ll have Steven Jackson to help take some of the pressure off him in his debut. I think Bradford gets his first NFL win right out of the gates.
Odds: Cardinals –4
Prediction: Rams 20-17
49ers at. Seahawks
The 49ers need to take advantage of a weak NFC West Division this year and it all starts on Sunday. While Pete Carroll’s team will be pumped to kick off the new era with a bang, this is a game the Niners have to win in order to make a statement that they’re the team to beat in the division.
Odds: 49ers –3
Prediction: 49ers 13-6
Sunday Night Football:
Cowboys at. Redskins
This is a horrible matchup for the Redskins in every sense of the word. Donovan McNabb is hobbled and his O-line is going to get feasted on by a fierce Dallas pass rush. Things could get ugly in Mike Shanahan’s D.C. debut.
Odds: Cowboys –3.5
Predictions: Cowboys 33-14
Monday Night Football:
Ravens at Jets, 7:00PM ET
This is a statement game for both of these teams and it’s going to be interesting to see how Darrelle Revis fairs after holding out all of training camp. I think Mark Sanchez will be forced to make plays with his arm late in the game, which is why I like Baltimore to pull off the small “upset.”
Odds: Jets –1.5
Prediction: Ravens 14-10
Chargers at. Chiefs
The Chargers have plenty of weaknesses, but they won’t be exposed in their opener.
Odds: Chargers –4.5
Prediction: Chargers 28-13
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