Sunday’s Best: Cowboys at Browns, 4:15pm ET
Without a doubt, this is the best matchup on the Week 1 schedule. The Cowboys have the best overall talent in the NFC and the Browns are hoping to prove that 2007 wasn’t a fluke. It’ll be interesting to see how Derek Anderson plays after suffering a concussion in preseason. Some in Cleveland think Brady Quinn should be the starter and Romeo Crennel might feel the same way if Anderson struggles in the first couple of weeks. The Browns spent the offseason rebuilding their defense, especially on the line where they added former Lions’ DT Shaun Rogers and former Packers’ end Corey Williams. The Browns defense will need to get pressure throughout the game or else Tony Romo and his plethora of weapons could pick apart a young, inexperienced Cleveland secondary. Dallas is a 6-point road favorite.
Upset Watch: Texans at Steelers, 1:00pm ET
The Steelers have been one of the toughest teams to beat at home over the years. But their offensive line is a huge question mark this season and the Texans have built one of the better pass-rushing lines in the AFC. If the front seven can stop Willie Parker and the rest of the Steelers’ running game, youngsters Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye might be able to get a good push and put pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh defense will still be tough to score on (especially if Houston has no running game), but Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are healthy and they could strike for some big plays. Even if they don’t win the Texans should be able to keep the game close throughout. Pittsburgh is a 6.5-point favorite.
Intriguing Matchup: Jets at Dolphins, 1:00pm ET
Brett Favre makes his Jets’ debut while Chad Pennington looks to exact revenge on his former team. The Jets are legitimate playoff contenders now with Favre under center, but it’ll be interesting to see if all the offseason shenanigans took their toll on the former Packer great. The Dolphins are void of talent on defense and if Jets’ RB Thomas Jones can get going in the running game and keep New York balanced offensively, Favre might torch Miami’s secondary. The Jets are currently 3-point road favorites.
Other Notable Games:
Jaguars at Titans, 1:00pm ET
Can the Jaguars put their recent off field troubles behind them and prove that they’re Super Bowl contenders?
Bears at Colts, 8:15pm ET
It’s a Super Bowl rematch as the Colts open up their new home digs. Is Peyton Manning healthy?
Bucs at Saints, 1:00pm ET
These two teams might battle it out all season for the NFC South crown.
