Colts (0-0) at Bears (0-0)
This should already say Bears 1-0. Despite a few bright spots on the Colts roster they still have way too many holes. Maybe Freeney and Mathis can cause a little bit of trouble with the Bears offense, but with a healthy Forte and a reunited Cutler to Marshall combination expect the Bears offense to run away with this one.
Bears 31 – Colts 13
Eagles (0-0) at Browns (0-0)
If Vick can stay healthy and LeSean, DeSean, and Maclin all stay on the field than the Eagles offense is dangerous and everyone knows that. It’s the defense that needs to sure up. Last year the Eagles gave up huge yards on the ground game after game. And now they have potential rookie phenom Trent Richardson to go up against. If Trent is over his knee troubles it could mess with Philly’s defense, but overall if they can stack seven in the box their depth at corner should shut down any potential aerial attack that the young Browns offense can present.
Eagles 28 – Browns 10
Rams (0-0) at Lions (0-0)
The Rams just locked up James Laurinaitis to a multiyear contract that is going to benefit both sides. The good news is the Rams have a good cornerstone to build their defense around over the next five years. The bad news? The Rams still have a really bad defense. The Lions defensive front is deadly, and with how disastrous the Rams offensive line has been in Bradford’s young career, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the injury prone quarterback knocked around a few more times on Sunday. Maybe Steven Jackson can continue to take pressure off of Bradford, but it’s just going to be more of the same that we’ve seen over the last few years. The Lions run game is relying on Kevin Smith again this year, but let’s be honest the Lions offense is through the air. When will Megatron go down with the Madden Curse? I don’t think week one. The Lions will roar into the NFL Season with a big win.
Rams 7 – Lions 35
Patriots (0-0) at Titans (0-0)
The Patriots have everything going for them as they walk into Tennessee. They’ve got Welker back after he signed his franchise tender, the Gronk is healthy, and oh yeah there’s that guy named Tom Brady leading their offense. They actually traded up during the draft for the first time in recent memory to get a player that they wanted, and they filled almost every weakness that their defense had through their draft choices. And it only gets better, the Pats have the easiest strength of schedule based on last year’s results. Going into Tennessee should show whether the Patriots have fixed everything that hurt them last year or if lasts years ailments will linger into the first weeks of this season.
The Titans can make a big statement with the first game of the regular season. They’re going up against the team that won the AFC last season, and they have the tools that could potentially give them a run for their money. We’ve all seen Chris Johnson shred defenses in previous years, and going up against a team that was so poor defensively last year and now loaded with rookies we could see him do it again. Locker has potential for some big plays, but without Britt for week one it could impact their attack through the air. If the Titans linebackers can contain the versatile tight ends that the Patriots employ it could turn into a very interesting game.
Tom Brady has looked a bit shaky throughout the preseason trying to find chemistry with new found stretch receiver Brandon Lloyd, but he’s still got old reliable in Wes Welker. Steven Ridley could be the wild card in this game though. The Patriots finally have someone that could finally fill the shoes that Corey Dillon left behind, and with Shane Vereen ruled out it looks as if Ridley will be carrying the load for whatever run game Coach Bill decides to show off.
Patriots 31 – Titans 27
Falcons (0-0) at Chiefs (0-0)
This could finally be Matt Ryan’s year to put up outrageous numbers. Roddy White and Julio Jones both have incredible deep threat potential and Tony Gonzalez has been mister consistent over the years. Pair the great passing game with the ever dangerous Michael Turner and now change of pace back with some dangerously high upside Jacquizz Rodgers this could be one of the most talked about offenses by the end of the year. The Chiefs have almost all of the same strengths at running back, just reversed. Starting running back Jamaal Charles could explode for a touchdown on any touch, while Peyton Hillis could come in on any third and short or goal line package to bust out a tough touchdown. Their receivers might not be quite as talked about, but Bowe is still an every down threat. The Chiefs were plagued by injuries last year and for this game I’ve got to play it safe and give it to the Falcons despite being on the road.
Falcons 24 – Chiefs 21
Jaguars (0-0) at Vikings (0-0)
The Jaguars are a young team that could develop throughout the season, but with MJD holding out for so long, and now being maybe a third down back at best for week one the load is going to be determined by Rashad Jennings. Jennings looked good throughout the preseason, but the Vikings defensive front seven is a tough one to have a break out game against. Jared Allen should have a pretty big game to start the season for the Vikings defense which will cause trouble all throughout their game plan. And with Peterson back on offense? Look out Minnesota, you might be losing your roof again.
Jaguars 14 – Vikings 20
Redskins (0-0) at Saints (0-0)
Robert Griffin the Third. RG3. This is going to be a great fit for Shanahan, the Redskins, and RG3 in the long run. Santana Moss has lacked a good quarterback for a few years now, and if the running game could show up then the Redskins could actually be a surprise pick in the NFC East as the other teams beat each other up. Sunday probably isn’t going to look good for the Redskins but by the end of the season you’ll probably see some very nice things from Washington’s offense. The Saints already got their first big win of the season and now they’re going to ride the emotional wave into week one. With the “Bounty Gate” suspensions being temporarily overturned the defense just got a huge lift. And adding a driven defense to an offense that’s going to be run by Drew Brees with too many weapons to count? I’m sorry RG3, but this one’s going to be too tough.
Redskins 13 – Saints 38
Bills (0-0) at Jets (0-0)
The Bills are healthy with Fred Jackson and Ryan Fitzpatrick both back for the opener. On top of that they had the huge offseason addition of Super Mario Williams. The team was good last year, and looked like they were actually going to be dangerous late in the year, but once the injury bug hit they fell hard. Could the additions and health lead to a great season for the Bills? I think so. The Jets have looked like a train wreck throughout the past few weeks, and it’s been one of the most entertaining things to watch. One offensive touchdown in four preseason games and it wasn’t thrown by Sanchez or even Tebow. Seeing a Jets team struggle has been nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to watch this wreck continue to burn. Good move picking up Tebow New York. This should be fun.
Bills 24 – Jets 13
Dolphins (0-0) at Texans (0-0)
The Dolphins played the quarterback shuffle game throughout the preseason and once David Gerard went down its now been placed on the shoulders of rookie Ryan Tennehill. With the departure of Brandon Marshall the passing game of the Dolphins is going to be lacking, but Reggie Bush is looking like he might have a big year but we’ve been saying that for years. For the Texans it looks like Arian Foster and Ben Tate are going to be splitting the carries again this year, and with Arian possibly missing week one Tate could make a very good argument for himself. With Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub rounding out the offense it’s going to be one of the best in the league again. The biggest detriment to the team is going to be the departure of Mario Williams, but with more young guys on the line they’ll probably be okay.
Dolphins 10 – Texans 28
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