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Notes and observations from the experts…
The NFL Minute
Arizona @ San Francisco - This game figures to be a shootout, similar to last season’s week one matchup when the Arizona offense outscored San Francisco 34-27 and Frank Gore trampled the Arizona defense with 87 yards and two scores on the ground and another 86 through the air. Expect a similar outcome when these two hot offenses face off.
RobinSports.com’s Josh Stapleton
Philadelphia @ Green Bay - While the Eagles have the plusses at the skill positions, Green Bay looked like a playoff team to close the 2006 season. Their draft picks have played well from Barnett, to Hawk, to Jennings, and now Harrell and Jones at WR. The Packers will have a defense worth noting as well which will be just enough to shock the Eagle in Pack-land.
Atlanta @ Minnesota - People are expecting Atlanta to be worthless as an NFL club. Last season they were 7-9 and despite the loss of Vick, Harrington actually suits Petrino’s style of offense much better. Take the points in this one as the Vikings lack an offensive leader as Hutchinson has attempted to fill the role. Who was the last guard who was named offensive captain?
Detroit @ Oakland - You had to like what you saw from Culpepper during the pre-season. Last year, he was coming off a knee injury that typically takes an additional year to regain your range of motion. He was mobile, showed good agility, and was throwing the ball like the days of old. Everyone loves the Lions this season and for good reason…. they were 3-13 last year. Yep. Pretty sure Calvin Johnson makes them a contender…… Take the Raaaaiders!
Fantasy Football Goat
Denver @ Buffalo - The Broncos front seven will be exposed but their offense will be too much for the young Bills defense.
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland - Huge rivalry will keep the score close, but the Steelers are on a mission and are simply the more talented team.
Carolina @ St. Louis - I don’t see the Rams defense making enough stop to give them a chance.
RobinSports.com’s Mike Danko (Dank)
Saints @ Colts - Talk about a game built for the highlight reels! The defending Super Bowl Champs are hosting the defending NFC South Division Champs, which pits two of the most high-powered offenses in all of football. Bush is electric and Drew Brees is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but Peyton Manning and Co. will be too much for the Saints defense to handle. Colts 42, Saints 31
Bears @ Chargers - Here’s another match-up of two of the NFL’s titans. LaDainian Tomlinson didn’t play in the preseason, but that’s nothing to be worried about. He always sits out to avoid injury and I fully expect him to be ready to go. The best player in the league vs. the best defense in the league…makes me want to look at the rest of the picture. The Chargers “D” vs. Rex Grossman…now that’s where I think the Chargers have the upper hand. Chargers 22, Bears 17
Giants @ Cowboys - This will be Eli’s first real chance to prove to the fans that he really is the leader of his football team. I expect the little Manning to perform well, but I’m not sure about Brandon Jacobs being able to carry the load as the primary rusher. We’ll see if he can be as effective between the 20’s as he is around the goalline. The game’s in Dallas and Romo will be equally as eager to prove to HIS fans that he’s the man in the Big D. Cowboys 27, Giants 21
Ravens @ Bengals - Monday Night Football is back baby! Here’s another top notch defense going up against a high-powered offense. Palmer is healthy to start the ‘07 campaign, Rudi is as consistent as they come, and Ocho Cinco and Housh are premier wideouts. The Cincy defense is the question mark, however. I’ll be excited to see #85 debute a new touchdown celebration, but at the end of the night I expect to see the Ravens grind it out with McGahee and win a hard-fought battle. Ravens 21, Bengals 17
Steelers @ Browns - (Disclaimer: I grew up in Cleveland and I’m a diehard Browns fan.) The draft was a huge success, the GM has tried hard to build an O-line, and Jamal Lewis looks like he’s regained a pep in his step. My Buckeyes are 1-0. Now you give me the Steelers on Opening Weekend and you’ve got me in an all-out football frenzy! Unfortunately, I expect Willie Parker and the blitzing Steelers “D” to bring me back down to Earth a bit. Steelers 17, Browns 13
FanProphet
Denver @ Buffalo - Even though they’re on the road the playoff bound Broncos will have their way with Buffalo.
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland - Charlie Frye will wish that he didn’t win that starting job.
Carolina @ St. Louis - This is a really tough game to call but home field will win this game in a possible shootout.