Opening Night 2007

At Indianapolis -5.5 New Orleans


Incredibly, the NFL season is already upon us. Before going in depth with the full slate of this week's games, let's take a look at the opening night kickoff match between Indianapolis and New Orleans. Peyton Manning finally it all the way last year, and the Saints behind Drew Brees and Reggie Bush also had a tremendous season. This year, Indianapolis will have a hangover season; they'll make the playoffs; that's for certain as their offense remains among the best in the NFL. However, it was the defense during the course of last year's playoffs that made the difference. There have already been a number of defections via free agency and other losses on the defensive side of the football that will spell the difference between repeating Super Bowl glory and an early exit in the playoffs. Meanwhile, look for the Saints have another big year under Coach Payton. While Drew Brees is certainly not the category of Peyton Manning, on balance, the Saints are a better team than Indianapolis.

However, Opening Night usually belongs to the Super Bowl champion of the prior year. The home team and their fans, are always sky high, and the emotion of the day. Usually belongs to the defending champion. So that's why, I'm picking Indianapolis.

Projected final score: Indianapolis 31, New Orleans 24.