MNF Week 1 Doubleheader:

At New England -10.5 Buffalo 48

It’s an AFL Doubleheader on Monday Night in honor of the AFL’s 50th anniversary, and the original teams will be sporting their original 1960’s uniforms which ought to be a real treat. The Flying Elvis will give way to the beloved Pat Patriot on Monday night as Brady returns and the Patriots look to bulldoze the Bills. From New England’s perspective, the obvious concerns are Brady’s well being and the effectiveness of the defense. There were concerns prior to Seymour’s departure and those questions have multiplied many fold. The Bills’ offensive line is in tatters and it’s hard to see how effective they’ll be running the no-huddle. Marshawn Lynch is suspended for this one and the Edwards-to-TO-and-Evans connections may be frustrated if the O-Line can’t provide adequate protection. The Patriots simply want to start off the year in a “take no prisoners” mindset.

Projected Final Score: New England 27, Buffalo 14.

San Diego -9 At Oakland 44

Back in the glory days of the AFL, these two teams defined the wide open passing attack that made the League famous. The progeny of Gillman and Davis, the two geniuses of the vertical game, square off in this meeting of old rivals where records mean nothing. This version of the Chargers compares favorably to the wide-open style of the ‘60’s than does the Raiders, who are simply trying to work their way back to respectability. It’s time for JaMarcus to bring it, as he’s dangerously close to being labeled as a bust. The Raiders have good runners in Fargas and McFadden, so they need to control the clock to have a chance to win. The Chargers’ offense ought to have a good night moving the football against the Raiders’ D, especially through the air. The Raiders’ D-Line has been fortified with the inclusion of Big Sey, but he’s going to discover that he’s in a completely new world.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 31, Oakland 17.