NFL Kickoff 2013

At Denver

-7.5

Baltimore

48.5

Well, we’re back at it again for another season of thrills and spills. The season opens in Denver where the defending Super Bowl champs take their act on the road. Denver picked up Wes Welker from New England which will help Peyton Manning and the offense but Elvis Dumervil is gone to the Ravens and Von Miller is suspended for the first six games. While it’s a net gain for the offense, losing those two offensive stalwarts has to hurt. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ offense returns pretty much intact (minus Anquan Boldin) but like Denver, they had significant departures on defense, including Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. You’d have to figure the altitude will wreak havoc with the Ravens in the second half. Look for a close beginning with the Broncos pulling ahead in the second half.

Projected Final Score: Denver 27, Ravens 17