Week 1 Preview:

…It begins again and we’re back for another season of prognosticating the outcome of all NFL games. Thursday night’s game in Denver went exactly as we predicted. As we state every year, we’re in this “for fun and amusement only” and do not recommend wagering on anything, let alone football games. So, on that note, let’s kickoff another season.

New England

-9.5

At Buffalo

51

The Patriots start off the year with no Welker, Gronk and that thug alleged murderer on offense but did not suffer too many losses on defense. That doesn’t bode well for rookie E.J. Manuel, who has the ill fortune of facing a Belichick defense in his opening start. Even without all his customary weapons, Touchdown Tommy will employ the running game with Ridley and balance the attack with passes to Danny Amendola and the rookie wide receivers. New England wins by 10.

Projected Final Score: New England 31, Buffalo 17

At Pittsburgh

-7

Tennessee

42

The Steelers are more advanced in their rebuild than are the Titans. The Steelers suffered some losses on defense but they always seem to reload with studs on that side of the ball. The Titans will need CJ to have a big day carrying the rock in order to be successful and that will be a difficult task on the road, especially in Heinz Field, where the Steelers always seem to play so well.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Tennessee 17

At New Orleans

-3

Atlanta

54

Nothing like a rivalry game to kick off the season. The Falcons loaded up during the offseason, adding Steven Jackson and are primed to make a serious run in the NFC. The Saints didn’t add or subtract much on either side of the ball but did lose DE Will Smith for the season in a pre-season game. Even though the crowd in the Superdome will be loud and boisterous, you’d have to think that this is a statement game, even though it’s only Week 1. The Falcons have better horses than the Saints.

Projected Final Score: Atlanta 28, New Orleans 24

Tampa Bay

-3

At NY Jets

39.5

The Jets are a mess. Geno Smith makes his rookie debut against a formidable Bucs’ defense that now includes Darrelle Revis, who will be facing his former mates for the first time. This is a big year for Josh Freeman, as the clock is ticking on his development and there is a rookie suitor waiting in the wings. He had better enter this game loaded for bear or he’ll be holding a clipboard before long. This week Freeman and the Bucs should have no problem handling Gang Green.

Projected Final Score: Tampa Bay 24, NY Jets 17

Kansas City

-3.5

At Jacksonville

41

How does a team with last year’s worst record enter a road game as favorites? Because the Jaguars suck, that’s why. Alex Smith makes his debut as the Chiefs’ new quarterback at the dawn of the Andy Reid Era in Kansas City. Will he somehow be a better quarterback with a change of scenery? Time will tell on that, but at least Smith and the Chiefs’ offense will have every opportunity to kickoff the new season on the right foot.

Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, Jacksonville 16

At Chicago

-3

Cincinnati

42

Another year of the Jay Cutler experiment continues in Chicago. So far, it’s been all a matter of mixed results; sometimes good, sometimes not so good. This year the Bears open with Andy Dalton and the Bengals in a very good interconference showdown. The Bengals are no longer Bungles and have strengths on both sides of the ball. This will be a tough game (as is always the case in Chicago) but the home side will prevail in a squeaker.

Projected Final Score: Chicago 24, Cincinnati 20

At Cleveland

PK

Miami

41

The perpetually underachieving Browns take the field against the rebuilding Dolphins in a showdown of also-rans. There really isn’t a whole lot to like about this game though Ryan Tannehill inspired more confidence than Weeden. Even though Cleveland is a pick ‘em favorite here, the Dolphins appear to be slightly ahead of Cleveland on the development curve.

Projected Final Score: Miami 24, Cleveland 21       

Seattle

-3

At Carolina

45

Seattle is supposed to be one of the powerhouses of the NFC and it will be interesting to see whether Russell Wilson can continue his progression as a starting quarterback or will fall prey to the sophomore jinx. On the other side of the ball is Cam Newton, who can either be spectacular or dreadful. In any event, Seattle is the far more balanced team.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 27, Carolina 20

At Detroit

-5

Minnesota

46.5

Honolulu Blue starts off a new year in an NFC North clash with the Vikes. This will be a big year for the Lions as all of their young stars have grown to veteran status and now it’s time for this team to establish themselves as playoff contenders. The Vikes are still rebuilding and while things may look good for the future, the time is NOW in Detroit.

Projected Final Score: Detroit 31, Minnesota 21

At Indianapolis

-9.5

Oakland

47

This is Year Two of the Andrew Luck Era in Indy. Luck had a formidable rookie campaign and now looks to develop into one of the NFL’s best moving forward. Indy catches a lucky break by opening at home against the Raiders, who have gone through quarterback struggles throughout camp. It really doesn’t matter who the Raiders will start at quarterback this week as Indy will be going full bore for Coach Pagano this week.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 34, Oakland 17

At St. Louis

-5

Arizona

41

The Cardinals have yet to find a replacement for Kurt Warner and it’s been how many years now? Yeah, the Rams have Sam Bradford but not much else on offense. It’s a good thing that they’re playing at home this week…

Projected Final Score: St. Louis 23, Arizona 17

At San Francisco

-4.5

Green Bay

49

Aaron Rodgers and the Pack open the season on the Coast against the ‘Niners, who are primed and ready to go for another Super Bowl run. There are no weaknesses at all in the 49’ers and they should enjoy a big day against a tough Packers’ team.

Projected Final Score: San Francisco 27, Green Bay 20

At Dallas

-3.5

NY Giants

48.5

Sunday night takes us to Big D where the perennially underachieving Cowboys host the G-Men. This is a big year for the Coach Garrett as it’s either put up or shut up time for his tenure as coach. The Giants did not do very much in the way of personnel changes during the offseason. So, they will rely on Eli and the defense to grow and become contenders around playoff time, as they usually do. Dallas is always about potential, more sizzle than steak. This time, the home cooking won’t do the trick

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 24, Dallas 21