Week One Sunday Preview

After a tumultuous offseason, that which we have been awaiting has arrived. Pro Football. Through thick and thin, the NFL has survived a most unusual offseason. The now infamous bountygate. A Junior Seau suicide. More research on CTE. And is if to top Acid with a little bit of vinegar, the NFL has locked out its referees. Yes, an incredibly unique offseason. We may have felt guilty for watching grown men essentially kill their brains. We may have moaned about the curse of the replacement referees and how the season will be ruined. But now, lined up before us like a 13 course meal after an enticing desert on Wednesday is the first full Sunday slate of games. And once that first pigskin is kicked off, our troubles will be forgotten because it is once again, Football season. Duuuh Duuuh Duuuh DUUUUUUUN (Dun Dun, Dun Dun)!!!!!

Game of the Week: 49ers @ Packers

The two best teams in the NFC square off in a week one matchup that could potentially decide whether the NFC championship is played on the frozen turf Lambeu Field or under the sun at Candlestick Park. The last time San Francisco’s defense faced an explosive offense it was eviscerated by Drew Brees only to be saved by an Alex Smith miracle. I am not a big believer in Alex Smith Miracles. Packers 24-10.

Matchup to watch: Green Bay’s revamped pass rush vs. San Fran’s big O-line.

The Picks:

Bears 20, Colts 7

Look for a veteran Bears D to pounce on a young quarterback.

Matchup to watch: Chicago pass rush vs. Colts pass blocking (you actually shouldn’t watch this unless you enjoy young QBs get massacred)

Eagles 34, Browns…3

If Philly’s run defense is shored up, I’m not sure the Browns will even put points on the board.

MTW (Matchup to watch): Trent Richardson vs. Eagles run defense

Patriots 31, Titans 17

A first look at a hopefully improved New England defense and a chance for CJ2(1)K to make a statement.

MTW: Jake Locker vs. New England secondary

Jaguars 17, Vikings 13

Minnesota has a horrible secondary and Blaine Gabbert showed improvement this preseason. No, I’m serious!

MTW: Jags D-Line vs. Adrian Peterson

Saints 28, Redskins 17

RGIII will test a porous New Orleans defense but in the end, Drew Brees and co. will be too much.

MTW: Redskins RB(s) vs. Saints LBs

Bills 21, Jets 17

This will be a hard fought game with big AFC wild-card ramifications.

MTW: Tim Tebow vs. Everything!

Texans 24, Dolphins 10

Houston will shut down an inexperienced Miami offense and score enough points to coast to a victory.

MTW: Texan’s WRs vs. Miami secondary

Seahawks 20, Cardinals 6

Even if the Cards had a good QB he would not even be able to stay healthy behind that awful line. I feel really sorry for Larry Fitzgerald.

MTW: Fitzgerald vs. Richard Sherman

Panthers 31, Buccaneers 28

The two bottom teams in one of the best divisions in football play in what I expect to be a tough game that comes down to the final two minutes.

MTW: Doug Martin vs. Luke Kuechly

Broncos 21, Steelers 13

I have no idea how Pittsburgh will score. They have no running back and Ben Roethlisberger is behind his weakest line in years.

MTW: Peyton Manning vs. Steelers pass rush

Record 0-0(Last Week 0-0)

Upset Special(s):

Everybody seems to be forgetting that Sam Bradford went 7-9 his rookie year. The Rams have vastly improved on both sides of the ball. This is as opposed to the Lions who have multiple suspensions, no running back, and no defensive backs. Rams 24, Lions 21.

MTW: Cortland Finnegan vs. Megatron

Chiefs 27, Falcons 21

Kansas City punches Atlanta in the mouth with a powerful ground game and rock solid defense.

MTW: Brandon Flowers vs. Roddy White

Record 0-0(Last Week 0-0)

Start/Sit:

10 team standard league

RB:

Start: DeAngelo Williams will get a majority of the carries as Jonathan Stewart is plagued by sprained ankle.

Sit: Michael Turner is facing one of the best front sevens in the league and his team may be playing from behind.

WR:

Start: Jeremy Maclin. Desean Jackson will be swallowed up by Joe Haden leaving a lot of targets for Maclin.