NFL Matchup Week 1

Well, only a few hours left before the season continues,.....and I can't wait. Football season is finally here and it's something that I've been waiting for. I'll take a look at the matchups this week and follow those up with some commentary after the games go final.

Detroit @ Atlanta - This will be a Matt Ryan's first start as an NFL QB in a real game. When you have a rookie QB, his best friend is his running back, so we'll see if Michael Turner can live up to the billing. I expect for the Lions to run the ball with new RB Rudi Johnson, but I expect the air attack to kill the Falcons. Good numbers for Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Winner - Detroit.

Seattle @ Buffalo - Interesting game. An established team against and up and coming team. Can the Bills put it all together? I think that Marshawn Lynch leads the way and the Bills escape this one with a win. This will be very interesting to see how Julius Jones plays since he'll be keyed on with the loses of Branch and Engram. Winner - Buffalo.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins - This will be an exciting game since Favre and Pennington have traded spots. Miami has the surprising running game with a rejuvenated Ricky Williams. Favre allows Thomas Jones to get off because you can't just let Favre pick you apart. Jets have a better defense and they can't lose to Miami, just not possible. The odds that Laveranues Coles cries when he see Pennington is probably 2-3. Winner - NYJ.

Kansas City @ New England - Is Brady playing with a broken foot or not? I don't think that it matters, because I think the Pats can win this with with Brady in a boot. The Chief's offensive line isn't the best right now, so I think that Larry Johnson gets some yards, but not enough for Brodie Croyle to get off. Nothing left to say. Winner - New England.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans - If previous years this would sound exciting, but now it really doesn't. The Saints have Shockey, who will open up the field for Reggie Bush, and a decent receiving core. Their defense is solid but I think the Bucs released their best QB in Chris Simms. Tampa's defense is old yet solid. Derrick Brooks finds a way to slow down the hands of time each year, but is this the one were his play falls off? Winner - New Orleans.

St. Louis @ Philadelphia - This will be the first chance for the Eagles to prove me wrong about where they end up at the end of the year. St. Louis has some weapons, but will they play well in Philly? Philly has McNabb, Westbrook, and LJ Smith. This looks like a close game with the home team winning. Winner - Philadelphia.
Houston @ Pittsburgh - The Texans defense is scary, but I don't think that they have enough on offense. Roethlisberger plays well and with a balanced running game, the Steelers cruise. Winner - Pittsburgh. Jacksonville @ Tennessee - The Jaguars were thisclose to the Superbowl last year. They are seasoned and I think ripe for continuing their strong play. Vince Young looked horriawful in the preseason, so barring a great game by him, Jags all the way. Winner - Jacksonville.

Cincinnati @ Baltimore - The beginning of the Joe Flacco era looks to start with an L. They are playing a decent defense and I think that they will throw enough wrinkles at the rookie to make him look bad. I hope Willis McGahee has enough rest because I'm sure he'll touch the ball more than 25 times in this game. Ray Lewis and crew will make Carson Palmer's afternoon rough (hopefully not to rough for my fantasy team). Winner - Cincinnati.

Carolina at San Diego - Talk about weapons, the Chargers have lots of them on both sides of the ball. I'm praying that Shawne Merriman doesn't hurt himself any further. Look for Julius Peppers to have a good game and this one gets tight. Carolina may surprise, but I'll go with the Chargers. Winner - San Diego.

Arizona @ San Francisco - This game gets very interesting with the injury to Alex Smith's throwing shoulder. Shaun Hill may start and that doesn't bode well for the 49ers. Arizona shows just how good they can be with Kurt Warner at the helm. Winner - Arizona.

Dallas @ Cleveland - I'm tired of hearing about the Browns' bandwagon, so I'll forget to jump on it this year too. Cleveland has all the weapons, but the question is who is the best QB for them to win. Brady Quinn looks to be stealing some footing on the starting QB job from Anderson this year. I give it week 5 before Quinn starts. Winner - Dallas.

Chicago @ Indianapolis - Will Peyton be OK since he hasn't played at all this year. Can he move and does he have that telepathy with the his receivers as he has had in the past? The Bears have holes, mainly in their offensive line and running back. I like Forte, but can he hold up for the year? Winner - Indianapolis.

Minnesota @ Green Bay - 'He's no Brett Favre' gets his first start with his team. The Green Bay defense better get ready to play the run because Adrian Peterson is already running lose. Something happens in this game to make the people start questioning the trading of Brett Favre. Winner - Minnesota.

Denver @ Oakland - This is Cutler's year, right? Oakland has some horses, but they aren't looking good at WR. This is really a toss up. Neither team really looks that good on paper. Let me get out my coin, heads Denver, tails Oakland. (Flip)..........Winner - Oakland.