NFL ROUND-UP- WEEK 1

My thoughts on Week 1 of the NFL season...

Eagles over Falcons- 

The Birds did it on defense. They should only get better once Bradham and Jurrigans return. Atlanta may still have a good season but they can't seem to get over the hump. Their team is missing something and they will have their hands full with Carolina, New Orleans and now surprising Tampa Bay in NFC South. The Birds travel to Tampa next Sunday. their defense should hold down the firepower of the Bucs, but i would be cautious of a let-down. Plus Wentz still isn't back The Falcons start a three-game important home stand starting with 1-0 Carolina.

Vikings over 49ers-

Minnesota showed why they signed QB Cousins.  With their defense and even more hunger, they will be tough to beat in NFC North. SF is improved but shows they have a ways to go to beat the big boys. The Vikes go to Green Bay for an early key match-up. Will Rodgers play on one leg after last night? The Niners have their home opener next weekend with a Detroit team coming off Monday night, a good sign for the 49ers.

Bengals over Colts-

Believe it or not Cincinnati is the early  co-leader in NFC North ( along with Baltimore0 after a Pittsburgh tie in Cleveland. Is till don't care for Cincy's head coach. Indy should be improved with QB Luck back but still aren't good enough to contend for playoffs. The Bengals host the undefeated Ravens next weekend as the Colts go to Washington. If the weather is rainy, as expected, they could have problems, being a dome team.

Jaguars over Giants-

The G-men have weapons but what good are they if their offensive line can't block? Unless they strengthen the line New York will be lucky to win six games all season. The Jags defense is relentless but I still don't like Blake Bortles at QB and now RB Fornette got hurt. Next week the Giants travel to Dallas for a battle of losers, while Jacksonville starts a three-game home stand with an emotional rematch of the AFC Championship Game vs New England.

Broncos over Seahawks-

A close contest of teams not going anywhere this season. Denver isn't better than KC, SD or Oak, while Seattle is rebuilding behind QB Wilson. Next week the Broncos stay home for a divisional show-down with the Raiders, who will be coming off a Monday Night Football tilt, while Seattle goes to Chicago, who will with be pissed they blew the green Bay game lat night or letdown. My guess is pissed.

Panthers over Cowboys-

I covered the point spread with this one. Dallas has no weapons. Carolina gets off to fast start and should surprise in NFC South. Dallas plays it's home opener next week vs the 0-1 Giants while the Panthers go to Atlanta for a key NFC South game.

Steelers- Browns tie

Progress for the browns, who went 0-16 last year. Embarrassing for the Steelers, even on the road. killed a lot of Suicide Pools. The tie may come back to bite Pittsburgh in the ass later in the season. They play a tough Chiefs team in the Steel City next week while Cleveland goes to New Orleans to get crushed on by an angry Saints squad.

Ravens over Bills-

Are the Ravens this good or are the Bills this bad, or a little of both? Baltimore could take a very early hold on the AFC North by defeating Cincinnati on the road, while Buffalo has the Chargers flying across the country to play in Buffalo. Too bad for the Bills  it isn't December.

Dolphins over Titans-

After 4 hours of delays by lightning Miami finally upended Tennessee. Again, two teams going nowhere. The Fish have Tannehill back with some hope. The Titans continue to languish and need to step up to stay with the jags and even the Texans. Miami goes to the Meadowlands to face the Jets in a possible hurricane 9 the Jets coming off a Monday night encounter), while Tennessee starts an important stretch that has them play Houston at home next week, then Jacksonville on the road.

Buccaneers over Saints-

a 48-40 shootout. I couldn't believe the score in the first half. The Bucs sure have weapons but DeSaun Jackson maybe out next week against the Eagles with a concussion. New Orleans is sitting in wait for the sacrificial Browns.

Patriots over Texans-

It didn't help that Texan QB Watson fumbled away the ball on the first play. Still, with the return of Watson and Watt the Texans should be better. Meanwhile the Patriots keep beating who they must beat, going to a revenge-filled Jacksonville next week.

Chiefs over Chargers-

The Bolts are the trendy team this season. If they can't win their season and home opener against a key division rival, I'm sorry. They aren't ready for prime time yet, no matter how many stars are on their roster. KC has weapons and new strong-armed QB Mahomes/KC goes to Pittsburgh next week after a Steelert tie with Cleveland. Not good. But I think the Chiefs can hold their own at least. LA comes east to play buffalo,a winnable game and not too cold yet in Buffalo.

Redskins over Cardinals-

Arizona may be as bad as advertised with Sam Bradford at the helm. Washington is no great-shakes either with new QB Alex Smith, but give the 'Skins credit for traveling to the desert and taking care of business. Arizona goes to Oakland next week while the Redskins have their home opener vs the Colts. Will the "skins start off 2-0?

Packers over Bears-

After being down to the Bears 20-0 in the second half, with star QB Aaron Rodgers in the locker room with  banged-up knee, things didn't look good for the cheese head fans. Then. on one leg, Rodgers came back and proved why he is great, leading the Pack to a thrilling 24-23 win. Green bay stays home for another important NFC North game against Minnesota while Chicago hosts the travelling Seahawks.

Tonight- LA Rams at Oakland and NY Jets at Lions.