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The "Fail Mary" game was the last time these two teams
met. |
Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Thursday September 4, 2014 8:30pm
CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
This is a great game to start off the 2014 season, as a healthy Aaron Rodgers will look to get past a Seahawks' defense that was dominant last season and looked very dominant in the preseason. The Seahawks as a whole looked dominant in the preseason, so they definitely look like a team capable of repeating as world champions. It's too early to talk about a perfect season, but the defense and offense are capable of dominating simultaneously, thus making it very possible for them to have a perfect regular season.
The last time the Packers visited CenturyLink Field was in Week 3 of the 2012 season, when the replacement referees were handling games. This turned out to be the final game for the replacement referees, and it was eventful. The Packers thought they'd won the game on an interception from M.D. Jennings, but the referees ruled it a touchdown catch by Golden Tate, giving the Seahawks the win with no time remaining. T.J. Lang had some pointed comments after the game, and the calls to get rid of the replacement referees were loud and clear at the point.
This time around, replacement referees will not be to blame. The Seahawks will be facing two of the best offenses in their first three games before their bye week, so their stout defense will be tested. Winning in Seattle will prove to be too difficult.
Green Bay Packers 17 Seattle Seahawks 27
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| Jimmy Graham will not be able to do this anymore. |
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
FOX -- Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch
The Falcons were a disappointment last season, just one season removed from hosting an NFC Championship Game. If Julio Jones and Roddy White can stay healthy throughout the season, the Falcons should be able to bounce back. With the Panthers losing a lot of receiving weapons, the Falcons can definitely get back to potentially winning the division or having a 10-win season. These two division rivals, who can't stand each other, seem to always open the season against each other.
The Saints looked much better in the 2013 season than they did in the 2012 season, and credit goes to Rob Ryan for fixing the defense that was atrocious in 2012. The Saints also dealt with suspensions, with the most critical suspension being the year-long suspension to their head coach Sean Payton. With continuity, and the addition of rookie Brandin Cooks, the Saints should be able to win the division this year. However, I believe the Falcons will deal them a loss.
New Orleans Saints 24 Atlanta Falcons 27
Minnesota Vikings vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
FOX -- Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison
Both teams look to be much improved this year, but this game will probably prove to be a challenge for Matt Cassel as he goes up against a Rams' defense that is improving yearly. It starts with the pass-rushing tandem of Chris Long and Robert Quinn. The Vikings could be a surprising team this year depending on what they get from their defense. Their defense was solid in the 2012 season, when they surprisingly made a playoff appearance.
However, their defense let them down last year, and the addition of Linval Joseph and a host of other moves could vastly improve their defense. Still, the opening game will probably prove to be too much for them.
Minnesota Vikings 14 St. Louis Rams 24
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
CBS -- Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
Jim Nantz and Phil Simms aren't calling this game because Johnny Manziel isn't the starting quarterback for the Browns. So they slide in the newly anointed #2 team of Eagle and Fouts to cover this game. It has been a long time since the Browns have won a season opener. They haven't won a season opener since the 2004 season when they beat the Ravens at home.
Brian Hoyer played well for two games before tearing his ACL in a Thursday night game against the Bills last season. It was the safe choice for Mike Pettine to go with Hoyer over Manziel for now, but there has been talk of the Browns using both quarterbacks to do different things offensively. Not many people agree with that philosophy, and I'll be surprised if the Browns chose to do that this week.
The Steelers are looking to rebound from two consecutive seasons of missing the postseason, and the Steelers have a new explosive weapon in Dri Archer. It's easy to see Archer will fill the slot role in addition to other roles that can put him in space to where he can use his speed. The Steelers are definitely capable of winning the AFC North again, so we'll see what happens. A win here will be a good start.
Cleveland Browns 13 Pittsburgh Steelers 20
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
CBS -- Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein
The Jaguars have decided to go with Chad Henne as the starter, but there's no doubt rookie Blake Bortles was the better quarterback in the preseason. We'll see if Gus Bradley has a quick hook if the Eagles defense are having their way with Henne. Many are baffled as to why Bortles won't start right away. The Jaguars even want Bortles to sit out the year to learn from the bench, much like what Carson Palmer did after being drafted by the Bengals.
The Eagles will look to continue on the success of their offense under Chip Kelly in Year 2. Nick Foles only threw two interceptions last year, so the fast paced offense has defenses tired. The Jaguars have improved their defense, getting Chris Clemons and Red Bryant from the defending champion Seahawks. However, two guys will not be able to do it alone.
Jacksonville Jaguars 10 Philadelphia Eagles 27
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Rookie Derek Carr will get his first start
of his career on Sunday. |
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Jets
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
CBS -- Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
The Raiders made a lot of moves to improve defensively, and that included getting Justin Tuck from the Giants. Tuck will be making his return to MetLife Stadium, so he may get comfortable in his house in New Jersey with his family as opposed to being in the team hotel, if the team allows that. The Raiders will also be starting Derek Carr over Matt Schaub. Remember, it was Schaub who replaced David Carr with the Texans. David is Derek's older brother, so this is quite ironic.
Schaub's arm strength is just non-existent at this point, so it was better for the Raiders to go with the rookie. Going up against this Jets defense will be a challenge, as the front four can dominate games. The Jets will also be looking for improved play from Geno Smith. The addition of Chris Johnson and Eric Decker is supposed to help Smith improve in Year 2 of his career. The Jets appear to believe they are a playoff team. They have the talent to be one.
Oakland Raiders 17 New York Jets 24
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
CBS -- Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Both teams are capable of winning the AFC North, and both quarterbacks now have huge contracts to be their respective teams' franchise quarterback. Andy Dalton received his amid a lot of criticism, as he has been unable to win a playoff game for the team. When Joe Flacco received his, he was coming off a championship, so his was warranted in some eyes. However, these quarterbacks have to prove a lot this year.
The Bengals have the same weapons, so they should be a force defensively, while getting better offensively with A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard. The Ravens will be without Ray Rice, as he is serving the first of his two-game suspension for his domestic violence situation with his wife. Last year, the Bengals tied the game up and sent it into overtime with a successful Hail Mary pass. The Ravens still won in overtime, but that is in the back of the minds of both teams.
Cincinnati Bengals 14 Baltimore Ravens 21
Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
FOX -- Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
E.J. Manuel goes into Year 2 with the Bills, and even though they lost Stevie Johnson in the offseason, they picked up Sammy Watkins in the draft. The offensive weapons are there for Manuel. However, they didn't look good offensively in preseason. They signed Kyle Orton as well recently, so if Manuel isn't showing any progress from last year, they may go to Orton.
The Bears lost Julius Peppers but gained Jared Allen, so we'll see if that is an improvement or a downgrade. Both players have been great pass rushers throughout their careers, but both are on the downside of their careers. Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall are one of the top receiving duos in the league, but Jay Cutler has to get the ball to them. Josh McCown had more success getting the ball to Jeffery than Cutler did, how will that play out for Jeffery?
Buffalo Bills 13 Chicago Bears 27
Washington Redskins vs. Houston Texans
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
FOX -- Thom Brennaman, David Diehl
J.J. Watt did get paid like the best defensive player in the league, and they have arguably the best defensive rookie in the league in Jadeveon Clowney opposite Watt. This means the Texans defense should be outright nasty this season, with a healthy Brian Cushing at linebacker. However, they didn't look that good in preseason, even though they played well at moments. The Texans didn't do anything to solve their quarterback problems from a year ago, so they're keeping their fingers crossed Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't just blindly throwing into coverage.
There have been two main attractions coming from the Redskins this offseason. The first and most obvious one was their name, as they have seen increased pressure to change their name. Owner Daniel Snyder doesn't seem intent on doing so, so the calls to change the name will continue. The second main attraction has been the mouth of Robert Griffin III. Here's a guy who just hasn't learned when to say "no comment" and has now come across as a guy who complains about what people think of him. With a demoralizing season for the team last year after winning the NFC East the season before, if the Redskins falter, after acquiring speed threat DeSean Jackson, calls for Griffin III to be replaced in favor of Kirk Cousins will be loud in the DMV area.
Washington Redskins 17 Houston Texans 20
Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
CBS -- Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
The Chiefs are coming off a devastating loss in the playoffs last year, when they blew a 28-point lead to the Colts. The Chiefs will have a tougher schedule than they did last year as they will play the NFC West. Alex Smith got paid, so he's a happy man. He should also be playing with a chip on his shoulder, as many people still believe he's a game manager. The Chiefs have what it takes offensively and defensively to get back to 11-5.
For the Titans, this is essentially the most important season in Jake Locker's career. If he cannot prove he can be a franchise quarterback or a healthy one, Locker's time in Tennessee could be done. The Titans have a chance in the AFC South, as the clear cut favorite are the Colts. However, the Titans should be better than the Jaguars and Texans, thus giving them a chance to obtain a postseason berth. Rookie Bishop Sankey is impressing the coaches, so he looks like the future running back, replacing Chris Johnson.
Tennessee Titans 10 Kansas City Chiefs 23
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
Sunday September 7, 2014 1:00pm
Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
CBS -- Greg Gumbel, Trent Green
It's pretty much a forgone conclusion the Patriots will win the AFC East this year, so for the rest of the teams, it will be about who comes in second. The Dolphins had high hopes after acquiring Mike Wallace in free agency, and they expected improvement from Ryan Tannehill. A year later, and there's zero hype surrounding this team. All the hype has gone to the Jets and Bills, and the bullying scandal is probably the reason for that.
It'll be interesting to see how much patience the Dolphins have with Tannehill. He has to show improvement for the organization to believe he can be that guy. In order for that to happen, he has to get on the same page with Wallace, which he was unable to do last season. The Patriots look like they can be the best in the AFC after acquiring two solid corners in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. However, the trade of Logan Mankins means the pressure is on the offensive line to keep Tom Brady out of harms way.
New England Patriots 28 Miami Dolphins 17
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday September 7, 2014 4:25pm
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
FOX -- Chris Myers, Ronde Barber
The Panthers won the NFC South last year, but they lost their top four receiving targets in the offseason. They replaced them with first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin, Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery. It'll be interesting to see how Cam Newton develops chemistry with the new players, especially Benjamin, who is a big play threat. They did lose Mike Mitchell and Captain Munnerlyn in free agency, but their defense should remain dominant or close to dominant with their front seven.
The success of the Buccaneers will depend on the play of the quarterback. Josh McCown only got the job because of the good performance he had with the Bears. That doesn't necessarily mean McCown will be good here, but they're essentially doing what the Browns are doing with Brian Hoyer. Mike Glennon is the backup for now, but he played well at times last season, including helping the Buccaneers jump out to a big lead in Seattle last season. Glennon holds the ball too long at times, but doesn't force passes. I think they should've stayed with Glennon and let him grow, but a new coaching regime wants results now with the veteran.
Carolina Panthers 13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10
San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday September 7, 2014 4:25pm
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
FOX -- Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Alex Boone is back, so that is a plus for the 49ers. Their offense looked horrible in the preseason, and the offensive line could not keep Colin Kaepernick protected. The great thing for the 49ers is they get to play the Cowboys. The Cowboys will be without DeMarcus Ware, Sean Lee and Orlando Scandrick, who were the three best defensive players last year. Ware of course is now with the Broncos. Lee is recovering after tearing his ACL this summer. Scandrick is sitting out the first four games with the drug suspension. It could get ugly for the Cowboys' defense. They plan on starting Rolando McClain, who was retired and disinterested in football just last season.
The 49ers' defense are going through their own problems, with the departures of Tarell Brown and Donte Whitner. They'll also be missing Navorro Bowman for several weeks as he still recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in last year's NFC Championship Game. You can never be too sure if Tony Romo is fully healed from offseason back surgery. The last time these two teams played, the Cowboys handed the 49ers their only loss in Candlestick Park in the 2011 season. Romo played with a cracked rib for most of the game.
San Francisco 49ers 31 Dallas Cowboys 24
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Former Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning and current Colts'
quarterback Andrew Luck will square off in the opener. |
Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday September 7, 2014 8:30pm
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
NBC -- Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth
Peyton Manning will play his former team again, but it doesn't have as much flair this time because the game isn't in Indianapolis. However, it should still be an entertaining game as both teams were division winners last season. The Broncos got better, improving their defense by acquiring DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib. Their defense did not play well against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, so they made it a priority. The loss of Eric Decker doesn't hurt them much, but they will be without Wes Welker for the first four games. They have tough games early in the season, including a Super Bowl rematch. Manning will look at this game to see who can step up in Welker's absence. Also, Manning doesn't have to worry about the rush of Robert Mathis, who'll be serving a drug suspension as well.
Andrew Luck is getting Reggie Wayne back, and new acquisition Hakeem Nicks will look to prove doubters wrong and have a productive season worthy of getting a long-term deal. T.Y. Hilton is still the speed threat that can take the top off the cover of the defense, so the Colts' offense should be prolific this season. They'll be put to the test against the Broncos' improved defense.
Indianapolis Colts 27 Denver Broncos 31
New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions
Monday September 8, 2014 7:10pm
Ford Field, Detroit, MI
ESPN -- Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden
The big question mark is when will the Giants' offense figure out the newly implemented West Coast offense. They certainly didn't figure it out in the preseason, and it doesn't get any easier playing the defensive line of the Lions. For the Giants to have a chance at any offensive success, they must quicken the tempo, as Eli Manning has historically thrived in no-huddle situations. First-round draft pick Odell Beckham Jr. missed almost all of training camp practices and all preseason games, and he is still expected to be out a couple of weeks with a hamstring issue. It isn't looking good for the Giants.
The Lions acquired Golden Tate in a nice offseason move, and if Reggie Bush can stay healthy and provide a formidable punch with Joique Bell, the Lions' offense can be dangerous. However, their offense still depends on the decision-making of Matthew Stafford. He'll throw for a lot of yards, but makes mistakes in moments where they need clutch performances from him. The Giants' defense, on paper, looks pretty tough as well, especially their secondary. This could be a game where offense is lacking.
New York Giants 13 Detroit Lions 16
San Diego Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Monday September 8, 2014 10:20pm
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
ESPN -- Chris Berman, Trent Dilfer
Both teams are coming off of winning seasons, while the Chargers were able to enjoy mild postseason success by advancing to the AFC Divisional Round. The Cardinals, despite being 10-6 and the only team to beat the defending champion Seahawks in their building last season, were unable to qualify for the playoffs. The improved play of Carson Palmer had a lot to do with that. However, as we've seen before, we know Palmer can have a good season and follow it up with a terrible season. It was his lack of consistency that plagued the Bengals and hampered their ability to make the postseason in back to back seasons.
The Chargers are looking to build off the resurgence of Philip Rivers. The Chargers can very well improve upon last season, but it wasn't as if it was a complete success. The Chargers had to have a spotless December and luck in the final weekend just to make the postseason. They have a team capable of doing so. We'll see if they can improve upon last season.
San Diego Chargers 17 Arizona Cardinals 20
