So, last week I couldn’t have been further off the mark. But that’s OK, because Week One is always a bit of a toss-up. Here are this week’s match-ups.
Indianapolis at Minnesota: Both teams are coming off disappointing starts to the season. Both teams will be looking to get back ahead of the game. The Vikings have a good defense, and Manning was looking rusty last week. If the Colts can get into a good rhythm, with a lot of help from Addai, they’ll be able to pull this one out. However, the Vikings have home-field advantage. I give the Vikings the win. FINAL: Indianapolis 18, Minnesota 15
Chicago at Carolina: The Panthers barely edged out a victory last week, while the Bears creamed the Colts. Rookie RB Matt Forte did great last week against the Colts, but the Panthers may have a tougher test defensively. Still, I think the Bears are the better team, and should be able to start a winning streak. FINAL: Carolina 20, Chicago 17
Tennessee at Cincinnati: The big story here is the absence of Titans starting QB Vince Young. Can Kerry Collins deliver a win? The Bengals are smarting from a loss last week and will be looking to make up for it — and they also have Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson Ocho Cinco (God, that is so ridiculous, it pains me to type it). I think the Bengals will win this match. FINAL: Tennessee 24, Cincinnati 7
Green Bay at Detroit: Last week, the Packers proved that they can win just fine without Brett Favre, thankyouverymuch. And Detroit lost to Atlanta. The humiliated Lions will be looking to make up for that loss, but the Lions defense didn’t show much backbone last week. Aaron Rodgers will be looking to prove to Packers fans that he can fill Favre’s shoes, and I think he will lead Green Bay to another win this week… as long as they can control those penalties! FINAL: Green Bay 48, Detroit 25
Oakland at Kansas City: The Raiders were humiliated last week and will be looking for blood. The Chiefs fought valiantly against the Patriots — this is no pushover team. Both teams have a lot of potential, especially on defense, if they can just get it together. I think the Chiefs will edge out a victory here. FINAL: Oakland 23, Kansas City 8
NY Giants at St. Louis: The Giants are coming off a win, while the Rams were murdered last week. New York’s defense looked great last week, but the offense was a little shaky. Eli Manning will have to step up his game and get the offense running smoothly if he wants to get a winning streak going. Eli’s been blossoming with the Giants, and I think he’ll be able to lead them to another win this week. FINAL: Giants 41, St. Louis 13
Buffalo at Jacksonville: Marcus Stroud was one of the Jags’ best defenders, and he’s playing for the Bills now. Jacksonville has lost many of their starters to injuries on the offensive line. However, the Jaguars still have Garrard, Taylor, and Jones-Drew, a powerful trio on offense. If the offensive line can hold up against Stroud & Co., they’ll be able to get the win here — and they have home field advantage. I give the Jaguars a narrow victory. FINAL: Buffalo 20, Jacksonville 16
New Orleans at Washington: The Saints are coming off a victory last week, but they’re missing WR Marques Colston. The Redskins are smarting from a defeat, and they’ve got home field advantage. Will they be able to hold up against Drew Brees and the Saints’ playmaking offense? I don’t think the Redskins are good enough. Look for the Saints to win. FINAL: Washington 29, New Orleans 24
San Francisco at Seattle: The Seahawks are a better team than we saw last week. The 49ers… not so much. However, Seattle’s been decimated with injuries. They’re lucky to be playing San Francisco this week. Matt Hasselbeck will be relying on his offensive line to step up their game this week, and they aren’t facing the toughest of opponents. I think the Seahawks should be able to redeem themselves this week. FINAL OT: San Francisco 33, Seattle 30
Atlanta at Tampa Bay: The Falcons got lucky last week. The Bucs are smarting from an embarassing loss. Tampa Bay RB Warrick Dunn, a former Falcon, will be looking to have a big day today, which he should. If the Buccaneers can control their turnovers and get a good running game going, they should be able to coast to victory. But can Matt Ryan revitalize a depressed Atlanta team? It’s a toss-up. I give Tampa Bay a win over the struggling Falcons. FINAL: Tampa Bay 24, Atlanta 9
San Diego at Denver: The Chargers will be aiming for their fifth consecutive win over the Broncos, not to mention redemption from a heartbreaker last week. They’ve lost a big playmaker in LB Shawne Merriman, though. The Broncos defense was fantastic against the Raiders and will be looking to prove themselves against the challenge of the Chargers. Plus, the Broncos will also have star WR Brandon Marshall back in the mix. Look for the Broncos to get the victory. FINAL: Denver 39, San Diego 38
New England at NY Jets: New England is reeling from the loss of Tom Brady… and the Jets have Brett Favre. Can Matt Cassel fill Brady’s shoes? Unlikely, but the Patriots are still contenders. I think the Jets will be able to take advantage of a team that’s down-and-out right now though, and pull out another win. FINAL: New England 19, Jets 10
Miami at Arizona: As I said last week, the Cardinals are looking to prove that they’re no longer the joke of the NFL, and they had a good start last week. Miami’s not a particularly tough team this year, although the Dolphins have come a long way since last season’s disaster. Still, I think Kurt Warner will lead his team to another win this week. FINAL: Arizona 31, Miami 10
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: This is a dynamic match-up. Both teams are playoff contenders, and both teams are looking to get first place in the AFC North. The Steelers had an easy win last week, but will face a much bigger challenge in the Browns. This is a huge game for long-time rivals, and I think the Steelers will edge out a win in a hard-fought game. FINAL: Pittsburgh 10, Cleveland 6
Philadelphia at Dallas: The NFC East showdown comes early this season on Monday Night Football. Philadelphia creamed the Rams and will be looking to prove that they can steal the first place crown from the Cowboys. Dallas is also coming off a win, though. Both teams will be fighting hard and looking to set the tone for the rest of the season. Look for a close game with the Cowboys taking home the win. FINAL: Dallas 41, Philadelphia 37
Consider this an open thread.
Mike Weidner says: 
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