THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Baltimore Ravens (0-0) at Kansas Cith Chirfs (0-0)

Can Coach Rob's Ravens Dump KC Again?

   The Kansas City Cheifs have had the league's most talented roster for years now and this season is no different. Each year they run up absurd regular season stats, led by their all-star lineup, only to come crashing to earth every post-season. One major obstacle for Chiefs' HC Jason Hogan has been Coach Rob. Rob, though, did it with the New England Patriots and now commands the talented Baltimore group paced by QB LaMar Jackson. Can he find a way to frustrate KC yet again?

   The Ravens have added all-timer Derrick Henry to their backfield and his presence can be a major factor. The WR corps is not overly fast, but can get the job done. The once awesome offensive line is not quite as powerful, but LT Ronnie Stanley and C Tyler Linderbaum are excellent. A big question is whether or not the Ravens' Oline can handle DT Chris Jones up front along with DE George Karlaftis. In addition, KC boasts one of the better linebacking units in the league with Leo Chanal, Nick Bolton, and Drue Tranquill.

  Of course, no amount of talking can truly describe the ridiculous firepower the Chiefs roll out each week. HB Isiah Pacheco benefits mightily from the arm of QB Patrick Mahomes and a bevy of super talented and fast wide receivers. Rookie target Xavier Worthy adds Tyreek Hill-like speed to the arsenal and TE Travis Kelce is elite. The interior of the offensive line is top tier. C Creed Humphrey anchors the unit and he is braced by guards Joe Thuney and super powerful Trey Smith. It should be great drama to see how Baltimore's Michael Pierce and Travis Jones fare against the KC inside blockers.

   Final Analysis: Coach Rob has had the Chiefs' number. However, this is week 1, and new coaches and GMs are still feeling out their teams and perhaps the Ravens are not quite ready to contend with the weapons KC has. Kansas City 31-20

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:15 PM Green Bay Packers (0-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-0)

Brazil to Host Clash Between NFC Title Hopefuls

     The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles head to Brazil's Arena Corinthians to open their campaigns.  It is a big time clash between two of the better NFC teams with each club holding high hopes for a title run...

   The Packers will be led by QB Jordan Love. He is expected to get some help in the form of HB Josh Jacobs who comes to Wisconsin via Vegas after spending numerous seasons as a Raider. The WR corps can be dynamic and explosive with speedy Christian Watson but, overall, this group is just slightly above average. The real key might be an offensive line that looks a bit shaky upon inspection. Not a single lineman has a strength rating above 89 and that could prove problematic when confronting stronger defensive lines. And that is exactly what the Eagles possess. Philly will bring along DT Jordan Davis (97 Str) and DE Jalen Carter (95 Str) and those two could dominate the Green Bay Oline. The Eagles' secondary is decent and is particularly strong at the safety spots, so Love may have to work mostly to his WRs in this one.

   Philadelphia likely goes as far as QB Jalen Hurts can take them. WRs AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Johan Dotson are capable, but it is the infusion of HB Saquon Barkley that could alter the landscape the most. Barkley has been a PFL stud playing for the NY Giants over the past few seasons and his presence in the Philly backfield makes them a serious problem to defend. TE Dallas Goedert should enjoy a stellar season. C Jason Kelce is gone but the Oline is still formidable with tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata along with G Landon Dickerson still pushing folks around. It remains to be seen if Green Bay DT Kenney Clark can hold up unless he gets help from pass rushing edges Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. The Pack has speed to burn in their secondary and should be able to hang with the Eagles' receivers. CB Jaire Alexander is elite and fellow corner Eric Stokes is one of the fastest CBs in the game.

   Final Analysis: This one really should get down to play calling as neither team has a true advantage over the other. The Philly secondary could be the difference along with the running of Barkley that should allow Hurts to use some play action effectively. Philadelphia 27-20.

  1:00 PM Pittsburgh Steelers (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

Wilson/Fields Dilemma! Are Falcons Set to Soar With Kirk Cousins and the Gang?

   The Steelers have a bunch of unanswered questions as they enter their season. Who is going to run the show, Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, is just one major question mark. But perhaps an even larger worry spot is an offensive line that, at best, would be classified as average. The addition of LT Davis Bakhtiari can help a little, but the rest of the line may have its issues. WR George Pickens is good, but the team may need to find creative ways to utilize the speed of Calvin Austin, Scott Miller, and rookie Roman Wilson if the team wishes to move the ball. TE Pat Freiermuth is talented. HB Najee Harris is a cumbersome force that lacks outside edge threatening speed.

   Atlanta will need QB Kirk Cousins to stir the talented drink they have concocted. HB Bijan Robinson can do damage and TE Kyle Pitts is top shelf. WR Drake London is a stud possession target, but how the stretch weapons of Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney perform could, ultimately, determine the club's offensive success. The big matchup in this one has to be the Steelers' TJ Watt and Cam Heyward versus the Atlanta Oline.

   Final Analysis: The Steelers look like they could be offensively challenged and will need to win this one with their defense. If they can stop Atlanta on early downs and force third and longs they have a chance to hang in here. Atlanta 24-16.

1:00 PM Arizona Cardinals (0-0) at Buffalo Bills (0-0)

Can Either Team Keep Thier QB Upright?

   These two franchises have had a very long history of seeing their quarterback get dropped  at an alarming rate. Buffalo, in particular, has seen QB Josh Allen be among the league leaders in sacks absorbed virtually every year he has been in the league! Unless that pattern changes there is little reason to believe the Bills will be an improved team. 

   As good as Allen can be, the reality is the Bills do not have a great offensive line and the receivers are not elite at any position. TE Dawson Knox is decent and HB James Cook is adequate, but there just seems to be too much expected of Allen. Fortunately, the Cardinals do not have a commanding defensive line to get after Allen this week. 'Zona does have one of the better safety tandems in the league with Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson and those two should slow down Knox. That means Allen will need enough time to find his WR targets.

   Cardinal QB Kyler Murray can be a problem at times. His Oline is decent enough and his WRs are good enough, but HB James Connor is too slow to threaten the edges. Buffalo's interior Dline lacks power and size and it could allow the plodding of Connor to have an impact especially if RG Wil Hernandez (95 Str) can overwhelm the Bills inside.

   Final Analysis: Cards lacking true coaching stability and Bills' history of not protecting Allen means this is an iffy game to predict. Buffalo 24-21?

1:00 PM Tennessee Titans (0-0) at Chicago Bears (0-0)

Much Anticipated Debut of Caleb Williams. Can Wil Levis and Tony Pollard Upstage?

    This is a game featuring the arrival of USC star Caleb Williams in the Windy City. Chitown has the superior defense and Tennessee does not have a good Oline to open holes for Pollard or give Levis time to throw...

   Final Analysis: Hard to predict how Williams will play but the D should stymie the Titans enough to bring home the W. Chicago 22-16.

 1:00 PM New England Patriots (0-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-0)

Rook Drake Maye to Lead Pats? Joe Burrow Awaits

    Rookie QB Drake Maye should start. The UNC grad, though, will have his hands full as the team has not put much talent around him. WRs Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and KJ Osborn do not exactly strike fear into opposing secondaries and the offensive line is far from dominant. HB Rhamondre Stevenson is an under-rated back. 

   The Patriots do have a solid secondary with Jonathan Jones, Christian Gonzalez, Jabril Peppers, and Kyle Duggar roaming around back there. However, the defensive interior line is weak and could allow Cinci to run the ball inside with Zach Moss. That, though, could be harder than it looks as the Bengals simply do not have the Olinemen to power the ball as the guards and center are all sub-90 Strength guys. Tackles Orlando and Trent Brown are the areas of strength. If the Bengals struggle to run the ball, then QB Joe Burrow will need to shoulder the workload. WR Ja'Marr Chase and possession wide Tee Higgins should be prime targets in this one.

   The Cinci DEs of Trey Hemdrickson and Sam Hubbard will need to find their way past The Browns at tackle as the DT situation is not very good. It is quite possible the Bengals will not be able to exert a great deal of pressure, but how Maye plays could really determine the final outcome here.

   Final Analysis: This game has matchups that could allow the Patriots to stay close. Not seeing either team likely to enjoy much offensive success. Cincinnati 22-17.   

 1:00 PM Houston Texans (0-0) at Indianapolis Colts (0-0)

Big AFC South Battle: CJ Stroud-Anthony Richardson Duel 

  This is a contest between two divisional contenders. The Texans have the better QB in Stroud and Houston went out and signed veteran tailback Joe Mixon to help bolster the running game. The Houston WR corps is pretty good with under-rated Nico Collins posing matchup problems with his rare combination of speed and power. At 6'4" 215 Lbs and having 94 speed and 84 break tackle ratings, Collins is always a threat to break away from a would be tackler and take it to the house. The Texans' Oline could be better with LT Laramy Tunsil the lone stud there.

   The Colts can be one of the league's more unpredictable teams due to the tactics of HC Tony. Indy often will employ a unique game strategy each week making them hard to get a grip on. While the Colts' unpredictability has resulted in some memorable victories, it has also manifested itself in some truly epic losses as well. Richardson is not a polished thrower, but he is a dangerous runner and the Texans will need to guard against the read option. HB Jonathan Taylor remains among the best backs in football. The WR unit is not elite and how Tony uses the speed of rookie Adonai Mitchell and Anthony Gould remains to be seen. The Oline is pretty solid across and will need to hold off the rush of DE Wil Anderson. Expect Indy to run away from him and more to the left side.

   Indy's secondary is not very fast and that may mandate quite a bit of zone defense. The defensive front is decent although the DT spots are bit on the smallish side. If the Colts cannot stop the Houston running game, then Stroud is probably going to find time to hit his targets at will.

   Final Analysis: Feel Houston has a big edge at WR in this one. Indy might be able to keep it close with a ball control attack, but if they fall behind too much it could get ugly. Houston 27-21.

1:00 PM Jacksonville Jaguars (0-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-0)

In-State Rivalry Could Become Shootout?

    QBs Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa have had much better success in college than in the NFL. Both are anxious to prove they can be the face of their franchise and bring success home. Lawrence has a powerful back in Travis Etienne, good WRs, a top TE in Evan Engram, and a solid offensive line to work with. Tagovailoa has a super fast WR group led by Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr. and Anthony Schwartz, but the offensive line is extremely worrisome and the backfield is smallish.

   Miami had major problems against power defensive tackles in the pre-season. Washington's Jonathan Allen and Tampa Bay's Vita Vea pushed RG Jaylen Mayfield around and there is more than some concern that Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton will be disruptive in this one. In addition, Jaguar DEs Josh Hines-Allen and Trevon Walker present edge rush problems. OLB Foyesade Oluokun is a duel threat to both cover and blitz and that means trouble for the Miami pass blocking schemes. 

   Jacksonville should be able to keep Miami off-balance with the running of Etienne and the passing of Lawrence. The Dolphins do have a very good secondary, but how newly acquired DTs Danny Shelton and Tyler Shelvin hold up will determine quite a bit. The Dolphins have a host of play makers on the edge with Jaelen Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, and Emmanuel Ogbah and it remains to be seen how HC Beyel employs all these weapons.

   Final Analysis: Miami was very good in pre-season on defense but inconsistent offensively. Jacksonville has more than enough to win this one.The big advantage has to be the Jaguars' defensive front versus the weaker Miami Oline. If Miami cannot run the ball, then pass protection will break down and Tagovailoa will not have time to get the ball to his explosive playmakers.  Jacksonville 30-20.

 1:00 PM Carolina Panthers (0-0) at New Orleans Saints (0-0)

Big Easy Hosting Cats: Who Will Lead Panthers-Dalton or Young?

  The Carolina Panthers have not seen young QB Bryce Young develop as they had hoped. Veteran signal caller Andy Dalton has been brought in to supply some stability there. New Orleans dumped a whole lotta dough in QB Kirk Cousins in hopes of getting the Saints back to the SB after their miracle run of two seasons ago. 

   Power back Alvin Kamara has slowed down a bit but is till a wrecking ball. Cousins will have Chris Olave, super fast Rashid Shaheed, and Cedrick Wilson to throw the ball to. C Erik McCoy and T Ryan Ramczyk are very good and man a decent Oline. The Panthers' Derrick Brown can be troublesome along the defensive line, but the reality is Carolina does not have a very good secondary and the linebacking is not much above average. Not only that, but there is little help on the Dline to help Brown.

   Carolina's QB woes have continued. The backfield is capable with Chubba Hubbard there, but the receivers are not overly explosive. TEs Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble are not terrific either, so both Dalton and Young have their work cut out for them. RG Robert Hunt and RT Taylor Moton are the best along the Panther Oline so expect the team to run right alot. The Saints have aged, but still effective, DE Cam Jordan and Chase Young on the edges but the DTs are average. Another oldie but goodie, MLB DeMario Davis returns.The secondary looks to be a zone coverage group.

   Final Analysis: Carolina's QB woes and lack of many weapons means they will struggle to score most weeks. The defense is not strong in any particular area. New Orleans is no monster, but the Saints seem to have more play makers. New Orleans 24-17.

1:00 PM Minnesota Vikings (0-0) at New York Giants (0-0)

G-Men Hoping QB Daniels Shines With Infusion of WR Talent. Vikes Miserable Past To Keep Hounding Them?

      The Giants will start their season without HB Saquon Barkley, who moved on to Philadelphia. However, they drafted speedy WR Malik Nabers out of LSU to join with Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt to give the club some real speed. Veteran back Devin Singletary and rookie Tyrone Tracy could form a nice 1-2 punch. The Oline still remains a worrisome spot and how well that unit plays will determine quite a bit. The lack of true tailback speed could see the Viking linebackers have a big day. Minnesota struts out one of the fastest LB units in football. Andrew Van Ginkel (88), Dallas Turner (90), and Blake Cashman (89) can all fly to the ball. The Viking secondary, while savvy, lacks speed and could have problems matching up with the fast NY targets.

   Either Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy will start for Minnesota. They will have WR Justin Jefferson along with top TE TJ Hockenson as prime targets. T's Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill are excellent protectors but the line is, otherwise, average. The Giants have a very good linebacking unit with Bobby Okereke, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux roaming the second level.The secondary has some speed and how S Isiah Simmons is used could be a factor.

   Final Analysis: Minny has to make some decisions at QB. In any case, neother signal caller is overly dynamic. The lack of speed in the Viking secondary will probably give up enough big plays to allow the Giants to slip away with the W. New York 26-22.

4:05 PM Las Vegas Raiders (0-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (0-0)

AFC West Rivals Seek Quick Start

   The Raiders will go with veteran QB Gardner Minshew. The Chargers will go with Justin Herbert. Enough said...

   Vegas does have Devante Adams at WR and and two young studs at TE in rookie Brock Bowers and second year man Mike Meyer, but, to be truthful, the team lacks much else. The Bolts are by no means some juggernaut. They look like they will be reliant upon a power running game with Gus Edwards and some controlled passing from Herbert, but they appear to lack deep ball explosiveness.

   The edge, if any, might be the Chargers' secondary. They have some speed back there in Asante Samuel, Kristian Fulton, Alohi Gilman, and Derwin James. OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa will need to play well. Vegas can counter with Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones at the corners.

   Final Analysis: Neither team seems to have much horsepower, but the Bolts do have the superior QB in Herbert and that could be just enough. Los Angeles 22-20.

4:05 PM Denver Broncos (0-0) at Seattle Seahawks (0-0)

Rook Bo Nix Takes Reins in Denver, Geno Smith To Pilot 'Hawks

    Ex-Oregon Duck Bo Nix is going to get baptized by fire so it seems. He does have HB Javonte Williams to hand the ball to and WR Courtland Sutton to throw the ball to, but a long season could be forthcoming. Seattle's Smith will have the services of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet to give the pigskin to, but he also has some very good targets in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, as well as matchup nightmare TE Noah Fant.

   Denver CB Patrick Surtain is an absolute stud, but the Broncos are pretty pedestrian everywhere else. Seattle has one of the best overall secondaries in the PFL and that could be enough in this matchup. Expect Denver to try to run the ball with Williams. Seattle should have success both running the ball and getting some big plays out of Metcalf and Co..   

   Final Analysis: Seattle has always been tough when they have had Walker healthy. He should find room to run and that will probably open the door for some big plays in the passing game too. Unless Denver can run the football, Nix will have to throw into the teeth of a very good Seattle secondary. Seattle 27-17.

4:25 PM Dallas Cowboys (0-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-0)

Dak Has to Deliver? Can Watson Get Untracked?

   Two teams with some serious questions that need to be answered. The Cowboys paid QB Dak Prescott the big $ and now expectations are high. The Browns, of course, sold the farm, the helicopter, the stadium, and just everything they owned in order to bring troubled QB DeShaun Watson to Cleveland and the faithful are still waiting for some return on their investement...

   The Cowboys do not really have a true running back after having let Tony Pollard hit the trails. They do have speed and skill at the WR spots with Cee Dee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, and the diminutive KaVontae Turpin. The Oline is a mixed bag that will need to play well here against an very rugged Browns' defense. Myles Garrett could have a field day and the linebacking unit in Cleveland is super fast. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (89) and Devin Bush (89) can flat out fly. CBs Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome should match up well versus Lamb and Cooks.

   Dallas has had issues stopping the run and that does not bode well in this one. Cleveland has one of the top Olines in the game and HB Nick Chubb could rock them. Watson also has WRs Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore as targets along with TE David Njoku. Who plays inside for the Pokes could be a big factor. Maz Smith is the strongest they have. While he might not seem the top choice, he will be more difficult to push around if he plays. The Dallas secondary is actually pretty good although it could be faster.

   Final Analysis: Hard one to predict. If the Browns can run the ball they can win. If Dallas can find some way to run the ball they can win...Kinda see both teams struggling a bit to run the ball. In that scenario, the Cowboys' secondary along with Micah Parsons' pass rush could get after Watson. then again, Garrett and the Browns could get to Dak too...Gulp.   Dallas 26-24???

4:25 PM Washington Commanders (0-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)

Another Rook, Jayden Daniels, Has Hogs Snorting. Bucs and Mayfield Hunt Division Crown

   The DC denizens have not been this excited in many years and for good reason. Afterall, they have the electric play of Ex-LSU Tiger Jayden Daniels under center now and the buzz is on overdrive. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, just keeps chugging along with Baker Mayfield retruning at the helm of the ship.

   The 6'4" Daniels has all the tools to be successful in this PFL. He can beat you with his legs and arm and is a real threat outside the pocket. He has two good backs in Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson and a major play maker in WR Terry McLaurin. The Oline, though, outside Sam Cosmi, is not very good and some growing pains may be on the horizon. A big dilemma for the Commanders is the matchup with Bucs' DT Vita Vea. Vea is super strong and will probably prove disruptive matched up with RG Cosmi. Cosmi, as stated, is the best Washington has but his 87 strength and smallish 309 Lbs frame is likely not gonne get it done. Tampa Bay's secondary is not very fast so there may be some opportunity there for some big plays for Washington.

  The Bucs have some worries of their own. Washington has one of the very best DT tandems in football in Jonathan Allen and Da'Ron Payne. Guards Royce Newman and Cody Mauch along with center Graham Barton are all on the weaker side and will likely have all types of problems blocking Payne and Allen. HBs Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds are on the very edge of having enough outside speed to threaten the edge and , if they cannot run inside, this could become a big factor. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin can get it done at WR.

   Final Analysis: A rugged game here is probable. Feel both teams may have problems running the ball. Tampa Bay has the better, overall, defense. and Daniels might not be quite ready for prime time yet. Still Washington has shown a propensity for offense in past seasons. dunno...Washington 23-19.

 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Los Angeles Rams (0-0) at Detroit Lions (0-0)

Lions Set to Roar, Can Rams Return to Top Form Without Coach Mike?

   The Detroit Lions and their fans are ready to rock baby!  They have a trememdous OLine, a veteran and solid quarterback in Jared Goff, Backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs offering a super 1-2 tandem, TE Sam LaPorta, and speed to burn at the WR slots with Amon-Ra St.Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond! The Rams will be hard pressed to contain everything Detroit has to throw at them. The Rams' defensive front 7 is not overly talented, although LB Byron Young is as fast as they come. The secondary does not have elite speed and that could be a real dilemma versus the Lions. And, of course, the great Aaron Donald is no longer around to terrorize offenses.

   LA does have Matt Stafford at QB, but the backfield is slow. The running game could be punishing, however, if it can run the ball inside with Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. That, though, could be a real task verus Detroit's DTs DJ Reader and Alim McNeill. The Lions secondary, while improved, is still vulnerable and lacking overall speed. That could set up some big plays from Stafford to WRs Marquise Goodwin, Tutu Atwell, and Puka Nacua.

  Final Analysis: Coach Mike Kleinknecht is not running the show anymore, so it is anyone's guess as to how well these Rams perform. The Lions have been an offensive machine in recent seasons and should be again this year. Detroit 32-21.

 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM New York Jets (0-0) at San Francisco 49ers (0-0)

Aaron Rodgers and Jets Head to San Fran to Face Mr. Irrelevant and the Niners

    New York revamped its offensive line and has two solid backs in Breece Hall and Braelon Allen to power the football. The additions are expected to allow the Jets to have a more balanced offense, so Rodgers can utilize play action and get the ball to his receivers. Those receivers, though, are going to need play action timing to allow them to separate as the unit lacks top tier speed. Garrett Wilson will be the stretch wide while newcomer veteran Mike Williams should become the possession wide and red zone target. However, the problem the Jets face in this matchup is a decent San Fran secondary that gets boosted by a very rugged front seven that can reek havoc. LBs Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw remain an elite duo. DEs Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd can also be disruptive off the edge. And DT Javon Hargrave, while a bit smallish, is always a problem inside.

   The Niners will rely upon the accurate passing of Brock Purdy and a ball possession offense. HB Christian McCaffrey is as good as it gets, WRs Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are tough covers, and TE George Kittle is elite. Purdy does not have top shelf deep ball ability, but the Niners rely upon a ton of RAC yards and a punishing running game. Gang Green does have a very strong front seven. DE Hasson Reddick, DT Quinnen Williams, MLB CJ Mosley, and ROLB Quincy Williams help form one of the better groups in the game and will be a challenge for San Fran. Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed are a solid to excellent pair on the outside.

   Final Analysis: In real life folks would take the Niners. But, with Reddick in the fold, the Jets have a tremendous front seven that will translate to solid secondary coverage. They Jets also have a good running game combo and some targets for Rodgers. New York 26-23.