8:00 PM DALLAS COWBOYS (0-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-0)

Eagles Get Rings, Pokes Hoping for Upset

   The Philadelphia Eagles will be getting their championship rings and playing host to the rival Dallas Cowboys to start the PFL season. Head Coach Max resigned from football and the team will now be run by Coach Mike in a major coaching shift. Philly will be led by QB Jalen Hurts. He will have plenty of support in the form of HB Saquon Barkley, WRs AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert. The Eagles have a decided advantage over Dallas along the offensive line particularly on the edges. The Cowboys will primarily feature Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, and James Houston on the outside. Philly will have tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson and those two will have the upper hand on the smaller Cowboys' edge players. Dallas did sign DT Christian Wilkens to bolster up a suddenly solid interior. Wilkens will play alongside Kenny Clark forming a competent duo there. Expect Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Maz Smith, Perrion Winfrey, and rookie Jay Toia to compete for the depth roles.

   Dallas will need to get their backfield by committee going in this one in order to set up QB Dak Prescott. Last year, the Cowboys utilized a short passing game to mitigate the sack total on Prescott with mixed results. The offensive line has potential, but it does not have a true bell cow guy they can lean on and the Eagles' tandem of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis could have their way inside. In addition, the Dallas' secondary is not elite and could have trouble staying up with the weapons Philly has while also trying to contain Hurts from getting outside the pocket and causing havoc.

   Final Analysis: Always hard to predict a game in week 1, but this one is more difficult than most. Cowboys' coach Len Barnhart has been with Big D for some time now while Coach Mike is just settling in. Like Dallas in an upset mostly due to the transition in Philadelphia., Dallas 24-21.

8:00 PM KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-0) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-0)

KC Tries to Regain AFC West Dominance. Bolts Hope New Era is a Winner

   The Chiefs have much of the same cast returning that has made back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. The biggest difference in this one is with the Chargers who have a new coach and some pieces that could have the Bolts challenging in the AFC West. This one could get down to the inside power running of the Chargers. Veteran Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton supply LA with a rugged 1-2 punch inside at tailback. The duo could do damage if LG Zion Johnson, C Brad Bozeman, and mammoth RG Mekhi Bector can dominate DTs Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi. If the Chargers can run the ball, then QB Justin Herbert should have time to locate WRs Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen.

   KC has quite a bit of firepower still. WR Xavier Worthy is as fast as they come and he has some serious running mates with Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown along with aging TE Travis Kelce. The offensive line is a mixed bag and there is concern about the ability of rookie LT Josh Simmons to hold up. C Creed Humphrey and RG Trey Smith are very good but the explosive edge rushing of HB Isaiah Pacheco might not be there as much as in the past.

   Final Analysis: A big opener in the AFC West. Coach Jim Gamble returns to the sidelines with a solid cast in LA, but he may need a bit of time to get a firm grip on the team. The Chiefs have no such issues with longtime Coach Jason Hogan returning. Kansas City 26-22.

1:00 PM CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-0)

Burrow and Bengals Try to Keep Browns on Downward Trend. Can Browns Get their QB Right? 

   An intriguing matchup in the AFC North. Cinci has a decisive edge at quarterback with Joe Burrow being superior to Joe Flacco or rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders can be dynamic outside of the pocket, but he is oblivious to pressure and might absorb sacks before reacting. Gabriel is more of a stationary type who can been very conservative and will throw the ball away rather than risking a turnover. Both lack awareness and need seasoning.

  Bengal LT Orlando Brown is big and strong, but he is somewhat immobile and could have a very tough time contending with Myles Garrett coming from his right edge position. If Cleveland can get pressure on Burrow, they have a real shot to hang in this game, but they cannot absorb drive ending sacks or critical turnovers from whomever is under center.

   Final Analysis: Tough one to call. The issues at quarterback will probably hinder the Cleveland offense just enough to see the Bengals sneak by with a big play or two out of Burrow. Cincinnati 22-17.

1:OO PM NEW YORK GIANTS (0-0) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (0-0)

Gints and Commanders Both Seeking Rebound Seasons

   One of many big season openers in the PFL. Washington is hoping to contend in the NFC East while the Giants are trying to return to the success they had two seasons ago. This one should get down to the Giants' front 7 versus the Washington offensive line and the play of second year QB Jayden Daniels. If Daniels gets time or can escape out of the pocket, the Giants' secondary will likely get exposed by WRs Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel. Conversely, The G-Men will probably start the season with Russell Wilson at the helm. He has speed at the wideout spots with Malik Nabers, Darius Slaton, and Jalin Hyatt. However, the offensive line is a work in progress and Wilson is prone to mistakes when under pressure. The Commanders' defensive line, outside of DT Da'Ron Payne is not overly dominant and might not get quite enough heat on Wilson as desired. Aged vet Austin Ekeler should be the top back for Washington and he no longer is the threat he used to be.

   Final Analysis: Both teams have flaws they need to work around, but do feel the Giants have the better overall defense and maybe just enough to keep Wilson from having to play under too much duress. New York 27-20.

1:00 PM PITTSBURGH STEELERS (0-0) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-0)

Old Arod vs Old Team. Can Fields Restart Career?

   Can ancient QB Aaron Rodgers bring success to Pittsburgh? It does seem he has enough skill to do so, but he will need help from his O-Line and wide receivers to get the job done. The line seems ok, to a degree, but the receivers have some troubling numbers that may come into play. DK Metcalf should be solid and it appears that super speedy Calvin Austin could be a matchup problem. However, Austin lacks separation skills and is not a good route runner and slower developing plays (which may be his calling card) might require additional time if he cannot get off coverages or run a route well. That would put more pressure on the line and Rodgers. The Jets' defensive line is improved with a myriad of free agent signings, but this one could get down to how the secondary covers versus the Steelers' wideouts and offensive line.

  The Jets have a similar dilemma. While they added speed, virtually the entire unit outside of Garrett Wilson lacks route running or release talents and that could mandate that QB Justin Fields is going to need more time to throw the football. It is probable that Fields will have to escape the pocket more than a few times and then make plays with his legs or arm. Rodgers, of course, lacks any true escapability.

   Final Analysis: Fields is much more mobile than Rodgers and both teams might need time to get deeper, slower developing plays to open up. Fields might be able to scramble to keep plays alive or run. Jets 28-18.

1:OO PM LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (0-0) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-0)

Silver and Black a Shell of Last Year, Pats Crossing Fingers They Can Hang in AFC East

   Last season the Raiders stunned the league as they won the AFC West unseating perennial champ KC. But the truth is this team is not nearly as gifted as last year's squad and could struggle. The Patriots, meanwhile, will have to rely on a pair of rookies on the left side of the offensive line. LG Jared Wilson and LT Will Campbell will be thrown into the fire right away.

   Vegas does have speed in its secondary, but the coverage skills are in question and the interior of the defensive line might not be strong enough to generate pressure without blitzing. Expect QB Drake Maye to manage the game as he has in the past. HB Ashton Jeanty is a stud rook for the Raiders and how well the team can run the ball will determine their success. New England's front seven is pretty solid and will need to contain him and force QB Geno Smith, over from Seattle, to the air.

   Final Analysis: New Engalnd seems the more stable team at this time and that might prove to be just the edge they need. New Engalnd 27-16.

1:00 PM TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-0) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (0-0)

Defending NFC South Champs to Rule Roost Again?

   Atlanta should win the division again this season. However, the Bucs could be a major obstacle, after being without leadership last year, and that makes this opener very important. QB Michael Penix has been rumored in trade talks, but the inexperienced signal caller has plenty of tools to succeed. The game could be a classic matchup pitting the Falcons' O-Line versus a pretty solid Tampa Bay defensive front. Atlanta's WR trio of Darnell Mooney, Drake London, and Allen Lazard all release well and are solid route runners. This should put pressure on a Bucs' secondary that is pretty good making this battle key.

   Tampa Bay will need to counter with the play of QB Baker Mayfield and receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs might find room to run inside on the undersized Atlanta interior featuring converted DE Ruke Orhorhoro (6'4" 290 Lbs) and Tommy Togiai (6'2" 296 Lbs). Both are strong for their size, but they lack play recognition and that could pose a problem.

   Final Analysis: Bucs under new staff are unpredictable. Atlanta has the talent to win here, but can their defense hold up versus the run if the Bucs elect to throw both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White at them?  Close one in Georgia. Atlanta 21-18.

1:00 MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-0)

Dolphs Seek More Winning, Colts Want to Erase Memory of Last Season's Late Meltdown Debacle

   The Dolphins are without leadership and that may lead to chaos in Florida. The Colts saw their season destroyed last year by some late game Las Vegas Raiders' Heroics in week 18 that denied Indy the division and a playoff berth. They get a shot at starting this year off on the right hoof if they can get by the finless Fins. Who the starter will be in Indy is still unknown. What is known, though, is that all three competitors (Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, and Notre Dame rookie Riley Leonard) like to run. The Colts can be expected to run mostly to the left with HB Jonathan Taylor toting the rock behind LG Quenton Nelson and LT Bernhard Raimann. That means Miami's Brad Chubb and maybe Michigan rookie DT Kenneth Grant will have to hold up.

   If Indy can run a bit, then whoever is at the helm (Jones seems the front runner) might have time to get the ball to WR Michael Pittman or maybe some of the speedier targets like Adonai Mitchell. Still, aside from Pittman, the corps has some release issues that might command solid pass protection or else Jones may take off. 

   The Colts' defensive front looks like it could cause issues for a Miami Oline that might not be good enough to pass protect should the running game falter. Electric back De'Von Achane will need to have some big plays in order to keep QB Tua Tagovailoa from too many long down and distance situations. WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle might be the toughest duo in the league to cover, but they will need to get open before the pressure gets to Tagovailoa.

   Final Analysis: The Colts should win against a team without a steady staff. but the explosive speed on the Dolphins' offense is always scary. Indianapolis 28-20.

1:00 CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-0)

Panthers Still Hunting for Consistency, Jags Under New Coach.

   Two franchises meet that are in a bit of a flux period. The Panthers will, yet again. strut out beleagured QB Bryce Young in what could very well be a make-or-break season for him. The Jags backed their way into a divisional title a season and now are under new leadership. 

   Carolina has slowly assembled a solid O-Line and drafted WR Tet McMillan this year. McMillan, along with last year's rookie Xavier Legette, are an excellent young tandem. The Panthers could have some success here if backs Chuba Hubbard and Ex-Cowboy Rico Dowdle can keep defenses honest. That might be a tall task against a very good Jacksonvile front seven. If Carolina struggles to run the ball, then Young will need to step up big time. The Panthers might, instead, throw the ball early on in an effort to open up the running game.

   QB Trevor Lawrence is back, of course, as is Tailback Travis Etienne for the Jags. There are worry spots at WR where Brian Thomas looks like the lone top tier talent. TE is not very strong either and the offensive line would best be descibed as pedestrian. Carolina's defensive front has Derrick Brown inside but not much else after him.

  Final Analysis: New staff in JVille and quite a few holes on the roster could spell trouble vs the Panthers. Not sure Carolina has super offensive power or not, but do feel they might have just enough, combined with the new staff in Jacksonville, to pull this one out. Carolina 20-16

1:00 PM ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-0)

Coach Luka vs Coach Mike!  6 Titles Between the Two Clash in the Big Easy

   Last year, Coach Mike Kleinknecht took an inferior Arizona roster to the #1 seed in the NFC and all the way to the NFC title game before bowing out to the eventual Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles. K-Necht has moved on and now the baton has been passed to Luka Livojevic who returns to the sidelines after a few seasons' respite. Livojevic is a 3-time PFL championship coach and is the only coach in league history to win three consecutive titles! He gets his first start as the HC of the Cards versus, well, Mike Kleinknecht in a first week treat for those who want to see two elite game planners go head-to-head.

   The Cards will be led by the elusive play of QB Kyler Murray and a deceptive receiving corps. While the receivers lack top notch speed, no fewer than 4 of them have excellent release numbers and possess solid catching skills. And, as fate would have it, the Saints do not have elite speed in their secondary or top level press cover skills. In addition, the Halos' secondary does not have particularly good play recognition skills which could make it difficult to transition from zone to man responsibilities.

   The Saints will need to lean on backs Alvin Kamara and Cam Akers to help ease the pressure on likely starter Spencer Rattler at quarterback. The receivers have more than enough speed and the offensive line has various skills that will all need to be maximized here. The Arizona D-Line and secondary are not overwhelming. A key matchup could be DE Josh Sweat lining up opposite Saints' rookie LT Kelvin Banks Jr..

   Final Analysis: Interesting week 1 matchup. The real key will be the play of Rattler vs the Cardinals' defense and the success of the New Orleans' running game. The New Orleans' front seven will also need to get after Murray but, at the same time, be able to contain him from getting outside with scrambles where he can make big time plays. Arizona 24-21.

4:05 PM TENNESSEE TITANS (0-0) AT DENVER BRONCOS (0-0)

Titans and Broncos Get New Leadership and Hope

   Both teams start their seasons off with new coaching staffs and that can lead to early season adjusting. Tennessee will be led by Aljosa Slovnik who won SB XLI with the Carolina Panthers. HC Jeff Beyel will sub in at the Denver helm. Rookie QB Cam Ward will likely replace Will Levis although that is not decided as of yet. Ward is, easily, the most game ready of all the rookies in this year's class and can flat out play. He may need some better production out of top back Tony Pollard than Levis got and veteran WRs Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett will need to perform well. Super fast rookie WR Chimere Dike, though, could quickly become a league household name andTE Chigoziem Okonkwo might pose a real challenge for the Denver defense.

   The Broncos have a solid roster that could cause some ripples in the water. QB Bo Nix can make all the plays, but will he get enough support from HB JK Dobbins and a receiving corps that lacks elite talents? The Tennessee Linebacking unit can cover and the secondary is good enough to hold down the Broncos in this one.

   Final Analysis: Not seeing enough firepower in Denver to score many points most weeks. The Titans might struggle to score versus elite defenses and should get a pretty good test against a good Denver D. Tennessee 26-20.

4:05 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-0) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-0)

NFC WEST Rivals Start Campaigns in Emerald City Showdown 

   One of several openers that could have serious ramifications later in the season. The 49ers have leaned, heavily, on the arm of QB Brock Purdy with not much to show for that tactic over the past few seasons. In order to upset a good Seattle squad, it would benefit the Niners to give the rock to little used HB Christian McCaffrey much more than in the last two years. A lot of talent has either aged or left the SF roster. WR Brando Aiyuk is the best they now have, but the team is high on the physical play of 6'3" 212 Lbs WR Jauan Jennings. Outside of 37 year old LT Trent Williams, the O-line will need to prove itself versus a Seahawk D-Line that is older as well, but perhaps more talented. 

   QB Geno Smith has moved on and it seems probable that rookie Jalen Milroe could start over Sam Darnold despite Darnold' s recent success story. Milroe is mobile and can get outside the pocket and has enough skill to be effective. He will have the services of a great back in Kenneth Walker and some nice targets in WRs Cooper Kupp, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, ans speedy rookie Tory Horton to go to. Another rookie, TE Elijah Arroyo, will need to develop quickly. San Fran has a decidedly different look on defense and the secondary is, well, very green with with second year CB Renardo Green and rookie Upton Stout slated for signifcant time back there. FS Malik Mustapha is in just his second season as well.

   Final Analysis: Not sold on the San Fran secondary and the D-Line is really unproven. Seattle has long time coach Steven Dillon running the show and he is as consistent and steady as anyone. Seattle 28-17.

4:25 PM HOUSTON TEXANS (0-0) AT LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-0)

Can Texans Finally Lasso AFC South? Will Talented Rams Rise?

   The Houston Texans have more than enough talent in the barn to win their division, but need to turn that talent into wins. They get an equally gifted LA Rams team in week 1. This one could get down to the Houston offensive tackles, LT Cam Robinson and RT Tytus Howard, versus the Ram edge rushers featuring Jared Verse and Byron Young. If Verse and Young can put pressure on Texan QB CJ Stroud, it could be a long day at the races for Houston. However, the Texans have a herd of wideouts that can play with any unit in the PFL. Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Tank Dell, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel all can catch, run excellent routes, and are hard to jam up as they possess solid release abilities.

   LA does have QB Matt Stafford, of course, along with WRs Davante Adams and Puka Nacua and RB Kyren Williams, but will that be enough in this matchup? Stafford has a ton of traits and skills that can show up at any time and could be a difference maker. Nonetheless, LA's D has not been the same since the terrific Aaron Donald departed.

   Final Analysis: Feel Houston has the more stable coaching and better overall talents. Houston 25-17.

4:25 PM DETROIT LIONS (0-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (0-0)

Supremely Talented Lions Finally Have a Staff and Are Ready to Roar. Packers Welcome Micah Parsons to Lambeau

   It has been some time since the Lions have had a steady hand at the helm in Motown. HC Scott Gardiner took control of the team at the end of last season and had instant success. Now, his squad is expected to make a serious run at the division crown as well as be a playoff menace. Green Bay, of course, has been a consistent winner within the division, but has seen both of its last two seasons end quickly with first round losses to the New York Giants and then to the Minnesota Vikings last year that included dropping all three encounters with the Vikes. 

   Simply put, Detroit is superior to Green Bay at almost every positon on the field! QB Jared Goff is a seasoned vet who does not get rattled. HB Jahmyr Gibbs is a serious big play runner who can break one every time he touches the ball. WR Amon-Ra St.Brown is elite and fellow target Jameson Williams ranks among the fastest in all of football. TE Sam LaPorta is another weapon that sits near the top of the pecking order among tightends in the league. Offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker are as good a bookend unit as any in the league and how they hold off Green Bay edge rushers Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary will go a long ways in figuring the outcome of this clash. 

   The Packers have QB Jordan Love and soime good weapons at wide receiver with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, rookie Matt Golden, and Possession wide Dontayvion Wicks. Under-rated TE Tucker Kraft can be a real thorn in teams' sides. The offensive line, though, is not overly dominant and RT Zach Tom will have his hands full with the explosive play of DE Aiden Hutchinson over there and it is going to be tough sledding inside as well with Lion DTs DJ Reader and Alim Mcneill stuffing the interior. That means bruising Green Bay back Josh Jacobs could have some trouble getting traction and that, then, will lead to the Packers having to go to the air more often than they would prefer.

   Final Analysis: Too much talent on the Detroit side of the ball for the Packers to contend with for 48 minutes. Green Bay cannot stay with the speed of Gibbs, the abilites of TE LaPorta and a defensive front that could dominate the game. Parsons and Gary will likely get neutralized by the great tackle play of Sewell and Decker giving Goff time to find open receivers. Detroit 30-21.

8:20 PM BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-0) AT BUFFALO BILLS (0-0)

Ravens Try For a SB Title Starts Anew, Bills Want to Improve Upon Success of Last Two Seasons

   The same old song in Baltimore is becoming more and more sad and old these days. Excellent regular seasons have not produced a title yet and the sting of a SB loss to the New Orelans Saints four years ago still lingers. The team has obvious superior talent all over the field and that all but ensures another divisional crown or, at worst, a playoff spot. They get, though, a Buffalo team that has gotten better each season under Coach Rodney Smith and this one could be closer than many expect.

   The Ravens have a tremendous offense that Buffalo must try to contain. QB Lamar jackson can and will beat teams with his arm and legs. Crushing HB Derrick Henry breaks the will of defensive fronts, and the WR trio of Zay Flowers, vet Deandre Hopkins, and Rashod Bateman are all good route runners and tough to slow up. Add in elite TE Mark Andrews, and it is easy to see just how tall a task confronts the Bills this week. Buffalo edge rushers Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau are pivotal to any hopes the Bills may have. Bosa will have to contend with LT Ronnie Staley while Rousseau draws youthful RT Roger Rosengarten. DTs Ed Oliver and Da'Quan Jones will need to play well on the interior as will the linebacking unit in order to slow down Henry.

   Of course, Buffalo is no slouch on offense with QB Josh Allen and tailback James Cook. A worry spot, though is at WR where Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Elijah Moose stand to get most of the reps. All three do not have good separation skills nor possess top notch speed. Perhaps an unsung hero like #4 wide out Joshua Palmer could be useful. Palmer has good separation ability and is also a good route runner. The Buffalo Oline is good at the tackle spots but average inside. That means Raven DTs Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones will have the advantage there. Jones steps in to fill the role of long time NT Giant Bolder Michael Pierce. At 6'4" 334 LBs and with 95 strength, he will be tough to move out of the middle.

   Final Analysis: Baltimore probably has enough to win this one mostly due to their advantage at wide receiver and inside along the Dline. Baltimore 26-22.

8:15 PM MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-0) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-0)

Confident Vikes Battle Upbeat Bears in NFC North Tester

   The Minnesota Vikings are not lacking for confidence these days and have good reason to be that way. Afterall, they won the division, albeit by just a half game, a season ago sweeping away the rival Green Bay Packers during the regular season and then, yet again, in the playoffs. They do, though, now head to historic Soldier Field to contend with a Bears' team that, like the Lions, now has firm leadership with Coach Matej Orazem on the sidelines. Orazem feels that, if his team can successfully run the football, his team should so just fine. 

   The Vikings will need QB JJ McCarthty to play well. He has super star WR Justin Jefferson to get the ball to as well as a bunch of others that are capable. HBs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are between-the-tackles bangers with Ty Chandler offering some outside speed. TE TJ Hockenson is an elite weapon as well. The O-Line ranks among the best in football with four of five rated at least 80 or better. Only rookie LG Donovan Jackson is rated below 80, but even he has excellent strength and awareness for a rook. Chicago's defensive line will need to hold up. Montez Sweat and Za'Daruius Smith can supply some pressure and the interior, featuring Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter, can play pretty well. The Chicago linebackers are pretty good across the board with Jabril Cox, Tremaine Edwards, and TJ Edwards there and the secondary is talented although a solid slot defender may be needed.

   The Bears need to find out if QB Caleb Williams is the man or not. His skills are not questioned, but he still has a tendency to tuck and run all too often as well as hang onto the ball a bit too long at times. DJ Moore, Rome Odunz, and Luther Burden form a capable receiving unit and Devin Duvernay could add some speed there. The O-line is a bit under-rated and does have good tackles in Darnell Wright anf Braxton Jones, but a huge could be at LG as Joe Thuney got injured in pre-season and will be out 2-4 weeks. It is still possible he may be a game time decision. Minnesota's defensive line is solid with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel at the edges and Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen inside. Jalen Redmond could also see interior duties as a pass rusher. The Viking linebackers can all run and cover while also supplying a pass rush when needed. That means the Bears will probably have to add blockers if and when they get into passing downs, and the Vikings are known to throw the kitchen sink at teams on any down. The Viking secondary is not elite outside CB Byron Murphy and the Bears might be able to exploit this level if Williams gets enough time and the wides can separate. 

   Final Analysis: Could be a rugged game here, but WR Jefferson and the possible absence of Thuney at G could be the difference. Without Thuney, the running game could suffer and then the pass rush could get Williams off his spots. Minnesota 29-20.