The Jets, and legendary head coach Mike Kleinknecht, begin defense of their crown with one of the clubs that could, come playoff time, be one of the obstacles standing in the way of yet another Kleinknecht coronation. The Ravens added USC WR Mekhi Lemon along with pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in the draft to boost a few areas of need. Of course, how QB Lamar Jackson and HB Derrick Henry perform will likely determine the ultimate success or failure of this squad. To knock off the Jets, though, Baltimore will need to find some way to slow down the well known "Mikey-Ball" attack. No team has been able to slow down the sophisticated offense, but the Ravens get first crack at it this season. New York really did not add much to its offense, but did get DT Bear Alexander to help the interior of the D-Line.

   Final Analysis: Baltimore still used quite a bit of man D last year, but also added in a nice mix of cover 2 and some cover 3. That, though, will not confuse Kleinknecht and the Jet offense should score enough here to win. New York 35-23.

1:00 PM-  DALLAS COWBOYS (0-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-0)

Cowboys Try to Get Out of the NFC East Cellar.  Colts Hope to Keep Mo From Last Season Enroute to South Title

    Dallas is now under ex-Packer HC Jeff Beyel. The Pokes added quite a bit to their roster in the off-season and the retooled look should yield some positive results. However, an area lacking a year ago was pass rush and it seems probable that the signing of free agent edge Za'Darius Smith and the re-signing of Sam Williams will not provide the uptick desired. Rookie QB Diego Pavia has fans excited. Pavia can get out of the pocket and has one of the strongest arms in the league. The Cowboys added a ton of talent in the draft and surrounded Pavia with plenty of options. HB Le'Veon Moss, super speedy WR Eric Singleton, and short route runner Jordan Faison come aboard and will be joined with free agent signee WR Rondale Moore. The defense, outside of the aforementioned lack of pass rush, should be improved. NT Kayden McDonald brings size and power to the D-Line, stud MLB Arvelle Reese will roam the second level, and CB AJ Harris can get it done on the back row. The Colts ended their regular season on a roll before getting outgunned in the playoffs by the Jets, 45-28. They can score with any team in the league and are equally upbeat about the arrival of QB John Mateer. The D-line got a serious infusion of young talent with edge R Mason-Thomas coming in to replace the departed Kwity Paye and DT Demonte Capehart adding quality depth inside. HB Jonathan Taylor could vie for the rushing title if all goes well. Indy drafted Luke Kandra and he should start over Matt Goncalves at G. One of the two might end up as a future LG should aging vet Quenton Nelson retire.

   Final Analysis: Indy does not lack for confidence and for good reason. They should be able to put up some points here especially if the Cowboys cannot get pressure on Mateer or if they let him get loose. If the Colts can establish either their running game or passing game early on, it should open the door for an offensive barrage. Indianapolis 32-20.  

1:00 PM- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (0-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-0)

DC Seeking Post-Season Berth? Titans Want South Crown Again

   Washington will be, yet another, team under new leadership this season. The club zeroed in on mostly a defensive draft with big time talented MLB Sonny Styles and right-edge TJ Parker coming to FedEx. The Commanders have to get a better year out of QB Jayden Daniels who tossed 16 picks a year ago. However, the team did not really make significant improvements on the offensive side of the ball, so it seems the hoped for strides on D can make up the gap. Tennessee is coming off a successful campaign and is striving to do better this time around, but a first place schedule could really make the road a bit bumpier this time around. They have games with the Bears, Jets,  Eagles, and Raiders on tap. They tried to upgrade the offensive line via the draft and may need the group to play well in order to take on the big boys on their schedule The backfield and offensive weapons are, basically, the same as last season. CB Malik Muhammad is a serious enhancement in the secondary and the free agent addition of edge rusher Odafe Oweh could help.

   It may take Washington a bit of time to get a grip on the club, but it is probable Daniels will be better than last year and the defense should be better. Tennessee kinda seems about the same as a season ago despite the secondary help. Washington's secondary lacks speed while the Titans have a solid third level unit. Tennessee 28-20.

1:00 PM-TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-0)

Two Franchises Hunting Success

    Both the Bucs and Browns had outstanding drafts and greatly changed the postures of their franchises. Tampa Bay was able to get a bunch of youngsters in camp that should have instant impacts. WILL Harold Perkins, super speedy WR Deion Burkes, G Olavaga Loane, and HB Nicholas Singleton are just a few of the new toys in Florida these days. Of course, how well aging vet QB Baker Mayfield plays will likely be the ultimate decider for this team. The division seems wide open as well. The Browns had, in many eyes, the best draft in the league. They wisely used the generous extra draft picks that they had accrued and did not fritter the leverage away. The safety tandem of Dillon Thieneman and Caleb Downs should be among the best in football for years to come. Second year back Dylan Sampson will need to step it up and improve upon his 121 carry, 623 yard effort of a season ago. Perhaps the most noticeable upgrades in Cleveland had to be at the wide receiver position. Almost beyond belief, the Browns were able to snag, on some folks' big board, the top WR in the draft in 6'5' 235 Lbs blazer and play maker Nyck Harbor as well as Alabama's Germie Bernard and Indiana's Elijah Sarratt! TE also got a boost with Max Klare. The defense was not ignored. Myles Garrett now has a fellow bookend as Joshua Josephs was drafted.

   The additions on offense have to help the development of sophomore signal caller Shedeur Sanders. Both teams have good defenses and should have better offenses overall, so it remains to be seen how each team uses the talents they now possess. Tampa Bay 26-22?

 1:00 PM- CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-0)

Can Panthers Claw Way to Respectability? Vikes try tp Rebound From Disastrous Campaign

    Carolina is going with QB Bryce Young yet again folks. The club really did not give him any more weapons to work with and this could lead to another year of offensive struggles in Charlotte. The team spent most of its draft capital on defense with Domani Jackson and Kamari Ramsey added to the secondary. The Vikes did not have a full slate of picks and, it seems, OLB Taurean York may have been their best new addition. HB Jayden Ott could give a jolt to the running game that could, in turn, help QB JJ McCarthy and a receiving corps that can be difficult to stop. All-world Justin Jefferson returns and it is expected that soph Tai Felton and rook Kevin Concepcion will be major infusions of speed.

   Final Analysis: Tough to figure how these two clubs will flush out. The Panthers have had a revolving door with their coaches as has the Vikings. Feel Minny has the far superior offense here. Minnesota 28-18.

 1:00 PM-ATLANTA FALCONS (0-0) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-0)

Can Birds Learn to Fly Again? Chicago is Loaded for Bear With Caleb Williams and Co..

   HC Pat Johnson seemed content with the development of a few players during last season's down year. Lacking any early draft picks did not afford Atlanta much in the way of new blood. QB Michael Penix will not have much speed to throw the ball to, although TE Kyle Pitts remains elite and WR D.J. Turner might be able to replicate his season from last year. HB Bijan Robinson seems destined for another workhorse campaign. Edge rushers James Pierce, Jalon Walker, and free agent acquisition DJ Johnson should put some heat on opposing signal callers. The Bears benefitted mightily from the super upward development of QB Caleb Williams who, now, is among the best QBs in the league, if not the best! He has a bevy of weapons around him that should make stopping Chicago a near impossible task. Chicago retooled their offensive line drafting LT Kadyn Proctor and G Brian Parker. If having tightends is what excites you, then look no further then the Windy City which now boasts Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and rookie Eli Stowers!

   Final Analysis: The Bears have a first place schedule. A week 8 matchup against the Jets and a week 11 clash with the Cardinals is about all that should keep this team from running the table. Still, it is possible Chitown makes the mistake of focusing too much on offense and not enough on defense and could get caught napping versus a Falcons' team that is expected to challenge for the NFC South crown again. Chicago 35-17.

   1:00 PM- PITTSBURGH STEELERS (0-0) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-0)

Can These Two Clubs Avoid repeat of Last Season Swoons?

    The Steelers and Dolphins had solid years last season. However, both tailed off in the back of the year resulting in Pittsburgh missing the post-season and Miami making an early playoff exit.  The Steelers landed their new quarterback as they tabbed Alabama's Ty Simpson to run the show. However, the team is old on defense and lacks a true game breaker in the backfield and this could have Simpson having to bear a larger load than, perhaps, he is ready for. Miami was rolling along last year then kinda fell flat. They had tremendous success taking the ball away and were able to snag CBs Keith Abney and Colton Hood in the draft, They also shored up their LT spot with the addition of Francis Mauigoa.

   Final Analysis: Not sure Simpson has enough weapons around him to keep the heat off. The Steeler D is still solid but aging fast. Miami is not likely going to repeat the takeaway success it had a season ago, so the offense may need to be a bit more dynamic under the leadership of QB Tua Tagovailoa. Pittsburgh 27-24. 

 1:00 PM-HOUSTON TEXANS (0-0) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-0)

Can Signal Callers Stroud and Burrow Reach Their Potentials? 

   Both these franchises have endured rough years of late. Texan QB CJ Stroud has not come close to his rookie year performance and last season was blasted into the turf 74 times while throwing almost as many picks (17) as touchdowns (22). Cinci's Joe Burrow did heave the ball for 45 TDs, but he was intercepted 23 times while tossing the ball around the yard an incredible 784 times! Obviously, both signal callers need to do better or get some help. The Bengals did not upgrade at any of their skill positions, but did add C Jake Slawter. SS Emmanuel McNeil-Warren should step right in. WR Jordyn Tyson was viewed as a coveted rookie and he should help Stroud right away. NT A'Mauri Washington will need to be stout inside. The Houston defense, overall, is pretty solid.

   Final Analysis: Each team would love a week 1 win. Both teams cannot allow their offenses to falter like last season. Tyson has to be a main target for Stroud, but the team still needs balance and for the D to step it up. Cinci did not make major changes to its offense and really just needs to alter, perhaps, its offensive schemes. Tough one to call here. Houston 25-22? 

 1:00 PM- DENVER BRONCOS (0-0) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-0)

Denver on the Rise? New Era Begins in KC 

    The Kansas City Chiefs failed to qualify for the playoffs last season ending a very long playoff run. The decline then saw long time HC Gus electing to retire. The club will now be run, at least temporarily, by Hc Pat Johnson. Denver has coach Mac back who, for a short bit, had also considered retirement but opted to return to the helm. The Broncos took care of their LG hole by drafting DJ Campbell and solved their SAM backer woes with the addition of Deontae Lawson. They also tabbed two secondary players in FS Dillon Dillinger and SS Isaac Smith. Denver raised a few eyebrows when they, then, took QB Garrett Nussmeier in the draft considering they already have Bo Nix in town. KC really upgraded their secondary when they nabbed CB Mansoor Delane. Possessing elite talents, Delane now becomes part of a tremendous cornerback trio that includes Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

   The Chiefs are aging, but still have the golden arm and talents of Patrick Mahomes to work with. The club struggled to run the ball last year and HB Isaiah Pacheco must rebound from his disappointing 786 yards campaign of a season ago. The O-line is not dominant, but the receivers are super speedy especially Xavier Worthy. The Broncos do not boast elite speed at HB and that could be problematic especially since the WR corps, while talented with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims, does not have top separation speed.

   Final Analysis: If the Chiefs can regain their normal running form and also get back to having a top level pass rush, they could return to prominance. Denver must find some way to get Nix some help while letting their solid defense carry the main burden. Interesting week 1 matchup. Kansas City 26-20.

4:05 PM-GREEN BAY PACKERS (0-0) AT BUFFALO BILLS (0-0)

New HC in Cheeseland after three underwhelming seasons. Bills keep Improving, but still have a ways to go, in order to hang in rugged AFC East

    The Green Bay Packers lost in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight season last year resulting in the departure of HC Jeff Beyel to take the reins of the waffling Dallas Cowboys. The club was devoid of a running game and the organization set out to rectify that issue by drafting Notre Dame back Jadarian Price. The team needed interior D-line help and found a monster in the form of 6'5" 330 Lbs Darnell Jackson who has tremendous strength (95) to go along with excellent play recognition, block shed, and speed acceleration numbers. He should become an instant headache within the division. However, the Pack's biggest issue a season ago was the complete lack of takeaways finishing dead last in the league in that category! The team did not do much in the way of improving their secondary either. Buffalo missed out on the playoffs last year after getting there the prior two seasons. After seemingly finally getting over the turnover bug, QB Josh Allen returned to the mistake prone player he was earlier in his career throwing a stunning 25 interceptions. That total ruined a career high 40 TD pass season. HB James Cook recorded his third consecutive 1000 yard rushing season. The big problem is a receiving unit that lacks any real speed. The team added LG Jaeden Roberts along with OLB Chip Barton and DT Pete Woods but, did not really address the WR issue.

   Final Analysis: Green Bay has talent, but their playbook could be limited. If Price can jumpstart the running game, though, the O could cook. Buffalo cannot have another year out of Allen anywhere near as grim as last season and likely will get an improved version this time around. Buffalo 27-23.

    4:15 PM- LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (0-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (0-0)

Playoff Teams From Last Season Clash in Week 1! Can Jeanty Lead Vegas to New Heights?

   The energy in Vegas is running, literally, high these days. Afterall, the club ended the long time reign of the mighty Chiefs and did so behind the tremendous season rookie tailback Ashton Jeanty brought to Sin City. The club may have secured one of the best QB/HB tandems in football for years to come when they stole QB Dante Moore in the draft. Moore has skill and room to grow and has a cannon for an arm. The team has plenty of speed at WR and one of the top tight end groups in the league. The D-line got major help to go with stud edge rusher Maxx Crosby. They now have Arizona State rook CJ Fite in the interior and it is possible Baylor edge Ken Foster could beat out the comp there. Tackling machine Jacob Rodriguez steps into the Mike roll. The Texas Tech Red Raider is an outstanding tackler who is a willing run stuffer while also having cover skills.  The secondary is one of the overall fastest in the league. Vegas shrewdly signed Ex-Cowboy Kaiir Elam in free agency. An under-the-radar corner, Elam could blossom. The Niners got back to using HB Christian McCaffrey and that change helped get the club into the playoffs. Still, QB Brock Purdy threw too many picks and absorbed too many drive killing sacks (77) last year. Super fast LSU Tiger Aaron Anderson was taken in the draft and should supply a much needed stretch wide. C Parker Brailsford will step in as the snapper bolstering a pretty good offensive line. 

   Final Analysis: The Niners can win this one, but must shut down the power running of the Raiders and get Purdy off on the right foot.  The improved Raider defensive front will need to match up with the Niners' O-line and get some pressure on Purdy. Should be a good one, but do not feel San Fran has separation offensive capability and that means the type of close game the Raiders thrive in. Las Vegas 24-21.

4:15 PM- DETROIT LIONS (0-0) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (0-0)

Panhandle Cat Fight!

    These two squads have potential firepower nd then some. Detroit had one of the top drafts in the PFL this year. They were able to add quality, if not elite, talents in several areas that, quite frankly, puts the team at a championship caliber plateau. QB Jared Goff and electric HB Jahmyr Gibbs return. But, as stated, it has to be the new faces in Motown that has everyone excited. The team added coveted WR Carnell Tate, TE Julian Elam, C Iopani Laloulu, left edge Keldric Faulk to play opposite of Aiden Hutchinson, burly NT Ezekiel Buchanon, and CB Rodney Woodson! Look out folks. The Jags really did not make a big splash on the offensive side of the ball and will need QB Trevor Lawrence to have a vastly better year than he did last season. Lawrence tossed an ugly 21 picks last year finishing with an equally distressing 79.1 QBR! The club did get help in the secondary with LSU SS AJ Halcy the likely starter there although he could see time as a second SS or even a slot defender. They also grabbed FS Keon Sabb, but how he fits in is an unknown at this time since the team already has 2nd year man Caleb Ransaw there.

  Final Analysis: The Lions have made some terrific upgrades and really do have more than enough to be seen as serious NFC title contenders in terms of talents. They will need to put it all together and gel, though, to make that happen. JVille has been a bit of an up and down enigma the past few years and, for more than obvious reasons, simply cannot have Lawrence play anywhere near as bad as he did last year and have any viable shot. That being said, until Lawrence does otherwise, one would have to lean with the Motor City boys in this one. Detroit 30-20.

   The buzz in Tinseltown these days is the arrivals of Indiana Hoosier hero QB Fernando Mendoza and all-world stud Notre Dame HB Jeremiyah Love!  These two give LA instant big time firepower. The club also sprinkled two WRS into the sauce with another Irish player, Malachi Fields, and Louisville Cardinal Chris Bell. Perhaps going a bit unnoticed was the drafting of MLB Kyle Louis. The Pitt Panther alum did not get the hype of either Arvelle Reese or Sonny Styles, but offers outstanding abilities at the position. Seattle has to make a decision on using either vet Sam Darnold or youngster Jalen Milroe at the quarterback spot. Stud HB Kenneth Walker is still there and the Seahawks were able to get faster at WR with the drafting of Tennessee Vol Chris Brazzell. The biggest area of improvement was at CB where stud cover guy Avieon Terrell joins a secondary that, now, is one of the better units in the league. A bit of a sleeper pick was MLB Landon Barton from Utah. Not seen as a top choice due to his normal development monicker, Barton, nonetheless,  is a very solid player who can both hold up against the run and drop back into coverage.

   Final Analysis: This one is intriguing in so many ways. Both teams had very disappointing years last season particularly the Seahawks who had been an annual playoff squad under HC Steve Dillon. LA has a bunch of new toys, but it may take a while to get this team gelling so gonna go with the 'Hawks and Dillon here. Seattle 26-24.

8:20 PM-NEW YORK GIANTS (0-0) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-0)

Big Blue to Desert to Meet Super Bowl Hopeful Cards!

    The Cardinals were in the NFC title game a season ago as the top seeded team and almost got to the big game were it not for some big plays made by the New Orleans Saints. They have the ability to score and use a myriad of pretty slick defensive tactics to get after opposing quarterbacks while also shutting down the run. They were not able to successfully unload vet QB Kyler Murray and elected to draft Penn State signal caller Drew Allar anyways. Allar is a big man at 6'5" 235 Lbs, but early scouting reports suggest he can be rattled at times and seems unaware of things within the pocket. The Birds did get faster at WR with Antonio Williams in the flock and he should tandem with Marvin Harrison nicely. The Cards also drafted mammoth and powerful Zach Ross at NT. Ross is a 6'6" 355 Lbs beast with 93 STR and a decent 78 PRC number to go along with a very good 85 BSH rate. Rookie WILL Khalil Alexander could challenge incumbant Mack Wilson for playing time. The Arizona secondary got much faster and better with CB Jermod McCoy now roaming the passing lanes. The GMen love to power the football with Cam Skattebo pummeling defensive fronts.They drafted an entire new right side of the line in RGs Roderick Kearney and Blake Woody and RT Isaiah World in an effort to stay within their run first philosophy, but also give better protection for QB Jaxson Dart. 

   Final Analysis: The Giants' youth up front is going to be good, but it might suffer a bit against the stunting tactics of Arizona. Arizona 30-17.

7:00 PM-PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-0)

New Staffs on Sidelines as Barnhart returns to PFL

    The Eagles have had some coaching turnover in recent times and get their third HC in the last three years. Long time PFL coach Len Barnhart returns to the sidelines after a 1 year hiatus. Despite the instability, Philly has won a number of NFC East crowns in a row and made three Super Bowl appearances (with one title) over the prior four seasons. The Saints, of course, went to the Big Dance last year and got dropped by the Jets. They are also under new management as coach Paul takes over there. Philly got the top TE in the draft in Kenyon Sadiq as well as left edge LT Overton to beef up an already stout defensive line . SAM Sammy Omosigho will probably take over at that spot. The Halos did little to improve their offensive skill positions, but did add Chase Bisontis as their RG. The defense got some help with DT Dontay Corleone coming in there and MLB Gabe Jacas coming is a pure run stopper type. Jacas is a huge 275 Lbs and lacks any coverage abilities, but his 89 IBL number will make him a very tough man to block and he can give serious run support.

   Final Analysis: The Saints were angelic under HC Mike Kleinknecht last season with QB Spencer Rattler playing above his pay grade. He has the skills to be successful, but how the new staff employs the offense will determine the club's fate. Philly has the far superior talent here, however, this is a battle between two coaches with new teams and, in the case of Burnhart, a new system. Could be a close one. Philadelphia 24-21.

10:15 PM-NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-0) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-0)

Will Pats Challenge Mighty Jets in AFC East? Can Bolts Fix Herbert?

    The Patriots were AFC East contenders for much of last season and were the lone team to beat the powerful Jets. They play error free ball with QB Drake Maye running a very good offense that features Treveyon Henderson in the backfield and a group of talented wide receivers for Maye to throw tha ball to. That group got even better when the Pats took WR Denzel Boston in the draft. New England selected a number of guys in the draft that, at the moment, may have to share time, but have bright futures. They were, though, able to get SAM David Bailey, who stands a great chance of also working in on sub linebacker packages. The Chargers have not been able to get QB Justin Herbert to play anywhere near his supposed capabilites and keep paying the price for it. Herbert seems unaware of pressure in the pocket and almost never gets outside. At the same time he often tries to jam the ball into too many tight spots leading to sacks, interceptions, and pressured passes. He concluded last year with a dreadful 92.3 QBR with a putrid 27 TD passes and 20 picks! Second year back Omarion Hampton averaged a very healthy 5.9 YPC last season, but the team trailed too often for him to be truly impactful. The Bolts lacked any semblance of a pass rush last year so left edge Rueben Bain became a top priority. At 6'3" 275 Lbs Bain has the skill set to be able to both hold up at the edge against the run, while also possessing the speed, acceleration, awareness, and play recongnition to get after the QB.The team tried to address a weak defensive line via free agency and brought in DJ Reader, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Eddie Goldman to get it done. The three vets average 326 Lbs and should be able to hold up inside. Suntarine Perkins will step in at the SAM slot and super fast Brandon Cisse gets a shot at CB.

   Final Analysis: New England has one of the best rosters in the league. The Chargers cannot get Herbert untracked and his poor play will almost certainly derail any hopes for the club. New England 32-16.