The only reason anyone not from New York or Florida would even consider watching this travesty of a matchup is for Brett Favre. Both teams were embarrassing last year, and this year figures to be no different.
Jets fans say that they've done enough during the offseason to make a playoff push, but I'm not convinced. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have made a serious case for being the worst team in football.
New head coach—I mean—Vice President Bill Parcells has exported half of the '06/'07 Cowboys roster to Miami. He even brought in former Jets QB Chad Pennington, who will get the starting nod Sunday.
This game might be fun for a quarter or two, but I seriously doubt it will be anything worth writing home about.
Still, I like the Jets on the road over the 'Fins.
Tampa at New Orleans
FOX, 1 PM EDT
The race for the NFC South crown is always fun to watch. These teams go at each other's throats every time they play, and this game should be no different.
Last year was a head-scratcher for 'Gnawlens. After making it to the NFC Title game in '06, the team couldn't get on a roll early and missed the playoffs. Injuries to RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister didn't make things any easier.
Meanwhile, the Bucs, led by journeyman QB Jeff Garcia, enjoyed a 9-7 season. Head Coach Jon Gruden (and his quarterback collection) made it to the playoffs before being knocked out by the eventual Super Bowl-winning G-Men.
The Saints' funkadelic home-field advantage should kick in for the opener, especially after Hurricane Gustav nearly evacuated the stadium. I like 'em to start the new season strong.
St. Louis at Philadelphia
FOX, 1 PM EDT
Philadelphia rookie WR DeSean Jackson is likely to get the first start of his career against a St. Louis team that, frankly, is a big question mark. This game features two of the NFL's best backs, with the Eagles' Brian Westbrook and the Rams' Steven Jackson.
Despite going 3-13 last season, the Rams have the potential to make some noise in the absurdly weak NFC West. QB Marc Bulger is one of the best in the NFC, and he has some serious weapons at his disposal. The offensive line is slightly more intact this season, and the defense is improved.
Still, it's going to be a big test against a speedy Eagles defense. The Birds' new squad is led by Rich Uncle Penneybags (a.k.a. Asante Samuel), who was signed to major dollars this offseason.
Philadelphia's offense has greatly improved as well, although they will likely be missing starting wide receiver Kevin Curtis.
Interesting side note: Curtis is a former Ram.
I frankly don't see any way the Rams can pull this one off, barring another Week One of muffed punts for Philly. I like the Eagles at home.
Chicago at Indianapolis
NBC, 8:15 PM EDT
Ah, Super Bowl rematches. They usually make for good watching. As for this rematch of Super Bowl XL? Eh...we'll see.
Chicago has fallen pretty far since 2006. They've lost both starting wideouts, as well both running backs—Thomas Jones to free agency and Cedric Benson because he liked to booze it up while operating a watercraft.
Still, the vaunted Bears D is still in tact, and it will probably carry the team's sad excuse for an offense all season.
The Colts may be losing some of their Super shimmer, but they're still dangerous, as long as Peyton Manning is behind center. He sat out most of the preseason, nursing his bursa sac (doesn't that just sound gross?).
He'll be ready for Week One, and so will the Bears' defense. It's a classic match between a great offense and a great defense. Still, it would be insane to bet against the Colts, so I'm not going to.
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