Pablo E.
Chiefs Beat Writer
Look haaaarrrdderrrr…
1.
@
NFC East division rivals lock horns to open the season and it should be an entertainingly close one. The Redskins roster overhaul gets its first look as a unit on the field. The GMen should be able to exploit two things that will lead them to victory—the lack of speed on the Redskins defense, especially at safety, and QB Sam Branford’s lackluster supporting cast at the receiver positions. Everyone’s favorite TE Blake Bell has a big game and propels New York to a close win.
Giants 27, Redskins 20
2.
@
Another divisional game, and it looks to me another road team win. Despite the minor retool the Bucs have started this season, they do have a healthy Kirk Cousins. Saints got back their starting QB however he’s not in the same class, which is why Tampa should start the season with a check in the win column.
Bucs 21, Saints 13
3.
@
Eagles snagged QB Rex Grossman so they aren’t consistently picked against in the survivor pool every week but who is he throwing to? DE Frank Clark would love to get his hands on some Booty but recently acquired RT Joe Thomas was hired to protect STLs most precious hiney. Rams offensive firepower with Booty, Odell, and former #1 overall Mike Evans proves too much for Philly though, and the Eagles start off the season in familiar territory.
Rams 34, Eagles 19
4.
@
Are we really seeing youngster QB Mariotta starting in the game opener in a divisional game vs the tough Jets? I have my doubts about it. I think the Dolphins ultimately decided to trot out SB Champ Jordan Palmer, who combined with the still-elite defensive unit, squeak out a win against New York.
Dolphins 20, Jets 17
5.
@
Our beloved Chiefs aspire to be more than cellar dwellers most pundits have them as for the 2016 season, and to do that they will have to take care of business on the road against the formidable offense of the Patriots led by upcoming QB Derek Carr. KC’s success or lack there of will be directly tied to the progression of QB Ryan Tannehill. We believe.
Chiefs 37, Patriots 28
6.
@
Houston has playoff dreams this season, and the talent on the roster warrants that—but being saddled with the steroid-abusing Titans in their division will make that a difficult goal. If they want to keep pace they’ll need a road win vs the Steelers, but I’m not sure they get that. I expect an upset as newly-acquired QB Woodson has more time than usual in the pocket with Houstons relatively weak pass rushers. The Steelers receiving unit is among the best in the entire SFL and they will contribute greatly in the win.
Steelers 31, Texans 30
7.
@
Buffalo paid a hefty price in acquiring QB AJ McCarron from the Raiders, and while he has flashed in his short time on the field, he’s very still inexperienced. The Seahawks should have enough on both sides of the ball to stop the new QB from notching his first win with the Bills.
Seahawks 24, Buffalo 16
8.
@
No team feels the pressure to perform up to preseason expectations as much as the Titans do. The talent-laden team has an impressive roster(some even claiming the best ever) of physical freaks to the point where one must question when the league office will begin a consistent and strict drug testing schedule for Tennessee. Something’s going on over there and I’ll be digging to find out. Titans start off the season right, but it won’t be a breeze, as the Jags D poses enough of a problem for QB Rivers to keep it respectably close.
Titans 20, Jags 13
9.
@
Browns QB Brian Brohm is still in the upper echelon of SFL QBs, and he has weapons. Cleveland’s secondary will be tested by the Cowboys exceptionally deep receiving unit and this game ends up a shootout. Brohm double taps the Cowboys D at home in the end and comes away with a bloody victory.
Browns 37, Cowboys 31
10.
@
Panthers GM is extra motivated on the hot seat, and while the Chargers have several pieces to the puzzle in place, QB Brock Osweiler isn’t quite ready to outplay the Panthers defense. Former beloved Chiefs WR Calvin Johnson seals the game late with a signature jump ball win in the end zone.
Panthers 17, Chargers 10
11.
@
The defending champs are at home vs the Cards with QB Matt Barkley back at the helm once again, this time because he’s the best QB on the roster, not an injury. The champs take this once from the inexperienced signal caller because the firepower of Olsen’s offense is too much to overcome.
49ers 35, Cardinals 18
12.
@
It seems like people have forgotten about the Colts a bit. The team is still deep and added some sneaky good pieces this offseason. Chicago has few holes, too, but the home team takes the opener.
Colts 27, Bears 20
13.
@
QB Tyler Wilson takes over the reigns for good this time in Minny, and he has been surrounded with a great supporting cast. However, the Pack is at home, and they have the secondary to cause some issues for the young signal caller, even if he has giant wideouts. Green Bay HB Mark Ingram plays keep-away and has a good game to lead his team to opening day cheers.
Packers 24, Vikings 21
14.
@
The Broncos ran away with the AFC West last season with relative ease and return every important piece, so many expect them to do it again. But not if the Raiders have any say. QB Chad Henne hasn’t slowed down at all hitting his 30s, and those young wideouts are blazing fast. The team also brings a deeper running back group to help keep leads their quick-strike offense got many times last season. The Broncos front seven isn’t great, and that’s why they lose their opener in a tight one.
Raiders 33, Broncos 30
15.
@
Lions QB Big Teddy B makes his debut in the best looking uni in the league, facing off vs future SFL HOFer Eli Manning in a matchup that should have some points go up often. The Lions Triple B’s (Bridgewater, Baldwin, and Briscoe) jump on the Falcons early, but Manning never stays down. He makes a comeback at home but in the end his arm strength ends up costing the game as he tries to connect deep but the throw comes up short and is picked off by 3rd overall pick CB James Bradberry to seal one that almost got away
Lions 35, Falcons 28
16.
@
The Jimmy G era is apparently here, even though we already had a glimpse of it when Thigpen went down two season ago. He performed admirably as a rookie and should be a very good QB in the league but in this contest he can’t keep up with the well-rounded Bengals squad just yet.
Bengals 24, Ravens 13
