JO_75
Hall of Famer
Week One Preview:
Falcons @ Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles for the first time, get to reveal a championship banner on Opening Night. The Eagles play host to the Atlanta Falcons who will now try to accomplish what the Vikings failed at, getting to the Super Bowl on your home turf. To do so, they will have to beat out Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and an Eagles defense that now includes Michael Bennett and Haloti Ngata. Eagles now add Mike Wallace to their offense who will have to step up with Alshon Jeffery out for a couple weeks. The Falcons were a goal line stand away from preventing the Eagles miracle run from happening, which team will be soaring at the end of Thursday Night?
Jaguars @ Giants: The Jaguars were on the doorstep of their first Super Bowl and fell short against the Patriots. The Giants meanwhile had the number two pick and used it on Penn State RB Saquon Barkley despite criticism about not taking a QB. Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette who the Giants defense must contain in order to have a chance to win, helped lead their teams to January football. The Giants hope to have similar success with Barkley as Nate Solder was brought in to improve upon a terrible offensive line. They look to get a big home win over a potential Super Bowl contender and get back on the right track under Pat Shurmur.
Buccaneers @ Saints: The 2017 NFL Draft may be looked upon as one of the best draft classes by any team when the Saints once again win a Super Bowl. CB Marshon Lattimore, OT Ryan Ramczyk, Alvin Kamara, and Marcus Williams who looks to erase the nightmare of Stefon Diggs from his dreams. The Saints seem poised to get Drew Brees one more ring while Jameis Winston's future is uncertain. Winston is serving a 3 game suspension, and is NOT guaranteed the starting job in week four. Should be a cake walk here, and safe to say the Saints will be the favorite in Survivor Pools this week.
Texans @ Patriots: The Pats look to get back to another Super Bowl, while the AFC hopes to finally put an end to their run. One team is the Houston Texans who almost beat the Patriots last regular season, and has to wonder what could have been if Watson didn't get injured. The Pats offensive line now turns to Trent Brown at Left Tackle who they acquired from the 49ers, Marcus Cannon who may or may not play due to a calf injury leaving question marks at OT. When facing JJ Watt and Clowney, the OL will be tested from the start. Can the Texans do what the Chiefs did last season and walk into Foxboro and leave week one with a victory over the Patriots?
49ers @ Vikings: A battle of highly paid QBs in Kirk Cousins and Jimmy G as the 49ers travel to Minnesota to start the year. The 49ers went on to win multiple games following making Jimmy the starter and the Vikings look to give him his first loss as a starter. Unfortunately for both, their divisions will make them earn a playoff spot in January. The 49ers have to compete with the Rams and Seahawks, while the Vikings have a returning Aaron Rodgers and a Bears defense that now has Khalil Mack chasing down Kirk Cousins. Could this game come back to be a deciding factor in the NFC Seeding come January?
Titans @ Dolphins: Miami plays host to the Titans who are coming off a playoff berth which saw a playoff win over the Chiefs because.... Andy Reid. A loss to the Patriots in the divisional round sealed Mike Mularkey's fate and they brought in Mike Vrabel to replace him. Miami meanwhile kept Adam Gase, who now sees Ryan Tannehill returning after suffering a season ending injury last year. Can the Titans build on last season and get back to the playoffs or will the Dolphins have other plans come Sunday?
Bengals @ Colts: The Colts set a new NFL record of single game points by beating the Bengals 412 to 0 and Marvin Lewis gets a lifetime contract for the effort. In all seriousness, this Sunday will mark the return of Andrew Luck to regular season play for the first time since 2016 and hope that the Colts can return to glory under new Head Coach Frank Reich. Cincinnati looks to ruin Luck's return to the NFL and return to the playoffs under Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis.
Steelers @ Browns: After a 0-16 season, the Browns finally brought in a competent GM in John Dorsey. They made a big trade for former Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry, traded for Tyrod Taylor to start while first round pick Baker Mayfield learns on the bench. The Steelers have yet to see Le'Veon Bell and may be without his services to begin the year while James Conner looks to build on his preseason in Bell's absence. Tyrod Taylor gets another weapon in Josh Gordon who the Browns hope will stay out of trouble for good this time. Can the Browns put together an offensive line that can stop TJ Watt who had two sacks and an interception in the week one game against Cleveland last year? Will we see an upset that can give Cleveland fans hope that after almost 20 years, the Browns are going in the right direction?
Chiefs @ Chargers: The injury prone Chargers have already lost Hunter Henry and Jason Verrett to season ending injuries and look to overcome the injury bug in 2018.... again. The addition of Derwin James in the secondary should finally help replace Eric Weddle at Safety and Mike Pouncey should stabilize the OL. Their defense may be one of the best this season behind Joey Bosa who will give Mahomes a first look at what he will be facing twice a year in KC.
Seahawks @ Broncos: The Seahawks travel to Mile High to take on the Broncos in a Wild West showdown that could go either way. The Seahawks offensive line could be the key in this match up facing a pass rushing duo of Von Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb. Denver solved their QB problem by bringing in Minnesota hero Case Keenum who hopes to have similar success in Denver as he did in Minnesota.
Cowboys @ Panthers: The Carolina Panthers host the Dallas Cowboys for a NFC Showdown in Charlotte. After a controversial season last year, the Cowboys hope to return to 2016 form and get back to the playoffs after missing out in 2017. The Panthers look to start off right as the division will be hard to overtake in a three way battle with the Saints and Falcons. Both teams are dealing with OL depth issues heading into this game, Matt Kalil is now sidelined for the first part of the year in Carolina, Dallas will be without Center Travis Frederick after his diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Whichever OL holds up the best, will be the team who wins on Sunday.
Redskins @ Cardinals: The Washington Redskins have a new starting QB in Alex Smith, the Arizona Cardinals have a new QB in Sam Bradford. The difference here could be in the running game where David Johnson returns for the Cardinals and the Redskins are hoping Adrian Peterson shows he still has some gas left in the tank. The Redskins happen to be 0-4 in season openers under Jay Gruden and look to snap that streak in a big road game out in the desert.
Bears @ Packers: Sunday Night Football sees the return of Aaron Rodgers' collarbone getting tested early thanks to the late acquisition of Khalil Mack by the Bears. Chicago looks to recreate what they had in HOF LB Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs with rookie Roquan Smith and Mack going after the quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky looks to step up in his sophomore year under new Head Coach Matt Nagy and it will help when you have new weapons in Allen Robinson and Trey Burton, but Rodgers welcomes his own new toy in Jimmy Graham. Muhammad Wilkerson joins a Packers defensive line ready to create havoc for the Bears offense as the Packers D looks for a good start under new DC Mike Pettine.
Jets @ Lions: Monday Night Football Double Header kicks off with rookie Sam Darnold leading the way for Gang Green as they head to Detroit for a clash with the Lions. Matt Patricia hopes to bring the Patriot way to the Motor City as the Lions look for a return to the postseason after missing out in 2017. The Jets defensively look like they could be Sam Darnold's best friend in 2018 and could provide a path to the playoffs if everything comes together for Todd Bowles and company this season. A huge road win against Detroit would set the tone for what could be a surprise playoff contender in the AFC.
Rams @ Raiders: The Gruden effect has already taken over in Oakland as Khalil Mack has been shipped out of town leaving an already bad defense even more bad. The Rams were knocked out of the playoffs by the Falcons last year and the addition of Suh to join a newly paid Aaron Donald should make life hectic for the Raiders offense. Rams look to build upon what they had last year and make a deeper playoff run, a run that ends in Atlanta come Feb.
Falcons @ Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles for the first time, get to reveal a championship banner on Opening Night. The Eagles play host to the Atlanta Falcons who will now try to accomplish what the Vikings failed at, getting to the Super Bowl on your home turf. To do so, they will have to beat out Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and an Eagles defense that now includes Michael Bennett and Haloti Ngata. Eagles now add Mike Wallace to their offense who will have to step up with Alshon Jeffery out for a couple weeks. The Falcons were a goal line stand away from preventing the Eagles miracle run from happening, which team will be soaring at the end of Thursday Night?
Jaguars @ Giants: The Jaguars were on the doorstep of their first Super Bowl and fell short against the Patriots. The Giants meanwhile had the number two pick and used it on Penn State RB Saquon Barkley despite criticism about not taking a QB. Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette who the Giants defense must contain in order to have a chance to win, helped lead their teams to January football. The Giants hope to have similar success with Barkley as Nate Solder was brought in to improve upon a terrible offensive line. They look to get a big home win over a potential Super Bowl contender and get back on the right track under Pat Shurmur.
Buccaneers @ Saints: The 2017 NFL Draft may be looked upon as one of the best draft classes by any team when the Saints once again win a Super Bowl. CB Marshon Lattimore, OT Ryan Ramczyk, Alvin Kamara, and Marcus Williams who looks to erase the nightmare of Stefon Diggs from his dreams. The Saints seem poised to get Drew Brees one more ring while Jameis Winston's future is uncertain. Winston is serving a 3 game suspension, and is NOT guaranteed the starting job in week four. Should be a cake walk here, and safe to say the Saints will be the favorite in Survivor Pools this week.
Texans @ Patriots: The Pats look to get back to another Super Bowl, while the AFC hopes to finally put an end to their run. One team is the Houston Texans who almost beat the Patriots last regular season, and has to wonder what could have been if Watson didn't get injured. The Pats offensive line now turns to Trent Brown at Left Tackle who they acquired from the 49ers, Marcus Cannon who may or may not play due to a calf injury leaving question marks at OT. When facing JJ Watt and Clowney, the OL will be tested from the start. Can the Texans do what the Chiefs did last season and walk into Foxboro and leave week one with a victory over the Patriots?
49ers @ Vikings: A battle of highly paid QBs in Kirk Cousins and Jimmy G as the 49ers travel to Minnesota to start the year. The 49ers went on to win multiple games following making Jimmy the starter and the Vikings look to give him his first loss as a starter. Unfortunately for both, their divisions will make them earn a playoff spot in January. The 49ers have to compete with the Rams and Seahawks, while the Vikings have a returning Aaron Rodgers and a Bears defense that now has Khalil Mack chasing down Kirk Cousins. Could this game come back to be a deciding factor in the NFC Seeding come January?
Titans @ Dolphins: Miami plays host to the Titans who are coming off a playoff berth which saw a playoff win over the Chiefs because.... Andy Reid. A loss to the Patriots in the divisional round sealed Mike Mularkey's fate and they brought in Mike Vrabel to replace him. Miami meanwhile kept Adam Gase, who now sees Ryan Tannehill returning after suffering a season ending injury last year. Can the Titans build on last season and get back to the playoffs or will the Dolphins have other plans come Sunday?
Bengals @ Colts: The Colts set a new NFL record of single game points by beating the Bengals 412 to 0 and Marvin Lewis gets a lifetime contract for the effort. In all seriousness, this Sunday will mark the return of Andrew Luck to regular season play for the first time since 2016 and hope that the Colts can return to glory under new Head Coach Frank Reich. Cincinnati looks to ruin Luck's return to the NFL and return to the playoffs under Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis.
Steelers @ Browns: After a 0-16 season, the Browns finally brought in a competent GM in John Dorsey. They made a big trade for former Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry, traded for Tyrod Taylor to start while first round pick Baker Mayfield learns on the bench. The Steelers have yet to see Le'Veon Bell and may be without his services to begin the year while James Conner looks to build on his preseason in Bell's absence. Tyrod Taylor gets another weapon in Josh Gordon who the Browns hope will stay out of trouble for good this time. Can the Browns put together an offensive line that can stop TJ Watt who had two sacks and an interception in the week one game against Cleveland last year? Will we see an upset that can give Cleveland fans hope that after almost 20 years, the Browns are going in the right direction?
Chiefs @ Chargers: The injury prone Chargers have already lost Hunter Henry and Jason Verrett to season ending injuries and look to overcome the injury bug in 2018.... again. The addition of Derwin James in the secondary should finally help replace Eric Weddle at Safety and Mike Pouncey should stabilize the OL. Their defense may be one of the best this season behind Joey Bosa who will give Mahomes a first look at what he will be facing twice a year in KC.
Seahawks @ Broncos: The Seahawks travel to Mile High to take on the Broncos in a Wild West showdown that could go either way. The Seahawks offensive line could be the key in this match up facing a pass rushing duo of Von Miller and rookie Bradley Chubb. Denver solved their QB problem by bringing in Minnesota hero Case Keenum who hopes to have similar success in Denver as he did in Minnesota.
Cowboys @ Panthers: The Carolina Panthers host the Dallas Cowboys for a NFC Showdown in Charlotte. After a controversial season last year, the Cowboys hope to return to 2016 form and get back to the playoffs after missing out in 2017. The Panthers look to start off right as the division will be hard to overtake in a three way battle with the Saints and Falcons. Both teams are dealing with OL depth issues heading into this game, Matt Kalil is now sidelined for the first part of the year in Carolina, Dallas will be without Center Travis Frederick after his diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Whichever OL holds up the best, will be the team who wins on Sunday.
Redskins @ Cardinals: The Washington Redskins have a new starting QB in Alex Smith, the Arizona Cardinals have a new QB in Sam Bradford. The difference here could be in the running game where David Johnson returns for the Cardinals and the Redskins are hoping Adrian Peterson shows he still has some gas left in the tank. The Redskins happen to be 0-4 in season openers under Jay Gruden and look to snap that streak in a big road game out in the desert.
Bears @ Packers: Sunday Night Football sees the return of Aaron Rodgers' collarbone getting tested early thanks to the late acquisition of Khalil Mack by the Bears. Chicago looks to recreate what they had in HOF LB Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs with rookie Roquan Smith and Mack going after the quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky looks to step up in his sophomore year under new Head Coach Matt Nagy and it will help when you have new weapons in Allen Robinson and Trey Burton, but Rodgers welcomes his own new toy in Jimmy Graham. Muhammad Wilkerson joins a Packers defensive line ready to create havoc for the Bears offense as the Packers D looks for a good start under new DC Mike Pettine.
Jets @ Lions: Monday Night Football Double Header kicks off with rookie Sam Darnold leading the way for Gang Green as they head to Detroit for a clash with the Lions. Matt Patricia hopes to bring the Patriot way to the Motor City as the Lions look for a return to the postseason after missing out in 2017. The Jets defensively look like they could be Sam Darnold's best friend in 2018 and could provide a path to the playoffs if everything comes together for Todd Bowles and company this season. A huge road win against Detroit would set the tone for what could be a surprise playoff contender in the AFC.
Rams @ Raiders: The Gruden effect has already taken over in Oakland as Khalil Mack has been shipped out of town leaving an already bad defense even more bad. The Rams were knocked out of the playoffs by the Falcons last year and the addition of Suh to join a newly paid Aaron Donald should make life hectic for the Raiders offense. Rams look to build upon what they had last year and make a deeper playoff run, a run that ends in Atlanta come Feb.
