So you say that seven out of the 12 playoff lost in Week 1? I saw that’s a misleading statistic. After all, some of those teams HAD to lose, right? There were four matchups that featured two playoff teams and it’s not like we see ties in the NFL more than once a decade or so. So sure, the Eagles, Jets, Bengals and Vikings lost, but they did so to fellow playoff squads.
The better stat that we should say is that three 2009 playoff teams lost to non-playoff teams. That means you Indy, San Diego and Dallas. These are the teams that really have to rebound. So look for a little extra punch at the line this week from these supposed contenders. They’ll need it to get back on track.
As always, the home teams are in CAPS and the lines are straight from Las Vegas.
Kansas City +1 over CLEVELAND
The Chiefs ran with authority in the rain against the supposedly-superior Chargers. Now let’s see if they can add a passing game against the Browns.
GREEN BAY -13.5 over Buffalo
With or without Ryan Grant, this game was going to be a blowout. At least Brandon Jackson gets a nice minor league squad to ease his way into the starting role.
Baltimore -1 over CINCINNATI
The Ravens have built a passing attack that might actually come close to rivalling the Patriots’. Oh yeah, they can defend too. That means trouble for the Bengals.
Pittsburgh +5 over TENNESSEE
I wouldn’t expect another huge day from Chris Johnson. With Troy Polamalu flying around the field, the Steelers look like a real contender.
DETROIT +7 over Philadelphia
The Lions are terrible on the road, but can compete at home. They may not win, but they should keep it close while trying to contain Mike Vick.
Chicago +8 over DALLAS
Cutting Flozell Adams and replacing him with an equally penalty-prone Alex Barron was a horrible call. Can the Boys line contain Julius Peppers?
CAROLINA -3 over Tampa Bay
The Panthers might be better without Matt Moore at the helm if he’s going to play like he did against the Giants. Bring on the Jimmy Clausen era.
ATLANTA -7.5 over Arizona
The Cardinals defence has nothing on the Steelers defence, which shut down the Falcons last week.
MINNESOTA -5.5 over Miami
The Vikings have had some extra time to like their wounds after the loss to the Saints. Brett Favre hasn’t lost at home as a Vike yet, too.
St. Louis +3 over OAKLAND
The Raiders haven’t won their home opener in eight seasons. The Rams looked competent against a weak team last week, why not show up again here?
DENVER -3 over Seattle
The Seahawks are a completely different team away from home and are coming off a high from defeating a stronger division rival.
Houston -1 over WASHINGTON
The Redskins were heavily aided by the Cowboys poor offensive line showing and the opening day emotion. That won’t happen here.
Jacksonville +8 over SAN DIEGO
Eight points is a lot to give away by a team that is coming off a loss to the Chiefs. The Chargers didn’t look great stopping the run either and Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the best RBs.
NEW YORK JETS +3 over New England
The Jets forced turnovers and played some solid defence. If they can simplify their game plan for Mark Sanchez, they’ll get back on a roll similar to the one they were on in the playoffs.
INDIANAPOLIS -5 over New York Giants
The battle of the Mannings takes place in Indianapolis and primetime: Two places where Peyton doesn’t lose very often.
New Orleans -6 over SAN FRANCISCO
The Saints go from playing the Thursday night opener, to a Monday night affair with the Niners. Has any team ever had a longer non-bye break? I’m betting they’re more fresh than rusty here.
Last week: 9-7
This season: 9-7
I don’t think Buffalo can win two game sthis year!