New Orleans vs. Atlanta(NO -1 1/2; O/U 51 1/2): Like New Orleans and the over here. I applaud Atlanta for addressing their defensive problems in the offseason, but I still see a mediocre at best unit. Brees should have a big day with no weather issues to worry about, and a new toy(Cooks) to add to an already potent arsenal. Atlanta was a horrible running team last year, and I will have to be sold before I buy into any notions of improvement there. I see Ryan being forced into throwing early and often. This should be a wide-open fun affair, with both teams throwing(and completing) a lot of passes.
Carolina vs. Tampa Bay(pk, O/U 39 1/2): I like Tampa and the under here. Lovie Smith was the breath of fresh air that this talented team needed after the stuffy, rigid Greg Schiano era. Tampa's D, even minus Reavis, should be very good. Add in the fact that Cam Newton has a very inexperienced line, and practically a whole new receiving corps, and the Bucs should have no problems holding down an offense that wasn't really that good last year. I think Carolina's D dominates as well, and I see the game coming down to someone making a play in the 4th quarter. I see a low-scoring(13-10) game, and I think Tampa gets the Lovie era off to a winning start.
New England vs Miami(NE -4): Maybe some of the experienced 'cappers can tell me what I'm missing, because I plan to be all over the Pats in this game. Potent running game? check Improved passing game with a healthy Gronk and Amendola? check Vastly improved defense with a healthy Wilfork and the addition of Reavis? check Division opponent who has been the epitome of mediocrity over the last 20 years, and has a "franchise" QB who seems to be regressing? check I just don't see how Miami hangs with NE week one.
Would love to hear some thoughts from the regulars and the guys who do this for a living..........