Each week I’ll examine some of the more interesting games on the schedule. If you don’t see your team’s game, they’re either playing the Bears (in which case I’ve covered it already), or I’ve decided it isn’t quite interesting enough to warrant my analysis. I hope you read anyway.
Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-1)
It’s hard to believe that with the off-season hype surrounding these two teams, one of them will start the season at 0-2. Minnesota should be able to use the same strategy the Bears employed to win, only with greater success. The Williams boys on the defensive line for Minnesota should cause even more problems for Manning, while Adrian Peterson will gash the Colts soft run defense. For the Colts to avoid a loss, Peyton must exploit a Vikings secondary that couldn’t hold down Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1)
After Pittsburgh’s demolishing of Houston last week, many experts jumped on their bandwagon to front the AFC. Just as many leapt off Cleveland’s, due to Dallas flexing their muscle. Even with the Browns’ new defensive acquisitions, look for Pittsburgh to pound at them with the run and keep Ben in the high teens for pass attempts. Derek Anderson must right the passing game with down-field plays to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.
Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1)
Green Bay left Minnesota with a much deserved win, now they visit a Lions team that could only watch in dismay as the Atlanta Falcons gained over 300 yards on the ground. Look for the Pack to leave this contest with two division wins in two games. Look for the Lions to implode early this year.
New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)
Quite possibly the most interesting game on the schedule, Brett Favre welcomes the Brady-less Patriots. The Jets are going to look to establish themselves as the team to beat in the AFC East, which is wide open. New England needs to find a way to run the ball, as Matt Cassel isn’t going to attempt thirty-five passes from the shotgun formation.
San Diego Chargers (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0)
The Chargers sure do like to make things hard on themselves. They are notorious slow starters. Denver wasted no time last Monday as Jay Cutler picked apart a pitiful Raiders defense. With no Shawne Merriman to rush the passer, Cutler should have all the time he needs to attack an average San Diego secondary in this division match-up.
Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
The Bills shocked everyone by dismantling perennial NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks. If Dick Jauron’s crew wants to capitalize on New England’s misfortune, beating a hard-nosed Jaguars squad will put them in the perfect position. Jacksonville is having offensive line troubles, which will make their renowned running game more difficult to maintain.
Tennessee Titans (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)
The only reason this stinker is on the list is because of Vince Young’s off the field craziness. This may be the first game of the post-Young era. Kerry Collins starts for Tennessee, and his skill set may be better suited for the current offensive scheme. If he plays at a high level, Vince Young may not return to the starting line-up. The Titans will hand-off to Lendale White and Chris Johnson all day, to which the Bengals have no defense. Carson Palmer should have a better game than the 95 yards and one interception outing he had last week, but it won’t help one of the worst teams in football.
