The Chippers Top 5
Predictions for Week 1:
Atlanta Falcons @ Kansas City Chiefs
Without Tamba Hali and Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs will not be able to stop Julio Jones and Roddy White. Kansas City’s offense is not good enough to win shootouts, even at home. The Chiefs have a lot of great football ahead of them, but they’re running into a bit of a buzzsaw in Week 1. The Falcons just have too much offensive firepower to be stopped this week.
Prediction: Falcons 27, Chiefs 21
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Expect Buffalo to come out on top. The Jets offense has been woefully bad in the preseason, while Buffalo has looked good. Mario Williams and the Buffalo defensive line should tee off against an overmatched Jets offensive line on their way to rattling Mark Sanchez. Don’t expect many points in this one.
Prediction: Bills 16 Jets 10
San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers
The 49ers have the defense to make things tough on the Packers, but they won’t be able to stop them. Once the Packers get ahead, the SF offense lacks the firepower to catch up. So even if they do slow Green Bay down, it won’t be enough. The 49ers will find success pounding the football with Frank Gore and friends. In the end, the Packers make one more play than the Niners.
Prediction: Packers 27, 49ers 20
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are putting some great things together, but the Panthers already have a good thing going of their own. Cam Newton aside, the Buccaneers are going to have serious trouble stopping the Panthers rushing attack. Add in a quarterback who can beat opponents any way he wants, and this could get ugly in a hurry if Josh Freeman doesn’t keep pace. This should be a great game.
Prediction: Panthers 24 Buccaneers 14
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos
What – you think I wasn’t going to pick this one? Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will undoubtedly test Manning early to see just how in-sync the Broncos are on offense early. Even without Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh will be able to pressure Manning. This will be a great test for both clubs with Denver coming out on top in the new Peyton Place.
Prediction: Broncos 21 Steelers 17