The 2015 NFL season started rather inauspiciously for the sports editor, as an 8-8 mark was all he could muster.
Who knew the Bills would look this good? Who knew the Vikings would look uglier than San Francisco’s new uniforms? And who could have guessed just how ugly Cleveland’s revamped look would be?
Week 2 starts tonight with a great game, with the Cheaters at the Bills the marquee noon game Sunday. Toss in what could be a good Dallas at Philly battle in the afternoon and the appetite should be properly whetted for Seattle’s highly-anticipated visit to a not-yet-Frozen Tundra in Green Bay.
Having to endure Chris “Nasal” Collingsworthless on the color mic on Sunday’s is still a shame, but at least Al is still on play-by-play.
Monday’s Jets at Colts game is a dud, but a tip of the hat to the ESPN announce team for donning the old ABC gold sports coats last week in honor of the passing of the late Frank Gifford, who, for my ears, was an all-time top-five play-by-play man.
On with the pics! Feel free to comment, harangue, laugh, disparage or maybe even agree with what you see …
Thursday’s Game
BRONCOS at CHIEFS, 7:25 p.m., CBS/NFLN
Is Peyton fading? The numbers seem to say so, but porous play up front is a possibly bigger concern. Look for the KC pass rush to have a good ol’ time … KC 27-16.
Sunday’s Games
PATRIOTS at BILLS, 12 p.m., CBS
My dislike of the Pretty Boy goes back to his Michigan days, so I am not the garden-variety Brady Hater. However, I am not letting that color my choice; the Buffalo defense is doing that for me … BILLS 26-17.
TEXANS at PANTHERS, 12 p.m., CBS
One of several toss-ups this week. I question Carolina’s offense just a bit more that Houston’s … TEXANS 19-16.
CARDINALS at BEARS, 12 p.m., FOX
Two of the oldest franchises still standing meet on Lake Shore Drive, where once the playing of stout defense was a matter of pride. Look for Chicago to do just enough … BEARS 24-23.
CHARGERS at BENGALS, 12 p.m., CBS
San Diego would be a lock if this were the playoffs … CINCY 31-23.
TITANS at BROWNS, 12 p.m., CBS
Another four TD passes in the first half from Mariota? Unlikely. But he might throw three in the game … TITANS 28-13.
LIONS at VIKINGS, 12 p.m., FOX
Hey, didn’t you use to be “All Day?” Time to prove it … NORSE 27-20.
BUCCANEERS at SAINTS, 12 p.m., FOX
Mr. Brees must be drooling waiting for the Tampa Bay pass ‘defense’ to show up … NAWHLINS 38-14.
FALCONS at GIANTS, 12 p.m., FOX
Atlanta tried to blow their first game; New York did. This week the tables turn … GIANTS 20-17.
49ers at STEELERS, 12 p.m., FOX
Imagine the visual assault if San Fran were to wear those Week 1 unis and Pittsburgh showed up in the awful bumblebee throwbacks … STEELERS 26-16.
RAMS at REDSKINS, 12 p.m., FOX
The St. Louis defense wobbled a bit down the stretch last week, but Washington does not present anywhere near the same challenge that Seattle does … RAMS 30-10.
DOLPHINS at JAGUARS, 3:05 p.m., CBS
Miami drives up the coast and leaves an easy winner … DOLPHINS 24-14.
RAVENS at RAIDERS, 3:05 p.m., CBS
The loss of Mr. Suggs could prove very costly as Baltimore’s season progresses, but the Raiders might not have their entire arsenal, either. Quoth … well, you know … RAVENS 28-13.
COWBOYS at EAGLES, 3:25 p.m., FOX
Dallas pulled one out last week despite losing spark plug Dez Bryant, while Philly could not overcome a slow start. This week the tables turn, part II … EAGLES 27-24.
SEAHAWKS at PACKERS, 7:30 p.m., NBC
The sour taste in Green Bay’s mouth will not go away with a win tonight (they want Seattle in the playoffs) but sending the Seabags to 0-2 should serve as sweet consolation … PACKERS 30-20.
Monday’s Game
JETS at COLTS, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Indy found out last week they simply cannot show up and expect to win. The smart bet here is Mr. Luck puts on a prime time show throwing away from Revis … COLTS 27-17.
