GAME PREDICTION: San Francisco 27 New York Giants 17

Arizona at Washington
The Cardinals cannot afford to participate in a shoot out against Washington because their defense is still sub-par to NFL standards. We look for Arizona to use their improved offensive line to create openings for Thomas Jones and try to control the clock. Jones should carry the ball often but the improved Redskins’ defense should limit his output. Jake Plummer will have problems with the pressuring Washington defense and may have several turnovers. David Boston is much more physical than his defenders and presents a match-up problem for the Skins. He should have a productive afternoon as should newly acquired TE Freddie Jones.

            The Steve Spurrier era officially begins in Washington and the Fun ‘N’ Gun offense will take advantage of a porous Arizona defense. Shane Matthews gets the starting job this game and should post above average fantasy numbers. Our concern here is Spurrier’s track record of shuffling quarterbacks in a game. Washington is an excellent fantasy team quarterback play but beware of the individual QB. Stephen Davis is a perfect fit for this offense and his size and receiving abilities will present match-up problems for Arizona. Matthews should be able to spread the football among the Redskins receivers, but we look for Rod Gardner to have the best totals at the end of the game. Keep an eye on sleeper candidate WR Demetrius Thompson as well as TE Walter Rasby.

GAME PREDICTION: Washington 31 Arizona 20

Atlanta at Green Bay
The new look Falcons may have a difficult time getting their offense untracked at Lambeau. Second-year QB Michael Vick lacks needed experience and receivers against a vastly improved Green Bay defense. However, his athleticism may produce decent total yardage figures. Warrick Dunn will find little running room against the Packers but could be effective as a receiver. If the Falcons are able to penetrate the red zone area, look for rookie T.J. Duckett to become involved. The inexperience receiving corp has too may question marks at this point to recommend any starters for this game. We expect TE Alge Crumpler to play an important part in the passing game this week and throughout the season.

            Green Bay has a very balanced attack although the receiving unit has failed to rise to expectations at present. Brett Favre remains a very solid fantasy quarterback and should produce excellent numbers against the Falcons.We expect Favre to utilize TE Bubba Franks often during this game and look to newly acquired WR Terry Glenn on some deep patterns. Another priority for Green Bay is the establishment of the #2 wide receiver either Robert Ferguson, Donald Driver or rookie Javon Walker. Last season the Falcons maintained Ahman Green but Atlanta has changed defensive schemes this year to a 3-4 alignment which should enable Green to surpass the century mark on Sunday.

GAME PREDICTION: Green Bay 27 Atlanta 19

Baltimore at Carolina
Two years removed from the Super Bowl, the Ravens have undergone a major revamping project. The new quarterback is Chris Redmond who has underachieved in the pre-season. Redmond best receiver for this game should be TE Todd Heap, who has looked reliable in the exhibition campaign. WR Travis Taylor is starting to show some long awaited ability and has a firm grip as the #1 receiver. The receiving position opposite Taylor is being contested between Brandon Stokely and Ron Johnson. The key of Baltimore’s offense this season is RB Jamal Lewis. Lewis, who missed all of 2001 with a knee injury, appears to be fully recovered. However, the question remains on how much of a work load he can handle after a year of inactivity.

            Carolina is very optimistic under the leadership of new coach John Fox. Fox brings discipline and enthusiasm to this football club. QB Chris Wienke has matured and is more comfortable. The return to health of WR Mushin Muhammad and the emergence of deep threat WR Steve Smith will help solidify the passing attack. TE Wesley Walls also returns from injury and remains a threat especially in the redzone area. The Panthers were very excited about rookie RB DeShaun Foster, but injury will force him out of the lineup for the first month of the season. The running game is led by ex-Dolphin Lamar Smith, who had a disappointing 2001 season.

GAME PREDICTION: Carolina 17 Baltimore 14

Detroit at Miami
The Lions are another team in transition as coach Marty Mornhinweg has acquired some personnel to fit his West Coast scheme. The Detroit starting QB for now remains Mike McMahon who will make use of the short passing game against the Dolphins. His new receiving component includes Az-Zahir Hakim, Bill Schroeder, and Scotty Anderson. Miami’s secondary is very physical and should over-power the pocket-sized receivers. With Germane Crowell out of the lineup, the Dolphins’ secondary will focus on stopping Hakim. Detroit’s offensive line is much improved and the running attack led by James Stewart could be effective against the injured Dolphin defensive line. Look for FB Cory Schlesinger to become more engaged in the passing game on Sunday.

The Dolphins offensive attack is now under the direction of guru Norv Turner. The acqusition of  Ricky Williams should provide more balance in Miami’s offensive assault and allow QB Jay Fiedler to utilize the play action passing game which best suits his ability. Williams should be a workhorse against the Lions and exceed the century mark in rushing yards. Fiedler, who has looked unimpressive during the pre-season will look for emerging WR Chris Chambers, who has the athleticism to defeat the Detroit secondary. If Chambers receives double coverage, Oronde Gadsen will enjoy a productive outing. The sleeper of the year maybe rookie TE Randy McMichael, who has looked impressive the last month with his speed and ball-catching ability.

GAME PREDICTION: Miami 24Detroit 13

Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Optimism is high in Indianapolis as new coach Tony Dungy brings hope for an improved defense. This improvement should eliminate the pressure upon QB Peyton Manning to force opportunities thus reducing his interception total. The Colts acquisition of WR Qadry Ismail and the emergence of WR Reggie Wayne to go along with All-Pro WR Marvin Harrison should help create a very potent passing attack. Throw in TE Marcus Pollard who the Colts use effectively and the Indianapolis attack may equal that of the Rams. For the Colts to enjoy a successful campaign it is imperative that RB Edgerrin James returns to health following his knee injury last season. This could be a critical area because last year’s backup Dominic Rhodes has been lost for the season. James could have a huge game against a depleted Jaguar front.

            The Jaguars were hit hard by salary cap issues but return the heart of their offense. The late signing of WR Jimmy Smith  and the return to form by RB Fred Taylor will greatly assist this offensive attack. Taylor, when healthy, is one of the premiere running backs in the NFL. It remains to be seen if Fred can overcome his injury jinx. If healthy and motivated, Taylor could have a great game against the Colts. Mark Brunell remains a fantasy dilemma but the return of Smith and the emergence of WR Bobby Shaw should help his cause. However, we don’t anticpate strong numbers in the passing game for this contest. Expect TE Kyle Brady to become an active ingredient in Jacksonville’s offensive scheme this season.

GAME PREDICTION: Indianapolis 34Jacksonville 20

Kansas City at Cleveland
The second year under Vermeil’s guidance should produce solid numbers for QB Trent Green. Although Green has not performed well in the exhibition season, his improved receiving corps will enable the offense to be more versatile. If Kansas City can protect their quarterback from the Cleveland blitz, Green should post solid numbers. WR Johnnie Morton helps bring steadiness at the receiving position, and his athleticism should enable the ex-Trojan to enjoy a spectacular season. Eddie Kennison starts opposite of Morton and has yet to reach his potential. TE Tony Gonzalez just reported to camp and we expect him to be a little rusty for this contest. The key to winning for the Chiefs in this game is the effectiveness of RB Priest Holmes. Although the Browns may contain his rushing totals, Holmes should be valuable as a secondary receiver.

            The availability of QB Tim Couch for this contest has yet to be determined. The Browns need to establish the running game with rookie William Green or Jamel White because Couch is very operative off play-action. White in particular could expose Kansas City’s weak line-backing unit. WR Kevin Johnson should confuse the Chief’s secondary and be open for several deep passes. WR Quincy Morgan should struggle in this game and will be a non-factor. The Browns need to clear up their tight end situation.

GAME PREDICTION: Cleveland 20Kansas City 17

Minnesota at Chicago
The Vikings should improve considerably this season under coach Mike Tice following a disappointing 2001 campaign. Minnesota desperately needs to re-establish the running game in their offense and RB has performed well in the pre-season. However, the Chicago front seven is too strong and athletic for Minnesota’s offensive line and Bennett will have a difficult time running against the Bears. If QB Duante Culpepper can evade Chicago’s pressure, he could post above average fantasy numbers in this contest. WR Randy Moss was promised a larger role in Minnesota’s offense this year, and  he should be able to exploit the Bear’s coverage. The other Viking receivers D’Wayne Bates and Derrick Alexander are new to this offense, but are quick enough to be effective if the Bears concentrate on stopping Moss. We like the chances of TE Byron Chamberlain who can provide a quick receiving alternative for Culpepper.

            We feel that Chicago will try to control the tempo of this game and expose the susceptible Vikings defense. RB Anthony Thomas should have a huge game on Sunday and carry the football 25 - 30 times. QB Jim Miller has struggled during the pre-season but is blessed with a fairly solid receiving unit in Marty Booker, Dez White, Marcus Robinson and David Terrell. White in particular has looked very impressive in pre-season and could surprise the Minnesota secondary. TE Fred Baxter is almost a non-factor in the passing offense.

GAME PREDICTION: Chicago 28Minnesota 24

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo
Expectations are extremely high for the Jets in the coming season. The offensive philosophy still concentrates upon hammering the football with RB Curtis Martin. Buffalo’s defensive front is in transition and CMart should have a very productive outing on Sunday. QB Vinny Testaverde is much more comfortable in the Jets offense and has a nucleus of exciting receivers. Laveraneus Coles offer the deep threat to this attack and Wayne Chrebet is his steady, reliable self. We are impressed with second year receiver Santana Moss who is electrifying in the open field. TE Anthony Becht is a streaky performer but could have a solid game because Buffalo has experienced difficulties in covering the tight end position.

            QB Drew Bledsoe has the western New York area excited about the 2002 season. Bledsoe has adjusted well to the Bills’ offensive scheme and if he gains the needed protection from his offensive line, he could enjoy a fantastic season. WR Eric Moulds appears to be his old self after a lackluster 2001 season. Moulds present a problem for opposing defenses because of his size and athleticism. WR Peerless Price also looked very comfortable in the pre-season and rookie Josh Reed should see considerable playing time as Buffalo’s third receiver. Bledsoe loves throwing to his tight ends and Jay Riemersma should have an excellent game. Also, the ancient Larry Centers provides a security escape for Bledsoe. If Buffalo can establish their running game with Travis Henry, this offense could become one of the more productive units in the NFL.

GAME PREDICTION:Buffalo 24 New York Jets 21

Philadelphia at Tennessee
The Eagles are a heavy favorite in the NFC East to repeat as champions of that division. QB Donovan McNabb is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL and he can defeat you in a variety of ways. Tennessee’s pass defense was horrible last season and we see little improvement in the Titans’ secondary which should pave the way for an excellent outing for McNabb.  The Eagles received a boost to their receiving unit with the addition of WR Antonio Freeman. Freeman and James Thrash could enjoy productive totals in this game. TE Chad Lewis remains McNabb’s favorite target in the red-zone area. RB Duce Staley is a versatile back but we have the feeling that ex-Packer Dorsey Levens will become the feature back near the goal line.

            No team was more disappointing in 2001 than Tennessee. The key element of the Titans’ offense remains to be RB Eddie George. George suffered through an injury plagued season last year but he has shown that he’s fully recovered in the pre-season. Tennessee need George to rush the ball repeatedly against the under-sized Eagle front. QB Steve McNair will have a difficult time throwing against the talented Eagle secondary but could be effective with his scrambling ability. The Titan wide-outs Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson will also struggle against the Eagles’ cornerbacks. Reliable TE Frank Wycheck looks to be the best receiving option for “Air” McNair.

GAME PREDICTION: Philadelphia 23Tennessee 20

San Diego at Cincinnati
The Drew Brees era officially begins in San Diego. Head coach Marty Schottenheimer will bring Brees along slowly emphasizing a very conventional attack featuring LaDainian Tomilson. The Cincinnati secondary is below average and Brees should enjoy moderate success off the play-action scheme. He should look to undervalued WR Curtis Conway who should create match-up problems for the Bengals’ deep backs. Tim Dwight starts opposite Conway and could use his speed to defeat the secondary on deep patterns. However, we expect to see Tomilson receive considerable rushing attempts in this ball game. LaDainian has been slowed by an ankle injury in the pre-season and the extent of his durability is unknown at present.

            The Bengals have decided that Gus Frerotte provides them with the best chance to win at quarterback. Frerotte is a veteran whose greatest asset is his ability to protect the football. This should allow RB Corey Dillon to find more openings against less crowded defensive fronts. Dillon has the ability to post solid numbers against the Chargers. The Bengals have searched for numerous ways to involve WR Peter Warrick in their offense and the addition of WR Michael Westbrook, should open upWarrick on underneath patterns. The Bengals rarely use their tight end but both Sean Brewer and Matt Schobel have looked good in the pre-season.

GAME PREDICTION: Cincinnati 16 San Diego 14

New Orleans at Tampa Bay
The Saints have changed personnel in several  offensive areas most noticeably Ricky Williams and Willie Jackson. Duece McAllister replaces Williams, and the former Ole Miss star have looked exceptional in the exhibition season. McAllister has excellent speed and versatility and is a threat any place on the field. His ability should help QB Aaron Brooks effective off the play-action passing game. Brooks is a very athletic quarterback who does exceeding well when he plays within his abiltiy. We expect Tampa Bay to pressure him considerably in this game. WR Joe Horn has the size and speed to create havoc for the Buccaneers’ secondary but needs help from newly acquired WR Jerome Pathon and rookie Donte Stallworth to avoid being double-covered. New TE David Sloan has good receiving skills and should find seams in the middle of the field.

            Offensive guru Jon Gruden takes over in Tampa Bay and supplies the enthusiasm and confidence for last season’s struggling offensive attack. QB Brad Johnson has quickly learned Gruden’s offensive playbook and should have plenty of time to throw against the Saints. Keyshawn Johnson looks primed for an outstanding season and will see plenty of passes this season as Tampa Bay has redesigned their offense to fit Johnson’s skills. The presence of newcomers Keenan McCardell and Joe Jurevicius should also upgrade Tampa Bay’s Passing game. With so much attention given to Johnson, these receivers coudl post career years. Former Colt Ken Dilger takes over at tight end but his role appears to be more of a blocker than receiver. The Buccaneers have two powerful running backs in Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott who should have considerable success against New Orleans.

GAME PREDICTION: Tampa Bay 30New Orleans 24

Seattle at Oakland
Last season RB Shaun Alexander scorched the Raiders for 266 yards but should find difficulty running against an improved Oakland defensive front. The absence of QB Trent Dilfer should also allow the Raiders to crowd the line of scrimmage denying Alexander the momentum needed to create the big play. With Dilfer out for this game, Matt Hasselbeck becomes the starting quarterback. The Seahawks will find passing difficult against the Raiders’ secondary. WR Darrell Jackson will match up against Charles Woodson and the ex-Florida star will not post any significant numbers. Koren Robinson has shown considerable improvement during the off-season but could become Seattle’s main receiver in this contest. Rookie Jerramy Stevens is pushing Itula Mili for the starting tight end job.

            The Raiders have a new coach Bill Callahan, who was under Jon Gruden last season, so expect little change in their offensive philosophy. The ageless veteran QB Rich Gannon is an excellent field general who capitalizes on what the opponent gives him. Gannon should have a strong game against a very porous Seattle secondary. Tim Brown should post solid receiving numbers but Jerry Rice matches up against All-Pro CB Shawn Springs. Look for WR Jerry Porter to have a fine day as Oakland’s slot receiver. TE Roland Williams rarely see passes in his direction so we would look elsewhere at that position. The running back situation in Oakland remains puzzling. Charlie Garner gets the majority of work but from recent reports it looks like Tyrone Wheatley may become the main back inside the red zone.

GAME PREDICTION: Oakland 31 Seattle 14

St. Louis at Denver
This game should be the most intriguing game of the first weekend. The high potent Rams offense should face a legitimate challenge from an improved Denver defense. QB Kurt Warner should have plenty of time to throw the football but Denver’s coverage unit is above average against the pass. Of the big two receivers, Torry Holt and Issac Bruce, we feel that Bruce will post the better numbers in this contest. We also like the chances of Ricky Proehl to reach the endzone. The Broncos athletic linebackers will neutralize the effectiveness of TE Ernie Conwell. Marshall Faulk should be the star of this game for the Rams as his shifty moves and speed will be to much of a challenge for Denver.

            The Broncos are healthy for the first time in a year and have added TE Shannon Sharpe to their arsenal once again. QB Brian Griese has struggled in the pre-season and his confidence is lacking. Griese needs to come out strong throwing the football and allowing his excellent supporting cast to make plays. WR Rod Smith is a strong play in this contest, and the addition of Eddie McCaffery and Sharpe only makes him more dangerous. Sharpe is a big game performer and should be to attack the underneath seams in the Rams defense. Denver’s running back situation remains unsettled.  Orlandis Gary is reported to be the starting back but he may not be elusive enough against St.Louis’ athletic, swarming defense. We feel that RB Mike Anderson will secure the majority of carries because he is a big, physical back who causes the Rams problems.

GAME PREDICTION: St. Louis 34 Denver 27

Dallas at Houston
This game is for state rights in Texas and the Cowboys will play extremely hard to avoid embarrassment to the fledgling Texans. All eyes should be focused upon RB Emmitt Smith in his quest for the all-time NFL rushing record this season. Running behind a formidable offensive line, Smith should be close the century mark rushing this contest. Expect RB Troy Hambrick to receive extensive action in this contest. This is the type of game which QB Quincy Carter will not be forced to make the big play. Carter will enjoy moderate success off play-action and could surprise with several deep connections. WR Joey Galloway is the best option for Carter, and could post some solid numbers if the Cowboys decide to air the football. Rookie Antonio Bryant has elevated himself to the # 2 position, because of Raghib Ismail injury, but will not have a breakout game on Sunday. TE Tony McGee will act as a safety valve for Carter.

            The expansion Texans will struggle to move the football against a very improved and athletic Cowboy defense. Rookie QB David Carr is expected to play and will face continuous stalking from the Dallas front seven. Carr’s numbers will only be productive if the game gets out of hand. If Houston has any hope of moving the football it may come from the run with running backs James Allen and rookie Jonathan Wells. All of Houston’s receivers this exhibition season have played erratically and are not worthy of a fantasy starting spot at this point of the season.

GAME PREDICTION: Dallas 23 Houston 10

Pittsburgh at New England
Are you ready for some football? The Steelers will be out for revenge against the World Champion Patriots on Monday night. The key to Pittsburgh’s success is the play of Kordell Stewart. In last year’s AFC championship game, Stewart was intercepted three times and ended up throwing 42 passes. Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey must find a way to settle Kordell down against the complex New England defense. RB Jerome Bettis starts out completely healthy this season but will be spelled by Amos Zereoue. Pittsburgh’s main receiving threat is Plaxico Burress. Burress has excellent size and strength which may create a problem for the Patriots secondary. Hines Ward is still recovering from a pre-season injury but rookie Antwaan Randle El was electricifying when he touched the ball during the preseason and scored three total touchdowns.

The defending Super Bowl champs will face a hungry, talented football team who was embarrassed by the Patriots last season. Cinderella QB Tom Brady faces a difficult challenge against the Steelers blitzing defense. Antowain Smith was a major reason for the Patriots’ success last season and must continue to produce for the Patriots. Troy Brown is a game-breaker and a difference maker in the New England offense. In Brown, David Patten and rookie Deion Branch, the Patriots have three receivers with great speed, quickness and big-play ability. Tights ends Christian Fauria and Daniel Graham may see several passes in their direction if the pressure is unbearable on Brady.

GAME PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 24 New England 20

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