OK, football fans, the wait is over. The 2009 National Football League schedule begins tonight in Pittsburgh as the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers play host to the Tennessee Titans in the party-rific season opener at 7:30.
The Steelers are 5 1/2-point favorites, but in case you’ve forgotten, in Week 16 last year — the second last week of the 2008 season — Tennessee blew away the Steelers 31-14 to wrap up homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Not that it did the Titans any good and not that it will be remembered tonight, but for punters, it’s something to think about.
Overall, it will be a tremendous Week 1. Brett Favre will make his debut in a Minnesota Vikings uniform, Jay Cutler will be in Green Bay, wearing a Bears uniform against the Packers and the question of the week: Will Cincinnati’s Chad Ochocinco actually try to Twitter from the Denver end zone?
Oh, it’s going to be fun.
This season, Doctor Sports from Hot103 in Winnipeg and yours truly, from 92-CITI-FM, will battle every week right here at www.rivercitysportsblog.com for NFL bettor supremacy.
And I will win — again. Let’s get started…
1. Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5)
One has to wonder how distracted Big Ben is after the ”accusations”. Regardless, the Steelers are a better team at home.
Dr. Sports: Steelers by 7.
Scott Taylor: Steelers by 10
2. Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Even though we both think Miami will be a much improved football, we also agree that Atlanta is getting better and should win in the Georgia Dome.
Dr. Sports: Falcons by 6
Scott Taylor: Falcons by 7
3. Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens (-12.5)
Oh, this will not be pretty. Matt Cassel couldn’t avoid leading the NFL in getting sacked when he played in New England. He might break his ass in Kansas City.
Dr. Sports Baltimore by 14
Scott Taylor: Baltimore by 17
4. Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (+1.5)
It will be interesting to see how motivated McNabb will be with Vick in the crowd. Why don’t the members of the football media give Carolina more respect?
Dr. Sports: Eagles by 3
Scott Taylor: Carolina by 3
5. Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)
Dr. Sports likes to call him “Ochostinko.” Frankly, as a kicker, I like the guy. I think he’s colorful, a true star in the No Fun League.
Dr. Sports: Cincinnati by only 3 (the Bengals don’t cover).
Scott Taylor: Bengals by 10.
6. Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns (+3.5)
We’re both thinking Favre will light it up. I think Peterson will be unstoppable.
Dr. Sports: Vikings by 7
Scott Taylor: Vikings by 21
7. N.Y. Jets at Houston Texans (-4.5)
You know it’s a lousy week when CBS sends its “A” team to Houston. Neither of these dogs will be around in January.
Dr. Sports: Texans to win but the Jets will cover.
Scott Taylor: Texans by 10.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (-7.5)
Yikes! Call 9-1-1. What could save the Jags is that Indy has a real problem at offensive tackle.
Dr. Sports: Colts by 14.
Scott Taylor: Colts by 10
9. Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (-12.5)
Is Matthew Stafford the second coming of Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? As a Lions’ fan, Taylor is praying it’s Manning.
Dr. Sports: Saints will win but the Lions will cover.
Scott Taylor: Saints by 14.
10. Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5.5)
Who’s running the Buc’s offense? Doesn’t matter, just give it to Cadillac Williams. When he carries 22-plus times per game, the Bucs are 10-0. This is my upset of the week.
Dr. Sports: Cowboys by 7
Scott Taylor: Buccaneers by 3
11. San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)
Dr. Sports asks: Is Arizona a one hit wonder? Scott Taylor answers: Not with Larry Fitzgerald in the lineup.
Dr. Sports: Cardinals to win, but the 49ers should cover.
Scott Taylor: Cardinals by 10.
12. Washington Redskins at N.Y. Giants (-6.5)
Is it a rule that these teams have to meet in Week 1? No, but the Giants must like it. New York has won seven of the last 10 matchups. Taylor likes Washington’s chances in this one now that Plaxico Burress is in jail.
Dr. Sports: Giants by 7.
Scott Taylor: Giants by 3, Skins to cover.
13: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-8.5)
Nobody would care about this one, except that it should be a lock and therefore will make somebody some money.
Dr. Sports: Seahawks by 10.
Scott Taylor: Seahawks by 10.
14. Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-3.5)
Always a fun match up. Let’s see if the Bears have cleared up the QB situation this year. If they have, we’re both drinkin’ Lovie’s Kool-Aid.
Dr. Sports: Bears to win.
Scott Taylor: Bears by 3.
15. Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (-10.5)
Children under the age of 14 should not be allowed to watch. New England has won 11 consecutive games against Buffalo. Hate to be a Bills fan in Week 1, although T.O.’s presence always makes for an interesting train wreck.
Dr. Sports: New England by 14.
Scott Taylor: New England by 21.
16. San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (+9.5)
Groan. Coaches fighting on the sidelines, Jeff Garcia cut after the pre-season and an owner who doesn’t remember what planet he’s on… Will Oakland become the next Detroit? By the way, how did this one make the late game on MNF?
Dr. Sports: Chargers by 10.
Scott Taylor: Chargers by 17.
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