The first week is always tough. I was tempted to go to back to the Giants. Super Bowl champions traditionally have done well in the weekday, prime time opener. I will demure. I will go with a trio of favorites with top QBs under center hoping talent triumphs in the early season.
home team in bold
Best Bet
Detriot Lions (-7.0) over St. Louis RamsAssuming Matt Stafford stays healthy I see the Lions building on last year�s success. The defense can only get better and has the talent to do so despite deficiencies in the secondary. Jeff Fisher has a lot of work to do in St. Louis. I thought this line would be double digits to be honest.
Others
Green Bay Packers (-5.0) over San Francisco 49ersAaron Rodgers versus Alex Smith is a mismatch of epic proportions. Am I the only one that thinks the Niners could take a step backwards in Jim Harbaugh�s second season?
New England Patriots (-6.0) over Tennessee Titans
Tom Brady versus Jake Locker might be a bigger mismatch than Rodgers versus Smith. Chandler Jones coming off the edge and Dont�a Hightower lining up all over the field should make the Patriots defense much more formidable. Brady has the ability to mask offensive line deficiencies. Locker�s lack of passing accuracy and Kenny Britt�s suspension make the Patriots secondary woes a moot point.
Super Bowl
New York Giants (+3.0) over New England Patriots WINLast year's playoffs: 7-4
Last year's regular season: 27-22-2 Best Bets: 5-11-1