The Redskins-Eagles opening week game could be the most up-in-the-air–and hyped–match-up, while the Colts could be the easiest winner against the visiting Raiders. The table below lists the match-ups (from the greatest toss-up to the greatest lock) from the newly released NFL schedule. The Redskins are at home, and were much better than the Eagles last year, but both quarterback variables may be answered that day. Is Robert Griffin III fully recovered? Will Mike Vick look like a video game hero again under Chip Kelly’s windsprint offense? (see favorites in all game below)
The Jets-Bucs match-up could be the second most evenly matched game – just because both teams are so bad. The question is if anyone will be worth watching on the Jets if neither Tim Tebow or Darrelle Revis are in Jets uniforms. Revis actually could end up in a Bucs uniform. Detroit and New Orleans should also be much improved this year and have even shots when Minnesota and Atlanta, respectively, come to town, which makes for four toss-ups on the opening weekend.
While Seattle is the favorite against Carolina, the Panthers will have fighting chance due to the Seattle’s 3000-mile flight and Cam Newton can get back some of the flashes of brilliance he showed in some magical performances down the stretch last season. Of course, these projections could change after the NFL Draft and any offseason moves and trades these various teams make.
| Host Sept 5-9 | Visitor | Notes on likely opening weekend winners |
|---|---|---|
| Washington (Mon) | Philadelphia | Healthy RGIII could face video game Michael Vick under Chip Kelly. |
| NY Jets | Tampa Bay | Not even fun if Tebow, Revis gone – 2 terrible teams. TOSS-UP. |
| New Orleans | Atlanta | Sean Peyton back to try to solve Matt Ryan. TOSS-UP. |
| Detroit | Minnesota | Calvin Johnson 125 yds receiving vs. Adrian Peterson 125 yds rushing? TOSS-UP. |
| Carolina | Seattle | Cam Newton regaining magic, but not enough for visiting Russell Wilson. |
| Cleveland | Miami | Miami’s Tannebill should best Norv Turner’s new Browns offense. |
| Dallas (8:30) | NY Giants | Eli Manning should get road win over Tony Romo. |
| San Francisco (4:25) | Green Bay | QB of future Colin Kaepernick home edge vs. best traditional QB Aaron Rodgers. |
| Buffalo | New England | Bills defense should be solid, but not enough to stop visiting Tom Brady. |
| San Diego (Mon) | Houston | Matt Shaub and Texans too good for declining Philip Rivers, even in SD. |
| Jacksonville | Kansas City | Jacksonville not quite as bad at home in Andy Reid’s Chiefs debut. |
| Denver (Thur) | Baltimore | Peyton Manning way too much at home vs. rebuilding Ravens. |
| Chicago | Cincinnati | Bears defense too tough at home if they just cover AJ Green. |
| St. Louis (4:25) | Arizona | Sam Bradford, much improved Rams handle 1-man team of Larry Fitzgerald. |
| Pittsburgh | Tennessee | Ben Roethlisberger’s Steelers not elite, but much better than Titans. |
| Indianapolis | Oakland | Andrew Luck, young Colts, face another weak opponent in Raiders. |
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