Jump to content
Washington Football Team Logo
Extremeskins
Forum Rules and Guidelines

Week 1 Predictions: by Tony Moss

flexxskins

By flexxskins
in The Stadium

Recommended Posts

flexxskins

flexxskins

Posted
Posted

By Tony Moss

NFL Editor

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/misc/scrimmage.htm

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - What do Weeb Ewbank, Joe Gibbs, Bud Grant, Tom Landry, Don Shula, Hank Stram, and Bill Walsh have in common?

They're all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

What else do they have in common?

They all started their NFL head coaching careers with losses.

Before winning two NFL titles with the Colts and a Super Bowl with the Jets, Ewbank's 1954 Baltimore team laid a 48-0 egg at the feet of the Los Angeles Rams.

Walsh may have been the father of the west coast offense, but it was a while before his kid could walk - the 49ers started 0-7 in his rookie season of 1979.

Landry didn't win a single game in 1960, his first season with the Cowboys, and Gibbs opened his tenure by going 0-5 in 1981.

The moral here for fans of the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and St. Louis Rams is this: be patient.

You're expecting to see your team usher in its new head coaching era with a victory this weekend, but a loss shouldn't make you throw up your hands and make embittered speeches to your friends about the guy that should have been hired.

In reality, none of the teams trotting out first-year head coaches this year have much of a chance to turn things around in their first season on the job, much less their first game. The Vikings are the only members of the above group that are fresh off a winning season, and theirs was a shaky 9-7 campaign that was borne out of one of the weakest divisions in football. Also, in addition to their own enhanced level of responsibility, all seven of the newbies will be working with a staff and roster of players that has undergone significant turnover.

For the same reasons that it is unadvisable to check out a new restaurant on opening night, you might want to give the new regimes some time to get all the recipes down.

Let's take a look at the week that will be in the National Football League:

UNDER THE KNIFE, OUT OF THE PICTURE

The emergency appendectomy undergone by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday could have implications for Pittsburgh beyond its Week 1 contest against the Dolphins. Though there is speculation that the Super Bowl-winning signal-caller could play in Week 2, the opponent on Sept. 18th will be the Jacksonville Jaguars, which happen to feature one of the toughest, hardest-hitting defenses in the NFL. For that reason, the Steelers could decide to rest Roethlisberger until the team's more important Week 3 matchup with the Bengals at Heinz Field.

There is some recent precedent for recovery time following an appendectomy. Jets safety Erik Coleman underwent an appendectomy during the first week of August, and wasn't available to play for the team until Week 3 of the preseason, when he returned to the lineup on a limited basis. In 2005, Cowboys tight end Dan Campbell missed just nine days following an appendectomy, though he wasn't counted on to play as many snaps as would a quarterback like Roethlisberger.

BRANCH OUT?

Deion Branch.

It appears extremely unlikely that Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch will return to the field in time for the team's opener against the Bills on Sunday, as the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP continues to express dissatisfaction with his contract situation. Branch earlier this week filed two grievances against the team, alleging that New England failed to negotiate in good faith over an extension of the player's current contract, and that it failed to entertain "fair and reasonable" offers to trade him. The grievances are expected to be ruled on within a week.

The Patriots had given Branch until September 1st to pursue a trade, and the wideout and his agent found serious suitors in both the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets. According to the Boston Herald, the Seahawks offered Branch a six-year, $39 million contact to include a $13 million signing bonus, but New England was unwilling to let the Louisville product go for the Seahawks' offer of a second-round draft choice. The Patriots' best offer is reportedly a five- year deal worth $28 million, with $11 million in guaranteed money. Branch's current contract is set to pay him $1.05 million for this season, though that figure is subject to a daily fine of $14,000 for each day that Branch has missed since the start of training camp.

Ex-Charger Reche Caldwell and veteran Troy Brown are New England's likely starters at wide receiver on Sunday.

DOMANICKED

The offense renaissance that the Houston Texans were supposed to embark upon under first-year head coach Gary Kubiak could be dead on arrival, now that running back and top weapon Domanick Davis is out for the year with a knee injury. Now charged with running behind one of the league's worst offensive lines is a group including sixth-round draft choice Wali Lundy (Virginia); second-year pro Vernand Morency, who has 46 career rushing attempts; and the recently-acquired Ron Dayne, who has struggled to find holes opened by good linemen over his career and is unlikely to find himself in Houston. Look for the Texans to try and spread the field and throw a lot to wideouts Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds, as well as the four tight ends that the team kept on the roster.

FOLEY'S FOLLEY

Did Steve Foley forget that he doesn't still play for the Bengals? The San Diego Chargers linebacker was shot three times early Sunday morning by an off- duty police officer who had attempted to pull the 30-year-old linebacker over on three occasions after his car was seen weaving through traffic near downtown San Diego. During the third stop, which occurred near Foley's home, a female acquaintance allegedly drove Foley's car straight at the officer, which prompted two shots, then Foley made a reaching movement towards his waistband, resulting in the shots that struck him. Foley is expected to make a full recovery, but will not play in 2006 and is likely facing criminal charges. The Louisiana-Monroe product had 14 sacks for the Chargers in 2004-05, including a team-high 10 when San Diego won the AFC West in '04.

FANTASY - FIVE TO START

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona (vs. San Francisco) - Cardinal passing game should light up the 49ers defense, which was last in the league against aerial attacks last season.

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh (vs. Miami) - With Big Ben out, Parker should get somewhere around 25 carries against the Dolphins.

Reuben Droughns, RB, Cleveland (vs. New Orleans) - Saints defensive front seven might be the worst in football.

Bobby Engram, WR, Seattle (at Detroit) - Had a great training camp and preseason, and will be Matt Hasselbeck's top target with Darrell Jackson coming off an injury.

Dallas Defense (at Jacksonville) - Jaguars have an uncertain situation at receiver and in the backfield, and Cowboys defense has the makings of a top- five unit.

FANTASY - FIVE TO BENCH

Daunte Culpepper, QB, Miami (at Pittsburgh) - Better wait to determine what Culpepper looks like over the course of a complete game.

Steve McNair, QB, Baltimore (at Tampa Bay) - Ravens offense should be better in '06, but playing against the stifling Bucs defense is a tough start.

Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota (at Washington) - Trendy fantasy pick will have trouble finding running room against Gregg Williams' defense.

Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay (vs. Chicago) - Bears secondary is still the best in the league.

Donte' Stallworth, WR, Philadelphia (at Houston) - In less than two weeks with his new team, you can't yet expect Stallworth to be fully acclimated.

SUICIDE POOL PIX

1. New England (vs. Buffalo) - They might not be the Patriots of old, but they won't lose to the Bills at home.

2. Washington (vs. Minnesota) - Redskins might not score a ton of points, but their defense will rule the night.

3. Arizona (vs. San Francisco) - Yes, they're the Cardinals, but they won't christen their new building with a loss to the woeful Niners.

THE GAMES

Miami (0-0) at Pittsburgh (0-0), Thursday, 8:30 (Pittsburgh -1)

Storylines: NFL opens its 87th season with the reigning Super Bowl champion Steelers hosting the Dolphins...Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not play following an emergency appendectomy on Sunday...Miami QB Daunte Culpepper makes his Dolphins debut, and makes his first regular season appearance since the then-Viking suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Panthers last Oct. 30th...Steelers ended last season with an eight-game winning streak including their Super Bowl win, while the Dolphins won their final six contests under first-year head coach Nick Saban...Steelers receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) expected to start against Miami...Miami newcomers besides Culpepper include offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey (former Bills head coach) and starting secondary members Will Allen (ex-Giants) and Renaldo Hill (ex-Raiders)...Pittsburgh will suit up without both running back Jerome Bettis (retired) and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El (free agent defection to Washington) for the first time since 2001.

Fast Fact: Daunte Culpepper's only career start against the Steelers was a 21-16 loss for the Vikings on Dec. 2nd, 2001, a game in which Culpepper was sidelined early in the fourth quarter with a left knee injury.

Prediction: Dolphins have an opportunity with Big Ben out of the lineup, and they'll seize upon it. Dolphins 17, Steelers 16.

---

Atlanta (0-0) at Carolina (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Carolina -6)

Storylines: NFC South rivals face off in Charlotte...Panthers swept the Falcons in a home-and-home last season for the first time since 1997, defeating Atlanta by scores of 24-6 and 44-11...Wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson (Panthers) and Ashley Lelie (Falcons) will make debuts with their respective teams...Carolina first-round draft choice DeAngelo Williams (Memphis) expected to receive second-team carries behind DeShaun Foster...Defensive end John Abraham, tackle Grady Jackson, and safeties Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker among the newcomers slated to start for the Falcons on defense...Former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kris Jenkins expected to start for Carolina after missing most of the past two seasons with knee and shoulder injuries...Atlanta linebacker Edgerton Hartwell (knees) is out for Week 1, and will likely be replaced by Demorrio Williams.

Fast Fact: The Panthers' 44-11 win over the Falcons in Week 17 of the 2005 season was the largest defeat ever for Atlanta in a game started by quarterback Michael Vick.

Prediction: Falcons won't be embarrassed again, but they won't do enough on either side of the ball to win. Panthers 23, Falcons 16.

---

New Orleans (0-0) at Cleveland (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Cleveland -3)

Storylines: Sean Payton makes his debut as the Saints head coach, and quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush make their first formal appearances in New Orleans uniforms... Browns wideout Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow, two former first-round round draft picks who come off of major knee injuries, are both slated to see action...Saints running back Deuce McAllister will start after missing the final 11 games of the 2005 season with a torn ACL...Browns quarterback Charlie Frye starts an opener for the first time in his career...outside linebacker Willie McGinest will make debut in Cleveland following a 12-year run with the Patriots, and veteran defensive tackle Ted Washington will also make his initial start as a Brown...ex-Giants, Buccaneers, and Seahawks wide receiver Joe Jurevicius expected to make first start for Cleveland...Lennie Friedman, the fifth player to work at center for Cleveland during training camp, expected to snap the ball to Frye.

Fast Fact: Saints quarterback Drew Brees is 2-0 as a starter against the Browns, with both wins coming in Cleveland.

Prediction: Charlie Frye won't see a weaker defense all year, so he'd better take advantage. Browns 27, Saints 17.

---

Seattle (0-0) at Detroit (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Seattle -6)

Storylines: The era of new head coach Rod Marinelli begins in the Motor City...Seahawks try to work towards becoming first Super Bowl runner-up since the 1999 Titans to return to the playoffs the next season...Quarterback Jon Kitna makes his regular season Lions debut, as do new coordinators Mike Martz (offense) and Donnie Henderson (defense)...Seattle wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who missed the entire preseason following knee surgery, slated to play against Lions...Former Vikings wideout Nate Burleson to make Seahawks debut...Newcomers to Seahawks starting lineup to include former Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson (ex-49ers)...Rookie linebacker and No. 9 overall draft pick Ernie Sims (Florida State) to make first pro start for Lions...Seahawks free safety Ken Hamlin to make first regular season appearance since suffering a broken skull in an altercation outside a Seattle nightclub last October.

Fast Fact: The only two-touchdown game of Seattle receiver Nate Burleson's career came in a 28-27 win for the Vikings at Detroit on Dec. 19th, 2004.

Prediction: A tough first assignment for Marinelli will result in a loss to the defending NFC champs. Seahawks 31, Lions 15.

---

Philadelphia (0-0) at Houston (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Philadelphia -5½)

Storylines: First-year Houston head coach Gary Kubiak makes his formal debut on the Texans sideline...Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to the field after missing the final seven games of 2005 with a sports hernia...With running back Domanick Davis (knee) out for the season, 2006 sixth-round draft choice Wali Lundy (Virginia) slated to start for Texans...Former Saints wideout Donte' Stallworth makes his debut as an Eagle...No. 1 overall draft pick and defensive end Mario Williams (N.C. State) plays his first regular season game as a pro...Ex-Saints defensive end Darren Howard makes his debut with Philadelphia...Wide receiver Eric Moulds to make his first start with Houston after 10 years in Buffalo (1996-2005)...Eagles running back Brian Westbrook slated to return after missing most of the preseason while nursing a sprained foot...Eagles 2006 first-round draft choice and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) expected to come off the bench.

Fast Fact: Eagles head coach Andy Reid is 2-5 in season-openers.

Prediction: Houston is in disarray, and Philly has its act back together following the T.O. debacle. Eagles 22, Texans 7.

---

Cincinnati (0-0) at Kansas City (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Kansas City -3)

Storylines: Herm Edwards coaches his first game on the Chiefs sideline... Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer makes his first formal appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in last year's AFC Wild Card round playoff loss to the Steelers...Kansas City unveils new offensive line of Kyle Turley and Kevin Sampson, who take over for retired former starters Willie Roaf and John Welbourn...ex-Patriots and Jets cornerback Ty Law makes his formal debut in a Chiefs uniform...Chiefs running back Larry Johnson will try to extend his streak of 100-yard games to 10, which would be four behind Barry Sanders' NFL record of 14 in a row...Kansas City first-round draft choice Tamba Hali (Penn State) slated to start at defensive end...Bengals running back and former first-round draft pick Chris Perry (ankle) will miss the first six weeks of the season...Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams to make his debut with Cincinnati.

Fast Fact: The last Chiefs head coach to win the first game of his regular season tenure was Frank Ganz in 1987.

Prediction: Palmer's performance against Green Bay in the preseason was no aberration. Bengals 28, Chiefs 24.

---

Buffalo (0-0) at New England (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (New England -9)

Storylines: Buffalo begins the tenure of Dick Jauron with a trip to meet AFC East rival New England...Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch, who is holding out in a contract dispute, is not expected to join team in time for Week 1...First-round New England draft choice Laurence Maroney (Minnesota) slated to receive second-team carries behind starting running back Corey Dillon... Buffalo wideout Peerless Price to make his first appearance as a Bill since departing the franchise following the 2002 season...Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Junior Seau expected to start at inside linebacker in his first game with New England...J.P. Losman, who won a three-way competition for starting quarterback duties in the preseason, will start at quarterback for Buffalo...Bills first-round draft picks in safety Donte Whitner (Ohio State) and defensive tackle John McCargo (N.C. State) both tabbed to fill reserve roles in Week 1.

Fast Fact: The Bills are 1-10 in their last 11 games against the Patriots, including 0-5 in New England.

Prediction: They may not be the Patriots of old, but they'll be light years better than Buffalo, especially at home. Patriots 20, Bills 9.

---

Denver (0-0) at St. Louis (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Denver -4)

Storylines: First-year Rams head coach Scott Linehan makes his regular season debut...Denver not expected to reveal whether Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, or Cedric Cobbs will start at running back until game time...ex-Packer Javon Walker will make his debut in a Denver uniform...Rams QB Marc Bulger to start after missing the final six games of 2005 with a shoulder injury...defensive tackle La'Roi Glover (ex-Cowboys), linebacker Will Witherspoon (ex-Panthers), cornerback Fakhir Brown (ex-Saints) and safety Corey Chavous (ex-Vikings) slated to start for new-look Rams defense coordinated by former Saints head coach Jim Haslett...Second-year-pro Paul Ernster expected to punt for Broncos due to the absence of Todd Sauerbrun, who is serving a four-game suspension for violation of the league's steroid policy...St. Louis seeking to snap a four-game home losing streak dating back to a win against the Jaguars last Oct. 30th.

Fast Fact: Torry Holt's first 100-yard receiving performance at the Edward Jones Dome came in a 41-36 win for Holt's Rams over the Broncos on Sept. 4th, 2000.

Prediction: Newly configured Rams attack isn't quite ready to take off, but they'll give the Broncos some trouble. Broncos 24, Rams 22.

---

Baltimore (0-0) at Tampa Bay (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Tampa Bay -3)

Storylines: Former Titan and 2003 league co-MVP Steve McNair makes his first regular season start as a Raven...Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms starts his first NFL opener...Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to make first regular season appearance since missing the final 10 games of 2005 with a thigh injury... Buccaneers to make first appearance at Raymond James Stadium since January's 17-10 loss to Washington in an NFC Wild Card playoff...Running back Mike Anderson, who rushed for 1,014 yards and 12 touchdowns with Denver last season, is expected to back up the Ravens' Jamal Lewis...Buccaneers first- round draft pick Davin Joseph (Oklahoma) will start at guard...First-round draft choice and defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (Oregon) and ex-Broncos end Trevor Pryce will start along the line for Baltimore...Former Pro Bowl wide receiver David Boston, who has just four receptions since 2003, slated to make his regular season debut with Tampa Bay.

Fast Fact: Baltimore head coach Brian Billick is 1-1 head-to-head against Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden, with the win coming against Gruden's Raiders in the 2000 AFC Championship.

Prediction: McNair and the Baltimore offense will have trouble against the league's top-ranked defense of a year ago. Buccaneers 16, Ravens 10.

---

N.Y. Jets (0-0) at Tennessee (0-0), Sunday, 1:00 (Tennessee -2½)

Storylines: First-year head coach Eric Mangini takes the reins of the Jets for the first time in a regular season game...Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher not expected to announce a decision between Kerry Collins and Billy Volek as the team's starting quarterback prior to game-time...Mangini not expected to announce a starter at running back from a group including holdovers Derrick Blaylock and Cedric Houston, as well as former 49er Kevan Barlow...Jets starting QB will be Chad Pennington, who missed the final 13 games of 2005 with a torn rotator cuff...Fisher has suggested that rookie and No. 3 draft pick Vince Young will play in some capacity in the opener...New York 2006 first-round draft picks in tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Virginia) and center Nick Mangold (Ohio State) both expected to start on Sunday...Ex-Patriot receiver David Givens slated to make his formal Titans debut on Sunday...Chris Brown will start at running back for Titans, ahead of backups Travis Henry and LenDale White.

Fast Fact: The first win for the Titans' Jeff Fisher as a head coach was a 24-10 victory over the Jets on Dec. 24th, 1994.

Prediction: Somebody has to win, so it might as well be the team with the more certain quarterback situation. Jets 13, Titans 12.

---

San Francisco (0-0) at Arizona (0-0), Sunday, 4:15 (Arizona -7½)

Storylines: Sunday will mark the first regular season game in the history of Cardinals Stadium, the 63,400-seat retractable-roof facility located in Glendale, AZ...four-time 1,500-yard rusher Edgerrin James to see his first regular season work in an Arizona uniform...49er quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore will make the first opening-day starts of their NFL careers...Cardinals defensive end Bertrand Berry, who missed the final eight games of 2005 with a torn pectoral muscle, will make his return to the field...San Francisco rookie tight end and No. 6 overall draft choice Vernon Davis to make his formal pro debut...Cardinals are attempting to win their third straight game against San Francisco, which would mark their longest winning streak against the Niners since winning four straight from 1974 to 1979...Wide receiver Antonio Bryant, who posted a 1,000-yard season with the Browns in 2005, to make his first regular season appearance as a 49er... Arizona linebacker Karlos Dansby (toe) and tackle Oliver Ross (knee) both expected to miss the opener.

Fast Fact: Cardinals receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin combined for 19 receptions, 285 yards, and a touchdown in a 17-10 win over the 49ers in Week 13 of last season.

Prediction: Cardinals look ready to make a serious run at respectability, and they'll be riding an emotional high in the opener at their new facility. Cardinals 33, 49ers 21.

---

Chicago (0-0) at Green Bay (0-0), Sunday, 4:15 (Chicago -3½)

Storylines: Storied division rivalry marks the first career head coaching appearance of Mike McCarthy in Green Bay...Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre to start for the Packers for a 14th consecutive regular season opener...Bears QB Rex Grossman to open game for Chicago after missing 14 regular season games with a broken fibula last season...Packers running back Ahman Green expected to start after missing the final 11 games of 2005 with a ruptured quadriceps tendon...Thomas Jones to start at running back for the Bears over 2005 No. 4 overall pick Cedric Benson...New-look Green Bay defense will feature rookie linebacker A.J. Hawk (Ohio State) and ex-Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson for the first time...Bears swept home-and-home against the Packers last season, the first time since 1991 that has occurred...Packers will unveil new specialists Jon Ryan at punter and Dave Rayner at kicker.

Fast Fact: The Bears last won three straight games over the Packers in 1991-92, when they completed a run of five victories in a row versus Green Bay.

Prediction: Rex Grossman will find the cure for his ills - a shaky Green Bay defense. Bears 23, Packers 14.

---

Dallas (0-0) at Jacksonville (0-0), Sunday, 4:15 (Jacksonville -2½)

Storylines: Terrell Owens slated to make his first formal appearance as a Cowboy...Following retirement of Jimmy Smith in the offseason, starting wideouts for Jaguars will be Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford...Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor, who missed five games due to injury in 2005, expected to start in the backfield...Dallas kicker Mike Vanderjagt (groin) may not be able to make his formal Cowboys debut on Sunday, with Shaun Suisham a possibility to start in his place...Jaguars safety Donovin Darius to make his return to the field after missing the final 14 games of 2005 with a torn ACL...Dallas starting left tackle Flozell Adams (calf) considered questionable for Sunday, rookie Pat McQuistan (Weber State) would start if Adams is unavailable...Jacksonville middle linebacker Mike Peterson (knee sprain) considered questionable for Sunday...Tight end and Jags first-round draft pick Marcedes Lewis (ankle) is also questionable.

Fast Fact: The most recent win for Bill Parcells against the Jaguars was a 34-24 victory for his New York Jets in a 1998 AFC Divisional Playoff.

Prediction: T.O. will be the story, but the Cowboys defense will be the impetus behind the win. Cowboys 17, Jaguars 9.

---

Indianapolis (0-0) at N.Y. Giants (0-0), Sunday, 8:15 (Indianapolis -3)

Storylines: Brothers Manning will meet on the field for the first time in their careers...Both the Colts (21-18 loss to Steelers in AFC Divisional Playoff) and Giants (23-0 loss to Panthers in AFC Wild Card Round) will take the field for the first time since their notable playoff meltdowns...Colts will unveil Dominic Rhodes as their starter at running back, the first player other than Edgerrin James to start a Week 1 contest in the backfield for Indianapolis since 1998...first-round draft choice Joseph Addai (LSU) also slated to see time in the backfield for Indy...Giants defense to feature new starters in ex-Redskin linebacker LaVar Arrington, ex-Dolphin cornerback Sam Madison, ex-Raven safety Will Demps, and fourth-round draft choice and tackle Barry Cofield (Northwestern)...Kicker Adam Vinatieri expected to make his Colts debut despite a sprained ligament and chipped bone in his left foot...First-round draft pick and defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) slated to come off the bench for G-Men.

Fast Fact: Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is 0-4 in his career against the Colts.

Prediction: This would have been a better game in December - right now, the Colts are in a different class. Colts 28, Giants 20.

---

Minnesota (0-0) at Washington (0-0), Monday, 7:00 (Washington -5)

Storylines: First-year Vikings head coach Brad Childress makes his regular season debut in the nation's capital...Redskins running back Clinton Portis, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in the team's first preseason game, considered questionable for Sunday...Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson returns to face the Redskins, for whom he started 27 games in 1999-2000... Notables to make their first appearances for Washington to include wide receivers Antwaan Randle El (es-Steelers) and Brandon Lloyd (ex-49ers), running back T.J. Duckett (ex-Falcons), defensive end Andre Carter (ex-49ers), and safety Adam Archuleta (ex-Rams)...Former Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders to call his first game with the Redskins...Washington went 0-4 in the preseason, and was outscored by a composite of 104-27...Vikings to unveil a new backfield starter in ex-Raven Chester Taylor...Former Eagles starting receiver Todd Pinkston could be on the field for Vikings, which would mark his first game appearance since Super Bowl XXXIX.

Fast Fact: Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs is 8-0 all-time against the Vikings.

Prediction: Vikings offense won't get off the mat against the Washington "D", and Brunell will be able to take advantage of the short fields. Redskins 24, Vikings 3.

---

San Diego (0-0) at Oakland (0-0), Monday, 10:15 (San Diego -3)

Storylines: Art Shell returns to the Raiders sideline for the first time since being fired following the 1994 season...San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2004 Draft, makes his first professional regular season start...Ex-Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks to make his formal debut in a Raider uniform...San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who did not appear in the preseason, will take the field for the first time in 2006... Chargers have won five straight in the series dating back to 2003, their longest run since winning the first six head-to-head meetings (1960-62)... Chargers will be without outside linebacker Steve Foley, who will miss the season after being shot three times by an off-duty police officer this past Sunday...Raiders first-round draft pick and safety Michael Huff (Texas) slated to come off the bench on Monday, as is Chargers '06 first-rounder and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (Florida State).

Fast Fact: Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer is 10-2 in his career against the Raiders' Art Shell.

Prediction: The Raiders will hang, but Schottenheimer always finds a way to take down the Silver and Black. Chargers 20, Raiders 19.

I hope this wasn't posted already. This guy Moss has won me alot of money in the past. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dirk Diggler

Dirk Diggler

Posted
Posted

I'm no big SF fan but I got a good feeling that they go into Zona and spring the upset. Every suicide pool has one big exodus week 1 and that's it.

The Cardinals got to pick their opponent for Week 1 christining of the new stadium and chose SF. There's no bigger motivation for a team than that right there. At the very least - take the points and run.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...