My 2 cents:

Saints at Panthers - Both of these teams have the talent to be major contenders in the NFC battle this season. The New Orleans success depends on a consistent season by QB Aaron Brooks and RB Deuce McAllister. I’ve read reports that New Orleans Oline has improve, which should provide more opportunity for McAllister to have a good season. Carolina seems to start off slow, so I pick a New Orleans win.

Bears at Redskins - This will definitely be a Washington win. Chicago is again in the position of starting their back-up QB, with Grossman out for the majority of the season. In addition, their possible star rookie RB, Cedric Benson, is still holding out. While I am confident that he will sign his contract and eventually be a breakout RB, I don’t think this will come to term by week one. Washington’s D will be too tough to this season to give up a loss to DaBears.

Broncos at Dolphins - This was a difficult decision as Miami scares me a little this season. If their QB can come out and have a decent season, they may pose a threat to my beloved Bills. A Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown tandem is frightening. However, unlike other people, I actually have faith in Jake the Snake and Coach Shannahan, so I see a Broncos win in week one.

Eagles at Falcons - Although fun to watch, Vick hasn’t gained my confidence in Atlanta’s ‘West Coast’ offense. The Eagles have a tough D and I believe the upper hand. Eagles = victorious.

Raiders at Patriots - This is a tough one. New England = Super Bowl Champs, whereas Oakland has made some major offensive changes in the off-season. I think Oakland is going to start out shaky, so I give this win to NE.

Texans at Bills - I’m a little bias when it comes to this prediction, but regardless of a possible ‘green’ performance by QB JP Losman, I feel McGahee and the Bills D will carry the Bills through with a victory.

Jets at Chiefs - Regardless of RB Priest Holmes’ magical play making ability, another threat to a Buffalo takeover of the AFC East is the New York Jets. Coming off of a disappointing playoff loss last season, the Jets have something to prove. With an improved D and a new WR threat in Coles, I see them having a great season. I see NY, unfortunately, victorious in this battle.

Seahawks at Jaguars - The Jags had a difficult season last year, merely pulling last minute victories. I see them having another difficult season. The Seahawks, with franchise tagged Shaun Al come away with a victory in this game.

Bengals at Browns - I have very little faith in Trent Dilfer carrying the Browns through a winning season, even with the Reuben Droughns and rookie Braylon Edwards additions. Cincinnati has Palmer, who could step up and have a solid year. In addition, RUDI, RUDI, RUDI will hopefully be a non-stop force. Cincinnati will pull away with a victory in this first game.

Buccaneers at Vikings- Even without Moss, a Culpepper lead team will pull away with a victory against Cadillac and a decent Tampa Bay offense.

Cowboys at Chargers - Can Drew Brees do it again? It’s possible. But the bigger question is will Drew Bledsoe do it again. ‘It’ being, provide an inconsistent performance week in and week out. Don’t get me wrong, as a Bill backer, I hold Bledsoe high on my favorite QB list, but his inconsistencies make it difficult to expect him to carry a mediocre team, regardless of the coach.

Titans at Steelers - The Titans, regardless of having McNair back and their new rookie addition “Pacman”, will have a difficult season. It’s kind of scary when you’re calling on Drew Bennett to be your #1 go to guy. The Steelers own this game, hands down.

Cardinals at Giants - The Cardinals are up-and-coming and the Giants aren’t going to stop them. With their newly acquired RB JJ Arrington, their veteran QB Kurt Warner and their stellar receiving core, Arizona should be major contenders this season. This will be a fly-by win for Arizona.

Packers at Lions - Favre is the man. However, Harrington could become the man. Joey has his weapons, but can he load the proverbial gun effectively? Green Bay’s D is ‘icky’ (sorry, I’m the father of a newly talkative two year old…I say potty as well.). This is a tough call, as it depends on Harrington being more productive than last season. Regardless of a few TDs by Favre, I think the Lions pull away with a victory on this one.

Rams at 49ers - Alex Smith can’t immediately save this franchise, so Bulger and Holt win this match-up. St. Louis pulls out an easy win.

Colts at Ravens - Although I feel it will be extremely difficult for Peyton to have a comparable year to last season, he may get close. His weapons haven’t changed and the improved Colts defense should enable the offense to have more time on the field. On the other hand, Baltimore should be scary this year with a slimmer, faster Jamal Lewis. Their D is incredible and they are determined to succeed with Kyle Bohler. Regardless, Indy comes out with a victory, but not a trouncing.

/end rant