New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, 18:00
Distinctly underwhelming though their appearance on this season's 'Hard Knocks' has been; the Falcons will surely improve on last season's disastrous 4-12 record. However, the Saints are not the team to face if you are lacking in confidence, and with the unstoppable Jimmy Graham providing target practice for Drew Brees, this could get ugly.
Recommended Bet
Back New Orleans @ 1.684/6 to win
Minnesota Vikings @ St Louis Rams
Sunday, 18:00
The Adrian Peterson show rolls into St Louis this weekend, but even Indestructible Ade might have his work cut out against a resolute run defence. Someone has to win this battle of two divisional wooden-spooners, but with sub-par QBs at the helm this is an under/over play rather than a supremacy one.
Recommended Bet
Back Under 43.5pts @ 1.981/1
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, 18:00
With a potentially great quarterback on the bench and an average one named as the starter the Browns might have to get worse before they get better. In the meantime, momentum is with the Steelers, who beat the Browns 20-7 in the last game of 2013. Expect a similar story on Sunday with defences dominating.
Recommended Bet
Back Under 41.0pts @ 2.111/10
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, 18:00
There is plenty of hype around the free-scoring Eagles this season, and there are not many easier season-openers than a home tie against the lagging Jags. For us to believe the hype, this needs to pulsate with points.
Recommended Bet
Back over 52.5pts @ 2.0421/20
Oakland Raiders @ New York Jets
Sunday, 18:00
The Jets have a gaping hole at cornerback. If they can surmount that problem, they are an infinitely better outfit than last season with several, rather than zero, attacking options. I expect them to muller...yes muller, the hapless Raiders.
Recommended Bet
Back the Jets -5.5pts @ 2.0421/20
Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, 18:00
This promises to be as tight as a gnat's behind, so you'd have to be crazy to get involved. What's that...you are crazy. In that case I'd just side with carrot top and the solid Bengals.
Recommended Bet
Back the Bengals @ 2.0421/20
Bufallo Bills @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, 18:00
The quarterback contest in this one; Cutler v Manuel, is not a contest - it's a massacre. With both teams coming off mediocre seasons someone needs to put down a firm marker, and it's not likely to be the 2nd year man slinging for Buffalo.
Recommended Bet
Back the Bears -3.5pts (first half) @ 2.01/1
Washington Redskins @ Houston Texans
Sunday, 18:00
Will the real RGIII please stand up. That's what Redskins fans are praying for, and against the odds, I take the gifted one to provide the impetus for an unlikely win.
Recommended Bet
Back the Redskins @ 2.6213/8
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 18:00
The Chiefs could be a force this year if they continue their upward progress, whereas the Titans seem destined for woodenware. Kansas have a stellar running back in Jamal Charles, and he alone should rack up enough yardage to make this one comfortable.
Recommended Bet
Back the Chiefs @ 1.654/6
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Sunday, 18:00
TV: Sky Sports 1
One man is an island; well he is if his name is Derelle Revis, the new cornerback for the Pats. With this golden piece of the jigsaw in place, and Gronk back for battle, Tom Brady's bunch are destined for greatness. Miami on the other hand...are not.
Recommended Bet
Back the Patriots -4.5pts @ 2.111/10
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, 21:25
The Panthers should not be receiving a head start in this game...but they are, and we're backing them. There is a huge asterisk attached to this tip because if Cam Newton doesn't start, it's a different ballgame and all bets are off.
Recommended Bet
Back the Panthers +2.5pts @ 2.111/10
San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, 21:25
TV: Sky Sports 1
You have to feel sorry for Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones. If someone told him that by crawling 10 miles over broken glass he'd ensure a Superbowl win, we all know he'd do it. Unfortunately miracles don't happen and with this tough start to the season, prayers will once again go unanswered.
Recommended Bet
Back the 49ers to win @ 1.528/15
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
Monday, 01:30
TV: Channel 4
The odds on this being 0-0 are a squillion to one but the Under/Over line reflects this (55.5pts), so we'll stick with the obvious play; Denver to boss things at Mile High and hit the ground running, or should that be trotting.
Recommended Bet
Back the Broncos -7.0pts @ 1.910/11
New York Giants @ Detroit Lions
Tuesday, 00:10
TV: Eurosport
The Giants have more problems than a Man United forum modulator; injuries, tactical confusion and a head coach who is well past his sell-by-date to name but three. With a following wind, Megatron could break a record or two today!
Recommended Bet
Back the Lions -5.5pts @ 1.9520/21
San Diego Chargers @ Arizona Cardinals
Tuesday, 03:20
TV: Eurosport
Any side that can stick it to Seattle in their own back yard are worthy of respect, and that's exactly what Arizona alone managed to do last season. They meet decent opposition in the form of the Chargers in week one, but if they have deep post-season pretentions they need to win this one.
Recommended Bet
Back the Cardinals @ 1.664/6