In the parody that is the NFL today, I will help guide you through the confusion, madness and uncertainty. Every week I’ll provide a glimpse into the future and prognosticate the outcome of several of the top matchups.
- Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers\nBrett Favre returns for his 18th season and needs only seven passing touchdowns to break Dan Marino’s all-time record. The Packers lost starting halfback Ahman Green during the off-season and hand the reins over to Vernand Morency. Donovan McNabb claims that he’s not 100 percent, but that still is better than 75 percent of the quarterbacks in the league. The Packers again left Favre weaponless and the offense will, at best, be streaky. Look for the Eagles to coast to an easy victory.\nPrediction: Eagles 27 - Packers 14
- Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Redskins\nSince Dan Marino retired seven years ago, the Dolphins have gone through 10 starting quarterbacks. This year the Dolphins hope Trent Green can solve their quarterback woes. Washington is starting third-year quarterback Jason Campbell, who had an impressive 102.9 quarterback rating in the preseason. This one should be close but the Dolphins’ defense, ranked fourth in 2006, will prove to be the difference.\nPrediction: Dolphins 24 - Redskins 17
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings\nAs a result of Michael Vick’s illegal dog fighting ring, the Atlanta Falcons need to rely on Joey Harrington, who is starting over with his third team. Minnesota has similar problems as they are hoping the unproven, second-year player Tarvaris Jackson can provide stability at the position. Both offenses will struggle, but the Vikings win a low-scoring affair thanks to last year’s top ranked defense against the run.\nPrediction: Falcons 10 - Vikings 13
- New England Patriots vs. New York Jets\nJets coach Eric Mangini got his players to overachieve last year en route to a 10-6 record and a wildcard birth. They picked up Thomas Jones in a trade from the Chicago Bears, who will provide consistency at running back. The New England Patriots acquired Adalius Thomas during the off-season who will fit perfectly into Bill Bellicheck’s 3-4 defense. More importantly, the Patriots also brought in Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, and Wes Welker to provide Tom Brady with an arsenal of weapons. The Patriots will not miss Richard Seymour or Rodney Harrison on their way to a convincing win in week 1.\nPrediction: Patriots 34 - Jets 20
