“NFL OPENING WEEKEND

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Here comes the NFL with the first weekend of games.

A couple really big time matchups in the beginning of this 17-game haul.

A look at storylines as we start the NFL season.
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CHARGERS-MIAMI….The debut of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator linking with smart-guy QB-Justin Herbert.  But there is so much around Herbert that makes the Bolts offense elite.  The Keenan Allen-Mike Williams-Gerald Everett trio looks great.  So does the RB tandem of Austin Ekeler-Isaiah Spiller-Joshua Kelley.  Add in what appears to a studded star group in the offensive line, that has to stay healthy.  Is there enough on defense and can they stay healthy is the big question.  The Dolphins need to have a different Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, one who has had concussion issues.  Tyreek Hill-Jalen Waddle-Ced Wilson are so fast-so dangerous at wide out.  Would have thought they’d have made the deal for a running back, but has not happened yet.  This should be a wild, high scoring lidlifter.

RAMS-SEAHAWKS…This looks like the beginning of a miserable season at So Fi Stadium.  Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald are all that is left from the Super Bowl crew.  The loss of WR-Cooper Kupp with a recurring hamstring injury is a huge blow.  The offensive line had 12-different combos last season.  This year there could be 3-new rookies and first year starters and then, what happens if starters get hurt.  Name me a starter on defense aside from Donald.  So many new players, and no Jalen Ramsey-Bobby Wagner -Leonard Floyd and a host of other starters.  Seattle, building back, has Geno Smith for his 2nd year as a starter amid questions was last year an anomaly, or is he on the right track?  Kenneth Walker leads the running group.  Really deep at wide receiver.  The back end on defense looks really special.  Bad weekend, first of many, coming for the Rams.

CHIEFS-LIONS…Thursday preview loaded with questions.  There is no Chris Jones at defensive tackle, so KC’s defense might not be the same.  The offense is all about Patrick Mahomes, but now Travis Kelce is dinged.  Can the Lions hold up to all the hype.  They have changed the style of Jared Goff at quarterback.  They are physical, and play really rugged on defense with
Aiden Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.  Interesting matchup coming

CAROLINA-ATLANTA…Bryce Young debuts for the Panthers but without alot of firepower around him.  Desmond Ridder has the Falcons starting job and watch names like Bijan Robinson-Kyle Pitts.

BROWNS-BENGALS…Joe Burrow health and Deshaun Watson’s full off season  are the storylines..  Can the Bengals rag-tag offensive front, even with LT-Orlando Brown,holdup against Myles Garrett and a strong Cleveland defense.  If the Browns don’t have a great season, coach Kevin Stefanski could be in trouble.

JAGUARS-COLTS..Will Trevor Lawrence and his big new WR-Calvin Ridley, take the next step in the playoffs?  The Colts will force feed 1st round draft pick Anthony Richardson, but the Jon Taylor-Zach Moss injury issues are significant.

BUCS-VIKINGS…Baker Mayfield and 3-big play wideouts go against a stripped down Minnesoita defense.  Does Kirk Cousins have enough offense firepower aside from star Justin Jefferson?  Will the Vikes defense have enough talent?

TITANS-SAINTS…Derek Carr takes over as New Orleans QB.  Ryan Tannehill is back at QB for the Titans.  DeAndre Hopkins debuts for Tennessee.  The Saints look really strong on both sides of the ball.

49ers-STEELERS…A really good first weekend matchup.  But there is no Nick Bosa in the San Francisco pass rush.  That’s a big player not on board.  What kind of season will Brock Purdy have coming off elbow brace surgery?  Does Kenny Pickett take another step forward at QB.

WASHINGTON-ARIZONA…The Cardinals are in disarray.  Washington believes Sam Howell is the QB of the future.  We know the Commanaders defense is superb.  Who knows what likes ahead.

HOUSTON-RAVENS…That’s CJ Stroud, surrounded by a ton of free-agents the Texans have built around their rookie QB.  The Ravens will be different.  Lamar Jackson is back and they are now 5-deep at receiver, with Odell Beckham coming on board.  The Ravens could be dominant on offense.

PACKERS-BEARS…Jordan Love is the guy who must win this, but he won’t have Aaron Rodgers’ wide receivers on the roster.  They do have 2-solid running backs.  The Bears, Justin Fields was dynamic till he got hurt.  Chicago just does not look to have enough players.

RAIDERS-DENVER…Much anticipated the debut of Sean Payton, but he is without 4-top receivers with injuries, and may have to limit RB-Davante Williams.  They do bring back a load on defense.  Josh McDaniels has a new QB in Jim Garoppolo, an unproven offensive line, alot of kids and some veteran help on defense.  Who knows about the Raiders-because Jimmy G-Josh Jacobs-Davantae Adams cannot do it by themselves.

EAGLES-NEW ENGLAND..What an opener.  Jalen Hurts and his Super Bowl offense against Belichick and that defense..  New coordinator Bill O’Brien and Mac Jones against an Eagles Super Bowl defense.  What a chess match this will be.

COWBOYS-GIANTS..Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy calling plays.  A battered offensive line back healthy.  Typical Dallas defense.   Add in Brandon Cooks at wide out.  Interesting Dallas team.  Was that a budding star we saw last year with Daniel Jones, will Saquon Barkley have a big contract season?  Was that a real Giants season last year?

BILLS-JETS…The first of a steady diet of Aaron Rodgers on TV.  Will he be the big difference maker in New York?  Can the offensive front stay helathy?  Do they have the right combo of receivers?  The Bills have upgraded the run game and look as if they could be a Super Bowl team for the third year in a row.  But they have yet to do it.

Let the wild ride begin in the NFL.
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