Mike Lineback
4* 49ers -2.5 -130 (1/2 pt buy)
Basically, playing against two teams' adjusting to new coaches and new schemes, that both had defensive issues & QB protections problems last season. And the problem may be worse to start the 2010 season. Not to mention, they lack playmakers on the offensive end. Bills QB Edwards has talent, but often makes enough crucial mistakes to lose games. Seattle QB Hasselbeck could be running for his life on Sunday. The OL is banged up & unsettled again. They haven't decided on their starting LT for Sunday. And you know, San Francisco are going to attack this weakness with relent. In addition, Carroll let go of his veteran receivers, thus, Hasselbeck will have to rely on young unproven talent, at all the offensive skill positions. Ewards O options are limited as well. On the flip side, both San Francisco & Miami, have solid QB's, strong running games, and plenty of playmakers in the passing game. San Fran QB Smith, always very talented, came on strong last season, and is playing in the same O system, in consecutive seasons, for the first time in his career.
4* 49ers -2.5 -130 (1/2 pt buy)
Basically, playing against two teams' adjusting to new coaches and new schemes, that both had defensive issues & QB protections problems last season. And the problem may be worse to start the 2010 season. Not to mention, they lack playmakers on the offensive end. Bills QB Edwards has talent, but often makes enough crucial mistakes to lose games. Seattle QB Hasselbeck could be running for his life on Sunday. The OL is banged up & unsettled again. They haven't decided on their starting LT for Sunday. And you know, San Francisco are going to attack this weakness with relent. In addition, Carroll let go of his veteran receivers, thus, Hasselbeck will have to rely on young unproven talent, at all the offensive skill positions. Ewards O options are limited as well. On the flip side, both San Francisco & Miami, have solid QB's, strong running games, and plenty of playmakers in the passing game. San Fran QB Smith, always very talented, came on strong last season, and is playing in the same O system, in consecutive seasons, for the first time in his career.
Evan Altemus
3 Units Dolphins -3
Miami has had one of the best offseasons in my opinion by adding star wide receiver Brandon Marshall and Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator. The Dolphins are poised to have a big year with Chad Henne returning as the starter and finally having a playmaker on offense to throw to in Marshall. Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are healthy, and they should have no problem running through a Bills defensive line that was absolutely horrible against the run last year. Buffalo meanwhile has one of the worst offensive lines in football and are trying to institute a new offense. This game is a bad match-up for them, as they struggled last season against power rushing teams like Miami. I expect the Dolphins to make a huge statement in this game with their defense and what should be a much improved offense against a Bills team that is likely to struggle this season.
3 Units Dolphins -3
Miami has had one of the best offseasons in my opinion by adding star wide receiver Brandon Marshall and Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator. The Dolphins are poised to have a big year with Chad Henne returning as the starter and finally having a playmaker on offense to throw to in Marshall. Both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are healthy, and they should have no problem running through a Bills defensive line that was absolutely horrible against the run last year. Buffalo meanwhile has one of the worst offensive lines in football and are trying to institute a new offense. This game is a bad match-up for them, as they struggled last season against power rushing teams like Miami. I expect the Dolphins to make a huge statement in this game with their defense and what should be a much improved offense against a Bills team that is likely to struggle this season.
STAN LISOWSKI
3* DETROIT +6.5
Lions are going to be a club to keep an eye on as they made improvements on defense while adding big offensive options to that side of the ball with Burleson and Scheffler added in trades, with Best, a huge draft pick. All of which should help star-in-waiting Stafford at QB; and all-world WR Johnson. The Bears showed in the preseason that there could be some issues with the offensive line as Bear QBs were sacked a lot. Chicago has dropped their regular season opener to the number 6 of the past 9 years. Winless clubs from the exhibitions have lost ATS in the 1st game for real 86% of the time the last 3 years.
3* DETROIT +6.5
Lions are going to be a club to keep an eye on as they made improvements on defense while adding big offensive options to that side of the ball with Burleson and Scheffler added in trades, with Best, a huge draft pick. All of which should help star-in-waiting Stafford at QB; and all-world WR Johnson. The Bears showed in the preseason that there could be some issues with the offensive line as Bear QBs were sacked a lot. Chicago has dropped their regular season opener to the number 6 of the past 9 years. Winless clubs from the exhibitions have lost ATS in the 1st game for real 86% of the time the last 3 years.
