Sunday Previews And More.

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Tampa Bay at Atlanta

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

The final season at the Georgia Dome kicks off Sunday, when the Atlanta Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South clash. It’s a matchup of one quarterback on the rise in second-year Tampa Bay star Jameis Winston and one trying to regain his top form in Atlanta’s Matt Ryan.
Dirk Koetter makes his debut as Tampa Bay’s coach, and his success working with Winston as the offensive coordinator last year has prompted high hopes for the quarterback’s second pro season. Koetter was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator from 2012-14 under Mike Smith, who is now the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator. Tampa Bay swept the season series for the first time since 2007 last year, winning 23-20 in overtime at Atlanta and 23-19 at home. The Buccaneers have won three of the last five meetings to take a 23-22 lead in the all-time series.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Atlanta -2.5. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2015: 6-10, fourth place in NFC South): Winston became the third rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 4,000 yards, building a strong rapport with receiver Mike Evans (74 catches, 1,206 yards in 2015). The Buccaneers hope to improve the passing game to complement a ground attack that ranked fifth in the league with Doug Martin (1,402 yards, six TDs) leading the way. The Bucs ranked 10th in total defense last year but 26th in scoring defense, in large part because they allowed opponents to come away with touchdowns on 64.3 percent of trips inside the 20.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (2015: 8-8, second place in NFC South): Ryan passed for 4,591 yards a year ago – his fifth straight season going over 4,000 – but also threw 16 interceptions as the Falcons finished minus-7 in turnover margin. Two of the Falcons’ top offensive weapons are back in running back Devonta Freeman (1,056 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and receiver Julio Jones (136 catches, 1,871 yards, eight TDs), and Atlanta added receiver Mohamed Sanu from Cincinnati. The addition of defensive end Dwight Freeney should improve the pass rush and contribute to a respectable defense that returns leading tackler Paul Worrilow and sack leader Vic Beasley Jr.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jones has recorded at least five receptions and 50 receiving yards in 12 consecutive games.

2. Tampa Bay has totaled at least 375 yards in three straight contests, one shy of tying the franchise record set in 2012, and has matched the franchise mark of three straight games with at least 275 passing yards.

3. Martin has recorded 100 yards rushing just once in five meetings with the Falcons and averaged 83 in two clashes last season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Buffalo at Baltimore

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Emotions will be high when head coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills visit the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener on Sunday. Ryan, who was the Ravens' defensive coordinator for a decade, was a strong candidate for the head coaching job when the role opened up in 2008, but he was passed over in favor of John Harbaugh and still hasn't forgotten about it.
Ryan seemed only half-joking when he quipped during the week that the snub still irks him but the beleagured coach has issues of his own to deal with in Buffalo. Known as a defensive specialist, his Bills plummeted from fourth in the league to 19th in total defense last season and it used virtually its entire draft in an attempt to plug the holes. Even with Joe Flacco back under center after missing the final five games last season with a knee injury, Baltimore appears to have an uphill climb in its playoff quest. The Ravens seemed to be growing long in the tooth even before injuries derailed their 2015 season and will open the season with plenty of new faces in the starting lineup.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -3. O/U: 44.5.

ABOUT THE BILLS (2015: 8-8, third place in AFC East): Tyrod Taylor, who spent the first four years of his career as backup to Flacco, was a pleasant surprise last season, completing 64 percent of his passes for 3,035 yards and rushing for 568 more. The Bills also have depth in the backfield with Mike Gillislee and veteran third-down specialist Reggie Bush backing up LeSean McCoy, who is trying to rebound from a disappointing season when he rushed for 100 yards just three times and scored only five touchdowns. Buffalo, however, is starting the campaign a bit thin with Reggie Ragland (knee) out for the year and fellow rookie linebacker Shaq Lawson sidelined after shoulder surgery and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus suspended for four games.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (2015: 5-11, third place in AFC North): Baltimore cut its top running back Justin Forsett in the preseason but then re-signed the dual-threat back a couple of days later to add to their muddled backfield. Rookie Kenneth Dixon seemed to be the front-runner for the No. 1 job but he suffered a knee injury midway through the preseason, leaving both Terrance West and Buck Allen to split duties. After playing eight years with the Bears and the past two seasons with the Falcons, the Ravens added return specialist Devin Hester and look for wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury, to become one of Flacco's top targets.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ryan lost all three matchups against the Ravens as coach of the Jets but is 6-1 as a head coach in season openers with five straight victories.

2. Rookies make up one-fifth of the Baltimore's roster.

3. Veteran Ravens LB Elvis Dumervil (foot) is questionable.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Chicago at Houston

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

The Houston Texans will have a new quarterback under center when they kick off the 2016 campaign, but at least the most famous face on the other side of the ball is still around to lead the team. All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt will play in Week 1 when the Texans host the Chicago Bears despite missing the preseason following back surgery.
Watt, who has not missed a game in his five-year career, underwent extensive surgery following Houston's 30-0 loss in the wild card round of the playoffs last winter to repair damage to his abdominal muscles and abductors, and needed surgery again before the start of training camp to repair a herniated disk in his back. "I’m really looking forward to coming out and having a new mountain to climb,” Watt told reporters. “It’s been a lot of fun. There have been some days where it has sucked, where it absolutely sucked, but I really enjoyed the adversity that we faced and I enjoyed having to overcome those things." Watt could find himself going up against Bears tackle Kyle Long, who signed a four-year contract extension on Wednesday and anchors an offensive line that will be charged with keeping quarterback Jay Cutler healthy enough to play in all 16 games for the first time since 2009. "I think he's an important part of the foundation we're building here for the future," Chicago coach John Fox said of Long. "I think he's been a Pro Bowler. He brings the right mindset everyday to work. He's a leader in that locker room."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Texans -5.5. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE BEARS (2015: 6-10): Cutler's 92.3 passer rating in 2015 was the best of his career as he recorded only 11 interceptions - the lowest mark of his career in any season in which he played more than 10 games. The veteran lost a safety valve in the passing game when the team allowed running back Matt Forte to leave in free agency, but he has receivers Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White healthy heading into the season. Jeffery was limited to nine games last season but was impressive enough that the team elected to keep him around under the franchise tag.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (2015: 9-7): Houston was convinced it needed an upgrade at quarterback after going scoreless in the playoffs and lavished a $72 million contract on former Denver Broncos backup Brock Osweiler. "Sunday running out of the tunnel, I know my emotions will be very high," Osweiler said. "I’m very excited to go out there and play the first regular-season home game, see the city of Houston come out and be loud and I know what kind of environment it’s going to be and I’m very excited to be a part of it." Former quarterback Brian Hoyer, who threw four interceptions in the playoff loss last January, will be across the sidelines serving as Cutler's backup on Sunday.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Bears released longtime K Robbie Gould and will go with former Tampa Bay K Connor Barth.

2. Watt led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks last season, part of a franchise-record 45 for the Houston

3. Chicago CB Kyle Fuller (knee surgery) is questionable for Sunday.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Green Bay at Jacksonville

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

There is a rare optimism surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they will face a rugged test out of the gate when two-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers pay a visit in Sunday's season opener. The Packers are being viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders while the Jaguars are seeking their first winning record since 2007.
Jacksonville's offense took a major step forward last season and now the hope is the same will hold true for the defense following a major overhaul that included bringing in three free agents and drafting a pair of elite prospects. "I’m not one for predictions and all of that stuff, but I’m confident that the product we’re putting out there Sunday is better than what we’ve had any year since I’ve been here – since probably ’07," Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis said. Green Bay won its first six games last season before finishing 10-6 and losing in the divisional round of the playoff in overtime. Rodgers had his lowest completion percentage (60.7) and passing yards per game (238.8) since taking over as the team's start, but he gets back top wide receiver Jordy Nelson from injury and a slimmed-down running back Eddie Lacy.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -4.5. O/U: 48

ABOUT THE PACKERS (2015: 10-6, second in NFC North): Green Bay's passing game took a major dip due to the absence of Nelson, who missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL after amassing 98 receptions for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014. He did not play a snap in the preseason but Packers coach Mike McCarthy expects Nelson to be "full-bore" for Week 1. Lacy reportedly was as much as 30 pounds above his playing weight last season and it showed as he managed only 758 yards and three TDs on the ground after rushing for more than 1,100 yards in each of his first two seasons and 20 touchdowns. Defensive end Mike Daniels, linebacker Clay Matthews and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix lead a unit that was sixth against the pass (227.6 yards) last season.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (2015: 5-11, third in AFC South): Second-year QB Blake Bortles improved from 11 scoring passes to 35 last season and has a pair of emerging stars in wideouts Allen Robinson (80 receptions, 1,400 yards, 14 TDs) and Allen Hurns (64, 1,031, 10). Running back T.J. Yeldon had a decent rookie season but struggled in short-yard situations, leading to the decision to sign bruising back Chris Ivory. The Jaguars plunged into the free-agent waters to plug a defense that ranked 31st in scoring (28.0) by signing tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. They also drafted cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack to go with 2014 No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler, who missed his first season with a knee injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Green Bay owns the second-best record (104-55-1) in the NFL -- behind only New England -- over the past 10 seasons.

2. Jacksonville is 1-10 in September over the past three seasons.

3. Rodgers owns the highest career passer rating (104.1) in NFL history.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: San Diego at Kansas City

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Despite sharing a division with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs are a popular pick to win the AFC West, and they get their first chance to live up to the hype when they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Chiefs have won four straight meetings with their division rivals.
The Chiefs finished the 2015 regular season with 10 straight wins and blasted Houston 30-0 in the first round of the playoffs before losing to New England. The defense carried that team at times, but the return of dynamic running back Jamaal Charles from last year’s knee injury to join a solid receiving corps has Kansas City thinking about being more rounded this year. “I think the great thing about us offensively is, we can distribute the football to a lot of different guys, we can do a lot of different things,” quarterback Alex Smith told reporters. “I feel really good about it. Run and pass, a lot of guys touching the football, a lot of guys contributing.” It could be the final season in San Diego for the Chargers, who might bolt for Los Angeles if voters don’t approve a stadium-financing measure in November and aren’t likely to gain favor if they don’t improve upon last year’s dismal 4-12 campaign.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Kansas City -6.5. O/U: 44.5

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2015: 4-12): Philip Rivers put up huge passing numbers last season, mostly out of necessity, as the Chargers ranked 31st in the league in rushing and found themselves playing from behind more often than not. Making matters worse, running back Danny Woodhead led the team in receptions (80), receiving yards (755) and receiving touchdowns (six). The Chargers drafted Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa third overall to try to bolster a defense that struggled last season, but he signed late and has been slowed by a hamstring injury that likely will keep him off the field Sunday.

ABOUT THE CHIEFS (2015: 11-5): The key to the Chiefs’ success last season was their plus-14 turnover margin, a product of a ball-hawking defense and the care with which Smith ran coach Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. Two of Smith's favorite targets return in Jeremy Maclin (1,088 yards, eight TDs) and tight end Travis Kelce (875, five) and he will benefit from having Charles back soon, if not on Sunday. Most of the key players from the other side of the ball are back as well, including Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters at cornerback, but the Chiefs will miss linebacker Justin Houston for the first half of the season as he recovers from knee surgery.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Rivers has passed for 5,157 yards versus the Chiefs, his highest total against any opponent.

2. The Chargers averaged just 240.5 yards in two games against the Chiefs last season, more than 130 below their average.

3. Chiefs LB Tamba Hali has recorded nine sacks in his last 10 games against the Chargers.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Oakland at New Orleans

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

One team begins its quest to end a lengthy postseason drought while the other starts its attempt to rebound from a disappointing campaign when the Oakland Raiders visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the season opener for both clubs. Oakland has not made the playoffs since 2002 but feels optimistic with Derek Carr leading the charge.
The third-year signal-caller became the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for at least 3,500 yards (3,987) and 30 touchdowns (32) in a season last year and has a full campaign of throwing to dangerous targets Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree under his belt. The Raiders also hope their defense is on the rise, with defensive end Khalil Mack (15 sacks in 2015) terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and Reggie Nelson (NFL-leading eight interceptions) picking off passes. Drew Brees, who signed a two-year contract extension on Wednesday, is hoping the Saints' offensive line holds up well enough to protect him better than last season's unit. The 37-year-old still managed to lead the league with 4,870 passing yards in 2015 and needs 459 to pass Dan Marino (61,361) for third place on the all-time list.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Saints -1.5. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (2015: 7-9, third place in AFC West): Cooper hopes to avoid the dreaded sophomore jinx after setting franchise rookie records with 72 receptions and 1,070 yards last season - both tops among all first-year players. Crabtree led the team with 85 total catches and nine for touchdowns, tying his career high in both categories. Oakland attempted to improve its linebacking corps by adding Bruce Irvin, who spent the previous four seasons with Seattle and is one of two NFL players with at least 10 sacks (12) and two interception-return touchdowns since 2014.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (2015: 7-9, third place in NFC South): New Orleans' offensive line could be missing its best component in left tackle Terron Armstead, who returned to practice Wednesday but is questionable for the season opener with knee and quadriceps injuries. In an effort to ensure Brees is protected, the club brought back former Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans, who played for the Saints from 2006-15 and signed with Seattle last month but was released on Sept. 2. Brandin Cooks looks to improve upon a season in which he became the first New Orleans receiver to record 1,000 yards (1,138) since 2012.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Saints are 6-5-1 in the all-time series and have won each of the last three meetings, including a 38-17 triumph on Nov. 18, 2012.

2. Oakland OT Austin Howard (ankle) did not practice Thursday and is questionable.

3. New Orleans RB Mark Ingram has recorded at least 1,100 yards from scrimmage each of the last two seasons.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

A pair of playoff contenders who have had several months to stew over their gut-wrenching season finales will square off on Sunday when the New York Jets host the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets look to rebound from a disappointing loss to Buffalo that cost them a playoff berth while the Bengals are still scratching their heads and wondering how they let their wild-card game slip away with 14 seconds to play against division rival Pittsburgh.
Contract holdout Ryan Fitzpatrick will guide a New York offense with top targets Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker alongside. New York welcomes all-purpose threat Matt Forte to its backfield and once again appears to have one of the league's best defensive units, paced by All-Pro lineman Muhammad Wilkerson and defensive back Darrelle Revis. The Bengals open the season a bit shorthanded without tight end Tyler Eifert and star linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who will miss the first three games for repeated violations of player safety rules, including a vicious hit of Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown in the playoff loss. While the Jets are in a postseason drought, coach Marvin Lewis has led Cincinnati to the playoffs for five straight seasons but the Bengals didn't advance in any of them.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -2.5. O/U: 41.5.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (2015: 12-4, first place in AFC North): Cincinnati returns its one-two punch of Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill (11 rushing TDs in 2015) in the backfield, but it could have problems trying to crack the Jets' staunch run defense, which ranked second in the league last season. The Bengals, who tied the franchise record with 12 wins last season, also have questions at wide receiver with no clear alternative to Pro Bowler A.J. Green (NFL record-tying five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years) after Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones left via free agency in the offseason. Andy Dalton, however, is back after missing the climax of the campaign after breaking his thumb while making a tackle late in game No. 13.

ABOUT THE JETS (2015: 10-6, second place in AFC East): Marshall (1,502 receiving yards) had a renaissance last season and combined with Decker to score 26 touchdowns and become one of the league's elite receiving duos. Forte, who has the most yards from scrimmage in the league (12,718) since 2008, looks to replace Chris Ivory, who moved on to Jacksonville after rushing for a 1,020 yards Fitzpatrick posted career highs in passing yards (3,905) and TDs (31), but pitched a dud in the season finale against the Bills. He signed a one-year deal with the club well after the preseason began and was a big reason why the Jets, who have not reached the playoffs since 2010, rallied from a 5-5 season last year to win five straight games.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The teams haven't met since 2013 when the Bengals rolled 49-9.

2. Brandon LaFell, who caught 37 passes with the Patriots last season, is listed as the Bengals' No. 2 receiver

3. Marshall and Decker both had receiving touchdowns in the same game nine times in 2015, the most ever by teammates in a season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Cleveland at Philadelphia

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


Rookie Carson Wentz will begin his NFL career in earnest on Sunday as the second overall pick of the 2016 NFL draft leads the Philadelphia Eagles against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Wentz was expected to be eased into action before the Eagles traded incumbent starter Sam Bradford to Minnesota for a 2017 first-round pick and 2018 fourth-round selection in the wake of Teddy Bridgewater's season-ending knee injury.
"Things changed around here pretty quickly. I think there were a lot of people that were surprised, but now, it is just move forward. Move forward, on to the next," said Wentz, who is facing the team that traded the second overall pick to the Eagles and had its chief strategy officer (Paul DePodesta) declare that the North Dakota State star wouldn't be a top-20 quarterback in the league. The 23-year-old Wentz won't be the lone high-profile second overall pick of a draft in this contest. Fellow quarterback Robert Griffin III makes his debut after signing a two-year deal with the Browns following his release from Washington in March. The debuts won't just be limited to the men behind center as Eagles coach Doug Pederson and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will join Browns coach Hue Jackson in their respective new roles on the sideline.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Eagles -3.5. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE BROWNS (2015: 3-13, fourth in AFC Central): With Josh Gordon serving the first of a four-game suspension, Gary Barnidge likely will be Griffin's most-trusted target after reeling in a career-high 79 passes for 1,043 yards and franchise high-tying nine touchdowns by a tight end. First-round rookie Corey Coleman won the 2015 Biletnikoff Award as the NCAA's best receiver but endured quite the struggle getting acclimated during the preseason. "You know, it's not about being a first-round pick. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I want to be great," the 22-year-old Coleman told ESPN. "I put a lot pressure on myself, the way I critique myself. You know, it can bury you on some people, sometimes."

ABOUT THE EAGLES (2015: 7-9, second in NFC East): Jordan Matthews (team-leading 85 receptions, 997 yards) headlines a young receiving corps that also added Dorian Green-Beckham, a former second-round pick of Tennessee who led rookies with 17.2 yards per catch during his rookie season (2015). Ryan Mathews assumes the unquestioned starter's role for the departed DeMarco Murray (Titans) and could take the pressure off Wentz should he repeat last season's 5.1-yard rushing average, which was fourth-best among league running backs. On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (team-leading 9 1/2 sacks and club high-tying three forced fumbles) leads an aggressive unit that yielded an NFL third-worst 401.6 yards per game overall and league-worst 134.6 on the ground.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cleveland's Duke Johnson Jr. registered 61 receptions last season, fourth-most among league running backs.

2. Philadelphia TE Zach Ertz recorded career highs of catches (75), targets (112) and yards (853) last season, although his touchdown total (two) decreased for the third straight year.

3. Browns OT Joe Thomas is the only offensive lineman in NFL history to be selected to Pro Bowl in each of his first nine seasons.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Minnesota at Tennessee

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

Question marks are swirling around the Minnesota Vikings in regard to their quarterback situation for Sunday's season opener against the host Tennessee Titans. With Teddy Bridgewater out for the season with a torn ACL, the Vikings have yet to announce whether veteran Shaun Hill or the recently acquired Sam Bradford will be under center at the start of their first game.
The 36-year-old Hill is likely to get the nod as Bradford only was obtained from Philadelphia on Sept. 3, but offensive coordinator Norv Turner feels the newcomer is getting up to speed quickly. "(He's) learning the parts of the system he needs to know to be able to function," Turner told reporters on Thursday. "I think the verbiage part of it - because he's an experienced veteran - and learning the system and learning the plays is the easier part than getting in sync with the guys on the field on a play-to-play basis." There are no questions regarding Tennessee's quarterback as Marcus Mariota aims to improve upon a solid first season in which he became the only rookie in NFL history to record two games with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. Mariota has some new weapons at his disposal as the Titans added former NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Andre Johnson to help the second-year signal-caller, as well as new coach Mike Mularkey.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -2.5. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (2015: 11-5, first place in NFC North): Adrian Peterson is showing no signs of slowing down as the former MVP led the league in rushing yards (1,485) and touchdowns (11) last season. The 31-year-old joined Marion Motley and Curtis Martin as the only players in history to lead the NFL in rushing at the age of 30 or older. Minnesota's return game figures to be a strong point as Cordarrelle Patterson topped the league in 2015 with a 31.8-yard average and two touchdowns on kick returns.

ABOUT THE TITANS (2015: 3-13, fourth place in AFC South): Tennessee hopes its running game is one with which to reckon with the additions of Murray and 2016 second-round pick Derrick Henry, who captured the Heisman Trophy last year after rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns - both SEC records - in his junior season at Alabama. Murray leads all active players with 28 rushing TDs since 2013 and ranks second with 3,668 yards in that span. Johnson, meanwhile, is the NFL's active leader in receptions (1,053) and yards (14,100).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Vikings have won five of the last six meetings, including a 30-7 triumph at home on Oct. 7, 2012.

2. Tennessee claimed OL Josh Kline off waivers from New England and waived CB Cody Riggs.

3. Minnesota announced no additional structural damage was found during Bridgewater's successful knee surgery on Thursday.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Miami at Seattle

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Ryan Tannehill is hoping that first-year coach Adam Gase's influence will provide just the jolt he needs to rebound after a disappointing season in 2015. The duo hopes its new-look offense makes the cross-country flight to the Pacific Northwest as the Miami Dolphins attempt to win their fourth straight season opener on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
"Coach is constantly pushing me and trying to push my buttons a little bit. He's an expert in pushing guys to reach their potential," the 28-year-old Tannehill said, referring to Gase's work with Jay Cutler, Peyton Manning and even Tim Tebow. Wideout Jarvis Landry had a franchise-record 110 receptions last season while former Houston Pro Bowler Arian Foster has worked his way back from an Achilles injury in 2015 and signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in the summer. Foster could be in for a long day against Seattle, which boasted the league's second-best defense last season and No. 1 against the run. Russell Wilson, who led the NFL with a 110.1 passer rating in 2015, became the first quarterback in league history with at least 4,000 passing yards (4,024), 30 touchdowns (34) and 500-plus rushing yards (553) in 2015.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Seahawks -10.5. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (2015: 6-10, fourth in AFC East): Mario Williams is looking forward to pinning his ears back and rushing the quarterback, as the mammoth defensive end had 38 sacks in his first three seasons with Buffalo before a regime and scheme change limited him to just five in 2015. The former top overall pick joins Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake (team-leading seven sacks) on a Miami defense that yielded 376.2 total yards per game (eighth-worst in NFL) and 126.2 on the ground, fifth-worst in the NFL. On the other side of the ball, first-round rookie offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil has impressed at both left tackle and left guard during the preseason.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (2015: 10-6, second in NFC West): Thomas Rawls (team-leading 830 rushing yards) and Christine Michael are expected to take over the ground attack in the wake of Marshawn Lynch's retirement, however they may find the going tough behind a makeshift offensive line. Right tackle Garry Gilliam is the lone returnee from the 2015 squad and the news got worse on Thursday as rookie guard Germain Ifedi, a first-round pick, was announced to miss at least three weeks after sustaining a high-ankle sprain in practice. Rawls' snaps could be limited as he works his way back from a season-ending ankle injury while former second-round pick Michael earned rave reviews in preseason.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Seattle WR Doug Baldwin had an NFL high-tying 14 receiving touchdowns last season and a career-high 78 catches and 1,069 yards.

2. Miami WR DeVante Parker (hamstring) and C Mike Pouncey (hip) are in jeopardy of sitting out the season opener.

3. Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham has been a full participant in practice as he works his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: N.Y. Giants at Dallas

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Injuries decimated the Dallas Cowboys' season in 2015 and already have reared their ugly head this year, as veteran quarterback Tony Romo is expected to be sidelined six-to-10 weeks with a compression fracture in his back. The doom and gloom was replaced by the tempered optimism following a strong preseason by rookie Dak Prescott (39-of-50, seven total touchdowns), who takes the reins on Sunday as the host Cowboys open their season against the NFC East-rival New York Giants.
Electric wideout Dez Bryant returns after being plagued by a foot injury for much of 2015 while fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott already is making claims of breaking Eric Dickerson's long-standing NFL rookie rushing record (1,808 in 1983) as he runs behind Dallas' vaunted offensive line. "Eighteen hundred yards. We joke about it all the time. I told him I'm going to get it," the 21-year-old Elliott said, via ESPN. Ben McAdoo will be charged with keeping Elliott and the Cowboys in check as the former offensive coordinator makes his debut as New York's coach, replacing the dismissed Tom Coughlin. Veteran quarterback Eli Manning looks to improve upon a 35-touchdown performance in 2015 while trusted wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reeled in 96 receptions last year - the second-most in a season in franchise history.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Cowboys -1. O/U: 46

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2015: 6-10, third in NFC East): Rashad Jennings rode a running-back-by-committee approach to a career-high 1,159 yards from scrimmage last season. The 31-year-old, who broke away from the pack and averaged 19.8 carries over the final three weeks, is expected to be the primary rusher at the goal line in 2016. On the defensive side of the ball, safety Landon Collins recorded a team-best 112 tackles during his rookie season in 2015 - including 13 in two games versus the Cowboys.

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (2015: 4-12, fourth in NFC East): While the lights shine bright on Dallas' potential on offense, the defense has a secondary that did not record a single interception last season and will face Beckham, a returning Victor Cruz (patellar tendon) and rookie Sterling Shepard. The Cowboys are banking on health being the key as Orlando Scandrick returns after working his way back from a torn ACL and MCL while fellow cornerback Morris Claiborne completed his first career training camp and preseason without issue. Linebacker Sean Lee led the club with 128 tackles last season, but defensive pressure up front could be an issue all season for Dallas.

EXTRA POINTS

1. New York finished plus-7 in turnover differential last season while Dallas was an NFL-worst minus-22 with a league-low 11 takeaways.

2. Cowboys veteran TE Jason Witten, who restructured his contract to create cap space on Thursday, made a team-leading 77 catches in 2015 - including a TD reception with seven seconds left in a 27-26 season-opening win over the Giants.

3. New York's Randy Bullock will get the nod on Sunday as fellow K Josh Brown serves a one-game suspension stemming from a domestic violence arrest last year.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Detroit at Indianapolis

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indianapolis Colts took a step back in 2015 as quarterback Andrew Luck battled some inconsistency before ending his season with a serious injury, yet they were still in the race for a playoff spot down the stretch. Luck and the Colts will try to kick off the 2016 campaign on a high note when they host the Detroit Lions in the season opener on Sunday.
After Luck missed a total of nine games last season due to a shoulder injury and a lacerated kidney, Indianapolis made upgrading the offensive line to protect the quarterback a priority in the offseason, including drafting center Ryan Kelly in the first round. “I think the center/quarterback relationship is so special,” Kelly told the team's website, “and it kind of drives an offense. Those guys do really work hand-in-hand, every single day, to get the offense on the same page and be successful." The Lions had their own issues on offense last season while finishing last in the NFL in rushing average (83.4 yards), and no longer have wide receiver Calvin Johnson around to spread out the defense. The star receiver decided to retire in the offseason rather than put his body through the strain of another campaign.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Colts -3.5. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE LIONS (2015: 7-9): Detroit will expand running back Ameer Abdullah's role in an effort to boost the rushing attack but don't expect to move too far away from the passing game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last five seasons and posted the best completion percentage of his career (67.2) in 2015. "We have weapons,” Detroit coach Jim Caldwell told reporters. “We’ve got guys we can throw the ball to. We’ve got a quarterback that’s been around and played. There are a lot of things that I like about our entire team."

ABOUT THE COLTS (2015: 8-8): While Luck is healthy and ready to lead the offense, the Indianapolis defense is coming into the season at less than 100 percent. The Colts secondary could be without a few starters on Sunday but defensive end Kendall Langford, who missed most of camp after undergoing knee surgery, is expected to play. "We’ll ease him back in," Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano told reporters of Langford. "He’s an iron man. He’s a tough, tough guy. If I were betting on anybody, I’d bet on him."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Colts DL Arthur Jones will serve the first of his four-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy.

2. Detroit WR Golden Tate (ankle) was limited in practice.

3. Indianapolis DT Henry Anderson (knee) and CB Vontae Davis (ankle) are not expected to play while CB Darius Butler and S Clayton Geathers are questionable.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: New England at Arizona

When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Tom Brady will not be under center in a season opener for the first time since 2001 when the New England Patriots pay a visit to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night. Brady will be serving the first of a four-game suspension for his involvement in the "Deflategate" scandal, putting third-year quarterback Jimmy Garappolo in the spotlight for his first career start.
To underscore the act that Garappolo is trying to follow, albeit for four games, is the fact that New England is the only team in league history to win division titles in 12 of the past 13 seasons with Brady at the helm. "He has done a lot of little things to help me, whether it be on the field or off the field," Garappolo said of Brady. "You spend so much time with the guy that you pick up little things that he does that you find helpful and you put it towards your own game." While the Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship Game last season, Arizona finished 13-3 and also came up one win short of the Super Bowl after losing to Carolina in the NFC title game. Quarterback Carson Palmer and all the key players on offense return on a team that led the NFL with 408.3 yards per game and bolstered its pass rush by acquiring Pro Bowl defensive end Chandler Jones from New England in the offseason.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cardinals -6. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (2015: 12-4, first in AFC East): Garappolo has the league's biggest matchup nightmare at his disposal in the person of Rob Gronkowski, who had 72 catches for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns last season to become the only tight end in league history to post double-digit TDs five teams. Julian Edelman had 61 receptions and seven TDs through nine games before suffering a broken foot last season and will be another safety valve for Garappolo, who may use sledgehammer running back LeGarrette Blount in an attempt to keep Arizona's offense off the field. New England lost its best all-around defensive player last week when pass-rushing end Rob Ninkovich was suspended four games after testing positive for a banned substance.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (2015: 13-3, first in NFC West): Palmer established franchise records for touchdowns (35), yards (4,671) and completion percentage (104.6) before unraveling in the conference championship game with six turnovers. His receiving corps of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and speedster John Brown return while second-year running back David Johnson opens the season as the starter after scoring 13 touchdowns as a rookie and playing superbly down the stretch when Chris Johnson suffered a broken leg. Playmaking safely Tyrann Mathieu is back after tearing an ACL in his knee late last season and Jones is expected to rectify the biggest weakness on defense after notching a career-high 12.5 sacks last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Arizona (30.6 points per game) and New England (29.1) ranked second and third, respectively, in scoring last season.

2. Fitzgerald has 109 catches for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

3. The Patriots acquired CB Eric Rowe from Philadelphia on Tuesday for a conditional draft pick.

 

[Greenbacks]

Those are the 13 games for Sunday.....This thread will go right up until game day.....Injuries,weather,pictures the whole 9 yards.

Anybody wants to add to the thread feel free.

Good luck!

 

[Greenbacks]

Uncertainty surrounds Rob Gronkowski's 2016 debut.

The Patriots will already be without Tom Brady Week 1 against the Cardinals on Sunday Night Football.
Will they be without Rob Gronkowski as well?
The league's best tight end expressed his uncertainty on Sunday -- as much as Gronkowski expresses anything -- when asked by reporters if a hamstring injury would sideline him against one of the league's premier defenses.
"I want to be out there so badly to help my team," Gronkowski said, via NFL Network's Courtney Fallon. The tight end was limited Thursday at practice.

As NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport noted, Sunday is certainly not a guarantee. Gronkowski injured his hamstring a little more than two weeks ago during a joint practice with the Bears, causing the Pro Bowler to yank himself from practice. Obviously, the team was overly cautious with their top offensive weapon and kept him from practice. There's a chance they will continue to take the safe route with Brady waiting out his suspension, especially given that Gronkowski is publicly admitting he’s not 100 percent.
The Patriots have to play the long game here. If they plan on returning to the conference championship or Super Bowl, it would be extremely difficult to do so without Gronkowski slicing the middle of defenses wide open. A player averaging 77 catches, 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns per season over the last two years isn't simply replaced in the lineup, even if the team took the liberty of signing Martellus Bennett in the offseason.

 

[Greenbacks]

Bills have officially announced a four-game NFL suspension to OT Seantrel Henderson.

 

[Greenbacks]

Jaguars RB Chris Ivory (calf) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers. Looks like he will play, though. Coach Gus Bradley said Ivory's injury will not impact the running back rotation with TJ Yeldon. DE Jared Odric (concussion protocol) was cleared for non-contact work Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Bradley says arrow pointing up for Odrick playing.

 

[Greenbacks]

Final Jets practice before Sunday's opener against the Bengals. Darrelle Revis (24) might not cover A.J. Green the whole game, but he's still a huge key in this game. LB David Harris (shoulder) is practicing for the third straight day. Rookie LB Jordan Jenkins (calf) is not practicing. Unlikely to play. Mike Catapano would take his place.

 

[Greenbacks]

Cam Newton's 20 fantasy points Thursday night represented his 34th game reaching that threshold, in his 79th career game (43.0 percent). Only Aaron Rodgers (53.2 percent, 67 of 126) has had a greater percentage of 20-point fantasy games in his career.

 

[Greenbacks]

Mike Zimmer waiting until Sunday to name starting QB.

Ah, there's nothing quite like a head coach playing coy about his starting quarterback.
Count Mike Zimmer among those choosing to reveal his man on game day. But unlike past situations, this one might be out of necessity.
When franchise quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was lost for the season with a torn ACL and dislocated knee, Minnesota reacted quickly by sending first- and fourth-round picks to Philadelphia for Sam Bradford. Teams don't trade first-round picks for players they aren't planning to start, so common sense says Bradford will be under center Sunday. But he's only had a few days to learn Minnesota's offense.

In a league that often produces playbooks thicker than phone books at the peak of nationwide landline usage, processing that much information and committing it to memory in less than a week's time -- and physically applying it on the highest level of football known to man -- is a monumental, if not impossible task. It's likely the Vikings' staff has cut down the playbook for Bradford, initially. It's also probable the staff is closely monitoring his progress and, as a result, will choose to decide whether the newest No. 8 in purple should be the man leading the Vikings' offense come Sunday in Nashville.
If Bradford isn't ready to go, journeyman backup Shaun Hill will play. He was the expected starter by default after Bridgewater went down, and before general manager Rick Spielman made the gutsy call to deal for Bradford. But short preparation window or not, it would be shocking if Bradford wasn't the starter against the Titans.