Preliminary Analysis of Week One Games: Vick, RGIII Headline NFL's Opening Week

The Redskins-Eagles opening week game could be the most up-in-the-air–and hyped–match-up, while the Colts could be the easiest winner against the visiting Raiders. The table below lists the match-ups (from the greatest toss-up to the greatest lock) from the newly released NFL schedule. The Redskins are at home, and were much better than the Eagles last year, but both quarterback variables may be answered that day. Is Robert Griffin III fully recovered? Will Mike Vick look like a video game hero again under Chip Kelly’s windsprint offense? (see favorites in all game below)

The Jets-Bucs match-up could be the second most evenly matched game – just because both teams are so bad. The question is if anyone will be worth watching on the Jets if neither Tim Tebow or Darrelle Revis are in Jets uniforms. Revis actually could end up in a Bucs uniform. Detroit and New Orleans should also be much improved this year and have even shots when Minnesota and Atlanta, respectively, come to town, which makes for four toss-ups on the opening weekend.

While Seattle is the favorite against Carolina, the Panthers will have  fighting chance due to the Seattle’s 3000-mile flight and Cam Newton can get back some of the flashes of brilliance he showed in some magical performances down the stretch last season. Of course, these projections could change after the NFL Draft and any offseason moves and trades these various teams make. 

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