Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Pick Steelers

Tennessee, with the best record in the AFC last year, travels to Heinz Field to take on the defending Super Bowl champions for the opening of the NFL’s 2009 season.  The Steelers and Titans went one-two respectively in points allowed per game last year both teams are featured by their strong defenses, so expect this game to be a hard-hitting, dog fight.

When the teams matched up in week 16 last year, the Titans won in style, but expect the Steelers to pull this one out in a close, low-scoring game.

Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots – Pick Patriots

Buffalo will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. to show off their new wide receiver, Terrell Owens, in this Monday night match-up of division rivals.

After finishing last year with a 7-9 record despite a 5-1 start, the Bills have some potential for a good year this season.

But with their star running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for this game and the Patriots looking solid as ever with Tom Brady back and having won 11 straight games against the Bills, you have to go with the Patriots in this one.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers – Pick Eagles

With the Eagles coming off another NFC championship loss and the Panthers an embarrassing loss in the divisional round of the playoffs, this game is pitting two good teams hungry for a long playoff run.

The Panthers will run, the Eagles will pass, but the weapons for the Eagles on offense are too exciting not to like their chances against the Panthers.  Brian Westbrook will be healthy and DeSean Jackson will be a little bit wiser but no less explosive in his second season as a pro, pick the Eagles.

San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders – Pick Chargers

In this second game of a Monday night double-header, divisional rivals, Chargers and Raiders, will open the season in Oakland’s black hole.

The Chargers should be at full health and happy to have their sack machine Shawn Merriman back on the field as they come off a playoff lossfrom last season.  And what can you say about the Raiders?  It looks like they will continue their trend of hanging out in the bottom of the standings.  With the Chargers winning 11 straight against the Raiders, look for this streak to continue.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers – Pick Bears

In this Sunday night opener, these two storied franchises will battle it out on Lambeau Field on prime time television.

Both teams are coming off disappointing years where neither made the playoffs and each can boast a significant upgrade in their rosters.  The Packers stocked up on defense, but the Bears finally got the quarterback they’ve always wanted from Denver in Jay Cutler.

With Matt Forte in the backfield and the explosive Devin Hester at wideout, Cutler has the pieces around him to win.

Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants – Pick Redskins

This game will be an upset.  The Redskins started the year last season going 6-2 before being plagued with injuries.

With the addition of $100 million man Albert Haynesworth on the defensive line and Clinton Portis back to health, they will have a good year- starting it off with a win over the Giants.

With a solid offensive and defensive line, but with a slew of young wide receivers, the Giants won’t have enough to keep up with the Skins.