We are finally here. The real games start tonight with my Beloved Bears hosting the Green Bay Packers celebrating the NFL’s 100th Anniversary right here in Chicago. It is quite a spectacle with screens to view the game in Grant Park, in addition to Soldier Field. So exciting. Let’s catch up on the week of action, as there was lots of movement and preview some premiere games to watch.

Player Movement

Zeke is Back!
  • Cowboys Extend Zeke – Finally, Jerry Jones and Zeke reached an agreement to a 6 year extension worth $90 MM with $50MM guaranteed. Zeke is now can go to work and is expected to play in Week 1 at home against the Giants – restoring Dallas’s title hopes.
  • Texans Trade Clowney – The Texans finally found an adequate trading partner in Seattle for Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney wanted a new long term deal, and Texans wanted to franchise him. So, the Seahawks were willing to pony up the cash now that their once formidable line has departed in recent seasons. The Texans get some players back (Barkevious Mingo being the one of note) and a 3rd round pick.
  • Texans Trade for Laremy Tunsil – In the wake of the Andrew Luck departure, the Texans moved to actually protect QB Deshaun Watson with Tunsil who was a 1st round pick of the Dolphins. In addition, the Texans picked up WR Kenny Stills. Miami picks up 2 first round picks and a 2nd round pick.
  • Texans Trade for Carlos Hyde – A lessor move was the trade for Carlos Hyde from the Chiefs who really weren’t going to use Hyde with the McCoy trade.
  • Chiefs Pick Up LeSean McCoy – McCoy was cut (as expected) by the Bills to make room for rookie Devin Singletary and vet Frank Gore. The Chiefs stepped up to sign McCoy to reunite him with HC Andy Reid. McCoy will split the backfield with Damien Williams and rookie sensation Darwin Thompson, but Reid trusts Shady and he should help.
  • Colts Ink Long Term Deal with Brissett – The Colts doubled down on Brissett in the wake of the Luck loss, and signed back up Brian Hoyer, the former Patriot.

Games to Watch

Week 1 always has some intriguing match ups, but here are 5 games to really keep your eye one:

Mack Will Be Ready for ARod
  • Packers at Bears, Thursday, Sept. 5th at 8:20 PM Eastern/7:20 PM Central on NBC (Bears -3, 46.5 Total) – A great showcase for these to rivals, the longest in the league. Will the Bears defense under DC Chuck Pagano be the same? Will HC Matt LaFleur get on the same page with QB Aaron Rodgers? We will see. I like the Bears in this one to Win, Cover and the Under.
  • Rams at Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 8th at 1 PM Eastern/12 Noon Central on Fox (Rams -2.5, Total 50) – A great early season match up in the NFC here, as the Rams try to avoid the Super Bowl hangover traveling east to Carolina. I’m a little down on the Panthers this year, but this is a dangerous spot for QB Jared Goff (who also got extended) and the Rams. Cam is supposedly healthy off of that sprained foot. I’m going to go with the upset here with the Panthers Winning, Covering and I like the Under 50.
  • Chiefs at Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8th at 1 PM Eastern/12 Noon Central on CBS (Chiefs -3.5, 52 Total) – The Chiefs are now the Super Bowl betting favorite, but the Jags have QB Nick Foles at the helm. That Jags’ defense is still elite, so a great clash of styles here with KC. I still like the Chiefs to Win and Cover (I don’t like that 3.5 over the key number), but I like the Under here.
  • Steelers at Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 8th at 8:20 PM Eastern/7:20 PM Central on NBC (Patriots -5.5, 50 Total) – The premiere AFC match up in Week 1. The Super Bowl Champs take on a Steeler team without AB and Bell. I’m very curious to see how the Steelers play. The Pats are notorious slow out of the gates in September, but this one should be fun on Sunday Night Football. I like the Patriots to Win, Steelers to Cover and the Over in this one.
  • Texans at Saints, Monday, Sept. 9th at 7:10 PM Eastern/6:10 PM Central on ESPN (Saints -7, 52.5 Total) – The new look Texans go to the New Orleans to take on the NFC Favorite. Can the Saints rebound after the NFC Championship disappointment? Will Watson and that O-Line actually hold up in the noise of the Super Dome? What a fun match up. I think the Saints Win, Cover and I actually like the game Under.

Alright, let’s get ready to Ruuuummmmbbbbllle!!

Wegs

About the author

I'm a 49 year old, twice divorced guy with a 20 year old. The blog has morphed a bit lately. Not just sports or dating, social commentary and now some stories from my past experience.