Football writer Sam Farmer breaks down the games:
SUNDAY’S GAMES
Noon
Dolphins at Falcons
Line: Falcons by 4
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Over/under: 43 1/2
The Dolphins should be able to take advantage of the Falcons’ new defense, a unit with a fresh foundation but whose cement still is drying.
THE PICK: Dolphins 24 Falcons 21
Noon
Chiefs at Ravens
Line: Ravens by 13
Over/under: 36
The Chiefs will make a good showing in coach Todd Haley’s debut, but the Ravens’ defense will have the final say — even without Rex Ryan.
THE PICK: Ravens 21 Chiefs 14
Noon
Jets at Texans
Line: Texans by 4 1/2
Over/under: 44
Asking a rookie QB (Mark Sanchez) to win his opener is difficult enough, let alone on the road. Keep Matt Schaub upright and the Texans should win.
THE PICK: Texans 24 Jets 21
Noon Broncos at Bengals
Line: Bengals by 4
Over/under: 42 1/2
The Bengals are no juggernaut and Carson Palmer isn’t 100 percent, but his protection should be good enough against a so-so Denver defense.
THE PICK: Bengals 27 Broncos 17
Noon
Jaguars at Colts
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Colts by 7
Over/under: 44 1/2
Peyton Manning has put up all sorts of points on the Jaguars in recent years, but he could sure use some help from rookie RB Donald Brown.
THE PICK: Colts 28 Jaguars 14
Noon
Vikings at Browns
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Vikings by 4
Over/under: 40
Are the Brett Favre/Adrian Peterson-led Vikings Super Bowl shoo-ins? They might look it against the Browns, who were 28th against the run in 2008.
THE PICK: Vikings 24 Browns 10
Noon
Eagles at Panthers
Line: Eagles by 2 1/2
Over/under: 43 1/2
Whereas the Panthers return all 11 starters, including potential rushing champion DeAngelo Williams, the Eagles are missing LB Stewart Bradley.
THE PICK: Panthers 21 Eagles 20
Noon
Lions at Saints
Line: Saints by 13
Over/under: 49
Tough draw for a Lions’ defense ranked last in 2007-08. But Lions coach Jim Schwartz is a defensive guru, so a shocker isn’t out of the question.
THE PICK: Saints 35 Lions 10
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Noon
Cowboys at Buccaneers
Line: Cowboys by 6
Over/under: 39
September games are no problem for Tony Romo, who struggles later. The Bucs have a new head coach and just fired their offensive coordinator.
THE PICK: Buccaneers 17 Cowboys 14
3:15 p.m.
49ers at Cardinals
Line: Cards by 6 1/2
Over/under: 46
The Cardinals looked lousy in the preseason and are likely Super Bowl-hangover victims, yet the 49ers’ offense lacks the firepower to deal with a big deficit.
THE PICK: Cardinals 21 49ers 13
3:15 p.m.
Redskins at Giants
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Giants by 6 1/2
Over/under: 37 1/2
The reshuffled Redskins line will have its hands full against a deep and talented Giants’ defensive front. Could be a long day for Jason Campbell.
THE PICK: Giants 20 Redskins 10
3:15 p.m.
Rams at Seahawks
Line: Seahawks by 8 1/2
Over/under: 41 1/2
The Seahawks have averaged 31.3 points in their last four home games against the Rams. Keep the pressure off Matt Hasselbeck and Seattle will be OK.
THE PICK: Seahawks 28 10 Rams
7:20 p.m.
Bears at Packers TV: WMAQ-Ch. 5
Line: Packers by 3 1/2
Over/under: 46
No offense looked as sharp as Green Bay’s this summer, and Aaron Rodgers is a rising star. The Bears’ banged-up secondary will be tested early.
THE PICK: Packers 24 Bears 21
MONDAY’S GAMES
6 p.m.
Bills at Patriots
TV: ESPN Line: Patriots by 11
Over/under: 47 1/2
The Bills are reeling, changing coordinators after their No. 1 offense failed to score a preseason TD. Tom Brady and the Patriots should roll at home.
THE PICK: Patriots 28 Bills 7
9:15 p.m.
Chargers at Raiders
TV: ESPN
Line: Chargers by 9 1/2
Over/under: 43
The Chargers, who have a healthy LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman back, have beaten the Raiders 11 times in a row. This will be 12.
THE PICK: Chargers 35 Raiders 14
TRIBUNE
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