Falcons eager to spoil party in Philly
The last time the Philadelphia Eagles opened a season as NFL champions, it was 1960.
Today at Lincoln Financial Field, the Falcons come to town and fans will roar with approval at the sight of the championship banner and sing many choruses of Fly, Eagles Fly.
Then the guys on the field will get down to business, defending the title they took away from New England in February.
“Quite honestly, it’s going to be a great night from that standpoint,” coach Doug Pederson said. “I think with this football team, though, they understand this is a different season, it’s a new team, new year.”
The Falcons barely lost in Philly in the divisional round last season and they’ve upgraded. Atlanta comes in as a 2½-point underdog. Upset special: Falcons, 22-20
San Francisco (+6) at Minnesota
Jimmy Garoppolo is undefeated as a starter. Streak ends Sunday. Best bet: Vikings, 27-16
Pittsburgh (-5½) at Cleveland
The Browns lost 17 straight. That streak continues.
Steelers, 23-20
Tampa Bay (+9½) at New Orleans
Almost the best bet. Saints have Super Bowl-level talent.
Saints, 33-16
Los Angeles Rams (-5) at Oakland, Monday night
Return of Jon Gruden to the Black Hole. Raiders could struggle after trading their best player.
Rams, 27-25
Chicago (+7½) at Green Bay
Khalil Mack surfaces in Chicago. More significant: Aaron Rodgers is back at QB for Packers.
Packers, 27-13 Kansas City (+3) at Los Angeles Chargers
Lots of people like the Chargers in the AFC West. So do we.
Chargers, 21-13
Houston (+6½) at New England
Texans could be special this year, but rarely play well in Foxborough.
Patriots, 30-20
Buffalo (+7) at Baltimore
Sean McDermott didn’t want Josh Allen against this defence.
Ravens, 18-7
Cincinnati (+3) at Indianapolis
Andrew Luck returns at last. Doesn’t have much around him.
Bengals, 22-14
Jacksonville (-3) at New York Giants
How satisfying will this win be for Tom Coughlin?
Jaguars, 20-19
Tennessee (-1) at Miami
Not feeling good vibes about the Titans right now.
Dolphins, 21-20
Dallas (+2½) at Carolina
Not feeling good vibes about the Cowboys right now, either.
Panthers, 30-24
Washington (pick-em) at Arizona
Two of the most mysterious teams this year. Go with the hosts.
Cardinals, 24-20
Seattle (+3) at Denver
See Washington-Arizona. Broncos, 20-13
New York Jets (+6½ )atDetroit, Monday night
Sam Darnold’s debut gives this game some intrigue.
Lions, 23-19