Christmas in September

Each year around this time the 2nd Sunday in September feels like Christmas to a true NFL fan. Oh sure, we had the "opener" on Thursday night but to be quite honest, the Sunday games will always represent the true opening of the NFL season to me. Tomorrow is a day where you grab your favorite beer and some food and sit around all day watching NFL football.

Let's face it, while the September games are the less meaningful games on the slate, they are the most fun games to watch. First of all, the weather is beautiful- a cross between Summer and Fall- and every team is 0-0 meaning that hope springs eternal. Tomorrow even the St Louis Rams fan can believe that with some help and some fortunate bounces his team can be in the playoffs too.

As we embark on the 2010 NFL season what do I expect to see tomorrow? (Don't forget as I pat myself on the back here, I did warn you that Brett Favre would decline a lot this season and if Thursday is an indication, I look spot on right now)

I expect a very close game in Philadelphia between the Eagles and the sexy pick for the Super Bowl, the Packers. Kolb is a very good player and the Eagles offense is potent; don't expect a blow-out there as the Eagles will give the Packers all they can handle and then some.

In Houston, the Texans (another sexy playoff pick) play their arch-nemesis the Colts. I expect the Texans to lead about 21-10 going into the 4th quarter and then in typical Texans fashion when they play the Colts, Manning will lead a touchdown drive, the defense will sack Schaub causing him to fumble. Manning will lead another short touchdown drive and as usual the Texans will come really close to upsetting the Colts but lose 24-21.

I fully expect my Cowboys to struggle mightily in Washington before winning a 17-13 type game and I expect the Steelers to struggle at home with Dennis Dixon at quarterback before losing to Atlanta in a close affair.

The Rams will stink once again, no news there and the Lions will be improved, meaning they win about 6 games this season. Monday night's Jets vs Ravens game may end up 3-2 with those two defenses while the Kansas City vs San Diego game is going to be closer than many expect as I think the Chiefs are much improved this season.

So, sit back get the ice cold beer ready and enjoy the best sport in the world- the National Football League- thankfully it's here to stay for the next five months!