1. San Francisco 49ers (-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks – The Niners enter 2010 as the clear favorites to win the NFC West. The Seahawks are in the process of purging their entire roster of veteran players and going with youth. This game will be won in the trenches.

The Niners defense will be too much for the injury laden Seahawks offensive line and will keep QB Matt Hasselback and Co. from finding a rhythm. On offensive, RB Frank Gore will run wild and the Niners will cruise to a 24-10 win. This is the best football bet of the opening week.

Next In Line

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) vs. Denver Broncos – Can the Broncos really win this game with WR Brandon Marshall and DE Elvis Dumerville no longer on the roster? We don’t think so. Not that the Jags are good, just more of a low opinion towards Denver. Look for QB David Garrard, who plays his best ball at home, to manage the game efficiently and for Maurice Jones-Drew to prove too much for the Broncos Defense.

Defensively, the Jags will key on RB Knowshon Moreno and QB Kyle Orton will have a difficult time moving the ball through the air without a true No. 1 at the receiver position.

3. Carolina Panthers (+7) vs. New York Giants – John Fox always has a solid game plan for New York and the Panthers have a history of playing the Giants well in the Meadowlands. The Giants will be a much better outfit than a year ago, especially on defense, but the Panthers will keep the outcome close. The point spread (7) is too high.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (+4.5) vs. San Diego Chargers -  See Money Line Bet below.

A Few More

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (+2) vs. Atlanta Falcons – The Steelers have given QB Dennis Dixon the ball before and he did admirably, nearly beating the Ravens in Baltimore a year ago. Expect Pittsburgh’s offensive game plan to focus heavily on the run and keep Dixon out of low percentage passing situations.

Defensively, expect DC Dick LeBeau to run an aggressive blitz scheme which limits RB Michael Turner’s effectiveness and puts pressure on QB Matt Ryan. It’ll be a low scoring affair which the Steelers will win.

6. Arizona Cardinals (-4) vs. St. Louis Rams – The 2010 version of the Cardinals is certainly not a world beater, but the Rams should be downright awful. Rookie QB Sam Bradford makes his career debut and has no one to throw the ball to.

The Cards will key on RB Steven Jackson and put the game into Bradford’s hands. On offense, expect the Rams to see a healthy dose of RB Beanie Wells and RB Tim Hightower and for Arizona to win by at least a TD.

7. New Orleans Saints (-4.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings (Thursday) – The defending Super Bowl Champs typically put on a show the first Thursday Night of the season. And we see the Saints following suit tomorrow. The Vikings are without WR Sidney Rice, a huge piece of their offense, and this means DC Gregg Williams will put eight men in the box to stop RB Adrian Peterson. He’ll also blitz aggressively to force Favre into ill advised throws (see his last pass of 2009 NFC Championship Game).

Offensively, QB Drew Brees will come out firing, and the Saints prolific passing game will be too much on this night. Expect a 31-24 final.

Money Line Bet

Kansas City Chiefs (+180)

The Chargers have come out slow from the gate each of the last three years. In 2009, though vastly superior to Oakland, they struggled mightily to win at the end. The Chiefs have a lot more talent offensively in 2010 and Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis knows how to get the most out of his players.

Though the Chargers offense will move the ball, missing LT Marcus McNeill could prove devastating as it exposes Phillip Rivers’ blindside. Expect KC to try and exploit this weakness.

As such, look for the Chiefs to catch the Chargers off guard and win a close contest on Monday Night.

QB Joe Flacco -

RB Michael Turner – The return of S Troy Polamalu and DE Aaron Smith will have this defense playing like it’s 2008 again. This is bad news for Michael Turner owners. That Steelers D was the best at stopping the run. Expect Turner Burner to have a very mediocre afternoon and end with around 60 rushing yards with 0 TDs.

WR Anquan Boldin – Along with his teammate at the top, this is a night you want to avoid Baltimore’s top receiving threat. Rust or little rust, CB Darrelle Revis will shut Boldin down and force Flacco to look elsewhere when throwing down the field. Expect 50 receiving yards or fewer on MNF.

TE John Carlson - Two reasons. The Seahawks are thin along the offensive line and will probably need Carlson to stay in and block most of the time. Next, the 49ers possess one of the best LB corps in the league and are tough on opposing TEs.

D/ST Philadelphia Eagles – Ranked No. 2 on some fantasy football pre-draft ranking charts, Week 1 is not the weekend to start this unit. QB Aaron Rodgers and Co. are coming into Philadelphia and will be putting plenty of points on the board.

Others who will have below par games

QB Tom Brady, RB Justin Forsett, WR Hines Ward, TE Tony Gonzalez, D/ST Minnesota Vikings

Must Starts

1. San Francisco 49ers – The top ranked fantasy football D/ST a year ago gets a gimme in Week 1. Look for LB Patrick Willis and Co. to create havoc against the Seahawks and keep the scoring to a minimum.

2. New York Jets – Revis Island will be back on Monday and this will be a defensive battle. Expect New York to come after Flacco and Co.

3. Dallas Cowboys - This will be Donovan McNabb’s first game in Shanahan’s system and we think it’ll take some time before things come together. Look for a big evening from LB/DE DeMarcus Ware and Co.

4. Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens front seven is hungry and Mark Sanchez is prone to mistakes. Look for a low scoring effort on Monday Night and for the Ravens to sack Sanchez multiple times.

Next In Line

Miami Dolphins - The Bills have no offensive line and are lacking big-play talent on the outside. Look for Nolan’s unit to provide different looks on Sunday and force a few turnovers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - This may be one of the few times the Bucs are ranked, but playing against the Browns and Jake Delhomme you’ve got to figure they’re good for a few turnovers, right?

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers get S Troy Polamalu back and his presence alone lifts the Steelers back to an elite D/ST. Expect multiple sacks and a few turnovers against the Falcons.

A Few More

Atlanta Falcons - The potential Charlie Batch led Steelers offense makes the Falcons D, a fantasy sleeper entering the season, a good start on Sunday. Look for multiple sacks and a few picks.

Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals may experience a fall off defensively from a year ago but it won’t start in Week 1. DT Darnell Dockett and Co. must be salivating at the opportunity of going after QB Sam Bradford.

Tennessee Titans – The Raiders come into town minus Michael Bush and without much firepower. Look for the Titans to harass QB Jason Campbell and force a few turnovers.

New York Giants – The Panthers went scoreless in the preseason and New York is playing in a new scheme in 2010 which promises to be more physical. Look for a few sacks and turnovers from Justin Tuck and Co.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Indianapolis Colts – the Colts have S Bob Sanders back and the front seven is better than any in recent memory. Look for the offense to take the lead and for the smaller D to come after Matt Schaub and force multiple turnovers while racking up a few sacks. This is a strong fantasy sleeper in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Dallas Clark - Clark has been a menace to the Texans D his entire career. Look for over 80 yards and a TD on Sunday from the top fantasy football TE in Week 1.

2. Antonio Gates - He’s the Chargers main receiving threat and will be Rivers favorite target in the red zone. 80 yards and a score against the Chiefs.

3. Vernon Davis – 1st game into contract season begins on Sunday. Look for he and Smith to connect for 75 yards and a TD vs. the Seahawks.

4. Jermichael Finley - Aaron Rodgers main target across the middle can get deep too. Will present all sorts of matchup problems for Philadelphia and will top 75 yards and a TD in Week 1.

Next In Line

Brent Celek – He was Kolb’s favorite target in the young QBs limited amount of work last season. Expect a lot of targets on Sunday.

Jason Witten – No. 82 won’t have to block as much this year and should start off the season with a bang in Washington on Sunday Night.

Tony Gonzalez – The going never gets easy when facing Troy Polamalu and Co., but Gonzalez should be good for a score in the red zone.

A Few More

Heath Miller – Regardless of who starts at the QB position, Miller will have his name called plenty on the short to medium routes.

Visanthe Schiancoe – The absence of Sindey Rice could open up more opportunities for Schiancoe when not in the red zone. In the red zone, he’s a menace, and we expect a score on Thursday Night.

Owen Daniels - He’s back from a torn ACL and supposedly moving well. Expect a shootout in Indy and Daniels to top 50 yards with a potential score.

Chris Cooley – He and McNabb should link up plenty on Sunday Night especially near the goal line.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Jermaine Gresham – The Bengals rookie TE is playing a porous Patriots secondary and will receive a lot of love from Carson Palmer on the intermediate routes. Expect 50 yards and a TD for an excellent fantasy sleeper pick in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Andre Johnson - The top fantasy football WR from a year ago will come out strong against a Colts defense vulnerable in the secondary. Expect 125 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Calvin Johnson - Megatron is back and will torch the Bears thin secondary in Soldier Field. Look for over 100 yards and 2 TDs.

3. Reggie Wayne – The Texans lost CB Dunta Robinson and Wayne was putting up big numbers even when he was there. Look he and Peyton Manning to hook up for 100 yards plus a score on Sunday.

4. Greg Jennings – This figures to be a high scoring affair and Jennings should easily top 100 yards with a TD.

Next In Line

Brandon Marshall – The Bills D is depleted and Marshall is looking to make a big splash on opening day. He’ll top 100 yards with a TD.

Larry Fitzgerald - The Rams are the worst team in the league and Fitzgerald will have a field day in Week 1.

DeSean Jackson – The Packers don’t have anyone in the secondary who can stay with Jackson. Look for a lot of targets from Kevin Kolb and 100 yards plus a score on Sunday.

A Few More

Steve Smith (Car) – Smith always terrorizes the Giants and should do well right back on opening day.

Randy Moss - The Bengals secondary was tough a year ago but Moss is a must start every week (except against Revis) and will score on Sunday.

Miles Austin - Austin should gash the Redskins secondary Sunday Night for over 80 yards and a TD.

Roddy White - The Steelers one area of weakness is the CB position and White is one of the best in the business.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Johnny Knox - The Lions secondary is atrocious and the speedy Knox could find himself on the receiving end of a few bombs on Sunday. He’s an excellent fantasy football sleeper in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Chris Johnson – He got some money. Now he wants a to be the All-Time single season rushing record holder. Oakland’s D should present zero problems for him and expect well over 125 yards and 2 TDs for the top fantasy football RB in Week 1.

2. Adrian Peterson – S Darren Sharper is out of the lineup for New Orleans and AD will have his number called more often with WR Sindey Rice sidelined. Big effort Thursday Night with over 100 yards and 1 TD.

3. Frank Gore – Gore lit up the Seahawks for 207 yards and 2 TDs in their first matchup a year ago. He easily tops 100 with a couple of scores on Sunday.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew - The Broncos Defense is in shambles and MJD will top 100 yards and score twice on opening day.

Next In Line

DeAngelo Williams – Williams is healthy and always posts strong numbers vs. the Giants.

Beanie Wells – The Rams front seven is thin and the Cards will lean more on the run in the early going. Could be a 100 + yard multiple TD effort in Week 1.

LeSean McCoy – A very solid preseason will carry over into the regular season. Expect Reid to incorporate McCoy more into the game plan to take some pressure off Kolb in the early going.

A Few More

Jamaal Charles - Charles is a threat as a runner and receiver and will present all sorts of problems for San Diego on Monday Night. 100 yards and 1 TD.

Ryan Mathews - The Chargers will give Mathews the ball 15-20 times on Monday Night and the rookie should be good for 75 yards plus a score.

Ray Rice – The Jets present a formidable task but Rice is a threat as a runner and receiver and should still post strong numbers.

Matt Forte - The Lions defense is still one of the worst in the league and Forte should post close to 100 yards on Sunday.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Jahvid Best – The speedster out of Cal has received raved reviews throughout preseason. Look for the top fantasy football sleeper in Week 1 to put up over 100 yards in what should be a shootout in Chicago.

1. Drew Brees - Super Bowl QB will put on a show vs. a Vikings secondary that can be beat. Top fantasy football QB in Week 1 and will top 300 yards and 3 TDs.

2. Peyton Manning - More receiving options than ever to work with and Manning always lights up the Texans D. 300 yards and 3 TDs.

3. Aaron Rodgers – Very few defenses could stop Rodgers and Co. a year ago and the Eagles can be beat deep. Look for over 250 yards and 3 TDs in Week 1.

4. Phillip Rivers – The Chiefs inability to pressure opposing QBs will allow Rivers to connect with his receivers all evening long. 250 yards and 2 TDs.

Next In Line

Kevin Kolb – There are question marks in the Packers secondary. Look for Kolb to have a strong day throwing to DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

Tom Brady - The Bengals DB’s are a strength, but it’s tough to stop Moss and Welker an entire afternoon.

Tony Romo - The Cowboys are stacked at the skill positions and Romo always does well against the Redskins.

A Few More

Carson Palmer - The Patriots’ secondary has been exposed in recent years and Palmer should have a nice day throwing to T.O., Ochocinco and the rest of the Bengals receivers. 240 yards and 2 TDs.

Matt Schaub – It could be a shootout vs. the Colts and Schaub is no stranger to airing it out.

Derek Anderson - The Rams are horrible. WR Larry Fitzgerald is back for this one and the Cards should do considerable damage through the air.

Matt Cassel - The Chargers pass rush has been non existent and the Chiefs have some weapons now for Cassel to throw to.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Chad Henne – The Bills are thin along the line and young in the secondary and the Dolphins get to play in Buffalo when the weather is nice. Henne’s a nice fantasy sleeper pick and should put up 225 and 2 TDs throwing to Marshall and Co. all afternoon.

1. Indianapolis Colts: 13-3

The Colts actually have more firepower on offense this year than they had a year ago. The healthy return of WR Anthony Gonzalez means even more weapons for Peyton Manning to play with.

GM Bill Polian made some key additions to the defense and many think this could be the Colts best D of Manning’s time in Indy. The rest of the AFC South poses no threat to the Colts supremacy, so expect a No. 1 or No. 2 seed followed by a very likely return to the Super Bowl.

2. San Diego Chargers: 11-2

The Chargers Super Bowl window has been steadily closing for years, and it might be now or never with the looming lockout on the horizon. This year’s squad is without RB Ladainian Tomlinson and could potentially face lengthy holdouts with both WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus McNeill.

That being said, they’re still the class of the AFC West, have upgraded the roster on both sides of the ball including 1st round draft choice RB Ryan Mathews, and should find themselves in a favorable position once again come playoff time. But Phillip Rivers and Norv Turner have been unable to get this team over the hump in January and they’ll fall short once again.

3. New York Jets: 11-2

There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Jets who’ve all but anointed themselves Super Bowl Champs throughout the offseason. Now comes the difficult part: proving it. They have an exceptionally talented defense which will keep them in nearly every game, although a lengthy holdout by CB Darrelle Revis would be damaging down the stretch.

Offensively, while talented at the skill positions and along most of the offensive line,  QB Mark Sanchez is still only in year two. New York will likely earn a Wild Card. At that point, anything can happen if their defense is hitting on all cylinders. We see them falling a bit short of the Super Bowl though.

4. New England Patriots: 6-1

The glory days for the Patriots are over and they have virtually no shot of winning the AFC. The offense will still be potent, but Bill Belichick’s habit of ignoring the running game makes it easier for opponents to scheme Tom Brady and Co.

And defensively, they have still not found replacements for guys like Richard Seymour who can pressure opposing QBs and protect their secondary. The Patriots will struggle to earn a Wild Card berth but that’s as good as it gets in 2010.

5. Baltimore Ravens: 6-1

The Ravens are a legitimate threat to win the AFC in 2010. They’re very talented offensively (QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice) and solidified the passing game by landing WR Anquan Boldin. Defensively, there’s issues in the secondary, with S Ed Reed’s status up in the air, but there’s enough talent upfront to get the job done.

This could actually be a year where the offense, not the defense, leads the charge in Baltimore, and it could be a year where they steamroll their way to Dallas.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-1

The Steelers are another team that could return to the top of the AFC in 2010, but they’ll have to overcome the loss of QB Ben Roethlisberger for at least four games to start the season. Once he’s back though, the pieces are in place for this offense to put points on the board.  On defense, star S Troy Polamalu is healthy and he’s the most important piece of the puzzle.

The defense can be dominant when he’s on the field and this is what you need come playoff time. Their 3rd place schedule is favorable and they’re a real sleeper to steal the AFC at healthy betting odds.

7. Cincinnati Bengals: 14-1

It’d be easy to write off the Bengals as a one-year wonder after surprising the AFC North in 2009, but they have a legitimate shot after recent upgrades to the offense. Providing Carson Palmer with more toys at the skill positions balances out this offense and makes the passing game a real threat. And defensively, Mike Zimmer’s unit is very disciplined.  Look for a Wild Card Berth with a slight chance to surprise once in the dance.

8. Houston Texans: 15-1

The Texans have no shot at winning the AFC. Its offense can put points on the board but is not real good at controlling the clock. On defense, there’s a lot of young talent in the front seven, but it’s not enough to compete with the big boys of the Conference. The team’s goal is to make the Playoffs for the first time. Let’s start with that before worrying about winning the Conference.

Pro Football 101 Betting Strategy

Put money on the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. The betting odds are attractive for teams of their caliber and both have fewer question marks than the others in the Conference. As a betting sleeper, leave a little money for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1). There are many similarities to this year’s version as 2008 and all they need is a little luck to climb back to the top of the mountain in the AFC.

* odds are based on the World Sports Exchange

1. New Orleans Saints: 14-3

2009 was a magical year which saw everything come together. The offense was the offense, the defense bought into DC Gregg Williams’ philosophy, and the Saints faced a last place schedule. No such luck this year.

Everyone is coming to get them and their 1st place schedule will be much more difficult. This team will be fighting for a Wild Card in 2010 but will be bounced no later than the 2nd round of the playoffs.

2. Dallas Cowboys: 19-4

A very realistic shot of winning the NFC.  The team is stacked on both sides of the ball and enters this season with both the swagger and momentum from a year ago. It won’t be easy, it never is, but if they can remain healthy, and get Tony Romo and Wade Phillips to forget it’s January, this could be the first team to ever play in a Super Bowl that it is hosting.

3. Green Bay Packers: 11-2

Another team with an excellent shot at winning the Conference. The Packers are loaded offensively and QB Aaron Rodgers is only getting better. While DC Dom Capers had a tremendous impact on this defense in his 1st season a year ago, there are some questions along the defensive line and in the secondary.

Keep an eye on the Packers around Thanksgiving and if they begin to pick up momentum, they may just ride it all the way to Dallas.

4. Minnesota Vikings: 6-1

The Vikings took a huge hit on Tuesday with the loss of star WR Sidney Rice for a minimum of eight weeks due to hip surgery. His absence impacts everything the Vikings intend to do offensively, and certainly makes Brett Favre’s life more difficult (it also drops Favre way down in fantasy football).

If Harvin is forced to miss any time due to migraines then the receiving corps is down to Bernard Berrian and Javon Walker. Ouch! The defense will be fine but it’ll probably end up being the offense which derails this season’s hopes.

5. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-1

The Eagles season hinges primarily on QB Kevin Kolb’s ability to lead this team offensively. If he steps up, they’ll contend; if he doesn’t, the entire team will struggle. The Eagles defensively are built to jump on teams when they have a lead and can pressure opposing teams into turnovers. That plan goes out the window when the games are close and teams are able to run a balanced offense against them.

6. New York Giants: 11-1

This is an interesting sleeper pick to win the NFC. The talent is there on both sides of the ball but it remains to be seen how the defense responds to new DC Perry Fewell and his schemes. If they take to them, the Giants will be tough down the stretch ala 2007. If they don’t, it’ll be a middle of the road season with an outside chance at the post season.

7. Atlanta Falcons: 11-1

The Falcons have a legitimate shot of coming out of the NFC and we think they’re an excellent football bet at 2-1 to win the NFC South. Matt Ryan, already on the verge of stardom, is entering year three, which is usually a big year for Quarterbacks. The rest of the offense is intact – RB Michael Turner is healthy and back in shape – and the organization strategically added pieces to the defense.

8. San Francisco 49ers: 13-1

The Niners should walk into the post season in the NFC West this season. Their ability to make noise once there will depend on the progress Alex Smith makes over the course of the year. Odds are they’ll be one and done once the competition stiffens in the Wild Card round.

Pro Football 101 Betting Strategy

Put money on the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons. All have betting odds of almost 5-1 or better, and each team has a legitimate shot, provided there are no major injuries, of winning the NFC. If the Giants defense returns to 2007 form, you can add their name to the list as well.

* Betting odds from World Sports Exchange.

1. New York Jets

2. Minnesota Vikings – Things fell apart after MLB EJ Henderson’s injury. He’s now healthy.

3. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are loaded defensively, especially in the front seven.

4. San Francisco 49ers – MLB Patrick Willis led the Niners to a surprising No. 1 finish in fantasy football scoring for D/ST a year ago. Cupcake schedule in 2010.

5. Baltimore Ravens - Perennial defensive power will be physical up front. Question marks remain in the Secondary.

6. Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles will be more aggressive after key additions at Linebacker and via the NFL Draft.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers - This is a top 5 D/ST with S Troy Polamalu. It drops to 15-20 without.

8. Green Bay Packers – DC Dom Capers system put the Packers D back on the map in 2009. Will be blitzing plenty.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals D came out of nowhere a year ago. Will be stingy once again under DC Mike Zimmer.

10. New Orleans Saints - DC Gregg Williams impact on this defense was tremendous. They’ll be competitive once again, but don’t expect a top 5 finish.

11. San Diego Chargers – Unit came together over the 2nd half of the season. Made improvements in the offseason and still have the luxury of facing the AFC West six times per year.

12. Chicago Bears – Upgraded defense with DE Julius Peppers signing in Free Agency. Need to show toughness and consistency.

13. Miami Dolphins – This unit will surprise a lot of people playing under DC Mike Nolan.

14. New York Giants - Looking to erase memories of their horrendous 2009 campaign. Talented and deep, but must put it together.

15. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts Defense could be their best yet. Need to remain healthy.

16. New England Patriots - The inability to pressure opposing QBs has made this unit ordinary. Can they get pressure upfront?

17. Houston Texans – Defense possesses a talented front seven and a dangerous kick returner in Jacoby Jones. Still a middle of the pack fantasy football D/ST.

18. Tennessee Titans -  Defense improved as the season went on. This trend should continue in year 2 under DC Chuck Cecil.

19. Washington Redskins – The Redskins are incorporating a new scheme this year. Could end up a nice fantasy sleeper play towards the middle of the season.

20. Arizona Cardinals – Talented defense despite the loss of OLB Karlos Dansby. The biggest concern is whether the offense can help them out by sustaining drives and scoring points.

21. Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta has the look of a nice late round fantasy sleeper. Upgraded secondary with CB Dunta Robinson and front seven in Draft.

22. Carolina Panthers - John Fox always has this unit competitive. Will need to find a pass rush in DE Julius Peppers’ absence.

23. Oakland Raiders - Lots of individual talent on this side of the ball. Could surprise in 2010.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Focused on defense in the NFL Draft. Young unit will be better, but no more than a spot play against a poor opponent.

25. Kansas City Chiefs - DC Romeo Crennel has some young talent to work with. Should improve as they learn his system.