Packers by 8
It looks like the Falcons have decided to start franchise quarterback Michael Vick, with the release of Chandler during the off-season. Vick's status is the key here. I have been openly critical of Vick, who I think is a terrific running threat and moves around as well as any ball carrier I have ever seen -- but who lacks the arm, intelligence, and leadership ability to meet the high expectations. Opening at Green Bay, one of the league's tougher opposing stadiums doesn't make things any easier. Packers are now favored by 8 (opening line was 7). For reasons I fail to see, oddsmakers expect the Packers to have a big year (season win total is 10.5). I see a team that's one or two injuries away from being a .500 team. Defensively, this team is very average. Packers desperately need consistency from their running game if they are to be successful. I'd jump all over the Falcons here getting 8 points, but I don?t trust the Falcons with so many offensive questions (RB Jamal Anderson is gone). Little or no chance to middle this game, since the line has already moved off the 7. No Play.
It looks like the Falcons have decided to start franchise quarterback Michael Vick, with the release of Chandler during the off-season. Vick's status is the key here. I have been openly critical of Vick, who I think is a terrific running threat and moves around as well as any ball carrier I have ever seen -- but who lacks the arm, intelligence, and leadership ability to meet the high expectations. Opening at Green Bay, one of the league's tougher opposing stadiums doesn't make things any easier. Packers are now favored by 8 (opening line was 7). For reasons I fail to see, oddsmakers expect the Packers to have a big year (season win total is 10.5). I see a team that's one or two injuries away from being a .500 team. Defensively, this team is very average. Packers desperately need consistency from their running game if they are to be successful. I'd jump all over the Falcons here getting 8 points, but I don?t trust the Falcons with so many offensive questions (RB Jamal Anderson is gone). Little or no chance to middle this game, since the line has already moved off the 7. No Play.
