Here we go again!

Atlanta at Kansas City

Tony Gonzalez’s return to Arrowhead marks the start of a great Sunday to start the season. Both the Falcons and Chiefs are looking to take the next step for their franchises. Atlanta is out to prove that it can not only get to the playoffs but move on, something they failed to do in three of the past four seasons. Kansas City is looking to pick back up the spark that lead it to the playoffs two years ago. Both have reasons to believe in the possibility of improvement. The Falcons have a high powered offense with Julio Jones coming off a great rookie season while the defense has picked up another potential ball hawk in Asante Samuel. They also could take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding division rival New Orleans. Kansas City has a plethora of starters returning from injuries last season, notably Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry, along with the acquisition of Eric Winston to solidify the offensive line. Arrowhead is one of the best home field advantages in the league, but the loss of Tamba Hali through suspension for the season opener will be just enough to swing the game in Matty Ice’s favor. Falcons 24, Chiefs 17

Buffalo at New York Jets

The Jets have most certainly won the back page battle in New York this offseason. The hype surrounding Tim Tebow has kept the Jets in the news, but will he be able to keep them in games? The Jets offense was anemic in preseason. A complete lack of playmakers at every offensive position leaves the Jets with the possibility of having to rely on Tebow for big plays and Mark Sanchez constantly looking over his shoulder.  The defense will need to carry the team, but lacks pass rushers that can put consistent pressure on the quarterback without blitzing. The Bills should be the team people are talking about. Strengthening the defense with Mario Williams as well as getting both Fred Jackson and Kyle Williams back from injury could lift the Bills to new heights.  The ability to make big plays on offense and defense give Buffalo the edge today. Over under for games until Tebow starts? Week 5 if you ask me. Bills 20, Jets 13

San Francisco at Green Bay

Two contenders for the best team in the NFC meet in this early season battle of great offense vs. great defense. Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers was spectacular last year posting a single-season record 122.5 passer rating while leading the Packers to a 15-1 record. But Rodgers couldn’t make up for Green Bay’s porous defense in the playoffs.  The 49ers also made a strong run last year built on a great defense. Both teams want to take that next step. The 49ers have added multiple skill players on offense, including Randy Moss in order to add a more explosive dimension. Green Bay is looking from within to improve a defense that gave up most passing yards in NFL history. San Fran’s new weapons will tempt Jim Harbaugh to open up the offense, but Alex Smith’s decision-making will be tested with Clay Matthews coming off the edge. Green Bay will win the turnover battle and Rodgers will pull off a tough win. Packers 28, 49ers 24

Pittsburgh at Denver

The Steelers are haunted by last season’s shocking playoff loss to the Broncos as they head back to Denver. But this is far from the same Broncos. Peyton Manning is the new quarterback, returning a year after a neck injury shut him down for the season in Indy. Denver will focus on its passing game instead of the power running game it depended on last season with Tim Tebow. How Peyton responds in his first game back is anyone’s guess. Expect the Steelers to pressure Manning early and often. Pittsburgh’s offense has also had a makeover with Todd Haley taking over as offensive coordinator.  He will need to focus on keeping Big Ben upright with explosive pass rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil coming off the edge. Pittsburgh gets revenge. Steelers, 26, Broncos 21

Cincinnati at Baltimore

A dropped ball in the end zone and a missed field goal cost the Ravens a chance to get to the Super Bowl last year. Baltimore is the only team to make the playoffs the last four years but doesn’t have a Super Bowl appearance to show for it. Are the Ravens past their sell-by date? Joe Flacco did not progress last year and the defense is without injured Terrell Suggs. The Bengals’ young duo of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green combined with a deep defensive line puts them on the upswing. The Ravens, however, still have advantages at most positions and feature the biggest playmakers on both sides of the ball, notably Ray Rice and Ed Reed. That — plus a solid home field advantage — will be enough to win on Monday night. Ravens 24, Bengals 21

Last Season: 57-35