Thursday, September 6, 2012

Week 1 AFC East game picks: Patriots at Titans

Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche, Sean Donovan and Sam Hollingsworth pick the New England Patriots' Week 1 road matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

Nick's take:
The Patriots' defense is certainly revamped, and the offense, minus questions on the offensive line, is as good as it's ever been thanks to Tom Brady throwing to the best tight-end tandem in the league coupled with a highly-skilled receiving corps. Not sure the Titans have much of a chance in this one with rookie Jake Locker calling signals, though Chris Johnson is more than capable of being the neutralizer here.
Prediction: Patriots 35, Titans 14

Sam's take:
It’s been a while since the Titans got the best of the Patriots, and that trend continues in the season-opener in Tennessee. The Titans are just starting to rebuild, while the Patriots are at their climax. Expect the high-powered offense of the Patriots to continue to handle work as usual, and the Titans get a rude opening to the season.
Prediction: Patriots 42, Titans 14

Dan's take: The Pats' defense can't get much worse from last season, but their offense can't get much better, either. Though Locker has looked good thus far calling the shots for Tennessee, Brady will ultimately do what he does best to get his team on the board, as the Titans' defense hasn't been real impressive as of late. Not to mention Tennessee hasn't beaten New England in 10 years.
Prediction: Patriots 35, Titans 24

Sean's take:
The Titans are a solid, balanced team with a promising second-year quarterback, but the Patriots are an AFC powerhouse that can and will outscore any opposing offense. Tennessee will struggle to generate the pass rush required to disrupt Tom Brady and a loaded New England arsenal of offensive weapons. The Patriots cruise to their ninth consecutive opening game victory.
Prediction: Patriots 43, Titans 21

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