By RICARDO WELLS

IT is finally here. Football is back, baby!

After a long summer of deflated ball talk, court rooms, Tebowing and even a 300 plus pound man in overalls ... we all watched that one episode of this year’s Hard Knocks with the Houston Texans.

After all of that we can cheer. It is now official because the games once again have meaning.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New

England Patriots - Patriots

It’s been 220 days since the Patriots last took the field in a meaningful game - the Super Bowl. In that time all the talk has been about everything except their play on the field. Expect Tom and crew to come out and show why they are so good. Banner reveal, Foxborough crowd, Brady has something to prove this year - I’m booking five touchdowns in this match-up.

Green Bay Packers at

Chicago Bears - Packers

Is Jay Cutler still in Chicago? I have no faith in Jay Cutler or John Fox. Yes, I know Arron Rodgers doesn’t have a full complement of receivers this year, but he is still one of the best - he gets it done.

Kansas City Chiefs at

Houston Texans - Texans

JJ Watt! Wait, let me say this again, JJ Watt! It’s really unfair for one man to be that dominant, and this week I don’t see Kansas City being able to stop him.

The Chiefs have done very little to upgrade a team that had already taken a step back from the previous year. Arian Foster will play.

Indianapolis Colts at

Buffalo Bills - Colts

Andre Johnson, Andrew Luck, Frank Gore ... I like. Well, I like more than I like Tyrod Taylor. While I do believe that the Bills’ top ranked defence will do all it can to stifle Luck, the Colts will find a way to pull it out.

Miami Dolphins at

Washington

Redskins - Dolphins

RIP Kirk Cousins - he is going to get slaughtered by the Dolphins’ front seven and be done by halftime. In fact, its almost like we are a half away from the start of the Colt McCoy era. That Dolphins defence is Super Bowl worthy - they just might do it.

Carolina Panthers at

Jacksonville Jaguars -

Panthers

I am still petitioning the league to relegate the Jaguars to the college ranks and call up Alabama - I guess Commissioner Goodell was too busy with ‘Deflate-gate’ to consider it.

New Orleans Saints at Arizona

Cardinals - Cardinals

Let’s face it. You don’t just trade one of the two best tight ends in the game and come out unscathed. Add that to the fact that Brees is battling injuries, there is no chance for the “Who Dat Nation”. The Cardinals are just too stocked and primed for a deep run this season.

Detroit Lions at San Diego

Chargers - Lions

While these two teams are more evenly matched than most realise and my love for Philip Rivers is way more than I would ever admit, the Chargers just don’t have enough to keep up with the high-powered Lions. No Woodhead, no Gates - no chance.

Cleveland Browns at

New York Jets - Browns

Don’t spend any time watching this - its whoever gets the least amount of penalties. If you can’t keep your QB safe in the locker room there is no chance you can keep him safe on the field. The Jets have no chance and the Browns will find a way to pull this senseless game out.

Seattle Seahawks at

St Louis Rams - Seahawks

The Rams have always played the Seahawks strong, with a front seven that could be top five in the league. We aren’t sure what Cam Chancelor is doing, but the Hawks just signed Fred Jackson to pair alongside Marshawn Lynch so I am still confident the Hawks know how to get the win.

Tennessee Titians at

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -

Buccaneers

In a match-up of the top two draft picks no one really wins. Both will struggle and the game is going to be tough to watch at some points.

But as he did back with the ‘Noles, expect Winston to find a way to pull it out.

Cincinnati Bengals

at Oakland Raiders - Raiders

In a game that I am sooooooo eager to see this Sunday, this is going to be the rebirth of the Raiders.

Derek Carr to be my Rookie of the Year choice. Amari Cooper gets it done against a Bengals team that is going to take a step back this year.

Baltimore Ravens

at Denver Broncos - Broncos

When I was a young football fan growing up there were two things I learnt very quickly.

1) Brett Favre never feels pain.

2) Aqib Talib vs Steve Smith Sr is bound to end in a brawl. This week’s match-up will be no different, expect at least two interceptions from Talib.

New York Giants at Dallas

Cowboys - Cowboys

So let me get this right. JPP lost a his index finger, then lost his contract. Damn, that was the Giants’ only hope against what I think is still the best O-Line in the game. Cowboys are simply too much to a man for the Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles at

Atlanta Falcons - Eagles

This is going to be the highest scoring game of the week. Keep your Gatorade close for this one as Chip Kelly’s offence, now featuring last year’s leading rusher Demarco Murray, promises to leave you winded.

Minnesota Vikings at

San Francisco - Vikings

There is a rumour going around that AD thinks he is going to eclipse 2,500 yards this year. I don’t think this should be a rumour: I say book it, box it or play straight. AD is going to run all over the league on Monday and for the rest of the year.

rwells@tribunemedia.net