NFL: Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints all in action

The waiting is nearly over, and at the end of this week, the new NFL season will be underway. All roads lead to the playoffs and the Super Bowl, but who will be crowned the champions? Check out our Week 1 previews, which sees the Buffalo Bills take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers face-off.

Josh Allen and New Orleans ready to put AFC East title on the line

The Buffalo Bills were busy during the off-season as they completed deals for edge rushers Gregory Rousseau in the first draft, and then Carlos Basham Junior in the second. Josh Allen, however, remains the key man, and he has been a model of consistency. Over the past three seasons, his stats for passing yards and passing touchdowns has shot up significantly.

If that wasn’t enough, he also added 25 rushing touchdowns in the NFL. He could probably count himself unfortunate that he wasn’t named the MVP (Most Valued Player). Although their preparations were somewhat hampered by the positive COVID tests of five players, including Cole Beasley, the Bills will still remain a threat.

• Buffalo Bills to beat Pittsburgh Steelers including Overtime @-286 with Casumo
• Total Points Over 48.5 including Overtime @-112 with Casumo

Pittsburgh Steelers in jersey number switch for 2021 season

For the 2021/22 campaign, fans will notice that a few of the players have had their jersey numbers updated. Initially, there were two pairs of players that made up the 53-man roster who had the same numbers. And as things stand, Jamie Jones will wear number 40, while Buddy Johnson will have 45 on the back of his jersey, while Joe Schobert will be 93.

Pittsburgh Steelers pushing hard for T.J.Watt contract extension

The Steelers have been working hard on trying to push through a contract extension for T.J.Watt. As things stand, Watt will pocket $10million this season, but after the regular 17-game schedule, it is unclear what will happen. However, Watt is adamant he wants to be the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.

New Orleans Saints make Latavius Murray decision just days before start of new season

With their wage bill rising, New Orleans Saints cut their ties with Latavius Murray and chose to sign veteran corner Desmond Trufant. Murray had enjoyed a splendid season with Saints during the last campaign. In terms of yards per carry, he averaged 4.5 yards on 146 attempts. While releasing Murray will be a body blow, the Saints have to move on.

The big questions that will determine Green Bay Packers’ season

A trip to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday is laden with danger, and it is a tough opener. But as far as the Packers are concerned, they have some big questions to answer that will determine how well they do this campaign. An indifferent pre-season has prompted speculation about the effectiveness of their offensive line.

Although there is depth in that department, with Adam Stenavich providing the energy and flair, there has been some reshuffling with some high-profile departures. Corey Linsley has already gone, and the void has been filled by inexperienced rookie Josh Myers. Nevertheless, the core set of players, which includes Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur, should help Packers rack up lots of points.

• Green Bay Packers to beat New Orleans Saints including Overtime @-205 with Casumo
• Green Bay Packers to score the first touchdown @-162 with Casumo

Expectations will be high on the defensive line too. While LaFleur has made the adjustment as defensive coordinator, Joe Barry is tasked with trying to paper over any cracks. There are few teams in the NFL that possess edge rushers, as well as three Pro Bowl class players in the secondary.

Los Angeles Rams go in as huge favourites against the Chicago Bears

With the acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford during the off-season, the Los Angeles Rams are going in as huge favourites with Casumo to kick-start their campaign against the Chicago Bears with a win. The Bears may not be the worst side in the NFL, but the Rams are packed full of talent.

Even if you take Stafford out of the equation, the wide receivers will play a pivotal role. The Rams have Super Bowl aspirations, and one of the players that will be critical to their chances of success will be Robert Woods. With his aggressive throws down the field, Woods should surpass 1,000 yards in receiving, providing he stays healthy.

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