It's finally game day, and here's a look at each of our picks for this afternoon's season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
PatsFans.com Staff Predictions:
 | Ian Logue Prediction: NE 24-17 Tennessee has said they're playing this game like it's a championship game, and the fact that they're playing at home I think will give them an edge that could make this one a little tougher than most may think. I expect the offense to struggle early and for the Titans to even play with a lead, but I expect the Patriots to finish the game strong. Offensive Player of the Game: Wes Welker Defensive Player of the Game: Devin McCourty |
 | Bob George Prediction: NE 24-10 Offensive line's subpar performance in preseason makes it hard to predict more points for the Pats. Defense should present a stiff test for Locker. Home crowd will help the Titans a little bit but the Patriots have them by a mile on paper. Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Hernandez Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
 | Derek Havens Prediction: NE 34-17 The Patriots offensive line may be tested with a strong Titans pass rush, but the Patriots simply have too much fire power for Tennessee. Look for the Pats to kick-off the season with a victory. Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Hernandez Defensive Player of the Game: Jerod Mayo |
 | Russ Goldman Prediction: NE 31-20 I think the game will be tight in the first half as I feel it will take two quarters for both the Patriots offense and defense to settle into the game and get comfortable. Offensive Player of the Game: Rob Gronkowski Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
 | Steve Balestrieri Prediction: NE 27-17 I think this should be a good, close game. I think the Patriots offense will take some time to get on track, but I expect that they'll move the ball very well on Sunday. I also believe Jake Locker will play very well in his debut as a starter, but in the end, experience pays off and the Patriots pull away late. Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Hernandez Defensive Player of the Game: Vince Wilfork |
 | Christine Roy Prediction: NE 31-10 When you look at these teams as a whole, I don't have to tell you that the Patriots are just more impressive. Yes there are some questions up front offensively, but ultimately Tom Brady will outshine Jake Locker. Offensive Player of the Game: Nate Solder Defensive Player of the Game: Chandler Jones |
 | Ryan Hannable Prediction: NE 31-20 I think the Titans will give the Patriots a better game than most people think as their defense can give opposing offenses fits. I think the Patriots will struggle early on, but get things back on track and win by double digits. Offensive Player of the Game: Aaron Hernandez Defensive Player of the Game: Jerod Mayo |
 | Damien Jarrett Prediction: NE 20-17 This is a tough place to go away from home on opening day and there will certainly be some growing pains to start out. The offensive line still needs to gel and the offence as a whole may stall a little in the early stages but should pull it together as the game goes on. Offensive Player of the Game: Nate Solder Defensive Player of the Game: Ras-I Dowling |
This is an archived article originally published on
September 9, 2012.
Content reflects the editorial context of its original publication date.
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