Who's our opening day opponent in 2006?

[richpats]

I think the NFL will want us in one of their night games on opening weekend, either Sunday or Monday.

We don't have but a few 'marquee' games this year, and only about six I'd consider 'big':

INDIANAPOLIS - it's been done, but NBC may want the biggest matchup to kick off their Sunday night games. I hope this is in November actually. 30% chance

MIAMI / at Miami - typically divisional games aren't prime-time for opening weekend. Plus the Fins are light on 'names'. Slim to no chance.

at Cincinnati - I don't think the Bengals are THAT popular, even w/ Johnson and Palmer (who may/may not be back in time). Slim to no chance.

at Jacksonville - no freaking way. Nobody would tune in. ZERO chance.

DENVER - the PERFECT choice IMO. Nothing like a payback game to start off the season. I'm sure we'll have to suffer through replays of Champ's pick, but it'll be worth it once we knock 'em off. If they get T.O. however, they will definitely go to Pittsburgh for their opener. So 50/50 chance.

 

[Garbanza]

Don't count out the Jets - the teacher versus the student angle. The networks may try to recreate the border war.

 

[PATSNUTme]

I'm hoping it's the Jest seeing we won't be playing the Thursdday night kickoff game this year.

 

[pats60]

Denver is out
Pitt opens thurs night.Denver logical choice there
Monday night was nfc champs first game
so that game would move to sunday

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The NFL will have the Steelers who must be legitimized for opening day; give Pittsburgh the hype and give NBC a Giants/Redskins/Cowboys big market brawl to kickstart the season. Save New England v Denver and v Indy for later in the season when you want some momentum.

 

[Tunescribe]

We haven't opened on the road in a few years. I'll bet that happens.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Cincy may open at Pitt, but Im going to go with Indy on Monday or Sunday nite..

 

[DarrylS]

The schedule is what it is, my only hope is that we do not have a stretch like we had the first 6 games last year.

 

[PatsRI]

Don't forget Chicago, they may not be glitzy but they are a large market who did well last year.