The NFL exhibition season is over and the regular season here.

Opening Kickoff will begin with Peyton Manning and his Super Bowl champion Colts hosting Manning’s hometown of New Orleans on Thursday and conclude with a Monday night double header, with an AFC North battle to start off the night (Ravens-Bengals) and an NFC West tilt to close things off (Cards-Niners).

Lines for Week 1 have been available for a while, so allow me to venture some guesses to what will transpire in betting terms this week.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

New Orleans Saints @ Indianapolis Colts (Opening: Colts -6½, Total 51)

When you’re on top, there’s only one way to go, and it ain’t up.

After an offseason that saw the departures of a legion of players including S Mike Doss, CB Nick Harper, LB Cato June, DT Montae Reagor, RB Dominic Rhodes and WR Brandon Stokley, the Colts will have trouble adjusting and will succumb to the New Orleans Saints in a case of Super Bowl hangover.

The Saints will win on a last second Field Goal by newly acquired K Olindo Mare covering as 6½-point ‘dogs much to the chagrin of chalk eaters.

September 6, 9, 10